bold is used for emphasis
Chapter 11:
Ethuil, Imladris, 2818 T.A.
“Híren, The Lord and Lady are approaching.”
“Thank you, Saelbeth. Are the barracks ready for their guards?”
“Yes, the stables, dining hall, council chambers, and guest quarters are all prepared. We are well ready for this Council. I took the liberty of sending someone to inform Lord Glorfindel of their approach as well.” Saelbeth was proud that he had managed to handle this task so competently with Erestor gone. He felt that the chief advisor worked far too much and needed someone he could trust to rely on. Saelbeth intended to prove that he was that someone.
“Wonderful. You have done very well these past weeks. I do appreciate your efforts and how you have so easily taken on extra duties.” Elrond was pleased at how well Saelbeth had taken over while Erestor has been gone. It would make things easier if Erestor finally leaves as he had been threatening. “Let us go greet them then, shall we?”
The pair turned down the hallway and headed for the front steps, where they encountered Glorfindel already standing in wait. “Híren, Saelbeth, is there a formal dinner scheduled for tonight, or are you waiting until the Mirkwood delegation arrives?”
Saelbeth replied, “I took the liberty of scheduling something small and informal tonight in the family dining hall, since I expect the Lord and Lady will be quite tired from their journey.”
Elrond raised a single eyebrow at Saelbeth’s initiative as he intoned, “I am certain they will appreciate your thoughtfulness.” Erestor does know how to pick his staff. I must tell him when he gets back how well Saelbeth has acquitted himself.
As Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel rode into the courtyard, Elrond noticed that his sons, Elladan and Elrohir, had ridden in with their grandparents and seemed to be chatting quite happily with the three Galadhrim near them. Elrond smiled, for he was genuinely glad to see his sons home and in one piece.
After the greetings, Elrond motioned Saelbeth to lead the guests to their rooms. Before Saelbeth could begin, Glorfindel spoke directly to Haldir, Orophin, and Rúmil, “Are you three staying in the guest quarters in the house or in the barracks near the warriors?” Galadriel’s eyes narrowed at the almost suggestive way this question came out, but the Elda just gave her a blinding smile as Elrond silently groaned. Please behave, Fin! I know her request angered you, but please.
Saelbeth detected the tension and quickly stepped in, “My Lord Glorfindel, I had assumed they would be staying in quarters next to their Lord and Lady.” He then turned to the three, “I am truly sorry if that is not what you desired. I can rearrange accommodations tomorrow if that will be satisfactory.” He finished smoothly.
“Thank you, Master Saelbeth,” Haldir answered. “I am certain that whatever rooms you have set up for us will do nicely for the entire trip. Please do not trouble yourself on our account.” Haldir saw Galadriel’s involvement in this exchange and he was not pleased with her intervention, but he would never go against his Lady’s wishes. If she wanted him near her and away from the barracks, so be it.
Elrond grinned, thoroughly pleased with Saelbeth. Yes, Erestor must know how insightful and quick Saelbeth is. He handled this almost as well as Erestor himself could have.
After a pleasant meal spent in the family dining hall, the guests retired to their rooms, and Elrond and Glorfindel enjoyed the rest of the evening in quiet conversation over a deliberately slow game of chess. Once his seneschal and captain of the Imladris guard had defeated him yet again, Elrond insisted that the evening was over. He gave his friend another sleeping draught and helped him to bed. As he climbed into the bed to hold the Elda throughout the night, the Peredhel’s thoughts drifted to Gildor and Erestor. He prayed that they were safe and there was a good reason for the delay.
Aurvellas was enjoying his morning ritual, savoring a strong cup of tea as he watched the first glimpse of Anor peaking into the valley. As seneschal, Glorfindel was normally an early riser, so Aurvellas had gotten into the habit of rising before the dawn to insure that he would have some moments of peace before duty called. Lately, due to Elrond’s potions, the seneschal was never available until after the morning meal, so Aurvellas used this “free” time to make his rounds, checking that all was well within and around the Last Homely House. Even though no overt transfer of duties had occurred, Aurvellas knew of Glorfindel's ills and immediately stepped in to help relieve his burden by personally insuring the security of the realm.
