In the afternoon, Strider, Natasha, and Artemis were leading Lincoln, Jane, Selvig, Darcy, Boothby, Shannon, Bobbi, Hunter, Pippin, Merry, and Samwise down the quiet woods. Lincoln, Jane, Selvig, Darcy, Boothby, Shannon, Bobbi, Hunter, Pippin, Merry, and Samwise were very worried that Arwen and Frodo didn't make it, for they remembered that the Black Riders were still out there and they could've gained the One Ring already. After a few miles, they came out on the top of a high bank above the Road. At this point, the Road had left the Hoarwell far behind in its narrow valley, and now clung close to the feet of the hills, rolling and winding eastward among woods and heather-covered slopes towards the Ford and the Mountains.
"Stick close, if you want to live, I would suggest you try not to wander off on your own in these woods," Artemis warned. "You may we're safe, but so many of enemies wander these lands unchecked.
"Oh, we know that already," Hunter sighed in annoyance. "You said that about four times."
"I see something over there," Natasha pointed out a stone in the grass, which was not far down the banks. On it roughly cut and now much weathered could still be seen dwarf-runes and secret marks.
"That must be the stone that marked the place where the trolls' gold was hidden," Merry stated, trying to remember if that was possible.
"Then we're almost there," Strider said. "We take the road."
"I thought you said we can't take the road," Jane recalled on what Gandalf said to her and her friends back in the Shire. "Those Ringwraiths are still out there."
Bobbi walks up to Natasha and began to ask something. "So, how did you end up here?"
"Its a kinda long story," Natasha answered. "You'll probably not believe what my team and I did."
"Define the long story, its just, none of us actually know what really happened," Bobbi said. "The only thing I remember is that Hunter and I were with Jane Foster, Erik Selvig, Ian Boothby, and Darcy Lewis until we suddenly turn to dust. Its like we passed out, but then we end up back like in seconds."
"That was when Thanos snapped his fingers, wiping 50% of life in the universe," Natasha began to explain. "Everyone that was dusted away were gone for five years."
"You're actually kidding, right?" Bobbi scoffed. "That really doesn't make a lot of awful sense."
"I know," Natasha nodded her head.
The Road lay quiet under the long shadows of early evening. There was no sign of any other travellers to be seen. As there was now no other possible course for them to take, they climbed down the bank, and turning left went off as fast as they could. Soon a shoulder of the hills cut off the light of the fast westering sun. A cold wind flowed down to meet them from the mountains ahead.
They were beginning to look out for a place off the Road, where they could camp for the night, when they heard a sound that brought sudden fear back into their hearts. It was the noise of hoofs behind them. They looked back, but they could not see far because of the many windings and rollings of the Road. As quickly as they could they scrambled off the beaten way and up into the deep heather and bilberry brushwood on the slopes above, until they came to a small patch of thick-growing hazels. As they peered out from among the bushes, they could see the Road, faint and grey in the failing light, some thirty feet below them. The sound of hoofs drew nearer. They were going fast, with a light clippety-clippety-clip. Then faintly, as if it was blown away from them by the breeze, they seemed to catch a dim ringing, as of small bells tinkling.
"We got company," Hunter warned quietly.
"That does not sound like a Black Rider's horse," Lincoln said, listening intently.
The light faded, and the leaves on the bushes rustled softly. Clearer and nearer now the bells jingled, and clippety-clip came the quick trotting feet. Suddenly into view below came a white horse, gleaming in the shadows, running swiftly. In the dusk its headstall flickered and flashed, as if it were studded with gems like living stars. The rider's cloak streamed behind him, and his hood was thrown back; his golden hair flowed shimmering in the wind of his speed. To Lincoln, it appeared that a white light was shining through the form and raiment of the rider, as if through a thin veil.
Strider sprang from hiding and dashed down towards the Road, leaping with a cry through the heather; but even before he had moved or called, the rider had reined in his horse and halted, looking up towards the thicket where they stood. When he saw Strider, he dismounted and ran to meet him calling out. His speech and clear ringing voice left no doubt in their hearts: the rider was of the Elven-folk. No others that dwelt in the wide world had voices so fair to hear. But there seemed to be a note of haste or fear in his call, and they saw that he was now speaking quickly and urgently to Strider.
Strider beckoned to them, and the group left the bushes and hurried down to the Road. "This is Glorfindel, who dwells in the house of Elrond."
"Hail, and well met at last," Glorfindel kindly introduced himself. "I was sent from Rivendell to look for you. We feared that you were in danger upon the road."
"And what about Gandalf, has he reached Rivendell?" Jane asked.
