Chapter Text
Rivendell was more beautiful and mournful than Frodo could have ever imagined. The many waterfalls and autumn leaves left the air with a crisp taste and it reinvigorated him. How could he possible stay in bed and rest when there was so much beauty outside?
Sam bit his lip while Frodo leaned over the edge of the marble balcony to get a better view of the wooden valley.
“I won’t fall Sam. I can barely see over top this railing, much less tumble over it.”
“Beggin your pardon Mister Frodo I know you’re a cautious fellow but I can’t help but worry for you. You’ve only been out of bed a few days.”
“Which means I need to walk to recover my strength. Come now Sam enjoy Rivendell with me. You’ve always wanted to see the Elves.”
Sam sighed, shaking his head but made no further the complaint.
Frodo turned his attention back to valley and closed his eyes, listening to the sound of the wind and the waterfall. If he listened close enough he could have sworn he heard singing on the breeze. ‘No,’ he thought after a moment, ‘there are people singing.’
“Do you hear that Sam? The singing?”
“Singing Mister Frodo? Surely you’re hearing some elves.”
“I don’t believe I am Sam.” Frodo responded walking down some stairs towards the wooden garden below.
He was certain he could hear singing now. A rather jovial sound, with many harmonies and many voices. The songs he had heard the elves sing were certainly joyful on occasion but mostly contained a hint of mourning to them. Songs of times past and people long gone. This sounded more joyful, up beat in tone and no one sounded solemn in the least.
“I hear it now too Mister Frodo.” Sam said sounding less worried and more curious now that he could hear them. Onwards they walked, silently passing through the garden closer to the woods where they entered what resembled a grove.
A small creek trickles through the side and dozens of small brightly colors flower pods hung from various tress and branches. And in the center of it all were a gathering of brightly colored creatures singing and dancing together.
“Everybody! Move your hair and feel united! O-o-oh!”
“Sunshine day! Everybody singing! Sunshine day!”
They were all roughly the size of Frodo’s hand from fingers to the end of his palm and every sort of color and variety. Some glittered like gems under the sun, some were monochrome and reflected a singular colors, and others had mixture of colors splattered across them.
Never had Frodo ever heard of or seen creatures such as these. Maybe they’re fairies? They were certainly small enough. Or maybe Frodo was still dreaming and these were just fantasies? He slowly reached down and pinched his arm. He flinched and shook his head. Definitely awake then.
“Everybody! Shake your hair and feel united! O-o-o-h! YEAH!”
The creatures all struck a pose and silence rung out for a moments before they broke out into cheering and congratulating each other.
“Great job everyone! Nice projection Suki, and Guy you have never been shinier!” A pink toned creature with a bright turquoise dress and flower crown started talking, its voice was rather high and Frodo thought it might have been a female.
“Thank you Princess Poppy!” A chorus of other creatures shouted back before beginning to giggle.
‘Princess?’ Frodo thought faintly, glancing over to Sam who looked as flabbergasted as Frodo felt. Somehow they had remained unnoticed by whatever these little people were. Either there was something to the Hobbit ability to go unnoticed that Bilbo always talked about, or these creatures were not very aware of their surroundings.
“Really Princess Poppy? You heard Lord Elrond, we’re supposed to be laying low until all the other people leave. What if the strangers heard you and got curious?” An irritated voice broke through the merry making. Many heads turned to the other end of the grove where another small creature walked out. This one wasn’t colorful and bright but gray with black hair. Its clothes were green and if Frodo’s eyes didn’t deceive him, had a small bow and arrow slung over his shoulders.
“Lighten up Branch! Elrond said that it looks like the guest are going to have to stay longer than planned, so I figured they’re going to find out eventually. Why not sing to help introduce ourselves! You should really join in Branch. Might make you a little less gray.”
The creature known as Branch walked closer glancing around but his attention was mostly on the pink creature called Poppy.
“Seriously Princess Poppy, I don’t sing. And I know you’re excited but we still need to respect Lord Elrond’s wishes, he wants to be the one to tell everyone. So, STOP. SINGING.SO LOUDLY.”
Branch stated before turning on his heel and freezing as he made eye contact with Frodo. Unsure of what else to do and only just now beginning to accept he wasn’t dreaming, Frodo took a hesitant step forward and gave a short bow.
“Sorry to intrude, we heard the singing and got curious. Frodo Baggins of the Shire at your service. And this is Sam Gamgee.”
Silence followed his introduction. Branch whipped his head around and glared at Princess Poppy whose smile had frozen on her face.
“Oh, umm hello. No need to apologize. We…we were just singing.” The Princess said rubbing her arm before gathering herself and walking over confidently towards Frodo and Sam. She stopped in front of them and gave a curtsey.
“My name is Princess Poppy of the Rainbow Trolls. It’s a pleasure to meet you both. I apologies for not noticing you earlier.” She stated smiling brightly.
“Trolls?” Frodo heard himself ask. These trolls weren’t anything like the ones he had heard or read about. Nothing at all like Bilbo’s recollection of the ones he’d ran into on his own journey to Rivendell.
