Chapter 20: Diplomacy and Visions

The days passed quickly in Rivendell, and for the most part, they were pleasant ones, despite the marked tension that still resided between most of the dwarves and their hosts. Thorin had informed the company that they would be remaining in Rivendell at least until the Midsummer Feast for Gandalf insisted that they seek Lord Elrond's help with the map of Erebor on that night. Sara never did get a chance to speak alone with Fili and Kili about their offer, for the morning after her run-in with Thorin in Elrond’s kitchens, the three of them were called the Thorin’s quarters. He and Balin had been looking for ways to get Sara out of the agreement, and this had angered Fili, but he needn't have worried. Balin said he could not see a way to anole the offer as it had been properly given, property accepted, and witnessed by Kili. He had then tried to find a law that forbade Sara or any other human from being made a heart sister, but it had never occurred to those who wrote the laws surrounding these offers that they would be made to any but dwarf, so there had never been any stipulations set against such an unforeseen occurrence. There was nothing to be done, quite literally, for until they had either the approval (unlikely) or rejection (which was almost assured) of Lady Dis, no one could make a move.

This however was not to remain the case, for Balin had brought up a point that was often forgotten as it hardly ever came into effect as most offers were sorted in short order. There was a deadline of six months for those who would challenge the offer and if no challenger could present themselves by this time, then the offer was considered to be approved by all, and unfortunately, no one could challenge before Lady Dis as she was the closest living relative. This had unnerved Thorin. Even if they were to inform Lady Dis of her son's hasty offer and she rejected Sara, she would then have to disprove Fili’s determination and that would require her presence which would prove difficult as she was some several hundreds of miles away seeing to things in the Blue Mountains in Thorin’s absence. Should she approve however, then Thorin would be the one to stand against his nephew. With this new stipulation in mind it was determined that Thorin and Fili would each wright a letter to Lady Dis and argued for her to accept Sara as a daughter. Fili had agreed to this idea readily as if they were successful it would remove one of his opponents and had even included a sketch of Sara that Ori had drawn. Thorin, for his part, was confident in his ability to put his nephew in his place should his sister approve, and knew all too well that he could do nothing against a deadline. He too argued for Sara’s acceptance as it was his only chance to prevent her from becoming part of the family and subsequently a princess of Erebor. Fili and Kili still persisted in calling her sister, much to the annoyance of Thorin. Unfortunately, his hands were tied, for even before the proof of determination it was expected that the one who made the offer assumed the responsibilities offered as if it had been proven. This particular law was in place so that a child was not left without care while the official process commenced. It was galling to Thorin how literally his nephews took this all, but it amused Dwalin to no end to see the princes fawn over Sara witch in turn only fed Thorin's frustration.

Quickly the letters were written and Thorin had approached Lord Elrond for his help in seeing that the letters reach the Blue Mountains in the fastest possible manner. The elf lord had provided one of his fastest falcons to Thorin who had been a bit uneasy trusting the bird in this matter but Gandalf had assured him that Lord Elrond’s falcons were no ordinary birds but wise as had been the ravens of Erebor. Thorin would have indeed prefurred a raven but relented, allowing the falcon to carry the messages. Once the letters were secured to the falcon Elrond had spoken to the bird in a strange tongue before sending it winging away. He had informed Thorin that the falcon would be able to find him in future to bring a reply.

As Sara was now whole once again, her training with Dwalin began and she was pleased to learn that Thorin had given his blessing. Indeed, he had insisted that the whole company train daily while in Rivendell and he make sure special attention was paid to Ori. Sara was surprised when Thorin also suggested to Bilbo that he join the training, and reluctantly their hobbit agreed; though after a few days Dwalin despaired that the hobbit would ever show any improvement beyond a beginner's skill. Under the instruction of Dwalin and Nori, Sara was making some progress. They had helped her to adjust her grip and strengthen her stance but then help had come from an altogether surprising, and to Dwalin, an unwelcome source. The company had been training for four days now in the large grassy area they had found on the outskirts of Elrond's gardens right before it gave way to the wild woods. Sometimes they trained as a group and others one-on-one or in Sara's case one on two. She had been training with Dwalin and Nori everyday and though not harsh they pushed her to her limits giving her sets of exercises to do and Sara's body was sore as at adjusted to the new routines. Today Dwalin sat under a tree tending to his axes and keeping watch out to the corner of his eye as Nori led Sara through some of the movements. Thorin was working with Fili, Kili, and Ori some distance off and Balin was instructing Bilbo as Dwalin and had become too impatient for the hobbit. Nori had stilled next to Sara and she paused watching him scrutinize the shrubbery nearby.

