Chapter 5
Athelas was worried. She had looked everywhere. There was no sign of Merry, Pippin or Sam. She had checked the kitchens twice, Bilbo's room several times, and had traversed the gardens. She sighed and went to Arwen with a heavy heart.
Arwen was sitting in her rooms, quiet and serene. Today it seemed that their positions had been reversed, as the usually calm Athelas was visibly upset. Arwen greeted her distraught friend.
"Forgive me, my Lady!" Athelas began hurriedly, formality enveloping her like a garment, a signal of the distress she felt. "I have no wish to destroy your tranquillity, but I have failed the in task you set me."
"Peace, Athelas," Arwen responded, startled by this unintentional demonstration of her friend's chagrin. "You have never failed in any duty to me. What has you so concerned?" Athelas took several deep breaths before she continued.
"I've lost them, Arwen," she finally said. "You told me to watch them, my Lord Elrond told me to watch them, and now I've lost them." Her voice trembled as she lingered on the last words. Arwen swung her head around to look at her friend.
"How did you do that? And today, of all days! Father was adamant!"
"I know, I know!" Athelas wailed. "Your father charged me specifically to keep them busy! How will I ever face Lord Elrond? Where can they have gone?" Unwittingly, she began to rub her fingers together, mimicking the motions of her worry beads.
Arwen was shocked by this display. Athelas was usually so in control of her emotions, so conscious of her responsibilities that to see her this upset was a sure sign of her anxiety.
"Start at the beginning." Arwen said, standing up, her alarm evident.
"We were discussing the entertainment last evening," Athelas began, "and Pippin expressed a wish to join the musicians. He has some skill with the mandolin, it seems. I thought perhaps there might be a child's instrument somewhere that he could use and went to make inquiries. I was only gone for a moment! When I returned, they were gone. All three of them!" She looked desperately at Arwen. "I've looked everywhere I could think of. If they find out what's going on this morning, your father will be furious with me!" Athelas shuddered, remembering from childhood what Elrond's displeasure could be.
Arwen looked at her companion with horror. "We have to find them," she said. "Now!"
In the end they found Elrond before they found the hobbits. He was striding through one of the courtyards when he spotted them. He dismissed Arwen, saying only that he wished a few words with Athelas. Arwen objected, but a dark look from Elrond sent her on her way.
"I am disappointed in you, Athelas. I gave you a simple task, one suited to your talents, and you were unable to execute it. Rivendell is run mad, it seems." He sighed and raised an eyebrow. "Perhaps the freedom of your life with Thranduil has made you careless."
She stood before him, her head bowed in contrition. She felt all the seriousness of her offence, and slipped back into rigid formality, her first defense when she knew herself to be in error. She listened to Elrond's words, absorbing his reproach. But at his last words she felt herself begin to get angry. When he paused, she looked up at him.
"Forgive me, my lord. Long have you been as a father to me, and to have displeased you is grievous to my heart." Her eyes flashed at him for a second, and then she went on. "I fear, however, that to watch three hobbits who are determined to disappear is beyond me! It may be that it is beyond the power of any elf!" He stared at her for a moment, taken aback by the glint of a temper she had managed to keep under control since early adulthood, and then smiled.
"Perhaps you are right," he said gently. "I have rarely met more enterprising beings." She lowered her head again. "Go on, dear one," he told her. "Find Legolas. He has tidings for you." She curtseyed and went back to her rooms, anger vying with curiosity.
Legolas was staring out the window. Athelas could feel his eagerness, his determination. It radiated from him. She crossed to him instantly.
"What is it?" she asked, laying a hand on his arm. "What has been decided?"
His eyes bright with eagerness, he smiled at her. "It has been agreed. It is to be destroyed!"
"Destroyed!" she echoed, hope fighting terror in her voice. "But how?"
"Secretly," he told her, and then noticed that she had begun to tremble. "Athelas, I must tell you, I have volunteered to go." She turned her head, unable to look at him, fighting for control of herself.
"Beloved," he began, tilting her head gently so she faced him. He was startled to see tears filling her eyes.
"Don't," he whispered, pulling her into his embrace. She went willingly, wrapping her arms about his neck. "It will be well. Don't fear for me."
She looked up at him. "These tears are not for fear or sorrow, Legolas. I weep from joy and pride in you." He crushed her to him, kissing her hair. When her tears had stopped, he wiped her face gently with the corner of his robe, and led her to her divan, where she reclined. He poured wine for them both, and sat beside her in his chair. She reached out and held his hand with one of hers, while sipping at the wine until she felt it relax her.
"Now," she said, taking a deep breath, "tell me everything."
