Thranduil seeks Entrance to Lothloriel 

Gwaihir informs Elbereth of a Visitor

Gwaihir swooped over the Haven of Lothloriel, coming to rest upon a rocky crag near the Golden Hall. Elbereth met his steady gaze with a wide smile and went to meet the giant Eagle, pausing only a breath away from its perch. 'Alla melda Gwaihir! (Hail dear Gwaihir!). You have tidings for me?,' she asked quizzically, not having sensed any unexpected movement around the realm, busy with preparations for her next errand for Ulmo.

The Eagle inclined his majestic head and recounted his observation to Elbereth. Their silent discourse was short and the Maia listened intently, her eyes following his glance towards the mountainous path to Mirkwood. With vision beyond eyesight, she instantaneously perceived Gwaihir's purpose in seeking her out.

'Le hannon, Hîr e-Hûl, (Thanks to you, Lord of the Wind),' Elbereth saluted the regal bird with an inclination of her head. She turned and waved a hand towards the southern border, her tone ardent, yet respectful, 'please seek Galdor along the banks of the Anduin and request his return to me here. I have need of him.' Gwaihir dipped his crown and extended his immense wings, slowly rising into the air. Elbereth watched his flight with admiration, her voice resonating around the mountains, 'Suil vain, mellonnin!' (Fair winds, my friend!).

Iolas took charge of his King's steed. They had reached the pass into Lothloriel and both were stopped in their passage by an unseen force. There was nothing to see or touch, yet both were aware that they could not venture on. Lothloriel was temptingly near, hidden by a fine golden mist. Iolas waited nervously for Thranduil to speak, and when after several minutes he did, Iolas opened his eyes wide at the unexpected awe in his tone.

'Or velen! (Joyous Day!)

The Golden Vale ~ Lothloriel

It is then true, the Lady is a sign that we are yet blessed and cherished by the Powers!', his voice drifted off as he stared at the golden mist. Iolas moved closer, puzzled, his head moving rapidly from east to west, unable to peer through the haze. 'Hîr vuin (Esteemed Lord),  what do you see? The mist veils my eyes.'

Thranduil gave no immediate answer, deep in thought. His reply, when it came, revealed little of what he saw, or any silent message he may have received, but his accent had an injured tone. 'Do you not see the verdant greenness spread beneath us, each living thing embraced by the mighty Ainur? Resplendent Lothloriel... as it was in Ages past!'

The Woodland King reluctantly turned his back on the shimmering splendour, his expression pained as he added, 'holler I ven, (the way is shut), …we can return to my Halls. I shall gain no entry to the Golden Vale.'

Iolas stared at surprise towards his King. Never had he witnessed Thranduil so dejected. He was bewildered, but to perplexed to utter a word. He deduced that some powerful ward was hindering their entry, but as yet no one had barred their entrance. Why then was Thranduil so certain that he would receive no welcome from the Lady who shone like starlight? Footsteps approached the elves, the near silent tread of Galdor, Elf of the Trees, who suddenly appeared through the mist within an arms length of the King.

Thranduil at the border to Lothloriel

He bowed to Thranduil and his eyes were friendly and welcoming as he nodded towards Iolas. 'Suilad, Thranduil, King of the Woodland Elves!', he intoned a reverent welcome as he stood proudly before his former regent. 'Elbereth Elentari, the Keeper of Lothloriel, guardian of this blessed realm, sends me with her greetings and tidings that she is well pleased with your coming.'Thranduil nodded, his eyes devoid of brightness, 'And yet, she will not allow entrance and not see me again' he said, strangely saddened.

Galdor regarded the proud King with pity. The knowledge that one was not accepted into her presence, to be deprived of just one further moment in her Light would cripple him and thus he knew, even a magnificent King could be brought low by this knowledge. His own existence had been imbued with a deep sense of purpose and acceptance since he had become her Defender. Each of his thoughts and deeds were according to the Will of Iluvatar. He would do all to remain near Elbereth Elentari until he was finally called to the Halls of Mandos.

He squared his shoulders and spoke kindly, but his words were a blow and Thranduil looked defeated, 'I believe she has already communicated her resolve, Tar'quessir (Elven King). She is as unbending as the binds that protect Lothloriel.'

 

Galdor passes Elbereth's message to Thranduil

Thranduil searched Galdor's face for a glimmer of hope, then resigning, he bid softly farewell and moved towards Iolas, who held his horse ready. His recent thoughts and visions had led him to this point. He knew which course he must take, his path was clear and a hopeful smile crossed his lips as Galdor's last utterance reached his ears, 'King Thranduil, the Lady of Lothloriel would have you know that she has foreseen your path and within time, according to Eru's Plan, you shall receive her summons to Lothloriel, where the reunion you yearn for may well occur.

Galdor disappeared into the golden mist before Thranduil was settled in his saddle, so that the delayed, yet heartfelt thanks from the King went unheeded. But his words were instead noted by Gwaihir, who took to flight as Thranduil and Iolas watched and marvelled at his grandeur.