Thráin enjoyed a boisterous supper with his Durin family and retired to his chambers, content all was well and righted in his world. He dismissed Picket after ordering and receiving a pot of chamomile tea. Taking a sip he reached for one of the books stacked on the low table by his favorite chair in front of the fireplace. The light of the setting sun drew him to his private balcony and he sat with his chair turned away from the light so his one eye could catch the words Lord Erestor had written thousands of years before.
Incident In Bree
We departed the Havens near the end of August early in the morning after a final breaking of the fast with Lord Círdan. Several of King Thranduil's warriors were wintering over and starting for the far east as soon as warm weather melted snows in High Pass. They would be in charge of several wagonloads of Queen Ríllas' personal possessions. Also, being the clothes connoisseur, Thranduil had an entire wagon with bolts of cloth for new wardrobes at his whim and the ever needed items to run a community. So it was a smaller army than originally planned that passed through the gate and onward to the east; still our numbers were around two hundred, what with the small army Celeborn also traveled with.
The first evening of leisurely travel had us camping by babbling brooks in the foothills of fertile ground with gentle rolling hills spotted with massive oaks and lush meadows. The boys could hardly wait to be let off the tall mounts; gathered their puppies from servants tasked with carting them to Imladris and ran off boundless energy. Under two hundred pairs of watchful eyes, Elladan and Elrohir played in the confluence of two converging streams getting as wet as their puppies and lugging handfuls of shinny stones to their parents and grandparents to see and gush over.
The keen eye of Galadriel saw animated shapes in the rocks and soon everyone was scouring the creek bottom and sides for rocks to paint when we reached home. The boys ran up to me with a red rock and said it was shaped like an owl. I accepted the small gift and when arriving at Imladris took to painting my rock that did resemble an owl and showed it to the family one evening. To my surprise, everyone had painted their rocks and animation came to life as we all saw hidden creatures in our chosen stones. I admit to still having my red rock sitting on a bookcase, paint almost faded away, and memories it brings of small elflings in the big world, excited at everything their eyes lighted upon. That particular camping spot did produce a number of colorful rocks and I saw several of our warriors gather up keepsakes for their own elflings left behind.
"I'm starving," Elrohir yelled loudly in the direction of his mother when light of Anar was sinking into the west.
Celebrían looked in dismay at her dirty, soaked iôn. "First, you and your brother are getting a bath in the stream, complete with clean clothes."
Elladan arrived in time to hear that part and added his protest. "We will just get wet and dirty again, Nana. No since ruining more clothes."
"You two are not going to win this argument," Celebrían replied. "Go to the creek and strip. I will be along with soap and clothes…..and iôns-nín, you will do as I say, or I see no food in your future."
The boys looked at each other. They planned on eating and returning to the stream to chase fish that darted out of their way when they looked for rocks.
Elladan tried another round. "But El and I were going to get you and Ada fish for breakfast. We can't keep clean and fish."
"I'm sure our warriors will have plenty of fresh fish for us by morning, but you two will be asleep, because tomorrow will be another big day."
"We can sleep on the horses," Elrohir tried his hand at logic. "It is boring riding in front of someone with nothing to do."
"I'm not cleaning up," Elladan made up his mind and for the first time in his young life openly defied his mother.
We all felt Celebrían's fëa duly wrench in anguish and anger. We were setting camp up and leaving the tending of her sons strictly to her. Elrond was riding the outer boundaries of our picket line with Glorfindel, leaving the grandparents and I in camp to guard our most precious among us. I dropped my efforts of erecting Glorfindel's and my tent and hurried to see the issue that had our beloved Celebrían ready to do bodily harm to the boys. I arrived at the same moment Celeborn and Galadriel, as they were also erecting their own tent sans any help.
We overheard Celebrían lose her temper. "You both will do as I say right now or I promise you no supper, and if I hear another word from either of you, we will not be stopping in Bree, but take you spoiled elflings home where you will spend the winter in your studies."
Two sets of round, grey eyes looked pleadingly in our direction, looking for support from the two that never said no to them."
"Dearada, Dearnana, tell Nana we don't have to bathe and get clean tonight. We will in the morning, we promise," Elladan pleaded to them.
