Avalain looked up from the letter she was writing and glanced out the window. Everything was the same as it had been just a few minutes ago; the leaves were lightly rustling in the wind, the chirping birds were still perched outside her window, and the very air radiated with a sense of peace. It seemed like nothing would change for an eternity.
With a sigh, she pored over what she had written to Legolas… Most of it was rambling about how much she missed him; do you know if you shall have time to visit one year?
As childish as she might have sounded, it had been ten years since last he visited, and Avalain was becoming quite bored with the stagnant ways of Rivendell. She longed for her best friend, but she honestly had no idea what else to say. Because of that, she remembered what she was worried about.
Her father was off on one of his Hunts again. It was the fourth time in a month that Lord Elrond had rode out with his members to track down rogue Orcs. The Orcs, thought she bitterly, certainly enjoyed prowling Elvish lands of late.
Because of her worried thoughts, Avalain could no longer concentrate. After a few more minutes, declared she, "I can sit here no longer." And with that, she whisked out of her room in search of solace.
Before long, Avalain found herself by the waterfall, where she and Legolas would escape to when they wanted to be alone. It was also the place she first convinced Legolas to train her in the skill of archery and, with a little persuasion, sword-fighting.
For a while, she remained there, comforted by the crashing water.
But not even the waterfall could mask the unmistakable sound of an Elvish hunting horn as it was blown.
Avalain's eyes launched open, and she squinted down at the entrance to Rivendell to see a number of people gathered at the silver gate.
A feeling of excitement washed over her—for some reason, Avalain felt like this was the change she had been waiting for. She could practically feel the difference in the air; without further delay she raced down the paths to get to the entrance of the city, laughing as she went.
Once Avalain reached the stairs that would lead her to the pavilion, however, she stopped. A familiar voice caught her ear—her father's. "Strange for Orcs to come so close to our borders," said he in Elvish.
The reply was from a voice that she had not heard in ages.
"Ah, that may have been us!"
"Gandalf?" whispered Avalain confusedly. She could not fathom why he was in Rivendell, unannounced, after so long a separation. Although, she laughed to herself, wizards were rather notorious for appearing on their own whims.
Not wishing to expose herself and ruin a surprise reunion with the wizard she had come to love as a father, Avalain grinned and concealed herself behind a bush. She carefully pried a branch aside and almost gasped aloud at what she saw.
Gandalf was not alone. With him stood a dozen Dwarves—only one was a girl, and there was another beside them who was no Dwarf, but a Halfling.
One of the Dwarves stepped forward. He was rather familiar…
Her father apparently recognized the Dwarf. "Welcome Thorin, son of Thrain."
"I do not believe we have met," said Thorin. He did not seem pleased to be conversing with an Elf. Avalain narrowed her eyes—he ought to show some respect.
Lord Elrond, however, did not appear offended. "You have your grandfather's bearing. I knew Thror when he ruled under the mountain."
"Indeed?" scoffed the Dwarf. "He made no mention of you."
Avalain frowned, not quite sure why this Dwarf was being so rude to her father. King Under the Mountain or not, he was still in the presence of an Elvish Lord.
She looked at her father to see how he would take this… She almost laughed aloud when he began speaking in Elvish. Although he was being quite polite, offering the Dwarves food and shelter, the Dwarves obviously believed he was saying something else.
"What is he saying?" growled one of the other Dwarves. "Does he offer us insult?!"
The rest of the Dwarves exclaimed in shock and raised their weapons.
"No, Master Gloin," responded Gandalf, a hint of laughter in his tone, "He's offering you food."
Hearing this, the Dwarves all circled round each other as if discussing.
"Ah," said the Dwarf named Gloin. "Well, in that case, lead on."
Avalain could hold it back no longer—she laughed.
Only a few of the people below seemed to hear her: Gandalf, Thorin, her father Elrond, the Halfling, and a young Dwarf with blond hair. The rest did not seem to have heard her outburst, and they followed Lindir with a fair bit of grumbling.
