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Twilight Tales - An Ounce of Kindness	By : MPB Category: -Multi-Age > General Views: 26417 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own the Lord of the Rings (and associated) book series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

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Chapter XXVI

Hardly had the party from Arthedain departed when Elladan arrived. But in this instance, his advent brought Legolas little pleasure for he came not for an extended visit with Elrohir but to lure his brother away for a lengthy sojourn abroad.

It was Mithrandir's request, Elladan explained to his twin and law-brother over the evening meal. Seated at the table as well were Legolas' brethren for any such prospects of adventure were of interest to the princes. More so if it involved one of the mysterious beings only known to them as the Istari.

There were five in all who had come to the northwest of Middle-earth - Curunir, Mithrandir, Radagast, Pallando and Alatar. If more of their kindred roamed the southern lands the Elves did not know. Curunir had travelled to the far east as had Pallando and Alatar and would not be heard from for nigh a thousand years. But even when he returned he did not seem overly interested in the affairs of the Silvan folk and they returned the sentiment, ignoring him for the most part. Radagast was more to their liking for he had an affinity for the birds and beasts of their forest. Thranduil made it known that if the Wizard chose to settle in Mirkwood, he would be most welcome. Radagast did eventually build his fenced home of Rhosgobel on the western edge of the forest Narrows, opposite the East Bight. But Mithrandir the Wood-Elves esteemed above all for the Istar was not only wise and kind and friendly to them but also respectful of their ways.

“Mithrandir desires to visit Lothlórien and confer with our grandparents,” Elladan said. “Thence, he wishes to explore Gondor and see for himself how the south-kingdom fares.”

“But why has he asked you to accompany him?” Lalorn queried. “He has journeyed alone before or so we have heard.”

“He has,” Elladan answered. “But even a Wizard craves company now and then. And he would also like to live for a spell in Gondor but remain unmarked by her people. What better guise could he take than as an itinerant pedlar, plying his trade with the aid of his grandsons? And Elrohir and I can easily pass for simple humans with a little effort.”

“You couldn't pass for 'simple' however hard you tried,” Aelluin snorted. Elladan grinned at him while the others chuckled. Save for Legolas.

“Why must Elrohir go with you at all?” Legolas mildly inquired. None missed the faint edge that limned his voice. “Surely Mithrandir needs no more than one 'grandson' for this deception.”

“True,” Elladan easily agreed. “I only thought that two heads worth of memories for the planning of our route would be better than one. And should we encounter trouble, an extra sword would be desirable. Mithrandir would rather not expose his considerable abilities too soon.”

Legolas frowned ever so slightly but said no more. Elladan looked at his brother and prodded: “Well, what say you, Elrohir?”

The younger twin smiled at the obvious elation in Elladan's eyes. He felt it, too, of course. They were cut from the same venturesome fabric after all and were always hungry for the knowledge that came from practical experience.

“'Tis a tempting proposal, brother,” he concurred. “I would dearly love to join you.”

“But you need Legolas' permission first,” Elladan said somewhat curtly.

Elrohir did not reply in kind. He had long become aware of his brother's never openly acknowledged disgruntlement with his seeming domestication at his archer spouse's hands. He had tried to address the issue before but failed to convince Elladan of his full complicity in his own taming as the older twin oft acerbically put it. In truth, Elrohir was far from tamed. He was merely tempered by love's gentling influence. But an unbound Elf who shied from everlasting wedlock could hardly be expected to discern the difference.

“Elrohir need not seek my permission,” Legolas coolly retorted. “He makes his own choices and I always respect them.”

Seeing Elladan's skeptical expression, Elivorn swiftly intervened. “I think 'tis apparent that Elrohir wishes to join you,” he reasoned. “But 'tis only right that he desires Legolas' concurrence. I doubt any of us would wish to venture forth with hard feelings souring our leave-takings of our mates.”

Elladan sighed and addressed Legolas. “My apologies if I offended you, gwanur.”-brother. “No slight was intended.”

Legolas shook his head. “Do not apologize for expressing concern for your brother. It greatly pleases me that you love each other so well. Let me assure you that I would not keep Elrohir from his duty or forbid his desire for questing. If I am reluctant, 'tis simply because I loath parting overlong from him. Surely 'tis a sentiment none can begrudge me.”

