Has King Thranduil awoken yet?" Elrond asked Glorfindel as
the two
stood in the study. The elven king was in Rivendell for a
conference. Celeborn had arrived the night before.
"Nay, he arrived very late last night. I have left orders for the
kitchen staff to make sure a platter will be available whenever he
wishes it." Glorfindel turned as the door to the study opened.
"'Qued amrun, mellon nin," said Thranduil as he peeked
around the
door. "Diola lle, Glorfindel, for having something for me to eat.
It
was most
appreciated."
"Lle creoso, Your Majesty. Seasamin. With your permission, I will
go
and see if Lord Celeborn has arisen." With that, Glorfindel left
the
study.
Elrond and Thranduil stood on the balcony overlooking the garden.
Anar had risen, scattering her golden rays over the land. The study
door opened to admit Celeborn and Glorfindel.
"'Qued amrun, ion nin," said the silver-haired elf. The two
then
joined the others on the balcony.
"When are the four demons due back?" asked Celeborn. "I
know they
went hunting, and I was hoping to see them before I leave."
Thranduil laughed as he heard his son described as a demon.
"Legolas
said he would be here a day or two after my arrival, so they should
be due any day now. Is that not correct, Elrond?"
Elrond agreed, and said "Aye. They were seen about a day's
ride from
here. They will be here tomorrow. So far, no one is injured. Of
course, they aren't home yet. However, I have herbs and bandages
ready."
"Have they EVER returned uninjured?" asked Celeborn, with a
raised
eyebrow. "I hear they usually have need of your healing."

Elrond and Thranduil looked blankly at each other. They were unable
to remember any time that at least one member of the four was
uninjured.
"I would wager that this return will be no different," smiled
Glorfindel. "I have never seen anyone get into so much trouble."

A gleam appeared in both Celeborn and Thranduil's eyes. Elrond
was
slightly apprehensive as to what it meant. He soon found out.
"A wager, you say? I believe we will take your wager. How about
you
Elrond? Care to make a wager?" prompted Thranduil.

Meanwhile, back with the four..
"We have to start back. My Ada has arrived, I'm sure and I
would
very much like to be there," said Legolas, sitting against a
large
tree. He felt comfortable, not really wishing to move.
"Yes, we should be going," agreed Elladan, while Elrohir and
Estel
nodded. No one wanted to be the first to be up and moving. It was
noon, and the warm air was like a woolen blanket in the winter.
Finally, Estel got to his feet, and the other three did likewise.
They did not mount their horses, but rather led the steeds towards
Rivendell.

Translations

`Qued amrun, mellon nin - Good morning, my friend

Diola lle - Thank you

Lle creoso - Your welcome

Seasamin - my pleasure