Under The Banner
Elrond x elven!reader
Warnings: none, slight canon divergence for the sake of the story
Summary: As the captain of the guard for Mithlond, you rarely spoke with elven politicians until you stumble upon Gil-galads advisor one evening
A/n: Elrond in Rings of Power has a choke hold on me so as a result you get this. Tell me if You want a part two. (Gif credit goes to the owner)
Late Summer.
That was when the Gray Havens felt most alive. The last weeks of summer hung in the air like heavy lanterns, bold and bright. With the celebration for the upcoming autumn equinox around the corner the port city bustled with life as elves weaved through market places and sang songs late into the night. Overhead the moon had begun its climb higher into the night sky, as silver and round as a pearl snatched right off the shores of Lindon.
The day had been long for you, beginning with the first rays of light to seep through your window at the break of dawn, and not ending until you had done your weekly report to King Gil-Galad.
It was late by the time your feet stepped foot onto the royal grounds, your bow slung across your shoulders, and knives put neatly into their sheaths. The firelight from the torches lit your path and glinted on your armor, bringing forth the intricate webbings of gold that crawled across your silver chest plate. The royal gardens were quiet and empty except for a few guards that stood at the entrances, some slightly straightening their posture at the sight of you. A distinct reminder that you were their superior.
“Running a little late are we?”
. . . And that would be your superior.
At the sudden voice, you quickly corrected your own posture before turning towards the elf behind you. “Your Majesty, forgive me. My patrol took a little longer than I had hoped.” Apologizing quickly, you give Gil-Galad a swift bow.
“No need for apologies here Captain, I was held up with some business of my own.” The elven king explained.
“Of course.” With arms folded neatly behind your back, you walked besides him as he wandered further into the gardens, lanterns and torches lighting your way as you did.
“Any news to report Captain?”
“All is quiet your Majesty, well as quiet as it can be considering all the preparations for the Equinox celebration.” You joked lightly, earning a chuckle from the king.
“You are quite right. If anything I think some have already started celebrating.” He added lightly, “I could hear singing from down in the port earlier.”
“You arnt wrong there.”
For a moment the two of you walked in silence, your cloak sliding over the first fallen leaves of the year. “Captain?”
“Yes, your Majesty?”
“Before I dismiss you, I must however inform you that you will be needed here tomorrow evening. I have guests coming from Falas and would like my Captain of the Guard here to make sure everything runs smoothly.”
Despite being captain of the guard, you did not spend much time on the royal grounds. It was the safest place in Mithlond due to the amount of guards you had there. Besides, the city was big and you were often needed elsewhere unless Gil-Galad required you here.
“Of course. Is there anything else your Majesty?”
“That will be all. I will send someone to your quarters tomorrow with your uniform for tomorrow evening. You are dismissed Captain.”
And with that you gave him one final bow, and departed the gardens. The warm summer breeze swept across your face as you descended a set of stone steps, lantern bugs dancing across your path as you did.
You must have been lost in thought though because a moment later you collided with a sudden obstacle and it was as if all the gracefulness in you was suddenly gone because you fell backwards onto the stone steps, armor clinking against rock as you did.
“My Lady!” The voice sounded just as surprised as you felt. “Forgive me, I did not see where I was going.”
Brushing a strand of hair out of your eyes, you shook your head as you dusted off your hands. “I think you are mistaken, I was the one not—-“
You were unable to finish your sentence as you looked up from your palms, suddenly being met with the kindest pair of eyes you had ever seen.
“Not?”
“. . . Paying attention.” You slowly finished, your hand slowly reaching out to grab the one he had extended to you to help you up off the ground.
The elf gave you a soft smile as you rose to his height, a strand of dark blonde hair falling over his left brow as he did.
“How about we agree it was both of our faults and settle it with that?” He mused, the corners of his lips still curved slightly upward.
Bless the Valar he was cute.
No. No. Y/N get rid of that thought. You swore an oath when you became captain. Duty above all else.
“My Lady, are you alright?”
His voice snapped you out of your thoughts only to reveal to your horror that you were still gripping his hand. . . And rather tightly you might add.
“Oh I apologize!” Quickly letting go of his hand, you folded your arms behind your back. “It’s been a rather long day for me, my head must be in the clouds.”
Letting out a soft chuckle he folded his arms gently over his chest, the crows feet around his eyes crinkling as he did. “That makes two of us. Though I doubt our days are similar.” He nodded towards the armor on your chest. “You must be the Captain of the Guard.”
“That is correct,” you gave him a smile, “and you must be. . .”
“Forgive me, I am Elrond.” The amber haired elf giving you a sudden bow that made your cheeks heat up. People didn’t bow to you unless it was the guards under your command. “The Kings Advisor.”
Elrond.
That name was gonna be seared into your head for the next week or so.
“I should be the one bowing don’t you think? You rank higher than me.”
“Oh please don’t. I find it rather awkward when other bow before me. But might I ask for your name?” His words were soft in a way other elves weren’t. You hadn’t noticed that the two of you were walking side by side until you saw the gate up ahead. The royal guards living quarters lied just beyond.
“Y/N.”
Elrond repeated your name, almost as if testing it out on the top of his tongue. “Lady Y/N. That is a beautiful name.”
“Oh please, there’s nothing ladylike about me besides the fact that sometimes I have to wear a dress and curtsy.” You laughed lightly, earning a chuckle from the handsome elf besides you. “Y/N is just fine.”
“Of course.”
Stopping at the gate, you turned to face him, “it was lovely to meet your acquaintance Elrond, and once again forgive me for slamming into you.”
“Liked I said, no apology needed. It was a pleasure to meet you as well.” He smiled before suddenly and softly taking your hand and placing a kiss a top it. At the action you could feel the tips of your ears and face heat up.
For the first time in your very, very long life you finally understood what others meant when they said they had butterflies in their stomachs.
And it was all because of this elf you had met not five minutes ago.
“I do hope to see you again. My work does not allow much time to make friendships, but I do believe I have made a new one.”
“You have.” You smiled, fighting down the butterflies that fluttered about behind your chest plate. Stepping beyond the gate you gave him one last look. “Goodnight Elrond.”
“Goodnight. . . My Lady. Here is to running into you again soon.” Giving you an amused smile he have one last bow before retreating back the way you had come.
