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To Lord of Imladris and Royal Herald Elrond Earendilion,
We have decreed that on this 7th day of May, 1799 that the court of Lord Elrond of Imladris shall host the 1800 Twenty Year Lindon House Conference in June 1800 with all of its supplemental and accompanying events and procedures. We have decreed that it is to be held in the fair haven of Imladris under the warrant and charge of the Royal Herald, Lord Elrond Earendilion.
By my hand and seal,
King Ereinion Gil-galad
Elrond read the message twice while the Royal Messenger watched. “I am honored to be chosen to host the conference.” He managed to smile. “I’ll have my acceptance letter tomorrow morning, if you wouldn’t mind taking the hospitality of Imladris for the night?”After the messenger left his office he sighed and put his head down on his desk.
To High King Ereinion Gil-galad,
I am honored by Your choice of Imladris as the venue for the 1800 Twenty Year Conference.
With obedience,
Lord Elrond Earendilion of Imladris
At least Erestor and Glorfindel would be back from their latest trip to Lond Daer Enedh next week. ***It was a warm and sunny day when Glorfindel and Erestor arrived right on time with their caravan Guard and carts of purchases for the Last Homely House. “Greetings, Lord Elrond.” Erestor bowed over the neck of his horse. Glorfindel waved and bowed from his position at the back of the small caravan. “Greetings Lord Erestor.” Elrond stifled a laugh at the formality. The hug from both of them came later, in private. Glorfindel gave him a happy grin before picking him up just a little with the hug. “I noticed that the new allspice bushes are blooming.” The allspice bushes had been a gift from a group of visiting Healers who’d come for a knowledge exchange several years ago. Apparently, the seeds were from bushes outside their own Healing Hall, located in a fortified city to the east of Rhun. Elrond smiled. He was very proud of the networks of healers that he was beginning to create, even if it might be the reason that Imladris was now hosting a conference. Worse, he suspected that this one would be the first of many conferences and diplomatic events. At least, it would be entirely like Gil-galad to make that decision without Elrond’s input. “Those tree seeds we’ve been wintering over have finally sprouted too.”“Finally!” Glorfindel grinned widely at Elrond. “This time we managed to get athelas as both seeds and started plants.”Erestor nodded. “Númenor lifted the embargo on export.”“Good!” During the war, medicine compounded with the dried and pickled athelas brought from Númenor had proven highly effective against many Shadow related illness. He had applied many times to Númenor to give or sell him plants, but even as a relative of the royal family had been turned away. It was just too valuable. Or had been, he wondered what had changed.“We’ll have to plant it everywhere, once we get it into cultivation.” Glorfindel nodded in thought. “I got a list of cultivation instructions. Can I use space in the medical herb grounds?” “Yes.” Elrond shook his head. “Before you make too many plans though, I have bad news. A letter came from Gil-galad last week.”Elrond handed Erestor the letter.Erestor read the letter, eyes tracing down the page. He read the end of the missive and then started again at the top, eyes wider. “You said bad news, not catastrophic. How are we supposed to do this?”He handed the letter to Glorfindel. Glorfindel read it all the way through and laughed. “What, did we skip too many of them?” Erestor growled.Elrond shook his head. “Last time I was in Lindon he said something about ‘showing off my new realm’.”“We could hand the message back to the Royal Messenger and toss him in the river?” Erestor rolled his eyes. “We were planning build the new bridge next summer.”“It’s a bit late, I sent the acceptance letter off seven days ago.”Glorfindel shook his head. “And the barns up on the Downs.”Elrond had forgotten about the “barns”. He sighed, the fortified stone structures were supposed to be for both additional food storage and safe buildings for farmers and patrols of the Guard in case of attack. “We’ll need to set the new bridge this summer instead, but perhaps we can save the barns for the year after?”Erestor hissed under his breath and Glorfindel nodded, obviously reacting to something that Erestor had said down their bond. All he said out loud though was, “I’m sure it won’t be that terrible.”Erestor rolled his eyes and Glorfindel laughed and said, “We’ll just have to work on it all.”Elrond smiled for the first time in a week. It was good to have the two of them back. ***Unfortunately, the first arrivals for the conference arrived only three weeks later. The party was sighted just after they had taken down the main bridge over the Bruinen to replace the footings with the new stone foundations that the stone smiths and architects had been planning. Fortunately the main alternate route into Imladris, that wound its way up toward the pass and then down through the high glaciers, was still open.After much arguing, Glorfindel had left them in the care of one of his company commanders and walked down through one of the narrow cliff footpaths.