Gorgoroth: Fourth Year of the Siege of Barad-Dûr
Elrond placed his dusty boot firmly onto the rocky outcropping. "I advise we tighten our defences here and push forward on the southern flank. There, we at least have a foothold and geography on our side," he said, not taking his eyes off the torn landscape surrounding him and his commanding officer. "The dark lord will not be able to tolerate such pressure for much longer." The raven-haired warrior finally turned to face his leader.
Gil-galad's face was stern as he mentally weighed the ellon's words. He shifted his weight to overlook the ashen desert before him. "He is stronger than we think, Elrond," he mused more to himself. He was certain the elf beside him knew this point very well. "Still, I agree. If we cannot break him yet, we shall make him bend."
Elrond fought the smile that threatened to mar his stoic expression. "My heart is glad to have given a notion worthy of thought," Elrond said formally. Of course, whenever other ellyn were within earshot Elrond always took the more formal approach.
"Indeed," Gil-galad nodded to himself as if he had made a decision about something that had been worrying him for some time. "You have always been one of excellent foresight. Let us hope that your gift does not lead you astray." He cleared his throat. "I appoint you in command of a garrison to bring this plan to life."
Again, Elrond had to fight not to let the emotion show on his face. This time that expression was one of incredulity. His efforts must not have been sufficient for the lord chuckled. Elrond found himself quickly, gaining at least the better half of his composure. He had never been assigned to something like this. Yes, he had been given small missions or ambushes to plan but never a full assault… He quashed the rampant anxieties and bowed his head respectfully, "I am honoured, my lord. Thank you for giving me this chance…" He trailed off looking for words. It was not right to question the High King of the Noldor.
Gil-galad supressed his smile, more gracefully then Elrond had earlier and gave the ellon a comforting hand on the shoulder. The touch was close but not so as to break the formality of their conversation. "I have faith that you will accomplish this," he said, meeting the silver-grey eyes of his herald and friend. He kept the contact for a moment giving the ellon all the reassurance he possibly could through his gaze then the High King faced the warriors that were standing a ways back. They had been told to wait and keep watch, but now he called them over.
Elrond stood and for all his experience speaking in front of men and elves, he suddenly felt like a deer caught in the sights of an experienced archer, not able to run far enough or fast enough.
Gil-galad flourished towards his new commander. "Here now is your lord under me. Commander of the Fifth Regiment of the Noldorin Army, Elrond Eärendilion o Maedhros a Maglor: Fëanáró Nosseö."
Elrond felt his face flush red at the use of his full name. It was not often spoken out loud, not even by him.
The group of ellyn bowed low.
Gil-galad gave the elf a grin while his warriors' faces were lowered. "Make me proud, commander."
Elrond swallowed, still struggling to come to grips with everything that was happening. It was all too fast. All this had happened merely because he had mentioned a strategic ploy? It was too much… his mind snapped back in time to the face that Gil-galad had made after approving Elrond's idea about tightening defences. He must have been thinking about this for a while… Elrond's contemplations were derailed by the ellyn rising from their kneel.
Gil-galad made motion for his new commander to follow. "Come, let us make this formal," he said softly, leading the way down the ravine and back to the camp where they had been staying for the past month.
Elrond nodded, following at once. This was going to take some getting used to. It was all too sudden, he continuously found himself thinking.
