The Jewel of Mirkwood

Chapter 137

Like the alliance of old over a millennia of knowledge and wisdom sat stoically around the table. There was to be no lavish feast eaten wite ace accompaniment of harps and beautiful voices as the kings of old had. Instead the meal was a simple vegetable broth and lembas eaten to the accompaniment of the screams of the dying and injured. While gazes were exchanged none dared stare for more than a few moments the tension that lingered in the air so thick it would choke the faint hearted. War scars and battle wounds marred the perfection of the race of elves, the leaders of the realms bearing with them both the fresh wounds oftle tle and the unhealed scars of the past.

As befitted his position Elrond sat awkwardly at the head of the small rickety table. To his right stood Erestor and to his left Elladan in the position normally occupied by Glorfindel. On the other side of the table sat Thranduil, his son Hale stood to his right and his chief centurion to his left. In the central section of the too small table sat Celeborn, Haldir stood stoically behind his Lord, with his two brothers taking up their positions either side of him. Councillors, advisors and what few army captains that could be spared from their duties took up what remaining space was left in the airless tent.

Supper had been taken in silence upon Elrond’s arrival. Even the incessant mutterings of the councillors had fallen silent in lieu of the tension between the leaders. Outside the workings of the camp continued on around them, the healers scurrying to and from those that needed aiile ile others kept watch for an enemy they had defeated. With the last mouthful of wine taken and the bowls of the evening cleared away the tent had come to a stand still.

A stagnate pause clung to the tension riddled air like stone to the mountains. There was so much that needed to be discussed but there was none willing to initiate it for fear of what would follow.

Finally after some time Elrond sighed audibly unable to tolerate the silence any longer. In a comforting gesture Erestor placed his hand on Elrond’s weary shoulder as thvan van Lord cleared his throat and look plainly up at Thranduil.
mladmladris is in debt to Mirkwood for their aid in the battle past. I humbly thank-you for joining our cause at such a critical time.” Elrond hated every word that slipped from his lips having lowered himself to praising Mirkwood’s aid when it had come too late for many and at such an unseen cost. Not willing to show his weakness however Elrond remained passively attentive to Thranduil who smiled weakly and inclined his head in acknowledgement of the praise. “To Lorien as well we are indebted…” Elrond glanced cautiously across at Celeborn but trailed off as he saw a single silver tear slip from the Lord’s troubled grey eyes. It was almost heartbreaking to see his father in law so troubled and although Celeborn’s face remained a mask of indifference anyone who stared into the pale grey eyes of the Lord of the wood knew the pain he suffered. All pretence of ritual and tradition fell ontof eaf ears as Elrond gave up trying to be diplomatic. Everyone knew what had happened and there was no point in hiding it behind pompous ritual and diplomatic pretence. “The agreement, tell me what has been sacrificed to bring about this alliance.” A muttering broke out around the table as Elrond reclined uneasily forward on his chair Erestor supporting his weakened lover with a concerned hand around his shoulders.

Daring to glance at Thran Elr Elrond slowly looked up at the regal king, his face reddened by the cuts and bruises he had sustained during battle, and the dirt still clinging to his hair and clothes. Elrond half expected to find a smirk of satisfaction upon the kings face but instead he found a passive mask of indifference, his gaze unwavering as he stared at Elrond across the table.

“Lord Celeborn has relinquish his position as ruler of Lothlorien…..” There were a few shocked gasps from the councillors as Thranduil began but to those sitting at the table the confession came as no surprise, yet it still was painful. Sadly Elrond glanced at Celeborn but the elvan lord merely stared at the tabletop his head bowed in silence his part in the discussion already over.

“You ask a lord to give up his people to you, an elf who has lead them to ruin in the ages past. They will not submit to your will Thranduil, some would rather die than face the fate that befell their ancestors at the hands of your father.” Elrond tried to keep his tone calm but it was impossible to keep the anger and sadness from coming through. The constant presence of Erestor next to him was the only thing that kept him from reaching across the table and strangling Thranduil with his bare hands. Despite the insult that was thrown at his feet Thranduil merely remained stoically silent his bloodied and cut hands folded neatly in front of him. For the first time Elrond realized that the king of Mirkwood wore none of his adornments he so treasured. Gone were the rings from his hands, the jewels from his neck and the circlet of gold he wore religiously on his head. As Elrond continued his scrutiny he began to realize that Thranduil had lost all of the symbols of his position, to the point at which even his armour matched those of his warriors. Elrond found it strange but could not put voice to his thoughts as Thranduil interrupted him.

“I do not expect them to submit to me Elrond, for I have no intention of filling the position vacated by Celeborn. Do you think me ignorant of what my ascension to ruler of Lorien would cause?” Thranduil paused for a moment as Elrond sat back a little in shock having assumed too much in the conversation. It was now obvious there were other things that had been agreed to in this alliance. “There has been enough pain in this world Elrond than to cause more. My father made mistakes that I have had to deal with and it is my time now to put them right so we may have peace.”

