Secrets of Thranduil Hall (Open....Please Join!)

[Lothiel]

((Hey Tish, how about this: A-hlarën ar a-hehta ohtalyë! A-lelya ana i taurë yassë tullëlyë! [ie. Hear-me and abandon your fight! Go to the forest wherein you came!] Hope that works. ))

Ithilwen stood stock-still, repulsed, her arms crossed in front of her as she watched the ulunn's destructive activities in fair Rivendell. Glorfindel stood behind her, his hands placed protectively on her shoulders, ready to pull her out of the way in case the ulunn did not listen to the Istari's words.

Shock filled every ounce of Ithilwen's being as she watched the Istari work his magic, and she turned her head slightly to regard him carefully from the corner of her eye. She raised her eyebrows when the Istari gave the order to burn the bodies, and then looked at Glorfindel, confusion written on her face. He was confused as well.

[Tishamet]

((perfect, Loey ;D))

[Pippin]

They heard as Lord Elrond ordered to some Elves to put the corpses of the ulunn together and burn them, and to take the corpses of any dead Elf to the Memorial Chamber and to take any wounded Elf to the Healing Chambers.

Mikau noticed how everyone seemed to be confused, except Lord Elrond and the Istari.

"Lord Elrond...what are we to do?" he asked. It seemed to be the question all the ones in the chamber wanted to ask as they turn their heads towards Elrond waiting for an answer.

[Lothiel]

Lord Elrond turned and faced Mikau. "First," he said grimly, "we must take care of our wounded and our deceased. Then I will have a conference with the Ladies Galadwen and Linniel, after all, I had summoned them here before these events complicated matters. Only then will I make a decision."

Mikau nodded, but Ithilwen had seen and heard enough. She turned and quietly left, retreating through the halls and out the back way into the gardens, quickly locating her favorite tree. She was aware Glorfindel was following her, but did not mind. Reaching the tree, she sprang up, grabbing ahold of the lowest branches and began to climb.

"Ithilwen," Glorfindel called gently, but she ignored him and continued climbing until she could not climb anymore. Plopping down on a thick branch, she brought her knees up to her chin and settled in a nook. She knew he would follow her up, and she did not have long to wait before his gentle face appeared in front of her. He said nothing as he sat down on the same branch. They regarded each other steadily for a few moments, and then she spoke.

"It's too much, Glorfindel. I am a simple scout, trained to handle whatever my path may throw in my way. But this, this is too much."
"I know, 'Thil. I'm still trying to sort it all out as well." He sighed. "The ulunn were... fine." When Ithilwen looked at him shocked, he struggled to elaborate. "Well, no, not fine, but you know what I mean. We all could deal with them, horrid as it may be. But a Dragon?"
"My thoughts exactly."

They fell into silence, each in their own thoughts.
"You do know I will be leaving on duty as soon as Lord Elrond settles these matters and decides his course of action."
"Yes, I know." When Ithilwen said nothing more, he gently took her hand in his own. Ithilwen's pale green eyes were bright in the evening darkness as she regarded Glorfindel steadily. They had been friends for far too long to have to voice the doubts and fears they suspected the following days would bring.

[Pippin]

Everyone seemed to have undestood the message which clearly meant: Let us take counsel tomorrow morning.

Ithilwen and Glorifindel left the chamber. Mikau slowly moved towards Falasion and told him that they'd better go now. Then they left the chamber together.

"I should get you to your mother. I'm sure she's worried about you and your sister. You can tell her about Ithilwen." Mikau told Falasion smiling weakly.

Falasion didn't say a word, he just nodded and went along with Mikau. Mikau had noticed this and seemed very strange for his friend to act this way. "Is something wrong? Are you hurt?"

Falasion finally spoke: "I'm not hurt...but this is too much. Even if I have to go or not with you in the company to fight against the Dragon I wouldn't handle it. I wouldn't be able. And this sudden attacks in Imladris; it proves that the power of the Elves cannot completely hide the city."

