An Unexpected Companion

Chapter 8

Green Things and White Councils

Tiki arched an eyebrow. Somehow, it fit just right. It was the right size, the right shape, it even looked proper in Bilbo's hands. When the dwarves looted the Troll cave, they discovered a trove of weapons. According to Gandalf, they were ancient elvish swords, and they were marvelous.

Three of them in particular caught Tiki's eyes. A longsword, strong and rigid, was claimed by Gandalf. He held it with such reverence that it made Tiki tilt her head. Even a few days out from the Troll camp, he still handled the weapon with tender care. She wondered if there was some sort of grand history to the sword. If so, what in the world was it doing in a troll cave?

The second sword was a curved blade, biting in appearance. Thorin claimed it, and he held it with respect and excitement. Well, as much excitement as Tiki had seen from the dwarven royal. She swore she saw a smile twitch over his lips for the first time when he grasped that sword and showed Balin. Apparently, it was called Orcrist. Not a bad name.

But of all the blades and treasure recovered from the cave, Bilbo's "sword" was the most curious. To Tiki, it was nothing more than a long dagger; sharp, strong, and beautifully crafted, with intricate overlays in the steel that made it look more like a work of art than a weapon. Yet, a durable weapon it was, because Bilbo gave it a few swings, and she heard the air hiss in response.

"Sharp," She commented as she sat at the edge of the campfire once again, watching Bilbo give the sword a few more tenuous cuts.

Bilbo smiled. "How can you tell?"

Tiki tapped one of her long ears. "It sings."

Bilbo opened his mouth in understanding. "Must be an enchanted elvish blade. Meant to sing songs when in battle."

Tiki covered her mouth as she chuckled. "No, no. If it is enchanted that is not it."

"Oh?"

"I just have very sensitive ears, Bilbo," Tiki explained. "It takes a great deal of concentration sometimes to tune out unnecessary noise."

Bilbo drew back in surprise. "Well then," he sheathed his blade and glanced to the center of the camp, where the dwarves were busy cooking dinner, "you chose quite a noisy adventure, didn't you?"

Tiki smirked as she looked at the dwarves with Bilbo. "Friends are a good kind of noise. It's nice to be around some again."

Bilbo gave her a gentle smile, and she was grateful for her. She did not say so out loud, but her nightmare from the morning they found the troll camp lingered with her. Seeing her old friends dying, fleeing in terror before Grima's might, made her heart ache. It made her eyes fall to the ground and her breathing turn shallow.

She should be there. She needed to be there, in Ylisse, taking the fight to Grima. But, she could not be there. She did not know of a way home, and no one had told her a way yet. Gandalf assured her that in the deep vaults and record rooms of Erebor there might lie some information. She hoped he was right. If her nightmare was a vision, then her friends did not have much time.

"Tell me about them," Bilbo's warm voice hit her ears, causing her to glance up at him again.

"About who?" She asked.

Bilbo took a seat beside Tiki, withdrew a pipe and some pipeweed. As he dipped some of the weed into his pipe and lit it with a match, he shrugged. "Anything about your old friends. That Exalt Lissa you mentioned. Stuff like that. I'm always in the mood for a good tale." He blinked, jumped in his seat, then held out the pipeweed to Tiki. "Care to join me?"

Tiki cracked a small smile, pulling the pipe Gandalf gave her out of a pouch on her hip. She wiped some dust and dirt off it, filled it, then lit it with a match from Bilbo.

"Might as well enjoy this before we get to Rivendell," She said, taking a long puff. She blinked in surprise. It was smooth. "Is this the Old Toby Gandalf talked about?"

"Only the best," Bilbo smirked, taking a long breath before blowing out a perfect ring of smoke. "So, your friends."

Tiki cracked a strained smile. "Yes, well, where do I even begin? There's so much I could tell." Her ears twitched as she thought, pipe puffing as it hung from the corner of her mouth. She hummed to herself, thinking, then nodded. "You find history interesting, do you not?"

