An Unexpected Companion
Chapter 2
An Elf She is Not
According to Gandalf, the road into Rivendell was a hidden one; difficult to find, even for the most well-learned and seasoned traveler. Tiki expected to wander through the land for a couple of hours before sunset until they eventually found the road. She did not expect it to take them until nightfall before Gandalf managed to locate a narrow, winding path that led down from the hills into a green valley.
As they wandered down the path, the sound of water trickling in gentle streams filtered into Tiki's ears. A pair of small brooks flowed near the path, the water clear as crystal. Fish of many colors swam with the current, making the clear water sparkle as the last gasps of sunlight danced off the fishes' gold, copper, and silver scales. It reminded Tiki of those wishing wells she saw in human cities, always full of coins.
The slender path broadened as they descended further into the valley. It wound and winded along the side of steep, granite cliffs. The streams that ran along with it gained speed before joining with small rivers that cascaded into the valley as mighty waterfalls. The loud thrum of rushing water hammering against the rocks below Tiki sounded pleasant and soothing.
In fact, to Tiki, this entire place felt serene. Then, a faint noise rushed to her ears. Pleasant tones danced on the gentle breeze. Voices sang songs, stringed instruments played a melody that caused her eyes to close and a content smile to form on her face. Her footsteps faltered. In front of her, Gandalf paused near the edge of the path.
"Behold, Lady Tiki, Imladris; also known as Rivendell."
Tiki opened her eyes and walked to Gandalf's side. What she saw became one of the few things in her life that managed to take her breath away.
A small settlement made of beautiful, white wood, and stone, sat nestled in the heart of a verdant valley. A rainbow of flowering vines snaked and crawled along exquisite archways, pillars, and trellises. The buildings themselves seemed to sparkle in the light of the golden sunset winking through the valley. A large lake fed by waterfalls and rivers sat alongside the buildings. Elegant bridges crossed the streams and the lake. Among such beauty, Tiki's keen eyes spotted tall, slender, regal figures gliding along the walkways; flitting between green trees and ruby rose bushes.
"It's beautiful," She breathed.
Gandalf smiled. "Many say that upon witnessing the House of Elrond for the first time," He gestured to the path with his staff. "And they always say that before witnessing the incredible hospitality. Come, we should get down there before night falls."
Tiki stole one more glimpse of the village, then followed Gandalf down the path.
If Rivendell was beautiful from afar, it was even more gorgeous up close. The path turned from soft dirt and stray pebbles along the valley cliffs into a paved, stone road. Well-manicured vines that bloomed with all manners of flowers and bulbs snaked along small stone fences lining the road. Songbirds sang whimsical notes that weaved with the elegant tones of elven voices. Tiki could feel her heart swell at the sights and sounds. Any worries she had about how she came to Middle Earth vanished.
She followed Gandalf across a broad bridge that crossed the river. On the other side of the bridge stood two tall, lanky figures with midnight hair and cheerful eyes. Unlike the other elves that Tiki had spotted, these two did not wear fine silks and linens. They wore traveler's garb: leathers, clothing that could be easily repaired in the wild. Blades with gentle curves sat in leather sheaths against their hips, and white longbows were slung over their slender shoulders. Broad grins spread over their clean, youthful faces when they spotted Gandalf.
"Mithrandir!" One waved. At that moment, Tiki realized they were both the same height.
A friendly smile formed on Gandalf's face. "Ah, Elladan and Elrohir. It is good to see both of you are well."
The second, who Tiki assumed was Elrohir, though she couldn't tell a physical difference between the two, pressed his hand to his breast and bowed his head to Gandalf.
"Welcome back to Imladris, Mithrandir," Elrohir said, his tone more measured than his companion's.
Gandalf returned the gesture. "I trust you and Elladan are watching over each other?"
"Father would not have it any other way," Elladan smiled. His gaze then moved past Gandalf to Tiki. When he saw her, a surprised expression came over him, though his friendly expression did not waver. "I see you do not travel alone."
"Indeed, I do not. I apologize for that as I messaged your father that I would be alone, but circumstances changed," Gandalf gestured for Tiki to join him at his side, which she obliged. "Lady Tiki, may I present Elladan and Elrohir, the sons of Lord Elrond."
Tiki's eyes widened. "Ah, royalty," She bowed, some of her green hair falling in front of her. "A pleasure to meet you."
Elladan threw his head back and laughed. Elrohir shared in his brother's laughter, but not as loud. The calmer of the siblings chuckled as Tiki stood tall again.
