I'm back! Sorry, this chapter took a little longer to get posted. Usually, when I post a chapter I already have the next one all typed out, leaving me to only have to proof read it a few times and edit before posting; I only had a small portion done this time. That being said, this chapter may be a little less refined than the previous two but I'm hoping that it will be no less enjoyable. Not wanting to put it off any longer, I only ran it through Word's spell/grammar check, which isn't always reliable. Well I hope the length of this chapter makes up for its tardiness.
Enjoy!
Any hopes of Prim's that they'd have no more excitement for the rest of their journey was quickly dashed. Only an hour had passed since their troll encounter and in that time they had visited the trolls' cave and then quickly the stink and sat down for a nice breakfast. They had only just finished packing everything away when Gandalf alerted them; something was coming...and fast. The sounds of twigs snapping and branches being whipped and crashed through by something speeding through the brush quickly confirmed Gandalf's warning. They all braced for the worst but what came crashing out of the forest was nothing any of them could have guessed. It was a man riding a sled that was being led by a team of large rabbits and shouting all sorts of alarms. Primrose had never seen such a thing nor had the dwarves, judging by their shocked expressions. Gandalf was the sole person who did not look shocked to see the odd sight, he did however look relieved. If Prim and the dwarves had to guess, the two appeared to know each other. "Radaghast," the old gray wizard sighed, confirming their suspicions, "What are you doing here?" By the change in Gandalf's voice, it was obvious this acquaintance of his was the last person he expected to see and he wasn't quite comfortable
"Gandalf, I came looking for you!" Radaghast exclaimed nervously, his eyes large. Prim cringed seeing what looked to be dried bird droppings on the side of his forehead, matting his hair. "I've got something to tell you!"
"Well what is it?" Gandalf asked kindly, though there was an undertone that Prim picked up on that hinted to him not wanting to speak to the man in brown.
"It's-" the brown wizard paused, "I mean to tell you that-" Radaghast paused again, his scraggly eyebrows furrowing in confusion. He stood there with his mouth opening, trying to recover his thought for a long moment, before suddenly stomping his foot and snapping his fingers. "Oh I had it was right there! I had a thought, right there on the tip of my tongue! What was it?" He whined miserably and fumbled and fidgeted then went strangely still. "Oh!" he squeaked, he mouth opened slowly, "It wasn't a thought at all, it was a lil ol' stick insect!" He ended by sticking out his tongue to reveal the long, twig-like body of a stick insect. It crawled further out onto the man's tongue and Prim had to turn away suddenly with the sudden urge to gag. Gandalf, unfazed picked up the bug from Radaghast's tongue and placed it on the brown wizard's waiting hand. "Gandalf, we need to speak about this..." his eyes darted over to the dwarves before returning to Gandalf.
Prim, once recovered from the sight of an insect crawling out of a man's mouth, found herself highly curious to what Radaghast had to tell Gandalf. The two stood a ways off, Radaghast talking expressively about something and Gandalf listening with an intent and thoughtful look, while smoking his pipe. She tried her hardest not to eaves drop but she always could see the pair out of the corner of her eye. It was driving her wide with curiosity. Prim desperately tried to keep herself occupied by listening to the gossip of the dwarves and by reorganizing the contents of her knapsack around but it only gave her an outlet for her antsy-ness. After a while, Prim's need to listen in to the wizards' discussion faded as time went on and the two were still talking to one another. There was still a whispering in her mind that she could probably get close enough to hear but it wasn't worth the effort and she was beginning to wish they would just stop their chattering.
As if answering her plea, a noise sounded off in the nearby distance. A howl.
Primrose jumped and retreated closer to some of her dwarf companions, who were all on guard with weapons drawn. "Was that a wolf? Are there wolves around here?"
Bofur, who was the nearest one towards her, shook his head, "No. That's no wolf..." Another howl sounded and an out sprang one of the most terrifying creatures Prim had ever seen in her entire life. She had thought the same when she encountered the trolls but now, seeing this giant, wolf-like monster, Prim found her wishing that it was a troll again. The dwarves were quick to react and though a second creature appeared, they were able to deal with both without any harm being done to anyone.
"Warg scouts," Thorin growled, pulling his blade out from the head of one of the beasts, "that means an orc pack is not far behind."
"Orc pack?" Prim asked, "What does it mean?"
"It means, Miss Took, we are being hunted." Gandalf growled before storming over to Thorin, "Who else, besides your kin, knows of your quest?"
"No one." Thorin said darkly.
"Who did you tell?" the wizard pressed, his anger surprising Primrose.
"No one! I swear."
The two stared at each other for a short moment, Gandalf looking into to Thorin's eyes as if trying to gain the truth but soon turned away, "We must move. Now."
"We can't." a voice piped out, it was Ori and he was sliding down from an embankment, "The ponies have run off!"
The urgency of the situation increased tenfold and everyone looked for one another for an idea or plan, which none could offer. It didn't need to be said, they all knew the hopelessness that they faces, the certainty of death without their ponies. None could stomach to say otherwise. It was Radaghast, as strange as it sounded to be the first to speak, and it was not of the hopelessness of the situation but of hope and a plan. "I'll lead them off!"
Gandalf huffed, no longer in the mood to put up the brown wizard's oddness, "These are Gundabad wargs, they will out run you."
Radaghast stood up tall and a sly smirk grew on his face and he motioned back at his rabbits, "These are Rhosgobel rabbits, I'd like to see them try."
Everything was a mass of emotions and a blur of color, fear being the strongest of several emotions Prim was currently under the pressure of. Radaghast had kept to his promise and gave the warg-riding orcs something to chase while they made their escape, and while the brown wizard's rabbits could not be out ran by the wargs, they could be matched. In fact, from the glimpses Primrose caught of Radaghast and the pursuing orcs, they were equally matched in speed which forced the wizard to zig-zag and weave in, out and around the massive rocks and boulders that stuck out of the ground. All the dodging and back tracking Radaghast was performing to keep ahead of the wargs was causing quite a bit of a problem for Thorin and Company. They would be just making for the safety of the shadows of another rock formation and the brown wizard would shoot past them, bringing the wargs trailing after him, making the dwarves, Prim and Gandalf scrambling back. In those desperate moments, Prim wasn't the only one thinking that they would have been better off without Radaghast's help.
Eventually, they all found themselves sliding down into a cave that Gandalf had found just in the nick of time. The orcs had been alerted to them after Kili had to dispense of a warg and its rider when it had strayed from the pack and caught their scent. Thankfully, the rest of the pack had been a fair distance off when they heard the last shrieks of their brethren, which gave Prim and the others some precious time to make a run for it. The wargs and orcs caught and had all but surrounded the group. The majority of the pack seemed to be taking their time, making their circle around them gradually smaller, savoring the kill to come. They had been waiting for this moment, Prim could tell by the sounds of their growls and excited, bloody thirsty grin. She had drawn her sword at some point and was standing at the ready as the dwarves were but unlike them, Primrose hadn't the slightest knowledge of how to use her weapon, but her will to survive was as strong as anyone else in their company.
"He's gone! Gandalf's disappeared!"
Everyone looked around, searching for the familiar pointed gray hat but saw nothing.
"He's abandoned us!" Dwalin growled as he brought his hammer down on the head of a warg whose patience had run out.
Prim gave out a throaty gasp as she felt a hand grab the back of her cloak and yank her back hard. She stumbled and regained her footing before looking up, wide eyed at Thorin who had yanked back into the center of the dwarves. "Stay back." he ordered gruffly, never taking his eyes off the orcs and the wargs that accompanied them. Primrose hadn't even realized the others had tightened their formation, leaving her off alone until Thorin had pulled her back. She was glad of it for Thorin had barely enough time to release the back of her cloak when another restless warg bore down on him. The dwarf prince must have seen the attack coming for the warg met with steel instead of dwarf flesh and a few quick, well place strikes; Thorin was ready for the next onslaught.
The number of orcs and wargs who strayed from their own ranks grew until the point where there was always a dwarf matched against one. It wouldn't be much longer until the whole pack came upon them.
