Hey guys! And we continue with Hope and Alaric in Rivendell where they will meet the Wise of the Middle-Earth.
Good reading.
Chapter 8: The White Council
The next day, Hope and Alaric were doing research in Elrond's library on how to get back to their world. They explored all the books they could find, those that were written in their language. In their research, they discovered that Middle-Earth was part of an even larger realm called Arda.
They learned that the Elves of Rivendell were much older than they would have thought. Elrond would have lived for several millennia. The two visitors were stunned. The only immortal beings older than them that they had been around until now were the Originals, the Mikaelson. The family of the Tribrid. With amusement, Hope could not help but imagine the reaction of her father and that of her uncle Elijah to the sight of Elves older than them.
She also found a book that told the story of Sauron, the Dark Lord who had spread terror throughout the Middle-earth. It took an alliance between Men and Elves to defeat him in the land of Mordor. The battle had been fierce and this had led to the death of Elendil, the King of Gondor.
Hope closed the book, thinking back to that terrible battle. If this Sauron was the Great Evil of the Middle-Earth, in view of what she had just read about him, he could make her father look tame.
She could even find a book of spells written in her own language. She became interested, looking for a way to find a spell that would bring her and her Headmaster back into their world. She found several spells there that she would like to try, but nothing about what she was looking for, much to her regret.
She wanted to take a break and let Alaric search the library. She took the opportunity to admire the extraordinary beauty of Rivendell. The more she admired the place, the more she wanted to stay there to live. She dreamed of moving to Rivendell with Landon. Even Lizzie and Josie would be invited.
She found Bilbo, too, exploring the surroundings of the elven place. The Hobbit was completely under the spell, like Hope.
"This place makes me want to live there," she told the Halfing.
"I too," replied Bilbo.
They then wandered for a long time in the corridors, marveling at the tiles, the walls, the sculpted columns. Everything here breathed refinement, beauty and calm. Staying here would be like living in heaven.
Hope was lost in her thoughts and went up the stairs without really realizing it with Bilbo near her. At the top of the stairs, however, her thoughts gave way to wonder in front of a magnificent statue carrying a cloth-covered plateau. In front of the statue, there was a step. After having looked around her, she went towards the sculpture and set out on the march. On a tray there was a sword in pieces. These were placed side by side, like a puzzle, and shone, as if the sword had been brand new before it was broken.
"Whoever broke that sword must have been very powerful," she said in shock.
"It still seems to be new," said Bilbo.
Then they saw a picture of a dark being of great power reaching out to a man, who was holding a broken sword, standing valiantly against him. Hope got the chills. The gloomy being in the painting looked like a pure evil, and even his representation shocked her. If this creature were in front of her, she could not say how she would react. She also noticed the drawing of a gold Ring on one of the dark creature's fingers.
Even Bilbo was obsessed with the painting and the sword in pieces, then seemed to belittle himself as if he felt insignificant.
"Are you all right?" asked Hope.
"I don't know why I'm here," replied Bilbo. "Most Dwarves don't think I should be on the journey. I'm not a warrior or a hero or even a burglar."
"You are here because Gandalf has chosen you as a member of this Company," replied the Tribrid wisely. "And given the time I've spent with you together, if a wizard like Gandalf took you on this quest, he must have had a good reason. You're not here by accident, Bilbo. Your presence could bring many things to this quest."
"I couldn't save our ponies," replied the Hobbit, sadly.
"Remember the Trolls," said Hope, smiling. "It was your idea to play for time. Neither Thorin nor the other Dwarves thought of it. You're a smart person, Bilbo."
She took a break thinking about herself.
"For a long time I wondered what the purpose of my life was. I thought I was a cosmic mistake. Someone who should never have been born. With what happened to my parents, the firmer the belief became. I tried to reunite my family, and it didn't work. It's very hard to live by being the only one of your kind. To feel out of place. With no one. But lately, things have changed. I don't think I'm a mistake anymore. I exist for a purpose. Just like you, Bilbo."
Bilbo remained thoughtful before saying:
"That's just my opinion, but… I believe that no one is never a mistake."
Hope smiled at this sentence similar to the one her uncle Elijah had told her one day before his death.
"Perhaps the reason you are in the Company is no different from mine or Mr. Saltzman's. You're strong, and maybe even stronger than you think."
Later, they both went out, contemplating the beauty of Rivendell, and stood on a balcony.
Elrond then arrived, standing between the two of them.
"Not with your companions?" he asked.
"No, I shan't be missed." replied Bilbo. "The truth is that most of them don't think I should be on this journey."
"Indeed?" said the Elf Lord, looking at him attentively. "I've heard that Hobbits are very resilient."
"Really?" exclaimed Bilbo, remarking that Elrond was not joking.
