Chapter 7: Promise Made

Beleth helped Caladhel ready for the day, plaiting her hair so that it was pulled back, exposing her face and neck. She felt only a minor hesitation at using her nephew's loss of temper against him. The greater part of her felt that if it served as a lesson regarding the proper behavior of a king, Thranduil would come through it the better.

Caladhel was in the washroom when a knock sounded on the door. Beleth opened it and was surprised at who she found on the other side. "Lord Iordor."

"Lady Beleth."

The commander of Greenwood's guard bowed respectfully to Beleth and she noted he was not alone. One of the younger guards, Cendil, stood behind him. Beleth nodded to the guard as well before returning her attention to Iordor. She was more than pleased to see him. Iordor was renowned both for his sword arm and his level head. At present, Beleth thought her nephew in desperate need of the latter.

"I was not aware you had returned from the border," she said.

Iordor frowned. "I seem to have arrived in time for the morning's events. I wished to meet the elleth we are tasked with guarding."

Beleth was heartened by the expression on Iordor's face. It was clear he knew something of what transpired and that he did not approve.

"She will be out in a moment," Beleth told him, "then we will be off." Here she looked to Cendil. "I assume you will be taking the first watch?"

The ellon bowed his head. "Yes, my lady."

Beleth heard the light step of Caladhel approaching the door. She turned to greet her. "Ah, Caladhel, this is Lord Iordor." She gestured to the ellon before her. "He is Commander of the Guard, and an excellent one, too. It is a post he has held since we first came to Greenwood."

Caladhel recalled the Lord's name and title when Haldir first introduced her to Haldor. She dipped her head in greeting, "My lord."

The moment Caladhel appeared before him Iordor noted the marks of someone's hand upon her face. His mind returned to the earlier incident at the gate. Iordor had already reprimanded Laithor for the unnecessary kick he gave the Lórien warden, and he was disturbed now by thoughts of what might have come before.

Iordor laid his hand upon his heart. "My lady," he said, "I promise you, the guard responsible for your injuries will be reprimanded."

Beleth was quick to correct him. "It was not one of your guards, Iordor," she said. "They, at least, have some manners. My nephew has none."

Beleth watched as the dawning of realization reached Iordor's eyes. If she had thought his expression grave before, it grew immeasurably darker. She would have said more to him, but Caladhel spoke first.

"Lord Iordor, do you know what happened to my escort, Haldir?" Caladhel's worry for Haldir had grown by the hour and Beleth had no news of him to tell her.

Iordor nodded. "My son is seeing him to the border now."

The look in the Lord's eyes did little to allay Caladhel's fears. "Did he go quietly?"

"I'm afraid not." Iordor's frowned at the memory, but did his best to ease the fear he saw in the Lady's eyes. "There was… an altercation. I arrived before it grew out of hand. He suffered a few bruises, nothing more."

Caladhel could not say why she believed Lord Iordor. He could well have been lying. And if Túven had told her the same, she would have doubted him. Perhaps it was the troubled look in his eyes that made her confident he spoke true. "Thank you."

Beleth took hold of Caladhel's arm. "Now, if you will excuse us," she said to Iordor, "we have places to be." She turned to the young guard who looked upon Caladhel's face with unease. "Come along Cendil. I am sure all in Limrond will feel safer with your watchful eyes upon us."

"Iordor," Beleth nodded her goodbye, before she pulled the elleth out the door.

Iordor gestured to the guard to follow. He could see the discomfort in Cendil's face clear enough and was certain the same expression graced his own. He had felt uneasy after the incident with the Lórien warden, but the disquiet he felt before grew now into something more profound.


Caladhel had been so preoccupied by the evening's events and her freedom from darkness that she had not thought to ask Beleth where they were going. They walked along long corridors and down stairs until Caladhel felt utterly lost.

"Where are we going, Beleth?"

Beleth smiled at her mischievously. "To the source of all news in the realm," she said. When Caladhel arched her brow at her in question Beleth added, "The ladies of the court are working on new tunics for the palace guards." Beleth gestured down the final flight of stairs to a great room where Caladhel could see more than two dozen ladies seated in twos and threes. They were already at work.

Caladhel was grateful, truly, for Beleth's support, but her thoughts returned now to Thranduil. It was one thing to disagree with the King, another to insult him, but turning his people against him was a step Caladhel feared might be one too far.

"I don't think this is a good idea."

Beleth nudged the Lady with her elbow. "Then you'll have to trust I know better."

