(Elena)

Rivendell is probably the most gorgeous place I've ever seen or visited before. The waterfalls seem to be made of diamonds even this far away. I can hardly withhold my excitement until I hear Thorin's angered tone "This was your plan all along, to seek refuge with our enemy."

Looking back, I see Thorin toe to toe with Gandalf. The angered Dwarf stares up at the Wizard with his own look of unpleasantness. My once uplifted spirit flatlines and I find myself sulking listening to their bickering.

"You have no enemies here, Thorin Oakenshield." Gandalf snaps "The only ill-will to be found in this valley is that which you bring yourself."

Thorin grumbles "You think the elves will give our quest their blessing? They will try to stop us."

"Of course, they will. But we have questions that need to be answered. If we are to be successful, this will need to be handled with tact and respect and no small degree of charm, which is why you will leave the talking to me."

I smirk as Gandalf looks at me giving me a small wink. Chuckling to himself he takes leave of Thorin beginning to take the others down the mountain. Watching them file in lines one by one I gather my own belongings and start heading down. However, I stop looking back seeing Thorin standing still. His back remains on Rivendell and his fists are clenched tightly. I should join the others, go down the mountain, and leave Thorin to work through whatever may be hindering him, but I can't. A sigh leaves my lips and I nervously walked back over to the dark-haired Dwarf. I stop just behind him and meekly speak "Thorin? Are you okay?"

Clearing his throat, the Dwarf turns around giving a forceful smirk "Yes, quite."

"Really?" I question "Because you seem a little...frazzled."

Thorin raises a brow confused and completely unamused by my words. I sigh and stick my hands in the pockets of my coat "I know you don't trust them."

He scoffs "Really?"

I frown and look to my feet "All I mean is that I know what it feels like, betrayal. To put your trust in someone and... It-it's not fair and it sucks. But right now, they're the ones with the answers."

For a moment Thorin is silent as he looks back at me then at Rivendell. I'm afraid he's going to jump on me and start yelling, but instead, his eyes look sadly down on the Elven city.

"Why does it have to be them?"

I glance back at the city and then to Thorin taking another step closer "Because there's no one else."

We stand silently together looking down at Rivendell. It feels kind of like that night a few days ago when the two of us took in the scenery under the night sky. Moments like these with Thorin are nice. He actually seems to enjoy my company or at least that's what I'd like to believe. Hearing a defeated sigh, he glances my way catching my eye "We have to go down there."

"Yep."

"The others will be waiting."

"I know."

"Do you feel-"

"Nauseous?"

"Absolutely."

"Me too."

We both chuckle taking side glances at one another. Thorin's smile makes the butterflies in my stomach take flight as he looks at me. Flashing my own smile, I motion for him to follow "Come on your highness, I'll escort you."

Smirking Thorin nods extending his arm to me "Please, lead the way."

Thorin and I catch up with the rest of the Company. Bofur glances over his shoulder back at us. I look back at him with a smile. He glances down seeing my arm looped with Thorin's. When he looks back up a cheeky grin spreads across his face. My cheeks burn and I grow more nervous than I already was with Thorin's arm locked to mine. Awkwardly I draw my arm back quickly catching Thorin off guard. I smirk quickly at him before averting my eyes back to the ground just as Bofur faces forward again.

Up ahead, Gandalf leads the Company into the courtyard of Rivendell where a handsome, dark-haired Elf descends down a flight of stairs. He gives Gandalf a courteous smile "Mithrandir."

"Ah, Lindir!" Gandalf happily exclaims embracing the Elf.

"I must speak with Lord Elrond."

The Elf-man frowns regrettably "My Lord Elrond is not here."

Gandalf seems to shuffle uneasily as I try catching a glimpse of his face. I hear him speak again "Not here? Where is he?"

I jump at the sound of Elvish horns ringing out across the courtyard. Armed horsemen begin approaching and the Company gathers together up in arms forcing Bilbo and I to the center. Thorin draws his sword pressing himself up against me. The feeling of his hand around my waist frightens me more than the circling horsemen. All of them look down at us in confusion and disdain. Slowly one by one they come to a halt. One Elf in particular removes his helmet and greets Gandalf.

The Wizard smiles giving a bow "Lord Elrond!"

