Disclaimer: See previous chapters
A Journey Begins:
Chapter Ten:…..When It Has To
Under branches
I remember the journeys when I rose to foreign suns and let the morning seal my secrets. Leave me alone. A light has always led me home. A voice is always calling.
-Adonis, In the Forest
TA 2941, The Havens
Elrohir watched Estel run back and forth on the shore, looking to all the world as an elven child freed from his parents' hold. Cirdan was delighted to see the boy, having himself encountered many of Estel's line over the years.
"He almost reminds me of a young Elrond." Cirdan had said, "Wisdom already on his brow."
Elrohir shook his head, "Yet there are still so many things he does not know, Cirdan. He asked me what a hermit crab was the other day. How does a ten-year-old boy not know what a hermit crab is?"
Cirdan tapped his shoulder and said, "You have never taken him to the coast, Elrohir."
Elrohir angrily turned around, "That is my point. We are just to send him out into the Wild when he is of age? He will not survive! We teach him so many things but he has never seen the half of them."
Cirdan kept his voice calm and soothing, "Then you must raise him as a true child of the Dunedain. You must take him on journeys. He will be eleven soon and twelve not so far after…"
"Time for his first patrol." Elrohir shook his head. "We just took him camping in the woods for the first time."
"You are raising him as an elf, Elrohir, and that is all you know." Cirdan stated, his gaze to the young boy splashing in the sea, "Gilraen does not seem so upset."
"It keeps him her little boy longer if we raise him as an elf." Elrohir said, toe digging into the sand.
Cirdan returned his gaze to Elrohir and said, "You do not believe we have such time."
"You know we do not have such time." Elrohir stated.
Cirdan nodded as he stared out over the sea. "I have dwelled on Arda years unnumbered, Elrohir. I have seen great men made weak and weak men given power; I have watched elven king's fall. I have seen elf kill elf. I have said farewell to my wife and many of my children. I have watched small elflings become the most respected of the wise." Cirdan settled himself on a sand dune and turned his weather-beaten face to the sun. "Elrohir, the spirit which burns within that child is unique. He could be one of the greatest even I have seen or he could be the largest failure Arda has even brought forth. He has been an elfling, Elrohir, it is time for him to become a young man."
Elrohir bowed his head as he took in Cirdan's words. "He is so young." Elrohir whispered.
"He will always be 'so young,' Elrohir." Cirdan said, eyes showing more compassion than his words.
Elrohir swallowed as he sat down beside Cirdan, "Father has not said…"
Cirdan interrupted him, "Your father's childhood was quite brief and was very dangerous and unstable. He would never deny a youth their chance at innocence."
"Sometimes I forget who my father really is." Elrohir whispered. "I forget how important our family has been, how significant they are."
"Yet people still sneer about your bloodline when it was your bloodline which possibly saved us all from killing each other in greed, fear, and mistrust." Cirdan laughed, "It is a testament to your father's wisdom that you see him as a father and not a creature of legend; the elfling found by Maglor all those Ages ago is not the same elf who now rules Imladris. Your father has grown and changed over the years. Wisdom was forced upon him, as was duty, but he took even more of it on. Yet your father can still laugh, he can still find joy and even though nothing ties him to Arda, he will not leave until he feels his children are ready." The ancient shipwright traced an ancient pattern in the sand, "I do not think he would leave anyway. He loves his realm far too much."
"He will not be pleased when I recommend the drastic change in Estel's education." Elrohir said.
"He will not be pleased at first but your father will realize what needs to be done." Cirdan stood up and brushed sand from his tunic and pants. "Enough talk of such things; we have a young boy playing in the waters, I suggest we join him."
"It is nearly winter, Cirdan, if he goes in any deeper he will become ill." Elrohir said.
"My waters are also warm, Elrohir." Cirdan assured him as the elves walked over to the shore.
"That is impossible." Elrohir stated with all the sure-knowledge of the young.
"Is it?" Cirdan asked as he threw a handful of water at Elrohir.
Elrohir had tensed his body in preparation for the shot of cool water but was pleasantly surprised at the warm mist which landed on his body.
"Faithful servants are generously rewarded." Cirdan stated. "I love the water; it has always been my first love. I could never live far from it, my own soul feels entwined with the tide. I will take the squalls and the storms as long as I can have the sea and the breeze."
"The good with the bad." Elrohir said.
"The natural way of things." Cirdan remarked, pushing Elrohir into the water much to the delight of the shipwright and Estel who know stood at his side.
Elrohir sat in the wet sand and let the tide run over him as he laughed deeply until his sides ached and tears ran down his face.
Imladris, TA 2941
Elladan flipped through the many piles of parchment and paperwork on his desk in his little used study. Elrohir was more often found here than Elladan who much more preferred the trees.
"Father does all of this each morning?" Elladan asked.
"That is a quarter of what your father does each morn," Erestor said, "but I had no desire to terrify you with the complete amount of morning work. When your brother is here to share duties with you I divide the amount between the two of you."
"Erestor, I have never respected your position more than in this moment." Elladan said again, one of the many times he had said such things in these past few months.
"Thank you, Elladan." Erestor stated, quite tired of explaining his work to Elladan each morning for the past few months.
Elladan scanned over some the sheets and his eyes squinted in inquiry. "Is the syrup trade really that important?" Elladan asked.
"Elladan must we go through this every morning?" Erestor asked.
"My father has not returned yet and so yes, this is how we must do things." Elladan stated while he took up his quill.
"Elladan, despite your belief to the contrary, I am not doing this to punish you." Erestor said, mindful of the grim expression on Elladan's face.
"Say that to all my paper cuts." Elladan muttered, glancing down at the small bandages covering his hands.
Erestor silently shook his head as he left Elladan to his task, not able to take another morning of this.
Rian stopped him at the doorway, "You are leaving him alone?"
