Gil-galad gazed long at Elendil, seeing him for the first time not as Elf-friend or warrior, but as a father. A father concerned for his son. The question had taken him off-guard and he took a moment to reflect on what he had seen of Isildur. Taking the High King's hesitation for awkwardness, Elendil sighed. "Forgive me Gil-galad, I had forgotten that you have no sons of your own. Why then should you take an interest in mine?"
"Nay, my friend. All that are of your blood concern me. I did not gift you with the name of Elf-friend for naught. To my great regret I have sired no children, for my destiny has drawn me down another path, yet in your sons I see greatness and darkness." Elendil glanced at Gil-galad sharply. "Darkness?. What is this you speak of ? Do you foresee my sons...dead?" The strain in his voice cause Gil-galad to instantly regret his words, but he could bring them back and so he plunged on. "Nay, Elendil...not death. Say rather a darkness of the soul. Anarion is of good and noble heart, yet Isildur, Isildur seeks more than protection for his people, in his heart he seeks greatness. I fear it will be his down-fall."
Elendil's horse tossed his head as he champed at the bit and Elendil reached out to slap his neck companionably. "Easy, old friend! The time will come when you can use strength, be patient!" Gil-galad's words had gone straight to his heart, for he knew his son all too well. Isildur could be very strong-willed and opinionated, yet as a father Elendil had always hoped he would temper that with reason and good council. He turned to look at the Elf beside him. "Your words ring true, as always. He is a joy to me, yet he has always been stubborn to excess."
"I do not wish to cause you pain, Elendil. That was never my intention..and yet I fear for us all, as Elves and Men together. Look at them Elendil! See the grand sight they make as they journey together toward what will most probably certain death. Yet many will live...and should we succeed, what then will become of the Alliance? I have seen your son's eyes whenever I am with you. he is jealous and I fear that that jealousy will not bring our peoples any closer." Gil-galad turned to look back over the Host, his eyes taking in the magnificent sight of banner from all Houses and allegiances swelled his heart within his breast. Hope and sadness threatened to overwhelm him and he had to turn from the sight. Elendil reached out a hand to steady him.
"Mandos, so many lives I will send to your halls...possibly even mine. All these of Iluvatar's children, perhaps thrown away for naught. Ai! Would it had never come to this." Gil-galad thought as he looked to Elendil in gratitude.
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