Oropher was out of time.

Not long ago he spoke with forge master about the late supply of bows for his two regiments, but the elf shrugged his arms in helplessness. Forges were late with their work cause the wood delivery came too late and thus, the bows could not be made on time and concidering that the weaponsmiths wished strenghten the bows with steel it's highly possible that the regiments won't receive their weapons for yet another long while and until then, the soldiers will have to use their own, personal bows.

Beside the problem with weapons, one of Oropher's horses limped nastily and no one knew why this happened, all the more that Oropher have not taken the horse on latest patrols and trainings. This matter displeased Oropher greatly as the chestnut horse was one of his favourites and although, the stable masters made herbal compresses on horse's leg, the state of the animal still have not improved. Another problem were missing troops, who were send before the last change of stars at the settlements around Menegroth and the soldiers were yet to return. The third general Haerdin said he would take of this matter and both Oropher and Egnaspen trusted him with this, they still worried about the fate of the soldiers.

Above all else, Mablug, the Primus General, requested full reports of their latest doings and Oropher still have not found a small amout of time to sit and write anything. And setting everything aside, he planned to train with his own regiment of soldiers before other responsibilities would have called him over, all the more, that it was too long since they trained together, but exactly at this particular time a messanger came to him and announced that his father wished to speak with him.

Oropher stared at the elf and considered a refusal. But then sighting with defeat he nodded to the elf before him with this voicelessly saying that he would meet his father and the messanger bowed graciously before leaving.

He watched the elf dissapear in the corridor before he called the elf nearby.

'Taranir, lead the practice in my place'

'Something of importance?' Taranir asked as he approached him and for a second he glanced after the messanger.

'I don't know yet, but I doubt it' Oropher shook his head watching his soldiers preparing for training 'My father requested my presence, so the matter concerns either the council or family'

He looked at dark haired Taranir, who watched the soldiers as well. Taranir, one of the tacticians within Mengroth, was Oropher's second in command as his skills in weapon mastery were unmatched and his firm voice and stance made others listen without question. His face was marred with a scar across left eye and Oropher remebered well the time he received this a wound - they battled caragors, a breed of wargs living in far east with fangs and claws sharp like shattered glass. One caragor downed Taranir will sheer force hitting viciously its front paws and clawed Taranir's face. Saida said that he looked more handsome with that scar, but Taranir himself had not cared much about his appearance.

Oropher focused espacially on three bearish, overactive younglings who nugded each other and laughed, eager to train and to show what they were made of.

Halloth, was the only survivor of dreadful invasion at the verge of Doriath centuries ago. His settlement was utterly destroyed by creatures of darkness and inhabitants of the village were either killed or torn asunder by wargs. Halloth was but a child back then - all his family and kin were taken from him and Oropher took great pity over him, although he was never too fond of elflings. He bid Saida to take the child on her horse and they travelled back to Menegroth, where Oropher saw to it, that the child was taken care of. Halloth was taken by a noble family of Doriath - a caring, warm elves who could not have children on their own. They were not all too wealthy and have now floated in gold, neither they were a high nobles of Doriath with great responsibilities, thus they had all the neccessary time to take care of the elfling, whom they cherished above all else and Halloth grown up into young elf and quickly chosen to become a soldier. Oropher watched his progress through basic training and decided to take him under his wings, although there were many others more chestened and skilled than him.

The second two were Amrun and Tinnu, who found by patrol riders on the far souther border of Region forest. None knew where they came from - they didn't even know it themselves. But after they were taken to Menegroth everyone quickly learbed that both Amrun and Tinnu were skilled warriors, despite their young age. Intrigued, Oropher took them into his care and assigned Faron and Alagos to personally train and temper them into able bodied soldiers.

Oropher looked once again at Taranir.

'Keep an eye on them' he said perfectly knowing Taranir knew of whom he was speaking 'If they sass to much, you know what to do'

Taranir snorted and swinged a dagger in his hand.

'Let them try and they will regret it for centuries to come'

Oropher half-smiled knowing that his friend meant what he said. He patted Taranir's shoulder and turned heading to the way out of the training fields. He wondered why his father sent for him as the talkings at the council were not of importance for quite long time and neither Egnaspen, Haerdin or Mablung mentioned anything concerning the army of Menegroth. He supposed this could be a matter of coming winter as his father was always worried about the outer settlements around Doriath and each year reminded the King to send riders to check on the villigers and their needs to prepare for hard season.

'Boss!'

The call made him focus again, but he didn't stop his tracks nor he turned to face the elf probably running after him. It was Halloth, who followed him – only Halloth had this habit to call him like this.

