Notes: Sorry this took so long! Action promised next chapter! In the flashback, the words that Meiyuu and Legolas say in  are in the native language of Seidou Rosuto- Japanese. Didn't feel like breaking out the translator again! Enjoy! Sorry again- no lemon this time, but wait till next chapter!

Tugging

Part 19

Meiyuu stared blankly at the chessboard, watching as Aragorn moved one of the strange, horse-shaped pieces——he vaguely remembered that it was called a 'knight'——forward… and scowled. Already, he had lost twice to his grey-eyed, brown-haired opponent. And he had spent only half an hourglass' time in the room.

He decided he didn't like this "chess" game.

Now what do I do? Meiyuu thought miserably.

Aragorn's move had utterly befuddled him (he was still trying to figure out which pieces could move where) and the persistent pulling in his mind wasn't helping.

Neither was Aragorn's sudden laugh.

Meiyuu glared at the grinning man sitting across from him. Oh… how that amused twinkle in the grey eyes annoyed him. His having no idea how to play the game, even after playing two whole games against the older man, was no excuse for Aragorn to laugh at him! So what if he didn't quite remember that a horse——knight his mind automatically corrected——could move across a stretch of six squares in two groups of three? What did it matter if he had lost both his castle-shaped figures, which Legolas had told him were named rooks, both his knights, and the priest figure——bishop, his mind whispered——already? And even if Legolas was beside him, surreptitiously whispering advice to him throughout the game… well, that didn't mean he was any better at playing the game!

Meiyuu decided he *really* didn't like chess.

He sat thinking for a moment, wondering how he could turn Aragorn's move to his advantage. There was no visible way for him to check the man's king…

Legolas patted Meiyuu on the shoulder, hearing his friend groan. "You can do it, Meiyuu," he whispered encouragingly.

Meiyuu stared hard at the chessboard. What if… no. He couldn't move his king so close to Aragorn's king. Legolas had said it wasn't allowed. What if… no… that wouldn't bring him any visible advantage. It'd just postpone Aragorn's assault. What if…

Meiyuu discreetly brought two fingers together and used his gift to make his queen move forward.

"Checkmate."

Aragorn blinked, disbelieving. "What?" The older man stared at the chessboard… and realized that Meiyuu was right. His king was trapped between the boy's queen, a mere pawn, and a bishop. And he couldn't eat the queen; it was guarded by Meiyuu's king. The pawn was similarly protected by another pawn… and the bishop wasn't close enough for him to take.

He couldn't move his king diagonally away from the queen, the bishop and the pawn preventing that escape. And he was in check.

Well. The boy had done it.

Well done, Meiyuu, he thought silently.

Legolas evidently agreed with his unspoken statement.

"Well done, my friend!" Legolas  merrily laughed at Aragorn's resigned look, winking at the man as Aragorn pretended to frantically find a way to uncheck his king. "Now, how exactly did you move your queen like that, Meiyuu?"

The impudent youth merely raised a hand and concentrated, feeling the energy building inside him. The black queen shook slightly on the chessboard before it flew directly into Meiyuu's glowing hand.

Aragorn frowned.  He had told the boy not to use his gift unless it was an emergency. But…

He looked on as the boy laughed. It was nice seeing Meiyuu relaxed and happy. The times at which the boy laughed were far too few for his liking.

He decided not to say anything.

"I see he beat you," a gruff voice broke into his musings.

Aragorn turned to see Gimli walk over to him, leaving Frodo to put away the chess pieces. Smiling slightly, he nodded.

The dwarf snorted in amusement. "I wager he pulled the same trick Frodo pulled on me."

Aragorn raised a surprised brow.

Gimli caught the look. "Do not underestimate him, Aragorn. Frodo is surprisingly good at battle tactics. And he pulled the king-queen at the edge of board combination. It got me. But that doesn't mean he'll always win," he turned and scowled at the Hobbit in mock anger before turning back to the former ranger. "I noticed Meiyuu also pulled a king-queen combination on you, with a bishop and a pawn to help."

Aragorn nodded. "He's getting better," he grinned.

Gimli gave him a shrewd look. "You're not letting him win, are you?"

Aragorn looked at him innocently. "Would I do that?"

"Yes, actually," the dwarf snorted. "I think you would."

