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Imladris Revisited
By: DLR 2002
Disclaimer: They're his characters, he can keep 'em.
Elrond/OFC
Rated: PG

Chapter 27

"Imprisoned?" asked Elrond, startled. "How do you mean, imprisoned?"

"Exactly that."

"Why, then?"

"For refusing to join forces."

"But . . . but . . ." Elrond stammered.

"For refusing to join forces in Evil," elaborated Gandalf.

"Mithrandir," said Elrond, irritated. "You will stop speaking in riddles."

Gandalf sighed. "Saruman wants the Ring for himself. He has a palantir and it became obvious he is under the control of Sauron, who must have one as well. All of our previous confidences in Saruman are now known by the Enemy."

There was a pause as Elrond digested this news. "We should have seen this coming, we suspected as much, years ago at the last council meeting. Now matters are worse."

He stared over the edge of the balcony, looking at Frodo and Sam in the courtyard below.  "His strength returns."

"The wound will never completely heal."

Elrond's lips tightened. "Yet to have come so far, still bearing the Ring, the hobbit has shown remarkable resilience to its evil."

"It is a burden he should never have had to bear," said Gandalf. "We can ask no more of Frodo."*

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Frodo looked up from where he stood in the courtyard. He could see Gandalf and Elrond conversing on an upper balcony. They are probably talking about me, he thought, and all the mistakes I have made so far.

Sam was going through his pack, checking his possessions. Frodo knew he wanted to go home again, back to the Shire, as did Frodo himself.

Back to the quiet life he knew before he ever had heard of the Enemy and Black Riders.

He had no wish for any more adventures.

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"When will you have this council?"

"Do you wish to attend, Mithrandir?" Elrond raised his eyebrows. "I thought it did not interest you."

Gandalf ignored the sarcasm and waited.

"Tomorrow at ten o'clock," said Elrond. "We have had several more visitors arrive the last two days. There are ample representatives of all peoples to have at least a general discussion. I hope for a decision to be made, for the Enemy will not wait while we bicker and argue."  He considered a moment. "Perhaps if I just tell everyone what has to be done, do you think they will listen to me?"

Gandalf smiled. "Give a representative council direct orders? I suppose it would not hurt to try. Isildur did not listen to you, though, why should they?"

"Why indeed," said Elrond. "Of course with Isildur I merely said to him "throw the Ring in there," I did not give him any pressing arguments. The edge of the Crack of Doom is not a good place for a lengthy debate."

"I am sure you will get the point across."

"Yes, I will try to prepare a very forceful and convincing speech. I can count on you, can I not, for support?"

Gandalf laid his hand on Elrond's shoulder. "As always, my friend, as always."


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The feast was over and Elrond escorted Arwen into the Hall of Fire. Culurien had not been present at the meal; she and the musicians had been preparing something special for their guests. And it had gone very well, she thought, Elrond, especially, seemed to enjoy himself.

She was glad when it was finished, however, she felt uncomfortable with all those strangers staring at her, mesmerized, while she sang.

As if I had three heads. The little hobbit, Frodo, seemed particularly entranced. He did not remember her from his illness, for he had been unconscious all of his time in the hall of healing.

Bilbo was preparing to sing a song he had been working on when she pulled him aside.

"Bilbo," she whispered. "Why does your nephew stare at me so?"

"He is not," Bilbo replied. "Look, he is sleeping."

Culurien rolled her eyes. "Obviously not now.  Before."

Bilbo looked at her in surprise. "You are lovely.  Does there need to be another reason?"

"It is uncomfortable to be stared at so."

"Would you have me speak to him?"

"Eru Menelesse, no," she exclaimed. "I would not want to embarrass him."

"I am sure it is nothing more than that," said Bilbo. "Have you been introduced?"

"Nay, not yet."

"Once he knows who you are, I am sure it will cease," said Bilbo soothingly.

Culurien looked at him sceptically and proceeded to sit next to Elrond.

Bilbo joined Frodo once his song had finished. The young hobbit was now fully awake.

Bilbo sighed with relief.  "That went better than I expected."

"You did not think they would like it?  Why not?"

"It was implied to me that hobbits should not have the cheek to be making songs about Eärendil in the house of Elrond," he said dryly.

"Was Lord Elrond offended?"

"I know not," replied Bilbo, "but at least he wasn't scowling at me, that is always a good sign."