'Celebrían is facing stubborn elflings, who think they can manipulate her,' Galadriel spoke into Celeborn's and my mind silently.
Celeborn stalked on legs of steel to his grandsons and lifted each in an arm. Without a word, he strode to the stream and dumped them in. "Get those clothes off and for rudeness to your naneth, you will also wash your own clothes after you are sufficiently clean." His brusque tone showed a different aspect to the grandfather that always took their side in a teasing manner.
While they were bathing under our watchful eyes, Celebrían filled us in on the exact exchange.
When the boys were fed and asleep in their parent's tent, we ate a peaceful meal under the stars.
"I think they need a lesson in what privileges are accorded to them," Elrond stated softly, so we didn't wake young ears with our talking about them. "Tomorrow, they will ride in the back of the pack and eat dust all day."
Glorfindel grinned like an elfling. "I should think one day sitting behind a warrior and they will never complain again. And here I was thinking it would be a few more decades before I got to make their lives miserable."
Camp was disassembled and the line of elves forming when the boys went to those who would hoist them in the saddle before them. Leaving the Havens, Elladan was before his father and Elrohir had a place of honor on his dearadar's horse. This morning nobody reached down for them.
Glorfindel made a hand motion and two warriors, pre-arranged, rode up and snagged a boy and placed them behind them in the saddles.
"We always ride up front," Elrohir complained to the broad, armored back.
"We only ride with lords," Elladan said from his position behind his guard.
"Today you ride with us common soldiers," the warrior laughingly replied. "It is our understanding, you didn't treat your naneth with utmost respect and she needs a break from mouthy ions."
Elladan looked over at his brother and silently stated, 'We are being punished.'
'I hope it doesn't last long.' Elrohir replied just as silently and was ready to cry.
At the front of the long line, Celeborn looked in amusement to Thranduil, who was riding beside Ríllas. "We missed you both at supper last night."
Ríllas shook her head in disbelief. "Maybe we should part from this nosy mob and make our own way to your halls." She addressed her new husband.
Thranduil laughed. "Oh no, let them have a show of something they haven't experienced in so long their old, diseased minds have forgotten. Besides, they are the ones that insisted we come."
"Actually, I just wanted your army," Celeborn retorted. "Elrond isn't smart enough to protect his family."
"I object," Elrond snapped. "If not for the Havens running the men from Umbar from their harbor instead of slaughtering them all, I would have had a pleasant journey all the way. What were they still doing in the north three years after you routed them?" He asked Ríllas directly.
"They raided seacoast villages to the north and word that returned our way spotted them navigating the larger rivers. That's how you and they met. They slipped past the Havens in a dense fog and made to the south and up the Baranduin. I'm sure they were instructed to map the land for their king for future raids. Having them never return should hopefully bring peace for many generations."
"I'm grateful their ships were too large and heavy to reach Bree without getting stuck," Celebrían added from her place beside Elrond. They were directly in front of Thranduil and Ríllas, with Celeborn and Galadriel taking point behind Glorfindel and Verthenwë.
"And why is that, meleth-nín?" Elrond asked and smiled into her eyes.
"Because I am taking our ions on a tour of the town."
"I'm inclined to skirt around for what they said to you," he retorted.
"They are growing up and I'm sure we are in for a lifetime of attitudes that greatly resemble you," she playfully responded.
"Meee," he all but screeched to the amusement of the eavesdroppers. "I remember that same attitude and almost exact words pouring forth from your lovely lips whenever I found you absent from the family quarters soon after their birth."
"Oh, I never told you I wanted to remain dirty and wet," she replied humorously.
"You know what I'm referring to. How many times did you flatly refuse to see things from my healers perspective and remain either in the kitchens or Hall of Fire when you were supposed to be resting?"
"At no time was I unattended. Our dear Erestor was my constant companion during my many escapes."
She could have left my name out of their conversation for the look Elrond threw back to me. I was just behind Thranduil and Ríllas.
"My house seneschal became a traitor and switched loyalties to you the moment you became my wife. You smile at him and he falls over his feet to please you. He never once gave me that type of devotion."
I was smiling when he threw me an ersatz glare and replied. "I would beg to be released from your service and attached to Lady Celebrían permanently. I would happily sit and thread needles for her sewing projects."
