A/N: The next chapter will take a while longer than normal to update. Sorry for slowing down so much.
Despite his best efforts, Poppy had kept good on her word and refused to speak to him. After the remaining three days had passed until their arrival to Imladris, Vorondil found himself in a hopeless position. His child, as he expected, hated him. And there was no reason for her to do otherwise.
Climbing down mountainous terrain, they were soon approaching the narrow gorge in the river below. It was troublesome work with a dress, although Merilien often led on navigating the mountainside first. "There," Merilien whispered to Poppy, who then glanced up and peered behind the tall trees. She gasped and nearly fell in awe. "The city of Imladris. Known in the common speech as Rivendell."
Rivendell was tall, ornate, and breathtakingly beautiful. Tall pillars held up stone homes and statues of Elvish women and warriors decorated the halls and entrances. Long bridges connected each stone building, the soft swishing of waterfalls and running water surrounding them and spraying water lightly onto the edges of the roofs. It was almost surreal in appearance, soft chirping of birds heard from the distance and intricate etchings on the great walls seen from where they stood. The town was not flat, but rather, stood against the mountainside and buildings were scattered about them. It was more marvelous than any palace she had ever imagined, more comfortable and welcoming with warm glows and the shimmers of sunlight pulling her forward than she had ever thought possible.
From the distance, she could see the Elven brothers let out a sigh of relief. They had been keeping their distance from the two females, finding the situation to be a complication they had no intention getting involved with, but at that moment Elrohir turned towards Poppy and flashed her a temporary although brilliant smile. The girl's cheeks reddened in response and she once more marvelled at the stone and metal gates that awaited them upon arrival. For the brothers, it was good to be home. They were certain their father would expect to hear a great deal of their travels with the rangers of the north.
As they approached the gates of Rivendell, Poppy could already see a line of tall, fair Elves with brilliant gowns and golden brown robes staring down at them in curiosity. It was almost humiliating, she thought, how poorly dressed she was compared to these beautiful and elegant people. It was the first time she felt so hideous, so much like a pauper rather than any sort of respectable guest. But Merilien touched her elbow and gave her assurance of their welcome. This was further assured by Elrohir's and Elladan's move towards the two companions, each one flocking their side. It brought a sort of comfort to be in the company of the two as they were young lords of Rivendell in their own right.
Arahad stepped forward, and before him, stepped forward a tall, dark haired elf. He had an ageless appearance, even more mystical and surreal than Poppy had seen before during their time on the Great East Road and an incredible likeness to the Elven brothers that strode beside her and Merilien. Like the rest of the fair folk, he stood before Arahad in regal attire although with a touch of humility about him. "Arahad," he greeted.
"Lord Elrond, old friend," Arahad replied, greeting Elrond in the traditional Elvish manner. Although soon, the two smiled at one another and exchanged a quick embrace.
Merilien raised her brows at this, and figured it was for that reason that Arahad was so tolerant of Merilien and Poppy's open affections. It was uncommon, but not unseen. Elves were as real and emotional as Men, and among them was a desire to receive and give love to those close to them.
The two brothers stepped forward and smiled slightly at the more regal elf. "Father," Elladan said first. Although at first greeting his father in traditional manner, Elrond opened his arms for both young ellons and motioned them forward as if they were young boys. The twins chuckled and each one embraced one shoulder of their father.
"Elladan, Elrohir," Elrond began, placing a hand on each one's shoulder. "Go to your mother, tell her of your state. She has not ceased to worry about you two from the very moment you stepped past those gates, it would do her well to know her sleepless nights were for naught."
The brothers laughed and nodded. "Of course, where is she now?"
"The balcony of the grand hall, awaiting you as she has for more than a fortnight."
"We will be with her shortly," Elrohir said. Elladan walked ahead of Elrohir as he gave Poppy and Merilien one last grin. To Merilien's amusement, she noted Elladan's frustrated groan with the brother as they moved along the narrow bridges leading to the building behind them.
Elrond raised a brow at the sight and momentarily glanced at Poppy and Merilien, appearing almost intrigued. "I read your message. What have you brought me this time?" Elrond asked Arahad, almost joking with the man.