'Boss, I thought you will train with us!'

Halloth was still young and there was this childlish pretense in his voice that made Oropher look at him at the corner of his eye. Amrun and Tinnu were more reserved while dealing with him, but Halloth spoke to him freely and sometimes words fell like racing water through his mouth. Oropher have not slowed down his pace and he turned his eyes away from Halloth as his mind again mused of the possibilities of his father's call. He didn't have to turn around to know that Taranir was watching Halloth with his arms crossed on chest and his darkened eyes stared into the back of young warrior. Halloth should have known he was already screwed.

'Join your troops, soldier' he simply said. Halloth was in no place to stop or bother him and beyond all, Oropher didn't have to explain himself - to anyone and all the more to the elfling, who was his subordinate and lower ranking soldier among his troops.

Oropher always believed that the basics of a team was trust. The soldiers may not like each other, but they have to trust themselves in battle. Fortunately, among Oropher's soldiers there were no animosities and many of them held each other in friendship, although, Oropher's soldiers were considered rough and sometimes even agressive. Oropher personally befriended Taranir and Saida, who were one of his best and he considered them a bit as his personal bodyguards. Another elf was Elhador, their healer and herb specialist, who was a caring and gentle spirit and Oropher often felt pity that poor Elhador had to deal with such harsh personalities, but the healer never complained. Nelledir and Orthon were skilled spearmasters that long ago sworn Oropher alliegance and he never regretted having them among his division as they were both tireless and borned warriors with wit and skills exceeded many others and Oropher liked their company. Faron the Hunter was the only elf among his soldier, who as Oropher appreciated the beauty of the world around them. He as well dreamed of adventures past and present and of those what will be and for him it was never about the destination, but the way he travelled and Oropher shared the same feeling as his eyes as well were always on the road ahead. And there was Alagos, the last, but not least as he held a special place in Oropher's heart.

'But Boss-' Halloth never knew when to let go. It would be a long and rugged road before he would become a true and trusworthy soldier.

'Don't test my patience' Oropher snapped at him crushing him under his gaze and Halloth immediately dropped his gaze and stopped following Oropher who left him behind leaving the training fields.

Oropher not once asked himself why he was doing this. Not only he was asking this, but Nelledir and Orthon as well. After all, they had no time or overly warm feelings towards young unsharpen soldiers, who didn't know their place. Oropher himself had no patience either for elflings or young adult elves, with few commendable exceptions as his cousin Arwellon. But then then he remembered that it was as always because of his father who bred kindness and good will into his heart from birth.

Oropher quickly made his way through corridors towards the royal wing where his family held their apartments. The guest rooms were at the beginning, followed by sitting-rooms fitted for official conversations as they were decorated with illustrious paintings, figurines and vases and each of them was a piece of art alone while together they made unforgettable image. Deeper into the wing there were much more fireplace chambers with comfy armchairs and rugs - most of them were styled as wooden cabins and Oropher loved to sit beside one of those fireplaces enjoying peaceful silence or sharing some wine with his cousins or friends. Oropher's room was styled more or less the same with many rugs and animal hides and walls were decorated with embellished bows.

While walking down the corridor he almost bumped with Celeborn, who held so many scrolls and books in his hands that he barely saw where he walked, but since they were walking in the same direction he joined Celeborn walking with him shoulder to shoulder.

'Well met, cousin' he smiled 'Busy as always?'

Celeborn grumbled something under his nose. His older cousin was clever councillor, who already earned his place among the greatest and wisest of the King's advisors. Moreover, he also managed the Menegroth's treasury, but even having many assistants at hand Celeborn still had much work to do. And having in mind that the end of season was coming, the reckoning of the treasury must be made by no one other than Celeborn.

'You bet I am' Celeborn said 'Whoever made such pathetic entries to the volumes of reckoning will pay me for this. And if the wise Council will set up a meeting and blab pointlessly for hours I swear I will go wild'

Oropher shook his head and thanked himself yet again that long ago he decided to follow in his uncle Galadhon's footsteps and become a soldier. Each time he looked at Galathil and Celeborn, and even at his father, he didn't know how much patience they must have in themselves to not tear everything to pieces.

'And yours stupid bows only worsened the situation' Celeborn accused, but then sighted 'And at those busy times my father chosen to meet with me. Said it was important, so here I am'

'So you were summoned too?' Oropher asked with interest 'My father called me as well'

Celeborn was silent for a bit as his mind raced thinking of possibilities of why there were here, but as Oropher he found only few relevant causes.

