AN: Well, here is the next installment. Again, I am sorry it took so long. I do not own Lord of the Rings or Maleficent. Enjoy!
Chapter 4
Arwen and Maleficent walked through the city at a leisurely pace. Arwen pointed out specific buildings and areas, such as the gardens, residential areas, and the stables. To Maleficent, the gardens seemed like perfect places to think and relax. The elf also pointed out the main entrances to the city.
"That is where you entered, from the west." They walked across the city, Maleficent taking in the cliffs and waterfalls, and came to another gate. "This is the road to the Misty Mountains in the east." She gave the faerie a conspiratorial glance.
"There are also secret entrances that only a few know about. About one-hundred years ago, a company of dwarves used one to enter here when they were being attacked by orcs." Maleficent gave the elf a curious glance.
"From what the hobbits have told me, elves and dwarves do not get along well. How would they know of a secret entrance?" Arwen faltered slightly.
"Normally that is true, but their leader knew Gandalf well and he told the company the location in the event they fell under duress." It was only a slight lie.
"So Gandalf is older than he seems." Arwen shifted under the green, penetrating eyes.
"… Yes." Maleficent smirked at her.
"Do not be so nervous. Where I am from, many of the beings live far beyond the years of normal humans. It is not surprising to me." She looked down from the railing they were standing behind. The river surged beneath them while waterfalls crashed down the cliffs on all sides.
"What river is this?" Arwen thanked the IIu̒vatar for the change of subject.
"This is the River Bruinen, or Loudwater in the Common Tongue. It starts as two tributaries in the Misty Mountains." Maleficent looked upstream of the river where it bent around the valley and out of sight.
"Was it the Misty Mountains I saw as we were traveling here?" Arwen smiled.
"Yes, the peaks are so tall that they can be seen from hundreds of miles away," she glanced sideways as Maleficent. "It must have been quite the view from the height you were flying." Maleficent smiled at the memory.
"It was." A companionable silence fell as they stared at the scenery for a while. After some time, Arwen got an idea to pass some time while still showing Maleficent around.
"Would you like to see the library? There is much literature and history to see there." Maleficent nodded and they made their way there. The library consisted of multiple large rooms filled with books and multiple pieces of artwork. Arwen said she could read any of the books she wanted. Maleficent doubted she would find much use of the books since many of them were in Elvish. Arwen then went on to describe the pieces of art. Many were historic pieces of important figures, places, and battlefields. They came to a hall with a small courtyard in the middle. The scene on the wall depicted a man on the ground brandishing a broken sword to a dark creature standing above him. Maleficent recognized the ring on the creature's finger. It may not be the same ring, but I highly doubt it. Arwen spoke up quietly.
"This recounts the defeat of Sauron in the Second Age. The human is a former king of Gondor, Isildur. He defeated Sauron with Narsil, his father's broken blade, by separating Sauron from his ring." Maleficent stared at the ring, remembering the temptation she felt towards the trinket. She turned from the mural and sighed, thinking of her inner darkness. Arwen saw this and was about to ask what was wrong, but she noticed that Maleficent had seen the statue standing behind them. They stepped up to it.
"These are the Shards of Narsil." Maleficent could not help the sense of awe she felt at the excellent craftsmanship of the sword even though it was broken. It was beautiful, and though she could not touch it she could tell the blade was still sharp. Normally she would abhor any object made of iron, but she could not bring herself to hate the blade after learning its history. Though the metal could be deadly for her, it had been used to save the world. Even if the world is in jeopardy again. Arwen watched as Maleficent examined the blade. "Would you like to pick it up? It is Elven-made and is very light." Maleficent shook her head and stepped back.
"No, that is alright. I can admire it without picking it up." Arwen mentally shrugged and they continued through the library. By the time they were done in the library, it was past Noon. After a quick lunch, Arwen told Maleficent that she needed to check Asfaloth. Maleficent remembered Arwen's horse that the elf could speak to during their journey here. They arrived at a large building filled with stalls. Some horses meandered in the pastures and elves groomed others. The faerie and elf approached a white horse, Maleficent recognized as Asfaloth, being tended to by a brunette elf. He was checking and cleaning the horse's hooves.
