#galadhon IS excited to have a little cousin

[ladysternchen]

Yet Were Its Making Good, For This- Tidings Of Life

“Ai my friends, is not life sweet today?” Galadhon asked of his companions, letting himself fall onto his back amidst the soft grass. The stars were twinkling overhead, and the general atmosphere among the captains of Eglador was cheerful. It had become custom over the centuries to meet from time to time for some merrymaking, to discuss matters that had nothing to do with their duties, and more often then not to share some wine or cider or other treats among them. Today it was Beleg who had brought a small sack filled with various nuts, and Galadhon had braved a bee-hive for some honey. 

“And what has you so happy? Apart from the fact that you got the honey again without being stung. You never get stung. How do you do it? I went honey-hunting already when your father was a babe in arms, and still I never manage unscathed.”

They all laughed at Beleg’s mild indignation, but also at his boasting. A tiny elfling climbing up a tree to prod the bees for a dare hardly counted as a serious attempt to collect honey, Mablung thought.

“I talk to them, Beleg. They give it freely.” 

Galadhon’s tone was one he might adopt to explain to a small child something very obvious. 

“Aye, I talk to them, too. But all they ever answer is psssssswwwwwwww”

Beleg made a noise as if of angry bees, which had all his companions double over with laughter. After a while Galadhon sat up again, idly dipping a nut in the honey and popping it into his mouth.

“There is going to be a feast, did you know that?” he asked in response to the question what made him so happy, acting as if the discussion of bees had never been.

“What do you know that we do not?” one of his fellow captains asked suspiciously. Galadhon grinned broadly.

“Many things. But this one, this one is very glad tidings indeed.”

Mablung frowned a little. Thusly announced tidings were always ones of new life, though Mablung felt fairly sure that Galadhon himself was not the one who would welcome a new child into this word, given that his firstborn was still so little. But whatever it was, Galadhon’s joy by itself was a beautiful thing to behold, even if he tried to play over it with his jesting. 

“Say on!” the others urged him, and Mablung inwardly groaned, sure that now Galadhon would make this announcement as lengthy as earthly possible just for the fun of leaving them groping in the dark.

“Have a guess.” Galadhon replied with a smirk, instantly proving Mablung right. 

But only a moment later, he laughed again, saying: “Nay, you cannot guess. Should I tell you, then? Or let you all be surprised tonight at the feast?”

Mablung saw Beleg smirk, and he, too, had to suppress a grin- as if Galadhon could ever have kept silent.

“Oh, go on then. What is this news?”

Galadhon beamed from one ear to the other.

“Before you, my friends, sits no longer the heir to the crown of Eglador, as my dear aunt, our beloved Queen, is expecting her first child.”

There was a heartbeat of utter silence following that announcement, then everyone seemed to be talking at once.

“What?”

“I didn’t think that was even possible! Oh this is wonderful, wonderful news.”

“How did they do that?”

“Well, how do you think they did it? Need we explain to you how elflings are made, little one?” Beleg teased, and the young captain who had asked the question blushed crimson while he endured the others renewed laughter.

“Oh, you know what I mean. It’s not like the Queen is an elf, is she?”

“Elf enough, apparently.” Galadhon answered earnestly. “But they were both quite surprised that it really worked, too. That’s why they kept quiet for so long. But Melian can’t possibly keep the secret any longer now.”

Alone among them, Mablung had kept silent the entire time. He felt both exhilarated and gutted at the same time, unable to explain his feelings even before himself. He had no reason, no right to feel anything but joy, and yet… 

Beleg’s hand on his shoulder tore him out of his musings.

“Are you alright?” he asked in a low whisper. 

“Of course I am. Why wouldn’t I? This is wonderful news.”

Beleg smiled gently, and Mablung knew instantly that he could not fool Beleg anymore than he could fool himself.

“Verily. But you know what I meant.”

Mablung kept quiet for a while, then, suddenly, he burst out laughing.  

“Help me, Beleg…” he wheezed, trying to whisper while still laughing hysterically. Beleg, perplexed, stood beside him, patting his arm somewhat helplessly.

