Chapter 9
Many meetings and leavings
He turned to his camp, beginning to pull down the tent. He paused, feeling an eerie feeling, almost as if someone was watching him. His hand moved slowly to the sword at his side. He swung around, sword drawn and almost fell to his knees in surprise as two eyes glanced up lazily.
Elrond sat, his nose in a book, as if he had been there the whole time. Ereinion just stared, speechless. He had seen two on the boat. He rubbed his eyes, sheathing his sword. Elrond turned his eyes back to his book wordlessly.
" Tis amazing how much sons look like their fathers or even uncles," Elrond lowered his book, " I have finally snuck past you.
Ereinion kept his face straight, though all he wanted to do was smile in relief.
" Come here, Peredhil."
Elrond stood hesitantly, as if expecting a reprimand. The sudden embrace surprised him, but Elrond responded. Ereinion pulled back, his eyes meeting Elrond's and accepting the silent apology.
" Gray is quite noticeable in my hair. What will the Elves think when they see their own king aging?"
" Maybe we will have a chance to find out," Elrond shot back, " Do you need help packing?"
Ereinion stopped him.
" Elrond, I really need to know that you are going to be there, beside me. Years ago, this happened. Will you remain by my right side?"
Elrond's eyes crinkled.
" Sounds like a marriage vow."
" Elrond, be serious," Ereinion wailed.
" Look who is being childish now."
" I am this close from drawing my sword again."
Elrond managed to become serious.
" Elros has convinced me that my place is with my people. I will never leave them again, but neither will I forsake Elros. I ask to be able to visit him."
Ereinion nodded.
" Granted. Now let us get home. We are halving the paperwork I have waiting in my study."
~*~
Galadriel pushed forward, hearing horse hooves at the gates of Lindon. She saw Ereinion and went up on tiptoe to try and see behind his horse. Her smile grew and heart was uplifted, seeing the younger Elf. Elrond dismounted, only to be pulled into a hug. He glanced up, catching a glint of gold hair before he was smothered against a shoulder.
" Thank Eru you returned."
Elrond smiled slightly, returning the hug.
" I am back, for good."
Galadriel wiped tears.
" Good. I need my little Minë here."
Elrond promptly blushed.
~*~
Celeborn entered the dining hall, finding the council all seated, save him. His hand scratched his head, seeing Elrond and Ereinion conversing softly as they waited. He had not heard of the half-elven's arrival. Celeborn took his seat beside Galadriel.
" When did you both arrive back?"
Ereinion glanced up from his shuffling of a large sheaf of papers.
" This morning. We have our former head advisor back from his short period of resignment and he is ordered to be on this council until the end of Arda."
Elrond glanced up quickly, from his papers.
" That was not in the deal."
Ereinion shrugged.
" I expect you to be on this council as long as my reign prevails."
Elrond nodded. Ereinion laid his papers on the table, rubbing his forehead.
" You give the report."
Elrond stood, the papers in his hands.
" First, I apologize for my irrational decision earlier this week. Now," Elrond paused to hand the packet to Celeborn, " What is going around is a simple treaty. My brother and many of the Edain are being led by Eönwë to an isle prepared by the Valar. My thought is to always stay in league with them in case evil does comeback."
" You sound as if you know more than you are willing to tell," Celebrimbor leaned forward.
"I am just being prepared. I do not see all ends," Elrond's sharp gaze landed on Ereinion when the king chuckled, " Though, I have seen that they will build a large fleet of ships. They would be a wonderful aid if we are assailed by Sea or land."
The counselors were busily nodding and conversing among themselves softly.
" Ereinion and I drew up a type of contract to send to my brother and see if he would agree to sign it. It is mutually beneficial and only has to be renewed every coronation by the men."
Elrond watched Celeborn continue to scan the pages. Galadriel glanced up at him.
*Not even a day back and you are already acting out executive decisions.
Elrond shrugged.
*Tis my place and what I am meant to do.
*I am glad you returned, little Minë.
Elrond flushed. Galadriel merely turned her eyes to the document Celeborn passed her.
*I bet its grammar is perfect if Elrond really did write it.
She nodded a few minutes later. It had been drafted by the mere ninety year old who still looked not one day over twenty-one.
~*~
c. 40th year of the Second Age
" There have been too many dwarves passing this area. They are leaving Ered Luin, but they maim the trees in their paths. Something must be done, before there are no trees left upon the mountains," Celeborn was bent hotly against the dwarves.
The Elf never had or would like dwarves, for it was they whom had slaughtered his king and kinsman, Thingol. Ereinion massaged his aching head, jumbled from the arguments before him and lack of proper sleep. He waved a hand helplessly at Elrond.
" You are my herald, you and Glorfindel see to it."
Elrond nodded, heading out immediately to find his golden haired friend.
~*~
The dwarves drew their axes, hearing the hooves. Many stopped in their tracks. Elves were considered unnaturally beautiful to men and the other free peoples. Some dwarves still held a wary look, glancing at the quivers attached to the Elves' backs. Elrond dismounted, making a motion to Glorfindel that he would speak with the dwarves. Glorfindel nodded. He had no love for the stunted people either.
