Chapter 10
Welcome to Imladris
"I cannot see where the pathway leads! Do we follow it?" Dwalin called.
"Follow it, of course!" Bofur said.
"That would be wise."
I looked at Gandalf. He had a mischievous sparkle in his eyes.
Fili's POV
We followed the tunnel and Uncle seem to suspect something. As we came to a cliff Estelwen gasped. I looked at her and smiled. She had a look of joy, wonder and excitement on her face. Her smile was greater then ever. I took her hand and she smiled at me.
"This was your plan all along."
I groaned.
"To seek refuge with our enemy!" Thorin said.
"You have no enemies here Thorin Oakenshield. The only ill will to be found in this valley is that which you bring yourself." Gandalf said.
"You think the elves will grant our quest their blessing? They will try to stop us."
"Of course they would!"
Thorin sighed in frustration. Estelwen went to him.
"Thorin please….." He looked at her. "They may know where I can find my father and brother. Or at least tell me who they are. Please?"
Begging had never worked with my uncle. He was stubborn and set in his ways. However he sighed and nodded.
"Very well."
That is a surprise. It never worked for me! Or Kili.
Estelwen's POV
As we walked down into the valley I took in everything I saw. Clear fresh water, lively trees and birds. We came to a stop at a set of stairs. An elf with long brown hair came forward.
"Mithrandir." He said.
"Ah Lindir!"
"Stay sharp." Thorin whispered.
I rolled my eyes.
"~We had heard you had crossed into the valley.~"
"~I must speak with Lord Elrond.~"
"My lord Elrond is not here."
"Not here? Where is he?"
Before he could answer, the same horn call from before came.
"Close ranks!" Thorin shouted.
Fili pulled me to him and they huddled together. The elves circled around us. One of them went to Gandalf. I knew immediately I had seen him somewhere before.
"Gandalf!"
"Lord Elrond."
He jumped off his horse and embraced Gandalf.
"~My friend where have you been?~"
"~We have been hunting a pack of orcs that came up from the south. We slew them near the Hidden Pass.~"
He held up an orc weapon.
"Strange, for orcs to have come so close to our borders. Something or someone must have drawn them near."
"Ah, that may have been us."
Elrond turned and looked at us. Thorin walked forward.
"Welcome Thorin, son of Thrain."
"I do not believe we have met."
"You have your grandfather's bearing. I knew Thror when he ruled under the mountain."
"Indeed. He made no mention of you."
Oh…right.
I snorted and Elrond looked at me. His eyes went wide.
"It cannot be."
He walked forward but Thorin blocked him. I pushed passed Thorin and looked at him. He stood a foot taller then I.
"What is your name?"
"Estelwen Caladhiel Rogers."
"And your mother?"
"Adonnenniel."
He smiled at me.
"I have not seen you since you were a baby. That was some 2000 years ago."
My eyes widened.
I was 2027?
"Your mother never told you."
I shook my head.
"Do you know where I come from? Who my father is?"
"Sadly no. I knew your mother because she was passing through Imladris. She had you with her. She would not say where she came from."
I looked down. My last hope had been dashed. Elrond put his hand on my shoulder. I looked up at him.
*"Caro naid dithin na veleth veleg."
I smiled small and nodded. He now looked to the dwarves.
"~Dinner is being prepared and shall be served shortly in the Hall of Fire.~"
"What does he say? Does he offer us insult?!"
"No Master Gloin he is offering you food."
"Ah, well in that case lead on."
*Do small things with great love