Everyone looked at the opening of the cave, trying to wait for the sounds of the Orcs and the Elves to leave. Growing impatient, Dwalin looked around the cave, seeing a path, leading away from the opening.
"I cannot see where the pathway leads", he announced to the others. "Do we follow it or no?"
"Follow it, of course!" Bofur answered.
"I think that would be wise", Gandalf nodded.
The company began following the path. Thorin looked at the narrow path, watching everyone squeeze past the two cliffs on either side of the path. More sunlight began to shine into the cave way, giving the Dwarves a sign that they were reaching open space. Everyone stood almost speechless as they looked at the small civilization in the woods. It was a community that was built next to a waterfall with the buildings built around and into the trees.
"It's beautiful", Clill said with a smile. "What is this place?"
"The Valley of Imraldis", Gandalf answered. "In the common tongue, it's known by another name."
"Rivendell", Bilbo finished.
The small Hobbit never thought he would see the home of the Elves in his lifetime. Thorin was the only one to look unhappy. This was the one place he specifically told Gandalf he did not want to go to.
"This was your plan all along", he said in a low voice. "To seek refuge with our enemy."
Gandalf looked at the Dwarf prince who was wearing his patience thin.
"You have no enemies here, Thorin Oakenshield. The only ill-will to be found in this valley is that which you bring yourself."
Clill looked at her husband and held his hand in his. She could see how tense Thorin was and needed to calm down, or his grudge would prevent them from receiving any shelter.
"Thorin, this is not Thraduil", Clill said. "This could be a chance at some rest. Not all Elves could be the same."
"You think the Elves will give our quest their blessing?" Thorin asked. "They will try to stop us."
"Of course they will", Gandalf nodded. "But we have questions that need to be answered. If we are to be successful, this will need to be handled with tact and respect and no small degree of charm. Which is why you will leave the talking to me."
The company walked down the path to enter Rivendell. Everyone had been rendered speechless by its beauty. The leaves falling, the rushing water of the waterfall. Thorin was the only person to look unimpressed. He rolled his eyes when he saw Clill looking at everything in awe. She was almost like a child judging by her behavior. The company came to a stop when they saw a tall Elf walking down the stairs to greet them.
"Mithrandir", he said with a smile.
"Lindir", Gandalf smiled recognizing the Elf.
The Dwarves looked at the Wizard and the Elf, not bothering to listen to the two greet each other. Thorin kept his frown and looked at Dwalin who held his warhammer in his hand, staying ready for battle just in case.
"Stay sharp", he whispered.
"Thorin…" Clill said nudging him with her elbow.
She was almost ashamed of his behavior. He was supposed to be the king under the mountain. If he held onto his grudge of the past and prejudice against Elves, he wasn't going to have a good reign as king. The sound of the Elvish horns from earlier got everyone's attention. The company turned around to see a group of Elves on horseback, quickly approaching them.
"Ready weapons!" Thorin ordered gripping his sword. "Hold ranks!"
The Dwarves all bunched together and held their weapons out. Bilbo stood in the middle, unable to do anything. The Elves rode around the company, looking at the Dwarves until they came to a stop. Another tall Elf who wore a crown upon his head climbed off his horse and approached them
"Gandalf", he greeted.
The Wizard bowed to him, showing proper respect unlike the Dwarves. That must've been Lord Elrond. Clill looked at Thorin who wanted everyone to keep their guard up. The two taller being spoke in Elvish before Elrond looked at the Dwarves before turning back to Gandalf.
"Strange for Orcs to come so close to our borders", he said for all of them to understand, letting them know he was part of the group that saved them from Orcs. "Something, or someone, has drawn them near."
He held an Orc sword in his hand for them to see.
"Ah, that may have been us", Gandalf said.
"Now's your chance to introduce yourself, Thorin" Clill whispered. "Build a bridge between Elves and Dwarves with this good start."
Thorin looked at her and sighed as he slowly lowered his sword. He looked at Elrond and took a step forward as the Elf lord turned to them.
"Welcome Thorin, son of Thrain", Elron greeted.
The Dwarf prince looked at the Elf lord confused. He had no knowledge of how someone like him could know who he was.
"I do not believe we have met", Thorin said.
"You have your grandfather's bearing. I knew Thror when he ruled under the Mountain."
Thorin looked at Clill, raising his eyebrow at news like that.
"Indeed...he made no mention of you."
Clill looked at her husband losing her patience with him. There was no call for a comment like that. True, Thror never spoke of Lord Elrond before, but it was just a minor thing. Thorin didn't need to use any attitude. Everyone looked up as Elrond began to speak in Elvish, something none of them were able to understand.
"What is he saying?" Gloin asked. "Does he offer us insult?"
"No, master Gloin", Gandalf sighed with a smile. "He's offering you food."
Everyone looked at each other, happy to hear the word food. It would've been the first real meal they had in weeks.
"Ah well, in that case, lead on."