" Master dwarves," Elrond greeted them with a smile.
Elrond bent on one knee, touching his hand to his chest in a customary greeting.
" Who are you?" a gruff voice came.
A large, auburn haired dwarf pushed his way forward, planting his axe firmly into the ground.
" The herald of his majesty, Ereinion Gil-galad."
The dwarf drummed his fingers against the blade.
" I am Durin. I lead this group. Tell me why you stop us, Master herald, or I will have to forcibly move you out of my way."
Only Elrond caught Glorfindel's soft snort, thankfully.
" I am Elrond Peredhil, in case you wish to know," Elrond awkwardly shifted on his knee, " His majesty has noted the masses of you moving from these mountains and he merely wishes to know the reason for it. Are times hard here in Ered Luin?"
Durin shook his head curtly.
" That has nothing to do with it and even if it did…" the dwarf's hard pride showed its ugly head, " Now see here, master, or mister, or lord Herald. We dwarves need not your king's worry or help. We simply have found a greater treasure in the halls of Khazad-dûm."
Elrond nodded peaceably, though he saw the reason most disliked the proud, but short of stature race.
" Then do not let me hinder you any further, but I have one request to ask of you. Please keep your axes from the trees."
Durin nodded, liking the polite way the Elf still spoke to him.
" Not one tree shall be touched."
Elrond stood, bowing formally to Durin, and then mounting up. The dwarf's loud voice carried after them.
" I believe that is the first Elf I have liked in a long while."
~*~
" It seems this Khazad-dûm must be rich in metals and stones," Elrond finished.
Ereinion's eyes were on Celebrimbor. The Elf's eyes were shining at the mention of metals. Elrond shook his head slightly.
*He must be part dwarf.
Ereinion chuckled softly.
*Aye, I am sure Celeborn would love to hear that.
~*~
" Elrond, wake up. Come on."
Glorfindel pulled up the groggy Elf, thrusting a robe into Elrond's hands, before pulling him after him, shaking his head at Elrond's state of wakelessness. The Elf was still part mortal and needed more sleep than any Elf. Elrond muttered under his breath, pulling on the robe with a yawn.
" Tis not even dawn, Glorfindel. Why are you bothering me?"
" In a moment it shall be."
Sure enough, the sun broke over the horizon. They came to a balcony and Elrond grabbed onto the railing with an astonished look.
" Wood-Elves," Glorfindel said softly, " The best archers in the land. They have come to pay homage to Ereinion finally. Rumor has it that the Elves from Laurelindórean (Lothlorien's old name) arrive soon."
" Whom are they led by?"
A dark haired Elf dismounted, seeing Ereinion approaching high above on the balcony. Ereinion glanced back slightly at Elrond. Elrond rubbed his eyes before coming to stand beside him.
" How did they enter without our knowledge?" Elrond said softly, " Lindon is walled."
" There is no gate to the North. We have never thought of being assailed from the Northern Waste," Ereinion replied, before turning his attention to the Elves below.
" Suliad, Ereinion, ara-aran ned I Noldor (Greetings, Ereinion, high king of the Noldor)."
" Maegovannen," Ereinion responded, his Sindarin not as well as he would like, " Why is it you have come?"
" My kingdom wishes to recognize your sovereignty over all the Elves here in Arda. I am Thranduil, king of the Silvan Elves of the North. We bring tribute from the great forest of Greenwood."
Ereinion nodded, his eyes open wide at the display of wealth.
" You and your people are always welcome here, Thranduil."
Ereinion descended, fastening buttons as he went.
" Trust a great day for the Elves to catch me unawares, as I stumble from my bed," Ereinion muttered, glancing at Elrond, " And you, straighten your robes. They will think we live on spirits by the way you look."
Elrond rolled his eyes, straightening his collar.
" As if you fare much better majesty."
Ereinion shook his head, catching the sleep-deprived undertone.
" Forgive me for imparting upon your precious sleep. You are quick and sharp in your speech at first wake. Remind me never to wake you for a council. You could single-handedly strike everyone down with words."
~*~
Elrond bent beside Ereinion.
" My lord, there are more that come."
Ereinion nearly upset his glass as his head whipped around.
" More? Elrond, tis rude for me to leave my guests for others. You handle it."
" Me?" Elrond squeaked, " Tis Laurelindórean Elves. They bring lady Nimrodel, a maiden of great beauty."
Ereinion waved a hand dismissively.
" Seen one woman, seen them all. Now go. Tardiness is unacceptable."
~*~
If the Wood-Elves had surprised Elrond, these Elves left him in awe. He dismounted, dressed in the fine robes bearing his lineage upon them. A fair, golden haired Elf dismounted also, coming forward to meet him.
" Im estan Amroth, aran ned Laurelindórean (I am Amroth, king of Lothlorien)."
Elrond caught the outstretched arm.
" I am Elrond, son of Eärendil and last of the line of Lúthien, the fair."
