Yavanna's Warriors | By : LadyLaran Category: Lord of the Rings Movies > Hobbit, The Views: 9349 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1 |
Disclaimer: I do not own "The Hobbit" nor do I make money from this story. |
Author’s Note – It’s been a while since I’ve updated, and I apologize for it. I’ve just had a lot on my plate, and there are days when I stare at the monitor and do my best to just get a paragraph written. I appreciate your patience with me.
Disclaimer – I do not own “the Hobbit” nor do I make any money from this story.
Chapter Twenty – Political Discussions
The offer to learn the hobbit language was accepted by all, and the company had been honored to find that Bilbo held them in high enough esteem to make this offer. Bilbo spent the rest of the time in Imladris studying various texts in regards to solving their problems, sparring, teaching, meditating, or simply enjoying the company of the dwarrow.
He had found a secret way out and hoped they wouldn’t have to use it as it would be a bit difficult to reach. When told this information, Thorin had nodded, looking thoughtful as he processed what the hobbit had to share with him. Like Bilbo, he knew that an easier way out would be better considering most dwarrow were not built for stealth. They could do it if they needed to, but it would be difficult.
The dwarrow had occasionally found the hobbit in the gardens with Radagast, listening as the wizard instructed him on something. Knowing the Tèarmunn had a connection with nature, they didn’t interrupt these sessions because they had a feeling the extra knowledge would be needed for what the future held. They took inspiration from his dedication and spent time training, making sure they could work together in various combinations.
Thorin was growing more confident that this mission he and the others were on would succeed; they were coming together in ways he had never thought possible, and it was such a relief to see. With the assistance from their host, who had surprised him with his willingness to help them, and the king-in-exile believed even stronger in the success of their quest.
He did notice that the separation between his people and the elves was starting to erode. Balin had as well and had commented on it to him, prompting a discussion about what to do regarding this situation after Erebor was reclaimed. Having a treaty with Elrond and his people would benefit his people even though Rivendell was some distance away. His adviser agreed as well, and they made time to speak with the elvish lord about a treaty.
Elrond listened to Thorin’s words, knowing that the Valar were nudging this to happen. His own people, who were as equally stubborn as the dwarrow, were softening towards the company, and he was glad to see it. He knew his friend, who was gone on the mission he’d sent him on, would be happy to hear the news.
In his mind, it made sense that it would be the Longbeards that would be the clan of dwarrow to see the rift starting to heal. Thorin’s kin had been the final clan to maintain relationships with elves, claiming the elven craftsman, Celebrimbor, as an honorary dwarf. Elrond had been a child then, but he remembered his foster-father commenting on the closeness between his nephew and Narvi, the dwarven crafter who had been Celebrimbor’s partner.
The dissolution of the relationship between the elves and the Longbeard clan had taken place after Celebrimbor’s tragic demise. Things had unraveled horribly quick due to the turmoil that had shaken all of Middle Earth; Khazad-dûm had been lost, and the elves had been unable to aid them. That had been the catalyst for the breaking of the relationships between the Longbeards and most of the elves. Thranduil’s actions had finalized the distrust; not that Elrond could blame the dwarrow for no longer trusting his people. The elvish king of the Greenwood had broken a treaty by not coming to the aid of the dwarrow when Smaug had invaded.
Thranduil should have given aid to the ones who had been injured, offering sanctuary and supplies. He didn’t blame the king for not going after the dragon, but the neglect of the injured and homeless went against one of the mandates from their creators. That was an affront to all of them, and even Galadriel had distanced herself from the ruler of Greenwood. There was an unspoken decision that had been made between him, Galadriel, and Círdan that they would not include Thranduil in anything until he made amends for what he had done so they had not invited him to join the White Council.
Elrond pulled himself away from his thoughts, focusing on the conversation at hand.
“I do agree that such a treaty would be welcome for both of our people,” he said. “I am able to offer seedlings and seeds to help with the restoration of the lands the dragon destroyed. I know Master Baggins-Took will do all he can, but I’m certain extra hands will be of help.”
“We would be grateful for it,” Thorin answered. “My people know little of farming, and I’ve no idea if the men of Laketown will wish to rebuild Dale or if they retained the knowledge needed to feed their people.”
“I have people who can teach them,” he replied. “Or teach your people should the men not wish to rebuild Dale once the dragon is handled.”
“Again, we would appreciate that,” the dwarf lord stated. “Feeding my people is a priority. We can send trade goods once the forges are lit and supply whatever you need. I know your smiths are good ones, but my people have talents in things that your crafters do not.”
“A dwarf-forged item is a reliable and remarkable possession to have,” Elrond agreed. “I would be willing to open my doors to the merchants.”
“Before we depart, I would like the opportunity to discuss a formal treaty and try to have a rough draft of it drawn up.”
“Agreed,” he said, nodding. “I will make myself available in a day or two so we can have this discussion and see what Imladris can offer Erebor.”
“And what Erebor can offer Imladris,” Thorin commented. “I will wait for your messenger, Lord Elrond. Thank you for considering this.”
Thorin and Balin left a few moments after, and the elf lord leaned back in his seat. The offer of a treaty was a welcome one, but it surprised him to know that the head of the Longbeard clan was willing to do this.
“It may not be such a surprise to find him changing,” an unexpected voice commented, startling Elrond.
The male rose and turned, finding Galadriel entering his study through a set of doors that led out into one of his private gardens. He bowed, showing her respect before answering her.
