Visiting the Lonely Mountain
As they rode towards Erebor Gilriant looked around with evident interest. They were all horseback for this trip. There were those in the other races that might react unexpectedly at the unusual looking deer or wolf as part of the party. As a group of elves they were going to attract enough attention as it was. Plus that way Tindil could keep Legolas company while they were away. The Greenwood’s prince wanted to join them, and did not exactly find favor with the thought of staying behind.
However, he had yet to be widely exposed to non-elven races and cultures. It would likely be better to try something other than dwarves first, considering the more than slightly antagonistic attitude the two races could have towards each other. While he did have some experience with the Dunedain, they were more used to interacting with elves than most men. The new human settlement would be a better place to start. This trip though, they needed to head straight to Erebor.
“Fledgling!” There was the excited call from a raven who had spotted them. There were not so hidden grins from the rest of the party as Gilriant muttered something uncomplimentary even as the raven landed on his shoulder. “Hello Rarc. What’s it going to take to get you to stop calling me that?” In reply the raven just gave a quorking laugh. “I do think you are rather stuck with that until you do something more memorable,” Maethel observed. “Smart bird!” The raven quorked out another laugh.
As the ravens of Erebor were somewhat sociable bunch, so it didn’t take long for the group to acquire a few more from the local flock. Gilriant ended up with one on each shoulder, and a bold one riding on top of his horse’s head. Haldir got away with just one on his shoulder. Kroa had formed a particular friendship with the marchwarden over time and a few shared pranks. Falin and Talin knew to expect them as the young prince had sent Trav ahead with the warning. Still the other dwarves seemed caught off guard by their avian accompaniment.
As they got close, Gilriant could easily spot his old friend Falin. Old may be the appropriate word here, seeing the white liberally spread through the brown of the dwarf’s hair and beard. While dwarves did indeed live longer than men or hobbits, they still aged. Last he saw Talin the younger brother, threads of silver had started to sprinkle into his hair as well. He may still have his friends around for another century, hopefully.
The other dwarves around the entrance of the mountain watched with an air of disbelief as Gilriant immediately slid off his horse. He couched down and gave Falin a more dwarven style greeting. Without the headbanging part of the routine, as his skull wasn’t as dense as a dwarf’s. “Crabandil! Thank you for coming so quickly.” “When I told him what you needed me for, even King Thranduil offered to help me arrive more quickly.” Now the ones guarding the entrance appeared completely flummoxed. The ravens, now perched on the young elf’s horse quorked their amusement. “I’m afraid I did have to tend to one or two things first. Which had the unfortunate side effect of convincing some that I am incapable of going anywhere without attracting trouble.” The young elf lamented. “That is because you are not.” Haldir easily replied.
The rest of the elves dismounted as they were talking. Some took the reins of Gilriant, Haldir and Maethel’s horses in hand. “We wish to cast no aspirations on your hospitality so most are content to stay and camp outside. I also know that you are just re-establishing Erebor, so you may not have anything set up for a bunch of pretty tree-huggers.” “Well he looks like an elf but he doesn’t act like one.” One guard muttered. The other added, “The ravens like him so he can’t be too terrible.” The amused glint in the young elf’s eyes told Falin that his actions were all deliberate. “So, I’m afraid at least Haldir and Maethel will be staying with me.”
Falin gave a boisterous laugh, “Lad, never change. But never you mind, you are my invited guest so I made sure there would be a place for you and yours. I’m well aware of how protective some are of you. We could handle a bigger group than this.” Straightening up, the young elf inclined his head. "If you are certain. I do not wish to cause trouble.” At that the dwarf just smiled. “You have never been trouble Crabandil. Interesting yes, but not trouble for my brother and I. I’ll not say we cannot provide hospitality to invited guests. I’ll have someone show you where you can take your horses, blasted tall beasts that they are, it may be best if you tend to them.” Long used to the antics by now, the prince’s personal guard didn’t so much as blink at the banter. Instead Gonben led those with the horses to follow the guide that arrived for them.
