Chapter 6
Before Elrond knew what had happened, he agreed to a drinking game. Grinning, Thranduil challenged him to a one on one. "Are you prepared for this mellon-nin?" Thranduil asked. "Of course," Elrond replied. Lady Galadriel sat by watching, slightly concerned. She did not necessarily approve of drinking games but if it helped Elrond, she was willing to allow it. Lord Celeborn moved and sat next to her, taking her hand in his.
Thranduil smiling said, "Let the game begin." He drank down the first glass and quickly started on his second. Elrond started to drink his first glass, unsure as to why he had agreed to drink against Thranduil. With his luck he would be drunk long before Thranduil would feel anything. He sighed and started on his second, wishing that he was back in Imladris to be left alone. Why did no one understand that he just wanted to be left in peace?
As the night wore on Galadriel looked to see that they had finished off three barrels so far and were quickly draining the fourth. She shook her head and looked at Celeborn. He smiled obviously enjoying seeing Thranduil encouraging Elrond to keep going. Looking back at Elrond, Lady Galadriel felt pity for him. He was drunk and looked like he was going to be ill. She sighed and went over to him.
"Forgive me for interrupting, but I do believe that Lord Elrond is feeling unwell. Perhaps you will excuse us King Thranduil while I find him a quiet place to rest." Nodding his consent Thranduil got up and bowed slightly. "Good night my Lord, perhaps better luck next time." Elrond attempted a smile and allowed Galadriel to lead him up to one of the talans. Lord Celeborn watched as Elrond and Galadriel disappeared. Perhaps Elrond just needed someone that he could talk to.
As Galadriel was about to leave the talan, Elrond called her name. She looked at him. "Would you be willing to stay for a while?" Elrond asked her. Galadriel nodded and smiled. Sitting next to him, she waited for him to say something. Elrond looked at Galadriel and felt a pain shoot through him. When he looked at her he felt as if he were looking at Celebrian. He lowered his head and wept. He thought his heart would break!