Lorinand Memoirs: The Bough Breaks

Chapter - 09

"I understand if it cannot be helped, however, I would appreciate Thranduil not be informed of this visit." Lord Garävegión stated emphatically as Lenwë entered the smaller, more private meeting room.

"I have not yet met with the prince." King Amdír said quietly as he leaned back comfortably in the soft worn chair. "I admit I am concerned as to what is so important that you would arrive at my door on his heels and under the cover of darkness no less." He told him, not willing to agree to anything at this point.

"You must understand Lord Garävegión." He continued, pausing to accept the goblet of wine from Lenwë. "Oropher already tests my patience in attempting to dictate his wishes regarding my stewardship of his son. I shall hear what you have to say before I agree. However, I must act in accordance with what I feel is best for the people of Lórinand."

"Trust me when I say I respect your position." Lord Garävegión sighed heavily, more than a little uncomfortable. "I am not here at the behest of my king. Quite the contrary as I am aware of his true intentions and I am here of my own choice as I seek to dissuade you. I do not believe it is in the best interest of either the prince or the future of the kingdom should you agree to Orophers' foolish request of a betrothal at this time."

"I assure you I have no intentions of honoring such a request." King Amdír replied adamantly, his blue gray eyes narrowing slightly. "If Oropher seeks an alliance with Lórinand, it will not be thus. There is much more you are not telling me. I find your interest in this is curious. Please enlighten me as to the source of these concerns." He continued, his tone softening somewhat yet his gaze challenged him.

"It was myself and the Lady Laurefindë who convinced Oropher to send the prince to you." Lord Garävegión stated cautiously. "While information was too little too late, Thranduil needs to be permitted to come into his own person and he will not be able to do this under Orophers' control. We felt that it was in his best interests to come here for that purpose."

"Lord Garävegión, you are far more the diplomat than your king." King Amdír chuckled as he leaned forward. "I doubt very much that Oropher would have permitted his son to travel farther than here or to Imladris. I know full well it is only his disdain for the Noldor that he agreed to put aside his dislike for me and send him here. Even then I expect that he will summon him before the winter season."

"It is time for the truth to come out." Lord Garävegión sighed, pausing to take a long drink from his goblet before turning his attention back to the king. "It is on Thranduils' behalf that I speak for myself and Lady Laurefindë who was a dear friend of his mother Háleärgiliäth." He paused again, noting the sudden change in the kings' expression.

"I knew that her father had spoken to Oropher." King Amdír said quietly, almost to himself. "He knew that I had asked for her hand as well. The arrangement did not sit well with me as it was my understanding that he had committed himself to another." He added, his tone curious as he turned toward Lenwë, frowning slightly at the knowing look in his eyes.

"He was." Lord Garävegión stated, his courage rising as he noted the silent exchange between the two. "Orophers' true love was Cerályië, another ellyn..."

"You knew of this?!" King Amdír exclaimed, interrupting him as his eyes widened in disbelief as he continued to stare at Lenwë.

"I think you need to listen to everything he has to say Amdír." Lenwë said quietly, casting a curious glance toward Lord Garävegión. "I have already spoken with Galion. He is with Elrond as we speak."

"Then you understand the purpose of my visit." Lord Garävegión stated, his expression turning grim as he looked back at the king. "Their liaison was not by any means ordinary even given the circumstances. It was only after Háleärgiliäth became aware of the relationship between them and Orophers' subsequent refusal to give him up..."