Project Rivendell Part Five

(A/N: because it suits my purpose, I am using the travelling times (roughly) used in the books - I've read a bit of the first book - rather than in the movie. Anyone who has read the books will know that the hobbits did not reach the Prancing Pony in one day, as suggested in the film. It took several days, or weeks - and it was actually 17 years after Bilbo Baggins left that Frodo followed him to Rivendell! Also, Isaldur and Anondir, the elves, are my own invention and Isaldur is not to be confused with Isildur, the king.)

*****************************************8

Gwyneth stood, or rather stooped, in the doorway to Frodo's home. She had actually been awake several weeks, but Pippin had left before she awoke, and had not yet returned. She had learned from Frodo that Pippin had gone to seek help for her problems, both being unconscious, and being trapped in Middle Earth. When he had not returned after a day or two, Gwyneth had asked Frodo if it were possible that Pippin was injured.

"No, Gwyneth. Don't worry." Frodo had just poured her a cup of tea, and given her a slice of fruit cake. "It takes a week or two to get to the Prancing Pony, and a week or two to return. Then if he's been distracted by Polly..."

Frodo left that bit hanging. But he left Gwyneth in no doubt that time moved much more slowly in Middle Earth.

There was proof of that as Gwyneth watched the hobbits going about their daily business. No one rushed to the fields, and no one rushed back at night. She had come to admire this pre-industrial society, based on hard work, friendship and honour. No one cared about being rich, or powerful. People only cared about each other. There were the odd spats of course, as among all friends, but differences were settled in a quiet way. Someone always conceded, even if they might be in the wrong.

Only Frodo seemed apart from it all. There was no doubt that he loved his fellow hobbits, particularly Sam and his already extensive family (she wondered exactly what the hobbit gestation period was), but he had told her about the ring, and its effect on him. He felt like a stranger in his own home now. The Shire could no longer contain his restless spirit. Gwyneth already liked Frodo very much. But what was there not to like about him?

Gwyneth stepped out of the door and stretched. Though not as vain as Rhonda, Gwyneth had spent most of her life since her early teens on one diet or another, as was the 21st century way. She had also been something of a tomboy, a fact accentuated by her angular frame. Now, because of the delicious food Frodo prepared for her, such as roast chicken, roast potatoes apple pies, treacle tarts and custards (luckily the hobbit portions were fairly small), she had begun to fill out a little. She was by no means fat, but her hips and breasts were a little more rounded and womanly. Because she had grown out of her own clothes, a hobbit lady had made her a long skirt of soft felt material, covered in tiny blue forget-me- nots, and a pretty white blouse, with ruffles on the collar. There were several more pretty dresses hanging in the wardrobe in the bedroom Frodo had given over to her. Her hair had also grown quickly, so her wavy auburn locks were now brushing the collar of her blouse. She was beginning to feel like the heroine of a Barbara Cartland romance, and was more concerned that the fact didn't really bother her. All she needed now was a tall, handsome hero. Unfortunately, there weren't many of those in the Shire. She laughed quietly at her own fancy. What she needed was something to do! She had embraced this quiet life far too easily.

"Gwyneth! Breakfast is ready." Frodo called from the kitchen. She was sure they had just eaten dinner, then remembered that this was probably second breakfast. Sam had kindly explained the different hobbit meals to her, and she had felt full just at the thought of all those dinners. Never mind. She was feeling quite peckish...

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

Rhonda stood in the courtyard at Rivendell, smiling up at another elf, whose name was Isaldur. They had spent the previous night together, pretty much going over the same ground she had with Legolas. Rhonda had arrived at breakfast with Will that morning, giggling and saying:

"These elves can go all bloody night, you know?"

"I'm so happy for you." Will said dryly.

Isaldur was, like Legolas, tall and young, in elf years anyway, but whereas Legolas' hair was silver, Isaldur's was black, giving him the appearance of a hawk.

"It was good babes, but life moves on, you know?" Rhonda was saying to Isaldur now.

"But Lady Rhonda. I wrote a poem for you." The young elf looked hurt.

"Oh ... did you? That was nice." Rhonda said, awkwardly. What was it with these elves and poetry? Legolas had also written her a ream of poetry after the night she spent with him. So far she had avoided him. It was all too embarrassing. Now she knew she could get orgasms with any elf, she was determined to try them all out. What a story she would have to tell the Sloane Street girls when she returned home.

As they were talking, Legolas arrived in the courtyard, and dismounted his horse. He had been about to leave with Gimli, but wanted to see Rhonda one more time.

"Lady Rhonda?" Legolas said, shyly. "I wish to talk to you. I have not been able to see you since the other night. I wanted to tell you of my feelings for you. How I esteem you above all others."

Another elf, called Anondir, stepped out of the shadows. He had been one of Rhonda's conquests, and had caught on very quickly that she was working her way through his people.

"You are wasting your time, Legolas, as are you Isaldur. She has nothing about her to esteem. She is no lady."

"Take that back!" raged Legolas, "Or you will answer for it."

"She is mine!" Isaldur interrupted. "Leave her Legolas. I am the Lady Rhonda's protector. Anondir will answer to me!"

"Then you will answer to me." Legolas turned on Isaldur.

The three elves began to fight among themselves, watched by a delighted Rhonda. This was better than anything that had happened to her so far.

Legolas thumped Isaldur, Isaldur thumped him back, and Anondir poked them both. Gimli, on Legolas' side, joined in with a swift kick in Anondir's knee. Isaldur jumped on Legolas' back, kicking Gimli in the head as Legolas spun him around. There was shouting and screaming from the other elves, some encouraging the fight, and others dismayed that it had come to this.

"Silence!" a stern voice rang out in the courtyard. "Stop this immediately!"

They all stopped, and turned to see Lord Elrond watching the fray. His face was contorted in rage, an emotion he seldom allowed himself to feel.

Legolas straightened his tunic, and Isaldur and Anondir tidied themselves. Only Gimli was still fighting, kicking them both.

"Gimli!" A new voice this time. It was Gandalf, who had just arrived at Rivendell.

"Leave them alone. They're only letting off steam." Said Rhonda, disappointed that no blood had been shed for her.

"I will talk to you in my study!" Elrond told Rhonda. He had heard about her behaviour for the past few days, and had been expecting some explosion, but to see his people at each other's throats was devastating to him.

"I am afraid there is no time." Gandalf said, looking at Rhonda with some distaste. "Elrond, there is trouble. I am on my way to Gondor to see Aragorn. You had better come with me."