Disclaimer: I don't own any familiar characters, and or anything pertaining to the world of the Hobbit. All, but my ocs, are owned by J.R.R Tolkien
Chapter Eight
Friends and Strangers
A sweet siren song greeted their company at the gates of the elven house. Claudia tried to mask her awe as they moved closer to the home, stepping into the facade of the well-bred princess her parents always hoped she'd be. Beside her, Dag and Alma kept sharp eyes on the steps before them as if they were still in the depths of the wild, while Enna smiled at the sight of her kin's dwellings.
"Just as Bilbo described it," Theo said beside her.
Claudia nodded but said nothing. Though she was putting on a cold front, with her stomach empty and body weak from weeks of rising she was happy to see any haven.
From the steps emerged a flank of elves. Each more tall and beautiful than the last. Delicate features disguising the dangers within. Leading the group of elves was a tall woman dressed in fine summer garments. Her long dark draping around her waist, and her alabaster skin glowing under the dying light of evening.
"Suilad, Princess Rowan and Claudia, Prince Theoden. My father was elated to hear that Erebor was answering our call." The she-elf bowed, her oak hair making a curtain around her angelic face.
"Suilad, Lady Arwen. We are pleased to answer the call of a friend." Rowan greeted from atop of her ram.
"My father is speaking to the council right now, he sends his regards. We have baths and rooms prepared for you. Food will be prepared for you after you rest."
A brilliant smile appeared on Rowan's face, "we are weary from our travels, and we thank you for offering us space to rest."
If Claudia had an ounce of energy she would roll her eyes at the diplomatic tone of the conversation, she just wanted a nice bath to wipe away the months of stink that caked her skin. Lady Arwen led their company deep into the halls of the Rivendell, giving them the history of the ancient home that Claudia couldn't bear listening to without resisting the urge to fall asleep.
"Your father is right, you are such a fierce diplomat," Theo whispered to Claudia as she began to nod off.
Without looking Claudia jabbed her elbow into Theo's stomach, a satisfied smile pulled at her lips hearing a painful grunt from her dearest cousin. Dag snickered behind her, Alma glared at the pair from her shoulder. All the while Rowan and Enna hung on every detail of Rivendell. Rivendell was far different from it's sister home of Mirkwood. The Mirkwood she had grown up with was dark and dangerous. It kept all those who entered on its toes and took only well to its closest allies. Wide arched framed living paints of the scenic views around the elven house. The structure, while smaller than Thranduil's kingdom, was just as beautiful. Golden gilded guards stood at every walk, like statues awaiting orders. Claudia smiled briefly at Dag as he eyed the guards as if they were any threat to Claudia or her safety. Soon Lady Arwen paused at the beginning of an open corridor.
"Lady Lura will escort your companions to their rooms," Arwen bowed to another dark-haired elf at her side. Claudia's eyes widened in panic as frantically looked between her friends and sister, reaching out to lightly squeeze Rowan's hand. Rowan stood like stone, her face unmoving as the Lady continued to speak. " Princess Rowan, and Claudia and Prince Theodon I will show you to your rooms. My father had them prepared in your honor."
Rowan offered another warm smile to the elf, "Lead the way Lady Arwen."
Claudia muttered under her breath watching as Alma, Dag, and Enna walked down the open column hallway. The sharp pinch of her forearm brought her attention back to the scolding face of her sister. So she followed her sister and the elven woman like a chastised child with her arm covering the slight throbbing from her forearm. The idea of being separated didn't sit well with Claudia, though the more responsible part of her gently tried to remind her that they were supposed to be in a safe place. Though all thoughts of her companions slipped from her mind as their smaller party made their way to their separate rooms. The finely crafted corridor overlooked rushing waters and the serene flora of the valley. Statues of elven women lined the open walls that welcomed in the warm breeze. The corridor was made up of four doors, which were crafted in the same illicit style the rest of the home was. The sisters said a quiet goodbye to Theo as Lady Arwen led them further down the corridor.
