Part 1.
Once more Arwen woke in the night, the images of her dream haunting her
even in her waking.
She sat up and pushed her blankets away, letting them pile on the floor.
Silently she rose and dressed, leaving her bedroom to walk in the gardens
of Rivendell, in her own garden, which her father, Lord Elrond had created
for her as a gift upon her return from the South, where she had stayed for
many years with her mother's kin.
Above the stars shone brightly against the darkened sky.
The air was cool but Arwen did not go back indoors to retrieve warmer
clothing, instead she trailed her fingers in the waters of the fountain,
watching the small waves she had created fade to nothingness. When the
surface stilled she gazed deep into its depths, then beyond them. On the
surface of the water images formed, becoming clearer as she watched.
Arwen saw Aragorn leading four small hobbits, she had never seen any so
young before. Bilbo Baggins, the hobbit friend of hers and her father's was
an aging hobbit, well towards the end of his life. These were much younger,
looking as though they were only starting out on their journey through
life.
She watched as one of the hobbits led a pony, while the others spoke
merrily amongst themselves.
These were things from the past.
Well versed in the art of scrying Arwen knew that the images reflected on
the surface of the water could show one of three things, things that were,
things that were happening as she gazed at their images, and things that
had not yet, or may not come to pass.
The images clouded over, then became clearer again, this time showing her
something different.
The four hobbits were shrouded in the darkness of night, afraid. Each had
drawn a sword and backed away from the figures that approached them, hooded
and cloaked in black. Nazgul. Ringwraiths.
She watched as one of the hobbits slid a ring onto his finger and
disappeared, only to be stabbed with the blade of one of the Morgul swords.
Then she saw Aragorn sprint over the rise and begin to rail against the
Wraiths, using both fire and sword.
She saw him press them back and pick up the injured hobbit. Calling to the
others he began to run, sliding as he did so down the sides of Weathertop,
the great Watchtower of Amun Sul.
Arwen watched silently until that image too faded from the waters, leaving
only the starlight reflected there.
She found her father, Lord Elrond in the library. He was always reading
things, writing things.
"Father I have seen..." She began.
"You have seen the events that have occurred at Amon Sul." He told her,
looking up from the great volume in front of him.
"One of the young hobbits has been stabbed with a Morgul blade. He will die
unless he comes to us in time." Arwen answered.
"This is true." Elrond nodded.
"He does not deserve to die. The hobbit must live." Arwen told him. "He has
much to do in this Middle Earth."
"What do you propose?"
"Let me ride out. I will find them. Let me help." She said to her father.
"If that is your path I will not stop you. May the grace of the Valar go
with you, Arwen Evenstar. You alone may be able to save the hobbit known as
Frodo Baggins." Elrond told his daughter. "Ride well, my daughter."
"Namarie father." She said softly before leaving the room. "I will return
soon."
Part 2.
The moon had barely began it's nightly descent as Arwen mounted her horse,
a silver falcon hovering above.
She patted the horse's satiny gray neck and spoke softly to him. "Noro lim
Nallahir. We must ride fast, my dear friend." The falcon settled on her
shoulder, content to wait out the night there, until daylight and he could
fly. "Be easy Elessar." She told the falcon as she rode out of the gates
which led into Rivendell, the Elves safe haven, Arwen's first home.
Once outside the gates Nallahir pressed into a faster speed, allowing his
mistress to guide him in the direction she wished to go, West.
The three moved swiftly over the land, each a formidable force. No predator
dared approach them. Even the wolves and wargs stayed away.
Over field and stream, through woods and farmland Arwen rode, her every
thought on the safety and whereabouts of the hobbit Frodo Baggins and his
companions.
When Nallahir began to tire under her, Arwen dismounted and ran alongside
the great horse.
A gift from one of the Lords of Rohan, Nallahir was one of the Mearas,
themselves Lords among horses.
For two days and almost three nights Arwen rode in search of her quarry,
halting only to gaze into the waters of creeks and still pools, fed by
underground streams far away in the mountains, their waters always icy
cold.
