Chapter 2: No Rest for the Weary

Frodo Baggins looked out and saw a beautiful landscape, green and lit up by the many crimsons, golds, and oranges of a late sunrise. The radiance cut through even the misty grayness of the Sea. The Ring-bearer fingered Evenstar, given to him by Arwen, and he stared in wonder and awe at this New World.

Something, however, ate away at his mind. The destroyed Ring was ever still poisoning his thoughts, so that he was blind to right and wrong. "It was mine...my own..." he whispered, still clutching Evenstar.

Yet the shining jewel he still wore was a defense. The corruption of the Ring made him deceitful, lust-filled, but Evenstar was the lone barrier against him turning from someone like Smeagol...to someone like Gollum.

The sight of the Havens before him made him temporarily forget about the Ring, for the land was so beautiful, so pure, he could not think of dark troubles.

A figure, robed in gray and white, came up behind him.  "Our Destination approaches," he said to Frodo.

The Hobbit looked up. "Gandalf..." he said smiling. Yet his smile was wicked and sly; the wizard made his thoughts turn back to the Ring...

Gandalf noticed with sorrow, for now he knew Elrond and Galadriel were right. But he said naught, for they were landing.

Lady Lassalanta turned from Lady Galadriel, knowing she was correct, but hating it all the more. Well, I know now... she thought to herself. Frodo won't last long...although to kill him will be harder than anything...

She stepped carefully from the boat to the land, and the pure white sand beneath her feet made her sigh with happiness. I have always wanted to be here...and here I am...but...he is not...

She remembered her beloved once more, but could not be sad in this world of peace and joy. She walked with the entire escort of all who accompanied her on the boat, and noticed the other Hobbit, much older. She slowed her pace to speak with him.

"You are Bilbo Baggins, correct?"

"That I am," he managed to say, for he was very tired.

She smiled. "Be not weary in this land of life! For all is happy here…" She managed to keep the trouble out of her voice.

Bilbo looked up at her and returned the smile, then said, "I shall not! But, do tell me...how is Frodo?"

Lassalanta did not answer for a moment. Then, "He is just as happy here as any other...although his thoughts are still back at Middle-Earth."

Bilbo nodded. "Yes, he was always in love with the Shire...I am not surprised. Yet he will be happier still, at this lovely place!"

The Shire isn't the only thing he was in love with... Lassalanta thought to herself, but did not venture to repeat the comment aloud; to do so would raise suspicions.

Now they were met by a happily singing crowd of all sorts: Elves, mostly, but some great Men...but no Dwarves nor Hobbits yet.

Frodo noticed this with anger in slight. He tightened his grip on Evenstar. No Hobbits? he thought. Well, I will just have to be the first... Now his anger turned to pride.

One Elf stepped forward. "Greetings. My name is Folcred, once of the house of Finarfin. I welcome you all to the Havens." He bowed, and the remaining of the escort followed his lead.

The ones arriving returned the gesture. Then, one came forward, a bright smile. "Folcred, my brother!" he exclaimed. "It is I, Glorfindel, Eldarin lord of Rivendell."

Folcred saw him and laughed in his joy. "Glorfindel!" he shouted. "My brother! These are good times, indeed."

Frodo looked over and saw Glorfindel, whom he met in the earlier part of the journey, when traveling to Rivendell. "Glorfindel?" he asked, disbelieving. How could he not have noticed the great Elf?

Glorfindel turned, and smiled. "Frodo Baggins..." he said gently. "It has been a long time..."

Elrond now came up to the reunited brothers. "Glorfindel, Eldarin lord, of the house of Finarfin! And his brother, Folcred of the same house! This truly is a place of rejoicing."

Frodo smirked at Glorfindel and Folcred. "Glorfindel rescued me from the Black Riders..." he said in an almost bragging tone.

Gandalf now said sternly, "Do not talk of such matters! We have left those behind in Middle-earth, for even though they have been defeated with the destruction of the Ring; their darkness still lives in others! But, now! This is a place of happiness, so let us not speak of the dark past!"

Galadriel smiled softly. "The reunited brothers have already done that, Mithrandir," she informed him, the light smile almost teasing him.

He looked over and saw the two chatting gaily, and laughed at himself. Frodo smiled, the same almost-mocking smirk he wore when they arrived. "Sometimes you need to lighten up, Gandalf," he joked.

The wizard nodded, although he watched Frodo's grin with uneasiness. Elrond and Galadriel noticed his slightly disturbed glance and quickly walked elsewhere. Lassalanta followed, wanting to take part in yet another council.

Gandalf came soon afterward, and the four of them stood silently. Then Lassalanta said with a sigh: "No rest for the weary."