Chapter XXIV: (EXT) Call from Lothlórien (Pt. I)
“Coirë seemed delayed with the waning of hrívë. Darkness lingered far longer and the winds blew cold as ice. I knew it was morning, but clouds blanketed the skies tightly and not a ray of sun could break through. The halls of the palace were silent as I walked slowly toward my study.
“Ada,” Tarthôn said, startling me as he stepped from inside.
“Tarthôn,” I said. “You frightened me.”
“I apologize,” he said. “You are early. Where are Nenduîl and Tárimë? Did they stay with you last night?”
“No,” I said. “What are you saying to me?”
“Ëariâth and Aradúlin cannot find either of them or Aranduil anywhere. I thought he may have followed them into your chamber.”
Without a word, I walked toward the main gates as swiftly as I could. They opened the doors and walked outside as the blistering winds rushing across my face like the claw of a wild beast. I knew where I was headed but I did not know why. I cross the bridge—hearing the voices of Elendôr and Tarthôn behind me.
“Where are you going, Thranduil,” Elendôr asked. “Why would they come out at this hour?”
I stopped abruptly—standing before the grave of Súlelenth looking down at five small children.
Tárimë looked up—her face calm even as mine gave her stern look.
“Tárimë,” I began calmly. “Why are you here?”
“Because,” she said. “I wanted to show Eärluin where our mother was.”
“She is in there,” Auríel asked bewildered.
“Yes, Auríel” Aranduil said. “She is in there.”
“Sleeping,” Eärluin said.
“I do not understand,” Tarthôn said.
Elendôr picked up Auríel as I settled down before the others—four little innocent faces looking at me without fear of anything I might say to them.
“I know you meant well Tárimë,” I said softly. “But you should not venture outside alone so early. It is very dangerous.”
“But Eärluin wanted to know,” Nenduîl said.
Eärluin pointed to her mother’s tomb. I did not know what to do—I was beside myself in turmoil as I tried to understand what their little minds were going through.
“I understand,” I began. “But you should have come to me first, Nenduîl.”
I felt the presence of shadow above me. I looked up and saw three elves standing before me. I stood up and they bowed before me. They were dressed in blue cloaks—their hoods over their heads.
“Your Majesty,” one of them said. “We have come to you from Lothlórien.”
As Tarthôn picked up Aranduil, Nenduîl and Tárimë hid behind me as I took Eärluin’s hand.
“Who has sent you,” I asked cautiously.
One of them stepped forward and removed his hood. His eyes were as the morning sky and his long hair near the color of mine.
“Lord Celeborn, Your Majesty,” he said. “I am Haldir. These are my brothers, Rúmil and Orophin.”
Rúmil and Orophin removed their hoods.
“You are king now,” Rúmil said. “It has been a long time.”
“Rúmil,” a voice behind them said. “Watch your tongue. You are in the presence of royalty.”
The three moved and another stepped forward.
“Celeborn,” I said. “This is a surprise.”
“Yes,” he said. “And not a pleasant one, I am afraid.”
“What is wrong,” I asked. “And where is Galadriel?”
“She is well,” he said. “Safe, I assure you. That is far less than I can say for the rest of us.”
“Come,” I said. “We shall speak inside. Your presence will alarm the forest and as you know Mirkwood has eyes and ears all around.”
“I know,” he said. “They seemed to have wandered as far as Lothlórien.”
Tarthôn motioned to Nenduîl and Tárimë as I picked up Eärluin as Celeborn walked with me to the palace with Haldir and his brothers close behind.
“Why are your Marchwardens so far from your borders,” I whispered.
“Borders give little comfort now, Thranduil,” he answered. “Evil seems to have found its way to the borders of Lothlórien. Orcs rose from Dol Guldur–though in far less numbers than before the Battle of Dale. They were seen not long after Legolas had come to us when we had taken notice. They bide their time to lay siege upon us and I fear it may be soon.”
I stopped right before the gates at sound of my son’s name.
