Chapter Eleven: Friends, Foes, and Fools

It is not so much our friends' help that helps us, as the confidence of their help.

Epicurus

Roused by the lash of his own stubborn tail our lion now will foreign foes assail.

John Dryden

Anger dwells only in the bosom of fools.

Albert Einstein

Autumn, Imladris, T.A. 490
Morwen and Elladan were taking their daily tour of the small gathering of humans within the realm of Imladris. A large dirt path lead up to the outdoor arena were the merchants were selling their products and produce, flower stalls next to barrels of fish, fabric sellers next to traveling silversmiths. Morwen usually came to the area for the gathering of information from other realms or picking up much needed supplies, Elladan was there as a beast of burden and simply to fill his daily quota of people he must speak with. Today, however, Elladan was unusually quiet.

"Elladan, you are currently in a brood fitting of your father. What is wrong?"

Elladan looked up from a book he had been inspecting for the past several minutes,

"What? Did you say something? I did not do it, I swear."

Morwen sighed, removed the book from Elladan's hands and smiled at the merchant, "Excuse us, please."

Grabbing Elladan's right hand she dragged him off towards the wall outside the apple orchard. "Sit, now."

The elder son of Elrond arranged himself on the low wall. Morwen placed her hands under Elladan's chin tilting it upwards, "You have been one sad elf for the past three days, what is wrong with you? Were you taunted on your last watch? Did someone dye your lucky hair tie purple again? Did someone switch out your and Elrohir's arrows? Was Muffy the Horse taken hostage again by Arwen?"

Elladan gave her an annoyed look, "Nothing's wrong with me. I was not taunted on my last watch, but if I am ever left with Thandrog again, who apparently thinks it is his mission to save every lost, abandoned and hurt animal in all of Arda, I may lose that last bit of sanity I am rumored to have. I could not get the dye out of my favorite hair tie and have moved on to a new one, Mother gave it to me. The arrows have not been switched out since the last time both Glorfindel and Thalion yelled at everyone and Arwen learned long ago to never take Muffy hostage. If Muffy is found anywhere outside my chambers I get to take Toothy the dragon hostage. I am fine, I am fine, and in case you did not get that, I am fine!"

Elladan stood up and walked off in a huff, leaving a stunned Morwen behind.

"What was that all about?"

Morwen turned to look at Rian, standing behind her.

"A change in temperament," Morwen murmured, then noticing the letter in Rian's hands, "is that for me?"

Rian stopped tracking Elladan with her eyes, absently handing the letter to Morwen, "uh, yes, it's from Galdor and is, apparently, urgent. You have another letter on your desk from the Greenwood."

Morwen tore the seal on the letter, quickly scanning it.

"Um, Rian…Rian…RIAN." Rian quickly turned her head back towards Morwen.

"Yes?"

"Galdor needs our help with the a matter, something about cloth trading and border disputes. It is not yet to the degree where Erestor needs to be called in, but Galdor is asking for me, or if I'm too busy, you, to aid him. I know you have not been to the Havens in some time Rian, would you like to go?"

Rian shook her head vehemently, "I try to avoid the Havens at all cost. I do not mix well with large bodies of water. No, no, I am much better suited to the wooden realms. Please, go. I know you have dear friends there. I shall look after everyone here. Let us go back to the House, I shall alert Lindir you need to leave and tell Glorfindel to ready an escort-"

"I do not need.."

"Elrond would not let you out of this realm without at least one person to escort you, not with the way he has been feeling. Now, let us be on our way."

Glorfindel knocked softly on the bedroom door and proceeded in as a voice gave him leave to enter. The opening of the door let in more light than let out. While most bedrooms in the House of Imladris were full of bright light, a newly adult Morwen had requested for one of the few darker rooms. She had always been a patron of dark and comfortable spaces. Walking into the bedroom Glorfindel took note of his surroundings.

Morwen had gone from a large nursery for all the foundlings of Imladris, to a shared chamber with Rian, to this, her own room. In each of those moves a few prized possessions traveled with her, an old bound journal, the last of her family's effects, a small pewter fairy he had fashioned for her when she was but 30 years, and a raggedy stuffed cat, her first present from Elladan. He allowed a smile to appear as he remembered the young female elfling who was, with every passing day, growing into a formidable elven councilor. This was not the fae wild child of youth, but a grown and strong she elf. Despite knowing she could watch after herself, despite being aware she had trained for many years along side Elladan and Elrohir, he could not help but still see the small child who was both fascinated and terrified by thunderstorms, who cried for days the first time her real pet cat died, who revered books as others did jewels.