"Only about as much as you let Frodo win."

Gimli suddenly decided Frodo needed help putting back the two remaining black pawns still on the table and hurried over to the Hobbit.

Aragorn shook his head, biting back a laugh at his friend's antics. And speaking of antics…

He turned to join his other two friends.

Sneaking up behind Legolas (a true feat, given the Elf's keen sense of hearing), he suddenly wrapped the Elf in a hug.

"Aragorn!" the latter gasped.

Aragorn grinned. "Why… I didn't know it was possible to surprise an Elf."

"It isn't," Legolas said, trying to wriggle out of his lover's grasp.

"Then what was it I just did?"

Meiyuu burst out laughing.

Encouraged, Aragorn commenced to tickle the helpless Elf in his arms. Thus occupied, he failed to notice the strange look in Gimli's eyes as the dwarf watched him.

Nor was he the only one.

Oblivious, Frodo stretched and asked, "Is anyone else hungry?"

"I am," the breathless Elf in Aragorn's arms gasped out, turning his face towards the Hobbit.

And he wasn't alone. Aragorn reddened as his stomach grumbled in complaint. The man was beginning to think that neglecting to eat breakfast wasn't such a good idea…

Meiyuu would have laughed at Aragorn's unintended response… had the world not suddenly started fading.

Concentrate, he told himself firmly. Unfortunately, the task was easier said than done.

The pulling in his mind was siren-like. Alluring. How easy it would be to sink into that darkness… how easy it would be to walk out that door…

No! I *will* not! Meiyuu tried to push the thought away. It didn't work. He was too… distracted. The presence of Legolas and the others discussing breakfast didn't allow him to focus on the insidious voice in his mind…

Maybe if he just slipped away, just to find silence and concentrate on that voice…

Meiyuu tried to leave the room unnoticed.

Aragorn caught a hold of the back of Meiyuu's shirt. "We all could use something to eat.

And where do you think you're going? I know you haven't eaten yet."

"Have to go and… do something," Meiyuu said distractedly. A lock of short mahogany hair fell across his right eye, veiling the impatience in his eyes.

Legolas sighed. "At least eat something, my friend, before you wander off." He reached out to pat the glossy dark-brown hair affectionately, pausing as Meiyuu rolled his eyes as he habitually did… and those azure eyes glazed over.

"Meiyuu?" Legolas asked.

The boy did not respond.

Legolas stared in bewilderment as the boy shrugged free of Aragorn's grasp and headed once more for the door. He was visibly relieved to see the boy bump into Lord Elrond.

"I've been looking for you- all of you," the Elven lord began, stopping the child before the latter could pass him. "The Man left… for now. He may be back soon, so the sooner the three of you go to Gondor, Aragorn, the better. To——"

A dull, empty voice interrupted him. "Let me go," Meiyuu murmured. "Calling me… have to go…"

Elrond frowned and took a closer look at the boy trying to escape. What in the name of the Valar… "Are you all right, child?" he inquired. The boy looked up at him, and the half Elf gasped as he saw those dilated, glazed eyes. Elrond waved a hand in front of the young face, more than a little worried for the child. There was no response.

He suddenly wished the strange man who had come from Meiyuu were still present. He had the distinct feeling the stranger had something to do with Meiyuu's current state, and it would relieve his worries immensely if he could convince the man to do some explaining…

He looked up, meeting the gaze of the dwarf behind his foster son.

Ah… so Gimli shared his sentiments. But then he was surprised to see a strange gleam in the dwarf's eyes. Yes… he read pity and compassion in those dark depths, but… there was something else there too. Something he could not fathom. Something…

Elrond was shaken out of his thoughts as his foster son promptly walked up to the boy in his grasp and shook him. This earned a disgruntled mumble from the child.

They were all pleased to see the vacant look drain from Meiyuu's eyes.

"I told you to stop shaking me!" Meiyuu snapped peevishly, trying to break free of Aragorn's grip on him. The incessant shaking gave him a headache… and made him realize just how tired he was.

When had that happened? When had he suddenly lost all his energy? He'd only been struggling against Shira's mind-control spell…

Ah. Of course. That explained it. His mental battle against Shira had merely left him drained was all. He realized the implications of that thought.

Damn.

