Lord Elrond was still quite in shock when he finally responded. "Mother?"

Lúthien nodded. "Yes, my lord. In a way, she is my mother." She said, deciding to start from the beginning. "My mother and father had tried for many years to have a child, but never succeeded. Until my mother met an elfin lady named Arwen Undómiel. My mother knew elves were wise, so she begged Arwen to help her bear a child. Arwen agreed. Because of her, my mother finally had a child. I am that child. With out your daughter, I would not exist, so I tend to think of her as a mother."

Lúthien watched as Lord Elrond's expression changed from stunned to a sort of recognition.

"You are the human child she helped bring into this world some 19 years ago?"

Lúthien nodded. Ever more curious, Lord Elrond mused. The more he found out about this girl, the more questions arose. Perhaps he would ask Arwen about this girl. There were still many questions to be answered, and looking at this girl, he could tell there were still many more questions that would arise. Something told him that there was something more to discover, just below the surface. Noticing they had stopped just outside of the stables, he gestured his hand towards the door. Following his silent suggestion, they entered the stables.

Lord Elrond stayed at the entrance. He noticed something peculiar as Lúthien made her way to the back of the stables. As she passed by the stalls, the horses within would poke their heads out to watch her. It was nothing strange to catch the attention of a curious or bored horse or two, but to command the attention of every horse in the stables in such a way… that was indeed odd.

"Lady Lúthien Arwen." Lord Elrond said, causing her to stop and turn to him. "Why do you think it is that these horses find such interest in you?" He said, gesturing his hand to the horses watching her from both sides. He noticed the look on her face. She seemed more surprised than he had been.

"I… I do not know, my lord." She said, looking from one horse to another. Sure, the horses at home looked at her that way, but she always assumed it was because she often brought them treats. These horses had no reason to greet her this way. "I do not know why they greet me so intently."

With that, there was a familiar whinny from the back of the stables. Lúthien smiled. Gilleth was calling for her. Regarding the other horses for a moment more, she made her way back to Gilleth. Why had those horses greeted her that way? Now that she thought about it, it wasn't just those horses. Birds back home would come surprisingly close. She could have reached out to touch some if she truly wanted. She had never tried, not wanting to scare them away. She used to think it was because she would bring left over bread crumbs for them, but now she questioned that.

Now that she thought about it, animals always regarded her in a similar manner. They would stop what they were doing to watch her, or even come to her. She had never thought anything of it since it had always been like that for her. Now that she compared how animals reacted to her, compared to other people, she knew something was different. Coming to Gilleth's stall, she opened it. Gilleth walked out, nudging Lúthien warmly.

"I missed you, too, my friend." She said, wrapping her arms around Gilleth's neck. "After spending so much time with you as my constant companion, last night seemed quite lonely."

It was true. She felt like something was missing with out Gilleth by her side. She stroked Gilleth's neck lovingly. She truly was her best friend. Lord Elrond watched from the door. He recognized that mare. It was the one Arwen had given to the human child nearly a decade ago. At the time, he had thought it was a bad idea to give such a beautiful creature to a human, but now he found he agreed with Arwen's gift. He was worried the human would not appreciate such a fine mare, but now he saw the bond between horse and rider. They were a perfect match. Lord Elrond smiled.

"When Arwen wanted to give you that horse" Lord Elrond began, "I must admit that I protested. I had thought that a human would never appreciate a beautiful mare such as Gilleth, and therefore, not deserve her." He said, Lúthien looking to him as he spoke, still stroking Gilleth's neck. "Now that I see you two interact, I must agree with Arwen's decision. It's plain to see you have a special bond."

Lúthien smiled, her happy grin brightening her whole face. Then there was a sudden commotion outside accompanied by raised voices. Lord Elrond turned on his heal, walking swiftly out to investigate. Lúthien ran to follow him out, Gilleth on her tail. When they exited the stables, they saw a horse and rider racing towards them. Many elves were gathering around due to the commotion. The horse came to an abrupt halt just shy of the stables. Lúthien watched as a beautiful woman dismounted. She had never seen such a beautiful woman before. The woman pulled what seemed to be a small child from the horse's back, turning to meet them as she and Lord Elrond swiftly made their way to her side. Lúthien could see panic in the woman's eyes as she began to speak to Lord Elrond.

"Father! This is Frodo Baggins. He has been injured by the sword of a nazgûl. You must help him. Hurry, there is no time!" She said, placing Frodo into Lord Elrond's waiting arms.