“You have seen my son, Legolas,” I asked. “Was he well?”
“Quite well,” he answered. “He travels with Aragorn of course and another man. Boromir, son of Denethor steward of Gondor as with a dwarf named Gimli, son of Glóin from the House of Durin.”
“Do not forget the four halflings,” Haldir said. “Four Hobbits.”
“Yes, I remember,” Celeborn said smiling. “One of them is a relation to a friend of yours. Frodo Baggins, nephew of a certain Bilbo Baggins.”
We entered the gates as Ëariâth and Aradúlin approached us with Eldôr and Fëaluin. They bowed to Celeborn.
“Lord Celeborn,” Fëaluin said. “We have been expecting you.”
Everyone looked at me oddly.
“You were out of the palace, Thranduil,” Eldôr said. “You went looking for Nenduîl and Tárimë.”
“Yes, of course,” I said. “And look who else I found?”
“Brilliant recovery, cousin,” Celeborn whispered.
“Thank you,” I whispered back.
“Come, children,” Ëariâth said. “It is time to eat.”
“I think we all should have something to eat before take on the worries of the world,” Fëaluin said.
“Ëariâth, take Eärluin to Êlúriel,” I said, handing her over. “She must be worried.”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” she said.
As the children were led away, the rest of us made our way to the dining hall. All the way I thought of Legolas.
**** **** **** *****
After breakfast, Fëaluin settled Celeborn and his escorts as I waited for Celeborn in my study.
“You are deep in thought,” Súriar said from across the room. “Is something the matter?”
“No,” I said softly. “I am awaiting Celeborn.”
“Celeborn, brother of Galathil,” he said. “Father wrote much of him. Do you require that I leave upon his arrival?”
“No, Súriar,” I answered. “What we discuss should be made record. Celeborn would agree with me.”
“Yes, I would,” I heard him say from behind.
I turned to see him and Eldôr and Elranduil alongside. He had made a change, dressed in a long silver coat of embroidered leaves of his kin. He took a seat by the balcony beside Eldôr as Elranduil leaned against one of the pillars nearby.
“It has been some time since I saw you last,” I said. “Things have changed, but I am quite sure you know of it.”
“Your household and your people have grown much since then,” Celeborn said. “Your father would be proud of you.”
“Yes, much has changed since Eryn Galen became known as Mirkwood,” I said.
“How is it that my kingdom and my people were punished for an evil over which we had no control?“
“It was not your kingdom we were concerned about, Thranduil,” he began. “It was to warn those in Arda that may attempt to traverse through the Rhovanion and meet with dire consequence.”
“And should one meet with me, they would come before the Elvenking,” I growled quietly.
“The evil that rose in Dol Guldur was palpable.”
“My father died fighting that evil,” I said angrily. “You were not there when I saw that evil with my own eyes at Dagorlad. I lost my name and my kingdom for that evil—as if we brought that evil into this world. Our people have been forced to live in darkness of that evil while our kin in the west condemned us for that evil only to be asked to sacrifice my son and heir to that evil.”
Celeborn stood up and walked over to me.
“I understand your anger, Thranduil,” he said softly. “I cannot undo what has been done.”
“There is no name that will keep those who wish to cross into our borders away if determined,” I said. "Thorin Oakenshield found his way to Erebor and lost his life fighting against the evil no name could contain.”
“That evil remains palpable,” Eldôr said. “We know that what comes from Dol Guldur has its roots in Mordor.”
“Where it has returned,” Celeborn answered. “Where the Fellowship goes to destroy the ring that keeps us all beneath this shadow.”
“Yes,” I said. “Elrond sent word throughout Arda for the bravest out from every kingdom. My son is on his way to Mordor to rid this world of an evil the Alliance failed to bring down at Dagorlad and unite the kingdom of Gondor as Aragorn is its rightful king.”
“The evil that took Thorin and his father still flows from Dol Guldur,” Celeborn said. “Between there and Mordor lies Angrenost where Curunír has taken arms against his calling.”