Bilbo nodded. "I do indeed. The history of elves, men, dwarves-" he gestured at the troop around the fire- "fascinates me. Folks back home say I am strange for enjoying such things. Big people topics; that's what they call them. A bit rash to dismiss them, in my opinion." He finished with an emphatic nod.

"A wise position to take," Tiki agreed. "Know history, or be doomed to repeat it." She puffed on her pipe again, blew out a trail of smoke, then smiled. "I suppose I can tell you a bit about Mar-Mar."

Bilbo raised an eyebrow. "Mar-Mar? Interesting name…"

Tiki choked on some smoke. "Did I say that? No, no, um-" She uttered an embarrassed laugh- "His name was Marth. And he lived-" she tapped the back of her hand with the mouth of her pipe before slipping it between her lips again- "oh, it was a couple thousand years ago, give or take a few decades."

It was Bilbo's turn to choke on some smoke. "Pardon my question, but how old are you?"

Tiki threw her head back and uttered a loud laugh. "I lose track sometimes. Just over three thousand, last I tried to count."

Bilbo's eyes widened. "Incredible…" He leaned back, absorbing what she said. "To think I'm speaking with someone may have seen some of the second age. Or, at least, the echoes of it. And from a faraway land no less. You must tell me more about Mar-Mar."

Tiki gave Bilbo a sidelong look. The hobbit flashed her a smug smirk. "By the way, how close were you two given you gave him a pet name?"

Tiki choked and coughed hard on some smoke. She covered her mouth with the back of her hand as her chest heaved. A light blush shot over her cheeks.

"Bilbo Baggins, do not insinuate such things!"

"I'm merely asking."

"I was only one thousand at the time!"

"So?"

"That's a child for my people," Tiki rebutted, making Bilbo's mouth open in understanding. "Marth was a King and a grown man. Besides he-" She swallowed hard- "his heart belonged to someone else." She snorted. "Being too young didn't help that. By the time I was old enough to be able to take such things seriously, Marth was long gone, and his descendants hardly knew who I was."

Bilbo gave her a surprised look. "Why's that?"

Tiki opened her mouth to respond but closed it as she failed to come up with an answer. Indeed, why did Marth's descendants never truly know her? Sure, she occasionally showed up when there was some sort of crisis; the most notable being Grima's first appearance in Archanea, back during the Great Schism. Beyond those near-apocalyptic events though, she kept to herself. Why?

"I'm not sure," Tiki admitted, her gaze distant as she looked past the dwarves to the sun descending in the distance. "I guess I wanted to be alone more than I initially believed."

Bilbo's lips twitched around his pipe. "I don't believe that."

Tiki glanced at him. "Oh?"

"No," Bilbo rose to his feet, which meant he was just barely taller than Tiki while she sat. He puffed on his pipe some more, then turned to face her. "You don't want to be alone. You have friends you're trying to return to right? You wouldn't be working so hard, putting up with dwarves and wizards-"

"And overly curious hobbits," Tiki interjected.

Bilbo pointed his pipe at her. "I resent that because I am a joy to be around and you know it."

Tiki bowed her head and chuckled. Bilbo sniffed, replaced his pipe, and continued.

"My point is, you are clearly trying with everything you have to return to your friends. The ones who are fighting that war you spoke about. Someone who wanted to be alone would not do such a thing. I'd say you're hungrier for good company more than you think." He cracked a smile. "And, from what I understand, we are about to have the best kind of company with the elves of Rivendell."

Tiki hummed as she took a long puff from her pipe. She blew out smoke. "I don't know." She looked at her pipe and raised it for Bilbo to see. "They won't exactly let us do this."

Bilbo blinked and looked at his pipe. His face fell.

"Well… not all company can be perfect."

The dwarven company arrived near Rivendell's borders close to evening. The sun was setting, casting orange rays of dying light onto the narrow trail Gandalf led them along. Unlike before, Tiki was not greeted by the sight of Elrond's sons laughing with mirth at the sight of Gandalf. Instead, they were greeted by an empty road, leading to Lord Elrond's house.

