The trip actually down into Rivendell was not an easy one, and everyone dared not speak while Thorin was this quiet. Kali took the silence to idle in the back and listen to the peacefulness of chirping birds, rushing water and rustling leaves mixing with gentle melodic harps. Even the loud steps of the group's feet were relaxing her nerves.

 As usual, Lord Elrond had not put hand railings on the stone bridge and as Kali stepped one foot on it every muscle in her body tensed up. Just look anywhere but down and you shall be fine. However, the other voice in her head countered, But if you do not look down you may misstep and step right off and fall into the moat.

 Balin leaned up from behind her, "You seem unnerved, lass. Is it the elves?"

 Kali shook her head, "To tell you the truth, I am not too fond of heights, Balin. Especially high up like this."

 "No worries, there," he gave a quick nod and slowed to bring some space between the two, "I'll steady you if you stumble."

 "Thank you, Balin," Kali jumped gratefully off the bridge and into the group of uneasy looking dwarves on the other end, stumbling right into Dori.

 Dori righted her and, through his discomfort, chuckled a bit, "Balin you went back on your word to this girl."

 Balin gave a small nod of mock-apology, "My bad, Kali."

 However, she'd moved away from the two, inching her way towards Bilbo. She found him idling about, looking awestruck at his surroundings, "Are you glad I convinced you to leave your home?"

 Bilbo snapped out of his slight trance, "It is quite beautiful, however many perils we face and how many times we almost die on a daily basis," he paused for a quick smile, "I am glad I get to see the legends of your stories first hand."

 The Company had started buzzing with distrustful whispers. From behind her, Kali could hear Thorin's warning whisper to another, "Stay sharp."

 Through the murmurs from the dwarves the Elvish horn from the Valley was sounded again, much closer this time. The near proximity spooked Kali into top defense even though she knew no harm would come to her here. 

 Thorin's shout was loud and clear, "Ifridî bekâr! Hold ranks!"

 Kali did just that, raising her newfound sword (the one from the trolls, if you remember) as she stepped protectively in front of Thorin. Any dwarf that could, too, raised their weapons and had bunched into a tight circle of dwarves that had a hobbit secured in the center. 

 The mounted Elven riders had came across the bridge and were now circling the Company, compressing them tighter and easily surrounding them. Lord Elrond, the one riding atop the only black horse, separated himself from the group and addressed the wizard, "Gandalf."

 Gandalf, in return, bowed gracefully, "Lord Elrond! Mellonnen! Mo evínedh?"

 Elrond, in turn, dismounted his horse and was now at eye level with Gandalf, "Farannem 'lamhoth i udul o charad. Dagannem rim na Iant Vedui," Gandalf was pulled into a hug, "Strange for orcs to come so close to our borders. Something, or someone, had drawn them near."

 Gandalf watched the Orc sword being handed off to Lindir, the first Elf that had greeted the Company, "Ah, that might have been us," Gandalf admitted.

 Thorin suddenly brushed past Kali. Barely, that is. There was still a bit of fright left in her and so her mind was demanding Kali protect at all costs, so it was very hard to get past. Lord Elrond turned and looked upon Thorin with a look of recognition, "Welcome Thorin, son of Thrain."

 Thorin replied coolly, "I do not believe we have met."

 Lord Elrond nodded once, "You have your grandfather's bearing. I knew Thror when he ruled under the Mountain."

 "Indeed; he made no mention of you."

That was low, Thorin. Even for your standards. Kali was finally able to calm herself, lowering her sword and sliding it back into the sheath. 

 Lord Elrond ignored the insult as if it had not been said, and turned to the dwarves (who'd dissipated into a loose-fitted group during the exchange), and spoke to them in Sindarin, "Nartho i noer, toltho i viruvor. Boe i annam vann a nethail vin."

 Kali was, however, the only one who'd understood and couldn't help a grin from spreading across her face. Gloin raised his ax, "What is he saying? Does he offer us insult?"

 At saying this, the dwarves all stiffened, growing restless and bellicose. Kali turned her head to the left and spoke over her shoulder, "No, Gloin, he offers food."

 Quickly the group tightened, murmurs sounding out and echoing a bit in the Valley. Gloin nodded, retracting his previous words, "Ah well, in that case, lead on."

 And so he did. The dwarves were led through great halls of white stone and marble. Stone statues of beautiful Elves guarded alcoves with gems and weapons of old set on a white table, glittering gently in the setting sunlight. Bilbo hadn't blinked once since they'd entered. Thorin was quite the opposite and everywhere he looked he looked with a glare. Kali stayed in the doorway, letting the others pass before following and sitting between Kili and Dwalin at a long stone table.