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kalurien
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Imladris Revisited
By: DLR 2002
Disclaimer: Most of these characters are owned by JRR Tolkien, some are mine! Muwahahaha!(starting to lose it)
Elrond/OFC
Rated:G
Chapter 32
Early Spring, 3019
Lindir was shaking Elrond by the shoulder. Elrond grunted as his dreams transformed into wakefulness.
"There are men here, Lord," Lindir said, "many men at the upper gates asking to see you."
Elrond grunted again and pulled on some clothes.
"What is it?" Culurien asked sleepily.
"Visitors."
"We are closed," she said. "Bid them come back in the morning."
Elrond smiled at her jest. He gave her a quick kiss, and then followed Lindir down the hallway.
At the front door, there was a messenger from the upper gate. "My Lord," he acknowledged Elrond. "There are some thirty men requesting admission. They say they are Dúnedain and their leader is known to you, his name is Halbarad."
Elrond turned to Lindir. "Go and wake Elladan." He then turned to Arminas, who was standing, waiting for orders. "Assemble a company of archers immediately." Arminas saluted him and hurried off.
Elrond addressed himself to the messenger. "Halbarad is known to me, although I cannot answer for his company. Bid Elemmakil to only leave enough archers to guard the gate and to send the rest down behind the strangers."
The elf saluted then ran back into the darkness.
Elrond waited on the front steps. He was soon joined by Elladan, followed by Elrohir.
"What is it?" asked Elladan, tucking in his shirt.
"Dúnedain," replied Elrond, "so they say. I would like you to vouch for them."
Before long, horsemen could be heard approaching the house. Arminas had twenty archers lined up, waiting.
"Is this necessary?" asked Elrohir. "We know they are Dúnedain."
"We do not know it," said Elrond. "Not yet. To me they are thirty armed strangers who have not been recognized by anyone." He looked at his son and grinned. "Where is your brain, still sleeping?" Elrohir blushed.
Lanterns were directed at the approaching horsemen.
"It is no ruse," said Elladan. "It is indeed they." He hurried over to Halbarad. The men dismounted. Elrond welcomed them and led the way to the small dining hall. He gave instructions for food and wine to be served as everyone sat down.
Elrond addressed Halbarad. "What is your errand?"
"We seek Aragorn," Halbarad replied. "We are aware he is not here," he amended before anyone could speak. "We wish to know if you have had word of him."
Elrond thought for a moment. "Last information I received would put him in Rohan by now."
Halbarad pulled out a worn map. "Rohan," he muttered. "I am not familiar with the south at all."
Elrond looked over Halbarad's shoulder at the map. "We are here." He indicated Imladris, for it was unmarked. "There are no good roads whether you stay on the west of the mountains or crossover to travel on the east. On the west side, follow the foothills until you reach the Gap of Rohan, here. Avoid Isengard, though, it has become an evil place."
"Yes," said Halbarad, nodding. "We have heard of the treachery of Saruman."
"To the west at the northern edge of Ered Nimrais, lies the royal city of Edoras," continued Elrond. "You should attend there first. Do not cross the plains of Rohan without leave from the king."
Halbarad looked at the map again. "Suppose we take the eastern road. Do we fear the woods of Lothlórien?"
"Only in dire need should you approach the Golden Wood," said Elrond. "Unless you perchance have the favor of the Lady?" He looked at Halbarad, his eyebrows raised questioningly.
"Nay, I have never met her."
"Then I do not think my name or Aragorn's will be passport enough. And likewise Fangorn Forest," Elrond pointed at the map. "In it also lays peril of a certain kind. Not entirely evil, mind you, but best to stay clear, it will only hinder your journey."
The food arrived and the hungry men applied themselves.
Elrond waited until they had slowed somewhat. "Why do you seek Aragorn?"
"I received a message," said Halbarad, as he wiped his plate with some bread.
"From whom?"
"I know not," said Halbarad. "It came to me in a dream. "Aragorn has need of his kindred, let the Dúnedain ride forth."
Elladan and Elrohir exchanged glances. "That is it," said Elladan, "we ride with you."
Elrond looked up at his offspring. "I will listen to no argument in this matter, Adar," began Elladan.
"I give you none," said Elrond, holding his son's eyes for a moment. "Estel is your brother; you should ride to his aid if he requests it. Although it seems it was not he making the request?"
"I do not think so," Halbarad answered.
"Nay, it was Galadriel," said a soft voice behind them. They turned and beheld Arwen standing in the doorway, listening.
Elrond regarded his daughter for a moment and arched an eyebrow.
"Tis something I just know," she said, reading his unspoken thoughts.
"Perhaps, then, you do have the favor of the Lady," smiled Elrond to Halbarad. "May you have no need to make use of it."
Arwen's brothers rose from the table. "We must make ready," said Elladan. As he left the room, Arwen put her hand on his arm.
"It is finished," she whispered. "You have not forgotten your promise?"
"Nay," said he with a smile. "Go and fetch it."
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The sky was becoming grey as the men mounted their horses. Elrond pulled his sons aside and spoke to them privately, charging them with messages for Aragorn.
They were nearly ready to leave when Arwen reappeared, carrying a long staff, close furled in black cloth, bound with strips of leather. She gave it into the keeping of Elladan.
"What is that?" asked Elrond, though in his heart he had already guessed.
"A present for Estel that I have made," Arwen whispered.
Elrond looked into her eyes. "May I see it?" She nodded, undoing the thongs.
Elrond's eyes glistened as he looked upon the great, black standard, embroidered with the symbols of the House of Elendil, the seven stars, the high crown and the White Tree of Gondor.
His hand reached out to touch the bright gems that represented the stars. The crown was sewn with threads of gold and mithril.
"Undómiel," he whispered, overcome. He put his arms around her. "It is beautiful beyond words."
She laid her head on his shoulder as they gazed at the flag of the King of Gondor. "If Estel's reaction is only half that of yours, then I shall be happy."
"You should have no doubt as to what his reaction will be."
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