The Unforeseen Encounter 

The Merchant Plutocracy of Lisianthus

Thranduil dismounted his horse, slowly caressing the neck of the majestic stallion before it bent its head to feast on the lush grass covering the forest floor. The Woodland King had journeyed many weeks now, with only Iolas and Gawador to accompany him and the yearning to gain entry to Lothloriel guiding his path. They rode under the cover of night and used the dim hours of the morn to enter the villages and towns of the neighbouring peoples to determine the state of each community - the wealth, security and principle governmental base of each territory.

For many ages the Woodland Elves had fortified their realm and scorned news or contact from outside. This had bought them peace and security, yet the world outside their hideaway had grown and changed and it was clear to Thranduil that not all Shadows had faded after the last wars. The trio had traversed the River Lands and entered The Shire, they had used a small, sturdy vessel to cross the waters into Taibreamh. Each locality proved to be thriving and well tended, both by chosen rulers and the residents. Thranduil had Iolas take note of each person who governed the fates of these lands and upon their return, the King would formally request an audience to discuss the true state of affairs of each place, the threats they were facing or the fears they held.

Thranduil raised his eyes to peer through the mist shrouded the surrounding glade. They had travelled with a larger boat to Lisianthus, the furthest point on their agenda. The port town, Silverwind, was old in human reckoning, but its existence was new to the Woodland King. The affluent town had become an important trading partner to the River Lands long after the borders to his Realm had been shut against intruders. Gawador had heard seamen from Lisianthus discussing the dangers of marauders and pirates around the River Lands and the rangers had reported the speech to Thranduil.

Initially the King was not prepared to make the journey to this unknown region, but upon spying a giant eagle hovering just over the horizon towards Taibreamh, he took it as a foretoken from the Keeper of Lothloriel, a sign that she may just be following his progress, and they embarked on the lengthy passage to the main port of Silverwind.

And so he stood among the dense greenery in a wooded area just beyond the docks of Silverwind, awaiting the return of his rangers, his thoughts returning once again to the Maia Elbereth and her beckoning that he return to the Light...

Elbereth Appears from the Mist

'Vandë omentaina, Thranduil', (Well met, Thranduil) her silvery voice pierced his senses and his eyes grew with wonder as the form of Elbereth Elentari emerged from the mist. A shimmering light surrounded her and she smiled as his horse raised its noble head and whinnied with undeniable pleasure. 'Aiya, Nahar-ndil selio, manenna sinarë?' (Hail, Friend of the steadfast Nahar, how are you today?), Elbereth spoke with a soothing tone to the stallion. The answering nicker from Nahar-ndil echoed around the glade and he tossed his mane contentedly.

Thranduil bowed his head and exhaled, his voice tremulous, 'Suilannad Elbereth istima' (Greetings wise Elbereth). His voice stocked as he stared at her, her gaze capturing his attention, no further utterances possible. He nodded towards Galdor, Protector of Lothloriel, noting that her companion was standing close enough to be bathed in the vivid glow that radiated from her.

Elbereth spoke softly and moved silently towards the Woodland King, brushing him lightly as she passed and motioning towards a path towards the docks. 'Á tulë asenyë, Tar-quessir vorima.' (Come with me, faithful Elven King). Thranduil followed wordlessly as Elbereth wandered out of the woods, following the pathway behind the dockyard dwellings, past small farms where each animal stirred with gladness as she murmured a hushed greeting and finally came to pause among a flowering meadow nigh by the coastline. Galdor remained at a distance among the trees watching Nahar-ndil lazily feed on the colourful blooms.

Thranduil came to stand an arms length from Elbereth. The warmth of her presence filled his heart with joy, yet he waited with trepidation for her next words. 'Áva sorya, Thranduil' (Do not dread, Thranduil), she smiled and his unease lifted immediately. 'I have been informed of your travels and I perceive your intentions', her eyes swept the crashing waves just beyond the clearing. 'The Valar are gladdened that your decision to seek their Light has brought you here. Each beacon of friendship and each alliance of unity that you achieve between the races not only strengthens your combined position against all forms of Evil and Darkness, but allows the Valar themselves to restore their influence and grace among you all.'

Elbereth and Thranduil

A mighty wave rose and crashed with intensity on the rocks before them and Thranduil tore his gaze away from Elbereth to contemplate her words and the power of the sea in his view. Elbereth also scanned the waters, her words reverent, 'Ay, the might of Ulmo grows once again with each passing tide, Thranduil. The waters of your world flow once again in harmony with the melody orchestrated by the King of the Waters.'

Thranduil thrilled at her speech, her sweet voice enthralling him. He glanced at Galdor and understood the source of his ease and fulfillment. His own resolve was unfailing and his senses were awash with the beauty of existence and his role in securing its protection for all who dwelt there.

'Melda heri, Elenion Ancalima, valar valuvar!' (Beloved Lady, brightest of the Stars, the Will of the Valar shall be done!', Thranduil intoned reverently, his eyes returning to the sea, the motion of the sea calming him. 'Tenn’ enquetielva' (Until we speak again), Elbereth's words lured his focus away from the frothing water and he was compelled to close the distance between them. Her balmy breath caressed his face and she gave him a tender look as he wished her farewell, 'Herinya, tenn’ omentielva enta, nan alassëa núrolya!' (My Lady, until our next meeting, I am your joyful servant!'

 

Elbereth Encourages Thranduil in his Quest

Beckoning to Galdor, Elbereth left Thranduil with a sweet smile which turned sad and her parting words left him puzzled and wary, "Thranduil, you should consider crossing through the River Lands once again on your return journey. I believe the citizens, but especially the Elven Elders of Calenhad, may be in need of your assistance at this time as a dark cloud has descended over the realm!"

Without further details, Elbereth turned and saluted Thranduil's stallion as she went, before disappearing among a thicker outcrop of trees in the distance.