The Do'Urden Brothers

Chapter 16

The fortress of Amandir reminded Legolas a lot of Rivindel, and Lord Sundomar, leader of the caelrilcarn, did bear a striking resemblance to Lord Elrond. When Legolas was led into the council chambers, Sundomar and three other elves were meeting, no doubt discussing matters of concern to the forest. With a nod, he dismissed his fellow members of the council, and they each regarded Legolas as he was escorted past them, flanked on either side by Chandrelle and Enariel, the male elf who had spoken up against their entry.

"Legolas Greenleaf, My lord," Chandrelle introduced, stepping aside so that the elf could approach. Legolas got the impression, just by the way this male walked with an air of wisdom and confidence, that he should show proper respect. He bowed his head as Sundomar regarded him, looking him over with curiosity.

"He has brought dark elves to our sacred city, my lord," Enariel pointed out, his tone of hostility had them all glancing his way, Chandrelle fixing him with a disapproving scowl. "Three of them. And a human female."

"It was my decision to bring the party here," Chandrelle pointed out, squaring her shoulders as she shot Enariel another warning glance. "One in their party had been attacked by a ghoul, I felt it was an appropriate errand of mercy."

"As if the drow would have returned the favor," Enariel mumbled back, but Sundomar only held up a hand, promptly silencing both of them.

"You must forgive Enariel," Sundomar explained to Legolas before motioning to a pair of willow woven chairs in front of the small terrace overlooking the city below. "He has been out of sorts ever since the council elevated Chandrelle to leader of our warriors over him."

Both Chandrelle and Enariel tensed at the blatant observation of such feelings. But with a simple wave of a hand by Sundomar, they both turned, striding out the door and leaving Legolas alone with him. Legolas settled down in one of the chairs offered, glancing down at the small town nestled within the dense trees of the forest.

"My party and I are grateful for your hospitality," Legolas began carefully, watching the elf as he took his seat opposite him. He pulled a willow woven table over between then, upon which rested a porcelain tea set. "And I hope you will forgive my curiosity."

"I trust the druids will see to your companion's recovery," Sundomar assured him as he handed him a small porcelain mug. "Please enjoy this tea, it's a rose blend designed for comfort and ease, just the thing one needs after a long and arduous journey."

Legolas accepted the tea graciously, and as he put the mug to his lips and took a sip of the warm liquid, he did breathe in a sense of grounding and peace. The tea was sweet and floral, its aroma made Legolas think of the forest.

Sundomar watched with amusement before leaning back in his chair. "I am the oldest in perhaps all the High Forest," he began simply, shrugging to suggest his statement was more of an exaggeration than any truth. Perhaps he wasn't the oldest being alive in this forest, but he was close enough to it. Legolas couldn't help but take that statement at face value, for the elf before him commanded wisdom.

"But I am not older than the history of my people. Or yours, I suspect. I may be able to answer your questions, but I fear my knowledge may not be adequate for such time spans."

"I am grateful for any wisdom you may offer," Legolas assured him. "I want to know the link between the elves of this land and the continent far to the east where I have come from. How is it that you speak Silvan?"

"I cannot speak for every race of elf in Faerun," Sundomar explained. "Not all speak silvan. Chandrelle, myself, and a large percentage of elves of this land are in fact descendant from a small group of elves who came here from Middle Earth in the first age. But when they arrived here, they left behind their immortality. You see, the elves of Faerun, though long lived, are not immortal. So I am afraid those original travellers have all succumbed to death by now."