"The pleasure is ours, Lady Tiki," Elrohir stated. "I do wish we could become more acquainted, but it will have to wait until another time. The Dunedain have requested our assistance to the north, and we must leave at once."
Dunedain? Tiki wondered. Is that yet another creature?
"Trouble there?" Gandalf questioned.
"Nothing out of the ordinary, and it will be dealt with," Elladan replied. "I'm sure father will tell you all of the details. He's waiting for you at home." He patted Gandalf's shoulder. "Lovely to see you again."
With a skip in his step, Elladan marched across the bridge. Gandalf's confused gaze followed him while an amused smirk rested on Tiki's lips. Elrohir paused in front of Gandalf, an exasperated breath puffing from his lips.
"He's taking after the men of the Dunedain," He explained before also patting Gandalf's shoulder, "We must be off."
Gandalf glanced at his shoulder, puzzled, as the two elven brothers rushed away from Rivendell. Tiki's gaze followed the two brothers for as far as she could see them until they disappeared up the road out of the valley, fading into the greenery like ghosts.
"They're a cheerful pair," Tiki said.
"Indeed they are," Gandalf muttered, finally removing his eyes from his shoulder. "I'm sure Elrond is thrilled that they are spending so much time in the world of men."
Tiki hummed as they continued walking along the unblemished paths towards the largest mansion sitting atop a small hill in the valley.
"So the Dunedain are humans?"
Gandalf nodded. "That they are."
"And they call you?"
Gandalf blinked, puzzled. "Well, they call me Gandalf, of course. That is my name, after all."
Tiki nodded her head back to the bridge they crossed. "But those two called you Mithrandir?"
"Oh," Gandalf faltered in his steps a moment, glancing over his shoulder at the road. "Well, I suppose they did. That is the name the elves granted me, as a gesture of respect and goodwill. Although, you will occasionally hear Elrond refer to me as Gandalf as well."
Tiki tilted her head, somehow more puzzled than before. She was sure going by two names would be a bit confusing, but she was not living Gandalf's life for him. Different cultures had different customs, after all. She knew, back in Valm, the Chon'sin dynasts had peculiar naming customs when compared to lands like Ylisse and Regna Ferox. In the end, she supposed she should not have been too surprised that a man as well-traveled as Gandalf would acquire multiple titles over the years.
Their path led them up a series of long steps made of white wood that sparkled in the dying sunlight. Waiting at the peak of the stairs was an older-looking elf with coal-black hair and dark eyes. He wore sweeping robes that somehow appeared loose and form-fitting at the same time. Surely only the finest of silks comprised his outfit, made out of green, sapphire, and white fabrics.
Unlike the two brothers Tiki already met, this elf did not greet them with a wide smile and open arms. Instead, he gave them a nigh imperceptible grin, bowed his head, and gestured for them to join him inside. When that happened, the sunlight faded from the valley, and starlight began to shimmer in the twilight sky.
The inside of the mansion was open, airy, and elegant, like the rest of Rivendell. Yet, somehow, it also felt cozy. Perhaps it was the roaring hearth warming the mansion's main hall? Or, perhaps it was a strange magic that hovered in the air? Tiki swore there was something strange about this place. Not strange in a bad way. If it was strange in a bad way, then Tiki would have had a bad feeling. She knew some magic and enchantments lingered long and could not be seen. Perhaps that is what sat within the mansion and the valley.
Once the mansion's doors shut; soft, blue lights winked to life atop sconces lining the walls, providing more light. The singing from earlier became muffled, taking with it some of the serenity Tiki felt upon entering Rivendell. That serenity was replaced by curiosity as the older elf turned to face her and Gandalf.
"Welcome Mithrandir," He began, his voice not filled with whimsy like the younger elves, but instead filled with authority that surprised Tiki. "I hope the road here was safe?"
Gandalf nodded. "For the most part. Although, my new companion and I did run across goblins from the Misty Mountains about a day's march east."
"They are bold to venture that far," The elf remarked before turning his attention to Tiki again. "Who is your companion?"
"Ah, yes," Gandalf continued. "Lord Elrond, may I present Lady Tiki of… of…"
"Of no land, your grace," Tiki eloquently finished for Gandalf. "I've never sworn an oath of allegiance to any lord or king, so I can't say I hail from anywhere other than the land I was born."
Elrond's sharp brow remained furrowed. "Pardon me for asking; Lady Tiki, you do not happen to be one of my kin from another realm?"
Tiki's long ears twitched. "I am not an elf, Lord Elrond. In fact, until yesterday I believed elves were little creatures that baked cookies in trees."
