Chapter 10: Shenanigans in Rivendell
Esmeree
We had gone to Rivendell on horseback, and I must say, it was very awkward having to share a horse with such a tall, stern, untrustworthy old man. I sat behind him, so I had to keep my arms around his bony, thin waist. He was so old that I had this irrational fear that if I held on too tightly I'd break him.
Needless to say, I was relieved when we crossed the bridge over the gorge and came to a stop at Rivendell's front gate and Saruman got off of our horse. It was nightfall now, and I was exhausted. The moment we arrived, the sound of light footsteps was heard as an elf in brownish-yellow-orange colored robes greeted us. I recognized Lord Elrond immediately. He was accompanied by a couple of his servants. When he saw us, his resting b**ch face turned to a welcoming smile.
"Ahh, Saruman. I've been expecting you." He said.
"It is good to see you, old friend." The wizard replied. Lord Elrond nodded before his gray gaze came to fix on me atop the horse.
"You must be the new apprentice." He said.
I nodded, offering a polite smile.
"I am Lord Elrond Peredhel, head of the Last Homely House."
"It's nice to meet you, Lord Elrond."
"The pleasure is all mine." He replied, "What is your name, young one?"
"Eli—," I trailed off, feeling stupid because I had almost used my old name, "I'm Esmeree, my lord. Umm…" Damn my social awkwardness!
"Your house looks really nice." I said lamely.
Elrond smiled, amused by my comment. Then he gave orders to the two servants that were accompanying him.
One made his way over to me and offered me a hand off the tall stallion I probably would have fallen off if my exhausted body had tried to get off by itself. (Because Saruman had the tallest freaking horse, I swear!)
"Thank you." I smiled gratefully.
When my feet touched the floor, I realized how stiff and sore I was from sitting on the horse all day.
"I can't feel my ass!" I exclaimed rather bluntly.
All four pairs of eyes currently present looked at me with expressions that read "WTF."
"I've been on the back of a horse for three days." I defended, alternating my gaze between Elrond and Saruman. No one responded. The white wizard facepalmed, embarrassed, and Elrond forced back an amused smile.
My stomach rumbled and I suddenly remembered I had barely eaten today. My son would kick my ass if he found that out…
"You must be hungry." Elrond said, changing the subject.
"Uhh, yeah I could go for something to eat." I replied.
"It is rather late so you've missed supper, but there is plenty of food leftover. You may have whatever you would like."
Saruman nodded and I thanked Lord Elrond again, offering a curtsy, as I felt that was the best way to show my respect.
"Now, I must take my leave, but my servants will escort you to the dining hall." Elrond said.
With that, he turned and made his way up the stairs, and the servants ushered us away. They first showed us our bedrooms, before they took us into the dining area. When we entered we were met with a bellowing female voice.
"YOU WRETCHED BOYS! HOW MANY TIMES HAVE I TOLD YOU TO STOP STEALING PATRIES AND TO STAY OUT OF MY KITCHEN!? YOUR FATHER TAUGHT YOU BETTER MANNERS THAN THAT!"
Two figures whizzed passed us, laughing with an angry cook chasing after them while brandishing a ladle. When they were gone, she was muttering to herself.
"I've about had enough of those two boys... You would have thought they would have matured by now but clearly—" she caught sight of us out of the corner of her eye. When she saw us she flushed with embarrassment, "Oh! I am so sorry, I did not realize we had more guests. Do excuse my outburst. I had to chase Elladan and Elrohir out of the kitchen again…" she trailed off, taking a deep breath, "What would you like to eat?" she asked us.
"Just a bowl of stew and a glass of wine for me." Saruman replied.
"Of course…Although I will have to see if there is wine left...what would you like if there is not?"
"A glass of water, then."
"Yes sir. And for you, young lady?"
I shrugged. I was not familiar with Elvish cuisine and there was no menu to look at, so I had no idea. "I'll just have a bowl of stew as well, please." I said, "And a glass of water without ice."
She gave me a befuddled look for a moment.
Oh wait…this isn't the United States it's Rivendell…they don't…well I'm stupid…
"Very well. It will be right out." She turned and vanished into the kitchen.
Saruman and I sat at one of the small tables and waited.
"The White Council meeting starts early tomorrow, so it would be in your best interest to get some sleep." Saruman half-ordered, "I know you have the tendency to be nocturnal and I strongly advise you get yourself to bed.
Lol. Nope. I laughed internally. As if that would actually happen…sleep is for the weak.
My thoughts were interrupted when I yawned.
On second thought…I should probably listen…
A few moments later, our steaming bowls of delicious smelling stew and our drinks were brought out. We ate in silence. I was so hungry, I scarfed down my food. Unladylike, I know, but I could care less.