“I offered to let them wait on the other side.” Glorfindel shrugged and leaned back on the couch next to Erestor. “The Ford is pleasant enough this time of year, and the footing replacement is only supposed to take a few weeks.”After the footings were replaced, the design called for a temporary bridge top to maintain access to Imladris while the bridge was finished.“If they don’t like the alternate route, they could simply ford the river.” Erestor’s eyebrows were narrowed, and his voice was clipped. “Without ropes.”Barely into June the Ford was safe enough, but up by Imladris the Bruinen was a raging torrent of snow melt. Elrond shook his head, “Surely not.”Glorfindel sighed. “Apparently they are ‘missing the true beauty’ of Imladris by coming in that way. The Mannish trade caravan just stayed down at the Ford. The caravan master says they need to do some repairs anyways.”“I’m glad to hear that Men have more sense.”Elrond bit back a smile at Erestor’s grumble. “They are quite early for a conference that is supposed to happen next June. Do you suppose we’ll get many more?”Erestor growled, and then sighed. “Too bad we cannot post trespassing notices and keep them all out on pain of throwing them into the river.”“It’d be a bad look as hosts, I think.” “Imladris is a novelty and you are still a bachelor. What they want is to spend the winter living on our hospitality and trying to work out how to court you.” Erestor’s voice got drier. “And we have until they’ve wound their way down from the Pass to figure out where to house these early arrivals.”Elrond glanced about his office as if he could see through the walls. The Last Homely House was expanding every year, but its size was still a fraction of that of the Palace of Lindon. “The wing next to the family wing is—““Under repair.” Erestor’s voice was flat and absolute, and his face was pinched like he had bitten into something bitter. “We cannot possibly host guests in it, it would be hazardous.” Glorfindel made a noise in the back of his throat like he had swallowed a laugh, and Erestor scowled at him. Glorfindel raised his eyebrows, obviously saying something down their bond.Erestor blinked, losing some of the sour expression as he eyed his mate. He nodded once, slowly.Out loud, Glorfindel said, “Perhaps in town? Or in the older wing on the south end of the House?”“Off a cliff.” Erestor sighed as Glorfindel giggled again. “In the Last Homely House would probably be most appropriate. The south wing is nearer the dining hall. At least we have enough open land for tents; no matter how crowded it gets next June we won’t be stuffing elves into hammocks.”Elrond blinked at him, mystified. Where did hammocks come into the discussion?Glorfindel laughed out loud. Elrond resolved not to worry about hammocks or housing. It sounded well under control and like Erestor had a plan. He had plenty of other things to worry about, such as finishing all the construction work planned for both this year and next. ***
To the Steward of Finance, Court of High King Ereinion Gil-galad, Lindon:
Greetings,
The House of Elrond looks forward to hosting the Houses of Eregion in our fair community for the Twenty Year Conference. Several Houses of Lindon have already arrived and are enriching the Last Homely House with their presence and we expect more shall arrive to enjoy the air of the mountains through the winter.
With the increased population, we have seen more trade over the mountains and along the East-West road and have been overjoyed to expand our purchases lest we have any small shortfalls in stores.
This summer has so far seen us making expansions to our guest quarters so that all may be housed in comfort, and additions to public services to also serve the greater needs of the conference. Nevertheless, preparations for the Twenty Year Conference continue smoothly and we will be pleased to showcase Imladris.
Am I correct in understanding that a portion of tax revenue goes to preparations for events such as the Twenty Year Conference?
Sincerely,
Lord Erestor, chief advisor to Lord Elrond of Imladris
***The next letter arrived only a couple of days later. From King Oropher.Glorfindel read it again. “At least Oropher has a sensible reason to send Thranduil early. As Crown Prince he can do a lot of the trade negotiations before the King arrives.” “Except that you know that he’ll spend time chasing down Lindir and trying to convince him to return to the Greenwood. Again.” Erestor rolled his eyes. “We’re up to three Houses and now Prince Thranduil spending the winter. This is getting a little ridiculous.”Glorfindel smiled, “We’ll just have to enact our plans carefully.”“If you say so.” Erestor shook his head. “I am still voting for throwing them all into the river.”***
To Lady Lanthirlin, House of the Yew
Greetings Lady Lanthirlin,
How fares the House of the Yew? Your bows are as fine as ever, and highly prized within our Guard.
