Chapter 6

Hermione hoisted herself onto the horse, and looked at Harry. "Ready?" Harry nodded and set off to Imladris for the Counsel of Elrond. Their group followed, Draco close to Frodo in case of a relapse or moment of weakness. Aragorn was impressed by the way they all seemed to communicate without speaking, the product of knowing each other for a very long time. He was almost positive Harry and Hermione were together now, and thought fondly of his own love at home waiting for him. Their horses moved quickly, and with their location, they were their quickly, three and a half days. Everyone in the elvish city froze when they saw the strangers, and soon Lord Elrond came to greet them and question their business there. Harry dismounted and gave a small bow.

"I am Hadrian, Lord Potter, son of James, heir to Sairina, the city of the Templar." Harry introduced himself formally. He left out the others for now. "We have been in secrecy for almost three thousand years, but I am sure your people have heard the rumors." He glanced around the glorious city of Rivendell. "Tell me how is..." He was cut off by a flying body that rammed into him, hugging him tight. "...Melawen Tulcakelume." He laughed as he hugged her back. "I take it you're well?" His voice carried concern for the woman that had been dying of Orc poisoning not far from Sairina.

"I'm fine Harry." She laughed.

"Good. I'm glad to hear it, Mel." Lord Elrond interrupted before they could get going.

"Lady Melawen, you know this Lord?" He questioned.

"Yes. Harry and Hermione saved my life." She indicated the girl atop the horse, who then dismounted and embraced the elf. Mel indicated the rest of the party. "Lord Draco Malfoy, Lord Remus Lupin, Lady Ginevra Weasley, Lord William Weasley, and Lady Dame Minerva McGonagall." She introduced them in the order they were in. Each gave a small nod when they were introduced, and Harry cleared his throat.

"Tulkas informed us you were holding a counsel of all the pure races and cities nearby to discuss the problem. We wish to join it." Harry's statement was met with shock, and Elrond gestured to someone to grab the horses while he led his guests inside. Aragorn, Elrond's adopted son, led the hobbits to a few rooms, and then went to the library, where his father was predictably holding this meeting.

"I have heard rumors about your kind, but had dismissed them. It had not seemed possible. You call yourselves the Templar?"

"Yes, we are magical beings, with our magic being allowed more free reign over our bodies, giving us the immortality of the elves, the purity of the hobbits, the appearance of men, the durability of the dwarves, the magic of the Istari, and the skills of them all. We came from a war torn world just as your first war with Sauron was ending, and established a small town which grew as more of us both arrived and were born." Hermione gave him the definition. True to form, it was factual and complete. Elrond blinked once.

"You mentioned one of the Valar, Tulkas?" He said with awe.

"Yes, being that we are similar to them, we are not worshipers of the Valar, but their arm into the rest of this world." Harry answered this one. He had the most contact with the Valar.

"Incredible." The elf lord breathed. He straightened his back as he remembered something. "But where are you located?"

Harry smiled mysteriously. "That is a secret to all. You see, none but a Templar can find it unless they are led to it. It is our safety mechanism. Our people were war torn before entering this world, and we will always leave a refuge open to them safe from all others."

"Incredible." It seemed to be the only word he could say.

"Aye. Now about a place to stay?" Harry prompted. They were given places to stay, guest quarters, and proceeded to the large hall where food had been gathered. Harry and the others ate enthusiastically, before slipping away. They trained, as they always had, and spent time with the hobbits, over the next couple days.