"No, I haven't seen him since I departed, but that was nine days ago," Glorfindel explained what he knows. "Elrond received news that troubled him. Some of my kindred, journeying in your land beyond the Baranduin, learned that things were amiss, and sent messages as swiftly as they could. They said that the Nine were abroad, and that you were astray bearing a great burden without guidance, for Gandalf had not returned. There are few even in Rivendell that can ride openly against the Nine; but such as there were, Elrond sent out north, west, and south. It was thought that you might turn far aside to avoid pursuit, and become lost in the Wilderness."
"Hmm, well at least we're lucky enough to bump into someone we know," Natasha smirked. "Almost."
"Do not fear travelers, for your friend will reach the borders of our land, and there he will sleep, surrounded by the light that protects him," Glorfindel promised the worried group.
"How do we know if he'll make it?" Jane stated.
"When you arrive to our city, you will see for yourself," Glorfindel said. "Until then, we must move, for our peril will be greatest just as we reach the river. For my heart warns me that the pursuit is now swift behind in front, and other danger may be waiting by the Ford."
Without hesitation, the group began to follow Glorfindel and Strider, and continue their move towards Rivendell across the dark, quiet forest. They kept their eyes open if any of the Ringwraiths would try to ambush them in any way. They knew that the Black Riders were now on the move and were to gonna chase after Arwen and Frodo.
"Has Gandalf reached Rivendell?" Strider asked as he walked next to Glorfindel.
"I don't know," Glorfindel answered and began to explain what he knew. "After Arwen and I departed a few days ago, Elrond received news that troubled him. Some of my kindred, journeying in your land beyond the Baranduin, learned that things were amiss, and sent messages as swiftly as they could. They said that the Nine were abroad, and that you were astray bearing a great burden without guidance, for Gandalf had not returned. There are few even in Rivendell that can ride openly against the Nine; but such as there were, Elrond sent out north, west, and south. It was thought that you might turn far aside to avoid pursuit, and become lost in the Wilderness." He stopped for a moment when Strider drew out the hilt of the Morgul-Blade, which he had kept, and handed it to the Elf. Glorfindel shuddered as he took it, but he looked intently at it. "There are evil things written on this hilt. Keep it till we reach the house of Elrond. But be wary, and handle it as little as you may. It was my lot to take the Road, and I came to the Bridge of Mitheithel, and left a token there, night on seven days ago. Three of the servants of Sauron were upon the Bridge, but they withdrew and I pursued them westward. I came also upon two others, but they turned away southward. Since then I have searched for your trail. Two days ago I found it, and followed it over the Bridge; and today I marked where you descended from the hills again. But come! There is no time for further news. Since you are here we must risk the peril of the Road and go. There are five behind us, and when they find your trail upon the Road they will ride after us like the wind. And they are not all. Where the other four may be, I do not know. I fear that we may find the Ford is already held against us."
The journey was longer than the group would suffice. Thanks to Glorfindel, they were able to reach a certain pass which would lead directly towards the city of Rivendell and in hopes to take refuge. Once the group made their reach towards the pass, they made a sudden stop and out of pure shock, surprise, awe, and wonder, they saw a very beautiful city that looked as if it was really hidden in the valley below.
"Ah Bob, I think you may want to see this," Hunter called.
"What is it?" Bobbi asked, but made a sudden stop and her eyes widen in surprise upon what she was looking at. "Is that what I think it is?"
"This is it," Samwise scoffed in surprise upon seeing Rivendell. "Rivendell."
"Wow," Darcy breathed in awe.
"Can you believe that," Ian murmured in awe.
"Its beautiful," Jane highly breathed in awe. "Just like Asgard."
"Yes, very much like Asgard," Doctor Selvig murmured in awe. "If Thor were here, he would be very pleased."
Jane turns to Natasha and asks. "You've been here?"
"After a crazy mission on Vormir, I suddenly wake up and then end up here mysteriously," Natasha explained what she remembered, even though she knew that she died on Vormir in order for her friend Clint to get the Soul Stone as part of the Time Heist in order to undo the Snap Thanos had caused a few years ago. "The Elves gave me a warm welcome. I became one of their allies, told them stories about me and my team. They gave me food, medicine, water, and a great view of the sunset. Trust me, you'll like it when you see it."
"Dam straight I will," Jane scoffed, starting to feel pretty excited to come to a very beautiful place like the Shire.
"Welcome to Rivendell," Glorfindel announced the group's arrival. "Come, I shall take you to meet with Lord Elrond." He turns to Strider. "Let's hope Mithrandir has made his way here before you and your companions. I doubt he may have a lot of things to explain."
"Lead on," Strider quietly requested.
"Come," Glorfindel insisted for everyone behind him to follow him more. "We're almost to sanctuary."
"Sanctuary?" Jane asked, confused. "Aren't you at least concerned of what is out there?"
"There is nothing to fear my lady," Glorfindel told her. "My kin have protected these lands for generations. The Light will protect us, shield us from the shadow in the east."
