Third Age, Year 2947, Midsummer Day.
The tranquil valley of Rivendell seemed noticeably different from usual, touched with an air of anticipation and heightened activity.
A very formal visiting letter had been delivered three days prior by a great snowy owl to Lord Elrond of Rivendell, its wax seal bearing Weathertop's crest.
The sender was Gandalf the Grey, representing Lord Kael of Weathertop, formally proposing marriage to Elrond's beloved daughter Arwen. The letter announced their intention to come to Rivendell this very day to discuss the matter properly with Elrond himself.
The elves of Rivendell already knew well of Kael and Arwen's blossoming relationship, having seen them on countless romantic dates throughout the valley. Yet now, hearing that Kael was actually coming to formally request marriage to their cherished Evenstar, they felt deeply conflicted emotions.
Arwen held an extraordinarily high position among all elvenkind. She was the only daughter of Rivendell's Lord Elrond and Lothlórien's Princess Celebrían, granddaughter of the legendary Noldor Princess Galadriel herself.
Elrond was half-elven with tremendous importance and influence throughout Middle-earth, serving as a voice of wisdom for all free peoples.
Galadriel was even more powerful and ancient, possessing extraordinary abilities and timeless wisdom accumulated over millennia.
Arwen herself was called "Evenstar" and "White Lady of the Noldor"—the morning star dwelling in every elf's heart, viewed reverently as "Lúthien reborn," possessing beauty that echoed the legendary Lúthien Tinúviel.
She wore the great and magically powerful elven jewel known as "Evenstar," passed down through her family line.
Most conflicted of all were Arwen's two protective brothers—the twin warriors Elrohir and Elradan.
Though mentally prepared for this day's eventual arrival, they genuinely hadn't expected that persistent young wizard Kael would move so quickly and eagerly to marry their beloved sister.
Unfortunately for their protective instincts, their father had already given his consent to the courtship.
Otherwise, by their thinking, delaying the marriage one or two thousand years wouldn't be unreasonably late at all.
After all, elven lives stretched across ages, and Kael now possessed longevity through his magical achievements too—there was absolutely no need to rush into matrimony.
"Hey, Ellohir, how do you think Kael and his party will actually arrive at Rivendell? Through the fireplace with Floo Powder?" Elradan asked his twin brother with mild curiosity.
Ellohir considered the Floo Network's notoriously unglamorous transportation method, shaking his head firmly while speculating aloud, "Today's an extremely important formal occasion. If he doesn't want to appear disheveled and covered in soot before Father, he definitely won't choose that undignified method."
"Then will he ride that massive dragon of his here? Make a grand entrance from the sky?"
"This isn't war or military posturing—what possible sense would bringing a fearsome dragon make to a marriage proposal?"
While the protective brothers speculated endlessly about how Kael would arrive at Rivendell, Lord Elrond, seated on his high chair, looked up thoughtfully at the clear sky, his ancient face showing slight surprise followed by an approving smile.
"The guests have arrived right on schedule. Lindir, please prepare to receive them properly," Elrond instructed his trusted secretary Lindir standing respectfully beside him.
Hearing Elrond's calm announcement, the assembled elves followed his knowing gaze upward, curiously searching the bright sky.
Under the elves' naturally keen eyesight, they soon discovered a small white dot appearing against the distant horizon's clouds.
As the mysterious white dot grew progressively larger, the elves began showing genuinely amazed expressions.
In the distant sky, twelve magnificent white flying horses pulled an elaborate golden carriage through the air, flying steadily toward Rivendell with impressive grace.
The twelve pegasi were extraordinarily robust—twice the size of normal horses, with pure silver-white bodies that radiated brilliant light under the afternoon sunlight like living stars.
The carriage's entire structure had been cast of gleaming gold, assembled with precious Mallorn wood. Its sides were intricately carved with detailed images of Hogwarts Castle, the legendary Trees of Gold and Silver, dragons, great eagles, and basilisk patterns. Liquid mithril traced various mysterious runic symbols across the body in flowing script.
The magnificent carriage descended rapidly from the sky into Rivendell's valley, then landed gracefully on a wide, straight white stone road leading to the main halls.
The pegasi folded their huge white wings with practiced coordination, trotting forward in perfect formation before finally stopping just before an arched stone bridge.
Driving the carriage were two human coachmen dressed in crisp blue uniforms. Though clearly trying to maintain calm professional composure, their flushed faces and excited eyes still revealed their overwhelming emotions.