"I told you so," said Hope, smiling at her friend Hobbit and approving the words of Lord Elf.
Elrond nodded and continued:
"I've also heard they're fond of the comforts of home."
Hope rebuked a laugh at this sentence. Bilbo thought about it for a moment and confided in Elrond.
"I've heard that it's unwise to seek the council of Elves. That they will only answer with 'Yes' and 'No'."
At first Elrond did not seem amused by this, but then a sweet smile appeared on his face. Bilbo laughed a little, while Hope seemed amused in her turn and began to pat the shoulder of the Hobbit gently.
"You are very welcome to stay here, if that is your wish." said Elrond before leaving.
Hope took the opportunity to congratulate him.
"I told you, you're smart. And I'm sure the Company of Thorin needs someone like you. Gandalf has faith in you. So am I."
Hope and Alaric had spent the day in Elrond's library looking for a way home. But when the sunset came, they had found nothing exploitable. They came to the conclusion that their arrival in Middle-earth was unprecedented.
For their part, Gandalf and Elrond had done the same research in other books written in several different languages. But even they did not achieve the expected result.
After leaving the library, Elrond invited Gandalf, Hope and Alaric to follow him outside for a night walk. The discussion quickly turned about the Quest of Erebor. Hope and Alaric had a good demonstration that the Wises had divided opinions – and these divisions could be quite difficult.
"Of course I was going to tell you." said Gandalf to the Elf Lord, annoyingly. "I was waiting for this very chance. And really, I think you can trust that I know what I am doing."
"Do you?" said Elrond, not convinced. "That dragon has slept for sixty years. What will happen if your plan should fail, if you wake that Beast?"
"What if we succeed?" replied the Wizard, walking beside him. "If the Dwarves take back the mountain our defenses in the east will be strengthened."
"It is a dangerous move, Gandalf." replied the Elf Lord, still unconvinced.
"It is also dangerous to do nothing." continued Gandalf, annoyed. "Oh, come, the throne of Erebor is Thorin's birthright. What is it you fear?"
Alaric, who was walking behind them with Hope, noticed Bilbo and Thorin on a balcony not far from them.
"Excuse me, but perhaps you should speak less loudly," he suggested in a low voice to Lord Elf.
All four fired Thorin who didn't hesitate to listen to them. Elrond nodded thankfully to the visitors and led them to a marble staircase, meandering to a large stone pavilion overlooking the valley. The pavilion had a domed roof and a small round table in its center.
While walking, Elrond spoke in a low voice:
"Gandalf, these decisions do not rest with us alone. It is not up to you or me to redraw the map of Middle-earth."
"With or without our help, these Dwarves will march on the Mountain." Gandalf explained as they climbed up the stairs with the Elf Lord. "They're determined to reclaim their homeland. I do not believe Thorin Oakenshield feels that he is answerable to anyone. Nor, for that matter, am I."
When the four of them entered the pavilion, Elrond remarked to the Wizard:
"It is not me you must answer to."
He turned to the opposite side of the pavilion. There stood a great elf lady, her back turned. She turned gently and faced them. At the sight of the beautiful elf lady, Hope and Alaric were stunned.
She was majestic and beautiful, her very presence breathed power and wisdom, her smile was enigmatic. Her hair was golden, as was her matching tiara.
Hope deduced that without the pointed ears, this woman looked like a heavenly angel. Even Alaric was taken by surprise by her beauty.
"Lady Galadriel!" said Gandalf surprised.
"Mithrandir," greeted the Lady whose voice resounded throughout the pavilion.
Then she spoke in elvish, while greeting the Wizard.
The latter replied in the same language:
"Nae nin gwistant infanneth, mal úeichia i Chíril Lórien." (Age may have changed me, but not so the Lady of Lórien.)
Galadriel smiled at the Wizard before turning to the two visitors.
"Welcome Hope Andrea Mikaelson."
Hope startled with astonishment when she heard the voice of the Elf Lady in her head and that, in addition, she knew her full name. Does she have telepathic powers? As if to answer her, Galadriel bowed her head and smiled at the Tribrid.
"I know who you are and where you come from. You've come a long way and another is about to begin. Don't worry. I mean you no harm. I am with you. Always and Forever."
Taken aback, the Tribrid again seemed stunned when she heard in her head the fraternal vow of her family. She began to think in her head:
"Can you hear my thoughts?"
Yes, Hope. I can hear them."
Galadriel continued to smile at Hope, then turned to Alaric. Both looked at each other. After a brief moment, Hope saw her mentor moved. He seemed about to cry. Apparently, Galadriel had spoken to him telepathically and had said something moving to him.
Elrond shook his head with amusement, while Gandalf spoke again with a smile on his face to the Elf Lady.
