While Thorin settled on a comfortable bed with sleep slow to take him, knowing he would see his sister and nephews shortly, Thráin, was also having a sleepless night. Sitting before a fire in his bedchamber, he reached for the book he was reading. He let his mind wander back to a night like this in Dol Guldur. The cold would finally shake from the cells and he wouldn't be curled into a ball to protect what little heat he generated. No, he could finally stretch out and listen for a rat to supplement his stale, wormy bread. Shaking the morose thought, he opened the book to the marker.

Kingdom Divided

We could all feel shock to Elrond's fëa that had Glorfindel flying up the long flight of steps and Celebrían down a flight of stone stairs and into her husband's study. I, Erestor, didn't have to take a step because I was seated before my lord when he opened a letter from Fornost. I wanted to jump up and race around the large desk and was half out of my chair when Elrond's hand rose indicating he was fine. Still I went and poured him a long stemmed glass of wine just as Celebrían entered, ready to face the foe that was fighting her husband. A pace behind, Glorfindel blew by her to Elrond's side.

Laying a comforting hand on a tense shoulder, he asked, "Are we at war?"

Elrond shook his head. "Let me finish and then I'll read aloud. You might want wine for what I'm going to impart." He threw me a look. "Thank you, bruin meldir."

We drew drinks and seated Celebrían directly across from him and flanked her chair with our own.

Elrond downed his glass and shook his head when I offered a refill. We noticed fëas from the house were dampened and I hoped it was news I could impart to them. "

I'll just read the letter," Elrond stated

"Lord Elrond,
It is with sad heart I must tell you of the passing of my father, King Eärendur. I would like to say he died in bed surrounded by his loving family, but even before he drew his last breath, my brothers Avenlan and Valandur were plotting to wrest the kingdom from me. A short Civil War was waged throughout the kingdom, making travel very dangerous. I didn't have the forces to win the war; so in the name of preserving lives, I called a truce with my brother's and agreed to split the northern kingdom. Arnor is no more. I couldn't bear the shame of keeping the name when I failed my forebears and lost two thirds of it, so renamed my much smaller kingdom, Arthedain.

Luckily the war was in summer and we didn't fight in the freezing cold and watch our brave soldiers starve. However, I wasn't able to carry on with my father's contract when I lost some of the lands we grew your grain upon. I would hope my brothers are honorable enough to contact you directly and make provisions so you don't suffer because of us. I know you were expecting wagons filled with grain and when I tried to get riders through the fighting to you; all were killed. It wasn't until the ceasefire was called and contracts agreed upon were my messengers able to inform Imladris, Gondor and the Havens; although I'm sure Lord Círdan knew.
My children are doing fine and my son, Beleg, is my right hand, both in battle and stewardship. I have to pay tribute to get wagons to you now, so if you wish to not have a contract with me as you did my father, I understand. I will always remember my visits to Imladris with fondness.

Regards,
King Amlaith

P.S. I am keeping my birth name and not taking a Quenya name. It is not intended to be a slight to elves."

Elrond set the letter down and let his eyes hold with his eternal mate for a long moment. They were speaking, but dampened so we couldn't eavesdrop. "It would kill me should our children ever fight," Elrond stated aloud.

We felt Celebrían's fëa reach out to his. "As long as I am their naneth, I will never allow it."

Elrond tried to smile, but we could tell the letter greatly upset him. He pulled himself together and subdued his hurting fëa. "I am not waiting to hear from the lesser brothers. Amlaith is the rightful king. I blame this on their father, Eärendur. We all noticed he liked to pit his son's against the other, using the reasoning should the eldest die; he didn't want a son not capable of ruling. He turned all three into kings."

"How will you deal with Avenlan and Valandur?" I asked and everyone looked at me and then Elrond. I mentally called for Eárthellon and when he immediately appeared, I motioned to the wine carafe. I suspected he was loitering outside the door should he be needed.

"Maybe I should make the first move," Elrond threw out. He rose and thanked Eárthellon and told him to stay. Taking his glass, he moved to the window overlooking a beautiful patio lined with trees and the late fall flowers were in bloom. He turned to Eárthellon, "Please bring the messenger from Fornost here."