In front of the door to Elrond's house stood Elrond himself, clad in silk robes, elegant yet powerful. Beside him were two Elven guards, clad in armor the color of brass. They stood rigid, waiting for Gandalf to lead Thorin's company across the bridge to them.

Upon reaching Elrond, Gandalf bowed respectfully. Tiki did the same from the rear of the group. Thorin scowled, but after a sharp look from Gandalf, bowed his head. The rest of the dwarves followed Thorin's example, as did Bilbo. At that point, the guards beside Elrond looked more relaxed.

"You've returned sooner than expected, Mithrandir," Elrond said, his voice carrying the same strength and wisdom that Tiki experienced when she first met him. "And this time, not with one in your company, but many."

Gandalf's eyes twinkled. "Did we catch you off guard?"

For a split second, a wry smirk cracked Elrond's usually stoic visage. "Not at all. Our scouts saw you three days ago."

Tiki's eyes widened. Elven scouts already knew they were coming? How did she not detect them? She should have, at the very least, smelled them. Her draconic heritage should have made it easy to spot strangers lurking around them.

I must keep a closer watch. She thought as a bit of admiration and respect filled her for the elves of Rivendell. I detest being snuck up on.

Gandalf drew back. "I see. Well, I presume we are not barging in on your house?"

"Mithrandir, whatever it is you do is not barging," Elrond remarked with a smile. "I'm not sure about the dwarves, but if they are in your company, then they are most welcome. One of my household will show them where they may stay for the evening. In the meantime, we must speak with you."

Gandalf paused before continuing into Lord Elrond's house. "We?"

Elrond's sharp eyes flicked through the dwarves, past Bilbo, then landed on Tiki. Her brow furrowed as she watched him lean toward Gandalf's ear. He whispered something, but she could not make it out. The words were muffled. Softer than she thought possible to enunciate. Elrond wanted her to stay out of something, but what, and why?

A content sigh left Bilbo's lips. His eyes wandered around Rivendell, gawking at the many waterfalls that cascading down from the nearby cliffs surrounding the lush valley. The stunning beauty of Imladris left him spellbound. Tiki had to smile. She nudged the hobbit with her arm.

"Neat, huh?"

"Neat?" Bilbo remarked, whipping his gaze to her. Slowly, the pair followed the dwarves up the steps and into Elrond's home. "It's one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. Don't you agree?"

Tiki smiled. "It's up there, yes."

"But?"

Tiki shrugged. "I don't know. I liked the Shire. It was cozy and warm."

Bilbo blinked in surprise. "A big person thinks the Shire is more pleasant than here? I have half a mind to wonder if that Troll hit you harder than we thought."

Tiki barked out a laugh. "He did pack a punch, but not that much."

One of Elrond's household led the company, without Gandalf, to the outdoor pavilion where Elrond entertained large groups. A meal was already prepared, filled with leafy vegetables, steaming roots seasoned to perfection, and fruits so bright and juicy that they even made Tiki's mouth water. However, one of the dwarves, Ori, echoed her own thoughts about the feast put in front of them.

"Where's the meat?"

"I don't like green things," Ori complained, tossing a piece of lettuce back onto his plate. "It's not natural."

"It's plenty natural," Dori replied, gesturing at his plate with his fork. "It's good for you too. I must say, Elven cooking is quite delicious. Fruity even. What do you think, Bombur?"

A loud belch came from the fattest dwarf, causing a round of raucous laughter to come from the dwarves and a soft chuckle to leave Tiki's lips. Her silver fork poked at the vegetable laying on her plate, half-eaten. While she also thought the meal was delicious, there was that primal urge from her heritage for something bloody. It was an urge she had learned over the centuries to repress, even ignore, but every so often, it surfaced.

Oh well. Tiki reached for the glass of wine sitting beside her plate. I'll have meat once we leave. She sipped her drink, blinked, and held it aloft, gazing at the dark liquid within. The Elves are also excellent wine-makers it seems.

