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Part VI
Thranduil returned to Eryn Galen three months later. His father, Ereinion, sent five soldiers to accompany him on his journey. After a four-day journey, they made camp by sunset on the border of Lothlórien where the Marchwarden Haldir and his brothers came across them.
“The prince is welcome to sleep in my talan for the night,” Haldir offered after he bowed.
The soldiers glanced at each other before they turned to the prince who had stood up from his bed for the night. He walked closer to the sturdy blonde elf. “That sounds nice.” He nodded before he looked back at the soldiers. “I will meet you here again in the morrow.” He smiled when he turned to face Haldir again. “Or will you allow them to sleep inside your borders? It will be safer.”
Haldir nodded. “Of course, my prince.” He motioned for his brothers and ordered them in Silvan to tend to the soldiers and horses while he would take the prince up to his flet.” He smiled at the prince when he glanced at him. “My talan is this way, your highness.” He motioned with his hand towards a grove of Mallorn trees. “You’ve never been to Lórien, your Highness?”
“No, but my father has. He and your king are uhm… friends.”
Haldir snorted.
“What’s so funny,” Thranduil asked as he glowered at the Galadhrim.
“Everyone here knows they’re more than just friends, my prince.”
“Ugh, call me Thranduil.” He increased his pace. “You say everyone knows?”
“Yes, uhm… Thranduil. I also know that they used to meet in your father’s Halls in Eryn Galen before they became public with their relationship.”
Thranduil grabbed his arm tugging him to a halt. “How did you know?”
Haldir grinned. “Because I was the one who had to unlock the gates at night when he left and early in the morrow when he returned.”
The prince snorted when he shook his head. “Shall we continue to your talan?”
“Of course, I’m sure you’re tired. Have you enjoyed your stay?”
“I have, thank you.” Thranduil frowned. “How do you know I was away?”
“I was here on patrol two months ago and kept an eye on you and the king’s guard when you camped here on the border.” He glanced at the prince. “I was surprised when he left for Greenwood while you went your way.”
“Feren’s is very protective of me. He wanted to go with me to Lindon, but I refused. I needed time alone.” His face dulled. “I had a lot on my mind then and wouldn’t have been good company.”
“He’s in love with you, but the feeling is not mutual?”
Thranduil gaped at the Marchwarden. “How did you know?”
Haldir shrugged. “Some things just come to me.” He glanced up at a tall tree before he announced, “This is my home. Be careful of the steps they are a bit uneven. He held his hand to the prince and was quite surprised when the beautiful blonde took his hand to steady himself up the stairs.
They walked up snaking around the tree trunk until they reached the entrance. Haldir moved the curtain away and stood aside for the prince to enter. “Welcome to my humble dwelling, my prince.”
“I told you to call me Thranduil,” he said as he glanced back at the handsome elf. He gasped aloud when he laid eyes on the interior of the talan. “This is snug.” He raised a brow when he looked at the elf. May I?”
Haldir chuckled. “You may. The bedding is clean.” He rushed forward. “Let me get…”
Thranduil flopped down on the bed. “Hmm, this is comfortable.” He looked up at the blonde. “You were saying?”
The sturdy blonde shook his head. “I wanted to give you a clean pillow, but I was too late.”
The prince pushed his face into the soft pillow whiffing it. “It smells like tree leaves and vanilla,” he announced before he raised his head. “Is that what you use to wash your hair with?”
Haldir’s face flushed before he reached out. “Thranduil, let me get you another pillow.”
“Why can’t I fall asleep with the smell of your hair in my nose?”
The Marchwarden snorted when he shook his head. “Very well then.” He smiled at the prince before he moved to the curtain covering the exit. “I will be back in the morrow. Sleep well.” He pushed the curtain aside before he stepped out of the flet. He smiled again while he trotted down the stairs hearing the prince yelling good night.
***
The smell of cooked food woke Thranduil early the next morning. He rubbed his eyes with his palms when he sat upright. After he blinked a few times, he became aware of his surroundings and a handsome elf cooking.
“Good morning. I didn’t mean to wake you this early, but I thought you might want to eat something before you leave for Eryn Galen.”