"Are we taking our warriors and paying them a visit?" Glorfindel did the formality of asking, but we could guess that was Elrond's intent.

"I don't want to invite them here and have fighting break out." Elrond confirmed our suspicions.

"I think that is a wonderful idea," Celebrían added and we looked at her and I'm sure we all had suspicion in our eyes.

"You're not going," Elrond thundered as a tap came upon the door. "Enter," he yelled aloud, deviating from his normal silent summonses.

Eárthellon and a Dúnedain entered. The man was still damp.

"Did I take you from your bath?" Elrond asked.

"No, my lord, I was loitering in the warm bathing pool. I've never been in that much warm water before and was quite reluctant to leave." He accepted the glass of wine Eárthellon handed him.

"What is your name?" I asked and he looked at me.

"I am called, Tarcel. I am a captain in King Amlaith's regiments."

"Tell us about the Civil War?" Elrond quietly commanded and we motioned for our guest to join us on comfortable furniture placed before the roaring fire. I noticed Tarcel sat close to the fire.

In compacted sentences he filled us in.

"Is it safe now?" Glorfindel asked. "And by that I mean for women and children."

"We will be keeping our women and children far from the borders for now. King Amlaith ordered them all to winter in Fornost. We are in need of blankets and cloth for swaddling the infants. We could use dry fruit to make cereal for the babies. Those are our needs. I was not sent to beg, but I would not refuse any donations."

"Would you please make us a list," Celebrían requested.

We watched as the man for the first time looked fully upon her beauty. We watched him swallow several times before nodding.

'You owe me three gold coins,' Glorfindel gloated in our minds. I was glad the man missed all the elves in the room suddenly swiveling heads to the golden warrior.

'Just once, I would like to see an Eldar, Edain or Dwarf not react like a smitten adolescent when first gazing upon our lady's beauty,' I tartly replied silently and fished into my pocket.

Elrond threw us both glares and started talking, taking Tarcel's eyes off his uncontrollable seneschals.

Celebrían looked amused.

The Dúnedain left the following day with his small entourage laden with letters and instructions to have all three brothers in Fornost when Elrond arrived. Two weeks later we crossed the Bruinen and pointed our horses' noses west. Several pack horses were led by servants while the warriors protected the three elleth. Always excited and in search of adventure, Elladan and Elrohir raced ahead on the guise of scouting. Far from the turmoil, Elrond and Glorfindel let them have their lead. When we reached Weathertop, all would change and our young warriors would be under strict orders to guard their naneth and sister.

I let my mind drift to the night after our meeting with Tarcel the Dúnedain. In the family chambers an all-out fight was ensuing and I didn't want to miss a moment.

"Arwen and I are going, Elrond. We can fight and besides, I wish to see for myself all is well with your brother's progeny."

"That's a low blow," Elrond ground out in anger. "I will bring you a full report, complete with letters and quilting samples from the household of Amlaith."

"I plan on visiting, but not draining their strained provisions," Celebrían replied as if Elrond hadn't spoken. "I think descending on Círdan after ascertaining their needs is better and we can make it before winter solstice if we don't dawdle. I will need a new gown for the formal dinner that will be thrown in our honor. You can wear what I made for you last year, meleth-nín." Done with her part of the argument, Celebrían mentally shouted, 'ARWEN, come here.'

Elrond looked stunned. "Who is in charge around here?"

"You are meleth-nín. You, however, do not control me. We have an equal partnership or I go home to naneth for a hundred years."

"I accept," Elrond snarled just as Arwen joined us.

"We need to look at every gown in your armoire." Celebrían ignored Elrond's outburst. "You will be scrutinized for your hair pieces down to your footwear. When we enter a room, you will be on your Adar's left arm and I the right."

Elrond stopped his buildup to another reason his ladies shouldn't go and smiled with glee. "I will be as envied as Celeborn was." He stalked to his wife and took her hands. "Someday, you must share your secret to getting your own way."