Once he was satisfied that nothing was amiss on his circuit, Aurvellas hurried to the office he shared with the captain. Glorfindel hated paperwork and was not particularly organized with it, so to save himself from having to redo work, Aurvellas would try to get most of it out of the way before his captain came in. It was an arrangement that seemed to work well for both of them, allowing Glorfindel the time for those things for which he truly excelled and saving Aurvellas time from having to redo incomplete or incorrect reports.
As he placed the last inventory report on the stack to be delivered to Saelbeth, he heard a flurry of activity and horses in the courtyard. He wondered who would be arriving this early, as the morning meal had not yet begun. When he arrived, the Mirkwood delegation was riding into the courtyard. Worse yet, there was no one on the steps of the Last Homely House to meet them! Aurvellas cursed under his breath and quickly raced to greet the guests. As he passed a page, he instructed the young one to hurry into the house and alert Master Saelbeth and Lord Elrond. He did not desire for the Mirkwood advisors to feel slighted at the lack of proper decorum in their reception.
Aurvellas straightened his braids and tunic as he rushed to receive the delegation. He was not dressed in formal robes, but luckily his morning circuit was less eventful than normal, so he was still fairly presentable. When he looked up, he was stunned into momentary inaction, for there in front of him was not simply Prince Legolas and a few advisors, but King Thranduil himself! There was no mistaking that the golden haired ellon astride the prancing stallion was the ruler of Mirkwood.
“Your Highness, this is a most unexpected honor.” He bowed formally and then continued, “We were unaware that you would personally attend the Council. Accept my humble apologies that we were not prepared to attend you properly this morning. Normally our scouts are more thorough than this.” This is not a good start to repairing relations between our realms.
The king fluidly dismounted and turned his horse over to the stable hand who suddenly appeared next to him. He smirked at how flustered the dark haired ellon in front of him appeared to be at their early arrival, or maybe just at his presence. “It is no matter. Your scouts could not report on our arrival because we rode in with them. A large party of yrch was spotted not far from your borders. I felt that all would be better served if we rode straight through to report this instead of attempting to rid Arda of those accursed beasts ourselves.”
At his words, four more blonde ellyn dismounted and stood next to the King. “Ah, this is my youngest, Legolas,” he said, his pride obvious, as he nodded toward the beautiful blonde who bore a strong resemblance to his father. “This is Lammaen, my Chief Advisor, and his right hand, Tegilbor,” he said, as he nodded in turn to each of the other two ellon who were dressed in formal robes instead of leggings. “And, this is Himmion, Captain of my guard,” he said as he gestured to a tall ellon with dark blonde hair who was dressed in the greens and browns of Mirkwood. “And, now that you know us, would you care to introduce yourself?” The king’s eyes glinted with barely concealed delight at the reaction his words were sure to have, while his features were a cool mask of indifference. He stood casually, with his arms folded over his chest.
Aurvellas silently groaned, “Aí, your Highness, I am deeply sorry for my ungracious welcome. I am Aurvellas, Second to Lord Glorfindel of Imladris. As must be plain by now, I am no diplomat, but simply a warrior. I am unused to the protocol for formal receptions.”
Thranduil was indeed delighted at Aurvellas’ reaction. The warrior had blushed lightly, tinting his fair skin pink, which only accentuated his light grey eyes. Thranduil licked his lips at the brown haired warrior whose strong, broad frame was in such contrast to his gentle features and soft lips. This might be more enjoyable than I expected. His gaze swept slowly over the warrior taking in every sinew, every twitch of the hard muscles before him.
Just as Aurvellas was quickly becoming nervous under the king’s over long perusal of his form, he heard Saelbeth’s quick steps coming from behind him. Thranduil’s lingering glances had made his skin tingle and he was surprised by his body’s reaction to the handsome king. He broke eye contact and turned, breathing deeply in relief.
As Aurvellas turned away, Thranduil heard a quick intake of breath from Legolas. He pulled his eyes from the warrior in front of him with great effort, for he was enjoying the view of that firm backside. He looked up to the steps, upon which were three dark haired forms, one in formal robes, flanked by two identical ellyn wearing black leggings and pewter tunics.
