It became colder the further north we went. Even with the sun hitting my face, I felt no warmth. I was becoming very disoriented by the cold and I still wasn't sure what the dragon wanted. I was pretty sure, however, that it was indeed Elmeth, but I didn't want to be mistaken and possibly anger him, hastening my death. Well, he couldn't actually kill me, but I didn't intend on spending a few hundred years in this dragon's belly. Abruptly, we entered what I was presuming to be a cave, as the sounds echoed loudly, mercilessly, making it hard to pinpoint where anything was. But I was certain about one thing: There was a cat. "What are you doing?" the larger beast growled out, voice gravelly and deep, almost as if his throat had been ripped up and chewed on. The feline mewled quietly, almost innocently, in fact.
"Go on. I'll be there in a moment," he grumbled.
When the soft padding left, I could feel his eyes burning into me.
"you're the human known as Hava the Healer, are you not? You're said to be... quite the miracle," growled the beast.
"I am," I admitted, trying my hardest to find where at least his head might be.
"You were not blind in the tales." He sounded quite disappointed. Dragons _did_ have a tendency to want to be looked at.
"I-I was unaware that there were tales on me to begin with," I said quietly. "A-and I have recently saved a friend from his blindness as a result of a birth defect."
"So it's true... you obtain the problem from the person or being in question."
He didn't sound threatening, really. Simply curious.
"Y-Yes. Although I'm... Although not when it comes to animals, usually."
"Is it also true that you can bring beings back to live?" he asked urgently. "Animals?"
I was silent for a few moments.
"Did this person die of old age?"
"Yes. Is that a problem?" he inquired, as if testing me. I knew that if it really was, it couldn't be. Not in this situation.
"I cannot- Well, I _can_, however if I bring someone back who died of old age, then they would be suffering with the same symptoms that killed them," I explained slowly, fidgeting with my cloak. I've received very violent reactions from humans that didn't want to accept when someone died that I could not bring them back without the same pain they had before. I didn't expect the dragon to be different.
"You can heal those too, can't you? The ailments," he demanded impatiently, shuffling around the room, as if pacing, though this chamber seemed a little too small for him to move much.
"Bringing people back takes a lot out of me and sometimes... sometimes my patients dies yet again before I can regain the strength to heals what ever is the problem. B-Besides, I'm out of the potion that helps me through the process," I mumbled. God... arguing with a dragon... Not the smartest option.
"Then what are you doing in Rivendell?"
"I was there to obtain one of the ingredients necessary."
I was terrified. One hundred percent. Even though this definitely wasn't my first kidnapping, and I knew it was best to simply comply with any orders, I was ready to wet myself. It didn't help that I was blinded, really.
He sat there for a few moments, then grumbled something under his breath.
"Will you at least try?" he breathed, desperate.
I blinked a few times, completely shocked that he even asked. I expected the usual "dot his or die". I was silent for only a moment, before offering a soft smile.
"I'm a doctor. How could I possibly give up without even trying?"
"Good... I will carry you into the inner chamber so that you do not fall. I have heard from my companions that it is slippery," he grunted and lightly brushed me with his claw, which I clambered onto. He walked rather awkwardly into the inner chamber, the sounds of cats becoming louder and louder by the moment.
"Your companions wouldn't happen to be.. cats... would they?" I inquired.
"Is there a problem with that?" he growled, finally putting me down.
"Of course not," I replied quickly, cheeks flushing. It was still chilly, but not nearly as cold as outside. As we walked, we occasionally passed sudden warm spots and I had the feeling they were fire pits. Soon enough, however, I could feel cats rubbing up against me. The room also smelled strongly of fish.
"Here: Hold my tail and follow me to the companion in question."
I gently reached forward and lightly grasped his scaly tail and willingly followed him. Every once in a while I stumbled over a cat or two. There must have been a hundred at the very least. Soon, we entered another, smaller room. Or at least, I did.
"Her name was Jewel," he mumbled, unable to enter, though apparently placed his head close to the entrance.
I reached around the room, trying to find the body. Wasn't my lowest moment, to be honest. Suddenly, my hands came in contact with fur and a cold only Death could claim as his own.
Jewel was a cat. Upon realizing, I hesitated.
"Is... she the first to die on you?" I asked softly, hands feeling around for any sort of external injury, though I came up empty.
"No. However, she was very special to me," he grunted quietly.
"Has it every crossed your mind the fact that sometimes it's better not to bring someone back?" I inquired softly.
"How dare you," he hissed, cold breath find its way to my neck.
"Please, just listen... She isn't the first to die and obviously she isn't the only one special to you. I bet you have names for all your babies," I murmured. "What if I didn't exist? What if I couldn't do what I can? You would accept the fat that Jewel is dead, no?"
"But you _are_ here!" he roared, shaking me to my core.
"A dear friend once said that courage isn't knowing when to take a life, but when to save one! In this instance, it's not about trying to save someone, but when to accept that they're dead!" I exclaimed, fearful of the dragon's wrath.
Everything went silent for what seemed like hours. Finally, the dragon sighed.
