Welcome back! I am happy that they've finally reached Rivendell! I tried to give a good enough description of the valley and it's beauty, so I hope it worked! And I cannot wait for the next chapter because we are getting closer to what I want so badly to write!!

Again, thank you for the comments and likes! They mean a lot to me!

Chapter Six

The awe that she had felt at seeing the magnificence of the Valley was doubled by the gasps of amazement and shock as the people passed through the hidden passage and came upon the tunnel's wide opening; their surprise becoming emotional when some fell to their knees as she had before them and wept with relief. The others cried freely with tears falling from their lashes when they bowed their heads and sobbed into clenched hands, which a few tried desperately to hide their overwhelming outpour of sorrowful relief at the beauty that sprawled before them. A wave of emotions seemed to come from the people as they left the passage and began down the short path towards the arching stone bridge that led them to a courtyard before them – made of grey-white stones that were nearly consumed by vines, weeds, and sparse grass. But to the refugees who had slept on hard wooden boats, rocks alongside the Misty Mountains, and snowed kissed fields, this was a stunning sight to behold.

Elestirnë stood in the middle of the waiting courtyard to greet them as they took their time to meet her with their eyes roaming over the beauty that surrounded them. Her heart filled with fond affection for the wide-eyed looks adorning their faces when she caught view of their amazed expressions. A warmth flooded her as she stood still with her hands clasped together behind her back, trying to appear cool and collected before them. (Thankfully she'd had her time to cry with relief before they'd seen her.) She stepped forward on the smooth stone beneath her boots and reached for her brother's hands as he hurried across the bridge beside the people.

They crashed into one another with enough force to knock her entirely off her feet, making the two-siblings tumble to the stoned floor below from their embrace. But a wild laugh echoed in the air as they began to speak in a blur of excited chatter; Eldacar's voice soon rising over hers' with the more he spoke as he switched their positions on the ground, flipping them up into a seated state. Elestirnë had looped her arms around his back and dragged him closer towards her chest while she listened to his jabbering with nods and her own responses, keeping a firm grip on her brother as he prattled on with animation and visible enthusiasm.

It caused that warmth in her being to expand and grow.

A sudden fond chuckle could be heard from above them as Arvegil came to stand before their laughing forms with his lips pulled back into a bright smile, wiping the exhaustion that'd plagued him, which plagued many of their brethren. His affectionate gaze glistened with unshed tears like so many others. "Come, you two heathens. We've much to do and see too."

Elestirnë laughs at his choice of words and nods up at him, rising to her feet with her brother. She glanced around and felt the warmth in her blossom into peace for the equally smiling and rejoicing people before them. A bubble of emotion swelled in her throat, full of tenderness for the people who sat upon the courtyard and reclined with their packs as cushions, all of them clutching onto the ones they loved. It had her vision blurring for a moment, until she regained enough control to not sob alongside them all.

Her lips trembled briefly for a second, momentarily struggling.

"My dear child?" Arvegil spoke again with his hands coming to rest atop their shoulders, shaking the two lightly to gain their wandering attention. "Are you well?"

"Aye, I'm fine," she says to the elder scholar jestingly. "I was thinking it'd be best if we all just take our time to rest here for a short while. We're in a more secure location than we were in the wilds… They deserve this chance to settle."

She paused, leaning against her brother's shorter form gently.

Arvegil waits to respond for a moment, taking the time to look at her as she remained silent. His eyes assessing her quietly while his grip on her shoulder tightened. "I see," his voice was low and compassionate as he spoke. "Then it's what we shall do."

"We will go into the palace soon, though," she then tells the man. Her eyes fall to his with a kindness in them that soothed his worry for her. "I'm sure that those who've vacated this valley have left behind some forms of their scrolls, tomes, or books to comb through. They'll be of great use for us in these coming days. And with Eldacar, your and my own lessons in the alphabet of Elvish Tengwar. I've no doubt that we'll come to find some information we'll have need of."