"Glorfindel?" Morwen's tentative inquiry broke his reverie.

"Morwen, I apologize. Old elves like myself often dwell in memory, I fear. I have just come to let you know Thalion will be your escort to the Havens. He will be with you through your whole stay."

"And he has agreed with this?"

"He offered, I believe he is tried of being the target in archery practice."

Both elves laughed.

Glorfindel walked over to Morwen, gently pulling on a loose curl, "What does this meeting entail, did Galdor tell you?"

Morwen shrugged, "Something about cloth trade, border disputes, us needed as arbitrators in a Green Wood-Golden Wood dispute. I swear, they get worse as the years go by. I also had a letter from one of the minor advisors from the Green Wood requesting my written testimony on some apparently insulting act I witnessed the last time Elladan and I were among Gildor Inglorion's people. I feel as if I am often watching over small elflings."

Glorfindel smiled, "Erestor has often said the same thing. And he has been doing this job much longer than you have. Albeit, you have yet to enrage a great elven lord."

"I do believe Cirdan has finally found the amusement in Erestor's statement. I do not, however, think he will soon be welcomed to the Havens with pomp and circumstance. Elves have old memories, as you know."

"That we do. Now, I fear, I must get back to my own tasks. Have a good journey, Morwen, and if you can find it in your dear heart to bring me back some of their specialty candy…"

"I shall ask Melui to make a batch for you. Good day, Glorfindel."

Glorfindel bowed his head and made his way towards the door.

Suddenly Morwen's voice again rang out, "It is getting worse, isn't it? The darkness."

Glorfindel turned from the door,

"Morwen, I…" he cautiously proceeded.

"Do not lie to me Glorfindel, I am no longer a child."

A rueful Glorfindel said, "Morwen, I fear you will always be a child to me." He paused at the dangerous look in Morwen's eyes. "Morwen, I am..."

"Is there anything else you wish to tell me? I assume Thalion is waiting for me." She hurriedly stuffed some garments in a bag, not lifting her eyes up from her task.

Glorfindel walked over to her, grabbing her hand and hindering her movements. "Morwen, just….be cautious. Not simply on the road, but also in the Havens. I fear that without my presence or Elladan's there will be…"

Morwen pulled her hand out of his grasp, "I am more than capable of taking care of myself, Glorfindel. Whether you want to believer it or not, I am an adult. Besides, Thalion will be there."

Glorfindel shook his head, "We both know Thalion can not always be there. You have no idea who will be at this meeting. Just, please, stay close to Galdor or even Melui, very few dare to tempt her wrath."

After a moment, Morwen nodded. "I shall heed your advice as the seneschal of this realm, now, if you would excuse me, I must leave. Please, shut the door on your way out."

Glorfindel watched her leave, shaking his head at her current temperament. He would owe Thalion for this, the young elf had long ago lost his infatuation with Morwen and would not be as likely to excuse her ire.

If one thing could be said for the inhabitants of Imladris, they were not boring.

Glorfindel watched from the one window in Morwen's bedroom that looked towards the horse grounds as Elladan nearly tackled Morwen in a goodbye.

No, not boring at all.

Morwen organized her documents as Thalion kept the small fire burning. They were not far from the Havens, but the horses had earned and needed their rest.

"May I ask you something?"

Morwen looked up in surprise as she heard Thalion's voice, they had not spoken much on their journey.

"Of course you may, Thalion. What is on your mind?"

"Elladan. I heard you two had a small spat not long before you left. However, his goodbye to you was most enthusiastic."

Morwen smiled, "First, Elladan more…spat at me. Something is on his mind and well, you know the saying about not taunting the trapped animal. Second, Elladan does not believe in letting people leave angry, just in case. He has heard too many stories from his father, and Erestor, and Glorfindel to live with the regret of not getting to say goodbye. It is one thing I must confess I have always adored about him. Now, Thalion, may I ask you a question?"

"It would only be fair."

"How are things going between you and that lovely seamstress, Eregeth?" Morwen suppressed her laughter at the blush staining Thalion's cheeks.

"I never thought you one to linger in idle gossip, Morwen, but Eregeth and I are simply friends. I will not deny I wish for more, but…I am a mere foundling of the realm and she is…"

"Thalion," Morwen sharply cut in, "you were never a mere foundling. You were raised by Lord Elrond himself, you are a guardian of the realm, you are a trusted warrior and instructor. Glorfindel is trusting you as my escort and since he often only trusts either himself, Elladan, or his second-hand Balanauth with my escort, you must see how much he values and trusts you. You are not a mere anything Thalion. And yet, you see yourself as such, I do not think I can condemn you for being so humble."

