Chapter Text
The sun broke through the tree lines as dawn arrived in the hastily put together camp located in a well hidden alcove not too far from the still smoldering city of Ost-in-Edhil. The surrounding nature looked peaceful, leaves on trees bristling in the soft breeze that pleasantly cooled down the air. The campsite looked like a small paradise were it not for the dark reasons why it was there in the first place. The destruction of the city left the surviving Elves without a home or purpose and many of them were wounded.
Durin's army of Dwarves managed to turn the tide of battle in their favour but his arrival was too late to save either the city or Celebrimbor. The loss of the famed master smith was a devastating blow to the Elves, especially to the ones who knew him personally. The remaining Orcish forces had retreated towards the mountains but now with Sauron in their midst, no one felt save anymore.
Even though the Elves managed to keep the three Rings of power out of the Deceiver's hands, there were still the seven Dwarven rings and the mysterious nine. Not many were privy to the existence of the nine except for the two smiths who managed to escape the destruction of the city. The two survivors informed High King Gil-Galad of all that transpired within the forge tower and the knowledge of these rings for men concerned Gil-Galad greatly.
Almost three whole days have passsed since Elrond was pierced in his shoulder and chest by the crown of Morgoth in Sauron's hands. Almost three days since he let himself fall off yet another cliff to certain death. But that death never came. The ring which he gave his life for to protect, turned out to be the object that saved his life in the hands of Galadriel. Even though his physical wounds were healed, he fell into a healing slumber. The King himself personally carried his Herald towards one of the tents set up as a primitive healing chamber. Galadriel and Camnir spent as much of their spare time as possible at his side, waiting for him to wake up again.
The aftermath of the battle also provided a surprise for the Elves. After the Peredhel was placed in his tent and taken care of by one of the surviving healers, Galadriel confessed to her King that she had also used Nenya to heal Adar, father of the Uruks and leader of the forces who attacked the city. The news angered the King greatly. Healing the one who was responsible for Ost-in-Edhil's destruction was an act bordering on treason. Galadriel argued with the King for hours on this matter, trying to explain the possibilities and advantages gained to have someone who hated Sauron perhaps even more than she did.
If the situation wasn't so dire at the time, Gil-Galad would have sent her away or perhaps locked her up for treason but after a long debate, he agreed to send soldiers up the cliff and retrieve the injured Uruk. He was placed under Galadriel's responsibility with a warning from the King, every move that the Uruk made, was her burden to carry. Galadriel complied after a few moments of doubt and the wounded Uruk was placed in a tent next to Elrond for Galadriel's convenience. As predicted, none of the surviving Elves were particularly happy with this arrangement and two guards were placed in front of the tent. Vorohil, a veteran of Elrond's company and Beriedir a soldier of Lindon who traveled with the King. Out of respect to the survivors of the city, none of the surviving Eregion soldiers were used to guard the fallen Uruk.
With the soft light of dawn sneaking through the gaps of the Peredhel's tent, his eyes finally opened. He turned his head towards the entrance of the tent to bask in the warm light. The movement startled Camnir who was sitting on a small stool next to the cot.
“Elrond!” he exclaimed in surprise. “You don't know how glad I am to see you awake again.” Dark memories flooded his mind of the Half-Elf falling down. Camnir was close to the King so he saw it happen. He was however barred from running up to the location where he fell and could only watch on in agony from a distance. He saw the distress on both Galadriel and the King's faces and for a moment he was certain that he lost his best friend. Relief coursed through his body at the sight of his friend alive and awake right next to him.
Before Elrond knew it, Camnir flew into his arms in a desperate hug. The arms around him held him fiercely as tears fell from the Cartographer's eyes. “I thought I lost you..” he murmured in the crook of his neck.
“It's alright my friend, I am alright.” Elrond replied trying to comfort the Cartographer. He petted him on his back before trying to disengage himself from the embrace. He looked around noticing the canvas covering them from all sides and only just now realized that they were inside of a tent. “Where are we Camnir?”