"I had no idea Lord Elrond had sent for you."
But his joy suddenly vanished when a baritone voice came out of the darkness behind him.
"He didn't. I did."
Gandalf grimaced momentarily as a sign of recognition before turning to face an old wizard dressed in a white dress with hair and a beard of similar color, and in his hand was a black stick.
Gandalf and Elrond both bowed to him, the first a little uncomfortable.
"Saruman," he said respectfully.
"You've been busy of late, my friend." commented Saruman the White.
Hope and Alaric looked at the white wizard with stupor. But the immediate reaction of the Tribrid was that Saruman was not as humble as Gandalf or Elrond. She was already uncomfortable in his presence, and she was not the only one.
The two visitors would quickly understand why.
The coming of Saruman to Rivendell was to convene the White Council to discuss the Quest of Erebor. But the presence of the two visitors had led to a change of agenda. Hope was seated next to Gandalf at the pavilion table directly facing Saruman, while Alaric stood on the left of the Tribrid. Elrond was standing leaning against a pillar, while Galadriel walked around the pavilion, like a predator waiting to jump on his prey.
Gandalf and Elrond hoped that their White ally could help the Tribrid and her mentor return home. Both had assured Hope and Alaric that they could tell Saruman and Galadriel everything.
For some reason, Hope didn't complain about sharing her story with Galadriel, but Saruman made her uncomfortable. But since they all trusted each other, she had no objection to telling them everything.
Hope and Alaric then recounted the supernatural creatures of their world, and then the Tribrid recounted her origins. Her parents Klaus and Hayley. She told that she was a Tribrid, that she had unleashed her werewolf curse and other supernatural abilities. Everything she had told Gandalf and Elrond, she told the newcomers. Galadriel turned around the pavilion watching Hope with a benevolent look, as if nothing she said surprised or shocked her. As if the Elf Lady already knew in advance before Hope said it. But on the other hand, as for Saruman, Hope's malaise was only getting worse. The more she told her story in front of him, the more anxious she felt in his presence. And even the way he looked at her was very disturbing. Saruman observed Hope in a look that looked more like lust than mere curiosity. His reaction differed from that of Gandalf and Elrond. But despite this unease, Hope continued her story until her arrival and that of Alaric in the Shire.
Dawn began to appear when Hope finished her story. Saruman gazed at her for a moment with the same lustful gaze that bothered her, and then began to speak:
"You say that your father, as a half vampire and werewolf, could make other creatures like him. Since his blood is in your veins, could you also make other creatures?"
Hope seemed shocked by this question. Of all the things she had just told, why was Saruman more interested in her father's blood to create hybrids? Even Alaric was intrigued by this request and looked at the White Wizard with suspicion.
Uncomfortable, she blabbed with shock:
"Well… with my blood, I could make hybrids. Creatures half vampires and werewolves. And maybe even Heretics. But I can't make Tribrids. I can't do that. Even if I wanted to. I'm the only one of my kind."
"As far as you know, child," Saruman encouraged her with a condescending tone before making a gesture about his fellow Wises. "In order for me to be able to send you at your world, I need to know more about you and your… uh… friend."
It seemed to make sense, although the reason Saruman was asking all these questions continued to bother Hope. The way he had called her 'child' disturbed her even more and felt insulted inwardly, for his tone wasn't benevolent. And he talked about Alaric like he didn't know what to say other than friend.
"I inherited the powers of my grandmother Esther. I've been practicing magic since I was a kid. I already had powers back when I was born. I know a lot of spells, but I don't know of any that could bring us back to our world. And I looked at the spells in the books of the library of Lord Elrond… (She looked at Elrond and he nodded kindly at her.)… But I didn't find anything that could help us get home. Especially since I don't know what caused this portal in our world and how it got us into yours."
Elrond bowed his head sadly:
"Unfortunately, my dear Hope, I don't think we can do much, given the little we know about this strange portal that has opened up in your world. I'm afraid sending you home may be difficult. You may still be in Middle-earth for a long time. It's hard to tell how long."
Saruman took advantage of this moment to assert his authority.
"Then they have only one choice," he says in a resolute tone. "The girl and her mortal must come with me to Isengard. I have a lot of knowledge. I'm sure we could find a way to make again that strange portal."
Hope and Alaric seemed disconcerted by the way he spoke and noticed the glimmer of greed in the eyes of the White Wizard. Hope was even more uncomfortable, and her first reaction was to say no to Saruman, but she didn't want to be rude in front of Gandalf, Elrond and Lady Galadriel. Alaric seemed outraged at the way Saruman had first called him Hope's friend and then mortal. He squinted, suspicious, not liking the White Wizard at all. He had noticed the way he had observed Hope and his distrust of him was growing. He suspected that this invitation to his house concealed a completely different motive than helping them to enter their world.
