Chapter III

The Hidden Refuge

So long we journeyed on to the refuge city of my grandfather, Elrond Peredhil, Master of Rivendell. Tales were told of a hidden elven-city of extreme beauty and glorious, glimmering falls that could be found just beneath the Misty Mountains. There, beneath the mountains was the city that both my father and my mother dwelt in for such a time. As we drew near, the pain I endured throughout our journey lessened and I could already feel a sense of happiness overcome me. But with that also came a new feeling. Something inside me knew that once we reach Rivendell, profound changes in my life would be made. Another quest was awaiting me, one longer and more unbearable than the imaginable.

He saw the Mountain silent rise

where twilight lies upon the knees

of Valinor and Eldamar

beheld afar beyond the seas.

A wanderer escaped from night

to have white he came at last,

to Elvenhome the green and fair

where keen the air, where pale as glass

beneath the Hill of Ilmarin

a-glimmer in a valley sheer

the lamp lit towers of Tirion

are mirrored on the Shadowmere.

Legolas paused Glorfindel, dismounting him. he stepped upon a platform and seemed to be looking out over the edge of the mountain. Eldarion rode slowly to the edge to see what Legolas was in search for. He rode beside Legolas and paused. Eldarion looked over and saw nothing but mist. "Look there." Legolas suggested. "In the distance, you see?" Eldarion squinted his eyes. "See what? Nothing is to be seen other than mist. What is it you see?" Evenstar looked down to where Legolas was pointing. With a keener sight than her brother, Evenstar barely made out a glimmering-green forest in a deep valley. "Rivendell..." Evenstar gasped. Legolas turned and smiled at her. "Good job, little one. Aye, that is Rivendell. Come now, we have no time to waste." They rode a path downwards that lead straight towards Rivendell. The mist grew more as they made their way down. They could barely make out each other's figures. Legolas spoke. "Listen well behind me. The mist grows and our visions weaken."

Further down the path, the mist thinned and they were able to see again, though their surroundings were not as clear. The air was moist as they hit the bottom and smelled of morning dew. Evenstar began to feel a sense of belonging. She was home. With a great smile, Evenstar said aloud "We're here!" She jumped off the stallion and ran straight ahead. "Evenstar!" Eldarion shouted. "Don't fret, Eldarion, she knows her way." Legolas stated. They rode after her. Evenstar ran quickly, her heart full of joy, and as she ran, she had flashes of old memories, though they were not of her, but of her mother's. One of her mother running up a staircase, and just then, Evenstar stopped in front of two statues that held what seemed to be the sun. And in-between them, was the staircase. Evenstar rejoiced. She ran up it immediately, and once she reached the top, behold. There lay the refuge city of Rivendell! As green and luscious as told in tales it was. Rivers and falls ran throughout the city. Buildings of wonderful architect stood towering her. Plants and trees were ever-growing and so full of life. She was joined then by Legolas, Gimli, and her brother. "Look, brother! It's so beautiful!" Eldarion smiled and rejoiced with her sister. "Never has I seen such a lovely place." claimed Eldarion. "So the city does exist!" "Aye it does, King." Legolas said with pride. "Though it hurts to know that people have lost faith with this city. But it's better safe and secret than turned into a place only for show. But come along now. Our host awaits us."

They made their way through the city, this time on foot. Passing by houses of beautiful stature and over a bridge above a stream, Evenstar realized how empty Rivendell was. Not a single elf other than her companion could be seen. Across the bridge, there was another staircase. Above it, was a round platform and several chairs circling it. On one chair sat a robed white figure with hair and a beard just as white, wielding a white staff. The figure spoke then. "Ah! Children of Elessar, I have been awaiting your arrival, especially you, Evenstar, daughter of Arwen. And it is an honor to see you in person, Eldarion, King of Gondor. Come now, don't be frightened. I won't hurt you." "Gandalf the White." Evenstar stated. "Aye, that is me. And you shall learn more of my duty here as you've been wanting to know, so I will not delay. Many years ago, I sailed across the Great Sea to the West in search for peace in the Blessed Lands, and peace I found. Though it did not last for I know the troubles of Middle-Earth. Eight of the Nazgul still lurk and all eight of them are after the two of you. Why, you ask? First, starting with history: the Nazgul were once great kings of old, but were corrupted by greed and driven by power. They served the One Ring. Even though the Ring is destroyed, their greed and need for power still overcome them and are now in search for the Three Rings of the Elven people for they possess a greater power than all put together, save the One Ring. The Red Ring, is kept safely. The other two, were passed down. The Ring of Air, was given to the heir of Aragorn, the greatest ruler of Men as a gift. The White Ring, which was made for Galadriel, Lady of the Forest, was passed down and saved for the one who was prophesized to bring hope back for the Elven lands of Middle-Earth. That one is of noble birth. Born in the land of her very people, she was, but was brought to the land of Men. But now she has returned to her home, just as the prophecy foretold." Evenstar listened intently. Gandalf continued. "To uncover the history of her people, she traveled great lengths and battled great evil, and very well done may I say. All this was done, and not a reward granted. Instead, all you get is the truth. The Elves are a dying race. Their time has already worn out on Middle-Earth. Their lands are quickly fading if you haven't noticed. Rivendell will soon fully disappear into the Mist and all that will be left are legends. But lo! Hope has returned. And if acted quickly, all will be restored and the Elven people shall find hope once again in Middle-Earth."

