Disclaimer: I only own my original elves, humans and horses. The rest, she is Tolkien's.

Chapter Twenty-Two: The Wisdom of Fools

We thought, because we had power, we had wisdom.

-Stephen Vincent Benet, Litany for Dictatorships, 1935

Perhaps the most delightful friendships are those in which there is much agreement, much disputation, and yet more personal liking.

-George Eliot

Mirkwood, TA 1100.

Glorfindel dropped tiredly onto his pack surveying all the equally weary elves gathered around. Thranduil's decrees to move his people to the north of the wood had become demands as all watched a dwelling of darkness and shadows go up on Amon Lanc, now also called Dol Guldur

The future of his woodland kin did not look peaceful.

Glorfindel had spent a good part of the last fifty years in the newly-called Mirkwood, helping the elves move and re-build, feeling it was the least he could do since his own realm had few reports of attacks.

Things had changed in Mirkwood, not just with the coming of the shadow, but within the royal family. Berenon, Thranduil's eldest had married thirty years ago. His sister, Melieth, had surprised and shocked many when she had given her hand to a march warden of LothLorien, ten years past.

No one, not even Glorfindel, had seen that coming. Thranduil though, he was both saddened and pleased to see his daughter go, saddened to see her leave and pleased to know she was in the realm of Lady Galadriel and would be protected.

Glorfindel had been in Imladris, having just arrived home from a trip to the Havens when the news came to him of Merileth's impending marriage. Morwen had burst into his chambers begging him to let her ride to Mirkwood to comfort Tirnion.

Glorfindel could not let her do that, and in the end it was for the best since Thranduil had sent Tirnion to Imladris for the winter, supposedly to 'help train Imladrian guards in new techniques.'

Tirnion had returned to Mirkwood, head held high and spirit intact, Glorfindel admired the elf greatly. Tirnion had even stood strongly, if a bit stoic, at Merileth's wedding, bidding the Lady his most sincere wishes for a prosperous and happy future.

Some elves really were better than others.

Glorfindel stretched his body out, unrolling his pack to rest for the night. He looked up into light eyes as a pack of letters was dropped into his lap.

"I thought you were guarding the royal family?" he asked the intruder.

"I was," Tirnion said, "But my King was so annoyed with the continued inquires from the eldest son of your Lord as to the state of Rian, he sent me out here to deliver the bundle of messages."

"And did any other correspondence from my home arrive?" Glorfindel asked.

"Morwen sent me a letter to give to you, though honestly, from what I saw of the writing it makes no sense."

Glorfindel reached up to Tirnion, pulling his ear as one would a small child, "Tirnion, how many times must I tell you to stop reading my letters from Morwen."

Tirnion laughed, "Come now, Glorfindel, they bring me so much laughter, the ways in which she insults you, and your guilt complex and your…stop, stop!" Tirnion giggled as Glorfindel reached up to pull on the other ear.

"Here," Tirnion was shaking with laughter, "here is the letter."

"Thank you." Glorfindel snatched it from Tirnion's hands, leaving the other elf to control himself.

Glorfindel quickly scanned the coded letter, and while amused by the first line which plainly informed him what he could do with his forsaken code and where he should do it, he was quite confused by the rest of the contents.

Reaching into the stack of Elladan's letter he plucked out what he guessed was the most recent and scanned it for any sign of what Morwen implied. There at the end it stated simply in Elladan's beautiful hand,

"And father wishes you home soonest to sort out the issues between the light, the many colors, the browns, and the greys. He is having quite the time trying to sort them out, though father has always been a champion of the greys."

"Are you quite finished, Tirnion?" He asked.

Tirnion gave him an impish smile, "You started it."

Glorfindel shook his head, "Wood elves. Now that you are done laughing, though truly it warms my heart to hear such a thing, I have been informed, twice it would seem, to head home in order to stop Lord Elrond from causing a diplomatic blunder."

"Problems within the court?" Tirnion asked.

"No, problems with his own feelings and that of his wife's parents. I need not mention why Elrond does not spend much time inside LothLorien."

"It is the hair. Arwen, alas, seems to handle that well. I am sure Morwen has shared her more colorful take on the elves of LothLorien with you." Tirnion said.

"Yes, her take on them became decidedly more colorful after the…er.." Glorfindel stopped himself.

"You can say her name, Glorfindel. After the wedding between Merileth and that march warden." Tirnion said.

"For one who loved her for so long, you are taking this remarkably well." Glorfindel observed.

