Arwen and Lúthien walked briskly through the streets of Rivendel, both eager to see Aragorn. Lúthien didn't know him, though she could plainly see by the happiness on Arwen's face that he must indeed be a good man. They trot passed many elves and elfin buildings in their haste, the robes of their gowns whipping behind them as both faces beamed with excitement and joy. It seemed the white marquee where Frodo rested and healed was within sight in no time. They half raced side by side up the stairs until they both came to stand in the doorway. Looking up from several chairs set beside Frodo's bed was a handsome, rugged man with dark, unkempt hair and sky blue eyes, Lord Elrond in all his grace, and several tiny men. Lúthien was quite surprised and did a double take just to be sure. Indeed, they were truly tiny men. She had never seen the like in all her life. My weren't they adorable with their small stature, curly hair, child-like faces, and… hairy feet? Lúthien hesitated as she studied the odd group before her, though Arwen had no such hesitations once she locked gazes with the dark haired fellow.
"Arwen, I see you've brought company." Lord Elrond spoke good naturedly as he rose from his chair to greet the ladies.
Aragorn and the hobbits followed Lord Elrond's courteous lead, except for one hobbit who remained unwavering by Frodo's bedside. Aragorn came to stop beside Arwen, placing a tender kiss upon her hand before looking to Lúthien. The hobbits came to stand just behind Aragorn as Arwen spoke, smiling contentedly at Aragorn's side.
"Yes, father. I've brought Lúthien to meet Aragorn." She said, gesturing with a side-step. "Aragorn, this is Lúthien Arwen, daughter of Aden and Edel. Lúthien, this is Aragorn, son of Arathorn and Gilraen." She proclaimed as Aragorn stepped forward to take Lúthien's hand.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, milady." He said, taking her hand just as he had with Arwen's and kissing it lightly.
Lúthien could tell already she'd get along well with Aragorn. Not only was he very much the gentleman, but he also didn't seem the slightest bit affected by her appearance. He looked at her the way a person would look at any other normal person, and she found that wonderfully refreshing. Lúthien smiled brightly.
"I can see, now, why Arwen is so fond of you." She spoke, accepting her hand back as Aragorn released it. "Although, I must ask who your companions are. I'm afraid I've never seen anyone like them before."
It was then that Merry and Pippin stepped in front of Aragorn, their youthful exuberance shining through their eyes. Pippin, of course, spoke first.
"Hello. My name is Peregrin Took, but you can call me Pippin, or just Pip if you like." He said, taking her hand much as Aragorn had and kissing it. Lúthien had to contain the mirthful smile that sprang to her lips as she found Pippin didn't have very far to lift her hand. She was tiny, certainly, but he was even smaller! Never before had she seen someone so little, or so adorable, that wasn't a child. Pushing Pippin out of the way, Merry came to clasp her hand next.
"Hello, Lady. My name is Meriadoc Brandybuck." He said, kissing her hand with a bit more poise than Pippin. "My friends call me Merry."
Lúthien smiled and allowed herself a mirthful laugh. "Then I will have to call you Merry, now won't I?"
"Most certainly!" Merry said with a smile, releasing her hand.
Lord Elrond was the next to step forward and take Lúthien's hand, placing a kiss much as the others had done. "It's good to see you again, Lady Lúthien Arwen. I'm glad to see you found a dress to your liking."
Lúthien bowed her head respectfully to Lord Elrond. "My lord, they were all quite to my liking. I can't thank you enough for your kindness."
While Lord Elrond and Lúthien exchanged pleasantries, Arwen had diverted her attention from Aragorn to Frodo. "How does he fare?"
"He is coping well. His health is much improved since last I saw him." Aragorn began. "He should be awake and alert within a few days' time. Your father performs miracles, Arwen."
