This one us for leggylover03 :)

Fading Hope

He couldn’t believe it, how could this have happened? It had only been a tiny cut and he had tended to it with all due care and attention.

Yet somehow it had still become infected and now the child’s tiny body was wracked with fever.

Elrond knelt by Estel’s bed, holding the tiny hand in his as the boy’s breathing became shallower.

The elf-lord’s shoulders shook as he cried, tears for his own failings and the life of the small boy who had so easily taken hold of his heart, who was like a son to him.

He couldn’t bear to lose him, not now, not like this. It was too soon, he had too much to do! Elrond’s heart was heavy; would a simple oversight rob the world of its greatest hope?

“Forgive me,” he whispered through his tears, losing all dignity and reserve in the face of this terrible loss. “I love you, my son.”

With a hand that trembled, he placed his palm on the child’s forehead, praying that he might find rest swiftly.

And then Estel opened his eyes.

The End

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