Arahad chuckled and motioned for Merilien and Poppy to come forward. "I know how much you enjoy gifts from me, my lord."
Elrond then turned his attention to Poppy and Merilien, although Poppy, in her embarrassment, stood behind Merilien who simply folded her arms after she had greeted Lord Elrond. Poppy did not attempt the greeting. She was unsure of how to move her arms or how low to appropriately bow. Sensing her nervousness, Elrond motioned for Merilien to stand aside and let him see the mortal woman.
"And who may you be?" Elrond asked.
Merilien cleared her throat quietly and urged Poppy to stand tall. "I am Merilien of the Woodland Realm."
"Yes, I recognise you," Elrond said casually. "You came here not long ago with a company of other woodland Elves. We gave you food and board for several days and then you and your companions set off down the Great Road to sail west. Is that not correct?"
Sail west? Poppy thought.
Merilien stiffened for a moment and nodded. "Yes, my lord. That is correct."
"And now you have returned and instead of your woodland companions, you bring a woman. I imagine a truly fascinating journey."
"Your imagination likely falls short, my lord," Merilien joked.
Elrond chuckled at this, amused by the elf-maid. He then turned to Poppy. "Now, you on the other hand, I have never seen before."
Noticing Poppy's increasing rigidity and fright, Elrond stopped and turned back again towards Arahad. They spoke quietly amongst each other, Arahad telling Elrond of the orcs that had ambushed the two women on the East Road. It was a mysterious time, Arahad whispered to Elrond, that orcs be so bold and moving so quickly towards the Misty Mountains. Elrond had not seen any orcs in their parts yet, but he has heard of increasingly alarming reports of their movements and particularly, of the south.
Elrond nodded towards the soldiers stationed at the front, who stepped aside and allowed the company to go through. As they entered, Poppy continued to gaze in awe at the statues of beautiful Elven women or Elf-warriors holding tall spears. She could hear the waterfalls clearly now as they passed through the first bridge into a main hall and nearly sighed with how cool the drips of water felt against her cheek on the seldom occasion that the water would rush by too quickly and splash towards the bridge.
"The women could use a bath before dinner, Lord Elrond," Arahad suggested.
Elrond nodded and motioned an elf-maid forward. "Will you lead them?" Elrond asked the elleth. The elf-maid nodded and lowered her head in respect towards her lord.
The dark haired elleth approached Merilien and Poppy, her dress a shimmering gold and silver and her hair adorned with an intricate crown similar to that worn by Elrond. "Follow me, my ladies," she said.
It nearly took Poppy surprise to be referred to as a lady, but she imagined it was out of courtesy. Merilien motioned her forward and the two followed the other elf-maid. From behind them, Vorondil sighed with despair that they had reached their destination and no improvement had occurred between him and his daughter.
It was a communal bath, as only Elrond's wife and children received private baths. The rest of the Rivendell Elves bathed among each other, although there was no-one there as they entered the large room. The tubs were a part of the structure of the building, carved with stone and smoothed with tiles along the edges. Stairs were carved on the edges as well, to allow for entry although that rarely stopped the more rambunctious elves from simply tossing themselves into the water. Especially the elflings who even made it a game.
On the walls of the bathing room were serene images of beautiful Elves covered loosely with tunics and robes, the images on each wall portraying a larger story. It was incredibly ornate, Poppy thought, for a room that was used to scrub filth off skin. "Are we really using these?" Poppy asked Merilien, who accepted the dresses from another elf-maid and thanked her.
"We are," Merilien replied and set the clothing down by the entrance. She trusted they would not be taken.
Poppy blushed upon seeing Merilien begin to undress herself but followed suit. It had not been the first time she'd seen another woman undressed, and although Elves were taller and fairer, she imagined they still had essentially the same private bits in common. Setting down her clothes where Merilien had set down hers, she followed her friend into a tub.