Celebrían patted his chest. "It's no secret you love showing us off. If there was danger, I'm sure naneth will have foreseen and contacted you."

Elrond noticed I was standing quietly. "Are you so caught up, you have nothing better to do than enjoy me being manipulated effortlessly?"

I actually grinned at his apt reading of the situation and handed a piece of paper to Celebrían. "Tarcel made you a list."

Elrond snatched it from my hand just as Celebrían reached for it. "I will see to this. You and our daughter have much to do."

By the several horses packing personal items; I surmised the ladies packed their entire wardrobes.

A horn sounded announcing the arrival of elves. Lindir put his harp down and rushed to the window. He assumed some mishap met with his lord and lady's party and they were returning, but turned white when the banner of Celeborn fluttered in the breeze. "Oh sweet Elbereth I'm not ready for this responsibility." He ran from the room, uncaring his robes were skewed as he ran down the long steps to be at the landing, although he knew they would be waiting for him.

Celeborn looked around at the few elves gathering and bowing. He tried to remember if there was a time he came across that bridge where someone in charge wasn't already bowing and offering greetings by the time his horse stopped. He looked at the young elf skidding to a stop and bowing. 'Elrond better have a good explanation,' he silently told Galadriel.

"My lord and lady, we did not know you were paying us a visit and this late in the year." Lindir tried to keep his voice from exhibiting anxiety.

Celeborn dismounted and reached a hand to his wife. She accepted and flawlessly stepped to the stone. Gliding to Lindir, she looked into his mind. "Our children are gone."

Lindir heard the order in the great lord's tone as he demanded an explanation. It was the first time directed at him and he was sure he was going to faint until Galadriel came to his rescue.

"Lindir, you are in charge?"

Lindir bobbed his head. "Lord Elrond felt I was ready for the challenge of managing Imladris. Of course, everyone already knows their duties, so I'm more of a figurehead."

Galadriel smiled. "Are we to be kept from the house?"

Lindir felt his face turn scarlet and heard laughter behind him from the warriors Elrond left behind. He gestured with his hand and led the way up the steps. Inside he gave orders to prepare their customary chambers and lay out towels for the baths.

"We will join you in the Hall for supper," Galadriel instructed and he watched her fingers settle on her mate's and he lead her up the stairs to their rooms. As soon as they were out of sight, he ran to the kitchens.

"….and they left two weeks ago," Lindir finished his story while they ate. He noticed Celeborn sat in Elrond's place at the head of the table and Galadriel where Celebrían always sat.

Celeborn looked at his wife. "Do we stay here for the winter and eat Elrond's provender or go on to the Havens?"

"You have to ask?" She questioned and accepted a blueberry desert.

"When do you want to leave?" Celeborn shoved a mouthful of the delicious desert into his mouth.

"I should think one night in the comfort of a bed will tide me over until we reach Círdan's."

"So we're not detouring to Fornost?" Celeborn wanted to make sure of the plans.

"I think Elrond can handle his kin. We will surprise them in Lindon."

Lindir tried to hide his relief, but Celeborn looked at him and smirked. "I didn't know we were that horrible of guests."

"I don't think you realize just who you are," Lindir admitted. "You are the hero of a hundred battles and your lady the daughter of the High King. You might think you are one of us, but we don't forget you are blessed by the Valar."

"And I thought we were cursed by them," Celeborn muttered and stood. He held his hand out to escorted his lady to their private chambers. He paused and addressed Verthenwë, who was also at their table, "We leave at first light. Make ready."

"There can only be one line of the king," Elrond stated formally and looked at the three kings before him. "I will do business with your realms; however, I only recognize the line of King Amlaith. It is through his line that a king will come to reunite the southern and northern kingdoms. Should his line end, King Avenlan, your heirs will be recognized.

"What about my line?" Valandur challenged.

"I doubt I will have to search that far down, but keep your linage intact and inform me when a son is born." Elrond saw the young king's brow darken.

"What if I refuse to allow elves on the Great East Road," Valandur bellicosely replied.

Elrond smiled as if he made a great joke. "Then I will send General Glorfindel and my army and your line will end with you and your son."

