23

Just like that, Talia's eyes fluttered closed, her breathing slowing as it became more regular. Gandalf forced the others further out of the way, for their Queen had literally just fallen into the Company from the jaws of the Wargs. Holding a hand to her brow, the wizard closed his eyes, murmuring softly in his language of spells like he had done in Bag End.

Thorin watched over his shoulder with worry, his piercing blue eyes focusing solely on Talia. It was understandable, based on her many injuries, why she had lost consciousness. Her skin was covered in blood, and while most of it was that of the Wargs, the red trickling from her temple and seeping from her side told the Company the origin of the rest. Even through her boot, it was obvious that her foot had swollen since the Warg's jaws had taken it; black and blue bruises speckled that leg nastily.

"Talia Rue..." Gandalf whispered. "Come back to the light."

Then the Queen gasped, her green eyes opening in alarm. Thorin breathed a sigh of relief, holding her close as Oin dabbed at her with a cloth. The Company followed suit, looking down at their leader with reassurance. She smiled up at him, comforted that he was there.

"There." The wizard's voice sounded sonorously as he grunted under his breath, standing once more. "The Queen lives."

"Is she..."

"No, my dear Bilbo, she is not dying." Talia grinned at his words, winking at the hobbit from the floor. "But she does need medical attention, as soon as we can find it."

"I cannot see where the pathway leads. Do we follow it or not?" Dwalin asked hurriedly, knowing Talia didn't have much time.

"Follow it, of course!" Bofur said, not even having to look at his Queen before deciding.

"I think that would be wise." Gandalf agreed, his eyes twinkling as he looked down at Talia. She chuckled softly and she smiled. Although she had restrained herself, she still coughed violently from the effort. The Company grimaced as Thorin and Oin helped her up, the poor woman hobbling on her uninjured foot and using them as balance. "We must make haste." He continued, sparing a glance at Talia before looking at the King.

Thorin's eyes narrowed at the wizard. If his suspicions were right regarding their destination, he would surely have a stern conversation with Gandalf once they arrived. Still, it was clear Talia needed help, so he bit his tongue on the matter. Her green eyes looked up at him, telling him to move on. "Fili, Kili. Come."

As the King reluctantly passed her to their nephews, she nodded him to the front reassuringly. "I'll be fine."

Thorin tilted his head at her words, letting out an inaudible sigh. If she could see herself, he was sure she would think much differently. Still, he moved forward as Oin held up the rear behind the brothers, who practically carried her the whole way through the passage. They journeyed through the stone hall, admiring the craftsmanship that had went into creating it. Clearly, it had not been fashioned by any ordinary Orc. Bilbo ran a hand along the side, nearly gasping as he felt a slight pulsation under his fingertips.

"You feel it." Gandalf smiled down at the hobbit, who looked at him.

For once, the hobbit had no question as to what the force was or why it was there. No matter how foreign the sensation was, he knew he was safe. He just felt it. "Yes."

Then, the Company reached the end of the tunnel, greeting the open rock around them. They were speechless at the sight. The light hit the valley beautifully, marking the clear cut stone from behind and making the glittering river to the left known. Houses of grandeur were nestled into the land, carved with the utmost beauty and grace. The place was the very definition of peace, and Bilbo now understood what he had felt within the passage.

"The Valley of Imladris." Gandalf began as the dwarves continued to stare. Talia smiled at the sight. Her nephews noticed how brightly her eyes shone, despite how bruised, bloody, and battered she actually was. "In the common tongue, it is known by another name."

"Rivendell." Bilbo breathed, awestruck.

"Here lies the Last Homely House East of the Sea." The wizard continued, enjoying the dwarves' expressions.

Although Talia had instructed them to go to the Elves, Thorin only now realized the true deliberateness of the wizard's actions. "This was your plan all along. To seek refuge with our enemy."

"You have no enemies here, Thorin Oakenshield. The only ill will to be found in this valley is that which you bring yourself." Gandalf asserted, looking to Talia for assistance. She forced herself forward with the help of her nephews, trying to reach her husband.

