Chapter 3: The Last Homely House, Not For Me
Rivendell was beautiful.
Even with the light of the moon, the elven city was seemingly glowing with an otherworldly light. Waterfalls and beautifully crafted buildings seemed as if they were grown out of nature itself rather than made by someone else.
As Yúla walked down a strange bridge that barely fit her, she stole a glance toward the two elven guards in front of her. They were wearing identical armor and walked in step with each other. The echoing steps with the two guards she knew were behind her didn't make her feel exactly welcome to this place, but the grey wizard in front of her talking with the one known as Elrond set her mind at ease.
The black dragoness needed to wait in the small cave pass for a short while longer as the two elves prepared some sort of lodging for her. It didn't surprise her in the slightest that they didn't have something prepared for a dragon, but when her newfound guards came with those strange stick throwers and she was told they would be following her every move?
Despite the beauty of her surroundings, she only had one thought.
I don't like this place.
The only real consolation was the fact that the golden haired elf she was introduced to seemed a bit more relaxed in her presence. He was still a bit tense around her, but after her introduction the day before, he seemed to lose most of his hostility.
The eight of them slowly made their way through the darkened city. Several elves came out of their lodgings to look towards the newcomers, with soft whispers in that singsong language she couldn't understand reaching her ears.
The tone of the talk, however, was easy to understand.
I am not welcome here.
Slowly the group made it to a small forest clearing near a stream, though judging by the nearby buildings she couldn't exactly tell if it was the forest or the city. Set up in the middle of the clearing was a roof with no walls and what appeared to be a nest of kindling made out of twigs and leaves that didn't look the least bit comfortable. Thankfully, the roof looked big enough to cover her from most of the elements.
Most of them.
Looking around, the four elves guarding her all took up positions surrounding the clearing. Each of them were facing inward toward the nest, gripping their weapons tightly.
Elrond, Glorfindel, and Gandalf then turned to Yúla, only two of which had a smile on their faces. Before anything else could happen, Elrond spoke up.
"Welcome to Rivendell… Yúla."
The introduction was awkward, as if he was expecting more to her name. Nonetheless, he continued.
"For the time being, this will be your lodging until we can find something more fitting. I hope you aren't too offended by the more… open area, but-"
Yúla raised a talon, cutting the elf lord off.
"I understand. I don't belong here."
A moment of quick silence came and went before Gandalf decided to talk.
"Yúla, surely you must understand why I brought you here. Lord Elrond might be able to help you."
She understood, but that didn't mean she liked it. Walking over to the large gazebo, she began to move the kindling only to find a wood floor below. If there was any chance of her getting comfortable now, it was gone.
Soft whispers came and went between the three, Gandalf being the most vocal.
Tired from her journey, she began to curl up on the kindling nonetheless. The twigs poked and prodded her hide, causing her to become itchy. After a few moments of attempting to get comfortable, she couldn't find a single spot she liked.
Frustrated, she lets out an annoyed growl as she realizes that the ground by itself would be more comfortable than this. Standing up quickly, she heard the soft thunk of sticks impacting wood when her elven guards drew their weapons.
Freezing, she didn't know how to react. Sure, she knew that they couldn't hurt her, but the action was taken nonetheless. It seemed like just standing up and becoming frustrated was threatening enough for these people to draw their weapons.
"Lower your arms!" Gandalf's voice rang out. "She means no harm!"
Slowly, the four elves lowered their bows. Dipping her head low, she slowly walks out of the gazebo. She tried to find a spot in the clearing with the least amount of grass, and after a few seconds of searching, she found a good enough spot. Even as her companion talked with the elves, she begun to dig out a small dirt bowl that she could sleep in. The dirt would certainly be a poor substitute for smooth melted rock, but it would definitely be better than itchy twigs.
Nonetheless, she breathed a bit of fire on the small bowl, melting the small stones and charring the dirt. She examined the harder surface after it cooled down. She wasn't completely satisfied, but this makes for a better substitute for a good nest than anything else she has at the moment.
Before she could fully settle in, she made her way back to Gandalf.
"-must do something about her guards. She's harmless!"
She glanced idly to the guards, noting that all of them had their weapons drawn. It seemed as if her little display of fire didn't set them at ease in her presence.
