Crossing the bridge we were soon out of sight, leaving the twins in charge. A hundred miles north at a place called Forest Gate; we turned onto the Old Dwarven Path. It is speculated the track and Old Forest Road to the south were formed by dwarves in the First Age. We hadn't gone more than thirty miles when Thranduil's Silvan elves shot an arrow across our path.
With a smile, Glorfindel, insouciance in attitude and speed almost unseen by eye, knocked and fired back. Immediately the elves were bowing before us and handing Glorfindel his arrow back.
"My lords, we didn't expect your honored presence this late in the year. King Thranduil ordered the borders closed with orcs on the move."
"No harm done," Elrond assured him. "We assume elves are not blocked?"
"Just dwarves," the sentry replied. "Our king thinks they should be eaten by orcs."
"I'm sure Thranduil was exaggerating," Elrond snapped and pushed past the sentry with his steed and we were on our way once more. At the rapid pace Elrond set, we reached the next set of guards in two days. We stopped across the bridge from Thranduil's Halls and watched as the massive doors swung towards us with the king standing in the middle of his archway. Elrond rode across the bridge first and we followed single file. Our lord jumped off his horse and bowed his head respectfully while Thranduil gave a mock motion for Elrond to depart and then pulled him in for a hug.
"I trust this visit isn't because your iôns failed to reach your haven?" Thranduil asked first and then noticed Galadriel dismounting. "Oh, it's because they did arrive home and you are descending on my keep in your husbandly duties of escorting your ladies to my wife." His condescending tone caused Glorfindel to burst out laughing.
"Thranduil, I wouldn't be here if my wife isn't boss," Elrond roared back with laughter in his tone. "You know how much I care about you producing another pain in my backside. But you are correct; I am providing escort service only. I have to return."
"WHAT?" Celebrían snapped in indignation. "You never told me that. I expect your presence to comfort me this winter and I figured we could have some intimate moments away from your duties. Besides the pass is likely closed."
When she finally ran out of excused, Elrond patiently replied. "We will talk later and besides our iôns will be here in the spring to guide you home. I sent a message to Celeborn through them to come and get you as far as the pass when he retrieves his runaway wife."
Galadriel interceded as she tapped her daughter's thigh for her to dismount. "We will be fine, Elrond." She hugged Thranduil warmly. "My mirror was silent on this elfling. I hope it does not bode ill."
Thranduil quickly shook his head. "Ríllas has actually done all I've asked of her. I'm sure it's a first. We want a healthy elfling." He led the way into his caverns while his servants and ours took care of the horses and unpacked many gifts and much luggage.
Thranduil led us directly to Ríllas and after greeting the queen, we ellon departed with Thranduil to allow the ladies to gather details that I'm sure would have our ears burning and faces red. Later, I pressed Celebrían for details for a book about the leading elleth in Middle Earth. For now, we visited with Thranduil for a few days until Elrond got anxious to leave.
"I have to get back. Why didn't you get her pregnant back when we all were in Minis Tirith?"
Thranduil surprisingly answered maturely, "Because I didn't want to spoil a wonderful romance by having to cut it short and return here with her carrying my child; that's why. I will send word if I add a prince or princess. I plan on using the eagles for my news and hope an elfling will place me in better standing with Círdan."
"Nothing will do that," Elrond joked. He looked at Glorfindel. "Are you staying here for the winter and drinking Thranduil dry?"
"That was my plan until you decided to tempt fate by traipsing back by Goblin-town. They will be gathering their dead you know? They were pretty mad."
"Good, maybe we can kill a few more." Elrond looked at me, "Well? Are you coming with the warriors or knitting baby blankets with the elleth?"
Ignoring Glorfindel's denigrating laugh, I straightened to my full height, which was identical to Elrond's. "I shall educate Ríllas on my vast experience in dealing with the spawn of kings, acknowledged or otherwise."
Elrond grinned at me and departed to spend the rest of the day with his wife, for he was leaving on the morrow.