At his mention, Lord Elrond turned his attention to Aragorn and Arwen, causing Lúthien to turn her attention as well. Within moments, all eyes were on Arwen. Arwen found herself unsure whether to continue her conversation with Aragorn or to address everyone. She debated her dilemma for only a moment before her father solved the slight problem for her.
"Yes, Frodo's recovery is quite amazing. However, I cannot take all the credit. Frodo has proven to be amazingly resilient. I also had some unexpected, though greatly appreciated assistance." He said, looking to Lúthien.
Lúthien cast her eyes down in modesty as many gazes turned her way. "It was no trouble, my lord. Frodo has a strong buoyancy, so it's no surprise he's recuperating so well." She spoke, hoping they'd turn their attention back to Frodo, thereby taking their scrutinizing gazes from her.
Instead, Lord Elrond arched a single elegant brow. Lúthien was nervous he'd say something more for a moment, but he didn't. Instead, he allowed the topic to drop as everyone turned their attention back to the source of the conversation. Lúthien was almost certain he could sense her discomfort at the attention by the way he acted. The room was filled with a respectful silence for the wounded Frodo. Faint noises from the active elves could be heard carried on the wind. It was a certain faint noise, however, that caused the keen-eared Lord Elrond, Arwen, and Aragorn to turn to the doorway. There in the doorway stood the figure of a man, but not just any man. Shouts of "Gandalf!" went up as the hobbits scurried to his side. Lord Elrond was quick to greet him.
"Gandalf, my friend. It is good to see you once more."
Lúthien eyed the newcomer with acute interest. So this is the Gandalf she needs to see? Hopefully this elderly looking man could help her find some meaning to her strange dreams and sudden, intense fear whenever danger neared.
"As it is good to see you." Gandalf said nodding a respectful, however curt, greetings in return. "Tell me, what has befallen Frodo?" He asked, taking a place by Frodo's side. It was obvious to anyone he cared deeply for the tiny young man, and his poor state affected him greatly.
"He was stabbed by a Morgul blade." Aragorn began to explain. "Thankfully, Lord Elrond was able to return him to good health. He almost didn't survive."
Gandalf looked at Frodo with such grief and tenderness that it was moving for all to see. It was just then that a handsome elf walked in and addressed Lord Elrond. He was clad in well made and well kept elfin armor. He was fairly handsome with dark brown hair and light blue eyes. He was careful to hush his voice in respect for those that might be resting as he spoke.
"My Lord, your sons would appear to be engaging in another of their contests."
A flash of concern flit across Lord Elrond's face before it was smothered by a look of irritation. "Thank you, Berenon. You may return to your post." He said, dismissing the soldier.
"Yes, My Lord." Berenon said, exiting swiftly.
Lord Elrond turned to address everyone. "You'll have to excuse me. It would seem my sons have seen fit to endanger innocent lives once more."
Arwen couldn't help but laugh to herself. She wondered what her miscreant brothers were up to this time. Watching as her father left swiftly, she smirked and turned to Lúthien. "Come along with me. This promises to be entertaining." She said, taking Lúthien's hand and leading her out. They were followed by Aragorn, who also knew this developing situation promised to be amusing, and the hobbits who were simply curious. They found it increasingly difficult to follow Lord Elrond, however as he hurried through the streets. They were all at a near run to reach Elladan and Elrohir before anything happened. After a short while, they found themselves at the stables where horses were wandering freely out of their stables.
"What is going on here?" Lord Elrond demanded, sounding quite exasperated as he searched through the sea of horses for the culprits of this mess.
At that moment, a handsome face popped out from behind one of the horses.
"Well hello, father." Elrohir said, sounding quite unconvincingly innocent.
"What in the name of Elbereth are you doing?" Lord Elrond boomed.
"Looking for a horse." Came Elrohir's nonchalant reply. "Elladan challenged me to a race. I fully anticipate a victory."
"Where is your brother?" Lord Elrond asked, knowing he'd make more headway with Elladan.
