Chapter 3 -Swords of Gondolin
Bilbo was utterly enchanted by the sweet sound of Elven music that filled the early evening air. Delicate hands belonging to skillful fair-faced Elleths stuck harps and played flutes in a fashion that was both compelling and soothing.
The hobbit was seated towards the head of a very long oak table partitioned on one of Rivendell's many balconies, surrounded by the alluring sights of stunning waterfalls. He admired the sight in a state of mixed awe and wonder. Of all the stories Bilbo had heard of Rivendell, none could compare to what he felt sitting there. The feeling was magical, hopelessly magical. For the first time since he started on the weary journey with the dwarves, Bilbo did not miss The Shire. Bilbo Baggins did not find himself homesick in the House of Elrond, The Last Homely House East of the Sea.
Lost in a state of blissful peace, Bilbo paid little attention to the Dwarves around him. Though the sights of Rivendell brought peace to the hearts of all who entered, the Dwarves were impatient and hungry. Upon arrival they were brought to the balcony and were displeased to learn that the main meal would not be served until the Elven Lord had arrived. It had only been an hour since their arrival, but with the hunger growing in their stomachs it felt as if it were much longer. Bilbo did not mind, for as long as he beheld the sights of Imladris nothing else seemed of importance.
From down the corridor the rising sound of Gandalf's voice could be heard as he neared the balcony, "It was kind of you to invite us… I am hardly dressed for dinner…"
"You never are," came the smooth reply as both Gandalf and Lord Elrond entered the balcony, followed by another elf, Bilbo recognized as the one who had greeted them. Bilbo racked his brain trying to remember, What was his name again?
Hiding in plain sight, Lindir stood unnoticed off to Lord Elrond's right, inconspicuously watching the Dwarves in shameless fascination. Dinner had been served, he watched as some of the Dwarves ate with unabashed vigor. Though his face was a mask betraying no emotion, his curious ears picked out bits and pieces of nonsensical conversation.
"Try it, just a mouth full," coaxed a dwarf who was eloquently holding a small wine glass. Lindir smiled at the oddness of the sight.
"I don't like green food…"
"Where's the meat?"
"Have they got any chips?"
What are chips? Lindir thought to himself. He made note to ask Lord Elrond later. Out of all the elves in Imladris Lord Elrond was most learned in the ways of Dwarves. Lindir himself knew very little of mortals, he was no warrior and had little reason to leave Imladris. So he was not influenced by the ways of mortals, they all seemed rather the same to him.
Lindir found himself slightly taken aback by the ungraceful clunky movements of the dwarves as they shoveled large amounts of food into their mouths, small streams of wine dribbled down their beards. Lindir decided rather to focus his attention towards the hobbit, whose plate had been filled as just full as dwarves' but was eating at a more leisurely pace.
The hobbit was a strange creature. All Lindir knew of Hobbits was that they preferred to keep to themselves and were mistrustful of others. He wondered what could possibly be so grand as to draw a hobbit away from their hobbit hole.
In fact, Lindir was not the only one who mused thoughts of curiosity about Bilbo. Elrond had been secretly watching the Hobbit intrigued, while keeping polite conversation with both Gandalf and Thorin.
"Elrond, we came upon the most curious of items in a troll cave," Gandalf said.
"And what might that be dear friend?" Elrond asked intrigued. If Gandalf had found something 'curious' then it was of interest to him.
"We found two swords of elven-make," Gandalf explained.
"May I see?" Elrond asked holding out a hand.
Thorin and Gandalf both withdrew their weapons, handing them over the to Elf Lord. Lindir looked on in fascination.
Elrond took them with great care. He held them as though they were pieces of glass afraid they would shatter within his grasp. His eyes filled with old memories of long forgotten days, scanning the runes etched on the blades. He determined these swords were old, treasures of time, their origins stretched far before his beginnings.
