Here and there, Elves began to arrive. A slow trickle at first, and then they came in droves. They were put up everywhere in Rivendell; until there was no room in the mansions of the city. Elrond watched the first arrivals from the highest balcony. After that, they were summoned to dinner at the end of each day, up at the palace where Elrond had temporarily housed yet more Elven diplomats.
Many came bearing gifts of goodwill. The streets, forest, and even the air itself were full of Elven voices: singing, laughing, talking in excited tones. So full of mirth and good tidings was the atmosphere that one could have mistakenly thought they'd gone back to an older time when Elves were as plentiful as men and ruled the world in peace and understanding. Lord Elrond stood upon his balcony every evening, the twilight cloaking his beautiful city in hues of gold, orange, and violet. He smiled down upon the bustling scene. For once, he could forget the heavy weight of time and be lost in the merriment.
The sun rose on July 26th. That was the day that Elrond had set aside as the official beginning of the Gathering. The air was cool and crisp for a July day. Elven representatives, wearing all colors and manner of garments, carrying banners that waved gaily in the breeze, made their way to a great pavilion that was built for the specific purpose of holding the great meeting. It was located in the middle of a copse of trees that rose over a waterfall that sent mists and rainbows high into the sky. The floor was of brightly colored tiles: a mosaic that honored the glory of past Elven kings of Middle Earth. All around that floor was a ring of chairs for the Elven delegates. If anything, it was a beautiful setting in which to meet.
As noon approached, Legolas of Mirkwood came smiling up to Elrond. "Good it is to see you again, my Lord!" He bowed low, his golden locks falling over his shoulders. Elrond smiled and returned his greetings.
"How fare your father and his people?" He asked.
"Well! Well! King Thranduil was pleased when he received the summons. He said long years had passed since the Elves had banded together in such a way..." Suddenly, the young prince's face went very serious. "Something troubles him, though... It is a thing I must talk with you about, presently." His smile returned. "I will not bother you about it at this hour. For, now it is time to open with ceremony the occasion that we are gathered here for!"
"Later then, this evening." Elrond gave him a broad fatherly smile and a gentle squeeze on his arm.
By magic, each of the carved chairs bore the name of a place. The Elves moved and sat accordingly, and each tongue was dancing with naught but praise for Rivendell. Elrond rose before the largest chair; the one that bore "Imladris" in gold on its back, and trumpets sounded above the din to call everything to order. He looked around to all the faces and noticed that few chairs were empty; among them, Lothlorien's. At this, his respectable brow furrowed.
"Friends and acquaintances!... We are all here for one single purpose." His stern voice rang against the cliffs that surrounded the place. "Since our very beginnings, we've known that Elves were not to last in this world. It is with a heavy heart and a heavy conscience that I must tell you that our time here grows short now. There are many issues that face us, and as a unified people, I think we must face them. We must deal with them together as one single race." His voice grew silent. He waited for this to sink into their heads, so that they would completely understand the weight of his words before he continued. "We have a full year in which these issues are to be brought to this pavilion and discussed among us all. If we do not finish this work within said timeframe, then another Gathering shall be organized for the purpose of carrying on this business until it is completely settled. I leave that open to any place and people to host, for I want us to work together on all matters. Imladris must not be thought of as the leader in this." He smiled. "May all get on together in friendship. There will be feasts every night and food and board for all. If any fall into need or want of anything, may they please to come to my house. You have only to ask."
With that said, the Gathering was officially opened. "No questions or issues are to be brought up on this, our first day. The guidelines have been written out in a pamphlet that each of you will receive. Go now and let your night be filled with thoughts and focus on whatever it is that you think or feel must be addressed here." Lord Elrond bowed, then he turned to leave the pavilion signifying that the first brief session was over.
--------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------
Elrond sought Legolas out after dinner that night. "What is it, now, that you wished to speak to me about?" He asked him as they stood on the veranda near the gardens. A quiet fountain bubbled pleasantly behind them and the cool night breeze smelt of lilacs.
"My father..." Legolas said softly, turning to look as his elder. The soft light pouring out of the great windows slanted down across Elrond's face, making him look much younger, ageless in the twilight. The prince smiled at him. "You look well, Lord Elrond."
He blinked. "About your father?"
"Yes." Thin strains of music wafted out of the dining hall. "He commends you for this, your brilliant idea. Only, something troubles him about it."