"Over here you fools!" a familiar voice called out to them, they all looked to see Gandalf's head popping out of some opening in one of the rocks and cried out in relief.
"Go!" Thorin cried to his kin, urging them to retreat to Gandalf who had managed to find a hidden cave. The cave was more or less a large crack in the rock, mostly hidden from sight. The entrance was sloped so they all had to slide down the rock face to get inside. Gandalf had slid inside almost immediately after alerted them, followed by Bombur then Bofur, who in turn made sure Primrose's landing was as rough as there's had been because of the short drop off just above the cave floor. Kili and Thorin were the last to slide down into the cave and all thirteen dwarves had their weapons aimed at the entrance, expecting the orcs to come sliding in after them. That idea was ideal for the dwarves for the opening to the cave was only large enough for one to slide down at a time, making it easy for the dwarves to kill them but they never got the chance. Thorin had just had time to turn towards the entrance when horns sounded in the distance followed by the surprised grunts and screams of orcs and the thundering of hooves. Above them the sounds of battle were easily heard and it easy to tell who had the upper hand from the cries of orc and warg alike. It was a slaughter and Primrose felt no pity for the orcs and the beasts they rode but she did feel fear for she did not know whether the newcomers were friend or foe.
The battle didn't last for long and had left the dwarves, Gandalf and our little hobbit undisturbed. The only fright they truly had during that time when an orc, who had been shot by arrow, off his warg, fell down into the cave. They had no idea in that moment whether the creature was still alive and if it would spring at them at any moment. That fear was easily calmed after seeing the arrow stuck deeply in its thick neck. Thorin easily recognized the arrow of being elvish and didn't care to hide the grimace as he threw it in disgust. After checking one another for injuries, they were off down a tunnel that Dwalin had found at the back of the cave. The fact that no one besides Gandalf had asked Primrose if she was well had made her spirits quite low, it was true that Thorin did not like her and that could be said for a few of the other dwarves but she thought Fili, Kili and Bofur liked her well enough to be concerned for well-being but they were more concerned about the other dwarves. It drove the nail home for Primrose, like a voice yelling her at that she would never be one of them. They would never worry about her as they did each other, she was no dwarf. She was a hobbit and above that, she was a woman.
It was strange, Prim found herself feeling more light-hearted as moved through the tunnel, which had turned more into a crevice. It was a tight fit and Bombur got stuck on several occasions and had to be pushed and pulled to get unstuck again. The walls on either side reached up towards the sky and opened into a narrow crack which the sun shone down from. The air was surprisingly light for being in such a close space which made their trek more pleasant. Primrose still felt the sting of being so different from her companions, she wanted to go home so badly and knew she should feel down right depressed, but oddly enough, Primrose almost felt happy and relaxed. She figured it had to be the lightness in the breeze, there was something about it that seemed...unnatural but Primrose couldn't find it in herself to be suspicious, so she resigned herself to whatever fate was in store for her.
"Do you feel it?" a voice said from in front of her. It was Gandalf and he was gazing back at her with a curious smile.
She blinked, her mouth fumbled over her words, "Yes! It-it's like nothing I've ever felt...It's almost-it's almost like-" Primrose stopped herself, not wanting to make a fool of herself by saying something silly. Primrose looked up at Gandalf dejectedly but he just smiled knowingly.
"What is it like?"
Primrose sighed, completely flustered and reluctant to speak her thoughts but Gandalf's unjudging smile made her relent, "Well," she said whispering, not wanting to give the dwarves more fuel to tease her, "It-It feels like magic."
Gandalf nodded and looked ahead, "It is magic Primrose Took. A very powerful and very old kind of magic." The breeze picked up at that moment, carrying a soft and unearthly sounding.
"I see an opening ahead!" Dwalin who was in front of them all, his pace quickening.
Soon they all were standing on a cliff that overlooked a beautiful valley, there were trees and glimmering waterfalls cascading all around but what stood out to Prim was the settlement that seemed just as much a part of the valley as the rocks and trees. It was beautiful and the whole valley seemed to glow in the late afternoon sun. Primrose was beside herself and when Gandalf proudly introduced this wonderful places as Rivendell, she about fainted. It was Rivendell, Imladris, the home of elves! Elves. Excitement bubbled out of her in laughter which she quickly covered her mouth in an attempt to keep the laughter in. "Elves!" she burst merrily, "We're going to see elves!" Her joy was soon smothered by Thorin's menacing glare and she shrank back and became silent.
"You led us here on purpose!' Thorin turned and accused Gandalf, "You have brought us into the arms of our enemy!"
"There are no enemies here!" Gandalf shot back, "The only ill will in this valley is that which you bring yourself Thorin Oakenshield!"
"They will try to stop us from our quest!" Thorin muttered darkly, arms crossing his chest stubbornly.
Gandalf chuckled. "Of course they will," Thorin looked at him in mild surprise that he was not denying it but the wizard continued but Thorin could voice any of his thoughts, "but we have questions that need to be answered."
To that Thorin could not argue. The map of the Lonely Mountain held many secrets, secrets that none in their group had the knowledge to find, though he hated to think that help had to come from the beings he despised as much as the dragon. His eyes broke away from Gandalf's and his lips stayed glued shut out of stubbornness and pride.
Gandalf gave Thorin strict instructions on how he was to behave if they wanted to be successful and basically told him to keep his nasty comments to himself and stay silent. Thorin agreed though by the way he avoided looking directly at Gandalf, he was barely holding his tongue now. It was another good half hour before they managed to reach the entrance to the Last Homely House, coming across a narrow and rail-less bridge. Prim marveled how narrow the stone bridge was and wondered how no one ever fell off. She shuddered to think about it, for it was a long way down and there would be no chance of survival if someone lost a footing. They didn't have to stand in the courtyard for very long for a few moments after they crossed the bridge, a lone elf strode down the stairs and stopped just at their foot, his hands crossed behind his back. Gandalf greeted the elf warmly, "Lindir." The elf nodded, and returned the greeting in elvish.
"I must speak to Lord Elrond" Gandalf said kindly.
The elf glanced at the wizard's company before turning his cool glance back to Gandalf, "My Lord Elrond is not here." He did not bother to attempt to even sound helpful and Prim decided that she did not like her first elf encounter.
"And where is Lord Elrond?" Gandalf pressed, though it was obvious the elf was about to dodge his question, the wizard waited with the same pleasant expression on his face. The snobby elf was just opening his mouth when the horns sounded, sounding very similar to the ones they heard earlier with the orcs. The elf shut his mouth and pressed it into a thin line as Gandalf smiled smugly at him with raised eyebrows before turning to see the party of mounted elves coming across the narrow bridge. His smile disappeared seeing the way they flew their banners and how the dwarves took the display as a threat and went on the defensive. Primrose was caught off guard and was left turning around in circles as the dwarves scattering into formation around her.
"Prim!" Bofur called, grabbing her arm and pulling her into the safety of circle of dwarves, "Stay in the middle." About that time the mounted elves were circling around them, leaving the dwarves rotating around trying to keep an eye on them all at the same time. One of the elves brought his steed to a halt and smiled at Gandalf.
"Lord Elrond!" Gandalf greeted the elf lord merrily.
Lord Elrond, an elf who looked deceivingly young but who held such a scholarly air that it left no question to his true age. He was old, he was wise and had seen his fair share of battles but unlike the elf who had first seen them, Elrond had a warm and kind bearing to him.
Gandalf nodded, "Indeed. Where have you been?"
"We were off hunting an orc pack that came down from the south. We slew a number near the hidden pass," the elf lord explained as he rifled through the saddle back on his horse, eventually pulling out a crude dagger. "Strange," he said looked at the dark weapon in his hand, "for orcs to come so near our borders. It appeared they were after something." Elrond looked stared at Gandalf, a frown on his face but with twinkling eyes.
Gandalf chuckled and looked slightly embarrassed, "Ah yes that might have been us." He motioned over to the dwarves who had managed to relax now that the elves had dismounted and were now tending to their horses. Thorin stepped out of the crowd of dwarfs and out into the open, Elrond spotted him.