"These are old swords, very old swords of the High Elves of the West, my Kin. They were made in Gondolin for the Goblin wars. They must have come from a dragon's hoard or goblin plunder, for dragons and goblins destroyed that city many ages ago. This, Thorin, the runes name Orcrist, the Goblin-cleaver in the ancient tongue of Gondolin; it was a famous blade. This, Gandalf, was Glamdring, Foe-hammer that the King of Gondolin once wore. Keep them well!" **
"Whence did the trolls get them, I wonder?" said Thorin looking at his sword with renewed interest. **
"I cannot say," said Elrond, "but I have heard that there are still forgotten treasures of old to be found in the deserted caverns of the mines of Moria, since the dwarf and goblin war."**
Thorin pondered these words. "I will keep this sword in honour," he said. "May it cleave goblins once again!"**
Thorin looked upon the Elf Lord of Rivendell with renewed respect. He had half expected the elf to claim ownership over the weapons, demanding the prize for himself. Not only was Thorin given the sword back but also gained the Elf Lord's blessing along with it. Perhaps not all the elves were like the Elvenking of Mirkwood. He almost regretted his former rudeness, almost.
Lindir noticed that the Hobbit was also in possession of a weapon of old. He saw the Hobbit was about to inquire the blade's origin when another dwarf stopped him.
"I wouldn't bother laddie. Swords are named for the great deeds they do in war," the dwarf explained.
"What are you saying? My sword hasn't seen battle?"
"If you call that a sword. I'm not actually sure it is a sword," the dwarf retorted.
The hobbit seemed to ponder these words for a moment, before to Lindir's disappointment reluctantly put his blade away. Lindir was burning with curiosity. He wished to say something but knew it was not his place to do so. As a minstrel Linder was well versed in the Elven history of Middle Earth, having written and performed many songs of both their defeat and triumph. Noldor blood ran through his veins contributing to this thirst for more knowledge, the knowledge of the elves' history was of his favourite kind.
"Now I must inquire as to what quest requires the attendance of thirteen Dwarves, a Hobbit, and a Wizard," Elrond asked. The table fell silent at the sudden question. The dwarves all looked upon Thorin to answer, not wanting to say more then they should.
"Our business is no concern of Elves," Thorin coolly replied.
"Oh don't be like that... The stubbornness of dwarves... Elrond my friend, we came to ask of your help," Gandalf said, trying to ease the tension at the table, earning a glare from Thorin.
Elrond raised an eyebrow, "And what sort of help does a wizard require of an elf?"
"We have a map that needs deciphering."
"Show me," Elrond exclaimed. His eyes sparkled in a rare show of excitement. Dwarves always brought strange surprises with their visits.
A/N: Thank you everyone who has reviewed, favourited, and alerted/followed this fic! Thank you for your support! It is very encouraging! I have about 4 to 5 more chapters planned for this story!
**This dialogue is taken from the book, The Hobbit -Chapter 3: A Short Rest, all credit belongs to J.R.R. Tolkien. (Tolkien wrote it so perfectly I didn't feel the need to rewrite or add to any of it ;] )
In Response to a Question I received from an anonymous reviewer:
Thanks so much for your review! Elrond is also my favourite character! I will eventually write a fic in regards to the Battle of Dol Guldur. I am in the brainstorming stage of it right now. I am finding it challenging because there isn't a whole lot of information to go off of, which is kind of exciting in a way because I have the freedom to do whatever I want -within canon standards. I try not to deviate from canon. I am also very curious to see how Peter Jackson will present the Dol Guldur scene! I am also planning to write a fic on The White Council, I may combine that with the Dol Guldur fic, I'm not sure yet.
I will also eventually write a fic on Thranduil's version of the capture of the dwarves in Mirkwood, and the Battle of the Five Armies. Thranduil is my second favorite character (Way before Lee Pace was ever cast to play him). In fact, I'm more partial towards the elves than any other character in ME.