Chapter 8

The remainder of October was spent making final preparations for the Fellowship's departure. As the days passed, their time in Rivendell was near its end. The trees had become naked with the fall of the leaves. The winds brought with them a chill from the Misty Mountains that made even the elves of Rivendell wrap themselves in their cloaks and they kept their fires well attended to.

A few days before the fellowship's departure, Gandalf, Aragorn, Elladan, and Elrohir had mounted their horses and scouted the path that the fellowship would be taking in the infancy of their journey. They returned later that evening to report no signs of the Black Riders the hobbits had encountered nearly a month ago. Gandalf had wanted to take extra caution to ensure the Black Riders were not awaiting the ring bearer outside the safety of Rivendell, for which Frodo was much relieved.

Since the day of the counsel, the members of the fellowship acquainted themselves with one another. Boromir had taken to the hobbits quite well; they reminded him of the young boys back home in Gondor who were all too eager to become soldiers. He admired their courage and confidence and had taken it upon himself to give the four halflings some weapons training with their short swords. He believed if they were to do this mission, they should at least know how to hold and swing their swords properly. When he was not training the hobbits, Boromir would listen to the many stories the dwarves had to tell. Their shared love for battle and glory had made them easy conversationalists.

The dwarves could not be bothered to converse with any of the elven folk in Rivendell. This company of dwarves was not as boisterous as the company of Thorin Oakenshield, which made Elrond and his comrades, Glorfindel and Lindir, sign in relief. There would be no dwarves swimming in the fountains this time around. Not to mention, there would also be no food wars and broken furniture either. Gimli had not taken any effort to approach the blonde elf from Mirkwood. His father Gloin had informed him the blonde elf was the son of King Thranduil. The King who had imprisoned him and their kin. Gimli had an instant resentment for the elven prince and did not hide the fact. The Prince of Mirkwood didn't seem affected by the dwarves' resentment. He elected to ignore the dark glares and murmured insults, but behind the mask of indifference, the dwarves could see the resentment was reciprocated. Legolas had known the dwarves would resent him because of his Father, he thought it a petty feud that he should not have been involved with.

The elves of Mirkwood had left a few days after the council, bidding farewell to their prince and captain. Legolas had entrusted his letter to his father with Feren. He could tell the elf was not looking forward to being the deliverer of said letter. Tauriel had given orders to have another elf act as temporary Captain while she was away. She selected her most trusted and loyal soldier that she knew would take care of things back home for her in her absence. Legolas and Tauriel knew Thranduil would not be pleased with their role in the fellowship, but they hoped this would make their King realize that they could no longer stand aside while their world was falling in to darkness and ruin. They had to show the King that they were a part of this world too.

When Tauriel was not with Legolas, Aragorn, and the Twins, she could be found in the company of Arwen. The two elleths had formed a friendship over the month they had known each other. Tauriel had no close friendships with any elf of her gender, so it was pleasant chatting with Arwen about things that elleths chat about that would drive the males in their lives bored. Legolas and Aragorn were both glad the two women that held their hearts became such fast friends. It seemed fitting.

Aragorn had spent much time with Elrond and Gandalf before the departure. Should any of the fellowship encounter injury, Elrond made sure Aragorn was well stocked with healing herbs and bandages. Being a master healer himself, Elrond had ensured all three of his sons were well taught in the skill of healing. Elrond was fussing over Aragorn's medicinal pack the day before departure, double checking that nothing was forgotten, despite his foster son's reassurance that he had already checked that everything was there.

"Ada, must you keep checking my pack every time I turn my back?" Aragorn almost whined, much like he did when he was a child thought Elrond.

"Estel, you will recall the times you and your brothers went off hunting and one of you would return with a server injury that could have been helped if you three had remembered the certain necessary herbs to treat the poison, injury, sickness, etcetera…I will not allow forgetfulness to be the fellowships downfall should something like that happen."

Amused, Aragorn stood with his arms crossed as he watched his foster father take out everything in the pack and check it over and replace it. He chuckled softly when Elrond had finished and tied to pack closed.

