Ok Before we dive in too deep with this, This chapter is where the Rated M for suicide takes place, Also Bilbo is introduced in this chapter. As a reminder, I did make Bilbo a girl because I felt that it fit in with the story and the personality I wanted Bilbo to take better. Don't like it, don't read it. Also, I don't own The Hobbit or Lord of the Rings. So Sorry. Enjoy.
Twenty minutes, that's how long it took for Gimli to simply stop cursing and Legolas to stop pacing. Both of them were taking too long to process this and she wasn't even halfway through explaining to them. Arwen could feel the fading pulling at her bones, aging her by the minute. She knew that she didn't have much time left, maybe a month, but it didn't matter. Her window of opportunity was slowly growing closer. If she misses this solstice solar eclipse she could never go back to fix anything. She knew it was wrong of her to apologize to them like this, to give them such a narrow time slot to process this information, but she couldn't risk them trying to stop her. If they refused to help her she still had the opportunity to do it herself, but she also knew that she could only send back one memory, one memory for each, and there was simply too much they had to prevent for one person to go. She hoped that they could stay calm enough to let her explain. It was vital that the timing must be perfect, after all, they were waiting on one more person.
"Please. I understand you are both upset but we are running out of time for me to explain," She pleaded. Gimli stopped his, increasingly creative cursing to look at her, gritting his teeth and running a hand over his weathered face, Legolas stopped his pacing to round on her.
"Lass ya can't just drop a bomb of 'the world's gonna end and everything you sacrificed to help stop it has gone to waste' on somebody and expect them ta take it well," Gimli barked out at her, voice and beard trembling in frustration. Legolas put a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"My lady, tampering with time, even with good intentions, is dangerous. More than that, it is forbidden, it's playing god. Not something any being should attempt." Legolas said with conviction as he stood proudly beside his friend.
"Not ta mention we have no way of tellin if what yer saying is the truth or not," Gimli said. Arwen couldn't help the flinch as his words hit her. She knew he was right, and he had every right to distrust her and hate her. But that didn't change the fact that it hurt.
"You are right, you have no reason to trust me nor can I give anything to reassure you," Arwen said "But please, believe me when I say I wouldn't lie to you about this. This is the best way, I promise." She said, putting as much resolve as she could in her voice. She knew that the only chance she had to get help was to convince Gimli. Legolas would never go through with it if Gimli said no. Legolas, like her, had lived a long life and as such would let whatever happened to the world, happen once Gimli was gone. As an Elf, it was only the people you loved that moved you to take action to keep them safe, and as sad as it was, she knew that this was Gimli's last year.
"Please Gimli, Just hear me out," She pleaded, hoping beyond hope that they would listen to her. Gimli looked up at Legolas who oddly tilted his head, speaking to each other without words. Apparently, she passed some sort of test for them as Gimli looked back at her and nodded.
"Alright lass go ahead an explain, I doubt I can be surprised anymore this century anyways," He grumbled while crossing his arms.
"Thank you Gimli" Arwen sighed with relief and gave a small but genuine smile before beginning.
"The ritual is time sensitive so I'll explain as fast as I can and please wait till I'm done before you start questioning me. The ritual can only send a single memory back in time, so it's not us going back in time to fix things but rather a memory that will present itself almost as a dream to our past selves. So it is vital we pick the right one." she said quickly.
"For example, if I chose to remember my husband, I would remember him and the time we spent together, his quirks, the faces he made, the feel of his stubble, his smell, and the way he made me happy. However, I wouldn't remember that he died because I wasn't there for it and I probably wouldn't be able to figure it out as his face would appear to me in dreams but nothing that would be attached to him, like his fight with Sauron, once again I wasn't there for it and it doesn't include me."
"Also, It has to be your memories, it can't be a memory of what someone told you, If I chose to remember the ring, I know what happened and I healed Frodo but I never actually interacted with it and as such I would not be able to remember it. That is why I can not be the one to remember the ring, nor the dragon." She explained.
"Aye lass I can see why you would need our help with that but we didn't interact with the ring much either, that was almost all Frodo. Sides, Even if we did remember the ring, we wouldn't be able to do anything till it's found again." Gimli said crossing his arms over his chest skeptically.
"You are right, Gimli, that is exactly why I have enlisted the help of my grandmother and one other." Said Arwen.
"Eh? Are ye talking about Galadriel?" Gimli questioned. Quirking a brow at her in confusion.
"Who is this other you have reached out to My lady?" Said Legolas as he tilted his head in confusion too. She could understand their confusion as far as they knew the three of them were the only ones left alive to even remember the ring.
