At this point in the story, Kindred's Strife and Talisman's Folly alternate between chapters. The reason is because they are, at this point, caught up in the Appendices for The Lord of the Rings book trilogy.
*.*.*
A Cat Duel, One-Shot
Spring arrived once more to Rivendell. Within that time, Gizzard found Rivendell to feel just as clean and bright as Lothlórien. And yet, Lothlórien felt more ancient to him. Rivendell became more like a traveler's vacation spot.
And yet, the black cat couldn't stop gazing at the grey tabby cat. The way Gwendolyn behaved reminded him of the elves. In truth, Gizzard did not know much of Gwen's path, he could see her for who she was: a tabby cat with a devotion for Elves and a very strong fighter. And yet, he could also sense that she was keeping something from him. It was a secret she had yet to tell him but one that rested somewhere deep inside her.
In the middle of May, Gizzard returned to the garden. As he walked, he found Gwen lying on top of a stone bench. Even the black cat could admit this was a good spot to overlook the woods of Imladris. Gizzard said nothing for a few long seconds. However, it was Gwen who spoke to him, by thought, in a calm manner.
Ester, are you all right?
I was thinking about… my brother Mortar. There is this possible chance he is out there still, as if waiting for me to find him, thought Gizzard, a little dazed.
You have been in Rivendell for four months, but I don't see any resemblance of your brother in you, Gwen thought, a little optimistic.
You weren't the one who grew up with him. Mortar was the first born and I was the second. I will always be second in Mortar's eyes. Just because he is the eldest in the first litter, it doesn't mean he can treat me as dirt. You don't know him nor could you understand, Gizzard thought in a serious tone.
Gwen paused. Then help me to, Ester.
Forget it, thought Gizzard, leaping off the bench.
Gwen asked the black cat, aloud this time, "Why then did you come to Rivendell? Do you think you can avoid the issue altogether? I know your brother is here, in Middle-earth."
"How?" Gizzard asked, also aloud, "How do you know?"
Gwen paused again. "I've seen him once. He came to Rivendell, hoping for support, but the power of the One Ring must have gotten to him. He claims it to be his scratch toy, Ester. The brother you have might already be seduced by its powers…"
"You're wrong, Gwen. Why should I believe you?" asked Gizzard asked, concerned.
"You're right." Gwen said, serious this time. "Maybe I don't know anything and maybe you do. But you're not the first cat to roam these lands. And neither am I. So, you tell me why I should trust you? Besides, I am not a bad cat. I've just experienced some bad times." Gwen chuckled guiltily as she added, "You have no idea what I have been through, especially since coming here to Rivendell."
"Then tell me, Gwen. I'll listen," Gizzard admitted.
Gwen shook her head. "Not now. Give me time and maybe one day I will tell you the truth. For now, we should go inside. Elrond and Estel will wonder what happened to us, or why we're speaking aloud." She returned to the Last Homely House. Gizzard had no other choice, except to follow her.
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Three months passed. As Gizzard and Gwen ate inside the Hall of Fire, the black cat's gaze fell on Lord Elrond and Estel. Questions formed in his mind, including whether he should speak to Elrond at all during this time. Taking one last look at Gwen, as she ate her food, Gizzard stood up and leapt off the chair. He moved with grace towards the Elven Lord; that is, until he caught Lord Elrond's gaze.
Well, there was no other way to stop this now. Gizzard needed to speak to Lord Elrond… well, right away, if best. And so the black cat spoke by thought to the Elven Lord.
Lord Elrond. Forgive me, but have you heard any recent news concerning my brother Mortar, or Mr. Cuddle-Muffin?
"The Elves fear this much, as I have." Elrond said, "Mortar has left the Misty Mountains, as the creature Gollum has, in search of the One Ring. We fear that the Ring of Power, Sauron's creation, is not yet destroyed and the Dark Lord is returning to power in Mordor."
You see, Ester. Even you could not see where Mortar is headed. By now, Mortar could be anywhere in Middle-earth, as he came before you arrived but after my arrival in Rivendell years ago, Gwen thought, deviously.
And yet, Gizzard thought back, seriously, you couldn't tell me the whole truth about yourself. Can you, Gwen?
Neither can you, Ester or is your nickname Gizzard? Gwen asked.
That's it, Gizzard thought in frustration, chasing Gwen towards one end of the Hall.
In one sweeping movement, Gizzard and Gwen ended up in a minor cat fight. The black cat and tabby cat batted each other, chased their tails in circles, snarled and growled until Gwen took the advantage, pinning the black cat to the floor. Convinced that Gizzard was nearly spent on energy to fight back, Gwen spoke to him again by thought.
Next time Ester, you should learn not to be too overconfident. An enemy will see that and rob your advantage.
Does this mean you'll humiliate me? Gizzard thought, weakly.
Gwen shook her head. No, but it does mean you need to practice your fighting skills, if you want to face a real challenge out in the world. Believe me. Rivendell, Mirkwood, and Lothlórien are not like the rest of Middle-earth. You would do well to remember it, Gizzard. She grinned at him before gracefully leaving the Hall of Fire.