Elrond didn't seem too convinced, as he gestured toward the firedrake absentmindedly. She idly noted that his hand almost whacked her on the snout, showing how much attention he was devoting to his arguments.
"Even a firedrake that small can wreak havoc before we could subdue it. Surely you understand why-"
Yúla, becoming impatient in her travel weary exhaustion, decided to cut the conversation short. She focused on Gandalf and dipped her head low in respect.
"Ahem."
Turning around, the three of them found the subject of their conversation staring at the wizard expectantly.
"Gandalf, may I have my treasure back?"
The grey wizard glanced at the two elves with a mischievous smirk as he reached into his bag and pulled out her treasure. Before he gave it over, he said something that confused the dragoness, but any thought about what he meant was gone when he gave the object back to her.
"This should ease any concerns you have about her."
Her eyes scanned over the object, taking in ever detail in it. The orb looked shinier than she remembered, as all of the scratches and dust were gone. A sheen of polish reflected the moonlight like a mirror, and she could even see her blue eyes reflected back to her.
He… he polished it.
Feeling pure happiness bubbling up from within her, she realized that she needed to take much better care of her treasure from here on. It didn't only represent home now, but also the kindness of her newfound friend.
Knowing right where to put it, she carefully made her way over to the gazebo and threw the kindling off to the side without a care in the world. Making sure the orb wouldn't roll by carving out a small indent in the middle, she placed the obsidian on its newfound stand.
"I fail to see how this would ease my concerns, Mithrandir."
"Just wait."
Spinning around slowly so she wouldn't agitate her guards, she made her way back to Gandalf. Closing the distance, she sat back onto her rear legs and wrapped her forepaws around the grey wizard. Pulling him to her underbelly, she felt the same warm feeling that she felt for Radagast bubbling up in her chest as she squeezed gently.
"Thank you… thank you so much. You don't know how much this means to me…"
Even through the grunts of pain that her talons were definitely causing the wizard, he wrapped his hands around the dragoness as much as he could.
"You're welcome Yúla. Thank you for trusting me with your treasure."
They sat like that for a moment, Yúla unwilling to let go until Gandalf gave her chest a small push. Falling back down to all fours, she gave the wizard a wide smile.
Until a yawn came across her muzzle and she realized just how tired she was. She hasn't slept in days, and for the first time in months, she could relax.
Eyeing the elves with the stick throwers, she amended that thought.
At least I can get some sleep without worrying about hiding now.
Making her way back to her dirt nest, she curled up and closed her eyes. Slowly, even through the soft words being exchanged in the clearing, she drifted off into a tense but deep slumber.
-OtWoF-
The soft tweets of birds mixed with the white noise of rushing water were the first things Yúla noticed upon waking up. The scent of nature was ever present, though it wasn't long before she picked up the scent of the nearby elves buried underneath.
Next came the expected feeling of having dirt caked in between her scales. Again.
What she wouldn't give to have a good stone nest again. It took her long enough to dig down below Radagast's hut to find solid stone she could melt and mould into decent bedding, but her old nest was halfway across the world now. It would be no use fretting over something she couldn't have. Not to mention, she doesn't think that her hosts would take kindly to her digging a massive hole in the ground in order to replace the nest she lost considering the way they looked at her when she dug even this small nest. No, she was stuck with what she had.
Finally opening her eyes, she lifts her head off the ground. Looking around, it seemed as if nothing changed from the day prior. The four elven guards still eyed her suspiciously, and the clearing was quiet.
Standing up, she stretched out her limbs and began to make her way to the nearby stream. While she absolutely hated water, she hated having dirt caked in her scales even more.
Standing over the slowly flowing water, she needed to take a moment to mentally prepare herself. The water looked cold, and this was undoubtedly going to be an unpleasant affair. Gritting her teeth, she stoaked her fire and took the plunge.
Even as the hissing of the water as it turned into steam filled her ears, the unpleasant cold chilled her to the bone. The dragoness quickly rolled in the water, splashing and rolling around as she stretched her scales and hide out as far as she could to loosen the dirt. She was sure she looked like she was attacking the creek, but she didn't care. The faster she got this over with the better.