Mikau saw the Falasion seemed to be worried. "Hey, I bet it wasn't the power of the Elves which failed to hide Imladris. Probably someone from inside helped them, but I cannot be sure of that. And whether you have to come with us or not to fight against the Dragon, I will always try to look after you...but I believe that is the job of your sister."

Mikau smiled and placed an arm on Falasion's shoulder. They kept walking and helped a few Elves with taking the wounded to the Healing Chambers where Falasion's mother was. She looked very worried and was asking Falasion many questions; Falasion seemed annoyed though.

Mikau then left the chamber and went to the stables to fetch for his bag with his shield and ocarina and other things he had most likely picked on his travels.

"The Moon never lies." he muttered to himself as he stepped outside and saw the Moon shinning at its best. A hawk was following him and perched on his shoulder. He didn't mind and walked to his chamber. It was small and round. He placed his bag next to the bed and allowed the hawk to stay in the room.

He sat on the bed and was filled with thought. "It'll be a long year Faxe, a long year."

And he let himself fall asleep not wanting to worry anymore of the counsels of tomorrow.

[Lothiel]

Ithilwen rolled over on her cot in her quarters as her mind mulled over the events of the evening. Glorfindel and her had sat up in the boughs of the Oak for hours, talking, then in silence as they watched the stars glimmer in the Heavens. Ithilwen smiled into the darkness of her room as she remembered how Glorfindel had pulled her gently into his arms and whispered in her ear of his unfailing support for her in her duties. He really is a great friend, she concluded, for what other Elf-lord would completely support my work in a man's job?

Ithilwen smiled again, and rolled back over on her cot. She had to get some sleep--it would be light in five hours and then she'd most likely be called into Council with Lord Elrond and the others...

But how could she sleep when her mind kept returning to Glorfindel and his staunch support and unfailing confidence in her?

I give up, she thought to herself, losing the battle with forcing herself to sleep. Ithilwen shifted position once again and groaned softly. Lord Elrond would be irritated if she fell asleep in Council tomorrow....

She snickered. She wouldn't fall asleep if Eregir was there... his whiny voice cut through sleepy ruminations like a ship through water!

[Pippin]

((Now I'm the one with long posts ))

Mikau was sleeping when his hawk started bitting his clothes. He felt Faxe's beak gently bitting his clothes wanting him to wake up but he turned around startling the hawk. He didn't want to wake up.

His hawk persisted until Mikau sat on the bed and swinged his arms in its direction making the hawk dodge them and flying to the chair in the chamber. Mikau stared at his hawk for a while, eyeing it suspiciously. He did this for a while and then layed once again on his bed, the Sun wasn't even up yet. He found that he couldn't sleep again so he got out of bed and kept on staring at his hawk which looked back with an innocent stare.

"Fine, you win. I'm awake now. No need to stare at me that way." Mikau finally said. He went to the window and looked outside, it was still dark. It would take maybe an hour or two for the Sun to rise. It was cold outside and there were clouds in the sky. It seems as if it is going to rain today...

He walked around his chamber. There wouldn't be no one awake except the guards on the doors of the chambers of the Ladies of Mirkwood, Elrohir, Elladan, and Elrond and any other important Elf Lord or Ladie.

"It's boring sometimes...to talk and hold debates with a hawk whilst waiting for everyone else to wake up." he said with a grin trying to annoy his hawk. Faxe only stared at him evily.

"I wonder about that Istari though. He was the one Falasion and I saw last night at the feast, and looked suspicious. And Lord Elrond would look at him coldly. I wonder why." Mikau told his hawk.

Seeing that Faxe wouldn't be able to answer him, he sat on the chair he was perched at and grabbed a cloak. It'll be a cold day today, so it seems.

He then stood and grabbed his bag and was about to leave the room. Faxe perched himself on his shoulder and they walked out, Mikau memorized where everything in his room was. It wouldn't be odd if someone would go inside to check out what he, a Rohirrim would be hiding there, as if he would. And so they began to walk through the corridors expecting to reach to the kitchens and have some breakfast before anyone else would wake up. The Council with Elrond that day had gotten him to his nerves.

