AN: Still don't own anything from The Hobbit or Lord of the Rings…except for a few posters and figures.

At last, we're back in Rivendell!

Enjoy the chapter, and please don't forget to review!

Chapter 21: Return Home:

The journey back to Rivendell was as uneventful as the one away from it. It also had much better weather, as it was now spring, so there were no snow storms to encounter in the mountains.

All throughout the journey, Nightwing and Ebony flew overhead, acting as scouts for us. Neither one of them could speak in a way that I could recognize, but Glorfindel seemed to understand them fairly well.

To my surprise, Glorfindel secretly worked with the Ravens to create a type of code, to make communication between myself and my feathered friends easier. Using body language and the variety of different sounds the Ravens could make, the three had managed to create a system that even I could understand (after a few days of practice, of course).

By the time we arrived at Rivendell's borders, the birds and I had become firm friends, and I could understand them better. A shrug here, and a tilt of the head there, and I could tell that they wanted to know what would happen next.

"It'll be alright," I assured them. "I'm sure Lord Elrond will let you two roost somewhere in the valley. He might even ask you to keep watch on the boarders, as official guards."

That had been a rather touchy subject during the ride, as Elves didn't really keep pets. There were no dogs or cats in Rivendell, or even pet birds, like doves or songbirds. Even in Dale, I had seen children feed and play with little finches in cages outside their homes, on nice days.

Elves, however, felt a bond closer to nature than most. I guessed they felt that keeping animals as pets was cruel. Those who had horses bonded with them, but the situations were quite different. Elf warriors did so because their mount was like a partner or fellow soldier. Those who were more casual riders treated their horse like family, or someone who volunteered to let another ride on their back for fun or exercise. Other than that, pets weren't something the Elves partook in.

So, the subject of my keeping two Ravens of Erebor as 'pets' was somewhat insulting to not only Glorfindel, but Ethelwen as well.

When the birds came to eat with us during the evening meal, I was happy to feed and water them, like we did the horses. I even had a bowl that was strictly for their food, since what we fed them were the innards of the animals hunted that day.

But sometimes, after the evening meal, when the Ravens had flown up to one of the nearby trees to sleep, my Elf friends asked why I did not send the birds back to Erebor.

"I've tried," I repeatedly said. "They will not go. I've asked and asked, and they still refuse. And please do not ask me to chase them away, for I would never wish to be cruel to an animal I deem my friend."

So the two Ravens remained, acting as airborne guards. Lately, they had even begun sleeping atop the tent I shared with Ethelwen, like sentries.

Soon, however, they would not be sleeping on tent poles. Instead, they would have all the forest within Rivendell's borders to choose from.

But first, I should probably keep them a secret from Lord Elrond. I had no doubt he would make a spectacle of my return, and it was probably best the birds stay out of the way –at least until the excitement died down.

I knew I had changed since my departure from the Homely House.

When I had left, the sight of a huge crowd of people waiting for me would have had me fleeing in the other direction, or running to hide in my room. But after all the attention I had received in Erebor and Dale, from crowds much larger than this, it didn't seem as intimidating.

So, rather than shrink inside myself, I smiled and waved enthusiastically at the familiar faces that greeted me.

The first one to greet me was Estel. He raced down the steps, waving and calling out my name as we rode into the courtyard.

"Allie, you're back!" he crowed, a big smile on his sweet face. "I missed you!"

I felt my heart melt and my eyes fill with tears. "I missed you, too, little one," I said, smiling as I swung down from my horse. "Did you stay out of trouble while I was gone?"

He grinned and threw himself into my arms. As I wrapped him up in a tight hug, I was sure I had made the right choice in refusing Thorin's proposal. Estel was still a boy, and he needed me. I would not fail him.

"Did you bring me something?" he quietly asked, out of his mother's earshot. "What was the Mountain like? Were the Dwarves nice to you?"

