In the afternoon, Strider, Natasha Romanoff, Lincoln Slade, and Artemis were leading, Joey Burnett, Meriadoc Brandybuck, Jerry Fortunov, Jane Foster, Samwise Gamgee, Lancelot Hunter, Darcia Lewis, Barbara Morse, Erik Selvig, Pat Smith, Soo-jin Smith, and Peregrin Took down the quiet woods. The Shire Conspirators were very worried that Arwen and Frodo didn't make it, for they remembered that the Black Riders were still out there and they could've gained the One Ring already. After a few miles, they came out on the top of a high bank above the Road. At this point, the Road had left the Hoarwell far behind in its narrow valley, and now clung close to the feet of the hills, rolling and winding eastward among woods and heather-covered slopes towards the Ford and the Mountains.
"Stick close, if you want to live, I would suggest you try not to wander off on your own in these woods," Artemis warned. "You may think we're safe, but so many of our enemies wander these lands unchecked."
"Oh, we know that already," Rifleman sighed in annoyance. "You said that about four times."
"I see something over there," Black Widow pointed out a stone in the grass, which was not far down the banks. On it roughly cut and now much weathered could still be seen dwarf-runes and secret marks.
"What is it?" Pat asked.
"That must be the stone that marked the place where the trolls' gold was hidden," Meriadoc stated, trying to remember if that was possible.
"Then we're almost there," Strider said. "We take the road."
"What?" Agent Fortunov gasped in confusion.
"I thought you said we can't take the road," Doctor Foster recalled on what Gandalf said to her and her friends back in the Shire. "Those Ringwraiths are still out there."
Barbara Morse walks up to Natasha and began to ask something. "So, how did you end up here?"
"Its a kinda long story," Black Widow answered. "You'll probably not believe what my team and I did."
"Define the long story, its just, none of us actually know what really happened," Mockingbird said. "The only thing I remember is that Jerry, Pat, Soo-jin, Hunter and I were dusted and blipped, and then we decided to work closely with Jane Foster, Erik Selvig, Joey Burnett, and Darcia Lewis, who discovered this Cosmic Cube, which none of us actually knew about. We were about to call this in to Agent Coulson until the cube took us here."
"Wait, are you trying to tell me that Phil Coulson is alive?" Black Widow asked, surprised upon hearing his name.
"Its a long story, Director Fury brought him back as part of Project T.A.H.I.T.I., well a magical place that he loves to hear about," Mockingbird explained. "He kept this secret in the shadows because he just didn't think it was right for him to reveal himself to the world that he was alive. Well, he almost died again in the aftermath of defeating some evil robot until he was saved by Daisy Johnson and Jemma Simmons with the help of the Inhumans of New Attilian."
"Coulson really had a great agenda in him," Black Widow remarked. "He was a true agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. and always will."
The Road lay quiet under the long shadows of early evening. There was no sign of any other travellers to be seen. As there was now no other possible course for them to take, they climbed down the bank, and turning left went off as fast as they could. Soon a shoulder of the hills cut off the light of the fast westering sun. A cold wind flowed down to meet them from the mountains ahead.
They were beginning to look out for a place off the Road, where they could camp for the night, when they heard a sound that brought sudden fear back into their hearts. It was the noise of hoofs behind them. They looked back, but they could not see far because of the many windings and rollings of the Road. As quickly as they could they scrambled off the beaten way and up into the deep heather and bilberry brushwood on the slopes above, until they came to a small patch of thick-growing hazels. As they peered out from among the bushes, they could see the Road, faint and grey in the failing light, some thirty feet below them. The sound of hoofs drew nearer. They were going fast, with a light clippety-clippety-clip. Then faintly, as if it was blown away from them by the breeze, they seemed to catch a dim ringing, as of small bells tinkling.
"You hear that?" Agent Fortunov asked.
"We got company," Rifleman warned quietly.
"Get ready," Bangs said.
"That does not sound like a Black Rider's horse," Lincoln said, listening intently.
The light faded, and the leaves on the bushes rustled softly. Clearer and nearer now the bells jingled, and clippety-clip came the quick trotting feet. Suddenly into view below came a white horse, gleaming in the shadows, running swiftly. In the dusk its headstall flickered and flashed, as if it were studded with gems like living stars. The rider's cloak streamed behind him, and his hood was thrown back; his golden hair flowed shimmering in the wind of his speed. To Lincoln, it appeared that a white light was shining through the form and raiment of the rider, as if through a thin veil.
