While we were at Mithlond, we had been contacted by King Bain. It was shocking, in a way. He was an elderly dwarf now. It was the way of things however.
He contacted us, to ask for our help. It turns out that an expedition to the Grey Mountains, returned a few weeks ago.
They had been sent, about five years ago, to ascertain if the mountains would make a suitable home. They intended on delving a new home there.
The problem was, the population of Khazad-dûm was rapidly expanding. In fact, they now had a population of nearly one hundred and twenty thousand.
While extremely pleased, the dwarves were as always, worried about sustainability. Therefore, they had decided on settling in the Grey Mountains.
To be honest, I'm not sure why the dwarves don't just expand the upper levels of Khazad-dûm. As things stand now, unbeknownst to the dwarves, the situation has changed.
The ents won't look kindly towards the dwarves for cutting down trees from their newly expanded forest. That unfortunately leaves us with a dilemma.
Draco and I, have come to a solution however. It's not ideal, but we don't have a choice. From my understanding, the Grey Mountains aren't a single continuous edifice of stone.
There are valleys there. Which means that trees can be grown there. The trees that are there currently, don't grow in sufficient numbers to sustain a dwarven city.
That leaves us with no choice but to plant trees and then accelerate their growth. We don't have much time though.
From Mithlond to Khazad-dûm, it takes nearly six months of travel. From there, it will take a further three to travel to the Grey Mountains. That is on horseback however.
A day after we left the company of the elves, Draco transforms and heads towards Orthanc. He will gather seeds for trees and then he will fly northwards.
I will buy him some time. Before I go to Khazad-dûm, I intend on making a brief stop at Imladris. Both to see how things are going, but also to deliver more potion to them.
The journey towards the elven realm passes by slowly it seems. I miss Draco so I'm very lethargic and at the same time, I'm delayed by the many people who have waylaid me.
Turns out that there are many stories of mine and Draco's exploits, told by the people of Arnor. So excitable people stop and question me every day of my journey.
Thus it takes me five months, to reach Imladris. I must have been scouted from a distance because a party of elven riders approach me, just before I reach the Bruinen.
They all look very young and it's proven by how happily they greet me. Thus accompanied, we cross the river and head towards the house of Elrond.
There I'm heartily received. Privately, I'm amused. This is a far cry from the treatment we received the first time that Draco and I came here.
" Welcome, once again to Imladris, Eladar. I hope you will find your stay pleasant. What brings you to our to the western side of Middle Earth? " As Lord Elrond speaks, he leads me to his study.
Inside, is a surprise. An elleth that I've never met before, but who's identity I can guess. I'm proven correct, when she's introduced to me. There's a wide, proud smile on Elrond's face.
" This is my youngest daughter, Eärwen. Named for her grandmother's mother. My daughter, this is our friend, Eladar the Red Wizard. "
She is aptly named. For she, just like her mother, grandfather and great grandmother, possesses hair the colour of silver.
She is the only one of Elrond's children that has inherited to their mother's locks. She must therefore be all the more dear to her father. I bow my head slightly to her then.
" We are well met indeed, Lady Eärwen. I am glad to see that your father's family has grown and indeed Imladris is all the better for it. "
She laughs and then the three of us make inconsequential small talk. I inform them that I won't be staying long. Only about a week, before I head to Khazad-dûm.
The next couple of days are gladly spent. The slightly somber air that hung about this place, when we were here years ago, is gone.
Laughter and music rings in the air. There's a lightness. It makes the elves seem even more fair. Lady Celebrían and her children gladly keep me company during the day.
It's from them that I learn the state of this settlement. Turns out that despite the fact that two hundred of them left with Galadriel, there are about three thousand elves in the valley now.
On the fourth day of my stay, I brew a batch of the fertility potion. While Draco is a master, I am competent in the art of brewing.
The elves are delighted. Not that I'm surprised. There has been peace since the destruction of Angmar. The rebuilding of the Kingdom of Arnor also means that the elves don't have to shoulder the burden of protecting the north anymore.
Some of the younger elves have gotten a bit restless but the older ones have told them to enjoy the years of peace.
I've made too much potion though. That's deliberate. I fill the remaining potion into brand new waterskins. I request that Lord Elrond sends the potion to Mithlond.