"Thorin son of Thrain." Elrond greeted the dwarf as he neared him. Thorin gave him a polite but stiff nod in return. The elf studied the prince closely for a moment before speaking, "You have your grandfather's baring. I knew Thror when he was King Under the Mountain."
"Really?" Thorin asked skeptically earning a look from Gandalf, "He made no mention of you."
Dwarf Prince and Elf Lord locked eyes and just when everyone was expecting a fight to begin, Lord Elrond's starting speaking in elvish. His voice was low but strong, laced with what the dwarves took as insult; Primrose seemed to be the only one that still saw that mirthful twinkle in the elf lord's eyes.
"What is he saying? Does he offer us insult?" one of the dwarves demanded as he brandished his weapon spurring the others to take up arms once again.
Gandalf was quick to laugh and explained what Lord Elrond had said, telling the dwarves that the elf was offering them food and a place to sleep. Of course, all dwarves were quick to forgive any insults as long as good food and spirits were in great supply, so quickly gave leave to Elrond to show them where dinner was at.
Lindir the uppity elf who had refused to tell Gandalf where Elrond was lead the group to where dinner was about to be served. The dwarves were quick to follow, leaving Gandalf and Lord Elrond to speak leisurely with one another, while Primrose tried not to be too nosy behind them.
"Do you plan to stay long with us?" Lord Elrond asked, his hands gently held behind him. "Or do you intend on leaving as soon as you restock your provisions?"
"I am sure we shall stay a few days at the very least but I cannot say with any certainty. I am not the leader of our merry band; I am merely an advisor of sorts." Gandalf responded lightly.
"Oh Gandalf, you must convince Thorin to stay for at least a few days!" Primrose spurted out only to try to suck the words back in again, turning red with embarrassment when the wizard and elf paused to look back at her. "Oh, pardon me, I didn't mean to interrupt. I-I-"
Gandalf laughed and patted Prim on the head, which the wizard seemed to be making a habit of doing lately, "Do not worry yourself and I will try to speak with Thorin on the matter."
Elrond smiled and nodded, "Gandalf is correct, you are amongst friends here." The two turned back ahead and continued to walk and talk with one another though now they were speaking in elvish. This left Primrose feeling once again feeling dejected and alone, pondering the rudeness of big folk.
Prim soon found herself sitting at a long, low standing table with the dwarves while Lord Elrond and Gandalf sat at a taller section at the head. She couldn't help but think her distance from Gandalf and Elrond had been on purpose for they didn't want her butting into their conversations and the knowledge of that soured her appetite. Not that the table manners of the dwarves didn't do the same. The dinner started out pleasant enough with the elves playing their harps and flutes while they sung beautiful and uplifting songs that Prim didn't understand but enjoyed immensely. Yes, good food, beautiful songs and a pleasant atmosphere meant Primrose couldn't be happier and feeling more at home. She could even manage to tune out the grumbling of the dwarves next to her, who seemed to not be happy with the current menu. Well that was until the dwarves became bored and started throwing food at one another and telling crude joke, at that point Primrose did well enough just to avoid being hit by a dinner roll or flying salads. She found herself creeping away once Bofur climbed up onto the table and began bellowing out a song that sent the dwarves over the edge in their merriment.
Primrose ran into an elf maiden that, Elrond had sent to make sure Prim found her lodging. She followed the elf that was friendly enough but chattered idly about Primrose's strange companions, and quip a few small jokes about the dwarves. Primrose laughed at those joke telling the elf that she had no idea the extent of the crudeness of the dwarves, then again, Prim doubted that she hadn't even seen how bad they could get. The hobbit was ecstatic to find that she had been given a room of her own. "Oh this is just beautiful!" she gushed as she fluttered here and there, marveling the craftsmanship of the room. Her eyes landed on the bed and lost her breathe as tears formed in her eyes.
"My dear, whatever is the matter?" the elf maiden fretted, placing a pale hand on Prim's shoulder, "Is something not to your liking?"
Primrose let out a laugh and shook her head smiling, though tears spilled from her eyes, "I never thought I'd be so happy to see a proper bed again!" She wiped her wet cheeks with the back of her hand and turned to the elf, "I just want to fall right into it but I don't want to mess it up."
The elf maiden laughed a laugh that sounded like spring, her blue eyes full of understanding, "Do not fret, you have had a long and tiresome journey and had to make due with very little. You must be exhausted."
"You have no idea," Prim sighed, "I haven't even had a proper handkerchief since I left the Shire, it's been terrible. Can you imagine having to use your sleeve when your nose decides to run?" Primrose shuddered dramatically causing the elf to laugh.
"It sounds you may be wishing for a bath before you retire?" the elf asked though both she and Prim knew that it went without saying.
Prim placed a hand over her heart and acted as though she were about to faint, "Dear me! A real bath? With hot water and soup?" She smiled and nodded, "I would be delighted."
It took some time for a bath to be prepared but once it was, Prim found herself unable to contain her excitement and her new friend seemed to truly be happy for her. Once the water had cooled enough to not burn the skin, the elf poured some bath oils into the water and stood up. "There are two bottles beside the tub, the one on the left is a soup and the one of the left is for you hair, once it's been washed. Would you like some help washing?"
Prim smiled but shook her head, "Please don't trouble you. You have been more than kind and helpful and I cannot express my thanks enough, I have felt more welcomed here than I have ever felt with those I came with. I haven't had such a pleasant conversation since I left and I couldn't be more grateful to you."
"I have enjoyed our time together and it has been no trouble at all. Besides," the elf said brightly, "it is not every day we have a hobbit within our halls, I wouldn't miss the chance to speak with one, especially with one who is as pleasant as you." She paused. "I could stay if you would like the company; you seem to need a willing ear. I am quite interested in your story."
Primrose laughed, "I do not think it is much of a story but I should think I would very much like the company. Thank-you."
"-and there I was, completely covered, head to toe, in troll snot! I don't know who was more surprised, me or the troll!" Prim exclaimed before breaking out into a hearty laugh, "We just stared at each other, neither knowing exactly what to think!"
"My word, you must have been utterly terrified!" her friend gasped with a soft laugh of her own as she worked on Primrose's hair.
"Oh dear me, yes! I was absolutely terrified." Prim said as her laughing fit calmed, "Thinking back, I can't believe I made it out alive. I was sure I was going to be dinner for sure." It was then that her eyes jolted wide and she squeaked, "Oh forgive me!"
The elf maiden blinked and smiled, "Forgive you? Why my dear Primrose, whatever for?"
"You must think me terribly rude! You have been so kind and gave up your evening for my sake and I haven't even gotten your name! Oh how could I be so rude?" Primrose felt so ashamed of herself and so horrified that she had forgotten her manners. How could she just forget about introductions? "I don't know what got into me; my mother did not bring me up so poorly. Please forgive me."
The elf laughed softly and placed hands one Primrose's shoulders to ease her back into her seat, "Calm yourself little one. I took no offense; all is still well between us."
Primrose moaned as the elf resumed her work on the hobbit's hair, "Oh but it is just so unlike me."
"I am as much as fault as you, for being your hostess, it was my duty to introduce myself upon our meeting. So let's both put it to rest for it is never too late for introductions. I am the Lady Arwen"
"Lady?" Primrose breathed turning back to look at Arwen who just smiled and nodded.
"Yes, my father is Lord Elrond." Arwen's smile turned up slyly, her blue eyes sparkling, "See how naughty I've been?"
Primrose's mouth opened up into an O as she stared mortified. "Oh my behavior has indeed been most unacceptable! Oh! I had you make my bath! Oh! And you had to listen to me talk of troll-Oh I mustn't mention it again!"
Arwen placed a finger on Prim's lips to silence them, "Hush now," she ordered kindly, "You did nothing of the sort. Besides, I didn't make your bath, I only oversaw the preparations. You are a guest here and it is my duty to see to your comfort as I deem fit. I did nothing that I did that I did not wish to do so do not blame yourself. Do not think you must treat me differently, either." Arwen gently forced Prim's head back around to the front, "Now, hold still and let me finish your hair."
