The White Rider (Thorin Oakenshield)

Chapter Five: Rivendell and Angry Rocks

Thorin carried Adelaide quickly down the path that led to Rivendell. She was losing blood fast, her face is very pale. She kept mumbling things in her fevered sleep. An elf was walking down the stairs to meet the company.

"Mithrandir."

"Lindir. We need to speak with Lord Elrond," Gandalf said, gripping his staff.

"Lord Elrond is not here." The elf's eyes landed on Adelaide. "She is injured. We can take her to our infirmary," he said.

Another elf, a female, came up to Thorin, holding her arms out for Adelaide. He reluctantly placed her in the elf's arms, and watched as she swiftly carried her to the infirmary.

Thorin jumped when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to see Balin smiling softly at him. "The elves will make her good as new, Thorin."

The Dwarf King nodded. "I know."

Horses started across the bridge, and the dwarves gathered into a circle, weapons at the ready.

One of the elves dismounted, and approached Gandalf.

"Mithrandir."

"Lord Elrond." The two conversed in elvish for a minute, and Lord Elrond turned to the company, saying something in his native tongue.

Dwalin turned red. "Is he threatening us?!" He demanded, brandishing his axe.

Gandalf sighed, and looked at the company. "No. He is offering you food."

"Then what are we waiting for?!"

•••

Adelaide woke up in a large, white room, lying on a soft bed. Rivendell, she thought.

Soft footsteps approached her from her right, and she turned her head to see an elleth, with long brown hair, walking towards her, carrying a bundle of clothing. "Oh! You're awake! I have brought you a dress to change into while your clothing is being washed." Adelaide just noticed she was only in her underclothes, under the sheets. The wrap around her chest that she had been using to hide her breasts was gone, which would explain why it was easier for her to breathe.

"Thank you...er..." She didn't learn the elleth's name.

She smiled at her. "I am Ellora."

Adelaide smiled. "Thank you, Ellora."

"It was no trouble. Once you get dressed, you can head on down to the balcony, where your friends are being served dinner." With that, Ellora smiled, and left Adelaide to get dressed in the beautiful gown that she had placed on the foot of the bed. A pair of shoes was placed by a mirror.

Adelaide shivered as her bare feet touched the cold marble floor. She slipped the dress over her head, and walked over to the mirror. She gaped at herself. The blue of the dress matched the blue of her eyes and hugged her slim, small frame perfectly. Her hair was still in the messy bun she tied it in when they were still in the Shire. She untied it, and ran a comb through it. It tumbled down her back like a golden waterfall. She slipped her feet into the shoes, and made her way to the balcony, which contained a large dining table, which was covered in a mess of food.

Bofur was the first to notice her, seeing the light reflecting brightly off of her golden hair. "Oh my Durin," he breathed, dropping the roll he was about to bite into back onto his plate.

Nori waved his hand in front of his face. "Bofur? What is it? Did Bombur flash you again?"

Bofur slowly raised his hand to point at the beautiful girl approaching the company.