"No, you will suffer under my cruel treatment of you."
Any further flippant exchange was tabled when Glorfindel and Verthenwë blew duel horns signaling an approaching army or band of considerable size. I was glad for the numbers we traveled with, but suddenly remembered our young were far from our protection.
"I'll gather the twins," I announced.
"Take Ríllas," Thranduil ordered me. He looked at his bride. "Erestor can't carry both on the same horse and if in a fight will need to get them to safety."
"I will make you pay tonight for sidelining me," she retorted, but moved her horse out of line, as I did.
We rode swiftly down the line of now ready warriors.
"At least he didn't direct his order to me," Ríllas commented. "He is getting smarter, but I fear it will take centuries before the urge to kill him resides."
I tried not to laugh, but it slipped out. Soon we were at the rear of the convoy and saw two small heads peering around the arms of our finest soldiers.
"Something is happening and we are here to collect Elladan and Elrohir," I explained and grabbed the firstborn and effortlessly tossed him up in the air. Ríllas caught him and settled him before her. I added Elrohir before me and we spurred our horses around and raced at a full gallop to the front of the line.
Celeborn didn't like it one bit that his family was once again in possible danger, but with an able army was sure he could route anything thrown at them. He spurred his horse to wedge between Glorfindel and Verthenwë, taking charge.
In front of them, also stopped was an army of dwarves on rams and ponies. Likewise, they were cautiously regarding the elves.
Celeborn's first impulse was to slaughter them without mercy, but he knew word would reach Khazad-dûm and he would have war with King Durin IV.
Glorfindel made the first move. "Greetings," he spoke in Khuzdul, language of the dwarves. "We wish to pass peacefully."
"Where is such ah large group of elves headed?" The dwarf in the lead asked.
"For a name I'll tell you," Glorfindel replied, while Elrond moved up after seeing his sons arriving, and soon the dwarves were staring up at four large war horses abreast of each other.
Meanwhile I handed Elrohir to his grandmother, while Ríllas did likewise with Elladan to Celebrían. Thus free of our charges, we moved to place our horses in front of them. If attacked, I knew we would all fight to the death to protect our young.
The dwarves looked at the formidable assembly of elves; all decked for battle and the leader made his choice, but didn't respond to Glorfindel. Instead he addressed Elrond because he recognized him from paintings in his family's home. "I am Prince Frerin, grandson of King Durin IV."
"Your father, Prince Fróin, mentioned he was wed and had a son when we fought at the War of Last Alliance," Elrond responded. "How is your grandfather the king?"
"Failing. He is old an I needed ta make this trip because it might be impossible by this time next year. Father will insist I stay closer ta home when he is crowned. I haven't yet produced an heir."
"The elves will always be grateful for his help during the War of the Last Alliance and I'm glad King Durin was able to make the last summit meeting at Imladris a few years back."
"That was his last trip abroad," Frerin informed Elrond.
"What brings you west?" Elrond turned the tables and failed to answer the question first posed by Frerin.
"We are taking Mithril ta Ered Luin," Frerin admitted.
"Your first far trip from Khazad-dûm?" Elrond surmised.
Frerin smiled, starting to relax. "I am young an pleaded my case of needing ta spread my wings before marriage. My One is almost of age an this may be my only chance ta see this vast land."
"I sincerely doubt it. Your grandfather managed to see much of Middle Earth while king and fought in a great war. I do hope your tenure as king is in times of peace though. I foresee many centuries of growth and prosperity before the next major war."
"Is that why ye are takin yer little ones from the protection of Rivendell?"
Elrond nodded that he approved of the observations of the future king. It showed one that noticed his surroundings. "We are returning from a trip to the Havens. Have you met King Thranduil?" Elrond pointed behind him.
"Nay, I have strayed little from our protected caverns. Stories an legends are all I know about the elves." He let his eyes drift over two silver haired elves that didn't look favorably at him.
"If ever near Rivendell you may take a rest there," Elrond invited and motioned for us to part and let the dwarves through.
The twins were overjoyed at seeing so many dwarves and impressed when the one talking to their ada in a strange language stopped before them.
In Westron, the dwarf greeted them. "May your lives be adventurous an forever, young spawn of Lord Elrond."