They were experienced coachmen hired by Kael from among his most skilled subjects, specifically responsible for driving the flying carriage and caring for these twelve valuable pegasi.
Though having driven many times around Weathertop's grounds with confident skill, this time driving the flying carriage across more than a thousand miles, carrying their lord to the legendary elven territory of Rivendell itself, still made them thrilled beyond measure.
Both coachmen dismounted smoothly from the driver's bench, bowing deeply and respectfully toward Lord Elrond's distant position. Then one efficiently brought down polished wooden steps from the carriage's side for the passengers to descend comfortably.
The other coachman returned to the carriage door, opening it carefully from outside with practiced hands.
Then he stepped back respectfully, waiting in silence for those inside to emerge.
On Rivendell's side of the bridge, Secretary Lindir, accompanied by several graceful elven attendants, waited at the entrance, ready to greet the distinguished visitors.
As the ornate carriage door swung open, with the elves' supernaturally keen sight, they immediately perceived that the carriage contained a vastly expanded space inside, magically enlarged beyond physical possibility—impossible to see the end at a glance.
The first to emerge from the enchanted interior was Gandalf the Grey.
He no longer wore his usual worn and plain grey traveling robes. Instead, he had changed into understated but exquisitely crafted robes. Though still grey-based in color to maintain his identity, the material consisted of tough spider silk interwoven with gleaming silver thread that reflected elegant silver light under the sunlight.
On his feet were grey dragon leather boots of obvious quality, making absolutely no sound when stepping on the stone ground.
His typically wild hair and flowing beard had also been neatly groomed and combed for the formal occasion.
He descended from the carriage with dignified grace, smiling warmly and greeting the waiting Lindir like an old friend. "Long time no see, Lindir. I'm touched you came personally to wait for us. We're not arriving late, are we?"
"Mithrandir," Lindir responded with an elegant bow, smiling and shaking his head reassuringly. "You've arrived at exactly the right time. Lord Elrond specifically sent me to receive you with proper honor."
While they exchanged pleasant greetings, Bilbo Baggins also emerged from the carriage's expanded interior.
The hobbit was dressed splendidly in a perfectly fitting brown-yellow formal suit that must have been specially tailored. Usually preferring to go barefoot in proper hobbit fashion, he now wore fine dragon leather shoes for the occasion.
Just because of his characteristically short stature and naturally wide feet, it looked somewhat like a child wearing adult shoes—appearing both endearing and slightly amusing.
Bilbo gazed around with evident excitement and warm nostalgia at Rivendell's beautiful scenery, carefully following down the wooden steps from the carriage.
Finally, Kael himself emerged into the sunlight.
He wore Ravenclaw's Diadem upon his head, the crown's central sapphire gemstone shining brilliantly with wisdom's eternal light.
His body was clothed in exquisite, magnificent elven garments of obvious craftsmanship, draped dramatically with the star-filled Magic Cloak flowing behind him. The glowing Evenstar necklace hung prominently on his chest, catching the light. His feet were also shod in polished dragon leather high boots.
His entire carefully chosen appearance was extraordinarily dazzling and impressive.
Even experienced Lindir, looking at Kael, showed an amazed expression of genuine appreciation.
This formal outfit had been carefully selected by Gandalf specifically for Kael, with Bilbo also enthusiastically providing fashion suggestions. Their shared purpose was presenting Kael as splendidly and impressively as possible, making him this momentous day's true protagonist.
Now seeing the surrounding elves' amazed and approving looks, both Gandalf and Bilbo felt thoroughly satisfied with their fashion choices.
Kael, looking down at his heavily bejeweled appearance, felt somewhat helpless about the excessive display. Nevertheless, he descended from the carriage with steady confidence, smiling warmly while greeting Secretary Lindir.
"Lindir, I apologize for keeping you waiting. Where might Lord Elrond and the others be currently?"
Lindir's attitude toward Kael remained very warm and welcoming. He smiled graciously while answering, "The lord and other distinguished guests are currently gathered in the grand banquet hall. Please, follow me."
He then turned to lead them forward along the white stone path.
As for the twelve pegasi, they were gratefully entrusted to the two human coachmen and several volunteering elves for proper care.
Rivendell already housed several pegasi that Kael had previously gifted to Arwen, Elrond, and other family members. The magical flying horses had always been welcomed and genuinely beloved by all the elves.
Now with twelve more magnificent pegasi arriving, the elves were even more delighted by the additions to their stables.