Despite his resentment, Alaric remained a diplomat, not wanting to be impressed by him. He cleared his throat to be heard in the pavilion:
"With all due respect, before we give our answer, can we think about it?" he asked him with courtesy to remind him that he was the guardian of Hope throughout Middle-earth and that Saruman had no say in it.
Before Saruman could protest against Alaric's demands, Galadriel surreptitiously rebuked him:
"The path of Hope Mikaelson and Alaric Saltzman is only up to them, Saruman. Not from the three of us."
She smiled a light smile and a wink of encouragement to Hope and Alaric who thanked her for the look.
"Hope, Alaric, I'm sorry,' said Gandalf with a look of regret to the two visitors. "I was so hoping to find a way to help you get home. I really thought we could take you back to your world now. It was a faint hope."
But Hope gave him a kind look.
"It was worth a try," she said, smiling at the Wizard. "You don't have to apologize for…"
But she was interrupted by Saruman who spoke in a voice full of reproaches:
"That's not your only mistake, my friend."
"What do you mean?" asked Gandalf confused.
"Tell me, Gandalf, did you think these plans and schemes of yours would go unnoticed?" said Saruman with clear disapproval.
"Unnoticed?" said Gandalf, bewildered. "No, I'm simply doing what I feel to be right."
Galadriel then turned to him.
"The Dragon has long been on your mind."
"This is true, my lady." Gandalf sincerely confirmed. "Smaug owes allegiance to no one. But if he should side with the Enemy, a dragon could be used to terrible effect."
"What Enemy?" asked Saruman, with a voice tinged with arrogance and scepticism. "Gandalf, the Enemy is defeated. Sauron is vanquished. He can never regain his full strength."
It was obvious that without the One Ring, Sauron would never regain his full strength to attack Middle-earth. Nevertheless, the threat still remained. That was why Saruman was so interested in the presence of the two visitors. Hope Mikaelson, a creature who's one of Nature's loopholes, whose birth should not happen and yet, who see the light of day, with an immeasurable amount of power. Hope's powers could be beneficial to Saruman. With Klaus Mikaelson's blood in his daughter's veins, he could make a powerful army with powers similar to the vampires and werewolves of the world from which the two visitors came. He could coax Alaric into convincing his protege to cooperate. He envisioned creating warriors with the strength and powers of Hope. Although the girl specified that she could not do other Tribrids, Saruman was convinced that by working with her, he could find a way to transfer her magic and his own to his future soldiers. Warriors who can turn into wolves with superhuman and magical powers. Hope's blood would be an inexhaustible source for making a great and powerful army that even Sauron could not win, with or without his Ring and whatever forces he had at his disposal.
He had the perfect opportunity for his plan. All he had to do was convince Hope and Alaric to go with him to Isengard. But his lack of humility would soon destroy the very slim chance he had of convincing the two visitors to accompany him.
Gandalf leaned forward looking at Saruman:
"Does it not worry you that the last of the Dwarf Rings should simply vanish, along with its bearer? Of the Seven Dwarf Rings, four were consumed by Dragons. Two were taken by Sauron before he fell in Mordor. The fate of the last Dwarf Ring remains unknown. The Ring that was worn by Thrain."
But Saruman was not impressed and replied with indifference:
"Without the ruling Ring of Power, the Seven are of no value to the Enemy. To control the other Rings, he needs the One. And that Ring was lost long, long ago. It was swept out to sea by the waters of the Anduin."
"Gandalf, for four hundred years, we have lived in peace. A hard-won, watchful peace." Elrond spoke in a calm voice.
"Are we? Are we at peace?" wondered Gandalf, a skeptic. "First, Hope and Alaric arriving in Middle-earth in a way we don't know and can't explain. Two people from another world. And then, Trolls have come down from the mountains. They are raiding villages, destroying farms. And Orcs have attacked us on the road."
"Hardly a prelude to war." Lord Elf calmly agreed.
"Always you must meddle," said Saruman, annoyed. "Looking for trouble where none exists."
Hope seemed shocked by the reaction of the Wises. How could they ignore these devastating events?
"Trolls who leave far from their mountains and burn farms, that's not a trouble for you?" she exclaimed in an acerbic tone. "And you say you live in peace?"
"I don't think the farmer and his family are at peace now," added Alaric. "All of these events may be insignificant to you, but you can't ignore that. These are signs that something's coming."
Elrond stopped and considered the words of the two visitors. Perhaps it was better to take their words into account.
But Saruman was more than annoyed by this interruption.
"You are only observers here, you two." he said harshly to the two visitors, making them understand that they had to keep their mouths shut. "You are not members of this Council."