'I wonder what they are up to' he said with sudden quiet tone 'I hope it's really of great importance for I have no time for ought else'

Oropher could only agree, however he knew his father never disturbed him without a reason as he himself had much work in his hands. Erthor, the oldest son of Elmo and the father of Oropher was a member of the Council of Doriath and considered as the greatest advidor to the King. He was held in highest regard within Menegroth's walls and Elwe took his words into account. Erhor was known to speak with great wisdom encouraging compromises and balanced support to every pillar of Doriath's needs. He was also the head of their House, since Elmo perished in the Battle Under the Stars, centuries ago.

Oropher opened the door to the sitting room in deeper parts of their family's apartments and reserved only for them and their closest friends. It was the usual spot, where their family met and spoke of official matters and both Celeborn and Oropher knew their fathers would be waiting for them right there. He let Celeborn enter first and his cousin approached the nearby armchair and without hesitance he thrown the books and scrolls down on the pillow. Only then he sightened deeply and turned to greet his elders with Oropher, who closed the door after he walked in.

They were both surprised seeing their uncle Edwethon was there as well and Oropher and Celeborn exchanged a knowing look. Now, they were sure the matter they were summoned for concerned family.

'Father, uncles' Celeborn regarded elves and Erthor stood up from his armchair to greet them. Galadhon remained sitting as his leg pained him lately and prefered to not overstrain himself, but Edwethon moved to stand near his oldest brother Erthor 'Seeing you all here, I suppose the issue is of importance?'

'Indeed it is' Erthor said gently, his voice was always kind and damped down any animosities. Observing his father, Oropher felt the matter was unnatractive to him as well, however could not be ignored.

'Offering of marriages were proposed to our House by high nobles of Doriath. And since you both have not chosen your bride yet, even given such long time, I suggest you both to do so, the sooner the better'

Edwethon never rounded around the problem, but faced it straight on with fierce words. Out of their house, Edwethon was always the most radical and straightforward and in this he found allies with Saeros and Raeg, who were both the members of King's council. Also, Edwethon was sharp towards Oropher ever since the leave of his oldest son Amdir and after Arwellon, his youngest son, joined the army, or rather King;s Guard. Ever since he was a child, Arwellon was always close with Oropher - bothering him and forcing to give a little bit of interest. Small Arwellon always touched his stuff, especially targeting sharp daggers, heavy swords and arrows and despite having been cut not once by the weapons he have not stopped touching them despite Oropher telling him not to. Arwellon always said that once he will grow up he will become a soldier, just like Oropher who encouraged this dream much to Edwethon's displeasure, who though that proffesion to be well below the station of the royal family.

'I suggest you to mind your words, uncle'

Oropher' eyes clashed with Edwethon's in silent war, but noticing Erthor's glance Oropher contained himself and remained quiet. Truly, his father was one of the few who hold any restraints upon him not from obligaration or subortination, but from respect. Oropher let him temper his behaviour and silence him if needed, but it was from Oropher's choice and love for his father.

'We do not wish to force anything upon you' Erthor said after he rised his hand silencing Edwethon before he spoke 'But you should understand our concerns. Your position and rank within Menegroth is the highest possible and as a Princes it is requested of you to take a wife, as you well know'

Oropher chose remain silent. As a matter of fact, this issue has been brought up once in the past and nothing good went out of it. As much as him, Celeborn felt no wish to bind himself to another, all the more, that he have not found his one. Arranged marriages were not rare within Menegroth, especially among the nobles, but Oropher would not let anyone dictate him how and where place his feelings.

'I can marry Oropher' Celeborn said in merry voice 'Since my position and his rank are highest possible in Menegroth, he is a perfect choice'

'This is a proposition I can get behind' Oropher said and could not help but smile at Celeborn's insolence which clearly drove Edwethon mad. Celeborn cossed his arms on chest and watched his elders in clear message to back off.

'Don't be ridiculous!' Edwethon said through clentched teeth adressing Celeborn 'This is no iddle matter and your insolence only make it worse. As the oldest, Celeborn, you should be giving example, but it was Galathil who bonded with Faineth long ago. And I expected more from you, Oropher. Even Arvellon, the youngest of you, seems to have found his chosen. As the Princes of this realm it is notseen lightly for you to be unmarried for so long'

Oropher and Celeborn silently glanced at one another for a moment. It was not known for them that Arwellon courted someone, their younger cousin have not said anything about this. However, Edwethon seemed to forget that they were not elflings to be ordered around and probably it was Erthor's demanour and calm resolution that prevented Celeborn and Oropher from lashing out on their uncle. Galadhon sat where he had and seemed to be more interested in glancing through the book in his hands that in the conversation going on in front of him. Most likely, Galadhon wished he could be somewhere else.