He wouldn't have the energy to continue the fight against Shira. And unless Shira decided to be a gentleman and bloody *wait* for him to recuperate and regain his strength, the bastard would take him.

And for some bizarre reason, Meiyuu didn't think Shira was a gentleman.

Sooner or later, the bastard would take him.

I'll fight him, Meiyuu rallied against the despair in his heart. I'll fight him to the very end of my…

The thought twisted.

Of his what? Energy? His legs were already buckling beneath him!

Legolas caught Meiyuu before the boy could fall to the floor, supporting him in his strong arms. The Elf exchanged a worried look with Aragorn when the boy made no effort to break away. Meiyuu would never accept aid, whether he needed it or not. Legolas knew that. Something was wrong.

"Take him to his room, Legolas,  Aragorn. The child looks half asleep," Elrond began, taking charge. "I will have food sent up." He turned to the dwarf and the Hobbit. "Gimli, Frodo, please come with me."

"Meiyuu?" Legolas asked quietly, concerned. The only response he got was a tired look.

Aragorn placed one of his large hands on Meiyuu's right shoulder gently. "C'mon, Meiyuu. Let's get you back to bed."

Meiyuu yawned and shook his head. He was awarded with five frowns.

"Fine, but only 'cause you insisted," he mumbled, struggling to gather his fleeing strength for another bout against Aragorn. It didn't work.

Well… at least I can hide the fact that I'm tired from Legolas and Aragorn, he thought silently.

He stumbled and swayed, his eyes sliding shut.

Heh. So much for that idea.

Legolas, Aragorn, and Meiyuu left the room slowly and walked through the hallways,  the latter trailing behind the former two. There was always the slight chance that, by walking slower, he could conserve a little more of the precious energy he had left… just in case Shira attacked.

And that'll help me how, he asked himself sardonically.

Well, even if it wouldn't make the slightest difference against Shira, it *would* help keep Legolas and Aragorn's concern at bay. At least until he fainted.

"You okay, kid?" Aragorn asked, seeing if that would get Meiyuu to respond.

"Not a kid," Meiyuu responded automatically. He turned the corner heading towards the room Aragorn had opened.

This time, it was Aragorn's turn to catch the boy as he keeled over.

"What's wrong? Don't lie; both Legolas and I know something is wrong," he growled at the stubborn boy who refused to meet his eyes.

"Aragorn!" Legolas chided. Apparently, the Elf didn't think it appropriate for Aragorn to scold his friend in the state he was in.

Aragorn sighed. He knew Legolas was right, but it was just so difficult *not* lecturing the child…

As if he had the right to lecture the child at all. As Meiyuu had so acidly pointed out, he wasn't Meiyuu's guardian.

He was nothing to the child.

Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Legolas signaling to him to lower the child onto the bed. Deciding it was probably a good idea to heed his lover, he promptly placed Meiyuu onto the bed and tucked him in, ignoring the sleepy scowl the latter gave him.

He refused to think, knowing it'd lead him back to his bitter train of thought. But it was difficult, not thinking. And every second, his thoughts turned to the boy slumbering peacefully beneath black, satin blankets…

"Aragorn?"

He turned to his flaxen-haired lover, only now noticing the shadow worry cast on the Elf's face. "Are you all right, dear one?" Aragorn murmured softly.

Legolas leaned back against Aragorn and sighed. "Something's wrong, Aragorn. I have never seen Meiyuu so tired before, not in the few years I have known him. And he never accepts help…That he's doing so, right now, must mean…"

Aragorn nodded. "Whatever is wrong, we'll help him." He then changed the subject, hoping to lessen the pain he could sense within his beautiful lover. "How did you meet him, Legolas?"

"Between then and now, much time has passed, but my heart knows that wasn't so long ago," Legolas began.

**********************************

Flashback, 3 years ago, Seidou Rosuto

**********************************

Legolas wandered through the streets, dazed, lost, and confused. He didn't know where he was- or even who he was. Most of the people he passed by ignored him, continuing on their way to the different buildings. No one even thought to ask him if he needed help.

He had never felt so alone in his life. If Shiranai only told him *where* the inn was, instead of just ordering him to go there after the sun set…

And even that wouldn't have been so impossible a task had someone bothered to stop and help the lost Elf find his way. However, it seemed that walking briskly to whatever destinations they were heading for was much more important than aiding the befuddled stranger in the middle of the town courtyard.