"You are a councilor, Rian," Erestor said while he gestured to Elladan, "council."
Rian crossed her arms over her chest and raised a brow, "I would like for you to name the last time you put me as an active councilor."
"Now." Erestor said as he turned to leave.
Rian quickly grabbed his arm, "Your daughter would be a better assistant to Elladan, would she not? She has much more experience in these matters than I do."
"Rian," Erestor said with dark amusement, "you wish to purposefully leave my daughter, who fields more correspondence in an hour than Elladan is set to do all day, alone in a room with your…what are you two these days?"
"We are what we are meant to be." Rian said with a cool tone.
Erestor smiled, "Elladan has not extended anything beyond an official courting invitation yet?"
"How long did it take you to marry your wife, again?" Rian asked.
Erestor took one of the packs of letters in his arms and handed it to Rian, "Oh, look at that, I have just found more work for you."
Rian grabbed the pack of letters and hissed, "This is cruel."
Erestor said, "This is duty and this is your duty. Now, run along and answer politely the pointless inquiries from the various peoples who waste yards of parchment in writing to us about their lost cows and demonic squirrels."
"You would never be so condescending to Morwen." Rian said.
"Rian, Morwen has earned the right to insult me by the amount of work she has done for this realm." Erestor said, tone grim. "You, my dear, have been quite lax in your duties for some time which has added considerably to my own work load and kept me from seeing that wife you so clearly know took me so long to marry." Erestor patted the top of Rian's head, ignoring her attempt at a glare, "Go help Elladan before he tries to make a daring escape and breaks his leg again; three breaks in less than a year cannot be good."
"There is a reason your are known for your decidedly curt manner." Rian said.
"Ah, Rian, but I am respected." Erestor said as he left Rian to her own thoughts.
As Rian walked into the room Elladan held out his hand; four new paper cuts had emerged in the past five minutes.
The Lonely Mountain
Tirnion rested against the tree as he pressed a wet cloth to his eyes. It was a near wasteland up here in the rocks of the Lonely Mountain. Animals had fled long ago, knowing the way of the mountain meant the way to a dragon's dinner plate. Tirnion was an elf, he was an elf of Mirkwood, and with that came a certain perspective on dwarves but putting aside any cultural prejudices, Tirnion believed even the most objective of beings would state the dwarves were idiots for going into the mountain.
"What type of being willingly walks into a dragon's lair?" Galuverior asked.
"A greedy one." Claurion said. "Sure, Mithrandir states they are trying to reclaim their title of old, but this is clearly nothing but a treasure hunt. They could go to Moria if they so desired to revel in their ancient traditions."
"I believe even they would choose a dragon over a balrog." Golvien hissed as she threw a pack at Claurion. "Honestly, you have no sense."
"Oh, dear archer, why are you not on the river banks?" Claurion asked as he flicked Golvien's quiver.
Golvien smiled at him, "Oh, dear captain's sister-husband, why are you not cowering in a room in Mirkwood?"
"Tirnion, do you ever wonder which Vala you've angered so much to be saddled with such troops?" Galuverior inquired as he passed a skin of water to the elf.
"Often." Tirnion muttered. "Though I could be like that poor hobbit, in between a group of dwarves and a dragon."
"Hardly an admirable position." Galuverior agreed as he sat down. "It is nearly winter."
"Another year upon us." Tirnion said. "Has the time truly gone so quickly?"
"A new year soon upon us;" Galuverior restated. "I wonder what it will bring."
"I wonder if we will see it." Claurion said. "It is only becoming more dangerous."
"It is our duty while we play protectors of the realm." Tirnion said. "We should start our march closer to the gates." He stood up and began to gather his items.
"I would like it noted for the historical record, I think this is a bad idea." Claurion said while he rolled up the ropes.
"Your words have been noted; let us pray we do not all burn." Galuverior stated helping one of the newer recruits put away their bed roll.
"Seidron has finally re-gained all movement in his limbs." Golvien said as she threw her pack onto her back.
"That is hardly encouraging." Galuverior replied.
Tirnion moved ahead of the group with a smile on his face. The party was currently being led by one of Berenon's trainees. His name escaped Tirnion, but the elf seemed capable enough. It was a moment later that Tirnion felt a chill go through him. The wind seemed to scream and the earth groaned. He followed the path of dead leaves swirling in the wind and his eyes widened as he saw a faint red and orange glow. Tirnion could smell the fire and quickly pulled the lead elf back before he could get burnt.
"The ignorant fools have gone and awoken the dragon!" Tirnion roared, all good humor leaving him.
"Hide!" Galuverior ordered.
The elves went diving for what little cover they could find; rocks, the few trees with leaves, the mountain sides. Cloaks were pulled tightly and weapons held at the ready. The group waited in tense silence until the smell of fire dissipated and the roar of the dragon faded. Down the path a weary pony ran, stumbling over its own hooves as it fled.
"At least a pony has managed to escape." Claurion whispered from Tirnion's side.
"Three, barely." Golvien said as she dropped down from a nearby tree.
"Three of what, fourteen?" Tirnion asked as he walked over to the wounded and frightened animals.
"Better singed tale than Smaug snack." Claurion said as he pressed hands on the nearest pony. The elf gestured to one of the younger recruits, "You there, head back to Lake-town and contact Legolas' party. Let them know the dwarves have awoken the dragon."
"Captain?" The elf asked Tirnion.
"Your heard your superior officer, go!" Tirnion barked out as he threw open the healing packs in attempt to heal what damage they could.
Claurion shook his head, "Elflings these days."
"Don't even know an order from a request." Galuverior grumbled. "The dragon is breathing fire out of the mountain and he waits for confirmation after his superior tells him to go?"
"We must have a word with Berenon about the training of his swordsmen." Golvien agreed. "This is ridiculous."
"Galuverior," Tirnion said, "go with him; take the others with you."
"Captain?" Galuverior asked.
