Hello my wonderful readers. These last few chapters are proving to be a bit difficult for me to write. Please bear with me though. It just might take me a little longer than usual to get them out. Thank you so much for reading.
Thranduil had bathed Elthian's body himself. The pain from his ribs seemed to not even register with the King. Elrond watched from a respectful distance. Mainly just to make sure Thranduil did not further injure himself even though he was now well on the mend . He ended up being witness to the Kings grief. Elthian was lain in the war tent. Thranduil had carefully dressed him in some of his own finery and placed his own circlet upon Elthian's head. Many came by to pay their respects before Elthian would start his long journey home.
Thranduil sat on his throne. The large seat traveled with him, he had it made just for this. The chair was large and ornate. It bore the symbols of his House and his Home. Carved beautifully in the wood. While no where near as grand as his Throne back home it was still grand in its own right and He missed seeing her curled up in it. He was stoic and quiet as he sat in thought in those moments. Thinking of her and knowing she must be overwhelmed for she hid herself from him and he felt nothing from her.
The light that poured into his tent as someone entered made him look up. Vorondil had entered with Elrond. The moved closer and Thranduil watched in his silence. No emotion showed on his face but his eyes were reddened and wet. The King did study this elf that had brought his lover back to him. This strange Elf from the east. He was fair haired like Elthian and himself. Only his hair was twisted into long rows that were gathered together and tied at the back of his head. His eyes were as green as emeralds and while he looked younger than Legolas those green eyes held the look of one that was ancient.
"This is Vorondil." Elrond's voice broke the silence like the slice of a whip through the air.
Thranduil's cold gaze did not leave this new elf and finally he found words. "Tell me everything." He said plainly.
Glorfindel was in deep conversation with Elrohir and Elladan. Feren was just arriving with Elessar and Yarth. He was still filling them all in of the army that was coming. He ones in command and their own capabilities. Eomer arrived last, as he entered the tent he interrupted them a bit rudely but for a good reason.
"I think all of you need to come with me."
He left just as quickly and the leaders followed him out. He was walking at a quick pace through camp . They had to hurry to catch up. He answered their questions with a wave of his hand. He bore a smile and in his gaze was the wonder of a child. He lead them out of camp and up a small hill. There he stopped and they were all looking out over a vast army that was just arriving. All they could see on the horizon was the dark moving line of this army and in the front was the biggest elf Eomer had ever seen.
One of the front line broke off and began to ride for them at full gallop. The closer the ride got Glorfindel recognized Caranthir. "It is good to see you Caranthir." Glorfindel called out. The elves with him blinked and looked hard towards the rider.
He finally came to a stop a few feet away and asked. "Will they accept us?"
Glorfindel nodded then sighed. "Vorondil arrived yesterday, He brought Elthian back to his king."
Caranthir's eyes widened and he seemed to shrink back from them in shock. "Elthian? Oh no." He turned quickly and ride back to the line . They watched as Caranthir delivered the news to the others. Soon there were several that broke off and rode towards them.
Vorondil spoke of that day in hushed tones and a quiver to his voice.
"We found ourselves under attack. She had us split up. She ran the middle and Elthian and I took the sides. Minol and Minogos were in the center and being over run. She reached them first I was in the thick of it and I lost sight of them. I managed to fight through and..." Vorondil swallowed hard as his throat constricted and he felt the pain in his chest. "I heard the loudest cry piercing the sounds of death around me and I saw her holding him. Surrounded by many dead orc and troll. She held him and then the world became heavy and I could no longer stand . I could see Minol holding her down, and I began to crawl towards them and suddenly the weight was gone and I could rise. I was told to bring him to you and I promised her I would take him all the way home. My Lord I, I am, " Vorondil then fell to him knees and sobbed. His arms wrapped around his torso trying to comfort himself. Elrond lay a hand on his shoulder.
"I am so very sorry. In the short time that I have been privileged to know him, he became very dear to me as your wife has. On the way here I ran into Orome and his team. Orome told me no decay or rot will come to Elthian's flesh. There so no need to leave him here. Please allow me to take him home." Vorondil begged the King as his heart poured out in his tears.
