Silhouettes

Chapter 15

The elves made their way down the mountain to a thin creek that glistened in the afternoon sun. Soft thuds of the horse's hooves echoed through the earth, carrying the exhausted party to Rivendell.

"Merilinor, wake up. Look ahead." Thranduil called over to the resting elf.

In front of them lay a magnificent pathway built over a deep blue green river which lead to an intricate entrance adorned with large stone statues.

"Welcome comrades, to the great Kingdom of Rivendell." Elrond announced grandly.

Elrond led the excited Thranduil, giggly Legolas and exhausted Merilinor down the pathway. Thranduil having been to Rivendell on more than one occasion pointed things out and explained the beautiful architecture to Legolas, who giddily paid attention; only because his father's voice seemed happy. Merilinor too, although yawning and hollow under the eyes, paid close attention to his king and peered around in wonder seeing the marvel of it all for the first time. Elrond breathed in heavily as he felt the warm breeze and saw the sun shimmering in the water that ran beneath them; he was home.

It was late in the afternoon and the warm sun had started setting, casting a soft orange glow over the kingdom. The party rode through the gates and were immediately greeted with four elves, two guards, what must have Elrond's valet, and a beautiful young girl whose dark hair and grey eyes matched those of her father.

"Father, you're home!" Arwen elegantly ran to her father as he climbed down from his horse and jumped to embrace him. Whilst mature and reserved, her youth showed as she smiled at the visitors in anticipation.

"My Lord Thranduil, it's wonderful to see you again." Arwen bowed, followed by a warm and sincere hug, which involved the baby Legolas. "Hello there, little one!" she played with his fingers as he tried to hold hers.

"I don't believe we've met." She turned to Merilinor as he unsuccessfully clambered down from his horse, desperately trying to look composed for the young maiden.

Merilinor bowed. "My lady, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

The guards took the three horses to the stables nearby where they received plenty of water and fresh hay, whilst Elrond's valet led the group to the dining hall. The two walked in front talking in elvish about the journey and some ministerial issues which had arisen over the past few days. Arwen chatted excitedly to Thranduil who was still carrying Legolas, and Merilinor trailed behind, again; this time content with the few moments of privacy and solitude he had to himself.

The dining hall was so unlike the one which the elves of Mirkwood were accustomed too; there were no tall pillars and twisting archways, no dark wood and dim candlelight. Instead they came upon an open courtyard which overlooked the great waterfalls and blossoming trees which scattered the landscape. The setting sun now sent streaks of bright pink and purple into the sky, illuminating each surface with golden light. Thranduil chuckled to himself as he eyed the meal which had been prepared for them. The low tables were surrounded with silk cushions, bouquets were centred on each and delicate crockery and cutlery had been laid out for each of the dining elves.

"Please, let us sit, eat and be merry." Elrond smiled and gestured for everyone to sit down.

Merilinor, attempting to hide his eagerness and exhaustion, sat down heavily and gulped down a full glass of wine followed by a handful of; whatever the leaves were in his bowl. Resting his elbow on the table and head in his hand, he made the mistake of closing his eyes and promptly fell asleep.

"Thranduil, please, just try some of the salad." Elrond said this jokingly but hoped not to offend the cooks.

"Only if it is accompanied by some ale." Immediately a young elf came to his side with a fresh mug of ale. "I must say, you have excellent service here." Thranduil nodded to the young elf and took a gulp.

After some time of chatting and joking, and some snoring from Merilinor's end of the table, Elrond rose and thanked everyone for the wonderful company. He quietly spoke to Arwen aside, and after a dignified nod she left the table and took a content Legolas away from the hall. Elrond motioned for Thranduil to accompany him and the two left down a light stone staircase to talk privately.

Merilinor woke groggily to find himself almost alone at the table, with some guards standing silently at the edge of the hall and Elrond's valet gracefully sipping some wine at the next table down. Merilinor attempted to make himself presentable after pulling his hair from his wine glass which, unfortunately had some red remnants in it.

"Good wine?" Merilinor said to the valet trying his best to disperse the awkward atmosphere. "My name is Merilinor, it's lovely to meet you."

"Lindir. It's nice to meet you too." He replied with a smirk. The young Mirkwood elf was almost pitiful but very endearing in his attempts to stay alert and sociable.

The indigo sky had now cast a shadow over the two elven kings as they slowly and solemnly walked through the courtyard below.

"Thranduil, I know this situation may be difficult for you, given past events. You were so young, and still are I might add. Now is the time no man would wish to be in our position."

"My father's death was no surprise, and I'm ashamed to put it so plainly, but it was no great loss for myself. If the orcs are a growing threat once again, Mirkwood will not hesitate to act, in protection of our own and of our brothers." Thranduil placed a hand on Elrond's shoulder.

"Your father was a great man, but he certainly rests in your shadow, Thranduil. Rivendell will be forever thankful."

The two walked on.

"Unfortunately, it is not just the orcs which are a threat to our kingdom, now." Elrond spoke quietly and reservedly. "The dwarves and men of the north have requested an assembly with Rivendell, and Mirkwood if you are willing to listen."

Thranduil paused, "Of course. But what would the folk in the north wish to speak about?"

"It has been an age since such a threat became known, I admit not even I have experienced such one, but time brings everything to light once again." Elrond spoke with such trepidation and genuine fear in his voice that Thranduil felt a chill come over him.

"the dragons of the north have been seen, too close to the Dhornbad Pass. They are afraid, with good reason."

"Dhornbad; it lies underneath Gundabad, correct? That Stronghold hasn't been touched by enemy hands in years. Despite its history, the dwarves and men trade peacefully now and its hardly inhabited; the men of the north are largely nomadic." Thranduil said this in vain hope that his information was correct and the threat of dragon fire would not follow into his kingdom.

"Yes, the men do not reside there, however the stronghold invites all who are in danger and if this threat becomes too apparent, we can be certain it will shelter those in need; men and dwarves alike."

"I'm sure the dwarves cannot be happy with this." Thranduil said smartly.

"Indeed. Their leaders are more concerned about their resources and import market."

"Of course, the lives of their people hardly matter when goods are involved." Thranduil remarked bitterly.

"Thranduil, their ways are unclear and at times unconventional to our kind, but they are in need, the men too."

"Of course, please excuse my manner."

"There will be a council, here in Rivendell, the leaders of the men and dwarves of Gundabad will be present; the two of us are also requested."

"Indeed. Mirkwood will extend our hand to those in need."

"Your mother would be proud, Thranduil, you present a king which rightfully rules in Middle Earth."

Starlight now lit the path they walked on which carried them back to the halls of Rivendell. The dining hall had been cleared and was now decorated with candlelight and silk cushions laid on the cool polished stone. Two elves lay laughing and drinking as they watched the stars glitter in the deep, midnight blue sky. The two kings smiled and left their respective valet's, and went to their chambers.