Lord Elrond looked at the dying boy in his arms. His bright blue eyes were glazed over, his skin was pale and covered in a sheen, and he was ice cold and shaking with the touch of death. Lúthien looked at him, her eyes widening. She could sense his life was almost beyond help. He was so sick it shocked her. She had never seen an illness like this before. Then an image came to her. It was the key to the keyhole. She could help this boy!

"His condition is grave. He needs immediate care." Lord Elrond said, jumping onto Arwen's horse with Frodo still in his arms with a strength and grace that left Lúthien in awe.

With out a further word, Lord Elrond raced off. Elves moved out of his path as he raced through. Lúthien swung herself onto Gilleth's back with practiced ease. If she lost them from her sight, she might not find them again. She could help that boy, she could feel it in her heart. She could also sense that she should help him for more reasons than just kindness. There was something special about that boy, and she should not allow him to die. Looking at the beautiful elf where she stood, Lúthien could tell she had wanted to go with them. Riding up to Arwen, Lúthien offered her hand.

"Hurry or we'll lose them!"

Lúthien saw a swift flicker of surprise and confusion on her face before it was washed away by determination. With the same grace as Lord Elrond, Arwen mounted Gilleth behind Lúthien. The second Arwen was settled with her arms around Lúthien's tiny waist, Gilleth took off like a shot.

"Do not lose them, Gilleth!" Lúthien shouted, keeping an eye on Lord Elrond racing ahead of them.

Arwen was surprised. Had she just called this horse Gilleth? Now that she thought on it, this horse was Gilleth! This is the horse her father had wanted nearly 19 years ago. The same horse that she had given to the human girl, Lúthien Arwen. How was it that Gilleth was here, in Rivendel? Now that she thought on it, who was the woman riding with her? She had never seen her before, yet she looked so familiar. Arwen shook the rising questions from her head. She had other things to worry about right now, such as the life of Frodo Baggins.

They rode on, following the horse that carried Lord Elrond and the injured Frodo until they came to a stop in front of a white marquee of sorts. It sat on a hill with stairs leading up. Lúthien watched Lord Elrond leap down with Frodo in his arm and begin to ascend the stairs hurriedly. Gilleth came to a stop just beside the stairs. With the same grace as she mounted, Arwen dismounted. Lúthien dismounted as well. Racing swiftly, she raced up the stairs, Arwen not far behind her. They both entered as Lord Elrond was laying Frodo down on a large bed. They watched as Lord Elrond tore Frodo's shirt away, exposing the wound on his chest.

Lord Elrond, taking note of Lúthien and Arwen's presence, spoke. "This wound something I have experienced. I have healed the stab of a morgul blade before, however the victim was never this close to death.." He said tensely. "I will do all I can."

Lúthien came forward to examined it and realized why Frodo was so ill. His illness did not come from normal causes. That wound looked like it had been poisoned somehow. She could see the discoloring that extended from the wound as the poisons spread through his body. Now the image that she had seen made more sense, and she knew what she had to do.

"I think I can help him." Lúthien said eagerly, gaining Lord Elrond and Arwen's full attention. When they looked to where she stood, she was gone. Their eyes caught the hem of her dress as she ran out of the room and out of sight.

"Who was that, father?" Arwen asked, wiping the sweat from Frodo's brow with a cloth.

Lord Elrond looked to her a bit surprised. "You, of anyone, should recognize her. She is Lúthien Arwen, the human girl you helped bring into this world some 19 years ago."

The look on Arwen's face was of pure surprise. Lord Elrond could understand how his daughter had not recognized the girl at first. Since the threat of orcs had been growing over the years, he had asked Arwen to stay within a relatively safe distance to the cities of elves. Arwen, not wanting her father to worry, obeyed. This meant she could no longer travel the long distance to Lúthien's village. She hadn't seen Lúthien for almost 15 years. She had sent messages and gifts to make up for her absence, but that was all.

Meanwhile, Lúthien was racing towards Gilleth, her feet a flurry beneath her slim body. She had nearly tumbled down the stairs in her haste, but continued with out a pause. Once at the bottom of the stairs, Lúthien leapt onto Gilleth's back, spurring her to run. She needed a plant with a certain type of fruit. She had seen some in the rock crevices of the mountains near the Loudwater. It was a plant that often went ignored, because its fruit were bitter and its thorns were poisonous. Racing through Rivendel, Lúthien spurred Gilleth to run full speed, nearly running over elves as she passed. She hoped they would forgive her for endangering them the way she was. She would be sure to apologize to Lord Elrond for nearly killing his people when she returned.

