14 Talk of Kings

Arthas walked with Bard and Gandalf behind him, He wore an elvish outfit and appeared majestic and elegant. They stopped in front of the throne room, A table was set there with three seats; the throne remained empty.

Two of the seats were occupied with Thorin and Thranduil; One remained empty for him. The two kings were talking but stopped when they saw him coming. Both stood up to greet him, Thorin seemed friendly as Thranduil was polite.

Arthas greeted back and by Thorin's invitation sat on his seat, bard and Gandalf stood behind him. A serious atmosphere engulfed them all. This was talk of kings, of Dwarfs and men and elves.

Thorin began, "I will grant 2/15th of the gold to Arthas and his people. The rest belongs to me and my people.". Thranduil calmly interjected, "I do not care for the gold, You know what I want!".

Thorin smiled at Thranduil, "And I already told you, I don't have them with me.". Thranduil's voice turned cold, "It seems the greed of your ancestors is still with you...". Thorin was a loyal friend, he would never let Thranduil know that Arthas had the gems. (White Gems of Lasgalen, something Thranduil wants.)

Thorin became enraged, "You Dare...". He was interrupted by Arthas, "Calm down my friends. Let me talk and then fight among yourselves.". Both turned their attention towards him. He smiled, "I saw the life of men and their misery; I saw the discrimination and darkness; I saw the hardships and the sorrows; I saw blood and war; Much much corruption bringing with them stagnation and stopping all advancement towards a better future.

The people of middle earth are too divided, so I have decided. I will create a land for all to be equal in it, no discrimination shall exist there. A land of unity and happiness; A land for those without one. A kingdom for those without a home. A land similar to Valinor where the light of the two trees once shone. A kingdom where the king and his people stand side by side; Elves, Dwarfs, Men and Hobbit can all be part of that kingdom. And, I want you to acknowledge me and my future kingdom."

Everyone listened intently and smiled, to live in such a kingdom was a dream they all had once. For a young man to dare say such words with confidence, impressed them as much as it touched them.

Thorin laughed in good nature, "Of course my friend!". Thranduil, on the other hand, remained silent, he was taken aback by Arthas's words. 'He is truly a bearer of light!'

Arthas looked at him and took out a box. "It is the first time we meet, I bring you a humble gift."

Thranduil looked with interest as Arthas put the box on the table and opened it. The White Gems of Lasgalen shone with starlight, magnificent and beautiful. Thranduil stood up in a slight shock due to the suddenness. He slowly approached the Gems with wide eyes and gently lifted the neckless in them. A sigh of awe escaped his mouth.

Silence filled the surroundings as he smiled while looking at the gems in his hand. "Human King, You and your people will always be welcome to my realm. I shall acknowledge you!"

Arthas smiled, "I am honored. I wish to make a few deals with you since we have all we want.". Thorin nodded as Thranduil sat back on his seat, the box firmly in his hand.

Arthas continued since he had everyone's attention, "I want Dwarfs to teach my people how to craft and blacksmith. I want the elves to teach my people their ways and help us make good clothes and good structures. I am willing to pay the price in gold, essentially hiring them to help us.".

Thorin frowned, "I have no need of the gold, I wish for something else.". Arthas sighed in his mind, 'Of course! Why would he need gold...'. "I will send 50 Dwarfs to help you, I will also grant you the lands of south and southeast of Erebor. I only ask you to give us protection."

Arthas seemed taken aback but then again he was an army by himself so it wasn't strange what Thorin asked of him. "I accept!" He turned to look at Thranduil, his eyes waiting for his response.

Thranduil calmly looked back, "It seems to be a fair deal but I have two demands. I want an alliance with you, in case of a war, lend us your personal power. My other demands begins with a question I hope you can answer truthfully.".

Arthas nodded as a sign of agreement. "Do you truly believe that all are equal?!" Thranduil's eyes were focused on his reaction.

Arthas smiled and nodded again. "Yes!" Thranduil's lips lifted in a small smile, "Are you willing to prove that? but before you tell me the answer, Are you a regular man?".

Arthas was a bit confused by the questions of Thranduil but he decided to be honest. "I am a man and my roots may date back to Numenoreans." He said that because he thought that it was the perfect excuse for his possible immortality granted by Frostmourn.

Thranduil's smile widened, "And the first question?". Gandalf was listening with extreme interest. "I will prove it to you, sure! What way have you thought?"

Thranduil's sneered, "then marry an Elf of my realm as your Queen. Not only will I give you 100 elves but they will live in your kingdom as your people. I will also acknowledge the lands east and south of the river as yours. Do you still wish to make this deal?".

Arthas was a bit surprised and became angry. 'He is literally asking for half of my kingdom this way!' He fell into thought and hid his anger. 'Is my power really that tempting for him to go this far?'

Fact is after Thranduil had seen him fight and coupled with so many elves dying and the return of Darkness. He wanted him on his side to make sure the coming Darkness would leave fewer scars on his kingdom. His power and light were also similar to the two trees that he had once witnessed. He also wanted the connection it would bring with Galadriel and Lorien.

A few minutes passed in silence, everyone besides the three felt uncomfortable. Arthas sighed and asked a question, "Who do you have in mind?". Thranduil's smile was a victorious one. 'I can make sure Tauriel stays away from Legolas this way Since the Dwarf is dead. How she feels and how he will feel uncomfortable has nothing to do with me.'

"Tauriel." Arthas almost facepalmed. 'I couldn't stop Kili from dying and she must feel a lot of sorrow now... Is getting her away from Legolas that important to him?! I never thought I would get an arranged marriage like this. What a mess this turned out to be...'

Thorin frowned, "This is a bit unreasonable, do you not think so?". Thranduil sneered, "I do not force anything. Even if he accepts, Tauriel must agree as well, based on our customs. She was simply the best one to come into mind. If she doesn't agree another one will replace her. besides marrying an elf is the highest honor a man can have, don't you think so?".

Arthas finally said, "I accept but on one condition. This future Queen will have to sever her ties to your kingdom.". Thranduil frowned for a moment, "Then it shall be. Let us sign these deals.".

A few papers were brought out and they signed the deals. Arthas was formally acknowledged as a King of the lands east and south of River Celduin. His Kingdom stretched from the Ironhills to Erebor, from the withered heath to the sea of Rhun along the Mirkwood and the brown lands.

'The first step is complete...'