I want to say the trip was fun, but as a beast used to flying, it was tedious. I did fly off to stretch a bit while we were marching, but it is not the same as being able to go wherever I want, whenever I want.
In the end, after three months, our small band of elves reached Rivendell. Gazing upon the cloistered stronghold, I was stunned by its beauty. The books and movies never did the scenery justice. The haven had no walls but did not need them as the cliffs and mountainsides surrounding it were impenetrable by any known means. The river that passed through fell away under and worked against any enemy that wished to emerge from down below.
Making their way onto the narrow causeway, I waited as I knew my massive bulk would not be able to walk the path designed only to allow 2 to 3 elves abreast to pass.
I waited patiently for Elrond to return. I knew his men were tired, and he needed to ensure they were cared for.
Thinking about the elven host I left Mordor with, I understood what Elrond meant later in the books/movies when he said, "It is in men we must place our hope in." There were not enough elves anymore. Maybe in Valar, if they returned to help, but the elves of Middle-Earth were now too few to fight Sauron again.
Thinking about it further, it made sense why no elves were present in the books at the Battle of Helm's Deep and was only added in the movies. I had long noticed discrepancies between this world and the books/movies. Ultimately, I chalked it up to this universe using a bit of both.
My thoughts were interrupted by Elrond walking back across the bridge toward me.
"Well, my friend, I have tried to see how we could accommodate you, but the courtyard is the only place big enough for you. I doubt you wish to stay here a while with so little space," he explained to me respectfully.
"I have thought about this during our travel here; I am fine with making a nest in a cave near here and coming at your convenience to learn the art of magic," I reasoned.
Elrond nodded in acceptance and then instructed me where I could land inside.
Coiling on my back legs, I pushed off with as much force as possible before spreading my wings to glide in the direction he indicated.
Sadly, dragons are not the most agile flyers, so I had to take extra care not to land on any roof or smack into any building. Luckily, I reached the clearing while only dislodging a few roof tiles.
Sheepishly, I crouched down and settled into a resting position. I had not slept in the last three months and decided to take a well-deserved nap since Elrond said he would be busy. Before this, I had never gone beyond a few days without sleep, so I drifted into the land of dreams.