Late into the third night she led Nallahir once more, searching the
Trollshaws, where Bilbo Baggins and his Dwarf companions had been waylaid
by trolls long ago and almost eaten until the quarreling trolls turned to
stone in the sunlight, in the hope that she would find Aragorn and Frodo.
Close by someone, or something crashed through the underbrush, moving
swiftly along her line of vision.
Leaving Nallahir and drawing her sword, the great Elven blade of old,
Shalat she approached the creature from behind, allowing her the element of
surprise.
As she approached, the creature clad in black pulled out a knife slicing a
small plant away from the rock it grew on.
Arwen knew then that the creature she was stalking was Aragorn. Surprised
at his lack of care she brought Shalat to his throat. "What's this?" She
asked, "A Ranger caught off his guard?"
Slowly he turned to face her. "Arwen! What are you doing here?"
"Where is Frodo?" She asked, in answer to his question.
"This way." Aragorn told her, leading her back through the trees, more
silently this time.
Nallahir following close behind, with Elessar perched on his saddle.
She rushed into the clearing behind Aragorn, dropping to her knees in front
of the failing hobbit. "Frodo... Im Arwen. Telin le thaed. Lasto beth nin,
tolo dan na ngalad." She said to him in her own language, calling him back
to the light.
From somewhere behind her Arwen heard someone say, "Who is she?", but she
paid it no mind, instead concentrating on Frodo. "Frodo?" She asked again,
but his still form did not stir, or give sign that he had heard her. She
turned to Aragorn, "He is not going to last. We must get him to my father."
She stared into his eyes. "I have been looking for you for two days."
Once more one of the other hobbits spoke, but again she ignored it.
"There are five Wraiths behind you. Where the other four are I do not
know." She told Aragorn.
Aragorn stood, picking Frodo up and carrying him over to Nallahir, placing
him on the front of the saddle. Arwen followed him, understanding what he
meant to do.
"Dartho guin Berian. Rych le ad tolthathon." Aragorn told her. Stay with
the hobbits. I will send horses for you.
Arwen shook her head. "Hon mabathon. Rochon ellint im." I am the faster
rider. I'll take him.
"Andelu i ven." He answered. The road is too dangerous.
Once more she shook her head. "Frodo fir. Ae athradon i hir, tur gwaith nin
beriatha hon." If I can get across the river the power of my people will
protect him. "I do not fear them" she told him.
Aragorn laid his hand over hers, knowing when he was beaten. "Be iest lin."
He told her. As long as you wish. "Arwen," He said to her, "Ride hard,
don't look back."
He watched as she swung up into the saddle, "Send Elessar to Rivendell."
Arwen called to him, "Tell my father I am on my way." She watched him nod
before urging Nallahir forward, this time back towards Rivendell.
Part 3.
The three rode through the night, and through the dawn, always galloping
swiftly, like the wind moving across the plains.
As Nallahir darted out of a thicket they were joined by the Wraiths.
Arwen heard them riding hard, pressing their black steeds through the heavy
undergrowth, filling the air with the sound of twigs and branches cracking
and breaking.
Once out of the trees she had Nallahir turn constantly, always changing his
path. Sparing a look back over her shoulder she saw that they were not
being pursued by five of the Wraiths, but flanked by eight.
"Noro lim, Nallahir!" She called. Ride fast, Nallahir! Nallahir responded
by finding more speed, even in his tired state.
Along side her the Wraiths reached towards Frodo, their hands gloved in
iron. Nallahir responded on his own, moving away from the grasping hand.
They galloped on always racing towards the Bruinen River, on the borders of
Rivendell.
Nallahir dug deep, racing ever faster when any other horse would have
stopped, tired and lathered with sweat.
Finally the banks of the Bruinen were visible in front of them.
The three raced over them, Nallahir's hooves slipping a little on the wet
stones, clattering loudly before they were splashing through the shallows
across to the other side and the safety of Rivendell.
The Wraiths halted on the opposite shore. One of the Ringwraiths raised his
hand to her. "Give up the Halfling She-Elf." It's voice was a loud whisper,
raspy and terrible.
Arwen drew her sword, Shalat as Nallahir rose slightly on his hind legs.
"If you want him come and claim him."
