Chapter Seventeen: The Little Dúnadan
"Lord Elrond, you have fostered so many boys without issue. Yet unable to keep one little girl safe. How very careless of you! - Thranduil
September/ Ivanneth T.A 3010, The Elven Halls, The Woodland Realm
September heralded the end of Summer and with the change of season came a change of crown for King Thranduil. Thorwen's days were spent under Celephinniel's care. Which she felt was more gruelling than gentle. She made Thorwen exercise daily, after which was breakfast. Before Calenamath took her on a daily walk around the vast caverns of the Elven Halls.
To Thorwen, the maze of walkways twisting above and below her looked like the roots of a magnificent tree. The Great Chamber itself resembled the living forest outside. Almost as if trees had been brought in and turned to stone by Elven magic. They served as pillars that held up the walkways and tunnels that led to other parts of the halls. Thorwen had expected a dark, damp, and soulless place. But the Elven Halls felt alive with the scents of the forest floating in the air and every stone seemed to be whispering to her.
She could see many tiny lanterns that twinkled like stars high above at the top of the great cavern. Some resembled the constellations in the night sky and one lone light shone brighter than all the others. Although the lights seemed small from where she stood, their power combined lit up the Halls with a heavenly glow.
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1st April / GwirithT.A 3011, The Throne Room, The Elven Halls
The winter months passed swiftly, and Thorwen recovered from her wounds. But her heart and mind still bore the scars of all she had suffered. Now that the snow had melted on the High Pass, a delegation had arrived at the Elven Halls. Led by Lord Elrond and Lord Celeborn. Thranduil and Legolas observed the company assembled before them in the Throne Room. The king had not expected Gandalf to be present, so his appearance was both fortuitous and telling.
"Mae Govannen, Lord Elrond, Lord Celeborn and Mithrandir, you are most welcome."
The three guests bowed respectfully."King Thranduil, I come at your behest to claim my daughter," replied Elrond.
"We understand you have her here as your prisoner," said Celeborn.
"Now I am sure she did not mean to stray into your forest. We came simply to negotiate her release and bring her home," said Gandalf.
Thranduil glanced at Legolas and smirked slightly. He chuckled internally over the irony of the situation. The White Council didn't offer him a place despite being the Wood Elves' King. He had to make do with the limited information they gave him. Now he had them in the palm of his hand.
"There seems to have been a misunderstanding. The Lady you speak of is no prisoner. My people found her in my forest in a pitiful state. And we have nursed her back to health. She entered my realm of her own free will and without leave to do so. But as she is a young noblewoman, I made her my Ward. She is known as Lady Thorwen here. As her self-appointed guardian, it is not simply a matter of returning her to you. I must be satisfied that it is in her best interests."
Elrond glared back at him. His nostrils flared. "In her best interests? How can it not be in Anberenien's interests to be returned to her kinfolk?"
"Our messenger only informed us she had been brought to your halls, not of the circumstances and knowing your reputation, what were we to think?" said Celeborn.
"Are you implying I lock children away in my cells, Celeborn? I take exception to that!"
"My apologies cousin, I did not mean to imply such a thing. I am confident that you have been most benevolent to my granddaughter. I only come in support of Lord Elrond."
Now Thranduil had heard their posturing and platitudes. He would set the cat among the pigeons. "I am well aware of your support, Celeborn. You have been petitioning me all winter to send Lady Thorwen to you."
Elrond turned to Celeborn in surprise. "Is that true?"
Celeborn let out a nervous laugh. "Only out of concern for Anberenien's welfare, Elrond." He looked back towards the king. "Surely, Thranduil, you do not wish to be burdened with such a charge."
"Thranduil, I am sure you would agree that the best thing for Anberenien is that she is returned to Lord Elrond and back within the safety of Imladris," said Gandalf.
"Thorwen was able to slip out of Imladris unnoticed and into the clutches of the Temple of Morgoth. Lord Elrond, you have fostered so many boys without issue. Yet unable to keep one little girl safe. How very careless of you!" replied Thranduil.
There was a blush about Elrond's cheeks as he lowered his head. "Alas, I made a grave error of judgement. Such a thing will never happen again."
Gandalf laid a hand on his shoulder. "Do not blame yourself Elrond, Anberenien is an exceptional child, unique even."
"But It does not dismiss the fact that Aragorn entrusted Thorwen to your care and you failed them both! She could have been killed in those mountains, or worse! Does he even know what has taken place?"
"He does not! Aragon is currently unreachable. He is hunting the creature Gollum, who may have important information that may help us defeat the Dark Lord," said Gandalf.
Gollum, a creature indeed. Thranduil and his people had tried to apprehend him on more than one occasion. He was a foul, evil little creature. The Woodmen claimed he stole their livestock and even babes as they slept in their cradles. The thought of him turned Thranduil's stomach.
