Author's Note: This Chapter will focus on their journey to Rivendell and their adventures while they're the guests of Elrond. Once again I do not own any of the characters or lines from the movies. There will be a few things that will be shortened or added within this Chapter. Please continue to enjoy the story, and please leave feedback.
-EuropeanCupcake
Chapter 10: Welcome to Rivendell
Mala watched as Radagast took off, his rabbits carrying him with amazing speed. Mala muttered a soft prayer under her breath, wishing Radagast the best of luck. She had complete faith in the wizard, however she still worried. Now that she had grown so close to the peculiar wizard, she found herself unable to imagine Middle-Earth or her life without him. He had a soft heart for all that grew, especially animals.
Mala couldn't imagine such a kind soul losing his life, even though she knew better. Middle-Earth was no easy place to call home, or to raise a family. It was littered with constant dangers around every corner.
If it wasn't the monstrous Orcs there were spiders and other horrid creatures waiting around every turn.
The Company made it's way into the open field, watching with warry eyes as Radagast was chased by Orcs. He led them in a circle, hoping to disorient them. Gandalf led the company behind several rocks, attempting to hide from the pack.
Quite a few times they had to move back in order to hide again, due to the fact that Radagast led them slightly too close them. Mala watched as the wizard led them on a wild chase, moving close to a few rocks on occasion. The Orcs followed like a bunch of mindless brutes, and a few of them even smashed against the rocks.
Mala pulled back Fili as the Orc pack was about twenty feet away from them, attempting to hide him from sight. She pressed him against her tightly, and held her breath in anticipation. She waited for what seemed like forever, until the sound of vicious howling was off in the distance. Mala let out a relieved breath and glanced down at the Master Dwarf, realizing just how close she had clutched him.
His bright red face was clutches against her chest, and his eyes glanced up at her wide. Mala immediately released him, her own cheeks turning slightly red. "I-I'm so sorry Master Dwarf, I didn't realize how inappropriately I had grabbed you." Fili stuttered a "it's ok," and the Company moved on. They continued to move across the planes with haste, hiding behind the large boulders.
"Quckly, quickly. Come on, quickly!" Gandalf urged them down a pass, and Mala followed without a second thought. She trusted the wise wizard with her life, and would not question his judgement. She had no idea where he was leading them, but she would follow.
She passed Gandalf and Thorin, and heard the disgruntled dwarf ask "Where are you leading us?"
There was no reply from Gandalf, and Mala couldn't help but wonder what exactly Gandalf had planned. She could tell by the sound of Thorin's gruff voice that he wasn't all too pleased. She wondered if their next destination would cause displeasure to the dwarves, and that was why Gandalf hadn't responded.
They continued to move across the planes with haste, and Mala made sure to observe the dwarves with watchful eyes. She could tell they were becoming exhausted from the constant sprint, especially considering how much they carried amongst them. Mala could make out some pots and pants dangling off the sides of some of their packs.
They altered their direction again as the Orc Pack came across their path, and they quickly retreated to some boulders located toward the left. Mala's endurance was well trained, due to the fact that the Ithryn had not only taught her the ways of magic. They made sure that her mind, body, and soul had all been trained in order to accomplish any tasks set before her.
Mala clutched her staff tightly in her left hand, and let her hazel eyes wander across the troop. They pressed themselves against the rocks, and the company's breathing was rather heavy.
Mala stiffened as she heard the sound of slight growling above them, and her hazel eyes caught sight of one of the Orc Scouts. The large Warg sniffed the air, attempting to catch the scent of its prey, Thorin Oakenshield's Company.
The Orc pulled out its sword in a swift movement, as he analyzed his surroundings. The Warg moved in a circle, attempting to spot out the company. Mala watched as Thorin's face turned to Kili, who began to take out his bow. Mala wanted to advice against it, but she could feel Gandalf's hand on her shoulder. She turned to the wizard who gave her a soft nod, and she also began to move slightly from the wall of the boulder.
Mala moved with Kili and he imbedded an arrow in the side of the Warg, and Mala send it slamming backwards with the force of her magic. The Orc pulled out its horn to warn the rest of its pack. Before it could blow into it however, another array of arrows struck the Warg down. The Orc and Warg tumbled off the boulder and next to the Company.