But he dared not contradict Galadriel, when the latter advised him in a calm voice:
"Let them speak."
Hope and Alaric gave a slight nod of appreciation to the Elvish Lady. Alaric spoke again calmly.
"Gandalf told us that the Orcs and Trolls have not done this for a long time. It's a sign that something's coming. Something evil about it."
Hope added in the same tone as her mentor.
"Apparently, giant spiders are invading forests. And Radagast told us…"
"Radagast?" interrupted Saruman with disdain. "Do not speak to me about Radagast the Brown. He is a foolish fellow."
The courage of the two visitors to express their opinions had strengthened Gandalf's determination to do the same.
"Well, he's odd, I grant you." he said gently to his colleague. "But we'd be stupid to ignore what he told Hope, Alaric and me. He spoke of a Necromancer living in Dol Guldur, a sorcerer who can summon the dead."
But Saruman was no less impressed and continued with contempt:
"That's absurd. No such power exists in the world. This… Necromancer is nothing more than a mortal man. A conjurer dabbling in black magic."
"In our world, we met a necromancer who could summon the dead," said Hope. "And Radagast was freaked out. Would you reject something that's potentially dangerous just because of its source?"
But Saruman was far too proud to admit that Hope might be right. He resumed his condescending tone and spoke to the Tribrid as if he were addressing a young child:
"Let me tell you something about Radagast, given I've known him a lot longer than you, child. He has an excessive consumption of mushrooms. They've addled his brain and yellowed his teeth."
"Are you implying that he was hallucinating about what he told us?" asked Hope, incredulous, who was beginning to agitate.
"If you want me to believe that this Necromancer who brings the dead back to life really exists, I need more proof," replied the White Wizard with a condescending smile.
Hope folded her eyes, frightened by the indifference of the white mage. Even her father wasn't as arrogant as Saruman. This only reinforced her distrust of his. Since her arrival at Rivendell, her emotions had not overwhelmed her, but at that moment she began to lose again control of her magic. She was gonna crack!
Then she heard Galadriel's voice again in her mind as a whisper.
"Calm down, Hope, calm down."
The voice of the Elven Lady in her head had had a soothing effect on the Tribrid which resumed her calm. Then Galadriel's voice resumed in her head.
"The arrogance of Saruman is disturbing, I grant you. But this is neither the place nor the time to debate it."
Hope reflexively looked at Galadriel with a grateful nod. She realized that the Lady was much more than an Elf with a gift of telepathy. She had great powers. She had just restrained her emotions. Hope was grateful to her. She wondered if she could also calm a vampire's strong emotions or make him feel his humanity.
In any case, Hope's reaction had not gone unnoticed by the others present.
"What?" asked Saruman to find out about the exchange of the pair.
At that time, at Galadriel's telepathic request, Gandalf reached the folds of his robe. The Wizard took out what Radagast had given him earlier. The heavily packed object recovered from Dol Guldur made a thud when Gandalf placed it on the table. Elrond and Saroumane frowned at the object.
"What is that?" asked the Elf Lord, moving towards the table where the wrapped object was.
"A relic of Mordor!" exclaimed Galadriel in a low voice, stunned.
With a chill, Hope remembered what she had read about Mordor in the library of her elf host.
With caution, Elrond removed the packaging to reveal a dagger with a dark blade. Hope realized instantly that something abnormal was in that dagger.
"A Morgul blade," said Elrond, astonished.
" Made for the Witch-King of Angmar, and buried with him." added Galadriel, horrified.
"I'm sorry, who are you talking about?" asked Alaric confused.
"The Witch-King of Angmar was the greatest servant of Sauron and also the most dangerous," Gandalf replied in a dark tone.
The two visitors noticed the state of shock on the faces of the two Elves. Even Galadriel was shocked. Since they arrived at the pavilion, she had been graceful and smiling. Her joy was replaced by horror and fear. She seemed to be shaken by the mere mention of the Witch-King of Angmar. She went back to her story:
"When Angmar fell, men of the North took his body and all that he possessed and sealed it within the High Fells of Rhudaur. Deep within the rock they buried them, in a tomb so dark it would never come to light."
"This is not possible." objected Elrond in denial. "A powerful spells lies upon those tombs; they cannot be opened."
"What proof do we have this weapon came from Angmar's grave?" asked Saruman.
"I have none," admitted Gandalf.
"Because there is none!" corrected the white sorcerer categorically. "Let us examine what we know. A single Orc pack has dared to cross the Bruinen. A dagger from a bygone age has been found. And a human sorcerer, who calls himself the Necromancer, has taken up residence in a ruined fortress. It's not so very much, after all. The question of this Dwarvish Company, however, troubles me deeply. I'm not convinced, Gandalf; I do not feel I can condone such a quest. If they'd come to me, I might have spared them this disappointment…"
"With all due respect," replied Alaric in a calm but challenging voice. "Thorin Oakenshield is determined to take back his Mountain. And I don't think we can change his mind. Even you."