Valandur looked down the table at Glorfindel, who smiled exactly as Elrond at him. "You wouldn't kill me?"

"I've killed many who act like you," Glorfindel responded and didn't let the smile waver, but his eyes meant business.

Valandur wisely shut up.

Elrond looked at the contract before him. "If you go to war against the forces of Sauron; and you will; maybe not in your lifetimes, but future generations will and my help comes at a price."

They all looked at him and waited for another chink to appear in their iron-clad contract.

"I suggest each kingdom provide a third of the grains I require. We also get fruit like your father contracted with me. You must all be in agreement or I will not deal with any of you. You like my coin and if I withdraw from a contract; I'm sure Lord Círdan will also withdraw any trade he has with you. Your best customers might be orcs and trolls."

"I don't like the way you are treating us, Lord Elrond," the quiet King Avenlan spoke up. When Elrond pierced him with a cold grey stare, he faltered slightly. "What I mean is, I didn't realize all the trade our father did with elves. If my brother, Valandur, agrees with Amlaith for your supplies, I will agree to one third and give elves access through our lands."

"Toll free access." Elrond reminded him who was holding all the weapons.

Avenlan looked miserable, but nodded.

Elrond turned his steel gaze to Valandur. "Do you agree?"

"I don't have a choice, do I?"

"Since you're the youngest brother and expendable; I would say no," Elrond patiently stated.

When Valandur nodded, Elrond looked down at the contract and back to them. "I will have Lord Erestor write four new copies of the contract for us to sign. He rose, "King Amlaith, a word in private."

Glorfindel silently rose and followed, shadowing, but not intrusive.

"How did you do it, Lord Elrond?" Amlaith asked. "I couldn't get either to budge and had my steward write everyone's demands with the name of which realm was making the request."

They were walking along a path in Fornost and the first snow blanketed the ground, silencing the sounds of the city. Elrond looked at the sky. More storm clouds were gathering in the west along the distant Blue Mountains. "You did notice I didn't take you to task for anything you requested?"

"I'm sure my brother's made note also."

"You let me deal with them. They now know who I consider Elros' heir. They don't want war with elves on two fronts. We will leave in the morning and go on to the Havens. I just hope the ladies are done visiting."

Amlaith chuckled. "I wasn't sure my brother's would bring their wives and children. Tell you the truth, I set our sleeping arrangement just to avoid them. I don't need a bunch of brainless chatterboxes stealing my concentration right now."

Elrond grinned, "You notice I haven't exactly demanded to see my wife this week also. I will get an update on how the ladies comported themselves when back on the road."

"Your son's have been conspicuous by their absence," Amlaith noted. As a youngster, he was in awe of the twins when he visited Imladris.

Again Elrond smiled broadly. "I issued an ultimatum; guard the ladies or return home. I will cut them loose when we reach the Havens. They will visit their friends and every tavern on both sides of the river while I sit in boring meetings."

I glanced up when Elrond, Glorfindel and Amlaith entered from the cold. "I'm on the last copy," I issued my report. The door opened again and Avenlan and Valandur hustled in. Everyone seated themselves while servants placed wine and cheese on the table. I realized it was mid-afternoon and we were now just breaking the fast. My hand flew over parchment and I shoved the last copy to Eárthellon to proof. He was my aid during the talks, and Glorfindel assisted Elrond.

Copies were handed to the three kings and Elrond. He skimmed the copy and placed his signature boldly at the bottom and passed it to Amlaith to add his name under his. Soon all four copies were signed and in the possession of the kings. Elrond rolled his copy and tied a black ribbon around it and tossed it end over end down the table to me. I effortlessly caught it and inside my grey robe it went.

Taking our leave, we rode from Fornost south on the highway with snow gently falling in large flakes. Amlaith bade us stay, but we couldn't impose any longer and deplete their meager supplies. Elrond was in a hurry to reach Mithlond and arrange for Círdan to send wagons. We no sooner were out of sight when twin snowballs hit Elrond in the back. He whirled his steed just as his son's let loose a second volley that smashed against the armor covering his chest.

