Chapter 8
I had been correct. Gandalf had led us to the Hidden Valley of Imladris. My home.
"The Last Homely house. The Hidden Valley of Imladris. In the common tongue it is known by another name." Gandalf said.
"Rivendell." Bilbo said.
I had not been home in at least 450 years, and there were many reasons for it.
"This was your plan all along. To have us seek shelter with out enemy." Thorin said angrily.
"They are not your enemies. And the only ill will is that which you yourself bring."
"You think the elves would give our quest their blessing? They would only try to stop us!" snapped the dwarf.
"Of course they would." Thorin sighed. "Now if we are going to do this, it will take a good deal of respect and no small amount of charm. Which is why you shall leave the talking to me."
We made our way down to the valley. I kept myself from smiling. I had forgotten how beautiful my home truly was. As we approached an elf I recognized went to Gandalf.
"Ah Lindir!" Gandalf said.
"Mithrandir. Mae govannen."
"I have come to see Elrond."
"My Lord Elrond is not here." Lindir replied.
No sooner had the words left his mouth there was a horn call. The dwarves hurriedly drew their weapons and I backed away so that Elrond would not see my face. They circled around the dwarves and then Elrond walked to Gandalf.
"Mithrandir Mae Govannen."
"Lord Elrond."
Gandalf bowed his head and I did so as well. I had not a quarrel with Elrond.
"Never before has the enemy come so close to our borders. Something or someone must have drawn them there." said Elrond.
"Yes well that was most likely us."
Elrond turned and looked at the dwarves. Thorin walked forward.
"Thorin Oakenshield. Welcome to Imladris."
"I do not believe we have met." Thorin said.
"You have the look of your grandfather Thror. I knew him, when he ruled under the mountain." Elrond said.
My eyes grew wide and I slowly looked at Thorin.
"Did you now?"
Thorin's eye narrowed at his comment. I kept my head down.
Elrond turned and looked upon the dwarves.
"Malia ten' yulna vasa?"
"I say is he throwing insults upon us!?" Gloin asked angrily.
Gandalf looked upon them with a tired expression.
"My dear Gloin he is offering you food." Gandalf said.
"Oh…..right well then in that case lead on." Gloin said.
I held back my laughter and smiled to myself. We followed them to what was known as the hall of fire. The last time I had been among elves I had been in Lothlorien, though this was perhaps almost 45 years ago. I gratefully ate and drank to my fill whilst the dwarves examined the food uncertainly.
"What is this green leaf?" Bofur asked as he held it up with a fork.
I smiled small.
"Try it and tell me how it is." Bombur said.
I laughed softly and smiled. My attention was taken by the conversation Gandalf, Thorin and Elrond were having.
"This is Orcrist, The Goblin Cleaver. Made by the High-Elves….my kin. May it serve you well." Elrond said.
He handed it back to Thorin and then looked to Gandalf.
"And this is Glamdring. The Foe-Hammer which the king of Gondolin himself once bore. How the trolls came by them is unknown to me."
Later on that night I sat with the others. Bombur sat a top a table and I heard it make a strange noise. Bofur must have heard it as well. I saw him look at the small sausage in his hand and then back to Bombur.
"Bombur!"
He tossed him the sausage and that little added weight cause the table to break and Bombur fell. I joined in the laughter of the others.
That was when I saw Bilbo, Balin, Thorin and Gandalf following Elrond. Thorin glanced at me and I returned his gaze. Perhaps it was my imagination, but I swore I saw him motion for me to follow. I stood and followed behind them.
I had not been within the library of Imladris for a long time. It was one of the few things I missed. I had always loved books, hence why I knew so much about Middle-Earth. I hid behind the bookshelves and listened to their conversation.
"The map was given to me to protect." said Thorin.
"Save us from the stubbornness of dwarves!"
I looked at Gandalf.
"You are standing before one of the few in Middle-Earth who can still read ancient dwarf runes. Thorin show him the map." said the wizard crossly.
I watched Thorin carefully. I could tell instantly he did not trust Elrond, but trusted Gandalf. He slowly handed Elrond the map.
"Thorin no…." Balin began.
Thorin held up his hand to stop him and Elrond took the map.
"Moon letters." Elrond said.
"Of course." I whispered.
Dwarf doors were invisible when closed and could only be seen by the moon phase at the time it was built. They began to walk away and I looked to Thorin to see if I should follow. He slowly shook his head and I nodded. I remained in the library and that was where I came across an old friend, or two.
"Gilraen? Is that you?"
Curses!