Elrohir was about to answer his father when he finally looked over to acknowledge those that stood beside his him. Seeing Lúthien, he swiftly made his way over. Taking her hand up, he placed a lingering kiss against the soft skin on the back of her hand. "I am quite honored to be granted with your company once more, Lady Lúthien. Tell me, have you come to watch me trounce my brother in our horse race?"
Lúthien wasn't really sure how to respond to Elrohir's cheekiness. However, she was saved from formulating an answer as Elladan rushed out of the horse stalls to grab at the lead of the closest horse, and began to hastily lead it back into the stables. Seeing as how Lord Elrond got no answer from Elrohir, and Elladan was right within sight, he decided to ask his more mindful son what this was all about.
"Elladan." Lord Elrond bellowed, causing Elladan to flinch slightly and turn to his father with a notably apprehensive smile.
"Yes, father?" He asked. It was obvious he could tell his father was highly irritated.
"What is the meaning of all this?" Lord Elrond demanded, gesturing with a sweep of his hand to the freely roaming horses walking wherever they pleased.
"Well, father, I challenged Elrohir to a horse race. However, he saw fit to choose his horse by setting them all free." Elladan said, giving Elrohir a dirty glare.
Lord Elrond diverted his glare from Elladan back to Elrohir, receiving a sheepish but charming smile in response from his more troublesome son.
"I wanted to be sure I picked the best horse for the job by seeing them in motion. It's hard to tell how fast a horse will run if it simply stands still in a stall."
Lúthien could almost see the restraint Lord Elrond used to not roll his eyes. Instead he sighed in exasperation as he spoke to both sons.
"Just see to it that all these horses are returned to their respective stalls. Also, should you race, race where no one will be hurt. I don't want to hear of any mishaps due to your high jinks."
"Yes, father." Elladan responded, before noting the others that stood by his side. "By the light of day! It's wonderful to see you again, my friend!" He exclaimed with a comely smile, forgetting the horse and walking briskly to Aragorn. "This is truly a great surprise. How long has it been?"
"Too long." Aragorn replied, grasping arms with Elladan in greeting.
"Tell me, What brings you to Rivendel?" Elladan asked eagerly.
Not wanting to divulge any of the seriousness of his presence in Rivendel, he responded to Elladan with familiar humor. "My love for you, dear friend."
Placing a hand to his chest in false shock, Elladan spoke again. "But how soon you disregard your love for my sister, even as she stands beside you. Must I be forced to restore her honor by conquering you, as well as my brother, in a challenge of strength and skill?"
Aragorn allowed himself a mirthful smirk, his face accepting Elledan's challenge before his lips had been given the chance. "Do you think it wise to invite me so willingly into yours and Elrohir's challenge. After all, you do wish to win, do you not?"
Elrohir spoke up next. "Most certainly. He merely asks for your company in defeat."
Gilleth, nudging Lúthien from behind, began to whicker to her as she bobbed her head in gesture. It was Lúthien's amused laughter that defused the increasing triangle of competitive tension that was Aragorn, Elladan, and Elrohir. Elrohir, with his charmingly impish smirk was the one to address her.
"My lady, as much as I do enjoy the music of your laughter, might I inquire as to why?"
"Oh. I do not mean to laugh at you, if that is your impression. It's simply that my companion," she continued, gesturing to Gilleth, "seems to think the lot of you speak of victory and defeat far too much. I think, perhaps she would like to see words put to action."
Elladan and Elrohir made eye contact, and the devilish grins that spread over both their visages was almost frightening. "My dear brother, it would seem to me that we have yet another eager challenger."
Lúthien baulked and raised her hands as if to fend off their plotting against her. "That's not what-" However, to no avail.
"Yes, it would seem so." Elladan replied with a chuckle.
"Well I cannot, in good conscience, allow Lúthien to race the three of you. After all, who will she have to talk to while waiting for you at the finish?" Arwen spoke up, the light of a challenge lifting her features.
