An Unexpected Companion
Chapter 3
Interested in an Adventure?
If there was a paradise on earth, then Rivendell had to be it. Tiki had been to many places in her long life. Valentia had its beautiful spots, especially in Rosanne's rolling fields or high up in the Mila Tree. Archanea also had splendid places within Ylisse, Regna Ferox, even Plegia. But nowhere she had matched the serenity that Rivendell had. It was as if a strange, unseen power hung in the air that calmed her mind and soul.
But, even though Tiki felt at peace in this tranquil place, she did not feel like resting. A wellspring of curiosity that she had not felt in perhaps a thousand years burst within her. So, she found herself exploring every nook and cranny of Rivendell.
She wandered through lush gardens filled with every flower and fruit imaginable. The colors she saw there would have made a rainbow appear dull. The many rivers, streams, rapids, and waterfalls created a soothing rush of water. Each one of them was filled with fish whose scales glittered in the golden sunlight, mixing with the diamonds that rippled with each splash of water.
Yet, despite her wandering, one thing she did not encounter much was elves. This was their home, so shouldn't there be more of them? Or, were they avoiding her?
That thought did cross her mind. It lingered as she sat on a bench near a pond, watching some ducks paddle across the water. Were elves shy? Or did they avoid her on the command of Lord Elrond?
That would be a shame if that was the case. She thought, a faint smile quivering over her lips as she spotted some ducklings enter the water with their mother. I do like it here.
A melancholic sigh left her lips. She did like it here, quite a lot. But… this place was not for her. Elrond's reaction to her revealing herself as a dragon proved that. While the Lord of Rivendell was still cordial with her, she did not miss the fear in his gaze upon realizing what she was.
Apparently, Elves and Dragons have a bad history. Tiki bit her lip as she pondered that revelation from Gandalf. I wonder what happened?
After a couple more moments, Tiki rose to her feet and decided to go to the one building she hadn't explored yet: Elrond's mansion. True, she had been staying there while Gandalf conducted his business with the elf lord, but she did not bother to poke her nose around the place right away. She wanted to save that for last. Why? Because why not.
When she entered the main hall to Lord Elrond's mansion, she turned down a different corridor than the one she usually followed. The corridor she took led to a wide hallway lined with tapestries, paintings, and marble statues. One painting immediately caught her eye, because it was one of the only ones that did not possess a hint of green in it.
It was a dark painting, filled with violent reds and bleak blacks. A sliver of silver existed in the painting; a sword, wielded by a man in steel armor as he held it aloft in self-defense.
Towering over him was a figure that made her tilt her head, puzzled. It looked like a man, but it was not. He was clothed head to toe in terrifying armor that looked designed to intimidate all who fought against him. This figure held a massive mace high in one hand while the other hand reached towards the fallen man. On the monster's free hand, a hint of gold glimmered on one of the fingers.
Curious. Tiki peered a little closer at the masterpiece. What is such a dark piece doing here?
"It is a painting of the Fall of Sauron during the Siege of Barad'Dur and the Battle of Daggerlad," A woman's voice said, making Tiki jump and question how she did not notice her enter.
Like all of the elves Tiki had seen, she was beautiful. Somehow, though, she seemed even more beautiful and elegant than the rest. Her glossy dark hair reflected the sunlight filtering into the room, making it appear like a star-filled summer night. Her skin was as pale as fresh snow and her blue eyes as piercing as any spear. Her lavender gown was shaped perfectly to her, giving her an even more regal and elegant appearance than Tiki could have thought possible. Certainly, Lady Maribelle back home would be jealous of the outfit.
The woman gave Tiki a small smile. "Are you curious about it?'
Tiki blinked. "Oh, um… I'm curious about this entire place actually," She held out her hand in greeting. "Tiki."
"Arwen," The woman replied. "I am Lord Elrond's daughter."
Caution immediately filled Tiki, even as Arwen awkwardly shook her hand- one of the only graceless acts she had seen from the elves. Did they not greet by shaking hands?
More importantly, would Lord Elrond mind Tiki speaking with his daughter? Judging by his reaction to her, and his orders to Gandalf about her identity, she had reasons to doubt this was a good idea. But, Tiki did not initiate the interaction, so she could always shrug it off as a happy coincidence that they met.
