The Scholar: Meeting of the Thanduils

This day started different than always even if I was doing all that everyday. I went to the Dome of Sun as punctual as always leaving sleeping Naerhad at home. He finally deserved to rest after so many years of service. Talking about battles made me nervous as now all four of my sons were out there as a soldiers of Gondor. I couldn't bear the thought about losing them all one day. The day passed by and I came back home. I went inside and after leaving my cloak in our bedroom I went to the kitchen to prepare the lunch for both of us. I was calm and focused on my task. Soon I heard footsteps behind me and I felt that someone embraced me and kissed my neck gently. "Hmm that smells good... How are you my dear?" - I heard then my husband's voice and smiled at it. I was so glad that I am not alone. I love him so much. I turned my head to see him and smiled lightly. "I am good, my dear. But I miss our sons. The house is so silent without them... but well, how was your day?" - I then asked politely and continued my cooking. He sat down nearby before speaking again. "Silent it is indeed... But we knew this would happen one day. We have done all we could, the rest is up to themselves." - he said but something seemed off about him. I was able to feel it in his voice. - "I am fine I suppose. I feel I'm getting a bit rusty though. I hope this war will end soon, for our grandchildren's sakes." - He finished speaking with the answer to my question. I then sighed as I started to think about our children. "I hope that at least Iarnuil and Iarvenil are safe... they are so young yet..." - I then said with a worried tone but soon my attention was turned to the noises down the hallway. "They're good boys, and well trained. They will manage I'm cert--.." - Naerhad tried to answer me as he focused on the same noises. He looked at me like he was asking me if he should go after what he saw. I shared the same look but I couldn't go with him. I continued the cooking. As soon as he was back he told me that it was Nethillon but he wasn't very talkactive. That worried me. I looked at Naerhad. "I wish he has told you more. But maybe it's just work once again.." - I said while chopping the vegetables as I tried to calm myself down. Soon I have spotted Nethillon standing in the doorway. "I'm sorry but I need to leave. The others will tell you more about our next tasks. I'm sorry I don't have time once again..." - He said with a saddened tone before rushing towards the entrance. That worried me even more. My husband rushed after him and it seemed that he won't let him go without explanation. I waited for him until I felt that I should go out to see what is going on. When I approached he just turned to me and hugged me tightly, trying to fight the tears.
I rested my head on his shoulder but I couldn't say a single thing so I just remained like this before doors opened once more. My husband remained in that position and not saying anything. Soon I have spotted the rest of our sons standing in the doorway and looking at us. He then let go of me and looked startled. Suddenly all his other sons were standing behind him. He quickly wiped the tears from his face and he faced them. "Araithil, Iarnuil, Iarvenil... I am more than glad to see you here. Your brother, he was just here and... he told me." - he said with a breaking voice and his eyes slowly started to water once again. - "How could this happen, what madness has befallen the Steward to order something like this. I can't lose you all..." - He finished speaking and soon our eldest son, Araithil looked at him then looked down before turning to the twins behind him. "I am so sorry..." - He managed to say before we both made space for the others to enter. I was just standing there and listening, in shock. Soon they decided to talk about the task, but I decided that I need to leave and talk to someone who could tell me more. And so... the island was my next destination.