He immediately understood his son’s reaction, for the twin sons of Elrond were redoubtable, not only in their considerable skill at warfare, but also in their great beauty. The twins conveyed a mastery and command that could easily be deemed arrogant, if not for the warm light shining from their eyes. They stood quite regally, but their facial expressions conveyed a roguishness that was endearing. He sensed that these two could be quite the handful when they chose to be. Even though they had their father’s coloring, with dark hair and grey eyes, their features were obviously their mother’s, with fine high cheekbones and full, pouty lips. Their dark hair was loose and held away from their faces by warrior braids. Their attire did not hide, but instead, accentuated, their strong builds. They were elven tall, but not elven slim, possessing broad shoulders and powerful thighs, their strength obvious. The elf knight and elf warrior each had small smiles gracing their fair faces, while their eyes swept across the courtyard surveying the entire delegation. Immediately after passing azure blue eyes by, pewter grey eyes returned and locked with them, forcing the Prince to pull his gaze away.
Arriving at the top of the steps, Saelbeth paused and quickly assessed the situation. He was grateful that Aurvellas had stepped in to welcome the distinguished guests. He hurried down the steps but did so with such grace that he did not appear to be rushing. Once directly in front of the delegation he bowed low and said in a smooth, honeyed voice, “Your Highness, this is indeed a pleasant surprise. I am Saelbeth, Steward of Imladris. I am distressed that your early arrival caught us unprepared. I do hope that you will allow us the opportunity to demonstrate our customary hospitality.” He straightened and smiled warmly at the delegation. “Aurvellas will show your warriors to the quarters we have readied for them in the barracks. I felt they would be more comfortable there with the Lothlórien and Imladris guard than in the house proper.”
Upon hearing that, the Captain strode up to Saelbeth and placed his bent sword arm over his heart in a warrior’s salute. He introduced himself, “I am Himmion, Captain of the Guard. Your arrangements are to our liking. We will be quite comfortable in the barracks. Hannon le, híren.”
Aurvellas turned to Himmion, saying, “Captain, please have your men take their gear and follow me. I will show you to your quarters. It is early yet, so be assured that breakfast will still be available in the dining hall once you have had a chance to refresh yourselves.” The two warriors and the Mirkwood guard walked briskly away toward the barracks. As he was leaving the courtyard, Aurvellas felt eyes on his back. When he chanced a glance over his shoulder, his eyes met aquamarine blue ones. He felt himself color, and quickly turned away.
As Saelbeth was mastering the situation, Elrohir was engaged in ogling the Prince of Mirkwood from the steps. When Elladan finally noticed what his brother was doing, he hissed, “Tôr, stop leering at the prince. Things have already started off badly this morning without you angering the king by your lack of discretion.”
“Have no fear, ‘Dan, no one other than the prince is aware of my intent at this moment.” He snorted, “In fact, his father is too busy ogling Aurvellas to notice me.” Elrohir continued, his eyes never leaving the prince’s form, “And, do you blame me? He possesses a singular beauty does he not? I can only say that I look forward to seeing more of that archer’s frame, preferably unclothed and under me.” He winked at the prince then, and turned to his brother as Legolas flushed lightly.
“’Roh you are incorrigible. Do not get caught out saying those things. You know how important this Council is to Adar.” At that moment, Elrond calmly joined his sons at the top of the steps, pretending that he had not just been racing down the hallways.
“What are you two up to, ionnath nín?” Elrond quietly queried. “Please behave. King Thranduil does not leave his realm lightly. These are critical meetings,” he chided. He then strode down the stairs to greet his guests.
“I do believe Adar doubts that we understand the import of this Council. I am hurt, ‘Dan,” Elrohir teased.
“Let us join Adar and Saelbeth. We can offer to show the prince around. That would please you, would it not, tôr?” Elladan asked as he began descending the steps.
Elrohir inhaled lightly at the thought of spending time close to the prince and hurried after his twin.
As Elrond reached the group in the courtyard, Saelbeth turned to introduce him, “King Thranduil, may I present Lord Elrond.”
“Yes Saelbeth, we have met previously,” Thranduil’s reply was icy.
Saelbeth inwardly groaned at his faux pas. “Of course. Forgive me, your Highness.” He must be more careful where these two are concerned! “My Lord Elrond, allow me to present Prince Legolas, Masters Lammaen and Tegilbor.”
Elrond nodded in greeting to the group and waved to his sons as he said, “And these are my sons, Elladan and Elrohir.”
The twins each gave a warrior’s salute in lieu of bows, “We are delighted to meet you, my Lords.”
“Elrond, where might Lord Glorfindel be? I had given Himmion the impression that he would have an opportunity to spar with your legendary warrior,” Thranduil asked, trying his best to keep his tone pleasant.