"My father will not be joining us for dinner tonight, he must prepare for council in the morning." Lady Arwen mentioned as Rowan was welcomed into her room.
"I understand, I thank you for hosting us for tonight." Rowan bowed her head, turning her eyes on Claudia.
"Lady Arwen, may I speak to my sister in private for a moment. I will find my room on my own." Rowan requested.
"Of course, Princess Rowan. If you should need anything please just ask." Arwen bowed, to which Rowan bowed back.
The door quietly squicked shut behind them, the warm smile faded from her sister's face as her sight set on Claudia. "Something is off here," Rowan whispered roaming the vast open room. Claudia narrowed her eyes, "What do you mean?"
Rowan hummed her eyes taking in the open valley below. It was by far the most picturesque sight Claudia had ever since. The long stretch of the tree protected the sharp drop of the cliffs above. The warm inviting light of the home reached out giving Claudia the sense that nothing was ever wrong in Rivendell, it was sickeningly perfect. The opposite of Claudia's mountain.
"I doubt anything is ever wrong here. Did you see Lady Arwen, I imagine even the Valor is jealous of her beauty." Rowan didn't seem amused by Claudia's point.
Rowan's features scrunched as her mind trailed deeper in thought. "She seemed nervous, it takes something great to unnerve an elf."
Claudia stared at her sister, "You are paranoid. You're beginning to sound like Thorin." Claudia reached out to grab her sister's shoulders only for her to bat it away. "I'm not, Claudia, you need to be observant. Lady Arwen's eyes shifted to the mountain pass every time it came into view. Her ladies in waiting looked like she was going to throw up by how anxious she was. No one passed us in the halls, it was like they were hiding."
"And since when did you become an elf whisper? Let me guess it was around the same time you met Enna?" Claudia teased.
Rowan glared at Claudia "I'm serious, Claudia. Did you not notice the guards at every doorway, Rivendell is on guard." Rowan finished passing the length of the large room.
"What does Rivendell have to be scared of?" Claudia wondered.
It was Rowan's turn to shrug. "Whatever it is, they are hoping that we can help them."
Rowan muttered something about getting ready for dinner, leaving Claudia to her thoughts. Claudia sighed, running her fingers through her hair, realizing for the first time they were in deeper trouble than she had expected.
Dinner had past and Claudia had taken heed of Rowan's words, feeling the weight of anxiety that lingered in the halls of Rivendell at every turn. It was in quick and quiet gazes Claudia first saw it. Her eyes watched the slight tremble in a maiden's hand as she poured fine elven wine or the sober tone in music. It was as if they were preparing for a funeral. The conversation among their company was hushed but just as lively as it had been on the road. Theo teased everyone relentlessly, Alma rolled her eyes at his jabs. Dag spoke of old stories growing up among the royal family. Rowan kept her sight on Enna as if at any moment she might disappear.
As their conversation ebbed into the glittering night, each member said their goodnights though hesitant to part from one another once again. Alma and Theo disappeared with a sip of wine and a lewd comment that made Rowan burn red from the tips of her ears. Enna said her goodnight winking at Rowan who followed only minutes after. Those two could be a little more subtle, Claudia groaned in her head. Dag laughed standing up from the table holding his arm out to Claudia, which she happily took.
The elven home was still in the early hours of the night. The music from dinner lingered in the halls and was muffled by distance, the light scuff of their shoes echoed in the hall. "It is strange here," Dag commented.
"The elves are a cold people, Dag. They certainly don't know how to throw a party…" She shivered at how hollow and cold the night had been.
"We are far from home, Claudia. The world is not as at home, it will not protect you as the mountain does. You should not trust everyone you meet." His tone darkened.
In the corner of her eye a shadow moved, a chill raced up her spine. Her soul lurched in her body, her skin pulsing with her heartbeat. Her throat burned and restricted as her fingertips buzzed with a strange power.