"You think the Elves will give our quest their blessing? They will try to stop us."

"Of course they will. But we have questions that need to be answered."

But before the dwarf king could retort, Talia stepped in. "Thorin, who cares?"

The brothers exchanged a look before absolutely losing it. Fili had to look down in order to hide his smile, while Kili stifled a snort in his aunt's arm.

"Since when have we cared what the Elves think? The fact is that since it never has before, it doesn't matter at all. We need their advice. Lord Elrond will surely help us read the map, and the healers within his lands will surely help me. We have a map we cannot read, and I will not wander aimlessly to Erebor because one dwarf could not put his prejudice aside. Not all Elves are bad just because you had one bad experience with them, Thorin, or because you say so. I am tired of your childish attitude. If you will not pull your head out of your ass, then I'll do it for you!"

The Company stared at their Queen, stunned. Most of the dwarves had never seen anyone blatantly scold Thorin in such a manner, although Balin and Dwalin felt like things were back to normal upon her outburst. The princes were thrilled; they had never seen anyone win an argument against their uncle.

"Come now, boys. I am fucking exhausted."

So the Company continued forward, much to the wizard's amusement. Though these dwarves felt a similar hatred for Elves as that of their leader, they knew that if they didn't enter Rivendell, Talia would not only suffer more in her injured state, but also kick all of their asses. Balin shot a playful look at Thorin while Dwalin clapped his friend on the back, the trio bringing up the rear of the group.

"Which reminds me..." Gandalf began after hearing Talia's language, trailing beside the dwarves as he proceeded to advise them. "If we are to be successful, this will need to be handled with tact, respect, and no small degree of charm... which is why you will leave the talking to me."

Talia pursed her lips, knowing she probably deserved the indirect scolding. Fili and Kili only smiled wider, looking to their aunt upon this reaction. She rolled her eyes, gripping onto their shoulders tighter. "Shut up and keep walking."

The Company continued on, though they were not trudging on like they had done through the wilds. Their stroll was pleasant, leisurely, as the calm of the place filled the air and overwhelmed their senses. Every now and then, a head would turn to gaze upon the majesty of the waterfalls, or the intricacy of the patterns within the stone. After crossing over the river upon the bridge, the Company entered a small stone circle, which would serve as a meeting place for their host to greet them.

"Mithrandir." An Elf descended gracefully down the steps. The two guards behind him turned effortlessly back to face the Company once he had passed, not making a sound.

Gandalf sighed in relief, smiling upon his friend. "Lindir."

"Stay sharp." Thorin muttered to the Company, making Talia shake her head in annoyance. If she had the strength, she would've smacked him, but the simple act of scolding Thorin had worn her down. She knew that if her injuries were not treated soon, she would barely be able to stand, even if it was only on her one good foot.

"We heard you had crossed into the Valley." Lindir began, holding out his hand to the wizard as he spoke in his native tongue.

"I must speak with Lord Elrond." Gandalf said, stepping indiscreetly aside to show the dwarves. Talia looked up at the Elf, her green eyes meeting his.

"My Lord Elrond is not here." He responded, taking in the blood that caked her face and clothes.

"Not here? Where is he?"

Then, the note of an Elvish horn and the thundering of horse hooves sounded his arrival. The dwarves yelled and closed ranks, readying their weapons as their host drew closer and closer. Though it was out of the kindness of their hearts, and done with care, Talia was shoved to the center of the group, causing her to cry out in pain as she landed on her injured foot. She would've fallen over if it wasn't for Balin being there to catch her, staying by her side as the Company formed a tight circle around them. Still, she knew their efforts were futile, for the Elves that encircled them were amongst the best fighters in all of Middle Earth.

"Gandalf." Their leader said.

"Lord Elrond."

The Elf donned a simple circlet, the bands forming swooping rivers of silver along his dark brown hair. His velvet cape flew out from behind him as he rode closer to the wizard, turning to reveal a beautifully crafted chest plate. His grey eyes fell on the Company, taking in the dwarves in their entirety, though his eyes fell on the King in particular.