“What is it?” she asked. Nori did not respond but disappeared into the forest silently. Dwalin came to stand by her and she looked to the others of the company all watching the woods for Nori's return. It was quiet for a few minutes and then they heard a yelp and shortly Nori return through the trees hauling a person behind him by the arm.

“Estel!” exclaimed Sara as she saw him came into view.

“Sara!” cried the boy struggling and trying to kick Nori who held him at a distance. “Let me go!” he yelled at the thief.

“You know this boy?” asked Nori rather irritably. “I caught him spying on us.”

“Hardly spying,” said Sara skeptically. “Let him go Nori.”

“How do you know this boy?” Dwalin asked from beside her studying the struggling boy. He addressed the boy. “Who are ya lad?”

“Nori,” came Thorin’s deep voice. “Release the boy.”

“I caught him spying on us from the woods,” said the thief.

“Release him,” warned Thorin. Reluctantly the Nori released his grip. Estel yanked his arm away and came to stand by Sara sticking his tongue out at his would be captor.

“He is the adopted son of our host,” replied Thorin looking sharply at the thief who stood arms folded eyeing the boy unhappily.

“What are you doing here Estel?” asked Sara. He looked up at her fingering a small bow that was slung over his shoulder.

“I was out hunting with Elladan and Elrohir.”

“Who?” she asked.

Elladan and Elrohir, the twin sons of Lord Elrond,” replied Estel simply. “We were hunting nearby and I saw you.” He pointed to the warrior beside her. “Is he Dwalin?”

“How do you know my name?” asked Dwalin gruffly suspicion clear on his face.

“Ms. Sara told me about you,” said Estel brightly stepping around her to get a better view of him. “She says you and Mr. Thorin are the most fearsome warriors.” Dwalin looked a bit taken aback and he glanced quickly at Thorin and Sara before returning his attention to the boy.

“Did she now?” he asked, a note of pride in his tone. “What else did she say?” At this moment a voice called for Estel from the woods.

“I'm over here,” yelled estel cupping his hands around his mouth. Two figures appeared between the trees and entered the clearing warily. Fili and Kili came to stand on either side hands on their weapons, in fact all the dwarves seemed a bit tense as the two new arrivals were both tall slim elves. They both possessed dark hair and gray eyes, and their faces were so similar that there was no doubt in Sara's mind that these must be the twins Estel had spoken of as they also had some resemblance to Lord Elrond.

“Are these your brothers?” Sara asked the boy. Estel nodded and ran over to greet them, being sure to step wide around Nori.

“This is Elladan,” he said gesturing to one. “And this is Elrohir.” He pointed to the other. The elf who he had named Elladan was dressed in fitted dark green tunic and soft brown trousers, a long sword strapped to his back. Elladan’s long hair was pulled back into a high tail behind his head, several small braids in the mix. Elrohir stood beside him a bow in one hand and a quiver of arrows over his shoulder wearing a loose shirt of deep blue, his pants black. Elrohir wore his hair in loose layers about his ears and neck, for his hair was cut much shorter than his brothers. While the two brothers faces were identical, they definitely has two different styles and the only thing that they seemed to share was a single gold hoop in each of their right earlobes.

“Estel,” questioned Elladan. “Why are you here with these dwarves?”

“I wanted to see Mr. Thorns band of fearsome fighters,” said the boy looking excitedly around at the dwarves who had gathered closer together. Elrohir wrinkled his nose at the boys response.

“How did you know about the dwarves?” asked Elrohir placing a protective hand on the boy's shoulder. “You've never met or been introduced?”

