Chapter Four : Duty Calls
'You wanted to see me, Elrond?' The room was bathed in the golden light of the sunset. A fresh breeze made the curtains and the delicate veils of the balcony and windows dance. Elrond was bent over parchments that spread out and fell to the ground. The Lord of Imladris raised his head and greeted his captain with a smile.
'Good evening, Glorfindel,' he said, setting down his quill. He rose and smoothed the folds of his tunic. 'Come, accompany me for a moment, I need to speak with you.' He went to the balcony and gestured for Glorfindel to follow.
The two men then descended a small staircase that led to a garden below. Elrond, hands clasped behind his back, walked with a demeanor of solemnity, his gaze fixed upon the ground. Glorfindel knew him well enough to know that something was weighing on his mind. Suddenly, he felt his stomach knot at the thought that Elrond might know the depths of his feelings for his daughter, Ellena. Yet, Glorfindel quickly dismissed the notion. After all, he hardly knew her well enough to warrant such emotions. He took a deep breath and tried as best he could to contain his discomfort.
'I have a request to make of you. I acknowledge your dedication and I am truly grateful for it...' Elrond carefully enunciated his words. Glorfindel listened intently to his every word. 'Gondor has suffered greatly during the war, but it is now on the path to recovery, and the future prosperity of this city holds even greater promise. However, achieving this will require some assistance. You are familiar with these men, and they are familiar with you. Many of them fought alongside you, and the King holds great trust in you. That is why I am asking for your presence there. It would only be temporary, and only if you agree to it. Once again, melon-nin, I recognize your contributions, and I want to give you the freedom to decide today.'
Glorfindel's relief was short-lived. He stopped walking and faced Lord Elrond. Going South again. He had been there for fifty years to fight alongside men. Barely back, he had to leave again. It would be for a short time. His role would be much less than during the war. Fortunately, he would only have to ensure the security of the White City of men and help them regain their balance. His role would no longer be that of a warrior but that of a diplomat, an advisor.
But leaving also meant leaving Ellena when he had barely met her. Was it perhaps better this way? He, who wanted some fresh air, would take it for good by leaving Imladris. For a short time, perhaps a year, or more, but enough to erase the memory of her touch on his arm and the warmth of her gaze deep in his soul. And for her too, it would give her time to forget him, if he had ever meant anything to her at some point.
"I will take my men with me, and we will leave as soon as possible," Glorfindel replied.
Elrond nodded, and they both resumed walking. As night fell, lanterns were lit, illuminating the paths of the valley. The sound of water intensified slightly in the fading daylight. Glorfindel and Elrond appreciated the silence during their walk, and when they returned to Elrond's study, Glorfindel was the first to break the silence.
'There is one thing that no one will ever take away from men,' he said softly at first.
'Hope,' Elrond concluded.
Glorfindel nodded and bowed respectfully. 'I will gather my men, and we will leave on Wednesday at dawn.'
'That leaves you only two days, Glorfindel,' Elrond said with concern.
'And if there is one thing that men do not have, it is time.'
Elrond smiled, 'then do as you see fit, Captain!'
Glorfindel saluted him once again and left the room. It was the best thing to do, he told himself. For him and for her. He would not see her again. A strange mixture of relief and pain overwhelmed him. He went to gather his men and spent the night planning their stay in Gondor.