"Adamar, how is he?" Maleficent could hear the concern in her host's voice and knew that the connection between the elf and horse ran deep.
"He is well, Lady Arwen, however, he is tired. He should not run long distances for at least another two to three weeks." Adamar did not look up from his task, indicating to Maleficent that respect for the hierarchy was important, but was not an omnipresent rule. Arwen walked to the front of the horse and the creature nuzzled her shoulder. Arwen smiled and spoke in Elvish. She then turned to Maleficent.
"Have you ever ridden a horse?" Maleficent smiled slightly at the memory of Diaval running as fast as he could. Surprisingly, he had not complained at being transformed into a steed. She had expected him to. Normally, he hated being turned into anything other than a man and raven, but he had kept quiet. She believed it was the serious situation they had been in that silenced him. What else could it have been? Surely it was the dire situation. She suddenly found herself in a hopeful mood that there was more to it, but it quickly disappeared when she realized Arwen was waiting for her answer.
"Once, a few years ago." Adamar put the finished hoof down and stood straight. She only noticed the slight pause in his movements at the sight of her because she was looking for it. Just a quickly though, he moved on to the next hoof. Her attention was brought back to Arwen when the elf maiden asked her another question.
"Why, if I may ask? Did your wings not work?" She noticed the slight wince the faerie gave, but did not pressure her for an answer.
"It was the same injury that required the use of my staff…" Maleficent's tone suggested she did not want to continue that conversation, so Arwen dropped it. After a short awkward silence Arwen decided to move on.
"Maybe you and I could go riding at some point." The faerie gave a distracted hum and noticed that the elf was leading them towards the forested area of the ravine.
"Where are you taking me now?" Arwen smiled at the faerie. She realized now that Maleficent was not rude, just blunt. She would not go out of her way to appease someone else's feelings. She admired that. There are not many in this world who can pull off being blunt and polite at the same time. Most people come across as rude or insensitive. For Maleficent, she just seems aloof.
"We are going somewhere I think you may enjoy if you have time." They arrived at large, open space. There was a forest starting about 150 yards across from them. To the right was a line of elves firing bows and arrows at targets set up at multiple distances. On the left was a line of practice weapons stored in trunks, open barrels, and racks. There were groups of elves practicing there as well. Maleficent knew what this was and felt some excitement build in her stomach.
"Training grounds." Arwen just smirked knowingly, and Maleficent had the decency to look away sheepishly. Though she was normally rather still and peaceful, she could not deny the side of herself that enjoyed being active and daring. She especially took great pride in being the Protector of the Moors, and always took the chance to demonstrate just how dangerous she could be. For that reason, the other faeries avoided her at times. She could be very dangerous and sometimes allowed her darker side to take over. It was what happened when she battled King Henry's army, and when she took control of the Moors for sixteen years.
"I sensed that you are a rather active being. You can be very still, but I can tell that you know when to be aggressive." She watched as Maleficent smiled unconsciously while watching the sparring elves. "I am the same way." As she received Maleficent's attention again she continued. "I prefer to stay out of battles, but when I am involved, I make sure that I and whoever my allies are, come out alive. By any means necessary." Maleficent nodded in agreement and they both watched the other elves. Arwen snuck a sly smile at the faerie which she noticed. "Would you like to spar tomorrow? I have some business to attend to this afternoon…" Maleficent thought about it for a moment. I could use some practice fighting someone of her caliber… Plus it would give me a chance to figure out how to avoid armor and weapons of iron. She smiled at the elf.
"I think I would enjoy that." For once, the two grinned at each other, both thinking about how entertaining it will be.
