[Mithadan]

Elladan listened carefully to Torfithien's description of her journey from Lorien to Imladris. She had ridden quickly north across the Gladden Fields, a flat grassy area with few obstacles. Then she had veered to the east to avoid the fens and crossed the River Gladden at a shallows near the foothills of the Misty Mountains. From there, she had continued north across gently sloping lands until she reached the ancient dwarf road which ran down from the mountains towards the east. Following the road into the mountains, she had traversed the High Pass and descended down into Eriador where she had quickly found Rivendell. He nodded approvingly, then turned to his brother.

"The High Pass is the nearest to Rivendell. The passes to the north are not an option. They are too far out of the way and too close to Gundabad which has become a haven for Orcs and other evil creatures. The only other possibility is Redhorn Pass. But since our goal is to pass into Moria undetected, that route may be unwise for it is clear now that it is watched."

Elrohir nodded in agreement, then turned to watch his father select Tintallë and Angore as the final members of the rescue party. Before Elrond could dismiss those assembled, Elrohir stepped forward and whispered to his father who nodded. "In addition to those selected," continued Elrond, "a number of riders will be needed to ride ahead through the High Pass, then rest their horses as the rescuers cross the Misty Mountains behind them. In this way, the rescuers will have fresh horses awaiting them when they reach the east side of the mountains. These riders must leave immediately."

After a number of Elves volunteered for this task and hurriedly exited the council, Elrond dismissed those remaining and spoke to the small group who would set out in search for Celebrian. "While I chafe at any delay, we must plan this venture carefully and gather provisions. You will, nonetheless, leave tomorrow evening. Pack those things which you may need tonight and we will meet again tomorrow morning at dawn to review such maps as we may have of Moria and the lands surrounding it..."