[IC] Hobbit-LOTR: Quests, Curses, And Guardians { Angel & Polarize }

[kiiblade]

While most everyone stared in mute, shocked silence, Kili broke into a wide grin. "Saeril! There you are -- are you alright?" The youngest moved past the dead warg in order to reach her, but he stopped in his tracks when she bared her teeth at the creature. He'd never seen Saeril this angry, and it was a little alarming.
Thorin viewed the she-elf with skepticism, though he kept his comments to himself. "Kili, retrieve your arrows," he commanded, as his youngest nephew had spilled some when he'd fallen into the cavern. Right now, he didn't want Kili near her. There was an unsettling feeling in his chest. "Fili, help your brother."

Bilbo fell back in surprise when the warg toppled in with Saeril. The hobbit gripped his Elven sword in order to help take down the beast if need be, but there was no need. The warg was dead. "T-that was a bit too close," he stammered, then mumbled his thanks when Bofur offered him a hand up.
Dwalin paced some, then followed their only available route. “I cannot see where the pathway leads. Do we follow it or no?”
Bofur hastily moved away from the corpses of their attackers. “Follow it, of course!”

[AngelBites15]

Fili nodded quickly, and kept a slight distance from Saeril. Not that he was afraid or despised her, but felt slightly intimidated and uncomfortable at the way she fought, and acted a few seconds ago. The she-elf looked at Kili and his brother in guilt, hoping that she didn't cause too much of a disturbance within them after seeing this side of her. She got a little too carried away, and her battle anger only have them a glimpse at her other self.

"I think that would be wise", Gandalf nodded in confirmation since it was the only way to go that was safe at the moment. Following the path in the tunnel, there was a waterfall with a small city in the distance; Saeril trailed behind with the brothers, but kept her distance, her cloak following her. "The Valley of Imladris. In the common tongue, it’s known by another name", Gandalf recited. "Rivendell", the she-elf butted in, as she gaped in astonishment at the great city before them. "Here lies the last homely house, east of the sea"

[kiiblade]

Kili didn't say anything as he went to retrieve his arrows from the cavern's floor. The youngest looked to Fili with some concern, though he knew better than to voice his thoughts. Something didn't feel right. Without a word, he added the arrows to his half-empty quiver, then moved to rejoin the others. Like Fili, he kept his distance, though he wished he did not have to.

The path lead to a new clearing, one that overlooked a giant waterfall. The air smelled perfectly sweet, almost as if it had just rained, though there was not a cloud in the sky. A few small birds flew by, and Bilbo looked the city over in awe. Rivendell. He had only read of such a place.
"This is beautiful," Kili breathed, then stepped forward to obtain a better view. Was this Saeril's home? He wanted to ask, but he wasn't certain if now was a good time. Their godmother seemed upset.

Thorin was not impressed by the sight, he was angered. "This was your plan all along, to seek refuge with our enemy." The king shot Gandalf an accusatory glare. “You think the Elves will give our quest their blessing? They will try to stop us.”

[AngelBites15]

"You have no enemies here, Thorin Oakenshield", Gandalf scolded the dwarf sharply. "The only ill will to be found in this valley is that which you bring yourself! We have a map that we cannot read, Lord Elrond can help us to read it! Now, if this is to be successful, you shall leave the talking to me or Saeril, as we will need to be tactful with a small degree of charm, which it seems you dwarves certainly lack in the presence of the Fair Folk", Saeril couldn't agree less of the arguement to her mentor's point.

She did, in fact, make side glances at her godsons, still hoping they weren't being distant with her. The she-elf regretted to ever show such an expression that would twist their view of her. "I will assist you, Gandalf", she spoke up. As they entered the beautiful Elven city of Rivendell, they are met by some elves. "Mithrandir", Elrond's right hand man, Lindir, greeted to the wizard. "Ah, Lindir", the wizard returned the gesture. "We heard you had crossed into the Valley", Lindir spoke in Elvish. "I must speak with Lord Elrond" "My Lord Elrond is not here" "Not here? Where is he?", that was until the hunting horn was heard with the returning elf war party coming towards them.

[kiiblade]

“*Ifridî bekâr!” Thorin barked the order, his weapon at the ready. This was Gandalf's doing -- they would be attacked for trespassing onto the Elven grounds, he was certain of it. “Hold ranks!”
The company and Bilbo gathered in a circle of sorts, each with a weapon gripped tightly. Kili had a hand on his bow, though he did not draw an arrow. Surely the elves would not harm them with Gandalf and Saeril there, would they? Troubled, he looked towards their godmother in hopes of getting a feeling for what was going on. As it was, he did not know. Thorin thought so poorly of the elves, and Kili worried that the elves may feel the same way towards them.