“I am well aware of this,” I said.
“Lothlórien will be their next conquest,” he said sternly.
“Why would the orcs take the chance to cross from Dol Guldur to the borders of Lothlórien,” Elranduil asked. “There are Beorings on our western borders not to mention our Marchwardens.”
“Not anymore,” Eldôr said. “The Beorings’ numbers are sparse at best. It is rumored some have ventured as far as Rohan.”
“Power,” I began. “Sauron will use anyone or anything as a means to gain power over Arda for his master. The danger he presents to us is his relentless pursuit for power. His minions will do his bidding. They will give their life for something they will never have for someone that will never give it to them.”
“If it is not defeated,” Celeborn began. “Only then will th whole of Arda will fall into shadow and it will be unstoppable. Put aside your anger with me, Thranduil. If only to unite with Lothlórien to protect our borders. You know if they lay siege upon us, there is nothing that will keep them from doing the same to you.”
I stood looking at Celeborn for a moment. I knew he was right and he knew that I knew.
“Very well, Celeborn,” I said. “You have my word. Elranduil, send for Aramoth and Randúmîr. Who covers your East?”
“I shall send for Sildôr,” Eldor said, rising to follow Elranduil away. “He has given Arawë charge of our western defenses.”
“He will serve you well,” Súriar said, bowing to us. “Arawë is my daughter’s son. If I may, Your Majesty, I wish to take my leave.”
“Of course, Súriar,” I said softly.
“We can defeat this shadow, Thranduil,” Celeborn says.
“We have to defeat it,” I answered. “We have no choice but to defeat it.”
Celeborn nodded and took his leave from my study. It had not been long since I last saw battle and I knew this would be unlike anything I would see again. It was the defining hour for the entire world.
**** **** **** ****
I decided some time in the gardens would do me well. From the balcony, I could see Nenduîl and Tárimë playing below. I thought of all the times I left for war—leaving someone behind at home or upon the field of battle as a decaying remnant.
“Ada,” I heard Tarthôn say. “Something troubles you.”
“It is nothing, Tarthôn,” I answered. “Nothing more than I always have.”
“It is war again,” he said. “This time, I will not stay home.”
“Then who shall take my place if I do not return? If Legolas does not return? You are my son as well.”
“I know,” he said. “And as such, it is my duty as your son and a prince of this realm to defend it with my life. I am ready and I am not afraid.”
Looking at him, he reminded me of Melros. He was the age his father was when he was lost at Dagorlad. I had been often more protective of him than of Legolas as my promise to his father lingered in my mind.
“You sound so much like Melros,” I said. “So valiant and brave. He knew so well he would have a son. ‘He will be a good son,’ he said to me. He was right. You are a very good son.”
“Fëaluin told me he would tease you mercilessly.”
“He is one to talk,” I said. “He did the same. He and his brother, Fínduin. Not without some cajoling from Elranduil, of course.”
“Stop lying to him, Thranduil,” Elranduil said approaching us. “I did no such thing. I will say it was fun to watch. Thranduil was the youngest and the smallest then.”
“You were no taller,” I said.
“True,” he said. “But I was far better looking. You can imagine awe in the court when someone agreed to marry him.”
“I thought Nana loved him,” Tarthôn said trying not laugh.
“She loves him very much, Tarthôn,” Elranduil said. “Someone had to eventually. He was very lucky.”
“That is the only truth you have spoken,” I said. “I was extraordinarily blessed.”
“Ëariâth wishes to speak with you,” he said to Tarthôn. “You will find her in the court with Ardúin.”
“Thank you,” Tarthôn said. “I will speak with you later, Ada.”
I nodded as he rushed away from us.
“He reminds me so much of Melros,” Elranduil said. “He sounds like him. If he were here, he would be burst with pride.”
“Yes, he would,” I said quietly. “Especially with Aranduil.”
“Am I to assume he has asked to go to battle,” he asked.