"Oh?" Lord Elrond turned around to face his palace, leaning back with his elbows against the carved marble railing of the veranda. "Do tell."
"Well, it's just that... You've gone to all effort to send an invitation to all the Elves in this world...?"
"Yes."
Legolas leaned towards him. In a whisper, he said then, "Not all the Elvish representatives are here accounted for." Somewhere inside, someone laughed and the sound was carried out to them.
"This I know..." Said Elrond. "I cannot think what could be keeping the delegates of Lothlorien." He frowned. Had not Galadriel told him that their representatives were already chosen?
"Lothlorien is not the realm of which I speak, Lord Elrond." He turned to give Legolas a startled look. The prince's fair blue eyes bore into his own. "...The Dark Elves."
Elrond stood straight with a start. "What?!"
"Surely you know of the Dark Elves that dwelt beyond the mountains of the unknown lands to the South East. Or, have at least heard of them..." Legolas bit his lip.
"I myself have never seen them, but..." the Elven lord trailed off and looked suddenly very weary. "I..."
He was interrupted. Glorfindel came, fairly prancing for excitement. "They're here! They've arrived, the Elves of the Golden Wood!"
Elrond turned to Legolas. "Tomorrow afternoon, come to my study. We must talk of this further." Then he turned to go, to greet the new arrivers.
-------------------- -------------------- -------------------
There were three of them. They turned as one to face him as he entered the grand foyer. Tapestries of woven gold and burgundy hung from the walls, and banners and swords as well. It was an intimidating room with high vaulted ceilings. Its purpose, besides welcoming visitors to the House of Elrond, was to put on a show of Elven military might. At this, it was very successful.
"Good eve!" Elrond cried. "Welcome, gentle Elf-kin, to Imladris!" His smile was warm and wide.
"An honor." Said the first with a raspy voice that sounded like the brush of dried leaves in a breeze. He was not smiling.
"Ah, yes... The honor is ours, I assure you." Elrond's smile faded a little at this cool reception. "I am Lord Elrond..."
"I know. We have met before, on two other brief occasions." He blinked passively, his expression never changing. "I am Haldir, March Warden of Lothlorien. To my left is Telloth, son of Mirithias, and to my right is Celeras, son of Tirith." They bowed humbly and Elrond noticed that their garments were dusty and their countenances were weary.
"There are quarters for you here, in my home." He offered. "Go no, wash. Make yourselves comfortable. I will have dinner brought up to you." Glorfindel appeared again at his side, ready to lead the new visitors to their rooms and Elrond turned to go. But Haldir caught his arm. He turned eyes full of surprise to the March Warden's face.
"First, and before anything, I must speak to you." Haldir's Sindarin was heavily accented. "Let the others go." Glorfindel looked to Elrond who nodded. He led Telloth and Celeras out of the foyer.
"All right, what business is it?" Elrond sighed.
"Your messengers were delayed in the mountains on their way to us. They were forced to take another route. Thus we received word late. It is no fault of Lothlorien's that we were not here on time. We came on the shortest road known to us, and as fast as we were able at such short notice."
Elrond blinked as understanding crept in. "Oh! Worry not about missing the first meeting of the Gathering. It was quite short, and..."
"We must know all that passed today." Haldir cut him off in a demanding voice.
Elrond frowned again. This Elf was quite rude! "And you shall be informed, as soon as possible."
"Good. The Lady wishes to have a detailed day-by-day account of everything that happens in the time that we are here." Haldir raised his chin defiantly. "That is my duty, and I plan on carrying it out to its fullest."
"I understand."
Haldir narrowed his stormy grey eyes. "Good." He said again.
This behavior was really starting to irritate Elrond. "Well, now that we're at a full and complete understanding of each other, why don't you retire for the night? I can see you must be tired..."
"The horses will be seen to?"
"Of course!" Elrond felt insulted. What did he think of Rivendell? That their hospitality was less than adequate?! He gave Haldir an expression of distaste.
"Thank you. I am, at your service sir." He said flatly and bowed rather stiffly, then stalked off after the others, not even waiting for Elrond to dismiss him.
The older Elf was not impressed.
