Chapter Five: Embraces and Eyes

As much as Frodo loved Rivendell, the one thing he didn't like was how big it was. Even an Elf could be easily lost there if they did not know their way around. He had thought he remembered where Elrond's chamber was, but he must have taken a wrong turn somewhere, because shortly after leaving his room he found himself lost.

"Excuse me," he said to an Elf that was walking down the passageway, "could you tell me where the chamber of Master Elrond is?"

The Elf bowed low. "Certainly, Master Perian," he said. "First you must walk back the way you came until you reach the end of the corridor. Once you arrive there, climb the stairs one flight. Walk down the hallway at the top of the stairs until you reach the end. Then turn to your left. It will be the fourth door on the right."

"Thank you," said Frodo, and he began to walk back down the passageway.

He was nervous, he realized as he ascended the staircase. Which was silly, of course. There was no reason to be nervous about asking Elrond if Sam's bed could be moved into his room. He was quite sure Elrond wouldn't mind, and would certainly approve if he thought it would aide Frodo's recovery.

As he walked down the corridor, he realized that his palms were sweating. "This is ridiculous, Frodo," he said to himself. "It's a simple request. There's no reason to be tense."

Once he reached the end of the hallway, he realized that he had forgotten the Elf's directions. Was it "turn to the left, fourth door on the right" or "turn to the right, fourth door on the left"? Frodo decided to try the latter.

The fourth door on the right was magnificently carved and inlaid with white jewels. It certainly looked grand enough to be for Elrond. Frodo knocked. There was no answer. The door was open slightly, so he pushed it open a bit and stuck his head in.

His ears turned red right up to the tips. Inside the room were Strider and the Lady Arwen, kissing passionately. Their bodies were pressed close together and Strider was running one hand through the Lady's hair.

"I'm sorry!" Frodo blurted hastily, not realizing in his embarrassment that they had not noticed him. The two sprang apart and turned towards him, their mouths open in surprise.

"I'm s-sorry," Frodo stuttered, "but I was looking for Elrond's room, and I got lost, and –"

Strider held up one hand. "It's all right, Frodo," he said softly. "I believe you will find Elrond's room down this corridor and – "

"On the left, I know, thank you," said Frodo, and decided to leave before he made even more of a fool of himself.

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After reaching the actual door, Frodo knocked. "Who is it?" asked a voice from within.

"It-it's Frodo Baggins," said Frodo. "Is Elrond – "

The door opened and Elrond came out. "Yes?" he asked. "Come inside."

"Oh, I don't want to trouble you, I've just got a question," said Frodo. "Do you suppose that" he wiped his hands on his trousers "we could move Sam's bed into my room?"

To Frodo's surprise, Elrond knelt down on the floor and rested his hands upon Frodo's shoulders. Their eyes met, cerulean upon woad. Frodo blinked after a couple of seconds, worried and uncertain as to what this was about, but Elrond did not. Finally, after almost a minute, Elrond removed his hands from Frodo's shoulders and rose.

"You may," he said quietly.

"Thank you," said Frodo, and hurried back to his room before he could have any more discomforting experiences.