Fandom There and back again.

[Shadow]

Moon looked in awe at the huge statues. "These are amazing...." He said quietly. One of the elves beside him snickered.


Glimmer stayed close to the guys, slightly intimidated by the large statues. "I thought the dwarves were the stone workers...." She said quietly, trying to avoid offending the elves.

 

[CAP Ireland]

Toxin walked through the gates and saw Rivendell lit up by lamplight.


''...Its stunning.''


Paton walked through and glanced at Rivendell. It was as he remembered. He looked around and up at above the gate. Elrond had gone.


Paton turned his attention to the sky now, enjoying the sight of the stars. He imagined their warmth.

 

[Shadow]

Moon nodded in agreement with Toxin's statement. "Where do you suppose they are going to take us first?" He asked, looking forward to seeing the main hall.


Glimmer felt her wand shift against her leg as she walked and felt a little guilty, but she was still glad that she wasn't defenseless. She was amazed at how much more beautiful everything felt now that they were inside Rivendell. Even the black sky and the stars seemed more brilliant and unique. She looked at the gorgeous but strong, walls and gates. "I have to say that I am impressed with how they have combined strength with beauty."

 

[Reaper.44]

As Talvin followed the rest of the group, he felt enraptured by his surroundings. The whole place screamed grace and beauty. A true testament of what the elves could create. He passed through Mirkwood once, only seeing the walls and the harshness of their temperament. Here, he would have felt more at ease if he had his sword at least.


"Just had a thought," He said speaking out loud. "They pretty much have a lot of stuff better than ours, so do we even have something worth trading?"

 

[CAP Ireland]

''I have a few things...'' Toxin had not really thought about what he was going to trade.


That won't be a problem soon enough. I'll promise them some of the gold from the mountain, I'm sure that will be enough...


Paton didn't really need anything, so he continued to look at the stars, picking out constellations as he saw them.

 

[Reaper.44]

"You know," Talvin began quietly, "You never did tell me why you guys are here of all places." He followed the group, keeping close while the night sky overhead was glimmering the way forward with the stair cases. "I mean I wont pry if its too personal, but what makes you think you've got stuff worth trading here?"

 

[CAP Ireland]

''You seem overly concerned with our trading Marius. I would worry about your own negotiations first.'' as he talked, Toxin approached Moon.


''Don't tell Marius where we're going. Just follow my lead when the time comes.'' he whispered ''Tell Glimmer.''


Paton saw Elrond appear at the top of the steps ahead of them.


''If it pleases you, come this way.'' he motioned them along the bridge towards the main hall.


Toxin and Paton started up the stairs and followed him.

 

[Shadow]

Moon nodded and nonchalantly went to walk with Glimmer. He quietly repeated Toxin's message just as Elrond appeared. He followed Toxin and Paton up the stairs, looking forward to seeing the main hall.


Glimmer frowned at Moon. "You guys just can't help yourselves can you?" She whispered back. Moon ignored her so she turned her attention back to the handy work of the elves.

 

[Reaper.44]

"It's not the trading that has me worried to be honest." Talvin said. "I only came here to out of interest. Not that is hasnt been pleasant."


Following Toxin's lead, he followed him into the main hall. The inside looked amazing in the moonlight. A few painted walls and carved sculptures seemed worth the journey. Talvin then remembered about negotiations. Toxin had a point there at least.


"Thank you for receiving us, my lord." Talvin said, keeping his tone appreciative. "I know our coming here must be somewhat a surprise."

 

[CAP Ireland]

''Suprise? No. You did little to conceal your movements. We knew of your coming days ahead of it's occurrence. The reason for it is much more...interesting.'' Elrond led the group into the main hall.


It too was a marvel. Golden light coated almost everything in the large room. A few dozen elves had gathered at the sides of the hall, waiting to see the guests and learn of their intentions. Although the fire was at the other end of the room, it's heat was felt immediately upon entering the hall.


(Image: http://img3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20111004000728/lotr/images/a/aa/Hall_of_Fire.jpg ).


''Please, sit.'' Elrond pointed them to the table closest to the fire and deeper into the hall.





He likes being in charge.


Toxin walked to the table and sat af far from the fire as he could, pulling one of the chairs between the two tables and sitting on it.


''It truly is as beautiful as they say.'' he said, marveling at the architecture of it all.


Paton tried to hide as he walked past Elrond.


Elrond put a hand on Paton's shoulder and stopped him. he then turned him so that he could see his face.


''...Ulmo...'' Elrond pulled Paton closer, as if in a hug.


''We shall talk later, there is much to discuss...'' he whispered.


