The Lord of Rivendell was far from his normal relaxed self. All that he knew was changing and there would be no turning back. The most terrifying role he would ever face lay before him, and within hours he would have to meet that challenge.

Glorfindel, his golden hair pale in the moonlight, strode out onto the balcony where his friend was pacing in the dark.

Elrond turned to look at his friend, one hand gripping the banister so tight that his knuckles went pale.

"It will be soon," Glorfindel's voice was calm and reassuring.

It was a still night, and although late autumn by now, both elves were warm enough wrapped in their thick wool cloaks. The stars were clearly visible in the sky and Elrond gazed up towards Earendil the Mariner, his face suddenly wistful.

Glorfindel gently placed his hand over that of his friend and squeezed slightly.

Together they stood, their breath coming out in misty clouds, watching as the black night moved through shades of blue and eventually into grey dawn. Eventually the eastern edge of the sky turned pink, and they watched as an angry red sun rose slowly, its beams highlighting the silvery frost on the bare branches and the hard frozen ground.

Finally Glorfindel could take it no longer.

"Come Elrond, let us walk," he spoke firmly, a hand loosely on his leader's arm as they negotiated the steps to the gardens.

The fresh leaves on the path crunched as they walked lightly across them. They were the first up in Imladris that morning, the last to rest the previous night. For this burden lay more heavily on Master Elrond himself, than any of his advisors.

Eventually they paused where a small brook ran into a shallow pool near the path. In summer this place was shady and cool, a perfect place to stop and think. Yet, Elrond pondered, he had never really appreciated its beauty in winter.

A thin layer of ice covered the pool, still so cold that it was marked in elaborate spirals and whorls from the frost. The early morning sun shining down the valley through the trees created heavy bands of blue-grey shadow and flickering patches of weak golden light.

Presently Elrond stirred from his thoughts and turned back towards the house. Glorfindel followed, making no attempt to slow him. By now surely it must be time.

An eerie silence greeted them as they reached the balcony. A silence they hadn't expected. A silence that surely shouldn't be there. Both elves held their breath, waiting.

Waiting.

Elrond looked at Glorfindel; a curious mixture of sadness, hope and pleading that faded into despair. Glorfindel closed his eyes, laying a consoling hand on his friend's shaking shoulder.

Suddenly a sharp cry cut across the still air, followed seconds later by its partner. The wailing increased in intensity until it ceased as quickly as it had begun. Then came a happy but tired laugh. A musical laugh that could only have come from Celebrian.

Elrond turned to his friend beaming, as if he had just heard the world's most beautiful music.

Glorfindel smiled at the expression on his face, pushing Elrond gently towards the room from which the cries had come.

"Go to them, Peredhil."

Elrond turned briefly to face his friend as he hurried on his way.

"I am Ada, Glor. I am Ada."