“We are in our refuge a short distance away from the city.” Camnir replied. “It's quite a secluded alcove protected by the mountains. The High King assured us that it would prove difficult for the Orcs to find us here so we are safe for now,”
Elrond nodded in reply. His left hand moved unconsciously towards the spot where he was stabbed with the crown. To his amazement he could feel no obvious signs of injury as his fingers moved over his smooth skin. “How..how is this possible?” He was so certain that Mandos' halls were near yet he was still here in Middle-Earth in a surprisingly well condition.
Camnir grinned. “Remember the arrow that pierced my chest?”
Elrond rather did not want to remember that terrible night during which a stray Orc arrow nearly killed his friend. He placed a hand on the Cartographer's shoulder. “I'd rather not think on that right now.”
“Galadriel saved us both with her ring.” Camnir continued. “It's rather fortunate for us she was there don't you think. “
“Yes, very fortunate.” Elrond cracked a small smile. The flaps of the tent moved and a figure stepped inside. The sunlight shining through the visitor's hair illuminated the tent with a golden glow.
“Galadriel!” The last sight of her had been while he was laying on the ground nearly in death's embrace. He could vividly remember her face hovering over his, filled with extreme concern and fear. That fear had fortunately gone away and has been replaced with a large warm smile.
“How are you faring Elrond?” She approached the cot and knelt down next to it on the opposite side of Camnir before she too pulled him into a fierce hug. Elrond sighed before burying his face into her hair. The presence of his two best friends was soothing, he daresay it felt more soothing than the healing powers of Galadriel's ring.
“I'm alright. No, truly I am alright. The wounds are gone and even my shoulder has healed fully. You don't need to worry about me.” He disentangled himself from the hug and looked at both his friends in turn. “How are the others doing? How many survivors are there? Where is Sauron?” The questions flew out of his mouth without thinking.
Galadriel was hesitant to answer his question. In truth, not many Elves made it out, only a few dozen were lucky enough to escape the total onslaught within the city. “Enough have survived to rebuild but I confess we are in a rough shape.” Before she found more words, the flaps of the tent moved again and this time a soldier entered, it was Vorohil who was looking quite uneasy.
“Lady Galadriel,” he started politely. “The Uruk is awake.”
Galadriel nodded and got up to her feet in a hurry drawing a confused look from Elrond. “What do you mean? Who is awake?”
Galadriel moved towards the exit of the tent but before she left she turned her head and answered.”It's Adar. Remember how I tried to save him before the Deceiver arrived?”
Elrond nodded. He could remember very well how the strange blond Elf approached them clad in all black. He could also recall the foolish moment when Galadriel risked her life to save the Uruk from being slaughtered by his own Orcs. Apparently Adar survived the ordeal even though the healing was abruptly interrupted by the Dark Lord.
“I will be right back, I promise.” Galadriel continued. “When I return, we shall report to the King if you are fit enough to stand.” She left the tent leaving behind a very confused Half-Elf and Cartographer. They could still hear her as she entered the tent beside theirs. Elrond began to wonder how she managed to convince the High King to bring their enemy into their midst.
Galadriel entered the tent pitched beside Elrond and gazed upon the wounded Uruk laying on the cot in the middle of the small shelter. The Uruk was bandaged around the chest by one of the few healers who dared to treat his injuries. Despite the interrupted attempt at healing the stab wound, the ring poured enough energy within Adar to make the wound survivable. Galadriel recalled arguing with the King to use Nenya once more to heal the remainder of his injuries but Gil-Galad flat out refused this request, telling her that a wounded Orc is more manageable.
Adar looked up at the sudden intruder and raised himself up on his elbows. The movement hurt which drew out a short coughing fit. Galadriel knelt down next to him and brusquely pulled up his black tunic to inspect the injury. To her relief, the bandages were clean and seemed to be holding. Her action drew a curious look from Adar but he did not put up any form of resistance to her touch.