Silence filled the air. A great burden was now put upon Evenstar. She understood very well what Gandalf was saying. Eldarion, on the other hand, was slightly confused. He then approached Gandalf. "You say my sister is the Elven people's only hope?" "Nay, I say that she is Middle-Earth's only hope. The Nazgul are unimaginably powerful. They not only come after the Elves, but Middle-Earth entirely. They seek revenge, and hunger for power. They also search a way into the West. That must not be allowed. But they grow daily, gathering the lost orcs, tormenting them once again, seducing them. Though there is one force, powerful enough to overcome the Nazgul and their entire army. That force is Evenstar." Evenstar sat down then, her heart full of pain and torment. She knew her fate and feared to move forward. "But...how could I possibly make such an impact? I am but one person, alone I can do nothing." Gandalf stood then and approached Evenstar. "That is where you're wrong, Evenstar. Even the smallest creature can utterly change the world." He then bent down and whispered to Evenstar alone. He held both her hands in his, closing them. "There is something you possess inside yourself that will help you get through this. You will find that inner power, and you will learn to use it. You hurt, aye? You are connected to the earth. You feel it's pains. I will not lie. The path ahead of you is not the easiest to conquer. And with the burden of Middle-Earth, it will only make things worse. But with every darkness, you will have a light to guide you." And when Gandalf released her hands, Evenstar opened hers and lying on her palm was the Elessar itself. Gandalf took it and hung it about her neck. "When pain and loneliness strikes you, this will heal you of your troubles." He then addressed the entire group. "I have prepared rooms for you. Get some rest. You have all journeyed long. And there is food inside the House of Elrond for us to feast on. Gimli, show them the way." Eldarion and Evenstar followed Gimli, but Legolas stayed behind.

Gandalf spoke to him then. "She wishes to find her mother. You will make sure that she gets to Lorien safely?" Legolas nodded. "That is the duty I put upon myself since the day I swore my alliance to King Aragorn. Though I will not deny that the chances of her finding her mother are very slim. She looks for false hope." "But if that strengthens her heart, then let her search continue. Do you not understand, Legolas? Her love for her people and the hope that she will bring her mother out of her misery and reunite with her family is what gives her the strength to defeat the enemy. You saw what she did back atop the Mountain against the Black Riders. That is only a small example of what she truly possesses. Now go, eat as much as you can and then get some sleep. The two of you shall leave at sunrise tomorrow morn."

* * *

Now dressed in a beautiful blue, silken dress, with a black wrap around and her hair neatly combed straight, Evenstar walked the city of Rivendell. She came upon a small bridge that was atop a small stream coming from a waterfall. She stopped in the middle of the bridge for she was welcomed by a vision. It was one with her mother and father on this very bridge, holding each other's hands, smiling. Evenstar smiled and just then, Legolas interrupted. "Gandalf says we are to leave in the morrow." Evenstar turned, surprised. Legolas beamed a smile at her. "Leave? To where?" "Lorien of course. You wish to seek your mother, am I right?" "Aye, you are, but why so soon? We have just arrived." "We do not have much time, Evenstar. With every passing day, the Nazgul build their army." Evenstar nodded then sighed. "Very well, I must tell Eldarion." "Eldarion does not depart with us. Gandalf speaks to him now about his job. We will need our own army if we wish to defend Middle-Earth. Gandalf prepares now with the King." "I see. Question, Legolas...Why is all of this happening now? Why did the Nazgul wait so long to attack?" "There is no true reason that I know of, nor does Gandalf. Though, I will say this. They have been waiting for a sign and most likely you were it, your decision to move forward. Yes, they are after Middle-Earth entirely, but it's the rulers they want to defeat to have a sweeter victory. And once you have risen to your full power, they believe they can still defeat you then. They want revenge on you mainly for you are their true opponent and only match." "Legolas?" "Yes, Evenstar?" "Do you think I have what it takes to defeat the enemy?" "I know this." Evenstar smiled then threw her arms around Legolas. "Thank you." She then kissed his cheek. Unaware of her action till now, Evenstar shrank back. Legolas took no heed of her action. "I shall take my leave now, Legolas. I'll see you in the morrow." "Aye. Goodnight, Evenstar."

* * *

Evenstar awoke before the sun had set to prepare for their journey. She was clothed in a black tunic, and gray leggings. She wore on her wrist mithril bracers and mithril boots on her feet. Sheathed hanging on he belt was her mother's blade, Gwemegil. Searching through her pack, she found a small mithril pouch. It hasn't occurred to her just what was inside the pouch. Though she knew exactly what. She closed her eyes and she had a memory of her mother speaking to her when she was newly born. In Elvish, Arwen spoke to her. "This was a gift from your grandmother. Listen to me now dear child, all hope is in this one Ring when you decide to acknowledge it as your strength. Remember me by this, and you will overcome every obstacle in your path." Breathing deeply, Evenstar reached inside the pouch for the Ring. She placed it upon her right index finger and as she did, another vision appeared, though it wasn't of past memories, but of what was to come. She saw sadness, battles, her family, her mother with her, and someone else she had never seen before. It was a man, smiling at her. It was an unfamiliar face, yet she felt at home with this person. The vision passed and all was back to normal. She gathered the rest of her gear and headed out to where Legolas awaited her.

Beside Legolas who was atop his stallion, was Glorfindel. Evenstar smiled at her friend, glad she was able to ride with him once again. She mounted her stallion. "Good morning, Glorfindel, Legolas. Let us be on our way. Make haste ad I shall follow behind thee." "As you wish, Lady Evenstar." And so the two rode on to the land of Lorien, over and below the Misty Mountains.