Thranduil stretched his arms above his head when he sat upright. “It smells delicious.” He yawned before he chucked the bedding aside.
“Slept well?”
“Oh yes. I want to sleep in your bed forever.”
Haldir chuckled when his face flushed. “Perhaps we need to get to know one another before you can share my bed forever.”
The prince gasped aloud. “I didn’t mean… I…” He shook his head as his face reddened. “Your bed is much more comfortable than mine,” he said when he got up.
Haldir doubled over with laughter.
Thranduil glared at him. “You tease,” he shouted. “You knew exactly what I meant,” he remarked before he too laughed.
“Breakfast is ready,” the Marchwarden announced after he retained his laughter.
The prince’s eyes enlarged at the feast in front of him on the table. “Not only does it smell delicious it looks divine too.”
The two elves took place on pillows opposite each other behind a low table. There were scrambled eggs, roasted quail, fruit, bread and cheese, and a carafe with berry juice to wash it down.
Thranduil filled his plate with grapes, sliced apples and berries before taking a scoop of eggs and a bit of quail. He filled a goblet with juice for himself and his host and held his up in a toast. “To a handsome host and an even greater cook.”
Haldir grinned when he too raised his goblet. “To new friendships?” he asked.
“Absolutely,” the prince agreed.
After they clinked their goblets the two dug into their food. While eating they made fun of the two kings sneaking behind everyone’s back to fornicate, while their kingdoms were well aware of their relationship. Thranduil told him about Eregion and Mithlond, while Haldir elaborated on the gorgeous Mallorn trees and how the Galadhrim built their flets.
While Haldir cleared the table, Thranduil washed and put on his robes and boots. “You should come along when your king revisits my father.” The prince shrugged. “Or come visit without him.”
The Marchwarden smiled while nodding. “I would love that.” He pushed the curtain in front of the entrance back and waited until the blonde had left before he drew the curtain shut. “You can show me the beautiful forest,” he remarked as he followed his guest down the stairs.
“There’s a lot more to see than the forest.” He turned around to face his host when he stepped onto the grass. “But we can start with the forest.” He smiled at the handsome elf. “Thank you for your hospitality and for letting me enjoy the softness of your bed.”
Haldir smiled when he dipped his head. “Safe travels. It’s not that far back home now.”
“Yes.” Thranduil sighed with relief. “It was quite a long journey. When I travelled alone to Mithlond it didn’t seem that long.”
They walked silently up to the border gates where the soldiers were pacing up and down waiting for the prince.
After the prince mounted his horse, he smiled at Haldir. “Hope to see you soon,” Thranduil said before he and his companions set a course for Eryn Galen.
***
A trumpet blasting announced the return of the prince when they trotted past the borders of the King’s Halls. Thranduil dismounted with the help of Feren who was the first to greet his dearest friend.
“Mellon nín, I thought you’d never return,” the guard greeted before he embraced the prince.
“This is my home, melda nín. Why wouldn’t I return?” the blonde replied while patting his friend on the back. “How is my father?” he asked as he let go of Feren.
Feren rolled his eyes. “Come in and see for yourself, Your Highness.”
The prince’s face dulled. “Is he angry because I stayed too long in Mithlond?”
“Among other things.”
“Then he knows,” Thranduil muttered when he walked past the brunette.
“Knows what, melda?”
The prince shook his head while he crossed the bridge. He increased his pace when he entered the palace. He trotted up the staircase and down the hall where he almost bumped into Galion when he exited the king’s study. “Is the king busy, can I see him?”
The king’s butler shook his head before he opened the study door. “Welcome back, Your Highness,” he said as he dipped his head.
Oropher’s eyes enlarged when his son entered his study. “Finally,” he snorted before he stood up from behind his desk. “You decided to return.” He walked up to his son and placed a hand on his shoulder.
Thranduil returned the gesture. “This is my home, Ada.”
“Hmm,” the king uttered when he turned to sit down again. “What happened in Eregion is an utter shame, Thranduil.”
The prince snorted when he shook his head. He smirked at his father before he retorted, “I see you haven’t changed.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“Not five seconds after you greeted you are scolding me for what happened in Eregion.” He glared at his father. “You think if I knew who he was I would’ve let him touch me?”