"I... agree," he mumbled, sadness reverberating in his voice.
"I'm... I'm sorry," I breathed.
"Don't be. I'm just an old fool," he grunted, tail suddenly gently brushing against my chest. "Come with me; I'll bring you back to Rivendell."
I hesitantly took his tail, fully aware of this being a trick, however it proved innocent enough.
"I would like to reward you for opening my eyes," he grunted as we walked back to the main inner chamber.
"That really isn't necessary. I don't normally take payment."
"Well, you are now. Normally, I only take full grown cats, however, I accidentally took a pregnant female. She gave birth and only one of the babies out of six have survived so far. I'm requesting you take the last babe and raise her," he explained, leading me to a warm corner where soft mewling came from.
I gently knelt down and was greeted by a kitten stumbling its way over and collapsing in my hand.
"Ah... I... can't promise she'll be safe on this journey," I admitted finally.
"Just... protect her with your life. I will be in your debt."
I nodded solemnly and gently picked up the small ball of fluff and warmth.
"You know, I came up here to rescue this young lady, but it's seems to me there is no need," mused a voice from behind us.
"Like you could rescue anyone," snorted the ice-breather, sending some frost my way.
I turned and face the general direction the voice was coming from.
"Who-?"
"Violet, at your services," greeted a low, seemingly male voice, one that was used to sweet-talking people.
"You finally choose a name and it's your color?" chided the dragon, turning his massive body, presumably towards the new comer.
"Yes, well, I like it. Suits me. Enough about me, this must be the famous Hava the Healer," mused the person. Footsteps sounded out, stopping when I noticed they were in front of me, perhaps a foot, maybe two away.
"Indeed, although I was unaware that I was famous."
It was true: I didn't know. I walked for so long and so far, I never stayed in one place for too long, so I never thought I left any impression on the people. "The stories do not do your beauty justice," he breathed, reaching up and lightly brushing my cheek with the back of his hand, a sign of affection I've received many a time.
My face burned deeply nevertheless and I quietly looked down.
"Th-thank you," I stuttered. "Sir," I started, turning towards the majestic creature. "I'm under the assumption that you are Elmeth of the Ice."
"You would be correct," he replied.
"I... need to get back to Rivendell. My friends are probably worried," I murmured.
"Did I not say that I would take you back, child? Besides, I wouldn't be able to sleep knowing I sent you down that mountain with the babe," he chuckled.
I breathed a sigh of relief and nodded.
Woah, wait a minute. What about me?" inquired Violet.
"And what about you?" snarled the ice drake, kneeling down so that I may clamber onto him to settle between his shoulder blades. I wrapped my cloak between around me and tucked the kitten under my arm protectively, making sure she was warm and comfortable.
"What if _I_ want to go to Rivendell, too?" huffed Violet.
"Get on, you poor excuse for a wizard," he grunted, shaking his massive head.
"A wizard? I've not heard of you," I admitted, moving forward as he climbed up behind me.
"Oh, well, I haven't been here for very long," he chuckled, slipping his arms around my waist as Elmeth started off, towards the outer cave.
He paused for a moment, then turned back slightly.
"I'll be back shortly. Do not go outside; there's a storm," he grunted, assumedly to his cats.
With that, he turned again and took off into the freezing air. The wizard pulled me closer, wrapping his own cloak around me as well, adding another protective layer. I gratefully sank back into his warmth, feeling the kitten's even, steady breath as she slept peacefully, blissfully unaware of how many thousands of feet we were from the ground.
It was mere minutes before we reached Rivendell. Of course, it seemed a lot longer on the way there. I shouted for the guards not to shoot after I heard the sudden thudding of many boots.
Elmeth landed gracefully and Violet and I slid off once he knelt down. I'd only been gone for maybe an hour, two at most, and yet Elrond was already in complete battle armor, ready to go. I paused upon hearing the soft clinking of his armor, and couldn't help a chuckle.
"Lady Hava," he breathed, quickly coming over and hugging me. I happily hugged back. "You are all right?"
"I'm fine, I'm fine," I murmured quietly. "Just some... vet duties," I said, revealing the sleeping kitten.
"Ah..well.. Kili has already set off for the Shire to obtain Lossor in the hopes of riding him to the mountains."
I grumbled in annoyance.
"I can bring you there as well, if you wish," Elmeth suggested.
I turned towards him, a little shocked, but clearly grateful. I grinned and nodded, finally snapping out of it. "Could you carry a horse, too?" I inquired, perking up.
"I carried the wizard, no?" he chuckled.
"Excuse you," he grumbled, but turned his attention towards Elrond. "I am-"
"I'm aware. Gandalf is waiting for you, _kin'ai_," Elrond said. He seemed impatient for once and it caused me slight alarm. What was Gandalf doing here?
I didn't have time to linger on those thoughts, for Elrond pulled me over to the side, where I figured we were out of ear shot.
"Do not do what you are planning on doing," he warned, voice low and serious.
"Planning- the only thing I'm planning is saving Fili," I murmured, slightly lost.
