Post by Rhonda on Jun 20, 2014 20:21:31 GMT -5
Rhonda, this is ready to go.
Chapter 14 – Big Kings and Little Lords
The Mirkwood traveling party was momentarily stuck on the road. One of the wagons had thrown a wheel and Thranduil’s horse Cerus, in an effort to sidestep a large piece of the splintered wood, twisted his ankle and pulled up lame. The Woodland King dismounted, not wanting to cause the horse further injury, but his displeasure was not as easily avoided.
“I blame these abominable narrow trails, you would think that Elrond would do something to widen them,” he said gruffly.
“Now father,” Legolas admonished, “would that not rather defeat the purpose of making Imladris hard to find? It would be like having a locked gate that stood open all the time.”
“I suppose,” he answered huffily. “But at least you would think that he would send someone to greet us, to make sure that all was well…there is no telling how long we will have to sit out here, the hour grows late and my temper short.”
Legolas laughed as he clasped the king’s shoulder. “Father your temper is always short, and I am sure Lord Elrond will send someone out to meet us. He is nothing if not the perfect host and you know he would not leave you unaccompanied to enter Imladris…look, see, someone comes now.”
“Well it is about time.”
“Father…” the prince scolded in a chastising tone, “you promised.”
“Oh all right, I will behave myself. I will not say what I am thinking…but I will continue to think it.”
Legolas only smiled and thought to himself “as long as you do not voice it.”
Glorfindel was the first rider to reach the travelers, with Elladan and Elrohir immediately behind him. Brithil and Lethros followed with Geleph and Ianthir bringing up the rear. Normally Glorfindel would have separated the twins and had their bodyguards ride out in front of them, holding fast to a long-standing arrangement made with Elrond to insure that his sons would never be the first targets of any ambush. To that end he had covertly assigned the brothers Lethros and Brithil, who also needed separating, as their bodyguards; with explicit instructions that they would never allow either of the twins to ride at the head of any column or take the lead in any defensive action. The twins were further separated by having Elladan assigned to the eastern outpost and Elrohir to the south. In this fashion Glorfindel was able to, as they say, kill two birds with one stone. He separated the twins and the brothers, effectively placed a guard at each twin’s back, and assured that he would never have to report to either Elrond or the parents of the brothers that both their sons had been injured or killed in some skirmish.
However, this was a special occasion, and since they were well within Imladrian territory he felt safe to allow them to ride together. Further, he did not wish to send a message, however subtle, to the Mirkwood elves that the twins were receiving any type of special treatment. It would not do to have the reputations of two of the fiercest warriors in Arda subjected to the frivolity that would undoubtedly ensue if they were thought to be in need of wet nurses.
As Glorfindel drew Asfaloth to a stop he saw Thranduil standing in the middle of the road. The Elven ruler stood feet wide apart, fists balled resting at his waist, golden hair blowing in the wind looking ever so much like a miniature blond tornado blocking the path. The grim faced balrog slayer approached slowly, and when he was within four feet of the monarch commented…
“Have you been practicing that look for long, or is it something that you whipped up just for me?”
The members of the welcoming party looked at each other with apprehension and amazement. They were all familiar with the legendary stories of Thranduil’s temper and to hear Glorfindel speak to him in such a cavalier manner was shocking to say the least. Slowly Brithil eased his mount alongside that of Elladan, and following his older brothers’ lead, Lethros moved closer to Elrohir. Brithil was convinced that Thranduil would unleash his guards upon the slayer for his impudence, and anger at Glorfindel be d**ned, that would undoubtedly set the twins off like two of Gandalf’s roman candles. Ianthir too, moved slightly forward, for he knew that if indeed Glorfindel were set upon by the guards, someone would have to control Asfaloth, for the great stallion would undoubtedly move to his master’s aid and there would be no telling how many might be hurt.
“I do not need practice for this ‘look’ as you call it; millennia of aggravation have honed it to perfection.”
“Aww and here I was beginning to feel so special.”
“Special? Ha! Thranduil snorted derisively, “The only thing special about you is the fact that you keep trying to convince anyone in earshot that you are still agile enough to wield a sword, that, and all the fat that you have put on around your midsection.”
“Fat? Fat?” Glorfindel queried, “You wound me sir, perhaps you would care to put me to the test.” the slayer exclaimed as he slowly put his hand on the hilt of his sword.
“Name the time and the place.”
“I would say now sir…but I do not think the hearts of the children could stand it,” he said as he looked at all the anxious faces around them. Staring around him Thranduil replied, “Yes, I see what you mean, that young one next to Elladan looks as if he is about to come out of his skin.
“True…and Legolas has repositioned his bow at least three times now…do you think he could get a clean shot if I stood a little closer to you?” the slayer asked as he advanced on the king.
“Probably, he is actually quite good with a bow…but let us not force the issue, get over here you old reprobate,” Thranduil responded with unusual warmth, “It has been too long since I looked upon you.” With that, Glorfindel broke into a smile and the two moved towards each other and engaged in a warm embrace.
“It has been too long old friend.”
“Indeed it has,” Glorfindel answered, “I see you still enjoy frightening the young ones.”
Thranduil smiled, “Ah yes, it helps to keep them on their toes. And speaking of young ones…have the manners of the Elrondion’s gone the way of your slain balrog, or is it now customary in Imladris for younglings to sit astride horses with their heads above that of a king?”
Immediately Elladan and Elrohir alit, slowly approaching the grumpy monarch with their heads bowed and their hands over their hearts. It was Elladan who took the lead and spoke first in an attempt to set right their social faux pas.
“On the contrary your majesty, our manners, like Imladrian hospitality, are still firmly in place…welcome to Imladris King Thranduil, Imladris opens her gates and her heart to you and your family,” he said as he surreptitiously glanced at his old friend Legolas.
“I see that the fear of authority is very effective,” Glorfindel said as he pointedly looked at Elladan, “frightening the young ones is something I may have to start doing here in Imladris, you never can tell when another pushy old goat like you will show up on the doorstep, and I might need them to spring into action.”
