This is dedicated to NirCele. Consider this as payback for killing Glorfindel, my good friend!
#58 Friends Forever
Glorfindel stood frozen in place watching in horror the events unfold before his eyes as if it were in slow motion:
He and Erestor were on their way back to Imladris after Glorfindel had finally convinced Erestor to go for an afternoon stroll. Since Erestor was always inside doing endless reports and other tedious jobs, the golden-haired warrior thought some fresh air would do his friend some good. How could Glorfindel have known danger and heartache lay just around the corner?
The two ellyn were busy laughing and enjoying the peace when it suddenly happened. Orcs had accosted them right as they were getting ready to cross the borders into Imladris. Lately, things had been so uneventful, they did not think of bringing extra protection, and Erestor had insisted on not coming armed. Glorfindel, naturally, went everywhere armed and had pushed his friend out of the way.
Things were going well as Glorfindel was the most experienced fighter around. He had already taken down all the Orcs, but one, and that one was all it took to change his life forever.
Glorfindel was so caught up in defeating the others he was oblivious to it and did not see it until too late.
Erestor who had been watching the fight from the sidelines did see it and tried to warn his friend. "Glorfindel! Behind you!" Erestor shouted as he threw himself right into the path of the oncoming weapon.
Glorfindel watched in horror as his friend threw himself right in front of him and witnessed the deadly blow strike. As he saw Erestor hit the ground motionless, Glorfindel lost all sense of self-control and ran his sword right through the chest of the vicious beast. As soon as Glorfindel made sure all the Orcs were dead, he ran to his friend who struggled to take in air.
"Erestor!" Glorfindel cried out desperately falling to his knees, cradling Erestor in his arms. "Please, do not die. Not like this. We made a promise we would leave these shores together. You cannot leave me!" Glorfindel pleaded, tears now falling freely on Erestor's face.
Erestor opened his eyes slowly, a faint smile forming on his pale face. As he strained to talk, he coughed, spitting up blood. Glorfindel tried to stop him from talking, but the dying Elf shook his head, indicating he wanted to speak.
"Glorfindel, you have always been strong. Please do not mourn me. Remember the good times we had together and hold on to that. You must continue to stay strong for a time will come when our people will need you. We will see each other again. When the time comes, and you sail, I will be there on the shores to welcome you. We will always be friends…" Erestor finished his breaths now coming in short gasps.
"Friends forever," Glorfindel said trying to hold back sobs.
"Forever," Erestor whispered, taking his last breath before going limp.
As Glorfindel noticed the last of his friend's life drain from his eyes, he let out a blood-curdling scream which could be heard for miles. "I am so sorry!" Glorfindel held his friend, crying. As he got up and began to carry his fallen friend back to Rivendell, he made a silent vow to Erestor to be strong. In the end, all he could do was wait until the time came when he would sail, and he would be finally be reunited with his best friend.