"Satisfied now? Did anything escape?" Aragorn asked with light humor in his voice.

Elrond still staring at the pack, nodded silently. "You know that I worry…I knew that this day would eventually come. However, I could never imagine how difficult it was going to be…"

Aragorn fell silent and approached Elrond. As he stood beside him, He did not see the great Elven Lord of Rivendell as many would, instead he saw the man who took him in as a babe and raised him as if he really were his own. Throughout his childhood, Aragorn never felt unloved or unimportant. Elrond was a devoted father and teacher and Aragorn would be forever grateful.

Elrond felt a warm weight upon his shoulder he recognized as Estel's hand. " Ada…you know the path that I must now take. I understand what must be done."

Elrond nodded and lightly patted Aragorn's hand as he walked over to the balcony overlooking the gardens. Aragorn joined him and followed his gaze. Arwen and Tauriel could be seen strolling together admiring the different types of plants, Arwen was laughing over something Tauriel just said.

Elrond looked upon the scene sadly before speaking, "Our time here is ending. Arwen's time is ending. And yet…she stays."

Aragorn's heart clenched at the meaning behind his father's words. "Her heart is not burdened with the sea-longing, nor does she hear it's calling. She stays because she has hope."

Elrond turned his gaze to Aragorn's. He could see the pain behind the human's eyes. "She stays for you…the decision is hers…to choose her own path. I am familiar with the decision and I have felt the pain of loss because of it. I would rather not leave my only daughter here to die."

Aragorn sighed, nodding. He understood, but he didn't like it. He felt a grief envelop him as he watched Arwen walk amongst the gardens, lovely and for the moment carefree. He knew what he must do, thinking about it made his eyes prickle with unshed tears. He turned away from the balcony; he was trying to keep his emotions under control. Quickly wiping his eyes with the sleeve of his tunic, he took a deep breath and composed himself. Pushing away the anxiety and despair.

It was Elrond's turn now to be the comforting one. Like Aragorn did for him, Elrond placed his hand upon the young man's shoulder. "Let her go. Let her take the ship into the west. Let her bear away her love for you in the Undying Lands. There is will be evergreen."

Aragorn huffed and turned to face Elrond's concerned gaze, "But no more than a memory."

In those last days, the hobbits spent much time together with Bilbo in his own small room. There, Bilbo would read passages from his book and then give tips and notes for survival from his own adventures.

On the last day, Frodo entered Bilbo's room alone and had breakfast with just the two of them, like how it used to be back in Bag End. After they had finished, Bilbo slowly and with small difficulty (his age was catching up to him) pulled a wooden box from beneath his bed. He lifted the lid and fumbled inside.

"What are you searching for Uncle?" Frodo asked as he went to help the aged hobbit in his search.

"Ah Ha! Here it is!" Bilbo exclaimed. An old sword was in his hands. It rested in a shabby leather scabbard, "My old sword Sting." He pulled the sword out and it was well polished and glittered cold and bright, "Here take it." He said offering it to Frodo.

Frodo took the sword in his hands, marveling at its beauty, "It's so light!"

Bilbo smiled and tutted, "Yes, yes, made by the elves, you know. The blade glows blue when orcs are close…and its times like that, my lad, when you have to be extra careful."

As Frodo continued to marvel at the blade, Bilbo pulled another object from the box and handed it to Frodo.

Laying down the sword carefully on the bed, he took the object and unraveled the cloth it was wrapped in. It was a small silver shirt of close woven chain mail.

Bilbo continued, "Now here is a pretty thing. Mithril: as light as a feather and hard as dragon scales. It was a gift given to me by a very dear friend. But now I think you will have more use for it than I. Let me see you put it on. Come on."

Frodo began to unbutton his shirt, revealing the Ring on a chain around his neck. Bilbo spied it suddenly and seemed almost in a tranced state. "Oh! My old Ring."

Frodo frowned as Bilbo moved toward him, never taking his eyes off the Ring.

"I- I should very much like to hold it again, one last time." Bilbo reached his fingers toward the ring and suddenly a shadow fell across his face and for a quick second he becomes a wrinkled creature with a hungry face and boney groping hands. Frodo pulled away; shocked…the shadow faltered and soon passed away…Bilbo's eyes filled with tears.

