"We must not act rashly, Ghrune; your people and property will be protected when the time comes." Elrond closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead. The council had been in order for hours and far from resolving the issue, problems were mounting as each member spoke.
"How can we trust these fools! Your elegance will pay you no favour in battle old man." Ghrune, dwarf king of the Gundabad mines had started heating up as soon as he laid eyes on the silk gowns and flowing hair of the elves.
"Have we not come to your aid before? Have we not given you opportunity to trade with our people? It is hardly our doing to make you so bitter and untrusting towards us." Thranduil spoke with good intention but his arrogance and pride in politics showed.
"Yet." Was all Ghrune spat back.
"Complicated folk aren't they;" the King of the men in the north said aside to his second. "Gentlemen, please, whilst we're arguing the dragons are bearing down on our mines, our stronghold and soon your kingdom Lord Thranduil. Might we move past our differences and agree that a common enemy is on our doorstep. We need to take action, now."
"I agree, Tabhir. It is only a matter of time before these dragons are upon us, I pledge my armies to assist in this confrontation, and that is that." Elrond said bluntly and stood up to relieve himself of the council.
"As do I. My men will do what we can in order to help your people." Thranduil stood and nodded to both Ghrune and Tabhir.
"The men of the north graciously accept your offer." Tabhir stood and bowed his head.
All heads now turned to Ghrune who had sniffed at every pledge. "The dwarves of Gundabad accept also, and I too offer my men to fight alongside your people." His words were not very convincing, but it was enough for Elrond, who had already made his way to the podium to place his seal on a document of agreement. The others followed and all members present left by different exits.
In the late afternoon the sun cast a shadow over the cliffs and forests which stretched into the horizon. A cool breeze whipped the air. Thranduil had left to wander the farthest courtyard away from the others.
"My lord, are you OK?" a young elf lightly ran to catch up with his king who had slipped away unnoticed.
"Oh, Merilinor, yes I'm fine, just a little flustered. That all seemed so pointless, nothing was solved." The elves continued walking together. Merilinor nodded silently.
"I couldn't stand all that arguing and blaming, so much hatred towards each other. I mean, should we really be helping them if they're not good people. I need to protect my kingdom; I will not waste my own blood." He raised his voice a bit too much and Merilinor stopped in his tracks. Thranduil sat down heavily on a stone bench, which a wild rose bush had beautifully taken over. He put his head in his hands and sighed. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that. I promised I wouldn't become my father." Merilinor heard him sniff and rub his eyes. He sat down next to him, unintentionally mirroring his friend, with his elbows on his knees. Not sure what to say, he brushed away some leaves and vines from the bench, picking up a rose bud and fiddling with it in his fingers.
"Forgive me, Merilinor, you shouldn't have to see your king this way."
Merilinor handed the rose bud to Thranduil. "As your valet it is my sworn duty to protect you and fulfil your wishes; as your friend it is my unspoken oath to sit here next to you and pick up your broken pieces. I know you're hurting, Thranduil, but you're not alone. Just look around you." Thranduil saw the rose bud in his hands and felt warmth inside of him. "besides, your father wouldn't have brought his son to Rivendell just for fun; and then agree to a meeting with dwarves and men."
In the distance behind them a bell sounded from the main halls. "Dinner!" Merilinor said excitedly and stood up, reaching his hand out for Thranduil after him. They held each other's wrists and embraced when both were standing.
"Thank you, my friend." Thranduil said so sincerely that Merilinor thought he might choke up too.
"Alright, let's get you cleaned up and presentable, I'm sure Legolas won't want to see his father like this."
The two elves wandered back to the great halls, the rose bud tucked carefully in Thranduil's robes.
YOU ARE READING
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FanfictionAt first they were friends And they made a vow To stay that way From then until now. But something changed One sunny day As they laid in the grass And it stayed that way For the rest of their lives They would be one Through good times and bad Throu...
