[maikafanawen]

Peony gaped, wide eyed at the beauty of Rivendell. It had surpassed her highest expectations. Towering columns carved in the form of elder kings, and powers graced the spacious hallways. Rooms were mostly door-less, large archways taking the place of elaborate doors. She was met by a somber faced elf servantress who led her to her room. Respecting the noble idiosyncrasy of the elves, she followed her in reverent silence.

“Here you are Peony.” What one might call and ‘elvish smile’ played at the corners of the servantress’ mouth as she gestured toward the room. Just inside was a large bed. The comforter was a creamy white, with gold thread detailing fine leaf motifs. Peony laughed.

“You’re kidding. You could fit twelve of me in that bed.” The elf chuckled and entered.

“I hemmed a dress and robe for you when I learned that you were coming. I hope they fit. This is your bathtub. The water is heating. Just put out the coals when you are ready. The wash basin is here by the bed and fresh towels are also there.” She looked around once more and said, “If you need anything, just ask for it.” With that she left the room gracefully.

Peony made her way to the bathtub and discarded her dirty traveling clothes. She tossed them on the floor and sunk into the tub. The hot water soothed her aching muscles. Had she the energy, she would have broken out in a bath song. Though travel had much strained her body and she simply sat until the dirt and grime was all soaked off. When she felt clean and refreshed, she wrapped herself in the hemmed robe and unpacked her things, draping them over chairs to air out. She took a tally of all her supplies. Dagger? Check. Rope? Check. Cooking gear? Check. Tsk, tsk, tsk. She chipped a piece of rust off one of the iron tools and rubbed it firmly with her thumb. Spices, flint stones, nocturnal dial, whistle? Check all. One more traveling dress, shirt, breeches and … mm hmm. She sighed, rubbing her eyes. Peony walked stiffly to the water basin and only rinsed half her face before she fell into her bed, exhausted.

Before she drifted off into dreamland, she promised herself that in the morning, she would tour the elvish palace that had been a childhood favorite all her life. When sleep came, it came easily and undisturbed.