"Claudia…" The clouds moved from her eyes and she looked back at Dag who had stopped a few feet in front of her.
"Sorry I just thought I saw someone." She muttered quickly, catching up with her guard.
Dag muttered on about this or that while Claudia watched the shadows of the night. After a short walk, they made it to Claudia's door where they parted ways. Laying her bed she stared at the ceiling trying to think of anything other than the shadows that moved all around her calling her name. Her fingers clamped around the horribly soft blanket, her back arched as the feather-likeness of her bed.
Claudia
Her muscles tensed as the name curled inside of her skull, hot against her brain. She sat up. Her heart pounded, she knew it wouldn't stop until she found it. Slipping from the blanket, she reached for the robe that hung off one of the golden knobs of her bed. Securing the robe around her waist Claudia slipped into the hall. A tall shadow raced against the moonlight, becking her to follow deeper into the hall. She looked back to her door and to the corner the shadow had disappeared down. She had come here for a reason, maybe the shadow would offer a clue as to what that was. At least that's what she told herself as she followed after the shadowy figure.
"We will worry about this tomorrow, my lord." Glorfindel rose from his chair, no longer able to bear the conversation with the high lord of Rivendell.
"This is our problem because you've insisted we put off this conversation. You insisted we ignore this!" Elrond slammed his ringed fingers on the table.
Green eyes flashed with rage at the elder elf. "I'm not you, my high lord, I don't make decisions around here." Glorfindel hissed.
"But you have the counsel of many," Elrond replied his word digging at Glorfindel like the edge of a blade.
Glorfindel spun on his heel, reaching for the wine that laid abandoned on his desk. Behind him Elrond let out a sigh melting into one of the chairs. His long fingers worked at the worry in his forehead. "I'm sorry my friend. I should not have lashed at you like that. Times are dark and it has affected us all. Pointing fingers will not give us a solution."
Taking a gulp of wine, Glorfindel looked at Elrond over his shoulder. "We can only hope this council will give us a solution. We were desperate enough to reach out to the dwarves for help."
Elrond stood and a hand brushing over his robes. His pointed stare silence Glorfindel on any further comments on who Elrond called to join the council. Moving toward the door, Elrond turned to Glorfindel one more time. "We can only hope. Get some rest before the council meeting tomorrow."
Glorfindel watched his friend go, slumping back into his chair. Tracing the tip of the goblet watching the crimson liquid dance in the orange firelight. His mood soured more than usual as he thought over the conversation with Elrond. Elrond was his dearest friend and knew struggles Glorfindel had faced, but that didn't stop his pointed jabs. And he knew sleep was not so easily afforded to the elven lord. He'd rather taste the sweet sting of wine than face her motionless face. Instinctually, his hand tightened around the goblet, his knuckles draining white. He stood the blood rushing to his head. He needed to get out, far away from the thoughts of her lifeless face. Striding out the door, he grabbed his cloak moving out to the hall. Rivendell was quiet as night had taken their home. Few guards moved about ignoring his presence, they were afraid of him like many elves he met. They all unsure how to act around the resurrected warrior, not that he blamed them. Reaching into his cloak he grabbed his flask taking another swig of the amber liquid inside. Glorfindel found that he liked being alone more often than not. It was tiring playing the part of the unmovable warrior. People got this idea in their heads about what an Elf Lord touched by the light of Valor themselves should act like. Glorfindel never liked acting.
He had made it out into the east gardens, the sweet breeze clearing his clouded mind. He never let himself linger on the thoughts of the past, the tragedies of his life - or former life - were not some he liked to relive. So Glorfindel often found himself in the openness of the gardens. The floral aromas of the flowers touched his nose and he focused on the distant rush of water. Closing his eyes he welcomed the open air of the night. And for a brief moment he felt peace, until he heard the heavy footsteps of someone racing toward the eastern garden. Stepping back into the shadows, Glorfindel watched as a frantic shadow appeared among the flowers. In the depths of the night Glorfindel couldn't make out the shadows' faces, but he could see by the distraught movements they were searching for something.