“And what is your plan Thranduil?” Elrond could hardly believe what he was hearing but was no more pleased than shocked at what was to come.

“As Celeborn sacrifices his position so to do I as Mirkwood’s king…” Thranduil trailed off as there was a massive cry of shock from all those present. None had foreseen what Thranduil had decided and even Elrond was floored by the decision. Elrond had never known Thranduil to willingly give up anything and it had come as a revelation that the king had at last maybe found humility after so long a reign. Eager to hear what motives had driven Thranduil to such a decision Elrond silenced the outraged and shocked mutterings of those around him before indication for Thranduil to continue. “I am weary Elrond. I am tired of court and the problems of my people. My heart aches for a peace that I have never truly found. I pine for the soul mate I have been forbidden from being with, and I know in my heart that my people would never accept the relationship I so desire to have with Haldir.” Everyone glanced sympathetically across at where Haldir was still standing stoically behind Celeborn his eyes glistening softly in the dim lighting as he stared at Thranduil as the king continued. “Mirkwood deserves a better future than the one I can give them, they deserve a strong leader who will not make mistakes and who is committed to rebuilding the alliances of the past.” Instinctively everyone looked to Hale automatically assuming that as next in line to the throne he would take Thranduil position but no sooner had the attention been drawn to him did Hale take a single step back from the table, turning his back to the group as he silently left the tent without a single word. Seeing his son leave Thranduil sighed heavily and turned back to Elrond who was looking extremely confused.

“Hale is not to take the throne is he?” Elrond read immediately into Thranduil expression making clear to everyone what was going on.

“Nay he does not desire it. In my blindness I pushed my sons down paths they had not wanted to take and as such, I have paid for it with the life of one of them. Talion’s passing has affected Hale more than I realized, and with his wife’s passing also Hale has only one desire and that is to bring up his daughter alone and in peace without the responsibilities I have tried to force upon him in the past.” Elrond nodded understandingly as everyone sent a silent prayer to the valar for those that had been lost. “Considering what I have caused it is the least I can do to grant him this wish.” Thranduil sighed heavily and Elrond relaxed back in his chair feeling guilty for having jumped to conclusions at the beginning of the meeting. Thranduil personality had been misjudged for millennia and behind the cold, unfeeling mask there was a warm heart that desired peace.

“Then if Hale is not your intended successor then who?” Erestor was the next to speak having sensed Elrond’s guilty conscious and seeking to give his lover time to compose himself. Thranduil nodded silently at Erestor in acknowledgement before swallowing hard around an unseen lump in his throat.

“I am relinquishing my position to that of my youngest son and as such, his mate Glorfindel. The pair of them together will take leadership of both Lorien and Mirkwood, and any such heirs thereafter will ascend to the leadership of the alliance.” Thranduil managed a small smile as he watched Elrond sigh with relief. It was almost as if the weight that had been pressing down upon his shoulders had suddenly lifted, making him feel almost as light as air. “It is time a new generation took leadership of the elves Elrond. Legolas has already proved himself capable of uniting us and has made personal sacrifices in the face of uncertainty to secure such alliances. It is because of him that we are here fighting together and it is logical that the cause we fight for is given the proper recognition and position that befits his standing among the people. He is the one that will reunite us, for it has already begun before our very eyes and it is not in our power to stand in his way.” The question from Thranduil to Elrond was unspoken although all understood clearly what was being asked of Imladris’ Lord. There was a moment of uncertainty and Elrond felt his heart constrict at the prospect of what was to come, yet as Elrond glanced up at Erestor and stared into his lover’s eyes the decision was already made.

“If this is the will of the consensus then I will not stand in the way of progress. Imladris will willingly enter into the new alliance between the realms of elves and will accept freely the leadership of Legolas Greenleaf as I as Lord step down from my position.” Elrond could hardly contain his emotions as he smiled knowingly across at both a very shocked but happy Lord Celeborn and Thranduil. Straightening himself Elrond slowly rose from the table and drew his goblet of wine to his hand. Almost immediately Thranduil, and Celeborn followed suit as everyone raised their own glasses of wine. “To Legolas Greenleaf, the next great king of the elves.”

“To Legolas.” In unison they spoke and drank to the health of the next king the tension that had once filled the tent dissipating as conversations broke out among the ranks. Enemies now turned to one another and shared greetings and salutations, alliances beginning to form as discussions began for the new council and it’s plans. Elrond could not wipe the smile from his face as Erestor tucked himself under his arm hugging him tightly around the waist, mirroring the same gesture that Haldir graced upon Thranduil. Celeborn too shared a hug with Rumli and Orophin needing the support having been the first to take the uncertain step into the new alliance.