"That's for making us stay with women and children for a week," Elladan roared.

"Don't ever do that to us again," Elrohir screamed in rage.

Elrond laughed, along with those close enough to witness. "Now I know how to punish you two when your pranking becomes unbearable." Elrond spun his horse back around and with Celebrían between him and Glorfindel and Arwen riding between her brothers and just behind, Lindis between me and Eárthellon, we led our band south at a lope. The twins hoisted our banners and the few peasants we passed saluted them with shouts of thanks for the little bit of supplies we provided that was rapidly dispersed to the needy.

"It was the first time the sisters-in-law were together since the war," Celebrían began and we quieted down to listen. "At first they were formal until Amlaith's daughter entered the room with her newborn daughter; the first grandchild."

"She was adorable," Arwen spoke up. "It seems, Chalaith, was caught with her boyfriend in a compromising way and had to marry."

Celebrían smirked at Elrond and he frowned back. "Arwen is correct and the baby was born just before we arrived. I'm so happy I had the foresight to pack baby gifts. That broke the ice and before long, the ladies were holding the baby and giving the young mother advice."

"They all asked Naneth of her vast experience," Arwen added. "She told stories of when all three of us were infants."

"She dredged up the one about El and me having to sit the squirt here," Elrohir complained.

"You only did it for three hours a day so your daernaneth and I could oversee the running of the house," their mother reminded them. Besides, I was still confined to our chambers because Arwen wasn't an easy birth either."

Elrond reached over and grasped her hand for a quick moment. "Meleth-nín, you escaped as much as your iôns. How many times did I escort you back up those stairs?"

"I stayed put until after Winter Solstice," Celebrían complained. "I had to oversee your iôns begetting day meal the next month."

"I could have done that," Elrond snarled. "If they wanted something special, they could learn to cook instead of ordering our hard-working staff."

"Anyway," Celebrían got back to her week, "they started talking about the war and how horrible it was and they never wanted another and hoped you men were doing the right thing for your people."

"I was holding the baby and she started rooting around on me trying to nurse," Arwen said quietly to her brothers, but not silently enough, for her father twisted his head around and gave her a stern look.

"Stay away from babies."

We all laughed.

Elladan leaned over and didn't try to keep his voice down. "You can't go near ellon and now babies. Next you won't be allowed near your horse or us."

We heard Arwen and Elrohir laughing and struggled not to join in, but our lord was running out of patience with his sons and their teasing and it was evident by his stiff posture.

"I told of the history of Elros' line and the few splits and times when the line ended and was picked up by a nephew," Celebrían continued, ignoring her offspring. "I then showed them where they fit into the history of Middle Earth."

"And where were you, iôns-nín?" Elrond cast a glance behind him.

"In the hall playing guard," Elrohir threw back.

"We weren't sitting in a room full of women drinking tea and holding babies," Elladan added.

"At night, the boys slept on the floor in the sitting chamber and let us have the two beds," Celebrían came to her sons' defense. "And I know for a fact, one was on guard at all times. I woke several times to one or the other sitting up and playing with their knives."

"It was boring, Naneth." Elladan threw pleading in his tone that always worked on her. "The only time we got out was when we escorted you and Arwen around the city on a tour."

Elrond whipped his head in his wife's direction and I hoped he didn't hurt his neck. "You did gather some of our warriors for this outing?"

"I may have seen Keine and asked for backup. Anyway, he found a dozen, who spread out before and after us."

Elrond shook his head at Elladan's vague report.

"I missed you, meleth-nín," Celebrían murmured to Elrond, subduing his anger. "So what was King Amlaith's reasoning for keeping all women from their men?"

"Amlaith didn't want his brother's or their guards in his home. He arranged lodging in an inn."

"After our stroll, which was done on purpose looking for you. I didn't call out lest I disturb you."

"That would have been welcome. Listening to three youngsters bicker for a week has wearied me. I look forward to a vacation in the Havens and will buy supplies from Círdan for next year. I'll wait and see if they can work together in meeting our needs and told them as much."