I am so so sorry for not updating in so long!
I hope this extra long chapter makes up for it a little
Travelling across the thin bridge bringing us into the Valley, I kept my eye on my cousin who was turning around in circles to take in all the views. A soft wind blows the hair that had come loose from my braid around my face, tickling my neck and ears as I attempt to brush it back with my fingers, I could tell it was a losing battle. The Elves are going to take one look at us and send us on our merry way to the bathing halls. A look down at my tunic and pants I let out a sigh, if my clothing was dirty then the Dwarves would be in an even worse state. Cleanliness is not a big issue for male Dwarves it seems.
I catch Bilbo's arm before he takes a step off the bridge. Giggling at the awed expression on his face I direct him forwards with a pat to his shoulder. I was the same the first time Gandalf brought me here, in fact I believe I was worse.
A huff from behind me draws my attention, Fili and Kili's distrustful looks at the Valley around us makes me shake my head. Such distrust to others is not the way to be, especially those who will give us help.Fili catches my eye and smiles, a replying smile tugs at my lips with a blush burning up my neck as I turn away to carry on walking forwards. We all manage to cross the bridge without any incidents to step on to a stone courtyard before the steps leading up to Rivendell. All the Dwarves gather in a group muttering between themselves, linking my arm with Bilbo's I cannot help the grin that is tugging at my cheeks. The magic in the stone already helping with the aches and pains that had developed from the short few weeks out in the wild.
"You've made it, Cousin." I whisper in his ear. He returns my grin before movement from the steps gains our attention. An Elf was starting down them towards us. Gandalf steps in front of our group to meet him, taking the lead. The Elf greets Gandalf at the bottom with a simple: "Mithrandir".
"Ah, Lindir", Gandalf replies.
A tug on the back of my cloak makes me stumble back, dragging poor Bilbo with me. Dwalin's look of annoyance shuts my mouth before I can open it to scold them. I stand confused beside Dwalin while Bilbo hovers on my other side, I question whether Dwalin honestly believes that these Elves would hurt us? "Stay sharp!" Thorin's voice from Dwalin's other side makes me huff, obviously Dwalin is not the only Dwarf who thinks it. Bloody Dwarves and their grudges.
"Lastannem i athrannedh i Vruinen." All the Dwarves around me bristle at the use of Elvish instead of the Common Tongue. Probably not the best way to gain these Dwarves trust.
"I must speak with Lord Elrond." Gandalf could either sense the unease from the Dwarves or didn't care for Lindir's word games which of course all Elves loved.
"My Lord Elrond is not here," it was the one of the things that annoyed me about Elves, you couldn't tell how they were feeling by their faces. They had perfected the act of remaining emotionless. I can't help but wonder if it is because they don't experience emotions the same as us due to living so long. At my musings I ended up missing the rest of the conversation and was only pulled back when Dwalin nudged me behind him, my hand still connected to Bilbo's arm I accidently pulled him into the middle of the circle too. What in Middle Earth is going on?
A hunting horn bellow sounded out from across the bridge that we had crossed moments before. I can't help but roll my eyes as the Dwarves all draw their weapons and start grunting and jeering as a herd of horses and Elves riding them canter around us. Looking over to the Wizard and his unamused look I roll my eyes. Elves and their little games. They knew this would annoy and rile up the Dwarves but cannot help but antagonise them anyway. Finally, after the showing off from the Elves one demounts from their horse and takes off their helmet.
"Gandalf". I hide a small smile at the long-haired Elf as he steps towards the Wizard, I spy Gandalf's beard twitch up as he greets the Lord.
"Lord Elrond. Mellonnen! Mo evinedh?" Placing my hand on Bilbo's shoulder I give him a relaxed smile before whispering: "worry not cousin, that is Lord Elrond".
"Farannem 'lamhoth i udul o charad. Dagannem rim na Iant Vedui." Trying to understand what little Elvish I knew, all I caught was slew and Hidden Pass. The Dwarves were all murmuring with each other, the use of Elvish was putting their hackles up. Ignoring the irate Dwarves, I focused on the Lord and Wizard embracing each other: "Strange for Orcs to come so close to our borders. Something, or someone, has drawn them near."
He pulled an orc blade off his horse, shows it to Gandalf before handing it off to Lindir.