Out of all their company, Bilbo was enjoying his meal the most. The Hobbit was giving Bombur a run for his money in terms of plates eaten. She heard him scarf down another bowl of berries, humming as he enjoyed the taste. She glanced towards him and blinked.

How is he not as fat as Bombur?

Movement flashed out the corner of her eye. Tiki paused, mid-sip of her wine, as she watched a female elf move around the table towards her. The elf leaned towards her ear and whispered.

"Lord Elrond wishes to speak with you."

Tiki raised an eyebrow. The she-elf stepped back but did not leave the dining pavilion. Tiki took that as a signal that Lord Elrond wished to speak with her immediately. She glanced beside her at Bilbo, who was too engrossed with his third plate of food to notice the messenger. The dwarves were, likewise, too occupied with the lavish feast to worry about a she-elf coming to speak with her. Only a couple of the dwarves even cast a casual glance her way, notably Balin and Thorin.

Wordlessly, Tiki wiped her mouth with a napkin, and quietly excused herself from the table.

The messenger guided Tiki through the sweeping corridors of Elrond's house towards a large patio overlooking one of the many rivers that ran through Imladris. A white roof with elegantly carved pillars holding it aloft covered the patio. A small, wooden table, with several candles burning on it, sat at the center of the patio. Six chairs rested beside the table, four of which were occupied.

Tiki immediately spotted Gandalf upon entering. He was puffing on his pipe. When his sparkling, blue eyes flicked to her, a gentle smile formed beneath his thick beard. However, she could see his brow furrowed as he puffed a little more on his pipe, one hand resting on his leg as he twisted back around to face the others at the table.

Elrond sat at the head of the table, hands the tabletop, his stern gaze waiting for Tiki to step forward.

The final two people seated at the table caught Tiki's eyes next. The first was another elderly man. One who did not look nearly as kind as Gandalf. Long, white hair flowed over his shoulders. A long white beard ran over the front of his snow-white robes. Dark eyes sat beneath a heavy, bushy, gray brow. His posture exuded authority and power, without a hint of the mirth or meekness Gandalf projected.

Across from that old man sat a woman who had to be one of the most elegant beings Tiki had ever seen. Flowing blond hair crowned her head, running in perfect, wavy locks beneath a thin, crystal circlet. Shimmering robes, resembling starlight, clothed her lithe form. Her eyes slowly turned to Tiki, and Tiki froze beneath her gaze. At that moment, she felt like a young Manakete again, standing before an elder with more than a millennium of experience over her. She couldn't help but gulp with anxiety.

The woman was an elf, and she radiated power. Tiki could feel her enhanced senses flaring within her. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end as the she-elf's gaze stayed on her, penetrating her, as if she was gazing deep into her soul.

Tiki was so petrified by her gaze that she didn't hear Gandalf call to her not once, but twice. On the third mention of her name, her ears twitched.

"Oh?" She flicked her emerald eyes to Gandalf, an apologetic look on her face. "I apologize. I don't know what came over me."

Gandalf nodded, pipe wedged in the corner of his mouth. "No worries, my dear. There is nothing to apologize for. Many react in such a way to Lady Galadriel of Lorien."

Galadriel hardly reacted to Gandalf's flattery. Tiki did spot a small smile twitch on the corner of her mouth. Elrond and the other elder beside Gandalf did not appear as amused.

"So," The elder in white robes began, his voice rich and strong, making Tiki stand still as a statue before them, "this is the being you spoke of, Gandalf?"

Tiki's eyes flicked to Gandalf. "Gandalf mentioned me?" She said before the old wizard could utter a word. She gave the group a small smile. "All good things, I hope."

Elrond folded his hands in front of him. "We once again spoke of who you are Lady Tiki, or, rather, who you claim to be. I felt it prudent to inform the other members of the White Council, Galadriel and Saruman, of your situation."

Tiki raised her brow. "Oh? May I ask for more details."