But Saruman glared at him.
"I don't care about your opinion, mortal!"
Hope suddenly noticed that Galadriel was looking at Gandalf as a mother who would have caught her child doing something stupid.
Before she could say anything, Lindir, very anxious, entered the pavilion.
"My Lord Elrond; the Dwarves, they've gone."
Hope looked worry. She wondered if Bilbo had stayed in Rivendell or had left with them. As if she had read her thoughts, Galadriel answered her telepathically:
"Bilbo Baggins left with the Dwarves."
The White Council had quickly dissolved, as the Quest of Erebor had resumed with or without the consent of the Wise. Furious, Saruman had taken Gandalf aside and had urged him never again to let mortals attend the meetings of the White Council. Even if it was a witch or a Tribrid. He would not admit that his own arrogance had turned them all against him. Mad with rage that he didn't get what he wanted, he went back to Isengard.
After the departure of the White Mage, Gandalf spoke with Galadriel.
"You will follow them." she asked in her melodious voice.
"Yes," said Gandalf.
"You are right to help Thorin Oakenshield.," added the Elven Lady. "But I fear this quest, as well as the coming of our two visitors, has set in motion… forces we do not yet understand."
"Do you think that an evil force would be at the origin of the coming of Hope and Alaric?" asked Gandalf, squinting his eyes.
"I cannot say, but it's quite possible," replied Galadriel. "The riddle of the Morgul blade must be answered. Something moves in the shadows unseen, hidden from our sight. It will not show itself. Not yet. But every day it grows in strength. You must be careful."
The Wizard acquiesced and prepared to take leave when Galadriel questioned him again:
"Mithrandir? Why the Halfling?"
"I do not know," said Gandalf, after reflection. "Saruman believes that it is only great power that can hold evil in check. But that is not what I have found. I have found it is the small things, everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keeps the darkness at bay. Simple acts of kindness and love. Why Bilbo Baggins? Perhaps it is because I'm afraid. And he gives me courage. Just like Hope Mikaelson. When I met her in the Shire, I knew she was more than she said. She is a sweet soul with an incredible and exceptional gift. She also gives me courage and she has something to give."
Galadriel gently took the Magician's hands.
"Do not be afraid, Mithrandir. (She touched a gray strand of his hair.) You are not alone. Ae boe i le eliathon, im tulithon. (If you should ever need my help, I will come.)
After the White Council was over, Hope went back to her room. With sadness, she wanted to say goodbye to Bilbo and the Dwarves before returning to her world. That was before she knew she was stuck in Middle-earth for a while. Hope had hoped to discuss it with the Dwarvish Company, but circumstances had not allowed her to have that opportunity.
She saw an envelope with her name written on it on her bed. She took it and opened it to discover a letter. A letter written by Bilbo.
Dear Hope,
I'm sorry I left like this, but Thorin insisted we leave quickly. I'm sorry I can't say goodbye to you myself. But it was a pleasure meeting you and becoming friends with you. I hope you and Mr. Saltzman can go your home.
You'll always be welcome at Bag End, as well Alaric.
Bilbo Baggins.
Hope had tears in her eyes as she read this letter. Bilbo had been very welcoming to her before they left the Shire. And he always kept his optimism, no matter what. The Dwarves had left to take back their realm and Hope was still there with no way to get back into her world. Was she going to be stuck in Middle-earth forever? Would she ever see the Salvatore Boarding School again? What about Landon?
She heard footsteps behind her. She realized she hadn't closed her door. She turned to see Galadriel enter her room with the same smile she had before the meeting of the Wises.
Very embarrassed, Hope dried her tears and came to make a short bow to the Elven Lady, because she now had respect for her from the White Council.
"Lady Galadriel," greeted Hope, embarrassed as she bowed. "Forgive me, I didn't hear you."
"Do not feel embarrassed, Hope," Galadriel kindly assured her. "You do not have to bow front to me. That is not necessary. And you should know that Bilbo was not the only one who was sad not to be able to say goodbye. Many Dwarves shed a tear for not having been able to do so."
Comforted, Hope nodded thankfully. Galadriel did nothing more than a subtle smile in return.
"Thank you for supporting us earlier," says Tribrid, referring to the meeting. "I didn't mean to be rude."
"Your involvement in the Council was neither insulting nor imprudent," said Galadriel, always smiling. "As I said earlier, the path you and your Headmaster are taking is yours alone. Even if Saruman doesn't understand it, I do. Every war always brings loss and sorrow. You know that. And even my son-in-law tends to forget that at times."