The water was incredibly warm, but soothing against her skin. Poppy had not noticed how dirty she was until that moment, when she saw the streaks of brown and black washing off her skin into the water and dissolving. Sitting down besides Merilien, who leaned back against the tub and let out a soft sigh, Poppy took in a deep breath of steamed air.
"Was it what you imagined?" Merilien asked.
Poppy turned towards her. "What do you mean?"
"An entire town of Elves. Was it what you imagined?"
Oh. Poppy relaxed against the side of the tub and let herself sink down into the water slightly further. "I wasn't too sure what to imagine, but what I had...this is nothing like it. It feels magical, you know. This place. Everything about it."
"Having been in Combe before, I can see why you think so," Merilien said, chuckling.
"Is Mirkwood like this as well?"
Merilien stared at Poppy for a moment before answering. "Not as open, I confess. The forest is much thicker than this valley with trees and caverns. But, I believe, just as magical."
Poppy continued to look about her in awe of her surroundings. Even a simple bath was so incredibly foreign to her, as she was one to bathe in streams and rivers when she had lived in Combe. "I can't believe I'm here," Poppy muttered. She smiled broadly at Merilien, her excitement now setting in after the initial awe. "I'm here!"
Merilien laughed and nodded. "You are! And I am honoured to be here with you."
"It's all so surreal," Poppy said, breathing out softly in disbelief. "I did it! I left home! I'm seeing the world now! I've seen Imladris, and that Elf-lord, and those dresses! I'm really here."
"That Elf-lord is the lord of Rivendell, Elrond. I was certain he would accept us, he is not one to turn away weary travellers."
Poppy paused and faced Merilien once more. "I heard him say something about you sailing west. What does that mean? Is that why you were in Combe? Who else were you with?"
Merilien's expression suddenly became very grave and she fidgeted with discomfort. It was the first time Poppy had seen Merilien so unnerved since they had first met. "Let us go back to celebrating your triumph, I am so happy for you," Merilien said.
"I...I know you don't want me to press you on, but I also want you to be honest with me," Poppy whispered.
"Poppy, I-"
"No, you don't have to tell me. I know your business is your own. All I want is honesty. At least tell me why you won't say."
The ache in Merilien's chest began to rise and spread across her arms. It was never that she didn't want to share with Poppy, it was simply the subjects that Poppy would choose that were difficult to respond to and be open with. "Because it is painful. It is a burden on my body that I cannot carry, and the more I mention it...the heavier it becomes. I have told you this before, and it has not changed."
The pain in her voice was clear to the woman. It brought shame to Poppy to have pressed Merilien so much, and she resolved herself not to do it again. Merilien was right. She had told Poppy before, but Poppy, in her curiosity, dismissed it. If that was all Merilien was willing to say, then it was all Poppy needed to hear. "Thank you," Poppy whispered, gently placing her hand on Merilien's arm. "I'm sorry about the way I push you to tell me these things, I shouldn't do that. I know I shouldn't, and I keep doing it and I'm sorry."
Merilien chuckled softly but dryly. "You enjoy gossips and rumours, I am aware of that, Poppy. There is nothing to forgive, you did not press me the way you perceive you did."
"May I ask why Elves sail west? What does that mean?" Poppy asked.
Merilien let out a tired breath and turned away from Poppy for a moment. "West to Aman, home of the Valar and birthplace of Elves," Merilien said. "Our true Elvenhome. We sail there for the same reason any other people return to their home: it is a place of comfort and security. It is where we can heal from the trials we endured here in Middle Earth, and where our spirits can remain at ease. It is a blessed realm, only meant for those whose who never see death in time."
It meant that Merilien was sailing west for her own healing and refuge. Poppy realised that something had caused Merilien great pain in Middle Earth and so she sought a way to leave, but she did not know what and she didn't know why Merilien turned back. And those were questions that Poppy would not ask her. Instead, Poppy hesitantly moved towards the elleth and rested both her hands on the other's shoulders. It drew a questioning glance from Merilien.
"If it's only meant for the immortal," Poppy said softly, "then I can't follow you there."
Merilien shook her head. "No, you could not."