Strider sprang from hiding and dashed down towards the Road, leaping with a cry through the heather; but even before he had moved or called, the rider had reined in his horse and halted, looking up towards the thicket where they stood. When he saw Strider, he dismounted and ran to meet him calling out. His speech and clear ringing voice left no doubt in their hearts: the rider was of the Elven-folk. No others that dwelt in the wide world had voices so fair to hear. But there seemed to be a note of haste or fear in his call, and they saw that he was now speaking quickly and urgently to Strider.
"And who is that charming guy?" Pat asked, giving a remark on the elf's appearance.
Strider beckoned to them, and the group left the bushes and hurried down to the Road. "This is Glorfindel, who dwells in the house of Elrond."
"Hail, and well met at last," Glorfindel kindly introduced himself. "I was sent from Rivendell to look for you. We feared that you were in danger upon the road."
"And what about Gandalf, has he reached Rivendell?" Doctor Foster asked.
"No, I haven't seen him since I departed, but that was nine days ago," Glorfindel explained what he knows. "Elrond received news that troubled him. Some of my kindred, journeying in your land beyond the Baranduin, learned that things were amiss, and sent messages as swiftly as they could. They said that the Nine were abroad, and that you were astray bearing a great burden without guidance, for Gandalf had not returned. There are few even in Rivendell that can ride openly against the Nine; but such as there were, Elrond sent out north, west, and south. It was thought that you might turn far aside to avoid pursuit, and become lost in the Wilderness."
"Hmm, well at least we're lucky enough to bump into someone we know," Black Widow smirked. "Almost."
"Do not fear travelers, for your friend will reach the borders of our land, and there he will sleep, surrounded by the light that protects him," Glorfindel promised the worried group.
"How do we know if he'll make it?" Doctor Foster asked.
"When you arrive to our city, you will see for yourself," Glorfindel answered her question. "Until then, we must move, for our peril will be greatest just as we reach the river. For my heart warns me that the pursuit is now swift behind in front, and other danger may be waiting by the Ford."
Without hesitation, the Shire Conspirators began to follow Glorfindel, Natasha Romanoff, Lincoln Slade, Artemis, and Strider, and continue their move towards Rivendell across the dark, quiet forest. They kept their eyes open if any of the Ringwraiths would try to ambush them in any way. They knew that the Black Riders were now on the move and were to gonna chase after Arwen and Frodo.
"Has Gandalf reached Rivendell?" Strider asked as he walked next to Glorfindel.
"I don't know," Glorfindel answered and began to explain what he knew. "After Arwen and I departed a few days ago, Elrond received news that troubled him. Some of my kindred, journeying in your land beyond the Baranduin, learned that things were amiss, and sent messages as swiftly as they could. They said that the Nine were abroad, and that you were astray bearing a great burden without guidance, for Gandalf had not returned. There are few even in Rivendell that can ride openly against the Nine; but such as there were, Elrond sent out north, west, and south. It was thought that you might turn far aside to avoid pursuit, and become lost in the Wilderness." He stopped for a moment when Strider drew out the hilt of the Morgul-Blade, which he had kept, and handed it to the Elf. Glorfindel shuddered as he took it, but he looked intently at it. "There are evil things written on this hilt. Keep it till we reach the house of Elrond. But be wary, and handle it as little as you may. It was my lot to take the Road, and I came to the Bridge of Mitheithel, and left a token there, night on seven days ago. Three of the servants of Sauron were upon the Bridge, but they withdrew and I pursued them westward. I came also upon two others, but they turned away southward. Since then I have searched for your trail. Two days ago I found it, and followed it over the Bridge; and today I marked where you descended from the hills again. But come! There is no time for further news. Since you are here we must risk the peril of the Road and go. There are five behind us, and when they find your trail upon the Road they will ride after us like the wind. And they are not all. Where the other four may be, I do not know. I fear that we may find the Ford is already held against us."
The journey was longer than the group would suffice. Thanks to Glorfindel, they were able to reach a certain pass which would lead directly towards the city of Rivendell and in hopes to take refuge. Once the Shire Conspirators made their reach towards the pass, they made a sudden stop and out of pure shock, surprise, awe, and wonder, they saw a very beautiful city that looked as if it was really hidden in the valley below.
"Ah Bob, I think you may want to see this," Lancelot called.
"What is it?" Bobbie asked, but made a sudden stop and her eyes widen in surprise upon what she was looking at. "Is that what I think it is?"
"Can you believe it?" Agent Fortunov gasped in awe.
"This is it," Samwise scoffed in surprise upon seeing Rivendell. "Rivendell."
"Wow," Darcy breathed in awe.
"Is that what I think it is?" Burnett murmured in awe.
"Its beautiful," Doctor Foster highly breathed in awe. "Just like Asgard."
