JastaElf - Yeah, a cliffhanger. This story probably won't give me much
opportunity for them, so I took the leap when it presented itself. I hope
that Elrond will be able to help him too.
Jan - You know I love cliffhangers, in my stories and in other people's as well. I ,too, am hoping for a cure for Elu in Rivendell. Glad that you enjoyed Glorfinel. He's been overlooked too often!!
Shinigamio – Well, here's how the Elves respond to Elu.
Lauren – I can just leave it there. I love cliffhangers. Sorry that I was rather slow about posting this one.
Horus – Elu's always in trouble of some sort, isn't he.
Salak – I had planned on continuing the last chapter until – well – you'll see, but I love to make you guys squirm!!
Rings of the cosmos- Greetings! I am glad that you are enjoying this tale. I love feedback!
Ayod Botla - Yes, I can be truly evil. And I do so enjoy cliffhangers. Glad that you liked that last chapter. And you are right about the GASP!
Elu pushed back his hood, keeping his head bowed as though that would hide what he was. He felt Legolas' hand on his shoulder, warmth and support apparent in that gesture. He kept his blue eyes on the paving stones of soft grey under his feet. The Orc heard gasps of surprise, the sharp sound of angry breaths being taken in quickly. He had expected that. The hand on his shoulder tightened as Legolas tensed, readying himself for the confrontation that was imminent.
Elladan and Elrohir reached for weapons that they were not carrying.
"How dare you!" Elrohir hissed, using his mouth instead, his dark blue eyes blazing with barely repressed fury.
"You wanted an oddity from Mirkwood, brother." Arwen said quietly, grasping the back of his indigo blue robe to restrain him. But her voice could not be heard above the tension that filled the air.
Elrond, having overcome his initial shock, laid a restraining arm across Elladan's chest as the younger Elf advanced on the Orc and Mirkwood's prince, his fists clenched, teeth bared in a snarl.
"Why have you brought such a one here, Thranduil's son?" The Elf Lord demanded, staring directly at Legolas, turning all the power of his position and great age on the Wood Elf.
The stare was returned, Legolas' blue eyes defiant and hard as blue stones.
"He is a warrior of Mirkwood and chosen by my father, King Thranduil, to come with us here to Imladris. And he is my friend."
Elrond suppressed a smile, keeping his eyes filled with harsh resentment, no easy task. The younger Elf had pride enough; no surprise seeing that he was Thranduil's son. And great loyalty. Perhaps something good could come from growing up in a spider and Orc infested wood.
"I see his warrior's braids, Prince Legolas." He answered. "But that does not answer my question. Since when does the King of Mirkwood recruit Orcs? Is there something going on in Mirkwood that we don't know about?"
Legolas bristled, his eyes narrowing, but he continued to meet Elrond's gaze.
Elu hung his head. He had known this would happen. He had wanted to believe that these ancient Elves were different. But they were – Elves – after all.
"It is alright, Legolas Elvellon." He said, before his friend could say anything rash. "I will go. I can wait for you at the pass of the Misty Mountains." He said quietly in Sindarin.
Elrond's eyes swung to the Orc, amazed to hear that language coming from Orc lips, with such ease and grace.
The twins exchanged angered glances. It was an abomination for the beast to speak any form of Elvish. But Arwen felt another smile blossoming on her full lips.
"No." Legolas stated also looking at Elu. "You were chosen to come here, just as I was. And you are going to stay as a representative of Mirkwood."
"No!" The twins interjected, then glanced at one another in annoyance. To others it was a source of amusement for the same words to leave the identical sets of mouths simultaneously, but that was not the case with Elladan and Elrohir. And it didn't help that Arwen giggled slightly, covering her mouth and lowering her eyes, which sparkled with amusement, when Elrond turned to look at her in surprise.
"Your father must be sitting in his trees filled with all hilarity at this. But I do not find it amusing." He turned to look at the Orc, who had been smiling gratefully at the blonde Elf.