“Sit, that’s not all I want to discuss,” Oropher remarked when he sat down behind his desk again.
“I’m tired, Ada and I want to take a bath.”
“I said sit down, Thranduil,” the king barked as he kicked out a chair from underneath his desk.
The prince glanced at the chair before he took place on it.
“You’re a prince, ion nín. You shouldn’t be wandering on your own past the borders of Greenwood. Since you and Feren are joined at the hip I’m appointing him as your guard.”
Thranduil glowered at his father. “Are you jealous of my friendship with Feren?”
Oropher narrowed his eyes glaring at his son. “I could’ve chosen a stranger as your guard.” He clasped his hands placing them underneath his chin. “You are never to travel on your own again, understood?”
The prince sighed before he replied with a nod.
“I can’t hear you,” the king said raising a brow.
“Yes, Aran nín. I understand, Aran nín.”
“Good. Now, about the Sauron debacle.”
The prince gasped aloud while rolling his eyes. “I thought we’d discussed it already.”
“You had lay with the enemy, Thranduil.”
“Yes, I have and I apologize for it. Don’t you think I have beaten myself up over it already?”
Oropher stared at his son. “Are you sure that he can’t beget a child?”
Thranduil snorted, “Yes.” He rose to his feet glaring at his father. “Unless he lied to me.”
“I don’t like your attitude towards me, ion nín. You’re the one at fault.”
The young blonde shut his eyes. He opened them slowly looking at the chair. “May I be excused, Ada?”
“Yes. Ego,” the king replied with a motion of his hand.
After the prince left his father’s study, he marched off to his bedchambers. As usual, he found Feren lying on his bed. He smiled when he ran up to him and fell on the bed in his arms. “When did my father become this horrible person?” he muttered in the brunette’s neck.
“Oh, melda nín.” He pulled the prince closer. “Your father has many responsibilities on his shoulders.” He kissed the blonde on his forehead before he continued, “Don’t take it personally.”
“The Valar forbid that I would be a king like him someday.”
“You will be the greatest Elvenking ever.” He smiled when he kissed the blonde on top of his head. “Do you want to bathe or can I show you something?”
Thranduil raised his head glancing at Feren. “Show me, I will bathe later.”
Feren grinned at the prince. “Always eager to see something new.” He moved to the edge of the bed before he stood up. “It’s not far from the palace.” He held out his hand and waited with a smile for the prince to take hold of it. When the blonde did, Feren pulled him up and into an embrace. “I missed holding this lithe body.”
Thranduil chuckled when he pushed his guard away. “If you had your way I would be in your arms day and night.”
The guard grinned before he replied, “And what’s wrong with that?”
“Everything. It’s unhealthy to cling to someone day and night.”
Feren raised his brow. “But if you love that person with all your heart, how can it be unhealthy?”
Thranduil chuckled again before grabbing his guard’s arm and dragging him towards the door.
The two elves raced down the corridor before Feren pulled the prince to the side where they slipped through one of the hidden doors. They ran further down two flights of stairs and another corridor until they reached the exit. The guard opened the door slightly. He peeped out from behind it and when he was sure that there was no one, he pushed the door wide enough for Thranduil to pass through.
“This is the southern side of the palace,” the prince remarked when he glanced around.
“Quite right. Now follow me. Tread lightly and keep quiet.”
With widened eyes, Thranduil did as his guard said. When Feren bent down, the prince did the same. They walked a few minutes further until the guard stopped in front of him pointing to something in front of them.
“What? I don’t see anything,” the blonde whispered.
“There,” Feren whispered too as he pointed it out.
Thranduil gasped aloud when he noticed what his guard was pointing at. He frowned when he asked, “What is that?”
Tiny winged creatures fluttered a few feet from them. They came to a halt and hovered in the air while staring in the direction of the two elves.
“They heard you,” Feren whispered. He glanced back with his index finger on his lips motioning for the prince to keep quiet.
The blonde crouched down. He didn’t take his eyes off the little creatures who resumed flying when they decided that the elves were no threat to them.
When each of the tiny creatures flew into a tree and vanished, Feren turned around smiling at the prince. “They are tree nymphs or Dryads.”
