"Since when have you heeded my counsel, young lady? Besides, you have a husband now for that and....... other matters. As a mother, a consort and a regent, I doubt you will have time to miss me." - Mithrandir/ Gandalf

23rd August/Urui 3019, Treegarth

The company now rested among the trees, enjoying the peaceful break before they continued on to their encampment at the Gap of Rohan. Thranduil and Gilúviel walked hand in hand, admiring the beauty. It felt good to stretch their legs after so many days on horseback. But the longing for home was never far from their thoughts. The tower of Orthanc still dominated the surroundings. Silent and empty in its dormant state, it waited patiently for its new purpose. 

"So this is where Saruman intended to keep me," she said. "Believe I would have truly lost hope here."

Thranduil smiled and shook his head. "I doubt that. You would have recovered just to spite him, and you would not have made it easy for him. Between you and Mithrandir, Saruman would have struggled indeed."

"Perhaps I would have even thrown a plate or two in his direction." replied Gilúviel. And the both of them fell into hearty laughter. 

"Good to see the newlyweds enjoying themselves." Elessar's voice caught their attention. 

"Elessar! Have you been inside Orthanc yet?" asked Gilúviel.

"No, I fear Saruman and Grima may have left a few unpleasant surprises. I shall return with an army, and Gimli has offered to assist me search the tower for any secret places, once he has concluded his business in the north. Till then, the tower shall remain locked and kept under guard by the Tree Ents."

"That would be wise," replied Thranduil. "Will you be joining us at the encampment tonight?"

Elessar came closer and lowered his gaze. "Alas, I have come as far as I may and must take my leave of you all. Some of you forever."

A knot formed in Gilúviel's stomach. This was more than just a simple farewell. As Undómiel had warned, it would be years before they would meet again.

Elessar laid a hand on her shoulder. "Try not to look so downhearted. The time will fly by, and you will have much to keep you busy." His gaze turned to Thranduil. "I have much work to do in the South. I am expecting emissaries from Harrad and other lands. To win peace is one thing. To keep it is another."

"And we shall keep the peace in the North," replied Thranduil.

Elessar nodded. "I suggest you make contact with the Dwarves of the Blue Mountains. There will be much to rebuild, and their expertise will be valuable. Bree would also be a good place to develop good relations. Barliman Butterbur, the landlord of the local inn, The Prancing Pony, will be a good place to start."

"We will," replied Gilúviel. 

Elessar then took his leave, promising to bid them a proper farewell at sunset. Once they were alone again, Thranduil drew Gilúviel close. "I cannot wait till we are alone together in the Woodland realm with no one to disturb us." 

"Disturb you? Now who would be doing that?" called Legolas, with his unmistakable voice that sounded like a chuckling stream."

"Shouldn't you be bidding farewell to your betrothed?" replied Thranduil, frowning.

They turned to see Legolas and Gimli, who gave them a quick bow, approaching. "That sad task I have carried out already. Now all that remains is to bid you and my friends farewell before Gimli and I, go to Fangorn Forest. We shall meet again in Lothlórien in the spring for my wedding."

"But I thought you were plighting your troth while we were wintering?" said Gilúviel.

Legolas blushed and smiled awkwardly, the silver ring on his finger catching the sunlight. "We could not wait. Instead, I will come to Lothlorien on the first day of spring, where we will wed and all leave for Eryn Lasgalen together. You are not the only one to break with tradition, Ada."

Thranduil embraced him. "My blessings be on you both, Ion nin. There shall indeed be much to celebrate in the spring," and cast a knowing glance at Gilúviel. She too now embraced Legolas and wished him well on his journey. Then, her attention turned to the Dwarf.

"May I ask a service of you, Master Gimli?" 

Gimli bowed slightly. "I am honoured to be of service, Woodland Queen. What is it you require?"

Gilúviel drew out the uncut gem he had given her. "When I am in the forest, my people must know I belong to them. But also, when I go into the North, my people must know I am one of them."

Gimli pondered for a moment. "Ah, then you will need a star upon your crown, for the Wood Elves love the stars and King Elessar's folk in the wear a star upon their cloaks." 

Gilúviel grinned. "A star would be perfect," she said, handing him the gem. Gimli nodded and carefully wrapping the gem in cloth as if it were a newborn child, he stowed it away in his robes. 