It didn't take her long at all to finish, stepping out of the creek soaking wet and shivering. Taking in a few deep breaths, it didn't take too long for the water to evaporate into a thick cloud of steam as her inner fire bathed the area around her in an orange glow.
Hearing footsteps behind her, the dragoness snaked her head around to see who was approaching.
The two elves from earlier, along with Gandalf, were all approaching her area with several items in hand. Hushed conversation between the three could be heard, but she couldn't make out more than a few words.
Eventually, Gandalf branched off and made his way directly to her. She could hear the metal armor clanking from the guards as he approached, causing a bit of irritation to bubble up.
I'm not doing anything! Why are they so threatened?
Ignoring them, she is a bit surprised as Gandalf unceremoniously plops one of his items down onto the ground in front of her. Looking down at it, it appeared to be a red rectangle with some strange markings on the side facing her.
Looking over the strange thing in front of her muzzle, she gave it a few sniffs. It smelled of dust and wood to her, and only added to the confusion of what these elves were shoving in front of her face.
"What is this thing?"
Gandalf's voice came soon enough as he used his staff to open the red covering, seemingly amused at the situation.
"It's called a book."
Blinking, she examined the newly opened 'book' more closely. The insides had even more of the strange markings, but more importantly it had pictures that were made to imitate objects that she has seen before.
Sadly, even upon learning the name of the strange object and becoming intrigued by the pictures within, she still couldn't discern why it was placed in front of her.
"And what am I supposed to do with it?"
Gandalf sat down next to her, his back leaning against one of her forepaws. He leaned over and snatched the book up off the ground before reaching a specific page within.
"Books only have one purpose, Yúla. One that I am sure you will become familiar with soon enough."
Holding the object up, she is met with yet more strange markings and odd pictures.
"You don't use books, you learn from them. Obviously Radagast didn't teach you how to read, so we shall start there."
Looking up from the strangely acting grey wizard, she saw as both of the elven lords were studying the situation intently. They appeared to be looking for something, but she didn't quite know what.
With a mental shrug, she plopped down onto her belly and focused her attention on what Gandalf was telling her. Ready to learn something new, her excitement showed itself as her tail began to twitch in anticipation.
Pointing to a specific squiggle in the book, Gandalf began his lesson.
"This is the letter A. Learn it."
-OtWoF-
Five days.
It's been five days of nonstop lessons, learning strange letters and words. Sure, she was making progress, but that didn't really mean anything when the lessons were so mind numbingly boring.
Thankfully, the day's lessons were over, and while the light of the sun was still overhead, she wasn't allowed to go anywhere else but her clearing.
One quick glance to the overly aggressive guards told her that.
And so she decided to take a nap in the gazebo. Sure, the wooden floor was flat and uncomfortable, but at least she wouldn't need to go take a dip in the stream again. Not to mention the position gave her some peace of mind curled up around her only treasure like this. At the very least, she knew no one would take it while she was there.
Eventually, her bored slumber was interrupted as she yet again heard footsteps approaching. Groaning, she felt her muscles protest at the position they were stuck in previously when she got to her feet. Looking around, she tried to find out who was coming for a visit.
Sure enough, the gold haired elf named Glorfindel was approaching her clearing. More specifically, he seemed to be making his way towards one of the guards surrounding her nest. He took a quick moment to talk to his elven companion in that strange lyrical language, but once he was done he turned his attention to the dragoness.
Giving the firedrake an odd smile, he bowed deeply which honestly confused the dragoness. Her instincts were telling her that the action was a sign of submission, but she assumed that wasn't correct given the circumstances.
He spoke to her in the elven language she didn't know for a few moments, before he noticed the obvious confused tilt of her head. Clearing his throat, he tried again.
"Good morning, Morrovalùr. My lord Elrond would like to ask if you-"
Yúla cut him off, snorting a bit of smoke as she did so.
"My name is Yúla."
The elf raised an eyebrow, seeming amused at the interruption.
"Indeed, however as most of the elves here did not know that when you arrived, they took it upon themselves to give you a name."
Blinking, she didn't quite know how to feel about that. Turning to the nearby guard, she saw his eyes quickly flick away from her the moment her attention was changed.