"I have not faded from heartbreak." Tirnion said, shrugging, "I figure that is a sign."

"Tirnion, there are…."

"Glorfindel, Valar help me if you say there are more elves in Arda."

"I was going to say Aman, but you clearly get the sentiment. Now, I hand command of these elves over to you…."

"Handing me the command of my own elves? My, you are generous."

"Tirnion," Glorfindel said as he packed everything up, "I must say, I will miss your brand of humor when I have left. I fear the taste will linger with me for some time."

"Admit it, Glorfindel, I have grown on you. Despite all your attempts to glare me into a very untimely death." Tirnion smiled.

"Indeed. I will see you again, Tirnion."

"Of course. Give Morwen a kiss for me?" Tirnion asked.

Glorfindel threw a look over his shoulder at the silver-haired elf, happy to see him laughing once again, even if it was at Glorfindel's own expense.

Imladris, TA 1100

Elladan stormed in Morwen's chambers and proclaimed, "She thinks I am a brute! Rian! She has not written back to me, in all of fifty years! She must think I am some kind of brute!"

Morwen looked up from her book, "She does not think you a brute, Elladan."

"Yes she does! Comparing me to all this slender and graceful wood elves. She must think I am a brute! And so do you, I've heard you say so!"

"I certainly do not think you are just a brute. You are Elladan." Morwen informed him.

"Yes, Sir Brutish Elladan, the elf-man. All brawn, no brains and certainly not worthy of intelligent Rian's time."

Morwen let out a breath, having prepared herself for this, and placed her book on the bedside table, "You are intelligent Elladan."

Elladan snorted.

Morwen continued, "Yes, Elladan, despite your current imitation of a horse, you are intelligent. Despite your protestations and appearances to the contrary, you are one of the most well read individuals of Imladris. Besides that, you are a skilled warrior, a defender of this realm. You are strong, Elladan, in mind, body, and character. You are kind and loving, you go out of your way to help others and you hold little arrogance over others, though your title would justify such behavior. You are anything but a mere brute, Elladan, and if Rian cannot or will not see that, than she is neither worthy of your heart or time."

Elladan's shoulders slumped and he shuffled over to Morwen's bedside, flopping down next to her, his head resting in her lap.

"I fear we have had a similar conversation like this before." He said.

"Alas, my dear Elladan, we have. This time, however, I do so hope I am wrong. I would dearly dislike having to disown my foster-sister."

"She would just have to get used to it. I've known you longer."

Morwen laughed, "Did you fall off your horse and hit your hear on that last patrol? You are in quite a mood."

"She has not written back. It has been fifty years, Morwen!" Elladan complained.

"She has much to do.." Morwen started.

"Glorfindel manages to write, in code might I add, as you always complain." Elladan said.

"…and perhaps she does not know what to say…" Morwen tired to continue.

"A few 'how are things?' is not hard to write." Elladan said.

"….or how to say them safely. It makes little sense to the outsiders of this realm to find an elf who is still not a full councilor sending letters to the son of Lord Elrond." Morwen finished.

"You send me letters." Elladan argued.

"Elladan…"

"…but you are a full councilor, have been for some time now. Why has Rian been so delayed?" Elladan asked.

Morwen looked off into the distance, contemplating her answer, "She has not attend enough councils in enough realms to qualify. She still has two more languages to master. She will be there soon, but until that time….."

"She could always send letters to you, or Erestor, hidden like Glorfindel does." Elladan said, pout and all.

Morwen did not have a counter-argument for that.

"Let us not think of such things. Your father will be setting out soon, leaving you in charge with your brother, that is a merry thing to think about." She said.

"I hear all of Imladris is preparing to go into hiding."

"Elladan, you did terrorize many as a child."

"I was merely keeping our population on alert."

"And sending us all into nervous states." A third voice said.

Elladan and Morwen both flinched and turned to look at Glorfindel standing in the doorway, quite amused.

"You're back." Elladan said, "Do you have a letter from Rian?"

"Elladan, I am sorry, I do not." Glorfindel said, watching as Elladan's shoulders dropped.

"I did, however, leave Rian at the entryway to her chambers. She was quite happy to be home aga…."

"Thank you!" Elladan hugged Glorfindel and walked quickly out the room.

"That was almost cruel." Morwen said to Glorfindel.

"But he is so much happier now." Glorfindel said, coming to sit down in the spot Elladan had recently vacated, laying his head down in Morwen's lap as Elladan has done.

