Thranduil stood at his balcony, eyes staring out into the night sky. Each detail was crystal clear and sharp as a mithril blade in his sight - for many centuries he had the use of only one eye and now that his sight was fully restored he realized how lacking his vision had been all those long years. The wind for the first time in nearly an age he felt against the skin of his left cheek, the tingling prickles a now unfamiliar sensation.

Thranduil truly meant what he had said, when the elf had expressed his gratitude to Annatar for the healing of his wounded body. Yet; he still had deep misgivings about trusting this strange maia with the healing of his mind - for Thranduil feared the proposed path may yet cause him more grief than what had been endured thus far. For the hidden way ahead of him seemed dark indeed and filled him with a great dread at heart and Thranduil wondered to what end he might come if he followed it.

Such thoughts weighed heavy on his mind, but not so much that they clouded his vision. For as he stood on his balcony overlooking the city a far off reflection beyond Ost-in-Edhils masoned walls caught his attention. As he focused in on the glint he knew that whatever was out there moved as swift as the wind through the tall grass of the fields before slipping into the secret shadows under tall boughs of holly to disappear into dappled moonlight. No more than a phantasm to be quickly lost.

For a long while Thranduil searched the horizon in vain for only one more glimpse of what he had seen. But dawn was approaching and he was weary from both that night and the preceding day. How long ago yesterday morning seemed already! So with a stretch he turned away from the balcony and shuttered himself within his room, then laid himself down for a much needed rest.

Anar was past her full height before Thranduil stirred again, and though he felt rested in body his mind felt ill at ease, as if he had suffered dark dreams that had faded with the waking of his mind. In such a disjointed state he hardly felt fit for company, but it seemed he had scarcely climbed from the low couch when there was a knock at the door.

Idhrenir stood on the other side and for once his lord was in no mood to quarrel with him. Instead he allowed the Silvan entry without complaint and as he dressed was informed of the doings of his retinue since the following day. There was little of note, everyone was hale and healthy and enjoying the novel vacation immensely. At that Thranduil stopped to think a moment, then spoke.

"And of you Idhrenir? What have you done this past day?"

The elf took a deep breath and sighed heavily, a faint smile appearing at the edges of his lips and Thranduil noted that his rich amber eyes seemed tired.

"At the ending of the first day I arranged the settling of our quarters and your retinue was tended to, my lord. Then I inspected the stables to see to our horses. Following that I was requested to find you - and for that reason I found you at Celebrimbors forge."

Here Thranduil grimaced, not fond of the memory. It yet re-awoke his great unease of Annatar and his mind turned to that thought.

He seems on the surface docile, yet such a sharp tongue speaks of a sharper mind - and one less gentle than I feel the maia is pretending to possess.

Thranduils thoughts returned to the present and he realized that Idhrenir had paused and spoke no more. But when his lord looked at him he continued.

"It was then that we journ'd to the Head House and there we parted, for I had other errands to attend."

"What other errands?" Thranduil asked as he busied himself with choosing from what clothes he had brought. Yet he took a moment to scowl at the silvery jacket that lie on the couch and memories of the night before crowded in. In an flash his mind recalled the horror of Bauglir and the terror of his dark hall. For a moment Thranduil flinched aside and instinctively raised a hand to his face, yet he found the flesh there whole and unmarred and breathed then a sigh of deep relief. Thus he turned to Idhrenir; but now the elf stared at him, a look of suspicious disbelief wrought upon his face. And at length Idhrenir spoke:

"My lord, what has occurred in this night, that the wound that you have borne so long is no more?"

And Thranduil remembered then part of the root of his ire towards his servant - for many decades ago the elf - alone among his people save only his father - had chanced to see the burns left by the dread dragon before the gates of Angband. And ever after that day he knew that though others saw only the illusion so carefully woven for him that Idhrenir saw only the truth of his marring. Such knowledge had filled him with loathing yet it was one reason why Idhrenir had been chosen by his father as his personal attendant.

Now Idhrenir looked on with wonder that changed to joy.

"What miracle is this, my lord? And how did it come about?"

"A miracle it is indeed." Thranduil answered, yet his voice seemed slightly chill. "It is the work of a healer of great renown. Nothing more."

