V

Ringbearer

Legolas left the house and followed the hoof prints that led toward the level floor of the valley. He could smell horses and wildflowers, grain and straw. A stable stood beneath the eaves of a grove of trees, and many horses wandered free on the grass there. Fëavano cantered up to him, nuzzling him for the apple he smelled in his pocket. Legolas laughed and gave it to him. He had been tended well; his coat gleamed and his hooves were clean. Fëavano allowed him to check each hoof, then he flicked his tail over Legolas's head and trotted away to sport with the other horses. Legolas smiled and watched him play for a long while.

Turning back to the house, he espied an Elf in the stable, grooming a beautiful white horse. He was speaking softly to the beast as he combed out the tangled mane. Both groom and horse looked as though they were on the edge of exhaustion, but they supported each other's weariness. Legolas did not interrupt them. He hoped that he could speak with this Elf later; he looked familiar.

As he returned to the house, he saw that the Dwarves had finally arrived, and Erestor was there greeting them with the same solemn countenance he had offered the Green Elves. Gloín was speaking for the Dwarves, asking that the Lord Elrond make himself available at the earliest possible time. As Erestor was explaining that he could not come, a small individual came out of the house.

"Gloín! You look magnificent!" spoke the halfling. He walked right up to the dwarf and shook his hand warmly. To Legolas's surprise, the Dwarf laughed and embraced the little one.

"Bilbo Baggins! You look the same as ever you did! Still alive and working? I did not hope to find you here!"

Bilbo laughed, patting Gloín's shoulder. Legolas could see that he was older that the other halflings he had earlier observed. His hair was nearly white and his face was wrinkled like a winter apple. His eyes and voice were merry, but the Elf could see a hint of worry in his face, like a shadow. "Not working, no! I am retired, don't you know? But I find this place a good one for resting and for writing in my book… when there aren't noisy guests around to disturb me!"

Gloín laughed and bowed, and introduced Bilbo to the dwarves behind him. Legolas heard him name his son at last: Gimli.

Erestor watched the scene with an expression of patient wariness. He was in fact relieved that Bilbo had appeared. The Dwarves were now less irritable and caustic. When they had exhausted their greetings and bowing, he showed them into the house. Legolas noted with a degree of relief that their rooms were some distance from his own.

He re-entered the house and looked in again upon the halflings. All were asleep now, worn and weary with travel and worry. Legolas wondered what strange events had brought them from whatever strange land they dwelled in. He had heard of them only as a distant rumour. Had not a halfling been involved in the slaying of Smaug the Dragon? Legolas wondered if there was any connection. Surely that halfling could have lived this long... that had been merely 60 years ago.

Legolas sighed and rubbed his forehead. More riddles! As if he did not have enough on his mind!

As he turned to go, he heard his name spoken softly. From within the room where the halflings slept came a Man that Legolas knew. His joy in seeing him was very great. He embraced Aragorn warmly and silently they withdrew a distance so as not to disturb the sleepers.

"I had hoped to find you here, Aragorn," Legolas said. "Though my message is dark and locked behind my lips for Elrond's ears, still I am pleased to see you."

"And I, you, Thranduilion," answered Aragorn in his soft voice. "I would speak with you longer, my friend, but I need to check on my charge. My heart cannot rest until I learn of his condition."

"Did you come hither with the halflings? I wondered at them, seeing their weariness. What has driven so many so far, and at such desperation? Must I wait for this council to learn what has occurred?"

"Come with me Legolas, and some answers you may find." Aragorn led him down a corridor that came to a clean room where a gathering of folk were standing around a table. Mithrandir was there, and Elrond also, bent over the table with an intent expression on his noble face. When one of the elves moved to fetch a basin of water for Elrond Legolas saw what he was so intent about, and his heart leapt in his chest in pity.

A halfling lay on the table. He had dark hair and pale, translucent skin. He lay motionless, and his blood was bright red as it soaked the white linens. His shoulder had been cruelly pierced and Elrond was carefully exploring the wound as if looking for something. Legolas marveled that the tiny creature was still alive. He seemed to be on the very threshold of death, his spirit flickering like a waning star.

Legolas did not know this halfling, had not yet even learned his name, but he was suddenly filled with compassion for him and a desperate desire for him to survive. He turned to Aragorn and saw his feeling mirrored in the Ranger's dark features.

Aragorn motioned for him to come out from the room. In the corridor, Aragorn gave Legolas a brief tale about his coming to Rivendell, and also the name of the halfling that lay within. When he ceased speaking, the Elf gripped the Man's shoulder firmly.

"Brother, you have done a wondrous deed! You must rest also, for you are weary beyond your endurance. Frodo Baggins has Elrond and Gandalf with him… he will survive. Go and get you rest!"

Aragorn nodded and left, but Legolas remained outside of the chamber where the battle was still being fought. He could not leave, but stood and pondered his riddles and as he watched Lord Elrond work, he prayed to Elbereth to protect the brave little halfling who had stolen his heart.