Gilith had been three days on the water with her escort. They made land not far from the Forest Gate and unloaded the boat. She had been walking for two days before finally she met with a small contingent of the Silvan Guard sent to escort her delegation to the Elvenking's Hall. That night they slept in an abandoned hut, sheltering from whatever was lurking in the dark woods. On the second day the stench of rot became almost unbearable. The Silvan Guards were clearly on edge, walking silently with their hands ready to draw blades and bows. Any unusual sound would make them stop and look up in the dense canopy. There was no sunlight and it was easy to lose track of time.
They passed a burned out house in a small forest glade, and rotting corpses rotting in an abandoned vegetable patch. " Orcs." said one of the elves. "And spiders." said an other pointing at an other corpse hanging from a branch and wrapped in a cocoon of spider silk. They kept moving swiftly along the Elf-path; soon the forest became less dark and slants of warm sunshine broke through the canopy, bathing the undergrowth with light. The sound of running water became lauder and launder until they reached a stone bridge crossing the wild rapids of the Forest River. Across the bridge Gilith saw a set of huge stone doors carved to look like trees.
In a great cave some miles within the edge of Mirkwood on the eastern side, there lived at this time king Thranduil of the Woodland Realm. Before huge doors of stone, the Forest River ran out from the heights of the forest, and flowed on and out, into the marshes at the feet of Mirkwood. The king's cave is his palace, filled with treasures, and a fortress of his people against the Orcs and at this time have taken hold of most the souther edges of the forest. His people are hidden from the outside world. Gilith knew that Thranduil's weakness was for treasure, especially silver and white gems that he desired above all things. In ancient days Thranduil's people had wars with the dwarves whom they accused of greed and stealing their treasures. The feud that arose from such events last to this day. Thranduil's only care is for his own people and their interest, though he has come to accept the help and friendship of the Lord and Lady of Lorien.
In the chamber assigned to her, Gilith combed her hair with her fingers. A young maid had helped her into a fresh gown, ready for her audience. In the King's hall a great fire burned, and Gilith heard the sound of an harp. Thranduil sat on a carved wooden throne. A voiced announced ceremoniously. " Commander of the Royal Guard of the realm of Lothlorien, Lady Tîn Gilith of Caras Galadhon." Gilith bowed to the king, then opened her shoulder bag and handed all the correspondence to him, as the gifts from the Lord and Lady were brought forth.
That evening a great feast was help in the king's hall. Two boars were roasting on the fire and the tables were laden with fresh berries, apples, and honey cakes. Huge barrels of wine were opened and glasses were constantly refilled by servants, while music and dances kept the guests entertained. Most of the Silvan elves were not wearing any shoes, their cheeks were red, and the sound of laughter was contagious. Gilith had never seen such feast in Lorien. Later at night she noticed a couple swimming in one of the fountains and kissing tenderly. She was invited to join a dance so she quickly finished her wine, kicked off her boots and joined others on the floor. The hall was lit by small glowing lanterns, the music was happy and cheerful, and laughter mingled with the sound of water. She drank too much, ate too much, and danced the night away. By the time she was back in her chamber the sun was rising above the forest.