“Strange are the times when I receive your light once more heruni Altáriel.” He spoke softly with a tone of defeat in his voice. Adar knew that he lost everything, he lost his victory, he lost his chance of destroying Sauron once and for all but most importantly, he lost his children. Betrayed by those he wished to protect, he wished to shelter and give a home. The defeat stung his very soul, it had hurt him deeply to his core and he knew there was only one person to blame for this disaster, Sauron.
Galadriel's left corner of her lip curved up in an almost unnoticeable smile but it was there. “Yes, thrice our paths have crossed in unlikely places and each time we were at each other's mercy. I wonder what surprises Eru has left in store for us.” She patted his shoulder briefly before getting up to her feet. “Rest now, your injuries are on the mend but no doubt sleep and peace will do you good. As long as you stay here for now, the Elves will not touch you, we will speak to each other soon.” Adar nodded and let himself drop back down on his back again and with that, she left the tent, making her way back to Elrond.
The Half-Elf was up his feet, dressed properly and talking animatedly to his friend Camnir who still refused to leave his side. At the sight of Galadriel entering his small refuge he turned and embraced her warmly once more. “How did it go with the Orc?” Elrond asked worriedly. He did not understand what drove her to save his life and he certainly did not trust the Orc's presence right in the middle of the Elven sanctuary.
“He is on the mend.” Galadriel replied softly. “He could prove to be a valuable asset to our common goal of the destruction of Sauron. He is one of the Eldar, I can sense that the light hasn't fully left him so there is hope.”
Elrond's worry still wasn't eased but he dropped the subject for now. He's just one unarmed Uruk in the midst of dozens of angry and armed Elves. The last thing he wanted right now was to open up another argument with her.
“Are you ready to convene with the King?” Galadriel asked. She was grateful for Elrond not continuing to harper on about Adar's presence in the camp. It took almost all of her persuasion power to convince the King to allow the Uruk inside the refuge in the first place. She really did not wish to repeat all of her arguments to her dear friend who proved himself to be even more stubborn than Ereinion.
“Yes let us go, are you joining us as well Camnir?”
Camnir looked hesitantly from Galadriel to Elrond. “I'm not sure that it is within my position to attend such a council.”
“Nonsense, you have earned your place. You have proved your bravery and resilience. I want you to be there at our side.” Elrond replied with a smile.
“In that case I shall accompany you to the King.” Camnir replied. His words were filled with pride and confidence but his face still betrayed a sense of worry and uncertainty.
The three of them left the tent and after a quick and friendly greeting with Vorohil and Beriedir, they made their short journey towards one of the larger tents pitched at the edge of the camp. It was placed in one of the most secure spots of the area surrounded by the edge of a mountain from behind. The royal guards watching over the entrance bowed politely and stood aside to let the three of them enter.
The inside was quite large and square. Some sections of the interior had been shielded off with hanging tapestries to grant the King some privacy, separating his work from the sleeping area. Gil-Galad was seated at one of the few pieces of furniture salvaged from Ost-in-Edhil in the aftermath of the battle. A desk and few chairs decorated the working space allowing the King to receive guests keeping his royal visage intact. The King was however not alone. The strange Silvan elf that Elrond faintly remembered seeing while he was bleeding out at the bottom of the cliff was seated opposite of the King.
Elrond, Camnir and Galadriel stood before the desk and bowed politely before their King. “You wished to speak to us my King.” Galadriel stated.
Gil-Galad rose from his chair his eyes flickering towards the Half-Elf who stood before him seemingly healthy and well. A warm smile appeared on his face, “I'm glad to see you up and about Elrond. You gave us all quite the scare. To be honest, you frightened me something fierce. Never do anything as reckless as that ever again.” His words sounded almost like a threat but the voice behind them was filled with nothing but worry and love for his wayward Herald.
