Kennet had to ask again to understand what elf Canaddal was telling him. In his serene and distant voice, the elf repeated his words again:
-I have instructions to welcome and guide the human Kennet to Rivendell, who will be a resident of our city for a time. But I have no news or permission to grant passage to your companion Meldanyel.
Now Kennet understood the meaning of what the elven scout was telling him. And an uneasiness began to grow within him. His gaze instinctively turned to Meldanyel, who was looking at him with a look of surprise. His friend had accompanied him all the way from Bree, had protected him from threats that would surely have caused him great harm, even death itself... Certainly, Meldanyel did not have a high opinion of elves, but to leave her behind after Canaddal's refusal to take her to Rivendell was too much. The guilt Kennet felt became unbearable in a matter of seconds.
The memory of the argument with Frideric earlier that morning popped into his head. Even though Meldanyel did not approve of this trip to Rivendell, she opposed the Ost Guruth leader's intentions to sabotage the expedition to the elven enclave. And she did it only for Kennet. No... he could not leave his friend behind alone in the night no matter how many orders the elf brought from his lords. Even if it meant confronting them.
-Then ask their permission for her! -he said without a second thought.
Canaddal's silence and lack of expression allowed the human to continue defending his position. She can be trusted, I am directly responsible for her actions -he said. Without her I could never have made it this far, she has protected me all the way from giant crows, nasty giant spiders and fierce wargs, even a terrifying bear could have finished me off after crossing the Loudwater River! I'm sure you've heard his roars from here, look at her wounds! -he said, pointing to the bandage on her leg and the tear at chest level in the woman's armor.
This time both elven scouts looked at each other in silence for a few moments, without changing their facial expression. It was clear that they had indeed heard the bear, or so the man thought. But when the elves turned their eyes back to Kennet, silence was still the answer.
Meldanyel was also confused, unsure how to react. Entering Rivendell was not her desire... in fact, she feared what she might find there surrounded by strange and magical creatures, whose true intentions she did not know. But feeling that she was rejected without the slightest hospitality after all the effort this trip had meant for her made her angry, and reinforced her bad opinion of the elves.
But before anyone present could say anything more, Kennet issued an ultimatum, arising more from emotion than reasoning. Precisely because of that, the young man was not at all clear if it had been a good idea or if it would work, but that did not stop him from saying it:
-If Meldanyel won't enter Rivendell, neither will I. So, if you don't have permission for her, I beg you to talk to whomever it takes to get it. Until then, we will both wait in this camp, for as long as it takes.
Meldanyel looked at Kennet in surprise at her friend's reaction. His greatest hope and motivation was to reach Rivendell. And yet, he was willing not to fulfill his longing if she was not present... Kennet looked at her for a few moments with a serious gesture that accompanied the condition he was placing on the elven scouts, but she found what he was doing very endearing.
Elves must be special creatures, because nothing of all that was said or all the sentiments expressed by Kennet seemed to affect them. Far from scoffing, feeling angry, or showing empathy to the young man's demands, the impression the two friends got was that they felt nothing inside. But Kennet remembered Master Frimsi's words in The Prancing Pony about elves: "But I think if you are persistent enough even the most cold and distant elf will warm up to you."
So he recalled the dwarf's advice for dealing with elves, a method that (he said) always worked: "One, make self-deprecating jokes about your own mortality. And two, compliment their wisdom and or beauty". In a couple of seconds, Kennet worked out in his head the request according to this advice. In a slightly calmer and more servile voice he began to speak.
-Lord Canaddal... surely our human and mortal spirit will not be able to appreciate the true, and surely legitimate, reasons for having such strict rules on access to your beautiful city -he said, not really knowing if Rivendell was beautiful or not. But your wisdom is legendary, and as such I am sure your lords will be able to appreciate that my friend and protector poses no threat to your people. And, I beg you, could you give her a minimum of hospitality so that she can recover from her wounds?. I promise you from my heart that it will not involve any inconvenience or trouble for you.
This time the silence was much shorter. And, perhaps it was just a biased impression of Kennet, but it seemed to the young man that Canaddal's distant tone had a hint of sympathy hidden in his reply.
-All right, Kennet son of Cyril. I will depart and ask the Lord of Rivendell if he agrees to welcome your companion Meldanyel. In the meantime, share a fire with us tonight and you may rest under the protection of this camp.
Kennet took a deep breath, and a broad smile of thanks appeared on his face. Thank you, thank you very much! -said the human spontaneously, turning his eyes more relieved to Meldanyel. Although the woman did not seem pleased by the attitude of the elves, what meant the friends finally rested with their own campfire at some distance from the elven scouts.
The night sky was beginning to lighten very slightly, and both friends found themselves awake around the ashes of the bonfire they had lit the night before. Neither of them had slept well, either because of nerves at being close to Rivendell, sleeping in the cold open with the wildlife roaming the area, or the lack of privacy due to the proximity of the elves. In a low voice they began to chat.
-I'm... I'm nervous, but I'm sure you'll get into Rivendell -Kennet confessed, somewhat uneasily.
-The place is not the problem… it's them -said Meldanyel, somewhat annoyed.
Kennet tried to smooth things over: Well... I really don't know, but I think they have their reasons for being cautious. They just... weren't expecting your arrival.
-Bah, as if I could do anything to them -the woman complained. With my old axe and my farmer's agility, I bet they'd have killed me if I'd even tried to draw my weapon.
The man didn't hesitate to joke to ease the tension: Hey, don't underestimate yourself! You can be a danger in any situation -he said with a chuckle.
