Rating: PG-13
Pairings: Elrond/Gil-galad
Summary: Gil-galad faces his final day.
Beta: Larian Elensar.
The siege at Barad-Dur had lasted ten long years. The boredom and filth had taken as high a toll as the fighting had. It seemed to Gil-galad that he spent as much time arguing as he did fighting.
The elves from the Greenwood were fierce fighters under King Oropher but the king refused to acknowledge Gil-galad and Elendil as heads of the armies and would not agree to any battle plan they came up with. They spent hours and hours planning, only to have Oropher stomp out, yelling he did not take orders from Noldor or from men!
Tomorrow, they would lay siege anew on Sauron's stronghold. Gil-galad knew that this might very well prove to be the final battle. He also knew their chances for victory were slim. Very slim.
"Your Majesty? May I enter?"
It was Elrond. Gil-galad smiled sadly at the formal title. Elrond was more than just his herald. He was his friend. He had watched the other elf grow from a scared little elfling to a wise and trusted advisor.
"Must you be so formal?" Gil-galad smiled at him as he opened the tent flap to allow him entrance.
"You are the king, Ereinion."
Gil-galad sighed as he poured himself a glass of strong manmade spirits. He poured a second and handed it to Elrond. The liquor burned as it went down.
"Will he cause us to lose this battle, this war?" Ereinion had no need to say who he was. Elrond knew. They had talked of the stubborn king more than once.
Elrond said nothing for a long while, staring at the floor. When he looked up, his eyes were sad. "I have not foreseen the outcome."
"Nor have I but I feel. I feel as if this is my last day. I feel the need to make sure all is done before the sun rises."
They drank in silence for long minutes.
"I need to do some things. I would name you heir but," he held up his hand, "I know that you will refuse the crown. I know you well, my friend. I do ask that you take the refugees from Lindon who will come to you."
"Of course. Imladris is offered as a safe haven for all who wish to abide there."
Gil-galad nodded and seemed lost in thought as he stared at some point on the floor. He unconsciously turned Vilya on his finger. He began to pace.
"Can he be defeated, Elrond? Can we beat him?"
"I... I know not. He is strong, very strong and the Ring makes him near invincible. I know not how we can but we must. The fate of all depends on it."
Gil-galad wanted to take Elrond into his arms, into his bed but he knew that would only make the following day harder for Elrond. They had been lovers once, many years ago. The passion had, over time, turned to a deep loving friendship that meant more to the King than any lover ever had.
He poured himself another drink and downed it.
"I have to give you something." He reached for Elrond's hand.He had already removed the ring from his own finger and he slipped it onto Elrond's. "You must keep this safe. Never use it unless you must. Guard it with your life."
Elrond pulled him close. His lips found Ereinion's and he didn't allow him to pull away. He pressed them both back toward the small cot on one side of the tent.
"Do not deny me this." Elrond's voice was nearly pleading.
Gil-galad did not deny him.
Afterward, they slept in a tangle of arms and legs, a peaceful smile on the face of the King.
The End
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