“Can we… can we talk somewhere? Alone?” Mablung managed to say at long last, noticing with horror that the tears that were running down his cheeks were not solely of mirth. Beleg nodded, leading him away into the woods and to the bank of a little brook that ran burbling between rocks. Mablung splashed his face with the cool water, feeling his usual clam returning to him now.

“I’m sorry…”

“Don’t apologise, Mablung. Those news hit you hard, hm?”

Mablung nodded.

“I thought I had outgrown that. I thought I had come to terms with… well, with Elu and Melian and everything.” “And so you have.” Beleg said sternly “You did marvellously, if you would allow me to say so. I am so proud of you, Mablung.”

Mablung was silent for a moment. He truly had thought he had come to terms with it once and for all. His mind was firmly set on the matter, and the gradual change in language had greatly helped him, for he then could use a name to speak to and about his King that he had not uttered in husky whispers while sheathed in him. And yet, being around Elu was still somewhat uncomfortable for Mablung, and being parted from him even more so.

“Please don’t judge me by what I’m going to say now, but… I think that what got to me so much there was… well, to get Melian pregnant, he must have come.” 

Mablung screwed up his face even as he said it, knowing perfectly well how stupid that sounded. “And I see him still, Beleg, I know his expression, I know how he feels… Will that never go away? I so, so want to let the past rest, to let him be happy with Melian and their little one, to…”

Beleg gripped his arm firmly.

“Talk to him. Really. You suffer and he suffers just because you’re too embarrassed to admit to what you had. I know that there’s this silent agreement of what happened on the journey stays on the journey, but you cannot deny the bond of friendship you once had? You know Elu probably better than anyone safe Melian, of course that would come to your mind?” Beleg bend over to him, and pressed a tender kiss to his temple. “I’m here. I’ll always be here. It was I who got you into this mess in the first place after all.”

Mablung wrapped his arms around Beleg’s neck, holding him tight. What ever would he do without him by his side?

#yet were its making good for this #silmarillion fanfiction #chapter 6 #tidings of life #mablung #beleg cuthalion #galadhon #galadhon IS excited to have a little cousin #pining #remembering #it's the small details sometimes that screw your mind #hurt/comfort- sort of #humor #eglador #YT #ao3

[we-were-legends]

“Champion’s dawn”

Chapter 48 - “Brave young soldiers”

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The rest of the time passed by unbelievaly fast. Before Oropher realised he was standing on the courtyard before the Great Gate, exchanging last words with Arvellon and Celeborn. They will both leave Menegroth soon and even if Oropher would desperately wanted to, he could do nothing to stop it. But he didn't really want to.

Arvellon's happiness couldn't be compared to anything. Oropher clearly saw sparks in his eyes that spoke all too well about excitement and restlesness about incoming duty. His soldiers were impatient as well, definately more curious than afraid about what awaited them beyond the walls of the city. But each of them remained vigilant and took seriously their preparations, minding that everything and everyone would be ready as they should.

And among all of this, Oropher couldn't help himself but ask Arvellon over and over if he had everything prepared, how are his soldiers, if his horse was in good condition – he asked about everything that could possibly come to his mind, but his cousin waved it all away.

'I checked all of it and everything is as it should be!' he said. 'Don't worry, Oropher! I am well prepared, my soldiers as well.'

Oropher couldn't disagree and he believed Arvellon's words, but he still felt anxiousness about his little cousin leaving so far away where Oropher won't be able to keep an eye on him. In Ossiriand it was different and Oropher could even train his cousin further while they were travelling while now he won't have such chance. He tried hard to hide it, but he was a bit worried, but each time it was dimmed by pride when Oropher realised that Arvellon just made a step for his promising career in the Wolf Banner.

Of course, Arvellon knew more than he cared to share and he promised to send a bird back to the Menegroth if he will have a chance and if it will be possible, but Oropher knew better than hope for it. It's highly unlikely than any falcon will arrive to them, if anything they should expect one at the end of Autumn, but even this was unsure.