The dwarf hadn’t failed to notice that Crabandil had left off most signs of rank. Though the quality of the clothes would not be missed even if they were elvish in nature. “Since I intend to give you a tour, I suggest you don’t lose the shoes yet, lad.” “Probably best that you warned him, though he has gotten slightly better about keeping them on when the situation calls for it. Like travel.” Haldir commented lightly. “I still say shoes are an abomination.” Gilriant grumbled. “That in part is due to all your time with the hobbits,” Maethel interjected with a slight smile.
The small group was causing a bit of a stir as dwarves paused upon sight of Falin leading the elves. Not the typical sight for even if tall folk did come inside the mountain, they tended to be men, not elves. The dwarf knew that word would spread rapidly and he may have some others come to investigate the matter. Still he wouldn’t let it stop him from showing his friend the mountain. At least any safe place for them to be.
“Welcome to the Lonely Mountain.” Falin spread his arms slightly as the group paused to take in the open architecture of the space. Elves tended for flowing designs in their work. Here most was angular. Not blocky per say but leaning towards geometric shapes. “It’s beautiful. A sort of strong grandeur.” It reminded Harry of a particular style back on earth. He couldn’t recall the name of the style, if he ever knew it. “Once your companions catch up to us I will show you more of it.”
It didn’t take long for the rest to join them. Especially as most of their supplies were in the expandable bag Haldir was carrying for the group. They only needed to remove the tack and make sure the horses were comfortable before joining them. Which of course the group only gained more notice as the amount of elves more than doubled. The five additions formed a half circle around the original three. All maintaining a polite and friendly demeanor.
“Rarc, we are going deeper into the mountain now. You may be more comfortable outside.” Falin addressed the raven that had perched once again on Carbandil’s shoulder. “I promise the fledgling will come to no harm here.” The raven cocked its head before quorking at the young elf. “Flying song?” A huff of laughter escaped Gilriant. “I promise I will come play for the ravens before I leave. Is that acceptable?” After a moment the raven bobbed his head. “Deal!” Before preening the young elf’s hair. Then flew back through the entrance as Falin chucked. “Did you really have to call me fledgling, seriously what is it going to take for people to accept I’m an adult?”
“Oh it will happen eventually. Though likely to take longer with ones that met you as a child. You are the youngest of all the elves, are you not?” The face Gilriant made just had the old dwarf bellowing out a laugh. “Now if you will all follow me, I’ll show you the mountain.” As they had traveled via horseback the trip from Thranduil’s halls to the mountain was not overly long. So all were prepared to explore without needing to stop for other things.
The dwarf led them along stone paths and bridges that arched over a steep drop. Showing them the entrances to mines, a few steps into the forges, as well as by shops and other places. Gilriant kept a sharp eye on his friends and their comfort level. While the guard all originated from the Greenwood and were used to the caverns that housed Thranduil’s Halls, this was much deeper in. So it would not be odd if it caused them some discomfort, even if they did not show it on the surface.
They even stopped for a meal which Falin refused to let them pay for. “I know you will only keep improving this place. Though it does make me wonder why your people left this place to start with.” Crabandil continued to admire what the dwarves had built into the mountain. “That was before my time. I couldn’t tell you. I can say I’m proud to be those that have come back to it under our King.” Falin admitted. The young elf hummed thoughtfully, a faint line between his eyebrows. At the sight of it Haldir reached to touch the back of his hand. Gilriant just gave him a slight smile and shake of the head. I’ll tell you later, he sent mentally. “Now I think we should go see Brenin and his pebbles. I’d like to see what it is you would like my help with.” Falin’s expression sobered and he nodded. “Aye lad, I’ll lead the way.”
Once again they wound their way deeper into the mountain. Living quarters, especially for those with families, were in the most protected part deep in the mountain. Which made sense considering how highly dwarves valued their dams and children. While children were not as rare as it was among elves, they were still slow to be born. Especially compared to men or hobbits. Which made sense to Gilriant considering the longer life span.