Legolas squeezed Elu's arm then met Elrond's gaze.
"It cannot stay." Elrohir said, still held in place by his sister's grasp on his clothing. "An Orc in Imladris? I think not!" He glared daggers at Mirkwood's prince and the Orc who quickly dropped his gaze, but not before the twins could see the unusual blue eyes. They grimaced at what they considered a grotesque defilement. No one cared to think of the origins of Orcs. It was a great sorrow to the Elves and a great horror.
Elrond sighed, narrowing his own dark blue eyes. This was not a problem he had foreseen.
Thank you so much, Thranduil, he thought wryly. I owe you one. A rather large one.
He shook his head, feeling the beginnings of a headache. He raised a slender hand to touch his temple.
No, the Orc must leave. The joke was over.
But before he could speak Arwen stepped forward, gently laying a hand on her brothers' arms.
"Don't you know who this is?" She asked quietly.
Elrond turned to look at her again, his beautiful daughter who so closely resembled him in physical appearance, from her long spill of dark hair to her dark blue eyes. But she bore her mother's gentle spirit.
She gazed serenely at her brothers, who were puffed up like angry cats. But the touch of her clear eyes calmed their hatred and outrage somewhat. Then she looked at the Orc.
"Your name is Egla Ash, isn't it?" She asked softly, moving to touch the Orc's arm.
Elu looked up, unable to stop himself. She had touched him! His eyes were filled with shock and surprise. She had spoken to him and touched him!
"That…that was my name, nin brennil." [My lady] He stammered, grateful that his swarthy skin hid the blush that warmed his face.
"Was? What is it now?"
Elu looked to Legolas whose posture was still defensive, his eyes narrowed.
"Elu, nin brennil. Elu Heneb. It means – "
"Blue-eyed." Elrond's daughter answered, smiling warmly at him again. "It is fitting for a warrior of Mirkwood." She playfully yanked at one braid that dangled by his large pointy ear.
"Yes." He murmured, gazing at the Elf maiden in wonder. She was being so kind to him - an Orc.
"Iell? [Daughter?] What are you doing?"
Arwen turned and grinned at her father, then turned the power of her smile on Mirkwood's youngest prince. His eyes widened slightly and his lips parted as if he wished to speak, but no words were forth coming. Arwen, pleased with her many conquests that day, turned back to the Orc.
I must remember to thank Daernaneth [my word in Sindarin for grandmother or literally great mother] Soft words, a smile, and a gentle touch does work to tame wrathful males, just as she said.
"Estel has told me of you, Elu." She continued. "He spoke of your bravery when you helped rescue Prince Legolas from Emyn Mor Esgal."
The Orc gaped at her, then turned to Legolas for help. What was he to say? How did he answer one so fair and kind? She had heard of him?!
"It was a courageous thing to help someone you have been raised to hate."
Her eyes were darker than Legolas, he noted. A rich blue the color of sapphires.
Elrohir glanced at Elladan whose lips quirked in a slight smile. Tithen muinthel's [little sister's] words had been aimed expertly at them as well. Elrohir sighed and shook his dark head. He, too, could recall Estel's tale of the blue-eyed Orc of Mirkwood. He had dismissed it as a fanciful creation woven for an appreciative audience. But here was the blue-eyed Orc before his very eyes. He stared at it intently, seeing everything that he hated and despised. Could he overcome his own hatred and see beyond that? He smiled suddenly. He had wanted an oddity from haunted Mirkwood, hadn't he? Well, what better than a blue-eyed Orc warrior of Gladaran Thamas.
Elladan's eyes traveled from his father, to his brother, then to his sister. Elrohir's face was alight with something other than anger. It looked suspiciously like delight. Arwen was smiling with what looked like smugness, she was truly enjoying herself. Elrond had a pained expression on his face. Elladan pursed his lips.
Leave it to Mirkwood's king to bring this on them.
