I don't own anything that Jackson and Tolkien own.

SEEKING PERFECTION

Gwen honestly wished that she could consider moments like this perfection. A cool autumn midnight, the smoke from chimneys trickling away into the clear, starry sky at the fires were allowed to burn into embers, and then nothing. A breeze hummed against the windowpanes, letting out the faintest of whistles as it caught against the grass around the house. The sky was clear through the window glass, the moon shining down bright and strong, into the room, settling in a pool over the bed where Frodo lay. He seemed quite serenely asleep, his tiny features peaceful, his mussed dark curls in stark contrast where they rested atop the fluff of his pillow.

A sigh slipped out of Gwen's lips as she settled back in her chair, letting her head fall with a faint 'thunk' onto the wood paneling behind her. All the ingredients to perfection were here. Beautiful weather, a beautiful home, a beautiful lifestyle with beautiful and truly good people. But Valar, he was still missing. Curse him. Was she never to find happiness without him?

That restless, un-whole part of her heart responded with a resounding 'no.'

If Frodo wasn't sleeping in the room, perhaps she would have cursed that dwarven prince. Perhaps she should have left the room, found somewhere else to cry herself into emptiness. Instead, the words fell off her tongue, easy as breathing.

Tinuviel elvanui...

Maybe she should have found some help, some solace, in this tale. Perhaps it could have shown her that all hope was not lost, that a happy ending was on the table. Maybe she wanted it to comfort her in this way. Wanted to have the innocence of the child sleeping before her. Wanted to be healed by this song.

Elleth Alfirin...

But, of course, that innocence was long gone.

...ethelhael...

Just like Kili.

"Why do you sound so sad?"

Years of practice kept Gwen from jumping at the sound of the small voice, but her heartbeat leapt. Frodo was blinking up at her blearily, his head still resting against his pillow. Gwen took in a breath to calm her nerves, before responding smoothly, "I apologize, Master Frodo. I didn't mean to wake you."

"What makes you so sad?" asked the hobbit, ignoring her apology.

"Many things," Gwen replied with a faint chuckle, letting a wry smile slip onto her lips.

Frodo frowned in response. "Why?"

That question did stump her a tad. Before she thought of it too deeply, Gwen let the bitterness out of her smile, reaching out to pat his crown of curls. "I don't know, Master Frodo. That is an interesting question though. I'll have to think on it."

Frodo may have tried to protest, but was interrupted by a sudden yawn. "Alright," was all he managed, as his eyelids began to grow weighty.

Gwen was about to stand, but Frodo continued, despite his obvious weariness. "Sing that again?" he mumbled, before adding, "But happier?"

For a moment, Gwen's smile was genuine and soft as she sighed in defeat, kneeling by the young hobbit's bedside. "Of course."

His present circumstances were far from what Frodo would consider perfect. He was wet, and cold to the bone, and hungry, and sore all over, stranded in the middle of a swamp with the company of a few befuddled hobbits and a strange man called "Strider." Yet, as he lay there, staring up at the stars flickering occasionally through the clouds, a fog of homeliness suddenly came over him.

For a few moments, Frodo was mystified as to the source, but it all became clear as he really listened to that tune Strider was offhandedly humming as he sat watch. The notes danced off of his memory, drawing back to him images of quiet, peaceful nights, calloused, familiar hands brushing over his forehead, soft smiles designed to entertain a child, and of course, the saddest song he'd ever heard.

The way Strider placed it in his voice, though, was so different to Gwen, all those years ago. His tone was almost venerating, rather than mourning.

As Frodo listened, he soon found resolution. He would not sit by, and let this song bead, meaninglessly off of his understanding again. Gathering whatever energy he had, Frodo drew himself up, asking, "Who is she?"

Merrr, a bit of a short one, but I thought you would like it. The song was the Lay of Lethain that Aragorn sings in the Fellowship. If you're not familiar with it, go look it up. It's gorgeous. Thanks for reviews faves and follows on that last chapter! I love you all!

Next Chapter:

Frozen Fire

"If anything, it seems that song would be about you." "Is that so?" "Aye. A gypsy, dripping with desire...moonless hair, skin so fair..." "And warm as frozen fire."(Pirate/High seas AU)

Romance - Words: 2,760 - [Kili, Gwen], Fili, Bofur