I rode Norman for what felt like years. In reality, it was only about a weeks journey, but it felt so much longer. Although the forest was enchantingly beautiful, it dragged on for miles. After a while, I got bored of looking at the same shades of green leaves everywhere I turned. I made it a habit to only stop twice a day to feed myself and the horse. Being part elf came in handy when it came to rest stops because it meant I didn't need as much sleep as the common human. I only stopped to sleep when I knew Norman was getting drowsy. Within two weeks time, I had made it to Rivendell.
I directed Norman to the stables on the outskirts of the enormous place. Rivendell was peaceful in most affairs and left their gates open to visitors. I made sure my horse was comfortable and gave him a few gentle caresses on his sleek, black mane.
"Be good, Norm. I'll see you soon," I whispered into the giant creature's ear. I hoped I'd see him soon, because he was the closest thing I had to a friend now.
"Can I help you?" a voice from behind me spoke.
"I'm fine, thank you," I said back as I turned to see who had spoken to me. It was a tall elf with long, straight brown hair. He had what resembled an upside down crown on his head. I assumed he was royalty.
"Very well" the elf said with a kind smile.
"Actually," I began. "Could you possibly tell me who I could speak to about staying here for a while?" I asked, slightly embarrassed at how groggy my voice came out. It must have been from the lack of water from the trip.
"That would be me" the elf said. "My name is Elrond and one might say I'm kind of important around here."
I immediately recognized the elf's name. My mother was originally from Rivendell, and as a young girl she would tell me stories of Lord Elrond, the leader of her home. When it clicked in my mind just how important he was, I immediately bowed.
"I- I'm so sorry sir. I mean Lord. Lord sir," I awkwardly managed to spit out.
"It's quite alright," Elrond said with a slight chuckle. His smile made me feel warm. "But tell me, dear, what is your name? And why are you here in Rivendell?"
"Mellimeldisiel, or Melly. And, well, I'm here because I have no where else to go. I fled my village at my father's command and now I'm alone," I told the elf, with a slight break in my heart at the mention of my father.
"Say no more, Melly. A person in need of help is always welcome here. Please, follow me and I'll show you to a room."
A week went by since I had arrived at Rivendell. All of the elves were exceptionally kind and caring towards me. The room I was staying in was elegant and cozy, and I felt right at home. That is, minus my family. I missed them more and more everyday. I made sure to visit Norman out in the stables everyday and sneak him some lembas bread. He was still my only friend here, so most of my conversations were about grass and how good of a boy he was. Although I was still unhappy with the recent events, I felt comfortable in Rivendell. I was starting to get used to it and I rarely got lost in the long hallways anymore.
Since I had no one to talk to, I decided to take walks by the waterfall every now and then. I had just put on a fresh pair of leggings and an olive green vest when I began my walk. As I came to a small clearing in the otherwise overgrown plants, I heard arguing. Without being seen, I crouched beside the nearest tree and strained my ears to hear.
"BOROMIR," I heard someone shout as the sky turned gray. I covered my ears from the loud noise.
I peaked around the tree to see what was going on. There were so many people in this small area. At first glance, I thought they were all men and elves, but then I noticed a small, chubby man with red hair.
"A dwarf" I exhaled without realizing. Suddenly all eyes were on me.
"Melly?" I heard a familiar voice say. It was Elrond, staring at me with wide eyes. "How much of this have you heard?"
I froze on the spot. I didn't know whether to make something up or not. Lying may not be in my best interest, especially since Elrond had just shown me such kind hospitality and I didn't want to screw up the good thing I had going with him. The truth was my best option, but what was the truth? I wasn't paying much attention to their conversation anyways because I was looking over all of the elves, men and dwarves.
"Not much," I squeaked out, trying to regain my posture as I came out from behind the tree. "In fact, I'll just be going now."
"Not so fast," said an unfamiliar voice as speaker grabbed my shoulder. "We could use a woman on this trip, Elrond" the man said.
I looked up to see an old man with long gray hair holding onto me. He had the longest beard I had ever seen, and that's saying something considering where I'm from.
The Boromir character spoke next. "That's hilarious, Gandalf. Truly funny. Anyways, let's get these hobbits suited up for the journey."
I stared blankly at this man I didn't even know. What an asshole.
"I think you underestimate the strength of a woman, Boromir," Gandalf said, lightening his grip on my shoulder. I peered up at Elrond, unsure of what was even happening. He caught on to my confusion and held up his hand to silence the party.
"Mellimeldisiel, this is what we call a 'fellowship'. These nine men have volunteered to go on a dangerous journey to deliver something to Mordor. It seems as though you're wanted as well," Elrond said in a voice that held no humor.
Someone let out a fake cough. We all turned to see who it was. The same chubby dwarf that I had spotted earlier was standing with his arms crossed on his chest.
Elrond let out a laugh. "Sorry, I meant these two men, one elf, one dwarf, one wizard, and four hobbits. Happy Gimli?" he said in a sarcastic tone. Gimli grunted in reply.
"Are you all mad? You can't possibly be serious about allowing a woman to accompany us on our journey," Boromir said. I hated this guy already.
I let my short-temper get the best of me as I aggressively removed Gandalf's grip from my shoulder. I marched towards Boromir before exploding on him.
"Not only are you a blind moron for thinking I'm a woman," I said, pointing towards my elf-like ears, "but you're also a misogynistic rat!" I spat at him. I shot my angry face at him, this time, however, it was far from fake.
"It's quite remarkable that you walk around saying foul things about women as if one would ever want to touch you, let alone listen to your shit!" I let out in the most dramatic way I could muster.
Boromir began to speak but I cut him off. "And finally, although I don't know any of you, or where you're going, I've decided that I will join you. Just to spite you, Boromir." I stated. I had to hold myself back from sticking my tongue out at him like a child.
All eyes were on me at this point. I'd been the center of attention in the past ten minutes more than I had been in my whole life.
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