"Vorondil, I will not get in the way of a promise you made to my wife. She is quite serious about them. You will be provided with everything you need to take him home." Thranduil now could not control the tears that streamed down his cheeks.
Feren slipped in and bowed his head. His words were gentle as he spoke. "Please forgive me My Lord. The other army has arrived."
Thingol, Caranthir, Maedhros, Fingon and Inglor stood around Elthian. All their heads bowed and tears being shed. Outside Glorfindel waited with the twins. Eomer, Elessar and Yarth stood to the side to give everyone room. As Thranduil approached the crowd parted and Glorfindel stopped him. "My Lord, they all knew him. They did not feel it would be rude to come here first." Thranduil said nothing and looked into Glorfindel's eyes before giving a nod. He would give them a moment.
The first to leave the tent was Thingol. Ducking down to pass the threshold, his eyes immediately on Thranduil. Thranduil was born after Thingol died and escaped Doriath with his family when The Kin Slayers came. He had always heard the tales about Thingol but now he was standing before the stories made flesh.
"We have much to discuss King Thranduil." Thingol said softly then bowed his head. "First I must tell you how grieved I am for your loss."
"Thank you." Thranduil was for the moment quite lost for words.
"This is Inglor, The current Lord of the Goldenflower." He motioned to Glorfindel's kin who bowed his head politely.
"Maedhros, My General." Thingol said and motioned to the Ellon with the firey red hair. He bowed his head as well.
The introductions of Caranthir and Fingon followed. Thranduil tried very hard to hide the shock he was feeling. It was quite different when you were faced with them. These Kin Slayers. While the memories were ancient how he felt escaping their attack on his home was still rather fresh. Thingol could tell, he had seen this before. He threw protocol to the wind and wraped a large powerful arm around Thranduils shoulders and began to lead him away.
"Like I said you and I have much to discuss. I think perhaps now it a good time."
Thranduil found himself alone with Thingol within his own tent. A glass of wine in his hand as he admired Thranduil's dwelling. Neither spoke for several moments. Thingol stopping to look on Thranduil's throne. "I know Thranduil. I know you have many thoughts and questions. How could you not? The dead have returned, the majority of them reviled kin slayers. The ones that ultimately destroyed the home you were raised in. Killed your kin and mine. Let me tell you that hate does nothing for the dead. Can you see past their crimes enough to fight along side them?"
Thranduil looked down into his goblet and sighed. "I have done many things I questioned for her Elu Thingol. I have made a deal with a demon I never wanted to make, One I find myself forced into trusting. I find myself fighting along side my gods. I slew another dragon. I have welcomed orc into my numbers. They live in my lands and call me King. This? It just another Tuesday for me. I can fight along side them for this Thingol but I am sure you can understand my own and my peoples reservations." His eyes now on Thingols. It was strange having to look so far up.
Thingol chuckled and nodded. "Your wife is feisty Thranduil. Get her angry and she can rain down havoc. She put us all in our places over Elthian and his status with you and she. I have never had one so small make me feel such fear."
Thanduil smiled a bittersweet smile. The lifted his glass. "To Elthian." Thingol echoed his words and they drank to the fallen ellon.
Jeven rode on ahead of her. She pausing to look over the scenery and get a feel for the lands they were entering. Ahead of her for several days now were the red mountains. They loomed like an impenetrable wall. He had not spoken much in recent days but he made up for his lack of words with his affection towards her. Which oddly enough had been often, very often the closer they got to the mountains.
They met no enemies on their way. There was nothing but them and nature and it was easy to forget what was behind them. They had stopped by a stream to eat and Jeven had already started to kiss her and nibble at the sensitive places along her ears. She never resisted, why would she?
Between kiss various items of clothing was removed. Soon her naked flesh was pressed against his. Her moans muffled by his lips. The warm breeze against their flesh and the sun shining down upon them. Lost in the bliss of the moment when suddenly he stops and whispers to her. "Be still and do not speak."
He pulled himself away and pulled her cloak over her. His eyes on hers when he began to speak. "Usstan zhahus brorn vel'drav dos orn'la ragar udossa. (I was wondering when you would find us.) He looked over his shoulder then around them as several Avanati with their bows drawn began to approach.