The Wraiths answered her challenge, and began to press their horses forward
into the Bruinen.
As they did so Arwen closed her eyes and began to chant. "Nin o Chithaeglir
lasto beth daer; Rimmo nin Bruinen dan in Ulaer!" Waters of the Misty
Mountains listen to the great word; flow waters of Loudwater against the
Ringwraiths.
The sound of rushing water filled the air as the waters of the Bruinen
rose, forming a wall of water, the foaming waves resembling white horses
which galloped through the bed of the river drowning the Wraiths.
As she watched Frodo became paler, wheezing and gasping.
Carefully Arwen laid him down on the rocky shore, cradling his head and
upper torso in her arms. "No, no! Frodo, no! Frodo don't give in! Not now."
She cried, then laying her had against his she whispered. "What grace is
given me, let it pass to him. Let him be spared. Save him."
As she spoke a single tear trickled down her cheek, dropping down onto his
head. For a moment light shone around them both. Frodo's breathing eased a
little. "Thank you." She whispered, looking up to the sky.
The sound of hoof beats on her side of the river made Arwen sit up. She
turned to see Glorifindel, captain of the guard in Rivendell. "Lady, are
you well?" He called.
She raised her voice to call to him. "Glorifindel, help me. We must get
Frodo to my father!"
He nodded and turned to call out behind him. "My Lord, she is here. She is
safe!"
Arwen breathed a sigh of relief as her father galloped over, swinging down
from his horse's saddle and joining her at Frodo's side. "He is fading
fast." She told him.
"Come now." Elrond ordered, lifting Frodo onto the front of his own saddle.
"We must get him back to the city."
Arwen nodded and mounted Nallahir once more.
Part 4.
Elrond and Arwen rode straight to their private residence, laying Frodo in
a guest room.
Using strange and ancient Elvish medicines and ointments Elrond attended to
Frodo's wound.
Slowly, as the hours passed his skin became warmer, his breathing easier,
until it seemed that he was only sleeping deeply.
"Father, will he live?" Arwen asked, her heart still heavy.
"Yes, Arwen. He will live." Elrond told her. "Call me if anything changes.
I will be in the library."
After sitting with him for long hours, with Bilbo sitting opposite, Arwen
rose and left the room, walking towards the front of her home and waited
outside in the front garden.
Gently she tended to one of the plants as she waited.
She didn't have to wait long until she saw Glorifindel leading Aragorn and
the three remaining hobbits towards her. Arwen smiled to see them safe and
sound.
Aragorn hurried when he saw her. "Arwen! Is Frodo all right?"
"He is sore, but he lives. I will take you to him now, for at his side you
may meet another old friend." She told them, "I only ask that you remain
quiet, Frodo has been quite ill. He is sleeping now." They nodded following
her silently as she led them indoors.
She spoke quietly to the hobbits as they walked. "I am sorry we did not
meet properly before, but Frodo had to be rushed to my father. He has more
knowledge of Elvish medicine than I. I am Arwen Undomiel, also called
Evenstar, and I am pleased to meet you all."
Aragorn halted, "Lady Arwen, meet Samwise Gamgee, also called Sam, Meriadoc
Brandybuck, also called Merry and Peregrin Took, also called Pippin." He
introduced.
She smiled at them. "Come along now, you are all weary. I will take you in
to see Frodo now." Arwen led them up a staircase and up to a pair of doors.
Silently she opened one, allowing Aragorn to hold it for her, as they
entered.
"Bilbo," She called softly, "I have brought friends to visit Frodo."
The old hobbit looked up and smiled to see them. "Well journeyed, old
friends. I hope you are in better shape than Frodo here. I have never known
him to miss a meal, yet he has missed three since he has been here."
"Frodo has not yet woken." Arwen explained to them, "Sleep is the best
thing for him now, sleep and time to heal."
The hobbit Aragorn had called Sam moved to Frodo's bedside. He touched one
of Frodo's hands gently, then looked back at the others. "If I may, Lady,
if it doesn't present any problems may I stay with Mr. Frodo?"