“I’ve never seen these creatures before.”
“I asked my grandfather about them and he told me that Dryads were guarding the trees of Arda long before Eru Ilúvatar awoken the Elves.
“How did you find them?” Thranduil asked when they turned back to the palace.
“I found them a month ago when I was walking on this side of the forest. “I’ve never seen them on the northern side before.”
“They are gorgeous and so tiny,” the prince remarked.
Feren smiled at him when he agreed. “I’m glad that put a smile on your face.”
Thranduil grabbed his guard’s arm stopping him from walking further. When the brunette turned to him, the prince smiled at him. “You always put a smile on my face.”
The guard stepped closer gazing into the ice-blue eyes. “I love you, Thranduil…” When he leaned in for a kiss the blonde permitted him access to his mouth, but not his body.
***
The two elves lay every night underneath a blanket of starlight. Thranduil’s head lay upon Feren’s lap while the brunette twirled his fingers through the long blonde tresses. They talked about the forest and how it differed from the forest in Lindon. The blonde told him about the stunning gardens in Eregion but never mentioned Annatar or the fact that the most beautiful elf was Sauron in disguise who showed him the gardens. They gazed upon the stars noticing the brightest star that adorned the night sky both agreed that it must be the star of Eärendil.
By the end of the week, Haldir joined the prince and his guard. He stayed for the weekend and during this time the three of them lounged by the warm springs not far from the palace. They watched the stars every night. They made wishes upon falling stars, but Feren preferred to kiss the prince instead of making a wish that would never come true anyway.
“Are you two a couple?” Haldir asked as Feren kissed the prince for the umpteenth time that weekend.
Thranduil chuckled when he shoved his guard aside. “No. This silly elf just likes to kiss me whenever a star falls.”
The sturdy blonde grinned when he glanced at the guard. “I also heard that you must kiss another when a star falls.”
The prince’s eyes enlarged when he gaped at the blonde.
“You see. I told you,” Feren remarked with a grin.
Haldir moved closer to the prince. “May I have the pleasure to indulge myself in your lips, Your Highness?”
Thranduil snorted when his face flushed. “You two are plotting against me, aren’t you,” he declared as his eyes darted back and forth between the two elves.
The burly blonde smiled at the prince when he moved into his personal space.
The prince shook his head when he chuckled. “Very well. You may kiss me, Marchwarden.”
Haldir cupped the blonde’s face before he pressed his lips against the soft lips of the prince. He then deepened the kiss when Thranduil didn’t push him away. Butterflies flew up in his stomach when the prince uttered a noise of pleasure.
When the Marchwarden pulled back, they stared at each other until Feren interrupted them with a cough. Haldir smiled when he let the prince go. “That was nice.”
“It was,” Thranduil muttered as he turned away in a haze. Only when his guard laid a hand on his shoulder, did he come to his senses.
“Is something the matter,” Feren asked when he looked at the prince.
“No, of course not,” the blonde replied with a smile before he glanced back at Haldir. “Nothing is the matter,” he repeated when he sat down on the blankets and crossed his legs. “Wine?” he asked when he opened the basket Feren brought. He took out three goblets and filled them with Dorwinion wine.
After a few months, Galion also joined the trio, but only during nighttime because the king was demanding during the day. He didn’t even want to give his butler one day free during the week to hang out with his son and his friends.
The four of them became inseparable. They trained together, played together, and hunted together. But when the Silvan traditions started only Thranduil was allowed to accompany Feren.
***
A messenger from Lindon hurried past Thranduil to the king’s study. Out of curiosity, the prince followed him. He waited in front of the door until the guard and the messenger left. The prince stepped forward and knocked on the open door.
“Thranduil, I don’t have time for you know,” the king said as he broke the familiar seal of the Highking.
“I was just curious, Ada. I noticed that Ereinion sent a letter.”
“Oh Valar, no,” Oropher called out as he dropped the letter on his desk.”
Thranduil stormed into his father’s study. “What’s wrong, Ada? Has something happened to Adar?”
“Ereinion is well, but Eregion is under siege. He sent Elrond with an army to help fight.” He glanced at his son. “Your Annatar has shown his true form.”