"Farewell, Master Dwarf, and be mindful of where you place that axe in Fangorn," cautioned Thranduil.

"I shall indeed, Elven King!" replied Gimli. 

As they turned to leave, Thranduil called out. "Send my regards to your father!" 

Gimli nodded in reply. "That I shall, Elven King! That I shall!"

Once they were gone, Treebeard and Mithrandir strode into view. 

"Ho, ho, what do we have here? ............... young lovers? ............No, not so young, it seems........................... but if it were not for those eyes, Lady.................................. I would think you a mere child."

Mithrandir chuckled. "I think she has aged better than I, do you not you think, King Thranduil?"

Thranduil grinned. "I believe you are right, old friend."

"Treebeard, may I formally introduce King Thranduil of Northern Eryn Lasgalen and his queen, Gilúviel," said Mithrandir.

"Ah..........the newlyweds ..............my congratulations............to you both. May your trees grow tall and their roots deep," replied Treebeard.

"You may know of my brother, Aiwendil. He now resides deep within Eryn Lasgalen as its guardian. Never shall evil's taint come upon it again," said Gilúviel.

"Aiwendil?........ why........ yes...... I have heard of that name.......... long ago when I was but an Enting. He served our mother. Alas, this news has come too late for Ent Wives. They are long lost to us now, and the world grows evermore with men," said Treebeard sadly.

"But there is yet hope, ancient friend, not all Men will come with axes and saws. Some will come with seeds and acorns," replied Gilúviel.

Treebeard scratched his beard in thought. "Hmmmmm......then there is hope for men yet..............." he said.

But they had spoken for so long that now the sun was in decline and it was time to depart. The travellers mounted their rides and bid their host farewell. There was a hint of melancholy about the company, for another was about to take his leave of them. When the encampment came into view, everyone came to a halt and dismounted. 

Elessar embraced his royal sister and her husband, not bothering to hide his tears. "Now I must bid you a proper farewell." He kissed Gilúviel on the forehead. "Go in grace, my beloved royal sister. My heart tells me that one day you and I shall walk together along the banks of Lake Evendim. When Annúminas is restored and there, we will talk of many things as our children run and play together on its shores."

He placed her hand in Thranduil's. "Take care of this most precious of gems." He then gave a command, and the knights saluted her. "When you go to Arnor, take counsel with Elladan, Elrohir and Glorfindel. You do not know the land, but they do. And the Halflings, you must heed their counsel also. The Knights of Arnor will meet you in Rivendell at the appointed time. Farewell, Gilúviel, until our next merry meeting."

"I swear to you, will do all that you ask of me," replied Gilúviel. "Farewell, Royal Brother, and may your journey be both swift and safe." She breathed deeply to stifle her tears. Then they watched as he bid farewell to the rest of the company. As he and his company rode southward, he held aloft the Elfstone and his namesake, which shone brightly with the last of the sun's rays.  

--------------------------------------------------

28th August/Urui 3019, The Greenway

Onward the travellers went through the gap of Rohan and into Dunland. When they rested, Thranduil and Gilúviel camped beside Lord Elrond and her brothers, keeping company with them. But Elrond was quieter than usual and would often go walking alone at night. One day, the road took the travellers through a small wood and past a couple of ragged individuals. "Who are those two vagabonds up ahead?" said Thranduil.

"I do not recognise them, but Mithrandir is in deep conversation with the taller one," replied Gilúviel. But as she watched, others joined in the conversation, and she soon realised who it was. "Surely that is not Curumo!" she gasped. 

"I believe you are correct, Melleth Nin! I almost pity him in his wretchedness," said Thranduil. He gripped his blade. "However, he belongs in one of my cells for what he did to you!"

But Gilúviel stopped him."He is unworthy of such mercy and would welcome your hospitality even in your darkest cells. Leave him to his misery. Only at the hands of a traitor shall he meet his end, and even that will not end his suffering."

Thranduil looked deeply into her eyes and smiled. "Your counsel, my queen, is both wise and prudent. Perhaps Doriath, the kingdom of my birth, would not have been destroyed if my King had listened to the wise counsel of his Queen. I hope I have learned from such mistakes." 

As they passed Saruman and his companion, he suddenly looked up. On seeing Gilúviel, a cruel smirk crept across his face. "Almárie, what a pleasant surprise. I see your Elven King has won you body and soul. Whether he is worthy of it is another matter." Thranduil glared at him but did not reply. Saruman cocked his head to one side. "Nothing to say then, Elven King?"

