17. Puzzles

- At Rivendell –

It was already nighttime at Imladris. Thus, Thranduil proceeded to walk to his chambers after he exited Reiya's office.

His encounter with the Red Queen had certainly been a lively one, spurred by many moments of heated debate and unexpected remarks.

Nevertheless, he had formally presented his proposition to Reiya, which was the most crucial task for such an audience. The rest would be up to her now.

He was ready to proceed with his tactics to stop Loitar, regardless of the queen's decision. However, their military operations would turn much more challenging if she were to decline the role in question, of course.

That vexatious elleth.

Voicing her points so adamantly... Taunting him with her every word...

She was a vocal ruler indeed, the fervent elf-queen.

Thranduil shook his head slightly at the thoughts of the unyielding female monarch.

He stepped into the corridor where his apartment was located; however, to his surprise, Celeborn was also there.

The Lord of Lórien had a contemplative expression on his face as he stood in front of the fence. He turned his attention to the king when he made his presence known, and the two of them greeted one another formally.

"Did you get a chance to speak with Lady Reiya?" Celeborn asked.

"I did. I was on my way back from meeting with her, actually." Thranduil confirmed.

"Understood. What was her decision?"

"She will emit her official answer on the morrow."

"Hmm… She is being cautious about the whole ordeal, then."

"As expected from an Elven monarch."

"Indeed."

The two elf-lords looked at the horizon for a brief moment as their thoughts drifted back to the upcoming war.

Thranduil and Celeborn were both Sindar elves from Doriath. As such, most of their interactions relied on clarity and objective thinking.

Furthermore, Celeborn was usually more forthcoming and candid with his words than Galadriel, which made for much more fluid and concise conversations.

Thranduil was brought out of his thoughts when his peer spoke.

"The path that lies ahead will not be a smooth one, will it?" Celeborn remarked in a contemplative manner.

"Nothing ever is." The king stated.

Most of the elves at the house of Elrond had already retrieved to their chambers at the late hours of the night. However, Reiya could not fall asleep at the time.

Her mind had been somewhat restless since her encounter with the Elvenking took place, and her multiple attempts at drifting into slumber had been futile.

Thus, she changed into one of her lounge dresses and went out for a stroll.

The queen wondered throughout the nearby zones within the manor. However, her evening walk eventually led her back to the fountain area in front of the guest apartments, where she remained for some time.

Reiya sat on one of the benches in the courtyard as she kept pondering her thoughts.

She had committed to giving the Elvenking a definitive answer to his proposition the next day. However, she had not found a satisfactory conclusion to her predicaments just yet.

The choice favoring their chances at winning the war was an obvious one. Nevertheless, she still couldn't reconcile with the fact that Thranduil had withheld information from her when he stated his purpose. Moreover, she was not entirely sure that a coalition between the two of them would be fruitful to begin with.

The Lady of Fire was brought out of her contemplations when an agreeable visitor provided a little respite.

"Company for the queen's thoughts?" An ellon inquired in a sympathetic manner.

Reiya turned at the sound of the familiar voice and smiled at her childhood friend.

"Eldrec." She acknowledged his presence.

"At your service, my lady." The ellon stated with a kind smile of his own. "Permission to temporarily forfeit my watch as lieutenant and take on the role of surrogate older brother instead?" He asked.

Reiya chuckled lightly at his remark, instantly relaxing as she did so.

"Permission granted, dear friend." She stated in an approving manner.

Eldrec nodded and went to sit beside the queen on the bench.

"I take it you couldn't sleep, either?" The ellon asked.

"Yes." Reiya admitted.

"I presumed as much. The sight of you wondering out at this time is rare, even in the midst of your many explorations. Something else is keeping your thoughts, isn't it?" Eldrec inquired.

Reiya smiled lightly at him, then looked at the floor in a contemplative manner.

Of course, Eldrec would be able to tell that something was bugging her. He had been one of her two closest friends since they were elflings, after all.

"You are always caring for me, mellon (friend)." Reiya pointed out while her expression remained unchanged.

"Indeed." He reassured her. "I promised your brother that I would take care of you, didn't I? May he rest in peace." The ellon stated, gesturing a friendly smile as he looked at the night sky. "We may have been children when he made me pledge those words, but I intend to keep my promise, no matter what."

The queen smiled at her friend, and nodded her head in acknowledgement.

"What troubles you, Reiya?" Eldrec inquired with a more serious tone, turning his face towards his childhood friend.

The Lady of Fire took a deep breath as she proceeded to speak.

"I have a very important decision to make." Reiya pointed out. "Even though the most beneficial choice seems obvious, I'm afraid the path ahead could lead to negative repercussions for our people in the long term." The queen explained in a contemplative manner.

"I see. Monarch problems, huh?" Eldrec pointed out amusingly.

