I know, I know. I already wrote something for this prompt. Deal with it! :)

Whumptober 2022:

Prompt No. 31 A LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL
Comfort | Bedside Vigil | "You can rest now."

The dim light was blinding at first. Elrond was forced to close his eyes once more. He groaned. There was shuffling and the rim of a cup was pressed to his lips. Elrond obediently drank the contents. The elixir was sweet and soothing. After a few moments, Elrond felt that he had the strength to open his eyes once more.

He did so in small increments to adjust to the light. He found himself looking at a face that he did not remember, but recognized anyway.

"Ada?" his raspy voice trembled.

Eärendil smiled, his face radiant despite the creases around his eyes.

"Elrond, little one," he said softly.

"W-what happened?" Elrond coughed.

"What do you remember?" Eärendil's smile began to slip.

"Pain," Elrond groaned.

He felt down his torso to where he remembered the fiery agony stemming from. His fingers met thick wads of bandages that covered his whole abdomen. Without thinking, Elrond began picking at them, trying to uncover whatever injuries he had.

"Let's not undo all of that hard work, hmm?" Eärendil guided his son's hands away from the bandages.

"What happened?" Elrond croaked, his voice a little stronger this time.

"You almost died," Eärendil's smile slipped from his face.

Elrond furrowed his brow. He had no recollection of this.

"Where is Gil-Galad?" Elrond asked after several minutes.

"Erenion fell during the battle. You were badly injured defending his body. I suppose that I don't have to warn you against taking orcish swords in the gut ever again," Eärendil tried to keep his tone light and failed.

Elrond whimpered and closed his eyes. He did not want to accept that Gil-Galad was dead.

"Peace, little one. Please don't blame yourself," Eärendil pleaded.

Eärendil took Elrond's hand in his own, rubbing his thumb over Elrond's knuckles in a soothing gesture. Elrond did not pull away. He lay there, grieving at the news of his lost king and friend. Then, out of nowhere a thought hit him. His eyes flew open.

"Wait! H-how are you here?" Elrond felt light headed, "Is this a dream?"

He glanced down at his hand. Eärendil was still holding it and he felt fairly corporeal.

"Nay, tis not a dream, little one. The Valar granted me one boon. I'm allowed to touch Arda for this night alone to bring you comfort," Eärendil looked a bit wistful.

Elrond blinked.

"You… you came down for me?" Elrond choked.

"Of course I did. I would rather be here with you than up there like a pretty trinket," Eärendil admitted, "It was exciting for the first few hundred years, but time grind on now. I've resorted to spying on people as a hobby. By the way, you definitely didn't hear this from me, but Makalaurë still lives. He's kept to himself in a cave by the mouth of the Gwathló. If you go after him, bring food. I'm afraid he's gone rather feral."

Elrond blinked, tears prickling his eyes.

"Ada, I…I…" Elrond began crying.

"Hush, my son," Eärendil crawled up onto the bed next to Elrond and pulled his remaining son to his chest, "You need to rest. All will seem clearer in the morning light."

Elrond leaned into Eärendil's touch.

"I have missed you so very much, Ada," Elrond sniffled.

"I've missed you too," Eärendil pressed a kiss to Elrond's brow.

Against his will, Elrond felt sleep calling him again. His father was here with him and all he could do was sleep? His last conscious action was to tighten his hold around Eärendil. Then a deep, restful sleep took him.