"It's a pleasure to meet you as well," Tiki smiled, doing her best to hide any pointed teeth in her mouth. "So, Sour-on?"
Arwen let out a lady-like giggle. "Sauron," She repeated, gesturing towards the painting. "The last dark lord to attempt to claim dominion over Middle-Earth. He and his followers nearly succeeded too. If not for the courageous actions of the Last Alliance, the world would have fallen into immeasurable darkness."
"Ah," Tiki nodded. "A dark lord. They're tricky business."
Arwen gave her a puzzled look. "Have you dealt with them before?"
Tiki shrugged. "Not any that gave me too grave of concern, save for one though. One could definitely match the threat you described to me."
A grave look came over Arwen's face. "Who?"
Tiki noticed her concern. "Oh, don't worry. He's not in this place-Middle-Earth, that is. Grima is from where I'm from."
"Oh," Some relief washed over Arwen. "Far away from here then?"
Tiki's ears twitched. "I'm not exactly sure myself, but I don't sense him, so I think we will be okay."
"Sense him?" Arwen questioned. "This Grima still lives?"
That made Tiki's melancholy return. "Yes."
"Did you come here seeking aid?"
Tiki's lips thinned. Is that how she wound up in Middle-Earth? Seeking aid to defeat Grima? No, that couldn't be right. How could she have come here to get help if she never knew this place existed? More questions were growing in her mind and there were precious few answers.
"I don't know," Tiki muttered. "I'm not even sure how to get back home, honestly. And, I'm not sure how I wound up in Middle-Earth. I fell asleep, woke up, and instead of seeing my friends, I saw Gandalf."
"Strange," Arwen said. "Do your friends know where you are?"
Tiki shook her head.
"Are they still fighting Grima?"
Tiki's heart lurched. From the slivers of memories she could recall before waking up in Middle-Earth, they were fighting Grima. Not just fighting him, no… they were under siege. Ylisstol was under siege by him.
Or, is that my nightmare playing tricks on me? She wondered.
"They were," Tiki admitted. At least according to the memories she knew were true. "I can't recall what their condition was though."
Sympathy washed over Arwen's features. "Do not fear. I am sure they are alright."
Memories of Grima's terrible power from years gone by made Tiki shudder.
"I hope you're right."
"Ah, Tiki!"
Both Tiki and Arwen turned to see Gandalf moving towards them. His staff tapped against the tile floor as he walked. A kind smile sat on his lips. A smile that brightened when he spotted Arwen.
He bowed his head. "Lady Arwen, it is always a pleasure to see and speak with you."
"The pleasure is all mine, Mithrandir. Your counsel and company are always appreciated," She replied. She glanced at Tiki one more time before bowing her head to both her and Gandalf. "I will take my leave now. I am sure Gandalf has need of you, Tiki. I bid you a pleasant day."
Like that, Arwen left. Once she was gone, Tiki returned her attention to the dark painting again. Gandalf followed her gaze.
"Oh, yes, that bit of business."
Tiki's ears twitched. "Were you there, Gandalf?"
"Oh, that? No, I was not. That was about a thousand years before I arrived here in Middle Earth. Lord Elrond was there though," Tiki's eyes widened. "He fought alongside High King Gil-Galad. But, all of that is a tale for another time. Elrond wishes to speak with both of us. We best hurry."
To Tiki, it sounded like Gandalf was trying to avoid the story altogether. Although, it was probably not malicious. Lord Elrond wanted them, and they needed to go see him quickly. So, Tiki followed him away from the painting. As they left that hallway, they passed by one more peculiar sight: a sword on a stone pedestal, shattered. Nothing more than shards.
Lord Elrond's study would have made Tiki's old friend, Robin, green with envy. Three of the four walls were covered with shelves. Each shelf was laden with books of all sizes. Scrolls were organized in neat stacks alongside books on those shelves, all of them bound together in sparkling twine. Soft rugs covered the floor. Even softer sunlight streamed in through the large windows covering the one wall without bookshelves.
Elrond was gazing out those windows when Tiki and Gandalf arrived. Gandalf shut the door behind Tiki with a soft click before clearing his throat.
"I heard your arrival, Mithrandir," Elrond droned as he kept his eyes focused on Rivendell's magnificent landscape. "There is no need to announce yourself."
