The Unforgiven { Legolas x OC - LotR Fanfiction}

Rivendell

Gwaihir, the Eagle, crossed the eastern edge of Eriador, towards the Elven town of Rivendell. Because of its location, it was called "The Last Homely House East of the Sea." Rivendell was protected from attack (mainly by the River Bruinen, Elrond, and Elven magic), but Elrond himself said that Rivendell is a place of peace and learning, not a stronghold of battle.

"Imladris..." Ethir mumbled as she recognized Rivendell. The peaceful, sheltered town of Elves was eye-catching from afar. She had never been to Rivendell before. An Elven town was not a place for a wicked human Ethirthir. She would draw attention and cause bother to the Elves as her darkness could affect them.

Gwaihir flew away, leaving Gandalf and Ethir in front of the entrance of Rivendell. A small cluster of elegant Elven Buildings sitting in a Shangri-la-like Valley below towering cliffs and snow-capped mountains. Ethir presence was already noticeable. "Lower your gaze and follow me!" Gandalf said.

Gandalf first visited Frodo to make sure that the Hobbit was as well. It seemed that the Nazgûl found Frodo and injured him. It was Arwen, daughter of Elrond, who brought Frodo to safety. Gandalf and Ethir were brought to Elrond's chamber. Elrond glanced at Ethir. He had not asked Gandalf yet, who she was or why she was there. He knew he would get his answers soon. "His strength returns." the Lord of Rivendell said while watching Frodo and Sam from the balcony.

"That wound will never fully heal. He will carry it the rest of his life." the Grey wizard pointed out.

"And yet to have come so far still bearing the Ring, the hobbit has shown extraordinary resilience to its evil," Elrond noted.

Gandalf agreed, "It is a burden he should never have to have to bear. We can ask no more of Frodo."

"Gandalf, the enemy is moving. Sauron's forces are massing in the east. His eye is fixed on Rivendell. And Saruman, you tell me, has betrayed us. Our list of allies grows thin." the Half-elven defined worried.

"His treachery runs deeper than you know. By foul craft, Saruman has crossed Orc with Goblin Men. He is breeding an army in the caverns of Isengard. An army that can move in sunlight and cover great distances at speed. Saruman is coming for the Ring." the wizard disclosed.

"This evil cannot be concealed by the power of the Elves. We do not have the strength to fight both Mordor and Isengard Gandalf. The ring cannot stay here. This peril belongs to all Middle-Earth. They must decide how to end it." Elrond voiced as he turned and gazed at Ethir.

"It is in Men that we must place our hope," Gandalf answered.

"Men? Men are weak. The race of Men is failing. I was there, Gandalf... I was there three thousand years ago when Isildur took the ring. It should have ended that day, but evil was allowed to endure. Isildur kept the Ring, and the line of Kings was broken. There's no strength left in the world of men." he made it clear by showing his mistrust towards the humans.

" There is one who could unite them, one who could reclaim the throne of Gondor." The grey wizard said.

Elrond replied, "He turned from that path a long time ago. He has chosen exile."

Ethir turned against the window gazing at the Rivendell's gate. It seemed that more visitors were arriving. Though her mind was processing what she had just listened to. She wasn't sure why Gandalf and even Elrond allowed her to be there. But there was surely a reason. Usually, she would leave on her own. But Ethir came across two issues. One, she couldn't go back to Isengard after she took Gandalf's side. She knew well that Saruman would never accept her back. Especially now that he was going crazy. 'Joining Sauron? Creating an army? Wanting the Ring?' Ethir's mind was wheeling. Even her wicked self found Saruman's actions insane.