Legolas glanced at his three Elven companions. Gonthalion smiled over at him and winked, his grey eyes sparkling with unfeigned mischief. Tavor and Silinde weren't as confident in their position. They know of the long running feelings between Mirkwood and Rivendell. But now, standing in Lord Elrond's presence they were somewhat daunted.
Silinde and Tavor looked uneasily at their prince. They feared that if Elu had to leave, Legolas would have them all go. They hoped this wouldn't happen. Lord Elrond would be insulted, nay, more insulted than he already was. They tensed even more and glanced uneasily at one another.
Elrond touched his temples once more, shaking his head.
I don't need this now.
"My Lord Elrond? I have some herbs that might help you."
Elrond looked up. It was the Orc that was speaking. To him. The Orc was pulling a dyed leather pouch from beneath his cloak. Elu looked up, pulling a packet out of the pouch. The Elf Lord stared down at him in amazement.
"Herbs?" He said, his brows raising. "Herbs?"
Elu's eyes widened suddenly, realizing that he – an Orc – was offering to use his humble plants to cure Imladris' Lord of a headache. The creator of Rivendell was himself a great Healer.
"Actually Elrond, I think you should let him."
They all turned startled by the new voice.
"Mithrandir!"
The Istari smiled at the gathering before him.
"An Orc in Rivendell." He chuckled, studying Elu Heneb. "Well, that is definitely a first."
The Orc gaped up at the Wizard. Mithrandir! The famous Mithrandir was here smiling so kindly, his blue eyes twinkling with mirth. He felt that he wanted to faint! First to actually see with his own eyes Elrond Peredhil, son of Earendil and Elwing, Lord of Imladris the great Elven refuge. Elladan and Elrohir, tow Elves that he practically worshiped for their bravery and loyalty. And the beautiful Arwen, Evenstar of her people. But now to meet the famous Istari, Mithrandir the Grey Pilgrim…
The packet of herbs in his hand was forgotten and dropped from fingers suddenly gone numb. Dried leaves littered the paving stone. He gasped, bending quickly feeling awkward and very uncomfortable. So many bright eyes watching him – judging him.
Legolas knelt beside him helping him gather the crumbling leaves.
"All is well, nin mellon." He whispered, his fingers brushing Elu's hand. "We all stay or we all go."
Elu raised anguished eyes.
"No, Legolas Elvellon. Do not anger Lord Elrond on my behalf."
Legolas shrugged seemingly unconcerned about insulting the great Elf. After all he was his father's son.
Mithrandir raised one bushy eyebrow at Elrond, as if to say "Are things going as well as you hoped, Elrond?"
Elrond glowered darkly. First Arwen, then the twins. Now Mithrandir. What possible chance do I stand against them all? Am I not allowed to make my own decisions any more?
He sighed, gazing into the blue autumn sky.
"Very well, Prince Legolas. Your…friend can stay. But – " He glared at the Mirkwood prince who stood, smile on his face. "If anything – and I do mean anything – goes wrong, even your father will not be able to save you from my wrath."
Legolas narrowed his eyes, then lowered them, placing his hand over his heart.
"Nothing will happen, my Lord Elrond." He reassured.
Arwen knelt beside the Orc, deftly retying the packet of herbs. She patted his hand and smiled at him in support and welcome. Elladan and Elrohir were still uncertain of their feelings, but for now it seemed that they must tolerate the Orc.
Elu stood, staring up at them in disbelief. He could stay? He could stay in Imladris? He grasped Elrond's hands in excitement and gratitude, the packet falling once more to the ground.
Elrond looked at his hand in disgust where the beast had touched him, watching as Arwen laughing and lighthearted helped him once more to retrieve his plants.
"What about that tea you said you would make for Lord Elrond, Elu?" Mithrandir asked, shooting a swift smile at Legolas and Gonthalion, who had warmly clasped his prince's shoulder.
