Victoria in Middle Earth

Chapter Eleven

At the end of the tunnel, "The Valley of Imraldis. In the Common Tongue, it's known by a another name." says Gandalf. "Rivendell." says Bilbo. 

"Here lies the last Homely House east of the sea." says Gandalf. "This was your plan all along, to seek refuge with our enemy." says Thorin. "You have no enemies here, Thorin Oakenshield. The only ill­will to be found in this valley is that which you bring yourself." Gandalf replays. 

"You think the Elves will give our quest their blessing? They will try to stop us." Thorin tells Gandalf. 

"Of course they will. But we have questions that need to be answered. If we are to be successful, this will need to be handled with tact and respect and no small degree of charm. Which is why you will leave the talking to me." says Gandalf. 

The Company walks across a bridge and enters Rivendell. A few elves are seen strolling about. Bilbo gazes in awe at the beauty of the place. The dwarves look uneasy.

A dark haired Elf walks down a flight of stairs and greets them. "Mithrandir." says Lindir. "Ah, Lindir!" says Gandalf. 

 As Lindir and Gandalf greet each other, the dwarves murmur amongst themselves in distrust. Thorin whispers to Dwalin. "Stay sharp." says Thorin to the other Dwarves Victoria and Bilbo. "We heard you had crossed into the Valley." said Lindir in Elvish. 

 "I must speak with Lord Elrond." says Gandalf. "My lord Elrond is not here." says Lindir. "Not here? Where is he?" asks Gandalf. 

Suddenly, the Elvish horns from earlier are heard again. The Company turns around and they see a group of armed horsemen approaching along the bridge at a rapid rate. "Hold ranks!" said Thorin in Dwarfish. 

The dwarves bunch up together into a tight circle with their weapons pointed outward; the mounted Elves arrive and ride in circles around the dwarves. Eventually, they stop, and one elf, Elrond, separates himself from the others.

"Gandalf." says Elrond. Gandalf bows gracefully. "My friend! Where have you been?" asked Gandalf. 

"We've been hunting a pack of Orcs that came up from the South. We slew a number near the Hidden Pass." Elrond answers. Elrond dismounts from his horse, then he and Gandalf hug. "Strange for Orcs to come so close to our borders. Something, or someone, has drawn them ear." says Elrond. 

He holds up an Orc sword and shows it to everyone, then hands it to Lindir. "Ah, that may have been us." says Gandalf. Thorin steps forward, and Elrond looks upon him with recognition. "Welcome Thorin, son of Thrain." says Elrond. "I do not believe we have met." says Thorin.

"You have your grandfather's bearing. I knew Thror when he ruled under the Mountain." says Elrond. "Indeed; he made no mention of you." Thorin tells him. Ignoring this insult, Elrond turns to the Dwarves and, "Light the fires, bring forth the wine. We must feed our guests." says Elrond in Elvish. 

"What is he saying? Does he offer us insult?" says Gloin. The dwarves grow bellicose and grip their weapons uneasily. Gandalf speaks exasperatedly. "No, master Gloin, he's offering you food." says Gandalf. 

The Dwarves quickly discuss this amongst themselves. "Ah well, in that case, lead on." says Gloin. And the Dwarves, Victoria, Bilbo and Gandalf follow the Elves to a dinning room laid out with a feast. When they sat down, "Where's the meat?" Dwalin asks.

But on the other side of the room Victoria sat down at the table with Thorin, Gandalf and Elrond. Where Gandalf showed Elrond the swords Thorin found in the Troll hoard. Elrond examines the swords they found in the Troll hoard. He looks at Orcrist first. 

"This is Orcrist, the Goblin Cleaver. A famous blade, forged by the High Elves of the West, my kin. May it serve you well." said Elrond. He hands Orcrist back to Thorin, who accepts it with a nod. Elrond then examines Gandalf's sword. Glamdring. 

"And this is Glamdring, the Foe­hammer, sword of the King of Gondolin. These swords were made for the Goblin Wars of the First Age." said Elrond then he took Victoria's sword. He looks at it for a long time. "Elrond?" said Gandalf, looking at Elrond. 

"Yeah." said Elrond looking at Gandalf then back at the sword. 

"This is Anglachel. The flaming star. It is a very powerful blade. Only one with a true heart can wield it." says Elrond looking at Victoria, as he hands the sword back to her.