"Something is different" Nellas thought as they approached the entrance of the last homely house.
When she first came to imladris one month ago, it felt like a deserted city; Elrond had explained that by the end of the third age most elves had left to the undying lands.
"Our numbers have been declining for a long time" he had said
"Most left after the war of the wrath, but we were still a numerous people during the second age. Then, after the war of the last alliance and the fall of Gil galad, many more left, leaving very few of our kin, mostly Nandor in the realms of Lothlorien and greenwood"
She remembered the look of nostalgia in his eyes
"Our time as guardians of middle earth is over…it will not be long before I sail west with my family"
Now, she could see the place thriving with activity, she wondered if this was related to the news Thingol had received.
It wasn't long before someone came down to greet them
"Wait here and let us do the talking" Gandalf said and motioned Nellas to go with him
"Mithrandir, Nellas" A tall elf said with courtesy as he approached them
"Ah Lindir" Gandalf replied with a smile
Nellas heard Thorin whispering to the others "Stay sharp".
"I wonder what they are saying" Gloin whispered, his voice denoting a little suspicion as they spoke in sindarin.
"The hidden valley does not seem as empty as the last time I was here" Gandalf said, noticing many elves looking down at them with curiosity
"For the past three weeks we have been receiving an increasing number of visitors" Lindir explained "Imladris hadn't seen this level of activity since the days of the last alliance".
"I see" Gandalf replied as he turned and gave Thorin a quick glance.
"I must speak with Lord Elrond," Gandalf continued, this time in the common tongue so Thorin and the others could understand
"My Lord Elrond is not here."
"Not here? Where is he?" Gandald asked, surprised by Elrond's absence.
As if answering his question, the sound of a horn filled the air.
Nellas and Gandalf turned and saw a heavily armed riding party approaching, led by Elrond himself
"Close ranks" Thorin commanded as if they were under attack; the dwarves reacted immediately, forming a tight defensive formation. They soon found themselves being circled by the Elven riders.
The tense moment was broken by Elrond, who dismounted and approached Gandalf and Nellas, although the dwarves remained tense even after the riders left at Elrond's command.
They spoke a few words before Elrond turned his attention to Thorin and his company
"Welcome Thorin, son of Thrain." Elrond said warmly
If Thorin was surprised that this elf knew his name and origin, he didn't show it.
"I do not believe we have met." He replied neutrally.
Elrond smiled "You have your Grandfather's bearing. I knew Thror when he ruled under the mountain."
"Indeed? He made no mention of you."
This time Thorin wasn't able to contain some of the emotions he was feeling as he replied a little harshly.
Elrond seemed amused by this and said something in quenya, his eyes still on Thorin
"What is he saying? Does he offer us insult?" Gloin's angry comment made nellas giggle, and Gandalf winked at her
"No, Master Gloin" she replied with a smile "he is offering you food and shelter"
The Dwarves, even Thorin, seemed genuinely surprised by it and they talked among themselves in hushed voices.
"Ah, Well. In that case, lead on" Gloin said casually,no traces of his previous anger
In the main hall, despite the refinement of all present, tension filled the air. The Rivendell elves, mostly Noldor born during the third age, were not pleased that the "newcomers" had taken away the harmony of the valley, as there were several "factions," each with different claims over the Jewels once Feanor and Yavanna had used them to restore the life of the trees
Most were envoys sent by king Ingwe, Vanyar that had never been east of the sea. To them, the Jewels had to be kept by the Valar, as they believed it could be the cause of problems and conflict in Valinor, just as it had been in the past.
Others were sindar and noldor that have "died" and returned to middle earth. They claimed that the jewels belonged to Thingol, as he was the last rightful owner, bought by the blood and sacrifice of Luthien and Beren; and there were also a few that claimed the jewels still belonged to the house of Feanor, even thought they were no longer bound by any oath, and that their father no longer claimed or desire it.
Arwen, who was in charge of imladris during the absence of her father and brothers, was on the verge of losing her patience after she had to deal with Ingwe's youngest son.
"Not here?" he had asked with arrogance when she informed him that Elrond was not in Rivendell
"There was a group of Orcs near our borders" she explained but that didn't seem to satisfy him, and he left without saying a word
"Calm down, Arwen" a sweet voice brought her out of her thoughts. She looked to her side and saw Luthien smiling at her
"He acts as if we were all his subjects" Arwen murmured as she gave a quick look at the table were the Vanyar were sitting
"At least his sister is kind" she finally observed
At that moment Elrond and his sons entered the hall, followed by Thorin's company. Silence filled the place as most present had never seen dwarves before, and even fewer those who knew of Hobbits.
Nellas didn't like that everyone in the hall was looking at them; it reminded her of the time she spoke on behalf of Turin in the halls of Menegroth, and how uncomfortable it made her feel to be among so many lords and ladies. Her confusion at seeing vanyarin elves and others only increased her discomfort.
"I don't like green food" Ori's voice distracted her and her attention focused on her traveling companions.
"Where is the meat?" Dwalin scowled while fili and Kili laughed loudly at a prank they played on Bifur. Not one seemed to care that they were being observed and acted as they usually did. Their attitude made her relax and soon she had forgotten all about her previous discomfort. She noticed that only Bilbo seemed to be awed by the magnificence of the place and the presence of so many of her kin
Meanwhile Elrond, who surprised them by sitting at their table, began to examine the swords found in the trolls cave.
Nellas and Bilbo listened with interest and each stared at their weapon, wondering if these were also renowned blades.
As if reading their thoughts, Balin said to Bilbo
"I wouldn't bother, laddie. Swords are named for their great deeds they do in war."
Bilbo Stared at him and then back to his sword with a little disappointment
"What are you saying, my sword hasn't seen battles?"
Nellas suppressed a giggle when Balin answered
"I'm not actually sure it is a sword. More of a letter opener, really"
Dinner continued in peace, with Nellas casting quick glances from time to time to the other tables. The presence of the Vanyar disturbed her, but not as much as her eyes focused on another table where seven figures talked among themselves
"Eru" she whispered "Not them"