And, of course, it had not occurred to 'Miataru,' the name Legolas thought was his, to stop someone and ask for directions.

It wasn't his inability to communicate with them that kept the thought from entering his mind. On the contrary, Miataru had become quite proficient in the language in the short time Shira spent with him since…since what, he did not know. It was the feeling that, with an Elf's inherent sense of direction, he *should* be able to find that inn.

And he would have… if Shira had given him a vague idea of where it should be.

Tchunk. Tchunk.

He suddenly noticed the soft sound of steel striking wood. His curiosity piqued, he swerved off to the left, heading toward an isolated part of the town. About him, the buildings became shabbier and shabbier, some ruinous shapes that could no longer be called houses. And yet… there was not a person in sight. Miataru was beginning to wonder if he was hearing things until he saw a short figure perfecting his dagger throws.

The only visible part of the person was the small, scarred hand clutching a dagger and flinging it towards at the target  set  ten feet away. It embedded itself deeply into the small, carved inner ring placed exactly at the center of the wood.

The small being whirled around and brandished one of the daggers in those scarred hands. As close as he was, Miataru could clearly see the shock in the bitter blue eyes as the child——for no other could be so small——beheld him.

Miataru shifted, uncomfortable with the unabashed stare. Did he look so very strange, for the child to stare at him so?

He quickly glanced down at his clothes. He didn't *think* there was anything unusual about his green shirt and brown leathers…

But then again, the child was wearing such ragged clothing——a torn, brick-red shirt and loose, black pants——that perhaps he was merely surprised at the quality of Miataru's attire.

Yes… that must be it, the Elf decided.

Whether that was the reason or not, the child's stare was discomforting.

Who are you? Miataru asked finally, desperate to break the silence.

The child's eyes narrowed, suspicion swirling darkly in the azure depths. My name is Meiyuu. I haven't seen you around here before- who are you? The eyes then widened in surprise and horror. You are an Elf!

Miataru nodded. I'm new here, Meiyuu. Shiranai says my name is Miataru…

Shiranai is an asshole, the youth mumbled under his——and by the voice, Miataru *knew* the child was a male——breath, his eyes darkening.

Miataru gaped. Such language… What makes you say that, young one? he asked, reeling from the fact that the child had such… colorful vocabulary.

Meiyuu frowned, muttering, It's true. He crossed his arms and angrily walked over to his target, brutally yanking the dagger out of the wood.

Do you know where the inn is? Miataru changed the subject, trying to ignore the boy's obvious and seemingly undeserved fury. I was supposed to go there… but I don't know my way around very well yet.

Yes, I know where it is. Meiyuu angrily jerked the blade into a plain leather sheath——strange how Miataru didn't notice the worn, stained leather before——and looked at the Elf.

His eyes narrowed; his bottom lip quivered. He seemed unsure, uncertain about something… Miataru could clearly see the child battling with himself. But what that struggle may have been about, he did not know.

Finally, the boy sighed.

Follow me, he told the Elf, heading towards the square Miataru had left, the *good* part of town.

Miataru followed the child, wondering  at the way Meiyuu appeared to be angry with the entire world. And it puzzled him, why a young boy should be so bitter with life…

Children should be happy. Happy and carefree, he thought, frowning at the faded black of Meiyuu's trousers. Children should not have to fling daggers at a dead piece of wood as if they had nothing else in the world.

He stared at the rather spectacular tear in the ragged shirt the boy wore.

Children should not be so weighed down by sorrow deep enough to freeze their eyes into lifeless sapphires…

We're here.

Miataru started, staring at the imposing, red-brick building before him. The inn… Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Meiyuu's thin form retreating into darkness of the night…

Wait! he called out. The little form stopped, waiting for him to continue. Please, would you like to join me for supper?

Silence.

I would really appreciate some company… Miataru began.

All right.

The words were so soft; he almost didn't catch it. As it was, he couldn't be certain if the boy had really acquiesced or if it was a product of his own hope. Until the boy turned and gestured at him to enter the inn. All the while, Miataru couldn't shake off the feeling that something wasn't quite right.

