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

[Lothiel]

Ithilwen had nodded at Glorfindel; they were going to eat below the great Oak in the Gardens. In no time they were sitting beneath its leafy boughs, talking as they drank a hot, early morning drink and ate their meal. Ithilwen always enjoyed his company, but the upcoming council was a more pressing matter. And she couldn't help but wonder why Elrohir was so... cold... towards Mikau; he was much like the Rangers she rode with, if of a lower standing. Yet that should not make any difference; he was just as much a staunch supporter of the Elves as the last Númenoreans were...

It made no sense.

But then again, nothing is to making sense anymore, she reminded herself as she glanced at Glorfindel.

[Pippin]

((I feel saddened, lol. So sorry if the post will be kind of..sad stuff))

Falasion had just finished eating as much as his stomach would let him when they saw Ithilwen and Glorifindel eating in the garden. Falasion stared at them and started giggling, Mikau notice this and placed his hand on Falasion's mouth and carried him to another corridor. When Mikau took his hand from Falasion's mouth he started giggling so hard that Mikau nearly joined.

"You shouldn't make fun of your sister, or worse, an Elf Lord!" Mikau told him understading his childish behavior.
"No..worse would be making fun of my sister." Falasion added and kept on giggling, nearly losing his balance. Mikau had to grab his arm for him not to fall.
"Come now, you shouldn't be like that with your sister, if she knows or not, it isn't nice." Mikau told him.
"I've known my sister for years you know, and I don't think you have one to be able to understand what I mean." He told Mikau, actually wondering if he had any sister or brother. Mikau has never said a word about his family.. Falasion thought.

Mikau didn't reply to this, his family was dead since long ago. He had never met his parents and he really didn't know if he had any brother or sister and this saddened his heart for many long years. "That is no matter of importance." Mikau said finally, looking serious. He then started walking along the corridor and Falasion followed him, he knew he had said something wrong and wished he didn't. They didn't talk until they saw Lord Elrond coming out of his chamber.

"Suilad, Mikau and Falasion. Woken up already?" Lord Elrond asked, bearing his usual smile from every morning.
"Yes, well sir, it isn't very early now." Falasion said, seeing the Mikau wasn't going to reply.
"Oh yes, you're right. I think I overslept, the matter with the ulunn. You know. Mind if you call the other ones for us to take the Council at once?" Elrond answered. "And Mikau, mind to stay for a while? I need to talk to you." He added looking at Mikau.

With that Falasion left to look for the others, wondering what Lord Elrond was going to talk with Mikau. Mikau also seemed surprised. Lord Elrond wishes to talk to me? What about, I wonder.

[Galadwen]

Galadwen was so irritated at Elrohir when she exited the Hall. She couldn't stand anyone who could treat other people differently just because of thier race.

She huffed into the garden and headed towards the bridge. Once reaching the bridge, she leaned over and glanced into the cool rippling water. It seemed so calm for trying times.

Galadwen did not like waiting for things to occur. She still didn't understand what she and Linniel had to do with this. They were just meager ladies, trying to live out thier lives with no trials or dangers. But it seemed that was the least that had happened to them.

She kept thinking back to what Elrohir said to Mikau.

It wasn't right,she thought. Something had to be done, and done soon. Otherwise this council might never happen and none of the problems solved.

[Pippin]

((Rofl, my hate for Ellrohir is growing between the characters. MWAHAHAHA.   I really like Ellrohir in the books, lol. By the way Gala, you need to wake Linniel up. THE COUNCIL!))

Mikau entered Lord Elrond's Chamber. To his surprise, it somehow seemed different from the other night. Are there things my eye didn't see last night, or were they added today? He then saw Lord Elrond who motioned him to sit.

Mikau sat on one of the chairs. He was still wondering what Lord Elrond wanted to talk with him, and it was queer that if it would be urgent, that he would seem very calm. Finally Elrond spoke.

"The people of Rohan need you. This...ulunn are attacking them from the mountains and they can't do nothing to defend themselves. They don't have enough Men to fight and the enemies are countless."

Mikau was astonished. He hadn't received news from Rohan nor Edoras ever since he left, and now this tidings and the dragon. What if he had to fight and prove his strength in both matters? It was too much to ask for what was left of his courage, too much or so he thought.

