It's been so long since I've added to this fiction I'm embarrassed. LOL My only excuse is that I've been absorbed in writing in another fandom on another site. I seemed to have spread myself too thin. But I'm back! Now that some of my other stories are wrapping up, I'll be able to turn my attention back to Middle Earth. Hope you enjoy this next chapter in the adventures of Bernard, Catherine and William.
The Prize
Wet, dark and loud were all words to describe the place in which the three students had arrived, their bodies jarred back into the physical world after spinning in a blur of light and wind. A cold stone floor of some sort provided the landing strip when they were thrust out of the other end of the vortex. Rolling to a painful stop, they found their clothing soaking up the water on the stone floor as they pushed up into sitting positions, trying to stop the dizzy spin of their senses. A loud, deafening roar so close by was the first thing they focused on as they got their bearings.
"Is everyone all right?" asked Catherine.
"Yes, I believe so. Though that landing was quite a bruiser," William replied. "Is that a waterfall?"
"I believe so," Catherine said, squinting towards the roar. Wherever they were, it was apparently night or perhaps they were in some sort of cave.
Bernard moaned as he tried to stand. "I never want to do that again. I think I've bruised every muscle in my body."
"Just imagine the poor professor falling through at his age," Catherine replied, trying her own feet and feeling a bit wobbly.
"Speaking of the professor, he's got to be nearby. He only had about a thirty minute jump on us," William said. "Come on, let's find an exit."
They instinctively made their way towards the rush of the waterfall, their hands feeling the cave walls as they moved. "I wonder where we ended up. What do you think? There are falls at Rauros and Henneth Annun," said William.
"Hard to say," Bernard answered. "We could be anywhere."
"There!" Catherine exclaimed as they turned a corner and the falls came into view. As they predicted, they were in a cave behind a waterfall and the light of day could be seen shining through the streaming water.
The water became louder as they approached and they could no longer hold a conversation, so they walked to the falls and looked for a way out. There seemed to be a space wide enough to slip through on one side of the falls, but not without getting wet. Seeing no other choice, the three companions made their way carefully out into the sunlight, finding that a rough path along the mountain was under their feet. They continued away from the water until they were no longer getting drenched and took a look around.
Catherine sucked in a deep breath of air at the majestic scene before them. They were overlooking a beautiful canyon that stretched on beyond the mountain, filled with foliage and birds. And there were so many birds! Large flocks of various birds flew in groups, swooping in and around like graceful dancers.
"So beautiful," Catherine said in awe. "Where are we?"
"I think I know," William replied, staring off in the distance. Catherine and Bernard followed his gaze until they, too, spotted a place which made their hearts race with fear and excitement. It was almost easy to miss, so well did it blend with the surrounding environment.
Bernard's mouth fell open and one word dropped out, "Rivendell."
"I reckon the professor must have gone there," Catherine mused. "Shall we?"
Bernard's face whipped around to hers. "What! Just stroll into Rivendell?"
"I don't think the professor meant for us to stay on this mountain," she answered. "And as far as I remember, it is supposed to be a friendly place."
"What choice do we have?" William answered. "We didn't take food or water along with us. We will have to rely on the hospitality of others as I'm certainly not a skilled survivalist and, correct me if I'm wrong, neither are the two of you."
"Or we can just turn back and step through the vortex home again," Bernard added.
"I didn't recall any lights from a return vortex when we landed. I don't believe that's an option right now," William answered.
"You mean we can't return?" Bernard panicked.
"Calm down, Bernard," Catherine said. "After all, the professor obviously returns so there must be a way. We just have to find Tolkien."
"He didn't even wait for us!" Bernard exclaimed. "What's wrong with the man? Does he think this is some grand joke to make us fend for our lives?"
"I can't begin to imagine what the professor's intentions were, but we really have no other option but to search for him," Catherine replied.
"Come on," William said. "Let's not waste any more time debating this. I think we should follow this path until we find a bridge of some sort over the canyon. Then we can make our way to Rivendell and hopefully the professor will be waiting for us there."