"A victory for Mirkwood." He chortled.
Elrond groaned softly and turned away. He truly had a headache now. This was going to be an impossible time. And then, to make matters worse he could hear the sound of voices – Dwarves' voices.
The three Lonely Mountain Dwarves appeared followed by a harried looking Calenbor.
"Mirkwood Elves!" Gloin growled, glaring in surprise and dislike at Thranduil's representatives. He reached for his ax, but Elrond allowed no weapons to be carried for just this reason.
"Calenbor, please take our Mirkwood guests weapons." Elrond quickly interjected, seeing slim, pale hands reaching for bows. "Now."
Calenbor nodded and stepped toward them. Legolas and the others reluctantly handed over quivers, bows, and knives. Elu stood and pulled off his own quiver.
"An Orc!" Calenbor cried, dropping everything but a bow and an arrow, which he quickly fitted to the string.
"Nay, Calenbor. This Orc is our…guest. Please pick up the weapons and go."
The Elf gaped at Elrond, but obeyed. His violet eyes narrowed dangerously as he bent to retrieve what he had dropped.
"And Calenbor." Elrond said sharply. "Tell no one of this. When the time comes I will be the one to tell."
Calenbor nodded, muttering angrily.
Elrond resisted the urge to tear all his hair out and looked over at his guests. The Mirkwood Elves and the Lonely Mountain Dwarves were glaring at one another.
"Orc in Rivendell?" Gloin said, now turning his glare on Elrond. "I will not treat with Orcs. Or Mirkwood Elves."
Gimli 's narrowed eyes settled on the tall young looking Elf that was their leader. He bared his teeth, muttering in Dwarvish. Legolas glared at him, then deliberately turned his back to the Dwarf. An insult that couldn't' be misread.
Elladan turned to his father.
"I am sorry. I told Calenbor to keep them as far away as possible."
Calenbor stood defensively.
"I am sorry, my Lord. But they heard that Mithrandir had come and I couldn't stop them."
"Never fear, Calenbor." The Wizard said, waving a careless hand. "The more the merrier."
Jan - You know I love cliffhangers, in my stories and in other people's as well. I ,too, am hoping for a cure for Elu in Rivendell. Glad that you enjoyed Glorfinel. He's been overlooked too often!!
Shinigamio – Well, here's how the Elves respond to Elu.
Lauren – I can just leave it there. I love cliffhangers. Sorry that I was rather slow about posting this one.
Horus – Elu's always in trouble of some sort, isn't he.
Salak – I had planned on continuing the last chapter until – well – you'll see, but I love to make you guys squirm!!
Rings of the cosmos- Greetings! I am glad that you are enjoying this tale. I love feedback!
Ayod Botla - Yes, I can be truly evil. And I do so enjoy cliffhangers. Glad that you liked that last chapter. And you are right about the GASP!
Elu pushed back his hood, keeping his head bowed as though that would hide what he was. He felt Legolas' hand on his shoulder, warmth and support apparent in that gesture. He kept his blue eyes on the paving stones of soft grey under his feet. The Orc heard gasps of surprise, the sharp sound of angry breaths being taken in quickly. He had expected that. The hand on his shoulder tightened as Legolas tensed, readying himself for the confrontation that was imminent.
Elladan and Elrohir reached for weapons that they were not carrying.
"How dare you!" Elrohir hissed, using his mouth instead, his dark blue eyes blazing with barely repressed fury.
"You wanted an oddity from Mirkwood, brother." Arwen said quietly, grasping the back of his indigo blue robe to restrain him. But her voice could not be heard above the tension that filled the air.
Elrond, having overcome his initial shock, laid a restraining arm across Elladan's chest as the younger Elf advanced on the Orc and Mirkwood's prince, his fists clenched, teeth bared in a snarl.
"Why have you brought such a one here, Thranduil's son?" The Elf Lord demanded, staring directly at Legolas, turning all the power of his position and great age on the Wood Elf.