"Oh!" a sob comes from Bilbo, "I'm sorry! I am sorry I brought this upon you my boy…I'm sorry that you must now carry this burden. I'm sorry for everything." Bilbo continued to sob and Frodo moved to comfort him, wrapping him in a hug.

"This is not your fault Uncle…The Ring came to you. And now it has come to me. I must destroy it."

Bilbo nodded and pulled out his handkerchief from his jacket pocket. Before he went to wipe his tears away, he looked at the small cloth in his hand…his initials embroidered on it in red stitches. It brought back memories form long ago.

"I never told you about how on my first adventure…I almost decided not to join those dwarves. I was comfortable to stay in Bag End…with my books, and my armchair…but what changed my mind was as I was sitting there enjoying the warm comforts of home…I came to realize that they didn't have those comforts, they were going on this long difficult journey just to have their home back. That is why I did it. I packed my bag and ran out of the shire as fast as my feet could go." Bilbo smiled at the memory, his eyes filled with unshed tears, "…through all the hardships, struggles and pain…I never regret a moment of it." Bilbo looked down at his handkerchief, memories of ponies, dwarves, spiders, elves, orcs, and a dragon filled his thoughts. But most of all, his mind dwelled on one dwarf in particular. The most stubborn, brave, and headstrong of all the dwarves…and he was his best friend. And he was gone. Gone before he could ever see his home rebuilt and to enjoy the comforts that which make a home…home.

"You be careful out there lad," Bilbo went on to say as he proceeded to wipe away his tears, "Keep yourself safe, and keep your friends safe."

That night, on the eve of their departure, a feast was held in honor of the Fellowship. Tomorrow morning, they would bid farewell to the house of Elrond and to all of Rivendell and set out on their journey.

After the feast had finished, everybody went their separate ways for one last night of comfort and security. The hobbits went to Bilbo's room; the dwarves went where they usually go after meals, to their own chamber, Boromir decided to retire early for the night, claiming he wanted to be well rested for the early departure tomorrow. The remainder of the fellowship stayed in the Great Hall. Everybody sat in a circle around the hearth of a fire. The chill of a November evening crept upon them, but the fire kept it at bay. Aragorn was silent and his heart troubled. Tomorrow would be the start of a difficult journey.

Legolas found no rest that night. He spent most of the night lying on his bed, staring out the balcony doors to the Rivendell scenery outside. He might have dozed off for an hour maybe, but upon seeing the first signs of morning he emerged from bed and readied himself for the start of the fellowships journey. The day had finally arrived, and it was not eagerly welcomed. He dressed in his brown and green tunic, light boots; he braided his blonde hair back in warrior braids, his usual style. His weapons were all ready for him. His twin daggers with the ivory handles were a treasured gift from his father. He strapped those on his back along with a quiver full of arrows. His dark wood warrior bow has served him for many years, he fought many battles and hunted many orcs and spiders with it, but alas age has not been kind to it. It was still a reliable weapon, but it would have to be replaced soon.

Legolas was distracted from his thought when he heard a soft knock on his chamber door; he recognized who it was even before opening the door. Tauriel greeting his sight upon revealing, she was dressed in her green tunic, her red hair braided back behind her ears. She had in her hand her Mirkwood bow and on her belt she had her own set of twin daggers and her quiver.

"Morning mellon nin" She greeted as he welcomed her into his chambers, "Did you find rest last night?" She stopped by the balcony doors and turned to face him.

Legolas joined her by the balcony and gave her a small smile, "Nay, I did not. Sleep evaded me and I was awake for most of the night. What of yourself?"

Shaking her head, Tauriel ran her fingers through her hair. A nervous habit he recognized, "No. I was restless all night too. This day has finally come and it seems only yesterday we arrived for the secret council." She paced back and forth, he fingers continued weaving through some of her red locks.