Reiya let out a small laugh. "The one kind making my head spin, as usual." She corroborated in a joking manner.

"Well, I do not deem myself an expert in matters of the crown, but I can lend an ear as a friend, at the very least." The ellon stated while smiling at her.

Reiya pondered Eldrec's words for a brief moment.

Her friend would provide more than just an ear, certainly. After all, Eldrec commanded a great deal of knowledge in affairs of war. Moreover, she would feel comfortable discussing the subject with her childhood friend under a mantle of long-earned trust.

"Very well." The queen proceeded to speak. "One of the elf-rulers offered to host me as a guest advisor for warfare affairs. The initiative would be the first step towards a collective effort amongst the Elven realms to defeat Loitar."

Eldrec widened his eyes slightly at the news. "Oh… That is quite the development. The other Elvish nations intend to join the fight, then?"

"It seems like it." Reiya confirmed.

"Understood. Isn't this outcome a favorable one, all things considered?" Eldrec inquired, looking somewhat confused by the queen's apparent concerns.

"It would be, if it wasn't for the fact that King Thranduil is the one ruler who extended the invitation in the first place." Reiya explained with a hint of disappointment.

"Oh… I see. The Great Elvenking." Eldrec remarked in a theatrical manner.

Reiya laughed sightly at the exaggerated gesture. "Yes, that would be the one." She corroborated.

The lieutenant smiled kindly at his childhood friend.

"Very well. He spoke to you already then, I presume? Was there an issue?" He inquired.

Reiya pursed her lips slightly as she looked ahead in a contemplative manner.

If she had to answer that question in all honesty, she would have probably stated that there were not one but several issues with the Elvenking.

Judging from her first impressions alone, Thranduil was secretive, frigid to the point of almost being contemptuous, and conceited as ever. Nevertheless, she kept those thoughts to herself and provided a more tactful answer for the sake of discretion.

"Hmm… Let's just say that I am not entirely sure a collaboration between the Elvenking and I could work." Reiya admitted.

Eldrec raised an eyebrow, being quite aware that the queen had chosen not to disclose the full details of her exchange with the fellow monarch. Nonetheless, he focused on the matter at hand as he pondered her words.

"Understood. So basically, you are stating that King Thranduil might be difficult to work with. Is that one of your concerns in that respect?" He inquired.

Reiya considered his words thoughtfully. "Yes, you could put it that way." She corroborated.

"Got it. Something is puzzling my mind, though." Eldrec remarked. "You've traded with other leaders that were also challenging in their ways and temperaments. However, you still accomplished your task, regardless. Would the Elvenking be so different in that regard?" He inquired.

"Most definitely." Reiya pointed out. "Whenever I am to engage in any sort of collaboration or diplomatic endeavor with other leaders, regardless of their race or station, I always make sure to study their views and motivations in advance to look for any common ground. For instance, Lady Galadriel and Lord Elrond promote principles that are aligned with my own, and most of their deeds have been motivated by their desire to do good, from what I've gathered." The queen explained. "The Elvenking, however, remains an unknown entity to me." She admitted.

"In what sense?" Eldrec asked.

"Lord Thranduil has accomplished deeds of his own, but I am not entirely sure about the full extent of his motivations, even after speaking to him directly. I am inclined to believe that he is pursuing an agenda of sorts with all of this. Unfortunately, I was not able to persuade him into revealing his undisclosed motives when we talked." Reiya pointed out.

"That's intriguing. What led you to suspect that he is keeping things from you to such an extent?" Eldrec asked in an objective manner.

"Well, for starters, he wishes to host me in his realm for an unspecified period of time. I am quite aware of the military advantages that the Woodland Realm can provide, but still... that did not sit well with me, for some reason." The queen stated.

"Wait… Are you saying that he wishes for you to remain in his kingdom indefinitely? Is that it?" Eldrec inquired with a raised eyebrow.

"Yes, that is exactly what I am saying." The queen responded, feeling glad that her lieutenant also made notice of the questionable request.

In truth, Reiya never stayed at a single location for long when she was venturing out of the Xandorian realm due to safety concerns, and Eldrec was well aware of that fact.

"Hmm. Yes, that seems odd." He admitted.

"It is." She corroborated. "On one hand, going along with the king's proposition is the one choice that would increase our chances of defeating Loitar the most. On the other hand, however, I would be throwing myself into an agreement with potential consequences completely blind if I were to accept it. I also worry that our emerging diplomatic parlays with the other Elven realms might be compromised if this prospective coalition with King Thranduil is not fruitful. He is one of the Elven rulers presiding over a realm at this time, after all, and he has seniority over me as well. There is just so much at stake here." Reiya pointed out in a thoughtful manner.

"I get where you are coming from. It is quite the predicament, truly." Eldrec admitted. "I am aware that there are a lot of factors to contemplate as you move forward, but this is my take on the Elvenking, at the very least."

