Authors Note: I want to apologise about the confusion regarding my characters name. I intended for Luthien to be a pet name between her and Gandalf like a doting uncle might have. Unfortunately I realize that was taken up wrong and that is my fault. Sorry to anyone who found that offensive I just didn't phrase it right. When I said "early days" I kinda meant childhood but I knew that wouldn't work since she is a Maia. So sorry everyone. Thanks to all the reviews it's deadly to hear what you think! Ciunas.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It seemed as if nothing had changed whilst Frodo watched wordlessly as Merry and Pippin disputed what was the best tobacco to be found in the whole of the Shire. He was at home sitting with his friends in the woods surrounding the Shire, on the borders of Buckland looking forward to the coming of winter snows. Nothing however could be farther from the truth.

"Longbottom Leaf! You can't be serious Merry. Even old Sam here knows that Old Toby's has a distinct flavour to it that no other can match!"

"As long as I live Pippin I shall hold you to that statement. I know Sam has often shared a pipe with Bilbo. He knows good tobacco when he sees it! Isn't that right Sam?"

Sam sat mutely beside Frodo trying to avoid the intense gazes of the two hobbits opposite.

"Well I suppose both are fine but in different ways. . ." mumbled Sam throwing a desperate glance in Frodo's direction.

Poor Sam, this had gone on long enough. Facing the increasingly frustrated hobbits Frodo cleared his throat.

"Merry, Pippin let's just agree that Longbottom Leaf and Old Toby's are the two finest tobacco's to be had in the Shire."

Both wheeled around, staring incredulously at their pale companion.

"Two tobacco's. . . . both of equal measure. . . ." scoffed Pippin.

Suddenly the two broke into gales of laughter, choking as they tried to catch their breath.

"Alright that's enough I think Mr. Frodo was right in what he said!"

Ignored Sam looked on as the youngest two, doubled over with laughter, tried to retain their positions on the stone bench.

Frodo had to grin at the look on Sam's face as he tried to discern what was so funny; truthfully he couldn't quite understand it himself but he was enjoying the carefree atmosphere and the infectious gaiety.

"What's all this? Have Merry and Pippin managed to procure some of Lord Elrond's fine wines again?" rumbled a distinctive voice.

"No Mr. Gandalf they are trying to decide which tobacco is the best in the Shire sir." responded Sam with an utterly confused expression creasing his features.

Above the spluttering of Merry and Pippin a soft voice could be clearly heard.

"I don't see why that should be the source of such hilarity."

Frodo peered around Gandalf's' robes to discern the origin of the entrancing sound. An audible thud refocused his attention on a, now perfectly serious, Pippin who, he presumed, in his curiosity had fallen from his seat trying to do the exact same thing.

Gandalf smiled at the hobbits immediate attention knowing it would have taken him a good while longer to achieve the same. She had always seemed to have the ability to gain everybody's attention and then release it as she wished.

"Something I was always jealous of Indil."

"I'm afraid it is not something I can teach Olorin."

Frodo breathed deeply as a bewitching woman stepped to one side of Gandalf. Her likeness to Arwen, Evenstar of her people, was uncanny and at the same time the look in her eye and curve of her lips distinguished her from that elleth.

"I have never seen them this quiet before! Maybe I should have introduced you years ago; it would have saved me a lot of trouble."

The lady laughed melodiously with Gandalf as the Halflings squirmed beneath her kindly gaze.

"What is Olorin?" blurted Pippin, inquisitively assessing their new acquaintance.

The two glanced at each other before Indil moved to the bench and sat beside a spellbound Pippin.

"It's not so much a what but a whom." she stated smiling at each of the hobbits in turn.

Stepping forward Gandalf chuckled loudly at the puzzlement written on the faces of the hobbits as they tried to keep both himself and Indil in their line of vision.

"I am Olorin my friends. Yet another name for you to contend with as well as Aragorn! To men I am Gandalf, to the elves I am popularly known as Mithrandir, to few others I am Olorin."

"So what should we call you then Mr. Gandalf I mean Olorin . . . . ." trailed off Sam, blushing from ear to ear in his bewilderment.

"I believe I shall remain Gandalf, Sam. That is of course unless you wish to call me something else?"

"Oh, no sir! Gandalf is just fine with me!"

Smiling Frodo took in the sight of two of his dearest friends, one red with embarrassment the others eye's twinkling to see him in such a fix.

The Lady Indil was surveying the whole scene stoically from her seat; it was as if she was carved from marble, beautiful and unmoving. Without warning she caught Frodo's gaze and it seemed as if she was looking into the very heart of him with all its secrets and sores. Its' strength reminded him of Elrond but he did not feel threatened, oddly enough he felt comforted. Although it lasted for but a second it seemed longer as the ache in his shoulder eased a little.