"Well, if he has the misfortune of finding the wretched creature, I would hope he would turn it over to us. My people and our allies would certainly rest easier if that thing was in my cells! But that is not a matter for discussion today. I am still concerned that if Thorwen leaves my realm, she will not be safe. As Aragorn's heir, if something should happen to her, it would be a great tragedy for the Dúnedain."
"I have every confidence in Lord Elrond's ability to raise Anberenien," replied Gandalf.
Thranduil cast his eye towards Celeborn, who had remained silent. "What have you to say, my dear cousin?"
Celeborn gave Elrond an awkward smile. "It is not that I doubt you. You have been a good father to Anberenien. But there are unique circumstances that mean Galadriel and I might be best placed to care for her. She would get to know her sister, and Arwen would be a beneficial influence." Aragorn speaks of giving Anberenien's hand to a Gondorian Noble when he takes the throne of Gondor. Would Galadriel and I not be better suited to prepare her for her future??"
Elrond looked at him with eyes like daggers. "Is that all you wish to prepare her for?"
Gandalf looked on in dismay."Please! We are supposed to be petitioning for Anberenien's release, not arguing amongst ourselves!"
Thranduil watched in silence as Celeborn and Elrond's conversation became more heated. It was clear to him they knew of Thorwen's true nature and just what she was capable of. But he had heard enough. "Mithrandir! May I take counsel with you in private? My throne room is a little crowded." Thranduil and Gandalf left the throne room and made their way to his study. Thranduil seated himself at his desk and offered Gandalf a nearby chair.
Gandalf pulled out his pipe. "May I?"
"Of course, you are my guest."
Gandalf nodded gratefully, lit his pipe and inhaled deeply. "How is Anberenien?"
"Thorwen has recovered physically from her ordeal. Some days have been more difficult than others. But she is beginning to trust us now. Calenamath is instructing her on the training ground. I thought it best to keep her out of the way. Mithrandir, I will get straight to the point. You did not tell me everything about Thorwen on your last visit?"
Gandalf raised a bushy eyebrow. "How so?"
Thranduil stared straight into his bright eyes. "You know very well I was raised in the court of King Thingol and Queen Melian."
Gandalf shifted uncomfortably in his seat and stroked his beard. "Melian always said you were an astute student. Aragorn has no suspicion of Anberenien's true nature. He still believes the Dark Lord only desires her to gain dominion over the Dúnedain."
"That may well be true, but more is at stake." Thranduil went on to relate to Gandalf what had taken place in the forest. "If the Dark Lord were to get his hands on Thorwen, he would have a powerful weapon to use against us. And if his threats were to prove true, can you imagine the power of any princes from such a union?"
Gandalf exhaled a large smoke ring. "Then you understand the need for discretion."
Thranduil then showed Gandalf the scroll he had received from Saruman. Gandalf frowned as he read the message. "How strange. Lord Elrond informed me that he had turned Saruman down on more than one occasion. What reply have you made?"
"I have informed him I have no knowledge of Lady Anberenien. Not exactly a lie. But there is another matter I would speak with you on before we return to the throne room. The Great Eagle that brought Thorwen to the Forest Gate. Was it you who sent him?"
A frown crept across Gandalf's face. " No. I was not even aware she was missing until I wintered in Imladris. I do not know who would have sent him. Radagast, of course, is a friend of the Eagles, but I doubt it was him. It is not his way."
"Still, I cannot ignore it. Great Eagles are not in the habit of taking passengers, let alone dropping them off at the gates of my realm." Thranduil then told Gandalf of his dream the night before he learned of Thorwen's arrival.
Gandalf listened with interest. "Then you have already come to a decision."
"I came to a decision some time ago."
Thranduil summoned Celephinniel and the three of them walked back to the Throne room. Legolas looked relieved to see them upon their return. Elrond and Celeborn were still debating. They both warmly greeted Celephinniel, and Celeborn asked after his kinswoman's family.
"Celephinniel has been caring for Thorwen since she came to us," said Thranduil.
"Then I am most grateful to you, Noble Lady," said Elrond.
"She is a credit to you, Lord Elrond. A brave and noble child, though a little ill-tempered at times."
Legolas sniggered. "With an excellent aim," He whispered under his breath.
Thranduil shot him a quick glare.
Elrond chuckled. "Yes, she can be a little sensitive."
Thranduil resumed his throne. "I have listened patiently to both of your petitions. However, nothing I have heard convinces me that I should release Lady Thorwen to either of you."
There was silence in the throne room. Celeborn was furious, but Elrond looked crestfallen. Thranduil felt he had been fair in listening to the Elven Lords. But he also had to consider what his people would think if he allowed a potential asset to leave his realm.
"This is outrageous! Elrond is Anberenien's father by adoption and I, her grandfather. We have the right to demand that you return her to us!" said Celeborn.
Thranduil got to his feet. "This is my realm, Celeborn, and you would do well to remember that cousin! Are you aware of how Thorwen came here?"