Arwen smiled at him, seeing the loyalty of the young hobbit, and his desire
to serve his master. "It is all right Sam." She told him. "I will have some
food brought in for you, along with Bilbo's. Sit down and be easy, you are
safe here in Rivendell." She turned to the others, "I have food and
accommodations prepared for you. You are all in need of food and rest."
Part 5.
Arwen led them back downstairs, passing the library doors. Inside Lord
Elrond looked up from the manuscript he was reading and beckoned to her.
"Please come in," Arwen ushered them inside, "Lord Elrond wishes to meet
you."
As they entered Aragorn made the proper sign of obeisance to Elrond.
"Greeting to you all and welcome to Rivendell." Elrond said to them, rising
from his work. "You have traveled far, I trust that the Lady is taking you
to your accommodations?"
Both hobbits, Merry and Pippin nodded.
"Where is the fourth?" Elrond asked Arwen, gazing at the three before him.
"He has chosen to remain at Frodo's side with Bilbo." Arwen told him,
"Samwise Gamgee is his name."
"Very well." Elrond said to her, "Aragorn, welcome once more to fair
Rivendell. I wish we were meeting under better circumstances."
"As do I my Lord." Aragorn answered, his voice deep and clear.
"Once more, welcome to Rivendell." Elrond told them, "The Lady will take
care of you, I have much to attend too." Elrond returned once more to the
ancient book he had been studying.
Arwen led them silently from the room.
Once out in the hallway she spoke to them. "You have just met Lord Elrond
Half-Elven, the Master of Rivendell."
"Is he your husband?" Pippin asked.
She smiled, "No Master Took, he is my father." She stopped in front of
another pair of doors. "Here are your rooms. Aragorn you still have your
own room, the hobbits have the choice of sharing or sleeping separately, it
is up to them." She opened the doors to reveal a sitting room with several
doors leading from it. "Through the doors you will find rooms for sleeping
in. There is a washroom inside each end door. The middle door leads out to
the gardens. If you wish to go out you are welcome too."
Arwen led them into the room gesturing to the table piled high with
steaming plates. "Please help yourselves, if there is anything else you
require please let me know." The hobbits sat down at the table and began to
eat.
Aragorn lingered with her for a moment. "Are you staying?"
"If that is what you wish I will returned shortly. I must take a meal up to
Sam and Bilbo first though." Arwen answered. "Sit down and take some rest
Aragorn. It is well-deserved." With those words she left the room.
She made her way back upstairs carrying plates for Bilbo and Frodo.
Both hobbits remained at his bedside, unmoved. She placed a plate in each
hobbits lap, pausing at Sam's side. "Eat now Sam. Recover your strength
while Frodo recovers his." She advised him. "If you need anything else ask
Bilbo where to find me, but I will come up to check on Frodo later."
Arwen then turned to Bilbo. "Lord Elrond will be up soon to see Frodo's
progress, call me if he wakes before then."
As she passed by the library Lord Elrond called to her once more.
She entered the library and waited for her father to speak. "Arwen you know
Gandalf the Grey. He has come to Rivendell on the back of Gwaihir the
Windlord." Elrond gestured to the Istari beside him cloaked in gray.
"Welcome back to Rivendell, Gandalf the Grey." She greeted him. "I trust
you would like to see the others."
Gandalf nodded. "I would very much like that Lady."
"I have just come from Frodo's side, he is healing well, still sleeping but
minded by Bilbo and Sam. I am just on my way back to the others. They are
sitting down to a meal if you would like to join them." Arwen told him.
"Thank you." Gandalf answered her.
"Go now." Elrond told him, "Like the others you are weary. We shall speak
more once you have rested."
Arwen lead him from the room, down towards the guest quarters. She tapped
on the door gently before opening it. Aragorn and the hobbits looked up as
she entered. "I have found another friend of yours." She told them. "Like
you he is weary and hungry so I bring him to you." She entered the room
fully with Gandalf close behind her.
"Gandalf!" Pippin shouted.
"Master Pippin." Gandalf answered him. "I am glad you are all safe in
Rivendell." He told the others.
"Have you seen Frodo yet?" Merry asked.
"No." Gandalf said, "No I have not, Lady Arwen is taking me to see him
shortly."
