So, time for chapter 12, huh?
Let's do this!
Disclaimer: Me no own, you no sue
Arriah stood quietly as Gwae helped her into a dress.
"It's a deep purple, with nice white and black accents. It looks really good on you."
Arriah smiled. "Thanks."
The re-head sighed at the feeling of a brush running through her hair.
"A braid?"
"How about a messy bun? That's just so...me."
Gwae let out a happy 'hmm' and continued to brush Arriah's hair.
"So, enjoy your bath?"
"Ah, yeah. It was great. Felt just like home."
The brush paused in her hair.
"What? Something wrong?"
"No, it's just, you never joke like that."
The atmosphere became somber.
"It was a long time ago. I have a new home and family now. Besides, moving forward is harder when you're dragging along your past behind you."
The brush began to move again.
"I guess so."
Gwae quickly put Arriah's hair up into a bun and stepped around to look at her.
"Beautiful, as always."
Arriah blushed. "You're not so bad looking yourself."
...
"Well, from what I remember, at least."
Gwae gave a small laugh. "It's time. I'll take you to where you will dine with Lord Elrond now."
Arriah nodded and allowed herself to be led out of her room and down many halls.
"Here we are."
Arriah nodded as she was led into a nice smelling room.
"Your seat is here. Lord Elrond will be here any moment."
Arriah listened quietly to Gwae's foot steps as they disappeared. She gave a sigh and leaned back in her chair.
Bet Kili's having a great time right now. Glad I'm not in his situation.
Elrond's elvish scent washed over the huntress.
Man, this guy always smells like books. It's weird. He also smells like wood shaving, sometimes like fresh cut grass too.
"Forgive me, my Lady, for some reason one of the kitchen workers must have decided to work out in the training courtyard today. Very strange."
Arriah let out a nervous laugh.
"Very strange."
Arriah shrugged. "Maybe they just wanted some fresh air."
"Or to prank someone. You never know. Tell me, how do you get up onto the roof? I've looked everywhere for the spots you climb up, but I just can't seem to find them."
Arriah grinned. "And didn't you build this place? Wow, I knew I was good, but, damn, I'm good."
"Yes, quite."
Arriah took a deep breath and let it out in a sigh of contempt.
"Well, please, dig in."
Arriah smiled and searched for her fork. Instead she came up with a spoon.
Fork, you idiot. A fork...ah, there it is.
She sniffed. Fish! What a surprise!
Happily, but carefully, she took a bite.
"Mmh. Oh, so good."
The elven king across form her chuckled.
"Yes, caught just for you."
"Aww, so considerate."
Silence.
"So, you intend to continue on with the dwarves, yes?"
Arriah nodded. "Thorin hasn't kicked me out yet, but I guess we ran into some trolls before he got the chance."
"Indeed."
Arriah let out a hum.
"So, when will you be able to read the map? A few days from now, I think someone told me."
"Yes. Moon runes."
"An easy thing to miss."
"Quite."
Arriah took another bite of fish.
"So, how are things in Rivendell these days? Elledan and Elrohir behaving?"
"Only just. They've become less...troublesome since you ceased your monthly visits."
Arriah giggled. "Aww, you were glad that I'd stopped?"
"Quite."
Woe, repetitive much?
Arriah smiled, remembering when she used to get into a lot of trouble with the twins.
"Where are they anyways?"
"On a hunting trip. I;m unaware if they will return before you and you company leave."
"Oh."
...
"Your birthday is tomorrow. I will admit, I found it quite amusing to learn that you had forgotten."
Arriah sighed and shook her head. "That Gandalf. Gossips like an old women. And all they gossip about is what's on sale in the markets!"
She was rewarded with a slight laugh.
"Yes, well, at least he's not such a trouble maker, like you."
Arriah smiled.
"Ahh, what can I say? These dwarves have brought out a side of me even I haven't seen in some time. It's nice to laugh so freely like this. I'd forgotten...forgotten what it was like to smile."
"So it would seem."
Arriah shrugged. "No matter."
She took another bite of fish.
"I have a gift for you, if you're interested."
"Are you kidding? Really? You got me a present."
"Yes. Come, I'll give it to you now."
Arriah quickly took the last bite of her fish and followed Elrond's scent.
"In here."
She was pretty sure that this was Elrond's study.
"It's a necklace. A silver leaf, outlined in gold. On either side of the pendant, a little further up the chin are two silver stars, each followed by a gold star."
Arriah smiled. "Sound's beautiful."
"Would you like to put it on?"
Arriah nodded quickly. The necklace was heavy, she realized, when Elrond had finished putting it on for her.
"There."
Arriah smile grew. "Thank you."
"Your very welcome."
Arriah blinked and rubbed the back of her neck.
"We done? Or is there something else..."
"No, you may go."