Elladan watched the crags and rivulets for movement. Sheep grazed on windblown patches of dirt, but of fell things, there was no sign. They were almost to Dimrill Dale and the last night under the stars with their charges. He made a decision. "El, take Lord Veig to King Durin and have him explain they are being descended upon."
Dwarves, with regular food to regain strength, quickly gathered sticks for fires. Nights were warmer close to the Golden Wood, but a warm soup from the traveling kitchen that traveled with the Galadhrim would keep stomachs from rumbling.
Elladan set the guard and felt in his fëa they were being stalked. Walking among the fires on this chilly night, he kept his gaze on shapes that grew ever ominous with each passing night hour. So far squat outlines were brush that still sported leaves displaying their last vestige of color. The glow of yellow eyes reflecting off a camp fire had him shouting, hoping his presence instilled fear. Fangs flashed as six wolves braved fire and openness in hopes of catching an easy meal of dwarf flesh. Three fell instantly to Elladan's sword and the Galadhrim easily slew the rest. "I knew we were being watched," Elladan told a March Warden named Ceithen, who was in charge of the Galadhrim this trip.
"I felt it also," Ceithen confirmed. "There are more. I wonder if Wargs are also close?"
"Probably. They often hunt in joint packs," Elladan agreed. "Split half for night watch. Which shift do you prefer?" So far, the twins took turns supervising the two night shifts.
"I'll take first," Ceithen stated.
Elladan checked his horse one last time before lying down to rest for a few hours and ordered the fires be kept roaring all night. Morning had him watching as night faded away and he stirred from his post. His grey Galadhrim cloak kept him warm and he blended into the shrubs he chose as his location. His keen ears listened for the breaking of a twig or growl, but the only noise was the symphony of songbirds greeting the morning sunrise.
Before they were done with a meal before breaking camp, Elrohir rode in with a hundred dwarven warriors mounted on rams with full curl.
The leader informed Elladan they would take charge of the Longbeard clan and escort them to the Halls of Durin. Thus freed, the twins turned south for the short ride into the Golden Wood. With the Galadhrim in tow, nobody challenged them and night found them nearing Caras Galadhon.
"I hope Daeradar has returned," Elrohir spoke for the first time in hours.
"I don't care if he has. I am availing myself of his bathhouse," his brother retorted as they raced around the tall walls to the south entrance.
They were disappointed to learn their beloved Daeradar hadn't yet returned from his war and more so to have missed fighting beside him. Two days to rest their bodies and horses and they rode south into the Wold, intent on traveling as far as Minas Tirith if need be. Although their grandmother assured them fighting was done, they secretly hoped to encounter a band of Haradrim. They never fought them as adults and the fleeting fight their father engaged in when they were mere elflings of fifteen left them yearning to experience hand to hand combat against the wild men of Umbar.
A week's ride had them at the crossing where the Anduin broke into several channels and the last ford was against steep banks, with a cut made by men in an age past wide enough for wagons. 'Look,' Elrohir spoke into his brother's mind and pointed. With their superior eyesight, they caught the banner on top of a distant hill heading directly towards them. 'If we hurry, we can surprise him.'
'I am still trying to catch our dear old daeradar with his guard down and now is our chance. He doesn't have a clue we are anyplace near here,' Elladan responded with glee and they splashed across the eight channels and dismounted. Scurrying up the draw, they each took a side with a rock outcrop hanging above the trail. The plan they mentally discussed involved both jumping at once and one taking their Daeradar off his horse and the other taking his head March Warden, Verthenwë, who would no doubt be riding beside his lord.
Celeborn, weary from the several month long battle; wanted home, a bath, his best wine and wife, and not in that order. Long separations made him long for her presence and he admitted to himself he missed her. He knew his married warriors were likewise yearning to return and bask in their loved ones arms. He decided the first night was always the best and would make a memory they would revisit. His scout entered the draw, as was customary when they could be attacked. He didn't expect a report of more than fish jumping in the river so was quite surprised when his scout promptly returned and made haste to his side. Celeborn raised his hand and his army stopped and not a sound could be heard in the ranks. They wanted the mental report to be passed intact along the long line of mounted warriors. Celeborn noticed his seasoned scout was grinning broadly.
