Chapter Text
I look at the Dwarves standing before me.
“Welcome. I am Oropher, King of Greenwood the Great.”
I stand and come down from my throne.
A Dwarf comes forward and bows.
“I am Thráin, of the House of Durin. I am leading my people towards Erebor.”
“Well met Thráin. You and your people are welcome here.”
“On behalf of my people, I thank you.”
I incline my head.
“We seek safe passage through the forest.”
I walk until I stand before them.
“And you shall have it. For now you and your people may rest here. We will provide you with food for your journey.”
“Thank you.”
I smile at him.
“If you are to become the King under the Mountain then it is in both our interest that we become allies. Don’t you agree?”
“Aye. I do.”
“We will speak more of this once you are rested.”
He bows.
I instruct my guards to lead them to the guest chambers.
“You will be led to your rooms.”
The dwarves bow and follow the guards.
Thráin turns to look at me before following his people.
My son comes to stand at my side.
He watches them leave before looking at me.
I look at him.
He raises an eyebrow.
I smile.
He crosses his arms.
“What?” I ask.
“Do you think it is wise to allow these Dwarves to settle in the mountain?”
“You do not agree.”
“No.”
“Why not?”
He sighs.
“Dwarves are greedy creatures. No good can come of having them so close.”
I chuckle.
I lay a hand on his shoulder.
“Thranduil.”
He looks at me.
“It is best to be friendly with our neighbors. If we are to treat them with respect and loyalty, they will return the gesture.”
“If you say so.”
“You are young, you have much to learn.”
“So you keep saying.”
“I am sure you will make a fine king one day.”
He inclines his head.
I watch him leave before looking back the way the Dwarves had gone.
********************
I inspect my flowers.
“Hello.”
I turn to look at the Dwarf standing in the doorway to my garden.
“King Thráin.”
“I am not a king yet.” He smiles.
“Because you are not wearing the crown does not mean you are not the leader of your people.”
He nods and comes closer.
“I see you wear one of the seven rings given to the Dwarves.”
He looks down at his hand.
“Wearing the ring does not mean I will be a fit king or that all will bow to my leadership. Some think me too young for this task.”
“I am sure you will end up proving them wrong.”
“I would very much like to, at least to shut them all up.”
We chuckle.
“You will prevail.”
“I just need to find something to prove to the Dwarves that I have the right to rule, that I will give them a safe home and provide them will all they shall ever need to survive and prosper.”
I study his weary face.
“They will follow you willingly, they already do.”
“Your kind words calm my mind.”
I smile.
“I hope you have found your accommodations to your liking.”
“It is more than we can ask for. More than we’ve had since we left Moria.”
I turn to face him fully.
“Yes. I heard of what happened. I am sorry for the suffering of your people.”
He inclines his head.
“Thank you. Many have said it was our own fault for being greedy.”
“There are many things that hide in the shadows and one never knows when they will chose to show themselves.”
“Durin’s Bane is not just any little thing.”
“I am sure anyone living in those mines would have eventually run into that foul creature.”
The moonlight reflects off the beads in his hair and his beard.
He was tall for a Dwarf.
His hair was dark as his eyes.
Those black pools stare back at me.
I move to the bench and sit.
I indicate the spot next to me.
He comes forward and sits.
We are silent for a moment.
“We are grateful for your hospitality.” He says. “I do not know how we will every repay your kindness.”
“You needed my help and I offered it. There is no need for repayment.”
He shakes his head.
“What?” I ask.
“I did not know the Elves offered their friendship so readily and to a Dwarf no less.”
“No doubt you are surprised by it.”
“I am.”
“I do not see why we cannot be friends.”
He shrugs.
“I see no reason why we can’t either. Though friendships between Elves and Dwarves is far and few between.” He says.
“Which is why we must have it flourish and last for centuries.”
He raises an eyebrow, his face amused.
“We Dwarves are not as long lived as Elves.”
“Yes. I know. But you live longer than the men.”
“Aye.”
“That’s settled then.”
“You do realize that a formal contract must be made.”
“Yes. But from one King to another, we have agreed have we not?”
“Aye. As one King to another. You have my word.”
“And you have mine.”
“It has been a while since Erebor has been used for more than just mining. I do hope it is hospitable.”
“If you need help once you get there, send word. I have an alliance with the men and I am sure they would be willing to work.”
“I have no money to pay workers.”
“Then I shall pay it. What are friends for?”
“You would do that for me?”
“Why not?”
He shakes his head.
“I have never met an Elf like you.” He says in wonder.
“And I assure you that you won’t meet any other for there is no other like me.”
He laughs.
“Then I shall do my best to stay in your good graces.”
I chuckle.
He sighs and looks up at the moon and the stars.
“It is very beautiful here.”
“Yes. I always find peace here in my garden.”
He stands.
“I best be getting back.”
I nod and stand.
“I hope your sleep will be restful.”
He smiles softly.
“And may your sleep be peaceful as well.” He says bowing.
I watch him leave.
There was something about Thráin that called to me.
Something that made my heart quicken, something that made me feel things I had not felt since my beloved had gone to the Gray Havens.
“You are too old for such things.” I tell myself.
But I cannot help the smile that tugs at my lips.
I finish tending to my garden before retiring to my chambers.
As I lay in bed I cannot help but think of a certain Dwarf King.
He was a Dwarf, I was an Elf.
We were too different even if there could ever be something between us.
I sigh.
If only.