Authors' Note: Hidy Hi folks! well here is the next chapter in which things begin to move a little faster. I am sorry for anyone who doesn't like a slower paced fiction, not that this is, but I do like to explore writing to try and fill out the story. I thinks it is much better than landing in Lothlorien in a matter of three chapters. I really want the characters to come alive especially Indil who is my own creation. Thus the backstory and time detail of period spent at Rivendell.

Before anyone asks I decided not to try and write about the Fellowships' departure from Rivendell as this chapter was long enough already. I was sorely tempted though to continue on after Indils' departure using either Gandalf, Legolas or Boromir as narrators but decided to leave it. If anyone would like to see a chapter with that include it in a review and I will oblige most happily. No problems!!! LOL

ANYWAY thanks to those who reviewed: Pen~of~Magic and Wishfulwhispers. To hear any feedback is always greatly appreciated and I am glad you liked Galion. I thought that scene would be a nice break from all the tension floating about. Thanks again for your reviews and for reading!!!

Frodo could not help but wonder at the situation he now found himself in. Namely atop his pristine bed, fully dressed a full hour before dawn, surrounded by bags and implements gathered by Sam for the upcoming journey. How had it all come to this?

Stroking the bedspread beneath his fingers he mentally reviewed the past month and a half that he had supposedly spent in Rivendell, one of the last elven realms in Middle-Earth. It had all gone by so fast, too fast. This could not be happening, could not be real. Staring at his surroundings somewhat numbly the Hobbit saw everything and yet saw nothing.

His eyes picked out certain aspects of his chambers he had not noticed before or ones that his eyes had become so used to that they did not register them; the vibrant coloured cloths, the carefully crafted furniture. The hazy beams of light that were beginning to shine through the gauze material that covered his window illuminated the room in an eerie glow. It was as if time itself had ceased and he was frozen, frozen by doubt and fear. How he wished time would stand still until he was prepared.

Somewhere in the back of his mind he heard the voice of reason call to him, it told him that he would never be ready and that his time was up. How could he have agreed to this? How had it come to this in the first place? By any standards he should be at home sleeping soundly in his own bed, Bilbo should be right across the hall snoring, the warmth of the Hobbit hole cocooning him in security. Still and all when he opened his eyes there was a definite lack of warmth that memories of the Shire provided. He was alone, there was no quilt his mother had sewn, there was no round window permitting the warm glow of sunlight, there was no snoring. Instead there was eternity, a room that had existed for centuries, furniture that was carved by beings that had infinite wisdom beyond his own measure despite their being carpenters.

The light seemed weary, tired of existence in the harsh morning air. As if it had been too long abiding in this place where time seemed to be of no great import, where time had little influence. Everything that surrounded him was strange, unnatural and he was the only thing within it that seemed to breathe life and vitality the rest was odd. He did not fit; a disturbance that would soon be forgotten even before the time when the elves would forsake this land and Rivendell and all within it faded. He tried to imagine what this room might have seen, who it might have housed but his mind would not co-operate with him this morning. It seemed it too had become caught up in the melancholy atmosphere that pervaded every corner.

"The sooner we leave here the better. I have been to long in the company of elves. . . slowed to their pace. I need to go and be done with it."

Even as he said the words aloud he felt his body rebel at the thought. His speech slurred at the possibility of disturbance while the indistinct words spread out to attempt to fill the void encompassing him. It failed miserably. . . words fading into nothingness, into noiselessness. Useless and meaningless with no one to hear them, how fragile were words. How fragile was existence?

Yesterday felt as if it were so long ago. . . his thoughts mixed with those of the last month confusing meetings and images with more recent additions. His sense of order was twisted. . . the small became of the utmost import, the wise became ineffectual and immortality seemed futile with nothing to live for if everything were to go wrong. Yesterday he had felt so much better, yesterday it had made sense, she had made him see sense in a hopeless situation.