The prince winced. “He’s not my Annatar.” He glanced at the letter and then at his father. “May I,” he asked pointing to the letter.
“Yes, read it,” the king replied sliding the letter across the desk.
Thranduil’s eyes enlarged while reading the letter. He gasped aloud before he looked up. “Celebrimbor is in danger. He forged rings and now the Dark Lord wants them.” He glowered at his father. “Looks like Annatar deceived Celebrimbor too.”
“What do you expect from the Noldor?”
“Ada,” the prince called out. “Do you forget you were in a relationship with a Noldor once?”
Oropher rolled his eyes. “I remember all too well, ion nín.” He snorted, “They think they’re superior to us, the Sindar.”
Thranduil gawked at his father. “Where is this coming from? You never showed any hatred towards them before.”
“Is there anything else you want? If not, please leave.”
“Are you sending help?”
“No.”
The prince dipped his head before he turned around and marched out of the study. When he closed the door behind him, he bumped into his guard. “Watch where you’re going,” he spat out as he stepped past him and rushed forward.
“Why did you run away from me?” Feren asked when he got hold of the prince’s arm pulling him to stop. “And why are you in such a foul mood?”
“I didn’t run away from you. I followed the messenger from Lindon because I saw that he had a letter from the Highking.” Thranduil rolled his eyes. “I’m not in a foul mood.” He relaxed his shoulders. “Eregion is under siege and my father won’t send help.” He grabbed the brunette’s arms. “We can help them, Feren.”
Feren pulled the blonde into a hidden corridor. “Mellon nín, your father knows best. Our army is not the strongest.”
“Yes, but we can add to their numbers.” Thranduil sighed. “Ereinion sent Elrond with an army of soldiers to help Celebrimbor fight Sauron and his forces in Eregion.”
“Ah. You’re afraid for Elrond’s life?”
The blonde wrapped his arms around Feren’s neck. “I am.”
“He will be all right, mellon nín,” he lulled as he brushed a hand over the blonde’s head. He pushed the prince back to look at him. “You still have feelings for Elrond?”
Thranduil shook his head before he breathed out, “No.” He shrugged. “I know he’s a great warrior, but still…”
Feren pulled him back into an embrace. “War is awful.”
The blonde pulled his head back. “You fought a battle?”
“I haven’t, but my grandfather and his father have. I’ve heard lots of stories told by my father and grandfather.” The brunette grimaced when he shook his head. “None of them were nice.”
“We must practice more to get stronger. We’ll never know when Sauron or his forces will invade the north of Greenwood. He already took the most southern region.”
That same afternoon, Thranduil, with the help of Feren, gathered all the soldiers of Greenwood the Great. He divided them into two groups, half of them went back to work while the rest remained for training.
Thranduil taught them how to group. How to walk and run in formation. He also taught them defensive manoeuvres. How to attack from the front, from the side and how to infiltrate as well as how to encircle the enemy. The Silvan elves were quite skilled with their bows and arrows, though some tried their hand at wielding a sword.
The prince’s mind was so preoccupied with all these activities, that he had no time to think of his ex, Annatar and the ongoing battle in Eregion.
***
A blinding flash of light exploded in front of the elven army. Some of the elves covered their eyes or turned away while a few of them just winced at the bright light bubbling before them. The orcs stood as if frozen in time and watched with horror on their faces not knowing what was unfolding in front of them.
Elrond, the leader of the elven army, winced and turned his head slightly away. His eyes enlarged when three entities appeared in a cloud of effervescent light. Two male figures with sapphire-blue pointy hats and navy-blue robes stepped out of the light first. As soon as they stepped on solid ground they disappeared.
When the third became visible, he drifted as if in slow motion towards Elrond. It was an elf. His long wavy golden hair cascaded over his shoulders down to his midriff. The brunette gaped at him. He rubbed his eyes. Could it be… No, he was killed while slaying a balrog back in Gondolin, or so the stories said. He blinked a few times. Was his mind deceiving him?
“Lord Elrond,” the blonde emitted with a gentle, enchanting voice. He bent down on one knee and bowed his head.