The stare was returned, Legolas' blue eyes defiant and hard as blue stones.
"He is a warrior of Mirkwood and chosen by my father, King Thranduil, to come with us here to Imladris. And he is my friend."
Elrond suppressed a smile, keeping his eyes filled with harsh resentment, no easy task. The younger Elf had pride enough; no surprise seeing that he was Thranduil's son. And great loyalty. Perhaps something good could come from growing up in a spider and Orc infested wood.
"I see his warrior's braids, Prince Legolas." He answered. "But that does not answer my question. Since when does the King of Mirkwood recruit Orcs? Is there something going on in Mirkwood that we don't know about?"
Legolas bristled, his eyes narrowing, but he continued to meet Elrond's gaze.
Elu hung his head. He had known this would happen. He had wanted to believe that these ancient Elves were different. But they were – Elves – after all.
"It is alright, Legolas Elvellon." He said, before his friend could say anything rash. "I will go. I can wait for you at the pass of the Misty Mountains." He said quietly in Sindarin.
Elrond's eyes swung to the Orc, amazed to hear that language coming from Orc lips, with such ease and grace.
The twins exchanged angered glances. It was an abomination for the beast to speak any form of Elvish. But Arwen felt another smile blossoming on her full lips.
"No." Legolas stated also looking at Elu. "You were chosen to come here, just as I was. And you are going to stay as a representative of Mirkwood."
"No!" The twins interjected, then glanced at one another in annoyance. To others it was a source of amusement for the same words to leave the identical sets of mouths simultaneously, but that was not the case with Elladan and Elrohir. And it didn't help that Arwen giggled slightly, covering her mouth and lowering her eyes, which sparkled with amusement, when Elrond turned to look at her in surprise.
"Your father must be sitting in his trees filled with all hilarity at this. But I do not find it amusing." He turned to look at the Orc, who had been smiling gratefully at the blonde Elf.
Legolas squeezed Elu's arm then met Elrond's gaze.
"It cannot stay." Elrohir said, still held in place by his sister's grasp on his clothing. "An Orc in Imladris? I think not!" He glared daggers at Mirkwood's prince and the Orc who quickly dropped his gaze, but not before the twins could see the unusual blue eyes. They grimaced at what they considered a grotesque defilement. No one cared to think of the origins of Orcs. It was a great sorrow to the Elves and a great horror.
Elrond sighed, narrowing his own dark blue eyes. This was not a problem he had foreseen.
Thank you so much, Thranduil, he thought wryly. I owe you one. A rather large one.
He shook his head, feeling the beginnings of a headache. He raised a slender hand to touch his temple.
No, the Orc must leave. The joke was over.
But before he could speak Arwen stepped forward, gently laying a hand on her brothers' arms.
"Don't you know who this is?" She asked quietly.
Elrond turned to look at her again, his beautiful daughter who so closely resembled him in physical appearance, from her long spill of dark hair to her dark blue eyes. But she bore her mother's gentle spirit.
She gazed serenely at her brothers, who were puffed up like angry cats. But the touch of her clear eyes calmed their hatred and outrage somewhat. Then she looked at the Orc.
"Your name is Egla Ash, isn't it?" She asked softly, moving to touch the Orc's arm.
Elu looked up, unable to stop himself. She had touched him! His eyes were filled with shock and surprise. She had spoken to him and touched him!
"That…that was my name, nin brennil." [My lady] He stammered, grateful that his swarthy skin hid the blush that warmed his face.
"Was? What is it now?"
Elu looked to Legolas whose posture was still defensive, his eyes narrowed.
"Elu, nin brennil. Elu Heneb. It means – "
"Blue-eyed." Elrond's daughter answered, smiling warmly at him again. "It is fitting for a warrior of Mirkwood." She playfully yanked at one braid that dangled by his large pointy ear.
"Yes." He murmured, gazing at the Elf maiden in wonder. She was being so kind to him - an Orc.