Saruman was still eating when I sipped the last of what liquid there was. I set my bowl down and leaned back in my chair.
"There is no need to wait for me, Esmeree. Get to bed."
"Alright. Goodnight Saruman."
"Goodnight."
I got up and left the kitchen. And then I realized I had no sense of direction whatsoever and I had no clue where my bedroom was…Shit! I huffed. Well, I'm sure I'll find it eventually… I began to wander through the endless, winding halls.
Curuthir
Lindir and I spent the rest of the day that Elrond had given us off walking around and talking like old friends. He proved to be a wonderful companion, and he seemed to smile a lot more around me, instead of his usual aura of glaring at the world.
We wandered aimlessly through the winding pathways, staircases, bridges, and gazebos, talking about several topics, and on the rare occasion joking with one another. There were a couple of instances where he asked if I wanted to sit down because of my limp. Of course, I said no. The limp did not really bother me now that I was used to it. I understood where he was coming from though, he was concerned for my well-being.
After awhile, I suddenly noticed that Lindir had gone quiet. Like, he was still talking, but we were not near as engaged in conversation as we were and I was doing most of the talking. I got the sense that something was weighing on his mind.
"You alright?" I asked.
He snapped out of whatever daydream he was in and turned and fixed his dark eyes on me, "Y-yes, yes, I'm fine. I was…just thinking…"
"About what?"
"Uhh…well…you know how I mentioned earlier that I was working on a new song?"
"Yeah."
"Well…I'm quite proud of the result so far. Even though it is incomplete…would you…like to come back to my room tonight and hear it? Perhaps you can help me a bit."
"Sure. That sounds fun!" I replied. I had enjoyed spending time with my friend so far and I did not really want it to end.
Lindir let out a breath that he had apparently been holding in.
"Good…excellent!" He replied, offering another smile. Suddenly, from the corner of my gaze, I caught sight of the halfling sitting alone on one of the balconies near us. For several moments, I stared. Lindir followed my gaze. I swore I saw his face fall. He nudged me in the arm, "You should go and talk to the halfling. You seem like you want to."
I met gazes with him, "You sure? I don't want to just ditch you."
Lindir forced a smile, "Yes. I am certain. I am just going to go and work on my song."
"Okay. I'll come over later."
The dark-haired elf nodded briefly. For second it looked like he either wanted to say or do something. He moved towards me, but then second guessed himself. He cleared his throat, "…Bye…" he turned and quickly walked away. I stared after him.
Huh…that was weird…I hope he's okay…
I shrugged. There wasn't much I could do at this point. So I turned at went the opposite direction he had gone, towards Bilbo.
When I got to the balcony, he was leaning over it slightly, gazing at the view.
"Not with your companions?" I made my presence known. He jumped and turned.
"O-oh I'm sorry…was this your- I can…"
I held out a hand, "No. You're fine. I actually came up here to talk to you."
"O-oh…"
He was much tinier and cuter up close.
"So how come you're not with your companions?"
"Well…the truth is…most of them don't think…I should even…be here on this adventure. That I don't have a place…that I shouldn't have come…" He trailed off.
For a few moments I picked my brain for a response, "And what do you think?" I finally said.
He studied me with bright blue eyes. "I…don't really know. I was uncertain from the beginning…and the farther I got from home…the more uncertain I became. So I don't know."
He sighed.
I turned and leaned my back against the railing, looking down at him.
"You know, I heard a story once." I said, "It was about a young man. He had been in a wheelchair since his birth. The doctors didn't know why he couldn't walk or what sort of…muscular disorder he had. So, they couldn't do anything about it, despite the numerous things they tried. All the risks they'd taken to try and help him walk. He came to accept that he would never be able to walk and he would not really be able to live his dream of being in the army. He'd always wanted to because helping…saving others was so appealing to him. He had a lot of doubts, but his family- his parents, his sister, the group of friends he surrounded himself with…they all told him that even though he couldn't walk, it couldn't stop him from being able to do just about everything anyone else could do. He took those words to heart and did everything else his friends and family could do and everyone loved him for who he was. They did not see him as "different" because to them he wasn't…. It filled him with hope. He believed in himself." I couldn't stop my smile, "…Then…one day…he woke up and suddenly…he could walk! It was as if some miracle had happened overnight. And as if that wasn't already amazing enough news, he became part of a guard. He had weapons, he had a steed…he could finally live his dream…" My grin was ear to ear now, and the hobbit had even managed a soft smile.
"…So, what I'm saying is, you shouldn't let anything discourage you. All you have to do is believe in yourself, and miracles can happen."