Elrond gaped at the blonde kneeling before him. When he finally came to his senses he grabbed him by his shoulders. “This is no time for bending the knee, elf. We’re at war.” With widened eyes, he asked in a breath, “Who are you?”
The beautiful golden-haired elf smiled when he stood up. “I’m Glorfindel from the House of the Golden Flower.” He dipped his head. “An emissary of the Valar. I came to aid you in the battle against Sauron and his forces.” He unsheathed his sword and lay it upon his hands. “At your service, my lord.”
“Who were the other two that arrived with you?”
He smiled. “They are Palacendo and Haimenar, the blue wizards.” The smile on his face disappeared. “But that’s a discussion for another time. Now we must fight,” he called out as he lunged forward and slashed an orc’s face in half who charged at Elrond. One after the other orcs fell next to the brunette before he came to his senses and raised his sword slaying orcs around him.
During the nine-year battle, Ost-in-Edhil was the last city to fall. It was there at the guild house that the orcs took Celebrimbor captive. After Sauron took the nine rings from him, he tortured Celebrimbor to tell him where the other three rings were. He then killed his former confidant and used his corpse as a banner when he and his forces charged for Elrond and his army northeast of Eregion.
Lucky for Elrond the dwarves of Khazad-dûm, and elves of Lothlórien led by Prince Amroth son of King Amdír, attacked Sauron and his forces from behind. The orc army along with Sauron, turned around to defend themselves leaving Elrond and his army to retreat further east to safety, thus, finding and establishing Imladris.
Sauron was defeated and driven out of Eriador. He and his forces fled back to Mordor.
Elrond held his first council meeting in Imladris and selected only a few to attend this gathering. Gil-galad who had received two rings from Celebrimbor gave Vilya, the most powerful ring forged by Celebrimbor to Elrond during the gathering of this meeting. The other ring Narya, the Highking gave to Círdan. During this meeting, Highking Gil-galad appointed Elrond as his vice-regent in Eriador.
“This is a beautiful ring, my lord Elrond,” Thranduil remarked as he smiled at his ex while still holding his hand after studying the ring.
The brunette chuckled. “You don’t need to address me this formal, mellon nín.”
“If there’s anyone who deserved this title it’s you, melda nín.”
Elrond dipped his head with a slight curl of his lips. He pulled the blonde closer and placed a kiss on his cheek. “Eat and be merry. I must tend to my other guests.”
When Thranduil turned around a beautiful golden-haired elf stood before him. “He smiled at him before he asked, “May I be of assistance?”
“Oropher?”
“No, he is my father. Who might you be?”
“Ah, of course.” Glorfindel grinned. “Only Oropher could bear an offspring more beautiful than himself.”
“I still don’t know who you are?”
“Forgive me.” The golden-haired bowed. “I’m Glorfindel an emissary of the Valar.”
Thranduil’s face dulled before he snorted, “I had enough of those,” he grunted as he turned away and left without announcing that he was leaving.
Glorfindel remained motionless as he gaped at the blonde walking away from him.
“I have enough statues in the garden, lord Glorfindel. You don’t need to imitate one,” Elrond remarked as he laid a hand on the blonde’s shoulder.
The balrog-slayer shook his head while still gaping in the prince’s direction. “That little orc,” he spat out.
“Who?”
“Son of Oropher. He just left me standing here.”
Elrond’s eyes enlarged when he turned his gaze to where the prince was standing and laughing with a goblet of wine in hand while he conversed with Celeborn. “Thranduil?”
“Is that his name? I must remember it. His demeanour is rude and uncalled for. He left me here standing here while we were still talking.”
“I don’t understand, my lord. That’s not how I know Thranduil’s temperament to be.” Elrond shook his head in disbelief. “Did you say anything that could offend him perhaps?”
Glorfindel raised his brow. “Well, he asked me who I was and to begin with I told him I was an emissary of the Valar.”
Elrond gasped aloud.
“What?” the blonde said glowering at the elf lord.
“My lord, I’m afraid it was wrong to tell him that. He met Sauron disguised as Annatar who told him that he was an emissary from the Valar.” Elrond shrugged. “I suppose that triggered his memory of the relationship he had with Annatar.”