Finally, she reached the place where she and Tirithon had entered Rivendel the night before. Racing onward, Lúthien spurred Gilleth onto the path from the mountains. Gilleth, sensing the urgency of the situation, did not slow as the path began to narrow. She continued to race as fast as her hoofs could manage, trusting Lúthien to guide them safely. They raced past the place where Lúthien had met Tirithon and Gonnon the night before, leaving the sentry currently posted in confusion. She silently hoped they would not try to stop her on her way back.

Gilleth continued to race, her hooves tearing at the ground as she galloped dangerously close to the ledge. Realizing how dangerous their speed was, Gilleth was not afraid but invigorated. She always was a daring spirit. Lúthien guided Gilleth, warning her about the upcoming dangers in the path. Gilleth would slow somewhat to compensate for the upcoming turns, and speed up when Lúthien said the path was safe to. They sped along, taking on the mountain pass at speeds that would make anyone watching consider them insane… or suicidal.

Then Lúthien could hear it, the rush of the Loudwater. It was just ahead. That meant the plants were very close. Slowing Gilleth to a swift trot, they followed the path until Lúthien saw what she was looking for. It grew fairly high in the rocks. Standing on her feet, Lúthien would not be able to reach them, but standing on Gilleth, she just might be able to. It would be a stretch, but she needed to try. Gilleth stopped just below the plants, sidling close to the rock precipice, allowing Lúthien to reach for the plant. Bracing herself against the rock, she stood upon Gilleth's back.

She reached out for the plant, but it was just barely out of her grasp. Pressing her hand against the rock to steady herself, she stood on her tiptoes. She could see the fruit. That's what she needed. Stretching herself to her limit, she grabbed for it. It was still too far. Inching further down Gilleth's back to the higher part of her croup, she reached again. Her fingers just brushed against the bottom of the fruit. She was already stretched to her limit and she could still not reach it. Looking down, Lúthien refused to jump for it. If she jumped and failed to regain her landing upon Gilleth's back, it was very possible she would fall down the mountainside. She was not stupid, but she was growing desperate. An innocent young boy was dying as she wasted her time trying to reach for this darned fruit. Throwing caution to the wind, she gripped the stem of the plant, despite its poison thorns. She hissed as some of the thorns pierced her skin, sinking into her palm. Ignoring the pain, she pulled the plant towards her, causing more thorns to imbed themselves into her skin. Reaching with her other hand, balancing precariously on Gilleth's back, she plucked the fruit from the surrounding thorns.

With the precious fruit in her grasp, she let the plant go. It whipped out of her hand, pulling thorns from her skin ruthlessly, and causing still others to break of painfully into her palm. She dropped onto Gilleth's back, gripping her tightly for stability. Once she was steady, she mounted Gilleth in a riding position. She now noticed a problem. The path was too narrow to turn around on. Gilleth, too, noticed this problem and solved it quickly. Rearing up onto hind legs, she balanced boldly on two legs as she turned. If she lost her balance, they would both tumble down the mountain side. Whether it was by luck or grace, Gilleth did not lose her balance, and they were soon facing the way back to Rivendel. Lúthien let go of the breath she didn't realize she had been holding as Gilleth began to race.

"You, my friend, are either very lucky, very nimble, or very stupid." Lúthien managed to joke, her stomach still twisting. Gilleth whinnied loudly, obviously proud with herself.

Lúthien was not afraid of heights, but she was not fond of them, either. Looking down to see hundreds upon hundreds of feet of distance between you and the ground, knowing that if you fell the chances of survival were slim to nil, and knowing that the chances of falling were only a matter of two tiny horse hooves on a narrow ledge would put fear into anyone. Lúthien looked down at her throbbing hand. It bled freely and her entire palm and wrist were already enflamed. Her body was already trying to fight the poison. The plant's thorns were coated in a waxy oil that it produced to detour anything hungry enough to eat its fruit. Bleeding would help flush some of the poison. She knew the thorns still within her hand were a big problem, but she did not have the time to take them out. She had to hurry back to Rivendel before the plant's poison reached her brain and she could no longer think clearly.

Racing onward, she concentrated on the path ahead, warning Gilleth about its dangers. Minutes passed as they raced madly towards Rivendel. Her arm began to sting as the poison pushed its way through her bloodstream. Her skin turned red and enflamed as the effects of the poison spread. Still they raced on. Lúthien's blood stained Gilleth's left side, marring her beautiful white fur with smeared, bloody handprints. Lúthien looked down to see Rivendel. It was even more beautiful in daylight, though Lúthien could not spare the time to truly appreciate the scene it made.

She looked ahead to see the two guards from before, obviously preparing to stop her this time. She wanted to tell them she was in an emergency and that she could not afford to stop, but she could only manage to say one thing before she would run them over.

