Chapter Three: Imladris The many-day journey quickly wore on the travellers, despite the elven resilience. They trudged on, both horses and riders, ever in desire to finally see their destination appear at the feet of the mountains. At long last, Haldir�s brothers dropped back to the line, bearing good news. The dense cloud that was piling up not five miles distant, was actually mist from the waterfalls of Imladris, they had seen the Last Homely House. Word travelled quickly down the line, each step passing it on with more excitement than the last. The procession gradually came over the ridge, beginning the descent where Elrond�s home lay nestled in the valley. The beauty of an elvenhome to travellers is astounding, but the beauty of kinship to those who had journeyed so far was beyond words. The palace sharpened in the distance, seen as a dream through the clouds rising from the many rivers. Folk, much like themselves, turned out of homes upon seeing the column of people, a small cheer going up in the distance to greet them. Orophin and R�mil were already in the heart of the city, having seen their duty as scouts fulfilled upon reaching the borders. Sentinels bowed their heads as Celeborn and Galadriel passed by, a majestic sight on equal horses. Haldir remained as close as ever to Uruviel, having not left her side since the journey began. Often, he took his work even more serious than this, hence how he earned his title and profession. The whole group eventually made it to the home of Elrond Half-Elven, large sections breaking off to visit with the elves they knew. Only a small collection remained to approach the steps of the House, being greeted as they entered by Lord Elrond, and his war councillor, Lord Glorfindel. Each noble bowed in turn, with every step of formality that just had to be observed whenever royals meet. Uruviel, meanwhile, remained astride her horse, azure eyes scanning the balconies for a specific team of demons. Elrohir and Elladan, upon seeing the caravan approach, made their way as quickly as they could to the front of the house, being certain to avoid a very peeved off Chief Advisor. Gliding out onto the terrace overlooking the palace entrance, they peered down at the blonde-haired mass below. They easily picked out their cousin, waving their arms silently in the air to try and catch her attention. Uruviel picked them out with ease, they were the only ones making total fools of themselves. Smiling, she dismounted, removed her saddlery, bowed to her Uncle, and with everyone�s immediate permission, rushed inside. The twins met her, encompassing her in a hug, and helping to carry the few items she had with her. They led the way around the palace, even though Uruviel knew her path quite well, being careful to look around corners carefully before walking around them. �So why are you two being so edgy?� she questioned, becoming peeved off with the odd behaviour. �Because,� was Elrohir�s simple and short answer. Elladan smiled and looked over his shoulder, just to be safe. �Because�� he continued, �somehow, Erestor�s robes became soaking wet right before you lot got here, and he thinks we were responsible.� �Now why on earth would you blame US, for something like that?� Elrohir added, smiling wickedly. The twins were absolutely identical, down to the last evil smile, which they had perfected. Only if you knew them could you hope of telling them apart, their personalities being so radically different. Elladan was an elf of few words, preferring to spend his time among books and lore than be fighting or sparring out in the sun. Elrohir, always of the latter opinion, used his tongue more often, in a multitude of ways. Where Elrohir was very Elvish, Elladan was a prude. Where Elladan fancied culture, Elrohir fancied getting drunk off his bum. Walking contradictions. Only when together did they manage to become an equal pair. Elrohir calmed down thanks to Elladan�s patience, and Elladan become less laconic, thanks to Elrohir�s charisma. Together, they proved to be the best schemers Middle Earth had to offer, even better than Orophin and R�mil, themselves. Reaching the suite that Uruviel normally stayed in, Elrohir�s simply pushed the door inward with his foot and barged right in. Elladan, of course, followed his lead. Uruviel entered, surveying the as-ever, fabulous d�cor and style that Uncle had always managed to obtain. Clambering onto the silken bed, she curled up against a pillow and stared thoughtfully at her cousins. �And what of the Hunt this year, no more surprises I hope?� she asked, knowing there would, of course, always be surprises. �Well� not quite none.� Elrohir answered. �Just� the usual.� Elladan added. �Nothing harmful.� �At least not terribly.� They went to describe a few of the horrors they had in store for contenders in the competition, not bothering to worry about Uruviel telling someone else. In any event, she�d probably be helping them set it up. Back |