"Sit down Gandalf." Arwen told him gently, "Eat something and relax in the
safety of Rivendell."
"Thank you Lady." Gandalf smiled at her, sitting down across from Aragorn.
"How is Frodo?" Aragorn asked her.
"Sleeping peacefully. My father will examine the wound again later to make
sure it is healing." Arwen told them.
"Sit down." Aragorn urged her, "Tell us of your journey. You reached
Rivendell safely."
"I met with the Ringwraiths, eight of them anyway. We rode hard, and were
fortunate enough to cross the Bruinen before the Wraiths caught us. They
requested that I gave Frodo up to them, but I refused and brought the river
crashing down on them. Shortly afterwards I met with Glorifindel, the
captain of the guard and my father. We brought Frodo here and tended to
him. He has been improving ever since, and now simply sleeps deeply." Arwen
took a seat beside Gandalf. "Do you need anything more?"
"No Lady." Gandalf told her. "But sit and talk with us a while. What has
happened recently in Rivendell?"
"Some have begun the journey to the Grey Havens so that they may pass to
the Undying Lands. My father wishes me to go, but it is my wish to stay in
Middle Earth. All I love is here." Arwen told them. "Until I rode out in
search of you it had been very peaceful in Rivendell. Since then we have
had Black Riders at our borders and the One Ring within our borders."
Gandalf smiled. "It would appear you almost welcome the disturbance."
"That would be folly. I know what the One Ring was created to do, and I
know that the Dark One is searching for it. If all are not careful Middle
Earth will fall under a cloud of darkness." She began, then caught herself,
"Still, let us not speak of these things unless they come to pass. We shall
place our hope in Frodo's recovery, and take the matter of the Ring one
step at a time."
"That seems sound advice." Aragorn agreed.
"Here is another piece," Arwen began, "All of you should now go and rest.
If Frodo wakes I will come and wake you, if that is what you desire. For
now you should think about recovering your own strength. Sleep well. I will
return when you wake." With these words Arwen stood and left the room.
Once more Arwen woke in the night, the images of her dream haunting her
even in her waking.
She sat up and pushed her blankets away, letting them pile on the floor.
Silently she rose and dressed, leaving her bedroom to walk in the gardens
of Rivendell, in her own garden, which her father, Lord Elrond had created
for her as a gift upon her return from the South, where she had stayed for
many years with her mother's kin.
Above the stars shone brightly against the darkened sky.
The air was cool but Arwen did not go back indoors to retrieve warmer
clothing, instead she trailed her fingers in the waters of the fountain,
watching the small waves she had created fade to nothingness. When the
surface stilled she gazed deep into its depths, then beyond them. On the
surface of the water images formed, becoming clearer as she watched.
Arwen saw Aragorn leading four small hobbits, she had never seen any so
young before. Bilbo Baggins, the hobbit friend of hers and her father's was
an aging hobbit, well towards the end of his life. These were much younger,
looking as though they were only starting out on their journey through
life.
She watched as one of the hobbits led a pony, while the others spoke
merrily amongst themselves.
These were things from the past.
Well versed in the art of scrying Arwen knew that the images reflected on
the surface of the water could show one of three things, things that were,
things that were happening as she gazed at their images, and things that
had not yet, or may not come to pass.
The images clouded over, then became clearer again, this time showing her
something different.
The four hobbits were shrouded in the darkness of night, afraid. Each had
drawn a sword and backed away from the figures that approached them, hooded
and cloaked in black. Nazgul. Ringwraiths.
She watched as one of the hobbits slid a ring onto his finger and
disappeared, only to be stabbed with the blade of one of the Morgul swords.
Then she saw Aragorn sprint over the rise and begin to rail against the
Wraiths, using both fire and sword.
She saw him press them back and pick up the injured hobbit. Calling to the
others he began to run, sliding as he did so down the sides of Weathertop,
the great Watchtower of Amun Sul.
Arwen watched silently until that image too faded from the waters, leaving
only the starlight reflected there.
She found her father, Lord Elrond in the library. He was always reading
things, writing things.
"Father I have seen..." She began.
"You have seen the events that have occurred at Amon Sul." He told her,
looking up from the great volume in front of him.
