Iron Stars

Chapter 10: Rivendell

TA 3018
Rivendell

Aragorn and the hobbits made it to Rivendell in the six days as expected and soon learned that Frodo had made it in time to be healed. Gandalf had arrived 4 days ago and had watched over the young hobbit while awaiting them. Each of them were glad to see the wizard alive and well.

     The hobbits were amazed to see Rivendell but even happier to see their friend up in walking around in a few days time. They took to wandering the halls of Rivendell and listening to tales from the elves. Aragorn occasionally showing them some of his favorite places from his childhood.

     One thing was missing however. Ruinë hadn't shone up in the week since they had arrived. When Aragorn had informed Gandalf and Elrond of Ruinë's situation, they had been silent for a long time.

     "Ruinë is likely leading the wolves on dozens of false routes. She will come," Elrond said, his voice clear of doubt. It was then Aragorn realized Gandalf and Elrond were likely some of the few people Ruinë seemed to trust. Probably two of less than a dozen who know her history.

     A few days later, Elrond's words came true. Late in the afternoon, Elrond's sons spotted a rider coming from the north. The twins who had known Ruinë before, recognized Varno and came back to inform their father.

     As the sun was falling, Ruinë rode into the central courtyard, barely seeming tired as she slipped off the wolf. She glanced around until she spotted Aragorn and the hobbits before looking over to Gandalf and Elrond. Bowing slightly, she spoke, "It is good to see you again, Lord Elrond. The wolves should not find their way here at least while they chase their own tails across the mountains."

     Elrond smiled and walked down to her, greeting her with kind words. Ruinë turned to her old friend and walked with him into the halls, Varno trailing behind her. As they walked, Elladan and Elrohir came running up to her. "Noltar!" they called. (Noltar- teacher)

     "Elladan thinks we can beat you now," Elrohir said, ragging out his brother and earning an elbow to the ribs.

     "What my brother means is that we have been training. Glorfindel has been teaching us. However we will not be betting anything on that," Elladan said, earning a laugh from Ruinë. She recalled when they'd bet they could beat her or else they had attempt a prank of Glorfindel. Ruinë had watched as Glorfindel had forced them to do push-ups until it was dark out. He'd known the full story of course.

     Arwen soon came up just behind her brothers and sighed at their antics. "It's good to see you again, noltar. I'll show you to your room," she said. Ruinë followed her, glad to see Arwen as well.

     The duo walked through the halls until they entered a bedroom, one Ruinë often stayed in when she visited. It had a wide view across the valley and also had a desk where she could send letters if needed. The balcony often had ravens perched on it when she came to stay as they served as her messengers. The bed was made and looked quite inviting to her but she ignored it and tilted her head. Something had changed in the room.

     "We added a bathroom on the left wall, seven paces from here," Arwen said. Ruinë nodded, grateful for the information. Ruinë's sight was a gift from the Valar after she had lost her sight in a particularly vicious battle. Through the various elements they controlled, she could see though sometimes it was only blurry lines. In buildings however, her sight was weakened by the fact her feet no longer sat on the ground or the wind blew as freely as it could.

     Ruinë turned and headed into the bathroom, adjusting what little sight she had to the darker room. It was made of stone with a small pool in the middle. It felt grand to her but Arwen soon came in and set some clothes down by her. "I'll leave to yourself now, let me know if you need anything," Arwen said before leaving.