By then, Lord Elrond had come to greet me, but in a much more dignified way. "I, too, would like to know the answer to that question," he said, eying me closely. "I understand you had a rather…eventful visit."

Uh, oh. Either Glorfindel had sent word about Thorin, or Lady Galadriel had paid him a little 'dream visit.' On the surface, Elrond looked rather calm, but his grey eyes shone like steel. He was clearly not happy, and I did not look forward to the long talk he likely had planned for us.

"It was rather educational," I replied. "I would be happy to tell you all about it, my lord."

Elrond's gaze softened a little as he came to gently pull Estel back, so that he might embrace me himself. "I am glad you are safely arrived, my child," he whispered into my ear. "Welcome home."

I barely managed to hold back tears as I returned his hug. He must have sensed my emotions, for I felt a gentle wave of comfort emanating from his very being. The tears slowly drained away, and I felt as though a warm haze had enveloped me, as gentle and firm as his hug.

"Meluir!" I heard a female voice call, followed by rapid footsteps.

I pulled back from Lord Elrond's arms and was immediately wrapped in Gilraen's. She had tears in her eyes, and a bright smile on her face that matched Estel's.

"Oh, how I've missed you!" she whispered in Elvish, holding me tight. "Sister of my heart, you have no idea how empty the valley has been without you!"

We had often teased each other about being sisters in spirit; this was the first time I had heard her say it so seriously. She truly meant it, too.

"As I have missed you," I whispered. "I am glad to call you and Estel my family."

When we pulled back, Lord Elrond lay a gentle hand on my shoulder and turned to address those who had come to meet us. I saw many smiling faces, of whom many were familiar.

"My daughter has safely returned home from the land of the Dwarves!" Lord Elrond declared, pausing as applause sounded across the valley. When it quieted, he continued, "Tonight, we will feast and have music in the Hall of Fire! For now, let all in her party go and rest, for they must be weary from their journey."

Applause sounded once more, before the crowd began to disperse. The only ones who remained were several of the servants, the loved ones of my guards, Glorfindel, Ethelwen, and my family.

Estel soon became the focus of my attention, as I spotted him trying to sneak into my saddlebags. Gilraen caught him red-handed, his small fingers meddling with the straps on one of the bags. Needless to say, he was led away by his embarrassed (and rather angry) mother.

The two Elf Lords decided to allow me enough time to bathe and nap, before attending a private audience in Lord Elrond's study. I wasn't particularly thrilled about that last part, but didn't have a choice in the matter.

A hot bath was waiting in my rooms, as was Ethelwen. I tried telling her that she wasn't my maid any longer –she was my friend, and she should be spending time with her loved ones. She had already done so much for me, I did not want to take advantage of her kindness.

Ethelwen, however, insisted that it was no trouble, and that she would continue to attend me as long as we both liked. "My family resides in Lothlorien, or sailed over the Sea many years ago. Please, let me stay with you. I've enjoyed spending time with you, even before we left for Erebor."

We had grown closer over the past few weeks, and I knew I would miss her, too, if she left. She would have duties to resume here in Rivendell, but I had the feeling we would be spending much more time together from now on.

After I had my bath, Ethelwen helped rub some healing salve on my aching muscles, so that I could enjoy a long nap. When I awoke two hours later, there was a lovely light snack waiting for me, as well as a new gown of shimmering purple. I gasped when I saw the purple change to blue in certain light.

"You look lovely," Ethelwen said, as she came towards me, a headdress in her hands. "I would accompany you to Lord Elrond's study if I could, but I know there are things you would rather keep between you three. I will see you at supper tonight, and at the Hall of Fire, for tonight's entertainment."

Then, it was time to meet with my lord and foster father.

The peace that surrounded me inside Lord Elrond's office was a comfort and delight. The smell of books, ink, and a light woodsy scent from burning oils filled the air like a warm hug.

Then came an actual warm hug, and I found myself smiling into Elrond's shoulder. "I missed you, Ada," I whispered.