Perhaps the bad feeling was coming from Meiyuu… but no. It wasn't. It was something different. It *was* connected with the boy, but Miataru knew, he somehow knew that the child was not the problem.

As Meiyuu and he sat down at a table and waited for the food he had requested to arrive, he wondered why Shiranai's face came to mind.

However, by the time the food arrived, Miataru had long left thinking of the strange feeling he experienced and was instead asking his young companion about Seidou Rosuto, the town. The two ate slowly, not so much hindered by the questions as by Meiyuu's reluctance to give the answers. The boy did not like talking about the town.

Miataru briefly wondered why. It seemed to strange that the boy was so skittish around the subject of Seidou Rosuto and Shiranai…

An accidental glimpse out the window wiped all thoughts of Shiranai and the town out of Miataru's mind.

Won't your parents worry about you being so late, Meiyuu? he gasped. The bitter blue eyes hardened. Miataru blinked, shocked by the transformation that had just taken place.

Meiyuu? he asked hesitantly.

The boy shook himself. No… They won't care. Meiyuu averted his eyes, staring hard at the floor.

All parents care for their children, Miataru argued, not understanding.

Meiyuu kept his eyes trained to the floor. I know they won't care. They went away a long time ago.

Miataru frowned and started to say something… and suddenly, all the hints——the boy's bitterness, the sorry state of Meiyuu's clothes, the sorrow in the very way the child held himself, and he understood.

Would you then please stay with me this night? Miataru smiled. I don't want to be alone either.

And if any were shocked that such the troublemaking brat made friends with the one known as 'Miataru', they hid it well.

***********************************************************************

Meiyuu shifted  in his bed and snuggled into the soft pillow, attempting to ignore the soft whispers. If only whoever was whispering would stop. It was early, much too early, to get up, for Meiyuu to get up, and he was still tired from his earlier struggles with Shira.

Wait a minute… soft whispering noises? Shira?

Meiyuu jolted awake, his eyes snapping open to see…

His friend reclining comfortably in Aragorn's arms, whispering softly to the dark-haired Man.

Meiyuu's face burned. He quickly shut his eyes, feigning sleep to hide his embarrassment. He quickly began concentrating on the very interesting embroidered patterns his hands brushed over on the inside of his blanket. He had always hated fancy embroidery and other meaningless decorations, of course. But suddenly… the rough texture of those tiny stitches seemed *so* fascinating…

Until he heard his own name whispered.

He suddenly forgot about his earlier embarrassment and became very attentive to the conversation between Legolas and Aragorn.

"We've been close friends ever since, though Meiyuu did keep his secrets to himself," Legolas was saying.

"So I see," Aragorn murmured, his warm breath blowing across a pointed ear. "He reminds me of you."

"How could he remind you of me?" Legolas scowled cutely.

Aragorn smirked. "How, indeed, my dear Legolas…" His hands slyly slid up the Elf's back, pausing to sensuously massage the muscles between the white, smooth shoulders that were covered by a soft shirt.

Legolas groaned and melted into that touch. "That feels wonderful," Legolas sighed, smiling as warm, sweet lips covered his in a sweet embrace.

"There's the fact that you do too much," Aragorn broke the kiss and looked at his lover, concern in his grey eyes. "Couldn't you, or Meiyuu for that matter, think of yourself for once? You feel neither your own pain nor your own suffering when there is another in peril. And, for all that I worry for other people as well, I would see you happy and not in pain."

Legolas smiled knowledgeably. "How could I be happy when another is suffering?" he asked, enjoying the hand that tenderly brushed over the smooth surface of his cheek.

Meiyuu wondered how they would feel if they knew a certain dark-haired boy was staring at them. Really… he hadn't *intended* to let his eyelids crack open. He didn't *mean* to listen attentively to every word exchanged. It just… happened.

Now what was he supposed to do? If he made a noise, they'd know he was awake. And if they knew he was awake, being the people they were, they would insist on finding out what was wrong with him, and then they would try to help him with Shira. And they couldn't help him there. That was his problem. If they got involved, they might be killed and… and… and it'd all be for nothing! Because they didn't have any mental powers, and Shira could *only* be defeated with magic. No matter how impressive Aragorn's desire to protect him was, and no matter how much he appreciated Legolas' silent courage, it was *nothing* if they couldn't throw Shira's spell back in his face.

