Golden Thrones and Moonlight Veils (HOBBIT FANFICTION)

Farewells

"That she should come with us?" Thorin grumbled. "Who do you think we are, wizard—some chaperones?"

"We're in a hurry, no time to escort ladies," Dwalin added.

Gandalf, so far unsuccessfully, had been trying to persuade the dwarves to accept Elrond's generous offer. He was asking them to allow Lady Talessa and her entourage to join them while crossing the Misty Mountains, ensuring the ladies' protection on the harsh pass in exchange for new ponies to replace the ones they had lost along the way.

"It's not about escorting," Gandalf sighed, exasperated. "It's just a short stretch of the journey. Would you rather they ventured into the Misty Mountains alone? Would you be so heartless, Thorin Oakenshield? Besides, without mounts, the crossing will take twice as long."

The dwarf grunted angrily, but he knew Gandalf had a point. His honor would not allow him to abandon defenseless maidens, and they couldn't afford to set off without horses. Still, it was infuriating.

✧

"I didn't think we'd have to part ways so soon," complained Nídhiel, standing beside Talessa's pony. The pale mare seemed to sense her sadness, gently nudging her with its nose. The elf absentmindedly scratched the animal's mane before turning back to her friend.

They were making the final preparations for their journey, and it was only a matter of minutes before Gandalf and Thorin Oakenshield would announce their departure. She could see Thorin shooting angry glances in their direction, and she knew this arrangement was certainly not his idea. But they had accepted Elrond's offer, and Talessa was very grateful to her cousin for arranging this opportunity, even though she would have preferred to stay a little longer.

Bertra stood next to Eline, squeezing her hand with concern.

"My girls, I wish I could go with you! It makes me nervous to think you'll be out there all alone, surrounded by all those brute menfolk."

"There's nothing to worry about, Bert," Eline assured her, glancing toward the group. Her eyes met Fíli's briefly, and she quickly looked away. "The dwarves aren't as bad as you think, and we also have an elven guard. Before you know it, we'll be home again."

Bertra would leave for home tomorrow, and the plan was for Talessa and Eline to spend a month in Lothlórien before heading to the Quinmaer estate by a longer route, avoiding the Misty Mountains. Lord Elrond had assigned one of his most trusted guards, Ýrdor, to escort them all the way back home—another generous favor from the elven lord.

"Just remember to stay watchful and take care of your mistress," Bertra said, trying to stifle a tear.

"Oh, Berta, stop worrying about us," Talessa chimed in, smiling warmly at her old maid. "Everything will be fine."

They were already mounted and had said goodbye to almost everyone when Elladan and Elrohir rode into the courtyard. Elrohir nodded politely to the dwarves as they passed, while his brother refused to acknowledge them. He went straight to Talessa, dismounted from his large stallion, and bowed before taking her hand.

"It saddens me that we didn't have more time together, my lady," he said somberly. "I want you to know I volunteered to escort you, but my father had other duties for me."

"You are very kind," replied Talessa, flustered by his sudden display of emotion. "I understand you have more important matters than to escort a group of travelers. I'm sure Ýrdor will take good care of us."

"He is one of our father's most trusted guards," said Elrohir from a few step behind, waving as he rode off. "Safe journey, cousin!"

At that moment, Thorin Oakenshield gave the signal, and the company set off.