fingers..... sore..... *whimper*
Dec. 11th, 2002 10:54 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
eliabrithBeen doing some writing and got part 1 of When Darkness Falls done will stick the prologue up here tomorrow and post this bit to ff.net then too. Acoording to Claris Works this part is 3315 words long (with out notes) and except about 1000 all that got done tonight. So without further ado it being posted and i'm of to bed.
When Darkness Falls
Part 1.
Eldarion smiled as he glanced about the small dining room. It wasn’t often it was just family members for a meal and even rarer that they were all present. Even birthdays weren’t a family occasion, they were public and market by banquets held in the Palace in honour of the person whose birthday it was. Not that he minded, most of the court were friends and some of the members could be considered as uncles or older brother figures.
But this was the last time his family would all be together for some time, possibly for many years
so he took the time to just sit think and watch. He was finally going to live with his grandfather and Uncles in Imladris where his mother had grown up. His father had considered sending him to Eryn Lasgalen, where Aragorn had grown up, for some time as well as the extended stay in Imladris but had finally dismissed it as unworkable. He glanced about soaking up the relaxed atmosphere, a far cry from general daily life where work took most of his parents time.
His father King Aragorn Elessar sat to one side of the hearth simply watching the flames dance and for a time Eldarion simply studied his profile. This was the first time in months he’d seen his father without some business urgently requiring his attention. As King, Aragorn was often away or occupied by matters of State, such as the Lord’s Council tomorrow which would be the last official function Eldarion would have the displeasure of attended for a while. He would leave with his mothers kin the day after it concluded.
His mother Arwen had insisted that they have this private time for a farewell supper and as there would be little free time with the Council being held it was decided that both the official function and family supper would be held the day before it started. The official court function had been held at luncheon instead of dinner at the Queen’s decree. He turned his eyes from his father to the younger family members.
His 15 year old twin sisters sat on a fur rug on the floor whispering to each other while their mother Arwen looked on with a tolerant smile from her seat on the opposite side of the hearth from her husband. His sisters had grown up from sweet shy girls to being the court gossips within a couple of years, though Legolas had assured Eldarion that it was a phase all girls went through and it would pass sooner or later. Unfortunately the phase had already lasted long enough for most of his confidences and secrets to become common knowledge among the young ladies of the court. He hoped by the time he came back to Minas Tirith the phase would have passed, although with them being immortal it may not have. He groaned quietly and made a mental note to ask Legolas about it at the earliest possible opportunity.
Four sets of blue-grey eyes turned on him Elven and Half Elven ears having caught the slight noise that escaped him.
“Is something the matter Eldarion?”
“No Father, tis nothing.” He smiled hoping no-one would enquire further and they could sink back into the easy silence but a quick glance at his mother told him it was not to be.
“Something must be amiss to cause you distress my son.”
“Nay Mother, it was simply a random thought.”
“Perhaps if you shared your troubles with your family it would help? After all that is why we are here.” Arwen replied sweetly.
Eldarion looked at his mother recognising her seemingly innocent query as both what it seemed and a veiled insult at his Father’s reluctance to confide in his wife or speak to her of matters not directly connected with her other than in casual conversation such as weather and general news. From the corner of his eye Eldarion saw Aragorn stiffen as he too recognised the jibe while the twins remained blissfully ignorant of the change in atmosphere as their parents stared at each other over the girls heads. Eldarion cast about for an excuse to satisfy his mother and diffuse the situation, he dare not tell the truth as it would only provoke another quarrel between his parents.
If he mentioned his leaving at all his mother would take it as a reluctance on his part to leave and demand he stay with her as she had done 5 years ago which had been when it had been first planned for him to go study with the Elves. Even though at 20 he was able to make his own decisions Arwen would still use it as an excuse to have an argument with Aragorn.