A reminiscent expression donned on her face, remembering all the lessons she and her brother had been put into by their father, who had claimed that they'd have need of it one day. It didn't quite set right with her at that thought, but then again, she knew about the gift of foresight in her family lineage.

Her heart tugged uncomfortably, thinking that he'd known of his own death.

"I wonder, old friend, if my father knew of this?" She then says lowly, frowning for a little while. The softness in her tone was layered with grief, mourning quietly. "If he knew his lessons for us in tracking, map reading, and linguistics would eventually lead us to this day."

"It is because of your father that you and Eldacar's lessons have become talents, little star," Arvegil tells her as he gently pulls her into a quick embrace, kissing her brow softly. "It was his insistence that you both learned the Elven alphabet. And you may be right in the thought that he might've foreseen what your brother and you would need it for."

That pang in her chest echoed once more at his words.

She closed her eyes at this and took a moment to settle herself, though her mind replayed all the time's she and her brother spent with their parents and youngest sibling. The pain of even thinking that their father had been very much aware of his eventual death sent a wave of agonizing grief through her as she struggled to keep her emotions stable, to not give into the crumbling sorrow that had plagued her since the very beginning. After a short while, she opened her eyes to blink away the lingering tears before meeting the man's gaze directly, noting that he too had battled his own sadness.

It left her heart weak at the shared pain her old teacher and close friend tried so hard to hide, even if it was a failed attempt. The two of them understanding what this revelation meant, yet none of them decided to speak more on the subject less their strength faded like the dying light.

"-dy? My lady?"

The sudden interruption broke her wandering thoughts. A hand soon coming to rest on her right shoulder to squeeze lightly, with a familiar face coming into view. "My lady is everything alright?"

The roughened tone belonged to a worried looking Captain Beregond, who shot a look to the silent Arvegil as he shook his head at his friend. "Let her be," he told the gruff man.

Elestirnë exhaled softly, giving the two men and her brother a smile to settle their worries.

"I'm alright, Arvegil," she tells the elder before turning her focus to the captain. Her hand came up to grab his with compassion, bringing it from her shoulder to grip it in a handshake, offering the instinctive form of respect so easily. "Now, what is it I can help you with, my friend?"

"The Tower Guards and Knights aren't keen on resting as you wish too," he then tells her with a glance back over his shoulder. His brows dip over his eyes and scrunch together, making his weathered features become sterner than they already were. "I've a mind to sweep the grounds and its surrounding property with a few of them, for safety measures…"

A nod comes from the youngest scion of Elessar Telcontar. "He speaks honestly, sister. I'm sure it would aid in soothing some of the caution within the people as well."

"You're both right," she says, looking between her brother and the captain. With another nod of her head, she pins her gaze on the circle of gathered guards and knights across from them, closest to the bridge still. "Captain, would you please call upon those who wish to come and those we'll place as sentries? We'll do a sweep of the grounds."

The elder man bows politely, offering her his own respect as well, and leaves.

Her gaze swoops to her brother next. "I know you despise parting from my side, Eldacar. But I cannot leave our people leaderless and alone. That means I'll be appointing you our leader, until the palace and its surroundings have been cleared of unknown inhabitants or threats to our person."

The boy's grey-blue orbs widened, his jaw dropping in shock.

"I- Sister, I cannot lead!" He begins to argue, backing up with his pale skin tone growing paler by the minute as he tried to think of something else to say. "And besides! We've reached the Valley, already!"

"Even if we're in the Valley, the safety of our people comes first. I was foolish to think this place could be empty of any unknown threats or lingerers." Her voice was soft and warm as she stared into his widening eyes.

With a kind expression claiming her features she laid both hands atop his shoulders, very much like the scholar had done before, to meet his gaze head on.

"Do not fret so, I'll still be here if you've need of me, little brother. All that I ask is that you simply watch and protect our people while I join the few soldiers in a sweeping of this place."

