A Hobbit's Tale-Thorin's P.O.V.

14-Rivendell

Anya was riding with an elf on a horseback. I could tell the others were shocked as well but the wizard seemed calm & the hobbit was smiling? Wait a minute, did the girl know this elf? What in Durin's name is going on? My eyes were fixed on the girl as she got off the horse while that elf was talking to Gandalf in Elvish language. They embraced as friends do. I was surprised to know that he was this Lord Elrond whom Gandalf keeps mentioning about. Is he courting Anya Hadin currently? I fumed inwardly, I hope not.
Lord Elrond: "Strange to have orcs so near our border, something or someone must have driven them near."
Gandalf: "Ah, that must have been us, I'm sure Anya must have given you the details."
Lord Elrond:(Smiling fondly at her)"Indeed she did. It is always a pleasure to have my former pupil to come to visit Rivendell, now & then."
I frowned as he refered Anya as his former pupil? I could not help staring at her as she bowed slightly at him in respect, smiling. She must sense me staring for she turned to look at me, frowning. At the same time so did this Lord Elrond, here we go.
Lord Elrond: "Welcome, Thorin, son of Thrain."
Okay, so he knows me but this is the first time we have met. This should be interesting.
Thorin: "I believe we have never met!"
Lord Elrond: "You have your grandfather's bearings. I knew Thror when he ruled as the King under the mountains."
Thorin: "Indeed, but he never mentioned you."
In the corner of my eye I saw Anya frown slightly. Part of me felt a little bad at the way I spoke with him in front of her. No matter he is an elf. Lord Elrond kept looking at me, then he said something in Elvish.
Gloin:(Growling)"What he says? Does he offer us an insult?"
Anya: "No, Master Gloin, he is offering you some food."
I raised my eyebrows at this offer, as we discussed this amongst us.
Gloin: "In that case, very well. Lead on."
As we went inside I saw Anya head inside talking to that elf who had greeted Gandalf first when we had arrived, I did not like it. Everyone else wandered about while an elf servant I assume led me inside. Reluctantly I followed him, he gestured me to a room to freshen up for lunch. I went inside, it took me an hour though. As I came out searching for others, I overheard a couple of elves talking, I listened. They were talking about my friends how they have been spotted taking their baths in their water fountain. Lord Elrond & this Linder saw them, I smirked at this. Missed all the fun though. No sign of the girl guess she will join us at the table then. Soon I found Gandalf with Lord Elrond having a conversation, they stopped once they saw me approaching them. Lord Elrond slightly bowed his head at me, surprised me yet I did the same. Gandalf told me that the company were already seated saving us & Anya. As we were approaching the area I was merely looking about this place, then I heard light footsteps heading towards us. Turning to look I froze right there, it was Anya with a smile on her face. She was wearing a full length sky-blue dress, making her skin glow, her long black hair was open & free. She wasn't wearing any jewelry except the small golden ear-rings & no make-up. I blinked twice unable tear my gaze away from her as she came closer. She looked like a vision, a nymph. Lord Elrond & Gandalf also smiled as she came near them. Lord Elrond stepped forward to hold her hands in his. That for some reason I did not like it, I cannot explain this feeling in my chest, yet I tried to restrain myself. I listened as Lord Elrond praised Anya's beauty & confidence in growing up in front of his eyes. I frowned when he mentioned how Gandalf had brought her here to live in Rivendell, both her & her older brother after their family's demise about 20 years ago. Does that mean she grew up here among these elves. I could not help staring at her lovely face, she briefly glanced at me but then she averted her gaze. Ookay, what was that for? Next Lord Elrond took out a box from his robes.
Lord Elrond: "I have been keeping this as a token which your parents had given to me. They wished to give this to you once you came of age but I believe that now would be a right time."
I watched curiously as the elf removed a golden locket with a golden chain. My hands turned into fists as I saw him placing the chain around her slender neck. They both smiled as she opened the locket, I saw tears form in her eyes, next she hugged the elf. I felt as if someone had punched me hard in my stomach. I clenched my jaws to calm myself. A part of me wished that should've been me but I know that is not possible. My inner voice spoke up: 'Get over yourself, Thorin. It is obvious that these two were close. This Lord Elrond knew Anya Hadin's parents well.' Obviously, that confounded wizard knew this also but why did he not tell me! I focused myself to remain calm since I was a guest here. The girl was hugging the wizard who wiped her tears away, her tears of joy.
Lord Elrond: "Come, the lunch is being served."
Gandalf placed Anya's hand on his arm & they smiled as we followed Lord Elrond towards the table.
Gandalf: "So kind of you to invite us even though I'm not properly dressed for the occasion."
Lord Elrond: "You never are."
I was trailing behind Gandalf & Anya who not once even glanced back at me. I kept staring at her back, her long black hair flowed free down her back just below her hips. My fingers itched to touch them, feel their silky strands. I noticed she had braided her hair, what would it be like if...Whoa there, not so fast, Thorin Oakenshield. Stop thinking about her that way, she means nothing. Just focus on your main purpose & get that map deciphered somehow, I inwardly winced at the reprimand from my inner voice. I hid my amusement as I saw everyone staring at Anya, she was a beauty, yet Anya glared at them once she seated.
Anya: "You better close your mouths before the flies land in them."
That made them snap out of it even my friend Dwalin flinched, I could sense some amusement in the girl's voice as she spoke. I sat down to her right side while Lord Elrond to my right. I could hear my friends complaining about lunch lacking meat, I sighed, elves! Then Lord Elrond examined the swords we had found in the troll's cave. Mine was named Orcrist, the Goblin Cleaver, an appropriate name.
Lord Elrond: "Forged by the High elves in Gondolin in the West, my kin. May it serve you well."
I was taken aback at his kind words yet I bowed my head slightly in respect as he handed the sword to me. As for Gandalf's sword was called Glamdring made for the King of Gondolin of the first age, interesting. Without meaning to I kept glancing at Anya who was oblivious of my presence. I was beginning to feel agitated at her behavior either she was playing games with me or just plain ignoring me. Not interested in Gandalf's & Lord Elrond's conversation about us being attacked by the orc pack in the Great East Road. I excused myself & stood up, that was then Anya looked at me frowning. She was really getting under my skin, she was like a puzzle which needs to be solved. By me, I suppose, each day I was being drawn much closer to her. In some way she is connected to my past but I could not put my finger on it, her eyes were so familiar to me. I took out my flask to take a swig of my drink, I glanced back at the girl, I need to talk to her. Find out more about her past, about her & what she feels about me. Why did she join us? By now I was getting pretty much irritated by this pathetic excuse for an entertainment, their music, ugh! Then Bofur jumped on the table & began to sing an old diddy song, familiar to our ears. The elves did not look pleased once Bofur began singing & everyone began tossing the food about. One piece narrowly missed Anya but instead of being offended she was enjoying this, I smiled at this. Once the optimistic dwarf ended the song Anya stood up to clap her hands & Bofur bowed at her removing his hat, I just rolled my eyes. Pretty soon we had dispersed, I began to explore Rivendell a bit, it was a charming place but it is nothing compared to Erebor. I heard some slight voices not far behind me, turning my head I saw Anya with that hobbit, talking. It annoyed me no doubt, I was about to head in their direction when I heard someone calling me. Turning, it was Balin with Gandalf beckoning me to come over. Sighing I turned to look at Anya who was walking elsewhere without the hobbit. Momentarily relieved I walked towards Balin & the wizard. Our meeting with Lord Elrond was tonight, regarding our map, this should be interesting. But I still was not too sure if he should be trusted despite his friendship with the girl! Anya Hadin.

1642 words!