"Iell? [Daughter?] What are you doing?"
Arwen turned and grinned at her father, then turned the power of her smile on Mirkwood's youngest prince. His eyes widened slightly and his lips parted as if he wished to speak, but no words were forth coming. Arwen, pleased with her many conquests that day, turned back to the Orc.
I must remember to thank Daernaneth [my word in Sindarin for grandmother or literally great mother] Soft words, a smile, and a gentle touch does work to tame wrathful males, just as she said.
"Estel has told me of you, Elu." She continued. "He spoke of your bravery when you helped rescue Prince Legolas from Emyn Mor Esgal."
The Orc gaped at her, then turned to Legolas for help. What was he to say? How did he answer one so fair and kind? She had heard of him?!
"It was a courageous thing to help someone you have been raised to hate."
Her eyes were darker than Legolas, he noted. A rich blue the color of sapphires.
Elrohir glanced at Elladan whose lips quirked in a slight smile. Tithen muinthel's [little sister's] words had been aimed expertly at them as well. Elrohir sighed and shook his dark head. He, too, could recall Estel's tale of the blue-eyed Orc of Mirkwood. He had dismissed it as a fanciful creation woven for an appreciative audience. But here was the blue-eyed Orc before his very eyes. He stared at it intently, seeing everything that he hated and despised. Could he overcome his own hatred and see beyond that? He smiled suddenly. He had wanted an oddity from haunted Mirkwood, hadn't he? Well, what better than a blue-eyed Orc warrior of Gladaran Thamas.
Elladan's eyes traveled from his father, to his brother, then to his sister. Elrohir's face was alight with something other than anger. It looked suspiciously like delight. Arwen was smiling with what looked like smugness, she was truly enjoying herself. Elrond had a pained expression on his face. Elladan pursed his lips.
Leave it to Mirkwood's king to bring this on them.
Legolas glanced at his three Elven companions. Gonthalion smiled over at him and winked, his grey eyes sparkling with unfeigned mischief. Tavor and Silinde weren't as confident in their position. They know of the long running feelings between Mirkwood and Rivendell. But now, standing in Lord Elrond's presence they were somewhat daunted.
Silinde and Tavor looked uneasily at their prince. They feared that if Elu had to leave, Legolas would have them all go. They hoped this wouldn't happen. Lord Elrond would be insulted, nay, more insulted than he already was. They tensed even more and glanced uneasily at one another.
Elrond touched his temples once more, shaking his head.
I don't need this now.
"My Lord Elrond? I have some herbs that might help you."
Elrond looked up. It was the Orc that was speaking. To him. The Orc was pulling a dyed leather pouch from beneath his cloak. Elu looked up, pulling a packet out of the pouch. The Elf Lord stared down at him in amazement.
"Herbs?" He said, his brows raising. "Herbs?"
Elu's eyes widened suddenly, realizing that he – an Orc – was offering to use his humble plants to cure Imladris' Lord of a headache. The creator of Rivendell was himself a great Healer.
"Actually Elrond, I think you should let him."
They all turned startled by the new voice.
"Mithrandir!"
The Istari smiled at the gathering before him.
"An Orc in Rivendell." He chuckled, studying Elu Heneb. "Well, that is definitely a first."
The Orc gaped up at the Wizard. Mithrandir! The famous Mithrandir was here smiling so kindly, his blue eyes twinkling with mirth. He felt that he wanted to faint! First to actually see with his own eyes Elrond Peredhil, son of Earendil and Elwing, Lord of Imladris the great Elven refuge. Elladan and Elrohir, tow Elves that he practically worshiped for their bravery and loyalty. And the beautiful Arwen, Evenstar of her people. But now to meet the famous Istari, Mithrandir the Grey Pilgrim…
The packet of herbs in his hand was forgotten and dropped from fingers suddenly gone numb. Dried leaves littered the paving stone. He gasped, bending quickly feeling awkward and very uncomfortable. So many bright eyes watching him – judging him.