Mikau nodded and Lord Elrond continued. "If you wish, this matters can be discussed in the Council today. Indeed, they have to do with that Dragon and the notes, which content I have revealed to none." Lord Elrond saw as how Mikau was pressing his hands and how his knuckles were slowly turning white. "Many things bother you. If you would allow me to, I could reveal your identity to the others so that they understand your reasons and actions."

Understand? What for, to just know? Come on! My people are dying and are in danger and you are telling me that we can discuss this in a Council?! Mikau didn't know what to think. If he was sent to either two of the tasks he might as well die so he didn't care. Lord Elrond noticed his weariness and smiled. "They have taken refugee in Helm's Deep. They are safe as for now because the ulunn don't know about it. But I would have you do one thing."

Mikau looked up at Elrond who looked determined. "What must I do?"

((Frodo qouting on the last sentence? lol. I just wrote a lot of nonsense. -.-))

[Tishamet]

Tishamet was the first to the courtyard. No one else ever seemed to understand the importance of council. They avoided it as long as they could. He sat in the chair next to where Lord Elrond would be sitting, and sat, waiting for the others to arrive.

((OOC-shall we get this moving?))

[Lothiel]

((playing catch-up with my char... looooong post alert!))

Ithilwen and Glorfindel had spent an enjoyable hour or so with each other eating breakfast and talking under the great Oak tree. Ithilwen had been laughing at one of Glorfindel's jokes when she remembered the Council, and realized it was almost mid-morning.

"We'd better return these dishes to the kitchens and locate Lord Elrond... Council should be starting soon," she said.
"Right."

Ithilwen made to get up, but Glorfindel's hand on her arm stopped her. She turned to look at him, and his eyes were intensely holding hers. Suddenly, he leaned forward and kissed her gently. She was very surprised at his brashness, but intensely pleased as she closed her eyes and leaned closer to him. Her ears suddenly picked up a snicker from someone on the balcony and she broke away hastily, flushing slightly. She stood up rapidly and began to gather the dishes, while looking around self-consciously.

"What? Did I offend you, 'Thil? I'm sorry if I--"
"No, you didn't offend me dear Glorfindel; I heard someone..." she said even though she was already aware of who it was.
"Oh." He shuffled his feet then began picking up dishes too. "Here," he offered, "let me help you."

Ithilwen nodded silently, and pausing to make sure they'd picked up everything, began walking back through the Gardens and into the kitchens. Neither one of them said a word, and Ithilwen was perversely irritated at herself. I am well into my adult years! I should not have to deal with this! she thought to herself, barely aware of where she was heading.

At that moment, Falasion rounded the corner and confronted his sister. "Ithilwen! You have been summoned to the Council."

Ithilwen saw him and nodded tersely, her mouth set in a thin line. I know you were spying on us.

So what?

Falasion turned to Glorfindel. "And you, Lord Glorfindel, are also summoned to the Council--Lord Elrond expects both of you there directly."

Ithilwen's green eyes flashed as she regarded Falasion. Do not do that again! My doings are my own and need not be under your surveillance! If I catch you again, you will rue it!

Maybe, but wait 'till Nana hears!

Ithilwen had to exert all her self-control and discipline learned as a Scout to not lunge at her rascally little brother to throttle him as he grinned and took off down the corridor.

[Galadwen]

((loooooooonnnnnnnnnngggggggggggggg post))

After a long pause, Galadwen realized that she had neglected to wake up Linniel and the council would start soon.

Quickly she headed towards the Hall and for the back stairs. Rushing up the stairs to her chamber, she heard voices coming from the room.

Upon entering the room, she saw who was there....Elrohir and Elladan were there, talking with Linniel. No doubt about her.

Galadwen smiled as she entered and went to be by Linniel's side.

Elrohir looked at her cross-eyed before smiling and taking her by the arm, forcefully.

"Come with me, Hiril nin. We must have a word."

Galadwen gave Linniel a pleading look as she was dragged out of the room and onto the balcony.

"Your hurting me, Hir nin and unless you want your father to ask why I have a bruise on my arm, you better let go."

A single chair was waiting on the balcony, for Elrohir had placed it there earlier. Forcefully placing Galadwen in the chair, he looked at her with a fire in his eyes.

Galadwen had never been so terrified in her life...with exception of the ulunn capture.

Leaning over, Elrohir places his hands on the arm of the chair and looked her straight in eyes.....then a gentleness came back to his eyes.

