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Jimmy was having the time of his life.
Sure, he had his doubts about visiting Rivendell during the winter. People often commented about how cold the kingdom was on a regular day, let alone three days before Christmas. Luckily, the Codfather didn’t experience cold quite the same way. He was even convinced he could feel less cold than his royal Elf himself.
So, here he was, ice skating on a pond like fountain in the middle of Rivendell square. Not bothered by the cold, he twirled and swirled around on the ice. He had gathered quite the audience, adults and children alike. Some looked confused, seeing the ruler of a different kingdom skating around on their fountain. Some looked amused and some looked impressed.
As he tried an easy jump, sticking the landing gracefully, he even got some applause. That motivate him to make even more jumps. The applause grew louder, as did the cheers, as he landed more difficult jumps and stunts. Right before he jumped, he caught sight of the Elven Prince himself stepping out of the castle and onto Townsquare.
What he did not see, was the ice slowly giving way under the pressure of getting skated and jumped on. So, when he stuck the landing one more time, bowing to his audience, the ice cracked.
Jimmy disappeared into the cold dark beneath.
Scott was not having a good time.
He was behind on work and busy with meetings. He had a headache that slowly got worse and he was this close to losing it. So, when word reached him about a commotion in Townsquare, he was not willing to deal with it. His curiosity got the better of him when he overheard one of the guards talking to another about an outsider doing some amazing tricks on the ice.
Who, outside of Rivendell, would be foolish enough to conquer the cold. Let alone be on the ice. His confusion made way for a strong sense of ‘yup, that idiot’ as he stepped outside and watched the Codfather of all people perform tricks on the frozen over fountain. His annoyance made way for concern as he watched the ice give way and swallow Jimmy whole.
Without hesitation, or time to think things over, Scott jumped in. the freezing cold water did not halt him in reaching Jimmy, using his natural strength to pull the other out of the water. As he surfaced, he made sure Jimmy’s stupid Codfather head was above the water. Ignoring most concerned calls from his people, he let the guards help him step out of the fountain.
Scott nodded to them as they cleared the way, too busy clutching the seemingly unconscious Codfather to his chest. “Get the fire going,” he ordered a servant as soon as he stepped into the palace. She nodded and left immediately. “I need something warm for him to drink,” he commanded another servant. “I’ll tell the cook,” the young Elf said, leaving in a rush. Another servant stepped up to him. “Sir! You need to change into dry clothes, both of you.” He nodded. “I’ve got it,” he snapped as they tried to take Jimmy from him,” I’ll see to him for the moment.”
And as the doors to his bedroom closed. Nobody questioned it.
Jimmy was not having a good time anymore.
His head was pounding and his body was aching, shaking violently. His throat felt dry as he tried to swallow. It became a coughing fit instead. As he cracked his eyes open, he felt slightly blinded by the light. He noticed his Codfather head was missing as he rubbed his temple. He gasped and shot up as he remembered what had happened.
Although he was slightly confused as to how he got to where he was now. Remembering how the ice split to make way for freezing cold water. He hummed as he ran his hands over the many layers of blankets piled on top of him. “Guess my preservation instincts kicked in…” he muttered.
“Is that why you stayed unconscious for so long?”
Jimmy very gracefully dropped off the couch he was lying on. His eyes going from the richly decorated tiles, to the fireplace, to end up on the stoic expression of the Rivendell ruler. “Oh, uhm,” he stuttered,” Yeah, that happens when Cod get into verry cold situations. It’s like going in to stasis for some time.”
Scott seamed to think it over as he made his way over to Jimmy, who was still on the floor. “Are you alright?” he asked, helping the other up. “Oh, yeah,” Jimmy answered, trying not to let his teeth clatter. Scott let out a huff as he settled beside the Codfather on the couch.
“Really?”
Jimmy grit his teeth at the clear amusement in the other’s voice. “Yup,” popping the ‘p’,” Nothing wrong. I’m as fit as a fish.” Scott shot him a deadpanned look. “Who even skates on an ice-covered pond anymore? That’s just stupid.”
“You’re stupid.”
“Smart.”
Jimmy shrugged. “It was fun! Have you tried?” Scott shook his head, sighing. “I should’ve let you drown in that pond,” he muttered,” Natural selection and all.” Jimmy let out a startled laugh. “I wouldn’t have drowned, silly,” he said, sticking out his tongue,” But thanks for the heroic save anyway.””
Scott scoffed. “Heroic, psh.” Jimmy raised an eyebrow as he leaned into Scott. “Oh, my strong Elf in shining armour,” he said high-pitched” you saved my life, how can I ever repay you?” Scott planted his hand on Jimmy’s face to push him away. “You could become less stupid,” he muttered. He chuckled at Jimmy’s affronted noise.
Before any of them could say anything more, there was a knock on the door. A servant entered after getting granted permission by Scott, carrying a tray. They paused for a moment when they took in the scene. Their king, pressing his hand against the face of another ruler. Oh well, just another day in Rivendell.
“Two cups of hot cacao as requested,” they said, placing the tray on a nearby table. “Thank you. You are dismissed,” Scott said, hand still on the other’s face. When the servant bowed and hurried out. Scott immediately turned to Jimmy. “Not a word,” he hissed as he removed his hand.
A very smug expression revealed itself on Jimmy’s face. “What? I can’t thank my hero-” Scott shut him down with one look. Jimmy just shrugged. As he got handed a cup of hot cacao, he wondered in what weird way he ended up in Rivendell, snuggling with the ruler underneath heaps of blankets and in front of a lit fire.
He should go skating and almost-but-not-really-drowning more often.