"Ah, that would be me." said a thin fragile shaking voice. Both men whipped around to find the owner of the mysterious voice.
It was an old woman, older than any of them had seen before. The old woman's form was bent and stooped with the burden of time's relentless march. Every movement was slow and deliberate as if each step required an immense effort, and her frail limbs trembled with the slightest exertion as she slowly moved toward them. Behind her was an elvish boat that had already been mysteriously docked.
All three felt the urge to rush to this woman's side, as she walked down the abandoned peer toward them, if only to prevent her trembling frame from collapsing in on itself. She did not look like a woman who should even be standing, that even a gentle grip would bruise and rip apart her skin, weathered and lined like the pages of an ancient tome. She bore the marks of a lifetime lived to the fullest. Deep creases etched the corners of her eyes and mouth, mapping the passage of joy and sorrow, triumph and loss. Wisps of silver hair, like spun threads of moonlight, framed her weathered face, while her eyes, faded and cloudy with age, gazed out upon them with a quiet wisdom that spoke of a lifetime of experience. Clad in garments that hung loosely from her frail frame, she seemed almost ghostly, a wisp of memory adrift in the currents of time.
But there was something about her that nagged on both of the male's memories, Perhaps it was in the pointed shape of her ears, or the shade of green her eyes held, or that grin she was giving both of them. Almost hesitantly Gimli spoke.
"Bilbo?"
"Sowed the seed and reaped the harvest." She smiled at them. In their stunned silence, Arwen gently walked over to lead Bilbo to some rubble she could rest her trembling body on as she really shouldn't be standing.
Gimli was wrong, oh how he was wrong, he never should have tempted fate by saying he couldn't be surprised anymore this century. By Mahal how was Bilbo here? How is she even alive? How old is she now? Gimli couldn't even get the words out, thankfully Legolas did.
"How?!" Legolas burst out and Bilbo let out a weak chuckle that caused her already shaking body to worsen, but she didn't seem to mind it. Gimli started to mentally try and calculate her age. 'Ok if she was 131 the last time he saw her, and it's been 111 years since then, that means she's...'
"How is a broad question Legolas, Try narrowing it down," Bilbo said cheekily with a glimmer of mischievousness coloring her words. '242!' Gimli thought stupidly as he and Legolas simply gaped like fish before Arwen picked up the conversation.
"My grandmother was the one who reached out to me through my mind to bring me back," to bring back her heart, was left unspoken, hanging in the clearing, but they all knew.
"She saw what was to become of the world when I sent my son to her and has been trying to figure out a way to change it since. Since she has already reached the Undying lands and can not return, she has transferred Frodo's memories into Bilbo and sent her to me for this purpose." Arwen spoke quietly while unwrapping her shawl to place on Bilbo's shoulders. Bilbo gave Arwen a soft motherly smile before gently patting her hand.
"Then why can Bilbo return if Galadriel can not?" Gimli probed. This time it was Bilbo who spoke.
"Because I'm not an Elf, the Undying lands were not truly meant for a hobbit like me," she spoke plainly and simply.
"And how are you still alive?" grilled Gimli though internally cringed as he imagined his mother's voice saying he could have used more tact. Bilbo simply chuckled.
"I thought it would have been quite obvious," she said through a grin. "After all it is called the Undying Lands for a reason," Gimli nodded his acceptance at this as he tried to process all the information that was thrown at him, at least that was a simple answer.
"How is Frodo?" he asked. At this Bilbo's smile disappeared and a small sadness overtook her hazy eyes.
"He has moved on into Yavanna's embrace," she said gently. Gimli sucked in a sharp breath at that, "Don't say you're sorry," Bilbo interrupted Gimli's attempt to do just that. "He was healed through the efforts of the Elves in the Undying Lands and was purged of the pain and corruption on his soul. He simply decided that he was tired after everything and wanted his soul to be remolded and reborn by Yavanna. There is nothing to be sorry over for that even if I do miss him." She said plainly and held a resolution that held no regrets.
Gimli wasn't sure how to feel about that. For Darrow, death was something to mourn, sometimes for centuries, and was remembered through the immortalization of stone, it cut deeply and painfully and never fully healed, he knew it was the same for Elves as death rarely happened and if it did, was seldom peaceful. He opted to say nothing and quietly morn later.
"So you are here to help Arwen send a memory back" Legolas questioned.
"Yes, something like that," she replied giving them a faint smile. "I'm here to remember the ring," she said. "As you are here to remember the Dragon." she directed at Legolas. "And you to remember the fellowship." she addressed to Gimli.