They all began moving forward quickly, and the dwarves struck the two creatures down. Mala winced as the sounds of struggle echoed around them, and she knew that they would soon be barraged with the rest of the pack. Mala's hold on her staff increased, and she glanced among the dwarves, hobbit, and Gandalf.
"We'll be fine" she muttered softly, attempting to calm down some of the tension.
Mala heard who she assumed was the leader of the Orc Pack call out, and the force moved forward towards them. Gandalf watched them in wide eyed worry, and turned toward the company.
"Move! Run!" he screamed, and moved forward with haste.
Mala ran, her legs moving with incredible speed as she moved across the planes. Her green clock and raven colored locks moved behind her in the breeze, while her hazel eyes looked forward with determination. She would not perish her.
She caught sight of Ori moving rather slowly beside her, obviously struggling to carry the weight of his belongings. Mala grabbed his backpack with a groan and continued to run forward.
"Hey those are my things," the dwarf grumbled, sending a glare her way.
"With all due respect Ori, I have no intention of letting you die here due to the weight of your pack. Now shut up and run." Mala's voice was more demanding than she had meant for it to be, but it worked none the less. With a grumble the dwarf carried on, his steps much lighter and faster now.
Gandalf led them in another direction as the Warg's moved toward the front of them, and the company veered off towards the right.
The Orc Pack began to close in on them, and Mala could tell the panic that was spreading trough the dwarves.
"Shoot them Kili!" Thorin yelled, and the dwarf prince obeyed, taking down one of the Warg's. Mala strapped her staff to her back, and took out her sword. She noticed how the dwarves glanced at her curiously and she moved forward.
Mala noticed the absence of Gandalf and wondered where he had ran off to. She had absolute faith in the wizard however, and did not doubt his just intent. Ori threw a pebble at one of the Warg's and it snarled, launching toward the younger dwarf.
Mala noticed Thorin beside her tense, and move forward. Before he could get near Ori however Mala had already arrived, and grabbed the dwarf. She rolled forward with the dwarf clutched in her arms, and landed in a squat. She turned around to face the Warg again, swinging her sword.
The large creature launched at her, but the young woman side stepped with grace. Her raven colored locks moved around creating a dark veil, and her hazel eyes glanced at the creature with fierce determination.
Mala didn't even understand what compelled her to move so swiftly, she only thought about Ori's safety. She swung her sword down with a groan, imbedding it in the Warg's neck. The Warg's dark blood splashed against the side of her cheek, and the creature uttered its last sound.
The beast collapsed beside her with a loud thud, dead.
Mala let out a shaky breath and turned around quickly to face Ori. She leaned down so she was the dwarves level, and her mocha colored hand rested against his sweaty cheek. Her hazel eyes glanced into his eyes for any sign of pain, but found none.
"Are you alright Ori?" She asked softly, worry filling her voice. Her accent had become slightly thicker cause of worry, but Mala didn't care.
The young dwarf nodded fiercely "Yes, thank you my lady."
Mala wanted to scold the dwarf for calling her 'my lady' but discarded the thought when Gandalf ushered them down a tunnel. Mala watched as the dwarves slid down the tunnel swiftly, and she joined them. She stumbled forward a bit as she entered the tunnel, but quickly gathered her balance.
The sound of a horn echoed loudly, and everyone turned to look at the entrance of the tunnel. Mala immediately recognized the sound, and noises of battle occurred above them. One of the Orcs tumbled down the tunnel, and Thorin removed a arrow.
"Elves" he muttered, obvious displeasure filled in his voice. He dropped the arrow with disgust, as if he had been burned by some imaginary fire.
Mala's eyebrows furrowed in slight anger as she watched the movement, and wondered why exactly the King under the Mountain hated the Elves so much. Mala had read and heard with her own ears of the distrust that laid between Elves and Dwarves.
Mala just didn't understand how such senseless hate existed between two races that lived on the same earth.
Mala noticed the same reaction in Gandalf's own eyes, and a sense of sadness filled her. She realized that Gandalf must have felt similarly, especially since he had lived in Middle-Earth for so long. Mala wondered what those kind eyes had seen during their time here, and she was filled with a warm feeling of compassion for the older gentlemen. Mala promised herself that after this journey came to a halt and if she survived, she would ask the wizard to tell her of some of his quests.
"I cannot see where the pathway leads" Dwalin uttered. The bald dwarf had made his way forward into the tunnel, clutching both of his axes tightly. "Do we follow it or no?" he asked, his voice raised with concern.