'There is no right and wrong. . . only your best. Do not dwell on it so much Frodo. . . .it is all for a reason.'

She had spoken of reason; what reason was there in a hobbit taking the doom of mankind and all the peoples of Middle-Earth to the fiery pit from whence it had been forged. What sense was there in a band of nine infiltrating the darkest of lands that had not seen the beauty of nature for centuries? What sense was there in a lone Istar travelling the breadth of the land searching for a well known wanderer? What reason. . . . . what reason. . . what reason. Again her words came to him piercing through the mist and gloom akin to a beam of light in a dark corner.

'What reason is there to life if only to live as best we can. Frodo even the most insignificant detail can change the course of history and the path of the future.'

So she would travel forever to locate him; one named fool by his fellows, his peers. Was it really that important, was he not more important, did she not care one whit about what might happen to him? Of course not why would she? A hobbit, who would care for a hobbit. . . . STOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Stop it!

You are not here, you are not me, I am here, leave me in peace. He had felt it growing, ever since the council and over the past week especially. The nagging corner of doubt in his mind, the corner which did not seem his own. The corner of his mind that was hidden even from him. The warped voice that spoke to him, a voice he did not recognise. A sound that was as unnatural to the ear as it was to his mind. He could hear his own voice muffled and weak when compared to the dark surety suffused that which he could not place.

Standing up he pushed himself heavily from the bed and moved to draw back the curtains. Shuffling onto the plain balcony at his window the hobbit leaned his head against the cold smooth stone of the archway. Its solidity comforted him, the rough texture felt secure and unyielding beneath his soft flesh but was all the more reassuring for it. As the sun crept over the tree tops Frodo could make out the small glistening minerals in the stonework closest to his eye. How they shone in the light, so bright, faint but bright. The courtyard itself seemed to bask in the light of the early morn bringing a new quality to the air and room behind him. Now it seemed much more hopeful, encouraging in the daylight. Whatever spell had been cast was banished yet again. Smiling Frodo turned to his now welcoming room devoid of any corner of despair, surveying all that had to be done with a much more optimistic attitude.

Once again light had conquered darkness, not only in the atmosphere but also in the mind of one seemingly insignificant being who again tonight and every night forthwith would be caught up in the battle for his faith.

Indil paced restlessly. She had been up since dawn thinking over her plans, running through her chosen path, visualising every step. It was not this though that kept her from her bed, no it was a comfort. Yesterday evening had revealed many surprises that she had not considered possible, some more remarkable than others.

Sighing loudly the Istar forced herself to stop and sit. Trying to relax she laid her head back, resting it on the hard wooden surface supporting her. As the night waned and the dawn light crept steadily onward brightening every feature it touched she considered the events of the previous evening. The warming light helped her to relax in the chair, arms hanging heavily on the rests, feet planted firmly to the ground. Without stirring the Istar, beginning at her head, moved down through her body relaxing each muscle as she went allowing her body to rest limp, folding itself around the contours of her chair. Completely at rest she allowed her mind to recall the meeting she had had with Frodo in the corridor outside her room.

He had been agitated, very unsettled dressed in his finest robes for the feast that was about to be held in the Fellowships' honour. Casting her mind back to that very moment she examined with her minds' eye the young hobbit working hard to maintain a façade of calm while the tell tale signs of anxiousness pervaded not only his movements but also his speech. The twisting of his cuff in his hand, the constant movement of his feet, his darting eyes that roamed everywhere, rarely settling on her face or vicinity. All had seemed fairly normal earlier that afternoon when she had sat beside him briefly, worried yes but this anxiousness had not been present.

Walking with him to the Great Hall was largely a quiet affair until, she supposed, he had realised how close they were coming to their destination. Then the questions had come thick and fast; Where was she going? What was she going for? Would she be going anywhere near Mordor? She had had to grasp the young Hobbits' arm to gain his attention before he rattled off numerous other inquiries into the barren distance.

