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

[Lothiel]

((nice way to tie it all in Gala! ))

Ithilwen blinked. A dragon? I've never even seen a dragon... she thought. Of course, she'd heard tales of what damage they wreaked on villages and such, but she knew they weren't impossible to defeat. How was the question...?

Ithilwen turned to look at Glorfindel, then stood up, facing the council. Her voice rang out clear and sharp like crystal shards.

"When I accepted my mission to deliver the documents to the Royal family of Mirkwood, I did not know to what ends my path would take me. Now that I know what part fate has decreed I shall play, I will not back down. I shall take up fate's challenge, and follow this quest to it's end, through fog or fire, through peace or war."

Glorfindel stood quickly beside her. "And I shall as well!" he claimed in clarion tones, glancing at Ithilwen before sweeping the entire council in his gaze.

Falasion sat silently, looking intensely at his sister--she unknowingly made him feel funny about staying behind. Look at her standing to proudly there, the blood of the Noldor stirring through her veins... I want to be like her--I want to do something to aid the quest...

Falasion stood up slowly, and his voice sounded strange in his ears.

"I am no warrior like many of you here. Yet though I am still an apprentice in my craft of weaponry-smithing, I shall do what I can to create weapons capable of defeating the monstrous beast and aiding in the triumph of the quest."

Amid the thanks and clapping, Falasion sat down. His eyes met those of his sister's and they smiled at each other. Ithilwen was nodding at him.

You need not be a warrior to be useful, Fal. Warriors depend on the weapons the smiths craft for them. You have talent in that area like none other--I shall be proud to bear a weapon of your making, my brother!

Falasion's heart swelled with pride--his sister was proud of him!

[Galadwen]

Galadwen was so proud of Ithilwen. She had shown her qualities to Galadwen and she would be honored to fight along side of her. She thought for a moment.

Should I stand up and proclaim where my duty lies? Will everyone laugh at me? I don't want to be humiliated anymore.

Bravely she stood up and took her ground.

"I may not be as good a warrior as Ithilwen or Glorfindel, but since it is from my land, I think it is my right to want to fight along side them if I desire it! I bring my strength in archery and sword with me and wish to use it to the end!"

After which Galadwen sat down, totally embarassed that she had even done such a thing. Looking towards Lord Elrond, he nodded his head towards her; almost in a respectful way.

Her eyes darted towards Elrohir. He had a glow upon his face that she had never seen before. He smiled from ear to ear at her. The temperature in her cheeks rose, till she knew that she was blushing.

Gala, you have shown your qualities towards me and i'll be honored and blessed to be fighting by your side, if we can put aside our past.

Galadawen could hear every word he said in her mind, clearly. She nodded her head towards him and prepared to take on this challenge.

[Pippin]

Mikau heard as most of them in the Council had decided to fight against the dragon Smirth. He wasn't sure if he wished to, he had this weird phobias towards dragons of any kind because of the stories he had heard before.

He began thinking about what could happen to those who were going and knew about it and about those who were not involved in such matter but a little voice in his head told him: Don't run into conclusions! That'll just makes things worst. Mikau sighed at the presence of his still-living-concience.

He stood up from his chair slowly. Come on there Mikau! Even Falasion wants to go and he is younger than you, and you, a Rohirrim, descendant of Numenor want to give up? Mikau was annoyed, he murmured 'stop' and then spoke to the Council.

"Little hope I have of returning alive after this quest, but I wish to be part of it. If I have to fight even against the Dark Lord himself to defend my people, I will." He sighed, he thought he had been too especific on the words that were rushing through his head. Without finding something else to say that made sense he sat.

Some of the ones present there looked at him questioningly. It seemed that they had been puzzeled by his words: If I have to fight even against the Dark Lord himself to defend my people, I will. But Elrond seemed to understand for he was the one who told Mikau about the troubles in Rohan.

[Galadwen]

Elrond nodded at Mikau, acknowledging his willingness to join in on the journey per say. Looking around, he concluded the council. They had accomplished everything and had enough volunteers to join in.

Galadwen was getting very nervous not knowing what would happen or if she would be involved at all. And then there was the Elrohir issue. Would Lord Elrond notice what went wrong and make them make adues.

All these thoughts were going through her head, even before the moment when Lord Elrond again spoke for all to hear. Looking straight at Galadwen as he rose from his chair.

"Hiril Galadwen and Hir Elrohir please come to my chambers, immediately."

[Lothiel]

The council dispersed and Ithilwen and Glorfindel made their way back to the stables.

"I suppose it's time to pack, eh?" she asked Glorfindel as they traversed the well-worn path.

"Looks like it, 'Thil." He caught her hand in his and intertwined his fingers with hers as they walked. She looked at him and he simply smiled back, his blue eyes twinkling.

