Chrysanthemum sat by Frodo's bedside, his hand in hers. His face was still. 'Where am I?' he murmured, his eyes slowly opening.
'You are in the House of Elrond and it is ten o'clock in the morning on October twenty-fourth, if you want to know,' Gandalf said. He was sitting next to Chrys.
'Gandalf,' Frodo said. He looked up and his eyes met Chrys. 'Chrysanthemum.'
Chrys laughed, despite a tear running down her cheek. 'Frodo, it's been many a long year since you've called me Chrysanthemum.'
Frodo reached up and touched her cheek, wiping the tear away. 'Why are you crying, Chrys?'
'I'm just so happy that you're here and you're safe.'
'Gandalf. You're here!' Frodo said sitting up. Chrys propped up his pillows for him.
'Yes, I'm here. And you're lucky to be here too. After all the absurd things you've down since you left home,' Gandalf said, taking a puff of his pipe.
'Where's Sam? And the others?' Frodo asked with concern.
'They're all safe, Frodo,' Chrys said. 'Sam was here an hour ago, but Gandalf sent him away to get some rest. Merry and Pippin have become very much at home since they arrived.'
'How long have I been lying here?' Frodo asked.
'Nearly four days and three nights,' Gandalf replied.
'Yes,' Chrys said going to the window. 'We've all been very anxious about you. Especially Aragorn.'
'Strider?'
'Yes. He felt responsible about you getting hurt. He'll be happy to know that you're awake,' Chrys replied opening the window to let in the air and the sunlight.
'Yes, I have become fond of him. Well, fond is not the right word.' Frodo said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. 'I mean he is dear to me; though he is strange, and grim at times. Oh, I suppose it must be in the nature of Rangers to be strange and grim when called for.'
'There are few left in Middle-Earth quite like Aragorn, son of Arathorn,' Gandalf said, knowingly. 'The race of Kings from over the sea is nearly at an end. I suppose that this will be their last adventure.'
'Do you mean that Strider is one of the people of the old Kings? I thought that he was only a Ranger.'
'Only a Ranger! My dear Frodo, that is just what the Rangers are: the last remnant in the North of he great people, the Men of the West.'
'And here comes a man from the East,' Chrys remarked from the window. 'Looks Gondorian. Wait a moment. There's a woman with him.'
'A woman? Let me see,' Gandalf said. He went to the window and smiled. 'That, Chrysanthemum Brown, is the Lady Eileena of Gondor, daughter of the Steward of Gondor. A woman of renowned beauty and skill with a blade.'
'A warrior? But a lady as warrior is unheard of!'
'Ah. But has Aragorn not taught you to use a blade.'
'Well, yes, but...'
'Women of the West and North have proved themselves worthy in battle and in governing a country.' Gandalf left the two hobbits. Chrys turned to Frodo.
'You've learned to use a sword?' Frodo asked.
Chrys blushed. 'Aragorn felt that I should be able to defend myself if every I was in danger.'
'Chrys. My dear Chrys. You are truly are a Jill of All Trades.'
'Thank you, Frodo. Now if you'll excuse me, the others will want to know that you're awake.' Frodo watched Chrys hurry out the door. He wondered who the mysterious Gondorian woman was.
*************************************************************************
'Oh Glory,' were the first word that escaped Eileena's mouth as she entered Rivendell. She could see the leaves that the leaves were becoming as red as her own hair. She patted Menelya and nudged her forward.
As she rode into the courtyard behind Boromir, a man took the reins of her horse. 'Allow me, my lady,' he said as he reached up for her. She nodded and allowed him to help her dismount. The man was tall, about a foot taller than she. He had dark hair and beard. His eyes were the same exact shade of blue as hers, though his lacked the silver like streaks that were present in hers.
Who is the man? Why do I feel so connected to him? She asked herself as the man led her and Boromir into the House of Elrond. 'Sir, I do not mean to pry, but who are you?' she asked as she walked beside the man who had offered her his arm.
He smiled at Eileena. 'My name is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. Whom do I have the honor of addressing?'
'I am Eileena and this is my elder brother Boromir. Our father is Lord Denethor, steward of Gondor.'
'I am honored to meet a lady of renowned beauty and skill with a blade. As I am equally honored to meet a man of a valiant nature. I shall leave the both of you to bathe and dress for dinner.' He kissed Eileena's hand, gave Boromir a nod, and departed. Eileena watched him go as an elf maiden led her to her room and a warm bath.
'Beautiful girl,' Aragorn said to Master Elrond as he watched Eileena being led to her room.
'Indeed. She has fiery spirit as well. Her brother gave me this.' He handed Aragorn a letter from Lord Denethor.
Master Elrond,
I wish you to do something about my daughter, Eileena. She has developed interests that are unbecoming of a woman and a lady. I hope that stay with you will teach her, the way a lady should act in society. Please help me with her. Teach her to respect the word of her father and not to defy him, and to keep her opinions to herself.
I eagerly await her return and I hope for improvement,
Yours respectively,
Lord Denethor.