But the woman ignored the joke and continued to express her thoughts: Elves are... strange. They don't seem to sleep or eat. I don't trust something that doesn't eat!
-That's a point -Kennet said with a chuckle again, though he then went on to speak without joking: But... not all dangers come by force. The past has many tales of treachery...
-I don't know... They look like creatures from an old fairy tale. They seem so perfect, so beautiful... so ethereal. I feel strange next to them -admitted the woman.
Kennet took a few seconds to answer, thoughtful at Meldanyel's reflection: It's true. I am curious about them. Master Frimsi told me that they can be gloomy and cheerful at the same time. That they seem cold but can be warmed up.
-Maybe, but I don't see them laughing at any of my jokes -the woman guessed.
-Neither mine! -added the man, laughing again at his own words.
-Well... I'm worried you'll become like them. Or similar at least -Meldanyel confessed.
Kennet arched an eyebrow and replied with a facetious comment: Nah... I've been around hobbits enough times to become an elf.
Meldanyel laughed but with little energy and said: I don't know, you admire them. You wanna study with them. Maybe you'll change. And I like the current Kennet, not the elvish and weird one that doesn't eat!
-Ha! Maybe… -the man gave himself a few seconds before answering, this time more serious. Maybe I will change. But certain things don't change. I could become more... scholar. More... more thinkful. But my desire for pipe-weed won't change. And my friendship with you neither!'
-I really hope so -the woman replied sincerely.
-I… well… I didn't think about your leaving until you said so on the journey -said Kennet with a hint of sadness in his voice.
-Well, I can't stay in Rivendell forever, you know -Meldanyel pointed out.
-Yes, yes, I know. It's just... I'll miss you. You're my best friend, Mel. I'll... try to get some scholar holidays to visit you! You owe me some meals! -Kennet cried with mock anger, which elicited a much more hearty laugh from Meldanyel.
-My biggest wish is that you return to Bree. Not for some brief time but forever. But... I think that won't happen -she said in a sad voice.
-Hey. My plans aren't to move to Rivendell! -Kennet excused himself, finally dropping the humor from the conversation. I... I... I think I'd like to travel... not far away. Just... visiting all old places in old Arnor. And Bree is almost the center of that area...
-You see? You won't live in Bree. Maybe you come from time to time but... it's not the same -the woman stressed.
-I MAY live in Bree. Just... I'd like to travel a lot -added the man, not quite knowing how to deal with the uneasiness his friend was showing.
After a few seconds of uncomfortable silence, Meldanyel sighed deeply: Well... doesn't matter. She stood up, shaking the dirt off her armor and shivering a bit from the morning chill. She looked at Kennet and asked: Can I sit closer? I'm kinda cold.
-Yes, of course! -her friend replied without hesitation. It's a cold morning.
She took a seat next to him, close enough to be in contact and feel his warmth. They both stood watching as the moon slowly disappeared over the horizon, while the firmament became more and more illuminated. The place invited tranquility, and it wasn't long before Meldanyel rested her head on Kennet's shoulder and fell asleep. The man let her rest, still tossing and turning over Meldanyel's worries.
Only a little later, when the day could be considered begun, Kennet saw in the distance Canaddal appearing in the bushes, moving gracefully without disturbing the vegetation around him. The elf looked at Kennet and simply nodded.
The wintry morning was cold but the sun reigned in the sky, giving some warmth to the travelers. Canaddal moved forward at a brisk pace without losing pace or energy, as if imbued with some magic that prevented him from tiring. Behind him marched Kennet and Meldanyel silently over Hawthorne and Mildred, with Kraven hovering some distance above them all.
At first they ascended the High Moor following a clear path through the forest, but after a while the elf turned aside and began to advance through the forest. Kennet was no explorer, but from the layout of the forest and the nearby elevations, they seemed to be heading for a dead end. Puzzled, perhaps they were headed for some sort of further test to gain access to Rivendell. Or maybe the elven city wasn't as grandiose as it was made out to be. Or maybe it had a hidden entrance....
When they reached a narrow gap between the mountainous elevations guarded by two armed and garrisoned elves, Kennet surmised that the latter lucubration was correct. Unlike Bree's armed but not always disciplined guards, these soldiers almost looked like statues, their gazes on the newcomers being the only clue that they were alive. Only when Kennet wished them good morning did they slightly nod their heads. The party entered the narrow gap in file, advancing for a few minutes through it surrounded by the damp air.
Crossing the mountainous elevations, the party found themselves in a lush forest, before a well-defined path descending into a valley. From their position they could only glimpse the wooded peaks of that valley, the first foothills of the legendary Misty Mountains. Without stopping, they continued to advance silently along the descending path.
However, it seemed that as they entered the valley everything had subtly changed. The temperature seemed to rise a few degrees, the light was a little more vivid, and various little birds could be heard cheerfully among the trees. A strange feeling of well-being began to fill their hearts, without quite knowing the reason. Kennet was excited and nervous, sensing that this valley must be Rivendell. Eager to see what lay behind the trees. And, after a bend in the road, the elven city appeared before them.
The vision of Rivendell made them stop and contemplate the beauty of the valley, of the rivers and waterfalls, and of all the elven architecture built organically among nature. Elegant stone bridges, carved and fine arches over the manicured paths, roofs of smooth geometric shapes uniformly integrated among the trees... And, standing out above all the rest, a majestic building around which slender figures could be guessed walking, interacting or simply resting from the beauty of the place. Both friends were speechless, captivated for minutes by the scenery they were seeing. Several meters away from them, Canaddal waited, respecting that moment. The elf knew the first sight of Rivendell was always an unforgettable moment for humans.