"Yes, very much like Asgard," Doctor Selvig murmured in awe. "If Thor were here, he would be very pleased."
Doctor Jane Foster turns to Natasha and asks. "You've been here?"
"After a crazy mission on Vormir, I end up a prisoner by the TVA, but then I end up exactly at the present time, but ended up here instead of Earth," Black Widow explained what she remembered, even though she knew that she died on Vormir in order for her friend Clint to get the Soul Stone as part of the Time Heist in order to undo the Snap Thanos had caused a few years ago. "The Elves gave me a warm welcome. I became one of their allies, told them stories about me and my team. They gave me food, medicine, water, and a great view of the sunset. Trust me, you'll like it when you see it."
"Damn straight I will," Doctor Foster scoffed, starting to feel pretty excited to come to a very beautiful place like the Shire.
"Welcome to Rivendell," Glorfindel announced the group's arrival. "Come, I shall take you to meet with Lord Elrond." He turns to Strider. "Let's hope Mithrandir has made his way here before you and your companions. I doubt he may have a lot of things to explain."
"Explain nothing, but this place is really well done," Darcia remarked in awe and wonder. "Wow."
"Make that two," Bangs scoffed in amusement.
"Lead on," Strider quietly requested.
"Come," Glorfindel insisted for everyone behind him to follow him more. "We're almost to sanctuary."
"Sanctuary?" Doctor Foster asked, confused. "Aren't you at least concerned of what is out there?"
"There is nothing to fear my lady," Glorfindel told her. "My kin have protected these lands for generations. The Light will protect us, shield us from the shadow in the east."
"The Elves are very resourceful," Linc told Hunter about the Light Elves. "They provide a lot of provisions for travelers that come here."
"Sounds pretty fortunate," Rifleman pretended to sound very intrigued, even though he was still annoyed for a fact that Lincoln didn't want to talk more about why he never wanted to go back. It always came to himself that Lincoln didn't want to go back to Earth, probably due to mistakes he done in the past.
The Shire Conspirators follow Natasha Romanoff, Lincoln Slade, Artemis, Strider, and Glorfindel across a large bridge and enter the great city of Rivendell, ruled by the House of Elrond. They could see so many Light Elves strolling about in the city's courtyards and markets, doing everything they desire. Jane couldn't imagine how beautiful the city was and continued to gaze in awe at the beauty of the place.
During the walk, Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took continue to stare at Natasha from behind, for those two took a real admiration of the Avenger. Despite herself being tall in a way, the two curious and clumsy hobbits really liked her. Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took turn their heads a bit with a slight smile on their faces, thinking of ways on how to take her as their mate. Pat Smith and Barbara Morse smirked, for they could tell what they were up to.
Eventually, the group came across a very massive platform that was very wide in a way. Several Guards were stationed in a very corner of the platform, doing their duty under the command of Lord Elrond. Taking a brief moment to wait around, they turn towards the stairs where a brown-haired elf slowly descended. Glorfindel bowed his head in respect, for he already knew who the person was. it was Lord Elrond, the ruler of Rivendell.
"Whose he?" Darcia asked quietly.
"Don't know," Burnett answered back in a whisper.
"Mime héru Elrond," (My lord, Elrond) Glorfindel smiled.
"Glorfindel, ni'm ana cen tye ana tú," (I'm pleased to see that you arrived in time and you managed to bring our guests to safety.) Elrond greeted him in respect.
"Uh, hi," Doctor Jane responded first.
"Welcome to Rivendell, Jane Foster," Elrond greeted her with a honorable smile.
"Wait how did you know my name?" Doctor Foster asked, confused.
"I know every name that comes and goes within every block of this city," Elrond answered her question. "Does that trouble you?"
"No," Doctor Foster scoffed nervously and then chuckled nervously. "No, absolutely not."
"Well that's very good to hear," Lancelot whispered in between Pat Smith and Barbara Morse.
Natasha and Artemis walk over towards Lord Elrond and bowed their heads in respect to the elven lord. Lord Elrond knew that they had a lot of things to say, but he'll ask for them to explain this during dinner time.
"How well did it take for you to trust the huntress?" Elrond asked Natasha.
"I wouldn't stress about that, but I gotta say nature follows its lead," Black Widow answered with a smirk.
"Nature reveals that the Nine have fled, they will not trouble us until now," Artemis said.
"Perhaps we can talks this over during dinner time," Elrond decided and glanced towards Strider. "I'm glad to see you managed to survive those days with your companion."
"It wasn't easy," Strider bowed his head.
"Is Mr. Frodo alright?" Samwise asked.
