Chapter 26: Home Must Wait

Taking the scenic route Gandalf told us what had happened when he left us after Mirkwood which we forgave him for knowing his intentions were just. I insisted we stopped at Rivendell again since I knew Bilbo wasn't able to marvel at it like he wished the last time he went through. My other reasoning was to make sure my uncle was alright and know that I didn't plan on staying. The closer we got the more anxious I became though as Bilbo tried helplessly to calm my growing nerves afraid of what my uncle may say. Gandalf assured me he briefly mentioned me when they met up together but that didn't waver my fears any less.

Reaching the gates of Rivendell I could see some of the elves look towards me curiously but I kept looking straight seeing from above Elrond was approaching me.

He opened his arms saying in elvish, "Lossëa it is good to see you well and safe."

I embraced him feeling my body relax not sensing anger on him as I said back in elvish, "It is good to see you safe as well uncle."

He pulled away looking towards Bilbo and Gandalf saying in common, "Come, my friends, you have had a long journey so far and shall rest for the night."

Bilbo and Gandalf were given their own rooms as I walked towards my own opening the door seeing everything was where I left it. I ran my fingers over the dust that had gathered smiling at the clothes and books I left behind staring at them fondly. I heard someone approach turning around to see one of the elves that had tended to me for so long stare towards me wide-eyed.

"My lady you are alright when lord Elrond told me of your return I didn't believe it." She said coming up hugging me tightly as I returned it replying, "I am alright Lyra and it is good to see you again."

"I'm so happy you are back." She said smiling making me frown for a moment saying, "I will not be staying long."

She gave me a funny look saying, "That is ridiculous my lady you've just returned home."

"Though this will always be a home for me it is not the one I choose to stay in." I said seeing her go to speak when I heard someone clear their throat seeing Bilbo give us both a nervous smile.

I smiled warmly at him seeing Lyra look towards me then back at Bilbo saying softly, "I see…"

"Gandalf said to come to get you for dinner." He said awkwardly afraid he had interrupted our conversation as I approached him saying, "Of course, I wouldn't want to keep him waiting. Lyra, this is Bilbo Baggins, he's a hobbit of the shire."

She looked towards him curiously bending down as his eyes shifted around uncomfortably until she stood holding her hand out saying, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Master Baggins… you best take care of lady Lossëa."

I gave her a playful glare watching Bilbo straighten up replying, "Uh well… I yes… I promise."

She bowed to me for a moment before taking her leave seeing Bilbo look around my room saying, "I didn't know you liked to read."

I looked around at all my books scattered across the room saying, "Yes I do love tales of adventure the most."

"I expected that." He said with a laugh making me smile saying, "Well shall we head to dinner?"

He nodded as we both walked down to the place I had first seen Bilbo smiling remembering how curious I was of him. Bilbo told Elrond what had happened with Gandalf and I filling in the blanks as he listened intently to all of it.

"It pains me that Thorin Oakenshield didn't make it but I am truly happy in the end he didn't succumb to the madness that his grandfather did." Elrond said making me smile sadly saying, "He truly was a wonderful person and we will cherish the time we had with him."

The rest of dinner was mostly uneventful as I walked down to the gardens when I first talked to Bilbo sitting beside the fountain.

"Beautiful." I heard making me close my eyes smiling as Bilbo stepped over finishing with, "And I'm not talking about the garden."

I laughed at his words feeling him sit beside me looking up towards the moonlight only hearing the water and insects in this calming night.

"I can't believe in a few days I'll get to show you the shire." Bilbo said making me turn saying, "From what you said it's a wonderful place to live and I look forward to some peace."

"You won't miss the fighting at all?" he asked skeptically while I smirked tilting my head replying, "Well I'm sure I'll miss it… but if you're there it won't be so bad."

He smiled laughing as I saw Elrond approach us both giving me a kind smile saying, "My dear may I speak to you alone."

Bilbo looked worried for a moment but I ushered him all was well as he decided to retire to the room he was given while I walked alongside Elrond. We eventually made it up to a balcony that overlooked the large waterfall growing more worried since he had yet to speak.

"Uncle… what troubles you?" I said in elvish seeing his eyes look heavy eyeing me saying, "I do not wish to ask this of you my dear but I must…."

"Ask me what?" I said in common again feeling my throat tighten seeing the somber look he was giving me.

"Orc packs have been seen moving in towards Rivendell, after the defeat in Erebor they seem to be turning their eyes towards us." He said grimly making me body shake saying, "Rivendell is well protected by our magic."

He turned away saying, "I fear it may not be enough should the darkness of Dol Guldor return our people will be slaughtered unless we face them head-on before they can regroup."

"Why are you telling me this?" I whispered but deep down I dreaded I already knew the answer as he turned to me saying, "I wish for you to lead the attack against them, you have more than proved yourself in battle and there is no one I would trust more to do so."

I felt my mouth grow dry running my finger over the ring Bilbo had given me saying, "But Bilbo… I promised I would go with him… to OUR home in the shire."

I felt Elrond grip my shoulders supportively saying softly, "You love him and I know it is cruel to ask this of you but once this is over we shall never again ask anything of you… you will be given peace."

I felt tears begin to build in my eyes saying hoarsely, "How long?"

His eyes closed saying, "I cannot say even with the gift of sight all I know is I wouldn't ask this of you if I didn't have another choice."

Remaining quiet feeling my tears begin to fall he squeezed my shoulders saying, "I will give you some time to be with Master Baggins but once you are done Gandalf will meet you back here and journey with you to recruit help."

"Please do not say anything… I wish to tell him on my own." I said weakly feeling my body shake as he nodded hugging me tightly while I cried against his shoulder.