Chapter 13 – MONARCHS ON THE PLAIN

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Haldir bowed deeply to the Lord and Lady as they entered the meadow. He stood next to the Lady's horse linking his gloved hands together he offered her help onto the back of the great steed. Although he had heard stories of Celeborn and Galadriel leaving the Golden Wood, he had never known it to happen in his lifetime.

He mounted his own horse, Nénharma, and called out to his guards who encircled the royal couple as they began to depart. Haldir glanced over to Taelyra and smiled as she fell in next to him, riding a pale grey gelding from the Lorien stables.

It was an early departure, as it took most of the morning, even on horseback, to ride to the Eastern borders of the Wood. They left the density of the forest and rode through the sparse woodlands as the trees thinned before reaching the wide plain, where the long grasses swished about their horses' legs. The group stopped abreast a hillside and looked across the rolling land that sloped down to the River Anduin.

Haldir had viewed the sweeping grassy vista from this point many times but today he took in a very different sight.

The land was covered by a great multitude of Elves: hundreds of them, perhaps even a thousand. The summer breeze carried their melodic voices to his ears, the ground trembled with the energy of this many beings camped upon it. A horn sounded from the masses. Apparently, their arrival was being heralded. He and the entourage stood upon the hill on horseback trying to comprehend the amazing sight before them.

Taelyra smiled proudly at the sight of her people. The Elves around her sensed her joy. They heard her name called from the crowds below. She could not suppress her relief at seeing her people here, arrived safely, encamped beneath the eaves of the Lorien Wood. This was just as she dreamt it would be. Just as her King had envisioned it.

The Lorien Elves were amazed further as Taelyra grasped her sword's hilt, the steel ringing as she unsheathed it, and held Artanis high over her head. A tremendous roar rose up from the crowd. Clear Elven voices rising like a storm. The grasses trembled and Haldir felt his deepest hopes fulfilled in that monumental sound.

Celeborn and Galadriel exchanged knowing looks. This was the strength and support they had desired. Taelyra lowered Artanis and turned towards the Lord and Lady. She bowed low to them in reverance and turning her horse led them down the hillside.

As the retinue approached the Teleri mass, it parted like the tall grass. Taelyra led them through the throng. The Telerins were as tall and proud as their Lorien kinsmen but they were tired and worn from their vast journey. They needed hope. Taelyra kept Artanis unsheathed and held it lowered at her side as she rode through the crowds. Many of the Elves reached out and touched the great blade lightly as she passed, saying blessings beneath their breath. All bowed their heads in reverance to Celeborn and Galadriel as they passed. Haldir heard Taelyra's name and the Lord and Lady's whispered many times over as they rode on.

Finally, they arrived at a wide flat area where great tents of rich dark fabrics with golden clasps and strange markings were encircled by ornate, well-crafted wagons and covered litters. These must be the King's quarters, thought Haldir.

A powerful-looking Elf in fine armour strode up and stopped before them. He nodded to Taelyra as she sheathed Artanis, offering her his hand as she dismounted. She bowed formally to him as he smiled warmly upon her. Haldir could tell that the Elf could not suppress his joy at seeing her.

As Taelyra straightened, she smiled up at him. "Atar," she said simply.

He smiled proudly at her and then looked to the entourage. Haldir dismounted first and the other Guards followed suit. He strode forth and introduced himself.

"I am Haldir of Lorien, Captain of the Royal Guard." He said, bowing to Taelyra's father.

"I am Daintáro," the Elf replied. "Captain of King Ciriáran's Guard."

Taelyra noted the hesitant smile on her father's face. She knew he had never met another royal captain before. The importance of this occasion did not elude her. It had been countless years since the Telerins had met with another Elf culture, let alone their King met with other Elven nobility.

"Târô," Haldir said looking thoughtfully into the older Elf's eyes.

Daintáro looked inquisitively at Haldir, his eyebrows slightly raised.

"Târô," Haldir repeated, "The word in our tongue means 'saviour'."

Daintáro gave a hearty laugh. It was like a happy explosion of sound. "Well," he exclaimed, "I hope I can live up to that!"

To Taelyra's secret delight, Daintáro put his arm around Haldir's shoulders. "Haldir of Lorien," he said, as he guided him back to the group on horseback, "Why don't we see about introducing our sovereigns."

Haldir smiled at that. Daintáro was warm and fatherly. He liked him immediately.

Haldir strode up to Galadriel's side and helped her down from her horse. Daintáro did likewise for Celeborn. The Lord moved forward offering his arm for his Lady's hand. Taelyra stood by basking in their glorious luminescence. As nearby trumpets sounded their fanfare, she could feel her skin tingle.

The heavy flap of a nearby tent was thrown back and out from within stepped the Telerin king.

He was tall and broad, like most Telerin males. Likewise, his hair was a deep auburn colour though touched with silver above his ears. His appearance was unusual in that he had hair on his face, a rarity amongst Elves. He wore a short, trim beard, also auburn. His bearing was noble, and upon his head sat a golden crown.

"Ciriáran," Galadriel said, bowing her head in greeting, "the Mariner King."

"Aran king," Celeborn spoke, "Long ages it has been since our ancient peoples met. On the sands of Aman, the deathless shore. It is our great honour to welcome you to Lothlorien, the Woodland Realm."

"Galatáriel," Ciriáran said, also bowing. The Lady smiled warmly; it had been Ages since she'd heard her name said in that ancient tongue.

"Teleborn," Ciriáran continued, "él síla lúmena vomentienguo a star shines upon the hour of our meeting."

There was a hush throughout the crowd that watched this historic meeting. The only sound was the afternoon breeze blowing through the long grasses around them. Taelyra knew she would remember this moment through the Ages.

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Atar = Father

Ciriáran - pronounced: kir-ara-n