'Frodo why is my going anywhere worrying you?' whispered Indil gently, trying to soothe the overwrought Halfling.

She waited patiently as he stared at the paved floor. Raising his head slowly he gazed over her shoulder, not looking at anything in particular except for an ornate door as if it held the answers he so desired.

'Is your leaving. . . has your going anything to do with this quest? Anything to do with me specifically?'

Indil did not reply for a while, in part because she wanted to phrase her answer correctly but also because she was somewhat taken aback at the question.

'I do not mean to pry or to question you or anything of the sort,' cried Frodo fretfully, ' but I cannot help but think that this is another person going on a foolhardy mission because of me and there are too many of those already. Far too many.'

Indil glanced about her quickly before pulling the nervous hobbit to nearby stairway. Kneeling before him she stared determinedly at his face until he met her gaze. Holding his hands in her own she began, hoping that she would make some impact.

'Frodo. You are not the sole reason for my leaving Rivendell. You are not the cause of my departure nor the aim of my journey.'

Squeezing his hands momentarily she waited for a while to allow her words to sink in.

'I am leaving because I am afraid for the safety of a friend. Whom I trust and love dearly. And. . . and I cannot rest peacefully. . . here or anywhere else unless I find him. For good or for bad I cannot and will not ignore the fact that he is missing.'

Both parties allowed the silence to fill the wordless void between them as they both wondered at the others thinking.

'In any case,' pointed Indil decisively, 'it was never my intention to fade into the background while you went out and had all the fun!'

Frodo allowed a small smile at that, he suddenly found himself lighter than he had before relieved of a burden that had been weighing on his mind..

'Frodo you cannot keep everyone from danger nor can you claim responsibility when they decide to take part in events you have no control over.'

Indil smiled sympathetically at the hobbit before her. The position he found himself in was one she herself had experienced before and had subsequently learned from. That is the world pushes on with or without us and we can only steer our own course to the best of our ability and hope that those we love will find their own way.

In any case Frodo did seem a little more at ease compared to the state he had been in earlier.

'I know, I just wish that Sam, Merry and Pip were not involved. It is not that I am not thankful,' stated Frodo earnestly, ' but I would have preferred had it not been on my account that they ended up here amongst all of this.'

Taking Frodo's arm gently Indil led him to the stair to sit. Holding his clenched hands in her own she waited until his face was fully turned towards her own before she began.

'We cannot undo what has been done nor right what we feel has been done wrongly but maybe we can tip the balance in our favour. . .' Indil paused before capturing the Halfling's stare again.

'Friends are priceless gifts that we have no right to. A good friend and loyal companion cannot be underestimated in any sense, a kind word, a comforting hand, an unprejudiced ear . . . do not underestimate the true value of these simple offerings.

Frodo if it were not for friends I would still be locked in the deepest dungeons of Barad-dur, facing the might of the nine by myself. . . over the years friends have proven time and time again that it is not wise, nay it is foolish, to venture into any quest without support.

So this I say to you Frodo of the Shire do not regret the presence of your friends but revel in it. Enjoy and take comfort from it. In their own way they have a role to play in this whole event.'

Indil rose quietly from their seat with a more relaxed Frodo in tow. The companions moved to the entrance of the Great Hall slowly as if savouring the moment in which they themselves had made a true friend.

Standing before the large oak doors Indil gathered herself for the parade that was to come. Stopping short she suddenly grasped Frodos' arm tightly in her own causing him to frown in confusion.

'Promise me Frodo, swear to me that you will never venture without at least one of the Fellowship by your side. . . swear it.'

Frodo peered at the Istar curiously taking in the resolute glint in her eye and firm set to her jaw. Finally he nodded silently, acquiescing to her demand. Satisfied Indil straightened and entered the Great Hall already packed with bodies and the sound of merriment filling the night air.