“Old? Who are you calling old? You are twice my age, if not more.”
“Ah, ah, ah here in my reborn life I am quite the young sprig…and still as handsome as ever.”
“Still as full of it as ever, I have missed our verbal jousts my friend, no one has ever given it back to me the way you do. But it appears that someone has tried to give it back to you,” he replied as he reached out and turned Glorfindel’s face so he could get a better look at his bruised jaw.
“No one else would dare with you!” the golden haired elf replied as he tried to change the subject. The two laughing elves continued in this fashion for quite a few more seconds before they remembered that they were not alone. “I think perhaps we had better get you home to Imladris before Elrond sends out a search party for us.”
“Would that we could old friend, but the wagon has blown a wheel and unfortunately my Cerus here has come up lame,” he said as he moved towards the big roan colored horse.
“Nevertheless it will be dark soon and I will not have you and yours out here on the trail” he said as he nodded in Legolas’ direction. “Geleph ride back ahead of us to the house and tell them to send another wagon.”
“Yes Milord, shall I notify Lord Erestor as well milord?”
“Yes of course.”
The look that passed between them was fleeting, quick, and only the most attentive eye would even have noticed it, but Thranduil was nothing if not attentive and it told him that something was not quite as it should be. Whether with Glorfindel or Erestor he could not be certain without more information, but something was amiss…since when did one have to ask if Elrond’s seneschal should be included in matters concerning the running of the household? An intriguing question, but not one that he would ask now in front of the others. No, not now, but he would file it away for later when there were fewer eyes and ears to observe the response.
“Lethros double up with Ianthir, and bring me your horse, Thran, you will of course ride Asfaloth, I will take Lethros’ mount and if you will have your drivers double up with your escorts we can leave this one wagon here and be on our way to the comfort of hot baths, good food and warm hearths.”
The king smiled as he looked back over his shoulder and pointing to his drivers ordered them to “Make it so.”
Suddenly a voice was heard from the seat on the first wagon. “By your leave my liege, I would stay with the wagon until the other arrives. I have taken great care to pack your things and I would not have them moved by those who do not know what the chests contain, something might be broken my lord or soiled. I would like to stay behind to supervise the transfer.”
“Glorfindel, you know this area, what think you?”
“We are not that far from the gate Thran, but even this close I do not wish to leave anything to chance, I would not willingly leave any of you here on the trail.”
“It is decided then, we will do what you think best. Nilfin, you and Finnor double up with Perril and Rangel, we will no doubt meet the other wagon on the trail and you may ride back with them if you wish – under escort.”
“Yes my liege, as you will.”
“There, now that that is settled we can be off…that is as soon as you introduce me to this magnificent stallion…”
~~~~~~~
Estel was ecstatic. The prospect of meeting a king and a prince named leg-less, who still had his legs, was thrilling and he wanted to make sure that everyone was ready for the big event. He started his mission by assuring that dinner for the new guests would be perfect, by making a visit to the kitchens with his father and Haldir. Standing at the kitchen door Estel could see that as usual the lady Nénilya had marshaled her troops and the room looked to be under full military control. Estel had not seen this kind of precision since Glorfindel had put the sentries through their paces in a practice drill to see how fast they could deploy in the event of an emergency.
The three visitors stood in the doorway watching as bowl after bowl and pot after pot made their way from the stoves to the holding tables at the back of the room. Fish, biscuits, roasted potatoes, pheasant, duck, and Glorfindel’s favorite spit-fired chicken had all made their way to the back table. Estel watched hungrily as string beans, corn, honeyed carrots, and his favorite green peas were turned out into the large cooking vessels. His eyes widened as he followed Perwaen's hands as she rolled out the dough for yet another pie that would join the string of baked-goods already on a separate cooling table. Estel watched attentively until at last his attention was diverted from the scene in front of him by a shouted voice at the back door.
“Coming through!”
The child’s eyes widened as he watched two of the kitchen helpers carry in a crispy-skinned golden brown spit-roasted hog.
“Place it in the large hearth to keep warm while I find the large platter.” It was lady Nilya’s voice and at last Estel located her in the myriad of workers in the room. Breaking away from his father the little one limped into the room towards the ancient chef.
“Lady Nilya!” he exclaimed as he did his best to run to the wise old elf. “Did you hear Lady Nilya, we havin’ comp-nee. Ada says a king is comin’ to visit us, did you know dat?”
“Why yes little one I did know, Erestor came and told me earlier and as you can see the ladies and I have been hard at work ever since.”
Estel smiled at the mention of Erestor’s name. “Do you know where Westor is lady Nilya? I dinna have lessons wit him today cause I had to take a nap cause I got a boo-boo – see,” he said as he pointed at his bandaged leg.
“Oh my goodness” the lady exclaimed, “did you do battle with a dragon today?” “Elrond” she exclaimed, “no one told me that there were dragons afoot, why was I not informed…it is a good thing that Estel was here to protect us.”
The boy just giggled, “No lady Nil, no dragons, I dinna do battle today, iss just a liddle boo-boo, but Ada says I gonna have a scar,” he said nodding exuberantly over the prospect of it.
“Estel” his father chided.
“Well... a liddle scar for a while anyway,”
Looking around the room the child quickly changed the subject. “You doin’ a good job Lady Nilya” he said nodding assuredly. “Dere’s enough food for ten kings, right Ada?”
“Yes Estel, I dare say there is. We should have no problem feeding King Thranduil and his party tonight, none at all.”
“Lady Nilya what you gonna wear tonight?”
The question was so unexpected that it took Nilya completely by surprise. “Well actually Estel I had not given that a thought. I do not usually get dressed up to work in the kitchen,” she said smiling.
“Oh no Lady Nilya you cannot work in da kitchens tonight,” the boy said shaking his head disapprovingly. “You have to get dressed up and eat in da dining hall wit’ us and meet da king…right Ada? Da lady cannot be in da kitchens tonight when da king is comin’. You have to get dressed up like us, right Ada? Tonight I wearin’ my wed wobes so I can make a good ‘pression.”
