Chapter17 (Wow!)
I conversed with Gandalf for sometime after that. Then, nodding off periodically between sentences, he sent me back to my room. Escorting me there, himself.
But you know, (typically) as soon as all was quiet, and my head was on the pillow, I was all but fully awake again.
Though now, I was not so keen on the idea of wandering around the halls anymore. So I just lay there, thinking.
Thinking about the journey they would all take, and what was going to happen to me. And what I would be doing in the two month and four day stay at the last Homely House.
When a thought struck me, I should learn a language. Perhaps elvish, or even orcish. (I daresay, that would come in very handy.)
I began to think about who I could get to teach me. I considered Bilbo, as I know he has at least dabbled in elvish. But, then I thought of Aragorn, who probably learned so he could converse with the Evenstar. Or maybe Arwen herself would teach me.
As I finally fell asleep that night, I decided that in the morning, I would work up my courage and ask her. She would be the perfect teacher, I'm sure of it.
When I awoke, a plate of breakfast had been placed beside my bed, on the small table. I ate what I wanted, grabbed a roll, and decided to find the Lady Arwen before I lost my nerve.
Rivendell was even more beautiful in the daylight. All crystal glass and mirrors and ancient stone. I knew for sure why Bilbo had stayed so long. And had made the journey more than once from the Shire to the last Homely house.
I decided that after an hour of wandering around aimlessly, I was not going to find her that way. So I stopped the first elf I saw and asked where I might find her. He gave me a perfect answer, let me tell you. He said: In the gardens.
Now, to any normal person, in any normal place, this would have been a perfectly good answer. But we were talking about elves here, and Rivendell. Which probably housed more than twenty different gardens.
Still, at least he narrowed it down a bit. So I found a doorway out, and began to wander various gardens. I made it through about three before I found her.
She was seated on a stone bench, and her back was to me, but I knew it was her nonetheless. I stood there for a few seconds before I said anything, but I had a feeling that she could already feel my presence. For when I finally spoke, she did not seem surprised at all.
"Lady Arwen?" I questioned quietly, as I began to walk around the front of the bench.
She smiled at me. And was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. "Yes?"
I hesitated, but I had already decided that it was now, or never. "My lady, I had hoped to learn a language while I was here. I have a desire to learn elvish, and I was hoping you would teach me."
I felt stupid, but I wanted to pose my question in a way that would be proper.
She held me in her gaze for a few seconds before answering, "I would be delighted to teach one such as yourself. Aren't you the female halfling that traveled with the ring bearer and his company?"
I nodded, uncertain of what she was getting at.
"I've already heard of your actions on Weather top. You were very brave, to do such a thing."
"Actually my lady, I am seeing it more as 'I was very foolish'. I am sure you also heard of my resulting injury?" I asked with a smile.
She gave a small laugh. "Of course, but bravery does have it's prices."
I laughed with her, but not knowing quite what else to say, I kept quiet.
"When did you wish to learn this, Merna of Long Cleeve?" Arwen asked, suddenly solemn.
That startled me a bit. "Well, I was actually hoping to start today. And also, if it isn't too much trouble, answer me this, is there a library here?"
She nodded. "Yes, there is. A quite grand one; I think we may even have some books or scrolls on halflings, such as yourself. I had thought we would hold our lessons there."
"That would be perfect." I said in awe, trying to picture what Elrond's library would look like. (I had always been a lover of libraries, and books)
Arwen laughed again, plainly amused by the look on my face and said, (still laughing quietly) "Good, then. Let us go, we have no time to waste!"
Lessons were a joy, and I came away from the library with two scrolls and one book on hobbit culture, customs, and hobbits in general. And two books on the elvish language.
I had learned how to say the words: flame (lach), blade (chathol), sea (Endorenna, I think ), orc (yrch), Middle Earth (Sinome Maruvan), and a couple others. I could also sing a beautiful song about the Evenstar. Which I intended never to do in public.
And I had a better idea of where to find supper that evening. It seemed that when elves have guests, they spare no expense when it comes to food, entertainment, and making them feel at home.
Arwen was a very patient, and helpful teacher, but it seemed that I had a knack for languages as well. (I found out later it was partly because I have a strong strain of Fallohidish blood in my family)
I was also informed that since I was completely healed, I would be moved into a room just beside my fellows, and out of the infirmary. I was overjoyed at that information, because hobbits live close together and in groups, and we get lonely fast.
