Ha! Just enough time to update again. I'm a bit busy to respond to reviews right now. (I'll see to adding them later when I'm not on the run) but thanks to everyone who did, I'm glad you're enjoying the story. My update schedule has been different days of the week thus far (sorry), but I should be able to update every 4-5 days. Fingers crossed.
The journey to Rivendell was about four days long in length. We made it in three, and with great thanks to my bossing the remaining hobbits to hurry along constantly, and worrying over the state of Frodo. We had ceased hearing the cries of the Wraiths soon after Strider's elven friend had left. It had been both a blessing and a curse. We were no longer under their threat, but I knew they were hurrying after Frodo, and Arwen.
I was quite curious of Arwen. I had only seen her in passing, given the urgency of the circumstances, but I found her remarkable. The way she walked with such grace and confidence, how she bravely insisted to leave with Frodo on her own, looking so unafraid. I had noticed that she was a beauty as well, and for a lady to be all these things certainly captured my attention. During a brief rest I finally asked Strider about her.
"The elven lady, Arwen…who is she?"
"Arwen Undomiel, the daughter of Lord Elrond." Strider responded. "The lady of Rivendell."
"Lord Elrond." I said thoughtfully.
Gideon took my comment as a question. "Lord Elrond is head of Imladris, or Rivendell as we call it. He's very old, being immortal. Strangely he is only half-elven. Legend says he choose immortality long ago, when Valar were still about Middle-earth, though his brother did not. He married Celebrian, daughter of-"
"A simple 'he's from Mother and Father's stories' would suffice Gideon." I hushed him, and his bout of knowledge. I remembered hearing the name of Elrond before in my youth. I turned again to Strider. "How do you know her then? Have you been to Rivendell before."
"I spent many years there…fostered as a child." He smirked. "I was the honorable ward of Lord Elrond and his family."
"Ward? But what of your-? " I began.
Before I could say 'family' Strider interrupted me. "They were gone." He continued a little more cheerfully, "The Lady Arwen was a dear friend of mine when I was a boy."
"It sounds almost like Frodo and I." I smiled. "I'm sorry I asked you of such a private thing." I apologized.
"It is not your fault my lady."
"You don't have to call me 'lady'." I replied. "I get enough of that title back home."
"That you would, my lady, being royalty."
"Who told you?" I asked. "About me being royalty?"
"Master Gandalf." He nodded. "Though I have also heard the tale of your Mother, the Lady of the Lonely Mountain."
I turned over onto my bedroll, seeking to gather some sleep now "If she were here right now…" I yawned, interrupting myself. "…she would want you to call her Rue."
Strider smiled, lighting up his pipe in the evening air. "Rest, Fali, we should arrive in Rivendell tomorrow."
True to Strider's word, we walked into Rivendell the very next day. I was taken aback at how lovely it was, my eyes darting from the crystal clear waterfalls, to the lush canopies of the trees, to the high mountains in the distance, to the elaborate buildings, with lines and arches that flowed as perfectly as water over the falls.
Gideon was gazing in wonder as well. "Their stories do not do it justice." He said to me. "I've never seen a place like this in all my life."
"It's incredible." I said, as we passed over a bridge and into a courtyard. The hobbits were weary after our rushed travels, and looked as though they mind wander aimlessly into the gardens, find a patch of warm sunshine like kittens and collapse there to sleep.
At the top of the staircase, joining to the entrance courtyard, Arwen stood. I breathed a sigh of relief, seeing that she was alright. If she arrived safely in Rivendell, that meant Frodo had as well. "Welcome to Rivendell." Arwen said.
"Where is Mister Frodo?" Sam asked before I could.
"Frodo is in the care of my father. His wounds were grave, but with rest, he should recover." Arwen gently answered.
"I'm going to him." Sam nodded, brushing away fatigue and hunger. "Which way?"
"Mister Gamgee, perhaps you had better rest yourself first." Strider said, calmly.
"I can rest myself at his bedside, can't I?"
"I did say for you not to leave him. It's good to see you took the words so seriously." Gandalf appeared at the top of the stairs as well.
"Gandalf." I smiled.
"Fali, Gideon, Sam." He smiled at the three of us, and gave a thankful nod to Strider. "Merry and Pippin." He added, a little confused.
"Hello, Mister Gandalf." Pippin said, he and Merry quiet.
Gandalf shook his head a degree, choosing to simply accept that Merry and Pippin had stowed along, rather than fight it. Nothing could be done about it now. "Come, my friends." He said. "Let us find you a meal." Gandalf then let us to a small dining room that had been arranged for us.
"Gandalf there is only three chairs." I said, noticing the setting of the table.
"You and brother will come this way." To which we merely followed.
