IV
Imladris
Coming down out of the mountains at last, the air and seasons seem to turn back to summer. Trees and grass are full and green and the wind is soft and warm and fragrant. The path broadens through the foothills and Legolas can hold back the horses no more than their riders. They fly around the Dwarven party and race toward the inviting green cleft of Imladris.
The Last Homely House East of the Sea was not visible but for a few tendrils of smoke rising from the valley below. Legolas could hear the singing of his kindred on the gentle wind and his heart swelled with a desire to join their sweet voices. He forgot his game of dwarf-baiting and let Fëavano gallop.
A tricky path leads to Rivendell. Legolas slowed his horse and signaled for his companions to be cautious. What had looked like a leveled valley between the toes of the mountain was in fact a ravine covered with trees, the path leading downward into the heart of the cloven stone. There they found a huge house or series of houses joined by arched paths and rope bridges and surrounded and dissected by many waterfalls. It was a beautiful place, and a stronghold that could be defended easily; the approach was narrow and well covered with guardians. Legolas saluted them as he rode past.
The singing changed into a song of welcome. Word had gone ahead that they were come. However, only one figure waited on the steps of the house when they arrived.
Tall and serene, he greeted the travelers with solemn warmth, "Welcome to Rivendell, my kindred from the Greatwood. I am Erestor. Lord Elrond sends you his greetings and begs you forgive him for not meeting you personally. An urgent matter has detained him. When he can, he will bring you his own greeting. He bade me meet the son of Thranduil and offer him the hospitality of Imladris."
"And he accepts your offer, Lord Erestor." Legolas dismounted and bowed to the Elf. "Surely it has not been so long since you visited our kingdom that you do not remember me?"
Erestor thawed a smile for the greenelf. "Of course I remember you, Legolas. You have become the image of your father so that I nearly believed he had come to Rivendell himself. But for your hair that is your mother's gift, I would not have known you."
"She was of the house of Finrod, she told me, before she became enamoured of my father's dark humour," Legolas smiled though his heart pained him to speak of his mother. He had not expected to find her memory in Imladris.
"Let us speak of such things in their time, Prince Legolas," said Erestor. Grooms came forward and took their horses, removing their goods and taking them inside the house. "Come with me now and find rest and refreshment. A long journey you have endured and soon we will have more company. A party of Dwarves comes down the East road to scatter your trail."
"Aye, we passed them on this side of the mountains. A strange coincidence that they have come hither the same hour as we, I am thinking," said Legolas, but Erestor made no comment. His face had fallen back into an icy mask. Legolas and his escort followed him into the house.
Upon entering, Legolas was immediately struck with the atmosphere of the place, peaceful and homely but with a strong undercurrent of anticipation. Something was occurring or soon would occur, and there was hope and hopelessness warring in the very spirits of the wind. Legolas halted, and Erestor turned to him.
"What you feel is that which had detained Lord Elrond from greeting you. All morning this day he has struggled in healing. Some have doubts that his efforts will be successful… and some wonder if they should be. Dark times are ahead for all Free People, my woodland friend. And now, in this place, many things will be decided. Please, come this way."
They climbed a wide stair and came to a wing of the house that swept over the pool which was fed by a chattering fall of water. The wood elves were given rooms for their use that were not so much decorated as overgrown, with fir trees and fragrant juniper boughs. With the water and the green smell they each felt as if they were at home again.
"Rest now, friends, and come to the Hall when you have stomach. A meal is served at six bells, but food is available at all times for travelers. I will leave you now."
"Lord Erestor," Legolas called to him and he paused in the doorway. "I have an urgent message for Lord Elrond. If he cannot hear me, perhaps I could speak with Lord Mithrandir?"
Erestor's face became yet more grave. "They labour together as we speak, my Prince. Keep your message until the council that will be held when Lord Elrond appoints it. For good or ill, after this battle is fought, there will be much to hear and much to tell. Peace now, my friends." He turned and left.
"What is the meaning of all this, my Prince?" asked Finoglos. He was unbuckling Legolas's quiver and helping him out of the harness. He handed the weapons to Randundo who would clean and oil the blades and re-string and resin the bow. Baranhan was laying out clean garments for him and bidding him to remove his travel-stained ones.
Legolas refused. "I want to go and make sure that Fëavano is well tended. Rest and seek nourishment. I will return soon." He left his companions and retraced his steps to the front entrance.
Passing a doorway near the entrance, he heard soft weeping and saw within a small chamber three beds where lay diminutive creatures, each looking weary as if they had just come from a long hazardous journey. One was soundly asleep, but the other two were awake. A stout brown-skinned halfling was steadying his companion who wept upon his shoulder. They had bandages on their feet and great heaviness on their hearts. The halfling raised his eyes to meet Legolas's own; clear and dark and full of determination. Legolas felt as if he had reached out and touched him with that glance. The Elf pressed an open hand over his heart and bowed to him.
Merry noted the Elf's presence but said nothing to Pippin, who he was hoping would fall asleep again as soon as he stopped crying. He felt like crying himself, but he could not yet. Frodo had to survive. He just had to... after they had come so far together. He acknowledged Legolas's salute with a slight nod, and then he patted Pippin gently on the back and murmuring in his ear comfortingly.
He wondered who would be there to comfort him when he could hold back his tears no longer.