Councillors were sent forth to spread the news, as were messengers who would bring such glad tidings back to the respective realms and those that were waiting there.

The light mood in the tent however was disrupted as a flurry of disturbance was heard outside. Hearing someone frantically calling his name Elrond hastily moved from the tent, leaving the rest to follow him out into the darkness of the camp. As if from nowhere a lone rider came bellowing into the encampment his horse barely stopping a meter from Elrond’s face as the ride through himself from the horse. All arrows from the gathered guards now firmly pointed at the rider who at length lowered his hood revealing an extremely familiar face.

Amour, the ranger who had visited them with Valendil back in Imladris now stood before Elrond panting like a starved horse. Wavering down the guards Elrond moved forward and offered his arm to the ranger fearing that the man would fall over with lack of oxygen if he was not supported. Amour merely shook his head at Elrond’s offer as he finally caught his breath after such a strenuous ride.

“I bring an urgent message Lord Elrond from your son Elrohir.” Elrond could not speak quickly enough as Thranduil instantly stepped up next to him to question the ranger before him.

“Elrohir? What has happened, has he found Legolas?” Amour again nodded although ventured a strange glance between Thranduil and Haldir who were now standing side by side their hands intertwined between them.

“Aye he is with the prince in a mountain cave to the east. When Valendil and I arrived the prince had just given birth to his son……..”Amour was abruptly cut short as Thranduil gave a joyous cry of relief, sending everyone around into fits of congratulations and joyus hoots of delight. However the celebration fell silent as Elrond urged Amour to continue anxious to hear of the health of both father and son.

“And their health Amour? Are they both well?” Thranduil and Haldir fell silent as they watched Amour sadly shake his head.

“Nay, while the babe is healthy and cries like an newborn should, Elrohir believes that Legolas is in extreme danger of loosing his life.” Before Elrond could speak Erestor was already a step ahead of him.

“I will gather the horses and your things together, we will be ready to leave within the hour.” Erestor smiled reassuringly at Elrond before running off into the direction of the guard posts, calling and ordering people around him as he went.

“I will get Glorfindel and Filgree, if Legolas is indeed loosing his life Glorfindel will want to be with him.” Elladan pressed a small kiss to his father’s cheek before also disappearing off in the direction of the healing tents that housed the sick seneschal. Everyone about them now was readying themselves to accompany the lords into the mountains leaving Celeborn, Haldir, Thranduil and Elrond still standing in front of the messenger.

“Tell me what Legolas’ condition is.” Urging Amour to continue, Elrond was determined to know all about what he was facing so he could begin work on Legolas as soon as they arrived.

“He is extremely pale my lord and bleeds profusely from a wound in his lower abdomen.” Amour paused and brought his hand up to Elrond’s own stomach showing the elvan lord the position of the injury on the prince. Elrond nodded understandingly and gestured for Amour to continue. “He does not respond to Elrohir’s attempts at rousing him and from the screams Valendil and I heard he is in a lot of pain.” Elrond silenced Amour before he could continue having heard enough to know what was happening. Obediently Amour silenced himself and watched as Elrond closed his eyes and sent a prayer to the valar, as did the other three elves that hung close by listening intently to his every word.

“This is terrible we can not waste time preparing, we must leave now ready or not, Legolas will not survive unless he is near Glorfindel so we must leave at once.” On cue Erestor emerged from the darkness with twenty odd mounted guards and several horses ladened with only the barest of things they would need. Elrond smiled his thanks as Erestor helped him into the saddle of his own horse, just as Thranduil, Haldir and Celeborn also mounted their steeds. Elladan too emerged from the tent with Filgree, both of them supporting a very weak Glorfindel between them. Despite his illness Glorfindel seemed almost determined to get to his mate. From the look that Glorfindel gave Elrond as he was helped into the saddle the elvan lord was sure that Glorfindel feared for his lovers life, despite being told of the birth of his son.

With Glorfindel safely sat in front of Elladan on his horse and with Filgree riding behind Erestor the party was ready to depart. Amour took the lead and with a horn from one of the guards the party began at speed away from the camp. The reign of King Legolas Greenleaf would end before it had begun if they did not go with speed. It would be a long ride but none complained, having worked so hard to get this far they were not going to give Legolas up so easily.

TBC>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(A/N) Welllllllllllllllllllllll I'm damn proud of this chapter cause it makes the begining of the end for this story as it ties in everything that has happened within the entire story, and come to a climax. I hope you like this chapter as much as I do, I think this has to be the most complex one I actually ever wrote and you have no idea how much brain power it took to work it out.

Anyway hope you likes it my precious............

And I promise more updates tomorrow if I get a little time and the painkillers for my wrist finally kick in.