Legolas knelt beside him helping him gather the crumbling leaves.
"All is well, nin mellon." He whispered, his fingers brushing Elu's hand. "We all stay or we all go."
Elu raised anguished eyes.
"No, Legolas Elvellon. Do not anger Lord Elrond on my behalf."
Legolas shrugged seemingly unconcerned about insulting the great Elf. After all he was his father's son.
Mithrandir raised one bushy eyebrow at Elrond, as if to say "Are things going as well as you hoped, Elrond?"
Elrond glowered darkly. First Arwen, then the twins. Now Mithrandir. What possible chance do I stand against them all? Am I not allowed to make my own decisions any more?
He sighed, gazing into the blue autumn sky.
"Very well, Prince Legolas. Your…friend can stay. But – " He glared at the Mirkwood prince who stood, smile on his face. "If anything – and I do mean anything – goes wrong, even your father will not be able to save you from my wrath."
Legolas narrowed his eyes, then lowered them, placing his hand over his heart.
"Nothing will happen, my Lord Elrond." He reassured.
Arwen knelt beside the Orc, deftly retying the packet of herbs. She patted his hand and smiled at him in support and welcome. Elladan and Elrohir were still uncertain of their feelings, but for now it seemed that they must tolerate the Orc.
Elu stood, staring up at them in disbelief. He could stay? He could stay in Imladris? He grasped Elrond's hands in excitement and gratitude, the packet falling once more to the ground.
Elrond looked at his hand in disgust where the beast had touched him, watching as Arwen laughing and lighthearted helped him once more to retrieve his plants.
"What about that tea you said you would make for Lord Elrond, Elu?" Mithrandir asked, shooting a swift smile at Legolas and Gonthalion, who had warmly clasped his prince's shoulder.
"A victory for Mirkwood." He chortled.
Elrond groaned softly and turned away. He truly had a headache now. This was going to be an impossible time. And then, to make matters worse he could hear the sound of voices – Dwarves' voices.
The three Lonely Mountain Dwarves appeared followed by a harried looking Calenbor.
"Mirkwood Elves!" Gloin growled, glaring in surprise and dislike at Thranduil's representatives. He reached for his ax, but Elrond allowed no weapons to be carried for just this reason.
"Calenbor, please take our Mirkwood guests weapons." Elrond quickly interjected, seeing slim, pale hands reaching for bows. "Now."
Calenbor nodded and stepped toward them. Legolas and the others reluctantly handed over quivers, bows, and knives. Elu stood and pulled off his own quiver.
"An Orc!" Calenbor cried, dropping everything but a bow and an arrow, which he quickly fitted to the string.
"Nay, Calenbor. This Orc is our…guest. Please pick up the weapons and go."
The Elf gaped at Elrond, but obeyed. His violet eyes narrowed dangerously as he bent to retrieve what he had dropped.
"And Calenbor." Elrond said sharply. "Tell no one of this. When the time comes I will be the one to tell."
Calenbor nodded, muttering angrily.
Elrond resisted the urge to tear all his hair out and looked over at his guests. The Mirkwood Elves and the Lonely Mountain Dwarves were glaring at one another.
"Orc in Rivendell?" Gloin said, now turning his glare on Elrond. "I will not treat with Orcs. Or Mirkwood Elves."
Gimli 's narrowed eyes settled on the tall young looking Elf that was their leader. He bared his teeth, muttering in Dwarvish. Legolas glared at him, then deliberately turned his back to the Dwarf. An insult that couldn't' be misread.
Elladan turned to his father.
"I am sorry. I told Calenbor to keep them as far away as possible."
Calenbor stood defensively.
"I am sorry, my Lord. But they heard that Mithrandir had come and I couldn't stop them."
"Never fear, Calenbor." The Wizard said, waving a careless hand. "The more the merrier."