It was strange for Prim to let Lady Arwen do her hair, it felt wrong but each time she tried to say something, Arwen stopped her and told her that she could do what she liked. It was true, Prim admitted, if doing her hair pleased Lady Arwen, she should get in the way of that, so she resigned herself to getting her hair done by Lord Elrond's daughter. It seemed as though Lady Arwen's kindness knew no ends for once she had finished with Prim's hair and left the room, she came back with a small bundle. "Go on," the Arwen urged, handing it to Prim, "I am not sure the fit but I thought that you might like something to wear while you are here."
Prim's fingered the material lovingly, at a loss to what to say. It was a dress, an elvish dress for her and it was beautiful. It was a pale green dress, embroidered with gold threads. "It is far too fine of dress for me." Prim said rather sadly as she when to hand it back to Arwen, "I can't accept this."
"Of course you can and you will look beautiful in it. Go on and try it on, I would like to see it before I leave. There's a screen over there, if you'd like to change in private." she pushed the dress back toward Prim and waved her off toward a corner where the screen waited. Sighing, Prim took the dress and went behind the screen. Arwen laughed as she took a seat, "That was not so hard was it? There is also a sheath for you as well. I'm afraid the fit may be wrong, we had to alter a dress that had already been made for a child." The sounds of rustling cloth stopped after a while and there was still no word from Prim and she had yet to appear out from behind the screen. Arwen frowned, "Is anything the matter? Is the fit wrong?" Her fine elf ears could pick up the sound of muffled sobs coming from behind the screen, so she rose from her seat and swept over and around the screen to find Primrose in tears. Kneeling, she pulled the hobbit into a caring hug, "My dear little flower, whatever is the matter? Why such tears? It looks beautiful on you."
"Oh I don't deserve this!" Primrose choked out between her sobs, "I-It's too good for the likes of me. I put it to shame! It should be on far fairer a creature than I." An elf child or at the very least, someone who has not been living in filth with dwarves, she thought to herself but didn't speak aloud. It scared her how much she loved the dress but how disgusted she felt with herself while wearing it. She was no fair maiden and that was what the dress was suited for. Perhaps once, before she allowed herself to be swept off with the idea of adventure, if she was still safe at home in the Shire, Primrose would have worn the dress like a banner. Now the dress reminded her how low she had sunk and how much she missed civilized living.
"Primrose." Arwen's surprisingly stern voice snapped her out of dark thoughts, she look up into the elf's wise face. "Primrose, you must listen to me, you must not think so poorly of yourself." Arwen further surprised the hobbit back shaking her gently, as if she was trying to shake reason into her small body. "Think of all you have accomplished! You fought trolls-"
"I never fought them, Thorin and the dwarves did all the fighting...I only got myself caught and caused trouble for everyone. I was utterly useless; all I could do was buy time." Prim whimpered.
"Precisely! When death seemed certain for all of you, Primrose, you were the only one that did something! You had the nerve and face your wits against those of the trolls. If it were not for your actions, you and the dwarves would have been dead before the sun rose."
"It was my fault the dwarves were captured...if I had been a better burglar-" Prim started only to be interrupted by Arwen.
"You did not choose to go after those ponies; it was not your decision." Arwen smiled and wiped the tears from Prim's cheeks with a handkerchief, "You are destined for great things, Primrose Took. Do not fear the road ahead and be proud of who you are and who you will become by your journey's end."
When Primrose woke the next morning, she felt like a new hobbit. She dressed in the dress Lady Arwen had given her the night before and found that it did fit her indeed and she was felt empowered in it. She had earned the dress; she faced trolls, escaped orcs and wargs so Prim deserved something nice. As she walked down to breakfast, Primrose was hoping that Arwen would be there but found her nowhere to be seen, though Lord Elrond was and he smiled at her with a small nod of his head. He was sitting with Gandalf and she was surprised to find Thorin sitting with them as well. It came to an even larger surprise to her when Gandalf waved her over, "Ah Primrose, you are looking quite refreshed this morning. Come join us."
She smiled, "Good morning, I am feeling much more myself this morning. Thank you for asking." Thorin made snorted and both Primrose and Gandalf shot him a glare before Primrose turned to Lord Elrond with a pleasant smile, "Lord Elrond, I want to thank you for the hospitality you have shown me."
Elrond smiled, "You are most welcome Miss Took. I take it you slept comfortably last night?"
"I did, it was most rejuvenating. It was the best sleep I've had in what seems like ages. -And please, call me Primrose."
"I am most glad to hear it. I see you have found some new clothes," Elrond mentioned, motioning to her dress.
"Oh yes! I had the pleasure of meeting the Lady Arwen after I left last night."
Lord Elrond raised his eyebrows in surprise for he had requested Arwen to stay in her quarters while their guests were here, "Indeed?"
"Lord Elrond, your daughter is a wealth of kindness. I have never, in all my years, had the pleasure of meeting someone as generous and as warm as Lady Arwen." Primrose smiled and watched as the elf lord seemed to swell with pride.
"Thank you Primrose, it warms my heart to hear her praise. Tell me, did you speak with my daughter long?"
"Oh yes, she refused to leave my side until I was tucked into my bed." Primrose frowned, "I must apologize Lord Elrond, I'm afraid I have abused your daughter in some way." Prim saw a flash in the elf's eyes and she quickly continued, "You see, I did not know who she was when she offered to show me to my room. She had simply told me, that you had sent her to show me to my room. The next thing Prim knew, she was seeing to my bath and braiding my hair and only when I realized I failed introduce myself properly, that she told me who she was. I-I would have never-" She stopped her little rant when Elrond held up a hand to silence her and instead of the scolding she had expected, he laughed.
"That sounds much like my daughter. There is nothing to forgive and I am certain she has told you that as well, has she not?"
"She has."
Elrond nodded, "Then that is the end of it and think no further of it."
"I believe we have gotten off subject..." Thorin's gruff voice interrupted, instantly bringing down the mood.
Elrond glared disapprovingly at the rude dwarf prince as he leaned back in his seat and Gandalf cleared his throat and nodded, "Yes, Thorin, I believe we have. Our apologies. I believe there will be another time for you to chat with Lord Elrond later."
Elrond turned and smiled at Primrose, "Indeed, we will speak later, if you wish." He turned back towards Gandalf and Thorin, "Well, you spoke of an artifact that you wished me to look?"
Gandalf nodded, "Yes, you still study ancient dwarvish runes, do you not?"
"I do, do you have the item now?"
"Thorin, give Lord Elrond the map."
Thorin glanced at Primrose, "Do you not think it wise for us to discuss this in private?"
Gandalf huffed, "Now see here, the matter with Miss Took has already been settled, you agreed to trust my judgment when I chose her. Now give Lord Elrond the map." Primrose smiled smugly, eyes locked on Thorin, daring him to argue further as she relaxed against the back of her chair. She was only slightly disappointed when Thorin refused to match her gaze or to argue further, but she supposed it was for the best. Fighting and sending glares to one another would not help things, it would only cause their dislike for each other to grow and make the rest of their journey more difficult. Thorin reached inside his tunic and pulled out a folded piece of parchment, which Primrose immediately recognized as the map, and handed it over to Elrond.
The elf lord's expression had darkened since the mention of a map, his mouth tightening into a tense frown once he opened the parchment. His dark eyes darted over to Thorin then to Gandalf, "What is your interest in the contents of this map?"
Thorin opened his mouth to speak, his eyes already speaking what his mouth was about to, but thankfully Gandalf beat him to the punch. "It's purely academical, I assure you. It is a treasured artifact that is most dear and sentimental to Thorin, since it was left to him from his father. He wishes to show the future generations of the descendants of Erebor a bit of their heritage. Both he and I sensed there was more to this artifact than what meets the eye and when he asked for my advice, I advised him to come speak with you. After all, these artifacts usually contain some form of hidden text and I recalled you being an expert on the subject." He ended with a sincere smile that gave no hint that what he had said was a lie which left Primrose wondering of other things Gandalf could have gotten away with in the past. Tricky wizard.