Caladhel saw at once the determination in Beleth's eyes. She did not know how much power Beleth had to protect her, but if the Lady feared no repercussions then Caladhel felt it best to trust her decision. She turned her gaze once again on the ladies seated below with cloth and needles in hand. She could not help but laugh.

"What is funny?" Beleth asked. She had not seen Caladhel smile since the previous night.

Caladhel turned her attention away from the ladies to meet Beleth's curious gaze. "The Valar must be punishing me," she said. When a look of puzzlement formed on Beleth's face, Caladhel added, "I came to Greenwood to escape my cousin's sewing party."

Beleth laughed at that and then she tugged gently on the Lady's arm. "Come along."

They descended the stair together arm in arm and halfway to the landing curious gazes found them. Caladhel took note of the surprise on some of the ladies' faces and the whispers passed as some leaned closer to their neighbors.

"Good morning, friends," Beleth began. "As some of you might have heard, Lady Caladhel will be staying with us a bit longer than she planned. She has offered to assist us in our work."

By the time they reached the bottom step the murmurs had grown in volume. They were all looking at Caladhel now. Even by the light of the lamps they could see the bruises on her face. Beleth led Caladhel to a circle of empty chairs. Beleth directed her to a settee that faced the crowd so all present and any who joined them later would have a good view of her.

An elleth Caladhel recognized from the banquet brought her and Beleth garments to stitch. Caladhel threaded the needle she was handed and went to work. She did her best to focus her attention on making the smallest, most even stitches possible. She had often lamented the tedium of sewing, but it gave her an excuse to ignore the whispers being passed about her.

Caladhel and Beleth worked silently for an hour before they were interrupted. A young elleth appeared at their side with a tray of tea and biscuits. Caladhel thought her a pretty thing with the innocent eyes of a child.

Caladhel took the tea and a biscuit from her and smiled. "Thank you."

"I am Daerel, my lady, " the elleth said by way of introduction.

Caladhel tried to recall the name, but if they had met before the King's wine had erased the memory. "Forgive me," said Caladhel, "I do not recall if we met at the banquet last night."

Daerel shook her head. "I am not yet old enough to attend."

"Ah," Caladhel replied. "That would explain why I do not recognize your face."

Daerel tried to smile but the expression was forced and the corners of her mouth soon pulled downward in a frown. "Does it hurt?"

Caladhel lifted a hand to her face. She did not wish to scare the child. "It aches a little."

Daerel, boldened by Caladhel's response, took a seat on the settee beside her. She glanced at the ladies in the hall before returning her attention to Caladhel. "They wish to know what happened."

Caladhel was surprised – not that the ladies were curious – but at whom they had chosen to question her. "And you were the one tasked with asking?"

"Oh, no." The elleth shook her head and her eyes grew wide. She glanced briefly toward a group seated at the far end of the room and leaned in closer to Caladhel when she whispered, "If they do find out, they won't tell me. No one tells me anything. So I thought to ask you myself."

Caladhel was impressed by the child's determination, but she did not feel entirely comfortable using one so young to spread such a tale. Caladhel sought Beleth's eyes and when she found them the Greenwood Lady nodded.

Caladhel tuned her attention back to Daerel. "I angered the King," she said.

Daerel's eyes grew wide. "What did you do?"

Caladhel shook her head. "I don't know."

The elleth's gaze moved to the bruises on Caladhel's chin. "And the King did that to you?"

"Yes," Caladhel replied.

Daerel was about to ask another question when a voice called out to her from across the room.

"Daerel, dear. Do not pester Lady Beleth and her guest."

Caladhel followed Daerel's gaze to one of the ellith who was seated at the far end of the room.

"Yes, mother," Daerel replied. She rose from her seat but spoke once more to Caladhel. "I will see you later."

Caladhel smiled at the young one before she turned and hurried away.

Beleth marked Daerel's progress as she carried tea and news around the room, and Cendil, too, as he stood at the foot of the stairs talking to a palace guard. The guard's eyes moved more than once to Caladhel as they spoke.

"All in Limrond will know by day's end," Beleth said.

Caladhel followed the direction of Beleth's gaze to find Cendil and another guard's eyes on her. Upon noting her attention, both ellyn quickly averted their gaze. The guard fared Cendil well before climbing the stair and disappearing from sight. With him Beleth's plan took flight.


Iordor had intended to seek an audience with the King upon parting with Ladies Beleth and Caladhel, but fate did not work in his favor. Word had begun to spread of the incident with the Lórien warden and that word was brought repeatedly back to him.