Gandalf sputtered out a wheezing cough. A few indecipherable mutters came from the old man, causing Tiki to smirk. Elrond, however, did not appear as amused.
"You must have traveled from a great distance to have never heard of my kin," He said before gesturing for them to walk with him further into the mansion. "That must mean you are hungry. Come, you and Mithrandir are welcome at my table."
As if to answer Lord Elrond, Tiki's stomach growled. As she followed the elf lord and Gandalf to an outdoor patio, she hoped that the elf and wizard did not hear it. After all, among royalty, manners are important and improper noises and most inappropriate.
So… elves do not eat meat. While the food placed in front of Tiki was delicious, there was that primal instinct in her that craved a good slab of meat. But, she did not complain. The salads were made with lettuce so vibrant it made her hair look dull was divine. Tomatoes, pomegranates, pears, and apples accompanied other dishes that were seasoned to perfection with some of the most aromatic herbs Tiki ever smelled. So, despite the lack of red meat, or even chicken, Tiki felt satisfied.
Not even the height of Marth's Altea could compare to this, Tiki treacherously thought for a moment.
A brief sense of melancholy hit her at the thought of her long-gone friend. Melancholy she quashed when Elrond finished his meal and turned his attention to her and Gandalf.
Tiki had to stifle a laugh when, instead of opening his mouth to speak, Elrond frowned as Gandalf broke out his pipe. She did not miss the elf lord failing to scold him for it, though.
There must be some sort of arrangement between the two.
"So, Lady Tiki," Elrond began, his ears twitching ever so slightly when Gandalf lit his pipe and took a deep puff. "Gandalf, I ask that you refrain for at least a little while longer."
Gandalf blinked. "Oh, yes, of course. My apologies, Elrond," He snuffed out his pipe and slipped it back into his robes. "Old habits of the road are hard to shake."
"Understandable," Elrond said, nodding his thanks. His gaze returned to Tiki. "From what land do you hail, Lady Tiki?"
Tiki reached for a bright gold apple near the center of the table. Once she plucked it, she took a bite, savored the juices rushing over her palate, then swallowed.
"My most recent home is the Halidom of Ylisse," Tiki replied. "Specifically, I bounced between the city of Ylisstol and the Temple of Naga atop Mount Prism. Before that…" She trailed off when she saw Gandalf's bewildered expression and Elrond's deep, pondering look. A slight frown creased her lips. "I'm guessing I'm not going to get the answers I'm looking for here."
"Now, now, Tiki," Gandalf spoke, trying his best to reassure her. "I'm sure there is some way we can help."
"I cannot help if I do not know the lands of which she speaks," Elrond stated in a matter-of-fact tone. "And, while I could assist her in research, I doubt my records contain anything regarding any land known as Ylisse. Nay, I have heard of all manners of lands from Valinor, to the lost island of Numenor, to Eriador, to the kingdoms of Gondor, and Dale of old, even to the edges of Rhun. But, Ylisse is not one of them."
Gandalf let out a long breath through his nose. "Well, then perhaps we are starting with the wrong question," He twisted in his seat to look at Tiki. "Perhaps we should start by finding whatever people you belong to."
Tiki gave the two of them a grimace. "That would be difficult to do, I'm afraid. Many years ago my people were numerous, but now we are extremely rare. In fact, I have met only one other full-blooded Manakete in the past few centuries."
Both Elrond and Gandalf blinked.
"Manakete?" Gandalf repeated, sinking back in his seat as the word rolled over his tongue. He then picked up his glass of red wine and brought it to his lips.
Elrond folded his hands in his lap, his posture remaining perfect as he sat at the head of the table. "And what is a Manakete exactly, Lady Tiki."
Tiki tilted her head. "Oh? Well if I have never heard of elves then I shouldn't be surprised that you have not heard of Manaketes. Although," She brought a finger to her chin. A gesture she picked up from an old merchant friend of hers. "Perhaps you are more familiar with a more common name: dragonkin?"
A harsh cough caused Gandalf to sputter on his wine, red droplets staining his long beard. His coughs turned to wheezes as his eyes bulged beneath his bushy eyebrows. Beside him, at the head of the table, Elrond's complexion turned ashen. A sharpness entered his eyes, the kind a warrior possesses when facing a dangerous foe. It was the first time Tiki felt uncomfortable in Imladris.
"Dragonkin?" Elrond echoed, his hands now resting atop the table, body leaning forward as he stared hard at her. "Lady Tiki, are you insinuating that you are somehow related to dragons?"
Tiki's lips thinned. "Related? No."
Some relief came over Elrond. Gandalf's harsh coughs began to subside, replaced by some nervous laughter.
