Hey everyone, I am sorry this is a short chapter compared to the rest of mine. Please enjoy.
Sitting at the table with their dinner, the twins stayed silent as Gil-Galad talked politics and trade with Andreth. This had become the normal evenings as the twins watched the sunset over the ocean. They had agreed after their first mean with the Noldor King that this had to be the most boring part of their day.
After what felt like forever, Gil-Galad turned to the boys.
"And how did your day go?"
"It went well sir," Elrond said politely. "We learned a good bit thanks to Andreth and we made a new friend."
"Thranduil?" Gil-Galad asked remembering their earlier conversation as he took a bite of his food.
"Yes, Oropher's son," Andreth said. "I was going to suggest inviting them to dinner one night."
"I think that's a fine idea," Gil-Galad said almost stressed at the idea alone. "Andreth will you write an invitation up and I will sign it before it goes out."
"Of course your highness."
"Anything else happen today?"
"No," they said calmly. "May we be dismissed?"
"You may," he replied watching the boys almost run off. As soon as they were out of the room, he continued. "You do know how dinner with Oropher will end up? He will enjoy the chance to be judgmental of the boys. He may not even allow his son to befriend the twins."
"Even if that's his goal, he will not succeed."
"Why do you say that?"
"Thranduil made a comment that I fell will impact Elrond's future."
"You feel so or you know so?" Gil-Galad looked at him questioning.
"I know so. Just don't say anything. Your comment when they first arrived has him uneasy."
"I guess I shouldn't have said that," Gil-Galad sighed. "Not much I can do about it now."
"Not entirely. You can give them your blessings when the time comes."
"That's where this will go?"
"I know it will," he smiled.
"In that case, invite Oropher and Thranduil to dinner tomorrow night. Prepare the kitchen staff for guest. Make sure the boys dress properly and let's welcome Oropher with open arms."
"Sounds like a plan," he smiled. "I will get on that now. Anything else you need from me?"
"That's all. You are dismissed."
Andreth stood and bowed before leaving the room. His plans this far where all working out and falling into place effortlessly. Entering the office, he pulled out a piece of parchment and a quill as he sat down and composed a royal invitation for dinner. Reading over it a few times, he smiled as he took the letter to Gil-Galad. Handing it to his king, he watched him read over it before signing his name and dismissing his adviser.
Sealing the letter, Andreth walked silently out of the kings halls and into the quiet streets. A few members of Lindon greeted him as he smiled and nodded as he kept moving. One merchant waved as he helped a maiden with a purchase. With the sun going down, the city was slowing down. Turning the corner, he headed into the part of town where the majority of the Sindarians lived, including Oropher. Oropher, of course, lived in the first house once you reach that part of town. This house was also the largest. Reaching it, Andreth knocked on the door and stayed calm as Oropher opened with Thranduil beside him.
"A letter from the king," he said holding the letter out as Thranduil stood there silently.
Oropher looked at the letter as if it was a snake waiting to bite. After a minute of silence and complete stillness, he finally reached out and took it. Thranduil, watching just as silent, felt like his heart was in his throat. Andreth took the moment to smile at the young elf as Oropher ripped open the letter and read over it.
"Tell his highness, the King, we will join him tomorrow night for dinner."
Thranduil felt even more nervous when he heard this as Andreth lowered his head and left to head home.
"Thranduil, you better not have gotten into any trouble and I pray that your nicest robe is clean and looks well enough for such an occasion."
"Father I promise I didn't do anything," he said calmly as Oropher closed the door.
Andreth knew that everything was going as planned, but how everyone would react, he could only guess. Gil-Galad's early words to the twins wasn't even close to the truth. Oropher was racist. He believed only pure elves were elves and that anyone mixed was lesser beings. The twins being half-elven were going to get the worse of him, but how would Thranduil handle it, especially after his comment to Elrond. That was something Andreth was going to have to wait to find out.
Entering the castle silently, he went and told his King of Oropher's decision before heading to prepare the kitchen staff and finally to his chambers. He debated talking to the twins, but decided it could wait till morning. As his door shut, he closed his eyes briefly and thanked the Valar for such a smooth day, before changing and sitting in a chair where he planned on enjoying the rest of his evening in peace.
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