"Usstan zhahus ul'kas ghil a lil' orthae j'nesst (I was called here by the Orthae J'nesst ) He spoke again and Tauriel lay as still was she could.
It was a feminine voice that answered. Which was a surprise to Tauriel who looked up into Jeven's eyes and she saw him smile. "Lil' ul'tro de' dosst ranndilin zhahen ji bran lu'oh gumash udos lle'warin dos dalninuk (The sounds of your mating were so loud how could we miss you brother)
"xal dos phuul naak'e Tannine? zhal'la usstan joros ussta ranndi ka dos shlu'ta valm? (perhaps you are jealous Tannine? Should I ask my wife if you can join?) He answered back and started to laugh as did most of those around them. The arrows were withdrawn then and Jeven naked as he was rose up and looked to the female he had been talking to.
She glared at him and they exchanged a few more pleasant words and eventually embraced. Soon enough he was surrounded by all of them and they sought to touch him and welcome him home. Tauriel sat up slowly and clutch the cloak over her naked body. Jeven smiling looked to her then spoke to them asking them for a few moments which they gave him.
"What is going on?" She asked as he gathered up her clothing for her .
"This is my tribe, we are here. Tannine is the captain of the guard. She used to give me a sound beating when we trained together. We are close." He was dressing rather quickly prompting Tauriel to dress more quickly.
"I am a bit embarrassed." She muttered as she pulled her boots on.
"Why? Here it is not uncommon to mate outside. Sometimes quite openly especially this time of year when the females are fertile." He regarded her with a smile. "truly you have nothing to be ashamed of. In fact I think you have already caught the eye of some of my brothers. You being quite exotic. I doubt they have ever seen an elf."
"I am not trying to catch anyone's eye Jeven." She grumbled and he helped her to her feet.
"Well, too late you already have." He teased and kissed her softly. Then explained a bit more about their customs. "Our views on relationships are relaxed. Married doesn't mean they will be your only partner. During the spring its common for everyone to have many partners."
He whistled for the horses and heard them answer. "Just do not be shocked if you see something unseemly." He laughed again as the horses came trotting up.
"Thank Eru Galion is not with us." She said with a grin.
When they reached the village they slowed their pace and were soon surrounded. Tauriel had been the object of fascination by the Avanati before but not this many at once. They crowded around her and stared as if in wonder. All around her was conversation of which he picked up only a word or 2.
Jeven came to her rescue, he pushed his way through the crowd and made them back up. His words sharp and to the point. They soon gave her space and she was able to slide off the back of her horse. "They are most fascinated by your hair." He explained, "I would not be surprised if they figure out how to make their hair red." He chuckled and took her hand and lead her through the crowd.
Slowly the crowd began to dissipate and she noticed he was leading her towards the center of the village. There before a large hut they stopped and out came a rather aged looking woman. She threw her arms around Jeven and hugged him. Then her attention was on Tauriel. She smiled warmly and reached out to hold her upper arms.
"Tauriel this is my mother. She is the Orthae J'nesst" He made the introductions.
Tauriel's brows lifted and she gasped softly. "Oh," She smiled and let out a small nervous laugh. "It truly is wonderful meeting you."
"Doer nin ussta dalharen, dos z'klaen cal lueth v'dre. Mufo dos orn zao udossa rilbol. (Come now my children, you must eat and rest. Tomorrow you will teach us everything.)
Beleg was crouch beside a small fire. In his hands was a cup of steaming tea and he watched the smoke rise from the small fire and disappear the higher it rose. Turin walked closer and soon was crouched down beside his friend, His best friend.
"Thank you mellon." He said as a cup was passed to him.
"We are getting closer." Beleg spoke between sips of tea. "I can feel it in my bones. Which is strange, I can not recall ever having this sensation."
After tea they packed up. Curufin and Celegorm rode up and slowed having scouted ahead early that morning. "We should reach it by mid day. Let's us pray we are expected like we were told." Curufin said with a sigh.
"Is it not strange that we have not seen nary an orc nor goblin in several days now? It is as if they have all fled." Celegorm spoke as he stared out into the distance.