Looking back now she could well understand why the Hobbit was so anxious. He was about to go forth into a world that, except from what he had learned from books, was unknown and mysterious. A land that would give no quarter to those who were innocent in the ways of the wider world at large, especially given recent developments. Today his life and the lives of all the hobbits would be irrevocably changed, perhaps not for the better. What had she once heard? . . . something along the lines of once experienced it is very hard to return to that state that is blissful ignorance.

For a moment as thoughts of Frodo drifted through her mind Indil almost forgot the other exchange which she had had a part in. Grimacing slightly at the memory she rose to her feet and tugged viciously at the straps that held her travel bedding in place. Of all the arrogant, self-absorbed, egotistical . . . and he was meant to have received training in dealing fairly and justly with people! Laughing to herself she unconsciously began to pack her clothes as neatly as possible into the saddlebags splayed across her bed.

Gandalf had always had trouble with the father so the son should not be expected to be much different. Hot-tempered, quick to jump to conclusions. . . traits that seemed to have filtered down through the Mirkwood royal line. His mother had been the most patient elleth Indil had ever encountered, still she had been married to Thranduil so it was no wonder. Legolas did have some of his mothers' blood coursing through his veins. Unfortunately he had lost her influence while still a youngling.

Fastening the pack securely Indil called up the memory of that meeting. . . his shock and embarrassment followed quickly by a hot outburst. Amazing how he had managed to flit from one emotion to the other as quickly as he had. Indil had never seen such a huge array of emotion to cross the face of one of the first born in such a short space of time in all her years.

Following Frodo to the group Indil ignored the stares of the gathered elves that analysed their every movement. The only ones who seemed oblivious to their entrance or who were making an attempt to were the Fellowship members themselves and Lord Elrond.

'Perhaps our conversation was not as private as I thought. .' mused Indil silently as she seated herself beside Gandalf. To her other side sat a regally dressed Aragorn who was in deep conversation with Legolas, the hobbits chatted opposite with Gimli who was keeping Boromir company also.

Nodding at Boromir slightly Indil turned to engage Gandalf in conversation keen to question him about the Fellowships' departure . Before she could do so however a voice interrupted her attempt at a sentence.

'Did you enjoy your walk this morn my lady?'

Smiling at a bemused Gandalf Indil twisted her body so that the elven prince was visible.

'I did indeed, my lord. Thank you for your inquiry. Do you often make a habit of chronicling the movements of new acquaintances?'

Legolas smiled in a courteous manner but Indil could see the unwavering confidence that shone in his eyes.

'No, my lady. Only in extreme circumstances and with those acquaintances I like to keep track of.'

'I thank you for your concern but I have no need of a movement record.' Smiled Indil as graciously as she could manage while being watched by Gandalf.

'Oh it was not out of concern my lady, simply interest.' Stated Legolas frostily.

Suddenly Indil felt the eyes of the whole group descend upon herself and the ellon facing her. Aragorn for his part was looking slightly alarmed at the turn which the conversation had taken and was trying to remain as visibly calm as possible but the tension that coursed through his upper body, as if it were tensed to spring, was impossible to hide. Gandalfs' hand now rested on Indils' forearm closest to him and was applying as much pressure as was possible without drawing attention which was in complete contrast to Boromirs' reaction. He was now openly glaring at Legolas, hand clenched in a fist, while Gimli was completely confused as to why the circle now seemed frozen. Clenching her jaw Indil struggled to maintain a semblance of calm in front of the Fellowship.

'Ah I see you take after your father in that respect. Always taking interest in those that surround you.'

Smirking inwardly Indil watched as the smug look on Legolas' face was replaced by sheer anger at her reference.

'Oh and you have his temper also, what a combination.'

Legolas was half-way standing before Aragorn managed to restrain his arm and push him back into his chair.

'Legolas remember where you are!' growled the ranger, eyeing Indil also.

Shaking off the rangers' hold Legolas stiffly fixed his robes before speaking.

