A year before the time The Hobbit is supposed to take place, Elven-King Thranduil and his son Legolas as well as companions from Mirkwood come to Lothlóthrien. During their stay there, Thranduil and Legolas meet the youngest daughter of Lord Elrond...
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The roar of the falls remained in the distance as the surprisingly warm sun shone down on the Elven kingdom of Rivendell. The breeze blew through the trees, scattering leaves of flaming red, shining gold, and burnished bronze. In one of the many hallways, Lord Elrond and Mithrandir, the Grey Pilgrim, were speaking to each other. They were watching two hobbits conversing together. The hobbits walked away presently and Elrond commented, "His strength returns." He had healed Frodo Baggins of the poison in his wound.
Gandalf shook his head quickly saying, "His wound will never fully heal." Elrond glanced at him. "He will carry it for the rest of his life."
Elrond sighed and turned away abruptly, walking down the hall. "And yet to have come so far still bearing the Ring, the hobbit has shown extraordinary resilience to its evil." He had walked a few paces down to where a few book shelves, filled with books, surrounded a small wooden table where a candle stick, which was lit, the evening sun slanting golden rays through the window beyond it, and a silver tray, engraved with beautiful designs, held a small pitcher of wine and a few glasses. He filled up one of the glasses.
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"It is a burden he should have never have had to bear," Gandalf objected. "We can ask no more of Frodo," he added, gesturing with his smoking pipe to emphasize his words.
Elrond turned, his face set, and said sternly, "Gandalf, the enemy is moving. Sauron's forces are massing in the east. His eye is fixed on Rivendell. And Saruman, as you tell me, has betrayed us." Gandalf turned back to the window. Elrond was right. He continued, "Our list of allies grows thin."
Gandalf looked up suddenly, saying, "His treachery runs deeper than you know. By foul craft, Saruman has crossed orcs with goblin men. He's breeding an army in the caverns of Isengard, an army that can move in sunlight and travel great distances in speed. Saruman is coming for the Ring."
Elrond stared into the distance. "So she was right," he said softly, half to himself.
"Who?" Gandalf asked, puzzled.
Elrond stared at him. "My daughter, Celebwen," he explained. Then he changed the subject. "This evil cannot be concealed by the power of the Elves. We do not have the strength to fight both Mordor and Isengard." These last words were spoken anxiety. Gandalf walked away slowly, contemplating on Lord Elrond's words. "Gandalf," Elrond called. "The Ring cannot stay here."
Just then a clattering of hooves, thumps of people leaping down from their mounts, and two pairs of feet running up the stairs leading to the hallway could be heard. Gandalf and Elrond turned around to see Elrond's sons, Elladan and Elrohir standing in the doorway, panting for breath. Elrond spoke to them saying, "What news do you bring?"
Elladan spoke first. "The Nazgûl have left the surrounding area of Rivendell."