"One of the young hobbits has been stabbed with a Morgul blade. He will die
unless he comes to us in time." Arwen answered.
"This is true." Elrond nodded.
"He does not deserve to die. The hobbit must live." Arwen told him. "He has
much to do in this Middle Earth."
"What do you propose?"
"Let me ride out. I will find them. Let me help." She said to her father.
"If that is your path I will not stop you. May the grace of the Valar go
with you, Arwen Evenstar. You alone may be able to save the hobbit known as
Frodo Baggins." Elrond told his daughter. "Ride well, my daughter."
"Namarie father." She said softly before leaving the room. "I will return
soon."
Part 2.
The moon had barely began it's nightly descent as Arwen mounted her horse,
a silver falcon hovering above.
She patted the horse's satiny gray neck and spoke softly to him. "Noro lim
Nallahir. We must ride fast, my dear friend." The falcon settled on her
shoulder, content to wait out the night there, until daylight and he could
fly. "Be easy Elessar." She told the falcon as she rode out of the gates
which led into Rivendell, the Elves safe haven, Arwen's first home.
Once outside the gates Nallahir pressed into a faster speed, allowing his
mistress to guide him in the direction she wished to go, West.
The three moved swiftly over the land, each a formidable force. No predator
dared approach them. Even the wolves and wargs stayed away.
Over field and stream, through woods and farmland Arwen rode, her every
thought on the safety and whereabouts of the hobbit Frodo Baggins and his
companions.
When Nallahir began to tire under her, Arwen dismounted and ran alongside
the great horse.
A gift from one of the Lords of Rohan, Nallahir was one of the Mearas,
themselves Lords among horses.
For two days and almost three nights Arwen rode in search of her quarry,
halting only to gaze into the waters of creeks and still pools, fed by
underground streams far away in the mountains, their waters always icy
cold.
Late into the third night she led Nallahir once more, searching the
Trollshaws, where Bilbo Baggins and his Dwarf companions had been waylaid
by trolls long ago and almost eaten until the quarreling trolls turned to
stone in the sunlight, in the hope that she would find Aragorn and Frodo.
Close by someone, or something crashed through the underbrush, moving
swiftly along her line of vision.
Leaving Nallahir and drawing her sword, the great Elven blade of old,
Shalat she approached the creature from behind, allowing her the element of
surprise.
As she approached, the creature clad in black pulled out a knife slicing a
small plant away from the rock it grew on.
Arwen knew then that the creature she was stalking was Aragorn. Surprised
at his lack of care she brought Shalat to his throat. "What's this?" She
asked, "A Ranger caught off his guard?"
Slowly he turned to face her. "Arwen! What are you doing here?"
"Where is Frodo?" She asked, in answer to his question.
"This way." Aragorn told her, leading her back through the trees, more
silently this time.
Nallahir following close behind, with Elessar perched on his saddle.
She rushed into the clearing behind Aragorn, dropping to her knees in front
of the failing hobbit. "Frodo... Im Arwen. Telin le thaed. Lasto beth nin,
tolo dan na ngalad." She said to him in her own language, calling him back
to the light.
From somewhere behind her Arwen heard someone say, "Who is she?", but she
paid it no mind, instead concentrating on Frodo. "Frodo?" She asked again,
but his still form did not stir, or give sign that he had heard her. She
turned to Aragorn, "He is not going to last. We must get him to my father."
She stared into his eyes. "I have been looking for you for two days."
Once more one of the other hobbits spoke, but again she ignored it.
"There are five Wraiths behind you. Where the other four are I do not
know." She told Aragorn.
Aragorn stood, picking Frodo up and carrying him over to Nallahir, placing
him on the front of the saddle. Arwen followed him, understanding what he
meant to do.
"Dartho guin Berian. Rych le ad tolthathon." Aragorn told her. Stay with
the hobbits. I will send horses for you.
Arwen shook her head. "Hon mabathon. Rochon ellint im." I am the faster
rider. I'll take him.
"Andelu i ven." He answered. The road is too dangerous.
Once more she shook her head. "Frodo fir. Ae athradon i hir, tur gwaith nin
beriatha hon." If I can get across the river the power of my people will
protect him. "I do not fear them" she told him.
