Chapter Seven-Bilbo
The night held much fear for those who dwelled in Imladris. News had quickly spread of Aragorn's illness and anyone who could become sick was kept isolated, with the exception of one very curious hobbit. Legolas kept watch over Aragorn for the better part of the night while Elrond and Mithrandir talked and checked on Aragorn occasionally. He was surprised to find himself unnaturally unfocused, and his mind began to wander. No sooner had he gotten comfortable than he saw out of the corner of his eye the little man he had seen earlier. The hobbit looked around and stepped almost soundlessly into the room.
The elf pretended to be "sleeping" and watched in amusement as the hobbit scurried over to the bed and climbed on top. He listened quietly to the young ranger's breathing. It was harsh and fast. Even Legolas frowned at this. He pitied the hobbit, who sighed and said softly, "Oh Aragorn. You simply must get well. Lord Elrond will never forgive himself if you die, and Lady Arwen will lose that gentle spark she has. Do try to heal-you have so much to live for."
Legolas continued to watch, knowing the halfing would notice him soon. At last he could contain himself no longer. Gently, he said, "You should not be here, Master Hobbit."
The halfling jumped and stifled a small cry. At last he managed, "Who are you?"
The elf laughed softly, "I am called Legolas Greenleaf, though I might ask the same of you."
"Bilbo Baggins, at your service." Then he began to ramble. "I wouldn't have come, but Lord Elrond, I've never seen him like that. Even he doesn't know how this will end. I had to see him...you understand."
"I do. Aragorn and I have become friends over the last few days, and I have no desire to see him dead. I would like to get to know him further." At this the hobbit flinched but quickly recovered.
"Why do you called him Aragorn and not Estel like the others."
Legolas shrugged and bend down so he was level with the hobbit, "He didn't wish for me to call him hope. He has had a rough life."
"He must face up to his destiny." Bilbo said gently.
"He must find a desire to live first," Legolas countered, looking back at his friend. "He would be glad to know you came, but it would kill him if you became ill."
Bilbo sighed, "I know. But the things we do with our life cannot always be centered upon what is safe or fair. We must take a few risks if we are to live life to the fullest. Aragorn taught me that." With those words, he left the room, leaving the elf in silent thought.
Elrond was distraught. For hours he and Gandalf had poured over vast books and encyclopedias looking for a treatment to an illness they knew little about. Even the wizard, who was older than he, could only offer words of comfort. In short, there was nothing he could do but wait. He could feel the atmosphere in Rivendell. The fear and grief were almost palpable. He could feel the pain. Sighing, he lowered his head and massaged his temples.
Gandalf watched him closely from the other side of the room. He knew then that if Estel died, it would destroy the Elven lord.
For the first time since Estel had come to Rivendell, Arwen felt alone. Aragorn had been gravely ill and injured before, and she had a terrible time wrestling with her feelings. She could not justify them. She sensed the great danger Estel was in and was helpless to do anything about it. Struck with a sudden determination to at least be near him, she put on a robe and hurried softly down the corridor to his room. Even from outside the door, she could hear his ragged breathing. This reassured her, but in her heart, she knew something was terribly wrong. If this was the calm before the storm, she wondered what the storm would be like.