"Pardon me for being so selfish then, because I'm happy you didn't sail west. I'm happy you're here with me. I would've never known what it was like to be alive if it hadn't been for you. I'm grateful everything happened the way it did."
Poppy took a deep breath, unsure of herself. In any other circumstance, she wouldn't have hesitated, but there in a steaming bath things could be misconstrued. But that didn't matter then at that moment. "What are you doing?" Merilien finally asked.
"I'm not really sure," Poppy replied earnestly. "May I…?"
Whether or not she'd regret her next answer was beyond her understanding at that moment. "Yes," Merilien responded.
Poppy was hesitant at first but she took Merilien's hand in hers and pressed her lips against her forehead. "Thank you..." she whispered. "For being the best friend I ever had. You're absolutely mad, do you know that? You actually brought a silly girl from Combe all the way with you to Rivendell and protected me, cared for me, taught me so much that I never even...goodness, I never even thought I could do. Ever. You did all that for me, and I wish more than anything there was something I had, that I could give you, that was as precious as all that I've received already."
Merilien smiled at her softly. "Your continued friendship is all the reward I want."
She was mortal, Merilien's own thoughts kept reminding her. Had she not suffered enough loss already? Merilien thought to herself. The loss of her mother and father was already a great weight on her, and there she was adding the brevity of Poppy's existence. She was cursing herself, Merilien realised, by caring for a mortal and allowing the woman to share her words with her.
The words were sweet, dripping with affection that Merilien had never known before. The affection sunk into her skin, immersed itself in her heart and etched out Poppy's image. Their adventures, their conversations, their shared paths towards the unknown forging slowly a type of love that Merilien never knew existed. One heard in great stories of love between ellon and elleth, man and woman, but how rarely they ever cared to mention the love of friends. They often forgot the affections formed in camaraderie, and as such, underestimated their value and worth.
And sooner than later, it would all end. Even with Dunedain blood running through her, Poppy's life was finite. In what is nothing more than a blink of time for Merilien, Poppy's life would come to a sudden end.
"Forgive me," Merilien said as she pulled away from Poppy. "I must go." Merilien finished scrubbing herself down and quickly left the tub, her body shaking although not from the sudden coolness of the air in contrast to the hot water. She didn't seem to care who saw her naked, she simply grabbed her own clean dress provided and left.
"Wait! Where are you going?! Why?" Poppy asked her, almost frantic as Merilien left her alone. Poppy sat dazed at the abruptness of Merilien's actions and felt her heart squeeze with the sudden loneliness. She couldn't understand why the elleth had responded so harshly when only moments earlier she had told her of her desires for her friendship. She wanted her mother at that moment. There were a lot of things she wanted to ask her mother then. But her mother was not there. There was so much she didn't understand, that she could not comprehend. More than anything, she wanted comfort from the sudden rejection she felt from Merilien only moments after having confessed how grateful she was to the elf-maid.
Shaken with humiliation and the weight of rejection over what had occurred, Poppy got on her knees and began to scrub herself down. She had never had a more relaxing bath. The water remained hot no matter how long she sat there, and it ran so easily through her long hair. It felt good, she thought, to be so clean and her muscles so at ease. At that moment, it was all that mattered and it was all she'd think about. She refused to think about why Merilien had suddenly spurned her so.
Hearing a bark, Poppy turned and gasped with joy. "Toby!"
Toby greeted her at the entrance to the bath, holding a cloth to dry herself with in his mouth. He was always excited to see her, always eager to serve his human mistress and save her life over and over. With a giggle, Poppy got out of the water and accepted his towel, rubbing his belly as a reward for being such a good boy.
Poppy was soon greeted by another elf-maid who kindly offered to help her put on the dress. It was an offer Poppy accepted and after throwing her dress on, allowed the elleth to tie whatever strings were necessary to be tied and quickly alter whatever needed to be alter. She wasn't sure what she wore, Poppy noted. And after it was on and properly fitted, the elleth led her out of the bath and into a room in one of the great halls.
A/N: It ends abruptly since it was originally one large chapter that I decided to split in 2.
Fixed some issues.