"You're planning on leaving the dwarves for Thranduil. Do. Not," he emphasized, gripping my wrist a little too tightly.
"Wha- I'm aware that he might keep me longer than I'd like, however I'm-"
"An adult, yes, yes, but it seems like adults make the worst mistakes. Please, Lady Have, do not go back to Mirkwood," he all but pleaded.
I was quiet for a while longer. Elrond must have seen something quite... unpleasant for him to be warning me like this. "I don't have a lot of choices," I finally sighed, moving my gaze from him. "Besides, I... I promised Thranduil I would help out for a little while. Everything will be all right, Elrond. Thranduil isn't stupid enough to try anything..."
"It is not that, Hava... Sometimes enemies can become allies, but only under the right circumstances."
I furrowed my eyebrows in confused and was about to ask him to explain, however I heard the clopping of my horse's hooves coming towards us.
"Apologies, Lady Hava, Lord Elrond, thought I thought I might have a word with the Healer?" It was Gallion.
"Of course," I murmured, glancing at Elrond one last time before turning my attention to him.
"I owe you my vision, Lady Hava," he started and continued before I could stop him, "and it would be my honor to accompany you on your journey," he said, voice literally lowering to make me believe he was kneeling in front of me.
I was silent for a small smile. "I... suppose that would be all right. Ask Lord Elmeth if he would be willing to carry two horses and an elf," I murmured calmly. It would help to have someone to guide me as I rode. I could send him back once I could see again.
"Er, my lady... If it's not too inappropriate to suggest, wouldn't it make more sense for me to ride on your horse?" he inquired, voice wavering slightly.
I paused, then suddenly laughed. "How do you intend on getting back here, sweetie?"
He then also paused. "Right..." he murmured, clearly embarrassed. "I will get to it then." With that, he walked off with my horse.
Rosie was accustomed to large creatures, ranging from Beorn to Smaug, so she didn't sound at all frightened of Elmeth. She was, however, getting older and I was under the deep impression that this might be her last adventure. It weight heavily on my heard to think about her death, however Elrond pulled me back.
"Then take Gallion to Mirkwood with you."
I quirked an eyebrow. "What is he going to accomplish?" I snorted.
"Sending me reports," Elrond replied calmly.
I sighed, giving up. "Fine. I'll bring the boy," I agreed. "I won't stay more than a year, I promise," I reassured him. "I don't think I could stand more than a few months of that pompous-"
"We're ready for you, Lady Hava!" Gallion called out.
Elrond couldn't resist a chuckle. "Well, I'll inform Gallion. Be safe," he murmured, hand resting on my shoulder for a few seconds. "Do not give in for even a second."
I was about to question him, but Gallion came back over. I bit my lip as I climbed back onto Elmeth, Gallion sitting behind me. He was a stark contrast to Violet, who was confident and had no problem holding me. Gallion, on the other hand, seemed embarrassed, trying to figure out where to put his hands without seeming offensive. I rolled my eyes playfully before bringing his hands to rest at my waist. I could feel the heat from his face more than the heat from his hands, which I found amusing.
"Heed my words, Lady Hava," Elrond said before Elmeth took off.
"Is everything all right, Lady Hava?" Gallion inquired loudly in my ear, sounding quite concerned.
"Yes, of course," I sighed. I was just exhausted, hungry, thirsty, upset, you know the usual. I just wanted to go back...
It wasn't long after we took off that we found Kili riding towards the Shire. Elmeth circled around before suddenly landing, gently placing the horses up right on the ground.
"Hava?!" Kili shouted up at us.
"I'm all right," I called back to him, sliding off, stumbling a bit.
Kili ran over and steadied me.
"You're not hurt?" he inquired, hands on my elbows moving me around to check me over.
"I'm fine, I'm fine," I reassured him. "Gallion is coming with us until I... the entire time," I murmured.
"Why?"
"No time to explain." I turned to Elmeth. "Elmeth of the Ice, I give my thanks."
"Mmm, and I give you mind, Hava the Healer. Check back in once in a while. I would like to see the babe," he rumbled, face suddenly coming close to me.
I let the kitten out into the open and allowed her to rub up against him. He seemed to purr, the ground rumbling.
Can someone explain the suddenly good dragon with the kitten?" Kili asked.
"Later," I sighed. "Did you grab my satchel, Kili?"
"Yes, but-"
"I must be going. Good luck, Lady Hava." With that, Elmeth took off, the wings creating high winds, whipping my hair around.
Kili huffed, clearly annoyed, so I turned back to him.
"He wanted me to bring back his favorite cat," I mumbled quietly. "Look, all the time we're wasting here means less time for Fili, so we need to get a move on," I said, starting towards the horses.
"Uh, horses are over here," Kili snorted.
Or where I _thought_ the horses were.
"I knew that," I grumbled, allowing Gallion to lead me towards the horses. I climbed onto Rosie and waited while Gallion tied a lead from his horse to mine.
"If we ride through the night, we'd be there by tea-time tomorrow," Kili murmured.
"Well, don't expect to stop for any. We're behind schedule."