Both males thought about Bilbo's response, what she said made sense, Legolas did remember the dragon, both when he first came and reeked death and destruction on the dwarves and when he was defeated. Remembering the fellowship made sense to Gimli too, the fellowship was the first representation of unity between the races of Middle Earth, and without that unity, the races would stay divided, having someone reach out for that unity would prevent "The Wars of Man" that was happening right now.
"What about Arwen?" Gimli questioned out loud.
"I will remember my destruction of Rivendell, as a reminder to never complete that ritual again and as a warning for the elves to reach out to the other races," Arwen said regret coating her voice.
Gimli hummed out in thought, instinctively turning to Legolas as both engaged in a silent conversation that transcended words. Finally, Gimli let out a sigh while Legolas folded his arms.
"Alright fine, we'll do it. So how do we go about sending back these memories." Gimli said looking at Arwen. Arwen stiffened uncomfortably, avoiding looking at either of their eyes. She reached into the pocket of her dress and pulled out four vials containing some strange purple liquid and a piece of paper.
"At the height of the solstice eclipse, we must drink the potion and recite this spell," she said voice tight like she was on the verge of tears. Gimli felt uneasy about her nervous reaction.
"Arwen," Gimli said simply and forcefully. Arwen let out a choked sob and shook her head. Bilbo spoke up in her plain straight straightforward way.
"We will die," she said. "Two beings with the same soul can not exist together in a changing timeline," she said as if the concept of her imminent death was a slight annoyance. "You have three options at this moment and as time is running out I'll lay them out for you. One you can continue with the sending a memory back in time plan and we go through with this. Two you don't go through with this and both of you turn around and walk away, keep in mind Gimli, you will die before the year is out if you choose this option." Gimli was shocked but he could practically feel Legolas tensing up, denial and fear radiating from him in waves but Bilbo continued on. "Three, Once again you don't go through with the memory plan but instead, both of you get on the boat I arrived on and sail to the undying lands together," Bilbo said while gesturing with a frail trembling hand to the boat she had arrived on.
"I'm sorry," Arwen whispered faintly into the stunned silence. but it was enough to snap Legolas out of his shock.
"No" Legolas resolutely said, voice hard and sharp like ice, as he stepped closer to Gimli protectively and put a firm hand on his shoulder.
"Come Gimli," Legolas said eyes narrowed at the two women in front of them and pushing Gimli's back with a firm hand, trying to steer Gimli in the direction of the resting boat, but Gimli did not move.
"Gimli come, we will travel to the Undying lands together," Legolas said, now with a grip on Gimli's arm and trying to pull him as he forcefully walked to the boat.
"No," said Gimli, the simple word ringing out like the toll of an iron bell to Legolas's sharp ears. Legolas wiped around to crouch in front of Gimli and grasped his shoulders.
"What do you mean no?! You'll die otherwise!" Legolas said shaking Gimli slightly as if to knock some sense into Gimli's thick skull.
"I know that Legolas, I ain't stupid but we have to consider the greater good. If sacrificing ourselves means saving countless lives, then it's worth it." Gimli said, gently griping Legolas' elbows as his grip tightened uncomfortably on his shoulders.
"Saving countless lives? this is a chance, one that might not work. This isn't certain Gimli. That boat is, so let's just get on the boat." Legolas insisted as he once again tried to stand and pull Gimli toward the boat. Gimli let out a sigh and resisted.
"Aye, I know Legolas, but we have ta think beyond ourselves. This is about more than just us. Tis about the future of the races of Middle Earth." Gimli implored. Legolas scoffed.
"We meddled enough as it is. Clearly, it was meant to be this way despite our influences." Legolas huffed angrily.
"Legolas" Gimli's voice rang out sharply causing Legolas to flinch. "We have already sacrificed so much for this world, an I refuse ta watch as our efforts an the sacrifices of our friends go ta waste, I ain't gonna stand by while the world falls into darkness. We have ta do what's right, even if it's the hardest thing we'll ever have ta do." Gimli said determined. Legolas said nothing, he put a slightly shaking hand over his mouth, and his eyes, filled with pain, fear, and sadness, looked pleadingly at Gimli begging him to change his mind but Gimli simply shook his head.
"Alright," Legolas shakily got out before smoothing his features into a cool mask, much like his father used to do, and facing the two women who were silently watching the whole exchange.
"Legolas, you don't..." Arwen started hesitantly but quickly cut herself off in the face of Legolas's icy stare.
"How much time do we have left?" Legolas spoke with more animosity in his voice than he used in almost two centuries as he situated himself beside Gimli's, hand firmly set on Gimli's shoulder.