Oropher couldn't help himself from thinking about Arvellon as a young soldier, despite that Arvellon was all grown up and he was an adult since so long. Neither he was considered by anyone as a young soldier and it was more a habit of Oropher to call him like this and Arvellon was so used to it that he didn't pay attention to this at all.

Of course, Ravoneth came to say her goodbyes and Oropher left the pair so they could have those moments only for themselves. Celeborn was talking with Galadhon and Galathil who also came say their goodbyes and surely Edwethon and Arradis were somewhere nearby as well. Erthor came by as well and wished all the soldiers pleasant and safe travel as much as it can be while sleeping on their own saddles and enduring heavy storms.

Oropher looked around at the commotion that was happening. Soldiers were getting ready for the move out, but each of them still found the time to say goodbyes to their own families. Many of them gathered on the courtyard to watch them go and in this crowd, Oropher somehow managed to find Ciryion and speak with him for a moment, then he found Bressil who just said goodbye to her parents. He wanted to make sure she had everything under control, though Oropher precisely knew she had – it was just his stupid need to know everything for sure and check everything by himself.

Soon enough, a horn sounded loudly and annouced a move out. Soldiers immediately went to their own horses and after last checks they jumped on their steeds, ready to be lead out by their officers. With the corner of his eye, Oropher noticed Helegon running up to Bressil. Her adorer was stubborn, but not rude in his doings and it seemed that Bressil started to open her heart to him – she tooka single flower Helegon brought for her and kissed his cheek. After their short talk, it seemed that they agreed to talk after Bressil will be back. Well, Oropher wished them all the luck.

Ciryion took the lead with his division and the rest went after them in appropriate arrays. For the last time, Oropher managed to find Arvellon who talking with no one other but Aglaron. Their soldiers were all ready and prepared, placed in the mixed array after Bressil's division. Arvellon and Aglaron seemed to have a good conversation, standing in the first line with their soldiers, but they immediately noticed him approach.

'Are you absolutely sure you and your soldiers have everything?' Oropher asked looking up at his cousin, briefly caressing his brown horse.

'Oropher, for the love of stars!' Arvellon sighted when he looked down at him. 'I packed my bags yesterday and I checked them today's morning.' he said patiently. 'I know you are worried, but I can take care of myself.'

'I know you can.' Oropher muttered, combing fingers through black mane of the horse, then he glanced at Aglaron. 'What of you?'

'Don't turn your worry from me on him!' Arvellon said immediately. 'We are both fine, go talk with Celeborn!'

'Fine, I'm going! Don't shout at me.' Oropher finally submitted, but he glanced one more at both of them. 'Take care of each other out there.'

'We will.' they both said at the same time and Oropher shook his head, more at his own stuborness.

At the very beginning, Oropher found Celeborn who was disposed between the soldiers as Oropher thought Ciryion will do. Despite that Celeborn was accomplished warrior, Ciryion won't risk anything happening to him – Celeborn was a civil, a Herald and the Prince of Doriath, and Ciryion won't have him endangered in any way. By such professionalism, Oropher knew he could be at peace asit went to Celeborn's safety and that his cousin will be taken to the Tower and back to the city whole and safe.

'Remember to not discuss with Ciryion all too much. Either way he will gag you.' Oropher said upon aproaching and Celeborn looked down at him.

'Don't worry, I only like to disscuss with you.' he said. 'Besides, I undermine authority of elves I don't like, while Ciryion is not only exemplary soldier, but he is also very intelligent and knowledgable elf. This travel will be a pleasure.'

'Are you suggesting that me and my division are not intelligent nor knowledgable?' Oropher asked with delicate smile as he crossed arms on chest.

Just at this moment a single but much louder and stern sound of the horn was heard and the Gate started to open to let the soldiers pass by and ride into the wild forests. Ciryion at the lead bid his horse to walk and after him all the soldiers followed and Oropher removed himself from the ranks to let the soldiers pass peacefully.

