Golden Thrones and Moonlight Veils (HOBBIT FANFICTION)

Rivendell

The valley was bathed in the golden light of the setting sun, casting long shadows that danced among the trees. As the carriage descended the winding path, Talessa caught her first glimpse of Rivendell, nestled like a hidden gem in the heart of the mountains. The grandiose buildings emerged from the mist, their white stone walls glowing softly in the fading light. Tall, slender towers reached skyward, their spires tipped with silver and gleaming in the light.

Delicate bridges arched over rivers that sparkled with crystal-clear water, weaving through lush, green meadows and groves of ancient trees. The sound of distant waterfalls filled the air, a gentle melody that harmonised with the rustle of leaves and the song of birds. Everywhere she looked, Talessa saw beauty-an ethereal beauty that seemed almost otherworldly, as if it was a place untouched by the passing of time.

She had only seen the Hidden Valley in her storybooks, and it was everything she had imagined and more. Even the air seemed different-purer, imbued with a subtle fragrance of blooming flowers and fresh pine. It was as if the valley existed in a perpetual state of spring, untouched by the harshness of the world beyond the mountains.

As they approached the heart of the settlement, two golden-armored elven guards trotted up beside them on long-maned white horses, leading the way. She looked at her two companions, both of them awestruck and wide-eyed.

"They are so handsome," whispered Eline, peaking out the window to sneak a glance at the two elves escorting them. When one of them looked at her, the girl blushed like a mushroom and quickly hid behind the curtain. Talessa giggled, and Bertra shook her head exasperatedly, hiding a smile.

"Come on, help me with the veil," asked Talessa, and Eline reached out to aid her in adjusting the ivory lace over her face. She had taken it off for the majority of the journey, at least while they were in the carriage, and for a brief second, she considered leaving it behind, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. It was her shield, after all-when her parents vanished from her life, she had hidden her sorrow behind it, and even now, she feared that when she removed it, everything would fall apart. Some elves also wore different styles of veils and headscarves, so she hoped hers wouldn't be too much of an oddity.

"Here," Eline said, placing a delicate silver tiara with little star carvings on top of her head. "Do you think they will invite us to one of their fabulous celebrations the travellers talk about?"

If what Talessa had read in her books about elven hospitality was true, then yes, they would attend fancy dinners and celebrations. But she decided she wouldn't be disappointed even if the elves weren't as welcoming as the stories claimed. Over the past few weeks on the road, despite the discomfort of the summer heat, the carriage's constant jostling, and the cramped rooms in the inns they stayed at, she had learned more about the world than she had in her twenty years at home. They had passed through many different lands, from bustling towns to desolate plains. She had hired four guards to accompany them, but luckily, they didn't encounter any trouble. Her old butler had devised the safest route for them, and that is what they followed, even if it took them two weeks longer than simply using the roads by the Misty Mountains.

Finally, the carriage came to a halt in front of a grand marble staircase. As Talessa stepped out, she immediately spotted leader and she recognised him as Lord Elrond. He stood before a small envoy of gathered elves, wearing a light tunic perfectly tailored to his slender form, with a braided silver crown adorning his raven-black hair.

"What a pleasure to finally meet you, cousin," he said with a bow, extending his hands. Talessa curtsied and slipped her hands into his, gently squeezing them.

"It is indeed a pleasure, Lord Elrond. Thank you for your warm welcome." Though they looked nothing alike, Talessa already felt a strange sense of familiarity. Her mother was an elf, after all-this was her kin too.

The elven lord then introduced his sons, Elrohir and Elladan. The two young elves resembled their father and seemed to have inherited his manners and demeanour. They shared a few words about their distant relation and expressed their deepest sympathies for Talessa's loss.

"I have sent you letters before," Elrond mentioned, "but they never seemed to reach you."

Talessa was surprised but pleasantly so, feeling touched that her relative had tried to reach out. "No, I never received any of them. It's too easy for correspondence to get lost between our countries. But I am so glad we finally found each other."

✧

Eline watched as her mistress charmed their hosts with gentle ease. Tessie was short even compared to her, but she looked like a child next to the three men she was conversing with-although a very elegant and regal one. Eline was pleased to see that she seemed relaxed and happy, though Eline herself was, admittedly, a little apprehensive. Their hosts all appeared so perfect and polished, and even though she was wearing a dress fit for a noble, she felt a bit anxious. Tessie always dressed her in much fancier gowns than necessary, taught her proper dining manners, history, and all kinds of things noble ladies study. But now, Eline remembered where she came from-her parents' humble occupations, their modest little house, her little brothers running around, muddy and loud-and suddenly, she felt very intimidated and out of place. She looked at Bertra, but the old woman appeared calm and serene as she waited for their mistress.

When Talessa finished the greetings, Elrond left them in the care of his right-hand, Lindir, with a promise to catch up more during dinner.

"I hope you find everything to your liking, ladies," said the elf nervously, after showing them to their rooms. Eline found the man to be a little too on edge. They were certainly not the type to complain, especially not after being given their own quarters with separate bedrooms. The whole place seemed like it belonged to a fairytale rather than real life. The walls were cream marble and ivory wood, with great oval windows and delicately carved columns everywhere. Everything was bright, full of lively greens, and adorned with exquisitely designed furniture.

Bertra didn't hesitate much before retiring to her bedroom to rest after the tiring journey. Talessa watched her with a bit of worry.

"Do you think the travel was too much for her?" she asked, eyebrows furrowed. Eline glanced at the door the old woman had just retreated behind and shrugged.

"It probably was, but I think in this place, she'll wake up feeling years younger tomorrow. Now, let's get ready for dinner!"