And if he mentioned Legolas it would end any chance of peace for the rest of the evening and cause a horrible atmosphere for the Council. He could understand why his mother resented Legolas, after all she was Aragorn's wife and the mother of his children and felt that as his wife he should belong to her exclusively. She was bitterly jealous that her husband had never offered her anything more that his friendship while Legolas held his heart, It didn't matter to her that Legolas had been a part of Aragorn's life for longer than she'd known her husband.
Grasping at the first, admittedly weak, excuse to come to mind Eldarion broke the increasingly uncomfortable silence.
"Mother it was not troubles that pained me, rather it was the memory of a bad joke told to me earlier."
Arwen blinked at her son not having expected him to answer, in fact she had almost forgotten the children's presence. Aragorn looked thoughtfully at his son as though aware of Eldarion's attempts and nodded almost imperceptibly.
"Tell us the joke!" Chorused the twins, unintentionally distracting Arwen further but landing their brother back in hot water.
"I'm sure I've told you it before." Eldarion stalled wracking his brain for a joke.
"You might not have." said Elwen with her younger sibling backing her up with a nod and crossed arms.
"Yes Eldarion, tell us your joke." Arwen smiled at her son encouragingly.
"Umm... let me see if I can remember how it starts again." Thoughts racing Eldarion could not think of a single joke.
Just then there was a knock at the door making everyone jump at the sudden noise in the quiet room. Eldarion sagged in relief at the interruption and met his Fathers amused look and wry smile. No-one else noticed his reaction as Arwen had leapt to her feet and the girls had to scramble to avoid being trampled underfoot.
“Who would dare.. I left explicit instructions with the guard for no interruptions and all the servant were dismissed after clearing the supper away....” Arwen's rant continued as she stalked across the room to unlock the door.
“Someone will pay for.” She was cut of abruptly when she flung the door open hard enough for it to hit the wall behind with a resounding crash and bounce back off it before she caught it again. Every attention was on the door but all they could not see past Arwen’s stiff form blocking the doorway.
“Even you are supposed to follow orders despite what you may think of yourself.” The cold sneer in Arwen’s voice was enough to identify the person in the corridor. Eldarion looked at his Father who was getting to his feet a worried frown on his face. Whatever Legolas wanted must be important for him to risk the Queen’s wrath. He generally stayed out of her way as much as was possible for him in his position as Commander of the Royal Guard and the Kings personal body guard but when they met he was always polite and respectful to her never giving her cause for complaint that she could and would use in arguments with her husband.
“My apologies for the disruption to your evening, my Lady but I was instructed to inform your Majesties that Lords Elrond, Celeborn, Gloin and King Thranduil have arrived with their parties for tomorrows Council and they request a short audience with the Royal Family.”
As ever when he was dealing with the Queen Legolas kept his tone polite and humble. As Arwen couldn’t find fault in the phasing of the message to take offence at she settled for taking her frustration out by slamming the heavy door shut in Legolas’ face, before turning her glare upon her husband. Aragorn however clearly expecting a verbal attack turned to the twins with a smile.
“Want to go and greet your Grandfather Elrond?”
Two almost identical faces lit up at the ideas and Eldarion could almost hear the thought process happening under the dark hair, Elrond equals presents!
“Yes please.” They chorused together before dropping their heads to whisper to each other. no doubt speculation on what they might get.
Aragorn stretched and turned to his Queen.
“We should not keep the Lords waiting they will be weary from the travelling and I’m sure lord Elrond wished to see you and his grandchildren, it has been some years since his last visit.”
Both Aragorn and Eldarion watched Arwen closely. Her expression was sour and her eyes flashed angrily, she looked as though she would refuse just to spite her husband, then she gave a sharp nod.
“I may as well try and retrieve some pleasure from this ruined evening and I do desire to speak with my Father.”
Ouch, Eldarion thought. Sometimes his mother could be very unpleasant when she didn’t get her own way. Aragorn walked over to the door and opened it looking out into the corridor.