Gandalf nodded towards me, Bilbo and group of Dwarves before replying sheepishly: "Ah, that may have been us". With the Elf Lord's attention on us, Thorin steps forwards. Strangely enough it seems that Elrond knew him from the look in his eyes. Mysterious Elf.
"Welcome Thorin, son of Thrain."
Not being able to see Thorin's face I can only assume he is frowning at the Elf Lord as his shoulders seem to tense up: "I do not believe we have met."
"You have your grandfather's bearing. I knew Thror when he ruled under the Mountain." A small smile spread across Elrond's lips.
"Indeed; he made no mention of you." And as quick as that smile appeared, it had disappeared. Oh Thorin, why must you insult everyone we meet? Stuffing down the urge to smack the back of the King's head I grind my teeth and try to give the Elf Lord the most apologetic look I can muster.
"Nartho i noer, toltho i viruvor. Boe i annam vann a nethail vin." Chuckling under my breath I shake my head, having heard these words when Gandalf had brought me all those years ago, I had a niggling thought that Lord Elrond had purposefully spoken to the Dwarves in Elvish knowing it would anger them more. A small revenge against the insult that Thorin had just given him. Maybe Elves weren't as unemotional as they play out to be.
"What is he saying? Does he offering us insult!" Gloin snarling and all the Dwarves start clutching their weapons I cannot help but snort. They really need to stop imagining every word in Elvish was an insult.
Before any of the others could join in insulting the Elves or worse, start fighting I raise my voice: "no Gloin, he's offering us food and rest I believe". Looking up at the Elf Lord to make sure I was correct as it had been a few years, it would just be my luck to cause more drama while trying to help. Seeing Lord Elrond smile and nod towards me I sigh, thank Mother for that.
Blushing at the attention I was receiving from all the Dwarves, I cast a look to Gandalf whose smile eased me slightly as the Dwarves start muttering between them. Feeling a burning heat on the side of my face I peek a glance to my right to see Fili's gaze on me. Seeing my worried look his intense look softens as he winks making me grin.
"Ah well in that case, lead on". Gloin's voice breaks my concentration as all the Dwarves push past me as I make my way towards the Wizard and the Elf Lord whose arms were open. Giggling at the familiar gesture I wind my arms around his waist and receive a warm hug off the Elf who I spent many a moons talking about my mini adventures around the wilds and the movements of Elves who had past Hobbiton on their way to the sea.
"Hello young one, I see you have stumbled onto another adventure. Thankfully with less damage to yourself this time", he pointedly looked at my side which was the cause for the last visit. Bowing my head sheepishly to him I blush until hearing him let out a little chuckle. "I believe yourself and Gandalf have many things to tell me since we last parted. But first let us get you cleaned and fed, yes". His gentle hand on my shoulder leads me towards the stairs where only Bilbo, Fili and Kili were waiting with worried looks, the idea of food must have been too enticing to the others to wait.
"Come Master Dwarves and Master Hobbit, I will show you where you can clean and change with your companions. Miss Baggins your room will be the one you stayed in before, can you remember the way?" Nodding, I bid them all goodbye, going to rush off to my old room but a firm hand on my wrist stops me. Looking back, I knew it was Fili before I even saw the worried blue eyes looking at me from the tingles spreading to my fingers. A quick reassuring smile towards Lord Elrond and Gandalf to carry on I place my hand on Fili's giving it a gentle squeeze: "It's fine Fili, I've been here before. I know my way".
"Perhaps we should come with you to make sure it is safe?" He steps forwards until my hand holding onto his is pressed against his hip. I peek up to make sure the others aren't watching as he is much to close. Butterflies started jutting about my stomach as those blue eyes become more sky-blue and I could see the runes on his moustache beads. Shaking my head to get rid of the fog that clouded it from his closeness, I grinned up at the blonde Dwarf whose eyebrows were furrowed in a frown.
"Fili, this is probably the safest place in a hundred leagues. Trust me, I will be fine. As soon as I have cleaned myself up, I will be with all you Dwarves once more for food. Save me some?" I whisper, hiding a smirk – the Dwarves were not going to be impressed with what these Elves eat. His eyes searched my own and I held my breath as his thumb rubbed my wrist gently.