"Where are you taking us?" I asked, but then the wizard stopped, and opened a door.
"Fali." My name was said as though it was a large sigh of relief. "Gideon." My brother's name echoed in much the same fashion. I stared into their faces. Mother. Father.
"Fali." Father repeated, and then his arms were around me, bringing me close to his chest and not letting go quickly, just like a parent always does.
"Father." I said softly into his shoulder, clutching at him myself. He felt so sturdy, like a rock to lean against.
"Gideon." Mother grabbed Gideon and embraced him strongly. "I was so worried over the two of you. Your note was so vague, and then you didn't come back…then we got word from Gandalf to come here." She pulled back. "Are you alright? You didn't get hurt, did you?"
"No, Mother." Gideon replied. "We are fine. Everyone is alright." He kissed her forehead comfortingly.
"Thanks to Strider." I spoke up, as our parents let go and exchanged children. "He's a ranger."
"A ranger?" Mother asked, checking me over quickly and holding me close.
"Yes." I nodded. "You should meet him Mother. He's so intriguing. He lives in the wild and travels all across Middle-Earth, and he kept us all safe. He showed me how he tracks when he's hunting, it's so amazing. I hope I'm as good one day." My stomach growled, loud and obnoxiously. "I'm sorry, we were in a rush to get here. Frodo was in awful condition the last time I saw him. Oh! I should go and see him."
"He's asleep still." Mother stopped me before I could run away. I could tell she was not going to let Gideon or I out of her sight for a while. "Enough about Frodo and Strider. Let's take care of you and Gideon now. The both of you are going to have a decent meal, and a good night's sleep." She picked a blade of grass from my hair. "And a bath too." She added.
There was no arguing with her, and both Mother and Father watched us eat every bite of the meal the elves brought us that evening. Gideon looked most relieved to finally be in the elven city, feeling safe once more. My mind wandered to Frodo's well-being.
I was surprised that evening when Uncle Bilbo appeared…and looking much older too. Great-uncle Thorin was with him, and appeared concerned over the rapid aging of his friend. Mother ushered him into our guest apartments and sat him in a chair by the fire, putting a blanket around his shoulders. "Have no fear, old friend." She said kindly. "We'll look after you." I had just finished my bath (and a very lovely one it was, much like in Mother's recollections), and while Gideon was content to sit by our family in front of the fire, I was not willing to accept the accounts of Frodo I had been told. When everyone was busy making sure Bilbo was comfortable and seating themselves down, I slipped out.
It took me a while before I found my way to the healing chambers. I found Frodo there, lying in a bed that was too big for the hobbit, fast asleep. Sam was seated beside him, and appeared to have fallen asleep himself. I walked quietly over.
"Frodo?" I asked, in a whisper. He slumbered on. "Frodo?" I repeated, a degree louder, hoping that somehow my voice would pull him out of sleep and I could ask him if he was alright.
And then scold him something awful for putting on that horrid Ring.
"Let him sleep, Miss Fali." I jumped at Sam's voice in the quiet room. "There'll be no waking him up yet, he's much too worn out for that."
I nodded, understanding. "You'll keep an eye on him, won't you Sam?"
"Of course I will, Miss Fali." He nodded, and smiled a little. "Now you go and get some sleep."
I bid both of them goodnight, though only one could hear me, and slipped back in to our guest rooms, only staying awake for a little while to make sure Thorin and Bilbo were both well, and then falling into a great, deep sleep.
When I woke, I committed myself to the healing chambers again. It was rather humorous in fact. Mother tended carefully to the elder Baggins and I to the younger.
Gideon said something was going about in Rivendell since we had arrived with the Ring. I had to agree with him, feeling a sense of oncoming events. But I was too busy to think greatly on the matter, spending my hours with Sam, by Frodo's side (he was due to wake soon), and minding Merry and Pippin, and then assuring my parents I was still alright after my travels. I had no idea where Strider had wandered off to, though in my rushes through the halls I caught glimpses of him, sometimes with Arwen. Gideon was too busy in the vast library of Rivendell to pay much attention to the goings-on of the place and tell me what was happening.
I didn't care. Frodo's health was my main concern. That and Sam's welfare, for he had worn himself thin in his vigil at Frodo's bedside.
"Eat Sam." I all but ordered.
"What?" The hobbit looked up from his hands at me, confused.
I sighed heavily. "Gideon, please tell Sam he must eat something."
"Excuse me?" Gideon looked up from his book. His eyes were darting between the text in his hand and a translational volume to make out the elvish. "Sorry." He added.
I groaned at them. "Eat!" I shoved a thick piece of bread and jam at Sam.
Sam picked it up and took a slow, distracted bite. "Sorry, Miss Fali."
