A fool. An absolute fool. How could I have been so stupid as to fall in love and with Elrond of all people? Haven't I learned my lesson yet? Apparently not because if I had I wouldn't be in this situation again. I have to be a magnet for these types of situations, first Glorfindel and now Elrond.

Where to start, there are many things to love about Elrond. He is the most gentle and compassionate elf and absolutely beautiful. He has been a loyal friend to me and has seen me through the worst of times, from Eregion's fall to everything that happened with Glorfindel. Ever since I realized that I was no longer in love with Glorfindel we have spent much time together. It started with late night walks through the gardens, then picnics during our lunch hour, chess matches after dinner, private breakfasts most mornings, and before I knew it we spent all of our time together.

I desperately wish for the absolutely impossible. There is no future for me and Elrond, even if he were to fall in love with me also. How could there ever be? He is married and bound to Lady Celebrían and will eventually be reunited with her in Valinor. For a Chief Counselor and supposedly one of the most intelligent elves in Imladris, I am quite stupid. You would think that I would learn from my mistake with Glorfindel, but I did not.

I cannot and will not go through this again. I have made my decision even when I know that Elrond and everyone else will not like it. I will sail west to Valinor. I know it is a cowardly move and that I am running away but it is better than the alternative. It breaks my heart to know that I will never see Elrond again but how could I when it hurts so much to be near and know it could never be. I will sail, but how to tell him or the others for that matter.

"Erestor! Can you hear me? I have been trying to get your attention for some minutes," Elrond says. I sigh knowing that I am the cause of his worry. "Sorry, I was distracted," I answer trying to calm him down.

"What has you so distracted mellon nin," he asks while taking a seat in the chair across from my desk.

"It is nothing Elrond," I say turning around and looking through the window. "It is not nothing, Erestor. You have been distracted a lot recently and have been distancing yourself from me. I want to know why. Is it something I have done?"

"Nay, Elrond. Leave it be," I answer still refusing to look at him.

"Seas Erestor, tell me," he says desperately taking my hands in his. I hadn't even heard him approach. "I…I…I wish to sail," I finally admit looking down at our joined hands. I know without looking at him that I have shocked him.

"Nay, Erestor, Nay. You cannot, you can't leave me," Elrond cries out. I can feel his hands trembling in mine and look up to see him crying.

"I have already decided Elrond," I respond as I get up and leave my office, my heart breaking anew.

"Daro! Erestor," Elrond yells grabbing my arm before I can make a swift exit and dragging me back to my office.

"Let go Elrond," I say. "Nay, Erestor. You will not leave. I won't let you," he says as he looks the door.

"It's my decision Elrond. Now let me leave," I say as I move to unlock the door.

"Nay, Erestor. You will not leave this office until I tell you to. YOU will listen to what I have to say."

"Seas Elrond, Let it be. I have made my choice."

"Nay. I… you can't leave. I can't go on without you, Erestor, I love you. I… I have been in love with you for so long, before Glorfindel even. I..."

"Don't Elrond. You know that it could never work. It is Glorfindel all over again. Can't you see that?"

"No, it isn't Erestor. I love you. I want to spend the rest of our lives together. Seas, give us a chance."

"Nay Elrond, what about when it is time for us to sail, there is still Celebrían. Nay, I cannot. Why can't you just leave it be, I didn't stay with Glorfindel what makes you think that I will with you?"

"I am not Glorfindel, Erestor. Celebrían and I were never bonded and she released me from our vows. She is not waiting for me in Valinor. I am free to be with whoever I want, Erestor. I want you. Seas Erestor, won't you tell me that you love me too. I love you," Elrond declared taking hold of both my hands and placing them over his heart.

"I…I love you too," I mumbled looking down. "Oh, Erestor," Elrond says as he hugs me tight. "You don't know how long I have waited for you to say that," Elrond whispers against my ear. "It hurt so much to see you with Glorfindel but then relieved when it finally ended. I knew that I had to get your attention and make you fall in love with me too."

"Please say that you will not sail, Erestor, because if you do I will follow you. I don't care about anything else."

"What about Elladan and Elrohir? You can't leave them," I say tightening my hold on Elrond not wanting to let him go. "They are grown elves with their own lives, they will manage. I deserve to be happy too and I know they will be happy for me" Elrond response placing a kiss on the top of my head.

"I…I don't want to go," I finally say looking up at him. "Good," Elrond whispers as he kisses me with a passion I have never known.

"I love you, Elrond," I say before kissing him trying to convey all my love for him.