A/N: I am sorry about the long update times.
The silver-haired king strode silently behind Halvorn. He walked determinedly, like a beast striding to battle. Halvorn was unable to behold the sight, however. Indeed, the anxious ellon resisted the urge to look back at the tall Sindarin elf. Even now, the Nandorin warrior could feel the daggers that bored icily into his back. It seemed the King of the Woodland Realm excelled at that – No, Halvorn's erratic thinking halted in a sudden moment of irrational paranoia. As if this ellon could read his mind… Thankfully, Halvorn was interrupted by a young officer who stopped them in their tracks.
"My lord," he spoke, addressing Thranduil. Halvorn hadn't the slightest clue as to what the officer planned to say and he would never find out, for Thranduil interjected scarcely before the servant's words left his lips.
"I am going to see your king," The smouldering ellon said firmly. "Unless, you have word from him that directly forbids me, I will see him," Thranduil added, locking that officer with a thunderously resolute stare.
The officer took a physical step back. His next words were shaky. "Aye, my lord. My apologies." The ellon stepped out of the way as the words left his mouth. The pallor of his face, betrayed the fear in his heart.
Halvorn took the moment as his cue to continue escorting the Sindarin king. He did not even make eye contact with the officer as they passed. He kept his eyes forward and his feet straight. They were already close to the King's Square.
The two elves rounded only one more corner and then they were on the narrow dusty road which ended with the large gathering tent: where Gil-Galad held his court in this forsaken land. Halvorn was certain that their presence was not unnoticed. Indeed, he half expected more guards to join the two's impromptu company. However, none joined Halvorn and Thranduil. The silence as the two ellyn strode was deafening. Only the crunch of their determined steps punctuated the air. Even the distant artillery was quiet for once. As they approached Halvorn couldn't help but notice that the tent looked abandoned from far. Of course, Halvorn knew better to think that. Gil-Galad had probably dismissed everyone, lest anything went down between the two kings.
Halvorn blew his breath out as he stopped at the billowing entrance flaps. Then he moved to the side and, with a flourish, gave Thranduil entrance into the grand space.
Gil-Galad was already waiting for them, with Elrond standing at his right hand. The room looked the same as it had last night, save that Elrond and the Noldorin king were the sole occupants this time. Not even a servant or scribe was present. Halvorn swallowed loudly despite himself and meant to take the absence of all others as a sign that he should leave as well, however, Gil-Galad spoke before he could make his escape.
"What brings you here, and with my captain," Gil-Galad asked, fully knowing the truth but wishing to hear it straight from the Sindarin elf's own mouth.
Thranduil narrowed his eyes, seeing the trap but also stepping head long into it. By now he really had nothing to hide. His people were dying, and he could not stand by at the mercy of another without speaking out. "I have come to renew my cause before you. I meant to leave this morning, but it was your captain who bade me tarry but a little longer to speak with you." His blue eyes narrowed. "Have you considered my people's plight?" He asked. His voice carried a thick layer of accusation.
Gil-Galad broke Thranduil's stare, sliding his gaze over Halvorn instead. "I simply do not have the time –"
His words were cut off. "My people have no time," Thranduil spat, cutting quickly to the heart of the matter. He knew he had no power here. He was making his last gambit and it was difficult to keep the glaze of ice through his words, especially with the heat of fury rising in him. The Sindarin ellon resisted the urge to ball his fists. He wanted to say more, though what he had said was far more than enough. It was a challenge to Gil-Galad morals, to his competency to lead. It was far more than a handful of words.
The Noldorin king's gaze immediately darted back to pierce Thranduil's darkening stare. "You did not let me finish," he said with such weight that even Thranduil tightened his jaw. Halvorn felt his heart begin to race. Elrond was aware of his forehead breaking out with sweat. For that one long moment, the tension in the silent arena ratcheted incredibly. It was almost palpable: an unseen wrestling of will between to immensely powerful ellyn. Elrond could not tear his eyes away from the two. Even now, it seemed that both shone with an ancient fury that Elrond had only seen a few times in his foster-fathers' eyes.