"Good." The elf led them towards the practice weapons. "I am a swordsman, and so will be using this." She pulled out a wooden sword. "What about you?" Maleficent held up her staff.
"Would it be acceptable to use my staff?" Arwen nodded, but then cocked her head in curiosity.
"I wonder, would you be willing to avoid using magic if I did as well? We could only use our physical abilities. For example, I could still use my Elven abilities such as speed and accuracy, while you could utilize your wings if you wanted." Maleficent thought that would be a good challenge. I utilize my magic constantly. If I could become comfortable not using it as much, then I think I would have a chance in dangerous situations if I was unable to use it.
"I can agree to that condition. What time tomorrow?" Arwen thought for a moment.
"Is eight in the morning acceptable? We could have a light breakfast and then come over here." Maleficent agreed. Thinking about what the elf said earlier, she asked her about it.
"What business do you have to attend to?"
"Ah, I have to oversee a new patrol plan." At Maleficent's curious look she continued. "One of my responsibilities is to manage security. We do have our military in place, but as one of the royals, my father felt I needed to have something important to do with my time. That was one of my choices and I felt I would prosper from the experience. I have been right so far." Maleficent nodded in understanding. As an afterthought, Arwen suggested what Maleficent could do the rest of the day. "No one would stop you if you wanted to stretch your wings for a bit, and the cliffs are very scenic. Also, you are allowed to go anywhere in Rivendell you would like."
"Thank you. I think I will take you up on the offer." She and Arwen started towards the center of the city.
"I will be at dinner if you wish to dine together." Maleficent nodded and the two went in different directions.
Maleficent waited in a courtyard until it was mostly clear of elves. She did not want to knock anyone over by accident. There were only four around and they were a safe distance away. She spread her wings, ignoring the sudden attention she brought to herself, and with a strong pump of her wings she was in the air. Flapping her wings, she was above the tallest building in seconds. A minute later she was above the ravine and soaring in an updraft that would take her to the clouds.
Arwen heard an elf next to her gasp as she made her way to the meeting. She looked at him and saw him staring skyward. She looked as well and saw Maleficent flying above the spires. She smiled to herself. It must be nice to have such freedom.
Gandalf watched as the faerie rose above the ravine and started soaring in circles while still climbing in height. He looked at Lord Elrond. He was looking from his seat at his desk.
"A sight to behold. Don't you think so, Lord Elrond?" The elf made a sound of agreement and went back to his paperwork. Gandalf watched her fly until she was hidden by the clouds.
Maleficent savored the wind in her wings and on her skin. The sun peaked through the clouds and she let herself soak in its heat. When she opened her eyes the wind had moved the clouds and she could see the Elven city. From this height, it looked small next to the winding river and mountains in the distance. She looked west, across the hills covered in forests and further to the almost flat horizon.
"I wonder where Diaval and the others are now…" She sighed and let the currents of wind take her wherever it may. She only controlled her path as much as to keep herself in sight of the city. Other than that, she relaxed. After fifteen minutes of quietly thinking she opened her hand, palm upwards, as if about to receive something from someone. Calling on her magic, she gathered bits of cloud in her hands and turned it to water. So, technically, my magic works here. Just not on beings with magical abilities… She sighed again and looked down to Rivendell.
"I suppose I should return. I am sure I can find something to do down there." Folding her wings, Maleficent let gravity take over. Her body plummeted to the earth. She positioned herself so that she was diving head first towards the ground. Looking at the ground that seemed to rise up to meet her, she calculated when to open her wings and slow herself down. At fifty feet above the tallest spire she unfurled her wings and glided around the ravine in circles, letting herself down more slowly.
She flew past a few waterfalls, enjoying the spray of mist. As she went past a particularly large waterfall, she saw that there were many caves and indentations in the cliffs. One in particular looked large enough that she could fit. She halted her flight and hovered in front of the mouth. It is not like I have anything better to do. With a pump of her wings she gently let herself land on the opening, knowing that any wrong movement could cause a rock fall.
