Prompt: Fight On
This is movie-verse. I've always wondered about that scene where Elrond shows up in the Rohirrm camp with Andúril. Seriously? He rode *all* that way to deliver a sword and then just left? Lots of problems in my mind with that but fun fodder for fanfics!
"Do you bring more elves to help us fight?" I had been reluctant to accept their help at Helm's Deep, but we were outnumbered and though not a huge army, the archers the Elves had brought had been a boon. There is a light in the elf's gaze, a fey thing. It looks as though a distant star shimmers and dances in his blue eyes. I look away for his gaze is deep, as though he can see through me to the very heart of my doubt.
"No, Théoden King." His voice is low and there is a note in it that reminds me of the deep sonorous tone of bells.
"Did Lord Elrond send you to fight with us?" For I have learned that while elves look lean and lack brawn, they are deceptively strong and fearfully fast. The one looks to be a warrior, and carries a sword as if one born to fight.
"I bring you Lord Elrond of Rivendell."
He steps to one side and I see then the man standing by my standard. He is tall as all Elves seem to be, and there is something about him, though his cloak is dusty and mud crusts the hem, that tell me he is no less a king than I. "Lord Elrond." I try to hide my surprise. First archers comes in his name and now the Elf-Lord himself? "Do you bring us another army?"
The grey eyes are weary, but I see steel beneath the exhaustion. "I have come for Aragorn."
"He is here." I am cautious. We need every fighting man, and Aragorn has proven himself mighty among men. "We would feel his loss sorely. We ride to Gondor's aid, Lord Elrond. It is a desperate hour for mankind."
The dark head bows and when he looks up the grey eyes are adamantine. "I give you hope, Théoden King, though you might not see it as such."
His words are a riddle and I have little time to bandy words with elves who have all eternity stretched before them. I wave one of my men over. "Take Lord Elrond to my tent then bring Lord Aragorn to him." The bitterness cannot help but show in my gaze, but I care not. "Safe travels to you, Lord Elrond. I will not see you again, for we ride to ruin."
The hand that stays me as I walk away is shocking and I nearly pull my dagger before I realize it is the golden-haired Elf who accompanied his lord. "Do not give in to despair, Théoden King. Many pieces are moving upon this board of battle, some which will arrive unforeseen."
"I see only what my eyes show me." I pull my arm away and walk past him. Morning will dawn and we must ride to fight on, whatever the cost.