His face was thoughtful, and his smile did not falter.
"That's a true story by the way." I said.
Bilbo gave me a befuddled gaze. "No…is it?" he didn't believe me.
"We're in a world where magic exists, Master Baggins. Anything is possible." I replied, "…Anyway. That's what I think about your current doubts, but ultimately it is up to you. I just thought I would give my advice from personal experience." I briefly set a hand on his shoulder before I started to leave the balcony as he turned to gaze out at Imladris again.
"W-wait!" he suddenly called.
I stopped and turned back around.
"Thank you…for your counsel…umm…"
"Curuthir."
"Yes…thank you, Curuthir." He smiled once more.
"Of course."
For a few moments we stood and stared at each other. And I really, really had to fight the need to pick him up.
"If you are not going to go be with your companions, how about I give you a tour?"
"Umm, yes, that would be wonderful, actually, thank you."
"Alright. Let's go then." He joined me ay my side and we started to walk. And suddenly, it occurred to me that that was a complete spur of the moment idea…and my memory was still bad. Do I even know my way around? Wait, yes I do…I just walked the perimeter with Lindir…
Oops.
-xXx-
It was nightfall. Bilbo and I were seated on a marble bench in one of the gardens. We were side by side, our shoulders almost brushing. He was so small that his legs and hairy feet dangled above the ground, while my own long legs rested comfortable against the cobbled floor. We were awkwardly silent because we still barely knew each other.
Finally, the hobbit broke in. "T-this tour has been wonderful, thank you. I really appreciate you taking the time to show me around."
"Of course. It was my pleasure."
"However…it is dark, so I should be headed back to my companions now."
"Alright. Do you need me to accompany you or can you get back by yourself?"
"I think I know where our quarters are. Thank you though."
"Yeah. No problem."
He cleared his throat and then hopped off the bench, "Well, umm, goodnight. Thank you again."
"Q Namárie." I replied, "That is how we say goodbye in Elvish." Bilbo smiled before he turned to head back in the direction we had come from. I watched him fade off into the distance.
He's so adorable…he's got such good manners too…
Suddenly, I felt eyes on me. I glanced up to where I thought they were coming from. I saw Elladan and Elrohir's curtains fall back over their window as they tried to act like they hadn't been spying on me. I smiled and shook my head. My friends, I swear.
Suddenly, I remembered something with a jolt. Crap! I forgot about Lindir! I was supposed to…Relax. Take a deep breath. It isn't that late. I'm sure he's still up.
Right. I got off the bench and immediately and made my way back inside the house. I climbed to the third residence floor and walked down the hall to his room. The dim candlelight inside told me he was awake. I knocked on the door.
"It's me, Lindir." I said.
"Oh! Curuthir. Do come in." I pushed open the door and then closed it behind me, however I merely pushed it so it did not latch. Lindir was sitting at his harp with a music stand and a feather and quill, scraping notes onto the sheet music paper.
"Sorry. I know it's later than I was supposed to be."
"No. It is alright. I got quite a bit more finished while I was waiting for you." He replied.
I sat down on his bed. Normally, that is not something I'd do, especially with someone I woke not knowing I knew, but the room felt familiar and comfortable, so I did.
"I can't wait to hear it."
"It is…still a work in progress, so it is by no means perfect…"
"I'm sure it sounds great."
"Very well…" he took a deep breath and began to strum. Instantly, the music filled my sharp ears with a calming, beautiful sound. The song was a moderately slow, uplifting, ballad-like tempo, and I felt this sort of…romantic aura about it. Then, he began to softly sing the words he had written. The song was in Sinadrin, of course, and he had a tenor voice with a slight rasp to it. It was nice. I closed my eyes and lost myself in the music, and slowly my head began to paint a romantic picture. But then, the music stopped. And the image vanished.
I opened my eyes and met his dark gaze.
"That is all I have written." He said.
"I love it."
"You do?"
"Yeah. It's really nice and I cannot wait for you to finish."
A small smile passed over his face.
"I know it is not done…but would you like to try singing it with me?"
I nodded. "Can you play it again first, though?"
"Of course."
-xXx-
Esmeree
So…I may have been slightly lost in Rivendell's endless hallways…I wandered almost aimlessly, and I was going in circles…somehow. I had passed the same painting several times. Suddenly, I heard the stringing of a harp…and the singing voices of two male elves. Curious, and intrigued, I followed the source of the sound. One of voices sounded very familiar. The music grew louder and louder, until it led me to a door that was cracked open. Dim candlelight lit the room inside, and I could hear the voices very clearly behind it. And now the one voice that had initially sounded familiar was undoubtedly familiar.