Without the human coachmen needing to do anything further, other enthusiastic elves proactively took over their responsibilities. They brought the two genuinely flattered coachmen aside for generous hospitality, then began expertly caring for these beautiful pegasi.
Meanwhile, led personally by Secretary Lindir, Kael walked alongside Gandalf and Bilbo as they approached and finally arrived at Rivendell's grand banquet hall.
Besides Lord Elrond, seated prominently on the high seat within the banquet hall, many elves had gathered throughout the space, all watching intently as the three visitors entered.
Being watched by so many immortal elves simultaneously, even confident Kael felt inexplicably nervous, his heart beating faster.
Poor Bilbo became even more flustered by the attention, nearly walking with awkwardly matching arms and legs in his anxiety.
Only experienced Gandalf remained seemingly unaffected, calm and composed as always, smiling peacefully while leading Kael and Bilbo forward. He walked unhurriedly into the banquet hall with complete confidence.
"Lord Elrond, warmest greetings," Gandalf performed a respectful greeting bow befitting the occasion's formality.
Kael and Bilbo followed directly behind Gandalf, also bowing with appropriate respect.
As Kael's official representative for this proposal, Gandalf was now center stage—Kael himself need not speak yet, leaving everything to Gandalf's experienced handling.
Though Elrond obviously already knew their visit's purpose perfectly well, tradition still required him to inquire formally. "Mithrandir, what brings you to grace Rivendell today?"
Gandalf's weathered face filled with genuine warm smiles as he declared loudly enough for all to hear clearly, "I come today regarding a wonderful matter concerning two young people's future happiness! This also concerns the strengthening of friendship between two races and two growing powers!"
His magically amplified voice carried throughout the hall so everyone assembled in the banquet hall could hear his words distinctly.
"I represent Weathertop and Isengard's Lord, the Dragon Lord himself—Lord Kael. He has long admired your beloved daughter Arwen with deep and sincere affection. He has specially commissioned me to formally visit you today, humbly seeking your gracious permission to betroth your precious daughter to him in honorable marriage."
He stepped aside with theatrical grace, allowing Kael to move forward into the spotlight.
Kael felt his nervousness intensify, taking a steadying deep breath. Then under everyone's watchful gaze, he stepped forward and bowed again deeply to Lord Elrond, speaking with carefully practiced words:
"Respected Lord Elrond, I hold profound love for your daughter Arwen. Her beauty, kindness, and wisdom have all captivated my heart completely. By my honor and family name, I solemnly swear I will protect her with my very life, give her all due respect and devotion, and dedicate myself to making her the happiest woman in all Middle-earth. I humbly ask you to grant your blessing and betroth her to me. I am willing to pledge everything I possess to guarantee her rights and happiness after our marriage."
These important words he had practiced countless times before this moment. Now speaking them again before this audience added tremendous solemnity and weight.
Standing supportively beside him, Gandalf again announced loudly with evident pleasure, "Moreover, to demonstrate the absolute sincerity of his intentions, Lord Kael has brought three precious treasures as formal betrothal gifts. These three valuable gifts will, after marriage, belong exclusively to the bride and her future descendants as her permanent property!"
Saying this, even experienced Gandalf couldn't help but inwardly acknowledge Kael's remarkably generous gesture.
Then he retrieved an exquisite jewel-encrusted mithril box from his enchanted space pouch with careful hands.
Simultaneously, both Bilbo and Kael also produced their own prepared ornate boxes.
Bilbo stepped forward first, opening his entrusted box with a flourish.
Inside lay a magnificent golden cup that seemed to glow with inner light.
Gandalf simultaneously introduced the cup's remarkable magical abilities to the assembled crowd in clear, carrying tones.
The elves present, hearing Gandalf's detailed introduction and sensing the powerful magical fluctuations emanating from the golden cup, showed expressions of great surprise and genuine appreciation.
With their long lives spanning ages and broad accumulated knowledge, the elves naturally could recognize this cup's extraordinary preciousness and rarity.
Such a legendary treasure could easily become a treasured clan heirloom even in the wealthiest elven families.
They genuinely hadn't expected Kael would be willing to give something so valuable as merely a betrothal gift.
Even though these treasures would ultimately travel with the bride back to the groom's household, legal ownership would belong exclusively to the bride herself—the husband possessed no right whatsoever to dispose of them without her consent.
With the first betrothal gift already so extraordinarily impressive, many curious elves became even more intrigued about the nature of the remaining two mysterious gifts.