[Arien]

The group of Elves past the South gates a fortnight later and in one day they had reached the bridge that crossed over the river to Thranduil's Palace. The group stopped for a moments glance at the doors guarded by two equipped male Elves. Ceros looked to them; the seemed almost shocked to see them and one of the guards cried out.

“Ceros?” He cried, leaving his station and approaching his fellow guard, “You have returned at last! Oh what joy it brings me to see you alive; long have the hours been since the departure of your group.”

“How long has it been?” Asked Ceros. He did not think it had been long since they had been absent; but it had seemed like ages had passed since they had left their Realm. For now it looked as though the woodland realm had been through a transformation. Ceros had not noticed before but now no elves walked freely along the paths; there was no singing and the birds and beasts had been hushed by the silence that now lay still among the trees.

“’Tis only been five weeks now, but much has happened. But come you can not stay outside, come inside with the others and let Thranduil tell you the story and then you can exchange yours.”

And so the company ventured inside the hall of Thranduil and they headed straight for the King himself, for Ceros whished to tell him immediately of what they had discovered.

“Thranduil,” Ceros said bowing in front of his King. The Other Elves behind him followed accordingly.

“Ceros, it is with great joy that I see you have returned,” he smiled weakly. “But I see that not all return with and some return that did not leave with you.” Thranduil looked behind Ceros at the rest of the company, holding each of their faces in his glance for a few moments.

“Aye, it is a sad tale; we have lost three of our company: Airelómë Firith, Gilbereth, and Ainemetion. And we also lost some of the company that we had found.”

“Found?” Inquired Thranduil.

“Yes.” And so Ceros told the tale of their journey. The Elves present in the Kings company saw the pain on Ceros’ face and his companions as he re told their troubles on their expedition. And none could imagine, only hear what strife they had been through. It was grave news that came to the ears of Thranduil that day and indeed to every single Elf of Greenwood.

The tale of the tower on Amon Lanc was taken in shock; the hall was still as Ceros told their story. Not as sound could be heard, despite Ceros’ voice echoing from the delicately carved walls. And none of the fires in the hall could warm the hearts of those that stood to hear his tale.

“So, now we know where the spiders are from.” Spoke the elf King after the silence of a few minutes.

“They have attacked? Here?” Asked Ceros, his voice was distressed. The evil was spreading quickly, so quickly.

“Yes, yes they have. But we managed to defeat them.” Sighed Thranduil, he sat back in his throne. The crown of spring flowers adorned his fair hair, but spring had not come to Greenwood this year and Ceros feared if it would ever come again.

“But know,” Spoke up the King, “Let us feast. For those we thought we had lost have been born again from the shadows of evil and let us remember those who have passed.”

And so the company left the hall and returned to their families; they returned in the night for the feast that was to be held in their honour and in honour for those who had lost their lives to that evil that now polluted their kingdom. It was a joyous and happy night and friends and family were reunited. All happy, save for the tears that were shed for the lost ones.