“Yes, Rainbow Trolls. I know the name ‘Trolls’ is rather spoiled by those others but we had the name first and are proud of it. And if I may, are you both Hobbits? Like Mister Bilbo?”
“Yes.” Frodo replied, surprise coloring his voice. “He’s my Uncle. Or rather my cousin on his mother’s side. He adopted me and I’ve called him ‘Uncle’ since.”
“We love him here at Troll village! He’s always been very kind to me and his stories are definitely scrapbook worthy!” Poppy replied bouncing in place with joy. Her eyes and cheeks seemed to sparkle with joy. Actually, her cheeks really did sparkle. Was she wearing gold dust on her cheeks?
“Good gracious Poppy!”
An orange Troll hobbled over to Poppy, bright orange in color with the same colored hair and Poppy. He also wore green clothing and walked with a small twig as a walking stick.
“Dad! This is Master Frodo Baggins and Master Sam Gamgee of the Shire. They’re Bilbo’s family!” Poppy said excitedly before turning her attention back to the Hobbits.
“This is my Father King Peppy.” Frodo and Sam both bowed again. ‘I never thought I’d meet a Princess or a King. Much less a Troll King and Princess.’
“It’s a great honor to meet you both. I also sincerely apologize if my people disturbed your rest. Rivendell is a house of healing first and celebration second. My people are firm believers that a song can heal almost anything but we do try and be accommodating to Lord Elrond’s request for peace.”
King Peppy said slightly pointedly towards the gathered Trolls all of whom shuffled their feet and smiled apologetically.
“Please no need for apologies.” Frodo said kneeling slowly down to be closer to King Peppy’s height.
“The singing was a pleasant thing to hear while walking in the garden. I’ve never heard a song like that before.”
The gathered Trolls all smiled widely and conversations began breaking out among them. Several brightly colored Trolls approached and began speaking with Frodo and Sam. All hesitation seemed to be gone and several of what Frodo thought might have been children began to jump around their feet. Using them as they’re personal playground.
As Frodo and Peppy began speaking about their travels and Bilbo he noticed the gray Troll Branch slipping away. Princess Poppy also seemed to notice and moved to approach but was stopped but was stopped by a purple Troll who shook his head.
Frodo didn’t have any time to ponder the strange Trolls further. He was quite preoccupied with the many new names and faces being shouted at him. He and Sam spent the rest of the afternoon with the Trolls. Talking about themselves and their families and the dealings of the shire. The trolls we avid listeners and asked questions, highly interested in the dealings that happened outside of the safety of Rivendell.
Both hobbits were in for another shock when several trolls whipped their hair forward and used it to climb a small sapling to be closer to eye level with the hobbits. Which led to the trolls attempting to outdo each other and show off all their various skills and trick they could perform. The two hobbits only left when Sam insisted that Frodo get some more rest before dining with everyone again that night.
“Elves and Dragons and cave Trolls. I was ready for that. I had no idea there was any other people smaller than us.” Sam said as they walked towards Frodo’s room for him to rest while Sam fetched they’re belated lunch.
“I can’t believe that Bilbo never mentioned them before. Unless he wasn’t aware of them when he was still at Bag End. And it sounds like he’s become quite good friends with King Peppy and Princess Poppy.”
“We’ll have to wait to ask him tonight. Him and Gandalf. The way they we’re going on and on they love that old Wizard.“
Frodo waited impatiently for dinner that evening. Pippin and Merry were getting more suspicious by the moment with how Sam and Frodo were craning their heads about the room. But there was no sign of the colorful Trolls in the hall. There was also no sign of Gandalf or Bilbo in the usual mix or elves and other assorted quest.
Elrond was present and once again had Frodo join him at the large table whilst Sam, Merry and Pippin mingled with the other gathering people.
When Frodo thought the other guest were reasonably distracted by their own conversations he turned his attention to the Elven lord.
“My Lord Elrond, if I may, I had a question about the grove next to the garden.”
“Ahh yes. I did speak with young Master Branch on behalf of the residence there.” A mischievous twinkle was in the elven lords eye, as if Frodo and he we’re sharing a joke with each other.
“I have reached out to their leader, King Peppy, who I believe you spoke with, about how they would like to proceed. Their King has decided that while they will still attempt to remain anonymous there is no harm if our guest happen to wander over to them.” Elrond said, a faint smile gracing his lips.
“Oh good,” Frodo sighed in relief, “I wasn’t sure how long I could keep it between me and Sam. Seeing how the last time I tried, I had two other Hobbits hounding my every move.”
“You’re honesty, and loyalty does you and your kin credit Master Baggins. I’m sure Master Bilbo would love to answer whatever questions you have about our colorful friends. Or Perhaps Gandalf, who also has rather a soft spot for them.” A full smile taking over Elrond’s face now. Amusement and endearment clear in his voice.
“I would greatly appreciate it. While we did stay and speak they were all rather… distractible when it came to answering questions.” Frodo said somewhat awkwardly. Elrond laughed quietly at the omission.
“Our mutual friends are many things but task masters is not one of them.” He agreed before his attention was pulled away by Lindir.
Dinner continued with no further talk of the Trolls. Night came and Frodo had not the energy to hunt down either Gandalf or Bilbo before falling asleep to sleep.