The Hobbit: An Unexpected Reunion

Chapter 7

The underpass went on for a good long while. Some parts opened to cracks were the sun could light their way. They found no sign of the dwarves of the larger company, but they realized why when they at last emerged from the tunnel. Bilbo's mouth dropped with awe as it was revealed where Gandalf has led them. An expansive mansion rested in the shade of the white rock mountainside. Water fell from the rocks and between the large houses and the trees that grew beside them. Long white bridges led the way to the stately home and in the setting sun, it breathed of aesthetic serenity.

"The Valley of Imladris," Gandalf uttered, stepping out to look upon the great city. "In the Common Tongue, it is known by a different name."

"Rivendell," Bilbo answered, his voice full of wonder.

"Here lies the last Homely House east of the Sea," finished Gandalf.

"Thorin, look at it! Isn't it magnificent!" resounded Fróia, stepping up a few steps to stand with the company. Bilbo saw the rest of her people situated further down the mountainside, resting and checking each other for any injuries. A few dwarves, particularly the younger ones, were staring at the elf city.

Fróia and Mira were both amazed by the sight below them. Their father had visited Rivendell many times in his life before Smaug. He had constructed a few of their monuments and buildings and the elves appreciated his reverence for their traditions and knowledge.

"It is the home of Lord Elrond, the Ring-bearer of Vilya and the former Vice-regent and herald to Gil-galad. He was one of the few commanders that remained after the siege of Mordor long ago, when elves, men and dwarves all allied themselves to defeat the Dark Enemy. He is known for his wise counsel and it is rumored that he can heal almost any wound," Mira praised, remembering what her father had told her of the renowned elf lord.

"If there were any elves to be trusted, they died long ago! Or vanished when they took to their ships!" grumbled Gloin, ever distrustful of elves.

"Trustworthy or not, Lord Elrond has a fine house," said Kili, coming to stand next to his brother and Mira. "What else can you tell me about it?"

As Mira quietly told Kili more about the master of the Last Homely House, Fróia watched as Thorin glared up at Gandalf, having moved to stand before the wizard.

"This was your plan all along," perceived the dwarf, "To seek refuge with our enemy."

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

Bilbo didn't alter his mute expression, but his eyes flittered to his leader at Gandalf's words. Then he saw Fróia shift a bit closer to overhear the conversation and their eyes met. The she-dwarf sighed as if she had a very good inkling of how the next part of their journey would go. And she should; she and Thorin had talked many times about the elves who lived near Erebor and she knew more than anyone how strong his grudge had developed. The hobbit was increasingly curious to how Fróia and Mira would conduct themselves in the presence of dwarves; he suspected differently compared to their kin.

"Do you think the elves will give our quest their blessing?" Thorin scoffed. "They will try to stop us."

"Of course they will," agreed the wizard. "But we have questions that need to be answered." Thorin looked at him but sighed in unenthusiastic acceptance. Bilbo had to give the dwarf credit for acknowledging that their quest was thoroughly planned.

Seeing that Thorin was willing to go along with this next part of their journey, Gandalf stated, "If we are to be successful, this will need to be handled with tact, and respect, and no small degree of charm." As he uttered those last few words, Bilbo watched Fróia fail to hold back a grin. "Which is why you will leave the talking to me." Fróia chuckled to herself, but it did not go unheard by Thorin or Gandalf.