The trek to Rivendell was not long, though the ponies were still restless from the ambush. Aella herself was weary, but could hardly contain her excitement at visiting Rivendell; the eagles had filled her head with stories of the great deeds of the elves, though she had never met one herself. Their healing skills were said to be unparalleled, and she was eager to watch their fighting techniques first hand. Maybe she could convince one to teach her…
As her thoughts continued along that path, she didn't notice Dwalin coming up to ride beside her, until he spoke. "You did well, lass. Who taught you to fight?" he asked gruffly, keeping his eyes trained on the path ahead.
"A man who lived not too far from my house. He taught me to fight, and his wife taught me to cook. I never realised how much cooking skills would come in handy until you all arrived," she replied, smiling wryly. The Company's love of food made her glad that she had taken the time to learn- the feast she had provided on that first night that seemed so long ago had set a good impression.
"Well, it is no easy feat to take down a warg," he acknowledged, and again she grinned. By now, she knew that compliments from the burly warrior were few and far between, so she appreciated his comment.
"Thank you, Master Dwarf. Although, I will have you know that that was not my first fight, nor the first creatures I have slain." Aella snickered to herself at the dwarf's confused face. She knew that what Gandalf and Arthmael had warned her of was true - she had to earn their trust and respect before she revealed where she came from - but it was fun to watch him puzzle that over. On a more serious note, she realised that she would have to tell the Company about the Lakota and the eagles before they reached Esgaroth: it would not do to have them find out from a slip of the tongue, and begin to be suspicious of her before they even got to Erebor.
Once again, her thoughts were interrupted, this time by the sight of the valley. "Rivendell," she breathed, in open wonder as she gazed up at the buildings. The buildings were as much part of the valley as the waterfalls and streams that ran through Imladris. The trees were greener than she had ever seen, and it was all she could do to keep from falling over as she dismounted.
The dwarfs, however, were on edge, keeping sharp eyes on each part of the valley. It was well known that dwarves and elves were not friendly, but this was ridiculous. Those who hadn't drawn small weapons had hands on sword-hilts. Just as she noticed, she realised that she had been shepherded into the middle of the group by Dwalin and Glóin, so that she was surrounded. Holding back a sigh, she cast Dwalin an irritated look, which he didn't notice. WithGandalf at the lead, the Company advanced along a narrow path that lead down to a bridge that crossed the river below. Aella followed blindly, still admiring the valley, and trusting the dwarves to stop her from falling.
Two statues of elven warriors guarded the small courtyard where the Company milled about, muttering to each other and looking about suspiciously. Aellamade her way to where Gandalf stood near the foot of the steps, and continued surveying the view. If only the wolves could see this - or the eagles! Perhaps they had, and just never mentioned it: after all, the Valley of Imladris was not far from the Misty Mountains. As this crossed her mind, she heard light footsteps, and turned to watch a dark-haired elf descend the stairs. Noticing the movement, Gandalf turned and smiled as the elf called out, "Mithrandir."
The two greeted each other, and Aella smirked as she watched Thorin mutter something to Dwalin, and the burly dwarf nodding and frowning at the newcomer in response. "I must speak with Lord Elrond," Gandalf requested, and she furrowed her brow when she heard the reply. "My lord Elrond is not here," the elf responded mysteriously, but before he could tell them where this Lord was, a horn sounded - the same horn she had heard when the elves arrived at the ambush.
The Company turned as one to face the way they had come, as she heard the sound of hooves clattering against stone. A small company of elves rode towards them across the bridge, the leader bearing the standard of Rivendell. Before she could ask Gandalf if Lord Elrond was with them, Thorin barked an order in a strange language.
"Close ranks!"
At this, the dwarves formed a tight circle, brandishing their weapons, and before she could protest, Fili grabbed her by the arm and pulled her into the middle before turning to face the oncoming elves. "This is getting ridiculous," she huffed, crossing her arms and glaring at the back of his head. "We are guests, and this is their home! You should not raise a weapon at them," she scolded, resisting the urge to smack the prince upside the head. Fili made no reply other than a low chuckle, keeping his gaze on the elves.
The elves took no notice of the cluster of dwarves in their courtyard, instead choosing to form two rings around them, and kept their horses moving. Shesuppressed a giggle at the growls coming from some of the dwarves: they were no more intimidating than a pup trying to bark. Finally, the riders halted, as an elf on a black horse called out to Gandalf. This must be Lord Elrond, she thought, as she listened to their conversation in what could only be Sindarin. As the language switched to Westron, she grinned as Gandalf admitted to leading the orcs to the borders of Rivendell and gestured towards the dwarves. Thorin took this as a sign to step forward. Aella found herself wincing as he spoke to the elf lord, becoming progressively ruder to Elrond. The elf said something in Sindarin that gained no response from the dwarf-king, so Glóin answered for him.
"What is he saying!? Does he offer us insult!?"
The dwarves mumbled their agreement, and she rolled her eyes in exasperation. If not the dragon, then these dwarves would be the end of her. "No, Master Glóin, he offers you food."
The dwarves quickly followed behind the first elf, as he showed them where they would be sleeping, but Aella hung back, feeling awkward.
"And who is this, Mithrandir?" asked Elrond, when he noticed the remaining member of the company.
She was small, smaller than most of the dwarves, and young. Her hair was braided back, but dried mud and leaves - evidence of her journey – remainedtangled in it. Her dark brown tunic was oddly fashioned, ending at her hips, and the black hood and deep brown jacket were the same length. Elrond noticed that she carried multiple weapons: two swords, one at her hip and the other at her back, a pair of throwing knives strapped to one side of the belt,and a long dagger next to the sword on her hip. On her back was a large pack that dwarfed her and made her seem even more petite. He hummed softly in contemplation- this was an odd woman, and he would ask Gandalf more when she had gone.