"Lake-town will need all the aid we can offer and these ponies need off the mountain; Smaug knows their scent and will sure to find them." Tirnion said.
"Smaug has not yet left his lair." Galuverior noted.
"He may well soon." Tirnion said. "He has already flown around the mountain in search of a camp."
Galuverior nodded, "Then I will gather our troops and head down to Legolas' party."
"Thank you, Galuverior." Tirnion said as he stepped away from one of the ponies. He gave the animal's snot a quick pat before pushing it in Galuverior's direction.
"I am staying." Golvien said.
Tirnion sighed, "Golvien…"
"Perhaps you did not hear me." Golvien stated as she held Tirnion's face between her hands, '"I. Am. Staying."
"Apparently Golvien is staying." Claurion remarked.
"Apparently she is." Tirnion said. "I could charge you with in subornation." Tirnion told Golvien.
Golvien shrugged as she stepped away, "You would lose your most trusted archer."
"Right, Golvien is staying." Tirnion said. "Galuverior, you have command over the rest of the troops, please be gentle with those ponies."
"Yes, Captain." Galuverior said. "Live to see another Age, will you? I do not wish to face your mother's wrath."
Claurion smirked, "Rumor has it Tirnion's mother is the least you'll have to worry about. I heard Erestor's youngest daughter is.."
"Claurion!" Most of the elves exclaimed, while others began to laugh.
It was a bittersweet moment, this laughter amid the fear. Tirnion wished the other's elves well as they began the trek down the mountain, singing the songs of old, some for the first time since the Second Age.
Days had passed and the three elves still stayed at their posts, nervously waiting for what would happen next. Claurion was busy poking a small fire to roast what little meat they had while Golvien played a soft song on her flute. Tirnion sat between the two, needle and thread in hand as he tried to repair their cloaks.
Golvien's playing suddenly stopped as she cocked her head to the side. "What was that sound?" The she-elf asked.
"Only a crow." Claurion insisted, poking the flames again.
"If a crow had scales and breathed fire." Golvien stated as she gestured to the mountain.
Tirnion wrinkled his brow as he stared at the side the mountain which appeared to be shaking. Tirnion quickly snapped off the thread and stuffed the cloaks into his pack while he gestured for Claurion and Golvien to prepare themselves. Claurion doused the flames and Golvien pocketed her flute and grabbed out her bow, throwing her quiver over her shoulder.
Tirnion turned to Claurion as he felt a rumbling in the ground; the elves only had enough time to dive for shelter as Smaug screeched and raged, breaking rocks off the mountain itself as he flew into the rage and burst open the stone door. Shelter and safety were much more their priority than taking down a dragon. There was no glory in being burnt to death. Three elves could not take down a dragon; especially on a dragon's own land. As Smaug began to circle the other side of the mountain, Tirnion gestured for the elves to come out of hiding.
Golvien pulled back her hair, drenched with mud. "This does not bode well for us."
Claurion coughed, "That is one way of putting it; I would simply say we are neck deep in sh.."
"Claurion, really." Tirnion scolded. "Well, as the dragon has now left the premises I suggest we send messages to Lake-town and the halls of the King to inform him of our progress. We must stay here to keep watch on the mountain pass."
"We must?" Claurion asked.
"There are still dwarves, a hobbit, and a large treasure in that mountain." Tirnion said. "Whose wrath do you fear more, Thranduil's or the Smaug's."
"I'll take the dragon." Claurion muttered.
"Am I the only one able to see the sizeable hole that dragon just put in the side of the mountain?" Golvien asked.
"Dragon!" Claurion exclaimed as the elves dove for their shelter's again.
Smaug landed for a moment and each elf stopped breathing and silently begged the trees to cover their scent. Smaug did not circle this time, Tirnion could see the dragon readying itself to fly again. Tirnion braced himself against the roots of the trees and the rocks at the gust of wind from Smaug's take-off. He sent a swift prayer to the people who dwelt below the mountain; Smaug's rage would not be easily satisfied.
Tirnion shouted his orders over the wailing wind, "We must survive our stay here first. Smaug will return once he is done making the innocent people below pay for the activity within the Lonely Mountain."
"Any brilliant suggestions, captain?" Claurion yelled over the screaming winds.
"Take to the trees and run!" Tirnion ordered.
"Yes, I agree, now would be a good time to retreat." Claurion said.
"Really? How could you ever possibly imagine that?" Tirnion asked.
"Now, now, Tirnion. Your mother would tell you that while in the presence of an enraged dragon one should not be sarcastic." Claurion said.
"My mother would also tell me I would be more than justified if I sent a pesky warrior over a cliff." Tirnion muttered.
Claurion shook his head, "Such words for your family. Tsk tsk. Perhaps you need to take another decade long sojourn to Imladris."
"Claurion, please." Tirnion yelled.
Claurion smiled, "I only wonder if you would do much better there than…"
"Will you both quiet yourselves before you send us all to the Halls of Mandos?" Golvien spat. "I know not where you two would like to be at the end of this year, but I would like to be back in Mirkwood."
Claurion laughed, "We all know where Tirnion wants to be.."
"Claurion, so help me, I will throw you to that dragon myself." Tirnion spat.
"So help you both or I will throw you both there and laugh over your burnt corpses." Golvien shouted as she climbed up the trees and began her run.
"I think we've upset her." Claurion said as he also climbed up the branches.
Tirnion gave one last glance to the Lonely Mountain before following in their path. Something told him this was far from over.
Mirkwood
Thranduil had spent the past few days giving thanks to all the trees and winds and birds who had seen fit to deliver him the news of Smaug's flight and passing. Even a few moths had stopped to tell the tale. The oaks he was most grateful to, for they had brought him the news of Golvien, Claurion and Tirnion's well-being as they quickly made their way to Lake-town by passing through the trees.
