Ch 13 The way in

Megilindir was on patrol on the eastern border of Rivendell. He had a sense of someone near, but with no presence of danger. As he turned around, he was confronted by Thranduil, who was smiling and holding out a red ribbon.

The guard laughingly took it, saying, “Am I the first, Your Majesty? If so, my mates will stand me a glass of ale.”

Thranduil threw back his head and laughingly said, “Aye, you are indeed the lucky one. Enjoy the ale.” With a wink, Thranduil melted back into the trees.

Thranduil met Estel and Legolas amidst a large stand of trees. He told them that the guard was ‘caught.’ He laughed as he told the others, “It appears the guards also have a wager. Whomever was to be first would have an extra glass of ale.”

“I take it was Megilindir, then, that receives that honor?” asked Estel with a laugh.

“Aye, it is indeed.” Thranduil noticed that Estel and Legolas had also used their ribbons.

Estel acknowledged that the other guards were, indeed, ‘caught’ and could not interfere.

“Very well, Estel. I believe we show your brothers the correct way to enter Rivendell. Shall we proceed?” said Legolas with a twinkle in his eyes.

Estel nodded, growing serious. Both Thranduil and Legolas were struck by the fact that Estel had planned everything, and was taking the wager not as a joke, but rather as a serious obstacle to overcome. Legolas has seen the same transformation several times as the two friends were out together. Thranduil, however, had not. He was pleased that Legolas had found such a friend.

“We are very near the way in. It is a tunnel that leads into the storerooms beneath Rivendell. It appears to be a natural formation, rather than a manmade structure. I found it quite by accident one day as I was out hunting. It was storming, and I went into what I thought was an underground burrow. Later, I followed it back into Rivendell. I was quite surprised when I broke through a thin wall into the storeroom. Later, I fixed the wall but we can break through very easily.

There is a natural light from plants growing on the wall.” As Estel spoke, he led them to what appeared to be an underground cave.

Both Thranduil and Legolas hesitated, then followed Estel into the burrow. As they stepped in further, their eyes widened at the sight. It was, indeed, as Estel had said. A very high ceiling could be seen in the reflective light from the walls.

Legolas said, “Why is this not seen outside? It certainly seems bright enough.”

“I have not really thought about it,” admitted Estel.

Thranduil thought for a moment. “I believe it is because this plant does not glow in sunlight, but rather only in an enclosed space. Also, remember when we entered? There was a bend that blocks the light. It is a gradual bend that is not really noticeable.”

Estel nodded ruefully, realizing he had not really noticed the bend.

“Lead on, mellon nin. I can almost taste those tarts!” said Legolas.

“Let’s not be hasty, ion nin!” chided Thranduil with a smile.

The three wended their way through the tunnel, stopping as they reached the wall that had been repaired. Estel motioned for them to come closer. He whispered, “We are now at the storeroom. We can easily breach the wall, then I believe I can fix it so it appears solid.”

Legolas asked, “Will we not be heard as we break through?”

“Nay, I have already thought of that and have put material on the wall to muffle any sound. The material appears to be stone. Furthermore, these storerooms are on the very bottom of Rivendell and are only used to store building supplies. Shall we?” With that, the three went forward.