"Yet another competitor?" Aragorn said, smiling as he made eye contact with Arwen.
"It would seem so." She spoke, holding his gaze.
"Then it is settled." Elrohir spoke up, making a gesture of declaration. "It is no longer a challenge, but a true race. Our course will be from here to the falls and back. To prove you've reached the falls, you must ride through its waters. Whoever arrives back dry will be disqualified. Now, all we need is a witness to confirm the winner." He spoke aloud, beginning to scan the crowd for someone to be the 'referee'.
"We'll do it!" Pippin piped up, waving his arm at Elrohir for his attention. "Merry and I can be your witnesses." She said cheerfully.
"Alright, then." Elrohir spoke, clasping his hands in a triumphant gesture. "We have our witnesses. Now, everyone must choose their horse and the race will begin." He proclaimed, looking around and gesturing to the wandering horses with a sweeping hand.
There was a distinct shuffle of commotion as all the racers hurried to select their horses. She watched as everyone seemed to vanish within the forest of equines. Lúthien felt a warm nudge from behind, and turned to acknowledge Gilleth.
"Of course I will choose you, Gilleth. I would have no one else." She spoke amiably, petting her faithful mare lightly on her neck. No sooner had she lain her head against Gilleth's in a gesture of comfort and friendship did the sea of horses break to make way for a large, impressively built grey stallion. His fur was dark, but multifaceted with fading shades of pale grey and building tones of black. As he moved, so did the highlights and lowlights in his pelt. Lúthien realized that because he was so healthy, the luster of his coat actually gave him a multicolored appearance depending on the lighting. Lúthien recognized the stallion as Dagorgon, who was immediately followed by a complaining Elrohir trying in vane to chase him down. Dagorgon had settled himself into a nice trot as he purposely kept himself just out of the elf's reach. Lúthien could do nothing but laugh at the sight he made. Not to mention she could tell Dagorgon was having a grand old time teasing Elrohir. She was having a grand old time just watching. The scene they made was absolute hilarity. Arwen thought so, too, as she made her way over to stand beside Lúthien, her racing horse by her side. Lúthien awed at the beautiful Red Dun mare. She was solid with health and her rust colored fur held a lustrous sheen of spun copper. Her mane and tail were also of the same rust colored hair and copper toned highlights. She was indeed a beautiful creature.
"Oh, Arwen." Lúthien gushed, stepping forward to gently stroke the mare's neck. "She's beautiful. What's her name?" She asked.
Arwen also prided the mare as she gently scratched between her perky ears. "Her name is Glawenor." She spoke, taking note of the questioning look on Lúthien's face. "It means 'radiance of the morning' in elvish."
Lúthien's face took on a look of understanding as she shook her head fervently. "It suits her well."
"You will never catch him that way, dear brother. You may as well pick out another horse." Elladan's amused voice rang out, soothing and rich with gentle bass. He casually approached the girls with his chosen horse by his side, all the while watching his brother chase Dagorgon fruitlessly. Arwen and Lúthien both regarded him as he stood amiably beside his sister. "Amazing we should be related to him." He joked with her.
Arwen chuckled lightly in response. "You worst of all, seeing as he is your twin."
"Again, you see fit to remind me." He joked with mock shame, casting his head down with a shake of resignation.
Lúthien stayed mostly silent during their impromptu mockery of Elrohir. She was content to be amused by him and Dagorgon as the steed saw fit to choose only the best roots and stones to make Elrohir stumble. A warm smile drew pleasantly on her features, mirroring the warmness that was growing in her heart at watching him. Though it was not the feeling that most would think of, it was a growing sense of ease in his company. He was unafraid to disgrace himself in front of her or anyone else, unrepentantly so. Though he could be a gentleman with all the fluidity and grace in the world, this was a side of him, or any elf for that matter, that she hadn't thought could be. It truly put her at ease, knowing that at the end of the day, he was just as mortal as she. Of course, he would live a great many hundreds of years longer, that was fact. However, he was just as subject to error, to mistake, and to blunder. The same roots that caused him to stumble were the same she, herself, would trip upon. It helped break the godly mold she had somehow built around them. The elves weren't gods. They weren't mortals either, but she was content with that. They still garnered and deserved her unerring respect. They were a great people. They just weren't an infallible people. A sudden, gentle hand on her shoulder brought her out of her reverie.
