[Mithadan]

Elrond looked gravely at Vanimorén and the others standing about, many of whom were now also volunteering to join the search for his wife. Then he stood and raised his hand. The room fell quiet, awaiting his words.

"Nenmir reports that Celebrian was taken to Moria and it is there where you must seek her out. But his will not be an open assault. Not by force of arms will her freedom be gained. It is said that now many Orcs have entered Moria in the time since it was abandoned by the Dwarves. To assail that dark place would be foolhardy."

He walked around the table to where his sons stood and looked at them silently. Their faces were grim, yet determined. He nodded as if they had spoken to him and turned to the assembled crowd. "Only through stealth can Celebrian be saved. Thus only a few will be chosen. Elladan and Elrohir will go, for they would not allow any others to go in their stead. For their companions, I shal choose several, but they shall not be warriors. Trackers, rather, those more skilled with the knife and bow than with the sword and learned in the skill of moving unseen and unheard. And a healer."

He looked about the room and considered carefully his choices. Again, a clamour arose as others sought to present reasons why they should be allowed to accompany the sons of Elrond. He nodded to to Torfithien, then to Fingil and Vanimorén. Then Elrond looked about again... A healer, and perhaps one other, he mused.