"They say the dragon devastated Lake-town." Tangwen whispered, standing beside the Woodland king.
"Dragons know nothing but devastating destruction." Thranduil humorlessly laughed, "They are not known for their small-scale damage."
"What do you wish for us to do next?" Tangwen asked.
"We will go to Lake-town." Thranduil said, leaning against his balcony.
"Thranduil?" Tangwen asked.
"What little help we can offer, we must." The Elvenking smirked, "Of course, we must also go to the mountain itself."
"You told the council we were headed straight to the mountain as the dwarves must surely be dead." Tangwen reminded him of the day's earlier meeting.
"Do your doubt your son's skill so much?" Thranduil asked while he reached a hand up to his head and took off his crown.
Tangwen sighed as she removed his robes of state, "Why must you live-up to your bad reputation?"
"Fear and respect are two very powerful things, Tangwen." Thranduil answered her. "Fear tends to come easier in these times. I want to know the dragon is dead and I want to meet the person who brought it down. I'm sure Seidron would like a piece of its hide for mere revenge."
"His wife probably wants more of that dragon's hide than Seidron does." Tangwen said. "I know we've compensated the family for the lost wages but they still live on the outskirts of our land and are in constant need of protection."
Thranduil began to change into his riding clothes as he said, "I have tried to move them into the palace but his wife is very stubborn and refuses to leave."
"You could order them to move." Tangwen offered.
"I would not tempt the wrath of that woman." Thranduil answered, typing up his outer jerkin.
Thranduil turned to the door as a knock resounded through his study. "Enter." He ordered.
A page stood before him, "Balanauth is here to speak with you, my liege."
"Send him in." Thranduil stated, ignoring Tangwen's confused look.
Balanauth strode into the room, already quite comfortable in his new surroundings. Thranduil was happy to note that the greens and browns of Mirkwood suited his color, though the uniform was a bit tighter on his broader frame. The Noldor were not quite as slim as the wood elves, which may have been their reason for preferring to dwell on land than in the trees where one must be quite light-footed and swift.
"Yes?" Thranduil asked as Balanauth waited for him to speak.
"King Thranduil, your escort is ready along with the supplies you requested." Balanauth said. "If I may speak freely?" Balanauth asked.
"Of course." Thranduil said, holding up a hand to stop the indignant rant Tangwen was so clearly wanting to give.
"King Thranduil, the amount of supplies we are traveling with are certainly not enough to heal all of those injured." Balanauth said.
Thranduil nodded, "Balanauth, the supplies are, as you noted, only initial. I wish to see what the people of Lake-town and the surrounding areas have before I send off for more aid. What we bring is more a peace-offering to gain their permission and the access to the paths leading up to the mountain. A small group of well-trained warriors can easily go up to the mountain with no one the wiser. A battalion of elves however, are not so invisible." Thranduil gestured to the door, "Please make ready my horse, I will soon join you."
Balanauth nodded before turning to leave.
Thranduil waited for the door to close before saying, "Go ahead, Tangwen."
"Why do you even bother to waste my time and your breath in consulting with me if you are going to do what you so clearly desire anyway?" Tangwen asked. "Why do you even need me as a councilor?"
"Because I adore the lovely shade of red you turn when I anger you." Thranduil placed a hand on her shoulder, "If I gave you more time to think over this, you would insist on coming in full warrior regalia, if only to defend your son. I would not have the heart to turn you away, Tangwen, and I need you here. Berenon will face a very difficult situation and he will need your guidance."
"You will need at least one councilor with you to hold your tongue for you." Tangwen insisted.
"Arodeth is coming with me; she desired to tell you at the last moment. I did not want her to come." Thranduil said.
Tangwen let out a shuddering breath, "You will bring my daughter back safely, Thranduil. I know my son is at risk and that you cannot help as his position aids him, but you will protect my daughter as if she was one of your own."
"She is like one of my own." Thranduil promised. "I will watch over her, and Tirnion, and I will order Legolas to do so as well." Thranduil embraced Tangwen. "Keep my home safe, old friend. And for Eru's sake, keep those horrible nobles away from my son."
"I will fend them off with a sword." Tangwen promised. "Now go, you should not waste any time in these situations."
"I would not dream of it." Thranduil insisted, leaving Tangwen in the room as he hurried down the hall to give his farewells to Berenon. Thranduil could not help the smile which spread across his face. It had been many years since he had rode out of the wood. It would be good to see another land again, even in such dark times.
Elrond closed his eyes for a brief moment as the pathway to his river valley revealed itself. He muttered thanks to the nature surrounding him, as he often did. It was the graciousness of their spirit which first led him to this sanctuary in the midst of all the fighting. Imladris was his true home from then on. From the rock and the river, the deep cut of the valley and the acres of trees, he had made his home. A place of peace for anyone of good heart and mind that found themselves in as desperate need of a safe haven as he once was.
Many things had changed since the foundations of Imladris were begun. Cirdan was still his mentor, as he always had been, the elf his father and grandfather adored. Yet the elves who were closest to him in the Second Age were now gone, replaced by two upstarts who held no true rank in Lindon that once was. Erestor, descended from a House of Gondolin, whose father had escaped the city in pursuit of his own true love. Glorfindel, an elf unlike any other, who quietly arrived on a boat with harsh words for the High-King. Erestor, a librarian and scribe with a smart mouth and Glorfindel, an elf who claimed to be the Glorfindel of legend though only Cirdan could confirm it was truly Glorfindel. Even so early in the Second Age, only a handful of survivors of Gondolin still dwelt on Arda. Their descendants, yes, but the loss of their city, their queen, their beloved lords, had sent many fleeing back to Aman at their first chance.
Erestor became his advisor; Glorfindel became everything Erestor was not. In truth, Glorfindel was their ambassador. Few disliked the elf and those who did kept it to themselves, with the notable exception of two or three elves. What the elf lacked in politics he made up in charm.
