Peregrin Took sat tall on his pony, his shoulders back and face bright with a wide grin. He was so proud of the beautiful Gondorian clothing that he was decorated in – black velvets and red silk, the White Tree stitched into his surcout... He held his head a little higher at each glance he got from the people his company rode by. Four Hobbits, all dressed just as fancily, on their way to Rivendell, were quite a sight to see.
It had been months since Middle Earth was free from the horrors of the One Ring and its dark lord Sauron. Destroyed in one last fiery explosion, it was almost as though the world became brighter with their victory.
Celebrations were had, tears were shed. It felt like the whole horrible adventure was finally over. And so the Hobbits finally said their farewells to their friends – and their new king. They all knew they would never forget each other.
And now the quartet of Halflings was finally heading home, more than ready to see their own beds again. But first, there were still a few things to take care of…
Merry rode alongside his cousin, who still wore his beaming grin, and chuckled. "Excited to get to Rivendell, Pippin?" Asked the blonde, casting a sidelong smirk his way. Pippin turned to him with a curious look.
"What?" He chirped, tilting his head. Merry raised a brow. "Well you haven't forgotten have you?" Pippin looked confused at his cousin's question.
"Even I remember, Pip, and it wasn't mine to remember…" Frodo chuckled faintly behind them, Sam riding close at his side and nodding along. He shook his head with a sarcastically sad look. "My, my, I can't imagine this going well…"
"What are the lot of you talking about?" Pippin squeaked, looking between the three frantically. "What am I supposed to remember?" He pouted as he twisted on his pony.
Sam chuckled. "Hmm, should we let him figure it out himself?" He asked Frodo, who covered his mouth as he tried to hide a laugh. Merry shrugged dramatically. "I don't know, I don't think he ever will!" He teased. "You'd think he'd remember. I know I've been eagerly waiting for the end of that story. What do you think…? Did that Redcap get him?"
The company burst into laughter at the sudden realization and remembrance on their young friend's face. He flushed as he fumbled to babble out an excuse. Though he did feel guilty…
It had been almost a year, and so much had happened in that time, true, but he did not expect to have forgotten – in one night, many months ago, he had saved and was saved by a mysterious elf. The two became close in that short time and Pippin had hoped he'd be able to see him again… The elf, Ithilhen, had even promised to wait at Rivendell for them to return. For a while, just that had given the Hobbit an inspiration. But after Gandalf fell to the Balrog, which Pippin blamed himself for still, everything felt bleak and hopeless.
And he hadn't thought of his distant friend since. Pippin scowled to himself, shoulders slumping with guilt. Now they were nearing Rivendell, and if the elf had kept his promise, they would meet again.
Merry stopped laughing as Pippin frowned, sighing lightly and patting him on the shoulder. "Oh, come now, Pip. It's no big deal. We're here now!" He waved his other arm at the scenery. "And that's really what matters." He paused a moment before nudging his cousin with a smirk and a wink. "And what he doesn't know what hurt him."
Pippin scrunched up his nose before smiling again. It would be nice to see his friend after so long. He'd have so much to tell, and this time it would be under less… strenuous circumstances. His wide grin came back to his face happily, just as the pony's hooves began to click over the stone path to the Elven city. It took little time for an elf to meet them, bowing with a courteous smile.
"Ah, a welcome return!" The fair haired elf exclaimed. "We have been awaiting your arrival. If you will follow me…"
The Hobbits, excluding Frodo, recognized the elf from the first time they had arrived in Rivendell. They were lead into the great city, their ponies taken to rest, and greeted by many more elves.
Everything was just as they remembered it – the waterfalls just as glorious, the buildings as grand. Even the air they breathed seemed more amazing. But of course the immediate fascination settled as they were brought to a feast, and Frodo reunited with Bilbo once again. They spoke lightly, spirits high.
"U-um…" Pippin spoke up shyly, catching the attention of the one of the elves who treated them. The other Hobbits turned their attention to their friend. "I meant to ask when we first arrived… But I wanted to find someone I know who said he'd be here." He explained as the elf tilted his head curiously.
"Of course, master Pippin." Replied one of the elves with a friendly smile. "Who is it that you seek?"
Pippin grinned back. "Ithilhen was his name." He answered. The elves thought, trying to place a face to that name. "H-he's kinda short. I mean for an elf." He offered.
"Really pale eyes." Merry added, and he could tell that made the name click in their minds.
"Ah, yes!" One exclaimed. "He has been here about a year. Though he is so quiet he has not left much of a mark in our minds." The elves exchanged glances as they remembered. "…He came to us quite wounded."
Pippin frowned sadly, nodding. "Yeah…" He muttered, whishing he could forget that night. He suppressed a shiver and turned his gaze back to the elves. "So, is he around? He promised he'd wait here…"
The elves nodded in response. One of them excused themselves and left to find their moon eyed friend. "Volhlin will find your friend and return, and as soon as you are ready you may go to him." Explained another calmly. "In the meantime, enjoy your meal and relax." And the Hobbits did, stuffing themselves till their bellies were full. Though Pippin wasn't as hungry as his friends.
His thoughts went back to that night that seemed so long ago and the horrible things that made him realize how cruel the world could be. His stomach felt ill as remembered thoughts leaked back in to his mind. Pippin crinkled his nose and rested his cheek in his hand as he took a bite of food. He hadn't realized how happy he was to forget it all, a hint of guilt on the thought.
The night played out in his mind, from the raven, to the whipping, all the way to their rescue. And then he remembered what Gandalf had said, after the elf had broken down into inconsolable sobs.
"There are bad people in this world... But there are also good. And the good are what one needs in times like this."
Pippin's lips curled up in a small smile. That old wizard, always so wise in his way. He wished Ithilhen had stayed with them so that he would have had the good ones in his life. The Hobbit's mind began to wander, curiously wondering how their tale would have been different with another in their Fellowship. He was lost in thought when the elf Volhlin returned and reported Ithilhen's location.
"Master Pippin." One of the elves spoke. Pippin started, a mouthful of food mumbling his questioning hum. The elf chuckled lightly, along with the other Hobbits. "When you are ready, if you wish, I can show you to Ithilhen."
Merry nudged his cousin. "Let's go now." He suggested cheerfully. Maybe he didn't know the elf like his cousin did, but he was still excited to see their reunion. Sam and Frodo chimed in their agreement, and Pippin grinned at them. "Alright." He replied sheepishly, glancing back to the elf that now stood beside them.
The four stood and were lead away, shuffling to keep up with the elf's long strides. Pippin's heart picked up, unexpectedly excited. He trailed right alongside the elf, the others following behind and exchanging smirks.
Slowly, the sound of a fiddle reached their ears. The tune was lively and accompanied by a lute strumming merrily alongside it.
"We began teaching him to play as a way to keep his mind busy while he healed." The elf explained, glancing over his shoulder. "It proved to be very helpful. No doubt he is much better since the last you saw him." If the Hobbits didn't know elves, they'd have sworn this one was smiling with pride.
Down a stretch of stone stairs, the music came from just around a corner lined with carved pillars. They rounded the corner, into an open area that surrounded a beautiful fountain.
Pippin grinned from ear to ear, the music suddenly stopping, and wide pale eyes stared back at him.