“Legolas?” The Elf appeared out of the shadows across the corridor, unarmed and dressed in a dark silver grey tunic and charcoal leggings he had almost blended into the darkness.and stepped into the dinning room when Aragorn motioned him to. Arwen face twisted into a sneer and Eldarion looked to see what his sisters reactions to Legolas’ presence would be today. Over the years they had had several differing opinions of Legolas, when they were little they had adored the Elf who, during stuffy feasts had spoken to and taken care of them when their nursemaids where otherwise occupied, he had taught them all to ride and often entertained them with tales of what Father did and saw on his trips outside the city. When they where about 8 or so the twins had decided they where very grown up and should do as Mother did, which meant that Legolas had been greeted with scorn from his previously adoring audience, now teenaged they altered between playing grownup and following Arwen’s lead, and adolescent crushes with a desire to do anything to gain his attention. It was difficult to know which unsettled the blond Elf more, mini Arwen’s or squabbling over who he liked best. However Eldarion was disappointed, apparently the thought of presents from Elrond was too engaging for his sisters to even notice Legolas was in the room. Eldarion forced himself to pay attention to the conversation happening in the room.
“I left the Lords seated in the Library while the House Master and servants took their belongings to the prepared suites and settled their travelling companions in their quarters.”
“Did they give any reason for wanting to see us now rather than waiting to recover from the trip first?”
“No, the House Master sent for me when they requested to speak with you, as he was under orders that you should not be disturbed tonight.” Arwen snorted and muttered something that sounded like “At least someone knows here his place.” but Aragorn ignored her indicating Legolas should continue. “When I inquired the purpose of the request I was told they needed to speak to you of a matter of some urgency.”
Aragorn nodded and turn to his family.
“Let’s go and welcome our guests.” He indicated that everyone should precede him out of the room but Arwen had other ideas, she caught he husband’s arm and flashing Legolas a triumphant look lead him out the door with the twins and following Eldarion shot a glance at Legolas as he followed his parents but the Elf was inscrutable as always. He turned his thoughts to the waiting Lords, he knew they wanted to speak to Aragorn and had probably only request to speak with the family out of courtesy so he didn’t expect they to have to stay any longer than to exchange pleasantries before they would be dismissed with only Aragorn remaining to speak further with the Lords.
He remembered Gloin easily, the Dwarf Lord came every year to the Lords Conference at mid-summer, he could remember being told frequently of one unfortunate meeting with the Dwarf when he had been about 3, he had been tired of sitting still and had sneaked away to hide in the curtains, from his hiding place he saw the edge of a long white plait and thinking it was his nurse looking for him he’d pulled it as hard as he could only to be terrified when Gloin swung into view and caught him. Boromir, the captain of the Army had been speaking to Gloin at the time, had never let Eldarion forget his mistake.
He knew his grandfather Elrond and his mother’s grandfather Celeborn quite well but only saw them every few years as they didn’t always bother with the yearly gatherings in Minas Tirith, but he frequently heard from them.
King Thranduil of Eryn Lasgalen Eldarion didn’t know, he couldn’t remember ever meeting the Elf Lord. In fact all he knew of him was he was Legolas’ father had 2 other sons, 6 daughters and had had a falling out with Aragorn years ago before Aragorn was King, no-one he asked would tell him what the fight had been about. But as Eldarion knew Legolas had never been back to his home within Eldarion’s life span the King would no doubt be pleased to see his son. Eldarion frowned thinking, if Thranduil was king that made Legolas a Prince and as the eldest of the family, heir to Thranduil’s throne. So why was he leagues from home serving as Aragorn’s bodyguard?
They had reached the double doors to the Library and a servant opened the door and announced them to the rooms occupants as they entered.
“King Aragorn Elessar and Queen Arwen. Crown Prince Eldarion. Princess Elanna and Princess Elwen.” As always Legolas was unannounced and he took he usual place, standing just inside the room to one side where he could watch everyone while staying out of the line of sight for most people.
“Is there anything I have get for your Majesties and Lordships?”
“No that will be all.” At Aragorn’s words the servant bowed deeply and backed out of the room pulling the doors closed as he went.