I smiled at him, forgiving, and with another sigh said "Go on then, return to Frodo. It's the only thing on your mind right now."
Sam got up, eating his bread slice, and went off. I turned to Gideon. "Something feels awfully tense around here." I observed. "You can feel it building."
"It's the Ring." Gideon rationalized. "The elves do not want to keep it here. Further plans for it must be made."
"When?" I asked.
"Soon." Gideon replied. "Lord Elrond has called a council, from what I've been able to hear."
"Mother and Father will be there?"
"Yes, and Thorin…and Uncle Gloin has been called forth."
"Uncle Gloin?" I asked, my excitement building a little. "Why, we haven't seen him in ages! Not since he moved his family out to the Blue Mountains."
"Frodo! Frodo! Bless you, you're awake!"
"Frodo!" I gasped, springing up from my chair and spilling my tea in the process. As Gideon pushed his chair away, saving his books from the tiny flood, I was racing at break-neck speed to the healing chambers where I had heard Sam's happy cry.
I burst in, repeating "Frodo!" and choking him in a crushing hug. The hobbit was awake, smiling and laughing fondly. "Oh thank goodness, you're awake again." I sighed.
"We were that worried about you, weren't we Mister Gandalf?" Sam commented happily.
"By the skills of Lord Elrond, you're beginning to mend." Gandalf, who had been watching Frodo for us in our absence, said.
A tall, wise looking elf approached us, bearing some resemblance to Arwen. "Welcome to Rivendell, Frodo Baggins." He greeted.
"Thank you for all your work." I said, gratefully.
"Yes, thank you." Frodo said himself.
"Come." Sam urged him. "Let's get you somethin' to eat."
"And then we'll go find Merry and Pippin."
"Perhaps it is best Frodo take things slowly…" Gandalf reminded us.
"I don't really care what pace we go about." I said, cheerfully. Lord Elrond looked at me amusedly. I had to control myself as we guided Frodo to the room where we had been eating earlier, and then throughout all of Rivendell, showing him balconies and waterfalls, gardens, and finally his friends. The reunion was happy one between him and Merry and Pippin, full of laughter and spirit, but his reunion was Bilbo was most touching, like that of a parent and child. It reminded me of how my own parents had reacted to my arrival in Rivendell, safe and sound.
With that duty happily complete, the Ring safe and no longer our responsibility, and a smile now on everyone's face, I felt much lighter. I was at last able to return to Mother and Father and collapse into a chair. I smiled, motioning for them to come nearer. "Sit, please." I invited them. "Tonight I will be the one telling tales of adventures."
/
The next day Frodo was in even better shape, though I did not see him much after breakfast. He had chosen to visit with his uncle understandably. I had walked with him to Bilbo, and spent a few minutes with them. Thorin said Bilbo would be staying in Rivendell until better travel arrangements could be made to bring him back to the Shire, or, if Thorin persisted in the argument, to Erebor. Bilbo was unwilling to give up Bag End though, and while I did want my dear 'uncle' and friend to come and live under the mountain with us, they were happy in their own home. In the end, it would have to be whatever was best for Bilbo's health.
Gideon had gone off to the library again. I was left to explore Rivendell. Luckily, I did not have to do so alone. Pippin and Merry soon found me, and before I knew it, they each had grabbed me by the elbow, and were showing me halls, gardens, fountains big enough to bathe in, and countless rooms of fine white stone, each with arches and statues. Toward the end of the discoveries, it was becoming more of a race around the hallways and balconies than a leisurely walk.
"Look!" Pippin said, braking to a halt, and looking over the edge of a balcony. "The courtyard is full of people."
"What do you suppose they're all here for?" Merry asked, stopping as well.
I looked over the balcony, and saw various parties coming into the courtyard. There were groups of Men, and their squires, and dwarves. I recognized one of them, though his beard was much more grey since when I had last seen him. "Uncle Gloin!" I yelled, waving my hand back and forth. He did not notice me. Was I too far away? Or was he going deaf, like his older brother?
I left Merry and Pippin and raced down flights of stairs, trying to navigate my way to the front courtyard. I ran past Gideon, who was comfortably seated in a little nook among some statues of elvish scholars. I skidded, stopping myself and darting back a few paces. "Gideon!" I was happy, smiling ear to ear with excitement. "He is here! You were right, they did call for Uncle Gloin and he has come!"
"He has?" Gideon looked up.
"Yes!" I shouted with delight. "He's arrived just now."
There was no stopping me for I was too fast, and my sheer momentum too fierce. At last I found an exit, and from there on the staircase that descended to the front courtyard. If I had been wearing slippers instead of boots I'd be sure to lose at least one of the shoes. As it was, I was lucky not to trip or miss the last step entirely and end up falling flat into the stones. "Uncle Gloin!" I called again.