Thalion gave her a small smile, "I thank you for your kind words. I will admit, I never expected to hear such from you. Not, that I can blame you. I did pursue you most steadfastly in my youth."

"You were merely living up to your name, Thalion. Most of us leave behind those whom we fancied in our youth. Now, if you shall excuse me, I fear I should get some rest before we travel on. Good night, sweet Thalion."

Morwen had been in the Havens for less than a day and already she was behind on her work.

"Galdor, why must we be the arbitrators on this case? Would not an elf closer to their realms be better suited?"

Galdor laughed, "Ah, Morwen, not a chance. The Havens have no supposed vested interest with either realm, while Imladris is seen as often siding with LothLorien, King Thranduil apparently admires the…spirit of both you and Rian. I must admit, I find it most peculiar that of all the elven realms, King Thranduil has been the most vocal about putting she-elves in positions of authority, more so than even Lady Galadriel."

"King Thranduil is probably well aware that she-elves are willing to go to any means to achieve their tasks. Despite what has been said about us, we are truly vicious beings."

"Ah, yes, you do so terrify me, Morwen, what with your cool intellect and sharp wit. I am shaking."

"As you should be." Morwen laughed, reveling in the simplicity of Galdor's friendship. "Do you not feel there is more to this dispute than who can sell what cloth in what realm? I may be overly suspicious, but I can not see either realm making such a fuss over a simple trade matter."

Galdor nodded, "I must admit, I too believe they are simply using this as an excuse to get into the Havens. It is a very long journey to make over a mere trade dispute. Have you heard anything?"

"Not in so many words. Glorfindel did seem overly concerned."

Galdor did not hide his own snort of derision, "Glorfindel is always overly concerned in regards to you, and the twins, and Rian, and Thalion. I am surprised he lets any of you out of his sight. In this instance, I would do well to heed him. We both must remember what he has seen. If Glorfindel has told you to be cautious, I would do well to follow his advice."

Both councilors returned to their work when Cyllon, the poorly overworked messenger, burst into the study.

"Councilor Galdor, Morwen, the delegation from LothLorien has arrived early and no one is here to greet them. Cirdan and his main advisors are out on one of the ships. I do not know what to do, what should I do? How shall I get to them? Swim, should I swim? There must be a boat…"

Galdor placed his hands on Cyllon's shoulders, "Cyllon, stop and breathe. Morwen and I will see to the delegation. Find Sirlowen and tell her to prepare rooms as quickly as her staff is able."

Cyllon nodded.

Galdor looked at him. Cyllon stood still. Galdor continued to stare at Cyllon, "Cyllon, now, if you are able."

Cyllon snapped to attention, "Oh, right." He took a deep breath and ran out of the room.

Morwen stood up from her desk, checking her hands for stray splashes of ink, "You should find him winged boots. It would make the poor dear less stressed."

"However, much more excitable, if you will come with me, we must go meet a pretentious lot of.."

"Galdor, they can probably hear you."

"…horses. I've always found the LothLorien horses very pretentious."

Morwen shook her head as they approached a large group in grey, chief among them was Rumil, brother of one of the most trusted sentries of LothLorien. Morwen suppressed the urge to grimace, knowing the upcoming meeting was going to be a verbal war. Galdor briefly met her eyes, a similar expression of despair in his own gaze.

Elladan was pacing Glorfindel's office, aiding the seneschal and Balanauth in the new sentry schedules, if aiding meant simply pacing back and forth in boredom. There was not much to do at this time. His mother and sister were again in Grandmother's realm. His father was currently in a meeting with Erestor and the head advisor of the Green Wood, apparently organizing a diplomatic visit for the King and his family. Elrohir was out with the latest heir of Islidur's, teaching him how to survive in the wilderness. There was not much to do except bother one's elders and eavesdrop, but Elladan had mostly grown out of his habit of listening at doors. No, he had grown to learn how to stealthily hide in the tress, but today was a day of rain and his need to know of King Thranduil's plans was not that urgent.

The monotony of the day was suddenly broken when a wet and miserable carrier bird came in depositing two leather bound packages on Glorfindel's desk before heading out again into the storm.

Glorfindel gave the animal an amused glance while reaching for the first bundle which appeared to be a package of foodstuffs. The second contained a dizzying amount of missives.

