(back when I still read and wrote fan-fictions)
The Days were short, the frost was cold
For winter had here thrice forth-rolled
The people sang for soldiers lost
In Mordor wherefrom darkness crossed
Then riders countless came from north
To aid the war in year the fourth
Led Oropher the Elven king
And winsome was his golden prince
His horse was tall, his sword was keen
His eyes were cloudless, blue and clean
In wine and song his mirth untamed
The bright spring Thranduil was his name
The dark haired Elrond heeded him oft
In Thranduil’s gait his heart was caught
Through squabbles these two princes met
And turned into a warm duet
Soon fell the brave king Oropher
His rival strong, his end bitter
Tears mournful dampened Thranduil’s gown
In grief he bore his father’s crown
His blue eyes dark with clouds and rage
That only Elrond’s words assuaged
But long were songs of war and loss
The cruel Mount Lithui lay across
Against dark lord the fight went on
Crusaded men and elves forlorn
Their wintry armors damp with rust
And mighty heroes turned to dust
The nights starless with tales sung coarse
Of seething dragon and leaping horse
While Elrond fret ‘bout looming wars
Bid Thranduil him with liquor poured
“Pray relish your watch of the night
For war may part us at first light
With me now empty cups of wine
Ere Sauron’s trouble ‘round you twine”
And solemn Elrond to him said
“Speak not of parting which I dread
With thee I gladly drink this cup
And promise by Eärendil’s blood
“when war cries fade from the southern sky
And Dagorlad grow green and spry
I from Gil-galad’s side shall leave
With haste and bliss then fly to thee!”
“Desire for peace I share with thee
And no less crave your company
The misty mountains and white shores
Shall not make our path ever fork!”