And so, he couldn't let them know he was awake.

He realized he was still staring at them and flushed, ashamed of his behavior, ashamed of his lack of control over himself.

How could he give into the temptation to eavesdrop on his friends' conversation? How could he have so little self-control that he would let his eyes open and see Aragorn caressing Legolas? How…

Wait a minute. On his friends'… No. Oh no. Legolas was his friend, yes, but Aragorn most certainly *wasn't*.

It didn't matter what Aragorn had said to him about that because he *knew* the man really only wanted to help Legolas. And that was perfectly fine with him because he didn't *need* many friends, just Legolas, and he didn't *want* many friends…

Who knew what Shira would do to them, he thought dryly.

But that didn't matter anyways because Aragorn and Legolas would be safe once they went to Gondor and left him, and… and…

And he didn't even want to think what the sudden pain in his heart, the constriction of his throat, the stinging in his eyes, the hitch in his breath could mean. Because that would mean admitting to himself that he car——

Maybe watching Legolas and Aragorn kiss each other wasn't such a bad idea after all. Anything to stop thinking of the silly thought he had been about to think.

Or not.

He watched as Aragorn's deft hands slid under the grass-green shirt Legolas was wearing, skimming over what must have been smooth skin and toned muscles. Apparently, his friends had other plans besides just kissing. And as happy as he was to see Legolas so joyful, watching his friend engage in… er… was not an option.

Maybe now is not such a bad time to let them know I'm awake, the boy thought to himself.

He closed his eyes and stirred, purposefully rustling the sheets loudly. He opened his mouth in a large yawn, stretching his arms out slowly. Carefully he cracked his eyes open.

Legolas choked as he saw Meiyuu stir on his bed, yawning like a sleepy child rudely awakened. He jerked away from Aragorn, as if he were burned from the Man's touch. His cheeks flamed red.

"Are you awake now, my friend?" Legolas inquired hurriedly, embarrassed.

Meiyuu stared at him, his cobalt eyes bloodshot and bleary. He yawned again and rubbed at his eyes. "I am now, Legolas," he said, meaning to sound like a sleepy, but awakening adult. It came out as a whine.

Aragorn burst out laughing. "Did we wake you?" he chortled.

Meiyuu sat on the bed, glaring at him sullenly, the exact image of an irate child.

Aragorn grinned at him. "Sorry," he told the youth.

The latter didn't think he looked very sincere.

Legolas smiled at the antics of his friends and took a seat beside Meiyuu. "The food should arrive shortly, Meiyuu, so tis good that you have awakened."

Meiyuu didn't think so.

He averted his eyes and absentmindedly rubbed his left hand with his right thumb. His being awake meant more opportunities for Shira to take control of him. And, being the weakling that he was, it was just a matter of time before the bastard got what he wanted.

He sighed.

You are such a weakling, Meiyuu, he thought at himself.

And, of course, it was true. Because Shira could do just about anything he bloody well pleased, and he, Meiyuu, was utterly helpless to do anything to stop him from hurting the people he loved. Like his father. Like his Mira. Like Legolas.

Oh Gods, he hated Shira! Shira had caused him so much pain… He'd been robbed of his family… his home… his face and hands… He'd nearly lost his friends and his life…

A thought occurred to him.

Who was he? Did *Meiyuu* even exist? Or was he some creation Shira conjured up…

He gulped, not wanting to think about it. But his mind refused to let it go…

Who was he? What was his name? His *real* name? Was it Meiyuu? Was it ——what had his father called him——Alistair? Or was it something completely different?

He couldn't be sure. For all he knew, Shira could have created the memory of "Alistair" to confuse him. Just as he created "Meiyuu" to control him.

He felt a sob trying to escape his throat.

Shira had stolen his identity from him as well.

*************************

Another part of Rivendell

*************************

"Do you understand now?"

Frodo and Gimli nodded, the former stricken, the latter grim.

"I u-understand, lord Elrond," the Hobbit whispered. "Gandalf will be the best protection  they could have, but——"

"——but persuading Aragorn to take them to Gondor tomorrow might prove a bit difficult," the dwarf finished. He then frowned. "But he'll agree… to keep Legolas safe."