"Then may he be praised for what he has done!" Idhrenir smiled. It was then that the part of Thranduils heart that had always been hardened against the Silvan began to thaw. For he saw great joy and relief in Idhrenirs eyes where he had expected to find little, and Thranduil began then to understand that in spite of all his anger and ill -treatment of the elf that Idhrenir thought always of his lords interest.

And Thranduil spoke: "Yes. He has been praised, and thanked for what he has done. But he has asked that none know of his deed, nor that his identity be revealed and I will honor that request in thankfulness of this gift."

Idhrenir nodded. "Of course my prince."

With a smile, Thranduil resumed the surveillance of his wardrobe. Then a thought occurred and he turned once more to Idhrenir who looked on questioningly.

"You said you had more errands to complete and I note now that you look worn. What rest did you take?"

Idhrenir now looked abashed and turned his head aside and Thranduil knew then that he had taken none.

"This will not do!" Thranduil chided him, "to have everyone say that I run my people ragged! Idhrenir you are to rest!"

"That I can not do!" Idhrenir exclaimed and for a moment they were at an impasse. Then Thranduil had an idea.

"You have traveled the city then in the course of your errands have you not?"

"Yes, my lord."

"Then you will show me Ost-in-Edhil for I have not yet had a chance to see it properly."

And the elf shook his head yet smiled.

"As you wish."

The morning was bright and clear and spent trawling the winding brick paved streets of the city. Around them on all sides rose finely wrought stone; some with the faintest blush of blossom pink, others gleaming like alabaster and all shimmering with the tiniest of crystals trapped within their great mass, setting sparkling rays upon the paths with the light of the sun. And crowing the multitude of roofs were shingles of bright red stone upon the homes and polished copper sheets upon the buildings of administration that reflected yet more light into the city until all of Ost-in-Edhil seemed aglow with pure radiance without end.

Children clad in linen and silk raced to and fro - flitting like bejeweled butterflies from one stand to another surveying treats and trinkets. Their elders moved with ephemeral grace of their kind gained over many long centuries and nearly every elf in sight was adorned with a menagerie of precious jewelry lovingly formed from silver, gold, mithril and even copper and steel; though these last mostly among the hardy who took often to the great wild spaces around the capital. Jewels in every hue, facet and cut glimmered on fingers, adorned delicate wrists and swung gracefully from ears. Brocade and damask trimmed with fine stitched embroidery covered their flowing robes and they breathed with the scent of a multitude of flowers that gave the crowded streets the air of a fragrant garden in spring.

Every corner held a new wonder for Thranduil and he suddenly felt very rural amid such elegance. Wonders never ceased in this glittering city. For great windmills carved with filigree and set with colored glass turned in the steady breeze - glinting with rainbow light. From the edges of gables carved as birds with up swept wings hung long chains of brass and steel that ran from roof to ground and often ended with a delicately carved fountain of stone or a deep basin. And along the length of those chains were cups in the shape of flowers, lotus, rose, lilies that were designed to funnel the pouring rain.

Chimes of small bells reached his ears now and then as he passed homesteads in the residential quarter and one or twice he stopped to scratch the ears of a docile dog sunning itself without care. Even the birds showed little fear and a few would land on his shoulder now and then before flitting away with songs warbling from their small throats.

"It is altogether wonderful..." Thranduil spoke at last, stepping lightly up a great stair of carved limestone decorated with columns crowed with mallorn buds etched in the stone. "I did not know such a place existed in middle earth...my father spoke often of a city far away, in the land of Valinor that knew such splendor but I did not think to find it's like here."

"That is high praise, Prince of Eryn Galen." A voice laughed from behind him. Turning he smiled up at Celebrimbor as the elf made his way down the staircase, dressed rather simply Thranduil noted. As simply as he ever dressed in any case. His host leaned against a great stone rail and enjoyed the view of his city and for a time Thranduil looked out over the great buildings and inviting squares with him.

"You say it is high praise." Thranduil spoke after a moment. "But not undeserved. You have done well by them. This is a beautiful city and the most peaceful I have ever known."

"Thank You, but the credit is theirs - the people of Eregion have worked hard to bring this city to life. They deserve to rest from their labors and enjoy what they have earned."

Though his words were full of admiration for his people a sad sort of smile still lingered on Celebrimbors face that made Thranduil wonder what troubled the elf-lord. Then the melancholy passed and Celebrimbor smiled again, nodding toward the complex of buildings at the cities apex.