They broke up on that note, Elladan enticing Galvreth with a come hither gaze. Legolas watched them go, his mien thoughtful. He felt Elrohir's arms encircle him from behind and he leaned into his mate's embrace.

“He has grown resentful of me,” he murmured.

“Nay, not of you, my love,” Elrohir softly demurred. “Only of the circumstances that keep me from his side. My binding to you did not sever our fraternal bond and hardly diminished it at all for we have always been closer than other brothers. And alone as he is, he feels my absence more keenly than I do his.”

“He need not be alone,” Legolas said. “And Galvreth would readily see to that if he would only let him.” He glanced back at Elrohir. “I see his envy of us. And I think he wonders what it is like to know the sense of ownership you and I have with each other. So why does he shy from love? Does he not yearn for the bliss he has surely observed amongst wedded Elves?”

“Not as much as he cherishes his freedom,” Elrohir replied. “The thirst for adventure is in our blood. The Peredhil have always longed to explore the unknown and the males of our line have not been hindered from indulging this wont. But admittedly, 'tis not possible to do so as fulsomely when one is bound. Yet he saw me wedded long afore I had satisfied my need for venturing forth.”

Legolas fell quiet for a moment then turned in Elrohir's arms to stare at him questioningly. “Do you regret then that you bound yourself to me so soon?” he asked, anxiety shading his tone.

“Never, beloved,” Elrohir assured him. “How can I when life with you is as much an adventure as any journey in faraway lands? And if I may add, the beauty of other places and their peoples cannot in anyway compete with your graces. Or the joy I derive from knowing them so well.”

Legolas softly laughed. “Lecher,” he fondly said. “Go with Elladan, rochen vreg.”-my wild stallion. “'Tis been many years since you last rode forth with him. And know I do not begrudge you this chance.”

“I do know it and I am always grateful for your understanding and forbearance.” The Elf-knight regarded Legolas pensively. “But this will be no brief sojourn abroad. This journey will take much longer than mere months if Mithrandir chooses to abide for a spell in Gondor. I doubt we shall manage to return sooner than a year. Even two years may barely suffice if he truly desires to know the south-kingdom well. I do not wish to be separated from you for so long, Legolas, but this I know I can bear. What I need to know is, can you?”

Legolas had grimaced at his mention of the length of time involved but, with a resigned sigh, he touched his forehead to Elrohir's. “I will endure it, for your sake, though I cannot like it. I only ask that you keep me in your thoughts and heart as you will be in mine.”

“Always, calenlassen”-my green leaf-Elrohir said. “'Tis my memories of you that hold me steady whenever we are apart.”

**********

Thoughts of separations, past and imminent, also crowded Galvreth's mind as he lay by Elladan's side that night. His body was happily sluggish from their couplings but not his mind. It never could be when it was centered on the darkling Elf-lord who alone graced his bed nowadays.

With no other had the argent-haired prince shared himself in the last four centuries, not even for bodily release as had been the case in the years after his and Elladan's first tryst. So deep and true was his attachment to his Peredhel lover that he could no longer abide intimacy with another. It was the way of the Firstborn, this final abstention of the body when the heart was irrevocably given.

It was not the nuptial vow of fidelity alone that kept an Elf from straying from his or her marriage bed but also the body's collusion with mind and heart in desiring one and no other. Galvreth knew himself well and truly ensnared by Elladan. The same, however, he could not say with certainty of Elladan with regard to himself.

He did not know if Elladan still lay with others in these later years of their millennium-long liaison. He had refrained from questioning him for they were not avowed lovers and he did not think it his place to make such demands. And all these centuries, the knowledge that he at least held a singular place in Elladan's regard had sufficed. But of late, Galvreth had felt his discontent wax in direct proportion to the deepening of his loneliness.

He alone of his brothers was still unwed. He alone returned most nights to a bachelor's quarters and an empty bed.

Valar, but he was tired of being alone! Of being rabidly wanted in wedlock by so many but not by the one whose affection he wished solely for himself. Truth be told, he was weary of waiting.

“You sport so fearsome a frown, melethron.”-lover. What ails you?”

Galvreth glimpsed some worry in Elladan's pewter eyes. He hesitated. Now was not the wisest time to voice his concerns, he decided. It would smack of entrapment by way of seduction and he did not desire that. He shook his head and said: “There is something that is of great concern to me. But I would speak of it at a more propitious time.”