With a bit of an inner struggle, Eldacar soon nods in acceptance. "A- A- Aye, I'll stand here in this courtyard and watch over them. But you mustn't stumble into trouble… Not now at least."

Elestirnë's lips peel back into a bright smile.

"Ai, your trust warms my heart and fills my spirit with hope. I'll be hasty in my sweep and hurry back to you all." She leans down to lay a kiss onto his forehead before stepping back, removing her hands from his shoulders. "Now, go on then. Sit with the others and take this time to rest."

He turns to reach for Arvegil, searching for some form of comfort, which the scholar gave as he accepted the boy of fourteen's outstretched hand and followed him. The two made their way through the crowd of merging bodies till they were both stopping in the middle of the courtyard, claiming a spot amongst the people to sit down with their packs as cushions. Meanwhile, Elestirnë watched them with soft eyes. She couldn't help but feel proud of her brother for remaining as strong as he's been – since the attack on their home and the long weary travel they'd been forced into. The boy had astonished her with his inner strength and still gentle heart.

"My lady!"

The cry comes from Knight Meneldil, who has broken away from the group approaching her. His hazel orbs are far more carefree and comfortable as he comes to stand before her with his armor still stained with mud and old bloodstains, which matched her own appearance as they were all in a desperate need of a bath. (Though the opportunity would most likely never come.) He stops with a lofty stance as he gifts her a warm smile in response to her questioning look.

"We're waiting for your orders," he tells her with a reverent way to him that was completely different than his behavior days prior, which she understood the sudden change as well.

"Oi! I sent you to inform her that I'd gathered those she called upon, boy!"

The irritated voice from the captain could be heard echoing loudly. His frowning face glaring at the now silent soldier when he came trudging up towards them with his lips thinned out in disapproval. He stormed closer with the others close behind him. His narrowing glare remaining pinned to the pale Meneldil, while said knight refused to meet his gaze. The captain's hands snapped up to cross over his armored chest while he kept his eyes locked on the other before him.

"Captain, don't scold him so harshly for speaking with me." She cuts in with a tilt of her head at the sudden nastiness in the elder mans' tone. "He is informing me you were waiting for orders, is all."

The captain's glare dims a bit, though it doesn't truly fade. His hands uncross as he exhales loudly before turning his attention to her, with his face now clear of frustration. "As you say," he sighs lowly then. "Well, my lady. He spoke truthfully."

This is said with a squint of his eyes, which he sends to Meneldil.

"Aye," she brushes back the stray strands of hair from her face and glances around the remaining guards and knights, taking in their faces with an attentiveness that shows them the affection she holds in her gaze.

She looks each person in the eye.

"Meneldil, Forlong, Herion, Belemir, Gundor, and Tarannon will remain here in the courtyard as sentries for the people here." She said with a nod to the people. "That leaves Captain Beregond, Magor, Handir, Berutheliel, Hareth, Enthor, and I to sweep the palace and territory."

"My lady, who've you placed in charge of the people?" Asked the tall Tower Guard, Hareth, as his grey orbs pierced deep into hers', searching. His towering frame seemed to loom above her once he stepped out from the back. "I can't help but worry for my wife and child's safety while we sweep the land."

Elestirnë directs her finger to the direction of her brother and Arvegil. Her brows furrowed for a moment, growing concerned with how this conversation could go.

"My brother will lead and watch over them while we are gone. And Eldacar will have the aid of the sentries posted for defense, if need be."

The bigger man shifted side to side for a moment, thinking.

Then after a while, he spoke.

"My heart is soothed by this knowledge, my lady." He says with a kind gleam in his eyes that spoke truthfully, showing the tenderness he and the others felt for their young Prince. "I've no doubt he and they here will keep them and our brethren safe."

A beaming smile stretched across her lips at his kind words. Her eyes brightening from their earlier glistening of tears; both glittering under the light of the waning moon. With a relieved and thankful chuckle, she clasped hands with him and gives him a firm warriors handshake, showing her appreciation and thanks for his continued trust in her and her brother.

