CHAPTER 4-
As soon as the small army was within the Caras Galadhon gates, the two men at the front rode
up quickly to the steps.
Then, something that once again grew her attention far out into the forest. This time it was Elrond
of Rivendell and his men. Haldir and Rúmil had already returned several hours ago and now 2
more lords and their small band of soldiers were marching up to Lorien. Eámanë thought about
why suddenly all the elven lords would be gathering, but she was jerked out of her wondering
when suddenly a slender elf announced loudly that Thranduil, lord of the Wood had arrived.
She leaped down her tree and ran quickly over to the side staircase. She watched the assembly
for several moments, then looking up the stairs and noticed her father emerging from the large
wooden doors.
She then walked up them and joined her father at the top as we both overlooked the spectacle.
"My lord Celeborn and dear friend." The elderly elf said as Celeborn and he firmly grasped each
other's forearms and smiled heartily at one another.
"You are most welcome here, Thranduil." Then extending his hand towards her direction, he said.
"May I present my daughter, Eámanë." Stepping forward at her father's beckoning; Eámanë
smiled awkwardly at the great lord.
Bowing reverently, "My lady." He said. Then doing the same, he turned around and introduced his
son, Legolas. "This is my son and heir who fought very bravely during the War of the Ring. He
returns to me now and fits to inherit the new land at my passing."
Legolas stepped forward and took her hand daintily. "I am honored to be in your presence, my
lady." He spoke in elvish in a low melodious voice.
She smiled curiously at him as he leaned down and kissed her hand. Inside she wanted to squeal
with delight, but she kept her composure very well. "Thank you." she smirked.
She stood there and stared at him as he took one step back down the stair. Their eyes remained
locked until finally her father spoke.
"Come let us await for Elrond and the rest of the realms." He said turning around and walking
back up into the Great Hall.
Once the council was all assembled, Lord Celeborn stood and said, "This council was summoned
to decide on what is to be done of this growing danger an a shadow that is again rising out of the
Southeast." He spoke gallantly.
"And what is this growing danger you speak of?" Legolas asked, turning everyone's attention to
him.
Celeborn held out his hand towards Eldarion who graciously stood and bowed slightly to the Lord
who then sat down. "I first discovered it while I was patrolling the southern border of Gondor. I
noticed a large number of Trolls heading east from the north. This would not have struck me as
odd at the time, except trolls are not known to travel in such large numbers."
Much of the council nodded in agreement.
"How many would you say you spotted that day?" Legolas asked.
"I would say at least 50 cave trolls, my lord."
"Well, I do not think that 50 cave trolls are anything to become alarmed about, my lords." Elrohir,
son of Elrond expressed vehemently.
"No, I agree. However I then received word from some of the scouts along the eastern border
near the gates of Minas Tirith telling me of activity developing in Mordor once again."
"Sauron was defeated and Mount Doom is dormant. There is no longer evil stirring in the
forsaken land." Elrond said.
"That is true, my lord, but the events that my men and I witnessed should not go overlooked."
Eldarion said in his own defense.
"What would you have us do, Eldarion, son of Aragorn?" Elros said, turning Eldarion's attention to
the other end of the long table.
"I would have you do nothing that would in any way endanger you or your people."
"The time if the elves is slowly coming to an end. Let us not become more involved in the
tribulations of men." Eámanë said, finally speaking up.
"That is true my lords and lady, but we cannot let Gondor stand alone in this. Have we forgotten
what we did for the elves and the rest of Middle-Earth during the War of the Ring?" Eldarion
spoke despondently. Then looking to Celeborn he said, "My lord?"
"When time has come for us to pass into the Undying Lands, this land and many others will be
handed over to the next generation. This particular realm and the woodland realm are to be
joined across the river. It will be called Eryn Lasgalen. My daughter, Eámanë, and Thranduil's
son, Legolas are to marry tomorrow. They are to whom you must speak with." Celeborn said,
looking over at her who gave a nervous look back at him.
"Then I would request a private council with the future lord and lady of these lands." He said,
looking straight ahead. After speaking, he looked at her, then to her father.
She nodded and then stood up slowly. Quickly, Legolas was at her side, offering his arm to her.
She took it politely then turning towards her father, Eámanë smiled then walked off. Eldarion and
Elrohir followed quickly after.
About an hour later the four of us emerged from behind closed doors and returned to our seats.
Legolas remained standing. "The elven rulers have come to a decision. We will not become
concerned in this matter until it establishes to be a serious threat to this land and the adjacent
kingdoms." At that he took his seat. "And this is to the mind of all here at this council?" Celeborn
asked rhetorically. The three elder lords all nodded in agreement. "Then our last council here on
Middle-Earth has come to a conclusion."
