A Song From Old Times

(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!”