"And if the elves shoot arrows into us?" Bernard asked, following behind the other two down the path.
William sighed. "You're neither an orc nor a goblin, so I'm quite sure they wouldn't fire upon us without at least asking us what our business is. We can explain that we are searching for the professor. For him to have such intimate knowledge of Rivendell, I'm sure they must be acquainted with him."
They traveled on; each emerged in their own thoughts. The trail wound down the cliff side and many times they had come to a fork in the road. Keeping the general direction of Rivendell in mind, they chose what they hoped were the right ways.
"Ah!" Catherine jumped, grasping onto William's arm in fright. Ahead on their path stood a man… no, an elf! They stopped walking and stared with wide eyes at the tall elf with long brown hair. Never in their wildest imaginations would they have ever thought to see a real elf, straight from their favorite novel.
William placed his hand over Catherine's shaking one grasping painfully to his forearm. "Shh… just be calm," William whispered out of the side of his mouth.
The elf stood there staring back at them, looking them over curiously. They had the feeling that they had chosen the path correctly and were now closer to Rivendell. It was obvious that this elf was guarding the path, determining if they were friend or foe.
William took a deep breath and said in elvish, "Good day, we are travelers from afar searching for a friend. We believe he may be in Rivendell. Have you seen anyone pass here today?"
The elf stepped closer and said, "I know of who you speak. Follow me." He turned and began walking ahead of them down the path.
The three students looked at each other in relief. The elf would lead them to the professor! They followed behind the lithe elf, trying to keep up with his confident pace. They crossed a long bridge that stretched over the canyon and across a few smaller ones before the gate of Rivendell came into view.
"Oh my," Catherine breathed in wonder. "I can't believe this. We are actually here!" As soon as they stepped through the gate, they were speechless with wonder. It was all as Tolkien described in its natural magnificence. Their eyes feasted on the elven structures and the beautiful trees blooming with fall color.
Their hearts pounded in trepidation when other elves came forward to look at them in curiosity. The three students tried to smile in greeting as they continued to follow behind the elf that led them there.
Soon they entered a courtyard in which a tall regal elf stood at the top of a stairway. It was apparent that he was most likely the ruler here and they wondered at this elf's lineage. He couldn't be Elrond if the events that Tolkien wrote of were in the past. This was surely the Fourth Age. Elrond had already left for the undying lands.
They came to a stop at the bottom of the stairs, looking up at the majestic elf. William nudged his companions and began to bow so Bernard and Catherine followed suit. The striking figure began to descend the stairs and came to a halt on the fifth stair up. "Catherine, Bernard and William," the elf said, smoothly. "We have been expecting you. I am Elladan, son of Elrond. Elostirion has told us you would be coming."
The three travelers looked at each other in excitement. This was actually Elladan!
"It's an honor to meet you, Lord Elladan," William bowed again. "Who is this Elostirion you speak of?"
Elladan gave them a slight smile. "He is the one you call Tolkien. We have given him the name Elostirion, as he comes here from the stars to watch and learn. You have come for the same purpose, have you not?"
"Why, yes," William answered. "I suppose we have. This is most amazing to us as we did not realize Tolkien was writing about real places. You see, where we come from, people believe this place to be… well… imaginary."
"Yes, I know this," Elladan answered. "Elostirion has told us of your land. Your land seems… imaginary… to us as well. There is much we can learn from each other."
"Lord Elladan," Catherine said with a slight bow. "Is Elostirion here now? May we speak with him?"
Elladan smiled at her and inclined his head, "In due time, my Lady. You must all rest and take refreshment. We will feast tonight and welcome you as friends."
Catherine's heart fluttered at his smooth tone and the way he called her a 'Lady'. She smiled widely and replied. "We graciously accept your hospitality, Lord Elladan."
Elladan nodded to an elf nearby who indicated that they follow him. They bowed once more to Elladan and left his presence. More curious stares followed them as they made their way up a small pathway to a dwelling containing various sleeping quarters. Little bungalow type rooms, each with balconies overlooking the valley, greeted their eyes and were a welcomed sight after the long trek down the mountainside.