"Will we see you again?" Elladan braved the question.
"I do not know, for our lifespans are short in the time of the elves."
"We saw dwarves a few years ago," Elrohir stated.
"My grandfather." Frerin braved a look at the women and would forever remember their beauty. Both were smiling at him. He urged his pony forward and was conscious the elves parted and he rode a gauntlet between their army. He knew this night he would hear complaints from his cantankerous traveling companions.
After the two companies were out of sight from the other and the elves still hadn't moved, Elladan addressed his mother. "Nana, I'm sorry I was rude to you last night."
"Me too," Elrohir spoke from his grandmother's location.
"We don't want to ride at the back of the line." Elladan explained. "We won't mouth off to you again."
"Ever," Elrohir added.
Elrond rolled his eyes at us ellon and pushed his horse close to the elleth's. "You will however ride the rest of the day right where you are. If the nattering of elleth's doesn't break you, nothing will."
"You are so dead, Elrond," Celebrían promised with fire in her eyes, while even Celeborn barked a short laugh.
"We have the twins in our tent, so your promises are empty," retorted with a smile reserved for her.
"I understand a new lodging called The Prancing Pony has been finished in Bree. When we get there, we will spend the night inside with a real bed and I will make you pay."
His grin grew in proportion with each word she uttered. "I accept. Who will we pawn our baggage off on?"
"We will watch our daeriôns," Galadriel offered.
Thranduil looked to his wife. "I shall do my best to anger you in like manner between now and Bree so you are forced to take me to a room and discipline my body."
"Oh, I have no doubt your mouth and caustic tone will anger me long before Bree," Ríllas said.
"Will we also stay at The Prancing Pony?" Elrohir asked.
"We will see if any of us will spend the night," Elrond wouldn't commit his family to a strange place without seeing how safe it was first.
The following day had us entering the town of men. Bree was establishing itself as a hub of commerce where the Greenway met the Great East Road and in the ensuing centuries since we entered the community, its size increased tenfold and we saw townspeople turn out in mass to gawk at so many elves. Being mid-afternoon, the town gates were wide open.
Elladan was before Celeborn and Elrohir on his father's horse where protection was most secure. Glorfindel and Verthenwë were once again in the forefront. From my place just behind the elleth, I saw many pointing at the twins and exclaiming, "Look at the tiny elves."
A group of men at the smithy heard the commotion and rushed to see what had everyone in a stir. "It's Lord Elrond," one exclaimed. "And the ones that put swords to our throats when we were taken to Rivendell all those years ago."
"Those must be the little elves that were born about that time." Another pointed.
They pushed through the crowds until even with Elrond's horse. "Lord Elrond," the leader called, stopping the line of elves.
Elrond looked the men over.
"You gave us healing when those two were but infants," the man refreshed Elrond's memory.
Elrond didn't part with a smile, but nodded once that he recognized them.
Their gazes returned to the boys.
"That was fifteen years ago. These two don't look much over six. It is the same little one's isn't it?"
"Yes," Elrond responded cautiously.
The leader smiled. "Don't worry, I won't attempt to touch them. I learned my lesson at the hands of that one." He pointed at Celeborn. "Would you honor us by letting us return the gesture of food? The Inn has the best food around and we do owe you for your generosity." The man offered.
"We will tour the town, but dine apart from men," Elrond stated flatly. "You know how protective we are of our elflings."
"I was told they were considered children until a hundred years old. Is that really so?"
"Yes," Elrond imparted with the one word response and dismounted. He pulled Elrohir off the horse and set him down.
Celeborn likewise repeated with Elladan.
Elrond looked at me. "Erestor, take the boys and retrieve their puppies. We will meet you at the market."
Bree had a large open air market where venders from half of Eriador pawned wares. We heard about it from the men in the Havens and our ladies made comment they would like to see such a site, which translated they wished to part with the ellon's coin.
The town's people didn't understand the orders or strange language, but understood it was time to return to their own business.
Happy to be off the horses, the twins ran down the line of horses and reached for their dogs. I stayed on my horse, overseeing their safety and issued instructions for six guards to shadow us, but give space so we weren't smothered.
"They need collars and leashes," I spoke aloud.
One of the guards laughed and replied, "Sir, which ones are you referring to?"