"Please, move!"

Not wanting to attack a woman, especially with out any great reason, and not wanting to get run over, the moved swiftly to the sides with familiar elfin grace. Lúthien raced by astride Gilleth, traveling at their same dangerously swift pace. Both guards were left to wonder if she was extremely fearless to be racing such a narrow path at that speed, or completely insane. Lúthien's chest burned with the spread of poison as she raced into Rivendel. Remembering the way to the marquee where the ill boy waited, she spurred Gilleth on. Her breath constricted in pain from the poison. It hurt just to breath. Her eyes watered at the burning, stinging pain in her chest. Her eyesight was beginning to blur, but not from tears. Her thinking was becoming cloudy.

Then the building she was looking for came into view. With a mental shake, she threw back the fog that was clouding in her mind. Moments later, Gilleth came to a halt next to the stairs leading up to the place where the boy was laying in bed. Slipping haphazardly from Gilleth's back, Lúthien fell to the ground on her hands and knees. The poison was making her body hard to control and the impact of her hand hitting the ground reopened the cuts. She heard someone behind her yell and footsteps coming quickly towards her, but ignored it. Scrambling to her unsteady legs, she began to run up the stairs. Stumbling often, her hand left bloody smears on the stone steps. The fog in her mind was getting harder to hold at bay, especially now. Running was causing her poisoned blood to pump through her more swiftly.

She reached the entrance of the building, falling against the doorway to keep herself from falling to the floor. She still gripped the apple sized, green-yellow fruit tightly in her uninjured hand.

"Lady Lúthien Arwen! What has happened? You are bleeding!" She head Lord Elrond's voice ask.

Despite the fog creeping in her mind, she knew what she had to do. Her body was barely responding to her. She had to struggle just to stay upright. With another mental shake, she cleared most of the fog away. Willing herself against the poison, she gained control of her body once more. Standing herself and walking swiftly into the room, she looked to see Lord Elrond and Arwen staring at her in surprise, the boy still in a terminal condition. Stopping at the side of the bed, Lúthien began tearing at the fruit. She could hear Lord Elrond and Arwen's questioning voices, but ignored them. She was using all of her concentration to keep the effects of the poison at bay. Though she was working hard to keep her eyes focused, she could not stop the blackness that was creeping in from the rim of her vision.

She looked down at the large, hard seed in her hand. It was about the same size as a walnut, except black and smooth. She needed to crack it open quickly. She could feel herself losing control of her body again. This time, she would not be able to take control back. The poison was winning. Looking around for something to break open the nut, she spied the sword at Arwen's waist. Reaching out, she pulled the sword from its sheath. She still heard Lord Elrond and Arwen's questioning voices, though she was not sure if they had been speaking the whole while or not. Lúthien knew her concept of time was slipping.

Working as quickly as her shaking and weakening body would allow, she placed the nut on the ground. Placing Arwen's sword over the top, she stomped down with her foot. The shell cracked with the force. Letting go of the sword, Lúthien grabbed up the seed, fumbling to pry it open. The blackness was taking over her vision. Prying it open, she pulled out the germ. It was a light grey color, somewhat porous, and slightly soft. She gripped the sword at her side by the blade, not caring as it cut into her already bloody hand. Pushing the germ against the sharp edge, she cut it into two halves. Too weak to stand, she clawed her way onto Frodo's bed. With her shaking fingers and failing vision, she managed to slip half of the seed into Frodo's wound, which had been expertly cleaned by Lord Elrond beforehand.

Sensing someone at her side, she allowed herself to fall in their direction. The person, who happened to be Lord Elrond, caught her. She did not see the concern or surprise in his eyes as he held her to face him. Her vision failed her as the blackness took over her vision completely. Groping with her hands, her hands soon found his. Slipping the other half of the seed in his hand, she squeezed his hand closed over it.

"He needs… this. Later." She said, trying to fight against the blackness that was taking her, just long enough to say what needed to be said. "Give him… fruit juice… for strength. He needs…"

Then she fell silent and her body went limp.


Cerulean Sage

"Oh no! I killed Lúthien! Bad, bad me! Leaving at such a cliffhanger, as well. I am such a bad person. D Oh well…

Let me see. To picture the thorns, think of the thorns you find on a rose, except longer. To picture the fruit think of something the color of a lime, the size of a small apple, and oval shaped. To picture the seed, think of a big, black marble. The germ is the inside of a seed. The part of a peanut you eat is the germ. I think that's it. Any questions or comments, feel free to put them in a review."