Angel On Fire

Chapter 4 - Elves

The Company begins following the path. I hesitate for a moment before following after them. At times, we have difficulty going down the path. Suddenly the pathway eventually opens out into an open area; there is a valley below, and I feel my breath catch at the sheer beauty of the city nestled in against the rocks. I had never seen such a beautiful sight in my life. I had the sudden urge to rush down the path and over to experience the city, but I held myself back.

"The Valley of Imladris. In the Common Tongue, it's known by another name." Gandalf says sensing my excitement.

"Rivendell." Bilbo says amazement in his voice.

"Here lies the last Homely House east of the sea." Gandalf exclaims a smile on his lips.

"This was your plan all along, to seek refuge with our enemy." Thorin chimes in anger in his voice.

"You have no enemies here, Thorin Oakenshield. The only ill will to be found in this valley is that which you bring yourself."

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

"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."

I almost power walk down the path as we walk across a bridge and enter Rivendell. A few elves are seen strolling about. The dwarves and I look around uneasily. When we reach an entry like area a dark-haired elf walks down a flight of stairs and greets us. I find myself staring at him as they are different from any elves I have seen before.

"Mithrandir." The Elf says to Gandalf when he reaches us.

"Ah, Lindir!"

As Lindir and Gandalf greet each other, the dwarves murmur amongst themselves in distrust. Thorin whispers to Dwalin, "Stay sharp."

"Lastannem i athrannedh i Vruinen." (We heard you had crossed into the Valley.) Lindir says to Gandalf and I smile as I can understand him.

"I must speak with Lord Elrond." Gandalf replies.

"My lord Elrond is not here."

"Not here? Where is he?"

Suddenly, the Elvish horns from earlier are heard again. Our Group turns around and they see a group of armed horsemen approaching along the bridge at a rapid rate making Thorin yell out, "Ifridî bekâr! (Ready weapons!) Hold ranks!" The dwarves bunch up together into a tight circle with me shoved in the middle and their weapons pointed outward; The mounted Elves arrive and ride in circles around the dwarves. Eventually, they stop, and one elf, separates himself from the others.

I stare at him as he dismounts his black stallion. He was adorned in wine red armor with long raven hair that reaches down to the small of his back. His forehead adorned with a silver vine like crown. "Gandalf." The dark-haired elf says as he rides up to Gandalf who bows gracefully before saying, "Lord Elrond. Mellonnen! Mo evínedh?" (My friend! Where have you been?)

"Farannem 'lamhoth i udul o charad. Dagannem rim na Iant Vedui." (We've been hunting a pack of Orcs that came up from the South. We slew a number near the Hidden Pass.) 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 near." Elrond holds up an Orc sword and shows it to everyone, then hands it to Lindir.

"Ah, that may have been us." Gandalf says as Thorin steps forward, and Elrond looks upon him with recognition as he says, "Welcome Thorin, son of Thrain." Thorin tilts his head as he says, "I do not believe we have met."