Rivendell, One-Shot

Summer was fast approaching. On his last day in Lothlórien, Gizzard was given a small pack filled with elvish waybread. The waybread, in this case, was meant to ease the black cat as he traveled throughout the lands of Middle-earth. He bid Celeborn, Galadriel and Haldir farewell. Just as Gizzard reached the gates of Calas Galadhon, he was met by the silver Abyssinian cat.

"Ester wait." Algar caught up to him. "When you meet my granddaughter, tell her 'hullo' for me."

Gizzard nodded. "I will try, Algar, though I do not know if it will work or make any sense to her. How long has she not been to Lothlórien?"

"More than a month, but she never sees me." Algar then warned, "Be careful when you enter Rivendell. It is not as ethereal as Lórien."

"Maybe you're wrong," Gizzard said, taking his leave of the Golden Wood.

*.*.*

The journey to Rivendell took a while, but then Gizzard was following Algar's shortcut. Even with his senses improved, and his flighty run like a cheetah, he wondered about the fate of his brother. Was he alive? Did he care about him and their family? Did either of them know the fate of their parents? Were they alive?

His thoughts returned to the present when a black cat with matted fur arrived on the scene. Those bloodshot eyes sent chills up Gizzard's spine. The bloodshot eyes took the black cat by surprise. Was it Mortar? He heard of a black cat running around Middle-earth. This news came from Algar, as well as from Celeborn and Galadriel. And yet, Gizzard's eyes closed on their own. He could hear a voice inside his head. He did his best to ignore the voice as he traveled across the plains of Rohan.

At last, he made it to the region Eriador. Now to reach Rivendell.

*.*.*

Gizzard arrived in Rivendell on the last week of January, in the year 2943 TA. However, his path was blocked by the Imladris Elves the moment he crossed the bridge. Gizzard did his best to please the elves, but it didn't seem that any would let him in… until the dark-haired Elven Lord, Elrond Half-elven, gave him passage into his realm. As they walked, Lord Elrond spoke to the black cat.

"Welcome to Rivendell." He paused, briefly, "My guess is you will need food and shelter, after your long journey. You are free to explore the Elven city to your leisure, but be mindful of the grey cat. She is a wary sort."

Why? What problem will she be to me? Gizzard asked in disbelief.

"I would be mindful nonetheless, Ester." Elrond paused. "Now, I should attend to Estel and see how he is doing."

Wait, there is someone named Estel here? Gizzard asked, now bewildered.

"Of course," said Elrond, bowing to the black cat. The Elven Lord gracefully tread back to his home, known as the Last Homely House.

For a moment Gizzard hardly knew what to do with himself. No one to guide him. Where then was he to go? His thoughts turned aside upon spotting something grey and furry walk past him. It was a grey tabby cat that met his gaze. In another moment, the grey tabby cat was gone, possibly to another part of the elven city. Gizzard ran at top speed after the feminine cat. However, he was caught off guard by a twelve-year-old boy with dark, straight hair and donned in an elvish tunice, breeches and brown boots.

Right away, the black cat was wary of the child. Before Gizzard had the chance to flee, the boy spoke to him.

"Wait! Don't leave, cat!"

Why would you bother me, boy? What is your name? Gizzard thought, eyeing him suspiciously.

"You can speak…"

I can speak aloud, if you wish, thought Gizzard, curiously.

"No! Please don't, or my foster father will know. The Elves forbid most animals from speaking aloud, or so I have heard." He changed the subject. "Tell me your name."

It's Ester. What is your name? Gizzard asked, now interested.

"I'm Estel," said the boy in greeting.

Gizzard nodded. It's nice to meet you, Estel. Elrond spoke of you… The black cat let his thoughts fade away as he darted off in search of the grey tabby cat.

o-o-o

As he wandered into the Hall of Fire, looking for something to eat, Gizzard jumped back in shock. Was the meat speaking to him?

"H – Hello?" Gizzard asked, confused.

"You did well keeping your thoughts to yourself, Ester!" said the same feminine, feline voice. "I'm impressed, even as you faced Estel so bravely."

"Where are you? Who are you?"

The feminine voice moved behind him. "You will know when you meet me out in the gardens. I'll be waiting there for you, Ester…" Her voice dropped as the grey tabby cat fled the hall.

Gizzard followed her, determined not to lose the grey tabby cat. He tracked her to the garden, near the woods of Imladris. It was here that the tabby cat laughed and prancing around with grace and elegance. Overwhelmed in awe and splendor, the black cat slowly advanced towards the grey tabby cat. He hoped she wouldn't run again. So, this time, he spoke to her by thought.

You're very beautiful for a tabby cat. You must have been here in Rivendell for a very long time, to have known the Elves.

You wouldn't know anything about the Elves of Rivendell, Lothlórien, and Mirkwood, spoke the grey tabby cat, holding her ground.

I know they are a very ancient race of beings. Now, tell me your name, if you have one, Gizzard thought, encouragingly.

I do have a name. I am called Gwendolyn or Gwen for short. Gwen explained further in thought, The Elves of Lothlórien said you would come here to Rivendell. They say you're seeking out your brother, Mortar or Mr. Cuddle-Muffin.

They are right, but I'm also seeking a friend named Clockwise. He's a red parrot. I was wondering if you have heard any news of him, Gizzard thought, concerned.

Gwen shook her head. None yet… I saw you with Estel. You… interest me, Ester. I have never met any cat that could intrigue me.

Then I'm certain we'll see each other again very soon, Gwen, Gizzard thought, bowing before her. As he left the garden, Gizzard exchanged glances with Gwen. He admitted, blushing, Oh, and I thought your dancing was graceful. You remind me so much of an Elf maiden. He returned inside Elrond's house, hoping that his words encouraged the grey tabby cat.