Chapter 1- The Princess of the Elves
While the Dwarves were visiting Lord Elrond in Rivendell, there was another at that place as well. She came riding up not two days after the Dwarf Company had arrived at the Last Homely House. She was noble and it radiated from her. Coincidentally, the party of elves that greeted Bilbo and the Dwarves were the same and when she rode up, they were all taken aback and awed into a respectful silence, for she was not from that area nor did she often visit. They bowed low as she passed down the river. She wished to be shown to Lord Elrond. Four of them escorted her to his house, where the Dwarf Company was staying. However, she did not know this at the time.
When she walked into the dining hall of Elrond's house, she found all the dwarves, Bilbo, Gandalf, and the master of the home eating lunch.
"Lord Elrond." Her voice was quiet yet somehow so clear that everyone present stopped what they were doing- most of the dwarves were in mid-bite and the musicians' music faded.
"My Lady," Elrond stood up so quickly he had to steady himself. Gandalf followed his example and stood as well. She glided past the table of dwarves and stood before Elrond. He took her hand and gently pressed his lips against her fingers. She held her head a little higher and her cheeks gained a rosy color.
"My Lady, have you met Gandalf?"
"I don't believe I've had the pleasure."
Elrond released her hand and allowed Gandalf to take it. As Gandalf greeted her, Elrond spoke,
"I would like for all of you to meet Danona, the Princess of the Elves." She flushed as Elrond introduced her to those present. Gandalf gave as much of a bow as he could manage on account of the table.
"Thorin, please show the slightest respect and honor to Miss Danona." And Thorin did give the slightest show of respect and honor he could manage for an Elf. He ever-so-slightly bowed his head in her direction. She smiled and it seemed that her cheeks grew even pinker.
"I apologize for his behavior." Gandalf whispered to her.
"There is no need. I know my people and his have their disagreements."
"That's one way to put it, your highness." Thorin declared. He infused his words with blatant sarcasm.
"Yes, I agree, Thorin, King under the Mountain." Danona returned with as much curtness as Thorin. She even gave a bow. The others remained quiet and with good reason. Thorin and Danona's disdain for each other multiplied with each passing moment.
"Who are the others?" Danona asked in reference to the Dwarves sitting around the dinner tables. And, in turn, she was introduced to the other thirteen members. She returned her attention to Lord Elrond.
"Is there something wrong?" Elrond inquired.
"Hmm?" She sounded as if she were coming back from a dream. "Oh, my problems are not as pressing as your current company."
"Please," Gandalf interjected, "Do not let us keep your business waiting."
"I've waited this long. I can wait a few more hours." The four Elves that escorted her in then led her out and started down a hall. "Oh, Elrond!" Danona's disembodied voice called. She rushed back in with a wild look in her dark eyes but tried not to seem so worried. "Where is she?" A hint of panic in her voice.
"She is safe. Do you want to see her?" A smile pulled at the corners of his mouth.
"I woul-," she stopped short and regained composure, "It would bring me immense joy to see her." Danona smiled and the worry disappeared from her soft face. "One last thing, my lord."
"Anything, my lady."
"In the coming days, my ladies in-waiting will be arriving."
"There is enough room for all of you here, my Princess."
"Thank you, my lord." Danona looked longingly out across at the horizon- the sun was an orange red as it hung low in the dimming sky. "I think I will rest for a while."
"Very well, my lady."
"Good night, my Lady," Gandalf added.
"Farewell for now, Gandalf. Good bye Thorin Oakenshield and Company."
They simply bowed their heads in solemn acknowledgement of her salutation, took their seats again when she left, and continued their meal in silence.
"That was a rare thing to witness," Balin whispered under his breath.
"How so?" Asked Bilbo.
"The Southern Elves rarely leave their lands. Let alone travel by themselves to such a far distance."
Bilbo was quietly pondering what little he knew of any Southern Elves.
Balin continued, "Their population is greater than any other Elvish establishment and are seen as royalty. It would seem that Danona is a child of the head governor of the region."