'I am afraid that a hot temper is a trait that myself and my father both share as is a natural suspicion of those newly introduced but these traits have often seen us through the most worrisome of times. Revealed to us secrets that would destroy, unveiled enemies hidden in the shadows. . . they are of use. I am forgetting my manners however I apologise my lady if I have caused you any inconvenience.'

As if to qualify his apology Legolas bowed laboriously in his seat.

'No insult was taken my lord but I once again assure you I do not need a record of my movements nor do I need anyone questioning my motives for taking an early morning stroll simply because I cannot sleep.

Suffice it to say I would be greatly indebted to you if you would remove your sentinel from his post and may I advise that if I find that he is still following me I shall not be so lenient in my dealings.'

More than one gasp was audible at Indil's announcement, especially since she had raised her voice so that anyone in the vicinity of the circle would hear her statement, including Lord Elrond.

Quite surprisingly Gandalfs' restraining arm was now gripping the arm of his own chair while the Istar himself glowered at the elven prince. Under the stern gaze of both Gandalf and Lord Elrond Legolas seemed to wilt a little, sitting back in his chair.

'If you do not mind Olorin I think I shall retire since I will be leaving early on the morrow.' Whispered Indil.

'Of course, do not allow yourself to surrender to sleep fully. I would like to talk to you after I have spoken with Lord Elrond.'

His answer was faint but she knew this was not due to any breathlessness. If it were not for his complete attention on the Mirkwood Prince she might not have believed he was speaking to her.

Rising slowly Indil bid the group goodnight before striding through the crowds of whispering elves.

Smiling slightly at the image of a motionless Legolas surrounded by curious stares Indil hefted her saddle bags to the chair beside the door. Pulling out her sword and whet stone she methodically ran it down the length of the blade. The repetitive rhythmic sound of stone against metal lulled her into a meditative state.

It had not been her initial intention to reveal her discovery to the entire room but in her irate state she had not thought to lower her voice. Undeniably some of her finer moments occurred when she was incensed at one thing or another.

Gandalf had joined her in her chambers a short while afterward and quizzed her quite thoroughly concerning the whole incident. After she had explained everything he had been furious and was ready to march off to interrogate Legolas with the aide of Lord Elrond. Not so furious however to forget to admonish her actions. . .

'Indil while I understand your anger you might have come to me first about this affair or to Lord Elrond who presides over this house.'

Indil sighed realising that she was not completely without fault for the exhibition that had taken place.

'I intended to talk to you, if you remember I was about to speak to you before Legolas interrupted. . .,' a glare from Gandalf spurred her on, ' and I probably should not have disparaged his father. I concede that was wrongly done and childish of me but he pushed me as far as I was willing to go without lashing out.'

Not a breath after she had finished Gandalf burst out laughing.

'Do I not know my dear!! Was it not I who had your arm in my grasp. Valar forbid that it should move to aide you alongside a few choice words! Still you must remember that no matter how badly Thranduil has viewed either you or I we cannot judge his son for his actions. I know Legolas to be hot-tempered and suspicious but he has the understanding of his mother.'

Nodding slightly Indil lay back on her bed as Gandalf closed the door firmly behind him.

She had not slept after he had left, watching the inky blackness lighten to a grey hue and then to a orange glow. Running through the conversation a thousand times in her mind examining each word, pin pointing the main flash points had made for serious contemplation. It had revealed nothing more of Legolas' intentions but had served as a means of distraction.

Sheathing her sword she strapped it across her back winching it as tight as possible. Sliding her full quiver of arrows beside it she placed her bow on one shoulder and hefted her saddlebag onto her remaining free one. Glancing about the room Indil searched for anything that might have come loose, assured that everything she needed was put away she stepped to the door and pulled it ajar. Turning back one final time her lips quirked upwards in a small gesture of remembrance before returning to their neutral position as she stepped out into the corridor and ended her sojourn at Rivendell.

