Chapter 23: Courage
Meanwhile, the Dwarves, Bilbo, Belinda and Varder were heading on the pathway leaving Rivendell and heading into the Wild. "Be on your guard. We're about to step over the edge of the Wild. Balin, you know these paths. Lead on." Thorin said. As Balin took the lead, Bilbo and Belinda stopped to take one last look at Rivendell, wondering if they were making the right choice. "Masters Baggins, I suggest you both keep up." Thorin said. Bilbo and Belinda nodded, taking one last glance at Rivendell before continuing on.
"You will follow them." Galadriel said as she, Gandalf and Selindra stood on the cliff near the meeting table. "Yes." Gandalf said. "We have to." Selindra said. "You both are right to help Thorin and Tharia Oakenshield. But I fear this quest has set in motion forces we do not yet understand. 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. You both must be careful." Galadriel explained. "We will." Selindra said as she and Gandalf started to take their leave. But Galadriel stopped them. "Mithrandir? Young Selindra? Why the Halflings?" She asked. "I do not know. Saruman believes that it is only great power that can hold evil at check. But that is not what we found. We found that it is the small things, everyday deeds of ordinary folk, that keeps the darkness at bay." Gandalf explained. "Yes. Simple acts of kindness and love. That's what we believe can stand against any force of evil." Selindra said. "Why Bilbo and Belinda Baggins? Perhaps it is because we're afraid…and they give us courage." Gandalf said. Selindra put a comforting hand on his shoulder.
Galadriel took his hands in hers. "Do not be afraid, Mithrandir. You are not alone." She said, brushing a hair out of Gandalf's face. "And neither are you, young Selindra." She said, placing a comforting hand on Selindra's right cheek. "If you should ever need my help, I will come." She said in Elvish. Gandalf and Selindra bowed their heads with gratefulness to her. With that, Galadriel removed her hands and disappeared. "So, what do we do now, Gandalf?" Selindra asked. "We follow the Dwarves. I know which route they'll have to take." Gandalf said. "The Misty Mountains. You don't think they'd be that foolish? I've trekked those paths before. You know of the legends, Gandalf." Selindra said. "Yes. Unfortunately, it is the only path they'll have to take. Which is why we must find them before they find themselves captured by the other dark beings that live in those mountains." Gandalf said. "I know. Goblins." Selindra said. "I know how you feel around Goblins, Selindra. But you don't have to be afraid. We'll have the courage to find our friends. Together." Gandalf said. Selindra nodded.
AN: In memory of Bernard Hill (Théoden)