Galadriel remained silent and pensive. Her sharp gaze swiveled from Tiki to Saruman. The elder let out a low hum as he eyed Tiki, scrutinizing her.

"Gandalf, the Hobbits' leaf has addled your mind," He said.

Gandalf drew his pipe from his mouth. "Well… slowed it perhaps, but not addled. I'm still able to think clearly, and I can assure you I believe her. And, I assumed, you did as well, Lord Elrond."

"Upon further research, I have reason to doubt her claims of being a dragon," Elrond replied, making Tiki close her eyes and sigh.

"Ah, those details," She muttered. Her hands folded in front of her red tunic. "From the sounds of things, you doubt what I said?"

"Doubt? Don't believe is the better way of saying my opinion," Saruman groused. "If you had claimed to be from a clan that spiritually identifies with Dragons, then I would have grounds to understand. But, to claim to be a dragon itself?" He shook his head. "The height of preposterousness."

"You have not even allowed her to state her case," Gandalf remarked, gesturing at Saruman with his pipe.

"I do not need to when I can see what is in front of me," Saruman argued in turn. "Lady Galadriel, Lord Elrond, you were both living to see the true terror of Morgoth's most vile creations firsthand. You know what they are; what they are capable of. Does this girl-" He gestured at Tiki with a dismissive hand- "remind you of the very beings that nearly drove back the Valar during the War of Wrath?"

"No," Elrond answered flatly.

Galadriel said nothing. Her gaze remained fixated on Tiki. For a second, Tiki met her eyes. Her heart hammered in her chest. It was as if she was gazing at starlight when she looked into Galadriel's sapphire eyes. Once again, Tiki felt like she was not being looked at, but rather, looked into.

"Lady Galadriel?" Saruman questioned, raising one bushy brow at the fourth council member's silence.

"She is no mere girl," Galadriel finally said, her voice dripping with the wisdom of the ages, slow and methodical. As if every word she spoke was carefully chosen. "Great power resides within her, forged by ages of experience and strife."

"The same can be said about many elves," Saruman remarked. "If you had told me that she was one of Illuvatar's firstborn, from a lost tribe, I would have believed you."

"Of course you would have," Gandalf nodded. "That lie is already working with Thorin and his company."

Elrond whipped his attention to Gandalf. "You lied to Thorin Oakenshield about her?"

Gandalf uttered a sigh. "Well, of course, I did. Can you imagine if I told Thorin Oakenshield, future king of Erebor, that he was in the company of a dragon?" He shook his head and wedged his pipe between his lips. "The wrath of the dwarves is easily kindled and not so easily quenched."

"Are you so certain it is a lie, Gandalf?" Saruman questioned.

"Do I get to have a say in this conversation?" Tiki interrupted. "Seeing as it is about me and who I am."

"What you claim to be," Elrond corrected.

Tiki sighed. "Honestly, Lord Elrond, I am surprised you doubt me. I even showed you my dragonstone."

"Yes," Elrond nodded. "The rock that you claim allows you to channel powers allowing you to transform into a dragon."

"So she is a changeling? A shapeshifter?" Saruman gave Tiki a worried look. "We know of others who have been such a thing. Some are benign, such as that one creature who is friends with Radagast. Beorn, was it? And others… not so much."

Radagast? Beorn? Tiki shook her head, not recognizing either name. She did, however, frown at Saruman's continued denial of who she was. She folded her arms as she stood before the table.

"Being a shapeshifter implies that I could change my form at will, at any time, without any consequences. I can assure you that transforming into my draconic form is both extremely taxing and not as simple as willing it to happen."

"Then what are you?" Saruman countered, his patience wearing thin as his voice rose. Tiki felt a tugging on her being when he spoke, as if he was using some sort of speech magic to drag what he believed to be the truth out of her. "If you claim to be a dragon, then prove it."

"Gandalf and Elrond are already aware of why I cannot, and will not, do such a thing. Besides, I think it would be unwise to do so in a place where the people do not have good opinions of my kind," Tiki countered, her eyes narrowing.