He's only too happy to comply. Once things are settled again, I head out. Cheering elves lead me out of the valley. I laugh and wave as I leave southwards.
I'd been debating on whether to send the horses back to Orthanc, but in the end, I took them with me. So, three weeks after leaving Imladris, I came upon the West Gate of Khazad-dûm.
" Mellon. " The doors opened seamlessly. I dismounted and led the horses inside. This part of the city was dusty and disused, the first time that we came through this way.
It's very different now. The stonework is gleaming and torches line the passageways. As I'm admiring the masonry, I hear movement.
I turn away from the walls and see two guards rushing towards me. They hold their fists to their chests and I return the gesture. " Welcome Baraz, the King is expecting you. "
They lead me towards the throne room then. On the way, more dwarves come and they lead the horses away.
As always, the immensity of this city takes my breath away. There is no city that is or was, that can compare on Middle Earth.
A few minutes later, we reach the throne room. It takes longer still, to reach the throne at the end. Such is it's scale.
Once at the foot of the dais, I bow and then look upon the King. His beard has turned white now and age is very apparent.
Still, within his posture, there's still that strength that he had in his youth. I smile. " Hail Bain, son of Durin, King of Khazad-dûm. "
The smile is returned. " Welcome once again Baraz, friend of Durin's Folk. As always, you come when aid is required. Where is Lukhudûn though? I thought you always travelled together. "
I laugh then. " He is more diligent than I am, my friend. He has already set out towards the mountain. To help you grow a forest, to support the new settlement. "
Khazad-dûm itself has no need for such aid. Trees grow in multitudes, in the land of Eregion, which borders this mountain.
Despite what the ents think, the dwarves are aware of the risks posed by deforestation. Therefore they do regularly plant new saplings.
I explain to King Bain, exactly what it is that the ents and elves have done, with regards to forest expansion.
He surprisingly doesn't get angry. Then again, he is pragmatic and he's no hypocrite. The dwarves themselves after all, are expanding their holdings.
He says as much. " I can understand their want for more living space. Truly. My brother is after all, expanding the Halls of Gundabad. "
" The only reason that we don't do it here, is because Khazad-dûm is immense already. What's more, my people have more of an interest in delving downwards, than upwards. "
" It worries me slightly, for there has long been whispers of horrors within the deeps of the world. We have no choice however. Mithril must be mined. It is the only thing, other than iron and copper, that is found in these mountains. "
" Then there's the blasted goblins. They have infested the natural caverns beyond my realm. Fortunately, they are little threat to us. "
" The success of the reclaiming of Gundabad, as well as the expanding population here, have made many of the younger dwarves restless. "
" They wish to see the wider world and settle in a new home. I requested your and Lukhudûn's aid, because there are rumours about the sightings of wyrms and fire drakes in the north. "
" Is there any way to keep them away from the holdings of my people? " I frown at his request. I don't tell him what I really think.
That the dwarves would be safe from dragons, if they didn't hoard their wealth like they do. Not only that, the main entrances to their cities, are unnecessarily large and grandiose.
If their entrances were dwarf sized and better fortified, no dragon or orc would be able to enter. Of course, it's not as if I can say that to him. I sigh mentally.
" There is nothing that can be done, which can hold them out indefinitely. The gates of Gondolin were created using all the knowledge of the Ñoldor, yet that did not prevent dragons from overcoming them. "
" Thus, I should warn you, any spells that we cast, will be worn down by time, as well as direct assault by dragon fire. "
Surprisingly, he looked relieved. " Even that, would be a great boon to my people, Baraz. Any help that you can offer, would be appreciated. Indeed, it would set my heart at ease, for my son Bor, will rule the new stronghold. "
Thereafter, we trade more pleasantries and I then head towards the guest accommodations to rest. That night, a great feast is held, attended by thousands of dwarves.
I stay for about a week, but once it becomes clear that it will take a few months for the dwarves to depart, I take my leave of Khazad-dûm, telling Prince Bor that I'll meet them at the Grey Mountains.
I set out then and head towards the elven realms. I avoid Lothlórien and head straight to Caras Galadhon, which is the city ruled by Celeborn and Galadriel.
It takes three weeks of travel, after leaving the mountain, to reach it. Once I leave the treeline and look upon Amon Lanc, my breath is knocked away.
The mallorn trees are fully grown now and they are breathtaking. Truly, there is no forest that compares. The trees themselves are perfectly smooth, with silver bark.