He stood back and let Paton pass before going to talk to the guards briefly.





Paton had been found out. He sat near the fire and faced it.

 

[Reaper.44]

Talvin stared at the marvel of the hallway, but brought himself back from Elronds answer. He knew they were coming days hence? Well he guessed Elrond thought Talvin part of the group. But what was all this about? He noticed Paton being consoled by Elrond, and giving orders to the guards.


Gods above, what did Talvin get himself into? He pulled up another chair next to Toxin.


"Alright." He spoke directly, trying to keep quiet. "I know I said I wouldnt pry, but now I feel I have to ask. What's all this about?"

 

[CAP Ireland]

''We literally came here because the meat bag over there is crazy about the place.'' he nodded his head at Moon to make sure Marius knew who he was referring to.


''We're really here just to have a safe place to sleep for a night or two. Maybe get some supplies and the like before continuing. Speaking of which, you wouldn't happen to be going east would you?'' Toxin asked.

 

[Reaper.44]

Talvin looked towards Moon. He wondered if this place felt like home for him, so he supposed it was understandable. Turning back to Toxin when asked about going east, Talvin wondered about keeping his distance from Gondor for a while. And Further eastward seemed like a good idea to lie low.


"Dont know." He admitted. "Though I might be convinced. Why? Need a swordsman who's good with a bow for something?"

 

[CAP Ireland]

''Not really, but it's better to travel in groups than alone. Just something for you to think about.'' Toxin looked at the elves watching them. All were probably better than him in every way and yet he still felt as if they were a weak and thin bunch.


Paton looked into the flame and began to daydream of his past.

 

[Shadow]

Moon watched Elrond and Paton's exchange curiously. He glanced at Glimmer to see if she noticed it but she ignored him.......Again. He sat down not far from Toxin and listened in as Toxin and Marius had a chat, frowning when Toxin called him a meathead.


Glimmer was surprised when Elrond greeted Paton so warmly and she continued to watch Paton, trying to see if he recognized any of the elves.

 

[CAP Ireland]

Elrond walked around the table and sat between Toxin and Paton.


''Now that we've made ourselves comfortable, let us get to business.'' he was looking at Toxin and Marius, but occasionally glanced at Paton.


''What 'quest' has led you to Rivendell?''





''Just a party of comrades making their way from one place to another. I'm visiting family. It's a terrible time to venture off alone.'' Toxin now realised the inconvenience of having Marius around, but he had made his decision.


''And what of the others? Why do they venture east. Surely it wouldn't be for...profit.''





THE BASTARD! He knows.


Toxin's face visibly reddened, but his mask concealed it.


''Speak up.'' Elrond spoke to the other members of the group now.

 

[Shadow]

Moon schooled his expression to look non-chalant. "With all due respect, I think you know that elves don't go treasure hunting. If that's what you are implying." He said, hoping he wouldn't give them away.


Glimmer turned head away and began examining her nails, hoping the guys would make up a good story on their own.

 

[CAP Ireland]

''I know what my people do. You, on the other hand, I do not know, so I'll ask again: what do you hope to gain from this venture?'' Elrond seemed to get notably angrier.

 

[Shadow]

Moon looked at Glimmer and Marius for help, knowing Paton wouldn't be able to say anything.


Glimmer rolled her eyes at Moon then addressed Elrond. "Elrond, you are known as being wise and Gandalf himself has come to you for advice. Quite frankly, I hope to gain nothing but knowledge from this venture, whatever troubles it may bring with it. I am just honored to meet you and hopefully gain some of your knowledge. I cannot speak for my companions, but I can assure that they mean no harm. After all they aren't stupid enough to offend you and your noble house." She said, hoping flattery would help. She didn't know if it worked on elves, but she figured it was worth a try.

 

[CAP Ireland]

''All whose aim is learning are welcome here. But perchance you might have chosen companions...ill suited to your needs.'' he stood up as he breathed in ''In fact, why not stay here? Knowledge is abundant here. You could live your mortal life running throughout the earth and still not accumulate any amount of knowledge comparable to that which resides here.'' Elrond enjoyed toying with the girl, but decided to move on ''Just something to think about...''


He turned to Marius and sat down again, this time facing him directly.


''You don't look the sort that pursues the riches and power of knowledge. I mean no offence if I have guessed incorrectly, but I believe that your motivation may be more solid than intellect.''

 

[Reaper.44]

"No offence taken. I'll admit the idea of riches tempt me, but you're right. That isnt the main reason." Talvin spoke plainly. He didnt know if Elrond was smart enough to know a lie when told, and he didnt want to test that theory. "The truth is I have a few personal problems I'm looking to avoid from Gondor. Nothing too drastic, but I'd rather put some distance between them and me. It's why I wanted to travel in the first place."