"Lord Elrond is your son-in-law?" asked Hope, astonished.
"Yes," said the Elven Lady.
The Tribrid then realized:
"So it means that…
"Yes, Lothlórien is my home," replied Galadriel, always nodding with joy. "And like my granddaughter, never be afraid to express what troubles you."
Hope felt moved and spoke in a sorrowful voice:
"I'm stuck in Middle-earth. This place… Rivendell… it's so beautiful! I've never seen such a place that brings me peace and quiet! And I don't have to turn into a wolf to be calm. But I don't belong in this world. I miss my home. I miss the people I love. I miss Landon. And I have absolutely no idea what to do next."
Galadriel agreed, and the Tribrid understood that she knew perfectly well who Landon Kirby was. She took the girl's hands gently and said:
"You may be here indefinitely, but you are not alone, Hope Mikaelson. Never feel homeless in Middle-earth. There are people who care about you. Your Headmaster, Mithrandir, Bilbo Baggins, Dwarves and even Thorin Oakenshield care about you. It's not like when you came back from Malivore. You have people who care about you. Do not reject them. I know what happened to your family, and it's unfair that someone like you lost their parents in such tragic circumstances. But know that your mother and father have found peace where they are now. And they continue to live through you."
Holding Galadriel's hands, Hope felt her tears fall.
"Is it true?" she asked in a sobbing voice.
"Yes, it is," the Elven Lady assured her kindly. "As you have understood, I do not only have the power to read the minds of others. I'm able to see what mortals can't see. Things that were. And things that are. We, as Elves, are immortal and much older than your family, but even we can die. And one day will come when the time of the Elves will over."
She took a break and still held Hope's hands.
"Do not blame yourself for the death of your parents. Their destinies did not depend on you. Your mother and father made the choice to save your life because they loved you. Do not let guilt and grief fill your heart. You have a very powerful gift, Hope Mikaelson, but what makes your true strength is not your wolf form or your magic."
She dropped the hands of the Tribrid and gently placed her hand on the girl's heart, lightly touching the Mikaelson necklace hanging around Hope's neck.
"Your true power is here. If you don't know what to do, speak from your heart. Do not turn away from your loved ones. You need to be surrounded. That's what your parents would have wanted. May you be happy and fulfilled. Stay close to your friends. Just like the boy you are in love with. You won't lose them as long as you stay with them. And by doing so, you will make your parents proud."
Hope could not help but cry, and felt embarrassed to sob in the presence of a powerful Elf Lady. As if she had anticipated her tears, Galadriel tenderly offered her a white handkerchief embroidered very finely.
Hope reflexively took the handkerchief and dried her tears.
"Thank you… Thank you very much, Lady Galadriel."
With a smile of tenderness, the Lady offered her arms, and Hope allowed herself to be cuddled against her. Galadriel held her gently against her. Her embrace was strong and welcoming. For Hope, it was a pleasant feeling.
"Rest, Hope," said Galadriel, gently. "You'll need your strength for what lies ahead."
"Thank you, my Lady!" repeated the moved girl.
"Always and Forever."
Galadriel gave a condescending smile to the Tribrid, then walked away, before disappearing, leaving behind her comforted and well advised Hope.
Alaric arrived in Hope's room and saw Galadriel leaving.
"Alaric Saltzman," she greeted him with a smile.
The Headmaster bowed to her.
"Lady Galadriel."
"There is no point in bowing front to me. You don't have to do that."
Moved, Alaric spoke to her:
"Thank you for defending us during the Council."
"As I said, you are the only master of your destiny, as is Hope. And I stand by what I told you when we met. Keep doing what you're doing. Be there for Hope. Help her. And don't worry about your daughters. They'll be all right. You're a good father to them."
Shocked and moved, Alaric did everything to suppress his sobs and thanked the Elven Lady of the face.
"Thank you. What about what you told me about Jo? Is that true?"
Galadriel took his hands and began to speak in elvish in front of Ric, who was confused, not understanding the language.
"It's an Elven prayer," she said. "Your wife is at peace, where she is. And she's proud of you. You are a good man who cares about others. Always be yourself, Alaric Saltzman."
"Thank you very much," replied Alaric.
"Rest now. Hope has fallen asleep. You'll need your strength for later. Good bye and may the blessings of all Free Peoples of Middle-earth and other realms go with you in your journey."
And she left leaving Alaric well advised. Then he turned to the room where he saw Hope sleeping peacefully in her bed. Relieved, he took care to close the door gently so as not to wake her.
The next day, it was time for Gandalf and the two visitors to leave. Hope had taken back her usual clothes, after they had been thoroughly cleaned and washed. Alaric had kept his jacket, but had taken a nice black shirt to travel. And both were still wearing the Elven capes that Gandalf had given them.