"I don't need your protection, you know. I'm well able to take care of myself," she said softly, pausing in the shade of a great oak along the path.

"I know, and I do not doubt your skill. But I wish to be with you on this journey. The Warrior in me demands it, and not just because I feel for you."

Ithilwen smiled up at him, but a trace of doubt shone in her eyes. He really is serious... but do I have the room in my heart for other things besides my duty as a Rochvess...?

[Arwen Evenstar]

As Linniel walked away from the council, Elladan fell in step with her. 'I'm glad you are not going,' he said quietly. 'I would rather you be here where I know you are safe.' Linniel blushed and looked over at Elladan. When their eyes met, she quickly looked away, smiling at the thought that he cared for her. She shyly looked back at him, still smiling, and said 'And I am glad you are not going. It shall be a dangerous journey, and I wouldn't want you to be in danger either.'
Elladan laid his hand on Linniel's arm to stop her, and he nervously asked, 'Would you like to go on a walk?' Linniel's face lit up as she replied, 'I would love that.' They walked off together, each thrilled that the other seemed to care.#noedit

[Galadwen]

Galadwen stayed in her seat while watching everyone depart. She glared at Elrohir who was still in his seat as well. Lord Elrond had already left to go to his chambers.

Slowly she stood up, noticing how stiff her joints were, thanks to Elrohir. Elrohir stood up as well and made way towards Elrond's chambers.

Galadwen made sure they were apart when walking, she was still irritated at him and she knew that Lord Elrond was going to ask what had happened. She hoped that she wouldn't have to say a word and that Elrohir would explain everything.

The air was sweet smelling this morning and there was a slight breeze blowing. Gala could spell lunch being prepared from the kitchen and the hay from the stables. All in all it would be a good day, as long as she could survive this meeting.

[Galadwen]

((postin' again, since no one has posted yet))

Galadwen had just reached the door to Lord Elrond's chambers when the door opened. Elrond was standing there, looking very impatient. Galadwen gulped in some air and could feel the temperature rise in her cheeks.

"Hir nin."

Elrond only nodded, he seemed to be waiting for Elrohir to come to the door. She could see that Elrond was giving Elrohir an expression that said "I'm not pleased with you."

Elrond finally let them pass and enter his chambers. Not a word was said until he was seated in his chair behind the desk. Looking straight at Elrohir, he glared.

"Elrohir, I want a full explanation out of you before I ask Lady Galadwen what has happened between you two."

Elrohir looked down at his lap before starting to tell his tale. Looking up into his father's eyes, he explained everything, even what Galadwen had done.

[Lothiel]

Ithilwen had finished packing her clothes into a leather carisak and descended the ladder-stair into the stabling area when Glorfindel stepped to her side and asked if she needed any help. Ithilwen waved him off and strode gracefully across the floor and knelt by the board concealing her weapons cache. She deftly pried it up out of the floor and proceeded to select assorted daggers to augment her bolas and dirk. Glorfindel stood a space away and watched her, his intense blue eyes shining in admiration for the Elf-Lady, no, the Warrior-maid, he had chosen.

Ithilwen looked at him from where she knelt next to the subterranean chamber and he almost melted where he stood. Ai, Iluvatar, he thought to himself, but immediately shielded the rest of his thoughts since he knew she could read minds (as most Elves could).

"Glorfindel!" Ithilwen said, sharply, jolting him out of his ruminations.

"Oh, sorry, what did you say?"

Ithilwen sighed in mock irritation, her pale eyes twinkling. "I said, 'Would you want to borrow some weapons for yourself for the quest?' and you didn't answer me--you just stood there, looking a bit glassy-eyed."

Glorfindel turned red for one of the few times in his life. "No thank you, 'Thil, I've got all the weapons I need back in my quarters."

"Okay then, I'm closing it up." Ithilwen proceeded to re-hide the cache and stood up, brushing the dirt from her hands and leggings. "Shall we meet the others in the Hall and find out when we will be departing?"

He nodded and reached for her hand, but she stopped, eyeing him carefully.

"You promise you will not try and keep me from battle? For I will not have it--fighting in battle is what I am trained for."

Glorfindel looked startled by her question. "Of course I won't try and stay you from it--I too am a warrior, remember? But," and his free hand gently caressed her cheek, "I won't have you take reckless chances. I'm bringing you back to your family in one piece, do you hear?"

Ithilwen laughed and Glorfindel grinned, then the pair made their way back to the main Rivendell complex.

[Galadwen]

Galadwen was looking around the room, trying not to look into Lord Elrond's face. She could sense he wasn't pleased with either of them.

Elrond cleared his throat, which made Gala look right into his eyes. They flamed beyond recongnition.

"Hiril Galadwen. Is all of this true, that Elrohir has said?"

"Ye...s.ss....myyy.....Lorddd." she said while studdering.