Dark, far seeing elf eyes searched Gandalf's seemingly innocent face for any tells but saw nothing but honesty, though his gut said otherwise. Knowing that there was nothing to be done but play along with Gandalf's scheming, Elrond sighed and refolded the map carefully. "I will see what I can find; it may take some time for me to decipher its secrets." Sliding the paper carefully into the folds of his robes, he stood up. As he did so, he noticed how Thorin jumped as if he was about to attack, he didn't doubt the dwarf would have done so had Gandalf not placed a hand on his arm. It wasn't until the wizard whispered warnings about patience did the foolish dwarf reclaiming his seat. "Come to my study after dinner this evening, I believe I should have the answers you seek by then." He turned to Primrose, "Miss Took, should you wish to speak with me again, you only need ask." He bowed his head politely before doing the same to Gandalf before leaving. Thorin received no such courtesy.
Primrose spent the rest of her day in sublime idleness and did nothing but amble here and there, admiring the architecture and natural beauty of Rivendell. She had until after supper to enjoy herself until she had to face frigid breeze that emanated from her least favorite dwarf and Primrose was determined to take full advantage of her free time. Being able to explore Rivendell was a once in a lifetime opportunity for Primrose had always read about the elves in books and heard of them in stories but it was nothing compared to seeing it firsthand. "Oh when ol' Bilbo hears of this!" That was a line she found herself whispering to herself excitedly as she imaged her cousin's face when she told him of her adventures. Maybe she would have him put it all down in a book for her...imagine: The Adventures of Primrose Mirabella Took. That sounded divine and it would be a way to rub it in Bilbo's face without being too direct. The culture of the elves seemed strange and yet wonderful at the same time, everyone shared the work evenly with little to no gender divide. In the stables, both elf men and elf maidens tended to the horses with the same care and devotion, each doing their fair share of the work. Everyone worked in the gardens and there were tailors and craftsmen, all tall and terribly beautiful. She did notice that there were certain jobs that more men preferred over the women and vice versa but it seemed it was due to individual preferences, not gender roles.
Unfortunately, the sun seemed to run its course through the sky quicker than what Primrose wished for and it was suddenly time for dinner before she realized. To make matters worse, it seemed the dwarves would be her only company during her meal and much like the night before they were rowdy and loud. Primrose cursed to herself spying the only empty place was near Thorin, the fact that Balin, Dwalin and Bofur were situated around her was little consolation. It had probably been just her imagination but it seemed everyone stopped what they were doing to watch her take her seat by Thorin. The dwarves further down resumed their meal and their stories quickly enough but the air seemed suffocating where she sat. "Have you all been enjoying yourselves? I haven't seen many of you around today." She asked, desperate for something besides the strained silence.
"Aye, well enough I suppose. The elves are a little stuffy for are tastes, they all walk about as if they were at a funeral," Bofur offered, laughing as though it was an inside joke, which Primrose didn't doubt.
"Perhaps they could appear a little stuffy but they are the wise. Did you all find your rooms as pleasant I did mine? I have never witnessed such hospitality and generosity."
"Yes, the elves have been very hospitable though we all chose to sleep beneath the stars" Balin replied simply and without garnishes. Short and to the point and with little eye contact which left Primrose struggling to keep things going.
"Oh," she spoke softly, "Did they not offer you rooms?"
Balin smiled, "They offered but we prefer our own company." He said it kindly enough with no foul undertones, which Thorin had decided to, add him.
"We need no soft comforts the elves would offer, nor do we want what they offer under the guise of their so-called good-will and friendship. We must rely on no one but ourselves." Those were Thorin's exact words yet Primrose heard what he truly spoke, "You are not one of us, nor will you ever be welcomed amongst us. You should just remain behind and be a bother to us no more."
She could feel the sting of the sharpness of his words and their true meaning and Primrose found it struck at her heart closer than she had expected. There was no reason why, Thorin's cold words should hurt so much, he had remained steadfast in his hatred since the start of things. She knew that he would not change but that didn't stop a small seed of hope from taking root inside her heart. "Your knack for pleasant conversations never ceases to amaze me, Master Thorin." Primrose smiled through her teeth, lacing her words with the same amount of contempt Thorin had but with a much pleasant tone so that if people had no knowledge of their rocky relationship, it would sound like a compliment. "Your refreshing presence always leaves a mark on the atmosphere in a room." She turned and smiled pleasantly to Balin, "Balin, would you be kind enough to pass the jam. Thank you." A jolt of joy rushed her system when she saw Thorin's hands tense up into fists on the table but kept her expression perfectly neutral as she accepted the little jar of jam from Balin. Balin looked uneasy as his eyes darted between her and his leader, his brother Dwalin turning red in the face. Speaking of which, the dwarven strongman slammed a fist on the table with such ferocity that made the tableware leap up on the table and land again with a clatter. Primrose tried not to jump but she did anyways.
"Who do ye think y'are speakin to?" Dwalin growled, the large veins in his forehead bulged in anger. The other dwarves nervously fidgeting in their seats, a few elves even appeared from adjoining rooms, curious about the din, poked their heads out.
"I'm speaking to our noble leader, of course." There comes a time in every hobbit's life that you have to take a stand for yourself, despite proper etiquette and it was high time Primrose stopped being a meek little mouse. She was tired and fed up with Thorin's attitude and she wasn't going let herself get bullied despite the urge to cower. Primrose stuck her nose up in the air and looked at him haughtily as she calmly spread some jam on a piece of toast. "We were discussing our different views on the hospitality of our fine hosts and I just expressed to Thorin how much I love our little talks."
Dwalin stood up and towered over her and Primrose did all in her power to retain her serene appearance kept her eyes set on her breakfast. When Prim went to take a bite of her toast, Dwalin, with a swipe with his massive hand, sent it flying across the room and up against the wall, jam side up. To say Prim was surprised was an understatement and in fact she was so startled that she found herself unable to do anything but stare at the wall where the toast hit. She wasn't quite sure if it was just in her head, but Prim found her nose tingling as if maybe the swipe might have grazed it and that made her all the more fearful. Dwalin had may as well struck her and the fact that one of her own company, had done so, made her afraid for her safety. After all, how could she trust her life to a group who might strike her themselves? No, there was no safety here among dwarves.
"You should learn who yer betters are, little hobbit." Dwalin warned viciously, jabbing the air in front of Prim with a thick finger as if trying to drive the point in. All poor Prim could manage was to stare up at the burly dwarf, eyes large as saucers and heart beating faster than a jack rabbit. It felt as though her heart was going to either jump out of her throat or would stop beating all together from the strain. Honestly it was quite painful, of course it didn't help that Prim's lungs had frozen in fear and the poor hobbitess hadn't the strength nor mind to order it to work. Dwalin balled his hand into a fist and displayed it as what it was, a weapon capable of pummeling a hobbit into jelly. "Keep up yer attitude and someone will haf'te fix it-"
"Enough Dwalin." Thorin's authoritive voice commanded soft yet firmly, causing Dwalin to sneer and take a step away from the petrified hobbit with a grunt. Commander locked eyes with his lieutenant before they found their way to Prim. "Primrose."
The sound of her name snapped her brain back to life, which in turned ordered her lungs to suck in air. Her eyes, still large, flashed to the dwarf who said her name and was surprised to see something akin to kindness in Thorin's normally cold eyes. She blinked several times and shook her head, his mouth had moved again but their sounds didn't quite reach her brain. "Huh?"
"I asked if you were alright." Thorin repeated; the sympathy and softness in his voice confusing Primrose more than what her scattered brain could handle in its current state.