He outlined the council for her, including his own impulsive behaviour in revealing Aragorn's identity to Boromir. Athelas felt Legolas' indignation at the man from Gondor's biting words. He told of Gimli's insults, his own loss of temper and then Frodo's quiet courage. Faced with that, with Aragorn's instant pledge to support Frodo, Legolas had immediately joined what Elrond had called the Fellowship. As he told his tale, Athelas gazed at him with such love and respect that he had to look away. Finally he told her of Sam and the other hobbits surprising them and demanding to go with Frodo. He looked at her quizzically. "I had thought they were to stay with you."
She gave him a quick smile. "As they are now to be your companions, my love, be advised by me in this. A hobbit set on becoming invisible is no match for an elf."
He laughed and looked at her, then his eyes changed from delight to concern. "It will be a dangerous road, Athelas, I will not attempt to deceive you."
"And I shall be here at the end of it," she said quietly. "Waiting with Arwen." She looked at him again, with all her heart in her eyes, and then continued.
"My love, you are an elven warrior, fearless and bold! You have no equal with bow or knife. You are steadfast and true to the end. You can brighten the darkest night with a glad song or well-told tale. No, I have no fears that you will not return. The others will be glad of your company and your skills."
"The dwarf won't," he said simply.
She caressed his hand tenderly. "Perhaps that may change."
He snorted with laughter at that. "I may safely assure you, beloved, that the dwarf and I will never agree on anything."
"Be that as it may, you have a long journey ahead, my love, and there is much to prepare."
She made to get up from her seat, but to her surprise, he pulled her down into his lap and enfolded her in his arms. Breathing deeply into her hair, he whispered, "Let it wait."
Merry and Pippin were beside themselves with excitement when Athelas found them that evening.
"We are sorry about this morning, my Lady," Merry told her, glee written all over his small face. "But we knew something was going on."
"We did tell Lord Elrond it wasn't your fault," Pippin put in helpfully.
"And I thank you for that, Master Pippin!" she said lightheartedly. "I must tell you that I did not realize hobbits possessed the ability to vanish."
"We don't, really," Merry told her. "We're just good at being unobtrusive."
"Very unobtrusive," she agreed sardonically.
"And Boromir came to talk to us. He has decided to teach us to fight with swords." Pippin said happily. "That will be something! To think that we shall be warriors!"
"Does Legolas carry an elven sword?" Merry asked, thoughtfully. "Bilbo had one. He called it Sting. He said it was charmed. It would be a comfort to have such a sword along."
"Alas," Athelas told them, with mock sorrow, "my lord Legolas carries no sword at all! But his skill with the bow may surprise you. I do not believe there is a better archer in all of Middle-Earth."
Legolas had gone with Sam to see Frodo settled into bed. Sam had recounted all of Legolas' kindnesses to Frodo yet again, until Legolas held up his hand to stop him.
"You will turn my head with flattery," he said gently. Sam blushed at that, and Legolas, seeing his friends comfortable, laughed softly and wished them good night.
He made his way to the great hall. It was deserted, and he spent some time gazing into the fire, alone with his thoughts. Only his elven ears allowed him to hear Elrond coming into the room. He looked up, the firelight reflecting in his light eyes.
"Legolas, I had wanted a few quiet words with you. Would now be acceptable?" Elrond said quietly.
"Of course," Legolas replied, motioning to the chair beside him. Elrond sat and arranged his robes comfortably. Legolas had already changed into tunic and trousers, Elrond noticed, as if he could not wait to be away.
"I have arranged for couriers to be sent in the morning. One, of course, will be to Thranduil. If you have any private message to send him, please have it ready."
Legolas nodded. "You need have no worries on that count, my Lord Elrond. Father understands the situation, and has charged me to give whatever aid I can. I know that Father can be, well, abrupt at times." He grinned wickedly at the older elf, both knowing what "abrupt" could encompass when Thranduil was involved. Elrond found himself smiling back. He was very fond of this young elf.
"Gandalf and Aragorn are both pleased to have you in the fellowship. You have ever been faithful to whatever task you set yourself." He saw the slight trace of colour in Legolas' cheek, his reaction to this praise. "I am glad also," he said simply.
"My lord, I could do nothing else," Legolas replied, grateful for the Elf Lord's approval.
"You will, of course, be travelling with the dwarf," Elrond continued, seeing Legolas' looks darken. "Will that be a hardship for you?"
"It will try my patience, I fear. But that is nothing."
"You may find more in common with Gimli than you think possible." Elrond said gently. Legolas made a small scoffing sound.
"My last concern, Legolas, is your wife." Elrond saw the look of surprise on Legolas' face. "By rights she should return to the Mirkwood."
Legolas let out a laugh that rang through the empty hall. "You will not be able to shift her, my lord Elrond! She has informed me that she will remain here with Arwen until I return. However long it takes."
Elrond looked at the young elf with sadness. "It is of Arwen I would speak now. I would have her leave Imladris, to go to Valinor. I would have her leave everything here. You understand me, I think."
Legolas stared at him in shock. "That choice is hers, my lord."