"For now, he sleeps within the light of this city, Samwise Gamgee, son of Gaffer," Elrond answered his question. "Do not fear, for young Frodo Baggins was lucky to stay alive once we removed the shard out of him. It won't be long when he awakes."
"Oh thank god," Pat murmured in relief.
"By the Shire, thank you," Samwise thanked him for his service.
Barbara Morse was very and relieved that her friend was okay. She really had her hopes up that Frodo would make it and that the Ringwraiths had failed to make Frodo into one of them.
"How can we ever repay you for this?" Mockingbird asked in a pleasant offer.
"There is nothing to offer, Barbara Morse, daughter of Robert Morse," Elrond said. "But for now, you and everyone here must be tired for all the walking you have done to reach this city. I will have my maids prepare your rooms, but until then..." He pauses for a moment as he stares at the Shire Conspirators. "Nartho i noer, toltho i viruvor. Boe i annam vann a nethail vin." (Light the fires, bring forth the wine. We must feed our guests.)
"What did he say?" Agent Fortunov asked, confused of what he meant.
"Don't know," Bangs shrugged.
"Okay, what does that actually mean?" Rifleman asked, raising his brows up in confusion since he doesn't know the language of the Light Elves.
"It means he's offering us drinks and food for all of us," Strider answered.
"Oh, okay, not what expected, but fine," Burnett responded shyly.
"I'm happy to find a place that offers travelers great shelter here," Doctor Selvig sounded pleased by this. "I'm really looking forward for a taste of ale and wine, whichever you have."
"We don't serve ale here in Rivendell," Lord Elrond told him.
"Oh, and what drinks do you all serve, hmm, wine?" Rifleman asked.
"I'm afraid its what we Elves of the Light endure," Elrond answered with a smile.
"Sorry Hunter, looks like you lose that one," Pat chuckled.
"I hate you," Rifleman murmured in disgust.
Meriadoc Brandybuck, Peregrin Took, and Samwise Gamgee were sitting around a small round table alone, eating some delicious well-made bread that was given to them as their main meal. It was pity that elves didn't serve in meat since they never attend to hunt for animals. The only thing they serve is just bread and vegetables that were one of the healthiest foods on Arda. Artemis was an honorable guest to the Elves of Rivendell and respected their culture, no matter how different than it was in the city of Olympus. Natasha Romanoff, Barbara Morse, Soo-jin Smith, Jerry Fortunov, Pat Smith, Lancelot Hunter, Joey Burnett, Darcia Lewis, Jane Foster, and Erik Selvig were sitting a large table together within the Elven court, eating and listening to the nice music.
Darcia, on the other hand, had been explaining her story to the group about her recent assignment which took place a few weeks after of the Blip and couple of weeks before she and her team wree brought to Arda. Despite having plans to go out with Joey, she was among a group of scientists that were hired by S.W.O.R.D. to investigate on what was happening in Westview, New Jersey. Following Wanda Maximoff's confrontation with S.W.O.R.D., Darcia suspected that Director John Kowalski was hiding something, and helped Monica Rambeau and James Elliot Woo of the FBI to uncover the truth. The truth revealed that Kowalski had lied about Wanda using her power to restore Vision to life, but in truth, it was he who was responsible, thanks to him using a bit of Wanda's magic that he was able to use.
"You were cast as an escape artist?" Pat laughed.
"You know, part of me secretly wanted a guest spot on the show, but seriously, that sucked," Darcia recalled of a time.
"That was some story, but how did this Maximoff woman really create the Hex?" Burnett asked.
"Let's just say grief may have caused her to do that my accident and without realizing," Darcia answered. "Look, I know what she did and its pity that I never had a chance to say that I forgive her for what she accidently create since this evil ass jerk and former director Kowalski decided to do something that was pretty reckless by killing off a superhero. That makes him a Watchdog."
"Watchdogs are terrorists bent on killing people with superpowers," Pat sighed. "They're just out of their marbles into thinking they can do the right thing for humanity."
"Let's see, do they have a menu here?" Doctor Selvig asked.
"I'm not the person you answers that," Black Widow answered as she holds her empty glass up for an elven maid to pour a little more wine for her.
"Well, I'm sorry, just how did a nice red-haired girl like you wind up working in a place so beautiful like this?" Doctor Selvig asked that, giving a pleasant remark about this city he started to admire.
"Fella done me wrong," Black Widow joked with a very flirting tone.
"You got a lousy taste in men, kid," Doctor Selvig joked.