"It means more than you know to hear that, my friend."

Around them, the others watched on with small smiles – feeling a little bit lighter at the scene.

With a kind look to Hareth, she released his hand and stepped back. Her boots bumped into the stone constructed staircase behind her as they shifted a couple of inches from the gathered men and woman.

"Well, then." She flicked her gaze between the circling knights and Tower Guards. "We'd best begin the search while the people are distracted. I don't think it wise if the children see us depart from the group, less they grow curious and try to wander off without an elder close by to watch them."

They broke into the assigned sections she'd placed them into just moments ago, all while flitting their eyes back to the now quietly smiling and laughing people behind their backs, checking in on the few who were their remaining kin and friend. A murmur soon started among the refugees when the declared sentries walked over to them, each placing themselves a ways from the crowd with their backs facing the resting people. And while this happened, Elestirnë and her fellows took this chance to break away silently from the courtyard.

Her boots climbing the stairs, softly grazing the weeds peeking out from the cracks, ascending them quickly till she was approaching the towering archway into the finely designed palace of white and grey. Behind her the other six followed closely with attentive eyes combing the nearby area of the palace before their assembled patrol.

Captain Beregond's breath could be heard halting as his eyes widened at the utter beauty that towered far above them in its intricately stylized details along the fell timber that created the rising arches of the roofs; his muffled words she could not hear, but the gasp she could. It was a far too ethereal place they stood within. And one she was deeply thankful for finding after so long.

A lodge in her throat caught the rise of emotions before she got lost in them again, bringing her focus back to her current duty.

Quietly she numbed such thoughts and walked on with her fists clenched tightly at her sides.

They entered further into the arched entry of the palace, absorbing all the breathtaking structures and crafts that made the elven refuge. Their boots scuffed lightly on the smooth marble floors. A series of barely heard awes came from those following her as she continued onwards, roaming her eyes over all that she could. And as she walked on, she had a distinct feeling that their large group would either scare off any trespasser than themselves or let them know they were there.

So, she paused by the fountain covered in vines and nature, which was crafted from nearly white stone, in the main house. Her cloak rustling gently behind her as she turned to meet the others quizzical stares.

"We're going to form into partners," she told them lowly, keeping her voice low.

Berutheliel came forth at this and immediately placed herself at Elestirnë's side, ignoring the slight expression of minor amusement on her face. "I'll be with the Princess," she declares while casting the men a certain look. "If that does not bother you, my lady."

A chuckle escapes before she can stop it.

"No, no, my friend. I do not mind if you accompany me on this sweep." She waved her fellow female's concern away with another chuckle, shaking her head. Besides, she appreciated having another woman coming along with her, especially one she considered a close friend. "But I fear the captain does."

The said captain shot his female knight a nasty look in return.

"As long as she does her duty in ensuring your safety, then I've no issues." He paused, narrowing his gaze on the brunette beside her. "Though if she fails to see to your continued health. I will not let her escape the consequences for such failure, not after I swore to keep my word to your father…"

Once again, her heart aches.

Moments passed as she stared deep into his eyes, willing him to calm his worries less he grows wearier by the minute. And by the soft sigh, she knew the man understood her silent words. With that settled, and a compassionate glance towards the man she considered to be kin, she turned to the others.

"Berutheliel and I shall sweep the corridors of the west wing and the bedchambers, as well as scanning the hall where they held feasts. The rest of you must clear the east corridors, bedchambers and wherever else a room lies." She says, meeting their steady gazes. "We can leave nothing uncombed in this palace, for to do so would allow any threat or trespasser to have the opportunity to harm us."

There were confirmations by a few nodding their heads, some choosing to bow respectfully to her instead, which consisted of the captain and his faithful knights.

"Good," her voice softens into a whisper. "Meet back here in the main house afterwards."

That said, she and Berutheliel turned towards the west wing.

Now I can move onto what I have dreamed of writing! MWAHAHAHA!