“We bid you welcome in Minas Tirith, King Thranduil, Lord Elrond, Lord Celeborn and Lord Gloin. How was your journey?”
“Agreeable, for the most part Sire.” Came the gruff reply from the Dwarf. “How fares your family my Queen?”
Arwen smiled pleased to have been included and immediately began to play host to her guest.
“We are well, thank you Lord Gloin, I believe the children have grown rapidly since you last saw them. How is your family?”
“They have indeed grown my Lady. My family is well, my second son Gimli who accompanied me is to be wed next year. ”
“Be sure to notify us of the date won’t you?”
“Of course my Lady.”
Eldarion blocked the rest of the conversation out and glanced to the other visitors. Elrond and Celeborn where standing together talking quietly to each other but shooting puzzled glances in his direction. Eldarion frowned and looked down at himself trying to see what the matter was. Seeing nothing amiss he looked about then tuned to glance behind seeing the probable cause of the looks immediately, his sisters. Both where standing behind him staring straight at their grandfather and great grandfather with wistful and hurt expressions on their faces. He smirked they had probably noticed the distinct lack of packages anywhere in the room. Turning he studied the final person, the real mystery, King Thranduil looked like Legolas tall, slim with blond hair, blue eyes and the eternal youthfulness of his race he could have passed for his own son’s brother. He was standing looking out the windows he had not, Eldarion realised even acknowledged his son’s presence in the room. Eldarion was jolted out of his musings by his fathers hand on his shoulder.
“It is getting late and you’ve have a long journey perhaps we could converse over breakfast in the morn?”
“Of course! You must all be tired.” Arwen said from her seat beside Elrond. “We must retire now so everyone is refreshed for the Council. Good night Ada,” she kissed her father in the cheek. “Good night Lords.” She nodded to the others. “Come along Elwen, Elanna.” Both girls looked like they wanted to object but a quick look at their mothers grim expression changed their minds.
As soon as the 3 women left and Legolas pulled the doors shut again, Aragorn nodded that they should all be seated and half pushed Eldarion down into the chair to his left. Legolas left his position and came to stand behind Aragorn when all the Lords where seated.
“What is it that it could not wait until the Council convened tomorrow afternoon?”
“On our way here we came across Orc tracks about a day out from here,” Elrond frowned slightly. “they where a few days old but they were clear enough still to indicate a large party of about 50 Orcs they had come southwards then turned back. But it is worrying that there is such a large band so close to the city.”
“I’m aware of their presence they have been trailed for the past few days we hope to find out what reasons they have for venturing from the Northern Wastes let alone as far south as Gondor. I expect a full report tomorrow morning before the Council in which we will discuss this at depth.” Aragorn sighed looking tired suddenly. “I thank you for bringing to my attention tonight though. Anything else?”
“No.” Celeborn replied with a smile. “It is good to know you are very much aware of happening in you Kingdom, but now I think we must retire for the night. With your leave Majesty?”
Aragorn nodded and the four Lords bowed and left in silence. Aragorn turned to his son.
“This could be a very serious threat to Middle Earths safety you need to know what is happening, so you will be attending the Council for as long as it lasts, not just the meals as your mother and sisters will. . Now get some sleep you will need it.”
Eldarion got up and left slowly, he’d never attended a Council before, not even the yearly one which dealt with general details but he was to attend this one which dealt with a serious threat, he felt vaguely ill, there had been no serious threats in 3000 years. He paused at the door looking back at his father, gone was the relaxed appearance of the early evening instead his father looked serious, tense and tired. As he watched Legolas sat down in the chair he’d just vacated and leaned in to speak quietly to Aragorn. Slowly his father relaxed slightly and smiled at his lover, he glanced over to the door and saw Eldarion.
“Good night Father. Good night Legolas.” he smiled at the Legolas’ startled look and pulled the library doors closed, catching a glimpse of dark hair tangling with blond as the pair shared an embrace.
tbc....
Notes: Don't know when the next chapter will be this pretty much fried my brain and th eplan for part 2 is currently 2 words long. also I doubt chapters will be as long as this one I tend to get brain freeze at about 1000-1500 words.