"My friend! Where have you been?" Gandalf continued to greet him, reverting to the leader's own language.

"We've been hunting a pack of orcs that came up from the south. We slew a number near the Hidden Pass." Elrond dismounted from his horse, proceeding to embrace the wizard. After they parted, Elrond began to tend to his armor and reverted to the Common Tongue. "Strange for Orcs to come so close to our borders. Something or someone has drawn them near."

"That may have been us." The wizard chuckled, moving aside to expose the whole Company.

The Elf-Lord finally addressed the dwarf that interested him. "Welcome, Thorin, son of Thrain."

"I do not believe we have met."

"You have your grandfather's bearing. I knew Thror when he ruled under the Mountain." Elrond began, taking in his appearance. He knew what would come of speaking to any dwarf, no matter their nobility, but the tension between their kinds had never bothered him. Still, it was not in Elrond's nature to hold grudges such as these, for Middle Earth deemed other things more important for the Elf-Lord. He would always be kind and courteous towards dwarves, for he would remember the kindness shown to him by these people in their prime. It was not easy to forget the infamous hospitality of Erebor, let alone the party held there where he had met his daughter's mother.

"Indeed?" Thorin began, his eyes narrowing and voice lowering. "He made no mention of you."

"My Lord Elrond!" Talia called, shoving her way through the dwarves. Balin had raced after her, but she paid him no mind as she limped past their ranks and to their host. "Please forgive my husband for his insensitivity."

Elrond smiled at the sight of her, though Gandalf knew him well enough to see the shock in his eyes. "So Talia Rue Ashenstone, the Butcher of Beasts, Lady of Dale, and Queen Under the Mountain lives. Though, I can see the world has tried to take that life back."

"It does try, I'll give it that." Talia chuckled, holding her hands out as she looked at her appearance. "What can I say? I have a knack for finding trouble."

"Indeed." Elrond's eyes twinkled at her response.

"I do apologize for drawing the pack so near. It was never our intention to disturb the peace that thrives here in the Valley of Imladris."

Gandalf's grin widened to a chuckle, his pointed grey hat jostling slightly. If anyone could change their speech from aggressive scolding to diplomatic eloquence in mere minutes, it was Talia Rue.

"The only disturbance I feel is that of your current state. Let my people provide you with medicine and rest." Elrond replied, turning away from Talia momentarily to call upon Lindir. "Take her to the healers."

Lindir nodded, offering her his arm graciously. Instead, Balin appeared at her side to accompany her, mostly because Talia couldn't walk by herself, but also because he knew Thorin would not want any of his Company alone in such an unfamiliar place. She bowed her head in thanks to the Elf-Lord, gripping onto Balin's shoulders and following Lindir into Rivendell.

Then, Lord Elrond turned to confer to another associate just as Gandalf joined in, speaking in the Elvish dialect that the dwarves could not understand. The dwarves, especially Thorin and Dwalin, whispered to each other as well, eyeing the conversation suspiciously.

Finally, the Company was tired of the secrecy. "What is he saying? Does he offer us insult?" Gloin growled, his face nearly turning as red as his beard.

"No, Master Gloin, he's offering you food." Gandalf chided softly, exchanging a subtle look of amusement with the Elf-Lord.

The dwarves circled up, discussing the proposition with one another in low whispers. After a few moments, Gloin turned back to Elrond. He was disgruntled, but quite hungry as well, and only a fool would assume that Gloin would decide with his head, not his stomach. "Well, in that case, lead on."

The dwarves were taken past the pavilion and into the depths of Rivendell, much to their outward disdain and inward curiosity. Bilbo was beyond happy as he took in the hand-crafted architecture, the Elvish tradition in dress and hair, even the calming music produced by fine harps and delicate violas. Soon, the Company was seated around the dinner table, provided with a healthy serving of Elvish greens and entertainment. Though the dwarves were not necessarily impressed with their hosts, they still enjoyed their meal due to Kili's confusion regarding Elf maids and Bofur's audacity regarding his song.