"The Elves are very resourceful," Lincoln told Hunter about the Light Elves. "They provide a lot of provisions for travelers that come here."
"Sounds pretty fortunate," Hunter pretended to sound very intrigued, even though he was still annoyed for a fact that Lincoln didn't want to talk more about why he never wanted to go back. It always came to himself that Lincoln didn't want to go back to Earth.
The Shire Conspirators, Natasha Romanoff, Artemis, Strider, and Glorfindel walk across a large bridge and enter the great city of Rivendell, ruled by the House of Elrond. They could see so many Light Elves strolling about in the city's courtyards and markets, doing everything they desire. Jane couldn't imagine how beautiful the city and continued to gaze in awe at the beauty of the place.
During the walk, Merry and Pippin coninued to stare at Natasha from behind, for those two took a real admiration of the Avenger. Despite herself being tall in a way, the two curious and clumsy hobbits really liked her. Merry and Pippin turn their heads a bit with a slight smile on their faces, thinking of ways on how to take her as their mate. Shannon and Bobbi smirked, for they could tell what they were up to.
Eventually, the group came across a very massive platform that was very wide in a way. Several Guards were stationed in a very corner of the platform, doing their duty under the command of Lord Elrond. Taking a brief moment to wait around, they turn towards the stairs where a brown-haired elf slowly descended. Glorfindel bowed his head in respect, for he already knew that the person was Elrond.
"Mime héru Elrond," (My lord, Elrond) Glorfindel smiled.
"Glorfindel, ni'm ana cen tye ana tú," (I'm pleased to see that you arrived in time and you managed to bring our guests to safety.) Elrond greeted him in respect.
"Uh, hi," Jane responded first.
"Welcome to Rivendell, Jane Foster," Elrond greeted her with a honorable smile.
"Wait how did you know my name?" Jane asked, confused.
"I know every name that comes and goes within every block of this city," Elrond answered her question. "Does that trouble you?"
"No," Jane scoffed nervously.
"Well that's very good to hear," Hunter whispered in between Shannon and Bobbi.
Natasha and Artemis walk over towards Lord Elrond and bowed their heads in respect to the elven lord. Lord Elrond knew that they had a lot of things to say, but he'll ask for them to explain this during dinner time.
"How well did it take for you to trust the huntress?" Elrond asked Natasha.
"I wouldn't stress about that, but she gotta say nature follows its lead," Natasha answered with a smirk.
"Nature reveals that the Nine have fled, they will not trouble us until now," Artemis said.
"Perhaps we can talks this over during dinner time," Elrond decided and glanced towards Strider. "I'm glad to see you managed to survive those days with your companion."
"It wasn't easy," Strider bowed his head.
"Is Mr. Frodo alright?" Samwise asked.
"For now, he sleeps within the light of this city, Samwise Gamgee, son of Gaffer," Elrond answered his question. "Do not fear, for young Frodo Baggins was lucky to stay alive once we removed the shard out of him. It won't be long when he awakes."
"By the Shire, thank you," Samwise thanked him for his service.
"How can we ever repay you for this?" Bobbi asked, very pleased and relieved that her friend was okay.
"There is nothing to offer, Barbara Morse, daughter of Robert Morse," Elrond said. "But for now, you and everyone here must be tired for all the walking you have done to reach this city. I will have my maids prepare your rooms, but until then..." He pauses for a moment as he stares at the group. "Nartho i noer, toltho i viruvor. Boe i annam vann a nethail vin." (Light the fires, bring forth the wine. We must feed our guests.)
"Okay, what does that actually mean?" Hunter asked, raising his brows up in confusion since he doesn't know the language of the Light Elves.
"It means he's offering us drinks and food for all of us," Strider answered.
"Well that's good," Doctor Selvig sounded pleased by this. "I'm really looking forward to taste of ale and wine, whichever you have."
"We don't serve ale here in Rivendell," Lord Elrond told him.
"Oh, and what drinks do you all serve, hmm, wine?" Hunter asked.
"I'm afraid is what me and my kin endure," Elrond answered with a smile.
Merry, Pippin, and Samwise were sitting in a small round table alone, eating some delicious well-made bread that was given to them as their main meal. It was pity that elves didn't serve in meat since they never attend to hunt for animals. The only thing they serve is just bread and vegetables. Natasha, Bobbi, Shannon, Hunter, Boothby, Darcy, Jane, and Selvig were sitting a large table together within the Elven court, eating and listening to the nice music.
"Let's see, do they have a menu here?" Doctor Selvig asked.
"I'm not the person you answers that," Natasha answered as she holds her empty glass up for an elven maid to pour a little more wine for her.