'You are all messed up, cousin!' Celeborn said and he also bid her mare to walk and follow assigned position in the array. But before he was fully gone he turned once more to Oropher. 'Which also has it's charm!'

Oropher shook his head and watched rows of soldiers move from walk to trott and as soon as they were beyond the Gate they moved into gallop rising after them clouds of dust. In all of this, Oropher didn't even manage to see Arvellon, but as his cousin said countless time before, he can take care of himself.

'Aaand they are gone.' Galathil sighted as he appeared near Oropher. 'Is anything known about the time when they will be back?'

'Celeborn should be back before Summer. We will have to leave to the west at the beginning of it.' Oropher said. 'As for Arvellon, it is planned that he will be back in early winter, but they will have to see what is the situation is this far corner of the kingdom. They will have to probably make new roads and tamp down sand so the wagons can ride through, maybe even build bridges over streams.' Oropher shrugged his arms. 'It may happen that they will stay there till the next spring.'

'Almost all four seasons.' Galathil said. 'So long time till we will see our young cousin again.'

'We have to get used to it.' Oropher laughed a bit. 'Maybe next time it will be him leading such expedition?'

'Couldn't you both choose more stationary duty? Like joining the Royal Guards, or something?' Galathil asked, but then he waved it all away. 'Nevermind, I'm going back to Nimloth. I promised Faineth I will take care of her today, since she meets up with her friends.' he started to walk away, but then he turned back to Oropher. 'Are you joining for the middle-spring hunt?'

'I guess I am.' Oropher shrugged his arms, but the closer the day came that he will have to actually show himself on this gathering, the more he regretted that he agreed to go.

'Splendid, cousin!' Galathil said as he came back to Oropher and nudged his arm. 'Maybe we will manage to hunt a boar? Do you remember this old boar we brought down long ago?'

'It was so huge that I still can't believe we managed to bring it back to the city.' Oropher shook his head at the lone memory of it. The boar was not only huge and heavy, but it put up a fierce fight as well.

'Father was so impressed he kept it as a trophy.' Galathil shook his head. It was a truth, boar's head hunged in one of the chambers in the Palace as an appropiate decoration. 'Alright, I will be on my way. See you later hopefully.'

Oropher waved Galathil for goodbye and when his cousin was gone, he looked around the courtyard. It was so full not long ago and now almost all the elves were already gone. For a moment Oropher stared at closed Gate that was opened not long ago and let the soldiers out of the Caves. Oropher sighted delicately, holding on to the words he will have to repeat himself over and over – Arvellon can take care of himself and he was more than ready for his duty.

As soon as he crossed the courtyard to walk into the corridor that will lead him to the fields, there were another soldiers who rode up and started to gather on the courtyard. And those soldiers were no one other but marchwardens.

Not everyone of them was already present, but they didn't seem in hurry to leave. They took their time, talking to each other and make last adjustments to their horses equipment. But Oropher quickly noticed that Amdir was already present, ready to leave Menegroth.

Oropher stood in place and fell in thought for a moment, before he finally decided to approach his older cousin. Even after what happened, Oropher felt it would be well to at least say a single word of goodbye to Amdir – even if after this Oropher will hit him in the face.

But before he moved out of his place towards Amdir, it was no one other than Erthor who entered the courtyard and Amdir left his horse and companions behind to talk with his uncle on side. Seeing them like this only strenghtened Oropher's thought that there was something he didn't know. And this something was definately a secret.

Despite this, he decided to move out of his place. He approached his father and Amdir who talked quietly to each other and they truly seemed indulged in this conversation. Amdir seemed even concerned and there was not even a bit of anger in his voice, while Erthor held his usual calm confidence. As expected, as soon as they noticed him coming closer their talk ended up quickly.

'Oropher, how good to see you.' Erthor smiled to him and Oropher returned the smile.

'I'm glad to see you as well, Adar.' he said then he glanced at his older cousin and his eyes sharpened a bit. 'You too, I guess.'