"Are you complaining?" Curufin chuckled which made Beleg and Turin laugh as well.
"No, of course not. It would however be lacking on my part if I did not point it out." He grumbled as Beleg and Turin mounted up.
"I fear they have all been called away mellon, there are now 2 large armies bearing down on him. He is pulling everything back for battle." Curufin sighed and they headed off.
The trees grew thicker and the air more dense and heavy. All of them had a sense of being watched.
"This reminds me of of where the ent's lived so long ago." Beleg nearly whispered.
"Is that so young elf lord? I do suppose Aiwendil would be quite happy to hear that I have gotten good at nurturing living things once more. "
The voice was coming from over head. Perched in the branches was a rather young looked male. Though it was no man nor elf. He smiled on them and leap down from his high perch and landed lightly upright. He was perhaps a few inches taller than any of them. Slender and fit with Long flowing hair so golden and thick it would make the House of the golden flower envious. His eyes were keen and deep blue, they held a twinkle in them that was perhaps mischievous in nature.
He held up a hand and chuckled. " I know what you are thinking. Aren't the Istari very old and wrinkled? I never much cared for the look." He motioned his hands around as he spoke. Olorin was suited for it and I must say Curunir didn't have need to change much when he came."
The four of them stared at this rambling fellow and it was Curufin who finally said something. "You are an Ishtari?" He asked.
Now he was silent and he stared from one to the other in disbelief. "You had no idea who you were meeting here did you?" His nose curled a bit and one of his hands rested on his hip. Clad in simple breeches and a tunic made of burlap he spun about and headed off into the trees. "Well come along, it appears I have some explaining to do. My name is Alatar I am the last blue wizard, well no I don't suppose that is true anymore." He was rambling on and muttering to himself.
He lead them to a small clearing there there were several small huts and with one being huge. Smoke billowed from its stack. There were chickens and goats roaming freely about. The area was well kept and tidy though and it did not smell like a barn.
"You can see to your horses and use what you need. When you're done come inside and get some food." He muttered and entered the bigger dwelling.
"He may not look like one but he is most definitely a wizard. Only the second one I have met but they are all a bit odd I reckon." Celegorm shook his head before sliding down from his horse.
"You really had no idea who we were to meet here?" Curufin looked to Beleg and Turin.
"None. We were told to come here and given the map. Ada," he coughed and corrected himself, "Thingol had no other words when he handed to me." Turin shrugged a bit.
They began to lead their horses to the small well and continued to speak amongst themselves. It was Celegorm who asked the question that needed an answer. "Do we trust him?"
"I don't think we have a choice." Beleg said and began to fill the tough with water from the well.
Once the horses were taken care of and glad for it and the rest they were about to have, the elves and the human walked into the house of the Ishtari Alatar. Inside was bright and airy. Much larger than it appeared from the outside, with a warm fire in the hearth and a pot of stew bubbling away over it. There was the smell of fresh bread in the air and on the large round table near the hearth sat cheese and a honey pot.
They lined up and stared at the fresh food. Their bellies beginning to grumble and growl. Alatar appeared from an open doorway with a basket of apples in his hands.
"Go on sit down." He laughed seeing the 4 hungry travelers eyeing the cheese. He walked to the work table and placed the basket down. "I don't have occasion to play host often so indulge me a bit." He placed a basket with warm bread down on the table that they dove into and were soon eating bread with cheese or in Celegorm's case bread with honey.
Large bowls of warm stew were dished up and served along with Alatar's best wine made from apricots. Soon enough they had all eaten what had to be the best meal of their lives and they reclined back in their seats and smiled at one another.
"It is sad that it has all come down to this. There is no redemption for him. Not now, Manwe is done with him. I can not say I blame him. When we were sent here. Pallando and I, well I asked Pallando to come with me. I will always bear so much guilt for that. Manwe saw no issue with it so we were sent here. We journeyed across the arda and off to the east. Melkor and then that weasel Sauron had already done so much damage here. At first Pallando seemed disgusted by it all. Then slowly he began to pull away from me. "
They listened to Alatar's story and sipped the sweet wine. "I loved him. I am not ashamed of it. Even if it would have been frowned upon I still loved him and when he pulled away and began to be swayed by the words of Sauron it nearly killed me . I could do nothing to stop what was happening. Then he was gone. I wandered aimlessly in the wilds until I came to this small forest and I knew this was where I was supposed to be then. Here I have been ever since."