"Time did seem to go by rather fast, though it seems to be that way in Rivendell." Legolas commented as he watched her pace around his chamber. He walked up to her and gently placed his hands on her shoulders, ceasing her pacing. At first she was confused, but then she noticed his concerned face. Admittedly, she was a little nervous. They were about to embark on a dangerous journey to save middle earth. And if they should fail, or if they were caught by Sauron's forces, what if the Ring got lost-

"Tauriel," the sound of her name cleared her head. She looked into the bright blue eyes of Legolas. He moved his hands to cup her face so she kept his eye contact. "Breath, deeply and slowly." He softly commanded. He inhaled a deep breath with her. She felt her lungs expand and release in rhythm with his. She followed his breathing until she felt more relaxed. Legolas pulled her in a warm hug and gently stroked her back. She could fell her anxiety disappear as she relaxed in his warm embrace.

After a few moments, she stepped back, feeling much more calm than she did a few minutes ago, "Thank you, sorry. I don't know why I am so…flustered. I have faced battle and war before."

"No need to apologize." Legolas assured her, "It is okay to feel nervous. No amount of battles could prepare us for what we are about to do. This journey is not something any of us could have anticipated and the fate of Middle Earth is at stake. But we are not alone. With all of us united, I believe we can accomplish this." He gave her a small smile, receiving one in return from her.

"Your counsel and words of comfort are much appreciated mellon nin." She held his hand in her own, "Come, let us join our comrades then." With that, she grabbed her pack and together they walked to the courtyard.

The Fellowship was nearly all gathered in the courtyard when Legolas and Tauriel arrived. Boromir stood beside the hobbits; the four halflings who had their short swords, he held his shield and his sword was on his belt along with his war horn. Gimli was dressed in his armor and a shirt of steel rings; and in his belt was his broad-bladed axe. He stood off to the side bidding farewell to his fellow dwarves, his father Gloin in particular.

The fellowship was given thick warm blankets, jackets lined with fur, food, and other needs. All of which were laden on a chestnut pony named Bill. It was Sam who had insisted on choosing him as it was the very same beast the four hobbits had brought with them from the village Bree. The pony was to be the beast of burden as he carried all their supplies. He was the only member of the fellowship that did not seem depressed.

In one of the corridors outside the courtyard, Aragorn and Arwen were having a few final words together. Aragorn had not received any sleep last night, knowing what lay ahead, he could find no peace with what he was about to do.

"Arwen," her name flowed from his lips like an elvish lament. He looked into her sapphire eyes and saw her love and devotion for him and it broke his heart. If humans could die from grief the way elves tragically did, he was sure he would be dead that same day. Aragorn continued before he had the chance to change his mind, "You have the chance for another life. Away from war…grief… and despair."

Arwen's beautiful porcelain face turned to that of trepidation, "Why are you saying this?"

Aragorn slowly sighed, frustrated at himself. He couldn't do this, but he must, "I am mortal; you are Elfkind. It was a dream, Arwen, nothing more." He reached for her hand and placed the Evenstar necklace that she had given him a few nights previous, "This belongs to you."

Arwen had tears pooling in her eyes. Aragorn had never hated himself more in his life than in that very moment. She was in pain and he was the cause of it.

Arwen held her head up and looked him evenly in the eyes, "It was a gift. Keep it." She closed his hand around the necklace and slowly backed away. Aragorn watched her walk down the corridor to the courtyard where the rest of her family awaited to bid farewell to the fellowship.

Gandalf was the last one to appear in the courtyard with his long staff in hand. He wore his grey traveling cloak, long pointed grey hat, and in his belt rested his elven sword Glamdring, which was the mate of Orcrist that lay upon the breast of Thorin Oakenshield under the Lonely Mountain.

Now that everybody was there, Elrond called the Company to him, "This is my last word," he said in a low voice, "The Ring bearer is setting out on a quest to Mount Doom. The Ring must not fall into any hands of the Enemy, nor any other person, save the members of the Fellowship, and only in the gravest of need…Go now with good hearts and may the blessings of Elves and Men and all the Free Folk go with you. May the stars shine upon your face."

