Since the fall of the dark lord, no Orc dared to come within reaches of the Elven boarders of Rivendell. The foul beast valued their lives and that of an elfish blade. The beautiful city of Rivendell was left in peace, nestled deep within the lush valley. Hidden within the trees and mountain walls itself. A glistening city when the sun broke the walls of the mountain.

Yet for the fist time in nearly two thousand years, the Orcs dared to cross the boarders of the Elves. Not in a small group, but a hunting pack with Wargs and their riders. Far too many simply to be crossing boarders. But were they to be drawn toward the boarders, that would greatly explain their arrival near Rivendell. what brought them close to the boarders was of no consequence, the vile creatures had been dispatched by the riders. Still, the question lingered in the back of Lord Elrond's mind as his company returned to Rivendell.

Lord Elrond led his company into the city of Rivendell. The sound of horse hooves against the firm stone set their fast pace. It had been years since Elrond had dawned his armor for battle, yet the lapse in time seemed nothing more than mere days since his last battle. And though he was hardly considered an old elf, the excursion had nearly given him the feeling of being a young elf once more.

The horn sounded their arrival into the city. Just ahead of the company, standing at the base of the city steps, were dwarves. They stood near the other, cautiously on guard. Yet one stood above the other, dressed in grey robes, bearing a staff. The company of dwarves drew together tightly, bracing for confrontation. The company at Elrond's command dispersed, surrounding the dwarves.

"Gandalf." Lord Elrond called. He trotted up to his old friend.

Gandalf walked to meet Elrond, bowing gracefully. "Lord Elrond. Mellonnen! Mo evínedh?"

"Farannem 'lamhoth i udul o charad. Dagannem rim na Iant Vedui." Lord Elrond replied. He drew his cloak from his horse and gracefully dismounted. He met Gandalf in a mere two steps and embraced his old friend. He withdrew an Orc blade from his waist and held out for Lindir. "Strange for Orcs to come so close to our borders. Something, or someone, has drawn them near."

Guilt crossed Gandalf's weary face. "Ah, that may have been us." He gestured to his companions of dwarves.

Elrond cast a glance about the company of dwarves. His eyes fell upon the leader, and most familiar of the company. "Welcome Thorin, son of Thrain."

A look of annoyance and anger flashed through Thorin's eyes, but his tongue remained civil, though his tone was otherwise. "I do not believe we've met."

"You have your grandfather's bearings." Lord Elrond replied. "I knew Thror when he ruled under the Mountain."

"Indeed. He made no mention of you." Thorin stated bitterly.

Lord Elrond ignored the dwarves insult and turned toward Gandalf once more. "A company of thirteen would indeed bring an Orc pack near our borders. Had we not been warned of their approach, they may yet have breached them."

Gandalf looked curious. He had no knowledge of being discovered by anyone. "You were warned of our arrival?"

Lord Elrond nodded slowly. "She arrived a few hours past dawn, from the road to Lorien."

"Who?"

Elrond turned his head past the company. The eyes of Gandalf, Thorin, Bilbo, and all eyes of the company followed. Though most of the elven soldiers had departed the crafted terrace, one remained. They elf was seated upon one of great horses of Lord Elrond. Dark brown leather armor protected much of the elf's body; forearms, shoulder, knees, and torso. Beneath the armor were linen clothes. What Bilbo assumed had once been a tunic, hung in tattered strips over his legs. The sleeves reached well beneath her vambraces. Light brown trousers lay beneath the armor and a tattered remains of the skirt. The dark cloak concealed the head of the elf and a cloth like mask concealed the face, yet Bilbo could see the eyes of the elf. But it was none of these features that took each member of the company by utter surprise. It were not these feature that sparked a familiar memory within Thorin. It was simply, the size of the elf.

The elf dismounted gracefully, landed silently onto the stone terrace. Standing alongside the horse, the elf hardly reached the horses shoulder. The elf stood no taller than that of the dwarves. They stood in between to two elven statues, dwarfed by their massive size. The elf stepped from the horse, making a silent approach toward Lord Elrond and company. A hand, completely conceal in black, reached up to the hood, and drew it back. Golden strands reflected the high sun and revealed an intricate elven braid. The other hand drew down the mask, revealing an Elven maiden. Her face was fair and slender, though slightly marred by the jagged scar across her lips. Her piercing green eyes drifted across each face of the company. Bilbo felt his ears warm as her stunning gaze fell upon him, yet he noticed the slightest of smiles turn her lips. One by one she viewed each member, until her gaze drifted to Thorin's. In an instant, Bilbo watched all emotion, and possibly color, leave the maidens face. Neither Dwarf Lord or Elven Maiden spoke. It was as if neither needed to speak to one another.

The silence, however long or short it had been, was broken by Gandalf friendly welcome. "My Lady Validhreniel what an unexpected pleasure this is.