“That is impression Estel im-pression,” Elrond corrected.
“Yeth dat” the child said hastily, “But am I not right Ada…da lady cannot meet da king in da kitchen, it wouldna be ‘propriate.” Estel looked to his father to back up his assertion.
Elrond looked down at his youngest with great pride. Estel was always trying to take care of the people he loved, always trying to look out for them, and the thought of the great lady not being present to meet a king was to Estel a thing unheard of.
“You know Nilya, Estel is right; you should be there with us tonight. If anyone in this house deserves a night away from chores it is you. Actually, I cannot remember the last time you sat and took a meal with the family. You are long overdue for some rest and relaxation and I think tonight would be the perfect night to start…do you not think so Estel?”
“Yup. An you should wear you yellow dress wit da pretty birds on it.”
“Oh really now?” she said feigning insult. “So now the two of you are not only telling me what to do but what to wear as well?”
“Yeth, you look pretty in dat dress….iss my favorite, it makes you look like a budderfly.”
Elrond had to turn his head and cover his mouth to keep from laughing out loud. Lisp or no lisp, his son certainly had a way with words and with the ladies.
“A butterfly you say?” the lady questioned.
“Yeth when you wear dat dress you look bootiful, just like you could fly away, just like grandmother in the story, right ada?”
Elrond nodded solemnly as Estel’s words took him back to a time long ago and almost forgotten…to the days of his mother Elwing and his father Eärendil. Taking Nilya’s hand he bowed over it saying, “Lady Nénilya would you do us the honor of supping with us this evening? I am confident that your staff can handle any problems that might arise, after all, they have been trained by the best chef in Arda…I am sure there is nothing that they cannot handle.”
“Milady” Perwaen interjected, “we have everything under control here, go…Milord Elrond is right you deserve a night off, now go,” she said as she shooed the great lady away from the stove with the edge of her apron. “Besides Estel is also correct, the kitchen is no place to greet a king and you know Thranduil will want to see you again.”
“I wish he wanted to see me again,” Menwen said giggling.
“Ah ah, that will be enough of that,” Nilya chastised laughingly. “You maidens are outrageous in your husband hunting…you know perfectly well that Thranduil is wed to Queen Norë, the fact that she has gone on to Mandos does not make her husband fair game.”
“We are only joking Milady,” they said laughing.
“Yes well…knowing the two of you – only just.”
“Nevertheless, you seek to change the subject and you shall not get off that easily, you have received an invitation to dinner and you must accept…for all of us. We cannot be there so you must represent the ellith of Imladris. Is that not right Estel?”
“Yeth lady Nilya…you have to represent.”
The elves burst out laughing leaving Estel perplexed, standing there wondering yet again, what he said that the adults around him found so funny.
Observing the good humor that Estel had once again brought into their day the lady took this opportunity to broach the subject of her two feuding lads. “Elrond a word in your ear if you have a moment.”
“Of course Nénilya, Estel run along with Haldir and start getting ready for our celebration tonight, I will see you both later this evening at dinner; now do not be late, I am very anxious to introduce you to the king so it is very important that we are all on time.”
“All right Ada, we be on time, right Halli”
“Absolutely milord, I will see to it that Estel is properly attired and on time for tonight’s festivities.”
“Very good then, until this evening.” With that the great elf lord turned and followed Nénilya into the pantry. Closing the door behind them Nénilya clasped her hands in front of her pyramiding her index fingers under her chin. Quietly she paced back and forth as though she was one of the valar contemplating the fate of the world.
“Elrond, as I understand it you have forbidden Glorfindel and Erestor to speak to each other…or for that matter to have any interaction at all, am I correct in this?”
Elrond, knowing the close bond between the lady and both Glorfindel and Erestor had been anticipating this conversation, and was prepared, or so he thought, with his response.
“Now Nilya, I am doing what I believe is best…not just for them, but for the entire household. I cannot have the two of them waging war inside these walls…it sets a very bad example for the rest of the residents, and as they found out the hard way, it is dangerous, Estel could have been very badly injured due to their foolishness, it is only by the grace of the valar that he was not.”
“Hummm, yes I see your point.”
“Good I am glad we understand each other.”
“The same of course could have been said about your little…indiscretion.”
“My…my indiscretion? Nilya what in the world are you talking about…what indiscretion?”
“Oh, do you not remember? I realize it has been a while since it happened, but I seem to recall a similar incident where you and a certain ellon, who shall remain nameless, were engaged in a rather heated dispute over a particularly lovely young visiting elleth, who will also remain nameless. As memory serves, there was quite a bit of damage done to the house, furniture and various pieces of porcelain and such…so much so, that the elleth packed her bags and was ready to return to her parent’s home in Lothlórien, convinced I might add, that you were much too violent an elf to consider marrying…especially since you blacked the eye and split the lip of the challenging ellon. And that dear heart was no accident.”
Elrond stood with his mouth agape searching for the right words to say. “Nilya…you know perfectly well…”
But she interrupted him.
“I know what perfectly well? That you attacked another ellon right here in this house? That you inflicted serious bodily harm upon him? And that you did it with malice in your heart and the intent to dispatch him to the halls of Mandos…and probably would have were it not for the quick actions of your friend to prevent it. And that friend was who? Ahh now let me see…I believe it was…ah yes, your seneschal, Erestor. But for his actions you sir would be guilty of kinslaying, for there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the then ‘fresh from the battlefield’ herald of the king would have slain that ellon.”
Elrond struggled, stuttering to respond to the accusation. “Now Nilya you know very well that that was a very different situation…”
But the lady was relentless. “What is different about it? Two foolish males arguing over interest in a third party. Sounds the same to me…except for the injuries involved, at least in this case they were accidental. Really Elrond, how do you expect them to repair their relationship and find their way back to one another if you have forbidden them to speak to each other?”