They chatted for a few minutes, and then decided to go off for some private talk. "But first," Bilbo said, "there is someone you should meet."

He took Frodo up to Elrond and Culurien. He cleared his throat.  "I should like to introduce my nephew Frodo Baggins to Culurien, Lady of Rivendell."

Frodo's eyes widened, for she was the very bewitching looking elven female who had been singing earlier.

She smiled at him, her green eyes were hypnotic. "It is nice to meet you, Frodo Baggins."

Frodo said something in return; he had no clue as to what.

Elrond's eyebrows lifted and he looked around at them, his gaze finally resting on Bilbo, who wilted visibly.

"Ahem, yes," said Bilbo. "Well, Frodo, my lad, come along."

"What was all of that about?" Elrond murmured, when they had departed.

"I know not," said Culurien innocently. "I merely mentioned to Bilbo that we had not been introduced."

"Ah," said Elrond. "I see."

Elladan had finally arrived much to Elrohir's relief. He had never felt comfortable being parted from his twin for long periods.  They were standing behind Elrond's chair, talking to Aragorn, who stood behind Arwen.

"I do not know what is wrong with me tonight," Culurien whispered to Arwen. "I feel as if I am sitting here in my shift."

"I feel the same," said Arwen. "Tis all these mortals, they stare at one so."

"Yes, it is very disconcerting.  Why do they stare at us?"

Aragorn leaned forward. "They are in awe of your extreme beauty, ladies."

Culurien snorted. "Arwen, yes, but not I.  I am not beautiful enough to deserve such looks."

"You think too little of yourself, Lady.  I am sure Master Elrond would disagree with you."

"Indeed yes," Elrond said. "I am quite sure you deserve any strange looks you receive."

Culurien gave him a dark look. "You are not being very helpful."

He glanced at her, his eyes softening. "I am sorry you are uncomfortable, Linariel. Is this what that whole issue with Frodo Baggins was about?"

"Somewhat," she admitted, "but he is not the only one."  Culurien did not like the stares some of the men were giving her. She was not worried about hobbits, but tall, powerful men were something different.

Elrond looked at her face and grew serious. "Tell me who it is."

"No one in particular, there are several." She sighed. "Do not worry; I will apprize you if anyone approaches me."

Elrond felt his stomach tighten. This was indeed something to worry about. It was not as though Culurien was protected by the bonds of marriage. Still, a person would have to be insane to have designs on the betrothed of the Lord of Imladris.  "I think there will be no more singing from you for a while," he decided.

Culurien nodded.  "I agree, totally."

"Do not walk about alone, take a maid with you," continued Elrond. "Especially outside."

Culurien looked at him. "I do not think it is as bad as all that."

"Well, you will be the best judge of that," he responded. "Err on the side of caution, please.  There are many strangers in the house at this time."

Arwen had been listening to all of this, her eyes wide. "What are you afraid of Ada?"

"You as well, Arwen," Elrond said. "Let me know about any problems you might have with any of our guests. Take one of your maids with you around the house and grounds. Do not be alone."

"I have never been allowed to walk the grounds alone," Arwen said with a glint in her eye.

Elrond arched an eyebrow.  "It is not as though you have ever followed that rule."

"Why make it a rule if you do not care if I follow it?"

Elrond sighed. "Undómiel, I care, it is you that cares not." Arwen was silent.

"Listen to your father, Arwen," said Aragorn with a small smile.

She smiled back at him.  "I do not think I have anything to worry about, not with so many protectors."

Elrond smiled at his children, and then looked around the hall. The light was somewhat dim, but many people did seem to be staring in their direction. Hard to tell though, at whom the stares were directed.  Well, it is to be expected. Most mortals behaved in that manner, their first encounter with the Eldar. Arwen and Culurien did not have much experience of them yet, they would become used to it eventually.

These last seventy years or so, since their arrival from Lothlórien, there had been few mortals here. Most travellers were elves, on their way to the havens, or Istari, like Gandalf and Radagast.

Where was Mithrandir? Elrond thought, looking for him. He would voice his concern for Culurien and Gandalf could help, for he was very observant. He would soon find out what was happening, if anything.

He sighed, thinking about the Council tomorrow, rehearsing a speech in his mind


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*Yes, directly from the film, I know. ;) Sorry