"Nonetheless, I would like to ask if you require anything. You are our guest after all, and we would be terrible hosts if we did not accommodate your needs."
Yúla thought about it for a moment, but nothing really came to mind. Sure, she could use better nesting, but this was most likely the best they could do. She didn't need to ask for food, as they have been providing for her. The stream had enough clean water for her, so that wasn't an issue either.
Glancing around the clearing, her eyes inevitably landed on the four stoic armed guards. She felt like she was trapped in a cage, unable to leave under any circumstances.
Looking up to the cool blue sky, she longed to spread her wings and fly. It has been a long journey since they left the area known as Rohan, and her wings were itching to be used. She turned back to Glorfindel even as a feeling of excitement entered her veins at the idea.
"Do you think I might be able to fly above the city? I haven't been able to stretch my wings in a long time."
She studied the golden haired elf closely, watching as his features morphed into an uncertain smile. Her hopes died quickly at the show of uncertainty, but were rekindled as he spoke.
"Sadly, I do not believe that a firedrake flying over Rivendell after arriving a day prior would be the best idea. However if you so wish it, we can make our way to the valley below and you may take to the skies there."
Unable to hide her excitement, she nods vigorously. Her tail flicked back and forth behind her as an eager fang filled smile reached her face.
"Lead the way!"
-OtWoF-
The dim light of a crescent moon trickled through the trees, though to the dragoness it was as bright as day. Adrenaline pumping through her molten veins, she felt her tail twitch from the hiding spot she knew was perfect. Tensing her muscles, she prepared to pounce.
If only she realized that her quarrel knew she was there, and it was but an act.
Exploding from the bush, she sprang towards her target. Claws outstretched with an open mouth filled with razor sharp teeth came rushing toward her prey. The wings on her back furled out as she used them to glide through the air for a more hasty attack, surely a terrifying sight for anyone to see.
She has been attempting to catch her prey for hours now, but no matter how sneaky she was, she never managed to get close enough to even touch it.
This time was no different.
She watched in horrid fascination as the target dodged out of the way with the swiftness of one of Radagast's rabbits. Yúla attempted to course correct mid lunge and flailed to the left even while still airborne. Her outstretched claw missed her prey by a mere inch as she passed it, her sharp eyesight watching in horror as the golden haired elf known as Glorfindel let out a smirk towards the now out of control dragoness.
Right before her left wing caught the ground and she tumbled face first into an unseen creek behind him with a loud splash.
The water hissed as she impacted it, the chill cooling her fire down as she began to center herself. It wasn't the first time that day that she ended up face first in something unpleasant.
Not that it stopped her from thoroughly enjoying herself.
The dragoness glanced around after pulling herself from the water, unsurprised to find that her quarry had yet again disappeared. The firedrake let out a soft growl as she made her way to where she last saw him. Beginning to track his scent, she followed the trail through a thicket of bushes.
They had been at this for hours now at this point. After her flight, she landed back in a clearing that Glorfindel escorted her to only to see a mischievous look on the elf's face. She didn't yet realize how much fun the single sentence of, "I bet you can't catch me!" Could be.
This was the first time in her entire life that something evaded her. Once she managed to catch the scent of her prey, she tracked it down and caught it. It was an unspoken rule of life with her, she was the biggest and most threatening thing out there!
Well, it turns out something smaller could evade her. A lesson she was learning over… and over… and over again.
Looking up to the night sky above, an idea hatched in her mind.
I am a predator of the skies! Why am I limiting myself to the ground?
Her idea formed, she turned around and snuck away from the area she assumed Glorfindel was hiding in. Once she was a safe enough distance away to fly without the displacement of air giving her away, she took to the skies once again.
Glancing down with her sharp eyesight to the impromptu hunting grounds below, she almost immediately spotted Glorfindel. The elf was pretending to be examining his nails, but the very suspicious muddy puddle he was standing next to caused her spines on her crest to fold back onto her neck. She would not fall into that under any circumstances!
Gliding carefully, she positioned herself so she would come from below the light of the moon, making him blind to her approach. She knew she had him this time, absolutely certain that there was no way he could dodge her.