Thankfully for the elves, Falin and Talin had chosen an area where the halls and quarters were spacious enough that the elves only needed to duck through doorways, rather than the entire time. While the majority of the elves felt the oppression of the space, Crabandil actually relaxed a degree. Enough to give cheerful greetings to the few dwarves they passed. Even though he got odd stares back. Finally they reached a door that Falin opened uttering a cheerful greeting in Khudzal to those within.
Ducking their heads the elves followed him in, smiling at the welcoming chaos inside. Talin came forward to greet them, Brenin joining the greetings while a dwarfling crashed into Falin’s legs with a smiling Darrowdam behind him. The young one peered around his grandfather to look at the elves. “Can you really turn into a raven?” Crabandil laughed as he sat cross-legged on the ground to be at least at a better level for the pebbles. The one that asked looked to be the equivalent of a ten year old human child in maturity stared at him. Another, perhaps about half that age was more shy, peeking around the dam’s skirts. ”That I can, though it's best for me to do that outside sadly. Ravens are creatures of the sky, not stone.”
An exasperated sigh came from the dam. ”Please excuse my children’s poor manners, you must be Crabandil. I’m Duviel, and the bold one is Ravin.” The young elf smiled. ”Oh no worse than I, when I met Talin and Falin. So you are the one Brenin was lucky enough to marry. You have my condolences.” The pebbles giggled at their father’s protest and the younger one started to ease out from behind the dam’s skirts. ”He’s probably where their manners came from.” Gilriant winked at the dwarflings enjoying their laughter. ”What is it, pick on Brenin day? The dwarf grumbled, through poorly hidden amusement. ”Oh I’m sure it will be pick on Crabandil day soon enough. How are you my friend?”
Thankfully the living quarters were large enough for the group of elves to fit comfortably inside. Spreading out around the room as directed and giving their own greetings. Haldir of course settled near him. While the dwarves had the closest relationship with Gilriant, they also knew Haldir well, and the rest of his personal guard by extension. The addition of the two children in the room was a draw to all the elves. The oldest of the two seemed comfortable enough with adults that were willing to indulge children to not be too afraid of the elves. Instead he started wandering around the room asking questions. They were all thankful these dwarves at least had no issue with them speaking Khuzdul, at least in the family quarters. Crabandil continued his cheerful banter with the adults, seeing how it seemed to make the youngest less tense.
Eventually he felt a light tug on his sleeve and he turned to face the little dwarfling with a smile. “Hello there, I’m called Crabandil, at your service.” He gave them a half bow earning a small smile. “What do you like to be called?” The littlest dwarf looked him over as if making up their mind and finally offered. ”Bree. Adad said sometimes you wear skirts. Sometimes you wear trousers and sometimes you wear something that is both.”
Studying the dwarfling, the young elf answered with an open expression. ”I tend to wear trousers the most, as they are the easiest for me to do most of what I want to do while wearing them. I do sometimes wear skirts, because I don’t always feel like a male. I sometimes wear both male and female type clothing or some that are neither because I don’t always feel male or female.” He was starting to get an inkling as to why Falin asked for him. Watching the dwarfling Gilriant continued. “Sometimes people are born and their souls don’t match their bodies at all. Which can be a hard thing and very uncomfortable for them. Wearing clothing that matches how they feel can help them, but it doesn’t always fix everything.”
Thankfully most of the adults were not obviously paying attention to them. Keeping a certain level of awareness yes, but not making the young one feel like they were the center of everyone’s focus. That seemed to help young Bree. ”And it's not wrong to feel like your body never fits you?” With a smile, Gilriant gave a small shake of his head. ”Of course it’s not wrong. It is something that just is.” Studying the dwarfling, Crabandil made up his mind. ”Let me show you something.”