“Well he sort of has actually,” said Sara stepping toward the elf brothers.

“Ms. Sara and I caught young Estel in the pantry late at night several days ago,” said Thorin addressing the elves. They look down at the boy who grinned up at them.

“Ms. Sara makes the most delicious cookies,” said Estel placatingly.

“It seems we'll have to keep a much closer watch on you little brother,” said Elrohir.

“So it seems,” agreed Elladan quietly. He turned to Thorin. “What brings you and yours to this clearing,” he asked.

“They are training,” piped up Estel eagerly.

“Then we shall leave them to it. Come Estel,” called Elladan turning to leave.

“But I wanted to watch the dwarves train,” whined the boy. “Please?”

“Why would you want to watch a bunch of dwarves train,” asked Elrohir raising his eyebrows at his young brother.

“Ms. Sara says that they are mighty warriors and Mr. Thorin says dwarves are strong. Very strong, stronger even than elves,” said the boys sounding impressed as he moved to stand in front of Thorin who stood looking rather proudly down at the boy. It was plain to see that Estel was quite enamored with the dwarf king.

Elrohir snoted. “Is that what they told you,” he asked sardonically eyeing the dwarves in question. “I doubt it.”

“That there would be the truth lad,” said Dwalin cooly.

“Would you care to put that to the test master dwarf?”asked Elrohir fingering his bow.

“Brother,” chidded Elladan. “Father would not approve.”

“Father would not approve of Estel still being told falsehoods either,” replied Elrohir cooly. “Besides, father need not know. What do you say master dwarf care to test the validity of your claim?”

“Aye!,” said Dwalin smirking his eyes flashing as he hefted his axe. “Ya have no idea how much I would enjoy that lad.”

Elladan sighed. “At least take your spar to the training arena.”

Estel whooped excitedly. “What about you Mr. Thorin,” he asked tugging on his arm. “Aren't you going to fight as well?”

Thorin grinned down at the boy. “Is that something you wish to see?” asked the dwarf king.

“Very much,” said the boy eagerly still tugging at the dwarfs arm.

“Whom would you like to see me spar with then?” asked Thorin.

“I could fill that role,” offered Elladan.

Balin stepped forward and addressed the elf. “My brother can be hot headed when it comes to elves. Perhaps it would behove us to have you switch partners. It would be better not to let him fight your brother. Dwalin may get a bit carried away though it's only supposed to be a spar.” Elladan glanced to his brother calculating.

“Perhaps you are right Master Dwarf,” agreed Elladan. “My brother also is prone to excessiveness in the arena.”

It was finally agreed that Thorin would spar Elrohir and Dwalin would spar Elladan. They had not been very happy to switch at first but Balin had insisted and with Elladan to support him it was the others finally consented. The Elves had led the company to a small arena which was well hidden inside the towering stone walls surrounding Elrond’s Villa. There was no ceiling, for in a truth, the arena was set in a great basin in the rocks. The natural light bounced off the tall white stone walls as the company gathered around to watch and cheer. Sara noticed a crowd elves on the other side of the small courtyard as well. Most of the dwarves pressed close but Sara and Balin hung back. Estel was with them, excited energy rolling off the boy in waves. He reached for Sara's hand tugging at her. “Who do you think will win?” he asked. Sara looked to the four figures preparing and had to admit she was unsure.

“I don't know,” she said. “I've never seen an elf fight but I have a hard time seeing Thorin losing. What do you think Balin?” She turned to the white bearded dwarf beside her.

“Thorin and Elladan will be the victors lass,” said Balin simply.

“Why would you think that?”asked Estel. “Dwalin looks like he might be even stronger than Thorin.”

Balin looked down at the boys smiling knowingly. “Strength is not everything young one.”

“Well then what is?” questioned the boy scrutinizing him.