He rifled through the various letters, one in particular stuck his fancy. He checked the seal on the back and smiled, looking up at Elladan,

"You have a letter from Morwen."

Elladan eagerly reached for the letter, wondering what events had occurred in the Havens. He quickly broke the seal,

My Dear Elladan,

I fear more time in the Havens will cause me to lose all semblance of sanity. The supposed cloth and trade dispute was a simple an obvious ploy for a LothLorien and Green Wood spar by the sea. I fear they are doing their best to make poor Cirdan's beard turn white. LothLorien sent Rumil as their spokesperson while the Green Wood sent Bellion, yes, that Bellion, the only elf your father has been tempted to bar from the realm. Apparently cloth and trade dispute in Quenya translates into grievances against a bordering realm. Galdor has already ended two meetings early for fear of physical blows. I am sure you can imagine how joyous my days have been.

I saw Sigilion the other day as I was walking with Melui, and the poor elf let out a terrified scream and ran in the other direction. What exactly did you do to him? While I admit I am thankful for not having to receive anymore of his so called gifts, I am not used to having an elf run screaming from me. Melui, however, thanks you for the continue bouts of laughter she is currently reveling in. And in case your brilliant and devious mind is wondering, no elf has tried their hand at wooing me during this stay. Granted, that could also be because I was seen taking my frustration out by throwing daggers into a training board. I figured it would better for diplomatic relations if I did not throw them at other elves. And truly, I did not mean to throw that one dagger at the Green Wood horseman, but Cyllon's bellowing startled me and my hand simply slipped.

I do not know when the issue between the bickering wood elves will be resolved, but Galdor assures me I will be allowed to return before Mid-Winter. I fear Thalion is regretting his offer to stay with me throughout my time here. Please, make sure no sly opportunist tries to sway Eregeth to their side, I do think she would be most happy with Thalion.

I admit to missing you just a little, Elladan, as I could use a dose of you particular mirth and mischief. The Havens are not the same without you crouched outside the study door, pardon me, in your age it would be outside the study window in the trees.

Give my love to all, Elladan. I hope to see you soon.

Morwen

Elladan, after having read the letter to himself, proceeded to tell Glorfindel of Morwen's words.

"Glorfindel, we must rescue her from such a tedious and punishing mission. If not for her sake, for the sake of the poor elves she will eventually take her ire out on. Do you not agree, Balanauth?"

Glorfindel's second responded, "While my Lord's son has ulterior motives for bringing his companion back posthaste, I do agree it would serve us all better if Morwen was here. Rian is gifted, but Erestor is more suited to leaving Morwen with important and trusted tasks and truly, Glorfindel, with an impending visit from King Thranduil, she is more needed here than in the Havens trying to keep young elven fools from killing each other."

Glorfindel looked both at Elladan and Balanauth, studying his companions for sometime. Finally he spoke, "Well, I must admit it has been a long time since I staged a fake rescue mission. Let us speak with Lord Elrond, if only to see who he is willing to spare for this flight of fancy."

Galdor and Morwen had both long decided to simply ignore the bickering of the wood elves, letting them display their grievances while the two councilors worked on other tasks. The sudden quiet in the room caused both to stop their writing and look up, watching as the verbally pugnacious group of wood elves gathered around the windows. The voice of Rumil spoke of what had attracted their attention,

"Is that Lord Elrond's eldest on the shoulders of Thalion dressed in a black cloak? And is lady Melui pushing the wheelbarrow they are standing in?"

"I admit, as rescue missions go, Elladan is most creative." The voice of Lord Glorfindel of Imladris rang out in the chamber, "While I acknowledge the importance of your current border, er, cloth trade dispute, I must grab our councilor Morwen and be off, she is needed at home."

Glorfindel strode over to the table, picking up Morwen's papers in his left hand, and her own hand in his right.

"Galdor, you can escape with us as well, there is always room for you at Imladris."

"Ah, Glorfindel, why it is taking all within me to turn down your generous offer, I must stay here and watch over the elflings, er, wood elves. I shall do my best to see you in the Spring, I have earned some time of my own after this latest task. Morwen, always a pleasure."

Morwen nodded at Galdor and turned to Glorfindel, "Shall we?"

"We shall. Now, let us go gather Elladan and Thalion before Melui actually sets that cloak on fire."

A/N 1: I admit my obsession with "The Princess Bride" needs help. Just be thankful I'm not quoting Mel Brooks up there.

A/N 2: While the Thalion section might be viewed as pointless, the dear boy has an important role to play. And don't ask me why Galdor is so important in this tale, I do not know, he simply takes over.