The leaves are green on top and silver on the underside. The blossoms are gold. They soar into the sky. I'd say that the very tallest, is about four hundred feet or about a hundred and twenty one metres tall.
As I cross the new bridge that the elves have built, I see more details. Exquisitely crafted Telain and spiralling stairs, made of white wood and adorned with silver, are upon the trees.
Our elven city within the walls of Angrenost, look like rude hovels compared to what I see here. The rubble of what was once Dol Guldur, have been used to make a large wall, encircling the hill.
A green moss grows on top of it, so it appears as if it's natural. A massive gate stands at the end of the bridge. It's open though and a dozen elves stand guard.
They gladly greet me. They say that scouts informed them of my passage through the forest. One of them then leads the horses away while another, leads me to their leaders.
I'm led to the tallest mallorn tree and then we begin climbing. As we do, I can further make out the incredible detail in the carvings.
Before long, I enter onto a large platform at the base of the largest Telain. A small palace more like it. It's about twice the size of Lord Elrond's home. My lips twitch.
I look upwards then. Just in time to see King Celeborn and Queen Galadriel descending the stairs. For that is who they are now. The King and Queen of this realm.
Both are wearing robes of purest white, inlaid with silver thread. Circlets of mithril adorn both of their heads. I bow my head then.
They both smile. Celeborn speaks then. " Welcome to Caras Galadhon, Eladar, Elven Friend. We have much desired for you to see our realm in all it's splendour. "
" It is indeed beautiful. Fairer even than Lothlórien. I am glad to see that your people prosper under your leadership. "
Galadriel's laughter rings out then. She speaks next. " You flatter us. But truthfully, we live in bliss. Celeborn and I have long wished to have a realm of our own to rule. "
" We now have that. The laughter of elflings makes it all the more pleasurable. That is also thanks to you. "
" We are glad to see you, though I doubt that you came without purpose. You never do. " Now it was my turn to laugh. Nothing ever gets past her.
" Truthfully, I'm just passing through. I'm travelling north actually, with a host of dwarves. They wish to settle in the Grey Mountains. We are assisting them. "
" The stronger our allies are afterall, the better it is for us. " They nodded their heads in acquiescence. I was shown to a room and thereafter I went to the hotsprings.
All of my worries were simply washed away. Later on that night, a feast was thrown for me. I was glad, for the elven wine was simply delicious.
As usual, I enquired as to their population. I found out that there were now just over two and a half thousand elves living here. Of that number, about a thousand were now married.
The next day, true to form, I brewed the potion and gave it to the elves. I didn't stay long enough to see the results though, for I departed the next day.
I wasn't alone however. Prince Celebrindor had made a couple of friends in Las Galen, the realm of Thranduil and he wished to accompany me.
No guards accompanied him. For not only was he turning out to be a fine swordsman, this forest was well protected and patrolled. It was proven when two days later we came upon a group of ents.
They were young though so I didn't recognise them. They greeted us happily though and we spent the rest of the day talking to them in a clearing in the forest.
Two weeks later, we finally reached the realm of Thranduil. We were well received. I was amused at the looks of suspicion thrown at Celebrindor by Legolas.
A feeling that was shared by his mother. During dinner that night, she told me something interesting.
" I think that young Celebrindor has fallen for one of my daughters. That is why their elder brother is so vigilant. His father and I are very much amused. "
That's when said father speaks. " Indeed. It reminds me of my own youth. Chasing after a certain maiden, that denied my affection for centuries. "
The Queen's laughter rings out then. Her children look at her then, but she waves them off, smile still in place.
It always strikes me, the difference between what this place was like the first time we were here and what is like now.
The clearest example, is numbers. Here are eleven thousand elves, give or take, that live here. It is by far, the most populous elven realm.
This comes up in conversation with Thranduil, the next day. " Las Galen has certainly changed over the last few centuries. It seems that won't change any time soon. "
He has an amused look on his face. " It is fortunate then, that the dwarves of Khazad-dûm, have doubled the size of our home. For soon we shall have even more elflings, if I don't misread your intentions. "
A smirk appears on my face. Later on that day, with almost the last of the ingredients on me, I brew another batch of potion.
There are now just over four thousand couples in this place. The elves eagerly consume the potion. As they do, my mind wanders and a feeling of forboding comes over me.