Warning: UK spelling. its too long for me to be bothered putting it through the hotmail spellcheck to americanise it.
When Darkness Falls
Part 1.
Eldarion smiled as he glanced about the small dining room. It wasn’t often it was just family members for a meal and even rarer that they were all present. Even birthdays weren’t a family occasion, they were public and market by banquets held in the Palace in honour of the person whose birthday it was. Not that he minded, most of the court were friends and some of the members could be considered as uncles or older brother figures.
But this was the last time his family would all be together for some time, possibly for many years
so he took the time to just sit think and watch. He was finally going to live with his grandfather and Uncles in Imladris where his mother had grown up. His father had considered sending him to Eryn Lasgalen, where Aragorn had grown up, for some time as well as the extended stay in Imladris but had finally dismissed it as unworkable. He glanced about soaking up the relaxed atmosphere, a far cry from general daily life where work took most of his parents time.
His father King Aragorn Elessar sat to one side of the hearth simply watching the flames dance and for a time Eldarion simply studied his profile. This was the first time in months he’d seen his father without some business urgently requiring his attention. As King, Aragorn was often away or occupied by matters of State, such as the Lord’s Council tomorrow which would be the last official function Eldarion would have the displeasure of attended for a while. He would leave with his mothers kin the day after it concluded.
His mother Arwen had insisted that they have this private time for a farewell supper and as there would be little free time with the Council being held it was decided that both the official function and family supper would be held the day before it started. The official court function had been held at luncheon instead of dinner at the Queen’s decree. He turned his eyes from his father to the younger family members.
His 15 year old twin sisters sat on a fur rug on the floor whispering to each other while their mother Arwen looked on with a tolerant smile from her seat on the opposite side of the hearth from her husband. His sisters had grown up from sweet shy girls to being the court gossips within a couple of years, though Legolas had assured Eldarion that it was a phase all girls went through and it would pass sooner or later. Unfortunately the phase had already lasted long enough for most of his confidences and secrets to become common knowledge among the young ladies of the court. He hoped by the time he came back to Minas Tirith the phase would have passed, although with them being immortal it may not have. He groaned quietly and made a mental note to ask Legolas about it at the earliest possible opportunity.
Four sets of blue-grey eyes turned on him Elven and Half Elven ears having caught the slight noise that escaped him.
“Is something the matter Eldarion?”
“No Father, tis nothing.” He smiled hoping no-one would enquire further and they could sink back into the easy silence but a quick glance at his mother told him it was not to be.
“Something must be amiss to cause you distress my son.”
“Nay Mother, it was simply a random thought.”
“Perhaps if you shared your troubles with your family it would help? After all that is why we are here.” Arwen replied sweetly.
Eldarion looked at his mother recognising her seemingly innocent query as both what it seemed and a veiled insult at his Father’s reluctance to confide in his wife or speak to her of matters not directly connected with her other than in casual conversation such as weather and general news. From the corner of his eye Eldarion saw Aragorn stiffen as he too recognised the jibe while the twins remained blissfully ignorant of the change in atmosphere as their parents stared at each other over the girls heads. Eldarion cast about for an excuse to satisfy his mother and diffuse the situation, he dare not tell the truth as it would only provoke another quarrel between his parents.
If he mentioned his leaving at all his mother would take it as a reluctance on his part to leave and demand he stay with her as she had done 5 years ago which had been when it had been first planned for him to go study with the Elves. Even though at 20 he was able to make his own decisions Arwen would still use it as an excuse to have an argument with Aragorn.
And if he mentioned Legolas it would end any chance of peace for the rest of the evening and cause a horrible atmosphere for the Council. He could understand why his mother resented Legolas, after all she was Aragorn's wife and the mother of his children and felt that as his wife he should belong to her exclusively. She was bitterly jealous that her husband had never offered her anything more that his friendship while Legolas held his heart, It didn't matter to her that Legolas had been a part of Aragorn's life for longer than she'd known her husband.