'I will leave you both.' Erthor said, then he glanced at them both warningly. 'Who knows when you will see each other again. Be nice to one another.' then he placed a hand on Amdir's arm. 'Save travel.'

'Thank you, uncle.' Amdir said and with those words Erthor left them all alone.

For a moment both of them watched Erthor leave, but then they looked at each other, maybe when they were both ready.

'I didn't expect you will show yourself to see me off.' Amdir said and Oropher shrugged his arms.

'I came here to say goodbye to Arvellon. Then I saw you.' he said. 'I guess it was fair enough to at least say goodbye to you. You have to learn good manners from someone.'

'Yes, I guess.' Amdir said indifferently and his eyes pulsed powerfully with known strength, but at least he didn't snap something back, so Oropher took it as a good sign.

'I would never even imagined that you will come to see my father.' Oropher said, then in turn it was his tempered that flared dangerously. 'You can do to me everything you want, but I swear-'

'It's not a game, Oropher.' Amdir interrupted him sternly. 'I may have started one when I came to Menegroth, but it was not supposed to be one. I...didn't know how to do it in other way.' he paused for a moment. 'I am not using your father and I don't plot anything with his involvement. I asked for his help and he agreed.'

'Fine.' Oropher said, then he looked all over Amdir. In nearby future it will show how worthy were his cousin's words and if he will truly care to hold on to promises he gave.

They fell in silence and they truned eyes away from each other. It was terrifying to remember that they used to be so close once. They were companions and brothers, together against everything and everyone. They got along so well, even in anger they had so much to tell to each other. And now there was silence between them.

'I know I fucked up. But I didn't mean to.' Amdir said. 'I needed to know the dispersion of power in the court...and where you stand in all of this.'

'So...you wanted to see how long leash they have granted me.' Oropher's eyes flashed with anger, then he managed to control himself almost at the last moment and he shook his head at what Amdir just said. 'You know, better don't say anything more. In a moment you will say one word too much and then I will do the same. Once more we will argue.' he looked into his cousin's golden eyes. 'I will send a bird to you, to the Tower. You can write everything that you want now to say to me. Maybe it will be easier for us like this, who knows?' he shrugged his arms. 'How does that sound?'

'Sounds good.' Amdir nodded, then the rest of the marchwardens appeared on the courtyard leading their horses next to them. 'Maybe...I will try to come to Menegroth in some time. I don't know yet.'

'Would be nice.' Oropher said. 'We could drink something in the tavern, like, you know, good old days.'

'It was a bit long since I had any liquor in hand.' Amdir smiled delicately and shook his head. He always enjoyed a good drunk, just as Oropher, so it was a bit strange that he admitted such a thing. On the other hand liquors were not available at the Tower as much as in Menegroth. 'But I would like that.'

'Then we have a deal.' Oropher said then he glanced at marchwardens who jumped on their horses and checked the last time if bags were comfortably binded to saddles. He and Amdir knew that it was time to say goodbye.

Their embrace was quick, but they held each other firmy, patting their backs non too gently. Then after delicate smiles, Amdir turned and approached his horse. Those were mere moments when the Gate opened and the marchwardens left, and once more Oropher was left alone of the sandy courtyard.

This time he didn't linger for long to look at the Gate. He crossed the courtyard again and walked into the corridor, soon enough entering the fields. And he appeared in time just to see Halloth's horse tripping over so heavily that it fell on front knees and Halloth fell to the ground in graceful tumble.

Oropher sighted and approached the tracks where Halloth trained his horseback archery. By now his soldier already spitted out all the sand from his mouth and gathered his bow that fell somewhere nearby and horse stood up on his legs.

'Damn it!' Halloth cursed as he got up, brushing off the dirt off his uniform and Oropher leaned his elbows on a tall fence close to the pair.

'If he is doing it often maybe you should change your horse.' he said as he looked at Heleg who perked ears at his rider.

'No, he is fine! He is just tripping when he has a bad day!' Halloth said as he got to the horse and looked closely at front legs, brushing off sand from hair.

'You know well that Heleg can't afford to have bad days.'