"You will come straight to us as soon as you're done?" If he hadn't looked so downcast, I would have snapped at him, instead I chuckle and pull my hand away from his. "I promise Fili", before I could think it through, I kiss his cheek and walk away with cheeks burning. Not daring to look back but feeling his gaze on my back I take steady steps away until I turn the corner and let lose a deep breath.
Following the old hallways, letting my fingers trail across the walls with magic rushing through them. It took only a few moments until I found the doorway, entering I can't stop the smile at the light and airy room almost just as I left it.
The bed, though short, was still too big for me but pushing down on the blankets I could feel the softness of the bed underneath. Wanting to fall into the pillows I spot the filth on my hand compared to the whiteness of the sheets and tear my hands away from the sheets before I dirty them more. Perhaps a quick bath before I meet the others would be the best option?
Almost as if someone had heard my thoughts, which I still do not rule out as Elves always seem to know what you are thinking or wanting, a small knock sounded at the door before a dark-haired female Elf stepped through. "Glaneth!" I cheer as I rush towards my friend, laughing she leans down and wraps her arms around me.
"Nan i 'aear ah in elin! The whispers were true! Hello little one!" Filling my nose with the smell of orchids, I pull back with a grin.
"Sorry Mellon nîn, I must smell. I beg of you to help me fill a bath so I can wash the stench off me and my clothes." Chuckling she pinches one side of my cloak with a raised eyebrow.
"Perhaps best we get this cleaned for you friend; I will get your water for a bath". With that she stands and glides to the door with a small smile before disappearing. Shaking my head at the Elf I start removing my weapons placing them on an ottoman at the bottom of the bed. By the time Glaneth returned with a few other Elf maids and buckets of water I had a small pile of daggers and swords growing.
Coming to stand beside me, Glaneth looks over my weapons before she lets out an airy laugh: "how is it your weapons are cleaner than yourself? Come Ayah Baggins your bath is ready, I will be back soon to help with your hair."
Thanking the Elves as they leave, I wait till the door shuts before sprinting to the bathing room and contain a little scream of joy at the steaming tub of hot water! Finally, a bath after weeks on the road! Making sure there was a drying cloth ready and the main door was locked, I tear my clothes off in a pile and clamber into the tub. Thankful it was a smaller one that they bathed young elves in. I start undoing my braid to allow my hair to soak up the hot water. Submerging myself till the water covered all my hair before popping up for breath. I look for the soap and spot it sitting on a small stool beside the bath I lean over and grab it; I lather up my hair and body, watching the filth and grime of the weeks slide off me into the water. I can't help but scrunch my face up at the dirt before smirking; I bet Bilbo's is much worse considering the Troll snot all over him. Soaping myself up once more before washing it off, I lean across the bath to grab the drying cloth.
Carefully getting out of the bath I shiver from the cold stone underneath my feet. Wrapping the cloth around my body and attempt to dry as much of me as possible before I slip into the bedroom after checking there was no one there. I snort seeing a green dress placed on the bed, locked doors do not seem to keep Elves out.
I check in the ottoman at the end of the bed and find clean underclothing, slipping them on under the cloth in case an elf does barge in. Dropping the towel, I scoop up the green dress; soft silk slips through my fingers. I haven't worn silk since the last time I had been in the Valley and even then, I begrudgingly wore it to appease my hosts. I slip it over my head and chuckle at the sleeves that swamp over my hands in a trail. I catch sight of the state of my hair in the mirror and grimace; this is going to be such a pain to untangle.
As if by mental thought, a knock on the door distracts me from the heap that is my hair. A cheekily grinning Glaneth meets me as I open the door, one look at my hair her grin just grows. Strange Elf. She clasps my shoulders gently and pushes me towards the stool as she comments on how she's seen hedges in better condition than my hair. At the Elf's insistence I sit on the stool and hold the comb up towards her in defeat. Glaneth was the only one I would allow to comb my hair after Momma did years ago, it was something I only trusted a few people with. Jumping at the small rap on the top of my head, I sit straighter as she starts to detangle the knots in my hair.
"So Mellon, tell me what adventures you have been up to since we last spoke", while she tames my hair I tell her what had happened since I left Rivendell, missing out the most recent adventure with the Dwarves. Something tells me the Dwarves will be wanting to keep their quest a secret from the Elves for the moment – plus their intense distrust towards them doesn't go towards the Elves favour either.