There was no ignoring the eyes, dwarf and elf alike, boring into her. Judging her. Too many of them, to many to cope with. Her face went hot and undoubtedly red while a thin veil of sweat broke out onto her brow. The sight of Thorin slowly rising from his chair, eyes locked on her trembling form sent Primrose over the edge and the tears started to well in her eyes. Her mouth started to spasm in some twisted sort of smile, its corners flickering up and down in a constant battle between frown and smile as she just rose quickly to her feet, her chair falling backwards. The sound of the chair hitting the ground made everyone jump and the reaction made Prim flush with embarrassment. "Oh, yes. Quite." Thorin's mouth went to open but Prim stumbled back and put a hand up to stop him, her breaths coming out in short little gasps, "its fine. I-I'm fine. I-I'm-I'm- I just- I just" The words "need to be alone" were barely heard as she darted off, the ends of her skirts disappearing around the corner before anyone could do anything.
Thorin sank back into his chair, expression dark as he stared into space. A deep, disappointed sigh from Balin drew his attention. "It seems," the white haired dwarf said, "we have lost our burglar."
"Aye," Bofur agreed, pulling his hat from his head, scratching the shaggy brown hair beneath it, "and who can blame 'er."
Despite what he may have wanted, Thorin could not deny that outcome did not bode well for their mission and he could not deny his share of the fault and for once during the journey, the proud prince felt the ugly clawing of guilt in his chest. Looking back, there had been no reason, except for his own stubbornness, for him to treat their burglar so poorly. He still felt that she didn't belong there but there was no reason to treat her with such disrespect. He should have known better but now it was too late to remedy his mistake.
When Thorin found himself in Lord Elrond's chamber, he was not expecting to see the hobbit there but there she was, standing with her back towards the door as she perused the books on Elrond's bookshelves. He noticed that she didn't look at him or Balin when they came in, though by the slight turn of her head, Thorin knew that she was aware of them coming in. It could have been no one else for Gandalf, Elrond and even Lindr were already conversing quietly together. The two elves and one wizard did turn to acknowledge their arrival. Elrond and Lindr said nothing, only gave small, barely there nods of their heads, mouths set into frowns. It was plain to see, word had reached them of what happened over supper. Gandalf was the first to speak and from his overly pleasant and expressive greeting, Thorin knew he had also known, "Now that we are all here we may get down to business," he eyes flickered over to Primrose, "that is if we are all ready.
Primrose slowly turned from the shelves, her muted blue eyes and gave a serious tight lipped nod to Gandalf and looked toward Elrond, who seemed to share a glance with the old wizard. Lord Elrond then turned to Thorin, "Are you and Balin ready to hear my findings?"
"We are." Thorin responded, his eyes waiting for some sort of emotion from Primrose but her face remained flat and void of emotion and her usually bright and sparkling eyes, dim. How she seemed to be a totally different being. Usually, even when angry and too stubborn to acknowledge, Primrose's eyes always held a spark that showed her true feelings. Even her golden hair's natural ringlets seemed to have lost their bounce and sheen. It was if all fight had left her and was replaced with dark brooding thoughts.
"It seems your instincts were correct about the map," Elrond said, bringing Thorin back to the matters at hand. The elf lord had the map spread out on his desk, Gandalf and Prim had already gathered round and he paused until the dwarves came forward. "It appears the map contains hidden moon runes, they were particularly difficult to find but not impossible."
Gandalf smiled and nodded, "Ah yes! Moon runes, of course. Do you perhaps know what they say?"
"No." Elrond said flatly, as he straightened his back and started slowly pacing. "Unfortunately moon runes cannot be so simply read. The circumstances must be exactly the same as when the runes were inscribed. The time of year and moon cycle must be identical. These particular runes were crafted under a crescent shaped, mid-summer moon over 300 years ago..."
There was no stopping his shoulders from slumping as Thorin listened to the glum news. It seemed as though fate was against him for it seemed hopeless. Balin shook his head, bringing the attention to him. "So that's that then? With no idea of when the map was forged and the moon runes set into place, we cannot learn their secrets?"
Elrond smiled and stopped pacing to look at the aged dwarf, "Not entirely my good dwarf. You are in luck; you have not missed your window. In fact," he paused and smiled at Thorin," Luck shines down on you Thorin Oakenshield for the same moon shines on us this very night."
Primrose wasn't sure why she bothered coming, she didn't want to be here and she was quite certain that nothing that the map contained had anything to do with her. But Gandalf wanted her there and Primrose told herself that was enough. She had signed the blasted contract and had given Gandalf her word that she would do this and her honor depended on her keeping to her word. Confound her blasted hobbit sensibilities. Thorin or no Thorin, it was her duty as burglar to learn what the map had to say and give her input if asked but Primrose didn't have to acknowledge any of the dwarves, prince or no, unless she had to. Thorin and Balin remained invisible even as Elrond led them out of his study, outside, then up a tall staircase until they entered a large room that had been carved into the cliff. The entire back side of the room was completely open to the night air, with a small platform stretched out beyond the cliff's edge. On the very edge of the crop out, stood a large silvery crystal that appeared to have grown straight out of the rock. Its top had been cut into a flat surface which Elrond walked over too. The floor was the room had been carved out of the virgin rock and had an intricate designed carved deep enough where water flowed around the room before falling in silver streams off the edge. The moon light caused the whole chamber to glow and Prim gasped at its beauty. The small airy sound the hobbit suddenly made drew the attention of Thorin to her and he was happy that her eyes were alive again and sparkling in the night.
A beam of moon light shimmered and struck down onto the crystal causing it glow in a way that, to Prim, seemed too beautiful to be natural but considering how deeply set the crystal was into the rock, it had to be. Once the crystal became full lit with the blue light, Elrond strode over to it and places the map down on the flat top of the crystal's surface. Not even a moment later, the paper shimmered and rippled as runes made of moonlight appeared on the page, elicitating a quiet gasp from Prim and even a sharp intake of air from Thorin as he tensed with excitement.
Clearing his throat, Elrond began reciting what the ancient dwarven moon runes said, "Stand at the gray stone when the thrush knocks and the last light of Durin's Day shines upon the keyhole." He paused, he brows furrowing as he placed the pieced together.
The suspicion that had been growing about Gandalf and Thorin's true goal seemed to be finally making themselves known, "Durin's Day?"
Gandalf tried to give the two dwarves in the room a glance that told them to calm themselves but they paid no notice, leaving the old wizard to turn his smiling gaze back to the elf lord. "Ah yes, it marks the dwarven New Year. It's when the last moon of summer and the first sun of autumn meet together in the sky."
"Durin's Day is coming quickly upon us." Thorin said looking to Balin, whose hand came to grip on Thorin's upper arm.
"We still have time!" the old dwarf exclaimed urgently, "We have to stand at exactly the right place at precisely the right time. Then, only then will the door be opened!"
Elrond clasped his hands behind his back angrily and glared at the dwarves after giving Gandalf a disappointed glance, "So this is your true purpose then, you intend to enter the mountain." The elf was angry and was pacing slowly around the room, his eyes moving from one to another. Primrose tried to shrink away from Elrond's gaze as it passed over her but much to her relief it didn't seem to hold the same malice or disappointment as it held for the others. She let out a quiet sigh of relief when the anger in Elrond's eyes faded to frustration.
"It is our right." Thorin said firmly, his eyes meeting Elrond's, "Too long has the dragon Smaug sat comfortably on the bones of my people, too long has he kept our home from us. You cannot deny us this chance."
Letting out a huge sigh, Elrond forced a weak, sad smile, "No, I cannot but I can strongly advise against it. This is a foolish quest and let it be said now that I am against it and I advise you to turn back from this foolishness before it's too late."
The gathering came to an end quickly after that point for Thorin refused to see any reason in Elrond's words, though Prim saw plenty and agreed with the elf's reasoning, though she didn't voice her opinions. After all, the thoughts of some poor hobbitess from the Shire didn't matter. Gandalf had attempted to get her included on the discussion but Primrose simply said, "I see valid points on both sides." which left Gandalf muttering something about 'women.' She made sure she left ahead of the others when Elrond decided it was a lost cause trying to get dwarves to see reason. Primrose wasn't going to allow herself to get stuck in an awkward situation if either Balin or Thorin confronted her about what happened at dinner. As far as she was concerned, she was done trying to be accepted by them; she was obligated by contract and her own personal morals to stick to the quest but as of then, Primrose wasn't going to converse with the dwarves unless it was 'official burglar business.' With that set into stone in her mind, Primrose left both dwarves, wizard and elves far behind and didn't stop moving until she was in her room.