“Your decision to separate them was a wise one only if that separation is temporary… anything more than that is counterproductive. You already know what you need to do Elrond…and considering your own history with this type of situation I would think that you would be more willing to assist two such long term friends on their road to reconciliation. Valar only knows which path your life would have taken if Erestor had not intervened on your behalf. I hasten to add that there probably would never have been a marriage, no twins, no Arwen…how very different things would be for you now.
Erestor went out on a limb for you in more ways than one that day, and every day since then he has proved his loyalty and devotion to your house in ways too numerous to mention. Now it is your turn…to demonstrate your allegiance to him. End this separation now before things go too far, before they get too far apart. Fix this for him, the way he fixed things for you.”
With that the lady turned, opened the pantry door and motioned for the elf lord to leave, but not without one last parting shot. “You know what is right and fair…do it.”
Feeling quite properly chastised for his lack of consideration of Erestor’s plight, Elrond rose and nodding deference to the lady’s remarks quietly left the kitchens heading for his sammoth…with the weight of a large decision on his shoulders.
~~~~~~
The trail had been long and dreary and it had now come to an end. At long last Thranduil’s traveling party rode through the gates of Imladris. They’d met the new wagon about a quarter of a mile back, and his driver and valet had hitched a ride back to his broken down convoy to retrieve the king’s belongings. Nilfin, the valet, was much relieved to be supervising the transfer. He’d spent quite a long time making sure that all of Thranduil’s best robes were properly pressed and hung and he did not want some mere sentry to be manhandling his king’s best garb.
Finnor, the driver, was merely glad that their journey was at an end. Nilfin, on occasion, had rested inside the wagon on a conveniently stacked pile of pillows. Finnor had not been so lucky. It was the hard driving seat for him all the way to Imladris and he was thankful that his backside would soon be relaxing in an abundance of hot water, courtesy of Lord Elrond’s bathing pools. He and the wagon were now only a half hour away from much needed rest and he spurred the horses on, eager to see the gates, good food, and sleep.
~~~~~~
As he rode through the gates of Imladris Thranduil could see the familiar faces of two old and dear friends. Waiting to greet him were his long time friend and ally Elrond Half-Elven and the venerable Seneschal, Erestor of Lindon. Elrond and Erestor descended the stairs as the riders reined the horses to a stop; always one who loved to make an entrance, Thranduil took this opportunity to add a little flair to his arrival by virtually leaping off the back of Asfaloth and striding purposefully toward the stairs. Grand entrance and grand smile in place he all but swept Elrond off his feet with the strength of his embrace.
“Roni!” he exclaimed, “how fare thee old friend?”
“I am well, I am well, and you?” he responded as he drew Thranduil into his arms.
“Life has been good of late, I am well, my people are safe and secure, and as you can see,” he said as he turned slightly and gestured behind him, “my son has decided to outgrow me…testifying to the fact that he is strong and healthy as an oak.”
“Legolas” he beckoned, “come son greet an old friend.” The tall willowy archer slid gracefully from the back of his horse and traversed the stairs with a step as light as a dancer.
“Mae Govannen Lord Elrond, it has been too long since we have shared company.”
“That it has son of Thranduil, it appears your father was not exaggerating in his description of you, you are almost half a head taller than he…and in such a short time.”
“He is still growing like a weed Roni, with an appetite to match. I am hard pressed to keep enough food in the larder to keep him fed.”
“Now father…” the young elf admonished, an exasperated tone evident in his voice as he rolled his eyes skyward, “now you are exaggerating.” “Do not believe him Lord Elrond, he would have you believe that I am eating him out of house and home.”
“Close to it, I tell you Elrond he has the stomach of a Hobbit.”
“And what old friend has brought you this way? Do not tell me that you come seeking a grocer to feed this young oak, for I tell you that my own larders are continuously in danger of exhaustion for I have three of my own who are non-stop disposal systems.”
“Fear not Roni, I would not wish the stomach of this one on anything less than a mortal enemy, for he would surely deplete their stores and have them on their hands and knees begging for reprieve.”
“Do not believe a word he says Lord Elrond, he speaks badly of me only in an attempt to disguise the fact that as he ages he shrinks.”
“See you now what I have to contend with Elrond? Thranduil questioned in mock indignation, “such blatant disregard towards one’s king.”
“Do not even try it father,” the prince said laughingly, “he always trots out that ‘King’ thing whenever he is losing an argument. Tis not the crown that I disregard, but your exaggerated references to my stomach being akin to that of a Halfling.”
“And what of you Erestor?” Thranduil questioned as he stepped uncomfortably close to the seneschal. “Still as beautiful as ever I see…Glorfindel you are indeed a lucky elf, to share your life with one as stunning as this.”
Erestor looked away blushing, while Glorfindel flushed red with a twinge of jealousy, making a mental note of just how close Thranduil now stood to his beloved.
“I am well Thranduil, things have settled down quite nicely thanks to the book you sent me. We are all in your debt, without the book I do not know if we would have been successful in defeating the creature.”
“I am sure that one as brilliant as you would have found a way Erestor. A battle with a sword can always be lost, but the machinations of a fine mind can never be defeated.”
“You are too kind….come let us adjourn to the house you must be exhausted after such a long trip. Your sammoth stands ready and waiting.”
“Did you remember my lavender oil?” Thranduil questioned jokingly.
“But of course, I have taken the liberty of drawing your bath.”
“Ah, you are indeed one of a kind Erestor, you remember everything. Glorfindel I would not venture too far away from this one if I were you…you never can tell, someone might just come along and sweep him away from you.”
Glorfindel’s temper was slowly coming to the fore. “It was uncanny.” he thought, how Thranduil always had a way of knowing exactly which of his buttons to push at precisely the wrong time. As the squires began to lead the horses away Elladan and Elrohir joined the others on the stairs and they filed into the house.
“Yes” Glorfindel responded, “I guess I had better stay close then.” One thing is certain, he thought to himself, “If someone sweeps him away it most certainly will not be you.”