A group of riders arrived on the scene, and the tallest there dismounted and separated from the others. Elrond nodded in acknowledgement to Gandalf, seemingly unperturbed by the dwarves being there. "Gandalf," he greeted him, then moved to greet his friend with a hug. "**Farannem ‘lamhoth i udul o charad. Dagannem rim na Iant Vedui."

---

translations:

* Ready weapons

** We’ve been hunting a pack of Orcs that came up from the South. We slew a number near the Hidden Pass.

[AngelBites15]

"Ah, that may have been us", Gandalf confirmed Elrond's case. The lord's right-hand man had his gaze turned to the cloaked and horned woman. "Saeril", he spoke in astonishment to his leader. Saeril kept her ground, but slightly bowed her head in respect. "Lord Elrond, call me Saeril", she said to him in the Elvish language in a kind tone. "It is a long story, my friend", Gandalf spoke up to Elrond, quickly coming to she-elf defense. "One which we may not have the time for now. At least not at this very moment. We really would require your assistance".

[kiiblade]

Elrond looked to Saeril, though he was careful not to stare. The same could not be said for Lindir. "I look forward to hearing it, Gandalf." While some of the other riders did not seem quite at ease, Elrond was calm and collected. If Saeril had come with Gandalf, he knew there was a reason for this. As such, there was a reason for Thorin being there.
"Welcome Thorin, son of Thrain." Despite the fact that all the dwarves had their weapons drawn and whispering among themselves, Elrond spoke as if they were already allies.

"I do not believe we have met." Thorin was curt in his response, and he did not hide his contempt.
Elrond was unphased. "You have your grandfather’s bearing. I knew Thror when he ruled under the Mountain." At that, he looked towards Saeril briefly, then back to the much shorter dwarf before him.
"Indeed; he made no mention of you." Thorin was rude in his response, but he did not care. For what Thranduil had done, he blamed many, and their betrayal was something he had never overcome.
Elrond ignored this, then turned to Lindir and the others. "*Nartho i noer, toltho i viruvor. Boe i annam vann a nethail vin."

Gloin bristled with anger. "What is he saying?" Gilmi's father held his axe at the ready. "Does he offer us insult?” The others uttered their varying opinions, and Bilbo felt smaller than he had in a while. Kili wasn't sure what to think, and for once he held his tongue.

---

*Light the fires, bring forth the wine. We must feed our guests.

[AngelBites15]

"No, Master Gloin, he’s offering you food", Gandalf reassured him. That was until the dwarves turn and discuss amongst themselves. "In that case, lead on". However, later that day, the dwarves sitting around the elves' dining table were complaining that the food wasn't of their taste, and that they would prefer meat rather than "leaves".

"Kind of you to invite us. I’m not really dressed for dinner", Gandalf spoke as he walked with Elrond to the table. Changing into something lighter and more Elvish-like, Saeril had on an elbow-length, off-the-shoulder, brown dress that fell to her ankles as she made herself appear at the walkway of the dining area where everyone else was at. Although, she didn't sit with them, but peeked out on the balcony nearby. Her cloak was gone, so her wings stayed tucked upon her back. She preferred to walk barefoot, and let the sun warm them, and let her long ashy-brown hair flow free, while she seemed to be so troubled on the day's previous events. It was a lot on her mind.

[kiiblade]

"Well, you never are." Elrond responded with amusement. The dwarves were eating, some content, others not. Ori was being picky, and Dori was scolding him as per usual. Kili wasn't fond of the overabundance of green food either, and he'd settled for amusing himself by becoming involved in a food fight.
Thorin didn't even bother reprehending his nephew. As a matter of fact, he nearly wanted Elrond to scold him so that he might have a reason for confrontation.
Contrary to this, Elrond did not scold Kili, or any of the others. Instead, he was busying himself with inspecting the swords Gandalf had shown him. "This is Orcrist, the Goblin Cleaver. A famous blade, forged by the High Elves of the West, my kin. May it serve you well." He handed the weapon back to Thorin, who accepted it with a nod.
"And this is Glamdring, the Foe­hammer, sword of the King of Gondolin." Elrond was only too glad to identify these blades for them. Each had a story and a reason for being made. "These swords were made for the goblin wars of the First Age..."

Bilbo was increasingly interested by this, then looked to his own sword.
Balin smiled lightly as he followed their burglar's gaze, then spoke up. “I wouldn’t bother, laddie. Swords are named for the great deeds they do in war.”
Bilbo hesitated, then sheathed the blade once more. "What are you saying, my sword hasn’t seen battle?"
"I’m not actually sure it is a sword; more of a letter opener, really." If possible, Balin wished to save Bilbo the embarrassment.

Returning the sword to its rightful owner, Elrond looked to Gandalf. “How did you come by these?”

