The little wizard and his rabbit skid managed to deflect the orc pack from the fleeing company for a short while, but soon they had caught up with the dwarves who had no where to run anymore. Their only chance was to follow Gandalf into a crack in the rocks, leading to a tunnel. Shortly after they had entered the tunnel, the orc pack was attacked by elves who chased them away. Unaware of Gandalfs plans, the company had followed him to through the secret passage, leading to Imladris.

Thorin was furious 'That was your plan all along! To seek refuge with our enemies.'

'You have no enemies here, Thorin. The only ill will here is which you bring yourself.' This time, Kassandra had to agree with Gandalf.

'The elves will not give us their blessing, they will try to stop us.' Thorin objected.

'Of course they will. But we have questions which need to be answered. Of we want to be successful this has to be handled with tact, respect and no small degree of charm. This is why you will leave the talking to me.' Gandalf told Thorin.

At the gates of Imladris, Rivendell, they were greeted by an elf who introduced himself as Lindir. Lord Elrond joined the company later on, coming back from the patrol.

'Welcome Thorin, son of Thrain.' Elrond welcomed the dwarf king.

'I do not believe we have met.' Thorin answered arrogantly.

'You have your grandfathers bearing, I knew him when he ruled under the mountain.' Elrond explained.

'Indeed. He made no mention of you.'

Kassandra just wanted to kick his arrogant butt. How could he be so tactless and impolite? Even dwarves should have a sense for common behavior. Kassandra realised for the first time that she only knew little of the dwarves. Before she could handle that thought they were invited to dinner by Elrond, who addressed them in elvish which was instantly taken as an insult by Gloin.

Rolling her eyes Kassandra interrupted the dwarves outburst. 'No master Gloin, he is offering you food.'

'Hmmmm. In that case lead on.' Gloin and the dwarves followed Lindir.

At dinner Lord Elrond revealed the swords names to Gandalf and Thorin, while the other dwarves quietly comlained about the food, the missing meat. Kassandra smiled as she heard Balin call Bilbos sword a letter opener. Gandalf had found the small sword in the cave and gave it to the hobbit. Kassandra only hoped he would not have to use it, but sadly experience told her better.

After dinner, she joined Elrond, Gandalf, Bilbo, Balin and Thorin in the library of Imladris.

'For goodness sake, Thorin. Show him the map.' Gandalf sighed.

'It is the legacy of our people, it is mine to protect. As are our secrets.' Thorin snarled.

'Save me from the stubborness of the dwarves!' Gandalf exclaimed. 'Your pride will be your downfall!'

'You stand here in the presence of one of the few in Middle Earth who can read that map. Please show it to him.' Kassandra tried to persuade Thorin.

At least the proud dwarf king gave in, despite Balins protest. Kassandra was surprised that even Balin was too proud and stubborn to give in as far as elves were concerned.

'Erebor. What is your interest in that map?' Elrond asked.

Before Thorin could answer too honestly Kassandra stepped in. 'It is mainly academic. As you know such artefacts sometimes contain hidden text.' she hated to lie to lord Elrond who had often been a guest in her mothers palace. She had been on Imladris herself many years ago and had never forgotten the beauty of the city, nor the gentleness of Lord Elrond and his kin. But this had to be done. ' You still read ancient dwarvish, do you not?'

'Cirith Ithil.' Elrond murmured.

'Moon runes, of course.' Gandalf sighed.

'Moon runes can only be read in the light of a moon the same shape and season of the day on which they were written.' Elrond stated.

Hope ran through Thorins voice as he asked the elven lord 'Can you read them?'

'These runes were written on a midsummers eve by the light of a crescent moon nearly 200 years ago.' Elrond explained to them as they walked to a crystal altar standing behind a waterfall, enlightened by the moon. Kassandra had never seen such a beautiful place in her life. 'It seems you were meant to come to Rivendell. Fate is with you Thorin Oakenshiel. The same moon shines upon us tonight.'

Kassandra shot a knowing glare to Gandalf. Of course he had known. She had to admit he had a thing for timing.

Lord Elrond revealed that there was an entrance to Erebor that would only be visible in the last light of Durins day. As lord Elrond realized that the dwarves wanted to reclaim Erebor he warned Thorin. 'Some would not deem it wise.' He gave Thorin back the map and left with Gandalf.

'We should go back to the company.' Balin suggested.

Kassandra followed them back to the guest wing in silence. Why did Lord Elrond not deem it wise? What would their quest trigger? Lost in her thoughts she bumped into Dwalin.

'Watch it, lassie.' he grumbled.

Kassandra just snarled at him and walked by to the next hallway. She was in no mood for dwarvish spat. She found a nice quite place where she sat down. A little pond lay before her. Rivendell was a magical place, Kassandra felt as ease there. She frowned as she heard heavy footsteps drawing near.

'Shall I leave?' Thorin asked amused as she saw her frown.

Kassandra sighed. 'No.'

'What troubles you?' Thorin sat down beside her. 'Do you have second thoughts concerning the quest?'

'No.' Kassandra could not really define what was troubling her. It was a mere feeling. Looking at him she just sighed 'I am tired, thats all.'

'Is that the real reason?' Thorin pushed.

Kassandra smiled. He already knew her too well. But she could not explain something to him she did not understand herself. 'I am your queen. I stay at your side no matter what happens.' she said firmly.

Thorin felt a warm tingle in his heart as he heard her say these words. Gently he pulled her close and kissed her forehead. She leaned into him and closed her eyes. She felt comfortable here, in this place and in his presense. If only time would stay still...