“What?” Glorfindel widened his eyes. “He didn’t see through his disguise?” he asked before he grimaced while shaking his head.
“No, he didn’t.” Elrond glanced back. “The poor thing’s heart broke when the Highking revealed the truth.
“He was in love with this Annatar?”
The brunette sighed. “Unfortunately, yes.”
Glorfindel gazed at the beautiful prince. “I must apologise to him and reacquaint myself.” He smiled and nodded when Elrond excused himself to mingle with other guests. The golden-haired elf’s gaze returned to the prince. He smiled again as he listened to his laughter. He sighed when he looked away and decided to leave the council gathering.
As the Balrog slayer walked past a group of people, he stopped dead in his tracks as he laid eyes on a familiar face. “Look at you,” he called out with a grin.
Oropher slowly turned around. His mouth fell open while his eyes enlarged. “Back from the dead,” he cried out shaking his head.
Glorfindel bowed before the king of the Woodland Realm. “I always knew you had the potential to become king one day.” He reached out to the king’s crown made of dried twigs, leaves and red berries. “This is gorgeous, Oropher. Made it yourself?”
“No, Glaur. It was lying on the ground and I picked it up on the way over here.”
The king and elf lord burst out with laughter.
Glorfindel retained his laughter before he asked, “Don’t you have enough coin to let someone forge you a real crown?”
Oropher frowned upon him. “This is a real crown, Glaur. My people made it for me and I’m quite happy with it.”
While they were talking, Thranduil paced towards them. With no emotion on his face, he glanced at the golden-haired elf talking to his father.
Oropher noticed his son closing in on them and grabbed him by the arm pulling him against him. “Meet my son, Prince Thranduil.”
“We have met earlier. I’ve mistaken him for you, Your Majesty.” Glorfindel bowed before the prince. “Your Highness.” He smiled at him when he rose. “I must apologise for earlier, my prince. I believe you had a bad encounter with a previous emissary of the Valar that’s why you…” He shrugged while choosing his words, “Left me standing by myself.”
Thranduil rolled his eyes. “I’m sure you and Elrond had a good laugh at my foolishness.”
Glorfindel frowned while he shook his head. “No, my prince. Lord Elrond merely explained your behaviour towards me.”
The prince’s gaze softened. “I was fooled once. It won’t happen again.”
“Come on, Thranduil. He’s the Balrog slayer from Gondolin. He died slaying a Balrog. The Valar gave him another chance by sending him back to us,” Oropher explained.
“May we talk somewhere private, my prince?” Glorfindel asked as he dipped his head.
“I’m leaving,” Oropher announced.
After his father left the conversation, the prince glanced at the golden blonde. “I have nothing to say to you, Balrog slayer.”
Glorfindel smiled at him when he stepped closer. “Let’s just take a walk then,” he whispered as he held his hand out.
Thranduil turned around without taking the proffered hand. “Let’s walk then,” he said when he glanced back at the elf.
The two elves strolled down the grassy pathway.
“The starlight is beautiful,” Glorfindel remarked when the silence between them was too much.
“They are,” the prince concurred.
“I’m not the enemy, Thranduil,” the golden-haired said as he pulled the prince by the arm to a halt.
“That I’ve realised when I saw you and my father knew each other.”
“But why are you still so hostile towards me?”
Thranduil looked him in the eye. “I don’t want to be hurt again.”
“I never hurt anyone.” He shrugged. “Well, except for that poor Balrog,” he snorted. He smiled when he noticed a small smile crossed the prince’s lips.
“I heard many stories of you slaying the Balrog while Gondolin was under attack.”
Glorfindel enlarged his eyes. “All good I hope.”
“You’re a hero, my lord.” Thranduil’s face flushed when he glanced at the beautiful elf before him. “I never knew you were this fair.”
“Not as fair as you, my prince.”
“You said I look like my father, just as you remembered him.”
He took hold of the prince’s arm before they carried on strolling through the garden. “I did say that. You’re his mirror image, Thranduil.” He sighed before he continued, “I only met your father once in Gondolin. He left such a great impression on me that I couldn’t get him out of my head. Then we met again after he moved back to Doriath but by that time he had fallen in love with a raven-haired Noldor prince.
“So, you were in love with my father?”