She turned and surveyed the ravine and the surrounding cliffs. There seemed to be many caves such as this one near the waterfalls. Turning again, Maleficent peered into the darkness, trying to make anything out, but it was too dark. She reminded herself that it was curiosity that got her into trouble before (Stephan), but she smirked into the inky blackness. But what's life without some risk and danger? She conjured some fire and let it hover slightly ahead of her so she could see as she moved forward into the cave.
As she went deeper the sounds of the waterfalls grew quieter and her breathing, steps, and dragging of her wings became the only sounds in the cave. After a few minutes the ground sloped downward slightly and the cave turned left. She also noticed the ceiling getting lower. Five minutes later, she had to stoop to avoid hitting her horns on the ceiling, and started having to dodge stalactites so she would not hit her head on them. She also noticed the sound of water droplets hitting the floor. Not surprising since stalactites had formed. She moved on, confident she could handle any trouble she might run into. Eventually, the ceiling rose again and the roaring of a waterfall came to her ears. After a final bend in the cave, Maleficent came upon a magnificent view.
In front of her was a large opening in the cliff, about fifteen feet wide and twenty-five feet tall. However, it was not a view of the city, but a wall of water. I am behind one of the waterfalls! She thought giddily as she extinguished the flame. It had been a long time since she had felt so excited about a new discovery. The sound was deafening and she slowly strode to the edge of the mouth of the cave. The faerie put her hand out until it was millimeters from the falling water. Even without touching it, she could feel the force of the water pushing against her hand. If she were to stick her arm in it she would most likely be pulled off the cliff. The sheer force of nature exhilarated her, and she smiled at its beauty.
Looking to her left, she saw a sliver of light where the water separated from the cliff side. There was also a two foot wide ledge leading to it as if it was a path. She looked back the way she came and then at the clear daylight at the end of the ledge. I do not like being underground anyway. She stood at the beginning of the ledge and looked back to the cave. I will come back here. Though it was not quiet, she knew she could relax and think here just as well as if she were above the clouds.
Turning to the ledge she let out a calming breath. Standing there made her realize just how small the ledge was. The wall of water was only about a foot and a half away from the edge of the ledge which only left her two and a half feet to maneuver. With wings and horns such as hers, it would be challenging, but she was always up for a challenge. Turning sideways and flattening her wings to her back as much as possible allowed her to pass through. She tipped her head forward to make her horns stick upright instead of back so they would not catch on the wall behind her. Looking up with her eyes she found that her forehead was only inches from the waterfall. Carefully, she shuffled sideways towards the light. After three terrifying, but thrilling minutes she made it to the other side. Once she was past the water she took a second to let her heart slow its pace and looked out over Rivendell. She was next to one of the larger falls and looked out over the city. She could really see the ways in which the buildings coexisted with the landscape. Deciding she had spent enough time flying around she looked for a place to land where she would not knock some elves over. Although, the thought of the elegant elves falling over seemed amusing… Something to think on, she thought with an evil grin. After a minute she spotted a courtyard with a few trees and a small pond in it, and only saw one person there, although he did not look like an elf.
Just like when she was a child she simply dropped off the side of the cliff and let herself fall for a few seconds before opening her wings. Taking a few circles to slow herself down, Maleficent landed right next to the pond, causing small waves to form in the water. She looked down at the clear liquid and watched fish move about in the sudden current.
"Truly, I have never seen such a magnificent sight!" Maleficent turned to the courtyard's only other occupant. He was definitely not an elf. If she had to guess, the white-haired being was an elderly hobbit. His grin widened when she looked at him, "And I have seen some truly marvelous things in my life." She smiled politely, acknowledging the compliment.
"You are a hobbit." It was a statement more than a question. He laughed.
"Yes!" he exclaimed with a wide, friendly smile. "I am Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit of Hobbiton." Her eyes widened slightly at his last name.
"Are you related to Frodo Baggins?"