(Gandalf)

The Elvish ruler looks down from his horse with a smile. His eyes glanced at Elena, Bilbo, and the rest of the Company for a brief moment. I smile back stepping forward and speaking in his Elvish dialect "My friend! Where have you been?"

"We've been hunting a pack of Orcs that came up from the south. We slew a number near the hidden pass."

Elrond dismounts his horse and embraces me in a hug. I give him a pat on his shoulder and smirk pulling away. He begins tending to his armor as we continue conversing in English "Strange for Orcs to come so close to our borders. Something, or someone, has drawn them near."

Nervously I chuckle "That may have been us."

Thorin steps forward with Dwalin by his side. The Dwarf King looks anything but pleased to be here or in the presence of probably the only Elf in Middle Earth who respects Dwarves. Elrond looks to Thorin with recognition "Welcome Thorin, son of Thrain."

The King speaks lowly sizing up Elrond "I do not believe we have met."

"You have your grandfather's bearing. I knew Thror when he ruled under the mountain."

"Indeed; he made no mention of you."

The insult sting's probably every Elf present including myself. I can feel my blood boiling as I shoot daggers back at Thorin who only seems pleased with the discomfort he's caused. However, before the heavy air lingers for too long, a voice of reason and grace cuts through the silence.

"I have never seen a more beautiful place."

Everyone looks to Elena who shyly steps forward and in front of Thorin. He seems caught off guard and a little irritated as she stands in the way awkwardly bowing to Lord Elrond. I see the smile forms on Elrond's face as Elena smiles up at him brightly.

"Were really sorry about the intrusion. We didn't mean to cause any trouble for you. Gandalf was quick on his feet and led us to safety. He hid us but you truly saved our skins. I'm grateful for your help. I'm sure we all are." Elena looks back over her shoulder to the Dwarves making sure they at least pretend to have manners.

For a moment Elrond is silent and then speaks in Elvish. He speaks slowly in an almost hushed tone. Elena looks confused and glances from Thorin to Elrond. All the Dwarves become rattled but none more so than Gloin.

"What is this?" the red-haired Dwarf growls "DOES HE OFFER HER INSULT?!"

The others nod in agreement and ban together as if they're ready to run Lord Elrond through. Chuckling to myself I look at Elrond who meets my eye with an amused look. I shake my head "No master Glion he is offering you food."

Elrond, Elena, and I chuckle at the Dwarves' facial expressions as they huddle murmuring for a quick moment and then disbanding. Gloin, now red in the face, nods "Well, in that case, lead on."

(Elena)

Lord Elrond wasn't quite as intimidating as I thought him to be. Yes, he is formal, royalty, and respectable, but he is also kind, generous, and relaxed. When I look at him, I see someone who reminds me of my uncle. Elrond had graciously escorted me inside the main palace of Rivendell. He offered his arm, and I took it shyly just as I had with Thorin before. The customs of Middle Earth are still very foreign to me.

"So, where is it you're from?" he asks as we walk just ahead of the Dwarves.

I chuckle nervously "Ugh, well, it's kind of a long story."

"Then I'm sure it's worth hearing." Elrond offers me a warm smile patting my hand "You must tell me after dinner."

I nod "Yes sir. Er, I mean-sorry I don't know how to um, address you."

Elrond stifles his laugh at my clumsiness "Please, just Elrond."

Before I can embarrass myself, further Elrond calls on the Elven maids of his home. Two of them come before us and give a small bow. Elrond smiles from me to them "Would you be so kind as to escort lady Elena to her chambers for the night. See to it she gets all she needs for this evening."

He extends his arm for me to follow. Nervously I look back at him "Oh, th-thank you so much! I don't-uh-I will see you later?"

My eyes had drifted from the Elf to Thorin who only gives me a side glance as his arms are crossed against his chest. I furrow my brows while my head reels with a million different reasons as to why Thorin acts as if he hates me all over again. Suppose I will know at supper.

The warm lavender-scented bath was just what I needed. Had it not been for keeping everyone waiting I could have stayed in the bath all night. Now I sit before a mirror in an Elvish dress that had to of been taken out for some other big-boned woman. Taken out or not, it's lovelier than any other dress I've worn. The real task at hand is figuring out how to fix my mess of hair and Elvish makeup.

"Lady Elena?"