"Lúthien Arwen, are you all right?" Asked a smooth, concerned voice. Lúthien shook off her daze to find herself focusing into handsome grey eyes.
"Oh, yes. Yes." Lúthien said, nodding vigorously as she tactfully moved from under Elladan's hand by guiding Gilleth to her other side, breaking the contact as she turned to perform the action.
"I am very glad, then. You seemed to be very out of yourself for a long moment. You failed to respond to your name when I called you." He spoke, a concerned look still shadowing his eyes.
"It would seem to me that she had been smitten by our brother." Arwen joked, gesturing meaningfully at Lúthien as she had done when concerning just about every available gentleman. Lúthien suddenly felt very flustered and couldn't hope to contain the blush that broke free.
"I am not smitten, Arwen Undómiel, and you stop that right now." She scolded, her blush spreading and deepening in color.
"Stop what?" Arwen asked in playful innocence. The smile on her face seemed sweet enough, but Lúthien would swear it as the most heinous sneer in all of Middle Earth at that moment.
"Stop insinuating that I should be enthralled with every other man I turn eyes at." Lúthien grumped, crossing her arms and giving her newfound friend an abashed glare.
Arwen laughed warmly before giving in to Lúthien's mortification. "I apologize, dear Lúthien. I did not mean to cause you any upset."
Lúthien sighed and set herself into an easy smile. "I know you had not meant any harm. I suppose I am just very sensitive to this subject. It is especially awkward when you say I have feelings for your own brother."
"Well, you could have easily avoided the whole uneasy business and told me yourself." Elrohir spoke, walking up with Dagorgon finally in hand. He looked a bit worn and worse for wear, but otherwise as graceful and unerring as the first time she'd met him. Leaning languidly on Dagorgon's croup, he cast a disarmingly charming grin at her. "You don't need Arwen to tell me of your feelings for me."
The mad blush that crept from the ridge of Lúthien's hairline to the nape of her neck was absolutely flaming under the eyes that fixed on her. She felt as if the whole crowd awaiting the race was staring into her, and it made her blood heat with pure humiliation. Elrohir had obviously came into their conversation at the very worst possible time. She had 't even seen him coming. It was just far too much indignity to bear, and she felt she might flee. Stoning herself against the urge, she noted that the quickest way to recover from loss of face would be retaliation. Straightening herself, she brushed invisible dust from her forearms and eyed Elrohir with a level gaze. Without diverting her focus, she spoke in a rather calming tone. "If ever I was to give you my love…" She said, gesturing to Dagorgon in a way he seemed to understand. Curling his lip back in the equine equivalent of an impish grin, Dagorgon darted forward quickly, allowing gravity to take hold of Elrohir's leaning form. Elrohir made an expression of surprise and flailed about for a long moment, stumbling to catch himself before finally succumbing to the might of gravity. Lúthien looked down at him with great humor, an amused simper tugging at her lips. "…it would be tough love." She said, regarding him coolly.
The entire company suddenly let loose with an uproar of laughter. Even Elrohir, who was the subject of their laughter, was amused. Leaning up to brace himself on his elbows, he gave Lúthien a positively unrepentant grin. "I would consider myself blessed that you would bestow me with any form of your affection." He teased lightheartedly.