Iordor spoke carefully when various members of the court questioned him and he was cautious to make no mention of Caladhel and the King. He soon found his caution unnecessary. Beleth had brought Caladhel before the court ladies and from them their lords learned what Iordor had tried to keep from them. Iordor was pressed from all sides with questions and concerns. So many sought his council that it took him half a day to reach the King's door.

When Iordor arrived at Thranduil's study he was already late for his usual report. He apologized for his tardiness and began highlighting the most important updates from his tour of the borders. It took close to an hour for Iordor to update the King on security matters and he held the matter of Caladhel for last.

Thranduil noted that Iordor did not hasten to leave when he finished his report. "You have something more to say to me?"

"I do."

Iordor was uncertain how to begin. He had served Oropher long and counted the former king a friend, but Thranduil was not his father. Both kings were wary of outsiders, true, and both could be arrogant, too, but where Oropher was quick to smile, his son more often wore a frown. Some might fail to note such detail, but for Iordor it marked the difference between Oropher and his son. Thranduil lived for an age with a shadow upon him, and Iordor knew well from whence it came, for he himself had carried Thranduil's body from the ruins of Thangorodrim.

Iordor needed Thranduil to hear him, but he knew this king well enough to temper his approach. "Your people trust you to protect them," he said, "and that your justice will be equable and fair."

Thranduil raised his eyes from the report he had been reading, his attention drawn by the tone of Iordor's speech more so than his words. "Your tone suggests that today they believe otherwise. Would you care to tell me why?"

Iordor had no idea what Thranduil already knew, so he started with what he thought the King did not. "You marked her face with your hand," Iordor replied. "Many have seen the bruises and more have heard tell of them."

Thranduil leaned back in his chair and a dark expression spread across his face. Iordor had expected Thranduil to deny laying hand on the Lady, but the King did not protest.

When Thranduil gave no sign he would respond, Iordor continued. "There are many in your court with kin who dwell in Lórien. They would not wish to see their loved ones treated so by King Amroth or Lord Celeborn."

Thranduil's jaw clenched at the mention of Celeborn and he turned on Iordor. "Would you have preferred me not to question one who might intend us harm?"

Iordor would have preferred his king had acted with restraint, but he was not about to share that criticism aloud. "I would rather you had banished her from the Greenwood and forbidden her return," he replied. Here Iordor offered the King a solution he believed would be best for all. "There is still time. I will escort her to Lórien myself, today, with your consent."

But Iordor could see that Thranduil was not prepared to concede a mistake.

"Not until I have answers," Thranduil replied. He made to dismiss Iordor but something in his commander's eyes told him the ellon was not finished. "Is there something else?"

"There is another cause for concern." Iordor had debated whether to raise this particular subject with the King. Iordor himself had thought it unlikely when the first lord he spoke with brought it up. That number grew to half a dozen by the time Iordor finally reached the King's door. Whether likely or not, it was on the people's minds and that alone made it a problem.

"And that is?" Thranduil asked when Iordor hesitated.

Iordor did his best to relay the concern others had brought to him. "The Lady's father was one of the lords who came out of the West. I know not what kinship he had to Galadriel or Elrond, but there are those among us who remember the last time we withheld something precious from the Noldor." Iordor hesitated a moment, before driving the point home. "Your people do not wish to see a fourth kinslaying."

It was immediately clear by the King's startled expression that this was not an outcome he had considered at all. That he failed to consider such did not surprise Iordor. Thranduil had been but a child when the Fëanorions attacked Doriath and was spirited away before the first stroke fell.

"You think they would take up arms against us to reclaim her?" Thranduil asked.

Iordor saw a flicker of concern in the King's eyes for the first time. "I know not," he replied. Iordor wished he could be sure. His thoughts turned to Amroth. "The King of Lórien is kin to many in Greenwood, but Celeborn is his heir and it is Galadriel's power that protects his kingdom. If he were called upon to choose, I would wager Amroth would side with them. And if Elrond is marrying Celebrían, it would not be unreasonable for him to come to the aid of her kin."

Iordor met his King's eyes and held them. He wanted to be certain Thranduil understood. "We lost too many to Sauron. If the Galadhrim and the Noldor Elrond commands decide to come for her, we will not stop them."

Thranduil acknowledged Iordor's assessment with a nod before he looked away. "I will think on what you have said, Iordor. You may go."

Iordor bowed before departing. All he could do now was pray the King would heed his words.


Cendil was Caladhel's shadow the entire day. He left her only briefly at noon, and another guard was set to watch her while he was away. He returned shortly after the midday meal and remained with her the rest of the day. In the afternoon she wandered about the palace taking in the sights. No one spoke to her, but eyes and whispers followed as she passed. She asked Cendil if the palace had a library and he directed her to a great room where the library was housed. She asked the ellon in charge if she could borrow a few books. He caught sight of her injuries and immediately forgot her question. When she asked again he merely nodded.