I remember you complaining that the weather of Northern Evendim did not suit bowyers as much as you would hope. May I propose that you come to Imladris? Our community is now well settled, and I believe you would be able to find makers for the equipment you need, fine supplies of wood, and fresh markets to the east.
If you would like to join us, as Chief Advisor I am authorized to negotiate the terms of both tax breaks and land agreements for your workshops. If you are happy in your present circumstances, I rejoice for you and would hasten to assure you that your refusal in no way affects our desire to continue the present contracts for the Guard.
Either way, please let me know.
Sincerely,
Lord Erestor, House of Elrond, Imladris
***
Greetings Mother and Father!
Before you ask, I am both fine and still Lord Glorfindel’s Second in Command. Imladris is fine too, and the Guard is doing well.
I just had to write early to tell you that the King has honored Imladris by asking us to host the Twenty Year Conference next June! (I suspect that you will have already gotten an official notice from Mithlond, but I still wanted to tell you about it!) The entire valley has been a storm of construction and confusion since the announcement was made.
Will you be attending? I know that you have skipped the last couple, as recovery efforts after the War still took priority.
But Lord Glorfindel pointed out that it has been decades since we got to sit down together. He also suggested that I could invite you to come early and spend the winter with us! Can you come? Winter up here is much the same as North Evendim; beautiful in its icy glory.
Are Mel and her mate still unhappy with Lindon?
Lord Erestor told me that I should ask, as there is land that would suit their orchards on the outskirts of Imladris. They would be welcome if they wanted to settle here, as we need more farmers and crafters. It would be familiar, as there is quite a large contingent of Eregion folk here already!
Lord Erestor also sent a letter to the House of the Yew with the same messenger, also asking them if they would like to come settle. (Mel was saying in her last letter that they were still having trouble with the glues in the cold dry wind. And that Kelīdī was saying that Lady Lanthirlin was worried about markets.) If they will come, perhaps you could all travel together?
I’ll send my regular letter next week.
With love,
Celairil
***Deep summer was on them when the House of the Silver Fir and the House of the Yew arrived in one large caravan. Lady Celairil had been waiting at the Ford since the furthest outriders had reported their approach but Glorfindel had ridden out to meet them at the Ford. Both of them were now riding at the front of the caravan, chatting peacefully with the Lady of the House of Silver Fir. Glorfindel waved at Elrond and Erestor and then glanced back behind him to make sure that all the wagons and riders were still in good order. There were elves on foot with dogs and sheep in the middle of the train, raising a cloud of dust as they walked along.Elrond blinked at the group as they came down the final stretch to the almost completely rebuilt bridge. “They brought their sheep to the conference?”Erestor smiled in that tiny quirk of eyebrows he had. “The House of the Silver Fir has decided to spend the winter with us before the conference. The House of the Yew and Lady Celairil’s sister’s House are both intending to settle in Imladris.” He nodded in satisfaction as Glorfindel waved at them. “The House of the Yew has already arranged for workshops and housing in town, off the cliff-side square. The House of the Silver Fir can stay in the wing next to the family wing.” “I thought it was under repair?” Elrond had been certain that Erestor would keep the wing empty for the entire next year, just to avoid having the incoming Houses stay there. Erestor humphed. “Its fixed.” Elrond wondered if the early arrival of the House of the Silver Fir and the additions were part of a plan of some sort. It didn’t seem to be an Erestor sort of plan - those tended to be very direct and to the point. Glorfindel plans, however, were always elegantly bizarre…And when the two of them planned together…Elrond shivered and went to greet the caravan.***It took two units of the Army of Lindon to deliver the chest and five wagons of wine and cheese to Imladris and Elrond. Elrond thanked them, and then read the letter again, hoping it would make more sense than it had the first time.
To Lord of Imladris and Royal Herald Elrond Earendilion,
It is decreed that on this 21 day of August 1799, these and additional Crown funds be made available to the use of the Lord of Imladris for such matters as he sees fit.
By my hand and seal,
King Ereinion Gil-galad
Elrond -
Here’s Imladris’ share of the tax money so you can house and feed the freeloaders. I’ll send more food too, when the harvest is in.
G
“Erestor?”Erestor looked up from the set of references he had spread out across the library table. “Yes?”“Why did I just get cheese, wine, and a chest of funds from King Gil-galad?”Erestor shrugged slightly. “Didn’t we need cash to keep paying all those traders for the additional food we’ll need? He probably anticipated when he got word that Houses were arriving early.”***
Prince Glorfindel grandson of Ingwë, of the House of Elrond, Lord of the House of the Golden Flower,
Thank you for your letter. I am always glad to receive news of Imladris and Lord Elrond. It seems that Lord Elrond has certainly inherited Elwë’s flair for settlements in isolated places! Still, I am glad that it prospers.