“Ya watch the match and ya see if you can tell me at the end.” challenged Balin. Estel groaned, reminding Sara of a boy with homework, but he turned his attention forward. The combatants squared up. Elrohir faced Thorin but in his hands was now a staff of wood or so sara thought, for when he twisted the shaft blades popped out of either. Throin had removes some of his personal effects and stood at the ready rolling his shoulders, Orcrist held loosely in his hand. Dwalin held his twin axes facing Elladan who drew his blade from over his shoulder. Sara was surprised when what had appeared to be one blade was now two, one held in each hand. Dwalin and Elrohir were the first to make a move taking savage swings at their opponents but Thorin and Elladan were cool and collected as they blocked parried or dodged their blows. The fights lasted about fifteen minutes and ended exactly as Balin had predicted. Elrohir was the first to go down, for as fast and light with his staff as he was, he could still not overcome Thorin who was surprisingly agile for a dwarf. Sara had watched riveted as Thorin fought, holding her breath for long stretches at a time. And then it was over, Thorin stood over the elf, Orchrist pressed against Elrohir’s chest. His staff lay several yards away where it had landed when Thorin had knocked it from his hands.

“Yield,” ordered Thorin.

Elrohir dropped his head, his hair falling to obscure his features. “I yield” he said. There was a cheer from the dwarves. All eyes turned to Dwalin and Elladan’s fight. Elladan like his brother was fleet and agile but much more controlled and reserved in his movement as he fended off or avoided Dwalin’s powerful attacks. It all came to a head when Elladan flicked the blade in his right hand just so, disarming and angry-looking Dwalin. The elf held his blades cross to the dwarfs neck and all was silent for a moment.

“Will you yield master Dwalin?”

Dwalin fists opened and closed reflexively, his jaw tightening. Beside Sara, Balin held his breath. Finally the warriors frame relaxed. “Aye, I yield.” A cheer now came from the gathered elves and the dwarves broke into mutters. Sara watched as coins were grudgingly exchanged.

“How did you know?” asked Estel tuning to Balin who looked rather pleased.

“Because,” said the old dwarf. “Elrohir and my brother went into a fight in hot blood against cool minds. It takes much more than strength to be victorious young one. It takes patience, intellect, and skill as well.”

The boy studied Balin carefully. “Father says that too,” he said finally.

“Your father is strong and wise,” said Balin.

“Stronger than a dwarf?” asked Estel.

Balin smiled. “There are many ways one can be strong young Estel. Dwarves are naturally stranger in body, but elves endure the centuries and are endowed with greater magic.” The boy nodded contemplating the dwarfs words.

“Still,” said Estel finally. “It is good to be strong, like a dwarf.”

Balin laughed aloud. “That it is young one.” The boy grinned and ran off to the others.

“You know,” said Sara a bit surprised as the elves and dwarves began to mingle in the arena below them. “You are a sly old dwarf.”

“And why is that Ms. Sara?” asked Balin smiling faintly as he watched the tentative interactions taking place.

“You knew that Thorin and Elladan would both win, giving both the elves and dwarves a champion. That’s why you insisted they switch partners, not because you feared Dwalin or Elrohir would take it to far.”

He grinned openly at her now. “Aye lass I did. I told ya, I am a diplomat, and a diplomats job is best done when no one notices it.”

The fight did indeed have a positive effect on the elf dwarf relations. The company for the most part had come to have a grudging respect for the elves, even Dwalin, as did the elves for the dwarves. The elf twins had invited the dwarves to train in the arena thereafter and so the company did. Fili and Elladan could often be seen together, sparring and training or comparing and admiring each other's blades. Elrohir for his part took an interest in Kili and his dwarven bow which Kili was rather proud of. They had even swapped weapons several times testing the. Several of the others also found inteset in the elves, especially Ori who was often seen with the elves taking many notes in his book and Thorin had to drag him away several times to continue his training. Balan and Bilbo continued to work together and every now and again Elladan would even take the hobbit aside for some instruction.

Throughout the fray Estel could often be seen flitting from one group to the next taking it all in, wide-eyed and made friends with many of the dwarves, although he never truly warmed to Nori. The boys favorites remained Thorin and Sara with Dwalin being a close second. Thorin for his part seemed rather fond of the young boy and Sara took great pleasure in watching them together when they were not paying attention, though sometimes she thought Thorin caught her watching eyes. Dwalin and Nori continued to work with Sara and she was showing some small improvement, but would really boosted her skills was when the twins took an interest in her. They had heard from the others of her strange martial arts training and had asked her to demonstrate some of her Aikido for them. They had grown excited, for they had seen similar styles when they had traveled far to the East and North. With the permission of Dwalin, Elrohir had helped Sara more fluidly translate some of her Aikido and Judo skills to the use of the staff and after a few lessons Sara was showing great improvement.