Elladan studied him curiously. “Can you tell me at least if it has aught to do with me?”

Galvreth forced a grin. “Fie, Peredhel. Has anything that troubled me ever had naught to do with you?”

Elladan snorted. “If I am so bothersome, pray tell, why do you still welcome me into your bed?” he pointed out.

Galvreth's smile nearly faltered but he steadied himself and replied: “Because you pleasure me so well.” He pressed a kiss to Elladan's lips. “As I hope I do you,” he whispered.

Elladan groaned and pulled him atop his tall frame. “All too well, ernil daur”-forest prince-he remarked, his hands sliding down Galvreth's sleek back to rest on his taut bottom. “So well that I find the services of others wanting and indeed have had no further need of them for many a year now.”

Galvreth's breath hitched at the unbidden admission. Almost at the same time, he espied a flicker of consternation in Elladan's eyes. But whether it was from the anxiety of a lover who feared ridicule or the shock that he had said too much, the prince did not have the time to consider. For Elladan pulled him down into a kiss so meltingly molten, he quite forgot what it was to think at all.

**********

Mithrandir sent word to the twins that he would rendezvous with them within a fortnight in the hamlet in the vales of Anduin he and Elladan had previously selected. Faced with a definite date of departure, Elrohir set to the task of readying for a long sojourn with his brother and the Wizard. He could not still the natural excitement that went hand in hand with imminent adventure but neither was he overly eager to separate from his woodland mate for such a length of time.

Legolas did his best to put on a merry face but Elrohir was not fooled. Such was the tightness of their bond that they felt incomplete when they were apart, their spirits unceasingly yearning for oneness as surely as their bodies. The prince's unhappiness subtly manifested itself in his sentimental recollections of times past. When he felt himself slipping into self-pity, he would summon up dear memories to stave off the mawkish mood.

It was one such remembrance that pointed the way for Galvreth. That is, the fourth prince hoped it was the way that would bring him to his goal soonest.

Three days shy of the twins' departure, during a convivial drink on the rooftop deck of the royal pavilion, Legolas made mention of the grievous rift that had come between him and Elrohir just before they bound to each other. In particular, he spoke of how Elrohir had borne their betrothal rings on a silver chain around his neck when he'd thought Legolas lost to him for good. The archer's eyes misted over as he recounted his discovery of that fact, deeply moved even after all this time by his mate's stanch fidelity to their troth. Galvreth was touched as well even as he felt some envy of his brother that he had won so steadfast a lover that early in his life.

Nonetheless, he found himself thinking about it afterward when he returned to the solitude of his room. Unable to sleep, he clambered out of his bed and opened his wardrobe. From a concealed drawer in its depths he withdrew the small bronze chest in which he kept his personal store of jewels. Sitting himself at his writing desk, he opened the chest and studied its contents.

He thoughtfully fingered the heavy collar of gold worn only for state occasions. A crystal pendant bearing the likeness of an eagle which he donned during various festivals. A solid silver cuff used for balls and formal affairs where he was expected to lead the dancing. And of course, his wide signet ring of silver and gold replete with the emblem of the House of Oropher.

There were more pieces. Not as plentiful as one might expect of a prince of an elven realm, but each so exquisitely crafted and fashioned from the finest precious metals and stones the mines and lodes of the north could produce that the whole lot was easily the equal of any mere rich man's entire treasury.

After a moment's pause, he selected a small silk pouch and emptied it onto his palm. Out slid a mantle brooch of such beauteous simplicity it always called attention to itself whenever he wore it. It was wrought of pure mithril and bore a small but perfect emerald in its very center. So rarely had Galvreth worn it that he could remember every single occasion - each one a nuptial celebration.

The mithril that had gone into its making had originally been part of a single chunk of that extremely precious metal. It had been a wedding gift to Thranduil from his kinsman Celeborn and the latter's wife Galadriel in those long ago days when differences and distance had not yet come between them. Before the formation of the Last Alliance of Elves and Men and the march to Mordor. Before Oropher's fall.

Thranduil had commissioned the crafting of several jewels from that small but nigh priceless piece of truesilver. A royal circlet used only on the most important of state occasions. The king's signet ring. A delicate chain his late wife had delighted in. Ornamental pins and brooches like the one Galvreth now held in his hand.