"Follow it of course!" Bofur responded, and the company began making its way trough the stony path.
"I say that would be wise" Gandalf said softly, trading glances with Bilbo and Mala. Mala send Gandalf a soft smile, putting a hand on his shoulder before she passed him. The hobbit moved in front of her, and Mala watched him with soft hazel eyes.
She wondered what exactly the hobbits part in this story was. She knew he was obviously addressed as 'the burglar' but she wondered what exactly he would be stealing. Mala had no earthly idea as to what the dwarven company was planning, and what Gandalf had begun. She knew the wizard had a knack for persuading people to begin journeys, by the Valar...she had been one of them.
Their ways trough the stony path seemed to take forever, and Mala realized how tired she truly was. She had spent most of today running from Orcs attempting to keep a band of stubborn dwarves together. She had also experienced her first kill today, and strangely enough Mala did not feel as empty as she thought she would feel. She didn't feel any overwhelming sense of pride or joy either.
She had simply acted upon instinct, her thoughts filled with protecting Ori. She had watched as the small dwarf shot his slingshot, in an attempt to subdue the large Warg. The young dwarf had so easily moved forward in order to protect his kin, knowing well he could have died. His determination had sent Mala forward, and she had gathered a new respect for the dwarves.
Despite the short time she had come to known them, she felt rather close to the stubborn folk.
Finally Mala could see the setting rays of the sun at the end of the tunnel, and they made their way out. She could hear gasps among the group as they took in their surroundings.
In the setting rays of the sun in front of them stood a beautiful city in a valley, against the side of a mountain. Small waterfalls slid down the side of the rock face, and amongst the beautifully designed houses. The houses seemed to be carved out of smooth and opalescent marble, and reflected the sun's rays with white light. There were a few stone bridges that lead to the city, which towered above slow moving waterfalls. There were a few high towers that glistened brightly, reflecting the sun's rays in vivid colors. Greenery also spread against the top of the rock face, and rested between some of the buildings.
The city practically echoed an ethereal song, and Mala found herself staring in utter wonder.
"The Valley of Imladris. In the common tongue it is known by another name," Gandalf said softly, his happiness clear in his words.
"Rivendell" Bilbo and Mala both uttered at the same time, and she looked at the small halfling. She sent him a comforting smile, and he returned her kind gesture. The small hobbit nodded softly.
"Here lies the Last Homely House East of the Sea" Gandalf said, slightly moving forward.
Mala could tell how uncomfortable the dwarves were as they mumbled amongst themselves, unsure of what to do next. Thorin turned around to face Gandalf and Mala, betrayal and anger written on his face. He clutches his axe tightly, glaring up at Gandalf.
"This was your plan all along, to seek refuge with our enemy" Thorin's voice was filled with malice and hatred as it vibrated deep within his throat.
Mala furrowed her eyebrows once again, returning the same intensity as the glare of the King. She didn't like the way he spoke to Gandalf, or the accusations he made. Nor did the appreciated the way he so outwardly showed his hatred towards Elves. Mala realized that everyone had different experiences within life, however all the encounters she had with the Elves had been good.
She couldn't imagine that the kind hearted Elves that she had come to known throughout her time in Middle-Earth would be capable of anything but good deeds. But then again...
Mala wrestled with her thoughts as she let out a soft sigh. She supposed she couldn't just judge a whole race of people on the actions of a few. She should know better than to judge Thorin so harshly on his preferences, despite the fact that they may be off.
Gandalf gave Thorin a disgruntled look, and his voice reflected the same qualities.
"You have no enemies here, Thorin Oakenshield. The only ill will to be found in this valley, is that which you bring yourself."
"You think the Elves will give our quest their blessing? They will try to stop us." Thorin's voice carried the same amount of hatred and disbelief.
Gandalf's look towards Thorin softened a bit, as he nodded "Of course they will, but we have questions that need to be answered."
Thorin's face fell a bit as the truth within Gandalf's words became clear to him. Mala glanced between the two men curiously, wondering what exactly those questions entailed.
"If we are to be successful, this will need to be handled with tact...and respect...and no small degree of charm. Which is why you will leave the talking to me, and possibly Mala." Gandalf said with soft firmness, his wise eyes meeting Mala's.
