Book II: The Saga of Thranduil

Chapter IX: Last Days in Eryn Galen

Standing at the entrance of the smiths' caverns, I could see the light of a thousand suns rise from far below. It was the first time I had ventured there. As I entered, it was dark and extraordinarily hot as the fire pits were blazing, filling the air with steam and the smell of molten metals. The sound of hammers beating into shape elven blades and mail made my head throb. 

I approached Meláze as he was inspecting the work of one of his smiths. When not covered in soot, he was an elf of flawless beauty with long light brown hair the color of sand—and deep blue eyes. When he saw me he approached me and bowed.

"I was expecting you, Your Highness," he said gallantly. "Nînuir said you would come for King Oropher. Come."

He led me through the rows of elves working fiercely with everything imaginable from arrowheads and swords. Meláze led me into another cavern that was far cooler and lit by lanterns. Several elves worked on suits of armor. We stopped in front of a complete suit—the one to be worn by my father.

"It is beautiful," I said. "Has my father seen it yet?"

"He will tonight," Meláze said. "All the mail is nearly done for every soldier. I do have one thing to show you. Tatháron, come."

Tatháron was Meláze's son. Tall and strong, his long golden hair was tied behind to keep it from his delicate features. His eyes were a grey so dark they seemed like two shiny silver pommels. He carried with him the rarest of metals—Mithril in the form of mail. Two elves behind him brought to me my armor.

"Is that Mithril," I asked. "How did you come across it?"

"It is better to not ask questions, Your Highness," Meláze answered smiling. "But it is for you. A gift from your father."

"And this is your suit, Your Highness," Tatháron said bowing. "I hope it is to your liking as I made it myself."

I was overwhelmed with its detail. A breastplate with the crest of Eryn Galen on it made of sturdy beaten steel. Each plate was made to precise detail. I realized while I was measured for my wedding attire, I was being equally measured for this as well. I touched the cold smoothness of it. It felt light but strong.

"Excellent craftsmanship, Tatháron," I said. "Thank you."

"Carry on, son," Meláze said. "We must have everything done by dawn."

He and the other bowed and left as Meláze led me out toward the opening of the caverns.

There was a glow to the night that appeared to have a peace to it as we left the caverns. I was relieved to feel the cool air of evening on my face.

"You may tell His Majesty that all will finished as commanded," he said to me. He paused and looked around. "I hardly see the outside of these caverns. Even in times of war, I find peace in the forest. I pray for our sake this ends quickly that I may come above more often."

He bowed to me and returned to the fire pits. I looked about and saw Elranduil with Amroth. I walked over to them within a secluded area of the gardens where the shade of the birch always hid from sight all things from those looking from above.

"How were the fires tonight, Thranduil," Elranduil asked.

"Hot, Elranduil," I said. "And fiery." He smiled at me as we stood in the night waiting in silence.

Before long, we were approached by three cloaked figures. They stopped before us and one by one removed their hoods. Êlúriel, Ardúin, and finally, Nimrodel.

"If I am in a dream, I dare not wake up," Amroth said. "Is it you?"

"Yes, Amroth," Nimrodel said. "I came to see you off to war, my love."