"Lady Indil how do you know Gandalf?" piped up Pippin.

Surprised at the unexpected question the Lady glanced at the old wizard who was smirking at her uncharacteristically.

"You can never escape Pippins' notice if he is determined to discover all there is to know about you. Even a quiet word or two doesn't do the trick" he stated, placing particular emphasis on the last half of his sentence.

Bracingly Indil took a deep breath and met each of the hobbits' gazes.

"Well I am of the same order as Olor. . I mean Gandalf. So I have known him a great many years. We are associates I suppose?"

Gandalf nodded silently in agreement.

Frodo wondered at her ability, delicate and graceful in her posture nonetheless she carried a blade and was clad in the way of the rangers. Was she as strong as Gandalf? Was she to join them? How old was she? As these thoughts ran through his mind Merry and Pippin had recovered from their initial shock.

"But Gandalf's ancient!" gasped Merry incredulously.

Pippin stared at Indils' face as if trying to detect any signs of age.

"You can't be more than twenty-five in human years!" he settled.

Indil beamed at the young hobbit who blushed under her jade look.

"You forget young one that appearances can be deceptive. Aragorn is much older than he looks, many elves have the expression of one much younger than themselves and you yourselves seem younger than you are."

Pippins' curiosity was insatiable, for the rest of the afternoon was taken up with questions upon questions. Frodo sat amazedly as Indil quietly and patiently answered each and everyone but it was increasingly evident that her endurance was fading fast.

"No I have never smoked Longbottom Leaf. I do not smoke at all. I leave it to Gandalf and Radagast mostly."

Tired and hungry Gandalf cut Pippins' next question off quickly with the suggestion of lunch.

For the first time since meeting Indil Frodo saw her neutral expression break into one of relief which was quickly reined in as Pippin once again focused on her.

"Are you coming to lunch Lady Indil?"

Silent for a moment she cast a glance in the direction of the gardens.

"No master Pippin. I believe I shall walk for a while before lunch. It is rare that one is afforded the opportunity to enjoy the gardens of Rivendell."

Frodo grinned at Pippins' crestfallen face.

"I shall join you there shortly for I am certain you shall not be finished for a while and I will not be long." She reassured.

Mollified Pippin, Merry and Sam said their goodbyes rapidly and walked as briskly as possible in the direction of the main hall. Gandalf ponderingly studied Indil.

"There is more to interest you than flowers in the fair gardens of Rivendell I surmise."

"Correct my friend. Apart from wanting to catch my breath I have yet to meet the remaining members of the Fellowship and I think a few might be taking an afternoon stroll."

Nodding sagely Gandalf turned to leave before looking questioningly at Frodo who indicated he would follow. Glancing at Indil Gandalf headed in the same direction that had been taken by three ravenous hobbits previously.

"Would you like to join me Frodo?" inquired Indil.

"No, my Lady. Thank you for your kindness. May I ask a question?"

A slight inclination of her head and the consent in her eyes indicated her approval.

"My Lady I hope you don't mind me asking but why are you here?"

A musical laugh rang out through the garden causing some passing elves to stop and peer into the gardens.

"Pippin even missed the most obvious question which you have just now asked. Gandalf requested that I discuss with the Fellowship the perils of Mordor and what to expect."

Noticing the look on Frodo's' face she continued to explain.

"It is not my purpose or wish to discourage anyone, merely to inform. I have personal experience of the Nazgul and the other horrors that will be sent after you. Your companions are hardy and experienced warriors, little I will say will surprise them."

She moved towards Frodo and knelt in front of him. She felt Frodo stiffen slightly at her touch as she placed her hands on his shirt, one on his wound and one above the ring.

"I know the burdens you bear and the anguish you feel Frodo but do not doubt me. I am here if you should ever call in need of aid."

Frodo stood, rooted to the spot by her captivating eyes. He felt a calm and peace settle over him in her presence. Slowly a warm sensation spread down his arm under her hand soothing its' constant throbbing.

"Do not hesitate to call."

Then as swiftly as she had knelt she was standing in front of him smiling gently.

"You have my thanks my Lady."

Frodo had reached the gardens edge before he heard her call.

"You are welcome Frodo. May I request something of you my friend?"

"You need not ask." Replied Frodo sincerely.

"Then stop calling me 'my Lady', use my name my friend."

Indil smiled at the hobbit as he grinned at her from the stair.

"Certainly, Indil."

Frodo left the gardens feeling confident about the future while Indil watched him until he was out of sight. Slowly she sat back down where he had once rested and cradled her hands. Such pain, despair and grief. She took a few moments to regain her composure before standing and moving further in among the flowers.