Lúthien blushed once more, though it was also lighthearted, as she offered her hand to the fallen Elrohir. Though he took it, he pulled himself to his feet on his own, simply holding her hand as he stood. Aragorn stood beside Elladan with his chosen horse, thoroughly amused by Elrohir's antics. However, he was equally amused at Elladan's exasperation with Elrohir's antics. Anyone who didn't know him would never notice, but when Elladan was annoyed the muscles of his jaw would pulse in rhythm with each blink of his eyes.
Behind Aragorn, his sleek and unassuming seal brown stallion took a sudden keen interest in Elladan's Cremello mare. The seal brown stallion was composed of deep, almost black browns the color of fertile soil mixed with milk chocolate splotches. Elladan's mare was a brilliant creamy golden color with a lustrous white mane and tail. Her white legs faded into the shimmering gold, and her head sported a white diamond in the center. It would be no wonder that any stallion would find interest in her. Of course, she only had eyes for Dagorgon, the stable's own Stallion Adonis. Her body language expressed her irritation, however, as Dagorgon's focus was on Gilleth. He trotted and pranced about, vying for her attention by showing off his impressive form. Unfortunately for him, Gilleth was hardly impressed, and pointedly ignored his parading.
"Are we all prepared to race?" Elladan's firm voice rang out. Though his question was direction to everyone, his focus remained on his brother and the forward hold he had on Lúthien's hand. Each rider affirmed that they were, indeed, ready. Finally releasing Lúthien's hand in order to catch Dagorgon once more, Elrohir was the last to acknowledge that he was ready. Stroking Gilleth in a comforting manner, she softly whispered to her faithful companion.
"Are you ready to win?" She asked in the friendly spirit of competition. Gilleth struck her foot against the packed earth of the pathway and shook her powerful head with a snort as Elladan and Elrohir spoke up in unison. The small idiosyncrasy served to remind anyone who might have temporarily forgotten that they were still twins, despite their very different personalities.
"The race will begin here. Each rider will follow this path out of the main streets of Rivendell. Once out, each rider must circle the perimeter of the city until they reach the waterfall. Every participant must ride through the waterfall, or they are otherwise disqualified. The first to return to this spot wins." They announced together.
"Please mount your horse and back up into the stable fence. Once everyone is in place, Merry and Pippin may signal the start." Elladan spoke clearly.
All the riders following directions, they saddled up as the bystanders shuffled swiftly off to the sidelines. Merry and Pippin scuttled together before the riders, standing in the empty center where a gap in riders made a safe space. As each rider sized the other up, so did the horses. Lothvalthen, the Cremello mare, sized up Gilleth. Gilleth sized up Dagorgon, and Dagorgon sized up Nadu. Nadu was Aragorn's chosen stallion, and Dagorgon knew he would be hard pressed to defeat the swift and sleek competitor.
Cerulean Sage
"I must apologize, first and foremost, for the incredibly long wait for this new chapter. A lot of elements in my life made it impossible for me to work on it. However, as of the past month or so I really had no other excuse except that I had lost my place in the story. With my spare time, I had to reread everything in order to find where I had gotten lost in order to recreate the flow of the story. I've been adding a little at a time, and just finished this particularly long new chapter. Again, I am terribly sorry to all of you faithful readers that have waited so long, and assure you the wait was just unavoidable on my part. Due to the already long wait, I will not hesitate to post this chapter until next week. It will be posted now, and next week will be without updates on any stories. The following week will continue as normal. I thank you all for your diligent patience.
Also, I've reposted the entire story. I've gone through and made slight corrections throughout the story. Just minor spelling changes and such, so there's no real need to reread anything. One more thing I want to correct is a comment a made before. I had originally planned to have Legolas be the first Fellowship member she meets, but then I realized that simply wasn't practical. After all, Aragorn and Gandalf arrive long before he does. It simply wasn't practical to the flow of the story's timeline. So you get a picture of Lúthien and Legolas for no reason. Oh well. I don't supposed I would get any flames for it.
I think that's all for now. And as always, review, review, review."