The Price of Pride

53: Meeting the Lords of Imladris

ActVI

The Shadows

Chapter 53: Meeting the Lords of Imladris

Imladris, September 17th 3018 T.A

The morning sun had barely risen above the peaks of the Misty Mountains when Elrond summoned his closest confidants to his private study. The room was bathed in the soft glow of the morning light filtering through tall, arched windows, illuminating the shelves filled with ancient tomes and scrolls that lined the walls. A fire crackled in the hearth, its gentle warmth filling the space with a sense of quiet contemplation. Elrond sat at a large, finely crafted wooden table, his brow furrowed in thought. He was not alone. Across from him, Glorfindel, a mighty Elven lord of Rivendell, leaned against the edge of the table, his golden hair catching the light like strands of molten sunlight. Beside him stood Erestor, Elrond's chief advisor, a figure of calm intellect and measured judgment.

Glorfindel, the famed Balrog-slayer of Gondolin and one of the few Elves to have been sent back to Middle-earth after perishing in the First Age, was a force to be reckoned with. His wisdom was matched only by his prowess in battle, and his counsel was highly valued by Elrond. Erestor, on the other hand, was more reserved, preferring to listen carefully and weigh every word before speaking. Known for his deep knowledge of lore and strategy, Erestor's calm demeanor often provided a necessary balance in times of decision-making.

Elrond began, his voice low but steady. "You both know why I have called you here this morning. The human woman, Xena... she has been our guest for some time now. I have offered her healing, as is the duty of this house, but there are questions that linger."

Glorfindel nodded, his face thoughtful. "A warrior of her caliber, brought here by Prince Legolas himself, and yet her past is veiled in mystery. What do we truly know of her?"

Erestor, who had been silently observing, spoke up, his voice calm and measured. "We know that she has traveled far, from Harad and Umbar, lands we have seldom reached ourselves. Her knowledge of those regions could be invaluable. Yet, is she to be trusted? Her actions thus far have been of no threat, but caution is always wise."

Elrond leaned back, his fingers steepled before him. "I have heard from Legolas, his company, and my own sons, Elladan and Elrohir. They speak of her strength, her courage... but also of her unpredictability. There is a darkness within her that even they do not fully understand."

Glorfindel nodded slowly. "Indeed. The wounds she suffered from the Morgul blade were severe, yet she fought the shadow with a resilience uncommon even among Men. That alone speaks of a strength... and perhaps a certain defiance. But there are still questions. If she was in Harad and Umbar, how deeply was she involved in their politics? How close has she come to the Shadow?"

Erestor added, "There is no doubt that the forces of Sauron have long sought dominion over the lands of Harad and Umbar. The Corsairs of Umbar have been known to ally with Mordor, and many in Harad have fallen under the sway of the Dark Lord. How much of this has she witnessed? And more importantly, how much has she been a part of?"

Elrond nodded, his expression serious. "Those are my concerns as well. We know that Harad has a deep-rooted alliance with Sauron, whether by fear, greed, or coercion. But what of the ordinary people? Is their allegiance as strong as their leaders'? Could there be dissent among them that we are unaware of?"

Glorfindel crossed his arms, his gaze sharp. "We must also consider the possibility that she is being watched or followed. If she is of interest to us, she may well be of interest to our enemies. We should not forget that there are those who would gladly use a warrior like her for their own purposes."