Chapter Eleven
Green-gold stared balefully into a deep grey neither relinquishing to the other. Silence hung in the air and a deceptively simple cup sat between them. To anyone walking in on the scene they would be puzzled at such a stalemate. However, to the audience made up of one Hobbit, one Wizard, a young human and a golden haired elf, it was quite entertaining, especially if one gauged such by the sheer number of snickers and chuckles the group tried to muffle.
Yori simply ignored the peanut gallery in favor of standing firm against her current obstacle. Lord Elrond was indeed a mighty foe, with his stern continence and commanding presence. But Yori had grown up with Dori, the ultimate Mother-Hen; there was no way the elf was getting her to drink the medicine placed so innocently between them.
Of course part of her knew she should take it, as the Elf was one of the best healers in all of Arda. Sadly her tongue and stomach were in strong agreement against ingesting the vile concoction. Only a week had passed since she became more coherent and slowly regained the ability to move on her own. The rest of her recovery, mostly gaining weight and the full use of her arm, would take much longer. Sure Lord Elrond promised this 'elixir' would assist in her recovery, but the smell alone suggested differently.
"Honestly," the golden elf, introduced to her as Glorfindel, huffed mockingly. "Do you hate elves so much as to not trust Lord Elrond's medicine?"
"I have nothing against Lord Elrond," she countered him breaking her staring contest to send the other elf a severe look she had learned from watching Balin. "In fact I like Lord Elrond. The only Elf I dislike is that golden pounce that claims to rule Mirkwood, and that is based on his refusal to offer even basic aid to my people in their time of need and most recently the unjustified stay in his dungeons. However, when faced with something that makes a Cave Troll smell pleasant I am exceptionally reluctant to put it in my mouth."
This statement brought giggles from Bilbo and Aragorn, the young son of Arathorn who was supposedly the Heir of Isildur, the new King of Gondor and their current host. Gandalf choked slightly on his pipe but his eyes sparkled with amusement. Even Elrond's lips twitched in humor at her statement before schooling his face once more. He had a very strong front, she'd give him that.
"For someone who was brave enough to defeat the Witch King of Angmar when he was infused with the power of the Nine, you are awfully squeamish about a simple tonic," Glorfindel challenged gleefully, more than a little tickled.
"Brave not stupid," she corrected him dryly. "Besides, if you all think that is a great feat then clearly it should be rewarded with cake, not this…" She waved her hand haphazardly over the cup. "Stuff."
Elrond actually sighed much like a parent dealing with a child. Considering how natural it seemed Yori figured he dealt with many reluctant patients.
"While I agree it is not the most pleasant of medicines, it really will aid in your healing," he explained calmly and seriously. "Though you have improved much already your body is actually still very weak, and you could easily catch an infection which could render you unable to fully recover, possibly even lead to your death. This tonic is an effusion of necessary vitamins and herbs that will help give your body the strength it needs to fight off illness while you continue to recover. I have no doubt your own healers would make you drink the same mixtures."
Stupid healers using logic against her. Shoulders slumping in defeat she sighed heavily before gingerly grabbing the cup, as if it were a live snake waiting to strike. "Can I at least have some water to wash my mouth of the horrid taste?"
"I will even allow cake," the elf promised happily, eyes glowing with mirth.
Grumbling she held her breath before downing the liquid in one shot, barely managing not to gag from the taste. Once done she gestured wildly for the goblet of water Aragorn had kindly retrieved for her, gulping the water down as fast as possible to rid herself of the horrendous flavor.
"There, there, that wasn't so bad was it," Bilbo asked gently as he patted her back. The look she sent his way informed him otherwise. Thankfully it brought a rarely seen smile to his face. Ever since their escape from the volcano and their 'recovery' he had been melancholy and disheartened. Though he only had a few burns, lacerations and bruises and he too had lost a good amount of weight, however, the power of the ring had worn heavily down on his spirit. Darkness lingered in his hazel orbs that had not been there previously, even after the Battle of the Five Armies. So if he found some joy at her expense then she would endure Lord Elrond's strange concoctions as many times as needed, if only to help her friend.
"With you both recovering so well, you might even be able to join us when the leaders of the free realms come to discuss your amazing deeds," Gandalf stated quite proud of both of his charges.
It had taken some time with both drifting in and out of consciousness, but finally the wizard had learned the whole of their story. From Bilbo discovering his magic ring was actually a ring of power, to their journey through Mordor, facing off against the Witch King and Gollum respectively, and finally their frankly amazing escape from the volcanic emission of Mt. Doom. As always Gandalf found himself surprised by the strength of Hobbits. Equally amazing was Yori's ability to ignore the temptation of the ring and her steadfast loyalty to Bilbo. Many stronger and more powerful beings would not be able to boast the same.
"Do we have to go?" Yori knew she was whining, but really she didn't want to see any of her own people any time soon. Gandalf had informed them a contingent from Erebor would be coming. No doubt they would find a way to blame her for Fili's death. Even now the thought of him brought a wave of sadness. This past year of not living with the angry mutterings and accusations of her people had been sadly freeing and she did not know if she had the fortitude to face the Dwarves' ire once more.
The wizard awarded her with a wry look. "I have told you there is nothing to fear. I believe you will find yourself and Bilbo quite welcome."
She bit back a snort not believing it for a moment. Part of her considered sneaking off, but she couldn't leave Bilbo, not after all they had been through. If any said anything about him taking the Arkenstone she would silence them with prejudice.
"Are you sure Gandalf," Bilbo asked wearily. "They were not happy with me when last we met." The look in his eyes indicated he was remembering Thorin's words.
"Of course I am sure," the wizard chided. "Thorin was in the throes of gold madness and I know he has overcome it. I am sure there will be words needed to be said between you both, but fear not. When last I was in Dale and Erebor your name was counted among the company as a hero. Even Thranduil has come to respect you; though he is still miffed you managed to free the dwarves from under his nose."
"Can you tell that story again," Aragorn piped in grinning widely. "I really like that part."
"Me as well," Glorfindel added, though his grin was far from innocent. "In fact, if you want to reveal anything you learned in the Woodland Hall's feel free to share." The Belrog Slayer completely ignored the annoyed look his Lord sent him.
The Hobbit settled down in one of the chairs to tell the tale again, a slight grin pulling his lips at the memory. Glorfindel and Aragorn hung on every word, while Elrond and Gandalf watched on in fondness. Yori let her hand wander once more to Fili's braid, which she had to re-work into her hair once she was well enough. She wondered if he was watching them from the Halls of Mahal, where all their dead went. She hoped he had found some kind of peace.