This is a bonus scene that takes place prior to Legolas' arrival for the feast . . . it's too good to leave out!

Lord Elrond tipped his head to the side, sealing the wax of an all-important missive, with his ring.

"Lindir, send for Captain Thalen. I wish to address him on a certain matter and do make haste - I do not want our meeting to interfere with preparing for this evening."

Lindir nodded with an arched brow, sensing there was more, "Anything else, my lord?"

Elrond handed over a sealed parchment, "Deliver this order directly to the hands of Lieutenant Eldrin."

"Of course my lord," Lindir bowed dutifully and quit the room.

>>>

The time in which it would take Thalen to arrive, would allow Elrond enough time to mull over his recourse with the captain.

Walking the length of the room with his hands secured behind him, he pondered until he had worked up a thirst.

Whilst pouring himself a glass of wine, serendipitously, the perfect approach donned him. Smiling, he raised his chalice to his lips and took a large sip of the burgundy liquid.

Yes, he would quite enjoy this.

>>>

"My Lord Elrond, Captain Thalen is here to see you," Lindir pressed into the room followed by the tall auburn haired ellon, who was dressed in his formal captain's uniform for the night's feast.

The captain was a striking ellon who could look imposing to one who didn't know him, but Elrond knew him to be, not only a fierce and dependable warrior but a courteous and genial ellon.

The elf lord turned his back on the captain and busied himself at his bar. Grasping a fresh crystal chalice, he languidly poured wine for himself and Thalen.

"Captain," Elrond turned and outstretched his arm to offer the chalice to the obviously anxious ellon.

Thalen nodded stiffly and took the chalice, however he opted not to sip it. Perhaps he feared his shaking hand would give way his nerves, Lord Elrond mused.

Lifting his brow ever so lightly, the elf lord raised his chalice to entertain the dark liquid that sashayed around his glass.

"I have a special assignment for you Captain," the elf lord lazily drawled as he took an unhurried sup of his wine.

Thalen's eyes widened, "Yes, how may I be of service to you my lord?" The captain reverently lowered his head in obedience.

Lord Elrond gestured for the captain to sip his wine to which the ellon shakily pressed the chalice to his tight lips and took a brief swig.

"You will report to the southern border first thing tomorrow morning. A company led by Lieutenant Eldrin, has already been dispatched. You will rendezvous with them and take lead of the company."

Thalen's eyes narrowed as he nodded in confusion. Attempting to conceal his perplexity, he took a rather large gulp of wine.

"What business are we to attend to my lord? Confounded, the captain lightly shook his head.

"A band of Easterlings were sighted just beyond our southern border. I want you and your company to patrol the area and determine the extent of their threat. I do not rest easy knowing they've been scouting around our borders. I suspect they will attempt to find a feeble area to breach."

"Of course my lord. I will make haste and send word immediately." The captain bowed his head dutifully.

Lord Elrond tipped his chalice toward the captain, "good."

"Who am I to ride with, in the morn?"

Lord Elrond couldn't help the sideways quirk of his lips.

"You will be venturing to the border on your own and worry naught, I have sent forth your horse ahead with the dispatch."

Thalen coughed.

Had the ellon still had wine in his mouth, it would have spluttered out, Elrond reckoned.

"Forgive me my lord, but how do you expect me to get to the southern outpost?"

"Your feet." Lord Elrond shrugged.