While they passed, Avalain stood off to the side. She was rather curious as to why they were in Rivendell… They would certainly be a change to the city. She sincerely hoped it would be a good change; something that would raise her spirits.
The Halfling noticed her standing as he approached. He gave her a small smile, which Avalain returned. She waved and mouthed, Welcome.
He smiled and moved on with the rest of his companions. It was the young blond Dwarf who noticed her next. He stopped in his tracks and gave her a suspicious look—one that highly resembled Thorin Oakenshield's.
Avalain could not help but laugh at the resemblance. She turned her head to see if this Dwarf and Thorin were related at all, for it would explain much they seemed to have in common.
That very Thorin Oakenshield tromped up to the blond Dwarf just then. "Come on, Fili," muttered he, placing a hand on Fili's shoulders.
Fili seemed to hesitate, a puzzled look still on his face as he gazed at Avalain. It appeared he did not know what to make of her yet—hoping that he would not despise her the way Thorin Oakenshield seemed to despise Elves, she waved and smiled just as she had done with the hobbit.
A slight smile appeared on his face before he followed Thorin.
The third and fourth Dwarves to spot her did not smile. The female Dwarf and the young black-haired archer both cocked their heads curiously. Although Avalain waved at them both, the girl only sniffed and followed Thorin while the young archer had a smile identical to Fili's as he walked past.
"They must be brothers," murmured Avalain to herself. She watched the backs of the Dwarves and figured that statement could be true for many of them.
But she was brought out of her thoughts by a laugh from a certain wizard. "If I am not mistaken, it is my wonderful pupil, Avalain Nightshade."
When she turned, she saw a smile upon Gandalf's face. A grin broke out over her own as she exclaimed, "Gandalf!" and embraced him happily. She was laughing because he was—"It is a surprise to see you, though a most welcome one," added she, gesturing to the city behind her. "It's been many long years."
"Two hundred," sighed Gandalf. "You are right—many long years. I take it you are well?"
"Too well, I'm afraid," sighed Avalain. "What with your and Legolas's appearances being so scarce, I've been quite ready for a change. You do not know how very glad I am you've come."
Gandalf chuckled, though it was a hesitant and careful one. "I do hope you will forgive me in advance for any trouble this company of Dwarves might bring you."
"Why do you say that?" frowned Avalain. "And why are they with you?"
There was no doubt that this last question made the wizard uncomfortable. He smiled nervously way he always did whenever faced with a conundrum. "They may be a bit difficult to warm up to. As for your second question, these Dwarves are simple merchants wishing to visit their kin in the Iron Hills."
"Thorin Oakenshield included?"
"Thorin Oakenshield included."
"And I am Queen Under the Mountain," muttered Avalain under her breath. She could read the wizard's face loud and clear—there was a reason he was shielding the Dwarvish Company's true purpose from her father.
The wizard stopped short and gazed at Avalain. "Upon my word," he murmured. "It appears I have not been gone long enough to deceive you."
"You shall never be able to deceive me," grinned Avalain, "Though it appears you have been gone long enough to forget something about me."
Gandalf raised an eyebrow. "And what is that?"
She smirked. "It appears you are worried that I shall tell Father what you are doing." Seeing Gandalf's look of mild surprise, she added, "You are quite incorrect. Since when have I ever told Father about your dangerously exciting adventures?"
Seeing the look of relief upon the wizard's face, Avalain smiled coyly and turned to the palace. Over her shoulder, she said, "You are, of course, invited to dinner for as many nights as you wish. The Dwarves and the Halfling too—I have no doubt you are all weary and famished after such a journey."
Leaving the wizard, Avalain rushed up to her room, where she swiftly finished her letter to Legolas and changed into her evening dress before heading to the pavilion for what would surely be, what with the visit of a dozen Dwarves, a most entertaining supper.