[Galadwen]

After the terrible ordeal the night before with the monsters, Galadwen wasn't able to sleep. Linniel had managed to though, and was sound asleep in the bed next to her.

Galadwen finally decided to get up and go onto the balcony. The stars were still out and the sun would rise in a few hours. She did not look forward to the council that would be held in the morning. Everyone thing that had happened was prying on her mind.

She could sense a foreboding that only few elves could. Something would happen that she couldn't control and it had something to do with those secret documents and the dragon. She didn't know how they were connected, but all the facts would soon show it's ugly face.

Looking down she saw Mikau with Faxe on his shoulder walking towards the Hall. More then likely heading towards the kitchen.

That is a wonderful idea, I'll get dressed and go get some food to eat myself. Maybe then i'll feel better.

Quickly she went into the wardrobe and grabbed a red gown with flowing sleeves. Combing out her hair, she braided half of it down her neck and placed a red ribbon upon the end. Then after making sure that Linniel was alright, she exited by the side door and headed down the long corridor to the kitchen.

Not knowing that a figure was following her wherever she went.

[Pippin]

Galadwen soon caught up with Mikau, as he was walking slowly, looking carefully around him. He had always done this.

"Good morning, Lady Galadwen." Mikau said with a smile. "What woke you up so early? Hope it wasn't me."

"No, it wasn't you Mikau. It is just all the things that are happening, I can't sleep and I can't keep myself from thinking about them." She paused. "Have you waken up too from thinking about this things or because you couldn't sleep? Yet you look calm." Galadwen replied.

"This hawk, here, woke me up." He said pointing at Faxe. "And he always do so at this time of the day. I do worry about the decisions that are going to be taken today and the things that we would be up to do to accomplish them."

Faxe suddenly started to bite Mikau's sleeve with urgency. Mikau looked at his hawk and saw a shadow behind them. His eyes grew wide, but then he smiled and told Galadwen.

"I think some early breakfast will do you good, but let us make haste before it is daylight."

He didn't want to worry Galadwen with something else, she looked tired and worried to death, or so it seemed. So they made haste to reach the kitchens, Mikau's plan to avoid the shadow.

[Galadwen]

((OOC: I'm making myself hungry..lol))

Galadwen smiled and followed Mikau into the kitchen. Wonderful smells were wafting from inside. The smell of fruits, baked bread, Lembas', and other good food surrouded Galadwen as they entered.

Mikau was so sweet, he led Galadwen into the kitchen and sat her down by one of the tables.

"Now, you wait here and I shall get us some food." Mikau said as he winked.

Galadwen just shook her head.

"What a card." she thought.

Mikau had just entered the kitchen doors when a sense of foreboding entered her mind. She could feel a presence surrounding her. Fear enveloped her mind.

Suddenly a shadow came over her...she slowly turned around.....
((oh, oh...cliff. ))

[Pippin]

It was Ellrohir. ((rofl Gala))

Mikau returned from the kitchens with a plate with food for Galadwen, he had his share already. He saw Ellrohir.

"Good morning, Ellrohir." said Mikau avoiding eye contact.
"It be good, Rohirrim. Why do you two wake up so early when every other living beings are sleeping?" Ellrohir replied looking at Mikau coldly.
"It's the Council that is going to take place today, Ellrohir." Galadwen told him.

Mikau handed the plate with food to Galadwen. He couldn't stand the presence of Ellrohir or Elladan, they always looked at him coldly. They didn't understand why their father trusted a Rohirrim, but they did not know that he was a Númenor from heritage, a Man of the West.

"Important choices will be set upon us. Whether we would like it or not. We might as well have to deal with dwarves, as foes or allies." Mikau said.

This annoyed Ellrohir. Dwarves, that is all you have to say to make an Elf mad? Mikau knew about Gimli and Legolas being great friends and thought that the friendship of Elves and Dwarves was renewed. I was wrong.