Kili burst out laughing as a bread roll hit Dwalin on the head, and Dwalin cursed at him (much to the shock of a few elves).
This didn't seem to bother the youngest, though. Kili was rather immature sometimes, especially if he was in the center of attention.
"I can't say I fancy Elves myself, too thin." Kili made sure not to say so too loudly, but he said it all the same. "They're all high cheekbones and creamy skin. Not enough facial hair for me." At that, he winked at one of the elves near the back. "Although, that one there's not bad." Again, he wanted attention for being so bold.
Dwalin raised an eyebrow, then looked to the elf Kili had referenced. "That's not an elf maid."
Everyone burst out laughing at his foolishness, and Kili wished he could have sunk into the floor. Being the center of attention wasn't always a good thing.

Embarrassed, Kili grumbled that he wished to find where they kept the mead. Once he made a hasty retreat, he started to walk around the courtyard some, then he took notice that Saeril was observing the group rather than join them.
Unlike before, she was clad in a brown dress and her hair was down. Contrary to his former claims that he did not fancy elves, Kili believed his godmother to be the fairest one there. She had a goodness about her, a motherly sort of charm that he'd felt only from Dis.
Kili stepped up alongside of her, and he was thankful for the balcony's ledge. By leaning on it, he could add a bit of height to his too-short frame. "Why aren't you joining us?"

[AngelBites15]

"We found them in a troll hoard on the Great East road, shortly before we were ambushed by orcs", the wizard answered his curious but proud Elven friend. "It was a shame to just leave them to lie there", Gandalf added to his point, before taking a split-second glance at Thorin to make sure he was at least a little proud of coming into possessing a great weapon such as Orcrist.

Saeril didn't expect Kili to approach her now. After what he saw from her, she didn't think he would still be that attached to her. He knew her ever since he was a young dwarrow, always dreaming to see, observe, or witness her in the flesh. That is where she came to the point: he saw her as his greatest imagination; his muse. He trusted her for so long, he never judged her. Those traded interactions with the letters and the gifts? It allowed him to closely connect with her, therefore it grew into a love between a child and a parent.

"I was just having thoughts", the she-elf answered with a sigh that nearly sounded miserable. She kept leaning on the rail with her forearms restinf atop of it. "Why are you not with them? Your brother would be expecting you to", she pointed out with her gaze still on the view. She took a soft breath. "They don't like me, Kili", she was shaking her head. "The elves", added into her point of why she separated herself from her surrounding brethren.

[kiiblade]

"And what were you doing on the Great East Road?" Elrond questioned the two of them, though Thorin remained clammed up in regards to their journey.
With a frown towards their host, Thorin folded his arms across his chest. "That is none of your concern."
Elrond was not offended by his lack of respect; he had anticipated it. Dwarves were known to be stubborn, and Thorin was perhaps the most stubborn of all.
"I see." With that, Elrond set aside his own glass of wine when he took notice of Kili leaving the table to join with Saeril.
Thorin noticed too. For the better part of their journey, Kili had been at her side, and he did not like it. Somehow, Thorin could not trust Saeril. There was something about her that he did not like. It was as if she carried a secret within secrets, and he did not think it good for Kili to be so very devoted to someone he hardly knew.
Without a word, Thorin rose from the table and left.
Elrond raised an eyebrow, though did not comment on Thorin leaving. "Tell me, Gandalf...how is it that Saeril is accompanying you?"

"Oh, well...I just wanted to explore a bit." Kili didn't want to admit that he'd left out of embarrassment due to his most recent blunder. "Fili won't mind." As Saeril explained her absence, Kili tilted his head to the side as a puppy would, his brows knit in concern.
"How could they not like you?" This made no sense to him; she was very likable and one of their kind.
"Isn't this your home? They should be glad to have you back. You should come." Again, he tried to encourage her to join the others. It saddened him to see how she chose to isolate herself.

[AngelBites15]

Gandalf looked at the she-elf in the distance, before he took notice of Thorin leaving the table. He didn't say anything, but did turn his gaze back to Elrond. He really didn't need the others to hear about this, so he stood up. "My lord, I think it's best if we talked about that somewhere else", the wizard requested. Now was not the place to talk about her. The whole time, alone, Gandalf told every bit of detail of her story to the Elven lord.

Saeril took another sigh, before she let her wings stretch open wide, and back into their proper tucked-in place. She can't tell him. She just can't. "Believe me, Kili. What I said before, was and always will be true. I can't be accepted among the Elven kin. I'm not even from Rivendell, per say", she explained to him solemnly. "My home is farther from here; a legendary place, once. You've been there before".

[kiiblade]

Elrond listened carefully as Gandalf explained about Saeril. "You would do well to keep an eye on her, my friend. Should Thorin find out the truth...it would not end well. For any of them."
Despite his concern, Elrond had faith in Gandalf, and he knew that the wizard had his reasons for doing all of this. He often did. "In the meantime, you are all welcome to stay for as long as you need to."