Aragorn laid his hand over hers, knowing when he was beaten. "Be iest lin."
He told her. As long as you wish. "Arwen," He said to her, "Ride hard,
don't look back."
He watched as she swung up into the saddle, "Send Elessar to Rivendell."
Arwen called to him, "Tell my father I am on my way." She watched him nod
before urging Nallahir forward, this time back towards Rivendell.
Part 3.
The three rode through the night, and through the dawn, always galloping
swiftly, like the wind moving across the plains.
As Nallahir darted out of a thicket they were joined by the Wraiths.
Arwen heard them riding hard, pressing their black steeds through the heavy
undergrowth, filling the air with the sound of twigs and branches cracking
and breaking.
Once out of the trees she had Nallahir turn constantly, always changing his
path. Sparing a look back over her shoulder she saw that they were not
being pursued by five of the Wraiths, but flanked by eight.
"Noro lim, Nallahir!" She called. Ride fast, Nallahir! Nallahir responded
by finding more speed, even in his tired state.
Along side her the Wraiths reached towards Frodo, their hands gloved in
iron. Nallahir responded on his own, moving away from the grasping hand.
They galloped on always racing towards the Bruinen River, on the borders of
Rivendell.
Nallahir dug deep, racing ever faster when any other horse would have
stopped, tired and lathered with sweat.
Finally the banks of the Bruinen were visible in front of them.
The three raced over them, Nallahir's hooves slipping a little on the wet
stones, clattering loudly before they were splashing through the shallows
across to the other side and the safety of Rivendell.
The Wraiths halted on the opposite shore. One of the Ringwraiths raised his
hand to her. "Give up the Halfling She-Elf." It's voice was a loud whisper,
raspy and terrible.
Arwen drew her sword, Shalat as Nallahir rose slightly on his hind legs.
"If you want him come and claim him."
The Wraiths answered her challenge, and began to press their horses forward
into the Bruinen.
As they did so Arwen closed her eyes and began to chant. "Nin o Chithaeglir
lasto beth daer; Rimmo nin Bruinen dan in Ulaer!" Waters of the Misty
Mountains listen to the great word; flow waters of Loudwater against the
Ringwraiths.
The sound of rushing water filled the air as the waters of the Bruinen
rose, forming a wall of water, the foaming waves resembling white horses
which galloped through the bed of the river drowning the Wraiths.
As she watched Frodo became paler, wheezing and gasping.
Carefully Arwen laid him down on the rocky shore, cradling his head and
upper torso in her arms. "No, no! Frodo, no! Frodo don't give in! Not now."
She cried, then laying her had against his she whispered. "What grace is
given me, let it pass to him. Let him be spared. Save him."
As she spoke a single tear trickled down her cheek, dropping down onto his
head. For a moment light shone around them both. Frodo's breathing eased a
little. "Thank you." She whispered, looking up to the sky.
The sound of hoof beats on her side of the river made Arwen sit up. She
turned to see Glorifindel, captain of the guard in Rivendell. "Lady, are
you well?" He called.
She raised her voice to call to him. "Glorifindel, help me. We must get
Frodo to my father!"
He nodded and turned to call out behind him. "My Lord, she is here. She is
safe!"
Arwen breathed a sigh of relief as her father galloped over, swinging down
from his horse's saddle and joining her at Frodo's side. "He is fading
fast." She told him.
"Come now." Elrond ordered, lifting Frodo onto the front of his own saddle.
"We must get him back to the city."
Arwen nodded and mounted Nallahir once more.
Part 4.
Elrond and Arwen rode straight to their private residence, laying Frodo in
a guest room.
Using strange and ancient Elvish medicines and ointments Elrond attended to
Frodo's wound.
Slowly, as the hours passed his skin became warmer, his breathing easier,
until it seemed that he was only sleeping deeply.
"Father, will he live?" Arwen asked, her heart still heavy.
"Yes, Arwen. He will live." Elrond told her. "Call me if anything changes.
I will be in the library."
After sitting with him for long hours, with Bilbo sitting opposite, Arwen
rose and left the room, walking towards the front of her home and waited
outside in the front garden.