Upon learning that Sara had no weapon of her own, Elrohir had gifted her a staff very similar to the one he had used against Thorin. It was a beautiful staff of dark grained wood set with metal tips and either end. He had shown her how the mechanics inside worked. If Sara twisted the shaft in opposite directions eight inch blades popped out of either end. If Sara push a small hidden button near the grip the staff broke apart in two. This not only allowed her another form of fighting, but also meant she could more easily strap it to her pack. Dwalin and Nora had both grudgingly admitted it was a beautifully crafted weapon, even if it was Elvish, and it was well suited for Sara for it was strong but light in her hands. Under Nori and Elrohir’s staff training Sara made steady and marked progress over the next few days.

Finally to the relief of the dwarves, and some Elves if truth be told, the night of the Midsummer Feast arrived. The dining hall was filled with elves that have come to Lord Elrond’s home to celebrate and feast. Sara and the company had been moved to a smaller dining room with Lord Elrond and his family. Sara was sitting between Fili and Kili with Dwalin and across from her. She wore another of the dresses she had taken from the trunk at the foot of her bed; this one green with gold thread woven throughout. The style and fit were very similar to the blue dress save for shorter sleeves and to Sara’s delight hidden pockets in the skirt. She had once again forgon the shoes as they were too large.

At the head of a table set Lord Elrond, Gandalf and Thorin to his left, and Elladand and Elrohir with Estel between them to Elrond's right. Sara wondered who else they were expecting, for the seat to Elrond's immediate right was still empty. Sara looked to the left and saw Kili watching something intently. She followed his gaze to where an elf maiden sat playing a harp. Kili winked slightly at the girl.

“Hey Kili,” she said slyly. “What are you staring at?” He looked back at her and saw that she Dwalin and Bofur had seen where he was looking and were watching him quite expectantly. The dazed smile slipped off his face to be replaced by indifference.

“Can't say I fancy elf maids myself; too thin,” said Kili. Dwalin raised his eyebrows disbelievingly. Kili turned to Bofur. “They're all high cheekbones and creamy skin, not enough facial hair for me.” Those nearby where now listening. “Though that one there's not bad,” said Kili nodding towards an elf who was strumming another smaller harp nearby.

Dwalin smirked as he leaned forward and whispered in a carrying tone, “That's not an elf maid.” The brunet prince looked to the elf in question and back at Dwalin dismay on his face as the others broke into raucous laughter. Kili buried his face in his arms on the table.

Sara held a lock of her hair under her nose and leaned toward Kili. “So should I grow a beard Kili? Would that make me more appealing? Do my smooth cheeks bother you?” He looked up at her and groaned shaking his head as the others continue to snicker at him.

“Please,” he whined pathetically laying his head down again. “Don't grow a beard. I didn't mean it.”

“He’s right sister,” said Fili throwing an arm around her. “You would not look good with a beard. Your face is all wrong for it.”

“Ya are very pretty as ya are lass,” said Dwalin. “Besides, it would be a shame to hide all your freckles,” he said seriously.

The meal was delicious and the time slipped quickly by. Having Elrond at the table had a slight mediating factor on the dwarves, for they were not so rowdy is normal. There was a minimal food throwing, no rocus bar songs, and certainly no stacked dishes though Sara noted that their table manners were still poor. They had just begun with the desserts which Sara had checked with Dwalin before eating as she wished to remain sober. A hush fell over the room as all heads turned to the doorway. There stood the most beautiful lady elf Sara had ever seen. Her silver gold hair fell in long waves flowing over her white dress. She seemed to radiate light and as she passed over the threshold Elrond and Gandalf stood bowing.