"I have a proposition for you - how about we go see the countryside? You've seen the city, let's see the land."

And suddenly the idea was all too inviting, for Thranduil had much he wished to speak of with his host and for many reasons was loathe to do so in a place with so many ears.

"Then I will attend to my duties with your leave, my lord." Idhrerir spoke suddenly. With a quick bow he made to leave but with a stern clearing of his throat Thranduil halted him. And when the elf cautiously turned the prince lifted a formidable eyebrow.

"Rest, Idhrenir."

With a defeated sigh the Silvan smiled just a hint at the edges of his mouth. "Yes, my lord."

Then Celebrimbor led his guest back to the main house. After a light meal and a changing of clothes they made their way to the great stables. Thranduil insisted on his own horse, one chosen specifically for the lightness of it's gait - for it reminded him of the great deer they kept in Eryn Galen - but Celebrimbor chose a ruggedly unassuming animal that Thranduil could tell he was intensely fond of. As the horses were being outfitted Thranduil noticed that a third was also being saddled in addition to their own.

"Is someone else going out today?"

Celebrimbor gave a short noise somewhere between exasperation and laughter.

"Yes - I'm sorry I forgot to mention it. We'll be joined in this little excursion. Sorry, I meant to mention it sooner but it slipped my mind."

"If anything else slips your mind there won't be anything left of it!" Came a bright voice from the stable door. Leaning against the frame was a tall elf, dark of hair with quick intelligent eyes that seemed immeasurably deep and Thranduil noted they looked like the eyes of one who can see even what is normally unseen. The elfs well-worn maroon tunic and breeches were clean if a bit wrinkled and his hair was pulled back without any adornment or fuss.

"Ah! You keep sneaking up on me Elrond! And what was that comment about me losing my mind?"

"I never said you were losing it." Elrond corrected with a modest smile, eyes glinting mischievously. "But if you yourself will admit to it-"

"I will do no such thing!" Celebrimbor huffed in mock indignation, trying to hide a growing grin as he momentarily abandoned his task and strode quickly to the newly arrived elf, pulling him into a tight embrace.

"Ah...it's been too long since you've come to pester me! Elrond, how have you been?"

"Well, surprisingly well. Though Artanáro is...Artanáro." He laughed. "But he's very nice when you get to know him, though not any better humored!"

"He's always been sort of grim." Celebrimbor noted, slowly releasing his kin. "And prone to worry. He's probably worrying about me even now..."

Elrond nodded. "Yes. But that is a matter to discuss later." He noted with sudden sobriety that melted away into childish exuberance once more. "But I didn't come here to talk to YOU."

Celebrimbor gasped in mock hurt. "Ah! Is this how you treat your uncle? I should have at you you little hooligan!"

"Hoolig-aah! You'll have to be faster than that!"

Thranduils laugher echoed from the wooden rafters and was mimicked with the snickering of horses as the two elves tussled with one another, reveling in each others long awaited company. At length the two finally chose to show their royal dignity and Elrond was introduced to Thranduil who was too busy trying to dry his laughing tears to give much in the way of a formal reply.

With the general shenanigans out of the way the three finished tacking their horses, led them from the stables and rode off toward the main gate and into the wilds beyond.

The first part of the day was went by without incident, for the lands were quiet with the heat of high summer turned to the earliest days of fall. Golden leaves rustled above their heads and now and then birds chattered among their swaying boughs. The hoarse calls of squirrels issued forth from the canopy now and then as each defended it's small territory and hoarded what food it could against the coming cold. But it was not cold as of yet and still the day was more than warm enough for short-sleeves.

Stopping at a stream they made camp for a while, allowing the horses a bit of a rest in the cool shade of the autumn trees where they nibbled and foraged with dappled light dancing over their slowly moving forms. Meanwhile the three elves busied themselves with scraping together a meal. They had brought some provisions for their day-trip in the form of bread and the first of the dried fruits of the year. Still, it was modest fare for those accustomed to a royal diet.

Casting his gaze over the stream Celebrimbor suddenly said: "You know...I bet I could catch a fish."

Now, having no rod or lure the other two elves were a bit incredulous as he stalked off - breeches rolled up to his calves and boots discarded on the shore.

