The Nobility in Defiance

First, allow me to ask your forgiveness for addressing this question in such a way. But I believe... nay, I am convinced, that this inquiry deserves it's proper moment and space. After all, the question of favorites… is indeed a delicate topic for any ruler.

Allow me to clarify: as High King, I must remain above such trivialities. After all, kings are meant to be impartial, serene, and, most importantly, diplomatic.

In theory, anyway.

A king must never show favoritism! A king must be a beacon of fairness, the embodiment of justice and balance. I am the leader of all Elves, not a parent choosing the favored child. I must remain the ever-constant, unwavering symbol of unity, never allowing personal preferences to cloud my judgment or compromise the greater good of all my people.

You see? A king has no room for favorites.

Well… there is the official answer, and it is, of course, entirely correct. But then we get to Ereinion, the elf behind the crown. The one who occasionally forgets he’s the High King and, instead, just becomes an elf who’s seen too much and cares too much.

In that role, as Ereinion, I will confess, with a smile that speaks volumes:

Yes, it’s Elrond.

Why?

Perhaps it is his maddening habit for doing what is right, even when it defies all common sense, and occasionally my direct orders. There is this infuriating nobility to Elrond, the sort that makes one simultaneously want to commend and chastise him.

He possesses an unyielding moral compass, as though the stars themselves set his course, and woe to anyone who tries to sway him from it!! And yet, for all his stubbornness, there is wisdom in his defiance, a rare quality that even I must admire.

Elrond is the rock amidst the tempest. While Galadriel burns with the fire of ambition and Celebrimbor dazzles with the brilliance of creativity, it is Elrond who remains steadfast. He is the quiet voice of reason when the council chambers grow too loud, the calm presence that tempers the storms of elven pride.

And yet, Elrond is not without his flaws. His maddening habit of leaping off proverbial cliffs, sometimes literal ones, is enough to infuriate even the most patient of kings. But perhaps that is part of his charm: he does not hesitate when faced with the abyss, he trusts his ability to navigate the unknown. This…  is a quality that makes him a formidable ally and, dare I say, a worthy successor to the ideals we Noldor hold dear.

Now, don’t misunderstand me… Galadriel and Celebrimbor, also, have their place in my heart. Each of them, in their own right represent something vital about who we are and what we aspire to be. Galadriel’s unshakable spirit and her bold vision remind me that courage, is the one that forges new paths. Celebrimbor, on the other hand, with his endless creativity, is a living testament to the brilliance that runs through our bloodline, he brings our heritage to life.

But Elrond? Elrond is different. He’s the balance between them, a bridge connecting the wisdom of the past with the promise of the future. He’s a reminder that we can truly achieve greatness when our hearts and minds are aligned.

So, while I loath to admit it (if only for the sake of appearances) the truth is simpler: Elrond’s place in my heart is not a matter of favoritism, but of trust. Trust in his unwavering spirit, his unyielding principles, and his ability to lead where even I cannot. If that makes him my “favorite,” then so be it.

Let history judge my words as it will. For now, I am content to say this: a king may have no room for favorites, but an elf, just an elf, may sometimes be forgiven for showing his heart.

There you have it: an essay, a confession, and perhaps even a scandal among my advisors. But what is kingship without a little controversy?