Kili was often very persistent, but he accepted her answer. As he looked back to the company, he absentmindedly traced his finger over the intricate markings on the balcony's ledge. More often than not, he could cheer up those he cared about, but he could not seem to help Saeril. This was saddening, but he was not willing to give up.
"Where is your home?" The youngest looked to her in confusion when she'd mentioned his being there before. "I don't recall having been there."

[AngelBites15]

"That would be most appreciative, my lord", Gandalf thanked his friend on their walk, just before night fell quickly as they had thought. Even for Saeril and Kili, the she-elf retold to her youngest godson about his childhood in Fangorn Forest, her home. He spent his hunting days there with his brother and uncle, and of course, all those times that she watched him from above the tree branches. She was quick at the those heights, even with her brethren who once live with her there. It has been a rather fonding memory. Although there was that one time when she asked him about flying.

The Elven lights that surrounded them in the night were enough for concealment. So, she had to stretch her wings. Slowly giving a smile, the she-elf looked at the dwarf as he seemed to be a little bored. "How about you go wash up? If you're still up to that view?", she offered him. They both needed to see the world from above at the moment.

[kiiblade]

Kili had listened intently as Saeril told him of the forest. These were stories that he would never tire of, and he smiled fondly as he remembered the gifts he and Fili would find. "Once we've reclaimed Erebor...I would like us to return to Fangorn Forest. Just you, Fili, and I."

Later that evening, Kili had indeed grown bored. Unlike earlier, he was quiet in thought, and he'd chosen not to join the others yet. Instead, he was sprawled out on one of the cot-like chairs, staring up at the gazebo ceiling.
When Saeril mentioned that he should go wash up, he hesitated until she added on about their previously discussed view. "Really? Could we go now?" Kili sat up straighter, then rose to his feet. "I can wash up later," he promised, as he had his heart set on flying. Somehow, bathing sounded a lot less fun than flying.

[AngelBites15]

Indeed, later that evening, the she-elf sat with him on the cot-like chair. His head was laying in her lap, staring at the ceiling while she gently stroked his ebony brown hair. She would be grateful to venture her homeland with them, considering Kili's suggestion thoughtfully. Just the three of them; after the journey. She would fly the two of them there, and cherish the memories they had in their youth. His enthusiasm slightly startled her, but she was happy for his determination. "In that case, young Durin. Come with me", the she-elf offered her hand to lead him to the balcony, where they were earlier.

[kiiblade]

Kili accepted her hand, the smile never leaving his face. "How high up can we go?" To fly at night over the homeland of elves was something even he could not have thought possible, and he could hardly hide his childlike excitement. Even now, his mind was at work.
Kili had always been a dreamer, but this opportunity was beyond anything his imagination could conjure. This all felt too good to be real, but it was real, and he could barely wait.
"Do your wings ever tire, Delva?" Again, he had questions. Kili could not seem to keep his curiosity at bay.

[AngelBites15]

As they approached the balcony, Kili was asking her these many questions that could only make her chuckle in amusement. Here he goes again; asking away with childlike wonder. Once they made it to the balcony, she turned to him before letting her wings unravel. "As high as you would like to go", she answered with a bit of proudness in her voice. Crouching down to one knee, she was low enough to let him on. "They never do. Not even once".

[kiiblade]

Kili was amazed by her answers. Even with all of his energy, his legs tired if he walked too long. Apparently wings were different. And better.
"Well -- perhaps we should not go too high," now that he was faced with the possibility of flying, he was a touch nervous. This was completely unlike him, but this experience was something that no dwarf had ever gone through before.

Carefully, Kili moved around so that he might hold on. Kili hugged her around the neck, but not tightly. "Are you certain I'm not too heavy?" Again, he voiced his concerns. Kili didn't weigh much at all, especially considering that he was a dwarf. Unlike most, he was lithe rather than burly.

[AngelBites15]

Saeril laughed heartily as soon as he prepped himself upon her being, only being a tad bit nervous of the height of flying. She will gladly not go too high, plus if she were to go higher, then her elf eyes would give her the navigation to go through the dark and, if possible, maybe even the clouds. She respected, and promised, his request to not go too high. Maybe not yet. It was an awkward piggyback position, and the she-elf kept him up with her arms hoisting his legs. In truth, he wasn't at all too heavy. Her strength was too great; Mahal, she took down a few orcs and wargs earlier today. So, there was no trouble. Carefully, Saeril perched herself onto the railing, looking down at the depth of the drop in the ridge. "Not bad?", she asked behind her, towards him. She didn't wait for him to respond, and the she-elf got ahead of herself: by already letting her body drop from the rail.