"That must be the name of a tribe we have not encountered before," Gandalf assumed. "Dragons, while dangerous creatures, can be powerful symbols if-"
"I am a dragon."
Gandalf's next words came out in a tumble of different languages Tiki could not understand. If Elrond had turned pale when he thought she was merely related to dragons, his complexion resembled a ghost's when she claimed to be one. Neither Elrond nor Gandalf said a word as they looked at Tiki like she was the strangest thing they had ever laid eyes on.
Their gazes were enough for her to feel mildly concerned.
"Did I say something wrong?"
Elrond drew in a deep, shuddering breath. "That," He began, taking another calming breath as his gaze pierced Tiki, "Is not possible."
Gandalf said nothing still. Instead, he reached into his robes, grabbed his pipe, lit it with a flame from his finger, and puffed on it furiously. This time, Elrond did not mind.
"What is not possible?" Tiki asked.
"You cannot possibly be a dragon," Elrond reiterated. "Dragons are… they are large, terrible beasts. They are vile, filled with greed and malice. Such is the nature of Morgoth's foul creations from the first age."
"She certainly does not appear foul," Gandalf muttered between puffs, his gaze distant as he stared at a bowl of fruit on the table.
"I would hope I'm not foul," Tiki replied. "From the sounds of things, you've run across a tribe of my degenerated cousins, perhaps?"
Even more confusion flooded Elrond. He sank back in his seat, one hand reaching for his sharp chin. His gaze never wavered from Tiki as he observed her in silence again. A couple of seconds later, he ran his hand over his eyes, letting out a long, weary exhale.
"If this is some sort of joke put on by you Gandalf, please end it."
"Joke… joke… manakete," Gandalf muttered. "Dragonkin…"
"It is not a joke," Tiki defended. "I am indeed a dragon. When we are not in our draconic form, we are referred to as Manaketes."
"Can you prove such a claim?" Elrond pressed.
Tiki drew in an irritated breath. Never in her life has someone been so dismissive of her claims before. Although, she supposed she should have expected it. Manaketes were rare back home, and apparently even rarer in Middle Earth.
She reached into her leather pouch on her hips. As soon as her fingers brushed over her dragonstone, she could feel raw power thrumming through her body, feeling like pinpricks of lightning rushing over her skin. Warmth flooded her body, originating in her stomach then rising to her chest. She had to close her eyes for a moment, relishing in the strength the magic of her people gave her.
When she produced her dragonstone, Gandalf stopped puffing on his pipe, blue eyes flicking to it with rapt interest. Elrond leaned forward in his seat once more, his chin resting in his hand as he scrutinized the crystal stone from his seat.
"This," Tiki began, placing a loving hand atop the crystal. "Is a dragonstone. It is what we Manaketes use to channel and control our immense power. It then allows us to transform into our draconic form," She pursed her lips as she debated about whether she should reveal the next shred of information. In the end, she deemed it wise to do so. "It is also designed to help prevent degeneration."
Gandalf took a long gulp from his pipe, then blew out a steady stream of smoke into the night air. "You speak that word with fear."
Tiki grimaced. "Degeneration is the death of a Manakete. Only… it's not as pretty as an actual death." She shook her head. "That's beside the point, though. I am, technically, a dragon. I have not degenerated. Therefore, unless someone gives me a very good reason, I am not a threat."
Her words did little to appease Elrond, but they did seem to put Gandalf at ease, even if it was only a little bit. The wizard relaxed in his seat, pipe still wedged between his lips. He gave it a couple of lazy puffs before pulling it from his teeth.
"Could you show us, Lady Tiki?" Gandalf asked.
"Gandalf…" Elrond warned.
"I have a feeling doing so here would cause more than a little alarm," Tiki surmised. "That, and whenever I do transform and use such powers it takes a tremendous toll on me. So, I need to be very careful with how I use this." She finished, tapping her stone with her index finger.
Gandalf inhaled deep, his lips thinning inside his beard. Elrond looked less afraid thanks to Tiki's explanation, but he still regarded her with caution. Tiki supposed that was wise. She could be very dangerous when she wanted to be, after all. The lack of meat could set her off.
"Well then," Gandalf said, replacing his pipe in the corner of his mouth. "This has been a most enlightening evening."
"There is a woman who claims to be a dragon in Imladris," Elrond breathed. "I would say this evening has been much more than enlightening," He massaged his brow for a moment. "Gandalf, not a word of this leaves this table. Not until we can make some sense of these… revelations."
"I concur," Gandalf nodded. "We wouldn't want to startle your people."