'I know, but he is not doing that often.' Halloth said as he got up straightened up. 'I think his legs are bruised pretty bad. I will go and make some warm bandages.'

'Don't let your fondness affect you decisions.' Oropher said and Halloth nodded at his words before he walked away leading his horse next to him.

Oropher watched the pair go for a moment, realising that Halloth grew up a bit. He was still the same enthusiastic and carefree young elf everyone remembered, yet there was noticeable change in him that allowed others to treat him as a serious soldier and future officer. Oropher observed not once that younger soldiers, who were just enrolled in the army, approached Halloth, Amrun and Tinnu about some matter or to seek advise and his soldiers were able to help in most cases. He couldn't be more proud.

Oropher straightened up and left the archery tracks behind. As he was still close to the stable he had a good view on the pastures that reached far, all the way behind the buildings. One herd of horses was just being taken back to the stable and Oropher noticed that Hakon was among them, a bit dirty with sand and with ruffled mane.

All the herd came back to the stable except one horse. And it was Faron's mare. She was walking around and still cropping grass as if nothing was happening and even if it was happening then she had her own business and she didn't have time to think of what the stable masters wanted from her.

It was one of three horses that belonged to Faron and this tall mare was not his favoured steed. The horse had a temperament, but beyond all it was showing blistering intelligence and it was able to dominate every horse. Naru was the mare's name and this horse got under the skin of not one elf. There was a reason after all for the saying that was sometimes repeated – ask a mare, discuss it with stallion and pray if it is Naru.

As he continued his walk, it was no one other but Taranir near the stable buildings. He found a bit of time to take care of his horse, tall dark brown stallion, though more softly tempered. By now, the horse was all gleaming perfectly and Taranir was combing through ruffled mane. Not thinking much Oropher approached his friend and leaned on the wooden fence near the pair.

'I just realized you always take dark horses for yourself.' Oropher said and Taranir nodded at his words.

'Less problem with cleaning them. You know that horses love to get dirty.'

Quite a lot of soldiers had a problem with this and not once Oropher saw a horse that should had been white or at least buckskin but were covered with mud all over making them look like one large misfortune.

Beside a wish to have pleasant conversation with his friend, Oropher knew that it was high time to bring up the matter that he didn't wish to speak about ever again. But his wishes had no place here – this matter concerned directly Taranir and his family, and Oropher needed to be honest with his friend as he ever was.

'Taranir, can I...I mean I have to talk with you.' Oropher started knowing well that once more he will be a bearer of bad news. 'On less pleasant matters.'

'Sure, fire away.' Taranir said as he turned to face him and leaned his elbow on horse's back, while Oropher wondered for a moment how he should began.

'You see...do you remember when you told me before that maybe you will want to speak with your father?' Oropher said and his friend frowned delicately, probably having a bit of idea about the topic. After Taranir nodded to confirm his words, Oropher continued. 'I spoke with my father not long ago. On many matters, but our conversation went down to the matter of Eregon...and my father told me that your father had already been sentenced. Quite long ago.'

It was a bit hard to understand all the emotions that crossed through Taranir's face. There was surprise and confusion that then were followed by relief and fear. It was hard and almost impossible to connect those two emotions together, yet somehow it was what Taranir felt right now.

'He was?' Taranir repeated a bit startled. 'But why no one even informed me? Or my mother?'

'I was as confused as you to hear it. But my father said that the King wished this trial to be kept in secrecy, without needed public. Such was his word on this matter and he decided without looking at anyone else involved in this.'

'But that's-' Taranir started and Oropher nodded, knowing what his friend wanted to say.

'I know. But Elwe as a King is as much understanding as stern.' Oropher said, though he had in mind a bit different epitets to call his distant uncle. 'Well...the point is that Elwe decided to sentence your father to exile.' he continued, glancing at Taranir. 'He was escorted to the eastern part of the Kingdom with enough food so he will travel with ease to Ossiriand.' he paused, but then he added at the end. 'Maybe he is already there by now, who knows.'