[Lothiel]

Ithilwen woke to the sound of birds singing outside her window, and she sat up, dangling her feet over the edge of her bed. Stretching, she stood and proceeded to don her scouts' gear, seeing as she wanted to be prepared if Lord Elrond sent her on duty before the Council convened. Absently she ran her fingers through her hair and descended the steps, and paused to check on the horses. They were all well-fed and watered, and she smiled at the groom sweeping in the corner before stepping briskly out into the sunlight. She rounded the corner quickly and ran right into Glorfindel.

"Oh! I am so sorry," she stammered, quickly regaining her balance.
"It's quite alright, 'Thil," Glorfindel chuckled. Ithilwen blinked, then smiled.
"Good morning!"
"Good morning," he replied while pecking her quickly on the cheek before offering her his arm.
Ithilwen smiled. "I was just heading to the kitchens for breakfast."
"And I was heading here to see if you wanted company while you ate."

Ithilwen grinned up at him as they walked into the courtyard and up the steps leading into the Hall. Their boots clicked on the flagstones as they descended into the kitchens. Ithilwen stopped, seeing the scene which was playing out in front of them and she motioned to Glorfindel to take the long way around. Quietly they were served, and they turned to exit the kitchens.

"Let us eat outside in the gardens today," she whispered in his ear, and he nodded in agreement.

[Pippin]

Mikau then left Galadwen and Ellrohir after Ellrohir looked at him defiantly and more coldly. He didn't wish to go to the gardens but wanted to wait for Falasion to wake so that they would walk around. He carried a bag with food from the kitchens so that Falasion would choose what he wanted from there.

He was lost in thought and walked this way and that and managed to get to the corridor leading to Falasion's bedroom. He would have to wait outside. He sat on the floor against a pillar and closed his eyes for a while. He wanted to sleep somewhat more but Faxe would probably wake him up if he did.

The sun was starting to set high in the sky when Falasion left his bedroom and was already with his clothes, yawning and stretching. He then saw Mikau, asleep.

"I never thought I would see him sleeping. I didn't even think he did sleep." Falasion said amused.
"I heard that." Mikau answered opening one eye. Falasion chuckled. "You are laughing too much so early, that is bad." Mikau told him standing and showing him the bag with the goodies. "Slept well?"
"Yeah, mom made me this soup thingie with 'special herbs' and that stuff which made me go to sleep at once." Falasion said. "Don't try them, they taste bad."

Mikau smiled. "Shall we go now wait for Lord Elrond to call upon us for the Council?"
"Yeah, but I'm not sure if I am to go...I mean, I bet I wasn't even supposed to know that." Falasion told Mikau.
"Come now and don't be silly!" Mikau placed a hand on Falasion's shoulder and started walking towards the corridor leading to Lord Elrond's chamber. Falasion eating some of the food on the bag.

[Tishamet]

Tishamet had not slept all night. He had stayed awake, smoking his pipe on the bridge and thinking; guarding against the return of the ulunn with his mind. Counsel on the morrow would reveal what the young ones thought of him...what Elrond thought of him. He hoped they would trust him, he did not think he could undertake this quest alone. When he grew hungry, he rose, but did not head for the kitchens. He retreated into his quarters and pulled out of his pack a stale loaf of bread and some cheese, along with a flagon of wine.
"I could never bear to eat elven food too much." he said, and smiled as he took his first bite. The food made him feel good and strong. It was well traveled, as was he. He threw back his head and laughed. He was ready for another adventure.
Swallowing the last of the food, he rose and headed for the courtyard, where the counsel was to be held.

[Galadwen]

(( ))

Galadwen saw Mikau leave and she abruptly looked up at Elrohir, who was still standing behind her.

"What is wrong with you?! Do you have no respect at all!" she scoffed.

Elrohir was taken back.

How dare she say such a thing. he thought.

"He's a Rohirrim...."

"Does it matter?" Galadwen interupted. "All races are created equal and should be treated so. If you really respect me as much as I think you do, then you should really think about what I said."

After letting that sink in, Galadwen kissed Elrohir on the cheek and went out to the gardens to prepare for the upcoming council.