Grasping at the first, admittedly weak, excuse to come to mind Eldarion broke the increasingly uncomfortable silence.
"Mother it was not troubles that pained me, rather it was the memory of a bad joke told to me earlier."
Arwen blinked at her son not having expected him to answer, in fact she had almost forgotten the children's presence. Aragorn looked thoughtfully at his son as though aware of Eldarion's attempts and nodded almost imperceptibly.
"Tell us the joke!" Chorused the twins, unintentionally distracting Arwen further but landing their brother back in hot water.
"I'm sure I've told you it before." Eldarion stalled wracking his brain for a joke.
"You might not have." said Elwen with her younger sibling backing her up with a nod and crossed arms.
"Yes Eldarion, tell us your joke." Arwen smiled at her son encouragingly.
"Umm... let me see if I can remember how it starts again." Thoughts racing Eldarion could not think of a single joke.
Just then there was a knock at the door making everyone jump at the sudden noise in the quiet room. Eldarion sagged in relief at the interruption and met his Fathers amused look and wry smile. No-one else noticed his reaction as Arwen had leapt to her feet and the girls had to scramble to avoid being trampled underfoot.
“Who would dare.. I left explicit instructions with the guard for no interruptions and all the servant were dismissed after clearing the supper away....” Arwen's rant continued as she stalked across the room to unlock the door.
“Someone will pay for.” She was cut of abruptly when she flung the door open hard enough for it to hit the wall behind with a resounding crash and bounce back off it before she caught it again. Every attention was on the door but all they could not see past Arwen’s stiff form blocking the doorway.
“Even you are supposed to follow orders despite what you may think of yourself.” The cold sneer in Arwen’s voice was enough to identify the person in the corridor. Eldarion looked at his Father who was getting to his feet a worried frown on his face. Whatever Legolas wanted must be important for him to risk the Queen’s wrath. He generally stayed out of her way as much as was possible for him in his position as Commander of the Royal Guard and the Kings personal body guard but when they met he was always polite and respectful to her never giving her cause for complaint that she could and would use in arguments with her husband.
“My apologies for the disruption to your evening, my Lady but I was instructed to inform your Majesties that Lords Elrond, Celeborn, Gloin and King Thranduil have arrived with their parties for tomorrows Council and they request a short audience with the Royal Family.”
As ever when he was dealing with the Queen Legolas kept his tone polite and humble. As Arwen couldn’t find fault in the phasing of the message to take offence at she settled for taking her frustration out by slamming the heavy door shut in Legolas’ face, before turning her glare upon her husband. Aragorn however clearly expecting a verbal attack turned to the twins with a smile.
“Want to go and greet your Grandfather Elrond?”
Two almost identical faces lit up at the ideas and Eldarion could almost hear the thought process happening under the dark hair, Elrond equals presents!
“Yes please.” They chorused together before dropping their heads to whisper to each other. no doubt speculation on what they might get.
Aragorn stretched and turned to his Queen.
“We should not keep the Lords waiting they will be weary from the travelling and I’m sure lord Elrond wished to see you and his grandchildren, it has been some years since his last visit.”
Both Aragorn and Eldarion watched Arwen closely. Her expression was sour and her eyes flashed angrily, she looked as though she would refuse just to spite her husband, then she gave a sharp nod.
“I may as well try and retrieve some pleasure from this ruined evening and I do desire to speak with my Father.”
Ouch, Eldarion thought. Sometimes his mother could be very unpleasant when she didn’t get her own way. Aragorn walked over to the door and opened it looking out into the corridor.