"I use to have a very big crush with the big guy, he's not so bad, well, he has a temper," Black Widow explained about Bruce Banner, who was known to be the Hulk. "Deep down he's all fluff. Fact is, he's not like anybody I've ever known. All my friends are fighters. And here comes this guy, spends his life avoiding the fight because he knows he'll win."
"That sounds amazing," Darcia responded by making a hiccup.
"He's also a huge dork," Black Widow added. "Chicks dig that. So what do you think should I fight this, or run with it?"
"Run with it, right?" Mockingbird scoffed in a bit of laughter and widely grinned. "Or, did he...was he...? What did he do that was so wrong to you?"
"Not a damn thing," Black Widow sighed and took a sip. "But never say never."
"So where's Lincoln?" Rifleman asked, looking around the place. "What's he up too now?"
"I'm pretty sure he'll turn up, Hunter," Mockingbird said, but began to suspect something from him. "What's killing you?"
"Nothing, I've been trying to figure out why Lincoln never came back home to Earth," Rifleman sighed. "He ends up here, stays there for months, not even thinking of trying to regain his powers." He pauses for a moment with a deep sigh and goes on. "And he doesn't even want to come home."
"Sorry, mind if you fill me out on who Lincoln Slade is?" Black Widow asked, wanting to get an explanation.
"He's a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, fell in love with our friend Daisy Johnson," Mockingbird answered and then pointed at Jane. "And she, on the other hand, had a crush on Thor."
"It was just a brief relationship," Doctor Foster deeply sighed in annoyance. "We broke up, end of story."
"And how did you break up with him?" Black Widow asked.
"Not your business," Doctor Foster scoffed, starting to feel a bit embarrassed and annoyed. She then stands up from her seat, leaving the table, and walks back to her room. "Excuse me."
"Sorry, did I pi** her off?" Black Widow asked.
"Hmm, maybe you did," Rifleman said, taking a sip of wine. "I wonder kind of wine this is?"
"They're not the ones I've tried back in Tuscany," Black Widow smirked.
Walking through the hall as a lot of elves walk pass her as she makes her way towards her room. Just then, when she turned right towards a corner, she suddenly bumps into someone who turns out to be Gandalf. Jane gasped and then slapped him.
"Sorry," Doctor Foster apologized. "I just needed to make sure you were real, it's been a very strange day."
"Well, I am," Gandalf calmly replied until she slaps him again.
"Where were you?!" Doctor Foster exclaimed.
"I apologize for my absence, my lady," Gandalf explained apologetically. "But I was delayed."
"Delayed?" Doctor Foster nodded, thinking he was making a joke. "That's all you have to say... delayed? You said you were going to meet us at Bree. Instead we meet up with two rangers that took us directly to this city. Frodo gets stabbed by one of those shadow things, whatever what the hell they're called and now we come and see you."
"If I had, I would introduce Strider and his companion to you, and we would travel to Rivendell, and now, here we are," Gandalf said. "The very place I planned to take you."
"Doesn't matter, Frodo almost died!" Doctor Foster raised her voice. "And two, you didn't tell me why you didn't show up." She crosses her arms and asked. "What happened?"
"When I traveled to Isengard to request Saruman's aid, I was deceived when he betrayed the White Council," Gandalf explained what he remembers. "Due to his lust for the ring, he pledged his allegiance to the Dark Lord of Mordor and I was his prisoner. It wasn't long when I managed to escape with the help of an old friend of mine who flew me for days to get me safely to this city."
"Wait, so your telling me that you were a prisoner and this Saruman guy, who you knew for a long time, betrayed you?" Doctor Foster asked.
"That is precisely why I'm telling you this," Gandalf said. "It is only a matter of time before Saruman comes for the ring. His trechery runs deeper than we know. Saruman has become the right hand of Sauron, but I know the Dark Lord doesn't share power willingly and he merely using him. If Saruman succeeds in finding the One Ring, he will certainly betray Sauron once he gains enough power to end his reign and will become the new Dark Lord of Mordor. He will rule justly and wisely in his place."
"What gave your friend to betray you?" Doctor Foster asked.
"His jealousy over me grew from these past events, perhaps because he feared that I would eventually supplant him as chief of all wizards," Gandalf sighed. "And this why he had been studying so much of the lore about the Rings of Power, including the One Ring."
"So what do we do now?" Doctor Foster asked what Gandalf has planned.
"The One Ring cannot stay here for long in Rivendell, for now that Saruman has betrayed us, he will send his forces to attack the city we're in," Gandalf warned. "For now, Lord Elrond and I will be arranging a council meeting."
"Will it depend about the ring?" Doctor Foster asked.
Gandalf nods and answers, "It will depend on who would be wiser and stronger to to take the One Ring back into Mordor and destroy it."