This time I was heard and the dear dwarf turned his head in my direction.
"Gloin!" I repeated. Unfortunately, I was so focused upon my 'uncle' that I did not even spot the white horse entering the courtyard, or his rider who was dismounting. I ran straight into the person, deflecting off them with a clumsy half-spin, then stumbled a little as I tried to continue my run and found myself a bit too unsteady. I heard behind me a distinct clattering. Glancing at the ground, I found a few dozen arrows, spilt from their quiver. "Oh, sorry." I said, as I bent down to quickly retrieve them.
The person knelt down as well, and as I stacked the arrows haphazardly in my arms, they picked them up quickly and neatly, with the strong, nimble fingers of an archer. I took a glance at the archer and my eyes met a pointed ear, framed by pale hair, and a thin elvish braid. My memory shot back to another elf I had once met with pale hair.
"King Thranduil?" I asked. I thought at the last second to dip my head a little, respectfully. Any memory I had of the elven king of Mirkwood was from when I was a little girl. He did not come very often to Erebor, since a peace and prosperous trade had been well founded between his people and mine. His few visitations were more matters for my parents and great-uncle than myself and my siblings. When we no longer adorable small children, they stopped presenting us to him officially. The last encounter I had with him was a dinner our family and him shared when I was the human age of thirteen.
The elf turned to me, and I saw that it was definitely a man, though he looked somewhat different from what I had pictured King Thranduil. Perhaps my childs-mind had saw him differently? The Thranduil I remembered was tall and serious, with a gaze that was almost cold. He was not cruel, but he held a firm authority about him. This elf seemed younger, with a softer gaze that did not strike me as cold. Still a bit serious, perhaps, but not cold. Maybe I had just been intimidated by his authority as a girl.
"You know of my father?" The elf asked.
"Your father?" I was surprised at first, before I recalled that Thranduil did have a son. I had never met him before though, he had left Mirkwood long before I was born. Now I was face to face with him, picking up his arrows which I had spilt in my rush. Oh dear, this was some display I had made of myself.
He must have seen my confusion. I quickly tried to gather myself out of the stupor I was in. "No, no, of course. You must be his son." I handed back the armful of arrows I had collected. "Here." I said softly. I tried hard to think of a name to put with him, but could not remember any. I kept my head lower, out of respect. When the silence stretched too long I tried to speak again. "King Thranduil came to Erebor a few times…I did not see much of him, really. I'm sorry, you do resemble him though." I defended myself. "I'm afraid I never heard much of you…?"
The elf gathered at last that I did not even know his name. "Legolas." He answered, depositing the arrows back into their quiver.
"Legolas." I finished. "My apologies." I nodded, excusing myself.
"Fali?" Gloin asked behind me.
"Uncle!" I cheered suddenly, standing up again and leaving Legolas. I soon had my arms wrapped around him.
"My, look at how you've grown, lass!" Gloin smiled. "Last I say you, you were just a wee, little thing."
"I was not so little." I scoffed. "Oh, it's wonderful to see you again!"
"Gimli has come with me." Gloin said.
"Oh, enough about Gimli." I teased.
"Excuse me?" Gimli turned around. He had grown much since I had last seen him too, and now resembled the old drawings of his father in many ways. He was wearing a small frown right now.
I smiled at him. "Of course, I am glad to see you too." I said. "Mother will be waiting impatiently for you all in the guest rooms we have."
"Uncle Gloin." Gideon called from the top of the staircase, being in much less a rush than I was.
"And Gideon too!" Gloin smiled.
"We both helped bring a ring here." I said, excitement bubbling forth. "You should have seen us. We were camping in the wild, and we fought off these creatures that hunted us down, and we walked the whole way here from the Shire. It took us over a week. It was a great adventure, just like the one you went on."
Gloin was beaming at the two of us and I was reminded of afternoons watching him spar at the training grounds, visiting him in the forge, and spending evenings on his knee as he told us tales of the Blue Mountains and of the quest for Erebor, and a few stories about Gimli that we patiently listened to. I stared around me as Gideon came to welcome him. There were so many people gathering here. Surely someone would know what to do with the Ring. Soon this whole ordeal would be resolved, and we could go home. Gideon probably wanted to do nothing but that.
Our little adventure, exciting and frightening as it was, was now finished. We had done our part, and soon my adventure would be a story, just like my Mother's and Father's. There was a small twinge in my heart, for although it had been exhausting and dangerous, it had been everything I had dreamed of as a child.
I walked back with Gideon, Gloin and Gimli (I had always found it so funny how dwarf names can sound so similar), happily giving over the responsibility of the Ring.
Little did I know I would be taking the responsibility back the very next day.