SailorStar9: That was the prologue. This is Chapter 1. Read and review.
Disclaimers: I own nothing, not even the plot. Heck, the pairing isn't mine!
Chapter 1: Athene Arrives
"What…" Elrond rose from his throne upon seeing a bright light beam shine into the throne room. "You…" he immediately knelt on one knee when Athene manifested from the light. "Lady Athene. But why are you here? We had word that you were in training under the Child of the Moon."
"Selenity is a traitor." The Valar of Wisdom declared. "If she had her way, you, Elrond, would not have kept your kingship; for the Moon Child had ambitions to rule the other worlds. Her training us was a hoax; she merely wanted us as hostages, to force the Creators of the Worlds to hand over their rule to her. Now, Elrond, where is my God Robe? I must retrieve it for the battle ahead."
"This way, my Lady." Elrond led the way. "The statue that was once your Sacred Armour still stands where you last left it."
"I see you've been protecting Rivendell in my absence." Athene rested a hand on the podium that her God Robe stood on. "I beg of you, my God Robe, lend me your power once more." She whispered, pressing her hand on the skirt of the stone statue. The said statue then glowed a shimmering gold before the light burst out in full; the giant statue now reduced to a palm-sized golden figurine replica.
"The Elves of Imladris have dwelt within this valley for 3,000 years." Elrond stated, giving Athene a tour around Rivendell. "Yet, few of my kin still remain."
"Do not despair, Lord of the High Elves." Athene soothed. "For as long as there is a silver of light, there is still hope. And it is in Men that we must place our hope on."
"Men?" Elrond scoffed. "Men are weak. The race of Men is failing. The blood of Númenor is spent, with its pride and dignity forgotten. It is because of Men the Ring survives. You were not there, my Lady, but I was. I was there 3000 years ago when Isildur took the Ring. I was there when the day the strength of Men failed."
"But there is one who could unite them, one who could reclaim the throne of Gondor." Athene pointed out.
"He turned from that path a long time ago." Elrond stated. "He has chosen exile."
"He will regain his birth-right." Athene remarked firmly. "He has no other choice."
SailorStar9: Now that's done. Read and review folks.
