The Lady Beruthiel's supper was served on a round table before a fireplace guarded by gilt-bronze eagles. The chalcedony plates were carved with spread and furled wings, and the goblets colored glass chased in mithril and gold. The tableware of heavy silver was embossed with the Eagle and the Star. However the food was as plain and substantial as that Cemendur had eaten at other, lesser holdings.
"You come at an opportune time," the Lady Beruthiel was saying, "as both Elrond's twins and I have errands on the other side of the Mountains. We can travel together."
"A nice little family party." Ellenion agreed and glanced sidelong at Elladan. "Another mission to Thranduil?"
His cousin nodded ruefully. "He knows the Woodland Realm cannot stand alone but it's a constant struggle against his, and his people's, instinctive dislike of outsiders."
"He's not objecting to the Ranger watch on Dol Guldur is he?" Ereinion asked, frowning.
Elladan shook his head. "No. Your Men have worked hard at being accepted and succeeded. The Dunedain's familiarity with the Elven tongue and Elven ways has served them well. It's another quarrel with the Dwarves I'm afraid, over the Forest Road as usual."
"The sovereignity question again." said Ellenion resignedly.
Elrohir arched a brow. "Isn't it always?"
"I don't know how well acquainted you are with the Northlands, my Lord Cemendur," Lady Beruthiel explained politely to her guest, "but there is an ancient Dwarf road across the Mirkwood. It fell into ruin after the Dragon Smaug destroyed the Kingdom under the Mountain. However the realm of Erebor was restored some thirty years ago and the new King had the road rebuilt and put back into use. And he and King Thranduil have been arguing about who has jurisdiction over it ever since." she turned to her Elven kinsmen. "I presume the problem is Dain's new guard stations?"
The half-elven brothers stared at her then exchanged a speaking look. Elladan blew out a sigh. "Of course your Rangers would know all about it! Why didn't they say something?"
The Lady's lips curled in a smile both wry and rueful. "We were hoping the Elves wouldn't notice."
"You know how unreasonable the Elder Races can be." Ellenion put in, eyes glinting.
"I would argue with you if I could," Elrohir said wearily. "But as we all know neither Elves nor Dwarves have ever been particularly reasonable about the other."
"Which is why a delegation of Dalesmen will be negotiating on behalf of the Dwarves." added Elladan.
Ellenion laughed out loud. "Pity the poor Men! caught in the middle as usual."
"Spare some sympathy for the poor Half-Elven as well." said Elrohir.
"Oh I do." Ereinion assured him. "I wish you luck. Cousin, you're going to need it."
"And don't we know it!" Elladan sighed and turned to the Lady. "But what errand do you have over the mountains, Beruthiel?"
"I want to talk to Grimbeorn about increasing his patrols." she answered and all four men suddenly looked much more serious.
"Orc trouble?" came sharply from Ereinion.
His mother shook her head. "Not yet. But their numbers are beginming to increase again. It's only a matter of time. We're going to have to keep a close watch if we're to avoid unpleasant surprises like the 'Front Door'".
Cemendur was unable to follow much of this but one point caught his attention. "You have dealings with the Valesmen?" for certainly Gondor had heard no word of their Northern kin from that quarter.
"We do. But only as Rangers, wanders and hunters of the Wild." Beruthiel answered. "The Beornings have secrets of their own. They ask no questions."
"So who does know your secret," Cemendur probed, "The Elves of Rivendell -?"
"And of Lindon, our ancient allies." Ellenion admitted.
"And the Dwarves of the Blue Mountains and of Erebor who are also allies from of old." added his brother.
"So it is just your fellow Men whom you distrust." the Councilor said pointedly.
Beruthiel and her sons exchanged looks.
"It is not so simple as that." said the Lady.
"Lindon and Rivendell are guarded realms, governed by powers that know the Dark Lord and reject him utterly." Ellenion explained.
"The Dwarves also keep to themselves, and while many know the Rangers only their princes know that our Chief is Isildur's Heir." added his brother.
"The continued existence of Isildur's Line is a closely guarded secret." Elladan assured Cemendur. "Not shared even with all of the Wise."
"But the remaining Noldor do not forget that the blood of their Kings runs in the veins of the Isildurioni." Elrohir said quietly. "And the Sindar will risk much for Luthien's Children, in memory of her whom they loved."
"And Dwarves always pay their debts." finished Ereinion.
"And Men?" Cemendur prompted.
"Men change." said Beruthiel flatly. "It is their nature, the nature of Middle Earth. Old loyalties fade and are forgotten. It has been more than a dozen lives of ordinary Men, since there was a King in the North. We are become the stuff of childrens' tales."
"Gondor remembers." Cemendur said defensively.
"Gondor rejected Isildur's Heirs, not once but many times." Elladan answered, with an edge to his voice. "Can you blame them if they now take you at your word?"
"Elladan!" Beruthiel cut him off sharply and turned to Cemendur. "We do not forget our duty to our people or our kin. That is why Aragorn went to Gondor in the first place. We work in secret but we do what we can."
'And have trained yourselves to expect nothing in return.' the Councilor thought bleakly. 'Not even gratitude.'