Chapter 1

Elrond and his guards were riding through the grey mountains. It had been days since they left Rivendell and their horses were growing tired and weary. Throughout time tales about the Riverstones, their great city and their allegiance with the remaining dragons of Middle Earth were told. These tales, of course, were all the truth and Elrond knew that this was the reason his guards were feeling a large amount of unease. Though none of them would show it, he could feel the emotion radiating off them and he did not blame them for those feelings. The elf-lord himself was feeling apprehension. What if the dragons of these lands were to attack? He and his companions wouldn't stand a chance against the fire-drakes. All Elrond could do was hope that peace would remain.

"Have you ever journeyed here before, my lord?" Aesar, the youngest of the guards asked. Elrond turned his face toward the young elf and simply shook his head. It had been true – not a lot of people travelled here, due to their fear of their dragons. And this was perhaps, why Waterfall City had few enemies.

Yet there was great urgency and desperation in the words the Queen of these lands had written him. As if they were in fact in danger and this had worried Elrond. How could such a heavily guarded kingdom, be so fearful? The brows on Elrond's face knitted together as he shook away his thoughts. Answers would soon be given.

"So this is why they call it Waterfall City," another one of Elrond's companions exclaimed as he rounded a corner, "It truly is a wonderful sight."

And so it was; waterfalls were flowing out of the city and Elrond struggled to hide his amazement. There were large buildings and towers throughout the city and the elf-lord could only guess how long it took to build this beautiful city.

"This way." Elrond said, beckoning his companions to follow. There appeared to only be one way into the city, which was on the other side of a large stone bridge. The elves were quick to cover the bridge, sheer excitement taking over their emotions. In front of the gate stood a man, in a simple tunic and gentle smile.

"Aye, you must be Lord Elrond," the man bowed, his hair falling over his broad shoulders, "The king and queen have been waiting for your arrival." With his words, the large gate opened. It revealed what seemed to be a market, little huts displayed on the sides of the paths. Many people were scattered around, all curious to see who came to visit their home.

"Come now, there is no time to waste. The queen is not to be made to wait. Impatient she certainly is." The man turned on his heel and beckoned for the elves to follow. He made quick steps through the market, approaching a rather large building in the centre of the city, which Elrond could only assume was the king and queen's domain. The elves followed on horseback, their eyes scanning their surroundings. They had never seen a place such as this before. But these feelings were returned as curious glances were cast their way. Most of these people would have never laid eyes on an elf before as not many dared to leave the secure walls of their kingdom.

The man motioned for the elves to halt. "My lord, my people will take good care of your fine beasts. I beg your pardon, my name is Fahrid. Where are my manners…" the man muttered to himself as he rolled his eyes. Elrond got off his horse and his companions followed suit. He cast a small smile towards the man, waiting for him to continue.

"If you would follow me." The large man ascended up the stairs. "I must warn you, the king can come across as quite… unwelcoming. However it is a pleasure to have you here my lord." Fahrid assured the elf.

At the top of the stairs stood a woman. She stood in a confident manner and her lips tugged into a warm and welcoming smile. "Ah, you must be Lord Elrond." She nodded her head towards his companions, "I was not aware that you would bring company, though I thank you for coming. There are many things to discuss." Elrond stood directly in front of the mortal and bowed his head. "My lady, I am Elrond, Lord of Rivendell. These are three of my most trusted guards who wished to accompany me as I had never been." the elf explained.

"Abyanna Riverstone, queen of Waterfall City." Abryanna returned his greeting. "You must be wary and hungry, please come and enjoy the food our maidens have prepared." She nodded towards the elves one last time before stepping into her great halls.

After the meal the elves were content, Abryanna sought out Elrond. She did not wish to waste more time than necessary. Elrond's grey eyes did not miss the disapproving glances the king would send him, or even his wife. However this was not what concerned the elf; what concerned him more were the worried glances he had sent his daughter. Emdiril, he learned, was her name and she was truly a sight to behold. The fair, red-haired girl proved to have the warm and welcoming character her mother possessed, and singlehandedly entertained the elves and men surrounding the dining table.

Abryanna had asked Elrond to follow her out into their garden to discuss their plan of action.
"I have noticed that your king is wary of us." Elrond said as he stopped, his eyes examining the many different flowers, before his eyes set upon the brunette's face. What he found in her eyes were a mixture of emotions – anger, fondness, fear and loss. She nodded her head once, her striking blue eyes tearing away from the elf lord's gaze, "Yes," she replied, her eyes scanning their surroundings, "for I do not blame him. It has been many years since we have had visitors."