“Welcome Lady Galadriel,” said the elf lord reverently, his hands raised in welcome. She did not speak but began to make her way to the head of the table. The whole table stood from their chairs and bowed their heads as the Lady of Lorien passed them. Even Bofur had removed his hat. When she drew level with Dwalin her eyes flicked to the side looking at Sara with interest as she passed. As Galadriel reached the head of the table Thorin gave a small bow from the waist before she sat, the rest of the table following her. The meal resumed, though much subdued, and Sara didn’t see Bofur return his hat to his head for the duration. The company were all quiet now as a conversation resumed at the head of the table. Sara wondered if perhaps the Lady Galadriel had spoken into their minds as she knew the lady was capable of, for they did not speak to each other and each looked as if in the deep pensive thought. Sara had heard nothing in her mind and though she was in awe of the lady's beauty and grandeur she was not quite as withdrawn as her companions. Even Thorin seemed unable to keep his eyes away from the white lady for long and Sara noticed that he looked much more tense than normal. The feast was finished in this fashion and Elrond stood thanking them for coming and encouraging them to continue if they so wished. He and the others at the head of the table stood and left the room together, Thorin and Balin with them. Slowly the rest of the dwarves rose and left through they still did not speak for several minutes and even then only in subdued tones.

The dwarves all seemed intent on returning to their rooms to pack and prepare for tomorrow's journey as Thorin had informed them that he intended to leave in the morning once he and Gandalf had inquired after the map. But there were a few hours still so Sara turned into the gardens to take in the beauty of Elrond's grounds by twilight one last time.

As the stars began to wink into existence in the dark of the summer sky, Sara found herself in a small hidden nook of the gardens. It was tucked into an alcove of the towering stone cliffs that surrounded Rivendell and it reminded her a bit of the patio at the end of the hallway near their rooms. A carved stone pedestal stood in the middle of the small clearing and atop this sat a round shallow dish of silver. She approached the pedestal and had one bare foot on its top step when she heard a clear musical voice speak.

“Do you wish to look in the mirror of Galadriel Sara Miller?” Lady Galadriel stood behind her, her gray eyes watching her intently. Sara stepped down and turned to face the lady.

“I’m sorry I didn’t know that what it was.”

“Do you wish to look?” Sara glanced back at the shallow dish and found that she did. Very much.

“Why would you let me look into your mirror?”

“I cannot speak into your mind,” said Galadriel, never taking her grey eyes from Sara’s. “Something blocks me and I cannot think why. Few may close their minds to me and you are not even aware you do it. Perhaps the mirror will reveal more about you than your companions. Gandalf was careful to only disclose your name in his thoughts, and though you are often on Thorin Oakenshield’s mind he also guards details about you jealously as do all your companions.”

Galadriel came to stand across the pedestal from her. How was Galadriel's mirror here in Rivendell instead of in Lothloriean? She dared not ask. She could remember what Frodo would see when he and Sam looked into the mirror and she was a bit afraid if truth be told. What might be revealed to Lady Galadriel?

“Will you be able to see everything the mirror shows me?” asked Sara carefully.

“I may see some, but hardly all. Not even the wisest may say, for the mirror and what it reveals are fickle.”

“Does the mirror ever lie?”

“A mirror cannot lie Sara Miller. It may show things beyond our comprehension and some things that may never happen, but it never lies about the past or the present and only reveals our possibilities in the future."

Sara mulled this over. She wanted to look. Could it show her past, her family? Could it bring an end to this endless search? And what of Aule and Yavannas will for her. Maybe it could tell her exactly what she needed to do to get home. Even a clue. Any idea was better than none. Her thoughts turned to home and what had happened after she had gone missing. Everyone must think her dead by now. Were her friends okay?

“I would like to look.” Sara steped up onto the pedestal.

“It is well,” said the lady. “What do you desire to see, for I make command the mirror to reveal many things, though the mirror will also show things unbidden and those are often stranger and more profitable than the things which we wish to behold.” Sara chose her words carefully before she spoke afraid to reveal anything. Galadriel smiled at her seeming to perceive her caution.

“Can the mirror show me anything about my past, my family?” asked Sara. “And I would also like to see what has happened at home since I left.”