Galvreth contemplated the jewel. Crafted from a wedding gift and donned only for wedding feasts - there could be no mistaking his intent if he gifted it upon another. Elladan would not fail to recognize its significance for the older twin had marked it each time he'd seen Galvreth wear it.

The Elf-prince gripped the brooch tightly. He could not help the faint tremor that snaked up his spine and made his hand shake oh so slightly. It was a chance he was taking. Once he made his move there would be no turning back. But for good or ill, he had to make it. He could bear the uncertainty no longer.

**********

On the eve of the brethren's departure, Galvreth slipped away from the farewell meal early. The others would not be long in following. Legolas and Elrohir in particular would not care to waste a single moment of this last night together in company with others however pleasant.

He swiftly bathed, donned a plain shirt and loose breeches and combed his silver hair until it shone. Finally, he retrieved the gift he had meticulously yet fearfully chosen. Heart just short of racing, he trod the short distance to Elladan's chamber, his bare feet making no sound discernible even to elven ears.

Elladan found him settled within when he returned to his room a quarter of an hour later. Seated on the couch before the silent hearth, Galvreth made a striking picture. The flickering light from the single lamp made his hair gleam softly and his skin glow palely. He appeared an even more delicate creature than his ethereally countenanced youngest brother despite his sturdier frame. It was a picture Elladan readily appreciated and he idly wondered as he neared the prince how best to get him into his bed soonest.

He gave Galvreth no time to do more than utter his name before he bent to capture the Wood-elf's mouth in a liquid kiss. His slid his hand under the prince's shirt where it gaped open at his chest and circled one nipple with a finger before stroking it to a hard nub. Galvreth gasped and gripped his hand to still it. With an obvious effort, he broke their kiss and drew back to look at the older twin, a plea in his eyes.

Elladan gazed back then sighed and sank down beside him. “Is this the propitious moment you spoke of?” he quietly asked.

Galvreth started, surprised that Elladan remembered that earlier exchange. Nevertheless it pleased him for surely that evidenced Elladan's affection for him that he should recall something mentioned in the midst of a torrid tryst.

“You are leaving tomorrow. When else will I have this chance?”

Elladan regarded him curiously. “But why leave it until this late date?”

Galvreth leaned back and huffed a nervous laugh. “Call me foolish if you will but I had to summon the courage first.” At Elladan's wondering expression, he added, “Given your prior aversion to the matter at hand.” After a brief pause, he said: “Did you speak the truth when you said you have not wanted for others of late?”

Elladan stared at him then nodded. “Aye, I spoke the truth,” he admitted.

“Why do you feel thusly?”

The older twin hesitated then shrugged. “I have not considered the cause. I only know that I am content to lie with you alone.”

Galvreth smiled at his bluntness. “As I have been,” he softly concurred. “Indeed, I have never truly shared myself with others as I do with you. And with good reason.”

He took Elladan's hand and slid the brooch onto his palm but he covered it a while with his own hand. Looking steadily at Elladan he said: “I wish to give you this as a token of what I have held in my heart for you all these years, Elladan.” Drawing a shaky breath, he uncovered his gift and awaited Elladan's response.

The older twin's initial reaction was expected. Recognition flashed in his eyes and he lifted them to stare at his lover in disbelief.

“Galvreth, you cannot give this away!” he softly exclaimed. “'Tis a veritable treasure and an heirloom of your house. Only one of your family may bear this and…” His voice faded away as he comprehended the unspoken suit he had just received. “Sweet Eru,” he whispered.

Galvreth saw his hand tremble and he swiftly caught it between his palms, compelling Elladan to close his fingers around the brooch.

“'Tis mine to bestow on whomever I wish,” he said. “And be at ease, I am not asking that you bind to me forthwith. Else 'tis a ring I would have given you. Nay, I only seek assurance.”

“Assurance?” Elladan half stammered.

Galvreth could not help a soft chuckle at the sight of Elladan so uncharacteristically a-fluster. “Assurance of your regard,” he gently elucidated. “Of your desire for a future with me.” Summoning his courage, he thus said, “Will you have me, beloved? Will you own yourself mine as I have always known myself yours?”

Heartened by Elladan's earlier admission, Galvreth put forth his proposal with much hope and cheer. But an instant later, he watched disconcertment replace the disbelief in Elladan's features. Of a sudden, he felt uncertainty flare. Yet he held to his course with what trust he harbored.