"Ah yes, he is my nephew. I had heard he flew in, but I had not taken the word literally." He eyed her wings in wonder. "Now I know better." Bilbo patted the open bench next to him and Maleficent sat down gracefully. "Thank you for saving my only family member. Please, what is your name if I may ask?" His tone had become slightly more serious with the apology, indicating he knew Frodo had been in mortal danger, but then it gained the carefree sound again that only the elderly seemed to have.
"Maleficent." She smiled kindly him. Bilbo reminded her of the older fae folk in the Moors. The ones that told many exaggerated stories, and she suddenly found herself slightly sick for home. Bilbo stuck his hand out in greeting and she took it after seeing he had no rings on.
"Nice to meet you, Maleficent." He closed the book he had been writing in and gave her his full attention. "Tell me, by which road did you come into Rivendell? I am curious as to whether you've been in a different place than I." She shook her head.
"There was no road. We stayed in the forest. However, we were in a clearing with troll statues…"
"Oh yes, you came by the Trollshaws then." Maleficent nodded when she suddenly remembered someone calling the area they were in the name. Bilbo continued. "There was a time when those woods were filled with so many trolls, all the humans had to move or were eaten. Did you know I was almost eaten by three trolls?" His voice had taken on one of a story that had been told many times, but she shook her head anyway. He nodded and grinned. "They were actually the ones you saw in the clearing!" Her eyebrow raised in disbelief as he leaned forward conspiratorially. "I was there when they turned to stone…"
When Bilbo had finished his tale and she knew almost everything he'd said was true. Not just for the fact that Gandalf had been there or that he and the dwarves had used a secret entrance to enter Rivendell, but she had furtively checked for signs of lying while he'd spoken. He was telling the truth.
Knowing he was not lying or exaggerating, she marveled at his courage and what types of things he'd seen. Not only did he outwit three trolls, but a dragon as well. A dragon which, according to the size Bilbo described, was much larger than the one she had transformed Diaval into. It would have been a sight to behold, and even she, she reluctantly admitted, would have had difficulty defeating a creature with so much sheer power. She chuckled amusedly when he told her about the appearance of the wizard and dwarves at his house and the different ridiculous situations he and his dwarf companions got themselves into. She wished she might meet a few of them if they were still alive. The eagles and the Lonely Mountain were something she would love to see if she and Diaval were here long enough.
It had been almost two hours since he'd started his tale and she found herself enjoying the hobbit's company as if she were with Diaval or Aurora. It was amazing to her that she could enjoy a simple conversation after so many years of sorrow and anger. Bilbo, for his part, enjoyed the pleasure he was bringing to the faerie. She just seemed like someone who had not had a lot of joy in her life. It is a shame someone so beautiful has obviously had such a hard life. She may not even know how obvious it is. Since spending so much time with dwarves who had troubled pasts I know what it looks like. He decided he'd talked enough.
"So what about you? Where are you from and what adventures have you had?" Maleficent did not think telling him her entire story would be a good idea, so she just decided to tell a few things.
"Well I live in a place called the Moors. It is an enchanted forest with many types of fae folk. I am its protector."
"Are there any more of your kind?" She shook her head.
"Not that I am aware of." Bilbo nodded and felt some pity for the woman. He decided he wanted to change the subject from that.
"Are there any other beings around the Moors?"
"Yes, there are humans." His eager face suggested he wanted her to continue. "For a long time, the humans did not like the Moors inhabitants and the feelings were mutual. Then, a new ruler came into power. Her name is Aurora and she is a very understanding young woman." She smiled to herself and was unaware that her smile had made it to her face where Bilbo could see it.
"Do you two know each other?"
"Yes, I am her godmother." She grinned at the memory of Aurora exclaiming that she was her faerie godmother, and her resulting shock and confusion.
"Ah, how wonderful! So, now the two kingdoms are at peace?"