But, if proof is what Saruman desired, there were other ways of showing her heritage beyond a true transformation. She drew in a deep breath as her hand slipped into the pouch on her hip. Her fingers brushed over her dragonstone, and her eyes closed. It thrummed with power, making her fingertips tingle. It had already been a long time since she shook this form and stretched her wings. The temptation to do so in Rivendell was great.

However, millennia of discipline and knowledge kept her instinctual desires at bay. Instead of channeling her full powers through the stone, initiating the exhausting transformation into a dragon, she allowed a small trickle to flow through her.

In an instant, her senses sharpened. She could hear an owl hooting softly from a tower across the river. The gentle flow of streams now sounded like a rushing river, crashing over rocks and against riverbanks. The smell of fish swimming upstream towards the many pools within Rivendell wafted into her nose. She could also smell the distant smoke of candles burning throughout Elrond's house, spewing scents of lavender and vanilla throughout.

Then, she opened her eyes. Her pupils dilated, then turned to sharp slits. A bloodlust filled her as a growl rumbled in her lungs. After taking a deep breath, she glared at Saruman, then at Elrond.

Elrond's countenance turned pale. She could see his knuckles turn white on the table as his hands clenched into fists. Saruman's brow furrowed and his gaze darkened. Gandalf seemed taken aback, his puffing on his pipe ending the instant Tiki opened her eyes.

Galadriel was the only one who appeared unmoved by Tiki's appearance.

"Satisfied?" Tiki asked, flashing sharp canines as she spoke.

No one said a word. She took that as a yes. With a sigh, she released her dragonstone, letting it fall into her pouch again. The power thrumming through her faded, eventually turning to a mere echo pulsing in the back of her mind. A wave of weariness slammed into Tiki, causing her to stagger forward. She reached out and grasped the back of an empty chair, using it to catch her balance. A shaky breath left her lips.

"It's…" she gasped. "It's been a while it seems."

"Gandalf, what manner of creature have you brought into my home?" Elrond breathed, voice trembling as he gave Tiki an unblinking stare.

"The kind never seen in Middle Earth. Not even during the days of Numenor, or the splendor of Gondolin," Galadriel said, speaking before Gandalf could utter a sound. She glanced at Elrond. "I wish to speak with her alone."

Saruman raised a hand. "My Lady, are you certain that is wise?"

A sharp look from Galadriel quieted any further dissent. With a bow of his head, Saruman rose to his feet, grasped a strong, rigid, black staff beside him, and marched towards the door. Elrond was close behind him, offering a respectful bow to Galadriel. Gandalf exited last. Before leaving the patio, he paused beside Tiki, leaning against his gnarled staff.

"I will be outside of the door if you need me," He whispered. He took a step, paused, and glanced at her again. "Try not to upset Lady Galadriel." He took another step and hesitated again. "She also does not bake cookies in trees."

With a tap of his staff, he strolled out. The door clicked shut, leaving Tiki alone with Lady Galadriel.

The regal elf inclined her chin before rising from her seat as well. Tiki could not help but be amazed by the grace with which she moved. It almost seemed like she glided along the floor, each step silent and perfect.

She stepped towards Tiki, looking down on her with curiosity and serenity. A gentle expression formed on her face, putting some of Tiki's initial concerns at ease.

"A liar you are not, Tiki, daughter of Naga."

Tiki blinked. "Y-You- how do you know my mother?"

Galadriel offered her a soft smile. "Some things I may see, while others may only be revealed to me in due time. Upon looking at you, I saw a being filled with power and splendor. Upon looking further, I gazed upon the source of that power, for a brief moment. I saw the creature that is your mother. Her blood, her power, courses through you, along with her wisdom and knowledge."

Tiki snorted. "Well, that's nice, I guess."

Confusion flashed over Galadriel's face. "You do not take heart with such a thing?"

Tiki winced. "Let's just call my relationship with my mother complicated, and leave it at that."