Amroth nodded acknowledging the respect of Elrond's breeding. The king turned, extending his hand to help a maiden off. The woman smiled sadly, glowing like she was one of Varda's stars fallen from her place in the firmament.
" This is the lady, Nimrodel."
Elrond bowed.
" Lord Elrond, we bring gifts for your king."
" Your gifts are welcome, as are your people. The king sends his apology that he could not come out. Many guests have arrived this day."
Amroth gazed over the beautiful land beyond the gates, and then back at Elrond.
" The last of the line of Lúthien?"
Elrond shook his head.
" My twin, but he has chosen to take upon himself the Gift of Man. He is a king of men."
" Just as you should be a king of Elves. You aspire for more than Ereinion allows. You know of what I speak. A realm, beautiful, fair, your own, with no one there to rule it but you."
Elrond shook off the arm that had come across his shoulders. He turned with a cordial smile, trying to hide how the words had hit him with a new longing.
" My place is beside my king. I have given my word, and to it I remain."
Nimrodel approached, her soft hand restraining Amroth from saying more.
" And your word is all you have that is good in the sight of others," she glanced up at Amroth, " Tell the Elves to camp here. I will go ahead with my gift."
Elrond lent a hand to help her back upon her horse before mounting himself. The two, plus a few of her ladies began towards the haven spanning both sides of the river. Amroth watched in disappointment when she never glanced back once.
~*~
Ereinion sat beside one of the great pools of water in the gardens. He glanced around, knowing not many were still awake, before removing his shoes and slipping his aching feet into the crystal clear water.
" My lord."
A light knelt beside him.
" Lady Nimrodel," Ereinion was almost struck speechless.
He glanced at his feet in the water and then sighed. There was nothing he could do of his unkingly appearance now.
" I thank you for the lovely standards. I trust you found your accommodations comfortable?"
The standards had been woven with his mark in gold and mithril thread, making light dance and fall like water on the cloth.
" All is well. I simply wish to speak to you of Elrond."
Ereinion's head jerked around, his eyes searching hers.
"What about him?"
She touched his shoulder with a slight smile.
" Do not let Amroth speak to him alone. Amroth is a skilled speaker. He wishes Elrond for his own realm," she shrugged slightly, " He is a beautiful Elf, with a beautiful realm. Now he wishes the wisest. He believes the young one is such. He has already tried to lure Elrond away."
" How?" Ereinion's face was dark.
Nimrodel shrugged her thin shoulders again.
" A realm of his own. I believe Elrond never thought of it before Amroth mentioned it, but it was an enticing enough offer to make the young one pause."
" What did Elrond say?" Ereinion closed his eyes.
Elrond had been quiet through dinner.
" His place was beside his king and he was to remain true to his word."
A smile formed on Ereinion's face. Nimrodel could not help but smile also at his apparent relief.
" Thank you, lady."
Nimrodel nodded, kissing his cheek, before using his shoulder as a lever to stand. Her eyes glinted mischievously as she leaned towards his ear.
" I do hope the water soothes your feet."
~*~
Elrond could not sleep. He entered his study and then noted the lights on in Ereinion's. He peeked a head around the door. The king was seated at his desk, staring straight ahead and twirling a pencil around in his fingers, seeming to mumble to himself. Elrond began to back away, not wishing to disturb Ereinion.
" Should you not be sleeping? You were angry this morning at the early wake up."
Ereinion looked up at Elrond questioningly.
" I could not sleep. Must be all the guests," Elrond shrugged.
" Or maybe the thought of a beautiful realm all your own weighs heavily upon your mind."
Elrond shook his head, surprised and at the same time not at how the king knew.
" I know not how you know of the offer, but I refused it. I gave you my word, and I intend to keep it."
Ereinion put down his pencil, standing.
" Good then, now I have a bit of paperwork you will aid me with."
Elrond pointed behind himself, faking a yawn.
" Dreadfully tired, I am. I believe I will retire."
Ereinion caught Elrond's collar.
" Oh no, you don't. You are helping me."
Elrond chuckled.
" Yes, my liege."
Ereinion rolled his eyes.
" Amroth should thank me for making you swear to stay here. He has no idea what else comes with your wisdom."
" And what does that mean?" Elrond pretended to sound offended as he looked over a paper.
Ereinion looked up from one of his own.
" You are not always lord Elrond."
Elrond chuckled slightly, putting the paper down.
" And that would be because I am no lord."
Ereinion glanced at him oddly.
" I am sorry. Did you miss the letter? I must have forgotten to give it to you."
Elrond's face brightened, and then he regarded Ereinion with suspicion.
" You are serious?"
" Do I ever lie?"
Silence reigned.
AN: I have no proof that the Mirkwood and Lorien Elves came to Lindon to do this, but it was fun to add. For Elvish, I have a link to a Quenya site on my website. I cannot give it right off, but if you look on the main page, it is stated there.
http://www.angelfire.com/film/allthingstolkien Thanks for the reviews!! Keep them up please~!!!