"Oh good," Gandalf replied, moving to one of the chairs in the room and taking a seat.
Tiki followed his lead. The chair she sat in wrapped her in a comforting embrace, causing a content sigh to leave her lips. Once they were both seated, Elrond turned around, his hands still folded behind his back.
"I hope your stay here has been comfortable so far, Lady Tiki," He began.
Tiki smiled. "It has. Your hospitality has been most generous."
That managed to gain a ghost of a smile from Lord Elrond. As he sat down in his seat behind a white table, he took a deep breath.
"Unfortunately, you will not be able to stay," Elrond explained. "If word reached others that a dragon was staying in Imladris-"
"It would complicate things. I understand," Tiki interrupted, her hands folding in her lap as she spoke. "Dragons and elves have a strained history. But I can assure you, I wouldn't turn into some dark lord like that Sour-on."
Elrond's gaze sharpened. "What do you know about Sauron?"
Gandalf spoke up at that point. "She was observing the painting of Sauron's defeat at the hands of Isildur, along with Lady Arwen. Arwen took the liberty of explaining the meaning behind the piece since Tiki was unaware."
Elrond's gaze softened at that. "Did she? Well, that is good to hear. It is also good to know that Sauron's reach was never so far as to reach to all corners of Arda."
"Quite," Gandalf nodded.
"And all of this is beside the point," Elrond continued. "Lady Tiki, you cannot reside here much longer. However, I will not throw you out into the wilds either. Gandalf has graciously offered to allow you to accompany him on his travels until a more permanent place can be found for you."
Tiki supposed she should have been grateful. Indeed, she did feel thankful for Gandalf's generosity. The kind, old wizard cared a little bit for her, and he didn't see her as a malevolent being that Elrond feared she might be. To be welcome in someone's company was always a lovely thing for her.
However, she couldn't help but worry that she could be losing her chance at getting answers to the questions that burned in her mind.
"What about finding my way home?" Tiki asked. "Gandalf assured me that you might be able to help."
Elrond nodded in understanding. "Lady Tiki, please know that nothing would bring me greater pleasure than to assist you in safely returning home. However, since your lands are unknown to me and unknown to any elven scribes from any age, I will be of little assistance. If you ever pass through Rivendell again, my library will be open to you for further research. But, you will likely find more information beyond these halls."
Tiki pursed her lips. She was back to square one. There was no point in arguing with Elrond, though. This was his home, and it wouldn't be prudent to make demands from someone as powerful as him within his home. So, she would be grateful for the hospitality and move on with Gandalf.
"Where will we be traveling next?" She asked the wizard.
"The village of Bree, near the Shire," Gandalf explained.
"Are your travels taking you into the land of the halflings again?" Elrond asked.
A twinkle entered Gandalf's eyes. "I must get my pipeweed from somewhere."
Tiki couldn't keep a quiet laugh from snorting from her lips. Elrond let out a quiet sigh before nodding his head.
"Very well, and you will be leaving?"
"Tomorrow morning," Gandalf said. "At dawn."
A small pout formed on Tiki's lips. That early? She drew in a deep breath and slowly exhaled. It will be a long day tomorrow then.
"Good," Elrond said. "Now then, please continue to enjoy my house for the day and evening. I will make sure to see you off at dawn."
Gandalf nodded and rose from his seat, leaning against his staff as he started towards the door. Tiki also got to her feet, but once more, her curiosity got to her.
Gandalf said Elrond was alive for the war against Sauron. According to the wizard, that war took place one thousand years before he arrived, whatever that meant. If Tiki was judging Gandalf's physical appearance correctly, then she guessed he was in his mid-seventies or early eighties. He was rather fit for a human that age.
"Lord Elrond, are you one thousand years old?"
Gandalf screeched to a halt near the door. He glanced over his shoulder, giving Tiki a quizzical, even dumbfounded, look.
Elrond did not appear offended though. Instead, he smiled at the question.
"That would be young for an elf, Lady Tiki. I was born towards the end of the first age. So, I am, in fact, six thousand four hundred and thirty-seven years old."
Tiki's eyes widened to the size of saucers.
"Oh," She drew back, stunned. "For once I'm not the oldest person in the room."