Finishing one tale about stopping a drunken brawl in the Prancing Pony in Bree, Glaneth chuckles then informs me she has finished with my hair. I glance in the mirror and blink in shock, my usual messy and tangled curls were now smooth waves with a small braid holding the top part of my hair away from my faces, interspersed with chrysanthemums and daisies. The Elf smiles at me before motioning to the door, "time for me to reunite you with your companions Mellon, a few of them are quite worried about you".
I follow beside the Elf Maiden as we walk through the halls, and when I say walk, I mean me stumbling because of this infernal dress which has given Glaneth a good few chuckles. How do Elves walk around and fight in these dresses I will never know nor understand? Feeling a bit bare without my weapons I clasp my hands together and do my best to not fall on my face.
When we arrive at the courtyard I am surprised to see all the Dwarves sat down and talking quietly between themselves instead of causing mayhem – I will need to speak to Elrond to see how he achieved this in case I ever host the rambunctious Dwarves again for dinner. Our movement into the courtyard must have caught some of the Dwarves attention as they shout my name, grinning at them I turn to thank Glaneth and promise to walk with her in the gardens tomorrow.
I join the company, seeing Bilbo sat beside Balin smiling and chatting away I relax as Bofur and Dwalin wave me over to sit with them. Greeting the Dwarves as I sit in between Dwalin and Nori across from Bofur and Kili who I have noticed are all starting to grin and smirk at me. I huff, what now?
"Well hello lass, we'd forgotten yeh were a girl under all that muck" Bofur smirks over the table at me as Nori tugs at one of the waves in my hair. Rolling my eyes at their chuckles I reach over and grab some of the salad and tomatoes, "ah that's a shame, I never forgot you lot were a load of girls". I pop a tomato in my mouth to hide my grin at their affronted scoffs and chatter. With that, balance is restored. A glance to my left I see Fili looking at me with a small smile, swallowing the tomato I give him a grin before slapping Nori's hand as I see out of the corner of my eye try to sneak a saltshaker into his coat pocket.
Grasping his hand in mock pain after putting the shaker back he pouts: "do you have eyes in the back of your head or something?" Smirking at the Dwarf as I nibble on a piece of cucumber, it's like looking after a group of children.
"Did you not know, all women-folk have dearest Nori. now behave or I shall make you sit next to your brother" Dwalin snorts as I scold Nori and I send him a small glare but it was ruined by the smile that was tugging at the corner of my lips. For the next couple of minutes of listening to the Dwarves chat and the Elves play soothing music I relaxed fully, chuckling every so often at the Dwarves conversation and joining in on occasion.
A movement from the head of the table catches my attention: Thorin leaving and going to stand at the other table away from Gandalf and Elrond. Oh dear, I'm guessing things are still a bit tense. Knowing the history of the Dwarves of the Lonely Mountain and that the Elves of Mirkwood rejected helping them, I can only imagine it will take a miracle for Dwarves and Elves to fully trust one another again.
I slap Nori's hand once again as he goes to hide another trinket in his coat and smirk at him over the rim of my wine goblet as he glares. Cocking an eyebrow as I see him open his mouth, he instead turns to the harpist: "Change the tune, why don't you? I feel like I'm at a funeral." I snort on a sip of wine as he rubs his ear with a cheeky grin in my direction which then develops into a full-on laugh as I end up choking when Oin chirps asking if anyone had died. Dwalin pats me harshly on the back as I try and get my breathing back under control. Thanking the Dwarf, I tap Nori on the hand again for laughing at me nearly dying because of a sip of wine. These Dwarves are going to kill me.
"All right, lads. There's only one thing for it." Bofur goes for the kill as he pushes himself up from the table onto the tabletop and bows with a sneaky grin and hand outreached towards me, "come lass, lets show these pointed-ears how to sing". A quick glance in Elrond's direction who seems to be taking this all in his stride I sign, there will be no coming back from this I feel. Sealing my fate I reach my hand up into Bofur's large one as Dwalin and Nori both lift me onto the table.