She had cried herself to sleep that night again, they were silent tears but they did their job in making her heart a little lighter feeling and making her pillow damp. When she awoke to the morning sun sending it's golden rays into her bedroom room window, Primrose greeted it was a smile. It was a beautiful day in Imladris Prim was determined to enjoy the sights, sounds and the general aura of the place that seemed to set her heart at peace. Thankfully, she had woken before any of the dwarves so she was able to eat in peaceful solitude and scamper off before any joined her. By late-morning, she had nearly forgotten the incident at dinner the previous night but her heart remained loyal to her decision to keep her relationship with the dwarves strictly professional and not attempt to improve their opinion of her. She would be courteous and polite but nothing more. Gandalf will have to be her only companion that she would speak openly with, but considering how he seems to come and go when he pleased, Primrose didn't think the wizard would make for a consistent source of friendly conversations.
Prim was leaning on a railing, staring out into the landscape when she felt a presence come up beside her. It was Lord Elrond and Primrose did her best not to openly stare at him as he adopted a similarly relaxed pose as he rested his elbows on the railing and leaned against it. She bowed her head politely, "Lord Elrond." The elf lord smiled and bowed his head in return as he turned his gaze out to the view of his vast home. The two stood in a comfortable silence, both enjoying the view and the pleasant sounds of birds and elves singing.
After a long moment, Elrond finally spoke, "I am surprised to see you are not with your companions." It was obvious in the tone of his voice however, that he was not surprised in the least.
"Ah, well I shan't be missed," she said with a little laugh and a small shrug of her shoulders, her forget-me-not eyes looking up at the elf with sad humor. "To be honest, most of them don't think I should be on this journey." When she saw the calculating eyes of Elrond looking back at her with a strange intensity, Prim had to do her best not the blush but she had not control over the brief furrowing of her brows in confusion before she averted her eyes back to the view, hoping he would stop staring at her like she was an oddity.
"Indeed" he stated simply, turning his attention back ahead, eyes taking their time surveying his home below. Prim had frowned at his simple remark and how it hinted that he felt the same as the dwarves. She hated it. Elrond's voice broke Prim out of her thoughts again, "I have heard that hobbits are remarkably resilient." The statement earned him a surprised look from Primrose, who had obviously never heard of that and he let out a kind chuckle as he straightened himself up.
"Really?" she asked a little skeptically getting a nod in response from Elrond.
"I have also heard they are quite fond of the comforts of home," added the elf lord, with a knowing smiling and an almost mischievous sparkle in his dark eyes.
The hobbit let out a tinkling chuckle as she leaned in toward Elrond as if she had a secret to tell, "Well I have heard it is not wise to seek counsel with elves, for they will answer both 'yes' and 'no'."
Elrond gave a soft laugh before placing a hand on Primrose's shoulder, and looked down at her with a soft smile, "You are welcome to stay, if that is your wish." With that, the elf gave a shallow bow of his head and turned and departed, leaving Primrose torn. During her short time here, Prim had come to love Rivendell to the point she could almost say she was more fond of it than her own dear Shire. It felt like home and Primrose was dreading the thought of leaving. When she left the Shire, the loneliness and the longing of home had surprised her and left a shadow hovering over her heart and mind. It made her doubt herself and for Primrose, that alone was enough to hate herself for letting Gandalf talk her into coming on this journey. She hated doubting herself, it wasn't normal for her. Primrose had always been so sure of who she was but now she wasn't so sure and with Elrond's offer for her to stay, prim wasn't sure if she could refuse. One thing was for certain, Primrose Mirabella Took had some serious thinking to do.
The rest of her day was spent doing just that, thinking. Thinking and further exploring the Last Homely House. Primrose had found herself in a small but grandly decorated circular room. The walls were covered with painting and tapestries telling the tale of some great battle from long ago and at the room's center, stood a statue with looked to be standing guard over a pedestal which was empty. It had obviously had purpose, there was an object that was meant to lay here but perhaps it had not been delivered or found yet. Primrose's wondered what could be the missing centerpiece; perhaps, she thought that maybe the images decorating the walls may hold some clues. The emotions emanating from the tapestries and paintings caught her off guard. Primrose had heard that the elves had a way to weaving emotion into their crafts but had, up until now, thought it was myth or superstition. Each image she laid her eyes upon sent upon her a different onslaught of emotions, whether it was a deep sadness, fear, desperation, or some other emotion that made Prim tremble and want to run. She couldn't though; she couldn't run despite how she wanted too for the magic of the artwork kept her eyes glued to image after image. It was if the magic wanted her to see the end of their story. At last, when Primrose felt as though she'd collapse, her cheeks wet with the tears she'd been shedding, she finally came to the painting. It was large and stood on the wall, directly in front of the empty pedestal. On it, a giant towering creature in black, evil looking armor stood towering over a man, with a mace poised to strike down the man. However, the man stood defiant against the evil before him, his courage never failing as his hand gripped a broken sword. Primrose could feel the man's courage through the painting just as she could feel the fear and desperation hidden beneath. Suddenly, her eyes were pulled away from the man's courageous form and landed on the towering creature shrouded in black armor and she felt pure terror. This being was the deepest, darkest form of evil. This thing that took the form of a man, had laid waste to armies, destroyed lives...and he enjoyed it. The two black holes in the creature's helm seemed to bore right into her, speaking to her. She couldn't understand the words but she recognized, all too clearly the feeling behind them. A flash of gold, gripped her attention and her eyes landed on the evil man's raised hand. A ring. It was simple but it seemed to glow against the man's armored finger. It was a cold light; the ring was as evil as the man who wore it. With a strong jerk, Primrose pulled herself away from the painting's thrall and fled the room and vowed never to return.
After finding a quiet corning, Primrose calmed and was soon laughing at herself. "You silly thing you," she had chided herself, "letting a painting get to you like that, you little ninny." Soon, Primrose was off again in relatively high spirits. It wasn't until she rounded another corner outside that she saw something that made her heart jump into her throat, her spine go ramrod straight and caused her face to turn crimson.
Elsewhere, Lord Elrond was strolling along with Lindr by his side. Lindr had felt it needed that he brought his concerns to his Lord and was now busy making these worries known. The two went back and forth, speaking in elvish and with Lindr doing most of the talking.
"- the kitchens will not be able to keep up at this rate. They are running our supplies low and they will completely deplete our stores if they are here for much longer. Lord Elrond, when are these dwarves leaving?"
Elrond let out a deep sigh and shook his head, "They will leave whenever they choose to. I should not think they will be here much longer, perhaps a few more days at most."
"And what shall we do if they eat us out of house and home? What then, Lord Elrond? And what of their behavior?" Lindr asked heatedly, quite annoyed with the shabby manners of the dwarves.
"We shall manage, I am sure they will-" Lord Elrond paused, eyes catching a very flustered and red Primrose walking hurriedly towards them, looking as though she had seen a ghost. It was quite comical, "Why Miss Took," he said, switching to common tongue, "you look as if you've seen a ghost!"
"I wish I had!" Prim squeaked, turning an even more vibrant shade of red than Elrond would have thought possible, "I do not think I'll be able to unsee what I just witnessed!" Primrose passed them quickly, with only a brief pause in front of the two elves before fleeing down the corridor wailing about she wished she could scrub the image from her eyes.
The two elves looked at one another for a moment in utter confusion. "What in Arda is the matter with her?" Lindr asked breathlessly, once again in elvish, as he gazed down the hall in which Prim had fled down.
"What, indeed." Lord Elrond muttered thoughtfully, as he slowly pivoted on his feet so that he now faced the direction Prim had come from. "I believe, if we continue on, we might be able to solve the mystery. I cannot imagine what in my Home could have affected her so."