“Legolas?” The Elf appeared out of the shadows across the corridor, unarmed and dressed in a dark silver grey tunic and charcoal leggings he had almost blended into the darkness.and stepped into the dinning room when Aragorn motioned him to. Arwen face twisted into a sneer and Eldarion looked to see what his sisters reactions to Legolas’ presence would be today. Over the years they had had several differing opinions of Legolas, when they were little they had adored the Elf who, during stuffy feasts had spoken to and taken care of them when their nursemaids where otherwise occupied, he had taught them all to ride and often entertained them with tales of what Father did and saw on his trips outside the city. When they where about 8 or so the twins had decided they where very grown up and should do as Mother did, which meant that Legolas had been greeted with scorn from his previously adoring audience, now teenaged they altered between playing grownup and following Arwen’s lead, and adolescent crushes with a desire to do anything to gain his attention. It was difficult to know which unsettled the blond Elf more, mini Arwen’s or squabbling over who he liked best. However Eldarion was disappointed, apparently the thought of presents from Elrond was too engaging for his sisters to even notice Legolas was in the room. Eldarion forced himself to pay attention to the conversation happening in the room.
“I left the Lords seated in the Library while the House Master and servants took their belongings to the prepared suites and settled their travelling companions in their quarters.”
“Did they give any reason for wanting to see us now rather than waiting to recover from the trip first?”
“No, the House Master sent for me when they requested to speak with you, as he was under orders that you should not be disturbed tonight.” Arwen snorted and muttered something that sounded like “At least someone knows here his place.” but Aragorn ignored her indicating Legolas should continue. “When I inquired the purpose of the request I was told they needed to speak to you of a matter of some urgency.”
Aragorn nodded and turn to his family.
“Let’s go and welcome our guests.” He indicated that everyone should precede him out of the room but Arwen had other ideas, she caught he husband’s arm and flashing Legolas a triumphant look lead him out the door with the twins and following Eldarion shot a glance at Legolas as he followed his parents but the Elf was inscrutable as always. He turned his thoughts to the waiting Lords, he knew they wanted to speak to Aragorn and had probably only request to speak with the family out of courtesy so he didn’t expect they to have to stay any longer than to exchange pleasantries before they would be dismissed with only Aragorn remaining to speak further with the Lords.
He remembered Gloin easily, the Dwarf Lord came every year to the Lords Conference at mid-summer, he could remember being told frequently of one unfortunate meeting with the Dwarf when he had been about 3, he had been tired of sitting still and had sneaked away to hide in the curtains, from his hiding place he saw the edge of a long white plait and thinking it was his nurse looking for him he’d pulled it as hard as he could only to be terrified when Gloin swung into view and caught him. Boromir, the captain of the Army had been speaking to Gloin at the time, had never let Eldarion forget his mistake.
He knew his grandfather Elrond and his mother’s grandfather Celeborn quite well but only saw them every few years as they didn’t always bother with the yearly gatherings in Minas Tirith, but he frequently heard from them.
King Thranduil of Eryn Lasgalen Eldarion didn’t know, he couldn’t remember ever meeting the Elf Lord. In fact all he knew of him was he was Legolas’ father had 2 other sons, 6 daughters and had had a falling out with Aragorn years ago before Aragorn was King, no-one he asked would tell him what the fight had been about. But as Eldarion knew Legolas had never been back to his home within Eldarion’s life span the King would no doubt be pleased to see his son. Eldarion frowned thinking, if Thranduil was king that made Legolas a Prince and as the eldest of the family, heir to Thranduil’s throne. So why was he leagues from home serving as Aragorn’s bodyguard?
They had reached the double doors to the Library and a servant opened the door and announced them to the rooms occupants as they entered.
“King Aragorn Elessar and Queen Arwen. Crown Prince Eldarion. Princess Elanna and Princess Elwen.” As always Legolas was unannounced and he took he usual place, standing just inside the room to one side where he could watch everyone while staying out of the line of sight for most people.
“Is there anything I have get for your Majesties and Lordships?”
“No that will be all.” At Aragorn’s words the servant bowed deeply and backed out of the room pulling the doors closed as he went.
“We bid you welcome in Minas Tirith, King Thranduil, Lord Elrond, Lord Celeborn and Lord Gloin. How was your journey?”
“Agreeable, for the most part Sire.” Came the gruff reply from the Dwarf. “How fares your family my Queen?”