'Why does he want to change her? When I met her in the courtyard, she seemed polite and well mannered.'
'Yes. Interesting,' Elrond mused to himself. 'Yes, it is time.'
'My Lord Elrond?'
'It is time that Eileena learn the truth about her heritage.' He left Aragorn very much perplexed.
Eileena felt as though three pounds of dust had been washed off. A bath had been very much welcomed after riding such a far distance. She was much surprised to find a gown laying on her bed when she stepped out of her bath.
It was a beautiful color of sky blue that brought out the blue in her eyes. Next to it was an undergown that was a silvery cloud color. Atop her pillow were a silver circlet and a silver chain on which hung a star shaped diamond. A note was next to it. She picked it up and was about to open it when there was a knock on the door.
'Lady Eileena, may I come in?' a women's voice said from the other side of her door. Eileena opened the door and opened it to find an elf maiden standing there. 'Greetings. I am Arwen, daughter of Elrond. I understand you will be staying with us for a while.'
'Indeed,' Eileena said unfolding the note. It read: This necklace belonged to your mother. She would have wanted you to have it. Wear it with pride.
She stared at the note in confusion. 'Arwen, do you know who sent this?' She handed Arwen the note. 'And what does it have to do with my mother? She died when I was a young girl.'
Arwen read the note. 'I am not sure who sent you this note or the necklace, but who ever it was seemed to have thought you should have it. Now come, let us go to dinner.'
Arwen led Eileena to the dining-hall, where they sat under a canopy together. Eileena had never seen so many different people in one place. She saw Elves, Dwarves, other men, and even six children all dining together.
'Arwen, who are those six children?' she asked indicating where they sat.
'Those are not children. They are hobbits.'
'Halflings,' Eileena whispered to herself. She had always had a fascination with hobbits, every since Gandalf had told her the story of a Bilbo Baggins when she was a child.
Eileena talked with Arwen through the whole meal. Eileena was glad to have found a friend among strangers. After the meal, Arwen lead Eileena to meet Lord Elrond, Arwen's father and lord of Rivendell.
'Pray sit Lady Eileena," Elrond said.
'Thank you, my lord.' Eileena moved to a chair. Aragorn moved the chair away from the table for Eileena to sit. Eileena looked up at him. 'Thank you.' He smiled, helped Arwen to her seat and sat next her.
'Lady Eileena, I am curious as to why your father would send you to me. As far as I am concerned, there is nothing wrong with you,' Elrond said taking his own seat.
'It is my belief that he has always thought that I would be a proper young lady and bend to his every will. As you know, my lord, I am a very independent young woman. I have always had an interest in swordplay, archery, and so on. Faramir would teach me, when he wasn't off fighting. He and I thought it best for me to defend myself in case of an attack on the citadel.'
'Very practical,' Aragorn commented.
'Yes. But Father didn't see it that way. He left me alone until I was fourteen, then he kept me in the citadel receiving lessons from a governess. Faramir and I would ride to a spot by the river. Boromir sometimes came with us. I learned to track, hunt, forage, and what not. But Father found out. He was outraged of course, but he didn't send me away. He would make a new rule, but I would find a way around it. For instance, he said I couldn't practice weaponry inside the city, so I went to Osgiliath and practiced there. But the more I defied him, the more I grew to resent him. He must have gotten tired of me defying him and questioning his orders, so he sent me away. I believe he wishes you to make me a lady.'
'I wonder what makes you disregard his orders?' Arwen asked.
'My father may be a noble man, but he doesn't seem to care about the people of Gondor. I've taken it upon myself to govern the citadel, while Boromir and Faramir defend it.'
Lord Elrond rose from his chair and paced for a moment. 'Nothing I can do can change who you are. But you are welcome to stay with us as long as you like.'
'I thank you Lord Elrond. You are most kind. Perhaps all I need is a little rest and peace.'
'Lady Eileena, there is a council tomorrow in the courtyard. You are welcome to attend if you wish to.'
'I thank you again, my lord. If you'll excuse me.' Eileena rose from her seat, curtsied, and exited the dining-hall.
She was halfway down the hall when she realized that she was being followed by Aragorn. 'Why do you follow me, milord?'
'I wanted to ask you if you would not mind showing me your skill with a blade. I am told you are quite an expert.'
'Not as good as you, I should think. You've had more time to perfect your skill.'
Aragorn laughed heartily. 'Perhaps I could teach you some new tricks.'
Eileena smiled. 'That would be wonderful. Thank you, milord,' she said with a curtsy.
'Tomorrow, after the council then. I will meet you by the stables.'
Eileena nodded and walked out onto the terrace. She felt a cool breeze on her face and run through her body. She shuddered and sighed. There was a weight on her shoulders as someone placed a cloak around her shoulders. She looked up and saw an elf with blonde hair and blue eyes, standing beside her.
'A lady should not be cold,' he said.
'Thank you,' she replied softly.
'My pleasure. I am Legolas of Mirkwood.'
'Eileena of Gondor.'