Mala glanced up at him, and sent him a questioning glance. She couldn't imagine that she had any charm within her, however she appreciated Gandalf's kind words. She laughed softly, and the company began making their way into the town of Rivendell. They moved down the stony side of the mountain path, large trees around them. The trees were illuminated in a warm yellow light from the sun.
Mala took in the scents around her. The air was crisp and clean. Scent from the trees and several different flowers around them rested in the air, creating a rather pleasant scent. The rivers and waterfalls around them created a light mist in the air which cooled Mala's heated skin. She was still exhausted from the battle earlier, and her body temperature was still slightly elevated.
They crossed a bridge which was about the width of three dwarves, and she glanced below them. The streams of water moved slowly under them and against the rocks located in their path. They past two statues of elven guards and were led into a small courtyard. The setting rays of the sun felt nice against Mala's mocha colored skin, and she closed her eyes.
The rays illuminated her sun kissed skin and raven locks, and for a moment she looked almost part of the sun itself.
Mala opened her eyes once again and focused on what was in front of her. On a pair of stone steps stood two Elven guards in full armor, and Gandalf walked forward towards them. The rest of the company was rather hesitant, and Mala noticed that even noticed that Mr. Baggin's was a bit unsure. A tall brown haired Elf walked between the guards and towards Gandalf, a soft smile on his lips.
He seemed familiar with the wizard as he addressed him, Gandalf's back turned.
"Mithrandir" he said softly, and Gandalf turned around with a smile.
"Ah, Lindir" Gandalf said, his voice filled with soft affection.
The Elf's smiled brightened as he pressed his palm to his chest, and gestured out. The movement had some sort of affectionate meaning Mala assumed, and she wondered how much the small gesture actually meant.
"We heard you had crossed into the valley" Lindir uttered in Sindarin, and Mala was very thankful that she had taken the time to learn the language better in the last few years. She was not perfect by any means, but at least she was able to understand most of it.
Lindir glanced curiously at the company which was in front of him, particularly resting on a Mala. She could see the curiosity in his eyes. It definitely wasn't a common occurrence to see a single woman travel with a bunch of dwarven men, especially not since she was so seemingly human.
"I must speak with Lord Elrond," Gandalf's voice was filled with worry.
"My Lord Elrond is not here." Lindir's voice was curt and direct as he responded, his face unemotional.
"Not here? Where is he?" Gandalf asked, his voice almost filled with disbelief.
Just then the same horn that had sounded earlier echoed around them, and the sound of hooves joined it. The approaching Elves moved forward fast, and the dwarves immediately took a defensive position.
Mala even tightened her hold on the handle of her sword at their swift movements, and Gandalf's eyes widened slightly. The Elves circled around them in perfect movement, and eventually halted their horses.
A tall brown haired Elf moved off his horse, and Gandalf quickly revealed he was Lord Elrond. The two embraced and exchanged small greetings, before the Elven Lord glanced toward the rest of Gandalf's company. His eyes went over each of them, and he raised a curious eyebrow as he took in Mala. Thorin moved forward defensively, and Lord Elrond looked at him softly.
"Welcome to Rivendell Thorin, son of Thrain" Lord Elrond's voice was soft as he addressed the dwarf, despite the rather rude look that rested upon Thorin's face.
"I do not believe we have met," Thorin uttered coldly, his eyes glancing up at Lord Elrond in almost a challenge.
Lord Elrond raise his eyebrows, "You have your grandfather's bearing. I knew Thror when he ruled under the mountain."
"Indeed? he made no mention of you." Thorin said coldly, almost like an insult toward Lord Elrond.
Mala felt the anger bubble within her, and she felt an urge to slap Thorin in the back of his head. For being a King he sure was not making a splendid political example for his people. How did he ever expect to be part of this world with such hatred?
Lord Elrond let out a soft sigh, and began speaking in Elvish. He spoke the words rather harshly, making sure to enunciate each letter.
"What does he sayin? Does he offer us insult?" Gloin uttered, clearly displeased and outraged. The rest of the dwarves joined in grumbling amongst themselves angrily. Lord Elrond's face remained the same, but Mala had a sneaky suspicion he was rather enjoying teasing the dwarves.
"No Master Gloin, he's offering you food" Gandalf said softly, and Gloin's face immediately changed.
The dwarves whispered amongst themselves, and Mala watched them curiously with an eyebrow raised. She could hear words like 'hungry' amongst them, and she couldn't help but chuckle a bit.