I spent the rest of what was left of the afternoon cramming my brain full of Elvish words, and hobbit facts.
As twilight drew near, I went to visit Frodo, and making sure no one was near... I softly sang him the Elvish song that I had committed to memory. I don't know if he heard me, but it made me feel better to think that he had.
Then I went to find Pippin and Merry (who were trying their hardest to play jests on the elves. Without much luck.) And Hooking one of my elbows in each of their arms, we walked down to the great hall, where the Lord Elrond had a gracious feast waiting in his guests' honor.
Though I neglected to tell the pair about the days escapades, as a plan was already forming itself in my mind...
The food was wonderful. Though I can proudly say that I restrained myself, and only had servings that would match those of a full grown elf. I cannot say the same for certain of my companions though, as they probably had servings that which matched a full-grown warg.
But then again, to each his own.
When all that were assembled had finished eating, there was once again, music and dancing. Pippin pulled me onto the dance floor, and after a couple of dances with him, I gave Merry a chance and danced two with him as well.
But by then their gazes were roaming to the elvish women, and I knew that they would give anything to dance with an elf. It was pitiful, so I decided to help them.
"Well boys, what would you say...if I could get an Elf to dance with the both of you?"
That perked them right up but Pippin asked suspiciously, "A female elf?"
"A beautiful female elf."
"And she'd dance with US, but separately right?" asked Merry.
"Oh of course, I wouldn't have it any other way."
"Well then, I say: yes please." Said Pippin.
"Me too," added Merry.
"Then what would you say if I told you that I could get the Evenstar herself to dance with you?"
"I would say... you're not telling the truth." Said Pippin, the grin completely gone from his face. Merry nodded agreement.
"I bet you that I could."
"I bet that you couldn't." Said Merry, unhappily. "I agree with Merry." Added Pippin.
"Good. We have a bet then. And if I win...you two will have to stand up and sing the elves a drinking song!" I said with a smile.
"And if WE win," started Merry (who had obviously taken over the negotiations), "We'll teach you a drinking song and YOU will have to stand up and sing it to the elves!" Said Merry with huge grin.
"Agreed." I said solemnly.
"Agreed." They echoed.
And with that, I went over to Arwen, and started politely, "Lady Arwen, my two companions, Merry and Pippin, have been waiting all night to be asked to dance by an elf..."
She smiled, "Umm hmmm..."
"And well, no one has asked them. And I was wondering...."
"If I might go over and have a dance with each of them, is that right?' She said, as her smile got bigger.
"That is exactly right. Would you?" I asked, casting her a pleading look.
"Of course I will." She said, and with that, went over to those two troublemakers, and talked quietly with them for a few moments.
Then, taking Merry's hand, she pulled him onto the dance floor.... And when his dance was finished, danced with Pippin as well.
Both of their faces were so bright, they could've out shined the beacons of Gondor. They walked over to me, hands in their pockets.
"Are you ready for that song then?" I asked, all innocence.
"You tricked us!" Said Merry, "Lady Arwen said that you had spent all afternoon with her."
"Wait, I must be missing something," I said with a grin, "How does that pertain to our bet?"
"You had inside information. You knew she'd dance with us. That's cheating." Said Pippin, all seriousness
Bit of stage fright there Pip? I thought mercilessly. "Actually, I didn't know FOR SURE that she'd dance with you. But, I thought my chances were pretty good." I said smugly.
"That's still cheating." Said Merry.
"No it's not. That's called a loop hole."
The both looked confused, not knowing exactly what a loop hole was.
"And anyways," I started, still grinning, "You both got your dances, and now the elves and I want our song."
In the end, two very red hobbits performed for the elves, their first hobbit drinking song. Which they enjoyed very much, and applauded for heartily.
And so ended my second day in The Last Homely House. In two more days, Frodo would be awake, and there would be one more hobbit to enjoy my stay with....
Author: I hope you all liked it! The tricksters were finally out-tricked! Can't wait to see the retaliation though a'?
And for all of you that don't know what 'Fallohidish' means... It is a type of hobbit. They are fairer in skin and hair, slimmer, loved adventures, and were more friendly with the elves than their cousins. They also had a knack for languages and literature.
(For more info on them, and the other two types of hobbits, drop me an email.)
I was going for humor, in this chapter as well, let me know if that's what came across!
Don't forget to REVIEW! Thanx!
Pippinsgal011890