Elrond's eyes traveled over the trees, evergreen and much different from the woods he traveled from. He had left many of those close to his heart in Lothlorien, but he could not dwell there any longer. Imladris was his home; a home he helped build. He knew others could handle the realm and despite all comments to the contrary, Elladan was more than capable. Many thought him a fool but Elrond knew well how much more there was to his eldest son, all his children really. There was a darkness in Elladan and in Elrohir, a mark left from the shock of Celebrian's lost. While Elrohir continued to pull into himself, Elladan became even more determined to make others smile.
As he neared the gates, his escort trailing behind him, Elrond gestured for his guard to ride ahead. Elrond dismounted and led his horse to the stables. He stood for a moment to breathe in the air and the sound of the rushing water. He kept his eyes closed even as he sensed an elf drawing near. He stood still as a grown elven body hurled itself into his back.
"I am delighted to see you again as well, Elladan." Elrond murmured into his son's hair.
"Father…how…so much paperwork…my hands, father, my hands." Elladan said as he held out both palms.
Elrond looked at his son's hands. Normally they would be full of calluses from the bow and the sword and scratches from the trees. Now both hands were decorated with a myriad of paper cuts. Elrond took his son's hands in his own and let a small bit of his healing power take away the sting for the moment.
"Why did you not ask one of the healers to find something to treat all these small cuts." Elrond asked.
"I only ever ask you, Glorfindel, or Elrohir." Elladan said.
"Elladan, you do know the other healers, do you not?" Elrond asked.
Elladan looked to the side, "Father, you must admit my time spent in the healing halls has been little at best. There are always apprentices coming and going; there are elves, there are humans, honestly I cannot keep track of them all."
"How did you have your cast removed then?" Elrond asked, gesturing to his son's finally free leg.
"Oh," Elladan said as he glanced down, "Thandrog did that. Said it was similar to taking one off a dog."
Elrond pinched his brow for only a moment, hardly surprised at his eldest son's actions. "Elladan, you are certainly unique."
"If I was on patrol and I had to have my cast removed by a fellow soldier and no trained healers were around, who would be the best choice to remove my cast?" Elladan asked.
"Excluding Glorfindel, Erestor, Morwen, all the march-wardens of Lothlorien, mariners of the Havens, human.." Elrond began to list.
"Father." Elladan flatly stated.
Elrond smiled, "I suppose Thandrog would be a logical choice."
"Perfectly logical." Elladan said.
Elrond smiled as he placed an arm around his son's shoulders, "Imladris is still standing, so I take it your reign over her went well."
"I had lots of help." Elladan said. "Erestor is very efficient, almost unhealthy so. When is the last time he was without duties?"
"I believe it was around Eluialeth's birth. Erestor does not know what to do with himself if a quill is not in his hand. Order and efficiency please him." Elrond walked up the steps and passed through the first archway, "Though perhaps it is time for him to leave us for a little while. I must confess, I feel guilty for being remiss in my own duties for so long."
"You enjoy all that correspondence?" Elladan asked.
"Letters fascinate me; the words a person uses, the style they write in, the language, how they write. So much can be gleaned about a person when you study their letters. Granted, it is only a small part of them, but a valuable part." Elrond said.
"The only thing I sense is a distinct focus on pointless commodities such as syrup." Elladan muttered.
"Ah, but there it is. A commodity. A luxury good. The use of which and the trade of which, signals a prospering city which can either afford to purchase the syrup or afford to produce it." Elrond informed his son while he waved greetings to all those stopping by to see him.
Elladan shook his head, "Nothing really is so simple."
"Did you honestly believe Morwen spent all her days merely writing platitudes to people all over Arda?" Elrond asked.
"I always felt it was threats more than platitudes." Elladan said. "There have been plenty of threats sent her way."
"Pardon?" Elrond asked in concern.
"Threats to Morwen; one of the new pages passed them off to me not knowing where they should go. Thandrog took them though, said Glorfindel would wish to see them first." Elladan said.
Elrond whispered, "So it begins again; they go after one to go after us all."
"Father?" Elladan asked, a hand on Elrond's shoulder.
"Nothing for you to worry about, Elladan. Someone in Morwen's position often receives these things. I am certain even Eluialeth has her fair share." Elrond assured him.
"She probably saves them as signs of her success." Elladan said.
"As efficient as her father, is she not?" Elrond asked.
"Well, yes," Elladan said, "and no. I think Eluialeth is distracted by something but with Morwen gone…"
"She knows not who to turn to." Elrond said.
"May I suggest you send her to Lothlorien?" Elladan asked.
"A lovely idea." Elrond agreed as he held open the door to this study.
Elrond sat behind his desk and closed his eyes as he reacquainted himself with the familiar smells of parchment and ink, the feel of his chair, the sounds of laughter, and singing, and the loud voice of the Bruinen. It truly was good to be home again and to see everything was normal. Elrond watched Erestor, his own eyes flashing with amusement, as Erestor paced back and forth and stated the events which had occurred in Elrond's absence.
"Despite his reaction and relief at your return, Elladan did well for his time alone." Erestor said.
"Any situations to handle?" Elrond asked.
"A group of humans whose home was leveled by orcs requested temporary shelter from us." Erestor said. "Elladan placed them in the wing we have reserved for our refugee guests, sent healers and food to them and even now has a team out building a new home for the families closer to the valley. Eluialeth determined the allocation of the resources for the project."
"The second generation does begin to form." Elrond muttered.
"Where are the others?" Erestor asked.
"Glorfindel well be retuning briefly to relieve Thandrog for a week or so, but he will soon set out again to Lothlorien after that. I think he fears Morwen will march to Mirkwood on her own if he leaves her unguarded for too long." Elrond said.
"Now that Elladan is in better health he will be able to assist Thandrog." Erestor stated.
"Indeed. Which is why when Glorfindel returns to the Golden Wood you will be going with him." Elrond said.
