The Woodland Realm

Chapter VI – War Council

Year 3429 of the Second Age

The council chamber was filled with the noise of heavy oak chairs being drawn against the carven stone floor as the lords and ladies of Greenwood took their seats, with Oropher taking his place at the head of the table, with Queen Lalaith and Prince Thranduil notably absent from the proceedings though if the elves were surprised, it did not reach their faces. Oropher leaned slightly forward and cast his grey eyes about the room, his most trusted councillors sat before him today, with Gelathon seated to his right, all of them waiting patiently for him to speak.

"As many of you will have heard by now, the Noldor high-king Gil-Galad and king of Men Elendil are mustering a grand host intent on marching to Mordor" the king began, he let this news settle in, he was of no doubt that they were already aware of the news, but he wanted to see their varied reactions.

"It is true then? That Sauron has returned once again? Spoke up one of the councillors, which caused a murmuring of unease. The Greenwood was largely untouched in the last war between Sauron and the elves, however the tales of how bloody it was reached their borders.

"I do not want to admit this, but it is true it is the only explanation for the increase of orc activity in the south and the burning of the forest of the entwives" Oropher replied, not failing to notice the pained expression of those present at the mention of the forest of the Entwives, now known as the Brown lands, it was one of his greatest failures that he could not reach them in time. "The Greenwood has been asked to lean its aid to this endeavour, the threat is real my friends, it has come to my attention that Minas Ithil has been ceased by Mordor. Today was must decide if we are willing to fight, if so we will go to Amdir and ask for his aid also" Oropher continued, before leaning back to assess the room, there was a quiet reluctance about them all.

"The Noldor have long claimed themselves the greatest of the eldar, why not let them fight this war with the aid of the Edain?" Spoke one councilwoman.

"And have it be said that we sat idle whilst others fight battles for us? Even the dwarves are marching!" Piped another in response. That last part of the sentence irked Oropher more than it should, he had still not forgiven the dwarves for their races part in the first sack of Doraith.

"We have a sizeable military, this war is for Middle Earth itself, should we not be part of it?" Gelathon spoke up, many in the room respected him greatly, and Oropher knew that his friends support would go a long way to either side.

"Not enough to content with the might of Mordor" spoke another ellon.

"Which is why we must join forces with this alliance" came an unexpected voice from the back of the room, causing many of the councillors to look shocked. Oropher turned to see Thalion step forward, his keenest guard and peerless with a sword amongst the Silvan. "If this alliance were to fail what do you think the dark lords next move would be? Gondor would fall swiftly, leaving the north and the west exposed to his grip. Strong we may be but alone we would be washed over, there would be no victory"

"My respects to your position Thalion, but this is not your place" spoke the dark-haired ellon whom Thalion had countered. The room fell silent, many eyes moving to the king for his view, yet Thalion spoke again.

"It might not be my place to speak at the council or have a say in its decision, but I have protected these borders for centuries, I have served its army for longer, I am a subject of this great realm, does that not give me the right to speak?" The guardsman spoke with vigour, causing the questioning ellon to be taken aback.

"Peace Thalion, I have been both a warrior and a lord before I was king" Oropher interjected. "I will always heed the advice of my commanders in matters of war" he added before turning his gaze to an ellon of light brown hair and whom was tall and fair. "Imrik, what say you on this front, are the soldiers ready for such a war?" Asked the king.

"We are much suited to battle within the wood, should we march on Mordor with this host our warriors will need to develop their skills in fighting open warfare" replied the ellon with his shoulders squared and head held high. "We would need someone whom is well verse in this practice, bold and practiced we might be, we are not a regimented and disciplined force like your Sindar king and Noldor"

"Whom might you suggest could deliver this kind of training on such a grand scale commander?" asked one elleth. Imrik looked to the king briefly and held his gaze for a moment before turning to the room.

"I have heard of prince Thranduil's prowess in combat, the warriors here are enamoured with the tales and look up to him greatly. I need not remind you all the significance of this. I feel the prince would be best suited to oversee this my king" Imrik explained. Oropher rested his cheek on his palm for a moment and closed his eyes. Imrik was correct, yet even now his son lay in a state of trauma that had resurfaced from old wounds, then there was his wife and she would sooner marry and orc than allow Thranduil to go near a sword for the time being.

"I will take that under-advisement commander" Oropher responded and nodded his head.

"Is that all commander?" Gelathon pressed, clearly knowing otherwise.

"My king, as you well know. Our ranger garb will not be suitable in pitched battle, I would suggest if we march out to war, that we issue each warrior with armour that the palace guard wear. We do not have the stores of metal for heavy war gear like that of our western kin" Imrik added.

"That would use all our stores my king!" Called out a detractor of the turn of events.