“I liked your father and wanted to get to know him better. I wasn’t in love with him then.”
“And now you are trying your luck with his son?”
Glorfindel gasped aloud. “Are you always this forward, my prince?”
Thranduil chuckled. “Most of the time, my lord.”
“Good qualities of a good king.”
They stopped when they reached one of the many fountains in the garden and sat down on a bench nearby. In silence, they stared at the water gushing forth before it cascaded into a pond with colourful fish and a few pink lilies floating on the surface of the water.
“Lord Elrond did well with this stronghold here in the valley of the Misty Mountains.”
“He did indeed.” Thranduil smiled before he continued, “I thought he would always remain in Lindon, become the Highking of the Noldor, Ereinion's successor.”
“You know him well?”
“Yes. We…” Thranduil winced when he touched the left side of his face.
“Lovers?” Glorfindel ventured.
“Yes. When my father and I moved to Lindon, I met him in Mithlond.”
“If I may ask? Why did you break up?”
Thranduil shrugged. “I followed my father to Greenwood and I…” He shrugged. “I think the distance and long times apart ruined our love for each other.”
“Is there someone else, now?”
The prince smiled when he turned his gaze to Glorfindel. He shook his head before he replied, “Not yet.”
“Ah, so there is someone on the horizon?” the elf lord snorted.
Thranduil’s face flushed before he glanced at his feet. “No, there is not.”
Glorfindel moved closer before he placed his arm behind the prince on the back of the bench. “Do you think we… I…” He put his finger underneath Thranduil’s chin and raised his head. “Do I stand a chance of becoming a keeper of your heart?”
The prince stared at the beautiful lips forming words as Glorfindel spoke. His eyes travelled from the golden-haired’s full lips, up his nose until he met bright blue orbs staring back at him. “I don’t know, Glorfindel.” He rose to his feet. “I haven’t come here searching for anything.” Thranduil shook his head. “Maybe later.” He glanced at the elf lord staring at him with big bright blue eyes. “Forgive me for not falling into your arms.” The prince turned around and scurried back the way they came.
Glorfindel sprung up and chased after the prince. “Thranduil, wait,” he called out. Only at the foot of the staircase on the way to the council gathering, did he catch up with the prince. He grabbed his arm pulling him into the shadows. “Why did you flee from me? I did not force myself upon you. I was merely conversing with you. Exploring. I wanted to know if I stand a chance with you.” He gazed into the ice-blue eyes staring back at him. “Don’t you have anything to say to me?”
“You met me a few hours ago. How can you feel anything towards me?”
“Have you never heard of love at first sight? Elu Thingol and Melian, Lúthien and Beren. I’m sure there are many more examples than these that I’ve mentioned. You grew up in Doriath. You must know them.”
Thranduil nodded. “Thingol was my king, Lúthien was his daughter, of course I know of them. Lúthien and Beren was the greatest love story ever told, that ever existed in Middle-earth.” He shut his eyes for a second. “But I’m not them, Glorfindel.” The prince’s lips curled into a smile before he swallowed a lump in his throat. “I’m leaving in two days with my father. “Let’s meet again and talk some more. Let’s get to know one another.” His face flushed when he snorted, “I don’t wear my heart on my sleeve anymore.” He cupped the elf lord’s cheek. “I’m careful of who I allow to capture my heart.” He smiled. “After the incident, I had with…” The prince rolled his eyes when he sighed. “With Annatar, I’m extra careful. Please understand.”
“My beautiful prince. I understand better than you think. I’m patient. I can wait.” Glorfindel smiled when he removed the prince’s hand from his cheek and kissed the palm. “As long as I have a grain of hope that your heart might someday belong to me, I’m willing to wait.”
“I’m happy that the Valar returned you to us, here to Imladris.” He leaned forward and kissed the elf lord on the cheek. “But now I must go. It’s getting late and I would love to get some sleep.” He dipped his head before he ascended the stairs. Halfway up he turned back to face the elf lord. “Sleep well, Balrog slayer. See you in the morrow.”
Glorfindel smiled when he nodded. “See you in the morrow,” he muttered when the prince stepped up on the last of the stairs before he disappeared out of sight.