"In that case, lead on" Gloin grumbled, and Lord Elrond nodded softly with a amused look on his face.
After they had all discarded their backpacks, they were greeted by some of Lord Elrond's servants. "Lord Elrond extends his welcome by offering for all of you to clean up after your long journey, I'm sure you would all not mind a warm bath."
Mala let out a happy sigh, "That would be most welcoming, thank you so much. After the long journey there is nothing more that I would long for than to clean up."
The dwarves around her grumbled. Mala raised an eyebrow at them, glancing over each one of them.
"It does not make you any less of a man to care for your appearance. I believe you are all in need of a bath. I may not have known you for long, but I can confess that I have grown rather familiar of your stench."
The Elvenmaid that had offered them the baths laughed softly, and Gandalf chuckled as well. The dwarfs continued their grumbling until Thorin finally uttered "very well. We'll do fine to use one of the fountains though, we are not in need of fancy washrooms."
Mala rolled her eyes and sighed murmuring "stubborn dwarves," before she followed the maid that led her to the washroom.
"While you all clean up for dinner, I will speak with Lord Elrond." Gandalf's voice rang clear in the room as Mala exited, and she wondered what exactly the wizard would discuss with Elrond.
Mala sighed happily as she sank into the warm bath filled with several fragrant flowers and plants. Her long raven colored locks floated around her, and her mocha colored arms rested against the bath. She closed her hazel colored eyes, allowing the warm water to loosen some of her tight muscles. The months of training with the Ithryn had not only come with experience and gains of power, but also with bruises.
Lots and lots of bruises...
Bruises in places that Mala did not even realize had been targeted during hand to hand training. A few of them still lingered on her legs, now light purple in color. Luckily they didn't stand out too much against her sun kissed skin. Then again Mala wondered why she was so concerned with the few bruises that covered her skin. It wasn't like anyone really took noticed of her body in that aspect.
She remained covered in all that she did, she'd never even allowed a man to see her thighs. Mala blushed at the thought and lowered herself further into the water, just below her nose.
In the solace of her bath Mala allowed her thoughts to drift off, away from the events of today. The young witch wondered whether the Elvenking had attempted to reach out to her. She had no time to write him a letter before the events of today, and she wondered whether Radagast had received one.
Would he worry about her? She had been worried about the months of silence between them, but would he as well?
Years had passed by since she had last seen him. She knew he would probably remain unchanged, for Elves did not age the way that mortals did. She wondered if he still harbored the same affections for her that he did before she left. He had explained to her that Elves loved differently than humans, and she hoped that his affections had remained the same...or increased.
Her affections for the golden haired King had increased, frighteningly so. There wasn't a day that he didn't drift into her thoughts, and Mala found herself practically clinging on to the memories of his face. She was so frightened that one day she would awake from sleep, and could not recall his form. The curve of his sharp and thin nose, his impossibly blue eyes, his golden strands of hair, his slightly full lips, and his dark eyebrows.
The curve his lips took when he allowed himself to smile at her, and the stoic expression he usually held. Mala let out a shaky sigh and dove completely under the water, allowing her body to float in the bath for a moment.
Her eyes opened, and her hazel colored eyes glanced up at the cream colored ceiling, blurred trough the water. She rose out of the water and took a deep breath, her arms sliding on to the edge of the bath once more. Mala grabbed the lavender soap that was provided to her from the Elven maid, and began cleaning her body.
She utilized the time preciously and washed herself slowly, moving in slow circles across her skin. She took care to wash every crevice of her body, and clean underneath her slightly dirty nails. She took her time and utilized it almost like a ritual, attempting to wash away her worries away.
When she had finished she dried herself off with a soft towel, and exited the bath. A beautiful red dress had been laid out on one of the wooden chairs, and the action reminded Mala greatly of the dress she had received in Mirkwood.
She graciously took the gift and slipped into it. Mala glanced at herself in the large mirror, looking over her reflection. The dress clung to her body, outlining her bust. There just below the dip between her collarbones, rested the beautiful green jewel that contrasted against her mocha colored skin. Mala allowed her hands trace over the necklace once more, memories of Thranduil entering her mind.
She tried to push the thoughts aside, and let out a soft sigh. Her hazel colored eyes returned to her reflection once more.
Mala hadn't realized that during the past few years she had filled out more. Her bust had grown larger, and her hips wider. Her legs had become more toned from the training she received, and so had her arms. Mala wondered slightly amused whether she had grown any, and she really hoped so. She had always been a little envious of the height of the Elves, and the way they stood so regal.