“Glorfindel has been detained this morning, but he should be available after the morning meal,” Elrond replied. “I will inform him of your captain’s desire. He is usually delighted to spar with someone new; he views it as an opportunity to broaden his scope of knowledge.”
Saelbeth smoothly interceded at this point to keep things cordial, “My Lords, if you will follow me, I will show you to your quarters where you can refresh yourselves. Once you are settled in, I will have someone come and show you the way to the dining hall as I am certain you must be hungry.”
Elrond turned to leave, “If you need anything, please let Saelbeth know. I look forward to our meetings.” With that, he left them and returned to his study.
The twins followed Saelbeth and the Mirkwood Elves, Elrohir especially enjoying the view from behind the Mirkwood Prince. He smirked at his brother, who could only silently roll his eyes at his twin.
As they were walking down the long hallway in the guest quarters, Lammaen asked, “Master Saelbeth where might Master Erestor be? I was under the impression that he would be attending these meetings as well.”
Tegilbor groaned at the question, and interrupted before Saelbeth could answer, “Lammaen, did you learn nothing? Or do you desire for him to truly break your nose this time?” Lammaen hissed at this announcement, and Thranduil decided it best for him to intervene.
“Master Saelbeth, it seems your chief counselor and mine had an unpleasant ‘incident’ the last time they met. I believe Counselor Lammaen was inquiring so that he might make amends and insure there are no hard feelings. Was that not your intention, Lammaen?” The entire time he had been speaking in a pleasant, even tone, but the glare directed at his counselors indicated he was not happy that this conversation had occurred.
“Yes, my liege, you are correct. Master Erestor left so suddenly that I never had the opportunity to clear up the misunderstanding, or to apologize to him. I had hoped to rectify that.” He smiled winningly at Saelbeth.
Saelbeth was no fool. Even though Erestor kept most things to himself, he had heard about Lammaen’s failed attempt to seduce him. He had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing at the dissembling occurring before him! “Alas, I know not if you shall have that opportunity, Master Lammaen. Master Erestor is not in the valley at this time. He has been away and is not expected back for a little while yet. I am sorry to disappoint you.”
Saelbeth stopped in front of ornately carved double doors, and throwing them open, he gestured for the king and prince to step inside the gracious quarters. “Your Highnesses, I only have this suite of rooms prepared for you at this time since I was unaware that you both would be attending the Council. There are two bedrooms, each with a private bathing chamber, as well as separate sitting areas. These rooms also have a study and office area for meetings. I am sorry that I do not have individual accommodations for you, but hopefully this will suffice for the time being.” As he walked through the rooms, a young elleth stepped from one of the bathing chambers and started at seeing them. “Ah, Ithilwen, there you are. Is everything prepared and ready for our distinguished guests?”
She nervously replied, “Yes, híren, I just finished readying the last bathing chamber. I am sorry if I did not finish them on time…” Her words trailed off as she looked down at the floor.
At her discomfort, Thranduil stepped in and spoke soothingly. “No, my dear, I am certain you have finished your duties with time to spare; it is just that we arrived unexpectedly and very early. Hannon le for your work, pen neth.”
At his words, she dared to lift her head slightly, and could not contain a gasp at the mighty lord before her. He radiated power, and the other ellon next to him was a vision. She stammered, “Oh… yes… if… if… if you… you… need anything, please ring for me.” She raced by them and out the door, her face flushing brightly.
Saelbeth just rolled his eyes and shook his head as he watched her flee. “I apologize. She is young yet, and has not been the chambermaid for such powerful dignitaries before. If you desire a more experienced maid, I can reassign her, your Highnesses. But, I must let you know that she is sweet, and very good at anticipating all one’s needs. That is why I initially chose her for this role.”
The prince spoke up at once. “Oh, please do not reassign her on my account. She will be fine once she is accustomed to us, I am certain. And, these rooms are fine. They will be perfect for the duration of our stay, do you not agree, Adar?”
The king nodded his head in agreement, and then stretched as he said, “Yes. The rooms and Ithilwen will do fine. Now, I desire food and a bath. Could you see that she takes care of those things, Master Saelbeth? I do not desire to eat in the dining hall at this time, so just have a light meal sent here. Hannon le.” With that dismissal, he walked into the largest bedroom and closed the door behind him.