He stopped there and watched Taranir who still had a lot of feelings crossing his face and probably only more thoughts crossing his mind.

'I see.' Taranir finally managed to say. He turned to the horse and started to comb ruffled mane once more, clearly mulling over what he just heard. 'Then he is gone.'

'Yes.' Oropher said. 'I'm sorry that it ended like this.'

'You shouldn't be. We are finally free of him. My mother and sister can finally live fully, without his shadow lurking over them.'

'I know well that it's only a part of your thoughts.' Oropher said as he straightened up and walked closer to Taranir to place a hand on his arm. 'I know you wanted to see him and you wanted answers from him. And he is your father, it's normal that you fear about his fate.'

Taranir was silent to this words, but Oropher saw clearly that the revelation weighted down on him powerfully. He could be hardly blamed. Despite that Eregon did such wrongs to his family, he was still Taranir's father and his friend demanded answers from his father. Though Taranir was not impulsive, Oropher knew his friend was able to take rapid decisions and if he was determined enough then he will see them done by his own hand. And Oropher knew precisely what Taranir was capable of, including bringing Eregon back to Doriath from Ossiriand against all orders and laws.

'Whatever you decide, know that I stand with you.' Oropher said. 'If you will ever want to, I will ride with you to find him.'

'Thank you.' Taranir said quietly, but he smiled delicately at Oropher. 'But I...I probably won't go. I don't even know if I want to saw him again...I don't know myself.' he paused for a moment. It was strange to see Taranir stuttering a bit like this, but Oropher didn't even care about this. 'One part of me is so relieved that he is gone that it's almost...saddening. He was my father, after all.'

Oropher wondered if that's how his father and uncles felt so long ago when their own mother Acharn finally left them and never showed herself again. This terrifying relief and peace in heart that they won't see their own mother must have been fearsome.

'He still is your father.' Oropher said, but Taranir shook his head.

'We both know that a lone travel to Ossiriand may end tragically.'

Oropher fell silent at this and he couldn't blame Taranir for having such thoughts. He had them himself after all.

'Don't worry. I am aware that finding my father will be almost impossible now. And I can't leave my mother and sister all alone.' Taranir said as he glanced once more at Oropher.

'But remember that if anything-'

'I know I can count on your help. Thank you.' he smiled a bit. 'Let me take the horse back to its stall, then we can go to your office. I have few things to show you.'

'It's as much my office as yours.' Oropher said after him when Taranir was already leading the horse away.

Even during this short moment when he was alone, it was no one other than Esgar who managed to find him. He stepped from behind Oropher and in a moment stood in front of him, with his usual smile on face.

'You are weighted with something.' he stated and Oropher sighted a bit.

'Yes, I had to speak with Taranir about...rather unpleasant matter.' he said. 'And I told you about my argument with Amdir before. I still think about it sometimes.'

'We can still talk about it later if you want.'

'I still want to talk with you about another matter.' Oropher said as he stepped a bit closer to Esgar. 'You see, in the in the end of spring-'

'There is a great hunt, I know. Organised by the Royal family, which means your House as well.' Esgar said then he leaned down a bit and kissed Oropher shortly. 'You are going and I am going with you, of course. Time to show every noble House that they won't manage to match their daughters with you.'

'Like what, you want us to wear matching clothes or something?' Oropher said and smiled at lone image of it.

'No, I will just kiss you in front of everyone.' Esgar winked at him making Oropher shook his head. 'Well, time for me to go. Who knows what the adepts will do without my supervision.' he leaned down to kiss Oropher's cheek and he answered with the same. 'I will see you in the late evening.'

'Until then, love.' Oropher said and Esgar passed by him with wonderful smile on face.

Esgar was ready to go thought every rough path with him. He wanted to face sideway glances and gosspis told on side. They started to build their realtionship and Esgar wanted it as much as Oropher.

A lone thought of this made Oropher's heart a bit lighter.

#oropher #celeborn #galathil #amdir #silmarillion #silmarillion fanfic #tolkien