Once dressed, the two visitors met again.
"Do you really want us to go with Gandalf?" asked Ric to Tribrid.
"Elrond told us we could be stuck here for a long time," Hope recalled him. "If I'm stuck in this world, I'd rather feel useful. Like helping the Dwarves take back their realm."
"You're right," said the Headmaster. "And anyway, we have nothing better to do. I think Galadriel anticipated our departure from Rivendell."
At the mention of the Elven Lady, Hope seemed shaken.
"That woman was an enigma. I wonder if she might be an elf witch."
"That sounds like it," replied Alaric. "I heard her voice in my head when we walked into that pavilion. She told me about Lizzie and Josie. From my work in Mystic Falls. And she also told me about my anxieties about the Merge. She told me not to worry. And that my wife Jo has found peace where she is now."
"She told me the same thing about my parents," added Tribrid. "In the meeting, Saruman pissed me off. I almost had an emotional crisis with my magic, and it was Galadriel who managed to calm me down, just by talking to me in my head. This woman has powers other than telepathy. I bet she's stronger than me."
Alaric seemed stunned by this news. His meeting with Lady Galadriel had shaken him.
Then he got serious again.
"Gandalf has to wait for us."
Gandalf and Elrond were outside the last family home. They were standing at the foot of his stoop waiting for Hope and Alaric.
Finally, the two visitors joined them.
"Gandalf, we're ready to go," Hope joyfully announced.
The Wizard smiles with satisfaction. While Elrond turned to the Tribrid.
"I'm sorry I can't help you any more to get back to your world."
But Hope remained smiling in front of the Elf Lord.
"You have done a lot for us and I am grateful."
"So do I," said Alaric to the Elf.
"Hope Mikaelson," said Elrond. "I have to warn you. Some Free Peoples of Middle-earth and even some Elves are not understanding as I can be. Your Tribrid powers may well attract the wrath of others. And with the Orcs on your tail, it would be prudent for you to hide your powers and wolf form from the sight of those who inhabit the Middle-earth. And beware of birds, too. The Enemy can use them as spies."
"We will be vigilant," replied Alaric, as Hope nodded.
"Lord Elrond, thank you for what you have done for us," said the Tribrid with gratitude.
Hope and Elrond embraced each other warmly in a way that Gandalf and Ric would describe as family. Alaric nodded goodbye to Elrond, who returned it. Then the two visitors joined Gandalf and began their journey. Hope put her sadness to leave Rivendell, and focused on what awaited her.
"How long will it take us to catch up with the others?" asked Alaric to the Wizard.
"They are already a day ahead of us," replied Gandalf. "But I told Thorin to wait for us in the mountains. It won't take us long to catch up them."
"Will they be fine without us?" Hope said.
"One thing you should know, my dear Hope," said the Wizard mischievously. "Dwarves have a nasty habit of getting into trouble with or without us."
"I hope they will doesn't anything foolish," said Alaric, adding a touch of humor.
All three laughed knowingly along a narrow path of the Hidden Valley.
Much further from the position of our heroes, under a dark night, the White Warg sniffed the ground, and began to rush like a fast wolf with Azog on his back. A few Orcs were following him riding on great Wargs.
Then Fimbul returned to his Leader. He came back from Dol Guldur. Azog had his horse stopped and let his subordinate come to him.
"What's the news from Dol Guldur?" asked the Pale Orc in Black Speech. "Do we have any new orders?"
"The Master said that Oakenshield must die with all the Dwarves," Fimbul explained in the same language. "The Tribrid must be captured. The Master wants us to take her to Dol Guldur and he wants her alive."
He unveiled an object that looked like a crystal shining like a moon. Azog looked at him with confusion.
"The Master said it could help defeat the girl," Fimbul said of the crystal.
Azog held the crystal in his hand with a bad grin on his lips. He was eager to master the Tribrid and kill Oakenshield.
Then he sent the hunt to the Dwarves to all the other Orcs. Immediately, they all rushed with their Wargs in search of Hope and the Company of Dwarves.
Finally down here. I didn't think it would take that long.
I hope I have succeeded in the scenes between Galadriel, Saruman with Hope and Alaric. Galadriel always knew how to be the voice of a guide for a Quest. While Saruman is too arrogant to consider an opinion other than his own. And he's so megalomaniac.
(Sir Christopher Lee had met JRR Tolkien in 1950. And that the latter had given him his blessing to play Gandalf. But when the time came to turn the Lord of the Rings, Christopher Lee had become too old to interpret him. Instead, he got the role of Saruman the White. RIP, Sir Christopher Lee.)
See you soon for a next chapter.