Arwen smiled pleased to have been included and immediately began to play host to her guest.
“We are well, thank you Lord Gloin, I believe the children have grown rapidly since you last saw them. How is your family?”
“They have indeed grown my Lady. My family is well, my second son Gimli who accompanied me is to be wed next year. ”
“Be sure to notify us of the date won’t you?”
“Of course my Lady.”
Eldarion blocked the rest of the conversation out and glanced to the other visitors. Elrond and Celeborn where standing together talking quietly to each other but shooting puzzled glances in his direction. Eldarion frowned and looked down at himself trying to see what the matter was. Seeing nothing amiss he looked about then tuned to glance behind seeing the probable cause of the looks immediately, his sisters. Both where standing behind him staring straight at their grandfather and great grandfather with wistful and hurt expressions on their faces. He smirked they had probably noticed the distinct lack of packages anywhere in the room. Turning he studied the final person, the real mystery, King Thranduil looked like Legolas tall, slim with blond hair, blue eyes and the eternal youthfulness of his race he could have passed for his own son’s brother. He was standing looking out the windows he had not, Eldarion realised even acknowledged his son’s presence in the room. Eldarion was jolted out of his musings by his fathers hand on his shoulder.
“It is getting late and you’ve have a long journey perhaps we could converse over breakfast in the morn?”
“Of course! You must all be tired.” Arwen said from her seat beside Elrond. “We must retire now so everyone is refreshed for the Council. Good night Ada,” she kissed her father in the cheek. “Good night Lords.” She nodded to the others. “Come along Elwen, Elanna.” Both girls looked like they wanted to object but a quick look at their mothers grim expression changed their minds.
As soon as the 3 women left and Legolas pulled the doors shut again, Aragorn nodded that they should all be seated and half pushed Eldarion down into the chair to his left. Legolas left his position and came to stand behind Aragorn when all the Lords where seated.
“What is it that it could not wait until the Council convened tomorrow afternoon?”
“On our way here we came across Orc tracks about a day out from here,” Elrond frowned slightly. “they where a few days old but they were clear enough still to indicate a large party of about 50 Orcs they had come southwards then turned back. But it is worrying that there is such a large band so close to the city.”
“I’m aware of their presence they have been trailed for the past few days we hope to find out what reasons they have for venturing from the Northern Wastes let alone as far south as Gondor. I expect a full report tomorrow morning before the Council in which we will discuss this at depth.” Aragorn sighed looking tired suddenly. “I thank you for bringing to my attention tonight though. Anything else?”
“No.” Celeborn replied with a smile. “It is good to know you are very much aware of happening in you Kingdom, but now I think we must retire for the night. With your leave Majesty?”
Aragorn nodded and the four Lords bowed and left in silence. Aragorn turned to his son.
“This could be a very serious threat to Middle Earths safety you need to know what is happening, so you will be attending the Council for as long as it lasts, not just the meals as your mother and sisters will. . Now get some sleep you will need it.”
Eldarion got up and left slowly, he’d never attended a Council before, not even the yearly one which dealt with general details but he was to attend this one which dealt with a serious threat, he felt vaguely ill, there had been no serious threats in 3000 years. He paused at the door looking back at his father, gone was the relaxed appearance of the early evening instead his father looked serious, tense and tired. As he watched Legolas sat down in the chair he’d just vacated and leaned in to speak quietly to Aragorn. Slowly his father relaxed slightly and smiled at his lover, he glanced over to the door and saw Eldarion.
“Good night Father. Good night Legolas.” he smiled at the Legolas’ startled look and pulled the library doors closed, catching a glimpse of dark hair tangling with blond as the pair shared an embrace.
tbc....
Notes: Don't know when the next chapter will be this pretty much fried my brain and th eplan for part 2 is currently 2 words long. also I doubt chapters will be as long as this one I tend to get brain freeze at about 1000-1500 words.
Warning: UK spelling. its too long for me to be bothered putting it through the hotmail spellcheck to americanise it.
