Chapter 378: Gathering in Rivendell
After arranging the castle and school affairs, Kael, Gandalf, Frodo and his three companions, Bilbo, Legolas, and the others gathered in Kael's private tower.
Bilbo, as the former bearer of the One Ring, needed to attend the council as well.
Legolas was there as a representative of the Woodland Realm, traveling to Rivendell to attend the meeting Elrond had called.
Because the One Ring was involved and might cause accidents with the Floo Network, Apparition, or Portkeys, they chose the safest method available. Even with the Phial of Galadriel and basilisk venom suppressing its influence to the lowest possible level, Kael still refused to risk even the smallest chance.
So Frodo was carried to Rivendell by Kael in Phoenix form.
As for the others, they simply used the fireplace and went straight to Rivendell.
In Rivendell, the scenery was unchanged. Mountain flowers still bloomed in abundance, as if time had never touched the valley and it had remained forever as it first was.
To the immortal Elves, a few decades passed in the blink of an eye, barely worth noticing.
On the white courtyard that led toward the Last Homely House, a burst of flame appeared out of nowhere.
The commotion put the Elven guards instantly on alert. They fixed wary eyes on the fire and shifted into defensive stances.
But the moment a magnificent phoenix emerged from the flames, the guards relaxed, and the sharpness in their gazes softened.
The phoenix, gripping Frodo by the shoulder, alighted on the white courtyard. It wheeled through the air above Rivendell and cried out a clear, beautiful call that carried a strange magic, stirring courage and hope in anyone who heard it.
Elves across the valley lifted their heads, looking up toward that holy, radiant figure.
Inside the halls of the Last Homely House, Elrond had been writing. Hearing the sound, he looked up toward the window and smiled.
A graceful male Elf, drawn by the phoenix's song, arrived at the white courtyard.
He looked up at the circling phoenix, smiling as he applauded and spoke in a familiar tone. "A phoenix's song is so beautiful that no music can compare. Kael, my friend, you've brought us a delightful surprise."
The phoenix dropped to the ground and became human again. Smiling brightly, Kael stepped forward and embraced him warmly.
"Lindir, it's been a long time!"
As Elrond's trusted secretary, Lindir had a good relationship with Kael.
After the embrace, Lindir turned to the Halfling Kael had brought, his curiosity polite and gentle. "Kael, and who is this guest?"
"This is Bilbo's nephew, Frodo Baggins," Kael said. As he reached the latter part, his voice lowered slightly, with meaning. "He carries a great responsibility. The subject of this council is, in fact, on his person."
As Elrond's secretary, Lindir knew many secrets. At Kael's hint, he immediately understood that the One Ring was with Frodo.
His pupils tightened, and his body almost retreated on instinct.
He had heard many tales about the One Ring and knew how dangerous it was. Part of him wanted to keep as far away as possible.
Even so, he forced himself to stay, keeping a courteous smile. "Welcome to Rivendell, Frodo Baggins."
But he still maintained a subtle, careful distance.
Kael then introduced Lindir to Frodo. "Frodo, this is Lindir, aide and attendant to Lord Elrond of Rivendell, and also my father-in-law's trusted confidant. He is held in high regard."
"Hello, Master Lindir," Frodo said, a little stiffly.
Just then, green flames kept flaring in the public fireplace beside the courtyard, and one figure after another stepped out. Gandalf, Bilbo, Sam, Merry, Pippin, Legolas, Elthir Black, and Elroth Black arrived in quick succession.
"Uncle Lindir!" The moment Elthir and Elroth saw him, their eyes lit up, and they dashed over happily.
Seeing the two of them, Lindir's expression softened into unmistakable warmth.
"Elthir, Elroth, you came too?"
"They heard I was coming to Rivendell and insisted on coming along," Kael said with a laugh. "They said they missed you all."
Elthir and Elroth were doted on in Hogwarts, beloved by students and professors alike. In Rivendell they were no less cherished, indulged by their grandfather Elrond, their two uncles, and by Lindir and the other Elves; no wish of theirs was too small to grant, and no request ever went unanswered.
And because they were half-human, they did not have the Elves' usual distant calm. They were lively and expressive, like two warm little suns.
Elves adored them for it. Their overflowing emotions always seemed to brighten the people around them, drawing smiles without effort.
Elroth, even more spirited than her brother, hugged Lindir at once and pleaded sweetly, "Uncle Lindir, Elroth missed you! Did you miss Elroth?"
Lindir's smile turned impossibly gentle. His whole presence softened as he crouched to meet her eyes and spoke lightly. "How could anyone not miss our little princess? I have Miruvor, brewed with the first flower-honey of spring. Shall Elroth and Elthir taste it later?"
Elroth's eyes flashed bright. She nodded again and again. "Yes! Thank you, Uncle Lindir!"
Even Elthir, usually the steadier of the two, showed clear delight.
Miruvor was a sweet cordial that the Noldor of Rivendell were skilled at making. They gathered nectar from the flowers of Rivendell's gardens and brewed it by a special method, producing a drink that was warm and fragrant, sweet on the lips, and quick to drive away fatigue and restore energy.
Elthir and Elroth both loved it. Whenever they spent their holidays in Rivendell, they always drank it.
Even among the Elves of Rivendell, Miruvor was not something one tasted often. But for Elthir and Elroth, who were spoiled by everyone, it was never in short supply.
In fact, they drank so much of it that they always seemed lightly perfumed, carrying the scent of many flowers, enough to draw butterflies after them.
After sharing a moment with the twins, Lindir greeted Gandalf, Legolas, and the others as well.
Then, taking Elthir by one hand and Elroth by the other, he led the group toward the Last Homely House to meet Elrond.
Elrond was already waiting in the hall.
"Grandfather!" The moment Elthir and Elroth entered, they let go of Lindir's hands and ran to Elrond in excitement.
Elrond's face softened with gentle affection as he looked at his grandson and granddaughter.
He gathered them close, asked after them warmly, and only then kept them at his side and lifted his gaze to the guests arriving behind them.