After selecting a few tomes, Caladhel asked Cendil to take her back to her room. She was tired of being at once stared at and ignored. Cendil led her silently along the many halls and stairways until they reached her door. She knew he would remain in the hall outside until time came for another to relieve him. She bid him good night before closing the door.

Caladhel sat upon her bed and opened a book of poetry. She hoped to occupy her mind for a few hours with something more pleasant than her present situation. She was halfway through the first lay when a knock sounded on her door. She set the book aside and rose to open it. Cendil waited on the other side.

"The King wishes to speak with you," he said.

Caladhel could read the unease in the young guard's eyes and she wondered briefly if his concern was for her. She nodded once and followed him out the door. Caladhel did what she could to prepare herself for her meeting with the King. She had no idea what lay in store, but she was certain Thranduil must have heard the whispers by now. She resigned herself to the possibility that she might soon be moved to the dungeon for her troubles.

When they arrived at an ornately carved door Cendil knocked twice and from the other side Caladhel heard the King bid her enter. She opened the door and stepped inside leaving Cendil in the hall. Caladhel dipped her head in greeting. She suspected he might well be angrier than he had been the night before and for the moment saw no reason to provoke him.

"You wished to see me, my lord."

When she lifted her eyes she found Thranduil studying her face. She could read nothing in his eyes. If he felt guilt or remorse for what he had done he would not allow it expression. Caladhel refused to drop her gaze when he approached. She did not want him to know how uneasy his presence made her, but she failed to stop herself from flinching when his hand rose to touch her face.

Thranduil dropped his hand before making contact when Caladhel drew back in fear. She looked worse than he had imagined. The imprints of his fingers along the pale skin of her jaw were dark enough to be seen from a distance. Thranduil regretted his loss of temper now more than ever.

Having assessed her injuries he returned his attention to the Lady's eyes. She was once again in control, as she had been when they met in the great hall. Only now a fierce light shone behind her eyes.

"You are an excellent politician," he said. "You know how to turn a crowd in your favor."

Caladhel's eyes narrowed at his accusation and she turned it back on him. "I had your help with that."

She was right, and it galled him. If only he had not raised his hand. His moment of weakness had handed her power over him. "I regret my loss of temper."

She looked right through him, or so it seemed, and surprised Thranduil with her judgement. "No you don't. You regret only that they witnessed the result."

Thranduil could not halt the look of amusement that spread across his face. She was right, of course. He did not regret frightening her or the tears that fell from her eyes. And while he might now regret his lack of self-control in the moment he took hold of her, he did so mostly for the sake of his own reputation.

The Lady's expression hardened at the amusement in his eyes. "How long do you plan on keeping me here?"

"As long as I desire," he replied.

Caladhel's eyes told Thranduil just how little she cared about his whims. "I promised my cousin I would return in time to see her wed."

"Perhaps you should have considered that before you came here."

Caladhel's chin rose in answer to his challenge. "Had I known the reception I'd receive from Greenwood's king," she said, "I would never have set foot in this land."

Thranduil regarded her coldly. He would not take the bait she offered or permit his anger to control him again. "I would take care how you choose to speak to me, should you desire to honor your promise to Celebrían."

Caladhel did not back down from his challenge and met it with her own. "I will keep my promise, with or without your help."

Thranduil found her boldness mildly entertaining, for he marked her words for what they were, an empty threat. "None pass Greenwood's borders without my consent."

Thranduil had summoned the Lady that evening with dual intent, to assess her injuries and to judge whether Iordor was correct. He had been willing to banish her from Greenwood before she arrived, and he would have, too, had she but begged. But the challenge she laid down gnawed uncomfortably at his pride. He would free her in his own time, no sooner.

His decision made, Thranduil summoned the guard from the hall. "See the Lady back to her quarters."

The guard bowed and Caladhel followed him out. It was not until the door closed behind her that Thranduil noted she did not bow.


A/N: For those of you who care about timelines, Thranduil's exact age is unknown. The only thing established in canon is that he was alive in the second age and crowned king after his father fell at Dagorlad. I'm taking movie details including Thranduil's comment about him facing dragons to indicate he fought in the War of Wrath, which is the last report of Elves facing dragons in battle. This would make Thranduil at least 3,600 years old during this story and around 6,500 years old at the time of The Hobbit, so in my timeline he is a few decades older than Elrond.