For the Dancing and the Dreaming

x • joined a band

"Your hair has grown." Arwen said, brushing through the thick tangle of hair. "So..."

Alvar turned and grabbed her friend's hands. "Let's just walk." They linked arms and walked the halls of the Elven city.

It felt good to Alvar to feel clean and comfortable. Loaned a dress by Arwen, she felt back at home in her Elven culture and welcomed around her own kind.

"I hope this matter can be settled and you may both stay with us before continuing the road." Arwen said. She was excited to see her friend again, despite how faded her features looked. It was as if she was looking for something that did not want to be found.

"I will try to stall." Alvar placed her hand over Arwen's. Alvar enjoyed seeing the falling water and steep hills of this land. A land that seemed to glow with the riches of her home and life. "The world of Man is foul."

"Then stay." Arwen pleaded, even when she knew it was in vain. Unlike herself, Alvar enjoyed traveling. She enjoyed not belonging to one place and being free, despite her deep sense of responsibility and duty.

The two girls stopped when they found Lord Elrond. "Ladies." He greeted them with a regal nod.

"Ada." Arwen smiled, opening her arms for her father and placing a kiss on his cheek.

"My Lord." Alvar dropped her head in respect.

"The Council will meet soon." Elrond reminded Alvar, hoping he could speak with his daughter alone.

"Of course. My Lord." She lifted her skit in a small bow before leaving the two. She followed the hall until she found Legolas waiting by the doors.

Alvar made her way closer. She smiled up at Legolas, already missing his smile and warmth. Even after all the time they spent together on the road, she was always amazed to see him.

The prince of the Woodland Realm had left his home, set out on a journey without a destination, with the captain of the guard. It was a forbidden tale poets would take notes on.

Alvar did not take kindly to the world of Man, but she enjoyed their signs of affection. How such small actions could show how much you felt for a person, even if Legolas didn't understand, Alvar enjoyed portraying it.

"I didn't miss it I hope." Alvar said after she seized Legolas' hand in her own and gave him a quickly kiss, something she'd taken to doing often.

"Not yet." Legolas smiled as he opened the door. "They still wait on Lord Elrond." Legolas' voice lowered as they walked in.

The first of many things that Alvar noticed was the numbs of people, and the characteristics of each person. Dwarves, Men, and Elves. A small creature sat alone in the corner. A Hobbit.

Something more incredible than all these different creatures in one room, was the lack of women. Alvar soon began to pick out people she knew, people she could trust. She was quick to take the seat between Legolas and another Elf.

Elrond soon entered and everyone fell quiet. The Lord of Rivendale sat quiet for a moment, alone on his throne.

"Strangers from distant lands...friends of old. You have been summoned here to answer the threat of Mordor. Middle-Earth stands upon the brink of destruction. None can escape it. You will unite...or you will fall. Each race is bound to this fate...this one doom."

Everyone looked around at each other.

"Bring girth the Ring, Frodo." He gestured to a stone table in the center of the council. A simple, gold band kept them at the edge of war's sword.