First Warnings
A/N: Thank you to all those who have supported my story thus far, and a big thank you to all my reviewers (and the person who favourited my story!) because I really love reviews :) This is chapter 7, -finally- the end of the story and probably a big relief to those who didn't really enjoy it but for some reason are still reading it. If you're one of these people, or you know how to improve this story, please please please leave me a review with your comments and improvements or you could PM me :) The comments will help me with my future stories :)
Disclaimer: I, once again, don't own the characters or anything, except my own ideas.
Chapter 7
"You are awake."
Erestor looked bleary-eyed at his surroundings, barely registering anything. He gave an automatic reply as he tried to sit himself up, mumbling a thank you as someone in the room helped him up. As his eyes and ears accustomed themselves to the environment, however, he realised that the one who had been talking to him was none other than Elrond.
"My Lord," he greeted hurriedly.
"Lie back, Erestor. How are you feeling?"
"A little weak, but otherwise alright. I can think more clearly now," replied Erestor. He felt a wave of gratitude overwhelm him as Elrond did a quick examination on his bandages and checked his vital signs—not all leaders would spend their time and energy tending to their people! Yet, as he remembered the many times he had seen Elrond surveying the villages and helping those in need, he should not be surprised. Was that not why he had decided to dedicate his life to serving his city under this lord in the first place?
Satisfied that Erestor's innate healing ability had kicked in, Elrond handed him a bowl of porridge along with some reports and letters. There was a short period of silence as Erestor scanned through the first report and Elrond waited to hear his opinion on the matter.
"Sauron is actively gathering his armies again," came Erestor's voice as he sat the first report aside.
Elrond gave a silent nod. "We have gathered as much. However as you know, we do not have the armies to match against Sauron, should Mordor decide to strike. The council is thinking of forming an alliance amongst the elves."
"No," said Erestor unhesitatingly as he sat aside the reports and started leafing through the letters from the other elven realms.
Elrond raised his eyebrows a little. "No?"
"No, my Lord. The Elves alone do not have the strength to deal with Sauron," explained Erestor. Sensing that Elrond was waiting for his elaboration, he continued, "the orcs have become more skilful, and with an increase in number, we need more alliances." A pause; then, "we need to involve Men."
"An alliance? It would not be easy."
"In the past, perhaps. But Elendil has been on talking terms with Gil-galad. If an alliance is not forged now, there perhaps might never be. Now is the chance, my Lord," said Erestor resolutely, his eyes following Elrond as the latter moved to the window, brows furrowed in thought, "only by uniting do we stand a chance against Sauron."
"That is true, but—"
Elrond's words were cut short as a sharp rap on the door came, and a messenger entered after getting an acknowledgement. The messenger gave a deep bow and handed a letter to Elrond before taking his leave. Under Erestor's questioning gaze, Elrond opened the letter and read it over quickly. Erestor's curiosity grew as he saw Elrond's unmasked amusement on his features.
"My Lord?" ventured Erestor quietly.
"It seems that Gil-galad shares the same sentiments as you do," replied Elrond as he finished reading the letter and passed it to Erestor. Erestor scanned through it and smiled wryly.
"A representative from Imladris?" asked Erestor, looking up from the letter at his lord not without anticipation. This would, after all, be his first major assignment should Elrond allowed him to go.
Elrond hesitated a little. Gil-galad wanted this first meeting to be held soon, but looking at Erestor's pale features, he was not sure if he would be fit enough to represent the city. Yet, he saw also Erestor's anticipation and knowing his ability, he could not deny that Erestor would be a good representative.
"If you feel fit enough, yes," decided Elrond after some thought. "However, are you not worried that the other representatives will look down upon Rivendell for sending a junior councillor?"
"I have thought of that, my Lord. But I am sure I can do it."
Erestor's determined look put all of Elrond's worries to rest. As Elrond turned to leave the healing room, he gave Erestor a pat on the shoulder. "Rest well, then. We will need you."
"Thank you, my Lord!" came the excited, albeit still a little exhausted, reply. Yet, underneath his excitement, Erestor knew exactly the enormity of what he was getting himself into. This alliance, should it happen, would give them a good chance against Mordor and with this, a major battle will ensue, a battle of such proportions that would culminate in the end of this Age. He knew that he could not afford to fail.
Erestor took a deep breath and beheld the encoded message in his hand. It would not be an easy task.
Yet I am too stubborn to give up.
And the rest is history.
-The End-