"....You gon' take too long ain't you?"
=
Chapter 14 – Big Kings and Little Lords
The Mirkwood traveling party was momentarily stuck on the road. One of the wagons had thrown a wheel and Thranduil’s horse Cerus, in an effort to sidestep a large piece of the splintered wood, twisted his ankle and pulled up lame. The Woodland King dismounted, not wanting to cause the horse further injury, but his displeasure was not as easily avoided.
“I blame these abominable narrow trails, you would think that Elrond would do something to widen them,” he said gruffly.
“Now father,” Legolas admonished, “would that not rather defeat the purpose of making Imladris hard to find? It would be like having a locked gate that stood open all the time.”
“I suppose,” he answered huffily. “But at least you would think that he would send someone to greet us, to make sure that all was well…there is no telling how long we will have to sit out here, the hour grows late and my temper short.”
Legolas laughed as he clasped the king’s shoulder. “Father your temper is always short, and I am sure Lord Elrond will send someone out to meet us. He is nothing if not the perfect host and you know he would not leave you unaccompanied to enter Imladris…look, see, someone comes now.”
“Well it is about time.”
“Father…” the prince scolded in a chastising tone, “you promised.”
“Oh all right, I will behave myself. I will not say what I am thinking…but I will continue to think it.”
Legolas only smiled and thought to himself “as long as you do not voice it.”
Glorfindel was the first rider to reach the travelers, with Elladan and Elrohir immediately behind him. Brithil and Lethros followed with Geleph and Ianthir bringing up the rear. Normally Glorfindel would have separated the twins and had their bodyguards ride out in front of them, holding fast to a long-standing arrangement made with Elrond to insure that his sons would never be the first targets of any ambush. To that end he had covertly assigned the brothers Lethros and Brithil, who also needed separating, as their bodyguards; with explicit instructions that they would never allow either of the twins to ride at the head of any column or take the lead in any defensive action. The twins were further separated by having Elladan assigned to the eastern outpost and Elrohir to the south. In this fashion Glorfindel was able to, as they say, kill two birds with one stone. He separated the twins and the brothers, effectively placed a guard at each twin’s back, and assured that he would never have to report to either Elrond or the parents of the brothers that both their sons had been injured or killed in some skirmish.
However, this was a special occasion, and since they were well within Imladrian territory he felt safe to allow them to ride together. Further, he did not wish to send a message, however subtle, to the Mirkwood elves that the twins were receiving any type of special treatment. It would not do to have the reputations of two of the fiercest warriors in Arda subjected to the frivolity that would undoubtedly ensue if they were thought to be in need of wet nurses.
As Glorfindel drew Asfaloth to a stop he saw Thranduil standing in the middle of the road. The Elven ruler stood feet wide apart, fists balled resting at his waist, golden hair blowing in the wind looking ever so much like a miniature blond tornado blocking the path. The grim faced balrog slayer approached slowly, and when he was within four feet of the monarch commented…
“Have you been practicing that look for long, or is it something that you whipped up just for me?”
The members of the welcoming party looked at each other with apprehension and amazement. They were all familiar with the legendary stories of Thranduil’s temper and to hear Glorfindel speak to him in such a cavalier manner was shocking to say the least. Slowly Brithil eased his mount alongside that of Elladan, and following his older brothers’ lead, Lethros moved closer to Elrohir. Brithil was convinced that Thranduil would unleash his guards upon the slayer for his impudence, and anger at Glorfindel be d**ned, that would undoubtedly set the twins off like two of Gandalf’s roman candles. Ianthir too, moved slightly forward, for he knew that if indeed Glorfindel were set upon by the guards, someone would have to control Asfaloth, for the great stallion would undoubtedly move to his master’s aid and there would be no telling how many might be hurt.
“I do not need practice for this ‘look’ as you call it; millennia of aggravation have honed it to perfection.”
“Aww and here I was beginning to feel so special.”
“Special? Ha! Thranduil snorted derisively, “The only thing special about you is the fact that you keep trying to convince anyone in earshot that you are still agile enough to wield a sword, that, and all the fat that you have put on around your midsection.”
“Fat? Fat?” Glorfindel queried, “You wound me sir, perhaps you would care to put me to the test.” the slayer exclaimed as he slowly put his hand on the hilt of his sword.
“Name the time and the place.”
“I would say now sir…but I do not think the hearts of the children could stand it,” he said as he looked at all the anxious faces around them. Staring around him Thranduil replied, “Yes, I see what you mean, that young one next to Elladan looks as if he is about to come out of his skin.
“True…and Legolas has repositioned his bow at least three times now…do you think he could get a clean shot if I stood a little closer to you?” the slayer asked as he advanced on the king.
“Probably, he is actually quite good with a bow…but let us not force the issue, get over here you old reprobate,” Thranduil responded with unusual warmth, “It has been too long since I looked upon you.” With that, Glorfindel broke into a smile and the two moved towards each other and engaged in a warm embrace.
“It has been too long old friend.”
“Indeed it has,” Glorfindel answered, “I see you still enjoy frightening the young ones.”
Thranduil smiled, “Ah yes, it helps to keep them on their toes. And speaking of young ones…have the manners of the Elrondion’s gone the way of your slain balrog, or is it now customary in Imladris for younglings to sit astride horses with their heads above that of a king?”
Immediately Elladan and Elrohir alit, slowly approaching the grumpy monarch with their heads bowed and their hands over their hearts. It was Elladan who took the lead and spoke first in an attempt to set right their social faux pas.
“On the contrary your majesty, our manners, like Imladrian hospitality, are still firmly in place…welcome to Imladris King Thranduil, Imladris opens her gates and her heart to you and your family,” he said as he surreptitiously glanced at his old friend Legolas.
“I see that the fear of authority is very effective,” Glorfindel said as he pointedly looked at Elladan, “frightening the young ones is something I may have to start doing here in Imladris, you never can tell when another pushy old goat like you will show up on the doorstep, and I might need them to spring into action.”
