Chapter 67: Galadriel

As one of the wisest Elven sages in Middle-earth, deciphering the ancient map was a simple matter for Elrond. At a glance, he recognized the script as Dwarvish Moon Runes—letters that only appeared under moonlight, and only when the phase and season matched the night they were written. "These runes were inscribed on Midsummer's Eve, nearly two centuries ago, by the light of a new crescent moon," Elrond explained, his voice calm and clear. "Moon Runes only reveal themselves under the same moonlight by which they were written. Tonight, fate smiles upon you, Thorin Oakenshield, for the moon is as it was then." He led the company to a crystal pedestal, placed the map upon it, and let the moonlight pour through the windows. Silvery letters shimmered into view. "When the thrush knocks, stand by the grey stone as the sun sets—the last light of Durin's Day will reveal the keyhole." Thorin, hearing the translation, forgot his pride for a moment, frowning in concentration as he pondered the map's message. The meaning was clear: they must reach the Lonely Mountain by Durin's Day, and when the final light of that day touched the keyhole, they could open the secret entrance. With the riddle solved, Thorin grew impatient to depart, eager to reach the mountain before Durin's Day. But Gandalf insisted they remain in Rivendell for several more days. "I have summoned the White Council," Gandalf announced. "There are grave matters to discuss—rumors of the Witch-king of Angmar and the Necromancer rising in Dol Guldur." Thorin was openly displeased, caring only for reclaiming his homeland. He was ready to leave Gandalf behind and lead the company onward. Kael, meanwhile, spent his days with Elladan and Elrohir, exploring Rivendell's gardens, libraries, and forges. He even met the future King Elessar—Aragorn. Yet at this time, Aragorn was only a boy of about ten years old, known not by his true name, but by the Elven name Estel, which in the Elvish tongue means "Hope." Raised by Elrond in secret, Estel was cherished as a son and grew up close as a brother to Elladan and Elrohir. Watching Estel laugh with Elrohir and Elladan, Kael's thoughts drifted to their sister, Arwen, who lived far away in Lothlórien. He wondered, if these brothers knew he would one day marry Arwen—and that she would forsake her immortal life for him—would they still greet him so warmly? As the day of the White Council meeting approached, Kael expected to depart with the dwarves. But Gandalf sought him out. "Gandalf, isn't this a bit improper?" Kael asked, surprised. "I'm not a member of the White Council." Gandalf shook his head. "Your presence is needed. There are matters that require both our voices to be truly convincing." Seeing Gandalf's insistence, Kael agreed. Secretly, he was eager to meet the Council's legendary members—a rare gathering of Middle-earth's greatest minds. On a moonlit night, at the highest garden in Rivendell, Kael followed Gandalf to a stone pavilion. There, standing in the silver light, was a tall, breathtakingly beautiful Elf. She radiated a gentle glow, her bearing noble and serene. Her white robe shimmered, and her long golden hair, laced with silver, cascaded like a waterfall. Her eyes, bright and fathomless, held the wisdom and mystery of ages. "Mithrandir," she greeted Gandalf, her voice like music. As she smiled, the very air seemed to brighten. "Countless years have passed," Gandalf replied, bowing with deep respect. "Time may have changed me, Lady Galadriel, but it cannot change you." Galadriel's smile deepened, her beauty outshining even the moon. Kael was awestruck—she was the most beautiful Elf he had ever seen, surpassing mortal understanding of grace and allure. Every gesture, every smile, was enchanting. Yet as Galadriel's smile blossomed at Gandalf's compliment, Kael couldn't help but wonder at their closeness. If he didn't know she had a husband, he might have suspected something more between them. As if sensing his thoughts, Galadriel's gaze shifted, her eyes meeting Kael's. They seemed to pierce straight through him, and his heart skipped a beat. He quickly cleared his mind and bowed deeply to avoid her penetrating gaze. Gandalf stepped forward. "Lady Galadriel, allow me to introduce my companion—Kael, the Black-Robed Wizard. In magical talent and skill, even I cannot match him." Kael bowed again. "Greetings, Lady Galadriel. May the light of the stars ever shine upon you." Galadriel regarded him with curiosity and a hint of amusement. "The Black-robed Wizard?" she repeated, her tone gentle. [Young wizard, why do you not dare to meet my eyes?] Her voice echoed suddenly in Kael's mind, though her lips did not move. [Is it because you have secrets you wish to keep from me?] Telepathy! Kael realized, startled. He quickly composed himself and answered in his thoughts, "Of course not, Lady Galadriel. It is simply that your eyes are as dazzling as the Star of Eärendil—too bright to gaze upon directly." Could he admit he'd just been speculating about her and Gandalf? Certainly not. He looked up, meeting her gaze, and did his best to appear sincere. Galadriel's smile grew, clearly pleased by his compliment. [Clever young wizard. You have a silver tongue.] Satisfied, she ceased her telepathic probing. "Young wizard, when your journey is done, you are welcome to visit Lothlórien," she said aloud. Then, to Kael's astonishment, she extended a slender hand, palm open, revealing a radiant green gem. "What is this?" Kael asked, unable to hide his wonder. "This is the Elessar Stone, also called the Elfstone. It holds the light of the sun and can serve as the heart of a wizard's staff." "This is far too precious," Kael protested, hesitating to accept it. He could feel the immense magic within the gem—if used as a staff core, it would create a staff of legendary power. He remembered, too, that this gem was destined to be given to Aragorn as Arwen's dowry and a symbol of his kingship. Why would Galadriel offer it to him now? He noticed that both Gandalf and Elrond looked surprised as well—they clearly had not expected Galadriel to give away such a treasure. "Take it," Galadriel said gently, but with an authority that could not be denied. When Kael came to his senses, the gem was already in his palm, radiating a gentle warmth like sunlight. "But I have one condition," Galadriel said, her gaze intent. "What condition?" Kael asked, relieved to hear there was a price. "I ask you to craft a wand for Arwen." (End of Chapter) *** [Check Out My Patreon For More Chapters On All Of My Fanfics!!] [www. 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