“You cannot keep him from it,” Elranduil said. “He is a father as we are. His daughter has a son of her own. Stop blaming yourself for what happened to Melros.”
“I do not blame myself,” I said.
“Thranduil, aside from your father, your mother, my parents and your wife, I know you better than anyone.”
“I did not have a choice,” I said quietly.
“You would not change things for the world,” he said smiling. “As it is, Tarthôn wishes to ride alongside you as Ardôr and Orísil will ride beside me and Eldôr. He said as much to them after he learned Ardôr was allowing Elendôr to do so.”
I glared at him in disbelief. I could not believe what I heard.
“Should something happen to any of us, what then,” I loudly. “You wish to let the whole of our family fall to this evil?”
In the gardens below, I could see Nenduîl and Tárimë stopped playing at the sound of my voice and were looking at us.
“Thranduil, calm yourself,” Elranduil said. “Do you think I am not worried? Ardôr is my son. Elendôr is his son. If something happens to either of them, all I have is Êlenuil in Mithlond.”
“I beg your pardon,” I asked angrily. “Êlenuil is where?”
“Mithlond,” he whispered. “He sent word of his arrival. He has not sailed yet.”
I could feel my anger rising. I tried to stay composed.
“You have more than Êlenuil,” I said seething. “You have Nenduîl, Tárimë and Eärluin—his children that he left with me for Aman and you are telling me he is still in this world?”
“I just learned of it,” he answered. “Father told Ardôr and Ninyáre. Ardúin was with them. She said you should know of it, but Ardôr would have none of that. He thought you might get angry.”
I glared at him so long, his features faded into a distorted blur. When I could recognize him again, I was calmer but no less furious.
“Elranduil,” I began slowly. “Legolas is out there on a perilous journey to face the same evil that killed my father, my wife and my best friend. Tarthôn wishes to do the same, as it is his duty as my son and a prince of this realm. I could lose both of them! If something were to happen to me, Nenduîl, Tárimë and Eärluin would be left without me! Do you know they call me ‘Ada’?
“They do because their father is not here and I am. Now you are telling me Êlenuil is in the Grey Havens at the very moment when this world could fall into darkness and his children with it. I am not angry, Elranduil. I am furious.”
“Are you alright, Ada,” I heard the sweetest little voice say. I turned to see Tárimë and her brother looking frightened. “Did we do something wrong?”
I picked her up and embraced her.
“No, Tárimë,” I said. “Neither one of you have done a thing. I did not mean to frighten you.”
Nenduîl took my hand. My mind was at rest and I felt myself again.
“I will speak with you later,” I said to Elranduil. “There is much to discuss before Celeborn returns to Lothlórien.”
I led Nenduîl and his sister toward their room. I decided to stay with them for the remainder of the afternoon, as I knew the evening would bring a burden I had to bear one last time.
**** **** **** ****
It was nightfall when I made my way to my study to speak with Celeborn one last time before he would depart for Lothlórien. It would be the largest gathering to battle in centuries—since Oropher ruled Eryn Galen. As I entered my study, it was filled with members of my council and military commanders.
Celeborn, Haldir, Rúmil and Orophin waited patiently with Eldôr, Elranduil, Ardôr, Elendôr, Tarthôn, Nimlos, and Aruilos.
“Celeborn,” I said. “I trust you are well rested.”
Soon, Fëaluin entered with his sons Elenadar and Elenatar. Behind them came the whole my commanders: Sildúr, Elmîr, Árelë, Nînuir, Aramoth, Aramír, Sildôr, Findôl, Târuil, Tatháron, Aradin, Eldúir, Arawë, Aldáros and Randúmîr.
Sildôr and Arawë stepped forward.
“I was told that Haldir of Lothlórien is Marchwarden of their eastern border,” Sildor said. “Arawë has seen many things.”
“Yes,” Haldir said as he approached him. “So he has told me. It seems Aiwendil spent a great deal of time wandering your western border but remained close to Rhosgobel until he wandered westward for a time. Long enough to allow Sauron to regain control of it.”