"Glorfindel informed me he saw her being taken off the mountain. I presume he must have left Anberenien near Mirkwood and she wandered in," said Elrond.
"The Great Eagle Meneldor had orders to leave her at the Forest Gate by persons unknown. I presume it was not either of you and Gandalf assures me it was not him."
Celeborn and Elrond exchanged looks. Both of them denied it was anything to do with them. "I would have requested Anberenien to be brought home. Such an order must have come from a higher authority," said Elrond. Celeborn nodded in agreement.
"Yes, I believe so. There are few in Middle Earth with the authority to give orders to the Great Eagles. Now even fewer, it seems. Perhaps we will never know who sent Meneldor, but the message is clear. Anberenien is in the Woodland Realm for a reason, but as yet, we do not know why. Perhaps as she approaches maturity, things will become clearer. Thranduil has given his assurances that he will return her to Aragorn once he is King. But for now, I think we must accept things as they are," said Gandalf.
Elrond and Celeborn reluctantly agreed. "Let me explain it to her, Thranduil. Let me at least see her, to know she is safe and happy," pleaded Elrond.
"I am not heartless, Elrond. I will allow her to see you." He instructed Celephinniel to summon Calenamath and Thorwen to him.
A short time later, she returned with Calenamath and Thorwen, who were dressed in green and brown tunics and trouse. Her hair now hung below her shoulders in two tight braids. Light bruises covered her arms & hands and there was a scratch above her left eye. On seeing Elrond, her eyes lit up. "Ada!" she called. But Calenamath prevented her from going to Elrond until Thranduil permitted it. Thorwen ran to Elrond, and they tightly embraced. "You have come for me at last. I am so sorry for everything."
"There is no need to apologise Anberenien, I was just as at fault," replied Elrond. He examined her hair, face, and arms. "You said you were taking care of her, Thranduil!"
"She has been learning combat skills with my Huscarls. They have strict instructions not to let her come to serious harm. But we do not mollycoddle our females here. She must learn to protect herself the same as everyone else!"
"And you were concerned about my intentions," muttered Celeborn.
"At least your hair is growing back. The King keeps you well?"
Thorwen glanced at Thranduil. "He treats me well enough, but I miss my books. Can we go home now?"
Elrond then introduced Thorwen to Celeborn, who beamed at her. "A star shines on our meeting granddaughter."
Thorwen frowned at Elrond. "Are you sending me to Lothlórien, Ada?"
Elrond shook his head. "No, Anberenien."
"Perhaps one day, you shall join us and I shall show you the delights of the Golden Wood," said Celeborn.
Thorwen then noticed Gandalf and embraced him. "Mithrandir, you are here too. Will you be coming back to Imladris with us?"
"No, not this time. I must seek Aragorn. There is much I must tell him. But you should speak with your father now."
"Ada, when are we leaving?"
Elrond sighed and placed his hands on Thorwen's shoulders. "There is nothing more I would like than for you to return with me to Imladris. However, after speaking with King Thranduil we have all agreed it is safer for you to remain here."
Thorwen looked confused. "Ada, what do you mean? Why can I not come home?"
"The Dark Lord has spies surrounding Imladris. Looking for you."
"Lady Thorwen, you shall remain my ward until Aragorn is King of Gondor,"
Thorwen turned furiously towards him, her eyes aflame. "You promised I could go home when my father came for me!"
Thranduil glanced at Calenamath and Celephinniel before replying. "I said I would discuss the matter with your father and Celeborn and that is what I have done. I made no promise to release you."
Thorwen's face grew crimson. "You lied to me! I will never forgive you for this!"
Thranduil remained serene. "Lady Celephinniel, your charge is overwhelmed from seeing her kinfolk. I think it would be best if she returned to her chamber for some Valerian tea and rest."
Celephinniel approached Thorwen, placing her hand firmly on her shoulder. "Come now, Thorwen. Bid your kinfolk farewell."
Thranduil noticed Calenamath and Legolas were ready to act as Thorwen pulled away from her with fists clenched. Lamps flashed and a mild tremor was felt around the Great Cavern. Elrond and Celeborn looked at each other in amazement.
"Enough!" Gandalf's bellowing voice echoed around the halls. Thorwen was taken aback by Gandalf's voice, which gave Calenamath and Legolas the opportunity to seize her. She kicked, screamed and struggled to get free.
"Remove her!" ordered Thranduil calmly, and they carried her out of the Throne room, still resisting. Celephinniel took leave of the guests and followed closely behind.
"You have placed a significant burden upon yourself, Thranduil. I only hope you know what you are doing!" said Celeborn. He turned on his heels and stormed out of the Throne room.
"You have better not fail her, Thranduil! If the Dark Lord discovers Anberenien is here, you will all be at risk!" warned Elrond.
"Do not concern yourself, Lord Elrond. I will care for her as I do all my greatest treasures. Our business is concluded. I bid you a safe journey home."
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