Frodo stared at him, startled by the strange lapse in his friend's words.

Elrond nodded gravely. "Elladan and Elrohir are fetching the rest of the Fellowship, and bringing them here. Once here, all of you can go to Gondor to watch over them, for I am certain they will need your help as well."

He smiled then, softly and sadly, feeling the pain of an inevitable separation weigh on his soul.

It was almost time for him to leave for the West.

Almost.

He could not go while there was still so much to accomplish, to do. He could not go while evil still pursued Legolas and Meiyuu. He could not go while his friends still had need of him.

He closed his eyes briefly.

In a way, he *wanted* to go West. He wanted to be reunited with his beloved Celebrian. He wanted to leave the pain and sorrows of Middle Earth behind. He wanted peace.

Yet…

He was loathe to leave his friends, his family. Aragorn, his son in all but bloodline. Gimli, the gruff but kind dwarf he had come to know so well. Elladan and Elrohir, his twin sons. Legolas, who he had just found.

In some ways, he envied the other Elf. Legolas would never remember the call of the gulls or the sight of the Sea. He would not feel the pull of the Sea. He would not go West.

To leave his friend after he had just found him again… It was not a prospect Elrond was looking forward to. But Legolas would be safe with Aragorn in Gondor, and it was obvious from the way he had seen them together that they intended to remain so for as long as Aragorn lived.

It was of some consolation to Elrond that he would not leave alone. Gandalf would probably leave with him, as soon as Shira was taken care of. Frodo would definitely travel with him, having been special permission by the Elves across the sea. He would go West, much as his mentor Bilbo had.

The Hobbit would leave Middle Earth with Elrond, who did not want to leave Middle Earth.

Yes… if the half-Elf were to be honest with himself, he truly did not want to leave. It wasn't just leaving his friends that pulled at his heart. It was leaving his home, his life.

Despite the pain he had endured here, despite the dark memories of battles he had been forced to fight, despite the loss of friends he had suffered… this was his home. He knew this place, the lovely Rivendell. He knew the people who lived here. He knew the colors of the trees in autumn. He knew the fresh scent of the air in spring. He knew the smell of the fragrant flowers in summer. He knew the peaceful sleep of the woods in winter.

His had been the touch that had built this place. His hands were the ones that crafted the beauty. His ring had been the one that sustained the wonder of Rivendell.

And now that it was his time to leave, he did not want to.

But he had no choice.

Frodo saw the weary look on Elrond's face and placed a hand on the Elven lord's shoulder in sympathy. The Hobbit had seen the changes within Elrond, even before he, Aragorn, and Gimli had set off on what would be their final search for Legolas, and he knew that soon, they would depart from Middle Earth.

But Frodo knew that neither he nor Elrond would not leave, not until they knew that his friends were safe from  those who  pursued them.

Elrond smiled at the Hobbit fondly. "Would you two take the tray up to where your friends are waiting? I have much to do before the morrow comes."

"Sure," Gimli  said. He easily lifted the silver tray filled with fruits and vegetables  off of the desk, and, together with Frodo, he left the room.

He turned to the Hobbit once he was certain Elrond was out of earshot. "What's wrong with him, Frodo?" He, too, had noticed the changes within the stoic Elven lord.

"The Sea calls to him, Gimli, and soon he must answer it," Frodo answered solemnly. "I will be going with him as well."

"We'll miss you when you go," Gimli grumbled softly. "I will miss you."

Frodo nodded, feeling the pain that weighed upon Elrond's heart settle upon his own. "You knew that I was planning to go, Gimli; I was merely waiting until we found our friend."

The Dwarf had nothing.

What could he say? As much as he abhorred the idea of his friends leaving, he could not beg them to stay.

His heart turned into lead within him.

Frodo and Elrond were leaving. And Gandalf… well, the wizard would probably leave for the Havens as well. And his kin? Well, he had long lost contact with them, choosing instead to search for his dear friend Legolas. And the latter…

Legolas and Aragorn were still his friends. But they had never seemed so distant. Legolas, who was once his best friend, had all but forgotten him. And Aragorn, wrapped up as he was in Legolas' sudden appearance after three years of searching, had also seemed to forget him.

Realization struck him.

He was going to lose all of his friends.

To be continued