"I never liked the old man look the others took on. I did too until I came here. I did not want that form any longer so I made a little change. I missed me. " He leaned forward them and rested his hands on the table. His eyes focusing in on Turin. "You are on a quest to kill a Vala and you do not have the right weapon."
Turin's brows lifted and he looked from Alatar to Beleg then back to the wizard. "You plan to forge a weapon for me?"
"Indeed young Turin," He said and then smiled at the gasp. He had not been told any of there names yet. "Son of Hurin the cursed. The deceived. I know your story. I know all of your stories. Celegorm the Fair and Curufin the Crafty. I know all about your father and that terrible oath. I also know Melkor had a hand in all of that. Beleg, your capacity for forgiveness abounds. "
He rose up and walked to the door. Swinging it open the warm sunlight filled the room. "I need the Dragons Helm Turin. " He turned to look at the human and smiled. "Bring it to my furnace and we will get started. " He looked to Curufin. "You will help me."
Turin stood outside with the helm in his hands. His eyes following each line and swirl of the helms ornamentation. With a heavy sigh he entered into the heat and the red hot glow of the room.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Curufin asked.
Turin nodded and handed the helm to Alatar. He smiled to Turin and took the helm. "It will be many days, try to rest Turin. Enjoy the pleasures of my garden."
It was comfortable in Alatar's garden. There was plenty of food. Which Beleg had taken up the mantle of cook for the time being. Celegorm was taking care of the livestock. Collecting eggs and milking the goats. Turin found himself washing clothes. It would be so easy to just settle into a simple life like this. He could see why Alatar had stayed.
The sun was shining down on clothes lines. He draped leggings and tunics over them and watched them sway gently in the breeze. Occasionally he would find himself looking towards the furnace and hear the heavy clanking sound of metal hitting metal. He was finishing up and turned towards the house with the basket against his hip and he saw Beleg saunter out of the kitchen in a flour covered apron. With a smile Turin walked towards him. His hand lifted to shield his eyes from the sun.
He joined Beleg in one of the chairs that sat outside the door of the house . The basket dropped down beside him. "You know Beleg, when this is all over and I am given a choice Aman on here that would be a very hard choice. Here is magical in its own right. I might just choose eternity in Alatar's Garden, but only if you will come with me."
Beleg was silent as he stretched out his long legs before him and crossed his arms gracefully over his broad chest. "I want a cottage by the pond over there. White clay with a thatched roof of yellow reeds. Flower boxes in the windows are not negotiable and a bed big enough for 2."
He cast a glance at Turin and grinned. "Yes I could be quite comfortable here."
Turnin could not stop the wide smile that curled on his lips and just when he was about to say something far sweeter than honey He heard his name being called.
An exhausted and filthy Curufin stood in the door way. His hand in the air waving at him. Turin rose quickly followed by Beleg. They both ran towards Curufin. Celegorm watches them run from where he sat milking Gertie the goat and soon enough he was running too. They watched as Curufin stepped aside and found a chair nearby to lower into.
Alatar emerged form within. Covered in sweat and soot in his hand he held it. The weapon to kill Morgoth. It shone so brightly in the sun they had to squint a bit until it was out of the direct light and even then it glowed with a light that was pure as their favorite star. Alatar stood before Turin. "This is the right weapon to kill a Vala. You will know how to use it when you see your moment."
Turin blinked a few times and exhaled a deeply held breath as he lifted the Hammer from Alatar's hands. While it was not what he was expecting, it was none the less magnificent. It was light yet when tapped a large rock what was near by with it the rock shattered, most of it turning to dust.
"Indeed it is the perfect weapon." Alatar said with a wide smile. "Good Job Curu," He turned towards the elf and saw him asleep in the chair. "..fin. Rest now Crafty elf You earned it."