The maiden, Lady Validhreniel, turned toward Gandalf. "Mellonnen. Nae saian luume.

"Oio naa elealla alasse' Arwenamin." Gandalf bowed to the Lady. His sight caught hold of the stunned and confused looks of his companions. "My friends, let me introduce to you, a Lady from legends. Lady Validhreniel of Rivendell."

Bilbo offered a humble bow. As did many of the other in the company. Bilbo noticed Thorin's bow had not been one of humility, but begrudged in actions. He could not help but wonder why.

"You'll have to forgive them for their manners, my lady. Most have not stood in the presence of a lady in many moons. Why just the other evening, Master Balin regaled us a tale of yourself." Gandalf explained.

Another smile graced Validhreniel's lips. She turned her attention to the elder dwarf. "Have you taken up story telling theses years, Balin?"

Balin chuckled deeply. "Only when asked, my Lady."

"I'm curious of the tale." she said.

"The tale of your namesake." Thorin replied. He stepped forward, making a fast approach to Lady Validhreniel.

Balin withdrew from the lady's presence. Bilbo caught a saddened look on Balin's face, but it quickly diminished when he returned his gaze upon Thorin. Gandalf as well watched with great curiosity.

"My namesake?" she repeated.

"Surely you recall the name given to you by our people." Thorin replied. his voice skimmed with bitterness. 'Abad Miziminh."

Lady Validhreniel drew a deep breath, holding Thorin heated gaze. "Must have been a dull tale."

"There were a few embellishments to the tale."

"Thorin, I hardly believe now is the time to debate tales." Gandalf imposed.

"No, you're right Gandalf." Thorin said, casting the wizard a quick glance. "I simply thought my wife, would be interested in knowing that there were stories of her."

Silence befell the company. Fili and Kili's looks of shocked mirrored that of Gandalf's. Balin and Dwalin neither appeared surprised, nor disturbed by the knowledge. Bilbo felt his mind racing with this strange revelation of knowledge. The tale that Balin spoke of, had been true. Of course many tales were based on truths, but truths were altered over time. Yet this tale, in comparison to others Bilbo had heard, this tale was merely a beginning.

Sensing a delicate discussion, if not a loud one, to begin. Lord Elrond interceded in the conversation. "Nartho i noer, toltho i viruvor. Boe i annam vann a nethail vin."

The unknown words from the Elf Lord had shaken the dwarves of the company from their thoughts.

Gloin took a threatening step toward the Elf Lord. "What is he saying? Does he offer us insult?"

Gandalf inhaled with exasperation. "No, master Gloin, he's offering you food."

The company tuned amongst themselves in a brief discussion. It was no secret they had not eaten since the night prior, and very few of them had eaten at all during their encounter with the trolls. The thought of food was highly desirable and needed.

"Ah, well, in that case lead on." Gloin replied, his manners a tad improved.

Elrond gave a slight nod of his head and turned to ascend the steps toward the housing. Gandalf followed a few steps behind the Elf Lord, with Bilbo trailing not far from the wizard. One by one, the band of dwarves followed the Elf Lord from the terrace.

"Thorin?" Balin called.

All that remained were Thorin and Validhreniel, still holding their hard gazes on one another.

"We'll follow shortly, Balin." Thorin answered. "I have much to discuss with my wife."

Balin was not deaf to the tone of bitterness and anger in Thorin's voice. The old dwarf was more than pleased to find the young lady well and alive after so many years, he had not given in to his curiosity of where she had been. Yet Thorin, had clearly been ready to move should such an opportunity arise, as it had today. With a simply, sad nod of his head, Balin followed the remaining company into the Last Homely Home. Validhreniel followed Balin with her eyes, watching until he had left them in seclusion and silence.

"Your control of your temper surprises me, Thorin." she spoke, turning back toward Thorin. "I thought for sure you would yell at first glance of me."

"Do not patronize me, Validhreniel." Thorin replied. His tone was low, but rich with anger. "I have waited a century, I can wait a moment longer."

"Well there is no one, pointed or stubbed ears, to eavesdrop upon us now." Validhreniel stated. She held Thorin hard gaze. "Ask me, Thorin. I can the great restraint you bear in your eyes. Ease your mind and simply ask me."

Thorin swallowed slowly. For nearly a century the question plagued his mind and riddled him with many a sleepless nights. Now the answer would finally come to him. "Why did you never return to the Iron Hills?"

oh look I start the Hobbit. oh boy, this could get messy. let me know what you think.

translations

Mellonnen! Mo evínedh? My friend! Where have you been?

Farannem 'lamhoth i udul o charad. Dagannem rim na Iant Vedui." We've been hunting a pack of Orcs that came up from the South. We slew a number near the Hidden Pass.

Nae saian luume. It has been too long

Oio naa elealla alasse' Arwenamin Ever is thy sight a joy, my lady.

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