Elrond held up a hand to stop his protests. "What I need to know, Legolas, is what to do with Athelas in your absence. If Arwen leaves, do I send Athelas to your father or keep her with me? If all fails, and we must flee these shores, shall I take her to Valinor?"
Legolas was stunned as the implications of Elrond's words registered in his mind. Did Elrond think that there was no chance of success?
"Our time is ending, Legolas. I must plan for every contingency. And so I ask again, what are your wishes regarding your wife?"
Legolas licked lips suddenly dry. "Athelas will stay with Arwen as long as possible. If Arwen decides to leave, if she will take the ship, send word to my father. He will arrange for Athelas' safety on her journey to the Mirkwood. And if all fails, take her to the west." He looked at Elrond, the fear on his face replaced by determination. "I will do all I can to see that we do not fail!"
They sat in silence for a moment, Legolas wisely keeping his opinions of Arwen willingly leaving Aragorn to himself. Elrond stood and looked at the fire for a moment more.
"You will speak to Athelas of this?" he asked quietly.
"She shall know my mind on it," Legolas replied.
Returning to his room, he found Athelas, busy with a whetstone and what appeared to be one of his knives. He looked at her, puzzled for a moment. She noticed him and stood up quickly, placing the stone down carefully. Retrieving his other knife from beside her chair, she laid them both across her arm and knelt before him, head bowed.
"Your blades are sharp, your arrows new fletched. May they take you to glory," she told him formally, offering up the knives to him. It was an ancient gesture, and it touched him. He accepted them, searching for words. He could find none. Gently putting the knives down, he raised her and held his hand over his heart. Tears glittered in her black eyes as she regarded him for a long moment. Then she reached up and kissed him softly. He tenderly held her face in his hands for a long moment, and then returned her kisses with all the hunger in him.
Neither slept. Legolas had informed her of his conversation with Elrond and outlined the retreats he had agreed upon. Athelas grudgingly acceded to it, but only if Arwen were compelled or coerced to leave Middle-Earth. For Athelas would not believe for an instant that Arwen would go of her own volition.
"It is preposterous!" she hissed at him, as he asked her once again to keep her voice low. "Arwen would no more leave Aragorn, than I would leave you! He has her heart, her soul, all of her. I cannot believe Elrond would ask it of her."
"He is her father," Legolas told her wearily. It had been a long day, with no rest in sight. He was trying to draw up his message to his father. Athelas could not sit down for more than a moment, before indignantly rising again to pace the room.
"She is her own, though." She waved her hands about, her frustration evident.
"Please, Athelas, just calm down and write to Father. Only a little note, saying how happy you will be to return to the Mirkwood when all is finished."
Something in his voice reached her, and she sat, tapping her pen on the paper before her. Her eyes flashed darkly at him. "I'd rather take Arwen with me to Mirkwood. She'd not be pressured into leaving there!"
Legolas sighed. "It will be well, Athelas. I have no fears that Arwen will leave Aragorn. It is as if her roots are all fixed in him. To pull them out would wound her too deeply. I think as you do in this."
"Then you shall find me here, at the end. With my Lady. If," she started, dipping her pen into the ink, "the unthinkable happen, and she is forced to leave, I will go to your father happily." She wrote quickly, a small smile about her lips. When she finished, she looked at her husband's somewhat longer missive. Leaving him to his composition, she busied herself with looking over his gear yet again, racking her brain for anything she might have missed or forgotten to pack for him. A thought came to her, and she froze.
When he finished his letter, she turned to him, a questioning look on her face.
"Aragorn!" she said, "Does he know of Elrond's plans for Arwen?"
"I do not know. I do not think Elrond would have discussed it with me at all, except that it concerned you." His eyes widened and he sucked in his breath. "Do you think he would?"
"He might. And Aragorn might think it wise. Whatever happens, Legolas, you must not let him doubt her love for him. Watch over him and bring him back to her. She will wait. I am sure of that."
"There is nothing I would rather do for him." Legolas said warmly. He pulled Athelas into an embrace and she gently stroked his chest.
"I have no talisman for you to take into battle, my love. Aragorn carries the Evenstar, but I have nothing suitable for such a warrior as you."
He smiled at her. "I have a token of you. I carry it always. Here," he said, tapping his chest. "I take it out whenever I have need."
She looked at him questioningly. He laughed at her confusion. "It is a song you gave me, on a night long ago. I have listened to it many times since. I regret that I have no parting gift for you, beloved."
"I need none, for I am never wholly parted from you." She looked away for a moment, with something like regret in her face and posture.
"What is it, Athelas?" he asked, his voice tender. "What troubles you?"
"It is nothing. Just a momentary thought."
"Tell me," he urged gently.
"I fear the loss of all that we have known here," she said softly. He saw the shadow of the nameless fear they all carried in her face. "Everything will change."
He gathered her to him, seeking comfort as well as giving it.
"Some things will not change," he whispered softly.