Closing his eyes, the young elf reached for his center. To the part of him that just was. Embracing themselves while being careful not to pull too much power to the surface. That is not what was needed here, not yet. As they opened their eyes, they heard the little one gasp. Bree was staring wide-eyed at them and Crabandil laughed. ”Well you see a little more than most, don’t you little one?” In response Bree scrambled into their lap to better put her hands on either side of the elf’s face. ”You are different! How did you do that? Can you teach me?”
“Oh little one, your soul is not fitting well into your body is it? You are all out of balance.” They murmured softly as they studied the young one before them. The dwarfling shook her head. ”Feels wrong but I don’t know how to fix it.” Duviel came up next to them, the darrowdam’s face creased with concern. ”Can you help my pebble? Talin thought you might be able to. It’s been so hard on Bree.” Gilriant’s gaze flicked up to the dam, and then back to the child. ”This is how you feel all the time?”
The room had fallen into a hush, everyone focused on what was happening. All conversation had fallen off as soon as Gilriant shifted and the youngest reacted. Ravin was leaning into his adad’s side, the older dwarf had an arm around him. Talin and Falin paused by the elves they had been speaking with. All listening for the answer. ”Yes.” Bree’s face crumpled with upset. ”Always.”
”I see you Briel, sister to Ravin, Daughter of Brenin and Duviel. I cannot teach you how to harmonize with yourself, but I may be able to harmonize your body with your soul. If I do this, your body will change, and you may be able to do things you could not before. Do you accept this?” She nodded, expression brightening. ”Yes! I want to feel like myself.” Gilriant’s gaze shifted to the other dwarves meeting each one’s gaze in turn. ”If I succeed, she will need your love and support. ” All they could see in their faces was hope and acceptance. ”We are family,” Falin stated firmly, chin raised. ”And being family means being there for each other.” The murmurs of agreement from the others was all that they needed.
”Very well, I will do what I can. Duviel, please sit with your daughter in your lap in front of me please, you will be the pattern I use. I want you to sit on the ground because stone your people came from, stone shall help connect you to what you are meant to be.” The dam promptly sat down, pulling her daughter into her lap. Anticipating the need, Haldir had pulled the handpan out of the bag. The action of pulling out something that looked bigger than the bag, got a startled sound out of Ravin. Brenin softly told him he would explain later. ”The easiest, gentlest way to do this will be if I use song. It may make the stone around us sing.” Gilriant explained as they settled the instrument in their lap, giving a few taps around it. ”So be prepared for someone to pick up on that.” Which would likely be the dwarves with stone-sense and close to them. Falin moved to stand by the door, ready to deal with anyone that showed up.
Closing their eyes, Gilriant’s hands started to move over the handpan. Seeking out notes, coaxing an almost gentle tune out of it. Swirls of silver light started to form, lighting up the instrument and the elf. They hummed softly the sound falling and rising with the melody. Then they started to sing.
Every day is so wonderful
Then suddenly it's hard to breathe
Now and then I get insecure
From all the pain
I'm so ashamed
I am beautiful no matter what they say
Words can't bring me down
I am beautiful in every single way
Yes, words can't bring me down, oh no
So don't you bring me down today
The silver light moved downward towards the stone. Sinking into it so the surface sparkled. Then it slowly spread towards the mother daughter pair, encasing them in the shine. Duviel’s eyes widened as the stones started to gently vibrate with the melody. Giriant continued to sing with a half smile on their face.
To all your friends you're delirious
So consumed in all your doom
Trying hard to fill the emptiness
The pieces gone, left the puzzle undone
Is that the way it is?
You are beautiful no matter what they say
Words can't bring you down, oh no
You are beautiful in every single way
Yes, words can't bring you down, oh no
So don't you bring me down today
The wisps of silver light started to flow up from the floor around the dwarven pair. Their circling path gently curled around both. When Briel reached out to touch one and giggled when it twined around her hand. ”Tickles!” There were smiles on the group’s faces at her reaction. Gilriant’s song strengthened even more, a full throated melody that more of the stone around them started to reverberate with. As they sang, their voice started a slow shift in tone and pitch.