"I understand." Elrond lifted one of his hands in understanding. They had lived in these walls and not sought council from anyone in Middle Earth for many winters. "Although, I was surprised to have received the letter your messenger brought. What do you need assistance with, my lady?" Elrond lifted his eyebrows slightly. He was curious.

"I have had a message from the Valar," Abryanna started, though she drifted off. It wasn't many times that anyone, yet alone a mortal woman received messages from the Valar. She was unsure of whether the elf would believe her words. "They said that Emdiril was unlike the other human children here… They said she was a Child of the Earth." Abryanna's eyes glanced at Elrond to take in his reaction, though his face remained still as though he was waiting for her to continue. "She is to age like your kind, and to look like mine. She is to possess great powers and to aid against a great evil."

"I have heard of this prophecy. I have met one of these Children of Earth in my time." Elrond calmly stated. "He indeed possessed great powers unlike others I had ever seen."

"Truly?" Abryanna blurted out. She had not expected him to know these tales, let alone believe him.

"Aye," Elrond nodded his head in confirmation. Although the elf lord intended to reassure her, he could not help the worried look in his face. "I also know of what is to happen to the city one of these children is born."

A sigh escaped the Queen's lips and her shoulders slumped. At that moment, she did not care about her royal status and her posture. Abryanna shook her head and squeezed her eyes shut, wanting these horrible thoughts and images to leave her mind. "It is to be destroyed. To war we will go, but we will not lead our people to victory. The messenger foretold that a great evil was coming and that we would be over-run."

"It is the cruel part of this prophecy. Though necessary if her destiny is to become true." Elrond opened his mouth to say more, but could not muster appropriate words to say. Instead, he laid a hand on the woman's shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze for comfort. Abryanna forced a smile in appreciation as she quickly wiped those few tears that had escaped her eyes. She carried a huge burden. "I apologize, I did not intend to cry. I do not understand why. Why would this have to happen? She is only a little girl…"

"What is the meaning of this?!" King Aaric angrily asked, making the woman jump in her spot. Elrond let go of her shoulder and faced the King, who seemed to be seething with anger.

"Your wife has told me of your daughter's destiny, your highness. I have heard of the prophecy of the three only a few times before." Elrond replied in his usual, calm manner.

The anger in the king's eyes almost immediately vanished and was replaced with great fear, for he did not expect the noble elf to believe his wife's fairy tales. Though he had agreed with his wife that writing the elf lord was the right idea, part of him had still been in denial and did not want to accept their fate. "Oh…" was all he could muster.

"This is why we were hoping you would raise her." Abryanna suddenly said, turning all attention towards her. The woman swallowed hard before continuing, "If she remained here, she would out-live us all. I wish for her to be among people, well… elves that will age the same as her. I do not wish for her to grief our deaths, as well as her friend's deaths as unlike her, we are mortal." Tears were threatening to escape her eyes once more as she spoke, but her voice did not crack once. She was a strong woman and she knew she wanted the right thing. Aaric had slowly approached the pair in the gardens and stood close to his wife.

"Besides, if she remained, she could face doom. Our city is in great danger. There is no definite chance she is to survive," the King stated, now agreeing with his wife. The more he thought about it, the more he agreed to her proposition. The thought of his daughter grieving their deaths, whether it was under attack or due to natural circumstance, broke his heart. Their eyes remained on Elrond, who had not said anything since their proposal. His face was tense and he seemed deep in thought. Was he truly contemplating this? His brows were knitted together and his eyes were on the flowers that were before him. It was true, he had met one of the three many moons back, and he had been a joy to be around. His family and home, had too been destroyed, but he fought well. That was the unfair tragedy. A test for the three to see whether they were worthy of their position. Elrond had seen Carac as a great friend and his death was a huge loss to him. However, he had his wife and children to think of as well. Would Arwen, Elladan and Elrohir accept Emdiril as their sibling? Would Celebrian accept her?

"Would Emdiril be willing to leave you behind and live with people who are strange to her?" He asked the royals, his eyes falling on Abryanna.

"I would tell her that she is going on an adventure. She loves those. And she is not afraid of strangers. She has a strong and welcoming nature. Over time, she would forget us…"

Elrond merely nodded. "Please allow me some time to consider this."

And they would, they would give him all the time he needed if it meant their little princess would be safe.