Saving the Sons of Durin

Thand Thirtui-Leben

Thorin sent Baman to alert the Mountain that the elves had arrived, while Dis ordered the four dwarrow to line up on the steps. "You will be polite and remain silent.", Dis told them firmly, but directed her gaze at Àshild. Balin, Dori, Ori, Bofur, and Bomber came hurrying out of the front entrance. "So, they're here?", Balin called to Thorin. The king only grunted a yes as the elves started up the last hill. "Where's Ellía? I went to fetch 'er, but she wasn't in 'er room." Bofur asked as he stepped up next to the princes.

"There were orcs spotted at Raven Hill. She ran into them on a patrol. Dwalin, Bifur, and Nori went out with Dain and his men to help.", Thorin explained lowly, so the other dwarves coming outside didn't hear his words. The company members' eyes bulged. "Why the hell aren't we all out there with them!", Bofur exclaimed, but was hushed by Balin. "Because we all have different responsibilities, Bofur.", Balin said with a warning look and nodded towards the princes. The others looked over to see Fili glowering at the distance and Kili trying to comfort him. This made the company halt any other questions. It was no secret to them how much the heir of Erebor cared for the elf.

"Thorin! come on!". Dis called as the elves reached the plateau in front of the gates. The King went to stand with his sister as her sons followed. The company took their places behind the family, but in front of the other lords and ladies. "We need to tell them about Ellía.", Dis whispered to him as the first Rivendell guards halted in front of the steps. "Yes, we do.", he replied, watching other guards line up on both sides of the path.

One guard rode up the middle and  announced, "The Lord Elrond and the Lords Elrohir and Elladan, and the Lady Arwen.", before moving aside. Lord Elrond dismounted his chestnut mare, and strode forward with a relaxed smile. Two black-haired elves followed suit, before one of them helped an elleth of her white stallion. As the four elves approached the dwarves waiting on the steps, Kili whispered to Fili, "Those can't be her siblings. They look nothing like her...".

But once the elves were right in front of them, Kili was proven wrong. The two elven males' eyes held a striking resemblance to Ellía's own stormy gaze. Then elleth smiled at them, an almost exact replica of their friend's. "Greetings, King Under the Mountain.", Lord Elrond said as his smile grew and he bowed, lowly. His three children did the same, before straightening. "It is good to see you again, Lord Elrond." Thorin replied with a respectful bow. "May I introduce my sister, Lady Dis.", He said motioning towards her.

Elrond turned his gaze to Dis and brought his hand to his heart. "It is an honor, my Lady.", he told her. "My Lord.", Dis returned his gesture. Elrond motioned to his left and said, "These are my sons, Elrohir and Elladan. And this is my oldest daughter, Arwen." Elrond added, motioning to the elleth on his right. Thorin could see Arwen scanning the crowds, no doubt looking for her sister. "And I have a Ward, but he caught track of an orc pack. I sent him to investigate. I hope I did not overstep." Elrond said quietly, directly to Thorin and Dis.

Thorin nodded and said, "I actually need to speak with you. Ellía went on a patrol
and ran into the rogue pack. She saved four dwarves. Some of my men went to assist." A wave of worry washed over Elrond's face. "I swear to you, I would not have allowed her to go if I knew." Thorin said lowly, acutely aware of the eyes on them. Elrond forced his concern to disappear from his face as he put a hand on Thorin's shoulder. "My friend, do not worry. Surely you have learned by now that no one can control her." He said reassuringly. Thorin gave him a nod in return before turning to Balin.

"Have our people assist the people of Rivendell setting up their camp. We want to be able to have a feast tonight." The older dwarf nodded and started to bark orders. "Elohim, work with Lord Balin.", Elrond called and a slender elf male hurried forward in flowing robes. "Father, where is she?", Arwen asked softly. "She will be returning soon, lóth. Take your brothers and help with the horses. They need rest.", Elrond told her gently. Arwen hesitated before pulling her silent brothers along with her. "If they do not return soon, we will send more people." Thorin told Elrond. The elf lord nodded gratefully as he tried to push away the tightness in his chest.