Chapter 6
Frodo lay on the far side of the bank. Strider bent down and carefully picked him up. He replaced him on Asfaloth's back and the party quickly continued on to Rivendell. The twisting, rocky path slowed their progress somewhat, but when they reached the narrow bridge Glorfindel ran ahead with Asfaloth.
Elrond was there to meet them. He said nothing, but gestured for them to bring Frodo to the healer's wing. Much as Strider wanted to join them, he knew the elven healers were capable of caring for the dark-haired Hobbit. Merry, Sam, and Pippin stood there looking lost until Strider guided them to some rooms near his own.
Sam asked to be taken to Frodo, but Strider said he wouldn't be allowed in, and that it was best to give the healers space to work.
"What do we do?" Pippin whispered. Strider looked at him.
"We wait." He answered.
o+o+o+o+o+o+o
Strider paced up and down his room. Frodo had awoken and now they were holding a celebration feast for his recovery, but Strider could not bring himself to join. He was anxious for news from Elladan and Elrohir, but they were nowhere in Rivendell.
Eventually Strider decided to leave his room and walk the familiar hallways that he had been away from for far too long. Unable to stay indoors he went outside and wandered the pathways. He leaned against a tree — and was surprised moments later by a pair of hands wrapping themselves around his eyes.
"What's this," a soft voice teased. "A Ranger caught off his guard."
Strider chuckled and faced Arwen. His face softened.
"Caro ech ren mallú gwe mein govannen?" She asked.
He nodded. "Im nauth im aw renia ned na olui," was his reply. And I still think that at times, whenever I see you.
They lingered for some time longer. Arwen gave him her necklace.
"You cannot give me this." Strider protested. But Arwen insisted he take it, saying "It is mine to give to whom I will–like my heart."
Soon they returned to their rooms. A council was being held on the morrow.
A/N: I hope you Arwen fans are happy with this because I know I followed the book and had Glorfindel take Frodo instead of Arwen, but I also wanted that funny moment when Arwen catches Aragorn off-guard.
Translations:
Caro ech ren mallú gwe mein govannen?: Do you remember when we first met?
Im nauth im aw renia na olui.: I thought I had strayed into a dream.
As I have said before, if something is said in elvish, I will keep it that way.