'It is a pleasure to meet a lady of such a renowned reputation,' he said kissing her hand.
'As it is a pleasure to meet an archer of such a skill that you have been blessed with, Legolas.'
'I trust that your stay in Rivendell will be a most enjoyable one.' He bowed and left.
'The fates must have plans for us, my lady.' Eileena turned around to see Aragorn behind her.
She smiled. 'Indeed, my lord. Will you walk with me?'
'I would be honored.'
Eileena walked along the terrace with Aragorn for awhile. Then she saw the six hobbits that she thought to be children at dinner. One of them was a lass with auburn curls and twinkling blue eyes. She sat next to a lad with dark curly hair and the deepest blue eyes she had ever seen. Eileena walked towards them slowly so as not to scare them.
'Look at that elf,' one of them said. 'She's beautiful.'
'You are most kind in saying so, master halfing. But I fear that I am no elf,' Eileena said kindly.
'I beg your pardon mistress,' the hobbit said blushing shamishly.
'Its quite all right,' Eileena said kneeling down so she was at the same height as the halfings. Aragorn did the same.
"Strider!" one of them cried. 'Lovely to see you again.'
'I am glad that you are well again, Frodo. I understand that you have had a wonderful nurse.'
The lass blushed. 'Oh, Aragorn. I just did what you taught me.'
'My friends, I'd like to introduce you to some one. This is Lady Eileena of Gondor.'
'A pleasure, Lady Eileena. I am Frodo Baggins," said the hobbit with deep blue eyes. 'This is Chrysanthemum Brown.'
'I am generally called Chrys. I am pleased to meet you my lady,' the hobbit lass said.
'And this is Samwise Gamgee.' Frodo indicated to hobbit that had mistaken Eileena for an elf. 'We generally call him Sam. This is Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took, more commonly known as Merry and Pippin. And finally this is my Uncle Bilbo Baggins.'
'Ah. I have heard the story of Bilbo Baggins and the dragon Smaug,' Eileena said with a smile. 'It is a pleasure to meet you all.'
'Excuse me, my dear,' the aged hobbit said politely. 'But are you not sometimes called The Bane of Men?'
Eileena gave a slight laugh. 'Ha! I see that my reputation proceeds me, yet again.' She gave Aragorn a secret wink. 'I am indeed called that.'
'Why would they call you that?' Chrys asked.
'They call me that because they are many young men seeking my hand in marriage. They come everyday to court me, but I have never favored any of them.'
'Really?' Frodo asked. 'I would have thought a woman as beautiful as you would have found one you favored.'
'No. They all wanted to marry me for personnel gain so to speak. They simply wanted to marry me to improve their positions in life and because of who my father is.'
'Don't worry, my dear,' Bilbo said patting her hand reassuringly. 'You'll find someone someday.'
'Thank you, Mr. Baggins. But you all must excuse me. I must retire.'
'Good night, my lady.' Bilbo and the hobbits bowed to her and she returned it.
Eileena stood and left Aragorn and the hobbits talking on the terrace. As she walked to her room, she bumped into a dwarf.
'Oh! Please excuse me. I did not see you,' Eileena said politely.
'Quite alright,' he said in a gruff voice. 'Just don't let it happen again.' He brushed past Eileena and continued down the hallway.
'What a very rude dwarf,' Eileena said to herself as she continued down the hall towards her room.
Summer and Adiva sit at a table, dressed in pirate garb.
Adiva: So you expect me to write a chapter with naught but a name and your word it's the one I need.
Summer: No. I expect you to write a chapter with absolutely no name at all. Then as you finish, I'll shout the name back to you.
Adiva: But that still leaves me without a name and your word it's the one I need.
Summer: Of the two of us, I am the only one who writes and edits her chapters in a timely fashion. So my word is the one we'll be trusting. Of course I should be thanking you. If you hadn't deserted me on Battle of Nerves I would have an equal share in writer's block same as you. (Takes a bite of apple) Funny old world ain't it?
Adiva: (Sneers menacingly at Summer as she eats the apple)
(Some time later....)
(A large black goose with an ankh around its neck flies up to Adiva with the latest chapter clutched in its beak. Summer scrambles across desks after it.)
Adiva: Why thank you, Summer.
Summer: . . . You're welcome.
Adiva: No, no, we named the Angst Goose Summer.
Goose: *honking* Angst! Angst!
Summer: Fine! It gets angst-ier after this! Satisfied?
Adiva: Well, I've proved you're mad.
Summer: Quit mixing scenes, Adiva.
Adiva: Sorry. . .
(Note: The Angst Goose is the office pet of Really Big Pencil Ltd. Whenever we're stuck, we turn to it, and it invariably gives the same advice: "Angst! Angst!" Whether that's good advice or bad, we've yet to decide. Notes on the actual story: Anything you don't like is Summer's fault, because she's in Italy and can't defend herself. *grin*
More soon, with any luck, although likely not until after Spring Break. Obligatory plead for reviews.
n Adiva Calandia
n Summer Skye [in absentia])