Reiya shifted her full attention to Eldrec, looking visibly interested in what he had to say about the fellow monarch.

"I have no idea of what King Thranduil might be skimming at this time, but I believe he remains somewhat conflicted about your role in all of this." The lieutenant pointed out in a contemplative manner.

"Conflicted?" Reiya questioned. "What does that have to do with his patronizing attitude, though?" She inquired with a skeptical tone.

"Maybe that is just his way of coping with everything, you know?" Eldrec stated as he folded his arms and looked ahead in a thoughtful manner.

Reiya raised an eyebrow at the statement.

"Think about it. The Elvenking was the only elf-lord who held a royal title until the moment you disclosed your identity. Not only did he realize he is no longer the single monarch ruler amongst the elves at this time, but he now has to deal with a threat that is endangering both his kingdom and Middle-earth as a whole." Eldrec explained. "On top of it all, you stand as a younger queen, commanding a realm all on your own. This goes without saying, but you are not exactly a conventional ruler, Reiya. I bet he did not foresee somebody like you coming into the scene at all. How could he?"

"Hmm…" Reiya murmured as she looked ahead again. "Your points make sense, but that fact alone does not justify the king's erratic behavior." She remarked in an unyielding manner.

Eldrec chuckled at her comment. "You're right. It doesn't." He corroborated. "He was looking at you when we were going over the patrol routes here in the courtyard, you know?"

"... He was?" Reiya asked with a curious expression, shifting her attention back to the lieutenant.

"Yes, and he was not being entirely discreet about it, I should add." The ellon pointed out. "He sent a death glare my way when I glanced at him in a questioning manner. If looks could kill, he would have obliterated me right on the spot." He pointed out with an amusing tone.

Reiya remained quiet for a few seconds, as she was just learning about Thranduil's unhinged actions at the time.

Eldrec turned his face to the queen, who was looking visibly puzzled by the revelation. He chuckled at her expression.

"You didn't notice, did you?" The ellon asked with a hint of taunt.

"How could I? I was looking at the maps at that moment." The queen argued.

Eldrec laughed slightly at her remark. "Oh Reiya… The wisdom of the elder rulers aside, you possess one of the sharpest intuitions I have ever come across as an elf. And yet, when it comes to the workings of the male mind, you are sooo painfully oblivious, my queen." The ellon stated in a taunting manner. "The notion is quite ironic, considering the ridiculous amount of suitors attempting to win your affections at this time." He stated with a sardonic tone.

Reiya chuckled at the statement. "It is a good thing that I am not presently hunting for a partner, isn't it?" She pointed out while smiling.

"It is." Eldrec responded. "Now, on the topic of this proposition, these are my overall thoughts."

The queen listened to her friend attentively as he proceeded to speak.

"It is likely that Lord Thranduil is seeking interests of his own in all of this, however, I believe you are more than capable of standing your ground with this elf-king and fulfilling your duties accordingly, Reiya. I have no doubt in my mind that you are absolutely ready to take on the role that stands before you, in spite of the challenges." Eldrec stated as he smiled and looked at the queen approvingly.

Reiya smiled back at him in both a grateful and acknowledging manner.

"Besides, who knows? Maybe an adventure at the Woodland Realm might not be so bad at this time. It could provide many opportunities for you to explore a new location." Eldrec stated. "Moreover, the Elvenking might be set in his ways, but the elves under his command might be different in that regard. You and Captain Tauriel got along pretty well, didn't you?" He pointed out.

Reiya smiled lightly as she remembered her conversation with the captain of the Woodland Guard. "We did. She is definitely one of us in both nature and spirit, Eldrec. The essence of the Anar elves is strong in her." The queen remarked.

"It is, uh? I was wondering how she was able to thrive in the confined environments of the Woodland Realm, given our ways." Eldrec pointed out in a thoughtful manner.

"I asked her the same question, actually." Reiya stated. "Tauriel's upbringing was not always easy, it seems. She told me that she sneaked out of the realm a handful of times. Even against the king's orders, on occasion."

Eldrec laughed slightly at the statement. "The Sun-elves' overly curious and rebellious nature at its best." He pointed out in a light manner. "Did you tell her that you yourself still sneak out from time to time, even against the advice of your own officials, as well?"

Reiya chuckled at the comment. "No, I did not. I didn't wish to tempt her further into not following orders. The Elvenking does not seem to be very fond of that behavior in particular." She remarked while smiling.

Shifting her mood all of a sudden, Reiya sighed and looked at the dark skies as her mind drifted to thoughts of a different kind.

"In spite of Lord Thranduil's sternness, I must acknowledge that he raised Tauriel to be a commendable young elleth and warrior. He took her under his wing and protected her when I couldn't." Reiya stated, looking down in a remorseful manner. "I was not able to save her parents and so many others back then, Eldrec. There is so much blood on my hands…" The queen remarked as the losses from the on-going war weighted heavily in her consciousness.