Elrond snapped his head back towards Elrohir.

"I know that you are my oldest son, Elrohir, but that doesn't give you the right to do undue harm to Hiril Galadwen."

Looking back at Galadwen, he continued to speak.

"And in the same respect, it doesn't give you the right, Galadwen, to slap Elrohir. Even though I know it was in self-defense."

Eyeing both of them, he finished his speech with one last demand.

"Now, I want you two to make up your differences and then go pack your things. There is much to be done yet before we depart. Now go!"

Standing up, Galadwen bowed and departed, not looking back at Lord Elrond or Elrohir. She headed straight back to her chambers and prepared her things. One thing she needed to find, though, was some more casual clothes and some weapons; since her's were lost in the scuffle on the way to Rivendell.

[Pippin]

Everyone had left the Council; Mikau was still sitting on the chair and remained thinking. What if we reach late...what if there is nothing we'll be able to do once we get there. What if I can't do nothing to protect my people?

His eyes started to sting slightly as he felt tears forming in his eyes, yet he kept them from falling.

"M-Mikau? Are you alright?" Falasion's innocent voice returned Mikau back to reality.

"Um? Oh yes, I'm fine." Mikau answered with a smile as he stood and tried to conceal the tears that had begun to form in his eyes. "I guess we are the only ones left here. We might as well go."

Falasion nodded and looked worried at Mikau. Had Mikau not smiled reassuringly at him he would have thought Mikau was nearly crying. "Are you going back to your chamber?"

"Things need to be packed."

Falasion nodded again.

They walked through the hallways of Imladris without saying a word to one another. The sun was still up but it would soon be dark.

"Are you scared, Mikau?" Falasion suddenly asked.

"Of what? To fight and probably die?"

"You will die?" Falasion stared over to Mikau's fice wide eyed.

"No...hopefully not. But a Rohirrim needs to accept his destiny, whether it be to live long or die soon." Mikau answered seriously, but yet again with a smile on his face.

Mikau seems really serious...as if nothing would matter anymore. I wonder what Lord Elrond spoke with him before --maybe that caused him to think a lot-- what was it that would make him want to give his life away?

They didn't speak anymore after that. Passing past a few corridors and hallways, they finaly arrived to Mikau's chamber.

"Falasion --it's late. Go to your mother." Mikau said, slowly opening the door.

"Alright. Good evening Mikau." Falasion smiled and started to walk away without waiting for Mikau to answer.

"Good evening, Falasion." Mikau said in a whisper.

Mikau entered his chamber and locked the door behind him. Nothing had been moved while he was gone and he quickly made his way to where his bag with his things was. He took out his sword (think Adult Link-like sword lol!) and examined the hilt. It had blue cloth wrapped tightly around it, on the edge it had a saphire gem. He smiled. Even though it has been ages since I have used this sword, it never spoils. He then unsheated it and turned to examine the blade. It was still sharp. He practices a few swings with the sword, at every swing a swoosh sound could be heard.

After five swings he was sastisfied and sheathed the sword back. He checked the rest of his belongings and threw himself on bed. He was tired, not because he had done any physical activity --and he hadn't-- but his mind was tired of thinking too much.

"Maybe Lord Elrond is right --there is a chance that when we arrive, there will be nothing we can do. But he wants me to take a different path to reach to Rohan. What does he want me to do? Look for warriors and ask them to help us in the situation Rohan is in?"

He sighed. Faxe lazily fluttered his wings. Faxe...didn't notice him when I entered... Mikau's eyes slowly started closing. Without noticing Mikau had fallen asleep.

[Galadwen]

Galadwen was looking in her closet for a pair of descent riding clothes when a knock was heard at the door. Almost hitting her head on the door frame while standing, she headed to the door. Opening it she saw a young elf standing there.

"Mae govannen hiril Galadwen. Hir Elrond and Hir Elrohir wanted me to give this to you."

Reaching on the ground he lifted a long wooden box. Presenting it towards her, she opened the box and to her surprise her sword and knives were there. Even the sheathes were there. Gala was shocked but happy. Tears almost formed in her eyes.

"Hannon le. Please send my greetings to the lords."

Bowing he left, leaving her with her renowned sword.

A few hours later after she had found the riding clothes and had her weapons upon her, Gala headed towards the stables to get Duathlach. He was ambitiously waiting for her to arrive. He sensed that they would be leaving soon.

While saddling him Elrohir came in to see how well see faired. Upon seeing her attire and the weapons, he gave her a stunned look.

"Gala, I don't think I could have ever imagined you in that attire." he said with a snicker.

Galadwen turned towards him with a snarl.

"You better watch it 'Ro. I still have a wild spirit and everything I do will be unexpected."

Elrohir just shook his head and waited patiently for Gala to finish.