“I believe you have feelings for me though you have never told me so,” he murmured. “And besotted with you as I am I have waited all these years in the hope that you would admit them to me. But now I am lonely and weary of it. I look at my brothers and envy them their joy and the company of their mates. 'Tis what I want for myself, what I know I was made for.”

Silence followed his statement. And a palpable tension. Finally, Elladan slowly said: “If that is what you wish…”

His patent reluctance was not lost on Galvreth. The beginnings of a crushing sadness began its encroachment. The Elf-prince stiffened and shook his head. “I will not have you tie yourself to me unwilling. That is the way of regret and sorrow and I refuse to be the cause of one or the other for you.” His resolve starting to fail, he forced himself to say, “If you do not truly care for more than an occasional tryst with me, then please be forthright about it. Tell me now that I may know where I stand.”

Elladan stared at him in dismay. Galvreth saw it. Bitter disappointment washed over him hard on the heels of his now burgeoning grief. But he refused to show any sign of it beyond his features' unusual stillness.

He had humbled himself far more than enough as it was. He would not strip himself of the last shreds of his tattered pride. Face blanched, mouth grim and eyes suddenly devoid of emotion, he silently rose and walked to the door without a word.

“Galvreth!”

The prince did not look back. “Good night, Elladan. I will see you off come morning,” he said in a hushed voice. Quickly, he slipped out the door.

Elladan sat back with a groan and rubbed his face, suddenly feeling drained. He recalled then what he still held in his hand and unclosing it revealed Galvreth's gift once more. Again he groaned then morosely stared at the hearth, still unaware of - or unwilling to admit - how much its emptiness mirrored the state of his own heart.

**********

The following day the twins departed, their farewells painful to watch. For vastly different reasons.

Afore he mounted his steed, Elrohir drew Legolas into a snug embrace which the archer returned with poignant fervency, his eyes tellingly bright and his mouth drawn tight to still its quivering. Gone was the young Elf who held little regard for the niceties of royal decorum and would have displayed his feelings for all to see. Still and all, Legolas' spare show of emotion markedly evinced his reluctance to let his mate go.

Lovers' biddings and promises passed between them in the last moments before they finally drew apart. Even so, they scarcely took their eyes off each other and it was only when Elrohir turned faithful Uilos toward the elven track that he forced himself to break their linked gazes.

Not so such longing and tenderness between Elladan and Galvreth. A strange awkwardness precluded more affectionate farewells. Indeed, Galvreth seemed to take pains to avoid meeting Elladan's eyes however often or long the older twin laid them on him. He did not even stand abreast with his father and brothers but hung back a little behind Aelluin and Lalorn. An expression of what seemed to be regret crossed Elladan's features as he mounted his destrier but he said nothing nor did he look back. Mouth pinched and eyes veiled, he quitted the forest kingdom with rather unseemly haste, forcing Elrohir to quicken his pace.

The younger twin did not question the older about his odd conduct or the unusual aloofness of the argent-haired Elf with whom his brother had kept intimate if sporadic company for more than eight centuries. Not while they still travelled in the company of others. He did not care to have either of their personal troubles become fodder for speculation and so he kept his peace until they left the eaves of Mirkwood behind and headed for their meeting place with Mithrandir.

It was only when they parted from the warriors who formed their escort a few leagues from their destination that Elrohir at last sought to discover what had brought about the obvious rift between Elladan and Galvreth. His opening came when they halted by a stream some miles from the hamlet to bathe and shed their elven garb for mannish raiment.

He eyed the pouch he had seen Elladan tuck into the inner pocket of his tunic during a prior stop and now watched his twin transfer it to the hidden hollow in the lining of his leather jerkin. But the drawstring of the small bag was loose and as he lifted it, what it held slid out in part. Elrohir caught a glimpse of shining argent and deepest green. His breath hitched in recognition. Not for nothing had he resided intermittently in the Woodland Realm as one of the royal family all these centuries. Swift as a hawk, he caught Elladan by the wrist and forced him to hold up the jewel.

“Tell me,” he commanded in a tone he seldom ever used with his twin. “What has befallen you and Galvreth?”

Elladan pulled his hand away but with little force. With a sigh, he reluctantly related how so beauteous a treasure had come to be in his possession. Elrohir was quite aghast when he finished his tale.

“You declined his suit?” he said disbelievingly. “Are you mad, brother?”