'My lord, your daeriôns are lying in wait at the outcrop,' the scout reported mentally.
Celeborn turned an amused expression to Verthenwë. 'They must be on their way to greet me. Let's not keep them waiting.' He motioned and continued forward while quiet mirth rippled through the lines as the message was passed quietly along.
The twins tensed and when their targets were beneath their location; like a spring breaking, as one rose from their prone positions, planted their booted feet and dove headfirst at the leaders.
Hard ground broke their falls and they rolled and sat up, looking up at laughing elves on horseback.
"How did you do that?" Elrohir spat out in disgust as he glared at his grandfather.
"I projected a false location to your fëas, my young, dumb daeriôns."
Elladan rose, brushing himself off, "You need to teach us that trick so next time we won't fail."
Celeborn swung down and gathered them to him. "In time I will. Now, what brings you south?" He looked back at his tired warriors. "Wait until we camp tonight. Now, run and fetch your horses…if you still have any." He watched fondly as Elrond's pride and joy sprinted down the trail ahead of them and with jumps landed on their mounts that were grazing at river's edge.
The leaders who traveled with Lord Celeborn whenever he went to war, gathered around a roaring fire and watched their lord seated between the twins. Quickly they filled everyone in and news traveled throughout camp and songs for elflings filled their ears.
"I will take a rest in the city and then travel north to drag my strong-willed wife home," Celeborn stated when the boys were done.
"El and I wanted to winter with Thranduil so we would be close if the orcs try and take Thranduil's kingdom. They might know he is preoccupied and choose this time to attack," Elladan happily replied.
Celeborn listened to the excited lilt of his eldest grandson and agreed. "We will spend the winter with Thranduil."
Thranduil escorted Ríllas this cold morning to his private dining table. He looked around at those that dined daily with him. "In spite of my teasing, I am glad you are here." Seating his wife, he sat at the head of the table and addressed Celebrían. "I would have liked Elrond to deliver."
"Before he left, he informed me why the Dúnedain wished a private word. They arrived the day before we left so I didn't see them, but Elrond spoke with the captain."
I was taken back with surprise. "Celebrían, how come I wasn't informed Elrond confided in you? Does Glorfindel know what they wanted?"
She graciously reached over and patted my forearm fondly. "Erestor, Elrond wished you to have a relaxing winter here and not worry. He told me a private word included Glorfindel, and Elrond asked him not to say anything. Mallor, king of Arthedain, sent word that orcs were raiding south from the Angmar Mountains and they captured a band who were heading to attack Imladris because its whereabouts was tortured out of a captured man. Mallor knew who the man was and killed everyone in that band, but he didn't capture them all and a few escaped and Elrond is on edge. He really didn't want to come, but chose to bring me to safety if Imladris comes under siege, as it did in the second age."
Ríllas spoke sentiments I agreed with. "I am relieved you are here and your iôns safe in the southland. That certainly explains why Elrond was so edgy during his short visit?"
We watched as Thranduil took his wife's hand in comfort, "And I am happy to host the ladies and could quite become accustomed to several elleth of rank surrounding me at all times. My dear," he kissed the back of the hand he held, "you may proceed to give me many daughters."
Her eyes sparkled, "The healers tell me next week we will know what is keeping me up at night; your iell or your iôn."
Thranduil grinned like an elfling with a new toy and turned his attention back to Celebrían, "Please continue and we are sorry for getting sidetracked."
Celebrían smiled at the couple, "You may sidetrack my morbid thoughts anytime, and I for one am helping with your announcement party." She looked across the table at her mother. "Did your mirror not tell of the attacks?"
Galadriel serenely shook her head. "In the affairs of men, I am shown very little; just a face of the king of Gondor who will unite north and south."
"How do you know it's Gondor?" Thranduil beat me to the question.
"Because he is standing in front of the white tree and it is blooming again, but he is dressed as a Dúnedain. That is important, although no timeframe has surfaced so it remains in a distant time."