Before Elrond could respond, he was once more pulled into a fierce hug, his third since the short time he was awake. He felt himself blush at the open display of affection shown by his King. Galadriel chuckled lightly, happy to know that the rift between Herald and King finally seemed to be fully resolved while Camnir still felt somewhat like an unwanted intruder.
The King pulled back and straightened his robes before continuing to speak. “Scouts report that Sauron's forces are likely pulling back towards the Southlands but it would not surprise me that some of his Orcs are still roaming around the area. It is regretful to say that I must return to Lindon with haste to prepare a defense against a possible attack.”
Galadriel was the first to reply, “We stand ready to move back to Lindon, my King.” Elrond and Camnir nodded affirmatively.
“No.” The King answered a bit more harshly than he intended. “Forgive me, but I want you and Elrond here to guard this sanctuary and daresay develop it into something more permanent.” The King turned his gaze upon Camnir who stood there somewhat awkwardly. “And you Camnir, I want you to stay here as well. Your talents might prove useful and I need you to keep an eye on Elrond for me, keep him out of trouble.”
Camnir smirked furtively and bowed his head. “As you wish my King.” This drew a somewhat irritated look from Elrond and another slight chuckle from Galadriel.
The High King then turned his gaze upon his Herald once more. “I wish to put you in charge of this encampment...”
“Ereinion,” Elrond started, momentarily forgetting his position at the surprise of this news. “Forgive me, my King, I mean, why me?”
“Because you are my Herald Elrond. You speak for me, on behalf of me and I believe in you. I am confident that under your leadership, you will be able to turn this place into a suitable settlement and prove the world that the Elves aren't so easily thwarted by the Deceiver.”
Elrond smiled and nodded. “I will do everything that I can within my power to keep this settlement save and prosperous.”
“I know you will, that is why I want Galadriel and Camnir to keep an eye out on you and help guide you towards these goals.” Gil-Galad motioned the Silvan elf, who was still seated, to rise and join in the conversation.
“This excellent archer here is Arondir. He has expressed his desire to remain here and help to rebuild society. I wish to place him underneath your command as well Elrond. His knowledge of the Southlands and of Adar's orcs might prove crucial in organizing the defenses of this settlement.”
Elrond shook the Silvan Elf's hand gratefully. “I'm pleased to make your acquaintance, your help is most welcome.”
Galadriel smiled warmly, “I'm fortunate that our paths cross once more. I have seen you in battle before back in the Southlands and I'm grateful to have you here among us.”
Arondir returned the pleasantries with equal warmth and glow of friendship. “I'm glad I can be of use here. I look forward to undo the evils of Adar.”
“Speaking of that Uruk's name,” Gil-Galad interrupted. “How is the orc faring under captivity?'
Arondir's eyes went wide as he turned on Galadriel. “He's here? Alive right in the middle of our refuge?”
“Yes, he is.” Galadriel replied shortly to Arondir before turning to Gil-Galad. “He has awoken only moments ago, around the same time Elrond woke up. I spoke to him just before this meeting. His wounds are healing well and I still firmly believe that he will be a crucial asset to our cause. I don't know anyone else who hates Sauron more than he does.”
“Very well, I wish for you to send me a message if you have gathered any further knowledge from him.”
“Of course my King.” Galadriel replied with some relief. Her eyes moved to Arondir whose face was barely containing his emotions. It was clear that the news upset him but he refrained from pursuing the matter, preferring to remain silent.
“With that I conclude this meeting. I will return for Lindon in a few days. Until such time, I want you Elrond to rest as much as possible. You have received grievous injuries mere days ago and I wish for you to remain in good health. Make sure to let the healers take a look at you.”
Elrond nodded, “Of course, I shall.”
The three of them exited the tent but right before Elrond placed his feet in the sunlight outdoors, his left hand moved unconsciously towards the scars on his shoulder. A sudden feeling of doom befell his mind but he shook it off in mere seconds and continued along with Galadriel and Camnir. Arondir who still stood in the shadows inside the tent, saw the subtle move and frowned.