No matter what we do
No matter what we say
We're the song inside the tune
Full of beautiful mistakes
And everywhere we go
The sun will always shine
And tomorrow we might wake on the other side
The silver sank into the three seated there. Sparkling over every surface and reflecting back into the space around them. Strongest on the dwarfling, shining brighter than mithril in brilliance when it hit its peak, then slowly dimming. As the light dimmed you could see a subtle shift on the pebble’s features. By its absence, one could realize the young one was constantly carrying around some form of discomfort, and now she was free.
'Cause we are beautiful no matter what they say
Yes, words won't bring us down, no, no
We are beautiful in every single way
Yes, words can't bring us down, oh, no
So don't you bring me down today
Ooh-oh-oh, yeah
Don't you bring me down today
Yeah, ooh
Don't you bring me down
Ooh, today
Gilriant brought the song to a close and offered the pair a smile. ”I do think that worked, yes?” Only to still and blink at the sound of her own voice. It was then those long familiar with elven looks, or who knew the elf well realized her own features had shifted. Pinching the bridge of her nose swearing in several languages, excluding khuzdul and westiron. Then she just laughed. ”As I said, sometimes I wear skirts.”
“Not a bad look on you, are you planning on staying that way?” Haldir asked in an amused tone. ”Too many saw me enter, and if any of them know elves they might notice the shift. But I do think my magic is trying to tell me something so I will try this later, I think.” She looked down at her chest. ”Plus I didn’t bring the right clothes and this is really uncomfortable.” This time Maethel laughed. ”While I could offer you a change of clothing you are right that someone would notice.
Before they could continue there was a happy squeal and Gilriant suddenly had a young darrowdam in her lap, arms reaching up to wrap around her neck. She further bent down to accommodate the lass, hugging her back. ”Thank you, so much! I finally feel right. Thank you, thank you, thank you!” The elf smiled. ”You are most welcome Briel. I'm happy I could help.” The pebble let go to dash over to her father babbling happily at him. Stretching, Gilriant then moved to get up, accepting Haldir’s hand up. It was then one could notice she was significantly shorter. With a huff Gilriant said ”Well, I was a bit annoyed at being taller than everything, this is probably part of it. Definitely need to fix this before we go.”
There was a sharp knock at the door. The elves looked at each other and shifted in front of Gilriant and Haldir. Closing her eyes, the young elf focused, humming a scrap of a song. Apparently she wasn’t going to be given much time to figure out switching back. Thankfully the ‘discussion’ at the door lasted long enough for the young elf to switch back to his male self. The elvish guard parted enough for Falin to see that. The dwarf finally threw his hands up and opened the door to whomever he was arguing with.
”As you can see, there is nothing going on in here other than an elf bard was playing a song for my brother’s grandchildren.” Falin huffed as a dwarf entered giving the whole room, especially the elves a suspicious look. ”No elf is going to make the stones sing like that.””Adad, the stones are still singing. While the pebbles didn’t speak westiron, it seemed that Briel understood it enough, she pointed angled downwards. ”That way.”
Interested, Gilriant moved over to Briel, cocking his head to the side. ”Mithril maybe. It's too bright and flexible of a melody for anything stiff like iron, though it's close to the metal my weapon is made of.” “What would an Elf know about stone song?” The newcomer sneered. ”Not a lot, I haven’t had any training in it.” Gilriant shrugged. ”But the first song I heard the dverger called the Song of the Stones. I’ll have to ask my father if he knew anything about that. But that’s a discussion for another day.” He straightened up making room for the other dwarf to come forward if he liked. ”Bah I have better things to do than waste my time on the babbling of an elf.” Much to everyone’s relief the intruder stormed off, Falin shutting the door firmly behind him.
”Well, I did say she might be able to do things she hasn’t before. Stone sense would make sense with putting her soul and body in harmony.” Talin chuckled and then outright laughed. ”You haven’t changed at all from when we first met you have you?”