Mala's eyes and face however had remained the same. Her cheeks were still defined, and her large hazel eyes still held the same amount of wondrous curiosity about the world. Her raven colored locks had grown longer and thicker, and now fell to her waist. Her skin had grown darker from the many months of training outside, and almost had a glow to it.
Mala braided her hair with nimble fingers, leaving out a few strands to frame her face. She slipped into a pair of red flats that had been provided for her, and cleaned up the washroom a bit.
She folded the towel that had been provided for her, and emptied the bath. She grabbed her clothes which she had discarded on the ground, and returned it to where their backpacks had been stored. After she completed her tasks, Mala allowed herself to explore Rivendell a bit. It was largely different from the caverns of Mirkwood, and Mala could practically feel the freedom the valley held.
Mala allowed her legs to carry her to one of the gardens which overlooked one of the larger waterfalls, and she settled upon a bench. She closed her hazel eyes and enjoyed the feeling of the sunshine against her skin. The hectic events of today had left her drained, and she had spent almost know time to just enjoy the fact that she was alive. To enjoy the sunshine against her skin, or hear the peaceful sounds of the animals around her.
"Are you lost my Lady?" the voice was filled with softness, and Mala recognized it immediately. She stood up quickly and bowed, the strands of her raven locks brushing against the sides of her face. Mala usually did not prefer the term 'my lady' but somehow she didn't mind it coming from him.
"Good evening my Lord Elrond. I apologize for my curiosity, my legs seemed to have carried me."
"The dress suits you well, I am happy that you accepted the gift." Elrond smiled softly at her, the corners of his eyes slightly wrinkling with the movement.
Mala bowed once more "Thank you for the gift my Lord, I appreciate it very much. It has been a long time since I've worn such beautiful clothing, and I appreciate it so much. I haven't felt like a woman in a while," she laughed softly.
Elrond chuckled next to her "It seems that Gandalf has not allotted you enough time to simply be a woman it seems."
His brown eyes then wandered down to the necklace which rested around Mala's neck, and he raised a curious eyebrow. "I apologize for my curiosity this time Mala, but I am wondering where you received such a beautiful necklace. It looks to me to be a token of a very lucky Elves affection, presumably someone from Mirkwood. The jewels are very prized among their kin, and tell of the rich history of their beginnings."
Mala's hand immediately went to the necklace, and her fingers rested on the big jewel at the end of the chain. She gasped softly, completely unaware of what Thranduil's gift truly meant.
"You are correct my Lord. I received it from an Elf that I met while I resided in Mirkwood. He gave it to me as a promise that I would return to him, and a token of his affections for me. I hope that I am able to fulfill that promise..." she murmured softly, her mind wandering into thought.
Lord Elrond continued to glance at the jewel curiously, his own suspicions of who exactly had given it to her spiraling in his mind. He wondered curiously as to what Thranduil was thinking in giving it to her, and Elrond hoped that his affections for the young woman ran true. She carried an aura of grace, and warmth around her wherever she stepped. Lord Elrond had been entranced by her beauty and aura when he first laid eyes upon her, and it wasn't very hard to see why the Woodland King had been put under the witch's spell.
Elrond's brown eyes glanced into hers, and he put a hand on her shoulder. He squeezed her right shoulder softly "I am sure you will return from this journey Mala, for the Valar are with you. They have brought you this far in the journey, and all the way from Harad."
Mala gasped a bit at Lord Elrond's words, and she wondered how much Gandalf had told him about her.
"Mithrandir sent me letters during your training to inform me of your existence, and during our exchange just now...he spoke again. He thinks very highly of you Mala and he will make sure no harm comes to you. He thinks you are a great addition to the Company of Thorin Oakenshiled, and I do as well. If Thorin Oakenshield is after what I fear, he will need all the help he can get. Let your heart, and mind guide you on this journey Mala, and you will be fine."
Lord Elrond removed the hand from her shoulder and gave her a soft smile "Now let us settle down for dinner. I'm sure you as well as your companions are hungry after a long day."
Mala nodded and followed Lord Elrond as he led her to the area in which they would have dinner.
All the whilst there was a group of naked dwarves splashing in a fountain outside of one of the buildings in Rivendell. Their joyous laughter echoing trough the orange colored evening sky.