Risking a bit more speed, she tucked her wings in closer to her body. Her sharp talons outstretched as she swiftly approached her prey.
Only for her to realize two things.
The first was she was going far too fast now. Sure, she would win their game of cat and mouse easily with her strategy, but the point would be moot if he died!
The second thing was, she was too close to pull up now.
Screeching, she tried to warn the elf of his impending doom. The look of horror on his face reached her eyes for a moment before he dove down to the side.
Right before Yúla smacked face first into the large mud puddle with a loud splat.
The force of her impact made her tumble head over tail for a few moments, covering her completely in mud. Thankfully, her armored scales took the brunt of the impact and she was left completely unharmed.
Except for her pride.
Lifting her serpentine head off the ground, she turned back to Glorfindel who had a hand over his mouth in an attempt to cover his amusement. The embarrassment from the firedrake couldn't be overstated in that moment as she grit her teeth, her fire stocking itself without her consent. Sadly, this only caused the mud to begin to bubble as the water within quickly reached its boiling point.
"Don't. You. Dare."
Sadly, the sight of a dragon covered head to tail in dripping and bubbling mud, steam evaporating from her as she did all but blush at the scene was too much for the elf. He doubled over in laughter.
As Yúla stood up, making her way to the elf, she felt even more embarrassment filling her with each of his musical laughter. She idly noted that the elves even laughed melodically, but that thought was quickly pushed aside as she stood over the elf.
Looking him over, she noted with glee that he was wearing gold and white. His tunic was well crafted and thankfully he was lying on a patch of grass at the moment, otherwise it might have gotten dirty.
Placing a mud covered forepaw on his chest, the elf looked up to her with amusement still showing on his face. He didn't seem the least bit concerned that her talon was pinning him down.
That was a mistake.
Smiling to the elf, she whispered only two words in the most threatening tone she could. Being what she was, she noted that the threat buried in her undertone was absolutely menacing.
"Got you."
Right before her tail scooped up as much of the remaining mud from the puddle onto the grassy shore, the look of sheer horror on his face burning itself into her memory forever.
Even after completely drenching the elf in mud, he continued to laugh. The mirthful attitude of her new companion carried over and she couldn't help but follow suit. A few long moments needed to be taken to catch their breath, but once they did they merely sat there in happiness.
This was the most fun Yúla has had… ever. No one has ever taken the time to just play with her before! This was something new to her, and she very much enjoyed it.
Looking back down to the elf, she saw him standing up and assessing the damage done to his clothing. She knew that if it was anything like getting mud out from in between her scales, he was in for a rough time.
Grunting, he began to make his way back towards Rivendell. It would only take a short walk to get back, but already she wished she didn't have to leave.
"We should be getting back. I'm sure that if we take any longer, they will send out a search party."
Still smiling from the day's fun, she began to follow the elf.
Maybe this place isn't so bad after all!
-OtWoF-
Gasps of horror and despair rang through the small crowd as a mud caked Glorfindel and filthy Yúla made their way back into Rivendell.
Not that the two cared, as they had struck up a conversation on the journey back that they were intent on continuing.
"You knew other dragons from long ago? What were they like?"
Glorfindel laughed, shaking his head.
"Nothing like you, though I am sure that can only be a good thing. Do not strive to be like them, as that path will only lead to despair and death."
Yúla snorted, seemingly unconvinced.
"But how will I know not to be like them, if no one will tell me what they were like? How can I be sure I am different if I have nothing to compare to?"
Glorfindel thought for a moment as the two made their way down a road, Yúla's talons clanking against the carefully paved streets being a sharp contrast to his near silent footsteps.
"You don't need to compare yourself to anyone, as there is only one of you."
Glancing down to her traveling companion, she was surprised at his sincere tone of voice. Before she could think more on it, he continued.
"In all my years in middle earth, I've never seen anything quite as absurdly unique as you. I must say I didn't quite believe it at first, though apparently that is most people's reaction to your situation."
He stopped his pace, turning to the firedrake by his side. Placing a hand on her scale covered shoulder, he smiled.
"You will learn soon enough from the history tomes of what the dragons of old did, but I can tell even now that you won't ever be like them. Trust in yourself, and trust in the friends you make along the way."