----------------------______________------------------------_____________--- ----------------
Chibi Legolas: I LOVE YOU, HALDIR!! *huggles and smoochies* He's so adorable, no? So... rude and stuck up and arrogant. ^_^ As my "Which elf lover would you have?" quiz answer says, "I'm going to have fun breaking this one!" Wuhaaa! :)
P.S. This story was originally for my website, 'White Chocolate.' (http://ehchoco.tripod.com/)
Many came bearing gifts of goodwill. The streets, forest, and even the air itself were full of Elven voices: singing, laughing, talking in excited tones. So full of mirth and good tidings was the atmosphere that one could have mistakenly thought they'd gone back to an older time when Elves were as plentiful as men and ruled the world in peace and understanding. Lord Elrond stood upon his balcony every evening, the twilight cloaking his beautiful city in hues of gold, orange, and violet. He smiled down upon the bustling scene. For once, he could forget the heavy weight of time and be lost in the merriment.
The sun rose on July 26th. That was the day that Elrond had set aside as the official beginning of the Gathering. The air was cool and crisp for a July day. Elven representatives, wearing all colors and manner of garments, carrying banners that waved gaily in the breeze, made their way to a great pavilion that was built for the specific purpose of holding the great meeting. It was located in the middle of a copse of trees that rose over a waterfall that sent mists and rainbows high into the sky. The floor was of brightly colored tiles: a mosaic that honored the glory of past Elven kings of Middle Earth. All around that floor was a ring of chairs for the Elven delegates. If anything, it was a beautiful setting in which to meet.
As noon approached, Legolas of Mirkwood came smiling up to Elrond. "Good it is to see you again, my Lord!" He bowed low, his golden locks falling over his shoulders. Elrond smiled and returned his greetings.
"How fare your father and his people?" He asked.
"Well! Well! King Thranduil was pleased when he received the summons. He said long years had passed since the Elves had banded together in such a way..." Suddenly, the young prince's face went very serious. "Something troubles him, though... It is a thing I must talk with you about, presently." His smile returned. "I will not bother you about it at this hour. For, now it is time to open with ceremony the occasion that we are gathered here for!"
"Later then, this evening." Elrond gave him a broad fatherly smile and a gentle squeeze on his arm.
By magic, each of the carved chairs bore the name of a place. The Elves moved and sat accordingly, and each tongue was dancing with naught but praise for Rivendell. Elrond rose before the largest chair; the one that bore "Imladris" in gold on its back, and trumpets sounded above the din to call everything to order. He looked around to all the faces and noticed that few chairs were empty; among them, Lothlorien's. At this, his respectable brow furrowed.
"Friends and acquaintances!... We are all here for one single purpose." His stern voice rang against the cliffs that surrounded the place. "Since our very beginnings, we've known that Elves were not to last in this world. It is with a heavy heart and a heavy conscience that I must tell you that our time here grows short now. There are many issues that face us, and as a unified people, I think we must face them. We must deal with them together as one single race." His voice grew silent. He waited for this to sink into their heads, so that they would completely understand the weight of his words before he continued. "We have a full year in which these issues are to be brought to this pavilion and discussed among us all. If we do not finish this work within said timeframe, then another Gathering shall be organized for the purpose of carrying on this business until it is completely settled. I leave that open to any place and people to host, for I want us to work together on all matters. Imladris must not be thought of as the leader in this." He smiled. "May all get on together in friendship. There will be feasts every night and food and board for all. If any fall into need or want of anything, may they please to come to my house. You have only to ask."
With that said, the Gathering was officially opened. "No questions or issues are to be brought up on this, our first day. The guidelines have been written out in a pamphlet that each of you will receive. Go now and let your night be filled with thoughts and focus on whatever it is that you think or feel must be addressed here." Lord Elrond bowed, then he turned to leave the pavilion signifying that the first brief session was over.
--------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------
Elrond sought Legolas out after dinner that night. "What is it, now, that you wished to speak to me about?" He asked him as they stood on the veranda near the gardens. A quiet fountain bubbled pleasantly behind them and the cool night breeze smelt of lilacs.
"My father..." Legolas said softly, turning to look as his elder. The soft light pouring out of the great windows slanted down across Elrond's face, making him look much younger, ageless in the twilight. The prince smiled at him. "You look well, Lord Elrond."
He blinked. "About your father?"
"Yes." Thin strains of music wafted out of the dining hall. "He commends you for this, your brilliant idea. Only, something troubles him about it."
"Oh?" Lord Elrond turned around to face his palace, leaning back with his elbows against the carved marble railing of the veranda. "Do tell."
"Well, it's just that... You've gone to all effort to send an invitation to all the Elves in this world...?"