I felt him chuckle. "And I you, dear heart," he whispered, before pulling back. "Gilraen and Estel found me a poor substitute for you and your company, though I did try and distract them as best I could. My sons had a bit more success than I did, but only because they took Estel out on a few training exercises outside the valley."

Glorfindel was already there, seated in a comfortable chair near the fireplace, instead of one near Elrond's desk. Since Elrond made no move towards the desk, I took another one of the chairs near the fireplace, while Elrond took the last. Dinner would not be for hours yet, as we had arrived in Rivendell in the late morning, so a tray of finger foods and a jug of fruit juice sat on a small table between us.

Once Glorfindel had poured juice for all of us, I felt the full power of my lord's grey eyes. I swallowed hard, and began to shrink a little in my seat.

"I do not blame you for what occurred in Erebor, dear one," Elrond said, a tiny, understanding smile on his lips. "You are a kind, warm-hearted girl, and I would not change that about you for anything in the world. It is no wonder King Thorin grew so fond of you during your visit."

Grey eyes turned towards Glorfindel, losing all their softness to become hard as steel. "I did expect better from you, old friend. Did I not tell you to return to Rivendell as soon as was politely possible, should this sort of situation arise?"

I was shocked, as this was the first I'd heard of this. "You suspected this could happen?" I asked, looking between the two Elf Lords. "You thought this might happen, and you didn't tell me? Why? It would have at least prepared me for it!"

Elrond sighed and sat back in his chair. "I was not entirely sure it would." He took a drink of his beverage. "Meluir, you know I have the gift of foresight. Unfortunately, it is not always clear. It occasionally comes in a vision that clearly shows what will happen, whether I try to stop it or not. Other times, it is simply a pull on the soul, a feeling that something is going to occur. That feeling becomes stronger the closer I am to deducing what it means."

He sighed again. "When you received the invitation to the Mountain, I felt that pull. I did not know what it meant, at the time, but as your departure day drew closer, I experienced the illogical fear that you might not return."

I chewed my lip a little in thought. "Your fear must have made that feeling grow stronger. And as you began to guess what would prevent me from returning, you would have gotten the idea of my marrying Thorin, or possibly someone else in Erebor."

Elrond nodded his agreement. "Though the idea of Thorin proposing seemed far-fetched, the moment I formed that thought in my head, I felt it was right. So I charged Glorfindel with the task of bringing you home as soon as he could."

"But you did not think to tell me of it?" I asked, both hurt and angry. "Did you not deem me trustworthy enough, in regards to something this important?"

He saw my pain, and placed a hand over my own. "Of course I did," Elrond assured me. "You are far wiser than many men or women I have met, but matters of the heart can cause even the wisest to act foolishly."

Setting his drink aside, Glorfindel leaned forward a little in his seat. "His orders had also been to bring you back if you had begun acting rashly and overly in love with Thorin. I was quite relieved to find your mind acting as it should, for I would have hated to drag you here against your will."

I was still angry as the blonde Elf Lord reached out and squeezed my arm in comfort. "I know you wish for love, Meluir. We would not deny you that, not for anything in the world. But you must not forget that there is a reason you were brought here, though we do not yet know what that purpose is. Lady Galadriel, Mithrandir and Lord Elrond will do everything they can to search for those answers. But for now, your place is here."

"Nor do we think you a fool," Elrond assured me. "You must know that?"

Yes, I did. My teachers knew I was a quick learner, as well as an eager one. They also knew that, in most instances I tended to keep a level head, and I worked hard in everything I did.

But he was also right about people doing stupid things when they were in love. In my world, I had seen all my friends go through boyfriend after boyfriend, some of whom became fiancées, until they broke up. Then, I was always the one listening sympathetically as each girl spewed about what a jerk he was, when only a few months earlier he had been the best thing in the world.

'Yes, love is a funny thing. It makes you act insane and happy, but also jealous and angry. You do everything and anything to get it, but once it's yours, people lose interest in it far too quickly.'