Erestor slapped his ledger closed, "Elrond…"
"Your daughter misses you; take the whole family." Elrond said.
"My Lord, you cannot….."
"Erestor, Imladris will not fall if you are not within her halls." Elrond said.
Erestor bowed his head in defeat, "Faeleth will not go, she has many things to do with the coming of Mid-Winter."
Elrond nodded, "You will still be quite able to travel then, as will Eluialeth."
"Will you recall Elrohir?" Erestor asked. "You will be in need of more assistance than Faeleth and Elladan can provide."
"Elrohir and Estel, yes. I believe Gilraen needs more time to herself." Elrond stated.
Erestor started, "Mother's are often not…"
"The Dunedain sons often spend their adolescent years away from their mothers. Gilraen knows this and has even asked me if I would be sending Estel on his year away from his family home soon." Elrond replied.
"That race has an extended lifespan, why do they hurry so quickly to adulthood?" Erestor pondered.
"What other choice do they have, Erestor? They live a harsh life." Elrond sighed, "But I do not wish to see Estel become a young man so soon. Still, it would be a dishonor to him and the ways of the his people if I tried to keep him our little human an elfling much longer."
"He has an advanced mind, even for an elf. His scholarly training and healer training is above average for one of his age." Erestor remarked.
"His weapons training and his time in the Wild is not." Elrond said.
"Glorfindel will not be here to train him if he is to return to Lothlorien." Erestor said.
"I believe I still know how to wield a sword." Elrond said.
Erestor sighed, "Draft the order to recall them and I will send it out with one of the messenger birds."
Elrond smiled again, "I thank you, my loyal friend."
"I am forever in your debt as you saved me from the wrath of Cirdan." Erestor replied.
Elrond's smile was bright, "I knew then you would be the greatest of councilors; you put aside all sense of awe and propriety over the fact you knew well you were correct."
"So that's what did it then?" Erestor asked, standing in the doorway.
"Who else could I have to help forge my own realm?" Elrond asked.
Erestor smiled, "I am, of course, the best in that respect." The Chief Councilor said as he left Elrond to his writing.
Lothlorien
Glorfindel stood in the entrance of the library and watched as Morwen poured over volume after volume of elven written work. He dropped his traveling pack inside the library and moved toward the she-elf who was deeply engrossed in her study.
Glorfindel sat beside Morwen and kissed her temple. "Have you decided to order new clothing?" Glorfindel studied the patter in front of Morwen, "Or rather ancient clothing for a male elf?"
"I am trying to discern the meaning behind a tunic Elladan asked Arwen to make. I know I've seen the designs somewhere before but I am not certain where." Morwen answered, the annoyance clear in her tone.
Glorfindel's gaze returned to the illustrations and felt a wide smile grace his face. "Has Elladan spoken of this to you?"
Morwen placed down her book in a bit of frustration. "No he has not." She stated. "I do not know why."
"Perhaps he fears that if he makes his desires and hopes verbally known bad luck will come his way." Glorfindel closed the book in front of Morwen and pulled it away. "Do not study this anymore. Trust Elladan to tell you when he needs to tell you. It will be an insult to your friendship if you do this without his consent."
"Truly?" Morwen asked.
"Yes." Glorfindel said. "Did you find anything else of interest in your studies?"
Morwen opened her mouth to reply but stopped as a shy smile came over her lips. Reaching a hand up, she pulled his hair back and studied his ears.
"I thought so." Morwen whispered.
"Pardon?" Glorfindel asked as he repeated his Morwen actions, eyes briefly resting on the earrings Tirnion gifted her with many mid-winters ago.
Morwen held out a slim volume which claimed to be a definitive source on battle-wear of the First Age. Glorfindel's breath caught but Morwen quickly opened the small book to a marked page depicting the simple jewelry worn by a soldier of the Noldor.
"In my day," Glorfindel smiled, "the first time around, we would wear armor with our house insignias and colors, this you know, but we would also all wear earrings such as those; elaborate creations, each unique to the individual and to their station, with the uniformity being somewhere in the metal or the color. It was the best way to designate friend from foe and when the earring did not match with the armor, it was a clear an enemy was amongst us. Even earlier they were used to designate one race of elf from another."
"The kin-slayings?" Morwen asked.
"Yes." Glorfindel answered, his throat tight.
"Not a very common practice these days." Morwen remarked. "The piercing of ears or any elf."
"If you wandered on to a large battlefield, I assure you, you would see something along similar lines." Glorfindel laughed, "I eagerly await the day when it comes time for Elladan and Elrohir to participate in this time honored tradition."
"You just want to be the needle wielding villain." Morwen said.
"I believe it is a just reward for all the things they have done to me." Glorfindel said.
"Who has done what to you?" Galueth asked as she entered the room, Rilasseth and Arwen at her sides.
"The twins." Glorfindel stated while he looked the group over. "Has the library become the meeting room?"
"Haldir is all up in proper arms at the fact Rilasseth is carrying a child of royal blood." Arwen said.
Rilasseth nodded, "I did not think it would be proper to throw such a beloved elf off a talan, therefore.."
"Haldir does not often stray into the library." Galueth explained.
"Why doesn't that surprise me?" Morwen asked, dodging the scolding tap from Glorfindel's hand.
"One day you and Haldir will be forced to reach a level of civility." Glorfindel said.
"And on that day the whole of Arda will be swallowed by the seas and none shall life to tell such a tale." Arwen stated. She sat down beside Morwen, "No one would believe such a fanciful thing."
"What did Haldir do to you anyway?" Rilasseth asked.
"Existed." Morwen answered.
Rilasseth laughed, "Ah, such a horrible crime."
Glorfindel shook his head before kissing Morwen's forehead, "I should be on my way."
"Where are you going?" Arwen asked.
