Chapter IV: Arrival at Rivendell

The next few days were spent much the same. We rode all day and stopped each night a day to eat and rest. No nights, however, were as wonderful as the night we had shared a meal of pheasant.

On the third evening after that night, which was well into the month of December and almost January, we arrived at the Ford. Ali explained that the waters seemed higher than she had remembered, but we paid no heed and crossed through the waters and made it safely to the other side. We were soon at the gates of Rivendell. Ali spoke in her native tongue to the tall elf who stood at the gates and he replied. Ali seemed relieved at his words.

With that, the gates opened and I gasped at the beauty of the world which was revealed to me. I had never even dreamed that such a place existed. The city was built into a tall ledge through the center of which a beautiful waterfall ran. The tall buildings glistened white and gold in the dull sunlight. Green and gold trees stood tall and all around, a light cover of sparkling white shone brightly. I had never seen so many elves in all my life. I thought of how much Sam would love this place.

We continued to walk through the magnificent city. I was in awe. Eventually, we came to what Ali told me was the house of Elrond. Ali tied up Arauka and we ascended a long white staircase. We entered into a large hallway with huge, open windows on either side through which rays of the setting sun shone and made long shadows on the floor. At the end of the hall, we came to a set of large doors. Without knocking, Ali opened the doors and entered the room.

The room was large with high ceilings and it opened onto a balcony. On the balcony stood a tall figure. He had long, dark hair and was clothed in silver and pale green. He was standing on the balcony looking out over all of Rivendell.

Without turning, he spoke, "Suilaid Linmenel. And welcome to you too, Laurelin of the Shire."

Ali looked surprised to see him there and looked down as he spoke her name. I wondered why she seemed so ashamed. From her reaction and the magnificent red and gold robe the elf was wearing, I figured that he was the Lord Elrond. He soon spoke again, "You are looking for answers I presume?" He gazed at Ali, "That is always the way with you, Tinalion, is it not?"

"You know me far too well Lord," Ali replied. "It is indeed, answers that I seek."

"I am afraid that it is not by my wisdom that I know of your errand. The Lady Galadriel has announced your coming, and the arrival of you, as well, my dear hobbit."

As the two continued to speak, I wondered why my coming had been announced and how? And by the Lady Galadriel? Ali had told me countless tales of the magnificent elf and of her beauty and wisdom. Why, then, had two elves as wise and important as Elrond and Galadriel cared about my coming? I looked at Ali, who seemed worried.

Elrond then spoke to me, "Perhaps you could excuse us for a short time, Laurelin. I must speak with Tinalion in private for a while. But we will get a chance to converse later, we will be holding dinner tonight at sunset, I hope to see you there."

I smiled as Elrond spoke to me and found myself blushing with nervousness. I bowed and spoke anxiously, "Thank you, um, mister, um, Lord Elrond. Na-namarie." I hurried out the door and down the hall.

I again marveled at the beautiful hallway and stopped from time to time to look out the windows. I sighed and thought of the Shire and Sam and my friends. It seemed like I hadn't thought about them for days and I almost missed my memories.

I continued down the long hallway and eventually came to an open set of doors. Inside there was a large bed made up with golden blankets. I thought of how long it had been since I had slept on an actual bed. I crept in and shut the doors behind me. I climbed up on the soft bed and nestled in the soft pillows. I closed my eyes and prepared to sleep. Just then, the doors flew open.

"Elrond, I'm going!" A huge voice exclaimed.

"Oh, I'm sorry," I answered, "I thought this room--" I was stopped short when I saw who stood before me. She was a hobbit, about in her late forties, with curly golden-brown hair. She wore a long cloak and on her back, she carried a full pack. She held in her hand a sheathed dagger, and in the other she held a tall staff.

She looked at me, confused, "Oh, I'm terribly sorry, I was told Lord Elrond was in this room. Please, excuse m-"

"Elaina?!?!" I recognized her as soon as she spoke. It was my dear friend Elaina. She had left the shire when I was barely 12, but I still remembered her very well. She was Sam's older sister and had been very close to Frodo. I remembered how she had often gone along with Sam when he went to plant flowers at Bag End.

She looked at me strangely. "Yes?"

"Elaina? Don't tell me you don't recognize me! It's me, Laurie!"

"Laurie? Laurie, is it really you?"

I jumped off the bed and nearly knocked Elaina over with my embrace.

"Oh, Elaina!" I said, "How you've grown. Why, you're practically all grown up!"

"And you're one to talk," she answered, "You've become quite the beautiful hobbit."

I grinned as we walked over and each took a seat on the bed.

"Oh, Elaina, I've so much to tell you, and I'm sure that you have many stories too! Where have you been all these years?"

"Oh, I have many stories. But, you, why what are you doing here? I'm sure you've had plenty of adventures for a young hobbit like yourself. Although, I must say, I half-expected to see you here after the others left. And when I saw Sam here, I knew that you wouldn't be far behind."

"Sam?!" I asked, shocked, "And the others? They were here? Why, how long ago? Why?"

"Well, it seems as if I have much to tell you then. Well, make yourself comfortable, and I will tell you all.