Standing there for a moment, the dragoness struck silent from the words. After only a moment, a smile came across her face as she nodded.
"I hope to count you among them... my friend."
The smile on his face only became brighter as he bowed his head low.
"It would be my honor, my friend. Now let's get you back to your nest. I'm sure you wish to be free of this filth just as much as I do."
-OtWoF-
The black dragoness sat under her gazebo, calmly observing the strange elf that has intruded upon her.
There was an unfamiliar brown haired elf in her clearing, sitting behind a strange white object as he did something to it. Every once and a while, he glanced over to her before returning to his labors. He had been at this for hours now, not once taking a break even to eat.
She didn't know what the elf was doing, but the lone fact that the intruder might try and steal her treasure caused her to curl up around it. The odd standoff began, but he seemed content laboring over his white rectangle.
Yúla had most of the day to think about this situation as she stared at the back of the object, trying to figure out exactly what the elf was doing. After pondering for hours to no avail, she was absolutely certain about at least one thing.
Elves are strange.
The elf began to speak to himself in his musical language, sounding pleased as he stood up and examined the back of the white rectangle he poured so much time over. Fearlessly, the elf began to make his way toward the firedrake.
Feeling the spikes on her crest flare themselves out, she began to feel defensive over her treasure. This person was unknown to her, and she didn't like him getting so close.
Stopping short, the elf bowed deeply before he spoke up.
"Thank you, oh great and mighty dragon, for staying still and allowing me to paint your likeness. Most paintings of your kind are done using only the memories of battles fought long ago, and this opportunity to have the subject of my art sitting still has been wonderful."
What?
Tilting her head, she asked the obvious question.
"What's a painting?"
The elf blinked owlishly for a second, looking honestly lost. After a moment of awkward silence, he held up his odd rectangle.
"I… thought you knew, as you sat remarkably still throughout that endeavor."
The dragoness adjusted herself, stretching a few muscles but never taking her eyes off the elf in case he tried something funny.
"You intruded upon my clearing hours ago and have been focused on me the entire time. I thought you were here to steal my treasure, so I have been guarding it."
The elf realized what she was saying immediately, bowing deeply but still keeping his the painting away from his body as he did so.
"Oh goodness no! My deepest apologies if I gave off the impression. I was merely here to try and capture the moment for historical reference and artistic inspiration."
Spinning the rectangle around, Yúla's eyes widened at what she saw.
Because it was her.
She has seen herself in still ponds before, but seeing her body from another perspective entirely was surreal to her. The picture was so vivid, that she could even see her suspicious blue eyes glancing through the canvas from atop her crossed forepaws. Her wings folded over the center of the gazebo protectively, and her muscles tense as she prepared herself for anything.
"I don't look that angry all the time, do I?"
Musical laughter bubbled up from the elf as he shrugged. Flipping the painting back around to where she couldn't see it, he began to give his own thoughts on the matter.
"To be honest, I thought you were just doing your best to look fierce for the painting."
Shaking her head, Yúla let out a few laughs of her own.
"I guess I still have a lot to learn. This…" She gestured with one of her paws toward the expertly crafted buildings around her, "Is all still new to me. Books and paintings and elves… I don't know how to react to any of it."
Walking back to the stand that held up the painting, he placed it where it was previously before making his way back to the dragon.
"You wouldn't be the first. It seems every time we have a guest from another race, they always seem confused or off put by our way of life. You especially, considering just how different you are compared to us..."
The elf seemed to perk up as he got an idea, smiling toward the firedrake.
"Tell you what! How about I paint you another picture? One for you to keep for your humble hoard? Think of it as a welcoming gift and a sign of fellowship between us."
Thinking of having something so beautiful to add to her collection, she nodded vigorously. Deciding to at least properly introduce herself, she bowed her head low in respect.
"That sounds wonderful! I would love for your gift to be my second treasure." Feeling foolish for not introducing herself yet, she placed a forepaw on her chest as she adds. "I'm Yúla, by the way. What's your name?"
The elf imitated her motions, placing a hand on his chest as he spoke.
"And I am Ídhaiamrûn. Pleased to make your acquaintance, oh Yúla, the mighty firedrake."