“Old? Who are you calling old? You are twice my age, if not more.”
“Ah, ah, ah here in my reborn life I am quite the young sprig…and still as handsome as ever.”
“Still as full of it as ever, I have missed our verbal jousts my friend, no one has ever given it back to me the way you do. But it appears that someone has tried to give it back to you,” he replied as he reached out and turned Glorfindel’s face so he could get a better look at his bruised jaw.
“No one else would dare with you!” the golden haired elf replied as he tried to change the subject. The two laughing elves continued in this fashion for quite a few more seconds before they remembered that they were not alone. “I think perhaps we had better get you home to Imladris before Elrond sends out a search party for us.”
“Would that we could old friend, but the wagon has blown a wheel and unfortunately my Cerus here has come up lame,” he said as he moved towards the big roan colored horse.
“Nevertheless it will be dark soon and I will not have you and yours out here on the trail” he said as he nodded in Legolas’ direction. “Geleph ride back ahead of us to the house and tell them to send another wagon.”
“Yes Milord, shall I notify Lord Erestor as well milord?”
“Yes of course.”
The look that passed between them was fleeting, quick, and only the most attentive eye would even have noticed it, but Thranduil was nothing if not attentive and it told him that something was not quite as it should be. Whether with Glorfindel or Erestor he could not be certain without more information, but something was amiss…since when did one have to ask if Elrond’s seneschal should be included in matters concerning the running of the household? An intriguing question, but not one that he would ask now in front of the others. No, not now, but he would file it away for later when there were fewer eyes and ears to observe the response.
“Lethros double up with Ianthir, and bring me your horse, Thran, you will of course ride Asfaloth, I will take Lethros’ mount and if you will have your drivers double up with your escorts we can leave this one wagon here and be on our way to the comfort of hot baths, good food and warm hearths.”
The king smiled as he looked back over his shoulder and pointing to his drivers ordered them to “Make it so.”
Suddenly a voice was heard from the seat on the first wagon. “By your leave my liege, I would stay with the wagon until the other arrives. I have taken great care to pack your things and I would not have them moved by those who do not know what the chests contain, something might be broken my lord or soiled. I would like to stay behind to supervise the transfer.”
“Glorfindel, you know this area, what think you?”
“We are not that far from the gate Thran, but even this close I do not wish to leave anything to chance, I would not willingly leave any of you here on the trail.”
“It is decided then, we will do what you think best. Nilfin, you and Finnor double up with Perril and Rangel, we will no doubt meet the other wagon on the trail and you may ride back with them if you wish – under escort.”
“Yes my liege, as you will.”
“There, now that that is settled we can be off…that is as soon as you introduce me to this magnificent stallion…”
~~~~~~~
Estel was ecstatic. The prospect of meeting a king and a prince named leg-less, who still had his legs, was thrilling and he wanted to make sure that everyone was ready for the big event. He started his mission by assuring that dinner for the new guests would be perfect, by making a visit to the kitchens with his father and Haldir. Standing at the kitchen door Estel could see that as usual the lady Nénilya had marshaled her troops and the room looked to be under full military control. Estel had not seen this kind of precision since Glorfindel had put the sentries through their paces in a practice drill to see how fast they could deploy in the event of an emergency.
The three visitors stood in the doorway watching as bowl after bowl and pot after pot made their way from the stoves to the holding tables at the back of the room. Fish, biscuits, roasted potatoes, pheasant, duck, and Glorfindel’s favorite spit-fired chicken had all made their way to the back table. Estel watched hungrily as string beans, corn, honeyed carrots, and his favorite green peas were turned out into the large cooking vessels. His eyes widened as he followed Perwaen's hands as she rolled out the dough for yet another pie that would join the string of baked-goods already on a separate cooling table. Estel watched attentively until at last his attention was diverted from the scene in front of him by a shouted voice at the back door.
“Coming through!”
The child’s eyes widened as he watched two of the kitchen helpers carry in a crispy-skinned golden brown spit-roasted hog.
“Place it in the large hearth to keep warm while I find the large platter.” It was lady Nilya’s voice and at last Estel located her in the myriad of workers in the room. Breaking away from his father the little one limped into the room towards the ancient chef.
“Lady Nilya!” he exclaimed as he did his best to run to the wise old elf. “Did you hear Lady Nilya, we havin’ comp-nee. Ada says a king is comin’ to visit us, did you know dat?”
“Why yes little one I did know, Erestor came and told me earlier and as you can see the ladies and I have been hard at work ever since.”
Estel smiled at the mention of Erestor’s name. “Do you know where Westor is lady Nilya? I dinna have lessons wit him today cause I had to take a nap cause I got a boo-boo – see,” he said as he pointed at his bandaged leg.
“Oh my goodness” the lady exclaimed, “did you do battle with a dragon today?” “Elrond” she exclaimed, “no one told me that there were dragons afoot, why was I not informed…it is a good thing that Estel was here to protect us.”
The boy just giggled, “No lady Nil, no dragons, I dinna do battle today, iss just a liddle boo-boo, but Ada says I gonna have a scar,” he said nodding exuberantly over the prospect of it.
“Estel” his father chided.
“Well... a liddle scar for a while anyway,”
Looking around the room the child quickly changed the subject. “You doin’ a good job Lady Nilya” he said nodding assuredly. “Dere’s enough food for ten kings, right Ada?”
“Yes Estel, I dare say there is. We should have no problem feeding King Thranduil and his party tonight, none at all.”
“Lady Nilya what you gonna wear tonight?”
The question was so unexpected that it took Nilya completely by surprise. “Well actually Estel I had not given that a thought. I do not usually get dressed up to work in the kitchen,” she said smiling.
“Oh no Lady Nilya you cannot work in da kitchens tonight,” the boy said shaking his head disapprovingly. “You have to get dressed up and eat in da dining hall wit’ us and meet da king…right Ada? Da lady cannot be in da kitchens tonight when da king is comin’. You have to get dressed up like us, right Ada? Tonight I wearin’ my wed wobes so I can make a good ‘pression.”
