Living with Death

Chapter 8

Thranduil stayed in his throne, drinking heavily at the red wine hoping it would clear his thoughts of his son. His son who is riding north as he he sat, looking for the ranger.

"King Thranduil?" A old, gruff voice sounded from the steps to the circular area, Thranduil shot up his gaze to Gandalf, leaning on his staff and gazing up at the woodland king with gentle eyes.

"Mithrandir." Thranduil sighed, standing and descending from his throne, "you're here for Elen? I... I apologise, my mind was elsewhere."

Gandalf nodded, understanding and sympathizing where Thranduil stood. "Don't worry my lord, everything will be okay. Now, why don't I go talk to little Elen?" Thranduil sighed, completely forgetting why the wizard was even there and lead the way to the house, Bilbo trailing behind Gandalf, listening to the situation. The three reached the gate, and a guard came running towards their king, bowing and announcing.

"My grace, lord Elrond is here." Thranduil nodded, turning his gaze towards the gate as a grown haired elf strut in, gold armor clad him and his face old.

He quickly caught the gaze of Thranduil, approaching his old friend he bowed, and Thranduil teased. "Did you expect to be fighting orcs hear? Sorry to disappoint but it's a elfling."

Elrond sighed, looking down at his attire and explaining. "I was dealing with something else and didn't have time to change." The two elders laughed and continued to the home, their hearts getting heavier as they old wooden door came into view. Carefully Thranduil went ahead of the three, his right hand slowly closing to a fist and knocking on the door. There was noises within the house, whispers that Thranduil had no care to know what they were saying. The door opened, Randur's red hair neatly tied back and speckled with mud.

"My lord." He courted, bowing to the woodland king before he noticed the others. "Oh... I see. Please come in, I will go get Elen." Thranduil nodded, leading the others inside the house where Satariel was busying herself at the kitchen, silently ignoring her visitors. The four made themselves seemingly comfortable, but the nervousness growing within them as thumps were heard. They turned their attention towards the stairs, relaxing greatly when realizing the thumps was Elen, jumping down each step. She looked up at her visitors, smiling towards her king, but quickly noticed the new ones she did not know.

"King Thranduil!" She peeped, giving small hops of glee, "who you they?"

Gandalf spoke first, approaching the child and kneeling. "I am Gandalf the Grey, a-"

"A wizard!" She peeped, bouncing up and down in excitement. The elders laughed, unable to see the death in her eyes and hands that Thranduil has claimed. She looked at the others, blinking and trying to figure out who they were.

"Ah of course let me introduce my friends." Gandalf lifted his hand for Bilbo to come forward, "this is Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit from the Shire; Bilbo, this is Elen." He stepped forward and gave a small smile, Elen smiled back and waved.

Elrond stepped forward next, kneeling and smiling as Gandalf stood. "Hello little Elen, I am lord Elrond of Rivendell." Elen's eyes widened, recognizing the city and famous name.

"Hi!" She waved to him again, leaping forward and giving him a hug as the others jumped at the action. Elrond froze, waiting for something to happen, but he only felt her small body against his. He returned the hug and carefully pried her off, smiling towards her before standing.

Thranduil stepped forward, knowing it was safe now he approached the elfling and held out his hand for her. "Elen why don't you come with us, lord Elrond and Gandalf are curious about your... talents." He chose carefully, making sure he wouldn't freak out Elen, but Satarial now intervened.