That had me grinning at our guards. "I'm not sure at this point." I dismounted and so did they. We walked behind the young ones, letting them explore as the elves milled about.
"Look, El," Elladan pointed and I also turned my head. There was a man juggling balls. He dropped one and it rolled towards the boys. With eyes trained on the man, we weren't watching the puppies. Oromë snatched the ball up and in a flash, with Manwë following, disappeared between legs of the market goers. With cries of come back, just as swiftly, my charges disappeared.
I couldn't push through the pressing people without causing damage, while the elflings rushed around legs and down a dirty alley with a ditch full of slop in the center. Mindful of keeping clean, I slowed down and soon lost sight of all. My companions likewise were following, looking for anything that might harm our younglings.
The following was told to me by the boys, before I caught up with them.
"Hey, what have we here?" A boy about the same age as the twins and almost as tall as a grown man, roughly grabbed Oromë by the scruff of his neck causing the puppy to cry out and drop his toy.
"Leave my dog alone," Elrohir screamed in anger.
The boy looked at the two small elves and he laughed, drawing more hilarity from his friends; all about his age and size. Holding Oromë by the scruff of his neck, he sneered, "I will keep this puppy. You two take the other one and get out of my sight before I alter my arrangement and take both."
Elrohir drew his sword. "Put my dog down or feel the weight of my blade."
Elladan was holding Manwë or would have also drawn his own small weapon. The edges weren't sharp, but we allowed them weapons to be like the warriors and their ada and daerada.
Meanwhile, I was starting to panic. The boys just vanished and I didn't know which of the many side streets that branched off on each side of me they might have traversed. I called out mentally to Elrond. 'My Lord, I have lost sight of your ions. We had a slight misstep with a juggler and his balls and one of the puppies took off with one. The boys gave chase and with the pressing people, we haven't a clue where to look.'
The lords were already at the market escorting their wives and forking out coin when a treasure they couldn't live without caught their eyes. Galadriel easily heard my plea to Elrond and stopped everyone with a hand on Celeborn's arm. He too was privy to my added detail.
"They are in trouble," Galadriel announced drawing sharp breaths from all the elves within hearing distance.
"Anything happens to my ions and Bree will be a forgotten memory," Elrond raged aloud and several men overheard.
"What's that ya say, gov'nor?" A man tending the booth they were at asked.
Thráinstruggled to make out the last sentence in the dwindling light. He looked at the night sky and out at the empty space between the mountain and Dale. It was good to be home and his eternity in captivity growing distant with each passing day. He stood and stretched stiff joints. Taking his book, he made a mental note to have Picket fetch his empty tea pot and cup. He went to bed and took the book with him. Settling against many pillows, he turned the lamp up as high as it would go and found his place.
"Elrond, do something," Celebrían implored with a hand on his arm, which he quickly covered with a large hand.
Thranduil, stay with the elleth," Celeborn ordered. Galadriel told him she sensed the boys were beyond the butcher shop in run down housing. He led the way, pushing effortlessly through bodies of men. When the elves started moving in a direction and several swords were seen in hands, the townspeople gathered in clutches, wondering at the strange behavior.
Galadriel imparted the location to me and my companions and I hastened down yet another filthy side street. Rounding a corner, we spotted our elflings, both with swords drawn. Now I was close enough to hear the exchange.
"What are you going to do with those puny toys?" The boy scornfully threw out the insult. "I'm also taking them for us. You are too young for such weapons."
"We are fifteen," Elladan spouted back and held his ground; little brother by his side.
I could see shock in the faces of the boys and one stated, "They are older than I am."
"I doubt they are telling the truth," the boy still holding Oromë scoffed. "I'm fifteen and am going to tan your backsides for lying." He handed the puppy off to another boy and lumbered to tower over the twins. Not wishing to bring harm to the elflings, we slowed down just as the boy took a swipe at Elrohir, sure he could knock the tiny sword from his grasp. Almost too fast for eyes to follow, Elrohir jumped back and swung his sword. I'm so glad Elrond insisted the edges be blunted for he would have removed the other boy's arm if sharp. We all heard the crack of bone breaking and the bigger boy cried out and grabbed his arm.