Elrond chuckled. "I'll wager he can't do it."

Thranduil smirked. "I'm not taking that bet - I know he can't do it."

"Oh? Could you?" Elrond questioned, gathering a bit of dry wood near the stones they had set in a small circle for a fire.

Thranduil gave him a smug smile. "Of course. I have learned to manage in the woods. Your uncle unfortunately has had quite the city life and I don't - wait, look!"

The two hushed as they watched Celebrimbor carefully, almost delicately move out into the deeper water. The stream they had halted by fell over a short cliff only a few meters high to their north and cascaded into a shallow pool before running once again southward. A ring of rocks formed a half-dam near the falls themselves. It was upon these rocks that Celebrimbor was now balancing, edging himself further into the pond. Then he crouched, balancing on the balls of his feet as he looked down into the mostly still pond. Fall leaves swirled beneath the falling water and floated past him downstream and for a long while he remained motionless. Then all of a sudden he struck, his hand darting into the water. For moment he floundered and almost went headlong into the pond. But at last he pulled back again and behold, in his hand held a rather large and fiercely wiggling fish. He looked around a moment but then suddenly called out to the elves at the shore.

"Catch!"

"For the love of Er-aha!" Elrond floundered as the fish nearly hit him full in the face. It ricocheted off his arm and flopped into the grass, slapping it's way back toward the stream while Thranduil hastily scrambled after it.

"IF IT GOES BACK IN THAT WATER YOU'RE GETTING THE NEXT ONE!" Celebrimbor yelled from his perch.

Fortunately Thranduil caught a carp by the tail and dragged it back to the fire. One fish down, two more to go.

As Elrond got to work cleaning their catch Thranduil made his way over to the long line of rocks and setting his own boots aside carefully stepped onto the cold damp stones, wiggling his toes newly freed. He noted it had been a long time since he had last run free in the forest; possibly not since his coronation. So many other things had taken greater priority than the beaconing of his beloved forest.

Sliding up to Celebrimbor he stared into the water. "How did you learn to do this?" He asked even as Celebrimbor stared into the clear depths, arms raised and ready to strike.

"Tyelkormo." He said distractedly.

"Oh." Thranduil replied, not exactly sure who he was referring to and lamenting his lack of knowledge concerning his host. He could only gather it was someone close to him.

"Aha-AAH!"

The plume of water that rose in Celebrimbors wake was impressive, or so Thranduil thought as he nimbly leapt back to the shore. For a while the elf floundered in the pool before finally finding his feet and standing; the water only coming to his waist. Long dark hair streamed out in all directions and dripped with water as the lord of Eregion sputtered and coughed water out of his throat, only pausing between gasps long enough to glare at the jewel-scaled fish that darted anxiously around him.

A loud peal of laughter echoed off of the short cliff as Elrond nearly fell to his side. Thranduil was little better, sitting with arms clutched at his sides on the shore and gasping for air between his laughs. And when Celebrimbor puffed a wet strand of water from his lips that only slapped wetly a few inches away Thranduil laughed all the harder.

"Well met Celebrimbor! I'm sure the fishes are much impressed by your impeccable prowess! They tremble in the depths at the thought of you!"

The suddenly fey look in Celebrimbors eyes startled Thranduil out of his mockery but he had scarcely moved when he was bodily lifted and slung over the elf-lords shoulder and to his horror Celebrimbor waded back out into the deeps.

"Ah Thranduil! But beware the prowess of the Ñoldor! Behold, 'vigorous spring'! I hear your namesake calling!"

"Celebrimbor no! Put me down- unhand me! Don't you da-"

Icy cold, the water plunged over their heads as Thranduil found himself pulled under the falling water, suddenly soaked to the skin under the torrent of water as Celebrimbor held him against the cliff wall. He could hear Celebrimbors laughter even above the sound of the falls as he shivered with the sudden cold that was only relieved where Celebrimbor still pinned him to the cold rock. Then all at once he was let go and the now thoroughly soaked prince splashed quickly to the center of the pool.

"Behold! The grace that is given to the Eldar! A shame we are not waterproof though!"

Long pale gold tendrils draped over Thranduils shoulders as he waded his way back to shore and peering from beneath a part in his hair he pointed back at the madly giggling Celebrimbor.