"Yes, but I am worried that it will not be so for long. Aurora has good intentions, but I am worried powerful men on the council and other lords may try to sway her decisions." He saw her face darken and was concerned their conversation would end badly.
"Unfortunately, living things, human or otherwise, will always find a reason to fight. Whether it be over land, food, water, or anything else. The best you can do is hope your goddaughter is strong enough to handle her subjects and that you are able to calm those you protect and your own anger." She gave him a confused look. Anger? Am I that translucent? He did have a good point though. Aurora was strong and smart. She could handle the council. Plus, she has Phillip to help out if necessary. As for her own feelings… I suppose I will need to let go of my own negative feelings if I want to keep peace. She decided it was time to change the subject when she saw dark clouds forming in the sky.
"You mentioned that you flew on the back of large eagles in you quest. How did you like flying?" Bilbo's eyes took on a distant glaze as he remembered.
"At first it was terrifying. We were all about to fall off of a cliff or get eaten by Wargs when they came to save us. I believe Gandalf called them somehow. I was also very concerned about our leader. Thorin had just gotten badly beaten by the orc leader and did not seem to be moving in the eagle's talons." He looked down for a second, clearing his mind of the sadness and fear he'd felt for Thorin. "When I did finally take in that we were flying, I realized it was most exhilarating!" He chuckled to himself and Maleficent smiled slightly. "It was dark so I could not see distinct colors, but I could see by the moon and starlight. It was beautiful. I could see for miles over the mountains and there were so many stars that were still so far away. The air was also so clean and crisp. Granted, we'd just come from a goblin lair under the mountain and escaped a smoke-filled cliff, so the air so high felt amazing." He smiled sadly. "It seems I will never see those sights again." He noticed her confused and saddened face and explained. "When I left Hobbiton I had planned on visiting everywhere I went so I could work on my book at the places the events actually happened. Immerse myself in my memories if you will, but my body seems to disagree with me." He chuckled as he indicated his elderly form. Maleficent gave him a wry smile.
"You want to visit Goblin Town?" His face formed a shocked expression before he threw his head back in laughter at her teasing skepticism.
"Oh, heavens no!" He tried to get his laughter under control. "It would be nice to see the other places though. The more friendly ones." He thought for a moment. "Maybe not Mirkwood either. I may not be welcomed necessarily well." She grinned at his continuing of her small joke. Yes, definitely like the older faeries in the Moors. I always did enjoy talking to them.
They suddenly were silent at a small rumbling noise. Bilbo looked down.
"Is it that time already?" He looked at the position of the sun. "It seems my stomach is correct, it is dinnertime." Maleficent took a moment to realize that she was actually hungry as well. Bilbo smiled at her, closed his book, stood, and gave her as formal a bow as his old bones would allow. "Would the winged Lady care to join me for dinner?"
She smirked at the title and nodded at him.
"Brilliant! Did I tell you how much gold was in the Lonely Mountain?" He regaled her with random facts and smaller stories of his quest all the way to the dining hall. He only stopped talking when he had three plates of food. I see spending time with elves and dwarves did not take away his hobbit-like appetite… She tried not to stare as the elderly hobbit wolfed down his first plate before slowing down on the second. She suddenly felt a presence behind her, but relaxed at the voice.
"I have always wondered where they put all of that food." She and Arwen shared a quiet laugh and Arwen addressed both of them. "May I join you?" They both nodded and she sat next to Maleficent. "I wondered what you planned to do with your time after stretching your wings. Did you and Bilbo exchange stories?" Bilbo nodded as enthusiastically as an elderly hobbit with food in his mouth could. Arwen made a sound of approval before turning her attention to Maleficent. "I have received word. Strider, the rest of the hobbits, and your companion have been spotted along our border. They will be here by dusk." Maleficent nodded and managed to keep the relieved sigh and smile behind an impassive mask. Arwen continued.
"I have set Diaval up in the room next to yours if that is acceptable?" Again, Maleficent nodded, but both brought their attention to Bilbo when he spoke up with a conspiratorial voice and facial expression.