"Two minutes," Arwen quietly whispered. Legolas breathed in a sharp breath before striding forward and reaching his hand forward for two of the four bottles, which Arwen sadly gave him, before striding back to Gimli.
"Alright Gimli, If you want to do this you must make me a promise, otherwise I'm going to force you in that boat whether you like it or not. Understand?" Legolas spoke forcefully.
"Alright, let's have it," Gimli said skepticism etched in his eyes but with a faint amusement tugging at his lips.
"You will remember the Fellowship and as such you will remember me. You must promise me that you will reach out to me. You will put up with my distrustful attitude and you will force our friendship on me if you have to. You must promise to come find me again." Legolas spoke seriously forceful desperation coating his slightly shaking voice as he stared down at Gimli earnestly.
Gimli looked to Legolas serious gaze before shifting his body into a kneel and placing his hand over his heart "I solemnly swear by my beard, with all the honesty and integrity within me, ta remain steadfast in this commitment to you, No matter the challenges I will hold fast to this promise. May Mahal bind my soul." Gimli swore before Legolas.
Legolas let out a shaky exhale before nodding and helping Gimli back to his feet. Once Gimli was steady again he handed him the vial.
"Alright lass, Now what?" Gimli spoke to Arwen. Arwen had to swallow down the tears that were pooled in her eyes before pulling out a ceremonial knife and speaking.
"Hold out your hands," she said swallowing down the lump in her throat. All three of them collected together around Bilbo as they were fearful that she would try and get up and all held out their hands. Pulling out a jar of paste from her dress pockets, Arwen started rubbing the paste on their palms. "This will numb the pain," she spoke in a small voice. Once finished she gave a quick slice on all their palms. Quickly she pulled out a small bowl from her dress, Briefly Gimli wondered how deep her pockets were and how many items she had. "Bleed into the bowl please" she instructed quietly. All four did so and with her other hand, Arwen pulled out another vial filled with what looked to be water and dumped it into the bowl. "Think only of the memory you wish to keep, once the shadow envelopes us drink from the vial." She whispered. glancing toward the sun, and the shadow that had begun to crawl over it.
"Whispers of the past, I bid thee hear,
To travel back, to yesteryear. With this memory, I now impart, Send it back, with all my heart.
Winds of time, with gentle grace, Carry this memory to its rightful place. Through the mists of days long past, Let this memory forever last.
In the echoes of time's ancient rhyme, Send this memory to a bygone time. To weave into the fabric of history, A thread of truth, a tale of mystery.
Backward, backward, through the years, Carry this memory, banish all fears. To a moment lost in time's embrace, Return this memory, find its rightful place.
By the power of moon and starlight gleam, Send this memory to its destined dream. In the tapestry of time, let it unwind, A memory lost, now realigned."
As she spoke her voice began to echo in voices of languages long lost, filled with an ancient power. The blood in the bowl started to separate from the water and each other, swirling in shapes reminiscent of memories in the corners of the bowl, directly in front of each participant. Gimli's mind was flooded with the memories of the Fellowship, Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippen, Aragorn, Boromir, Gandalf, and Legolas. The years, the sacrifices, the jokes, everything, until it was all he could think about as he stared into the swirling currents of blood that reflected his every thought.
Everything started to darken until he couldn't see anything, thinking he had gone blind he looked up into the sun. The sun was black only a ring of light was visible around the edges. The world was plunged into temporary darkness as if nature itself was holding its breath in anticipation of the event. Knowing instinctively that this was the peek, Gimli quickly uncorked his vial and drank it.
It was sweet, like the essence of sunshine itself. A burst of sweetness that danced across his taste buds like a playful breeze on a warm summer day. The flavor was reminiscent of ripe, juicy fruits, with notes of succulent peaches, luscious strawberries, and tangy citrus fruits intertwined in a symphony of taste. Beneath the surface, a subtle, ethereal quality that speaks of blooming flowers and fragrant meadows lay underneath. As if every sip carries the essence of a thousand blossoms, with hints of honeyed sweetness and a whisper of floral perfume that lingers on the palate like a gentle caress. A gentle warmth like the sun on your skin and the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze spread throughout Gimli's limbs leaving him feeling sleepy. It was a taste that transports you to a world of beauty and wonder, where every flavor is a celebration of life and every drop is a gift from nature herself.
Gimli started to grow weary in the rhythmic echoing sounds, and warmth in his limbs. Eyes growing too heavy to keep open, Gimli closed them and was assaulted by the thoughts and memories of the Fellowship. Gimli could feel his body falling, but it was distant like he wasn't attached to it anymore. Before he even hit the ground, Everything went black.