Hail
When the days were not yet dire, Elves existed together peaceably after the defeat of the Necromancer, an elf-prince and his brother traveled from an Elven kingdom far to the south of Lorién bore a reply to Galadriel.
They traveled many weeks, on swift horses, and through many forests. At the time of their reaching of the realm of Lorién, the elves of the court were very eager to look upon the messengers. Even the Silvan elves, though tempered with the gravity that comes with age and deep wisdom, were
curious, and they spoke among themselves of a summer visit to Rivendell and the coming of new folk they had never laid eyes on.
Though it was always golden in the dwelling-place of Galadriel, the day was particularly fine. Her halls were wreathed in flowers, and her maidens sewed, and spoke more loudly than was usual. A distant neighing of a horse and the answering of one of their own signaled the heralding of guests. The court, seated in the great hall, turned as one to look at the faces of the foreigners.
A few of the younger elves widened their eyes at the newcomers. They were dark of cheek, with deeply brown hair and clear dark eyes eyes. The younger, though young, was tall and muscular, and his master, clearly his brother, more strongly statured, bowed deeply to Galadriel. A she-elf sighed audibly.
The lady of Lorién greeted the Elf with a cool touch of her hand to his cheek and a broad smile.
"Welcome, friend. It is a fitting time that others of our kin, though yet unknown by many, pay a visit to our lands. Although we have not met, it is the time now to form alliances among our fellows and preserve the little time we have while in wealth and peace." Her eyes darkened a moment, but it was soon replaced with a wide smile, She stood.
"My friends, I present Salle Earthsong and his brother Sullë, sons of Earthstone. They and their people will join those of my court during our summer residence at the halls of Elrond, my son. These kind people, at my calling, have accepted the invitation to celebrate with us that we may be merry again, for time." She gracefully took her seat again, and waved her hands for her people to disperse.
As she knew it would be, her hall was immediately empty of the younger elves, and the Lady of Lorién allowed her maidens to retire. Sullë excused himself, and Galadriel hid a smile. She and Salle and went in to Lord Celeborn, who awaited them.
Sullë stood outside of the court of Galadriel and Celeborn, unsure of what to do for a moment. A group of elves with fair hair and light eyes, surrounded him.
He bowed. "Sullë at your service."
Three younger elves bowed to him likewise, great curiosity on their faces. The others did not. The oldest simply gazed at him, and Sullë perceived his thoughts. Should he find the slightest fault with Sullë, he would find himself uncomfortable for the rest of his stay. Quickly, Sullë admitted, "I am unaccustomed to this glorious place, and should soon find myself lost. Will perhaps one of you show the to the stables, that I may tend our horses."
"I am Haldir of Lorién. Your horses are cared for, your bags unpacked. Go to the third hall where the soldier awaits you. Do not tarry." He turned away.
How uncomfortable, thought Sullë. Upon my very arrival, he confronts me. And a soldier, not a serving-man! He is distrustful of us. Surely this is understandable, he reasoned. I have heard this place has been warlike of late, though I see little indication in this wondrous court. We were unmolested all the way here, only to find opposition from our hosts awaiting us! At this he couldn't help but smile a little. He shall see more of me before this year is through!
As the elf had instructed, a soldier awaited him at the door of a spacious, airy room. A staircase of sorts led up into the trees, which Sullë found charming.
Unlike the proud Haldir, and presumably his brothers, the servant grinned widely. "Welcome to Lorién, Sullë. Haldir greeted you suitably, did he not? I am Connor."
Sullë chucked at the joke. "Well said, brother. Truly, I have seen little of your people. Surely Lord Haldir is not as stuffy as all that. Indeed, he seemed to have a tense face. What is his rank, might I ask?"
"Haldir is commander of all our troops, and a stern taskmaster!"
"I believe it! How many does he command?"
"Three hundred-some. Every elf who enters his service holds him with highest regard and reverence, for he is a Silvan elf, of standing with Lord Celeborn."
"Indeed."
They had reached the level platform that was to serve as their rooms. Nearby, a few maidens lingered, whom Sullë noticed but Connor did not. "Enjoy the charms of Lorién, friend. And Haldir will respect you in time." The soldier departed.
Sullë highly doubted this, and was acutely aware that Connor's voice had carried at least a short distance, as the two ladies smothered their laughter at his parting statement.
Ah, here it is again. Sullë put on his best courtly manners and bowed to the ladies. I shall be doing much more bowing before the day is through! Surely she omitted my title as a joke, which I too find amusing! He smiled at the ladies as they curtsied and began to introduce themselves.