"This is Aella, our burglar," explained Gandalf, smiling kindly at her, and shooting her a glance that seemed to say 'Don't tell him anything yet'.
She smiled softly at the tall elf, and swept a bow. "It is an honour, Lord Elrond, to stay in Rivendell. Your hospitality is most generous."
He in turn inclined his head. "It is a pleasure to have guests with manners," he joked, smiling at the wizard, who huffed, but didn't say anything. "Come, Nenil will show you to your room."
A tall she-elf with strawberry blond hair stepped forward. "If you would follow me?" She smiled, speaking with a lilting voice. Aella found herself liking the elf already. Nodding to Gandalf and Elrond, she followed Nenil up the steps and through the corridors of Rivendell.
"I'd like to apologise on behalf of the Company," she began hesitantly as Nenil glanced at her in surprise. "They don't like elves a lot, and I don't think they will express gratitude to Lord Elrond for his hospitality. I don't know why they're so rude- you're being very kind when we've already caused so much trouble."
"And what makes you different?" the elf asked as she came to a halt outside a wooden door.
"I am not prejudiced," Aella replied, meeting Nenil's eyes. The elf inclined her head, and opened the door.
"This is your room for the duration of your stay. You have a balcony that overlooks a fountain, and the baths are directly below this room," she announced, standing by the door and allowing Aella to walk in. The head of the bed was on the wall to her right, and the foot faced a desk with writing tools and a mirror. The balcony was on the far wall- the doors were open and thin white curtains were blowing in the breeze. The fountain was larger than she had expected, and was fed by part of the huge waterfall on its right. An enormous statue of a maiden holding a bowl siphoned off some of the waterfall to feed the fountain.
"This is wonderful, thank you!" Aella grinned and turned to thank the elf, who smiled back.
"You have a few hours until dinner, so I suggest you bathe. You must be weary after your journey. I will lay out a gown for you while you are gone, as tonight you are invited to dine with Lord Elrond," she said, and left the room before Aella could say anything.
Shrugging to herself, she dropped her pack on a small red armchair she hadn't noticed before, and unbuckled her belt. Her jacket, hood and tunic, sheabandoned on her bed, and the two swords and her throwing knives she left as well, but the dagger stayed in her hand as she made her way downstairs.
Her boots padded on the stone floor, and she counted the doors to find the one beneath her room. It was empty when she walked in, and there were four bathing pools, each one filled with steaming, scented water. Aella crossed the room to the pool furthest from the door, and quickly shed her dirty clothes. As she slipped into the water, a small groan escaped her lips as she sank below the surface, and the heat began to ease the aches and pains of riding for three weeks. She found soap and a scrubber on a small shelf built into the pool above the water level, and quickly grabbed them and began cleaning herself and then her hair. That done, she closed her eyes and relaxed against the side of the pool, enjoying the quiet and solitude that she never had on the road.
When she opened her eyes again, the water was a little cooler. As she scanned the room, she noticed a burgundy robe hanging by the door, and her name on a piece of parchment next to it. She smiled at the thoughtfulness of her hosts as she rose from the bath and climbed out. Hissing as the cold air hit her body,she tiptoed her way over to the robe and pulled it on, leaving her dirty shirt and breeches by the pool.
By the time Aella had found her way upstairs, Nenil had left a deep green gown on her bed, as well as replacements for her shirt, breeches, and bindings that lay on the other side of the bed. Sighing, she wrapped her chest with the bandages and pulled on the dress. There were straps for her shoulders that widened at the top, and a small hemline at the waist. The material fell to the floor, and although the neckline was lower than she would have preferred, her bindings were not visible, and the bodice not too tight.
Remaining barefoot for now, she crossed to room to the balcony, and leaned out, watching the waterfall run. That was, she watched until she caught sight of thirteen dwarves sprinting for the fountain, yelling and pulling clothes off as they went. Aella gave a little shriek and clapped her hand over her eyes, blushing furiously. The noise caught someone's attention; she couldn't see who, but she when she heard voices call up to her, she knew exactly who it was.
"Miss Aella! Look, boys!" yelled Bofur, pointing to her balcony, and a chorus of greetings rang up.
"For Eru's sake put some clothes on!" she shouted back, hand still covering her eyes. "You're ruining my view of the waterfall!"
"Are you sure you don't want to come and get a better look? You might change your mind!" called Nori, and the Company burst into laughter.
"I'd rather not, Master Nori, I'm quite sure," she replied. "Besides, I think I saw some elves heading for the baths downstairs, I might just go and take a look!"
At this, the dwarves roared their anger, and she could hear Fíli swearing in Khuzdul.
"I'm joking, boys. But seriously, didn't you know the baths downstairs are heated?" she asked, shaking her head and smiling.
"We're fine, Aella, nothing a few dwarves can't handle!" replied Kíli.
"I'll see you all at dinner then," she said, and turned to walk back into her room, shutting the doors quickly and leaning against them.
Dear heavens, what was she going to do? Somehow, she couldn't get the image of Fíli's toned chest out of her mind, and she slapped herself mentally before she continued down that route. "No, Aella. No dwarves, no bare chests, and no going anywhere within a league of that fountain!" she scolded, and quickly pushed herself to her feet. She wanted to explore before dinner, and she had heard tales of the vast library of the elves.
A/N: So here's Chapter 10, thanks again to T'Reilani, who beta'd this, and please review and tell me what you think?