My instincts are rarely wrong. A storm is headed our way and we had best be ready for when it does. Something tells me that a new conflict is brewing.
In the end, I stay for about a week. Then I head out. I don't show it to the elves, but I've been lonely. I miss Draco. I can't wait until I see him again.
It takes nearly three weeks of travel, to reach the valley where Draco is. Some of the terrain is very hard for a horse to traverse.
As I crest the valley, it's obvious to see Draco's hard work. Tall pine trees grow as far as the eye can see. Here and there, scraggly, misshapen and stunted trees grow.
It takes a full day, to reach the end and get to the large cave entrance, at the foot of the tallest mountain peak.
From what the dwarves told me, they had discovered a large network of caves here. Their intention, is to expand them eventually and to build a city.
I ride right up to the entrance of the cave and then I dismount. I enter then and my staff starts to emit a faint glow so that I can see. I raise it then and tap it against the ground.
Homenum Revelio. I close my eyes. Ah. Draco is a level below me. I cast a spell to silence my footsteps and then I start running. It takes a few minutes but finally, I can make out the light of a fire, in the cavern ahead.
I let the light from my staff die and slowly creep forward. I don't immediately see him. My lips twitch and I tighten my grip on my staff.
I cast Protego, as soon as I enter the cavern. A deep boom sounds, as a spell collides with my shield. My laughter rings out then.
I hear cursing to my right and see Draco rushing towards me. I let go of my staff and hold out my arms. He crashes into me and I grunt, but I don't fall over.
I take hold of him then, in a crushing hug. I bend my head and deeply breath in his scent. We stay like that for a while. My lips curve into a smile against his neck.
I start kissing upwards then. Soon things get frantic. Everything after that, passes in a blissful haze. An hour later, we're laying on the bed that Draco fashioned out of piles of leaves and softening charms.
" I missed you so much. Every moment, of everyday. " His laughter rings out then. " You are always such a flatterer. I missed you too. Always. So what did you get up to, these past few months? "
I spend the rest of the day, telling him about my travels, since we separated. We only stop talking, to eat and to take care of business.
He tells me of how he spent months working on the trees here. He also tells me that there were perimeter wards on the caves.
In my rush to see him again, I didn't detect them. It's kind of embarrassing. I tell him of course about the elves and how they're doing, as well as what exactly it is that the dwarves want from us.
We make plans to start casting wards and protective charms tomorrow. Neither of us are sure just how well they'd work on dragons. The dragons here are afterall, different and far larger than those from back in our old world.
We've read the histories about the First Age. The dragon, Ancalagon the Black, sounds terrifying. A dragon the size of a mountain.
From my understanding, there have been no winged dragons seen since the First Age. All of this passes through my mind as I finally succumb to sleep.
The next day, Draco and I have a lay in, longer than we usually do. Just to reassure each other, that we're together again.
After breakfast however, we leave the cave and head out into the valley. We change forms and then we fly towards the entrance of it.
We take our human forms then and begin casting. Protego Maxima, Fianto Duri, Protego Horribilis, Protego Totalum. We cast continuosly over the next couple of weeks.
We debated with each other, as to whether we should use Repello Inimicum. It's a spell that was used to protect Hogwarts, to devastating effect.
It disintegrates anyone coming into contact with the invisible shield. In the end, we decide not to. It's an incredibly taxing spell, best used when large numbers of witches and wizards cast simultaneously.
We spent months awaiting the dwarves. So much time passed infact, that it's was only in the next year, 1807, that they arrived.
Turns out that there was much wrangling as to who would come. Unlike Gundabad, this area was not built up. Therefore, it would be unwise to bring women and especially children, to this area.
Atleast, not until it can be properly defended. Naturally, we know the moment that the dwarves set foot in the valley. Our perimeter wards alert us to their presence.
Thus, by the time they reach the entrance to the caves, Draco and I are standing and waiting for them. Prince Bor is the first dwarf we see and after him come the rest.
The lot of them are grim faced. It's obvious as to why that is. They had to leave their wives and their children behind.
" Greetings Bor, son of Bain, Prince of Durin's Folk. " He salutes us with his fist against his chest. " Greetings Baraz, Lukhudûn, we are well met. "
The other dwarves greet us with fists to the chest as they file past. We spend the next hour or so, going over the dwarven plans with Bor and his Advisors.