Lady Galadriel touched the surface of the water with a finger. She then bent low over the basin to breathe or speak Sara could not tell, but instantly the surface stilled and was smooth. Galadriel motioned for Sara to look. Slowly Sara bent over the wide basin and looked. The water reflected back at her a flat black. She waited but nothing happened.

“Your past does not come forth easily,” said the white lady frowning. “Long has it been since it is so difficult for me to cull forth an image to my mirror. Perhaps your home will prove more willing to show itself.” Galadriel touched the water once again and Sara lent over the water. The water remained black and unmoving. She looked back at the lady to see her gazing steadfastly at the basin of water, but it remained dark. Lady Galadriel let out of soft breath.

“I cannot find your home or your past they remain hidden from me. You grow evermore a mystery, Sara Miller. We shall allow the mirror to show what it will.”

Galadriel gestured once again to the shallow bowl. Sara bent her head to look, and this time the images came without hesitation some familiar and some not. There were flashes of scenes from Bilbo's house and their travels here. Thorin was pushing on Fili’s chest beside the river, now dwarves running from the orcs. She watched herself tackle an orc slaying it. She was surprised by the savagely of the act. What came next sent shivers down her spine. An orc’s face glowered up at her from the black water; his white skin crisscrossed with deep scars. The intensity of his gaze chilled even her bones and she almost turned away.

The water shifted to show Bilbo fingering something in his vest pocket, a distracted look on his face. Thorin lay on the ground bleeding profusely from a deep wound near his shoulder, his eyes rolled back into his head. Sara's gut clenched. She saw the company struggling through a violent thunderstorm and then saw her and Thorin sitting in a hayloft. The water shifted to a man with dark hair to his shoulders pulling back the shaft of an arrow, flames rising high behind him. Thorin hanging limp and unresponsive in the talons of an enormous Eagle. Kili flushed with a raging fever in the throws of what appeared to be a seizure. The face of a fair elf a crown of branches and leaves on his brow, his expression dower. She saw a single tall mountain surrounded by dead and barren lands. Hosts of men, elves, and dwarves all facing each other preparing for battle and then mounds and mounds of dead bodies. So vivid and visceral was the view that Sara covered her nose trying not to wretch.

The water shifted again and Sara’s breath caught for there in the water she watched as Thorin backed her into a tree, placing his hands on either side of her head as he suddenly captured her mouth in a sound kiss that seemed to go on and on as he pressed himself to her needily. Sara’s stomach flip-flopped as and her pulse quickened. But the image abruptly changed to a scene of a town set in the middle of a lake, flames engulfing. Now Thorin was bound in chains and the company was behind the bars of a dark prison. Fili and Kili were fighting alongside Thorin in a fierce and terrible battle. She saw the white orc once again a triumphant look on his deformed face. Thorin, Fili, and Kili’s faces all swim in the water, staring back at her… all three dead, their wide staring eyes dull and lifeless. Sara stifled a sob but could not look away as tears came to her eyes, making it difficult to see. Last of all the mirror showed the image of her right hand, the mark on it plain as day. The mark began to grow and fill the basin growing brighter and brighter before flashing out in a brilliant dazzle of sparks. The water fell dark and still only reflecting the stars from the sky above. Sara blinked as her eyes adjusted to the dark once more.

“I know what it is you bear on your right hand,” said Lady Galadriel reverently. “You bear the mark of the Aule and Yavanna. Is this what you sought to keep hidden?” Sara nodded not sure how much Galadriel truly knew.

“Gandalf told me to keep the mark covered,” said Sara holding up her hands. “He is afraid that someone would see it.”

“Mithrandir is wise and I have often thought it folly that he was not made head of the council. He was correct to counsel you so and I would echo his words, for there are indeed those who would seek your destruction if they should see your hand.”

Lady Galadriel stepped down from the pedestal and gestured to Sara.

“Come, I would have you follow me, for the others are gathering and I believe you should be a party to this council Sara Miller.” With this, the white lady turned and strode off. Sara followed her mind still clamoring with the things the mirror had shown, her heart gripped with fear for the future.