UPDATED:

An Unexpected Adventure's sequel has already been published, entitled A Long-Expected Adventure! You can find it in my profile. For those who are interested in the continuation of Arestel's mischief, err, adventures, please follow the sequel. Your reviews are greatly appreciated. Thank you as always everyone!

An Unexpected Journey: Chapter 21 – All Roads Lead to Home

The Sun and the Moon went by. Arestel and her brothers continued their way back to Imladris. Rare did they stop and rest, for their elf-steeds can endure long journey, and also their riders. Throughout the time, Arestel would tell them stories about their adventure. She told them about their fateful encounter with the trolls, goblins and even Beorn. The tales were long enough that they kept on talking about it until they reach the High Pass.

"There it is," said Elladan, pointing towards the far north of their sights. "There lies the High Pass. We can use it for an easier way. Did you use this pass before, Estel?"

Arestel shook her head. "I don't think so. We were caught by Goblins and were taken to Goblin-town that time. We used the underground tunnels to leave the Mountains."

Elladan nodded slowly. "I see. Now you'll experience passing here. Hurry now!" He urged his horse to run faster. His siblings did the same. The road wound up upwards as it climbed the Misty Mountains. They felt the chill winds touching their skins. They soon began to breathe vapors from the coldness. Their ride was silent. Only the hooves of their horses were heard and the whistling of the winds. Elrohir shuddered audibly.

"Are you sure we're not lost?" he asked.

Elladan glanced back at him then focused his eyes back on the road. "No. This pass was made by Oromë during the First Age. I'm sure we'll do just fine. Follow me."

"Great," came Elrohir's sarcastic reply. "Seems you did your research before leaving home, huh?"

Elladan rolled his eyes at his brother. Once again, he mustered his white horse and his siblings lagged behind.

"Far over the misty mountains cold

To dungeons deep and caverns old

We must away, ere break of day

To find our long-forgotten gold"

Arestel sang to herself. Audibly, but she made sure her brothers wouldn't give her too much attention. She hummed the next tune, just like how the Company would spend most of their tiring journey. Her brothers indeed gave no attention to her, and instead, they continued on.

It wasn't that long until they reached the end of the High Pass. It only took them one whole night to pass it. They arrived at the valley and soon, Imladris will come into their sights. And it did. The Sun shone down to it. Water fell from the cliffs and they could feel the fresh air about them. Arestel smiled.

Home at last, she thought.

The brothers led their horses in front. They passed the bridge which connected Imladris into the valley. Elves gathered and welcomed them. Warm smiles and greetings were present. Elladan and Elrohir dismounted and let the stewards take away their horses. Arestel did the same. Before Arthfael was completely gone, she petted him and gave her thanks for the ride. She turned towards her home and sighed.

"I'm finally home," she whispered to herself.

"Let's go, Estel," said Elrohir. "They have been waiting for you."

They went further inside, climbed the stairs and greeted Elves along the way. Arestel looked around, no sign of Glorfindel. She missed him terribly. Turning around again she saw Lindir. His hands were behind him as always and he held up his head and had a bright smile ready.

"Mae tollen na mar," he said. He bowed slightly. "It is good to see you safe, Lady Arestel."

She gave him a nod and smiled. "Gen ú-gennin, Lindir. Manen le?"

"Im maer," he responded. "My Lord Elrond awaits you."

Arestel nodded again. "Yes, but have you seen Glorfindel?"

Lindir turned and gestured his hand towards the east. "I believe he's in the courtyard, my Lady."

She turned back to her brothers. "I'll be right back."

With that, she printed towards the courtyard. And there he was, the golden-haired Glorfindel. He stood there silently and he seemed to be deep in thought. When he heard footsteps coming, he turned and saw his friend. Quickly he smiled at her and approached her. Arestel hugged him and Glorfindel carried her and spun them around. Arestel laughed as Glorfindel put her back on her feet.

"It's good to have you back," he said, taking her right hand and kissing the back of it.

"It's good to be back. I missed you 'Del," she replied.

Glorfindel nodded and couldn't help but notice the sword attached on her back. Its jeweled hilt shone bright under the light. "Can I see that sword?" he pointed at the said sword. Arestel removed it from her back and showed it to Glorfindel. He examined the sword thoughtfully and removed it from its scabbard. He gasped for a second.

"What's wrong?" Arestel asked him, completely confused.

"This is Orcrist," he whispered.

"How did you know?"

Glorfindel stopped from what he was doing and looked at Arestel. He returned the sword back to its scabbard and sighed. "This sword belonged to my long lost, but very good friend, Ecthelion. It was forged way back in Gondolin and was the mate of Glamdring. Ecthelion bore Orcrist during our time, defending the city against Orcs. During the last attack in Gondolin, Ecthelion fought Gothmog, Lord of the Balrogs. He must have lost it." He stopped and went silent. That was the memory he couldn't possibly forget: their city betrayed by one of its people.

He looked at her and laughed quietly. "Don't mind me," he said. Glorfindel handed Orcrist back to Arestel. "Take care of it. This sword is more worthy than any other weapons forged." She nodded. Just then, Lindir came again. He nodded to Glorfindel and the Elf-lord did the same.

"My Lady Arestel," he said, "It is time."

Arestel followed Lindir into the main house, followed by Glorfindel. Again she looked around, someone important was not present.

"Where's Gareth?" she whispered to Glorfindel.

"In Lothlórien, keeping Lady Arwen company and guidance. Lord Elrond knew you would be back home safe with your two brothers. That is why he let Gareth stay with Arwen."

They reached the entrance towards the main house. Lindir excused himself and left. Elladan and Elrohir were there, talking matters about the Dúnedain of the North. Soon, Elrond came out with a book from his hand. He placed down and greeted his sons. Next he turned to Arestel, smiling and opened his arms for her. She quickly embraced her father. Elrond kissed her hair and caressed her back.

"Welcome home, my Estel," he said. "I was worried. You made me more worried when Mithrandir came here without you. Relieved I was to know that you stayed in Mirkwood with the Elvenking." He released her and ran a finger across her cheek. "How was your flight in Erebor?"

Arestel frowned at the thought. She couldn't possibly tell her father about the death of Thorin and his nephews. "It it a long tale, Ada."

Elrond nodded and led them inside the house. Handmaidens greeted and bowed before them. He was trying to lead them towards the Hall of Fire.

"Arestel," he called out. "Before I forget, you have a visitor."

They arrived in the Hall; a figure was there. Tall and dark, it stood up and walked towards the light. Arestel immediately forgot her problems and smiled. Unable to contain her excitement, she ran and embraced her visitor.

"Estel!" she exclaimed.

Meanings:

Mae tollen na mar – Welcome home

Gen ú-gennin - I haven't seen you for a long time

Manen le? – How are you?

Im maer – I'm well

Author's Notes: Here is the final chapter of the Unexpected Adventure! Thank you all for those you have read the story ever since the beginning until the end. Thank you all for the support and reviews! I am currently writing another story, the Rise of the Fallen. I hope you stay with me and continue to read my other works!

The Unexpected Adventure will also have a sequel, this time, concerning the War of the Ring. But before that, I must finish my current story for now. Arestel will have a role in the LOTR trilogy. Find out if she's going to be a member of the Fellowship or stays home in Rivendell. I will make this story as different as I can.

Have a great day! And again, thank you everyone for everything!

Tenna' san' (Until then!)