“That is impression Estel im-pression,” Elrond corrected.
“Yeth dat” the child said hastily, “But am I not right Ada…da lady cannot meet da king in da kitchen, it wouldna be ‘propriate.” Estel looked to his father to back up his assertion.
Elrond looked down at his youngest with great pride. Estel was always trying to take care of the people he loved, always trying to look out for them, and the thought of the great lady not being present to meet a king was to Estel a thing unheard of.
“You know Nilya, Estel is right; you should be there with us tonight. If anyone in this house deserves a night away from chores it is you. Actually, I cannot remember the last time you sat and took a meal with the family. You are long overdue for some rest and relaxation and I think tonight would be the perfect night to start…do you not think so Estel?”
“Yup. An you should wear you yellow dress wit da pretty birds on it.”
“Oh really now?” she said feigning insult. “So now the two of you are not only telling me what to do but what to wear as well?”
“Yeth, you look pretty in dat dress….iss my favorite, it makes you look like a budderfly.”
Elrond had to turn his head and cover his mouth to keep from laughing out loud. Lisp or no lisp, his son certainly had a way with words and with the ladies.
“A butterfly you say?” the lady questioned.
“Yeth when you wear dat dress you look bootiful, just like you could fly away, just like grandmother in the story, right ada?”
Elrond nodded solemnly as Estel’s words took him back to a time long ago and almost forgotten…to the days of his mother Elwing and his father Eärendil. Taking Nilya’s hand he bowed over it saying, “Lady Nénilya would you do us the honor of supping with us this evening? I am confident that your staff can handle any problems that might arise, after all, they have been trained by the best chef in Arda…I am sure there is nothing that they cannot handle.”
“Milady” Perwaen interjected, “we have everything under control here, go…Milord Elrond is right you deserve a night off, now go,” she said as she shooed the great lady away from the stove with the edge of her apron. “Besides Estel is also correct, the kitchen is no place to greet a king and you know Thranduil will want to see you again.”
“I wish he wanted to see me again,” Menwen said giggling.
“Ah ah, that will be enough of that,” Nilya chastised laughingly. “You maidens are outrageous in your husband hunting…you know perfectly well that Thranduil is wed to Queen Norë, the fact that she has gone on to Mandos does not make her husband fair game.”
“We are only joking Milady,” they said laughing.
“Yes well…knowing the two of you – only just.”
“Nevertheless, you seek to change the subject and you shall not get off that easily, you have received an invitation to dinner and you must accept…for all of us. We cannot be there so you must represent the ellith of Imladris. Is that not right Estel?”
“Yeth lady Nilya…you have to represent.”
The elves burst out laughing leaving Estel perplexed, standing there wondering yet again, what he said that the adults around him found so funny.
Observing the good humor that Estel had once again brought into their day the lady took this opportunity to broach the subject of her two feuding lads. “Elrond a word in your ear if you have a moment.”
“Of course Nénilya, Estel run along with Haldir and start getting ready for our celebration tonight, I will see you both later this evening at dinner; now do not be late, I am very anxious to introduce you to the king so it is very important that we are all on time.”
“All right Ada, we be on time, right Halli”
“Absolutely milord, I will see to it that Estel is properly attired and on time for tonight’s festivities.”
“Very good then, until this evening.” With that the great elf lord turned and followed Nénilya into the pantry. Closing the door behind them Nénilya clasped her hands in front of her pyramiding her index fingers under her chin. Quietly she paced back and forth as though she was one of the valar contemplating the fate of the world.
“Elrond, as I understand it you have forbidden Glorfindel and Erestor to speak to each other…or for that matter to have any interaction at all, am I correct in this?”
Elrond, knowing the close bond between the lady and both Glorfindel and Erestor had been anticipating this conversation, and was prepared, or so he thought, with his response.
“Now Nilya, I am doing what I believe is best…not just for them, but for the entire household. I cannot have the two of them waging war inside these walls…it sets a very bad example for the rest of the residents, and as they found out the hard way, it is dangerous, Estel could have been very badly injured due to their foolishness, it is only by the grace of the valar that he was not.”
“Hummm, yes I see your point.”
“Good I am glad we understand each other.”
“The same of course could have been said about your little…indiscretion.”
“My…my indiscretion? Nilya what in the world are you talking about…what indiscretion?”
“Oh, do you not remember? I realize it has been a while since it happened, but I seem to recall a similar incident where you and a certain ellon, who shall remain nameless, were engaged in a rather heated dispute over a particularly lovely young visiting elleth, who will also remain nameless. As memory serves, there was quite a bit of damage done to the house, furniture and various pieces of porcelain and such…so much so, that the elleth packed her bags and was ready to return to her parent’s home in Lothlórien, convinced I might add, that you were much too violent an elf to consider marrying…especially since you blacked the eye and split the lip of the challenging ellon. And that dear heart was no accident.”
Elrond stood with his mouth agape searching for the right words to say. “Nilya…you know perfectly well…”
But she interrupted him.
“I know what perfectly well? That you attacked another ellon right here in this house? That you inflicted serious bodily harm upon him? And that you did it with malice in your heart and the intent to dispatch him to the halls of Mandos…and probably would have were it not for the quick actions of your friend to prevent it. And that friend was who? Ahh now let me see…I believe it was…ah yes, your seneschal, Erestor. But for his actions you sir would be guilty of kinslaying, for there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the then ‘fresh from the battlefield’ herald of the king would have slain that ellon.”
Elrond struggled, stuttering to respond to the accusation. “Now Nilya you know very well that that was a very different situation…”
But the lady was relentless. “What is different about it? Two foolish males arguing over interest in a third party. Sounds the same to me…except for the injuries involved, at least in this case they were accidental. Really Elrond, how do you expect them to repair their relationship and find their way back to one another if you have forbidden them to speak to each other?”
