It had taken Druda many days to journey from Bree to the Valley of Imladris but the weariness soon evaporated as she turned the corner to gaze down into the valley below. Beyond the lofty pines that covered both sides of the valley lay the exquisite gardens of Rivendell. Druda made her way down the meandering path to the valley floor. As she approached the bottom of the steep slope the noise of the river began to intensify and she could at last see small groups of Elves at work tending to the gardens.
Druda was greeted and shown to her lodgings. Even though it had been some time since her last visit she found it still as immaculately well kept as the day she left it. This was not the first time in Rivendell for Druda she was well known amongst the Elves having acted on Lord Elrond’s behalf on numerous occasions, for which she had been well rewarded and these lodgings themselves had formed part of those rewards he had bestowed. An ornate set of doors opened out onto a small garden and at the bottom of the garden laid a stable in which housed another of Lord Elrond’s gifts, a white Elven steed. Druda had decided against taking it back to the Shire with her as it seemed cruel to take it so far from its home and an Elven steed in the Shire would have caused far too much of a commotion.
Druda placed the small box containing the necklace on a shelf next to the large bed, there was no fear of someone taking it here. Druda remembered that the beds of Rivendell were the most comfortable she had ever slept in and after so many days on travelling a good sleep was just what she needed. As she lay on the bed sleep came almost instantly.
It was nearly dark when Druda awoke, fresh cloths had been laid out at the foot of the bed and a plate of food was on the small table near the window. Druda washed, dressed and ate the meal before deciding to wander the gardens. It was a pleasant feeling to be in Rivendell for pleasure rather than on some urgent business that would lead to lands beyond that were far less pleasant. The necklace was an interesting puzzle but there would be no need for Druda to hurry her visit and she could use some time away from the usual business of a Burglar.