"Good," Elrond rose from his seat. "It was… interesting to meet you, Lady Tiki. One of my household will show you to your chambers for the evening when you are ready to retire. I bid you both a good evening."
With that, Elrond left the dining table, moving with haste back into the halls of his home. Tiki's gaze followed him as he disappeared down a winding corridor. When the elf lord was gone, Tiki frowned, bit into her apple again, then turned to Gandalf.
"I take it elves and dragons have a history?"
Gandalf's eyes sparkled, although Tiki could not tell if it was his usual amusement or trepidation.
"Oh," Gandalf puffed on his pipe, "Only several thousand years worth of bloody history."
Tiki did not, under any circumstances, without any good reason at all, want to wake up. This was the case whenever she fell asleep. Manaketes tend to be heavy sleepers, after all, and it takes a great deal of commotion to wake one. Or, in her case, motivation. These sheets and blankets felt so warm and soft wrapped around her still form. The bed- oh the bed- was the softest thing she laid in since she lived in Ylisstol.
And, unlike while she was out in the wild with Gandalf, nightmares did not plague her dreams. Her sleep was dreamless, which was a welcome change. With all that in mind, she wanted to remain in this warm, relaxed, bliss for as long as she could manage.
Unfortunately, the sun had other ideas.
Bright, golden rays filtered through the white curtains lining the windows, falling onto her eyes and rendering her dark slumber over. A small groan slipped from Tiki's lips as she rolled over onto her back, the sheets shifting with her, entangling her even more in their warm embrace.
Her long ears twitched as songbirds chirped outside of her window, further coaxing her awake. Finally, after putting up a fight, Tiki's emerald eyes opened. She stared up at the ceiling, frustration mixing with grogginess as a sleep-induced fog lingered in her mind.
Alright, alright, Tiki blinked sunlight from her eyes, I'm up.
A loud yawn shot from her mouth, the sound morphing from a quiet whine to the guttural growl of a waking manakete. As soon as the growl ended, a sharp gasp echoed into her ears, causing Tiki to whip her gaze to her door, alert.
A young boy stood in her doorway, eyes wide with curiosity and fear. Piercing gray eyes stared at her from beneath a mess of dark hair. One thing she did not see on the boy, though, was pointed ears.
Tiki tilted her head, curious.
"Estel!"
An elf woman with chestnut hair and sapphire eyes rushed to the boy. When she saw Tiki was awake, the woman gasped with a start before offering her a small bow of her head.
"My apologies, my lady. I hope Estel did not wake you."
Tiki cracked a small smile. "No worries; he did not," She craned her head to get a better look at his ears. Indeed, they were not pointy like the elf woman's. "Is he an elf as well?"
The elf woman's complexion paled a little. "He's one of Lord Elrond's sons," She answered. "Come, Estel. We must leave her be for now."
"She growled," Estel commented as the woman spun him around and marched him away from Tiki's room.
"I am sure she did when she noticed an uninvited guest…" The woman's voice faded away.
Tiki narrowed her eyes, puzzled as she pondered young Estel. Elrond made no mention of having a third son at dinner. Gandalf also did not say anything about that.
Strange.
The boy continued to bother Tiki's mind, even as she arose, dressed, and emerged from her room. A few sleepy yawns continued to slip from her lips as she marched through Elrond's house towards the outdoor patio where she assumed breakfast would be served.
Her assumption proved correct, and once again the platter lacked meat. A disappointed pout formed on her lips, one she wiped away when she spotted Gandalf sitting at the table already, a book open in his right hand. When he spotted her, a welcoming smile formed on his face.
"I trust you slept well, Lady Tiki?"
"I did, thank you," She replied as she took a seat across from him. She loaded up her plate with fruits, oats, pieces of bread, and cheeses. Gandalf brought a mug of piping hot tea to his lips as he continued reading. Right as Tiki brought a bite of bread to her mouth, her curiosity bloomed again.
Perhaps he simply forgot to mention the other members of Elrond's family?
"Estel seems like a lovely boy."
Gandalf choked on his tea, and Tiki could tell this was going to be a very interesting day.
And chapter! Time to get Tiki a little more ingrained into the world. What better way to do that then to have her meet the loremaster of Middle Earth himself, Elrond. I do think she would confound him a little bit though. After all, when he thinks of a dragon, he's probably thinking of Smaug and not Tiki XD. These interactions so far have been very fun to write. I plan on having maybe one more chapter in Rivendell before we keep this thing going. We'll see what happens
Anyways, let me know what you all think of this chapter! As always, I hope you all enjoyed it! Have a nice day!
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