"Back to Imladris for a few days. Galadriel has letters she wishes only for Elrond's eyes and does not dare to risk far speaking as she does not know who could be listening." Glorfindel said.
Galueth wrinkled her brow, "She suspects the white wizard as well?"
"Grandmother clearly doesn't trust him." Arwen stated.
"Arwen, the only living being Galadriel trusts is Celeborn and I am not certain if that is all the time." Glorfindel answered.
Their conversation halted as Orophin bounded into the room, "As my wife has ordered my appearance the second news of Mirkwood arrived, I am here to deliver it." Orophin took a deep breath, "Smaug has flown from the mountain setting all of Lake-town a flame."
"What of the patrols on the Lonely Mountain?" Glorfindel asked.
"Alive; despite Smaug's best attempts to squash them, set them on fire, blow them to the four corners and kill them with falling stone as Smaug knocked holes in the mountain."
"Tirnion?" Morwen asked.
"He is safe, last word Thranduil received. They are going to Lake-town, a whole delegation. Thranduil wished to assure for himself Smaug has died." Orophin informed them.
"I am certain the treasure has nothing to do with it." Glorfindel muttered and then flinched as Morwen dug an elbow into his side.
Rilasseth sighed, "Berenon returned to Mirkwood safely?"
Orophin smiled, "Completely safe. The whole party arrived without a scratch on them."
"Good." Rilasseth breathed deep, "That is very good. Lovely. I think I need to go lie down."
"Orophin." Galueth said, "Will you…"
"Of course." Orophin said as he held an arm out to Rilasseth, "I know a lovely glade to rest in; lots of flowers and the soothing sound of water."
Arwen nodded, "It is one of my favorites places, quite beautiful at night." She dropped a hastily written letter into Glorfindel's lap, "For Elladan."
"Noted." Glorfindel replied.
"Thank you." Rilasseth said to Orophin as she allowed herself to be escorted from the library.
Once Orophin was gone Glorfindel, message in hand, turned to Morwen and ordered, "You will stay here."
"I will stay here." Morwen said.
"You will not ride to Mirkwood, Lake-town, the Lonely Mountain or any other place in that vicinity." Glorfindel said.
"I will not ride to Mirkwood, Lake-town, the Lonely Mountain or any other place in that vicinity nor will I be dictated to like a child." Morwen stated.
Glorfindel shrugged, "I am only being so precise as your mind is deviously intelligent in working out arguments and you would find a way to assure me you did not ride to any of those mentioned destinations but will stay close enough to be…"
"Glorfindel, Berenon asked me to offer my companionship to Rilasseth. I am not abandoning a pregnant elf to the likes of Haldir." Morwen said.
"Oh. Right." Glorfindel replied.
"Honestly, you would think I was still an infant." Morwen muttered.
"You are not a child; you simply go to extremes when your loved ones are threatened." Glorfindel said.
Morwen snorted, "As you so maintain the perfect amount of calm and decorum."
"I am always level headed." Glorfindel said, choosing to ignore the snorts so elegantly performed by both Arwen and Galueth. "I must leave now."
"Try not to get yourself killed." Morwen said as she turned back to her research.
"Try not to run off into danger." Glorfindel said as he briefly kissed her. "And please, try to be civil towards Haldir."
"He almost pushed Curunir off a talan and then almost pushed him into a river. I may even be nice to Haldir." Morwen said.
"You must not do that, he'd die of the shock." Glorfindel said. "Arwen, Galueth, I will see you both again soon."
With those final words, Glorfindel picked up his pack and left the room, hurrying through the various trees to the stables in the distance.
"You arrived sooner than expected." Elrond said as he followed Glorfindel into his chamber. Indeed, Glorfindel had arrived early and in a flurry bearing ill tidings of what was coming.
"Hwit seemed well aware we have much to do and little time in which to do it." Glorfindel said as he threw his pack onto his bed.
"I thought you were staying for a week." Elrond remarked.
"I would not even stay for a night if the horse was not in need of rest." Glorfindel said, smiling at the chamber maids who entered the room with warm water, towels, and soap.
"Is the situation becoming so grave that rapidly?" Elrond asked as he took a seat on the bed.
"Last message I received assured me that the wizards had cleared out Dol Guldur, but the wood elves were being attacked by the remnants. Smaug was brought down by a mortal man but Lake-town is burning and the dwarves are still in the mountain."
"How fares Mr. Baggins?"
"Thranduil never saw him but the elves of Mirkwood sensed his spirit. They know he left when the dwarves escaped and that is all they know." Glorfindel paused as he washed his hands and face. "Galadriel's has tightened the patrols on her borders in case any orc becomes desperate enough to stray into her wood. Arwen is safe."
"What of Morwen?" Elrond asked.
"She desires to offer her aid, of course." Glorfindel said.
"I am surprised you left her there to her own devices." Elrond said.
Glorfindel patted his face dry and began to wash the dust out of his hair, "As Berenon was needed in his own realm and was not so eager to bring Rilasseth into a potential battle zone, he earned a promise out of Morwen to watch over his wife."
Elrond laughed, "And did you suggest Berenon seek such a promise?"
"I may have offered a few suggestions when he came to me with concerns over leaving his wife in an unfamiliar land."
Elrond shook his head, "Morwen will be livid when she figures such a thing out."
"Elrond, this is Morwen." Glorfindel stated.
"Ah, she already knows then." Elrond pulled out fresh clothes and began to clean out Glorfindel's pack. "All these Ages, Glorfindel, and you still keep you pack like the twins, which is to say far from neat."
"I was in a hurry." Glorfindel insisted.
Elrond laughed, "My friend, you must have been in a hurry your whole…"
"I noticed Elladan had his cast removed. Again." Glorfindel remarked, working the last bit of dirt and dust out of his hair.
"How goes the search for the permanent second-in-command?" Elrond asked.
"How goes your clearly receding hairline?" Glorfindel asked as he toweled his hair dry.