Feeling eyes on her even as he made his introduction, she glanced up to see Elrond and Gandalf holding an almost excessive number of books as they made their way into the clearing.
The two of them took notice of the painting, examining the picture for a moment before continuing. While Gandalf looked indifferent to the event, Elrond turned his gaze to her friend in calculated contemplation before a small smile graced his lips.
Her new friend also noticed the newcomers, swiftly turning to them and bowing low like he did only a moment ago to her.
"My lord Elrond."
The brown haired elf lord began to speak, his calm and collected voice resounding through the clearing.
"I see you have met our new guest. I must say, I am surprised you wished to practice your talent on one such as her considering your usual works."
Unsure of what he meant by that, she turned to her new friend. She couldn't see his reaction as he was facing the other way, but the bashfulness was certainly there.
"My passion is for the skies, my lord. Just because I normally paint robins and hummingbirds doesn't mean I can't admire the beauty in all things that can touch the heavens."
Beauty?
Feeling absolutely flattered at the compliment, she felt her smile reaching her face no matter how much she tried to prevent it.
The elf turned around and gave her one last nod, before departing with a quick, "Until next we meet."
Oddly enough, after a few moments to get settled, it looked as if Elrond was taking the lead with her lessons today as Gandalf sat off to the side smoking his stick and cup.
Not that she cared too much. Gandalf was a terrible teacher when it came to anything except life lessons, and the kind elf was a lot more understanding once he got used to her.
It also helped that she was in an absolutely blissful mood now. Her smile never left her face that day, even through the tedious lessons that she was forced to sit through.
-OtWoF-
"You are leaving?! Why?"
The grey wizard looked at her, regret filling his eyes. Sadly, that didn't do anything to make the betrayed firedrake feel any better.
They have only been here for a week! Why was he leaving her here alone with these elves after such a short time?
"I was never meant to be your caretaker like Radagast was Yúla. I have brought you to people who might help you find your place, but it will now be up to you to find out where and what that is."
The sad dragoness lowered her gaze to the floor. She didn't know what she expected him to do, but now she was going to be left surrounded by strangers in a strange land once again. The only person she truly trusted was yet again leaving her.
She watched as one of Gandalf's hands reached down to her chin, pulling her face up to meet his. She saw the reassurance she needed in his blue eyes, and a bit of her confidence came back.
"I will visit you when I can, but I can already tell you now that Rivendell won't be your permanent home. You can grow strong here, and lord Elrond will teach you many things, but just going by the description of your mother that Radagast gave me… you just won't fit in a place like this just from size alone."
Thinking about the rather large clearing that she was given, she didn't seem so sure. Nonetheless, she nodded. She knew she would be able to find her own way from here, and at the very least she made three friends already. This might not be her home, but she recognized the chance that the welcoming and friendly elves were for what it was.
An opportunity to stop hiding and make her own way with her own friends.
Making eye contact, she gave the grey wizard a soft smile. She was still saddened by his departure, but in the end it wasn't right to demand he stay here with her.
"Until we meet again then?"
Seeing a similar smile fill her companion's face, he reached into his bag. Pulling out a familiar golden coin, he flicked it to her just like he did when they first met.
Catching the coin, she studied the shining gold in her talons for only a moment before she looked back up to the wizard…
…Only to see him already walking away, one hand over his head as he waved his goodbye.
"Until we meet again, Yúla."
-Author's Note-
Ten points to the person who gets the reference for how Gandalf began teaching her how to read.
Are you ready for a time skip montage?!!?
Just like Songbird, the fluff of growing up is all well and good, but I like writing an actual plot and story. These 4-5 chapters are intended to set up the character and backstory and not much else. The next little bit will be setting up the actual plot and direction I want to go with it.
I'm honestly surprised it took me this long to do. I was kinda fast tracking getting her to Rivendell as much as I could.
I'm sorry if I messed up any of the elvish. I'm not Tolkien. I'm most likely going to use the same method that I used in songbird to represent different languages once she can actually understand it just to make it easier to understand anyway. I'm mostly worried about if the two Sindarin names actually make sense.
Oh well, it's FanFiction.
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