As you asked, there are indeed quite a few Houses of Lothlórien who would be delighted to spend the winter in Imladris if Prince Thranduil will be in attendance. I myself will be sending a factor in my place to join negotiations for the actual conference. But if I understood the conversations of my Lords, there are many maidens who view the Prince with delight and are now applying to their parents to allow them to join the travel group with their entourages.
The travel group’s arrival date is planned for mid-autumn.
I trust that there will be entertainment throughout the seasons leading up to the conference? As a token of gratitude, please accept the shipment of supplies that will accompany this letter. More will be forthcoming as long as the Pass is clear enough for safe travel.
With deepest respect,
King Amdír of Lothlórien
***It was the end of summer and Elrond breathed a sigh of relief that they had at least finished the biggest of the projects they had planned for next year. The barns would still have to wait, but the fine arch of the new stone bridge that now spanned the Bruinen was breathtaking, and most of the remodels to the Last Homely House complete.Under Glorfindel’s careful tending, the athelas was even sprouting up bushy and green in the medicinal gardens.Elrond stood with Glorfindel and Erestor in front of the main courtyard of the Last Homely House and watched Thranduil ride over the span. “Apparently Lord Galion had quite a time selecting which soldiers would come on this trip.” Glorfindel smiled. “In the end, selections were made by lottery.”“They have to all fit in the diplomatic wing.” ‘Diplomatic wing’ was a bit of an overstatement - two fine suites of rooms. Hopefully, the guest barracks would be finished by next spring and the bulk of Thranduil’s soldiers could move there as King Oropher and King Gil-galad arrived with their entourages. Glorfindel nodded. “At least with Thranduil finally here, our other guests will be easier to manage.” Erestor nodded. “And it is definitely revenge.”“Revenge? On who?” Allowing Thranduil to spend the entire winter with them didn’t seem much like revenge on anyone except the perhaps themselves.Glorfindel grinned. “I added a few invitations to stay for the winter when the Lindon Houses started appearing. King Oropher’s ministers are intending to send a round dozen maidens, and their entourages, from the Greenwood and Rhun before the roads close. By report, they are interested in Thranduil, but several have mentioned interest in the Sindar Houses on the west side of the mountains that will certainly be here too. And then there are some Houses from Lothlórien that should arrive with the first frost.”Erestor said, “Revenge for all the times that Thranduil made little comments about you getting married off properly.” And undoubtedly revenge for the snide comments about the young lords and ladies that persisted in drooling over Glorfindel despite Erestor’s presence. Elrond stared at them both and then asked Glorfindel, “Why did you invite all of the extra Houses?” It seemed like it would cause more problems than it would solve. The housekeeping and maintenance staff were already feeling taxed and applying to Erestor to hire extra elves to help until at least after the conference.Erestor snorted. “It’ll definitely enhance the reputation of Imladris if we can foster a better relationship between the Sindar of the west and the Sindar and People’s of the east side of the mountains.”Glorfindel’s grin was wider. “We can’t get out of holding the conference, or hosting Houses that want to marry into Imladris. So I made it easier for us and harder for them by inviting a few extra guests and a few Houses that would most likely enjoy moving to Imladris.”Erestor nodded, “I kept the closest wing empty until Lady Celairil’s entire family could come. And inviting Thranduil to come visit means that the diplomatic wing will be full through the entire length of the conference because King Oropher has ordered Thranduil to stay here.”“Diplomatic solutions are best.” Glorfindel’s smile was sweet and innocent. “And this gives us reason to post guards to keep our visitors out of the family wing and administrative offices. Security, you see.”Erestor’s hint of a smile was smug. “Thranduil will be busy and mostly out of our hair this winter, just so that his Lord Father will be pleased when he comes in June.”Glorfindel’s smile was still wide and innocent but now growing teeth, like a particularly friendly dragon. “And Prince Thranduil will be far too busy with diplomacy, trade treaties, and courtship to bother Lindir.” He paused. “Or perhaps too busy hiding, if as many maidens as I think will appear do. King Amdír is sending a contingent of eight Houses and a war chest as a gift to Imladris for the honor.”Erestor shrugged. “And if gets out of hand we can always still start dumping elves in the river.”Elrond looked at them both and laughed.