"It cannot be," Elendil said as he saw the figure of his son on a docking ship. "Isildur?" "Father," Isildur said, and Elendil ran to him before he hugged him. "I was told that you were dead." "I feared that too for a short while." "What happened?" Elendil asked as he stepped back and wrapped his hand around his son's neck. "A roof collapsed on me. Then, when I woke, I was alone in the occupied land. Through many perils I found Galadriel and following, safety. Now, I have made my way home." "Home you are indeed. Are you hurt?" "No." "Good. Then come, we have much to celebrate," Elendil said as he wrapped his arm around his son and started leading him away. They took a few steps before Isildur stumbled and his legs went from under him. "Isildur!" Elendil called as he caught him and fell with him. "Are you hurt?" He asked firmly. "No. I am uninjured... but weary..." "Do you need help my Captain?" "Inform the Queen that my son is returned. Ask for a healer also, to meet us." "Right away sir," They said and they left. "Can you walk?" "Yes. But slowly." "Then we go with ease. Come on," Elendil said and he helped Isildur to stand up.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
"Well?" Elendil asked as the healer finished looking at Isildur. He was dressed in his bare clothes and was weary. "He has healed scars and is battle worn. There is unease within him but rest will cure this." "Anything physical?" "I suspect at least 1 broken rib, and the dwindling of an illness that began days ago." "Can you do anything for these?" "Nothing that will speed up the natural process. He simply needs rest and relief." "Alright. Thank you," Elendil said and the healer left them. "I am tired." "I know you are son. You will rest soon."
"Captain," Queen said as she entered. "I am here my Queen." "Her eyes..." Isildur said as he saw them. "Your son has returned?" "Yes. He is here with me," Elendil said before he went over to guide her. "Stand Isildur. If you are able," She said and he did so. Elendil guided her hand onto Isildur's shoulder and a tear ran down her face. She moved her hands onto his neck and face. "We feared you dead. In the red ash. After the building fell." "I feared that too my Lady. My Queen," Isildur said before he stumbled and Elendil caught him. "Are you not well?" "He is weary my Queen." "Then he should rest. Your account can wait until then. During which we will celebrate." "Yes. My lady." "Come Isildur. You need rest," Elendil said and he led his son away.
~
"You are full of joy Captain?" Queen asked as she heard him re-enter the room. "I am. Once Isildur has had time to rest, my heart shall be full once more." "I am glad that he has returned, yet saddened that we left him. We did not know." "Do not blame yourself for this," Elendil said as he took her hand. "Many terrible things happened that day. He is safe now." "Which others did we leave behind? Isildur is alive, but others may not have been. I would not my own imagining that we abandoned them." "We did not abandon them. We did all we could. I will ask Isildur if he saw any others." "Yes. And me. His Queen. What does he think of this blindness that has taken me?" "He does not think anything my Queen. He noted it, but for now his mind is fixed on other matters." "Indeed. Would you help me return to my father while Isildur rests?" "Of course," Elendil said and he gave her a hand.
