As they arrived at Revandel, Elves were waiting on the platform for the next train ride to the station in Rohand. They were reading books, chatting, carrying baskets, and drinking tea at the in-built tea shop at the station.
As if a steam-powered iron beast wasn't loudly chugging toward them.
One elf even glanced at the approaching engine, nodded casually at Edwen through the window, and returned to his newspaper.
Thorin stared in disbelief.
"They… aren't even looking."
"Of course not," Edwen said with a straight face. "They ride this train every week."
Thorin's eye twitched.
Balin sputtered, "You mean to say… elves are accustomed to this madness?!"
Gandalf smiled knowingly. "Imladris adapts quickly when it wishes to."
The engine hissed sharply as it rolled to a stop, steam billowing across the platform. The dwarves clung to their seats for dear life, Bombur nearly sliding onto the floor.
Then the doors hissed open.
And the dwarves refused to move.
Thorin crossed his arms. "It is not natural. Doors should not slide open."
A passing elf arched a brow. "Would you prefer they explode?"
Thorin choked on a gasp and stumbled out first just to avoid being mocked further.
One by one, the company disembarked slowly, suspiciously, like they expected the platform to crumble beneath them.
Bilbo hopped down lightly and bowed toward a group of elves."This is much lovelier than the Shire, I must say."
The elves smiled warmly.
The dwarves glowered.
ThenA familiar voice rose above the noise of steam and startled dwarves.
"Edwen."
Lord Elrond himself approached, robes of deep blue flowing, expression stern but undeniably warm. Behind him, a few elves carried scrolls and tools, clearly accustomed to the engine's scheduled arrival.
Edwen placed a hand over his heart and bowed respectfully."Elrond. My Father-in-law, law. It is good to see you again."
"And you," Elrond replied, placing a steady hand on Edwen's shoulder. His gaze drifted to the company of dwarves… most of whom were hiding behind their ponies for no logical reason.
Elrond inhaled slowly.
"So… Thorin Oakenshield. You return to Imladris."
Thorin stepped forward stiffly. "We seek only safe passage and information."
"Both of which you will have," Elrond said, voice polite but edged. "Though I confess I did not expect you to arrive by rail."
"It was his idea," Thorin said, jerking a thumb toward Edwen. "Elf contraptions."
"The rail was built with elven cooperation," Elrond corrected. "My people use it often."
"And you're all alive?" Bofur gasped.
An elf deadpanned, "Regrettably."
Gloin muttered loudly, "Smug tree-folk…"
An elven guard murmured back, "Short-tempered stone-moles…"
Edwen pinched the bridge of his nose.Wonderful. Three minutes in and they're already trading insults.
Gandalf stepped between them with perfect timing."Let us remember we are here as guests and allies, if we wish to survive the coming days."
That silenced the grumbling.
For the moment.
Elrond led them down the stone path toward the heart of Rivendell. Waterfalls whispered beside them, and distant singing drifted through the air.
Bilbo looked around with wide, sparkling eyes."This place… it feels like a dream."
Balin nodded appreciatively. "Aye… even this old heart must admit its beauty."
The dwarves softened. Just a little.
Edwen fell into step beside Elrond.
"You've expanded since I last visited," Edwen noted, eyeing a newly constructed aqueduct.
"Your innovations inspired a few adjustments," Elrond said dryly. "My people find your train system… useful."
"Some more than others," Edwen chuckled.
Elrond's lips quirked. "Our scholars enjoy visiting Rohan's libraries. They tell me you now have nine?"
"Ten," Edwen corrected. "One was just completed."
"Impressive," Elrond murmured. "You've built more libraries in five years than most kingdoms build in centuries."
Thorin, overhearing, muttered, "Libraries won't kill dragons."
Elrond didn't look back."No, but ignorance certainly can."
Dwalin blinked. "…Was that an insult?"
"Possibly," Gandalf whispered.
Edwen was already grinning.
At last, they reached the great hall, banners of silver and deep blue fluttering gently. Musicians paused as they entered, and the air shifted with curiosity, wariness, and welcome mingling all at once.
Elrond turned to Thorin.
"We shall speak of your quest tonight. For now, my home is yours."
Thorin bowed stiffly.
Edwen noticed the dwarves' discomfort and stepped forward.
"We are safe here," Edwen said quietly. "These elves do not wish you harm."
Dwalin muttered, "Aye? They keep staring at us."
"You're loud," Edwen replied.
"And you're tall."
"That is correct."
To Edwen's utter delight, even Gandalf stifled a laugh at that.
As the dwarves were shown to their quarters, some grumbling about the lack of stone walls, others trying to act unimpressed, Elrond pulled Edwen aside.
"His path will be dangerous," Elrond said. "And if you join him, so will yours."
"I know," Edwen replied softly.
"And yet you go."
Edwen looked out at the valley, at peace, at beauty, and thought of Arwen, his son, of the kingdom they are building together.
"I go," he said, "because peace is worth protecting."
Elrond nodded once.Solemn. Approving.
"You have grown, Edwen of Rohan."
Edwen smiled faintly.
"Still growing."