The Story of Hazel Baggins

Chapter 7

"Move along. It's not much farther now." Gandalf reassured.

"That's what you said an hour ago." Ori groaned.

"Because you wouldn't shut up." Nori replied.

The group was exhausted, they had just outran a group of warg scouts not too long ago, and everyone was ready for some sleep, but Gandalf insisted on taking them to some village that was nearby for safety.

"Where exactly are you taking us?" Hazel asked.

"The valley of Imladris. In common tongue, it is known by another name."

"Rivendell." Bilbo said, staring at something with awe. Hazel looked to where he was staring and saw the most beautiful city ever. "Wow."

"This was your plan all along!" Thorin exclaimed angrily. "To seek refuge with our enemy!"

"You have no enemies here, Thorin Oakenshield." Gandalf rebuked. "The only ill-will you'll find in this valley is that which you bring yourself."

"You think the Elves will give our quest a blessing? They will try and stop us!"

"Of course they will. But we have questions that need answered. If we are to be successful, this will need to be handled with tact, and respect, and no small degree of charm, which is why you will leave the talking to me."

Gandalf's response made Hazel snigger slightly, causing Thorin to glare at her.

"Well, he's got a point." She defended.

He rolled his eyes and led the way to the city of the Elves.

***

The moment they arrived they were already greeted by an elf with long brown hair.

"Mithrandir." He greeted in what Hazel guessed was elvish.

"Lindir!" Gandalf called, going to greet him.

Behind her, Hazel heard Thorin whisper something in Dwarvish to his soldiers. She guessed it wasn't very nice so she shot another glare at him.

The sudden sound of a hunting horn was heard and the dwarves immediately got battle ready.

"Close ranks!" Thorin commanded, shoving Hazel into the center of the Dwarf-barricade, where her brother was. Elves on horseback surrounded the group, to which Hazel shot both her hands in the air. "I COME IN PEACE!"

One of the elves got off his horse and hugged Gandalf, saying something in elvish.

"Strange for Orcs to come so close to our borders." The elf, whom Hazel guessed was Lord Elrond, continued in English. "Something or someone must have drawn them near."

"Ah, that could have been us." Gandalf said.

Elrond finally faced the company and gave a genuine smile. "Welcome Thorin, son of Thrain."

"I do not believe we have met." Thorin replied.

"You have your Grandfather's bearing. I knew Thror when he ruled under the mountain."

"Indeed? He made no mention of you."

The Elf then said something in Elvish, causing Gloin to flip out. "What does he say!? Does he offer us insult!?"

"No, Master Gloin, he is offering you food." Gandalf said with an eye roll.

After a brief huddle he continued. "Oh. Lead on then."

As they entered the city, several female Elves walked up to Hazel and offered her a room that would separate her from the men and a nice hot bath, to which she gladly accepted.