It really was a strange emotion. Perhaps it was a good thing I wasn't in love with Thorin; just fond of him. 'I suppose fondness could turn to love, but I at least want to get to know a person first, before making the jump to marriage.'

"Now that you've returned," Lord Elrond said, breaking into my thoughts, "I would like you to resume your studies. Erestor is eager to hear about the Dwarf ways of life; I believe he would like to write a book on the subject. It could provide important information for others who are curious about their culture."

He sat back in his chair, grey eyes kind and patient. "However, I would like to hear of your visit, from your perspective."

I did not hold anything back, least of all Thorin's behavior towards me. As I described my tours throughout the Mountain, including the ones with Thorin as my guide, I carefully and discreetly watched Elrond's expression.

He did not look happy as I told him of the gift of the mithril shirt, and how Thorin had used my words to make his proposal. I braced myself for a lecture on this, but received none. With no words of reprimand, I continued on with my stories.

I spoke about Kili and Tauriel's marriage, which seemed to shock Elrond to the core. I guess whatever unease that existed between Elves and Dwarves carried over to him as well, even though he had been a gracious host to Thorin's company during their stay.

"An Elf and a Dwarf, married," I heard him whisper, before he took a drink from his cup. He seemed confused and a little displeased, but not angry. Nor did he speak against my friendship with them, which I took as a positive sign.

Then came my tales about Dale, and the slow progress they were making towards becoming a steady community. Elrond's expression took on a more cheerful look, and he nodded as I told him of the coin now flowing into the town, as well as the rebuilding and marketplaces. He was even happier to hear of the merchant caravans heading to and from the town.

"It was once a great city that made some of the finest cloth and wines," he told me, pouring more juice for me. "I look forward to trading with them for more of their fine vintages, though I fear I will have to compete with King Thranduil for it."

Since he'd brought up the subject, I decided that now might be a good time to mention my meeting with King Thranduil, and how he had acted.

If I had thought Kili and Tauriel's marriage had surprised him, my being named an Elf Friend by Thranduil nearly gave Elrond a heart attack (if Elves could experience one).

"He called you an Elf Friend, in the hearing of others?" he asked, eying me closely. "Who else knows?"

"Glorfindel," I said, nodding in his direction, "Thorin, Balin, and probably everyone else in Erebor, since word tends to spread quickly. King Thranduil also gave me a ring from his own hand, and said that I could count on his support, if I ever needed aid during my travels to and from the Mountain."

Elrond leaned back in his chair, running a hand over his eyes as though his head pained him. "He will want a token of gratitude for that," he muttered. "The King of Mirkwood is not generous unless he thought he could obtain something in return."

My mind drifted to the ring that now sat in my jewelry box in my rooms. Had I been right to accept it, and the title the Elf King had bestowed upon me?

"You could not have refused him, my child," Elrond said with a sigh. "To refuse the Elf King would be unwise, and you are certainly not that. I wonder at the honor he gave you, and know that I must now send him a gift, to acknowledge that honor. You are, of course, my daughter, and I must play the game of politics."

He gently patted my shoulder. "Do not fret, dear one. It is a game I am well-versed in. I will treat with Thranduil, and he will no doubt invite you to his realm, that he might impress you with his wealth and grand halls."

Glorfindel smirked a little and swirled his drink. "She should visit Lothlorien, too, if we are suggesting expeditions for her. Lady Galadriel will want to meet her in person, and it would do her good to meet Lady Arwen, as they are sisters now."

Oh, that would be interesting. I would like to meet them, but not for a while yet. 'I could plan one extremely long trip, to Erebor, Lorien, and Mirkwood.'

"What about Thorin's invitation for me to visit in the future?" I asked. "I do want to go back to the Mountain. I have made friends there, and I would like to see them."

