When Destinies Meet, part 1: In the wake of discovery

Author's note: SO sorry for not updating this sooner! But school is getting hectic. Hopefully, I'll get the next chapter up faster.

Chapter Four

The road to the city was not long; it appeared the Royal Cruiser had crashed not far from the main bridges that lead to the Last Homely House, as Amidala learned was the name of Lord Elrond's residence. The group had walked the way, and yet they did not reach the bridges awfully tired. Better said, they were refreshed, for the greenery and serenity around them seemed to calm their nerves. Their escort remained on horseback, except for Arwen and Elrohir, who had both decided to walk beside their guests, while Elladan remained close behind, his silver-pelted stallion snorting softly from time to time.

Soon the trees ended and they entered a clearing. Before them was a sheer drop, and the sound of rushing water dulled any other. Elrohir beckoned to Amidala and the young monarch followed him slowly, cautiosly. The tall Elf pointed downwards, and the Queen peeked across the edge. The drop was deep, and below were rushing waters and razor-shapr rocks. Amidala held her breath and looked towards her guide, brown orbs large and full of mistrust. A grim smile was laid acros the fair Elf's features.

"Fear not, penneth, for ye shall not journey downwards. It is in my intentions to bring you before my father unharmed. But know that the fall is long, and the ending painful." Amidala nodded, and they returned to the group. Elladan had already led his horse onto a narrow stone bridge, and its hooves echoed against it. Elrohir turned to the group.

"We will cross in single file; do not fear the drop, for fear shall drive you over the edge. One of my warriors shall go before one of you foreigners, and one of my warriors shall follow. That way, you shall be secured, even if you trip." Sabé looked at the Queen, but Amidala simply nodded and decided to step onto the bridge as the first of her group. One of the warriors, who sported long silvery hair had dismounted and he smiled gently towards her, before stepping onto the bridge. The Queen of Naboo took a deep breath, then stepped after him, slowly making her way across.

One by one they went, crossing the bridge and finally entering the realm of Elrond Peredhil, last of the Noldorin princes of old. Panaka gazed upwards in awe, and the handmaidens were similary disposed. The Queen hid her feelings behind the facial make-up, but she, too, was mesmerised by the sight.
Elegant pillars rose up into the sky, supporting pathways that seemed to hang in mid-air. Archways led this way and that, and the stone underneath their feet had been polished to perfection. Intricate designs travelle across it, and Amidala could not make anything out. There seemed to be something written, but she could not read it.

"It is written in the Tengwar alphabet, and in Quenya, the tounge of the High Elves," came suddenly a soft voice from beside her, and the Queen looked up at Arwen, who stood gazing over the stone pensively. "Fear not your enemies, for they shall use your fear. Rather, fear your friends, for they are likely to do you harm.
It is an ancient saying among my kin; it had come to life soon after the first Kinslaying in Valinor. But come; my father is waiting."

Indeed, as Amidala looked up she saw a tall Man upon the steps, flanked by two others. Regal he was in appearance, and very similar to his children, thus there could be no mistake that this was Lord Elrond. His black hair was held at bay by a silver circlet, and robes of deep crimson velvet drapped his figure. His gray eyes were ageless, yet deep as the deepest of pools, full of memories from long ago. They were eyes that saw what lay in the past, present, and what was to come in the future.
Beside him stood a dark-haired man, similar to Elrond, although a few inches shorter. He was clad in deep violet robes, and his stance was stiff, his black eyes gazing at the foreigners with distrust. Erestor did not like foreigners, especially those who wounded any of his kin. But he respected his Lord's decisions, and followed them precisely.

Arwen and Elrohir led Amidala and her staff before their father, and both Elves showed signs of respect. Signs of love and family devotion were kept for their private chambers, for protocol did not allow it. The siblings stepped aside, and were joined by Elladan. For a moment Elrond gazed at the group before him in silence, and then he spoke. His voice reminded Amidala of her father, and it brought her peace. It was deep and rich, with a hint of an accent, just as Arwen's was.