My eyes look up in the mirror to see a beautiful young Elvish woman. She seems about my age and barely peeks through the door. Seeing my smiling face, she enters in and I turn to face her. She gives a bow as do I before was staring again. She had fierce blue eyes highlighted by her black colored eyelashes and long raven hair. Her skin is fairer than my own and her lips bright pink. Smiling and speaking ever so softly she steps forward "My name is Arwen, daughter of Lord Elrond."

My eyes widen and I quickly bow again "Oh! My lady, so nice to meet you."

She giggles "Please, call me Arwen."

I nod with a smile, but the room falls to silence and it becomes awkward. Thankfully Arwen breaks the silence motioning to the brush, pins, and other Elvish items.

"Do you need some assistance?"

I flush in embarrassment trying to conceal my laughter "Please! I have no earthly idea how to use hardly any of this."

Arwen, who seems quite ecstatic, hurries over as I sit down "Don't worry, you're in capable hands."

(Thorin)

It's already been excruciating being here. Even as polite and inviting Lord Elrond has been, I almost hate him more. Probably would have been better if he was hateful and arrogant as most Elves are. At least, the ones I use to be familiar with. To numb me from the now dull conversation going on between Elrond and Gandalf, I take small quick sips of my flash hoping nightfall will be upon us soon. The dinner plates are served, and the Company already has their noses turned up at their green plates.

Oin nudges Ori "Come on, try it. Just a mouth full."

The young Dwarves shakes his head "I don't like green food."

"Where's the meat?" Dwain snaps shuffling his hands through the greenery.

Ori looks down at the table with wide hopeful eyes "Have they got any chips?"

From the end of the table, I see my nephews sitting side by side. While Fili tries stomaching the greenery, Kili has his eyes set on one of the Elf maids. They each exchanged looks while Kili gives a wink. Dwalin and a few others stare at him and his eyes immediately go back down to his plate "I can't say I fancy Elf maids myself. Too thin. They're all high cheekbones and creamy skin. Although, that one there's not bad."

The Dwarves including myself follow his line of sight to the Elf that had just passed by. I want to hide under the table or fall onto my own sword. Dwalin leans in "That's not an Elf maid laddie."

Kili looks as the Elf turns, and turns a bright shade of red. He looks to the other Dwarves who are now all uproar in laughter. I myself even chuckle as I take another swallow from my flask. Still roaring with laughter, the Dwarves bang their fists and utensils on the table in their amusement.

"It's not funny." Kili grumbles shoveling a mouthful of greens.

As we all continue on in laughter, none of us realize the doors are opening. As I look down at my plate, I catch movement from the corner of my eye. Looking up I see stepping outside from the shadows of the doorway. She's in a long flowing gown that has a small train of fabric behind her. Her brown hair shimmers in the final lights of the day and her eyes are blue as emeralds. Her cheeks are a bright red as her eyes lock with mine. The laughter and noise of the others seem to silence and fall away with the rest of the world. I don't even realize that I've stood from my seat and am slowly making my way to her. She almost looks radiant standing there dressed in the shades of pink and gold. As her eyes look up into mine, I realize I'm standing before her merely inches away. I can smell the sweet fragrance of lavender and honey radiating from her by the slightest gust of wind that flows through her hair and her garments. For a moment were still, not uttering a word, or even letting a breath past our lips. Slowly my hand extends out and my fingertips barely touch hers. Before they can interlock the world comes whirling back in at the sound of Kili's voice "Oi! Are you wearing a dress?"

The entire table is silent as all eyes are on us. Elrond and Gandalf seem to be smiling at Elena in greetings while everyone else gawks at us both in confusion and some amusement. I glare back at Kili who sinks back in his seat sipping on his drink. However, Elena is quick to recover snapping back "No, Kili, it's a kilt. Can't you tell the difference?"

The Company chuckles and Fili shoves his younger brother playfully. The Dwarves soon go back to conversing and picking at their unwanted food. I however turn back to Elena who blushes at my gaze.

Her shyness amuses me, and I extend an arm "Shall I escort you, my lady?"

She bites her lower lip trying to conceal her smile "Why yes, I believe you may have to. There is a very good chance I could get lost between here and my seat."

I snort and she lets her own laughter escape. To some of the others, we must seem like children snickering and whispering our own little jokes. Perhaps it is her that makes me more relaxed and giddier or just the booze getting the job done. Either way, I find this moment actually pleasant. Perhaps the evening hasn't gone to complete waste after all.