I was upon them and motioned for our warriors to protect the elflings and retrieve the puppies. Just as fast, the other lords came running from another direction. Elrond took stock that his sons were unharmed and turned his attention to the injured boy. "You didn't foolishly try and fight my sons, did you?"
"He is so small. All I was going to do was teach them not to lie."
More men were starting to arrive and several pushed to stand with the boys. We surmised they were the father's.
"What did they lie about?" Elrond asked and saw his sons each being held by Glorfindel and Celeborn.
"Their age. They told us they were fifteen. I'm fifteen and no way are those squirts anywhere near my age."
"In the age of men, you are correct. They would only be fourteen, but elves start the age at conception and not live birth," Elrond explained and took the boy's guarded arm. He looked the taller man who had a hand on the boy's shoulder. "Are you his father?"
"I am. I heard your sons are fifteen. How is this so?"
Elrond's hands started glowing and the boys were spellbound, and the men as well. "Elves don't die. We grow much slower than men and mature slower. My son's will be considered children for a hundred years."
"How was he able to break my arm?" The pain was lessening and he could think clearly again.
"Elves are also much stronger than men. You are no match for my sons. They are capable of doing considerable damage to you, as you found out."
"So all elves are superior to men in strength?" The father asked.
"Much," Elrond replied and gave a slight smile. "We are also smarter. My sons, at fifteen, speak three languages and are learning two more soon."
"What happened?" Celeborn's tone had everyone's attention.
"That boy," Elrohir pointed to the one Elrond was now wrapping the arm, "tried to steal Oromë."
"So stealing is okay, but lying isn't?" Elladan, from the safety of Glorfindel's arms retorted in anger.
The man reached out and knocked his son up the back of his head, causing the boy to cry in pain. "I didn't raise you to steal, boy. Apologize."
The boy, now bandaged with his arm in a sling, looked at the twins. "Sorry, he mumbled."
His father slapped his head again, eliciting another reaction. "What do you say to the elf that healed your broken arm?"
"Thank you," the boy added swiftly.
"I see a trip to the woodshed when we get home," the man roughly pushed the boy in a direction. He paused long enough to include, "Thank you, Lord Elrond, and I do want you to know, I didn't raise him that way. His mother spoils him."
"Sounds like my wife and mother-in-law." Elrond actually smiled.
With our small adventure over, the puppies were guarded by many warriors outside Bree where our warriors camped. We took the boys to the market, where their parents and grandparents took turns spoiling them with trinkets. Not to be left out, the puppies also were outfitted with collars and leashes and of course several balls.
The boys were getting tired. Celebrían looked at Elrond. She spoke mentally so the young ones couldn't hear, but us elves near her listened in to her conversation. 'Are we staying or moving to the camp?'
Elrond looked at the rest of us. 'We could take advantage of daerodhrons sitting and relax in a real bed for a few hours.'
Celebrían looked to her parents and her father nodded that he accepted charge of the boys. As a group the leaders moved to the Prancing Pony. It still had a new wood smell and was a massive three story structure with a courtyard. It was the only place we hadn't visited and the twins perked up.
"Are we staying there?" Elladan asked and pointed.
"Thranduil is tired of sleeping in his tent," Celeborn dryly answered.
The object of his teasing turned his head and smiled. "You know me too well, cousin. Too bad you cannot indulge like the rest of us married couples are going to."
"I won't let my guard down in a strange place," Celeborn replied.
"I will be in the tavern all night, sampling their brews," Glorfindel added.
"I will keep you company," I offered. We knew our place. We would spend the night guarding those we love. Glorfindel gave a mental shout for a dozen warriors to come and do sentry duty around the inn. Thus protected, our younger, newer married couples could enjoy and relax in the spacious rooms, complete with a complementary bottle of wine.
The trip home was uneventful and we were happy to see the hidden valley. Other than a few trips south to Lothlórien, the twins didn't receive injury until eighty-eight years old on another trip.
The next chapter covers the life of the dogs.
Thráin placed the book aside and dimmed the lamp. Pulling pillows from under his shoulders, he settled down to sleep. He planned on rising early and touring the stables and riding his pony up the mountain to look at livestock. His final thought before sleep pulled him under was his granddwarflings would be raised with dogs underfoot.