The Singing Cave

As the shards of the barrier fell, Elrond was the first to enter the

chamber. It, too, was lined with crystal. In the center was a pillar

of light. Slowly, it dimmed, revealing a figure.

Elrond and Glorfindel stared for a moment, then went to their knees.

Elrond spoke.

"Toror' nin, Nikerym nin, Aran nin." His eyes sparkled with unshed

tears.

Glorfindel merely bowed his head, trying to hide his emotions.

"Nae saian luume'. Coramin lindau ele lle, Heruamin." said the

golden-haired elf.

The figure strode over to them, and took their hands, helping them

to their feet.

"Nae saian luume'," agreed the being.

The four friends suddenly knew who stood before them. The three

elves also knelt in homage, while Estel merely bowed his head.

"Long, indeed, has it been since I have seen my Turnar. You have

done well with Imladris, ion nin. It has, indeed, become a place of

refuge."

The being then went to the four friends. He told the three

elves, "You need not kneel to me. I bid you welcome, Elladan and

Elrohir Elrondion. Legolas Thranduilion, of the woodland realm,

welcome."

He turned to Estel, nodding his head, as Estel looked him in the

eye. With a smile, he said "Welcome, Aragorn, son of Arathorn,

Isildur's heir. You have grown much under the tutelage of Elrond.

You have a proud legacy, but do not let it rule you. Rather, you

rule it." Turning to the three younger elves, he continued. "I see

the love of brothers in your hearts. Though the road be long and

perilous at times, stay true to each other and right will prevail."

The four younger members smiled at each other, while silently vowing

to do so. The being smiled, knowing the love and loyalty the four

shared.

The being then returned to Elrond and Glorfindel. "I know you did

not take the crown, but why?"

Elrond was silent, gathering his thoughts. He then replied, "There

was no one reason, but rather several for not taking the crown of

the king, Heruamin. First, I do not wish the pomp of an official

court. Secondly, a king is isolated from his people. My people know

me, and I know them. I am responsible for their well-being, and

would know first-hand what problems might arise. I would have to

depend on layers of people otherwise. As it is, I am dependent only

on myself. I am no better than anyone else. Is that not what you

taught Elros and me, Gil-galad?"

"Aye, I stand corrected. You have learned the lesson well,"

laughed Gil-galad. "Layers of people? That is an apt description.

I understand, and agree."

"However, do not think I have forgotten about the time you and

Glorfindel decided to `help' me with my hair."

Both Glorfindel and Elrond started to redden as Gil-galad started to

talk, with their faces and ears becoming even redder by the time he

was finished. They also noticed the eagerness with which Elladan,

Elrohir, and Legolas was showing. Estel was able to hide his

interest, but Elrond could feel it boiling beneath the surface.

Gil-galad looked at the four friends. "Would you hear a bit of

history that I am sure was not written?" he asked.

Estel eagerly said, "Certainly, Heruamin. We all would be happy to

have a lesson." The other three nodded just as eagerly.

The two elf lords, however, had a look of panic, which Gil-galad

pointedly ignored as he started his story.

Translation (Thanks to The Grey Company for their elvish dictionary)

Toror' nin - My brother

Nikerym nin - My captain

Aran nin - My King

Nae saian luume' - It has been too long

Coramin lindau ele lle - My heart sings to see thee

Heruamin - My Lord

Turnar - councilor