Rivendell welcomed the fresh morning light like a thirsty man water. The whole structure seemed to strain to catch the smallest beam no matter how inconsequential. Footsteps echoing through the deserted hallways announced the imminent arrival of Indil to the central courtyard where two others and a horse waited patiently for her to reach them.

Lord Elrond stood regally beside the stallion whispering elven words of encouragement and praise, dressed in formal robes of burgundy and russet he appeared every inch the elven lord. Beside him smiling stood Gandalf leaning on his staff, eyes twinkling beneath his thick brows. He was once again clothed in the travelling robes he so preferred in preparation for his own departure in a mere couple of hours.

Turning his attention from the stallion Elrond gazed at Indil as she made her way down the front steps to them. Though her gait was quite leisurely he smirked at the keen expression hidden amongst her features.

'I see you have finally decided to join us.'

'Yes, yes I apologise Olorin. I was just ensuring that my chambers were completely empty. I believe I have everything.'

Indil made a show of patting her numerous weapons and pockets before grinning at the elf and Istar wryly.

'Ah you do not have everything, Lady Indil. Allow me to present to you some gifts on behalf of my household in the hope of meeting you once again when all has come to pass.' Murmured Elrond softly as two ellith stepped forward from the shadows.

One carried a pair of beautiful black leather gloves and a small pouch. On the gloves a silver motif symbolising Rivendell household was stitched while the small pouch contained a store of Athelas carefully packed in. Admiring the workmanship of the gloves Indil slipped them on immediately and reverently placed the pouch into a cleverly concealed inner fold within her cloak. Before she could thank Elrond the second maid stepped forward this time with a delicate silver chain upon which hung a crescent moon shape with leaves and stars entwined into its shape. Bowing her head slightly Indil allowed the elleth to place the jewel around her neck. Feeling it gingerly she bowed fully to Lord Elrond.

'My Lord, I thank you for your hospitality and friendship. Not only for this recent period but for all those times that I stayed here under your protection. I will always be indebted to you and honoured to have shared your home.'

'Indil do not speak as if we are never to meet again. I shall look forward to that hopefully happier time. We have never been allowed by your own self to bestow gifts upon you so it is with great pleasure that I present these items to you.' Replied Elrond warmly before stepping forward to formally bid farewell.

Released from his grasp Indil smiled once more before turning to Gandalf who had been quite silently watching proceedings. Moving to him Indil clasped his forearm.

'My friend what can I say. . .,' whispered Indil gently, searching Gandalfs' eyes with her own, '. . I suppose all that is left to say is try to keep your patience with the younger hobbits and I will see you soon.'

'My dear I can only hope that our paths cross again in the near future for I shall always and ever be in need of your counsel and wisdom.'

Drawing her close Gandalf embraced Indil tightly before moving back to allow access to Tintreach who was snorting impatiently. Automatically Indil moved forward and placed her palm underneath his forelock, calmed Tintreach stood still as his mistress attached the full saddlebags securely to his back. Hoisting herself into the saddle Indil turned Tintreach so that she faced her two well wishers.

'Look for me in Lothlorien friend, for if ever I am finished this search I shall make for the Golden wood before journeying on to Minas Tirith. If the hour is late I shall press on to the white city and meet you there with whatever tidings I can garner concerning Radagast.'

'By what roads will you come?' questioned Gandalf.

'If I make for the Gap of Rohan perhaps I shall draw unwanted attention from your party. It is the most feasible and I am less likely to be caught since I am but one rider.' Replied Indil convincingly.

Gandalf looked concerned but shook his head realising it was of no use to try and argue with Indil when she had made a decision.

'Very well. Do not trust to slip past Saruman Indil. Our fellow Istar is wise in all manner of deceit and concealment.'

Indil smiled at his concern but inclined her head accepting the wisdom behind his words. Taking a final glance at Rivendell in the early light Indil turned Tintreach sharply and dug her heels into his sides. Already eager to be gone the stallion took little encouragement and darted from the courtyard leaving Indils' farewell ringing in Gandalf and Elronds' ears.