"Companion? What sort of companion? The tall, dark, and handsome type?"
"No, the annoying type who occasionally has good ideas." Bilbo's grin widened.
"So you like him then." It was not a question, and Maleficent barely held back a blush and a glare.
"I have no idea what you are talking about." Arwen smiled to herself, sensing the same thing Bilbo had, but she decided it would be good for her health to stay quiet. Bilbo, for his part, stared at the faerie for a second before dropping his gaze, but not his smile.
"Very well…" He continued to eat and Arwen quickly changed the subject to some Elvish history. Maleficent continued to glare at the top of the hobbit's head before mentally sighing and turned her attention to Arwen.
Strider's group arrived two hours later. That had been more than enough time for Maleficent to alter Diaval's room to something he would appreciate more. Staying as a human for such a long time surely had made him annoyed with her. Hence, she decided to accommodate him a little bit. She had grown a small tree in his room so he could at least sleep as a bird even if he had to stay in the room. She also conjured materials and made a nest large enough for his raven form. If he wanted to change it, he could. Arwen had knocked on his door and informed her that Diaval and the others had arrived at the main gate.
As they walked to the courtyard just inside the gate, the group was walking through it. Diaval spotted Maleficent first as he is used to looking for the outstanding wings and horns. It's not that hard since her horns tower above the heads of even the tallest elves. When she came into view their eyes caught. He nodded to her and headed in her direction. Strider noticed the bird-man walk towards Maleficent and followed after seeing Arwen standing with the faerie. He would never admit it, but he was glad of two things. One was that Maleficent managed to get into Rivendell without being injured. The second was that she and Arwen seemed to be getting along well. He smirked as he neared the two. I'd figured they'd at least get along if not become close acquaintances. Probably not close friends; Maleficent does not seem the type of being to make many friends.
The hobbits noticed where Diaval and Strider were headed and rushed the two women. Pippin reached Maleficent first.
"Mal, Mal! We were hoping you would get in without trouble! I am glad everything worked out." She stared at the two grinning faces of Pippin and Merry. She had really only heard the first two words out of Pippin's mouth. Mal?! Her eyes quickly flicked to Diaval, and she did not outright glare at him, but was sending very clear warning signals.
Diaval saw her expression and halted the forming smirk. Of course he knew the hobbits had started calling her the nickname, but it had not been his idea. He thought it was amusing, and did not put a stop to it as his mistress would have liked. He did not feel guilty in the least, but did not fancy getting in trouble with her for it.
"I had nothing to do with this!" He waved his hands as if warding her off, but his amused tone and glinting eyes betrayed him.
"Um, is Mister Frodo well?" Sam's timid, but concerned voice cut off any harsh retort Maleficent had prepared. She gave Diaval one last glare, her eyes shining a vibrant green for emphasis, before she softened her features and addressed Sam.
"Frodo will be fine," her tone was not motherly as it became with Aurora, but it was kind. "He is sleeping now." She turned to Arwen. "How long until he wakes?" Arwen gave the faerie a knowing smile that told Maleficent she knew more than the faerie cared to tell, and turned to Sam.
"We believe he will awaken tomorrow morning at some point." Sam nodded, relieved, and the rest of the group let out a breath they hadn't realized they'd been holding. Sam's eyes became hopeful suddenly.
"May we see him?" Arwen smiled reassuringly at the eager hobbit.
"Not tonight I am afraid. I can have an elf escort you to him tomorrow morning if you would like. For tonight, you should rest." Sam nodded slightly disappointed, but accepting, and Arwen addressed the rest of the new arrivals. "Rooms have been prepared, and these elves," she gestured to a few elves standing to the side patiently, "will escort you to your rooms." Everyone picked up their belongings and followed the elves. Strider, knowing where his room was, left on his own. Diaval was stopped by Maleficent.