Glorfindel's eyes moved from the figure to the garden surrounding them, trying to find whatever they were looking for. It had become apparent to Glorfindel that whoever the shadow was, they were not an elf. That much was obvious by their short stature. He could hear the shadow mutter to themselves as they moved deeper into the garden. Glorfindel could simply turn away, locate the nearest guard and have them deal with the noise visitor. But he couldn't seem to ignore the biting urge to follow them, to know who they were. So he followed in the shadows.
"Where did you go.." Hiss a voice in the darkness.
Leaning against a nearby tree he watched as the shadow stepped into the moonlight. He paused, it was a woman. A short woman at that. His eyes narrowed taking in the image of her bathed in moonlight, she was familiar yet a stranger in his eyes. Her light hair was long and ruffed in an unappealing manner. She wore an elven robe that was far too long for a short frame, dragging the grass behind her. Something about her warned him of a distant memory. He shifted as he tried to place her.
"If you are going to stalk me, you could be a little quieter." The girl called out to the darkness. Glorfindel's spine straight as she looked around the garden, silver eyes falling straight on him.
"You shouldn't be wandering unfamiliar places alone, girl." Glorfindel breathed stepping into the moonlight.
The girl stood her ground as Glorfindel stepped into her view. Her eyes narrowed as she turned her face away from the elven lord, her face uninterested in him. He saw the strange look of disappointment hanging in her eyes as she looked anywhere but at him.
"I will have you know that I am a woman, not a girl, elf. I will not have you talking down to me as if I am a child." The girl spat at him.
A small smile pulled on his lips as he took a step toward the small woman. The top of her head barely reached his chest, he arched his head down to look at her fully. "Even a child would know not to wander on their own." He replied.
Her head snapped in his direction, fury burning in her eyes. There was something so familiar about her.
"I would watch your mouth, elf. I would hate to tell Lord Elrond that his own people made his guest feel uncomfortable." The woman stepped closer to Glorfindel.
Glorfindel didn't know whether he should laugh or scream at the girl's ridiculousness. Something behind Glorfindel caught the woman's attention, as her shoulder knocked Glorfindel as she passed him. His hand reached out to capture the girl's arm, stopping her in her place. The irritated woman was replaced with a predator ready to strike.
"You shouldn't walk alone, I'll escort you back to your chambers." He said firmly.
"And what dangers face me in the ever safe Rivendell?" The girl rattled his grip.
He let go causing her to fall slightly forward. The girl made a stifled noise tugging her robe straight before beginning her way out of the garden.
"You stench of wine, elf." Spat the girl back to Glorfindel staring up the steps.
Glorfindel narrowed his eyes at the "I'd watch your tongue, girl."
The woman stopped, knowing standing steps above Glorfindel. She stared down at him, "I told you I am no girl. I am a Princess."
Far from the land of elves and dwarves, where no man of middle earth had dared explored, a smile pulled on a shadowy face. Jeweled covered fingers curled, and a wave of power whipped through the air.
"She has made it to Rivendell then?" The voice questioned.
"Yes, it seems your vision was correct, she is in Rivendell as we speak."
A hum of satisfaction came from the lips of the shadowy figure.
"The master will want to kno-" A glass shattered to the right of the poor creature making them squeak with fear.
"I know what the master will want, you idiot! Don't think I'm as brainless as you."
The torn robs of the creature touched the floor as they bowed. "No, go I will speak to him myself."
"Of course, master."
Scowling at the creature as it left the room, the shadowy figure walked toward the black pool of water that sat in a marble basin. Harsh whispers of dead languages that room darkened and fire ignited in the black water. A horrible noise, the sound of the last painful breath before death, rose from the water.
The figure, once again, smiled feeling the fire licking their skin.
The game was beginning.
