Into the House of Elrond Gandalf Goes
a/n: This is part 3 of my Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and Phish fan fiction. It's getting a lot more serious in tone haha
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Gandalf steps out into the soft grass leading away from the concert venue. He hears cheers as the band comes out. He quickens his pace, not particularly happy to have to miss a good show, but nonetheless unwilling to risk the corrupting influence of Evil Trey's awesome licks.
Gandalf walked past his own van, a 1991 Toyota Previa, sitting in the parking lot, knowing he could not drive it as it would draw too many unwanted eyes. He begrudgingly sold it on the lot to a strung out hippie for a week's worth of grilled cheese sandwich rations. Gandalf slipped out on foot unnoticed by the sentries of Voldemort that now patrolled the lots at the behest of Evil Trey, selling nitrous to anyone who was desperate enough for it and causing no small amount of trouble at the drop of a hat. "No doubt the influence of Sauron caused that one!" scoffed Gandalf.
So Gandalf journeyed over many days and lands far and wide, coming ever closer to Rivendell, the land of Elrond the Wise. Gandalf knew that Sauron would stop at nothing short of total domination of Middle Earth. Wise as he was, he still could not see all ends, and needed the help of the very best counsel he could conjure.
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As he arrived in Rivendell, Gandalf was welcomed with warm smiles, but he could see behind the mask of friendliness, there was a certain warriness. It was as if the elves already knew why he had come, or at least that it was no pleasure visit to the land of Elrond.
"Come elf-friend Gandalf, we have a seat prepared for you at our feast." a welcoming elf said, adding "Elrond will meet you when he is ready to do so."
"Very well, though this matter is urgent and cannot wait much longer," Gandalf said "I'm afraid that this matter is of the upmost importance. It concerns the black keeps of the Dark Lord."
A look of of terror flashed in the elf's eyes, but was soon replaced once more by a friendly smile. "Very well," the elf said, "right this way."
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As Gandalf sat at the table, finishing the last of his elven wine. He had eaten enough to feed 3 elves at least, having had naught but old grilled cheeses from the lot for the last 10 days.
Hearing quiet footsteps behind him, Gandalf stood from his chair and bowed to the esteemed figure of Elrond, the wisest amongst the elves, whom even the greatest wizards seek the counsel of.
"Gandalf," Elrond said with a smile, "to what do I owe the pleasure?"
"Elrond my dear friend, I'm afraid that i am not here at my own leisure." Gandalf said with a worried frown.
"What troubles you, friend Gandalf?"
"It is Trey Anastasio. I believe that he is under the influence of the Dark Lord Sauron himself." Gandalf said heavily.
Elrond turned his head dismissively, "You know I left this life behind me after the 2.0 years. How do I know that the Phish community has not just soured on its own once more, like milk left to spoil?"
"This is not that. Those were dark times, yes, but these stand to be far worse than even Coventry." Gandalf said forebodingly. Gandalf went on to explain everything that had happened.
"Very well, Gandalf. What would you have me do?"
"I need your help friend, advice. What power do we now possess that can break the hold on Evil Trey's mind and break him from his mental prison which he now resides?" Gandalf asked.
Elrond thought for a few moments before turning to Gandalf, "I may have an idea," he said slowly. "But it will require some… subterfuge."
Gandalf raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
Elrond started with a serious look in his eyes, "On Durin's Day, the last day of your Autumn, we elves celebrate our alliance with the Dwarves of the north."
Gandalf interjected, "I hardly see how tha-"
"If you'll allow me to continue," Elrond said sharply, raising an eyebrow, "each year we host a festival of bands from across Middle Earth in a celebration of cultural diversity. It would not be unconventional for us to book a musical act from the world of men."
"I see," Gandalf said, thinking it over, "and they won't find this suspicous?"
"I would think that playing this far in the heart of elven territory too bold for even Sauron, but they may credulous enough to think that their evil jams will turn the hearts of elves. It may seem a tempting victory waiting to be snatched from us before the war has even begun." Elrond considered.
"Very well then," Gandalf said slowly, "it is decided. Phish will headline Durin'sFest. It is not without risk, but I trust your judgement, Elrond. We must act quickly if we are to save Trey."
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As the day of Durin'sFest neared, preperations underwent for the festival. Already, the campgrounds were starting to fill and stages being built. Countless food stands were set up, selling anything from Lembas bread bratwursts to potato and rabbit stew.
As the day drew nearer, Gandalf grew restless. He thought of his tour buddies and wondered then how many of the had already been lost, either succumbed to the darkness of Phish's new evil jams, or been killed at the hands of Lord Voldemort's nitrous mafia. He wept for his friends, but held out hope that he could, at the very least, save his favorite band from the clutches of Sauron.