"We will discuss that another time," Elrond firmly stated, setting his cup down with a bit more force than normal. "I have only just got you home. We will feast, and have amusements this evening, and for the following days, you may rest and try to return to life here. Talks of future travels will come in time."

"Your lessons in fighting will resume in time, as well," Glorfindel firmly told me. "I did not wish to teach you while we were away, but now that we are home, we will begin again."

Oh, joy.

My 'welcome home' dinner was a feast fit for a princess. If Lord Elrond loved me enough to throw together such a fantastic evening, I could only imagine what he would do when Arwen came back from Lothlorien!

The meal was five courses, starting with a small appetizer of pigeon breast atop a puff pastry. The pastry was filled with the rest of the pigeon meat, mixed with fresh herbs. A small mound of mashed potato sat under the pastry, holding it in place in the center of the plate.

Next came a soup dish, made with the bones of the pigeons, creating a savory, light broth, to cleanse the palate. This was followed by the main entrée, of roast venison and potatoes that had been roasted whole and sliced at an angle, to lean delicately to the side beneath the delicious, juicy meat. Atop the meat was a carefully poured gravy, rich and smooth.

A light salad came next, of greens and sliced ripe tomatoes tossed in a light vinaigrette dressing. This was also to cleanse the palate, and to help digestion.

Last came a dessert of puff pastry filled with rich cream, topped with sweet cherry sauce, as the chefs had remembered that cherries were a favorite of mine. I had no idea where they had gotten cherries this early, and suspected they must have delved into the stores of preserves for them.

Finally, fruit and cheese were brought, and a lovely dessert wine was poured. Light chatter filled the air as everyone relaxed, their bellies satisfyingly full.

Miracle of miracles, Estel had been allowed to attend the dinner. He had sat still; eatnen everything that was set before him; and behaved beautifully to everyone around him. (As he was sitting with his mother on one side and Lord Glorfindel on the other, it certainly was no wonder he was being so obedient.)

Once the wine was drunk by everyone (except Estel, to his frustration), Lord Elrond offered me his hand. "Come, daughter," he whispered. "It is time for tonight's entertainments."

I had only been in the Hall of Fire twice before. Each time, I had been uncomfortable, as many of the Elves had taken to sneaking glances at me when I entered. I had attributed this to my being a new arrival, and newly adopted into Lord Elrond's household. Still, having ordinary people stare at you is one thing; having Elves stare at you is a hundred times worse. It was enough to give anyone a panic attack.

That was why I never went back. Having dozens upon dozens of eyes staring as I wandered the room sent shivers of fear through me. So I stayed away, spending my nights with Gilraen, who disliked the Elf stares as much as I, and Estel, who was too young to fully appreciate it.

Tonight, however, was for me, so I had the honor of sitting at Lord Elrond's right on his small dais, in a chair that must be Arwen's when she was here. But tonight, it was mine to enjoy, the seat softened with thick purple cushions filled with down. There was another seat in which Glorfindel seated himself, with bright blue cushions that matched his eyes. The high seat of Lord Elrond had cushions of gold velvet, as befitted a ruler.

As he settled into his seat, Lord Elrond signaled to a group of musicians in the far corner to begin. "To start, there are singers and musicians. Later, there will be music and dancing. I know you have not learned our dances, Meluir, but I hope it will inspire you to do so, if only so you may join us here more often. There is always dancing in the Hall of Fire."

I wasn't so sure about the dance lessons. I had taken a few dance classes back in my world, and it had not turned out very well, for me or my assigned partner. Dance lessons taught by the most graceful people in Middle Erath would not do much for my self-confidence.

'Besides, it would be very awkward. Elves are tall and thin, which I am certainly not. Any male I danced with would tower over me, and my smaller steps would throw everything off.'

Then the music began, and my breathing halted, for I had forgotten how enchanting Elf music could be.

With only this first handful of notes, the melody swept away all of the thoughts and worries I had.

Even without his magic and healing gifts, Elrond could tell when all of the tension left his foster daughter's body.