"Pardon the question," Gandalf muttered, "But how old are you Lady Tiki?"
Tiki could not resist giving Gandalf a mischievous grin. "Don't you know that is a rude question to ask a lady, Gandalf the Gray?"
"Yes, well," Gandalf cleared his throat. "since you asked Lord Elrond I was curious about-"
"I am three thousand," It was Gandalf and Elrond's turn to look surprised. "Give or take a couple centuries. It's hard for me to keep track of time sometimes, and there are a few decades that are more than a little fuzzy."
Elrond leaned back in his seat. "Well then… this is one of the few moments in my life of late where I have been surprised."
Tiki flashed him a toothy grin. "And I was happy to surprise you. Now then, I must get some rest. It is going to be a long morning tomorrow."
She bowed her head respectfully to the elf lord, turned on her heel, and marched out with Gandalf. As they walked towards their quarters, Tiki tilted her head.
"So, Gandalf; how old are you?"
Mischief twinkled in Gandalf's eyes again. "I think I'll let you try to solve that puzzle yourself."
Tiki smirked. His age was a puzzle? Well, she was more than happy to try to solve it. But only after a good night's sleep.
The next morning arrived far too quickly for Tiki's liking. She stirred with the sun rising, a groan coming from her lungs and a frown on her lips. Since she had no personal items to pack, all she did was get dressed and trudge her way to breakfast.
After eating a hearty helping of vegetables and fruit, and still craving some red meat in the process, Tiki went to find Gandalf. She eventually stumbled across him in the mansion's main hall, already waiting for her. With a smile, they both exited the mansion. Elrond stood at the base of the steps leading up to the door, along with Arwen.
Gandalf offered both of them a smile. "As always, Lord Elrond, I must thank you for your hospitality. It is always an honor to stay in your company."
"The honor is mine, Mithrandir," Elrond replied. "And it was also a pleasure to have you stay as well, Tiki."
"Thank you for the warm welcome and treatment," Tiki replied. "I hope I can return to this place someday. It's lovely."
Elrond gave her a gracious smile then stepped to the side, allowing them to pass.
Tiki meant what she said too. Despite Elrond's frosty demeanor towards her, she knew the elf lord did try to make her comfortable. However, if there really were several thousand years of bloody history behind his kind and dragons, she could understand why he struggled to do so. She did appreciate the effort. Perhaps if she returned, she could help change his mind a little bit.
The road out of Rivendell was as beautiful as the road in, but once outside of its borders, the landscape returned to its dull, dreary, rocky self. Flat plains lead up to rolling hills beyond the river that signaled the end of Rivendell's reach. As far as the eye could see, Tiki saw tall grass swaying in a cool breeze.
"Come Tiki," Gandalf said, his hand grasping his staff tight. "It is a long journey to Bree. Much longer than the one we took together to reach Rivendell."
She cast one more longing glance over her shoulder at the elven realm, sighed, then spun on her heel and marched after Gandalf.
"Oh, and don't fret about dinner, Miss Tiki," Gandalf tapped a bag over his shoulder. "Elrond provided us with some Lembas."
"Lembas?" Tiki asked.
"Elven bread. Very filling."
Tiki grimaced. "Delicious…"
Gandalf uttered a small laugh.
"Don't worry, we'll find some sort of meat for you, Tiki of the Dragonkin."
And chapter! This story is proving to be very fun to write. It's nice writing something with a bit smaller stakes than what I normally do. A fun adventure is refreshing, and I hope you all are enjoying reading it as much as I'm enjoying writing it! Anyways, let me know what you all think of this chapter! As always, I hope you all enjoyed it! Have a nice day!
Come join the Fanfiction Treehouse discord server! Discord code is: 9XG3U7a
Also, come check out the Fanfiction Treehouse Podcast! Myself, Stormtide Leviathan, RedXEagl3, Narwhal Lord, GrandPaladinTyrux, MixedValence, and Rozey_Pozey are the hosts! We talk about writing, fanfiction, regular fiction, writing tips, as well as anything else that comes to mind at the time. You can find the podcast on Spotify and on Soundcloud, and you can find the entire crew on the Fanfiction Treehouse Podcast Twitch channel where we play games and have an occasional writing session. Hope to see you all there!