Yet finally it was nearing its end and he smiled at the thought of the simple pleasures that were now in his immediate future. Pulling his cloak a little closer about him, he urged his weary horse onwards, encouraging the poor animal with promises of warm stables and good feed. "Only a little further now, my friend," he said quietly.

It was with a sense of relief that he finally entered the protection of the great forest and felt the trees sing their welcome to one of their much-loved children. The branches seemed to part for him as he rode down the nearly invisible path.

It was good to be back.

He rode on, moving swiftly towards the centre of the realm. There was no doubt in his mind that he had been seen and his presence reported, but that was more comforting than worrying. It was the way it should be.

Finally he crossed the great bridge and came to the great wooden doors, with images of oak trees carved into the centre. They slid open for him without a sound and he rode through into the vast glade that was marked out at its edges by many trees, both old and young, which utterly concealed the distant stone wall separating the palace from the open woods. This lay before three arches with smaller doors, which led into the palace itself. The middle door opened as he approached it and two serving Elves appeared, smiling in welcome.

"Please, dismount and follow me," the first Elf said. "You have been expected."

“I am glad to hear it," he replied with a chuckle as he jumped easily from his mount. "It would be a shame to come so far only to be scolded on arrival for turning everything upside down!” He turned for a moment, nodding in thanks as the second Elf led his horse away to the stables.

"We would not have minded, though it would have taken the anticipation away!" the first Elf replied as they moved into the palace and the stone walls rose high about them. He heard swift footsteps approaching and smiled. "Speaking of which…" He looked over to the winding corridor as an exuberant Elfling ran towards him.

"Ofin! Ofin! Ofin!" he cried, flinging himself into the other's arms.

Orophin laughed, kneeling and scooping the happy child into his arms. "Hello again, little Thranduil! Have you been keeping your Ada busy for me?"

"Aye, that he has!"

Orophin's smile became a delighted grin as Greenwood's beloved king appeared from around the corner. Setting Thranduil down, Orophin stepped over and pulled his dearest friend into a warm embrace that was eagerly returned.

They were an odd match, a king and a border guard, with little in common save similar names. Yet a chance encounter on the outskirts of the now-lost Doriath had brought them together and a deep friendship had bloomed. It was a friendship that had endured wars, politics and even the hardship of living in separate realms, growing only stronger in the process. Orophin had attended Oropher's wedding and the King had consented to set aside his troubles with Lórien to be there the day Orophin made Marchwarden.

"I am glad to see you again," Orophin said, still smiling.

"As I am glad to see you." Oropher draped an arm around his friend's shoulders. "Now, you must be exhausted from the long ride… shall we go and raid the pastry kitchen?"

Laughing, for the suggestion was so typical for his friend, Orophin nodded. "That sounds delightful!" Oropher was a delight to be around, for he rarely stood on ceremony and disliked formality with a passion. Holding out a hand to Thranduil, Orophin waited until the Elfling took it before letting Oropher lead him away to much-needed comfort, warmth and good company.

It was definitely good to be back.

END