IHOP - The International House of Panacea

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And now this:

So how did all of that work? Say, for example, you're some lonely scraggly traveler on the Great Road and you near Rivendell. Could you gain entrance? If so, how long could you stay? Would Elrond expect something in return for lodging, or could you eat from his tables and sleep in his house for as long as you wanted?

The Hobbits were special visitors, not only because of the burden Frodo carried but also because they had Gandalf as a friend and herald. Frodo too was considered an elf friend, and so surely that would help him at Rivendell.

Boromir was admitted as, assumedly, Elrond had some foresight that this human would be one of the Nine Walkers. The Dwarves too had a purpose that helped Elrond's cause, and having them in the Council brought more news to the fore. And even Bilbo's group of Dwarven companions stopped on their way, if I remembers rightly.

Aragorn lived there, and so of course had the run of the place. And I assume that all elves would be admitted and could stay as long as the Age lasted.

But again, what about me? Could I get in? How long could I stay? And would I have to pay?