"Hey…" Eldrec addressed the Lady of Fire, placing his hand on top of hers in a comforting manner. "You were not yet ready to take the crown and use your Krisha power on the battlefield at the time Tauriel's parents and the others perished. However, you used that very same power to save her life that night at Mirkwood, and she will always be grateful to you for such a selfless and heroic deed on your end, I'm sure." He reassured her. "We cannot change the unfortunate events of the past, but we can shift the course of the present, can't we?" The ellon pointed out.

Reiya smiled at her friend as she held his hand lightly. "You and Urien always cast a light in the midst of all this endless darkness, Eldrec. I do not know where I would be without the two of you." The Lady of Fire remarked as she looked down at the floor in a solemn manner.

Eldrec placed his other hand on top of hers. "I am inclined to believe that you would still be an outstanding queen, trying to do what is right for our realm and the rest of Middle-earth." He assured her with a light smile on his face.

Reiya smiled back at him in the same manner.

Eldrec carefully retreated his hands from hers and looked ahead.

"Now, I cannot predict how Urien is going to feel when she finds out that you and I had this whole conversation without her. She is probably going to be upset because she was not included in the mischievous debate. That hopeless romantic elleth..." Eldrec stated with a taunting voice.

Reiya let out a small laugh. "She probably will. You will have to make it up to her, on my behalf." She stated, smiling in a sympathetic manner.

Eldrec sighed at the statement. "I will, I will..." He stated in a resigned manner.

Reiya chuckled lightly at his reaction.

"Well, I know we diverted from the subject a handful of times, but hopefully, this conversation helped ease your mind to some extent?" Eldrec asked.

"Oh, it did more than just that, my friend. In fact, I believe I now have some leads on how I should proceed with the proposition in question moving forward." Reiya stated with a serious tone.

The queen stood up and began pacing the area in front of the bench. She folded an arm across her torso and placed the other below her chin in a contemplative manner.

"King Thranduil commands the largest army of elves in this age, just like Lady Galadriel pointed out when we exchanged words." Reiya remarked. "The Xandorian forces outnumber Lothlorien's by a big margin, but the Elvenking's troops are still more extensive than ours, respectively. Thus, we need his army to gain an advantage with numbers on the battlefield. However, he still requires our intelligence for his tactics to be effective, because numbers alone cannot ensure a victory against Loitar's forces. Strategy will be crucial for the coalition to succeed, and he knows this." The queen explained.

"True. Nevertheless, he wishes for you to share our intelligence at his realm, the one domain where he holds full authority." Eldrec pointed out in an objective manner.

"Exactly. That is where the conflict lies." Reiya corroborated.

The queen turned in the other direction while pacing, as Eldrec listened to her attentively.

"Even though all the Elven realms are now committed to fighting Loitar, each settlement is still functioning as an independent entity." Reiya pointed out. "I preside over a realm of my own in that regard; however, the Elvenking would still hold the highest authority at the Woodland Realm if I were to perform the suggested role in that location. Thus, the balance of power would disproportionately lean in his favor as a result." The queen remarked.

"Understood. However, Xandor cannot step up as a provisional location to run King Thranduil's military operations due to the risks involved, correct?" Eldrec pointed out.

"That's right." Reiya confirmed. "If our realm were to take on such an endeavor, that would exponentially increase our chances of exposure amongst the enemy spies. The risks linked to that scenario are far too great. Thus, the measure is out of the question." The queen pointed out. "However, an alternative path still remains—one that would help turn the scale of power to our side ever slightly, even if I were to perform the suggested role at the Woodland Realm." She remarked.

Eldrec smiled at the queen's newly found confidence and determination. "You already came up with a plan of your own, didn't you?" He inquired.

"I did, in fact, mellon (friend)." Reiya stated as she shifted her attention to the Xandorian lieutenant, and smiled in a satisfactory manner.

...

A/N: The Red Queen is gaining clarity on her stance!

There is always that one friend who will share words of wisdom and help us find direction when we are feeling lost :) That one friend is Eldrec in this scenario, of course.

What is Reiya contemplating at this time?

Find out when she meets the king again in the next chapter! :D

Quick note on Eldrec:

There will be more on this in future chapters, but just for the sake of clarity:

Reiya had an older brother by blood, and Eldrec was actually his best friend when they were elfings. Just like he indicated, Reiya's brother made him promise to take care of his sister if he were to perish at any time in the war, and Eldrec gladly accepted the task. Hence, that is the reason why he is fully committed to guarding Reiya from danger (in spite of the fact that the queen is quite powerful on her own), and acts somewhat overprotective with her from time to time lol.

Eldrec cares for Urien just as much (Reiya's fellow childhood friend), but he always makes sure to stick to his promise with the queen, no matter what :)