Gil-Galad finally interrupted the running seconds. His husky voice still held all the checked wrath as before but now it sounded in subtle, dangerous tones. "I had made up my mind before you showed yourself here unheeded," he said, steadfastly keeping his gaze locked with Thranduil. He chose his next words carefully, however, for he did not wish to, in any way, reward the ellon for his rash behaviour (even if it was justified). "I have ordered my commander to leave the southern defences and aid your people in drawing back from the north."
The tall Sindarin king kept his face stoic. "When will this force be deployed?" He asked coolly. The ellon was treading carefully now, probing for the catch. Testing the "why's" to this sudden decision and weighing the worth of the statement. He wondered how long ago the lord had made this decision, and how long the elf would make Thranduil wait before raping the fruits. Part of him estimated Gil-Galad's timing to be within a month, but the other part of him chastised the assumption, and there was also a glimmer of hope he could scarcely hide.
"Commander Elrond has been ordered to marshal the troops immediately. I place him under your command hence forth," Gil-galad stood from his throne. "I have a map and the makings of a plan to head northward with the force, but that is only the beginning. I cannot expend anything else on the northern front… or your people." The Noldorin king instantly noticed the defensive side of Thranduil prickle up at that remark and amended, "This is war after all. Though we all be fighting against one evil, the battle has many faces," he finished and made his way to the small planning table that held the map of Mordor.
Thranduil followed the raven-hired king. "What did you have in mind?" He asked carefully, still wary but eager. His keen eyes darter over the large map draped over the wood table.
"I will show you," Gil-Galad said before turning to the two dumbfounded officers in his presence. He was glad the conversation had stayed relatively civil… and that no unwelcome comments had been supplied. "Elrond, assemble all troops set to have gone to the southern front. Have them marshal at the Eastern Gate as soon as possible. The will set out the moment Thranduil deems. You are under his command until he releases you." With the last sentence, Gil-Galad met the hard eyes of Thranduil and unspoken words were exchanged.
Elrond did not notice the silent conversation. He bowed deeply and set his fist to his breast. "It will be done, my lord." With that, he swept urgently out of the chamber with Halvorn following closely.
The two friends walked quietly for about fifty yards before Halvorn let out the sigh he had been holding in. "That was intense," he said, trying to be as nonchalant about the whole affair and failing miserably.
Elrond nodded. He was still so relieved that he had not said anything stupid this time. "Now I know why you hate politics," Elrond stated dryly. He decided to turn his attention to his task that had been given. That would keep him focused.
"You have your first mission, at least. That is big," Halvorn said giving the other ellon a jab on the shoulder. His anxiety was wearing off now that he had been given the chance to actually speak up. His mind changed gears as he began to muse on the king's order given to Elrond. "I am at your command; how do you wish to mobilise the troops?"
"I will send out messengers to the captains under me," Elrond eyed Halvorn knowingly, expecting a quip. "Excluding you, of course… and we shall call all soldiers to be ready to move out by sundown. That is certainly enough time…" He finished uncertainly. The half-elf tried to recall the many times he had participated in aiding Gil-galad with such movements.
Halvorn put a hand to his chin in thought. "It will be tight," he said dubiously. "But I think we can make it. I am sure Thranduil will want to leave as soon as possible," he added.
Elrond agreed, "That is also my thinking."
"Good!" The Nandorin elf loudly clapped his hands together. "I will assemble my men immediately and meet you at the Southern Gate." The ellon then proceeded to start off into a jog. He half turned as he left. "Good luck, mellon," he called back with a wink.
Elrond smiled. "Alright, I will see you there, officer!" Once the other was out of sight, Elrond let out his own sigh of relief. The confrontation had been terrifying in its own way, but nothing was coming close to the steadily mounting pressure he was beginning to feel. Indeed, this was going to be a steep learning curve for him. He set his face with grim determination. He needed to get a lot done in a little amount of time… This is going to be interesting, he thought wryly as he moved to follow his own path and find a messenger.