"I just wanted to let you know that you were right about Mikau. I shouldn't treat him as I do and from now on me and Elladan will treat him with the respect he deserves."

Galadwen raised her eyebrow.

"And you forcefully put me in this chair, inflicting pain to my arm, to tell me this?!"

Elrohir chuckled.

"I just wanted to see your reaction."

Galadwen scowled, reached up, and slapped him square on the face...leaving a red mark to boot.

[Pippin]

Lord Elrond left the chamber and Mikau following right behind him. They were going to go to the courtyard, where the Council was going to take place.

When they arrived, Mikau was surprised to see the Istari already there, waiting, or so it seemed for the others, or was he sleeping? His eyes were closed. Mikau sat on one of the chairs farthest from the rest, he had to think about the situation he was at and the words Elrond had told him. As soon as he sat he remained in thought and didn't notice Ithilwen and Glorifindel arrive and sit.

The Istari noticed and opened his eyes to see who had arrived. Seeing that not all had arrived he lowered his hat and closed his eyes.

"We are waiting for five Elves now. Lady Galadwen, Lady Liniel, my sons, Ellrohir and Elladan, and Ithilwen's brother, Falasion." Lord Elrond said.

[Lothiel]

The dishes had been dutifully returned to the kitchens, and Glorfindel accompanied Ithilwen down the corridor, his fingers linked through hers. Neither one of them wanted to give any thought to what might happen in a few minutes, but each step closer to the courtyard brought them a step closer to the darkness of future days.

Ithilwen didn't like it, but there was nothing she could do about it.

Just before the pair came into view of those in the courtyard, Ithilwen removed her hand from Glorfindel's, pausing to brush some dirt from off her tunic. Then, squaring her shoulders, she nodded at Glorfindel and fell in a half-step behind him as he stepped out. Her rank as a Rochvess was lower than his as an Elf-Lord.

They reached the Council area, their boots clicking on the flagstones, and after nodding deferentially to Lord Elrond and the Istari, took their seats to wait.

[Galadwen]

The impact of the hit reverberated through the valley. Elrohir grabbed Galadwen's wrist in hopes of stopping another slap.

"What in arda to you think your doing? Slapping me? I did nothing wrong! No one and I mean no one has ever slapped a Lord before and I don't have it now. Come with me now."

Elrohir, with his grip still on Galadwen's wrist, dragged her back into the room and tossed her on the bed. He then headed for the bathroom to look at his jaw. Looking into the mirror, he saw a bright red mark from his jaw up his cheek.

"Great! Just what I need right before the council." he said, slamming his fist on the counter.

Meanwhile, in the bedroom, Galadwen was nursing her left arm and wrist. Turning to Elladan, she gave him a quizzical look.

"Is he always like this? He doesn't know the meaning of gentle does he? I'm a daughter of the King of Mirkwood, but I guess that doesn't mean a thing to him. I don't even know if I want him to escort me to the council meeting now."

At that moment Elrohir re-entered the room.

"The council is probably waiting for us, shall we go?"

Walking over to Galadwen, he held out his arm to escort her; reluctantly she took it and thankfully it was her right arm.

Looking at Linniel and Elladan, she nodded her head.

"We must not be late, I don’t think Lord Elrond would be very pleased, especially with his sons."

Exiting the room, they headed down the main corridor and out to the courtyard. Elrohir went first, to his embarrassment. The cobblestones clicking as each of them came into the circle. Elrohir and Elladan sat near their father, while as Galadwen and Linniel sat farther away.

Upon sitting down, Lord Elrond stared at Elrohir, making Elrohir very uncomfortable.

[Pippin]

((Gala, Elrohir amused me. Imagine myself laughing now, I'll never get over that. rofl.))

Mikau saw that all were there except Falasion. I'm sure he is still looking for the rest and might not find them because they are here. Someone should go find him and tell him that. Mikau grinned, the thought of Falasion looking for someone who already came to the Council amused him.

Suddenly Falasion entered the courtyard and was red to the cheeks for running around so much.

"Sir...I was looking for the rest, but I..couldn't find them.." He told Elrond regaining his breath.

Ithilwen giggled at the situation his brother was at and Falasion heard her. He then saw that everyone had arrived and noticed that he was the one everyone was waiting for. He smiled then to Lord Elrond and with his hand scratched the back of his head showing embarrasment. He then took a sit near Mikau. His cheeks turning more red than what they were before.