“When was this, Arawë,” I asked.
“I would not know, Your Majesty,” he said. “I had not yet been assigned further south than Emyn-nu-Fuin.”
“What control he gained was hardly enough to do much,” Sildôr said. “There has been far more done at Angrenost under Curunír. What lingers there are remnants of what once was. Nothing more.”
“Just enough to lay siege on the surrounding borders,” Celeborn said. “Their power is not what it was but it is enough.”
“Whatever is there will not venture east,” Árelë said softly. “I have seen nothing save a few forest creatures and an Easterling or two. Father believes their plans are definite.”
“I do,” Elmîr said. “They wish to move as far west as possible. To Rivendell if they can.”
“I hardly think they would try to get that far,” Orophin said.
“If they can put us down, they most surely can,” I said. “They know we would come to the aid of our kin.”
“Sauron relies on his stronger forces to the south,” Eldôr said. “They have far more adversaries there. He still thinks we are few in number since our loss at Dagorlad. But he is knows we can and will fight against him. The only way to know how many we are is to attack Lothlórien and how many come to its defense.”
“We can keep them well from Caras Galadhon,” Rúmil said sharply. “For how long, I cannot say.”
“They will come to us,” I said. “Of that I have little doubt. More than anyone, they wish to destroy us. We are far more dangerous to them than anyone.”
“Why is that,” Tarthôn asked.
“Sauron cannot control us,” I said. “We do not have a ring of power like Galadriel or Elrond—no matter how ineffective. Sauron fears what he cannot possess. The dwarves fared better than most. Men, I am afraid have a weakness for power. It is a gift to strong to resist when offered. For now, those with a ring remain safe unless, of course, Sauron finds the one ring before it is destroyed. Lost once the power to control the Elder Children, his vengeance will be taken and the whole of this world will suffer a great many things.”
An uneasy silence filled the air like mist after rain. I could not hear a breath taken or a heart beat. Everyone seemed lost in their thoughts. We all knew what was coming and knew this would be the final stand against this evil. Suddenly, the doors opened and the mood changed immediately as Êlúriel entered the room. I found delight watching everyone bow to her as she glided toward Celeborn.
“Lord Celeborn,” she said. “It is good to see you again no matter the circumstances. I must apologize for my absence at your arrival as my duties took me away in that moment.”
“Queen Êlúriel,” he said, bowing. “It is always a pleasure. There is no apology needed and hope our gathering has not disturbed you in any way.”
“On the contrary,” she answered. “For wherever there is a gathering of our kin, no matter what is spoken, it serves only to make me glad. Please, continue.”
“Tomorrow, take your leave to Lothlórien,” I said to Celeborn. “Sildôr, Aramoth, Arawë and Randúmîr will take you as far as the borders of Dol Guldur. Their guard will keep watch from there. As for the rest of us, we wait. For, as you know, they will come swiftly for us. Aradin, have our archers cover the guard from both sides of the river on either side of the palace gates. Findôl, Aramír, Árelë and Aldáros will cover the gates with Fëaluin, Elenadar and Elenatar.”
“I shall have my smiths set to task,” Tatháron said. He bowed and left quickly.
“As for the rest of us, we will fight against what comes,” I said.
“Lothlórien will meet Mirkwood at Dol Guldur,” Celeborn said. “We will end this.”
“I have no intention of doing anything other than ending this, Celeborn,” I answered.
He smiled, bowed to Êlúriel and left with Haldir, Rúmil, Orophin in tow. Eldôr and Fëaluin took their leave, motioning to the rest to follow.
“You will return to me again,” she said. “When that day comes, you will return to me.”
I embraced her—my only thought was to protect my family and my people even if it meant losing my life.”––TKWR:BII The Saga of Thranduil (EXT. VER.) by J. Marie Miller 12-20-17
Images: ©2012, 2013, 2014. Warner Brothers Pictures. The Hobbit: The Unexpected Journey, The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug, The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies. All Rights Reserved.