"What use would stores be with Sauron prevails!" Spoke another. Swiftly the council room devolved into chaos as voices mingled and fought with each other to be heard. Oropher brought his hand to his brow and massaged the growing headache that formed, it would be no use to try and silence the Silvan elves at the council, he knew it best to allow them to quarrel themselves out first. He noted the grim look on Gelathon's face, it had matched Oropher's own when he realised that the situation was so dire, that even the Noldor sought the aid of all they could. He had only just had his wife and son return to him, and now this war could very much tear them apart once more, he had half a mind to call his people with him and sail to Aman and away from this perpetual circle of life and death. Yet he knew many would refuse, and he would be leaving them to death or much worse.

But to go to war would bring death and grief to his realm, but then had they not experienced that already? Each week since the ambush at the southern border the orcs probed their defences, it would not be long before war was upon them. Perhaps this was the Valar's way of urging the eldar to return home, and in a way, it was, for Morgoth himself had been a Valar whom turned away from Eru in spite and had corrupted Middle Earth, citing that his passing would not be forgotten, for all those who dwelt within this earth would know suffering in some form or another.

"Enough!" Oropher's stern voice cut across the room, causing all to fall silent abruptly and turn to him. "War is already upon us, each week the minions of Sauron probe our defences. If we sit still and idle we will be swallowed whole" he spoke, his eyes locking on to each elf in the room one by one. "I will not command this, each will vote and that will decide it. Those who vote against will not be forced to fight, those who vote for will be free to accompany the host to the south" he added before pulling two coins from his pocket and holding them aloft. "Gold for the alliance, silver for no. Cast your vote, for this war will define the second age and beyond"

"My king what of Amdir?" Gelathon asked gently.

"If the council decides we fight, then we will visit the golden wood to gain their support. I feel if we engage then they will also" Oropher replied before sliding the gold and silver coins in his palm together.

…

Lalaith strolled throughout the vast and beautiful halls of her husband's kingdom, they were not the depth and vastness of Menegroth in Doraith, yet they were no less magnificent. She had declined joining the war council, not out of disrespect, but because war was not something she was well versed in, how could she vote or cast an opinion on something she knew little of? No, today she wandered the halls in search of a certain Noldor elf lord, one whom was regarded as a great healer even amongst the elves, she hoped that he would be able to aid Thranduil. As she walked she could hear the laughter of an elfling and an older elf, coming from the great library that the queen would shortly be passing by. Lalaith's curiosity peeked at the joy she heard in the young one's laughter and she entered the library, the Noldor were often found with a nose deep within their tomes, perhaps Lord Elrond would reside here also.

"Do you think he has read my book Alarielle?" Came the young voice, causing Lalaith to smile, Thranduil had mentioned to her in passing that he had exchanged books with a young elfling not a few weeks ago. The queen had also seen her son indeed read a book called The Mouse and the Stag much to her amusement to see a grown ellon read a children's book.

"I am sure he will Elleina, but you must remember he is the prince, he has many other duties as well" came the soft voice belonging to an older elleth, Alarielle, the queen assumed. Oropher had mentioned to her of both Alarielle and Elleina, the little child's plight had broken her heart, she also remembered the look on her husband's face when he said that Thranduil had worn a brief but odd expression when he mentioned the older elleth. Lalaith did not know what complied her to do so, but she sought to locate the pair within the winding paths of the library, following the sounds of their voices to help guide her.

"I know, do you think he his handsome Alarielle?" Came the innocent voice of the elfling.

"Why do you ask little one?" Came Alarielle's reply after a moment of silence.

"I have heard the other elleth say so, but I have not heard you say anything, but you have a faraway look sometimes when the prince is spoken of" chipped the little elleth, amazing Lalaith of her powers of observation at such a young age. If the elleth had observed correctly that was. The queen reached the end of one winding path and saw the back of a tall and slender elleth of whom was looking to her left, presumably at the little Elleina who was hidden from her sight.

"I do not have a far away look Elleina, and the you are right because the other elleth do say the prince is handsome" Alarielle countered, giving up on the book she read as she rested her weight on her forearms against the table.

"You still didn't answer my question Alarielle" the girl pressed sweetly. Lalaith failed to hold back the giggle of amusement which gave away her presence to the two elves. Alarielle turned and upon seeing the queen, made to rise from her chair but paused as Lalaith held out her hand.

"Please do not rise for me" she spoke gently and stepped towards the elleth, her eyes finally resting on Elleina who looked up at her in wonder as she came into view. "Forgive me, I was not eavesdropping I happened to be looking for someone where I happened upon you both" Lalaith explained, not wanting the people to thing her rude.

"My queen, what you overheard please do not think it idle gossip meant to disrespect" Alarielle tried to explain, the expression on her face was that of anxiety.

"Oh that? Worry not my dear, I have heard enough elleth's comment on my son's beauty" Lalaith chuckled and turned to Elleina, whom still sat in awe at her. "I may be a little bias little one, but I do think he is rather handsome, don't you?" the queen asked with a warm smile and raised eyebrow.