It was a merry evening, and was made all the more at ease as Balin returned to address the underlying worry regarding Talia. "The Queen will heal. Elvish medicine is truly a blessing." Balin began, nodding to himself as he thanked all of the gods and the stars in the world. The Company still looked to the noble advisor, seeing that she was not with him. "She needs time to rest is all. She will not be joining us on this eve, though we can greet her tomorrow if permissible."

The dwarves heaved a sigh of relief, which Thorin payed attention to from his own table with Gandalf and Elrond. As much as he hated to admit it, he knew she was in good hands. He returned his thoughts to the meal, gazing upon the Elf-Lord as he spoke of their newfound blades in great detail.

Later that evening, Talia slept soundly in the quarters provided to her. She was beyond grateful to have a soft bed beneath her, bandages around her, and the warmth of the stars above her. Before she had lost consciousness, she had gazed out the doorway leading to the balcony and at the night sky, the sight being enough to comfort her into sleep.

She awoke to the silence of the evening, knowing it was probably very late at night. The only noise surrounding her was the wind weaving through the Elvish lands, tousling her hair slightly and making her smile. Although she would've liked to go to the balcony, Talia decided against it due to her injuries, sitting up with the support of her pillows instead.

Looking down at her feet, her grin widened at what she saw. Thorin was asleep at the edge of the bed, his chin resting on his folded arms. His legs were supported by a chair, but his torso and above was leaning on the bed, his head lying on the covers. She knew he had waited all night for her to wake, even though they were amidst the best healers in Middle Earth. Talia thought he had never looked more handsome than that moment, with his raven-black hair splayed around him and the moonlight beaming on his figure. Still, she had a whole bed to share, so she would have to wake him.

"Thorin." She poked him with her good foot, causing him to stir and pick his head up. "Thorin."

Sleepy blue eyes met hers as the King straightened, focusing on her. "Talia."

He stood from his chair and walked to the top of the bed, kicking his boots off and settling next to her. Within seconds, their hands and bodies were intertwined, Thorin's arm around her waist and Talia's head resting in her neck.

She giggled softly at his eagerness for rest. "You're more comfortable here than you'd care to admit."

He could only look down at her, a small smile resting on his features. "It's not the place."

Thorin cupped her cheek gently and brought his lips to hers, kissing her after what felt like another century apart. She melted into him, putting a hand on his chest as he held her close. They broke apart, and Thorin rested his forehead on hers.

"What?" She asked, seeing his intensity.

"Don't ever do that again."

She smiled back cheekily. "No promises."

"You almost died, Talia."

"And I would do so repeatedly for this Company in a heartbeat." Talia whispered back, her voice firm. "You cannot stop me."

"I know. That's why I'm asking instead."

Talia sighed softly, changing the subject. "How was dinner?"

Thorin rolled his eyes. "Rambunctious. Though, it did get us to our answers."

"He read the map?"

"Yes. He discovered that they were moon runes, only to be read with the same sky that they were written under. We were fated with such a blessing tonight."

"What did they say?"

"'Stand by the gray stone when the thrush knocks, and the setting sun with the last light of Durin's Day will shine upon the keyhole.'"

Talia took in his words, remaining silent. Thorin could tell she was thinking. "That doesn't give us much time."

"I know. We must make with haste towards the East. Any further delay will cost us the kingdom."

"When do we leave?"

"When you are healed." He responded.

"Thorin, I will only slow you down—"

"Then we will walk faster." He responded simply, looking down at his wife. "This is your birthright just as much as it is mine, as it is the Company's. I will not leave you behind."

Talia smiled, kissing him gently and settling down under the covers. "You are too good to me."

Thorin chuckled, lying down and wrapping his arms around her. "It is more than deserved, Talia. I love you with all of my heart."

Talia grinned, leaning into him. "I love you more than all of the stars in the sky, Thorin Oakenshield."

And so the couple drifted off into a peaceful sleep, feeling secure both in the land around them and in each other's presence. Though the morning would come soon, they would enjoy this temporary respite from their journey. After all, they still had a long ways ahead of them.