“In truth, I had become used to thinking of dwarrow in one way only. A habit, I fear, that most of our fellow elves have fallen into. Thorin Oakenshield has surprised me several times since he entered my home,” he told her. “I believe he may have a few more in store for me before he departs.”
“You mean to allow them to continue on this quest?”
“I do mean to, my lady,” he replied. “I have Seen why this is important, and I will follow the orders of the Valar.”
Galadriel walked towards him, making no noise as she did so.
“I have Seen things too,” she said, looking rather haunted. “I had no idea the Longbeard clan had gone through so much difficulty nor did they receive much aid from the other clans. Saruman did nothing to assist them either.”
“We did not at the time,” Elrond answered, admitting to his own sins in not aiding an ailing people. “A fact I find myself deeply regretting. Even though they did not pass near Imladris, I should have sent riders to them with food and healing supplies.”
“Celeborn and I regret it as well. They might not have accepted it, but both kingdoms should have made an offer of assistance,” Galadriel answered, sitting down in a comfortable chair. “Thranduil’s betrayal left a very deep wound on their hearts, and I cannot blame them for it. He was as touched by greed as Thror had been.”
Taken aback by her words, he stared at her for a moment. This was something he had not considered, and it was troubling to know that one of their own could be touched by such a sickness.
“He came under the influence of the Arkenstone,” Elrond murmured. “According to the dream Irmo sent Master Baggins-Took, the Arkenstone poisoned the mountain and the people within.”
“He was touched by Irmo?”
“He was, and I believe he will experience more dreams as his path continues,” he replied. “He is a Tèarmunn, one of the few touched by Yavanna and Mahal each generation, and was chosen for this quest and for duties following it.”
“I had heard rumors,” Galadriel said, eyes a bit wide. “Yet I had no confirmation of such people existing. I only knew that halflings are a quiet people, fond of home and hearth.”
“Hobbits,” he corrected with a wince. “A dear friend of mine did her very best to correct me of that particular habit. They find the term halfling to be quite offensive so if you do happen to meet him, please try to remember that.”
“I will,” she agreed. “I should like to meet him as well as the others with him.”
“You will not attempt to stop their quest,” Elrond asked, feeling rather relieved when she shook her head as she answered.
“No, I will not hinder them nor will Círdan,” the Lady of Lothlórien told him. “He sent a message to me about the time my first vision came. He received one as well, and we have committed ourselves to aiding them when we can. I believe, as does he and Celeborn, that it is time for the relations between our people to be mended. My cousin would be disappointed with us in allowing the breaking of the friendship we enjoyed with the Longbeards.”
“I will be forming a treaty before they go,” Elrond said. “Also, based on Master Baggins-Took’s dream, I sent Glorfindel with a few warriors to find Azog and his spawn. Thorin and his nephews are the last of this direct branch of the line of Durin, and that orc is determined to kill anyone of that bloodline. According to what I was told, it’s because Thorin is a formidable leader and people would rally to his banner if he called to fight against the enemy.”
“Such a leader must be protected,” she murmured. “Glorfindel will enjoy that hunt; you chose wisely.”
“I feel it was the right choice,” he stated. “He won’t give up the hunt until he is successful, and that should make their journey a bit easier if they are not hunted by the pair.”
Galadriel nodded, lost in thought. There was something else preying on her mind, and it had been lingering since the first vision had come to her.
“What’s troubling you,” Elrond asked her, knowing his wife’s mother well enough to know that something was weighing on her.
“Saruman,” she answered after several moments of silence. “Images of him have been brought to me either in dreams or my mirror. I have heard more and more of him refusing to aid others, including the children of the Vala he was taught by. Something is wrong.”
“He has always been standoffish with others,” he told her. “Mithrandir does not seem alarmed by it, and you would think he would know if something wasn’t right.”
“Perhaps,” the lady murmured. “We should be mindful in case something is wrong, and Mithrandir is not aware of it. We both know he rarely crosses paths with the head of his order, and he is not one to be overly suspicious unless given reason to be.”
“Very true,” the elf lord commented. “We should not inform him of the company’s presence here and their mission. I know he would not approve, even with our reports of the visions we have Seen. Any attempt he makes to stop them will be against what we’ve been ordered to do. I think it’s best not to risk it.”
“I agree,” Galadriel replied. “We do need to ensure that they are not hindered. You do realize that Thranduil will stop them if they go through his forest?”
“I know and have no idea on how to prevent it,” he sighed, rubbing his forehead.
“Perhaps a letter with our signature stating that we approve of this quest might help them,” she suggested.
“It might help or it might not,” Elrond said, looking weary. “Our silence towards him and his jealousy over the Rings will not soften him towards our requests regarding the company.”
“We will send it with them and hope for the best,” Galadriel decided. “I would very much like to meet them.”
“They usually join me for dinner,” he answered. “I can introduce you at that time if you like?”
“I believe I will enjoy it a great deal,” she said with a smile. “I shall go and relax for a while before it is time to dine.”
Elrond politely stood, acknowledging her words, and then sat down to draft the first edition of the letter that would accompany Thorin and his company as they made their way to Erebor. He could only hope this would help them if Thranduil caught them while they traveled through the Greenwood.
Author’s End Note – I hope everyone enjoyed this. It’s a bit political in nature, but I think it was needed to help establish the framework for Erebor’s future once the dragon is dealt with. Thank you all of reading, and please let me know what you thought of it. See you next chapter! ~ Laran
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