The House of Elrond had lined up near the courtyard gate as they bid farewell to the fellowship one by one. Arwen, Elrohir, and Elladan stood together. Each of the siblings bid farewell to the fellowship. Tauriel's heart had warmed upon receiving an embrace from each member of Lord Elrond's house, including the great Lord himself. Such displays of affection were restricted for family only, however it seemed they regarded Legolas as family and it appeared Tauriel as well. She had only known these elves for a month and already she felt she had known them for a century. Arwen was the hardest to bid farewell too, she was like a sister Tauriel never had and it made her heart weep to bid farewell. The twins both embraced her as a fellow sister in arms. They also became very dear friends and she would miss their mischievous pranks and light hearted jokes. Elrond was the last to bid her farewell, he smiled at her and she saw him glance at Legolas briefly then back at her. Tauriel wondered if he knew how she felt for the Prince, there were times when she was certain the Elf Lord could read her thoughts. Elrond placed his palm upon the side of her face and spoke, "May the green leaves of your life tree never wither and turn brown. Until next we meet Tauriel, Daughter of the Forest."

Legolas was followed by Aragorn who was the last to bid farewell to the House of Elrond. Together, the elf and the human faced the family of elves. The twins were he first to embrace them in a fierce hug. Like brothers they all were, bidding farewell was saddening and not easy. "Our hearts shall weep until we see your faces again brothers, "The Twins muttered to both Legolas and Aragorn.

"And ours as well dear brothers." Said Aragorn as he embraced the other twin, "Make sure you give Ada trouble in our absence. I recall that one time he wasn't too fond of those frogs we put in the bathing rooms, so perhaps nothing too drastic like that." Aragorn laughed lightly upon the memory from his youth.

The twins and Legolas shared the laughter as Elrond watched the exchange with raised eyebrows and a stern look upon his face, but underneath the serious exterior, the four younger elves and human knew the Elrond was hiding his amusement. "Do not encourage them Estel, without you and Legolas here, they are even worse to keep in line. Sometimes I wonder if they are still elflings by the way they behave." Elrond smiled.

"Ada, you just do not realize a good prank when you witness it." Elladan spoke.

"That is because ion-nin, I am usually the recipient of all those good pranks." Elrond retorted.

"Well we can't practice our pranks on Arwen, have you seen the way she is when she is angered? It's not unlike poking a cave bear during its hibernation." Elrohir joked as he teased his younger sister.

Arwen glared at her brother's teasing before a small smirk crossed her face. For a moment, they were all laughing like they usually did over a morning breakfast or an evening meal. With Aragorn and Legolas gone, it would be much quieter here. A fact that made their hearts weep.

A grunt from Gimli broke the elvish laughter, making them realize that they could not put off the farewell any longer. Legolas embraced them all and bidding farewell to his Rivendell family, he joined Tauriel with the rest of the Fellowship.

Arwen approached Aragorn first. Though their earlier meeting was full of tears and heartache, she wrapped her arms around him in an embrace. Placing a kiss on the side of his face, she noticed the Evenstar necklace around his neck. She looked into his cool grey eyes and gave him a small smile. And after that, she had left to stand near the stairs. The twins bid farewell next and joined her.

Elrond faced Aragorn, only he knew what this hour meant for the heir of Isildur. But that didn't matter right now. He looked into the eyes of the man before him and memories of an energetic human child who was constantly competing with the other elves, always scrapping his knees and getting injured in some way, and causing trouble that could rival that of the twins. If he could, Elrond would re-live each and every one of those days. They were precious memories. Raising the human made Elrond feel very aged, but he cherished every moment of it just as he did when he raised Arwen and the Twins.

Aragorn hugged Elrond and for a moment he felt like that small human child who would go running to his Ada's arms when he got scared or hurt. Pushing the sentiments aside, he faced his Ada one last time. The time has come and he knew what his task was.

Elrond spoke, placing his hand upon Aragorn's shoulder, "Namarrie, ion-nin. Be safe, Estel."

Elvish Translations:

Ada: Dad

Elleth: Female elf

Mellon nin: my friend

Namarrie: Farewell

Estel: Hope, elvish name for Aragorn

Ion-nin: my son