"As well as your clearly greying hair." Elrond stated.
"Half-elf." Glorfindel muttered.
"Supposedly re-born elf." Elrond shot back.
"I thought we settled this in the Second Age." Glorfindel said, about to lose control of his laughter.
"I have my moments of doubt." Elrond's smile was wide as he waited for Glorfindel to change into cleaner clothing. "Come have one last full meal before heading back on the road again. I know well how the lembas tastes."
"I know we are beings of a superior nature, but you would think they could have added some sort of spice to the mix after all this time." Glorfindel held open the door for Elrond "So are the rumors true? Is Erestor leaving his post for the first time in centuries?"
"Have the rumors spread that rapidly?" Elrond asked.
"I knew before I entered the stables. You've sent the trees into an uproar." Glorfindel said.
"Erestor needs to see his daughter." Elrond insisted.
"Eluialeth needs to see Tirnion." Glorfindel laughed, "I never thought I'd see you play matchmaker again."
Elrond said, "The first time did not end so badly; Lindir's eyebrows grew back, did they not?"
"Elladan has commissioned his sister to make an official tunic of betrothal, did you know that?" Glorfindel asked.
"I did not." Elrond smiled. "How did you know?"
"Apparently Elladan has been sneaking into the library under our very eyes. He sent the pattern to Arwen and she has been fashioning it, completely unaware of its meaning. Morwen has finally located the pattern but has not yet discerned it."
"Elladan has not told her?" Elrond asked, surprised.
"I wonder if Elladan has even told Elrohir." Glorfindel stated.
Elrond laughed, "I hope he is able to keep some mystery around his betrothal ceremony."
"Unlike you who had to commission Celebrian herself to make your tunic." Glorfindel said with a sly smile.
"How was I to know Laeriel skills were so utterly dismal in that respect?" Elrond asked through his chuckles.
The elves continued to reminisce about their past as in another wing of the house, a future was being forged.
Eluialeth sat on her bed and stared out into the sky for countless hours. Ever since Glorfindel came riding into Imladris bearing the grim news from the East, Eluialeth could do nothing but stare in that direction. Eluialeth had found it quite hard to sleep these past few weeks, much less articulate what she was feeling.
She needed….in all honesty she needed Morwen. It did not feel proper bringing such concerns to her mother but Morwen, she would know how to sort out Eluialeth's jumbled mind. It was, after all, what she did best, finding the peace in the chaos.
She did not remembering hearing a knock on her door or giving permission to enter but all too soon she found her father sitting beside her.
Eluialeth smiled as Erestor and took her hands into his own.
"I am traveling to Lothlorien at the request of both your mother and my own desires. You will come with me." Erestor stated.
"Father.." Eluialeth began to say.
"You will be far too worried about Tirnion if you stay here. In Lothlorien your sister and Morwen will gladly distract you and you will hear news of the battles more quickly than you would here." Erestor said.
"Tirnion is not the only elf I am worried about." Eluialeth said while she leaned into his father's tight embrace.
"Of course he isn't, my darling." Erestor whispered. "He is a good elf, he will make a good husband."
"Father!" Eluialeth protested.
Erestor held up a hand, "I am merely stating for the record my opinion of Tirnion."
Eluialeth shook her head, "It is not needed for any reason which you are insinuating."
Erestor straightened up, "Eluialeth, it is perfectly normal for you to experience such feelings.."
"There are no feelings." Eluialeth said.
"Your current reaction shows there are, indeed, feelings." Erestor remarked.
"Do not work your councilor knowledge on me." Eluialeth insisted.
"Eluialeth, consider this: It took Galueth over a century to tell me of her feelings in regards to Orophin, it took her even longer to convince me to give my consent to her marriage and I am still debating over whether or not I approve of Orophin. Tirnion, I have approved of and trusted within the first fortnight of knowing him. My approval is given if something should happen the next time you two discus…squirrels." Erestor said.
"Father, we discuss squirrels." Eluialeth said.
Erestor shrugged, "If that is what the youth call it these days then I suppose…"
"Father, we discuss squirrels." Eluialeth muttered for a second time.
Erestor patted her shoulder as he stood up. "We leave with the night. Glorfindel is eager to return, something about not trusting Morwen as far as she can shoot an arrow."
"Morwen is not allowed to shoot arrows." Eluialeth said, confused at the phrase.
Erestor smiled, "Exactly." He kissed the top of Eluialeth's head. "Pack only the essentials. Galadriel will be more than generous with us."
Eluialeth nodded as she watched her father go. Her eyes strayed over to her desk and she began to pull out the annals for Celebrian, a favored journal, and the packet which contained all her correspondence with Tirnion. Pressing her fingers gently over the often-read letters she whispered a prayer to the Valar. Elves could be fearsome creatures, as could dwarves. A dragon, a hoard of gold, and the cursed pride on both sides could only end violently. Reaching deeper into her desk she pulled out her first copy of the lore of the First and Second Ages. It was a copy her own father had penned early in the Third Age, eager to get as much knowledge down as possible before time blocked those memories. When she asked him about his life during those earlier years, he had simply handed her this book; the writing style and penmanship far too informal to be added to the library. She had always glanced through the work, never taking the time to settle down and read it from end to end. Quickly she added it to the pile of things for her pack; if it could not entertain her on this journey, it could help her understand the motivations behind what was currently taking place in Mirkwood and the Lonely Mountain. To Eluialeth such actions seemed so pointless.
A/N 1: Sorry for the major delay, just a lot of real life issues. As always spoiler scenes and additional series can be found on the lj if you're dying for something in-between updates.
A/N 2: Thanks
Anonomyss, Glad to know you love the story! There's only two more chapters to go and then this part of the series will finally be done. Sorry for the delay!
As this site is currently not accepting any of my new documents, all updates will be on the writing lj (see my profile).