The swan and the Horse-master

Chapter 1 - A secret Council and a great Journey

Eru, also known as Iluvatar, is the supreme diety of Arda, the world in which Middle Earth lies. He is the single creator and above the Valar. Although he is not mentioned in the Hobbit or the Lord of the Rings he plays an important role in the Silmarillions.

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When Lothriel arrived in Rivendell she was filled with nostalgia. It had been many years since she had run through the halls, walked through the gardens or rummaged through the library. She couldn't wait to see Lord Elrond again and his twin sons, Elladan and Elrohir, but she was looking forward to someone different. Behind her, Legolas climbed off the horse before helping her dismount. He was a tall, blond elf from Mirkwood and a little less galant than his father, the King, but only a little. He looked down at her and shook his head with disappointment.

"Shouldn't you ride your own horse?" he asked.

She sighed and rolled her blue eyes.

"You have asked me this before and I will give you the same answer. I cannot ride."

"Then you should learn." he suggested.

"Why should I learn if I can ride with others?"

They glared into each other's eyes when someone walked down the steps to greet them. It was Aragorn, a ranger from the North and a good friend. He greeted her with a wide smile.

"Lothriel." he laughed.

"Aragorn." She ran into his arms.

He lifted her and spun her around before setting her down again, his eyes traveling over her figure. She hadn't changed much in appearance since he left her with Legolas and his father. Her black hair had grown a little longer, her single white streak more profound, her freckles gained in numbers. She was dressed more like the elves of the woodlands now, armed with bow and arrows, a sword and knives. He himself hadn't changed either although he was dressed more formally than she remembered, but then again, they were here for a council meeting which was hosted this evening. She knew she had to change as well but that could wait. Proudly, she grinned at him and his blue eyes gazed into her green orbs.

"You look well. How was your stay with the wood elves?" he asked.

"Astonishing. I never knew that elves could drink so much wine." she revealed.

"That is only a misconception." Legolas added.

"Legolas, good to see you well, mellonin." Aragorn spoke in elvish.

While the two men greeted each other, Lothriel smiled and started to walk up the stairs. Memories came flooding back to her with every step she took. Nothing had changed. Her feet carried her to her favourite place, a balcony with a view over the entire valley. As a child she had always sat there with a book from the library and read in silence, enjoying the songs of the birds and the view. She had missed this serenity. Behind her, Lord Elrond approached, with a fond smile on his face.

"Welcome back, Lothriel." he greeted her.

"Lord Elrond."

She made a small bow. He smirked and opened his arms. It felt like she had returned home into her father's arms. Elrond gently hugged her and welcomed her back. Oh, how she had missed Rivendell.

"Your old room is awaiting you." the elf smiled warmly.

"It is untouched?" she gleamed.

"It was cleaned regularly but everything is as it was." he nodded.