"Thanks! And I really enjoyed supper!"
She turned and dashed out of the study. Placing her hand on the wall she continued forward. She smiled and she went.
I have no idea where I am. I am so lost. Oh Valar. Just keep smiling so you'll be left alone.
She stopped when a sweet smell washed over her. She turned her head to the side and took another sniff.
"Wait, I'm by the Moon Gardens."
She took in more of the sweet scent.
Ah, syrup, flour, leather, pine, sword oil. Must be Fili.
She turned to the right and headed for the garden. Walking forward she headbutted a stone pillar.
"Ow! By the Valar! Who put that there?"
She moved around the pillar grumbling quietly and continued forward, acting like she didn't know Fili was there. She knew he was going to ignore her and giver her the silent treatment, but she had a way to fix that.
There's a pool around here somewhere, all I gotta do is head for it like I don't know it's there and hopefully over there will catch me. If he doesn't I'm gonna' make him wish he had. Now where...?
Suddenly two arms snaked around her waist and she was pulled backwards until she was sitting on a bench.
I was serious about giving this guy a medal.
"Uh..."
...
"Alright, stay silent Mr. Weirdo. Seriously, I was going to have a nice walk! Why did you bring me over here?"
A grunt in response.
You're kidding.
"Well fine then. I'm not gonna' talk to you either."
...
...
...
...
"I wont kill you if you sit down, y'know."
I suck at the silent treatment...Aw, he did sit down. I'll play it cool, make him think I still don't know it's him. Tee hee...I really just thought that? I really just though 'tee hee'?
"So~ Come here often?"
By the Valar, shut up!
A grunt.
"Oh my- I don't speak grunt okay? If you're looking for someone who does go find that Oakensheild guy."
A breathy chuckle.
"Seriously though."
I bet he's smiling. It's probably a nice smile too.
"Ugh. How bothersome. What, have a bad day or something? You're dad kick you out? Your brother steal your girl? Seriously, I'm a good listener. Tell me all your problems~"
Heh. Man, I suck. I am so mean. By the Valar...yeah I don't care.
A grunt.
Arriah's eyebrow twitched and she stood. "Fine , I'm going to have that walk now, it was nice grunting with you, now I'll be on my way."
She turned and headed for the pool again.
Maybe if I drown myself...Nah, I like my hair to much to just let it all go...Maybe I should ask Thorin to teach me grunt later. That would be really funn-
Arms slipped around her waist again and Arriah finally realized that she was a step away from the pool.
Medal. Give. Fili. Now.
The dwarfs warm breath tickled her ear as he held her. She shivered.
"Well, we met again . Tell me, why have you stopped me from going on my walk again?"
A grunt.
"By the Valar Fili! I can't believe how horrible you are!"
She tried to wiggle out of his hold.
"Honestly, I'm going to Thorin,. I need to learn grunt, and fast too. Ah, maybe I should drag Kili along too, since you're probably giving him the grunt treatment too."
She tried to get away again.
"Uhh, Fili? You asleep back there, or what- and don't you dare grunt!"
The dwarf behind her let out a chuckle and pulled her closer.
...
"I'm still mad at you. The only reason I haven't stormed away yet is because I really don't know where I am, but, this is the Moon Gardens, I know that, at least."
"You. Are mad...at me?"
"...Yup."
"That's ridiculous."
"Yeah, I know. But you're not really mad at me~"
"If I let you go you'll fall right into the pond, you know."
His grip loosened and suddenly she felt the need to turn and wrap her arms around his waist. So, she did.
"Don't you dare, I'll drag you in with me."
The dwarf let out a breathy chuckle.
"I wont."
"Good. I'd be even madder if you did."
Arriah laid her head on his chest, listening to his heart beat.
"You're warm. I think I'll stay here...all night...because I'm kind of really cold."
"Really?"
She could hear the frown in his voice.
"Uh, yeah. It's no biggie. It's just that elvish clothing is thinner than what I'm used to."
"Hmm."
Arriah breathed in his scent and let it cloud her senses.
"You smell nice."
"Really?"
"Yeah. You smell like leather, and sword oil...and pine...and fresh rain. It's very nice."
"Oh."
"Mmhhm."
...
"Arriah?"
"Yeah?"
...
"...Nothing. Are you ready to go in?"
Arriah gave a nod and smiled as Fili dropped one of his arms, turned, and began to lead her away. They were both quiet as they walked, the silence not awkward, but comfortable.
This is nice.
"There you two are!"
The arm dropped from her waist.
"Yeah, we were just taking a walk."
"Come on."
Her hand was taken into Kili's and she was led to sit down in front of a fire. A peaceful silence fell over the group.
"Hey, Thorin?"
She got a grunt in reply.
So, that was that! Hope you enjoyed that bit of Fili and Arriah action! R&R!