"Allow me to welcome you into Imladris, my lords and ladies. I hope your stay shall be pleasant." The Queen of Naboo dropped into a deep curtsey, and her staff followed promptly. She turned her white-coloured face towards Elrond and replied with the same respect as he had showed her:

"It is great honour to us all that we are here today. Albient our plans were different, we shall enjoy our stay, and we thank you for your hospitality. Our start was not smooth, but I am confidant that we will be able to overcome that." The Elflord watched the woman as she spoke. She was young, no more than fourteen years of age by the standards of Men, yet she was already leader of a nation. Strange were the cultures that resided across the borders of Imladris, but never had Elrond encountered one that placed a child upon the throne, that should belong to an adult. But he said naught of this, instead allowing a sad smile to linger upon his lips.

"Ah yes, the misfortunate event in the glade. I will demand an explanation for that, even if Glorfindel shall recover within the day. He is a strong warrior, and I am confidant that he shall be on the training field within the week, if all goes well. However, I cannot say the same for your young friend." Amidala held her breath, and silenced Saché's yelp with a glare. Elrond watched the display before him, and extended his arm. The youngest of the handmaidens gazed up at him like a frightened lamb, and he could see she was on the edge of tears.

"Come closer, child," he spoke in a soft voice, and Saché could do nothing but comply, stiffling a sob and slowly ascending the steps to stand before the Lord. Elrond gazed into her brown eyes for a few moments without speaking; suddenly the young girl broke into tears before him, hiding her face in her hands. Panaka would have darted forth if Amidala had not stopped him.

Gently, Elrond placed two fingers under Saché's chin and lifted her face to his own. The girl sniffled, but calmed herself a bit.
"You care for your friend, yet you know one of your own friends has caused her injury." Saché nodded weakly. Elrond turned and beckoned to someone. A tall woman with golden hair and a sombre expression, although graceful as Arwen, came forth and gently led Saché away. The Lord turned back to the group.

"The wound in your friend's shoulder goes deep; the hooves of Asfaloth are shood with shoes that carry drops of Mithril within them. They cut flesh and bone as if they were butter. Luckily, she was brought to me in time. She will recover, but I suspect that she will forever sport a scar, in memory of her foolish act to run under a raging stallion's hooves." Amidala lowered her gaze to the ground, as did everyone else. Elrond's voice had turned sharp as steel, but as he spoke again, it was again soft and serene.

"I will not demand any explanations from you before tomorrow. You are weary, dirty, and your nerves cannot take much more. Erestor." The violet-clad Elf stepped forth and bowed courtly.

"If you will follow me, quarters have been prepared for you." Sabé took her position by Amidala's side and they were led away, into the maze of corridors, walkiing until they would not have been able to find their way out on their own even if it meant saving their lives.

Arwen and her brothers joined their father who walked briskly to the West Wing of the House, where the family quarters were situated. The male part of the children looked at their sister, but she simply shrugged. They followed Elrond into his private study in silence. The Lord took a seat behind his desk and rested his fingers against his temple.

"There is more to these humans than meets the eye; their leader is not much younger than Estel was when he left to join his kin. It is a mistery to me how one so young can hold a position so high," came his weary voice. Elladan was the first to speak.

"From what I have seen, she is a born leader. Apparently, they come from a culture far different than any we have known so far. Their attire is different from even the most regal gowns within the realm of Gondor. I do not think even the old Numenoreans wore such." Arwen stepped in.

"Nay, they did not. These foreigners are different, but I feel a strong feeling of compassion towards them. Especially their leader. To be placed upon a throne as high as hers in her age, means that you have nothing of childhood." Elrond nodded and sighed.

"Whatever shall transpire between us and them is decided by the Valar. Now, I must rest. The treatment for the child was tiring." His children nodded and left the rooms, returning to their own. Tomorrow would be a busy day, as well as tiring.

TBC

Peredhil - HalfElven, a name for Elrond after he chose to become one of the Eldar
penneth - young one

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