Chapter Eight

Perci woke with the sounds of birds chirping and the roar of the waterfall that fell in the valley Imladris was nestled in. She sighed softly as she shifted slightly.

Last night had been a night of merriment and joy as the elves of Imladris and her companions interacted with each other. The Fae, she knew, were going to be leaving this place with some new friends that might venture to Atlantis one day in the future. As for the elves, they had reconnected with their brethren, some of which were old friends.

As for Perci, well, she had really interacted only with Elrond and his sons, which had been a joyous meeting for Perci. The letters that Elrond and she had exchanged over the years had always contained the pranks and merriment the two had brought to his home since they were young elflings.

It had only increased her want to meet them sooner. They reminded her strongly of Conner and Travis, which increased the pang of homesickness she had. Perci hadn't laughed like this in a long time.

She knew that those from her kingdom were watching her, making sure she was safe and none were making her uncomfortable. They saw the joy that the two twins brought her and felt pangs themselves that they haven't ever heard their liege as joyous as she was now.

Don't get them wrong, they have seen her smile, and laugh quietly, but never as loud or as long as she has in the presence of the twin terrors of Lord Elrond.

Perci rolled out of the comfortable bed and started to wash and get ready for the day.

After washing up, she donned a very pale, very faint blue layered skirt dress that had a silver belt that cinched at the waist, a pair of flats, her necklace, and a shear gown cape that settled around her elegantly. Her hair was still slightly curled from last night so she draped some of it over one shoulder while letting the rest dangle down her back. With one last look in the mirror, she was ready for the day.

A knock at her door sounded.

"My lady? Are you ready for the day?" Came an elleth's voice at her door.

Perci's answer was to stride to the door and open it with a pleasant smile on her face.

"I am."

As the elleth led Perci down the halls, she sensed her companions slip out of their rooms and following in their wake.

"Good morning," Perci called over her shoulder without breaking stride.

"Good morning, Perci," they each called out dutifully.

After breaking their fast, Perci joined Lord Elrond alone in his study.

"So, what brings you out of Atlantis and to Imladris, my friend?"

"I have been tasked with contacting the Rangers."

Lord Elrond sat forward in his chair. "Tasked? By whom?"

"Lord Orome has asked me to contact the Rangers, as to why, that will be between myself and the Rangers."

Lord Elrond bowed his head in respect to her words. "Well, you are in luck. I received word a few days ago that a troop would be stopping here in the next day or two to resupply before they would head out once more. I can ask Angor if he will speak with you for a moment."

"A moment is all that I will need. After I speak with Angor, I will be traveling to the land of the hobbits, a task has been placed upon me by the Lady Yavanna."

"Very well, I shall have my sons be your guides when you wish to depart."

"Thank you, Elrond."

"You're welcome, Persephone."

Later found Perci perched upon a stone fountain, gazing around at the peaceful garden around her. She loved moments like this where she could just relax and enjoy.

"Persephone?" Perci looked over her shoulder to see Lord Elrond coming towards her with a cloaked and armed man trailing behind her. "I have brought Angor to meet with you."

Perci stood to her feet and smiled brightly at the human Ranger. Perci, whom had grown used to the sharp features of the Fae and Eldar, drank in the more rigid lines of his figure and face.

"Thank you, Lord Elrond, I will release him back to his companions shortly. Ranger Angor, if you would give me a moment of your time?"

The Ranger met her gaze and after seeing the sincerity in them, nodded his head.

"I can spare it. The others are getting our supplies now."

"Then I shall leave the two of you be. Angor, Persephone," Lord Elrond said in goodbye before he left them to return to his duties.

"Come, sit," Perci said as she settled back down on the edge of the fountain. Angor was still for a beat before sitting beside her. "I thank you for taking the time to speak with me. I know that you and yours don't like to stay in the elven settlements for long."

"How would you know that?" He asked.

"Let me introduce myself to you properly. My name is Persephone, I come from the kingdom of Atlantis, a kingdom of Light for all."

"Atlantis? Tis a myth."

"Tis not, dear Ranger. Atlantis is a kingdom of Light, just like the settlements of Elves, it is for all whom have need of it. Nothing can pierce the light as long as the queen lives, so has the Valar decreed it. Lord Orome of the Valar has tasked me with finding and offering your people, and that means all, a safe place to settle."

"How do I know that what you are saying is true?"

"The Order of Istari and the Elven Lords met with the Queen years ago in Atlantis, a short time later, elves looking to heal but not wanting to sail west came and have found new lives. I and my companions are to be traveling to Hobbitton on a task for Lady Yavanna. Think about my words, spread them among yours. I will be stopping back through here in a week time. Any Ranger that wishes to see the validity of my words and the Kingdom of Atlantis, will be welcome to join us on our return."

"Thank you, Persephone… I will have a message for you when you return here on what action we will take."

"That's all that I ask. Thank you for taking the time to speak with me."

Angor left then without another word.

Perci and her companions left later that day for Hobbitton. Soon their tasks would be complete.

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"Here is where the Thain resides, Perci," Elladan said as he led them through the hills that made up the Shire.

They all dismounted although only Elladan and Elrohir joined her at the door to knock.

An elderly hobbit lass answered and stared at them wide eyed. "Hello, Mistress Hobbit, I was hoping to speak to the Thain, if they are available?"

The hobbit lass squeaked before closing the door and pitter patter of feet sounded as she hurried to get the Thain.

The door opened once more to see an elderly hobbit lad. "Hello, I am the Thain of the Shire, Thain Grovestone Took. How may I assist you?"

Perci smiled widely at him. She could see a spark of mischief in this hobbit's eyes. "Hello, Thain Took, my name is Perci and I have an offer for you."

With curiosity sparking his eyes, he motioned for her to join him in his home.

Those talks that Perci had with the Thain, and then with the rest of the hobbits were some of the most enjoyable she had ever had.

The Tooks, Brandybucks, Baggins, and Proudfoot made up some of the largest families in the Shire and that was why some of those families decided to join her. Over a hundred hobbits left the Shire with the sole purpose of answering the call of Lady Yavanna and to relearn their history.

Going back through Rivendell, they picked up Angor and his troop of Rangers, the troop having been tasked to see if Atlantis was a legitimate offer and place.

Now, they were on their way home at a slower pace than leaving.

Perci couldn't help but smile softly to herself.

She had succeeded in her quest.