Calenhad disappears into the Myst

Thranduil Approaches Calenhad

The Woodland King's gaze swept over the River Lands. Standing in a near deserted Calenhad, he took in the hazy view towards the towering Citadel and down the valley into the once bustling port town of Cheshire. He and his Rangers had arrived only hours before from their return journey from Lisianthus, the boat ride becoming hazardous due to high waves as they neared a sandy outcrop underneath Calenhad.

Iolas had first alerted him to the flames and smoke that darkened the sky as they sailed within sight of the River Lands. Infrequent, but at intervals strong tremors could then be felt as they approached and a sudden explosion, fiery sparks and a belching of thick black smoke produced waves capable of kipping their small vessel, if not for the skill of his companions.

Nearing the coastline, the source of the smoke was clearly further afar than Calenhad.

The Shadowlands, long a cesspool of Darkness and Evil, were burning and the eruptions stemmed from that area. Thranduil disembarked and they quickly made their ascent into Calenhad, only to find the courtyards deserted... Upon entering the Council chamber, the Elven King was astounded to meet a handful of Elders and a scattering of other Elves, both young and old.

Thranduil's arrival caused a stirring among them, yet there was no sign of panic and the scene before him was serene. Following a reverential greeting, his party was offered food and drink and his questions answered in an unhurried, contemplative manner.

A deep sigh escaped Thranduil's lips as he now surveyed the Lands. He had departed the Chamber, his feelings in turmoil. The Elves of Calenhad were in calm reverie, those remaining having apparently sought and been granted permission to sail into the West that very day by the mighty Valar. Their quiet happiness had heightened his own yearnings towards the West where Legolas, his only child, had departed many years ago and where the joys and sorrows of these Lands would no longer be a burden to him.

'Aiya, Thranduil sadron! Mai acáriel.' (Greetings, loyal Thranduil. You have done well.)

Her voice washed over him like a warm breeze, quieting the tumult he was experiencing and bringing a smile to his face. He turned as Elbereth Elentari emerged from a shimmering halo of light and moved gracefully towards him. 'Herinya, amatúlie! (My Lady, blessed arrival!). Your presence here soothes my mind. What is becoming of these Lands? The Aran has been missing many a day and the Shadowlands appears to be crumbling in a dirth of fire...,' the King's voice shook as he sought the bright eyes of the Maia.

The Shadowlands in Flames

'Thranduil, I am glad you have come although the citizens remaining in these Lands no longer require your assistance,' she paused and smiled encouragingly, '...yet, your guidance and leadership will be put to the test in the coming days.' The Woodland King listened intently to Elbereth's words, a myriad of questions on the tip of his tongue. 'A tule aseny...' (Come with me...,) she took his hand and led him towards the neglected home of the leader of the River Lands.

'The fate of Aran Jaekob is unknown,' Elbereth continued in the softest of tones, '... his future remains clouded, even to the Valar.' Thranduil opened his lips to give words to his apprehension, but Elbereth silenced him with a tender look. 'My lady Vanya sent me a vision. Manwë and his fellow Valar will not allow the Shadow to rise again among the pure intentioned beings of this realm... no matter in what form.'

Elbereth motioned towards the Shadowlands before resuming, 'The chaos issuing from the Underdark is not of our doing. Warring forces from within have caused the very ground to open and spew forth fire and pestilence. Very few will have escaped certain death. The catastrophe threatens to envelope the surrounding regions and the Elven Elders were quick to access the danger.'

Stopping just inside of the Aran's abandoned home, she removed her hand from Thranduil's and raised her eyes to his, 'All of the inhabitants of the Citadel and Cheshire were urged to take what they could of their possessions and relocate to kith and kin at least a days ride away.'

Elbereth's sweet voice became strained, but she kept the tone even, '... many Elves accompanied the travelers on their journey. Some towards the lush farming land around Taibreamh, others heading through The Shire towards Bree.' Her eyes became intense as she held the King's gaze, 'Those Elves will see the humans safe to their destinations and then they will continue to your realm, Thranduil.' Thranduil felt a thrill course through him as she murmured his name, his apprehension at welcoming so many new Elves to his hidden kingdom trickling away as her eyes captured his.

Elbereth smiled and took both his hands within hers, 'Gornon, Áva sorya (Valiant One, do not dread).

Thranduil Meets Elbereth in Calenhad

You are not alone. Events have come to pass that have made the Valar decide to once again take a more active role in the fate of the First and Second Born. The Shadowlands will be sundered and removed southwards, surrounded by an impenetrable cloud of Darkness. Those who chance to survive the disaster there may find a way back to the Light if they show true remorse and pure intentions.'

Thranduil marveled at the Valar's plans, his thoughts drifting to King Jaekob and his missing human mate, perhaps lost, yet all hope was not to be taken for their return.

'Thranduil,' a gentle pressure on his hands returned his focus to Elbereth as she continued speaking, 'the sorrow of the Elves of Calenhad has moved the Valar. Nienna wept for their losses and convinced Manwë to aid not only those who wished passage to the West, but once they set sail towards the Undying Lands, Calenhad itself shall be shrouded in Myst, as will the Citadel and town of Cheshire. The pestilence issuing from the Shadowlands will be removed and although these Lands will become untraceable to most, those who seek them with earnest, may indeed find them in future.'

The Maia and the Woodland King remained still as statues for a long while. The one gaging the impact her message had wrought and the other drowning in the immensity and finality of the unfolding happenings.

'Melda heri...,' (Beloved Lady...,) Thranduil began slowly, as his understanding of the situation deepened and his own part in the events became his chief worry again, '... what role have I to play? What do the Valar require of me? How... will...,' he stopped, his hands trembling slightly within hers as he searched her face for reassurance, '...will you depart too? What shall become of Lothloriel?'

Elbereth flashed Thranduil a stunning smile, her voice once again light as it took on a teasing quality, 'You shall not be rid of me so soon, Elven King! Your path back towards the Light is yet long and I will be watching to follow your progress. I am Guardian of Lothloriel and Protector of the remaining faithful Elves and the Second Born of this realm.'

Elbereth slowly released Thranduil's hands and bestowed him a serene smile as the light around her grew and her being gradually disappeared before his eyes, 'Return to Mirkwood, Thranduil. Gawador and Iolas have your boat ready and you are needed to greet and guide the oncoming Elves seeking sanctuary. You must continue to challenge your long held tendency to isolation and reach out to the folk of Taibreamh, Bree and The Shire... they will have need of your wisdom and foresight in future.'

Thranduil watched her fade and as he retreated from the Elven Haven towards his companions he once again heard her musical voice upon the breeze and the weight of his cares were partially lifted...

'Do not mourn for Calenhad, Woodland King, for it will soon be under the care of the Valar!'