It turns out that three thousand dwarves accompanied him. Five hundred are warriors, ten are engineers, one thousand are miners and the rest are masons, smiths and the various support dwarves like cooks, hunters and the like.
As we expected, this undertaking of the dwarves takes time. Rome wasn't built in a day after all. Neither it seems, are dwarven cities.
Though that could be because of their love of grandiose structures of immense size. Their very first tasks, are threefold.
Firstly, get the sewarage system planned out and laid. Secondly, get the smithies up and running. Thirdly, start working on the doorway. It takes twenty years to do that.
Next are the living quarters and the vertical farms. That takes another twenty years, to delve and expand the size of the caves.
Once that is completed, Draco and I work on the crystals and planting of crops. While we were working on that, word was sent to Khazad-dûm and weeks later, an eager convoy set off, ready to rejoin their family here.
Draco and I, naturally, have grown tired of this monotony however. In the time that we have spent here, the rough natural caves, have been replaced with towering Halls and pillars.
Just to see the process, was well worth it. Therefore, after just more than forty years spent here, we gladly depart this newly built dwarven city in the year 1847 of the Third Age.
Our horses are still alive, fortunately. Thanks to the spells we cast and potions we gave to their forebears, they have remarkably long lives.
That all being said, we're off. It takes us seven months of travel to get home. We make brief stops at Las Galen and Caras Galadhon.
Our attempts to help the elves are as always ongoing. We request two elven guards from each realm to accompany us home.
We no longer have any blossoms with us, so that means that the potion must be brewed at Orthanc. To my surprise, Legolas and Celebrindor are among those to accompany us. They and two guards each.
Legolas comes because of his wanderlust. Celebrindor comes because he wishes to see his sister again.
Thus, after many decades away and months of traveling, the Tower of Orthanc rising above the treetops, is a welcome sight.
There are gasps from the elves as they see it. For we have perfect timing it seems. We arrived after dusk, thus, just as we left the treeline, the White Tree bloomed.
Silver light washed over us. I looked towards Draco and found that he was already looking at me. I winked at him. He snorted.
With a smile on my face, I entered the ringwall and came upon Caras i-Ngelaidh. Shouts rang out and soon dozens of laughing elves surrounded my horse and Draco's.
Naturally, a party is thrown for our return. The elves who came with us, Legolas excluded, are bemused. Still, they end up enjoying themselves.
We manage to convince them all to stay for a week. During that time, our elves show off the valley for our guests, as well as Fangorn Forest.
Life eventually catches up to us however. Draco brews five batches of the potion. They are to go to Las Galen, Imladris, Caras Galadhon, Mithlond and the final batch is for our elves.
This was done on the seventh day since our return. The next day, our guests set off. The guards are to return to their respective realms.
Legolas and Celebrindor however, are setting off to Imladris. They will take two batches with them. One is for Elrond's people, and the other is for Círdan's.
We bid them farewell and then we return to the tower. We intend on relaxing for a bit and then we'll spend our time replenishing Draco's stocks of healing potions.
Who knows afterall, when they'll be needed. That forethought turned out to be well warranted. For trouble was stirring once more.
Draco and I took turns, periodically using the Palantír to watch over the realms of our allies and enemies.
Thus, I saw when the men of Rhûn starting banding together. They had long been a scattered people. Traveling in great caravans.
The women, children and elderly would stay in fortified camps, while the men formed raiding parties and the like.
Now however, I see them gathering in a single, large camp. What's more, gone are the crude weapons. I see them making weapons of steel and chariots of war.
I discuss this with Draco. " The peoples of the east are gathering their strength. I have no doubt, that soon they will fall upon Gondor. "
" We must ride for Osgilliath and offer our aid to the King. The forces amassing are enough to deal a great blow to Gondor's strength. "
As I speak he's moving around, checking things. " You're right. Based on where Rhûn is, it's likely that the north of Gondor will be attacked. Rhovanion in other words. "
" We must seek the aid of the elves, dwarves and men of Arnor. " I agree with him. It's fortunate that there are two of us, for much must be done.
Thus, we spend the rest of the day planning. We need to co-ordinate thousands of warriors so it's best to plan. Once we're ready however, we'll set out and come to the aid of Gondor.