Something feels amiss. For the past few days, events have transpired in the kingdom of which I remain unaware. Though I cannot pinpoint the source, the sense of unease is palpable. I must uncover the meaning behind this foreboding.
Signs have presented themselves, which I cannot ignore. Elrond has appeared distant since yesterday, as if a mist clouds his thoughts. When I inquired, he merely shrugged and dismissed it as nothing. I am not one to accept things at face value, and I could tell he was lying. Something is awry, or soon will be.
Descending from my quarters, I made my way to the throne room to seek Elrond, hoping to extract some information from him. Quickening my pace as I approached the door, I saw him slumped in his chair, his eyes sunken as he wandered deep in thought. He did not notice my presence until I spoke, at which point his gaze fastened upon me.
"Brother, you seem troubled," I said, now genuinely concerned. What could possibly disturb him so?
"Indeed, I am. The kingdom's troubles are mine as well," he replied, forcing a smile.
"What issue has befallen the kingdom?" I asked. He straightened in his chair and replied, "War."
I was taken aback. "W-War, you say? How so?" I asked, visibly shaken.
He paused for a moment before breaking into laughter, progressing from a giggle to a hearty chuckle. Now I was truly confused. "Is there something I'm missing?" I inquired, curious.
"Your expression is priceless," he replied, still laughing.
"So there is no war? I am confused."
"Not necessarily. The war is not ours," he responded.
"Oh?" I raised an eyebrow.
"Indeed, the Lunalith pack seeks an alliance with us," he said, his demeanor turning serious.
"An alliance? What aid can humans provide to wolves?" I asked, my face scrunched in confusion.
"My thoughts exactly," he said, rising from his throne and moving to the nearby stained glass window.
"Very strange indeed, unless…" I thought to myself, as the realisation slowly dawned on me.
"They want Cirdan," he said gravely.
"They intend to use him as a weapon? That will not do," I responded, staring at Elrond's back. "Are we, as a kingdom, in any danger?" I asked, my voice laced with concern.
"Only if they fail to secure victory. The threat might then fall upon us," he said, an ominous silence following.
"Is Cirdan aware?"
Elrond turned from the window, his expression sombre. "No, Cirdan remains unaware. I have not yet had the heart to inform him."
I furrowed my brow. "He must be told, Elrond. If he is to be used as a pawn in this conflict, he deserves to know."
Elrond sighed deeply, nodding in reluctant agreement. "You speak the truth, brother. Yet, how does one tell a man that his fate is to be wielded as a weapon?"
I placed a hand on Elrond's shoulder, trying to offer some comfort. "We must find a way to protect him. Perhaps there is another solution, one that does not place him in such jeopardy."
"Place who in what jeopardy?" Cirdan's voice boomed across the room and I saw Elrond tense up before we both turned to meet Cirdan's rather composed expression.
Elrond and I exchanged a quick, worried glance before I turned to face Cirdan. "Brother," I began, attempting to maintain a calm demeanor, "there are matters of the kingdom that require our attention."
Cirdan's eyes narrowed slightly as he approached us. "I gathered as much from your conversation. What is it that you need to protect me from?"
Elrond hesitated, then sighed deeply. "The Lunalith pack has proposed an alliance with us. They seek your aid specifically, wishing to use your strength in their war against the vampires."
Cirdan's composure faltered for a moment, replaced by a look of surprise. "My strength? In their war? And what did you intend to do about this proposal?"
I stepped forward, trying to offer reassurance. "We were discussing our options. We have not decided anything yet. Our foremost concern is your safety."
Cirdan's eyes searched ours, understanding dawning in his expression. "You thought to protect me by keeping this from me. I appreciate your intentions, but I deserve to know what threats we face."
Elrond nodded, his voice filled with regret. "You are right, Cirdan. We should have told you immediately. Forgive us for our hesitation."
Cirdan's gaze softened surprisingly, "There is nothing to forgive. I understand the weight of your responsibilities. But we must face this together. What do we know about the Lunalith pack's intentions?"
I glanced at Elrond before responding. "They believe your abilities could turn the tide in their favor. They promise to help us get rid of the rebels in return for our help."
Cirdan nodded thoughtfully. "And if we refuse?"
"The Lunalith pack is powerful, if they lose this war alone we could become potential enemies," Elrond replied. "Their enmity could pose a significant threat to our kingdom. We must consider all possibilities and prepare for every eventuality."
"Let me help them, then," Cirdan said, but Elrond immediately shook his head.
"I cannot allow that."
"Do not be unreasonable, brother. We have the opportunity to eliminate our greatest threat."
Elrond's face hardened. "And risk yourself in the process? Absolutely not."
Cirdan stepped closer, his expression resolute. "We must consider the long-term security of the kingdom. If my involvement can ensure peace and stability, it is worth the risk."
I intervened, trying to mediate. "We need to think strategically. If Cirdan agrees to help, we must negotiate terms that ensure his safety and our kingdom's interests."
Elrond sighed, his resistance softening. "Very well, I shall think about it." He said, leaving I and Cirdan alone in the throne room.