Lindr nodded in agreement as the two elves set out on their own little quest to investigate what could've triggered such a reaction from the gentle hobbit maiden. Lord Elrond seemed to be taking the mystery a little more seriously than Lindr for the thought of something in his realm would cause such distress to one of his guests unsettled him greatly. Lindr, being the serious minded elf that he was, was thinking something similar but he was more convinced that one of the younger, more playful elves may have gone overboard with one of their pranks. They were nearing the entrance to one of the many courtyards when Lindr spoke again, "Whatever it was, it caused Miss Took great distress." About that time, the two elves rounded the corner and stopped dead in their tracks. Lindr's jaw dropped and Elrond hissed a sharp intake of breath through his nose. They quickly turned about, retreating back into the hall they had just come from, leaving a bunch of completely nude dwarves skinny dipping in a fountain. As they retreated, they had to agree with Primrose, what they had just witnessed could not be unseen.
The day had finally come to a close and reluctantly, Primrose joined the dwarves for dinner, being careful to not make eye contact with any of them, for the image of them at the fountain, was still (unfortunately) stuck in her head. She did not stay for long, nor did she want to for they were currently wearing their long underwear, which was too close to naked for her comfort. Once she finished eating, she quickly made her escape and retreated to her room. On her way, she thought it a bit peculiar that the dwarves had moved their 'camp' closer to her room, so close in fact that from the stairs that led up to her room, she could still see the glow of their fire and hear their boisterous laughs. Primrose couldn't help but wonder if her little outburst had anything to do with it, but she had little time to ponder for the voices of Gandalf and Elrond snapped her attention elsewhere. The two old friends were across a little ravine, oblivious to the fact they had an audience now listening in for they were too engrossed in their discussion to notice. Their conversation, from what Primrose could overhear was a little disturbing; they were discussing their quest and more importantly their leader, Thorin. She had not wanted to be an eavesdropper but she couldn't help but hear their conversation but from the ill words Prim was hearing Elrond speak about Thorin, she could tear herself away and she found herself getting increasingly upset with the elf. Primrose was so engrossed in listening in that she never noticed the shadow coming up behind her until she spotted a dark form directly behind her. She spun and jumped, clasping a hand over her mouth so she wouldn't shout. Her shoulders slumped in relief, it was only Thorin. The dwarf held his index finger up to his mouth, signaling her to remain quiet before he turned his attention to Gandalf and Elrond who were making their way up some stairs. Talk about awkward. That was exactly how Primrose felt during those tense seconds watching Thorin listen to the none-too-kind words spoken matter-o-factly by Lord Elrond and Gandalf's weak defense. The look on Thorin's face almost broke her heart, he looked almost betrayed and how could he not be. He showed much more restraint than Primrose would have expected even from herself if it was her and her kin they were accusing of madness. Thorin was not mad, no not in the sense Elrond was using; it was true Thorin Oakenshield was coarse, rude, snobbish and frightfully determined but he was not crazy. Despite Primrose's less than pleasant view of the dwarf prince, she could not see this madness that Elrond spoke of. Even if it was true, that madness truly ran through the line Durin, it didn't mean Thorin was destined to succumb to it.
It seemed like minutes but only seconds after Thorin's arrival, the wizard and elf disappeared leaving dwarf and hobbit alone. Thorin didn't move, he didn't speak and Primrose could have sworn that he didn't even blink. All the dwarf did was stare at the doorway Gandalf and Elrond had disappeared through. In his eyes a torrent of emotion and thought swirled and clashed like the stormy sea upon the rocks, and Primrose could tell that Thorin was unsure how to respond or that perhaps he couldn't. Her gentle spirit urging her on, Prim knew she had to do something so; she placed a hand on one of his that he had clenched to his sides in tight a tight fist. He jerked at the sensation and turned to look at her with unreadable eyes but she merely smiled reassuringly and gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "Do not trouble yourself, it doesn't matter what he says."
Thorin's eyes darted down Primrose's hand that was still resting on his and after a moment he pulled away and took a step back and looked up at her with a distrusting glare, "Was it not you who said elves were wise? I would think you would agree with your precious Lord Elrond."
Primrose only allowed a frown to appear for only a moment before her lips pulled back into a small smile though her eyes remained cold. She should have expected such a response from the likes of him but she had made the effort to cheer him up and she wasn't going to let his cold demeanor get to her. "Just because they are wise does not mean they know everything. Wisdom does not come with the ability to know what lies in one's heart. Lord Elrond is the wisest person I have ever had the honor of meeting and I will always welcome his counsel but he does not know you, Thorin Oakenshield." A corner of Prim's mouth pulled up into a smirk and her eyes regained a small spark as she looked at him, placing her hands on her hips, "Dwarves and Elves have never had the best relationship, it is not surprising he would think so little of you...if I were different, perhaps I would agree with him for you are not the most likeable of people." Primrose let out an exhausted sounding sigh and shook her head when Thorin made a loud scoffing sound at her. "See this is why everyone you meet expects and thinks the worst of you. I don't know why you believe you must act this way or what has forced you to become so cold towards everyone you do not consider family or what you expect to accomplish by acting so but I can assure you, there are better ways. If you expect to gain more respect than I can promise you that you will be disappointed. All you will achieve is gaining the loathing of all who meet you. If I am honest, I can say that I was quite in awe of you when we first met. Your high and noble birth is quite obvious in the way you carry yourself but having known you, I can say that I do not like you and as our journey progresses I find my respect for you shrinking as well. Thorin Oakenshield, respect does come with rights or blood, it is earned."
A growl escaped Thorin's face which had grown red, "If you hold me in such low opinions, why do you even bother in trying to console me?"
Primrose let out a small laugh, "I find myself asking the same question but every time I get the same answer. That is who I am. When I see someone upset or in need, I want to help them in any way I can. I would like to think that I am a good person and I can strive to live by that. I believe that if I live my life by doing right by others and staying true to myself than I will live a full and healthy life with no regrets. You and the others may laugh and call me soft but I do not apologize for being who I am. You stood there and quietly listened to someone, who did not know you, insult both you and your family. You did not deserve those remarks whether you were meant to hear them or not and that is why I bothered." Thorin was now looking at her with a strange clouded expression, his dark eyebrows furrowed as if he was deep in thought or trying to solve some vexing riddle. The look was so intense that Primrose found herself getting hot in the face and flustered feeling. There was really no reason for to feel embarrassed, after all what she said was true and she would say it all again if she had to but the intense calculating look from Thorin seemed to look too deeply at her, as if he was trying to find all of her secrets. Abruptly, Primrose coughed and smoothed out the front of her dress, "Well, that's that then. It that is all, I'll be retiring for the evening. With a quick bob, Primrose turned and darted up the stairs towards her room.
"Miss Took."
She paused, her hand resting on the knob to her room, and turned to look back at Thorin. It looked as if he wanted to say something but as she waited, he said nothing. She waited for a moment longer before sighing, "You needed anything?"
The dwarf, being snapped out of whatever daze he was in, cleared his throat and straightened his back. "Yes, pack up and be ready to leave, we leave before dawn." Turning, Thorin left before Prim could argue.
She went to bed feeling horribly depressed, she had her knapsack packed and had her cousin's clothes lain out and her new elvish dress lying across a chair. She would leave it behind for Primrose knew that it would get ruined and dirty, even if it was packed safely away. Perhaps the elves would save it for her so she could pick in up when she passed through on her way back home. If she ever gets that far. It was still dark out when there was a heavy knock on her door. Primrose felt heavy as she got dressed and gave the dress on the chair one last look before she opened the door to join the waiting dwarves. They hadn't even left Rivendell and she was already missing it.
As you might have noticed there's something that might be building between two of our main characters. I know Arwen isn't in the book, but I think our little Primrose needed some much deserved "girl time" and I have always liked to think that Arwen is a highly curious and head strong elf that doesn't always listen to what her dear daddy tells her to do. If she wanted to meet Primrose, or any other member of the Company then she would, despite what he dad told her.