Elladan and Elrohir had watched the entire scene unfold from the hallway where they were still standing with the two Advisors. As Ithilwen raced by, flushing hotly, Elladan followed her and calmed her so that she could return soonest. He knew that the king and prince would have needs that must be attended to right away. Once she was calmed, he sent her back into the rooms where Saelbeth gave her instructions and she immediately set about serving the two lords.
Before leaving, Elrohir quietly took the prince aside and offered, “Mayhap after you have rested and restored yourself, you would enjoy a tour of Imladris? We would be happy to conduct such. It is a lovely day for a tour.”
Legolas thrilled at the light touch on his arm and the look in the Peredhel’s eyes, as he answered, “I should like that very much. Hannon le.”
With that, the twins departed and left Saelbeth with the counselors, who he showed to their suite of rooms. “These are your accommodations. I hope that they are to your liking. The bathing chamber is fine in here, but I suggest that you try the public baths as well. The water in them is from the natural hot springs under Imladris and has healing as well as soothing properties. I will send a page to escort you to the dining hall once you are refreshed. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to ask.” He turned to leave and closed the door behind him, while letting out a loud sigh of relief.
As soon as Aurvellas had shown the Mirkwood guard and their Captain to their quarters and had ushered them to the dining hall for breakfast, he headed directly for Glorfindel’s chambers, as he was certain the seneschal had not yet left them.
After knocking he heard a quiet, “Enter”, so he did. There was the Elda, half dressed, standing on the balcony, apparently lost in thought. There was a barely eaten breakfast on a tray in front of the fireplace, and a fresh undershirt and tunic casually tossed on the bed. It was obvious that Glorfindel had been in no hurry to begin his day.
“Glorfindel? Are you unwell this morning?” Aurvellas was growing increasingly concerned at his Captain’s erratic behavior, and he was doubtful that Elrond’s sleeping potions actually helped at all.
At the question, Glorfindel turned away from the view and walked into his room. “I am fine. I have a feeling that something bad is looming on the horizon, but I cannot see what it might be. Elrond has seen nothing, so he is unconcerned, but I cannot shake this uneasiness.” He shook his head as though trying to clear cobwebs from it. “Aíya, I hate how these potions slow me down in the mornings.” He brushed loose hair from his face and grabbed his shirt before he continued. “To what do I owe the pleasure of your smiling face this morning?” he quipped, for his second’s face was grim.
Aurvellas then recounted what the Mirkwood contingent had encountered as his Captain dressed. He elaborated with the Imladris scouts’ own observations as well. The realization that there was a large band of orcs near the Imladris borders, and that his friends were still out there somewhere snapped Glorfindel’s already overtaxed patience. He barked, “Aurvellas, ready a large party. I leave in an hour.”
“What? But, Captain, the Council meetings begin on the morrow. You are needed there. I can lead the patrol,” Aurvellas countered.
“No. I have sat here on my ass for too long. My friends are out there, and there are yrch on our border. It is my duty to remedy this situation and I shall. You have my authority to sit in the Council meetings. You can bring up our proposal. Have at least twenty of our guards ready for hard travel and fighting. Now go. I will inform Elrond and meet you in the courtyard within the hour.”
With that, the seneschal strode out of his rooms toward Elrond’s study, while Aurvellas rushed to the barracks. He had a slight smile on his face for this was his Captain of old and he had been sorely missed!
Elrond tried to argue with Glorfindel, but was finally persuaded to give his support and allow the seneschal to lead the patrol. The healer in him still worried what would happen if the Elda was overcome by his nightmares while away. He only hoped that the intensity of the warrior’s daytime activities might keep his nights free of dreams.
As Elrond left his study, he bumped into his sons, who were also planning to join the patrol. He may not have had success in dissuading his seneschal, but he did put his foot down with Elladan and Elrohir and force them to stay this time. They were both chafing at the restriction, until Elrohir spied the Mirkwood prince heading toward the dining hall. At the reminder of his promise to give the prince a tour of Imladris, Elrohir quickly relented and went to catch up to Legolas. Elladan waved him on and continued to walk with his father.
TBC
Translations:
Ethuil – late spring
híren – my lord
yrch – orc or orcs
ellyn – male elves
hannon le – I thank you
tôr – brother
ionnath nín – my sons
elleth – female elf
pen neth – young one