"Well, I'm sorry, just how did a nice red-haired girl like you wind up working in a place so beautiful like this?" Doctor Selvig asked that, giving a full remark about the city.
"Fella done me wrong," Natasha joked with a very flirting tone.
"You got a lousy taste in men, kid," Doctor Selvig joked.
"I use to ave a very big crush with the Biy Guy, he's not so bad, well, he has a temper," Natasha explained about Bruce Banner, who was known to be the Hulk. "Deep down he's all fluff. Fact is, he's not like anybody I've ever known. All my friends are fighters. And here comes this guy, spends his life avoiding the fight because he knows he'll win."
"That sounds amazing," Darcy responded by making a hiccup.
"He's also a huge dork," Natasha added. "Chicks dig that. So what do you think should I fight this, or run with it?"
"Run with it, right?" Bobbi scoffed in a bit of laughter and widely grinned. "Or, did he...was he...? What did he do that was so wrong to you?"
"Not a damn thing," Natasha sighed and took a sip. "But never say never."
"So where's Lincoln?" Hunter asked, looking around the place. "What's he up too now?"
"I'm pretty sure he'll turn up, Hunter," Bobbi said, but began to suspect something from him. "What's killing you?"
"Nothin,g I've been trying to figure out why Lincoln never came back home to Earth," Hunter sighed. "He ends up here, stays there for months, not even thinking of trying to regain his powers, and not even thinking coming home."
"Sorry, mind if you fill me out on who Lincoln is?" Natasha asked.
"He's a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, fell in love with our friend Daisy Johnson," Bobbi answered and then pointed at Jane. "And she had a crush on Thor."
"It was just a brief relationship," Jane deeply sighed. "We broke up, end of story."
"And how did you break up with him?" Natasha asked.
"Not your business," Jane scoffed, starting to feel a bit embarrassed and annoyed. She then stands up from her seat, leaving the table, and walks back to her room. "Excuse me."
"Sorry, did I pi** her off?" Natasha asked.
"Hmm, maybe you did," Hunter said, taking a sip of wine. "I wonder kind of wine this is?"
"They're not the ones I've tried back in Tuscany," Natasha smirked.
Walking through the hall as a lot of elves walk pass her as she makes her way towards her room. Just then, when she turned right towards a corner, she suddenly bumps into someone who turns out to be Gandalf. Jane gasped and then slapped him.
"Sorry," Jane apologized. "I just needed to make sure you were real, it's been a very strange day."
"Well, I am," Gandalf calmly replied until she slaps him again.
"Where were you?!" Jane exclaimed.
"I apologize for my absence, my lady," Gandalf explained apologetically. "But I was delayed."
"Delayed?" Jane nodded, thinking he was making a joke. "That's all you have to say... delayed? You said you were going to meet us at Bree. Instead we meet up with two rangers that took us directly to this city. Frodo gets stabbed by one of those shadow things, whatever what the hell they're called and now we come and see you."
"If I had, I would introduce Strider and his companion to you, and we would travel to Rivendell, and now, here we are," Gandalf said. "The very place I planned to take you."
"Doesn't matter, Frodo almost died!" Jane raised her voice. "And two, you didn't tell me why you didn't show up." She crosses her arms and asked. "What happened?"
"When I traveled to Isengard to request Saruman's aid, I was deceived when he betrayed the White Council," Gandalf explained what he remembers. "Due to his lust for the ring, he pledged his allegiance to the Dark Lord of Mordor and I was his prisoner. It wasn't long when I managed to escape with the help of an old friend of mine who flew me for days to get me safely to this city."
"Wait, so your telling me that you were a prisoner and this Saruman guy, who you knew for a long time, betrayed you?" Jane asked.
"That is precisely why I'm telling you this," Gandalf said. "It is only a matter of time before Saruman comes for the ring. His trechery runs deeper than we know. Saruman has become the right hand of Sauron, but I know the Dark Lord doesn't share power willingly and he merely using him. If Saruman succeeds in finding the One Ring, he will certainly betray Sauron once he gains enough power to end his reign and will become the new Dark Lord of Mordor. He will rule justly and wisely in his place."
"What gave your friend to betray you?" Jane asked.
"His jealousy over me grew from these past events, perhaps because he feared that I would eventually supplant him as chief of all wizards," Gandalf sighed. "And this why he had been studying so much of the lore about the Rings of Power, including the One Ring."
"So what do we do now?" Jane asked what Gandalf has planned.
"The One Ring cannot stay here for long in Rivendell, for now that Saruman has betrayed us, he will send his forces to attack the city we're in," Gandalf warned. "For now, Lord Elrond and I will be arranging a council meeting."
"Will it depend about the ring?" Jane asked.
Gandalf nods and answers, "It will depend on who would be wiser and stronger to to take the One Ring back into Mordor and destroy it."