"Yes, my queen, I think it's the silver hair. We don't see it often here, many of us have dark brown and shades of red in the forest, and he is very tall" the little elleth explained her reasoning. "I think Alarielle finds him handsome, she just doesn't want to say it" she chimed and fiddled with the pages of her book with a happy expression. Lalaith smiled at the little girls outgoing nature and turned to Alarielle, trying to resist the urge to chuckle at the mortification on her face.

"My queen I apologise deeply again. Elleina, it is not polite to say such things!" Alarielle lightly scolded the young girl.

"Its quite alright my dear, do you mind if I sit with you?" Lalaith asked kindly, wishing to familiar herself with this elleth that had seemingly captured her sons' attentions.

"Of course!" Alarielle responded and gestured to the nearest chair which the queen took, her gaze briefly flicked to Elleina who was happily reading the Nut and the Shrew. One of Thranduil's childhood favourites, Alarielle must have noticed her gaze as she made to speak. "The prince kindly let her burrow the book, Elleina exchanged one with him also, so has not put it down since" she said with a warm smile.

"Thranduil has been reading hers too, truth be told her mannerisms and fearlessness remind me so much of him in his youth" Lalaith whispered back, not wanting to ruin the little elleth's surprise when Thranduil would discuss the book with her.

"I told him he did not have too, she would have forgotten. I would not wish to take up his time on such matters" the elleth replied.

"Once my son has given his word my dear, little will stop him, he gets that from his father though I fear it is far worse in him" the queen spoke with a light laugh, feeling fondness for her family wash over her. She turned to Alarielle and briefly glanced over her, she was indeed a beauty and she could see why Thranduil had remembered her, for with her striking appearance she was soft and welcoming all the same, her son would need that if he ever took a wife. "Forgive my saying so, I confess I was eager to meet you, for my son has never often mentioned an elleth to myself or Oropher before" the queen added, smiling inwardly at the blush that appeared on the elleth's cheeks.

"That is flattering to hear my lady" she replied quietly, a feint smile gracing her lips. It was a small giggle that drew both older elleth's attention to Elleina, who sat holding her book with her eyes creased and beaming smile.

"Alarielle smiles when she thinks of him my queen, see" spoke the child excitedly, causing Alarielle to blush further. Lalaith could only smile kindly at the little girl, her energy reminding her so much of the little elfling that Thranduil once was. She turned to Alarielle once again and placed her hand gently on the elleth's arm, causing her eyes to meet her own.

"Worry not, this will stay between us" she said with a wink and leaned back into her chair, when a thought then came into her head. "Did you know that the king is hosting feast for the Noldorian guests?" the queen said casually.

"I had heard the rumours, I am surprised for there is little love for them in these parts. Yet any excuse for a feast is fine for the people here" Alarielle chuckled.

"Can I come to this one?" piped up Elleina.

"You are much to young Elleina" Alarielle countered gently, trying her best not to smile when the little elleth huffed and brought the book back to her face.

"Perhaps you should ask my son to attend with you?" Lalaith said, as though it were the simplest of things. Alarielle's eyes widened at the suddenness of the subject from the queen. She had only spoken to the prince on two occasions and now, the queen, his mother was suggesting they attend the feast together, and that she ask? Her mind raced for a moment, it was nonsense, yes, she smiled at the thought of him mentioning her but that meant nothing didn't it? When Etauriel mentioned and interest in the prince, you weren't to happy about that? Her mind taunted her. As much as she tried to find an excuse she could not deny that her mind had turned to him on a daily habit, sometimes more than once.

"My queen! I do not know the prince that well, and I cannot ask him, the people will talk!" Alarielle replied quietly. Elleina would soon be jumping into the conversation at this rate. An elleth could not ask a ellon to a feast, let alone a prince.

"I hear that Silvan elves have no such qualms about asking such bold questions, as for the talk? We are elves Alarielle, we will always talk" she added with a gentle smile.

"I am not a Silvan elf, they possess a lot more boldness than I my queen!" Alarielle insisted.

"And if he asked you?" the queen countered. She knew that smile that Alarielle had given when she mentioned her sons' words about her, she just needed to provide a gentle push.

"I, I would .." the younger elleth stumbled on her words, something that infuriated Alarielle to no end.

"She would love to go, I can comb your hair Alarielle" Elleina said with glee.

"Then it is settled" Lalaith said and rose from her seat. "If both of you young ladies would excuse me, I must attend to other matters. I will look forward to seeing you at the feast Alarielle, and I will see you soon Elleina" the queen said kindly before leaving and quickly as she had come, intent on finding Elrond. Once out of sight Alarielle turned to Elleina with a mock scowling expression, but upon seeing the young elleth's eyes lit up, she smiled softly and chuckled when the little elleth began listing the things she would need to help make her presentable.

If she were honest with herself, she quite liked the idea of the handsome prince escorting her to the feast.

…

I struggled with this chapter, sorry for the long wait, the next few will flow much better.

Read and review! I love reading them and I am not ashamed to admit it!