They each had their own small bedroom, all adjoining each other. Catherine was so excited, however, that she made her way over to Williams's room and found Bernard already there as well. The elf escort had left them to rest.
"Can you believe all this?" Catherine exclaimed as she entered the room. "This is like some sort of dream. And they know about us!"
"Well it makes sense," Bernard answered. "I'm sure out of all the peoples of Middle Earth, the elves are the ones most likely to believe in far off lands with advanced civilizations. After all, they believe in magic and places like Valinor."
"Believe?" William interjected. "To them it is fact, Bernard. They are immortal for goodness sakes!"
"This is definitely a prize worth receiving!" Catherine exclaimed. "What a wonderful man Professor Tolkien is. I cannot wait to thank him for this amazing treat!"
Even Bernard had to agree. "Yes, it's quite nice here. I'm very relieved that the portal sent us to this haven and not some forsaken land like Mordor."
Catherine shivered at the thought. "Yes, I agree. Perhaps the last place contestants ended up there," Catherine laughed.
"I suppose we'll see the professor at the feast tonight," William pondered.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Sipping the sweet honeyed drink, William sat back on his cushioned chair and listened to the storyteller in the middle of the hall. Catherine and Bernard sat on either side of him, listening raptly as well. They had feasted and chatted happily with a group of elves who sat around them, curious about the visitors and their impressions of their land. Now that the eating portion of the evening was done, the stories began and the three students listened with pleasure.
The current story was about how they met the professor coming out of the mountain one day and all that had ensued since then. Catherine, Bernard and William looked about for the old man every once in a while, but he had not shown himself as of yet. Inside they began to worry as the night went on and the tales grew more complex.
"Where is he?" Bernard whispered in Catherine's ear at one point. Catherine shook her head and shrugged.
At last Elladan stood up and announced, "There is but one more tale left to tell this night. Elostirion has entrusted me with his missive."
William bravely stood up and said, "Pardon me, Lord Elladan. But where is Elostirion? We had hoped to see him tonight."
Elladan turned his face towards William and said, "You will not see your friend tonight, for he is not here."
Catherine and Bernard looked at each other in shock. Not here?
"I do not understand, my Lord," William said, confused. "Why would he leave without us?"
"Elostirion has said it is in the journey that you shall find your way," Elladan replied, "so journey you must."
Bernard's mouth fell open as he wanted to protest but couldn't seem to find the words.
William, thankfully, said the words for him. "We only wish to return to our home, Lord Elladan."
"None of us here know the way," Elladan replied. "Only Elostirion can help you. You must find him."
"Find… him?" Bernard stammered. "Find him where?"
Elladan gave a slight smile as he said, "That is for you to discover. Elostirion has left me a riddle for you to solve. It will provide a direction for you to journey."
Bernard stood up. "I don't believe this! He wants to play games with us!"
Catherine grasped his hand and tried to pull him back down to his seat. "Bernard… please," she whispered urgently. "Don't make a spectacle. I'm sure the professor would not place us in any danger."
Bernard glared down at her. "Are you so sure?"
William looked at him. "What choice do we have? We are not going home until we find him."
Bernard huffed for a few breathes and then sat back down, anger written all over his face.
"We will hear this riddle, my Lord," William said, sitting back down and trying to stay calm.
"Here is what Elostirion bid me say:
Tender charges young and old,
Beneath towers the sentinels watch.
Call forth the forgotten to memories day,
To remember that which has always been.
The words, the words, the words,
Lay endless to mortal minds.
Catherine, William and Bernard looked at Elladan for more, but the regal elf only nodded and said, "Those are his words. You may stay here in Imladris to ponder the meaning and prepare for the journey you will need to take."
"Did Tolkien say anything else?" Bernard asked, perplexed.
"Yes," Elladan answered. "He asked me to say these words to you, 'Good Luck'.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
A/N Can you figure out where Tolkien wants them to go? You'll find out next time as the three friends figure it out and begin a perilous journey into the unknown.
Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please review and I'll get more out to you soon. Thanks!