"Your room is next door to mine. I will show you to it." She nodded to Arwen and the elf smiled back before she went in the same direction Strider did. Diaval turned to his mistress when there was no one within earshot.
"A room, Mistress? Can I not just be transformed into a raven and sleep in one of these nice trees?" Maleficent ignored his complaint and started walking, rightly expecting him to follow. Diaval followed, but did not give up his argument. "I am tired of this form. I know you want me to stay as a human while in public, but we are in a place where they may not care that I am not human." His whining continued like that until they reached the hallway to their rooms. At this point he'd become silently frustrated with the situation.
"This is your room." She gestured to a room and opened the door for him. He walked in and saw the small tree and nest in the middle of the room. He walked in and tried to hide his admiration of the perfectly grown tree.
"Heh, so you do care…" His voice dripped sarcasm, and Maleficent smirked at his dreadful attempt to hide his approval. She could plainly see the happy and relieved expression on his face. He was not nearly as good at schooling his features as she. He looked back and just caught the end of a genuine smile before it was hidden behind a smirk that said you should know better than to question me.
He examined the nest and determined it would do, and turned to the faerie leaning against the wall. "So, can you transform me now?" His voice was not angry, but more impatient. Maleficent raised her chin in her signature arrogant expression and slid her eyes down his body and up again.
"Not before you wash that human body. It's been almost two weeks." Diaval rolled his eyes and hid the slight blush that had grown when her eyes raked up and down his body. He knew better than to argue with her on this.
"Fine, fine." He waved his hands in a dismissive manner and started looking for that thing he'd heard humans call a bathtub. Maleficent nodded towards the closed door of the restroom.
"Everything you will need is in there, even hot water." She suddenly smirked to herself and decided to tease him a little. "You do know how to wash yourself?" Her voice was deadpanned, letting him know how stupid he would seem if he did not. Diaval had been with her long enough to know she was just teasing, and not actually being unpleasant, so he elected to mock back.
"Yeah," he turned and muttered just loud enough for her to hear, "I've watched you enough times…" Even though she had been standing still, she froze on the spot as if she'd stopped breathing, making Diaval smirk and turn away quickly to hide it. She actually had stopped breathing because she was so shocked. Surely I heard that wrong!
"What was that?" Her voice sounded as unsure as it would ever get and Diaval knew she was thinking of all the times she'd bathed in what she thought was privacy. He had never actually spied on her, but she did not need to know that just yet. Let her stew on it a while.
"Nothing, nothing!" He quickly closed the door, and Maleficent let out a huff as she went to the bed and sat down, waiting for him to finish. He could not finish fast enough for her. She wanted to have privacy while she tried to remember when he could possibly have spied on her. After ten minutes he came out, grasping his dirty clothes in one hand, and holding the towel up and around his waist in the other. She pointed to a basket in the corner. He knew what she was indicating and threw the soiled clothes in it. He watched as she stood and opened a wardrobe. It had a few different selections of clothes in it. She picked out a simple outfit and he put it on while she turned her back. He chuckled a little at her obvious attempt to make a statement about privacy, and grinned wider when her stance changed to one of annoyance. He finished buttoning the shirt.
"I am done." She turned with her impassive expression securely in place.
"I will wake you tomorrow morning. We have much to do tomorrow."
"And what is that?" She smirked at him, already planning her revenge.
"Fighting, talking, and planning." She flicked her wrist and he transformed into a raven. He squawked in annoyance for being changed so suddenly, but flew to the nest. He looked at her smirk as she closed his door. Tomorrow was going to be… unpleasant. He did not know it for sure, but he had learned that she rarely did things the easy way.
AN: I took some creative liberties with the buildings located in Rivendell, as well as the layout. Also, I am gonna have more comedic scenes with Diaval and Maleficent, and if you all have any suggestions or wishes to see anything, let me know. I cannot guarantee that everything will make it into the story, but I would appreciate the ideas. If I use anyone's ideas, I will make sure to give them credit in an author's note. Please R&R!