"Did you speak with Lord Elrond?" she asked.

"I did. The…Wise," Glorfindel forced the word out, " are debating on whether or not to invite King Thranduil, seeing as how he is so weighed down already in the care of his own people."

"They should still ask for a representative, at least to counter any claims of diplomatic alliances against one realm." She said as she caressed his hair.

Glorfindel nodded in agreement. "You and the twins are being left in charge, how does that make you feel?" He asked, clearly wanting the subject of the council to drop.

"Not so much, Councilors older and more experienced than I will be here."

"Ah, but they will not be handling Erestor's duties."

"Faeleth is helping me. Eluialeth has offered her services."

Glorfindel laughed, "She is so eager to grow up."

"Well," Morwen said, "she feels all of the most interesting elves are older than her. She has no great affection for those of her age.

"Reminds me of another young elf I once knew." Glorfindel said, voice full of fondness.

Morwen let out an indignant laugh, "I have much affection for elves my age, look at the twins, and Rian, Thalion, and Tirnion. True, I think the rest can just….go, but I would perhaps change my opinion if I knew them a little better."

Glorfindel smiled and reached a hand up, playing with the dark strands of Morwen's hair.

"Tirnion is doing much better now, he sends you his affections. I left him in laughter."

"I am glad to hear it. I worry for him." She said.

"You care for him deeply." Glorfindel observed.

"As do you. You cannot tell me after all the years you have now spent in his presence you are so indifferent to him as you were once were."

"Yes, he is…" Glorfindel trailed off, searching for the proper term.

"…like a younger sibling to you?" Morwen asked.

"Yes, I do believe that describes it well. There is much to admire about him."

Glorfindel paused for a moment considering how to phrase his next words, "Thranduil offered him a chance out of Mirkwood and away from LothLorien."

Morwen's eyes widened in surprise, "He did that?"

"Yes, he offered Tirnion a position as an ambassador of Mirkwood to Imladris. To live here and send correspondence back and forth with the King. Tirnion turned him down."

Morwen was clearly shocked, "Why would he do that?"

"From what Thranduil told me, Tirnion said that as a warrior he was of more use to Mirkwood in the woods than in Imladris, that his job was to serve and protect the royal family and he could not do that from so far away. He made sure to also state while there were many whom he loved here in Imladris, his family was in the Mirkwood, as were his comrades. I believe Thranduil was quite speechless at such a declaration."

"Tirnion does have a way of getting to the heart of the matter, and saying so in such a polite and strong way one is often left disarmed. I believe he learned that technique from his sister and mother."

"Yes, have you ever seen them at a council?" Glorfindel asked, "They are quite a sight. They left a poor elf from LothLorien cowering in his seat, all while wearing smiles on their faces."

Morwen nodded, "You should tell Elrond to recommend them for this special council the so-called-wise are holding."

"Morwen!" Glorfindel protested at the disrespect.

"I think we all know wisdom is not necessarily measured in how many years one has lived. Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn are older than Lord Elrond but you and I both know who is truly the most wise out of the three. I understand that Lady Galadriel can seen into the future, and perhaps it is her seemingly lack of compassion towards other races that throws me off, but if I ever had a problem, I would much rather go to Lord Elrond, knowing he would do his best to solve it."

"All three have seen many dark things in their times, and have lived through much. Though, I would also be more likely to go to Elrond. Granted, we are both much closer to him, he does tend to consider all avenues before making a decision that will benefit the most. I just hope a course of action is put into place, we must know what vile thing has set itself up in Dol Guldur."

"Then should you not be preparing to leave?" Morwen asked.

Glorfindel moved his hand to her neck, gently pulling her down for a soft kiss, "I would much rather take a quick respite here, if it fine with you."

Morwen smiled, "Was that a kiss from Tirnion or from you?"

Glorfindel laughed, "If that was a kiss from Tirnion, I fear I may have to harm him, which would make me so very sad since he is now dear to me."

Morwen and Glorfindel shared a smile, taking comfort for a small moment.

Elladan looked at his hands, commanding them to stop shaking. He gently knocked on Rian's door.

A very tired she-elf opened the door and groaned, "Elladan, I am too tried to deal with any chastisement you are prepared to give me. I am sorry I did not write, but I was often busy and when I had time I did not know what to say. Please, you can lodge any complaint you want, but do so tomorrow after I have rested."

"Rian….."

"Elladan, please."

"Rian, I just…I just want to ask…… for permission…..to…..to court you." Elladan said.