Galadriel was quiet a moment, but she acknowledged Tiki's request with a solemn nod.

"So, since you don't think I'm a liar," Tiki continued, "do you mind vouching for me with your grumpy kinsman and his even grouchier grandpa?"

Galadriel smiled. "I do not see the harm. However, I must tell you now, Tiki; you seek answers to questions that have never been asked in Middle-Earth before. Do not be surprised if you find answers that do not satisfy you."

Tiki's heart sank in her chest. "What exactly does that mean?" She eyed Galadriel. "I get the feeling you enjoy speaking in riddles."

A soft chuckle left Galadriel's lips. "Sometimes, riddles are the best way of conveying wisdom. Do take care on your journey. Many roads leave this place, and not many will take you where you seek to go. Several delve into darkness. Others into nothing. Few will carry you to the home you desire to find. But, do not lose hope, and do not despair. You are strong and wise. You shall find the path that you need to walk."

Tiki raised her brow, soaking in Galadriel's words as she swept past Tiki to the door. When she pulled it, she held it open for Tiki, signaling for her to exit.

Tiki remained where she stood, puzzled and a bit frustrated. Not only did two of Gandalf's friends deem her a liar until she dared to use her abilities, but now it became clear that they might fear her too. That was the last thing she wanted. Fear would get in the way of her search. She needed cooperation, not capitulation, or worse, resistance.

At least the friendly wizard and elf who sounds like my mother are on my side. Tiki tilted her head as she stepped out the door. Is that a good thing?

Saruman and Elrond carefully stepped around her and back out to the patio. Gandalf lingered a moment longer.

"So," Tiki said, "about my abilities-"

"They will remain in confidence. We have agreed on that. Saruman and Elrond still doubt the full extent of what you are, but they are no longer contending that you are a liar. They are merely puzzled, and afraid. Fear does strange things to people of great power."

Tiki nodded in understanding. "Are you afraid, Gandalf?"

Gandalf leaned against his staff. A twinkle danced in his aged gaze. "Well, there is a difference between irrational fear and a healthy fear."

Tiki's heart sank a little. "I see."

"Do not take it in such a way, Tiki. This fear is not born of anything you have done, but rather from the reputation your kind carries. That prejudice will fade with time and experience. The former I have plenty of, and the latter I am always seeking more." He placed a hand on her shoulder, giving it a soft pat. "I suggest you return to the others before they grow worried, or worse, suspicious."

"Dwarves are a suspicious lot, aren't they?" Tiki replied with a snicker.

"Of elves, certainly," Gandalf nodded, smiling beneath the brim of his wide hat.

With a nod, he returned to the other members of the small council. The door clicked shut behind Tiki, allowing her to be alone in the quiet corridor. For a second, some of the residual power she harnessed lingered, making her ears twitch. Beyond the door, she heard hushed whispers of her, and of something else. A place called Dol Guldur, and Mirkwood.

She shook her head. Whatever conversation they were having was not for her to know. A long, loud yawn spilled from her lips. She stretched her arms over her head as her eyes drooped and her head grew heavy. After rubbing one of her eyes, she staggered her way down the hall, before slumping against the wall near the dining pavilion.

"Gods, that drained me more than I thought."

"Tiki?"

Bilbo tip-toed towards her, worry on his face. When did he spot her?

"Are you alright?"

Tiki hummed. "Sleepy…"

Bilbo opened his mouth in understanding. "Several of the dwarves are the same way. Fairly certain Bombur ate himself to sleep. He'd fit in just fine in the Shire, I tell you." With that he hooked one of Tiki's arms over his short shoulders, helping her towards the chambers given to her by Elrond. "Let's just get you to bed."

She did not hear his last sentence, because she was already dozing.

And chapter! The adventure continues, with Tiki meeting some more of the important players in Middle-Earth, including hitting it off slightly with one of the most powerful. Honestly, every interaction in this has been a blast to write. So different than what I normally do; it's a fun excersize. I hope you all are enjoying it as much as me.

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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