'How could I have forgotten that she is a modest, ordinary girl, unused to the great expectations and responsibilities that fall on the shoulders of those born to royalty?'

She may have been chosen by the Valar for reasons only They knew, but at heart, she was like Estel: pure and carefree. She cared nothing for power, wealth, or the political games that they engaged in with one another.

'Even my beloved Arwen understands her role as Daughter of the Lord of Rivendell.'

Meluir was different. She was almost like the Hobbits of the Shire, who liked simple things and enjoyed the easiness in that life. She was kind, loving, and playful with Estel, but she was also intelligent, for her studies with Erestor went far beyond anything Elrond could have asked or expected of her.

And here she sat, all smiles, her eyes sparkling as she watched the finest dancers and listened to the best musicians in the valley.

He felt his own heart lift with joy. His foster daughter was home again, safe and content. Though her journey had been long, Glorfindel and Ethelwen had informed him that Meluir had not complained as much as he had expected, nor had she become ill at any point.

The possibility of illness had been one of Elrond's greatest fears for her, for Men so easily succumbed to sickness. While he had ensured that a box of medicines had gone with her, he worried she might encounter something his potions could not counteract.

'But she has come home, and is healthy. I am grateful for that.'

Meluir's visit to Erebor had gone well, he admitted, but the Dwarf King's marriage proposal was a very serious complication, and had to be dealt with carefully.

As the music surrounded him, Elrond lost himself to deep thought on the matter. Although Galadriel had informed him of the proposal, Elrond had not wanted to believe it. Though she was not his blood, Elrond considered Meluir a daughter of his heart, and the thought of her marrying a Dwarf turned his stomach.

'That is unfair,' he chided himself. 'It is not the fact that a Dwarf asked for her hand which turns your stomach. It is that anyone at all asked for it.'

That was quite true. Elrond had great respect for the Dwarves, and for King Thorin. It took a great deal of bravery and determination, as well as strength, to defeat a dragon –and Thorin had done it. What was even more impressive was that he was also forming peaceful relationships with the people of Dale and even with King Thranduil.

'But those are part of Meluir's doing,' Elrond reminded himself. 'Without her, the talks might not have gone so well.'

He was immensely proud of his daughter for her hard work, and the new friendships she had formed. She did not possess the anger and dislike the Elves had towards the Dwarves, and as a woman, she could speak with Men without them growing uneasy.

Meluir was exactly like her name: sweet, kind, and welcoming. Her heart was light and joyful, and innocent. Her only cares were for the well-being of others, not for herself.

That was undoubtedly what had drawn Thorin to her. Given the chance (and Elrond's permission), she would make a good Queen.

'Which is why I will never allow such a marriage to take place,' he silently swore. 'While I am sure she would make an excellent wife and Queen to Thorin, her path, though unknown, is meant to cross with many others. I cannot have her tucked away in a cave on the far side of Middle Earth, where she will do no good for anyone except the Dwarves.'

That was also unfair. The Men of Dale would count her as their friend, and Thranduil would have to keep his temper with her, or he would upset not just Erebor, but also Dale and Rivendell. She could keep the peace between all three people.

'And yet…and yet, I sense that she must remain here. To let her marry Thorin would be good for only that part of Middle Earth. If she is to help many more in the future, she will have to remain a part of my household.'

He would not keep her prisoner, though. He loved her too much. If she asked it, Elrond would allow her to visit Erebor again, though in a much more limited time frame. He would also never deprive her of the new friends she had made; she had so few of them.

'And Galadriel did say she wanted Meluir to visit her in Lorien. Such a visit would prove quite beneficial to her.'

Yes, perhaps a long visit to the Golden Wood was called for. Arwen was there, and Elrond had already told her about her new 'sister.' It would be a good idea for them to finally meet.

With a plan forming in his mind, Elrond sat back in his chair and accepted a goblet of wine from a server, at last able to enjoy himself.

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