"I see no benefit in wasting my breath on a pathetic creature such as you," replied Thranduil.

Saruman rasped a laugh. "I like that your little pet is well trained. Tar-Almárie has such a nice ring to it."

Thranduil's nostrils flared with fury, but he said nothing. 

"I am no regnant, but a consort to my beloved king. Names are important, you know, and a wise Maia once advised me to speak respectfully to those of higher rank, Sharky!"

Saruman glared at her. "And I also told you pride comes before a fall, Blessed Queen!" Growling, he attempted to pull Gilúviel from her horse. But Gîldûr quickly moved out of range, sending Saruman headlong into a nearby muddy puddle. The disgraced wizard got to his knees and spat the mud out of his mouth.

Thranduil looked down at him, chuckling. "No one lays hands upon my queen without my consent! Be thankful you still breathe!" Gîldûr then kicked more mud in Saruman's furious face with his back legs. Thranduil smirked. "I think your ride is growing in my admiration."

Saruman's companion tried to help him up, but the disgraced wizard only beat him. A small, pathetic man with dark greasy hair, hollow eyes and gaunt skin. "This is all your fault, worm! You did nothing to defend your master!" he yelled. 

But the travelling songs of the Wood Elves drowned out his words as they passed.

--------------------------------------------------

12th September/Ivanneth 3019, Hollin

For a week, the travellers had rested in the shade of the Dwarven mountains, which had been a welcome relief for Gilúviel. But she and Thranduil had wasted no time in learning all they could of the North before the company separated. They studied maps, listened to the hobbits' tales of the Shire and took counsel from Elrond and other Elves of Imladris. 

In the evenings, the king and queen walked among the holly trees before retiring. Often upon their return, Elrond, Galadriel, Celeborn and Mithrandir would be sitting together. And though they were as still as statues, their lips unmoving, Gilúviel knew they were deep in conversation and best left alone.

 Then, on the last evening, Mithrandir came to Thranduil's tent and asked to walk with Gilúviel alone. Together they walked beneath a glittering, cloudless sky. Although there was still warmth in the air, the stifling heat of the south had given way to the cool fresh breezes of the North. Mithrandir wrapped his cloak closer as if his bones would chill, and there was a look of quiet resignation on his face. He came to a halt by some fallen masonry, settled himself down and looked into the night. 

Gilúviel's heart sank, she knew this was farewell. She sat beside him, tears flowing, as they embraced.

"Will you go directly to Mithlond?" she asked.

"Not directly, I shall remain in Imladris till the Hobbits are ready to return to the Shire. Then I will visit an old friend of ours for a long chat and a rest," said Mithrandir.

"You mean, Old Tom?" 

Mithrandir nodded. "He will enjoy my tales, and I will enjoy his company."

"And what of Aiwendil? Surely you will come and bid him farewell?"

"No, Almárie, Aiwendil has made his choice. My meddling with Middle Earth is at an end. It is time I went home." 

Gilúviel laid her head on Mithrandir's shoulder, and they sat silently for a time.

"I shall miss you Olorin, who shall I go to now for counsel?"

Mithrandir laughed. "Since when have you heeded my counsel, young lady? Besides, you have a husband now for that and....... other matters. As a mother, a consort and a regent, I doubt you will have time to miss me."

It did not surprise her that Mithrandir knew, he was of her kindred after all. She placed her hand on her belly. "I shall tell them of you."

"Mithrandir replied, chuckling, "And I would be most offended if you did not."

"Do you think I will be a good mother? Like Mellian?"

Mithrandir drew out his pipe. "In my experience, all mothers are bad mothers in the eyes of their children at some point. I remember in Imladris, a young Estel being angry with Gilraen when she would not let him join Elladan and Elrohir on an expedition because he had not finished his studies. And I do believe a young Anberenien was often late for her classes"

Gilúviel allowed a chuckle to escape her lips. "And I had no mother to scold me."

Mithrandir blew three smoke rings. " You had Lord Elrond and quite a few mothers when you needed them. Now the time is coming when your counsel will be sort, your wisdom heeded. Or not, as the case maybe. I only hope you have learned your life lessons well."

A wave of anxiety came over Gilúviel, and she touched her belly again. "I hope so too," she whispered.