There was silence between the two, suddenly broken as Elrohir dropped the tray he was holding.

"Um, do not mind me, I am just a figment….who is picking up fallen food." He said.

Elladan turned back to a still silent Rian.

"Rian?" he softly inquired.

She was quiet.

Rian eventually remembered how to make her mouth and vocal chords work, "…Yes, I would….I would like that very much, Elladan."

"Good. Great." Elladan said, smiling nervously at her.

Rian returned the smile, "I, I am sorry, I really must rest."

"Oh, oh of course you must! I wish you sweet dreams and a good rest." Elladan said, a light blush staining his cheeks.

"Thank you." Rian said softly as she slowly shut the door.

Elladan let out a breath, and turned to his twin.

"You are quite clumsy and loud for a figment."

Elrohir looked up from his spot on the ground, "I did not expect to be walking in on you asking Rian such an important question. I really am sorry, Elladan."

"It is fine, Elrohir, the end result was the one I wanted. Now, let us pick up your…lunch. I am sure Slingshot will enjoy this feast."

Elrohir laughed, "Morwen is going to slap you when she finds out you've named her new cat Slingshot. And Thandrog will do the same when he finds out why."

Elladan smiled, "Morwen would never slap me. Furthermore, I did not mean to throw the cat, he simply shot out of my hands!"

"I know, Elladan, I know." Elrohir said. He smiled slyly as this brother, "Elladan's in love." He chanted and laughed as his twin started to chase him down the halls.

Elrond listened to the commotion outside his chambers, shaking his head at the exploits of his children.

"Do not worry, Elrond," Celebrian said from beside him, "they will rule well while you are gone."

"It is not for them I worry." Elrond murmured.

Celebrian laughed softly, "It is a gift for us, that even with grown children, their laughter still rings throughout our house."

"Yes," Elrond said, "it is a gift. One I am most grateful for."

His wife placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, "Why do you worry so about this council? It will be full of so many with a common purpose."

"Celebrian, I…" Elrond trailed off, "Some of the most powerful beings in Arda will be there, and even with a common purpose, self-pride and self-wants will get in the way. The very idea an elf from Mirkwood might not be present, when it is in there home where the danger lies, sets me on edge."

"Mother and father simply do not wish to bother Thranduil at this time."

"They should, for courtesy's sake, extend the invitation." Elrond argued.

"I thought you had already decided to do such a thing." Celebrian said.

"I have, though it is not in my realm where the meeting is being held." Elrond said.

"Well, when the White Council is held here, you can extend the invitation to Mirkwood before all others." Celebrian said.

Elrond gave his wife a look, "I know you think it foolish that I worry about such things, but these are delicate times."

"And I know you will do what is best." Celebrian said. "Now, let us finish packing so we can be on our way. Arwen is waiting for us in the Golden Wood and I deeply desire to see her as soon as we are able."

LothLorien TA 1100

Glorfindel rubbed his temples and reminded himself it would not be best for the sake of diplomacy to send Curunir flying off the royal talan.

A hand touched his shoulder and he looked down into the eyes of Mithrandir, an equally frustrated look on his face, "So, all the Wise of Arda have decided something dark and evil is in Mirkwood." He said.

"Really?" Glorfindel asked, "I never would have guessed such a thing. It is not as if I have spent the better part of fifty years helping them fight off such a thing and watching that fortress built at Dol Guldur." He sighed, "I thought the councilors from Mirkwood were going to throw a fit."

"A very justifiable one at that." Mithrandir said. "We have both been near Dol Guldur, what do you feel lies inside?"

"Something very evil, something we have not seen in many years. Elrond and Celeborn both fear it is…"

"A Nazgul." Mithrandir finished. "I am sad to say we won't know for certain until it is far too late."

The bell signaled for the rejoining of the council. Both Glorfindel and Mithrandir sighed, "Here's to hoping this half goes better than the first." Glorfindel said.

"If not," Mithrandir smiled, "I happen to know where Celeborn keeps his secret stash of spirits."

A/N 1: Really, I have work to do, that's why I keep giving warnings that I won't be updating the next day and then…look, I made a liar out of myself. It's all the proverbial muses fault, the muses are all, "you don't need sleep, write, write, write and then write some on that nasty scholarly stuff."

A/N 2: Renna, It is a complicated and a slow but steady relationship, I guess that answers it. And I'm a darkness and light type of person, I like angst and drama and humor all in one.