I try my hardest not to knock any plates or bowls with my feet but Bofur seems to be doing that well enough with his big feet. Starting to regret not putting my slippers on and going bare footed now. A few mumbles from the Elves makes me look away from them but catching Fili's grin and Thorin's small smirk I instead keep my eyes on the Dwarves.
"There's an Inn, there's an inn.
There's a merry old inn
Beneath an old gray hill." Bofur starts the tune as the rest of the Dwarves start to bang to the tune, at the Dwarfs grin I smile, here we go:
"And there they brew a beer so brown
The Man in the Moon
Himself came down
One night
To drink his fill". Giggling I allow Bofur to spin me as the rest of the Dwarves start to join in to the tune.
The cheeky hatted Dwarf carries on with the song: "- Oh -
The ostler has a tipsy cat
That played a five-stringed fiddle
And up and down he saws his bow
Now squeaking high
Now purring low
Now sawing in the middle".
I couldn't hold in the laughter as a bread roll rockets off his head from a well-placed throw from Ori and I take on the lead:
"- So -
The cat on the fiddle
Played hey-diddle-diddle
A drink that'll wake the dead
He squeaked and he sawed
And he quickened
The tune
And the landlord
Shook the Man
In the Moon
'it's after Three!' he said."
Laughter and cheers erupted from all the Dwarves, curtsying as best I could I jump down from the table and again curtsy to Lord Elrond who to the untrained eye showed no expression, but having lived in his realm for months I knew to look for the small upturn of his mouth that showed he was more amused than he'd let the Dwarves believe.
Before I could sit back down the Elf Lord spoke above the din, "I believe Miss Baggin's, last time you came to my halls you promised to sing the Hobbit's Green Dragon song. As you are in the lyrical mood, perhaps you can serve on your promise now?" Bugger. Seeing his cocked brow, a nervous chuckle escaped me. Suppose this was his revenge for the thrown food and small disturbance that we had created. Well, I've embarrassed myself so far … what's a little more going to hurt?
"Of course, my Lord Elrond, though it has been a while since I've sung it so I will apologise if the tune doesn't quite hold". Dwalin helps me back onto the table with a reassuring pat on my arm. Ignoring all the wide eyes directed in my direction I instead look at Bilbo who gives a little grin. We both used to sing this song as young Hobbit's when we had a little too much to drink. And probably would still if we drank at the Green Dragon like we used to.
"T'is only a short tune gentleman, but I am going to have to steal one of your flagons of beer", amused at the scurry of arms throwing them up, I take Kili's whose was the fullest. "Thank you Kili".
Breathing out slowly I smile at the company and start beating out a tune onto the table with my foot which Bilbo joins in, smirking at my usually timid cousin who grins back I start to sing with the flagon of beer held aloft and my other hand pulls the skirt of my dress up a little so I could dance around to the tune:
"Oh, you can search far and wide
You can drink the whole town dry,
But you'll never find a beer so brown,
As the one we drink in our hometown.
You can keep your fancy ales,
You can drink 'em by the flagon.
But the only brew for the brave and true,
Comes from the Green Dragon!"
And in true Hobbit fashion I then chug the flagon of beer, hearing the laughter and cheers of not just the Dwarves but a few of the Elves too I wipe my face of the excess beer, take a small curtsy and then jump off the table to sit down. Giggling at the compliments from Dwalin, Bofur, Kili and the rest I look over to Elrond as he raises his own wine goblet to me with a small smile. Grinning at him I nod then glance over to where Fili is only to flush all the way up to my ears seeing his handsome grin directed my way. Winking at me he raises his own tankard of ale; I look away with a smile and join the conversation around me. Feeling more at home with this company than I did back at Hobbiton, I smile happily and start munching on the salad.
Lastannem i athrannedh i Vruinen - We heard you had crossed into the Valley.
Mellonnen! Mo evínedh? - My friend! Where have you been?
Farannem 'lamhoth i udul o charad. Dagannem rim na Iant Vedui. - We've been hunting a pack of Orcs that came up from the South. We slew a number near the Hidden Pass.
Nartho i noer, toltho i viruvor. Boe i annam vann a nethail vin - Light the fires, bring forth the wine. We must feed our guests.
Nan i 'aear ah in elin! – By the sea and stars!
Mellon nîn – My Friend