Ire flamed in Elladan's eyes at the charge. “Am I supposed to accept any and every proposal that comes my way? I would be wed to half of Elvendom by now if I did!”

Elrohir glared at him, not in the least amused. “And is Galvreth just any Elf? He cherishes you deeply and has done so for years uncounted. Far more than you apparently deserve and well you know it! Dear Elbereth, what possessed you to forego such a gift, Elladan?”

“A gift? To be shackled and immured and be at another's beck and call as - as-” Elladan looked away, cheeks flushing.

“As I am?” Elrohir challenged. “Ho, the truth will out though verily I have long known it.” He gripped Elladan's shoulder hard and forced him to face him. “I told Legolas that 'twas not he you resented for keeping me from you but rather my wedded state. But he was not far off the mark, was he? You take offense at the betrothal you deemed forced on me and thus precipitated my early binding. And because 'twas he who broached it, you blame my law-father to some extent and also Legolas for having had the temerity to claim me in marriage so very soon. That is the toll of it, isn't it? You've come to see wedlock as a trap, more so if undertaken with a Thranduilion.”

“That is ludicrous, Elrohir,” Elladan said sharply. “Is that what marriage does to an Elf's wit? For verily I would say you have lost a fair bit if you believe such nonsense!”

Elrohir shook his head in some exasperation. “Empty words, gwaniaur”-older twin-he countered. “Admit it, you think me lacking in freedom to do as I wish. And because Legolas asked that we not part if we can help it, you believe he has chained me to him. You fear to be equally fettered by another of his kin, to be unable to venture when and where you desire. But what you have failed to see, mayhap what you refuse to see, is that I am free. Legolas does not hinder me. And certainly none of his brothers keep their spouses leashed! If I stay by his side, 'tis because I want to and the same can be said for the others. I detest parting from him as heartily as he loathes being apart from me. And in our constant oneness I find joy, Elladan. More joy than I ever imagined possible. I would not change my choice were I given another chance to make it. Nay, not even if almighty Eru himself offered it. Only a fool would forego the greatest gift any creature of sense could hope for and I am no fool. I pray neither are you, brother.”

Elladan opened his mouth to reply but no words issued forth. His mind suddenly emptied of his usual reasonings, he stared at Elrohir in abject confusion. Had he not been in so grim a mood, Elrohir would have found his twin's speechlessness laughable and cause for brotherly smugness.

At length, Elladan lowered his eyes to the brooch he'd unconsciously been fiddling with. He blew out his breath then met Elrohir's persistent stare.

“Mayhap you have a point,” he said. “Mind you, I am not saying you are altogether correct. But - I will think hard on this matter while we journey.”

Elrohir considered him thoughtfully. “Will you inform Galvreth of your deliberations?” he queried.

“Wherefore? Will I not just wound him further should I come back still disinclined to accept his suit?”

“You give him next to no hope then. What will you do if when we return you find he has since turned to another in your stead?

Elladan frowned, obviously displeased with the thought, but he only shrugged and said, “So be it. 'Tis a chance I will take.”

The younger twin pursed his lips reprovingly. “You will not be so blithe I wager should you come upon your replacement happily ensconced between the sheets of his bed. More so if he or she supplants you in his heart as well.” With that, Elrohir snatched up his journeyman's cloak, turned on his heel and, flinging the mantle over his shoulders and pulling the hood up to cover his head, strode toward their tethered horses. These were not their splendid elven steeds but sturdy beasts such as oft used by mortal merchants who travelled far and wide to hawk their wares.

Disturbed by his brother's vehemence, Elladan dropped his eyes to the brooch and stared at it pensively. At length, he sighed and, returning the jewel to its pouch, slipped it into his jerkin then shrugged on his coat and donned his cloak. Taking a moment to ensure that the tips of his ears were concealed by his loosely bound hair, he followed Elrohir.

When they rode into the hamlet that evening, none of the tiny community's citizens realized that more than ordinary men had entered their midst.

****************************

Glossary:

pedlar - peddler (British)

gwanur - 'brother' or 'sister' but a more accurate translation would be kinsman or kinswoman

suit - courtship and proposal of marriage (archaic)

destrier - warhorse (archaic)

Thranduilion - son of Thranduil

wherefore - for what purpose or reason (archaic)

To be continued…
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Twilight Tales - An Ounce of Kindness