"What is Elrond's plan?" I turned the topic back to what was foremost on my mind and by Thranduil's smile in my direction, his also.
"Go home and protect his community," Celebrían responded and changed the subject back to the party, so we followed suit.
In the chambers provided for Elrond's immediate family and closest advisors, I accosted Celebrían. "Why was I not told the reason Elrond wanted to leave?"
"Elrond wanted you to guard me lest our wayward iôns hear of a possible battle brewing at Imladris. You know all of Thranduil's warriors and the few guards Elrond left here won't be able to stop them from crossing the mountain in winter."
"Maybe Celeborn will keep them in Caras Galadhon for the winter. I don't fancy he cares about elflings either."
The morning Thranduil found his elfling's gender was one I will always remember. He ran through the halls shouting for joy, "It's an iôn. I'm having an iôn and heir."
The party was joined by the entire community, outside a handful of guards, when talking suddenly ceased and the king and queen looked to see what or who invaded their sanctuary uninvited.
Celebrían and I were dancing when the music stopped and our feet followed. I looked for danger and cursed not wearing my sword. Stairs wound upwards from around many roots and suddenly I pointed up. At the top of a flight of stairs stood Celeborn, our elflings and a few Sindar lords who always travel with the great lord.
"Don't worry, Thranduil, I felt his approach and bribed the guards to let them in," Galadriel's strong voice rang out as she ascended the steps and met Celeborn halfway. We watched the reunion and his hand extended and stopped, waiting for her to meet him halfway. As soon as her fingers caressed his and settled in her familiar place, they moved as one down the steps to a waiting Thranduil.
"I was left with the impression I wouldn't see you until warmer weather," Thranduil stated after a hug to his kin.
Celeborn shrugged, "I am weary."
"I feel your fatigue," Galadriel confirmed. "Come, sit beside me and celebrate Thranduil's good news."
"I got the message," Celeborn retorted.
"But not that I'm adding a prince to help rule my realm," Thranduil boasted and saw Celeborn grin.
"And I arrived in time to help celebrate." They gave a warriors handclasp and moved to the wine together leaving me beside Galadriel, who was looking amused that her tired husband would dump her for a private celebration with the father to be.
"I see the twins are properly greeting their naneth," I commented and Galadriel dragged her eyes from examining her husband. "With them safely here, I can take a rare brake from watching the waters."
"Just out of curiosity, which waters give divination for you?" I asked.
"I use Thranduil's reflecting pool. It is soothing and I can keep an eye on the world. I knew my husband was coming when he entered the woods and hoped he wouldn't stop until he joined us. I reached for him, but he was too tired to respond so I let him make his way to me."
"And you drew his weary fëa and not all of this?" I swept my hand for emphasis at the large gathering.
"Celeborn doesn't care about parties or babies. No, I am his weakness. I always have been from the moment our eyes first met."
As if sensing we were talking about him, Celeborn's head turned and I saw his eyes for her alone and knew she spoke truth.
We patrolled for Thranduil so he didn't miss one moment of his wife growing large while she toted his son inside her. Finally, we ventured to the Lonely Mountain and it was deserted. Celeborn turned us back to Thranduil's Halls and we rode without stopping.
In front of Thranduil, he reported. "It was this bunch that took Gundabad. The mountain should be inhabited by dwarves and Elrond needs to finalize plans with Durin V to take ownership of the gold mines he and you developed. The dwarves are the better miners and we have all the wealth we can spend in two ages of this world and nothing outside Mithril to spend it on."
"I will send a letter to Durin when my iôn is born of your suggestion," Thranduil agreed.
"If I know the dwarf, he will want to come himself and inspect your work. Galadriel's mirror saw a thriving community of dwarves in that mountain and two communities of men to support them. It won't happen for several hundred years because Durin has to die. My wife saw another dwarf on the throne before the move and Durin V is young and will rule for at least three hundred years."
