Arien, Lady of Rivendell

Whispered rumours

A silence fell on the small cavern as the wizard began to speak.
"I thank you all for gathering at such short notice, but an urgent matter has come to my attention."
Gandalf began and the dark eyes of the Rangers all turned towards him.
"For many long years I have heared rumours of the multiplying of dark forces, long had I thought them false, just mere tales to put children to bed. But it is not so."
Arien frowned as she listened, hanging on every word. She had heard little of such things, though she held no doubt that it was due to her sheltered upbringing. The wizard continued.
"I have no doubt, that the orc numbers are growing, and that today was proof of such things. I came here to ask you a favour, one which I hope you will gladly accept."
Aragorn stepped forward, it was now clear that he was their leader. The way the men all gazed up at him with slight awe in their eyes, despite their solemn features.
"We will do whatever you may ask my friend, for all must join together if evil is once again making a foothold in this world." He replied. Gandalf blew out a breath with relief.
"In that case I ask you to increase your patrols, do not only cover you land, but that of those who have little ability to protect their own. The Shire, Bree, I wish to leave them all under your protection." A faint muttering began to fill the room as the men discussed what was said, but Aragorn did not falter.
"Indeed, if that is what you wish, it shall be done. Though I ask of you in return that you share all knowledge of evil with our people." The wizard nodded and they shook hands. The group of men nodded in agreement and the council was disbanded.

Arien sat by the fire, warming her hands. A few others sat by, gently turning a spit which held the carcass of a rabbit. Her mind drifted to the dream, she had seen an Orc army, thousands more than Gandalf suggested. Were they planning war? If so, where would it begin? Aragorn came and sat beside her, breaking her out of her thoughts.
"So tell me, what brings an elf princess into the wild?" He asks with a smirk. She rolled her eyes and jabbed him in the side.
"My mother passed, and so I wish to start again. Explore what I can, be a part of the world. Gandalf can help me do that." It was getting easier, she no longer felt the pain of grief.
"You should be careful with that wizard." Aragorn said after a moment of silence. "He will get you into a lot of trouble by my reckoning."
"Who will?" A deep voice rumbled as after a swish of grey robes Gandalf plopped down on her other side.
"You." He replied and she let out a laugh.
"What adventures are you planning next?" He asked and Arien turned to the grey wizard.
"Yes please tell me." She pleaded, grinning up at him. The wizard huffed once and took a plate that was being passed around. Arien did the same and gazed at him, awaiting an answer.
"Well the mountain in this east had been on my mind." He reveals and Aragorn goes silent.
"What of it?" He asks, concern in his voice.
"I believe that dragon cannot stay there any longer, if the enemy is growing again, then that will be a strong foothold. I think we must get it back before the enemy does."
She took a bite of the rabbit and chewed it down.
"Then that's what we do, we find it, kill it and kill any orcs that come close." She replies and the wizard lets out a low chuckle.
"I don't think it'll be that simple, we'll need some help." He says and Arien frowns.
"Who were you thinking?" She asks and the wizard smiles.
"I believe the dwarves of Erebor will be eager to claim back their homeland." He replies and her throat turns dry, dwarves, the one race she dislikes most, except maybe orcs, is the one she will have to join forces with and go on an adventure.