I had a bit of nostalgia as I remembered the days in the high school choir. My heart soared for joy…
No way…could it be…
My anticipation was high and my heart pounded excitedly as I impatiently waited for them to finish. When at last they did, there was no stopping me from bursting into that room. I was just so overjoyed…
The door slammed against the wall as I quite literally burst in. The two figures inside jumped from where they were seated. One of them leapt up so fast that I could barely see them move. They pushed the other behind them and the next thing I knew there was a blade pointed at me.
I froze and stiffened, taken completely by surprise. So in a normal instance where I would have fought back, I raised my hands in surrender to show that I wasn't a threat.
In front of me, the elf's blue eyes were blazing as he stood defensively in front of his friend in a combative stance, brandishing a short blade.
Then it hit me like an embarrassing ton of bricks that it wasn't who I had thought it…wait…wait…after recovering from my initial shock...I began to analyze the Elf's features.
His long hair, his Elvish attire, and lack of a wheelchair had initially made him unrecognizable, but as I began to slowly process his face…the features, although they were no accompanied by prominent cheekbones and pointed ears…were unmistakable.
I smiled, then I said, "You know it isn't very knife of you to pull a blade on a friend, Elliott."
His gaze softened, and he relaxed his posture. Within an instant, and huge smile formed on his face. "ELISE!" he exclaimed. His weapon clattered to the floor and he enveloped me in a huge embrace. I gripped on tightly, almost squeezing the life out of the poor kid. We embraced for several long moments before I let go and immediately started gawking in muffled, high-pitched prattle. I said something along the lines of being so relieved to see him, I commented on his new, fabulous Elvish appearance, and I profusely told him that I was insanely delighted and proud to see him standing tall and lacking a wheelchair.
We spent several minutes rambling on excitedly before someone's loud throat clearing interrupted us. We stopped and turned as we remembered the third person in the room.
He shifted his doe-eyed brown gaze between us, "Curuthir, who is this strange woman that just invaded my bedroom?"
Curuthir? I gave them both a puzzled look before I realized…Oh, right…it would make sense that we both acquired new names…duh.
"Pardon my manners." I said apologetically, "My name is Eli- (Dammit, I did it AGAIN)…uhh, Esmeree. I'm a friend of this idiot." I indicated Elliott…or I guess, Curuthir, and then I offered the adorable doe-eyed elf a handshake. Initially, he looked at my extended hand in a befuddled manner before he returned the gesture.
"Oh, so you are one of the friends that Curuthir said he lost." He relaxed his posture, suddenly relieved.
"Yeah. We got separated, it's kind of complicated, we don't even understand it." I said.
He nodded briskly before he cleared his throat, "I am Lindir. It is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance." He offered a soft smile.
"…Anyway, sorry for totally bursting into your room uninvited and scaring the hell out of the two of you. I'm here as a guest and I was looking for my own quarters. I couldn't find them. But I heard Elliott- I mean, Curuthir's singing and I followed it. You guys sound good."
"Thank you."
"It's an original piece Lindir's composing himself." Elliott said, praising his friend, "We've been working on it for like two hours or so."
The other elf blushed and smiled bashfully.
"Oh! Hey! I have an idea. Maybe you can help us out, Elise. You've got a great voice and a lot of creativity." Elliott suggested.
"Well…" Saruman said I should probably get some sleep and I probably should but now that I've found one of my friends I'm way too excited. There is no way in hell I'll be able to get to bed anytime soon, "…That sounds like fun but we should probably check to make sure it's okay with the composer first, since I'm awful and inconsiderate and I just rudely interrupted you two."
"Oh. Yeah, good point."
Instantly, both of us turned to look at Lindir for confirmation.
"Is it okay if I loiter and help you guys out?" I asked.
"Yes, that is fine."
"Cool." I said, "And I'm sorry again for barging in."
"It is alright." Lindir replied, trying to hide some form of disappointment in his voice.
Whelp, he probably doesn't like me…makes sense.
"From the top?" Lindir suggested.
"Yes." Elliott replied.
-xXx-
We ended up working on the song way into the night and we all passed out on his floor.
A/N: *sighs* I feel like I am dragging this out way more than I should be. Like...all I am posting is just filler after filler after filler. I have an outline that I am following, but I keep diverging and adding things that are dragging out the "Unexpected Journey" storyline that should be in full swing by now. I was supposed to be way farther into the Hobbit storyline than this. But apparently, the fates have decided that that is not the case...I don't know. But what I do know is that the next couple of chapters are going to see some important driving plot points that will plunge us into the end "The Unexpected Journey" and the beginning of the "Desolation of Smaug"...so...stay tuned.