“Your decision to separate them was a wise one only if that separation is temporary… anything more than that is counterproductive. You already know what you need to do Elrond…and considering your own history with this type of situation I would think that you would be more willing to assist two such long term friends on their road to reconciliation. Valar only knows which path your life would have taken if Erestor had not intervened on your behalf. I hasten to add that there probably would never have been a marriage, no twins, no Arwen…how very different things would be for you now.
Erestor went out on a limb for you in more ways than one that day, and every day since then he has proved his loyalty and devotion to your house in ways too numerous to mention. Now it is your turn…to demonstrate your allegiance to him. End this separation now before things go too far, before they get too far apart. Fix this for him, the way he fixed things for you.”
With that the lady turned, opened the pantry door and motioned for the elf lord to leave, but not without one last parting shot. “You know what is right and fair…do it.”
Feeling quite properly chastised for his lack of consideration of Erestor’s plight, Elrond rose and nodding deference to the lady’s remarks quietly left the kitchens heading for his sammoth…with the weight of a large decision on his shoulders.
~~~~~~
The trail had been long and dreary and it had now come to an end. At long last Thranduil’s traveling party rode through the gates of Imladris. They’d met the new wagon about a quarter of a mile back, and his driver and valet had hitched a ride back to his broken down convoy to retrieve the king’s belongings. Nilfin, the valet, was much relieved to be supervising the transfer. He’d spent quite a long time making sure that all of Thranduil’s best robes were properly pressed and hung and he did not want some mere sentry to be manhandling his king’s best garb.
Finnor, the driver, was merely glad that their journey was at an end. Nilfin, on occasion, had rested inside the wagon on a conveniently stacked pile of pillows. Finnor had not been so lucky. It was the hard driving seat for him all the way to Imladris and he was thankful that his backside would soon be relaxing in an abundance of hot water, courtesy of Lord Elrond’s bathing pools. He and the wagon were now only a half hour away from much needed rest and he spurred the horses on, eager to see the gates, good food, and sleep.
~~~~~~
As he rode through the gates of Imladris Thranduil could see the familiar faces of two old and dear friends. Waiting to greet him were his long time friend and ally Elrond Half-Elven and the venerable Seneschal, Erestor of Lindon. Elrond and Erestor descended the stairs as the riders reined the horses to a stop; always one who loved to make an entrance, Thranduil took this opportunity to add a little flair to his arrival by virtually leaping off the back of Asfaloth and striding purposefully toward the stairs. Grand entrance and grand smile in place he all but swept Elrond off his feet with the strength of his embrace.
“Roni!” he exclaimed, “how fare thee old friend?”
“I am well, I am well, and you?” he responded as he drew Thranduil into his arms.
“Life has been good of late, I am well, my people are safe and secure, and as you can see,” he said as he turned slightly and gestured behind him, “my son has decided to outgrow me…testifying to the fact that he is strong and healthy as an oak.”
“Legolas” he beckoned, “come son greet an old friend.” The tall willowy archer slid gracefully from the back of his horse and traversed the stairs with a step as light as a dancer.
“Mae Govannen Lord Elrond, it has been too long since we have shared company.”
“That it has son of Thranduil, it appears your father was not exaggerating in his description of you, you are almost half a head taller than he…and in such a short time.”
“He is still growing like a weed Roni, with an appetite to match. I am hard pressed to keep enough food in the larder to keep him fed.”
“Now father…” the young elf admonished, an exasperated tone evident in his voice as he rolled his eyes skyward, “now you are exaggerating.” “Do not believe him Lord Elrond, he would have you believe that I am eating him out of house and home.”
“Close to it, I tell you Elrond he has the stomach of a Hobbit.”
“And what old friend has brought you this way? Do not tell me that you come seeking a grocer to feed this young oak, for I tell you that my own larders are continuously in danger of exhaustion for I have three of my own who are non-stop disposal systems.”
“Fear not Roni, I would not wish the stomach of this one on anything less than a mortal enemy, for he would surely deplete their stores and have them on their hands and knees begging for reprieve.”
“Do not believe a word he says Lord Elrond, he speaks badly of me only in an attempt to disguise the fact that as he ages he shrinks.”
“See you now what I have to contend with Elrond? Thranduil questioned in mock indignation, “such blatant disregard towards one’s king.”
“Do not even try it father,” the prince said laughingly, “he always trots out that ‘King’ thing whenever he is losing an argument. Tis not the crown that I disregard, but your exaggerated references to my stomach being akin to that of a Halfling.”
“And what of you Erestor?” Thranduil questioned as he stepped uncomfortably close to the seneschal. “Still as beautiful as ever I see…Glorfindel you are indeed a lucky elf, to share your life with one as stunning as this.”
Erestor looked away blushing, while Glorfindel flushed red with a twinge of jealousy, making a mental note of just how close Thranduil now stood to his beloved.
“I am well Thranduil, things have settled down quite nicely thanks to the book you sent me. We are all in your debt, without the book I do not know if we would have been successful in defeating the creature.”
“I am sure that one as brilliant as you would have found a way Erestor. A battle with a sword can always be lost, but the machinations of a fine mind can never be defeated.”
“You are too kind….come let us adjourn to the house you must be exhausted after such a long trip. Your sammoth stands ready and waiting.”
“Did you remember my lavender oil?” Thranduil questioned jokingly.
“But of course, I have taken the liberty of drawing your bath.”
“Ah, you are indeed one of a kind Erestor, you remember everything. Glorfindel I would not venture too far away from this one if I were you…you never can tell, someone might just come along and sweep him away from you.”
Glorfindel’s temper was slowly coming to the fore. “It was uncanny.” he thought, how Thranduil always had a way of knowing exactly which of his buttons to push at precisely the wrong time. As the squires began to lead the horses away Elladan and Elrohir joined the others on the stairs and they filed into the house.
“Yes” Glorfindel responded, “I guess I had better stay close then.” One thing is certain, he thought to himself, “If someone sweeps him away it most certainly will not be you.”
"....You gon' take too long ain't you?"
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