"When you least expect it..." He said in warning, promising retribution for his indignity even as he failed to completely hide his growing smile.

Elrond meanwhile was nearly incapacitated with laughter at the sight of the two bedraggled elves.

Fortunately the day was warm and bright. Once they had finished eating the one fish between them they moved a bit downstream of their resting steeds to a spot with greater sun. There they hung their clothes on sunlit boughs and took a leisurely swim in the afternoon warmth.

Thranduil sighed as he twirled the nearly dry edges of his hair from where they had fallen free of the bun he had placed it into.

How long has it been since I have had a moment without care?

"Ahh!" Elrond sighed as he leaned against a sun-warmed stone. "I think I've been worked far too ragged. It's nice to relax after so long."

"And since when do you work?" Celebrimbor mused as he floated idly in the cool water.

"I work...a lot now."

"Only because Artanáro makes you."

"That is completely irrelevant."

Celebrimbor joined him in laughter. "I suppose so."

Suddenly the three perked up, having heard some sound at the same time. Each having had their fair share of battle over the years they took heed of the noise. When it issued again they disappeared, quick as birds, from sight.

At length they heard a distraught wail from the far side of the pond and after a moment to their intense surprise a young edain came forth from the bushes, tripping clumsily through the bracken. Her well worn dress was colorfully patched beneath her long white apron but in her haste one leather shoe had become unbuckled. Uncaring she stamped her small foot.

"Ah! Heda! Ooohh!"

"I'm sorry!" Another maid of the edain whispered as she stumbled forth, smaller than her companion. She wiped her nose on her sleeve. "I couldn't help it! you know the plants here make my nose itch! It's not my fault!"

"Yeah yeah!" The older girl sighed, hands moving to her hips. She was a young woman not yet at her full height but close to it and perhaps no older than twenty summers. Now she stared over the pond, blue eyes scanning the area for what she could not find until at last she huffed and turned, long blond braid swinging behind her. "Oh Heda I could kick you!"

"I told you it wasn't my fault! And what would you do anyway?" The other girl, only a few years younger asked. "I don't think the elves would be interested in human girls anyway."

The elder rolled her eyes. "That's why you gotta sneak up on them and take their clothes. Then they have no choice but to marry you!"

"I don't think that's true..."

"Well, it's supposed to work for elf-maids so I don't see why not for elf-men."

"Maybe it doesn't even work for elf-maids?" The younger pouted. Her companion nodded.

"Maybe. In any case they're gone now - no thanks to you! Oooooh Heda! I could have stood to watch a little longer at least!" The girl grumbled as she stomped noisily back through the woods and away from the pond, her friend trailing behind complaining softly.

"I told you it wasn't my fault..."

From their perch in the trees the three elves looked at each other.

"What on earth was that?!" Celebrimbor whispered.

"Well, it means were were just espied by two edain woman who thought to marry us by...stealing our clothes? Is that some mortal marriage rite?" Elrond wondered aloud. "It sounds suspect."

"It's a rumour." Thranduil laughed softly, moving slightly to a more comfortable and less prickly position on his branch. "Men and elves don't come into contact the way they used to further east of here. Those girls probably came with a family from beyond the mountains. To some of them we're 'legendary creatures'."

"That's disheartening." Celebrimbor grumbled as he very carefully lowered himself from the tree.

"In any case it's time we started heading back anyway. Here's to hoping no one actually stole our clothing."

Fortunately for those involved all garments were accounted for and after returning upstream to break camp and claim their horses they returned to the welcome gleam of the city.

Authors Notes:

Behold! The closest thing to fluff you're likely to get out of me. A nice day out for our three elf-lords.

Annatar: I...wasn't in this chapter. Why?

Author: Because I'm trying to keep this rating at 'T', okay?

Annatar: ...

Author: You know what I mean.

Annatar: *pouting intensifies*

Author: You know what? Melkor is right over there - go bug him!

I hope everyone enjoyed this little break in the drama!

On a random note; I'm actually kind of surprised to hear so many people who gained new insight via Thranduil x Geology. That's actually really cool to hear as a writer.

(it probably surprises me because I'm a geology nut so it seems like second nature to me lol)

For those of you wondering about Melkor mischief don't worry (actually go ahead and worry - alot); next chapter it's back to (risky) business as usual!

Again, Thanks for Reading!