Light and Shadows (Thranduil's story post BOTFA)

The Glittering Caves

"Immeasurable halls, filled with an everlasting music of water that tinkles into pools, as fair as Kheled-zâram in the starlight" - Tolkien on the Glittering Caves.

This masterpiece soundtrack belongs, of course, to Howard Shore. So beautiful! 

As they walked inside, they looked upon large halls with massive pillars that were familiar to the elves of the Woodland Realm as Thranduil's palace was also built as a cave system. However, the walls were indeed glittering in the torches like a thousand stars at once while the walls in Thranduil's palace were not. Thranduil, Tauriel and their elven group followed Gimli and looked around at the splendid dwarven establishment. For elves, the beauty of the walls that sparkled as they passed by was breathtaking, even more so than for the dwarves, as the elves were enamoured by anything that resembled starlight. 

Both Thranduil and Tauriel's eyes were admiring the natural beauty of the Glittering Caves, with all the lights and fires lit by the dwarves that reflected on the walls and in the many clear water pools inside the place. They walked on thick marble floors and stone bridges carefully crafted by dwarves. Thranduil thought with honesty that it was one of the most beautiful places he had ever seen and he did not regret the decision to visit his son's friend. Tauriel was also entranced next to him by everything her eyes were taking in. He could definitely borrow a few ideas to re-decorate his halls inside the Woodland Realm, Thranduil thought with a smile, perhaps even work with the dwarves again now that there was peace between them. 

The dwarves, it seemed, were either throwing at them their typical proud gazes or were looking with curiosity and fascination at Thranduil's group as their delegation passed by led by Gimli. However, there was no disrespect shown by any of them as he was the Elvenking and the dwarven guards next to them bowed their heads in a short, respectful nod as they passed them by. Thranduil felt very different than he felt many years back when he entered Erebor and was received by Thror with arrogance and disrespect. Perhaps Gimli was different, just like Legolas had said. 

'I am afraid were have already started the feast.', Gimli turned and spoke with a rusty voice and a little laugh, as in the distance a great hall was lit and the music of instruments was being heard, resonating inside the caves. 'Two days ago! There is someone else who has been waiting for your arrival since.', he continued with a cheerful smile, turning again and leading the way.

Thranduil did not have any idea who he was referring to but chose to keep quiet until they settled inside. As they crossed another large stone bridge, he could finally see the fires of the dwarven feast where meat was being cooked, the many platters with food laid upon large wooden tables, barrels of wine and beer, dwarves playing flutes, fiddles and drums, as well as...

'Legolas.', Thranduil whispered, suddenly stopping and standing still as a statue, his eyes wide, surprised to see his son standing there, next to the dwarves at the table. 

'Hehe', Gilmli laughed, rubbing his hands. 'Legolas thought to surprise you and pay me a visit while you are also here.'

Legolas smiled and walked towards them. Thranduil could still not believe his eyes.

'Welcome to the Glittering Caves.', he said, placing a hand on Thranduil's shoulder and Thranduil reciprocated the warm gesture.

He was glad to observe that Legolas looked even happier here than he did when he was in Ithilien.

'Did you travel by yourself all the way here?', Thranduil asked, suddenly realising it with a frown. 'There are still enemies on the road who attack the free lands.'

'Do you know that your son is one of the best warriors I have seen?', Gimli replied, looking up at Thranduil before Legolas could even say anything. 'He has travelled on his own to far more dangerous places.'