Thranduil's eyes went wide. "The baby," he cried and raced through underground halls with Celeborn and I on his heels. He didn't stop until in his bedchamber, but Celeborn and I stayed in his family chamber where several of Thranduil's lords were amassing. Soon we had glasses in hand and the toasting began long before the young prince made his appearance to Middle Earth.
Hours passed before Thranduil carried a bundle in his arms and joined us. At his side ready to take the squirming bundle was Celebrían. Smiling from ear to ear, Thranduil held him out for us to see. "My son, Legolas, Prince of the Sindar and Silvan elves, Lord of the Rhovanion and Heir to my throne."
Celeborn expertly took the elfling and studied him closely. "I see features of Ríllas' grandfather, the High Elf, Lenwë."
Thranduil nodded. "I was young when Lord Lenwë was killed in the War of the Wrath, but remember him when I went with my adar to the meetings of elves who led the war. I never dreamed I would someday wed his granddaughter. He was born on the march from Cuiviénen and son of two awakening elves."
"I remember him as well," Celeborn agreed. "He was of course at my wedding and we hunted for the feast together."
Thranduil took his son back and looked down at him. "Galadriel tells me she foresaw greatness for him, but didn't give any details. Of course any iôn of mine will be great." With his natural pompousness in place, Thranduil returned to the bedchamber while Celebrían remained with us.
"I was worried Arwen would start to think of finding an ellon and having one, but I needn't worry. She almost passed out every time Ríllas screamed. Elrond will be delighted with my news."
"How is Ríllas?" I inquired, ashamed I forgot to promptly ask Thranduil, and it was completely unlike me to forget details.
"Resting and free of pain. Thranduil took the birth quite well, but did stay out of her reach. Only once did her hand find a knife by the bed and he did a remarkable job in catching it before it stabbed his eye out." She looked around. Where are my babies? I wish to show them their new future companion, Legolas."
Celeborn and I looked surprised at each other. It was he who supplied an answer. "I doubt they will go any place near him after what you did to them when Arwen was a baby. They were telling stories when we patrolled and decided bonding with young Legolas isn't on their list. Don't expect to see them for weeks or until we leave."
"I doubt Thranduil will allow them to touch Legolas anyway." With that, she hurried back to assist in tending the new mother. We didn't see anyone for a week and dined away from the family home to give the parents rest. When I say we; I mean all ellon. Of the elleth, we hardly saw them and I'm sure Ríllas had the best care.
Soon it was time to leave and I got my chance to hold the baby for the first time. I looked down at him in my arms and quoted, "Your cousin Elrond says you are a royal pain. Prove him wrong and don't act like your adar."
Thranduil snatch him back as everyone laughed and I quickly mounted. Soon we were flying down the well-used road and back to our lives. My thoughts turned to matters at hand and I was most anxious to return to Imladris and sent a prayer west that we had a home to return to. On the way I felt it safe to tell the twins of the possible danger their father faced alone that winter.
"You know, Erestor, for withholding that information….," Elladan began, "you will be pranked until you die of old age," Elrohir finished the sentence.
I smiled my acceptance at their challenge.
Thráin looked at yet a different bookmark and knew this one wasn't made by Arwen for another name was inscribed, but it was still very pretty. He marked the spot, but decided to start at the beginning now that he knew the circumstances of the princeling's birth. He stood and stretched, his stomach rumbling and just then the dinner bell sounded and he opened his office door after strapping on his sword. A guard was waiting to be his escort and he wondered at his lords and their apparent forgotten promises.
Balin ran around a corner. "I am here; was just in a meeting with miners and ran out on them." As they walked to the private Durin dining room, Balin asked, "Is the next book just as good as the one you just finished?"
"It looks like it might have some interesting stories an ah few surprises, like the first chapter I chose had ah short bit of when Lord Veig abandoned Gundabad. It was tied ta ah story about Legolas' birth. I didn't remember the two events being at the same time. Of course it was from Erestor's viewpoint an their travels over the mountain, so I wasn't forced ta read about the baby kicking the mother every other sentence."
Balin laughed, "They sure do that, don't they?"