Finally, it was Celeborn, who broke the silence.

'I don't have time for this' he said taking his stuff he threw before on the armchair nearby. Then with no hurry, he was on his way out, but glanced back at older elves 'I hope next time out meeting will concern truly important matters'

Celeborn regarded Erthor with quick nod and Oropher did the same walking out after Celeborn. However, before he managed to walk too far his father followed him to the corridor.

'Oropher' Erthor called him 'Would you mind?'

Without hesistancy he followed Erthor deeper into the corridor. Long ago, Oropher found out that Erthor's calm was contagious - even most impetuous warriors and councillors changed their demanour while facing his father and this combined with his usual quiet majesty made staggering effect. Oropher cought up to his father and walked with him arm to arm, before they walked into Erthor's own apartment.

'Please sit, my son' Erthor said when doors closed after them and Oropher let himself be taken by arm and lead to the armchairs in the corner of the living room.

Before he made himself comfortable Oropher untied the sword belt from his waist and leaned it nearby. While he did so, his father started to speak already sitting in his favourite armchair and pouring sweet liqueur into goblets.

'I know Edwethon's words can be harsh' he said placing the first goblet on the round table 'I appreciate your patience and silence'

Oropher fell down on the armchair near the round table via-a-vis to his father and he sighted deeply relaxing on soft pillows after carrying his sword for so long. He reached for the goblet and swinged the liquor before sipping it.

'You know as well as I that my relations with uncle Edwethon are neutral at best' he said a bit bitterly 'But let's not speak of it. Was the matter of marriage this important to bring me here?'

Erthor put down the goblet and smiled dilicately under his nose.

'Well, the matter truly concerns more Celeborn that yourself. The high nobles have hope to tie with our family and even the King has asked me about this lately. I believe he thinks of union between his beloved daughter and Celeborn' Erthor said staring into the burning fireplace and the fire mirrored in his silver eyes, but after a moment he turned his gaze back to Oropher. 'Know, my son, that I won't hasten you into find your love, this is no iddle matter and the choice should be made with all your heart'

Oropher smiled at his father again thanking the skies for having such wise and understanding parent.

'Besides I wanted to see you' Erthor said in joyful voice, all their worries and minor concerns forgotten if only for a while 'I truly hope you could spent more time within the walls of Menegroth. You work so hard, that I fear you overstrain yourself'

Erthor paused for a second seeing knowing look of Oropher on himself. However, as a father he had to speak his concerns and worries to his child no matter that this child has become a grown up ellon centuries ago.

'I know, you don't have to say it' he sighted 'It is a soldier's work, but sometimes I wished I forbade you becoming a warrior. Everytime you ride outside of the city-'

Oropher reached out and get hold of his father's hand leaning on a table. With this he hoped to ease his father, if only for a bit.

'Adar, there is nothing to fear in Doriath. Our Queen protects it well' Oropher said as Erthor sighted yet again and tightened in turn his grasp on Oropher's hand adding his second hand on top.

'It's a part of being a parent to worry about your child' Erthor smiled delicately and his piercing white eyes cought fire. Celeborn had this same colour shade, but where Erthor eyes were welcoming, Celeborn had this dangerous glint in them which Oropher was said to have as well.

A sudden and unwelcome knocking at the door broke their peaceful moment and Oropher turned his angry eyes to whoever dared to enter and sensing this Erthor patted his son's hand in calming gesture chuckling a bit. He knew precisely after whom his son inherited this fiery temper - temper which Celeborn received as well and both Erthor and Galadhon did all they could to soften it, so their sons won't become like her.

It was Saida who entered the room and Oropher softened seeing his friend, although he was still not pleased that the moment of solitude with his father was interrupted.

'Pardon me, my Lords' she acknowledged Erthor in delicate bow before she focused on Oropher 'There is a matter you need to look into'

Grumbling with displeasure Oropher got up from his armchair. Saida left the room to wait on the corridor while Oropher took the sword belt he leaned nearby and tightened it around his waist. He swore he would kill by whoever's idea he had to leave his father's side. Oropher had not much free time, just as Erthor, and those moments together he appreciated above all else - their small talks and racalling memories. Erthor often told him of the waters of Cuivienen, where he grew up with his own parents and Oropher loved to listen just as he did when he was a little child.

When he was ready to leave Erthor got up as well and Oropher cought his father in firm embrace that was returned.

'I will meet you later' he said as he stepped back to look at his father. He was taller than Erthor which never prevented his father from thowing him a scolding look 'Perhaps, we should eat together? At next change?'

'Very well' Erthor smiled in agreement and watched his son go.