Mikau then noticed that Lord Elrond was staring at Elrohir and Elrohir was trying to hide his face. This seemed weird to Mikau, but then he saw the Elrohir's cheek was slightly red and imagined a slap. Falasion saw what Mikau was watching and giggled. Mikau urged him to stop before Elrohir would find out.

Elrohir heard Falasion giggling and stared at them for a while, embarrased because he already guessed what they thought.

Lord Elrond looked away from his son, already understanding what had happened, and spoke.

"You have been summoned to this council because you are Elves...and Men..." he said looking at all and lastly at Mikau. "...of trust."

((Eeh, anyone want to add something for Lord Elrond to say? ))

[Galadwen]

"You have been summoned to this council because you are Elves...and Men..." Lord Elrond said looking at all and lastly at Mikau. "...of trust."

Galadwen wasn't paying too much attention to what was being said; she was more focused on Elrohir's expressions. She was feeling a little embarassed herself, of what she did to him. She shouldn't have done it. Looking at Elrond straight in the eye, she could tell that he wasn't pleased with either of them.

Blushing, she looked down in her lap, fooling with her necklace, while Elrond continued.

"It seems to me that a lot of things have happened since the ladies arrived back from being captured by the ulunn. Much needs to be found out and also much needs to be discussed about this so called Dragon. I also have in my possession these parchments. These also need to be discussed."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

[Lothiel]

Ithilwen shifted her position slightly in her chair. I hope this is not going to be long, she thought rather uncharitably, wishing to be out on the trails once again. She glanced over at Glorfindel; he seemed to be paying rapt attention to Lord Elrond's words, as was the Istari, the ladies Galadwen and Linniel, and Elladan.

Ithilwen looked quizzically at Elrohir, raising an eyebrow at the red mark on his face. I'd really like to know who pasted him, Ithilwen thought in amusement. She looked at her brother; he looked bored, and his friend Mikau looked distracted.

She turned her eyes back to Lord Elrond for a moment, then looked once again at the Istari. He had not yet given his name to anyone, and his sudden appearance and so-called ties with the ulunn made her very curious.

Very curious.

Her attention was dragged back to Lord Elrond as he mentioned her name, but he was simply recounting how she had been called to deliver them to Thranduil or one of the Royal family in Mirkwood.

"Rochvess Ithilwen," Lord Elrond said, inclining his head to her (a gesture which she returned), "will you oblige the Council by recounting your part of the tale?"

"Yes, my Lord."

Ithilwen stood, and all eyes fixed on her as she related her part in the delivery of the documents and the capture (and later the rescue) of the Ladies Galadwen and Linniel. She finished with her arrival at Rivendell. Heads nodded politely at her as Lord Elrond thanked her and she once again took her seat.

I can see I'm going to be here all day...

[Pippin]

(*imagines Falasion bored* *laughs* *dies* )

When Ithilwen was talking about the capture of Lady Galadwen and Lady Linniel, this caught this attention. He had heard different versions of it but was impressed by the original one. When Ithilwen had finished it was nearly around noon. Lord Elrond then started talking about what happened the night the ulunn attacked. That is getting kind of old.... Mikau respected Lord Elrond, but listening to something over and over again bored him, specially if he had been there and knew all about it.

Mikau was wanting to hear what the Istari was going to talk about, that was one of the main reasons he would pay his attention to the council. He wanted answers to all the questions they had.

[Galadwen]

Galadwen couldn't help but listen to what Ithilwen was saying, especially since it had to do with her and Linniel. Glancing over at Elrond, she noticed that he still stared at her with a disappointed look.

If only he knew what had happened, then he wouldn't look at me like that. she thought.

The council continued to carry on. Next on the agenda was the issue of the parchments and how they were connected to the new Dragon threat.

The parchments, as Galadwen had thought, were a map of some sort leading to a massive treasure belonging to the woodland elves..especially Mirkwood elves.

She couldn't beleive her ears, a massive treasure, belonging to the elves. What great news this was! But then her joys were dashed with the mention of what guarded the treasure.

"A great dragon guards this treasure. This dragon, Smirth, is a great relative to Smaug and knows much about the elves, dwarves, and men who tried to re-take the original treasure. We must decide a plan of attack and get it implimented immediately." Elrond continued.

Galadwen couldn't believe her ears, but totally understood. If all things possible, she would join in on the fight, no matter what anybody thinks.