"Yes."
Legolas leaned towards him. In a whisper, he said then, "Not all the Elvish representatives are here accounted for." Somewhere inside, someone laughed and the sound was carried out to them.
"This I know..." Said Elrond. "I cannot think what could be keeping the delegates of Lothlorien." He frowned. Had not Galadriel told him that their representatives were already chosen?
"Lothlorien is not the realm of which I speak, Lord Elrond." He turned to give Legolas a startled look. The prince's fair blue eyes bore into his own. "...The Dark Elves."
Elrond stood straight with a start. "What?!"
"Surely you know of the Dark Elves that dwelt beyond the mountains of the unknown lands to the South East. Or, have at least heard of them..." Legolas bit his lip.
"I myself have never seen them, but..." the Elven lord trailed off and looked suddenly very weary. "I..."
He was interrupted. Glorfindel came, fairly prancing for excitement. "They're here! They've arrived, the Elves of the Golden Wood!"
Elrond turned to Legolas. "Tomorrow afternoon, come to my study. We must talk of this further." Then he turned to go, to greet the new arrivers.
-------------------- -------------------- -------------------
There were three of them. They turned as one to face him as he entered the grand foyer. Tapestries of woven gold and burgundy hung from the walls, and banners and swords as well. It was an intimidating room with high vaulted ceilings. Its purpose, besides welcoming visitors to the House of Elrond, was to put on a show of Elven military might. At this, it was very successful.
"Good eve!" Elrond cried. "Welcome, gentle Elf-kin, to Imladris!" His smile was warm and wide.
"An honor." Said the first with a raspy voice that sounded like the brush of dried leaves in a breeze. He was not smiling.
"Ah, yes... The honor is ours, I assure you." Elrond's smile faded a little at this cool reception. "I am Lord Elrond..."
"I know. We have met before, on two other brief occasions." He blinked passively, his expression never changing. "I am Haldir, March Warden of Lothlorien. To my left is Telloth, son of Mirithias, and to my right is Celeras, son of Tirith." They bowed humbly and Elrond noticed that their garments were dusty and their countenances were weary.
"There are quarters for you here, in my home." He offered. "Go no, wash. Make yourselves comfortable. I will have dinner brought up to you." Glorfindel appeared again at his side, ready to lead the new visitors to their rooms and Elrond turned to go. But Haldir caught his arm. He turned eyes full of surprise to the March Warden's face.
"First, and before anything, I must speak to you." Haldir's Sindarin was heavily accented. "Let the others go." Glorfindel looked to Elrond who nodded. He led Telloth and Celeras out of the foyer.
"All right, what business is it?" Elrond sighed.
"Your messengers were delayed in the mountains on their way to us. They were forced to take another route. Thus we received word late. It is no fault of Lothlorien's that we were not here on time. We came on the shortest road known to us, and as fast as we were able at such short notice."
Elrond blinked as understanding crept in. "Oh! Worry not about missing the first meeting of the Gathering. It was quite short, and..."
"We must know all that passed today." Haldir cut him off in a demanding voice.
Elrond frowned again. This Elf was quite rude! "And you shall be informed, as soon as possible."
"Good. The Lady wishes to have a detailed day-by-day account of everything that happens in the time that we are here." Haldir raised his chin defiantly. "That is my duty, and I plan on carrying it out to its fullest."
"I understand."
Haldir narrowed his stormy grey eyes. "Good." He said again.
This behavior was really starting to irritate Elrond. "Well, now that we're at a full and complete understanding of each other, why don't you retire for the night? I can see you must be tired..."
"The horses will be seen to?"
"Of course!" Elrond felt insulted. What did he think of Rivendell? That their hospitality was less than adequate?! He gave Haldir an expression of distaste.
"Thank you. I am, at your service sir." He said flatly and bowed rather stiffly, then stalked off after the others, not even waiting for Elrond to dismiss him.
The older Elf was not impressed.
----------------------______________------------------------_____________--- ----------------
Chibi Legolas: I LOVE YOU, HALDIR!! *huggles and smoochies* He's so adorable, no? So... rude and stuck up and arrogant. ^_^ As my "Which elf lover would you have?" quiz answer says, "I'm going to have fun breaking this one!" Wuhaaa! :)
P.S. This story was originally for my website, 'White Chocolate.' (http://ehchoco.tripod.com/)