Talvin kept his face and tone steady. Not a lie was spoken so he hoped Elrond would be satisfied. Glancing at Toxin's face when Elrond mentioned 'profit', it was clear he had something on his mind more than a journey. A quest perhaps?

 

[CAP Ireland]

''I see...'' Elrond thought for a moment.


''We shall have to talk more another time as it's getting late. The guards will see you each to your chambers.''


Elrond motioned the guards forward with a hand gesture.


''I would ask you to stay a while, Toxin.''


The guards waited for the other to rise so that they could escort them to their rooms.

 

[Shadow]

Moon stood up reluctantly, trying to catch Toxin's eye and see if he was okay with them leaving him alone.


Glimmer liked the idea of staying here, maybe not forever, but for a while at least. Then she realized that Elrond probably didn't really want her here. When Elrond told them to leave she walked over to the guards, pretty certain that Toxin would be able take care of himself.

 

[Reaper.44]

Talvin saw the guards being summoned. Toxin being asked to stay. Talvin couldnt say what could be a next move, though it seemed Elrond was more interested in Toxin. Still, if the group was being escorted under guard, that wasnt a good sign for Talvin. Walking over to the soldiers, he kept his own guard up in case things wouldnt pan out.


"My thanks, my lord." He spoke as he walked. "I'll see you in the morning I hope, Toxin."

 

[CAP Ireland]

The guards take Marius, Glimmer and Moon to their rooms where they have the utilities to bathe and sleep as well as ample room for other activities. From their balconies they can see the others balconies, but not into the room. Outside each room stands two elven guards in full armor with a bow on their back and a sword and shield in hand. If you wish to RP in the room you can. If you do not then your characters will bathe, sleep and then be woke for breakfast and brought down to eat.





''So, why single me out?'' Toxin asked Elrond.


''Are we not going to wait for ...him to leave.'' Elrond asked, gesturing towards Paton.


''No, he's as in on this as I am.''


''Very well. Firstly, could you remove your mask? I like to see a persons face when I converse with them.''


Toxin removed his mask and set it down on the table.


''Thank you. Now, I was...curious as to your journeys destination. Very few have family so far away and even fewer have relatives who wish to see them if they dress....thusly. I know your kind Toxin. I know what you seek.''


Elrond sat back, confidence radiating from him.


''The treasures of Erebor. The Lonely Mountain. A dragons den filled with riches that even I could not perceive.''


''And what if I am? If we take the mountain from the dragon it's rightly ours is it not?'' Toxin was eager to see what the elfs point was.


''I don't think the dwarves would see it such a way, but their lust for gold is easily quenched. Giving them some of the treasure would do you no harm and save you the trouble of a warring nation coming for your head. But if Erebor was to be your destination do you believe that that you five would be able to best a dragon where an army failed? But, getting there would be a concern in it's own right. Middle-earth is not a place of light undiminished anymore. It darkness stirs within Mordor.


So, I propose an alliance.''


''Great! How much gold is going to be left when I've finished this bloody thing? I hope bread prices don't rise lest I-''


Elrond interrupted.


''I care not for gold, only the safety of my people. Erebor is of great strategic importance. I would have it. The gold is yours, but what of the mountain? Would you claim a kingdom as a home?''


''I'll need quite a bit of space for the whores.''


''...indeed. But, if we were sensible men, we might be able to strike a deal. I will take the mountain as my own for the coming battle. You can take the gold. In exchange, I will lend you an army to kill the dragon and even supply you with whatever you wish for the journey.'' Elrond stood and extended his hand.


''Do we have an agreement?''


Toxin thought for a second. It's just a mountain.


He stood and shook Elrond's hand.


''Yes, I believe we do.''


''Excellent. We can discuss this more in the morning. I prey you sleep soundly.'' and with that Elrond bowed his head to Toxin and walked towards Paton.


Toxin went to the set of guards allocated for him and went to his room.


''Ulmo...it's been an age. Three I believe.'' Elrond put his hand on Patons shoulder and stared into the fire with him.


''Much has happened since those days, but I fear the darkness will return.'' he now moved to stand in front of Paton.


Paton looked up at him.


''Will you stand with us?'' Elrond's tone was not desperate, but similar to that of a thirst.


Paton looked back into the fire.


''...You have changed. If any of the person I used to know is still there, we need him.'' with that, Elrond left.





Paton sighed as Elrond left. He dove back into the memories. He slowly drifted off in the chair and was soon asleep there.