Bloodstained (Thorin x OC)

Elvish Advice

"Aldol." Lord Elrond said with a smile as the trio entered into Rivendell and climbed down from their mounts.

"You've been waiting for us?" Gandalf asked.

"Indeed." Elrond responded. "I received word this morning that you three were seen heading for the valley, no doubt weary from your travels." They followed him past the gates and into the elven city, where two other elves took their horses to the stables for them.

"A place to rest for a few nights would be greatly appreciated, yes." Agarwaen smiled politely.

"How about we all talk over supper, hm? I've heard of the battle that transpired at the mountain, but I would delight in hearing of it from those who were actually there."

The four then gathered on the garden pavilion, the same one that Agarwaen first met the dwarves on, and were fed well while telling Lord Elrond of the quest and the war.

"And they all lived?" The elf lord said more as a statement than a question.

"All thanks to Agarwaen, yes." Gandalf nodded.

"It was very noble of you to be willing to give your life for those who have mistreated you so."

"If I've learned anything, it...it's that dwarves can be extremely suspicious, secretive, and slow to trust. It's just a part of them, and sometimes they have to be that way because of how their kind is treated by others. But...once you earn their trust, and you prove yourself a friend, they're loyal to a fault and they love their friends and family so fiercely, that it's...it's quite honestly an honor to be considered their friend and I can ask nothing more of them." Agarwaen replied, missing the company even more now. Elrond nodded, thinking over her words.

"And you, master hobbit, what have you gained from this venture?" He asked.

"O-oh, me? Well...I suppose it's something of...uncovering parts inside me that I had no idea were there." Bilbo began. "I-I found courage, bravery beyond measure, and I found a longing for adventure. I think I've had my fill for now, however. A quest like this was enough to last several lifetimes, but...I'm glad I came. And I do not regret it one bit, not at all, no. I also found friends. The most unlikely, strange, boisterous, happy, and loyal bunch I'll ever know." He looked to Agarwaen with a smile. "And I would not trade this past year for anything in the world."

They talked there on the pavilion until night fell, and then separated to go to the rooms they'd been given, all except for Agarwaen at least. She left merely to stand on a balcony, overlooking the elven city that was illuminated by moonlight.

"Agarwaen." She heard Lord Elrond call from behind her. She turned to look at him and nodded in greeting. "You wish to speak to me, alone?" He had felt her need for answered questions since the moment she arrived, but felt they were personal questions so he waited until later to see her about it.

"Yes." She responded as he motioned for her to follow him, glad that he'd picked up on her emotions.

"You feel torn in two separate directions." He said as they sat at a small table.

"You've looked into my future, I know you have." Agarwaen began, straight to the point. "What did you see?" Elrond lowered his head but did not break eye contact with her.

"You know it is unwise for me to say."

"I need to know."

"Nothing is set in stone. What I have seen may never come, and for one to know what their own future holds..."

"Forgive me for saying such, but be vague. Speak in riddles for all I care, I just need to know where to go."

"You already know where to go."