Gently she tended to one of the plants as she waited.
She didn't have to wait long until she saw Glorifindel leading Aragorn and
the three remaining hobbits towards her. Arwen smiled to see them safe and
sound.
Aragorn hurried when he saw her. "Arwen! Is Frodo all right?"
"He is sore, but he lives. I will take you to him now, for at his side you
may meet another old friend." She told them, "I only ask that you remain
quiet, Frodo has been quite ill. He is sleeping now." They nodded following
her silently as she led them indoors.
She spoke quietly to the hobbits as they walked. "I am sorry we did not
meet properly before, but Frodo had to be rushed to my father. He has more
knowledge of Elvish medicine than I. I am Arwen Undomiel, also called
Evenstar, and I am pleased to meet you all."
Aragorn halted, "Lady Arwen, meet Samwise Gamgee, also called Sam, Meriadoc
Brandybuck, also called Merry and Peregrin Took, also called Pippin." He
introduced.
She smiled at them. "Come along now, you are all weary. I will take you in
to see Frodo now." Arwen led them up a staircase and up to a pair of doors.
Silently she opened one, allowing Aragorn to hold it for her, as they
entered.
"Bilbo," She called softly, "I have brought friends to visit Frodo."
The old hobbit looked up and smiled to see them. "Well journeyed, old
friends. I hope you are in better shape than Frodo here. I have never known
him to miss a meal, yet he has missed three since he has been here."
"Frodo has not yet woken." Arwen explained to them, "Sleep is the best
thing for him now, sleep and time to heal."
The hobbit Aragorn had called Sam moved to Frodo's bedside. He touched one
of Frodo's hands gently, then looked back at the others. "If I may, Lady,
if it doesn't present any problems may I stay with Mr. Frodo?"
Arwen smiled at him, seeing the loyalty of the young hobbit, and his desire
to serve his master. "It is all right Sam." She told him. "I will have some
food brought in for you, along with Bilbo's. Sit down and be easy, you are
safe here in Rivendell." She turned to the others, "I have food and
accommodations prepared for you. You are all in need of food and rest."
Part 5.
Arwen led them back downstairs, passing the library doors. Inside Lord
Elrond looked up from the manuscript he was reading and beckoned to her.
"Please come in," Arwen ushered them inside, "Lord Elrond wishes to meet
you."
As they entered Aragorn made the proper sign of obeisance to Elrond.
"Greeting to you all and welcome to Rivendell." Elrond said to them, rising
from his work. "You have traveled far, I trust that the Lady is taking you
to your accommodations?"
Both hobbits, Merry and Pippin nodded.
"Where is the fourth?" Elrond asked Arwen, gazing at the three before him.
"He has chosen to remain at Frodo's side with Bilbo." Arwen told him,
"Samwise Gamgee is his name."
"Very well." Elrond said to her, "Aragorn, welcome once more to fair
Rivendell. I wish we were meeting under better circumstances."
"As do I my Lord." Aragorn answered, his voice deep and clear.
"Once more, welcome to Rivendell." Elrond told them, "The Lady will take
care of you, I have much to attend too." Elrond returned once more to the
ancient book he had been studying.
Arwen led them silently from the room.
Once out in the hallway she spoke to them. "You have just met Lord Elrond
Half-Elven, the Master of Rivendell."
"Is he your husband?" Pippin asked.
She smiled, "No Master Took, he is my father." She stopped in front of
another pair of doors. "Here are your rooms. Aragorn you still have your
own room, the hobbits have the choice of sharing or sleeping separately, it
is up to them." She opened the doors to reveal a sitting room with several
doors leading from it. "Through the doors you will find rooms for sleeping
in. There is a washroom inside each end door. The middle door leads out to
the gardens. If you wish to go out you are welcome too."
Arwen led them into the room gesturing to the table piled high with
steaming plates. "Please help yourselves, if there is anything else you
require please let me know." The hobbits sat down at the table and began to
eat.
Aragorn lingered with her for a moment. "Are you staying?"
"If that is what you wish I will returned shortly. I must take a meal up to
Sam and Bilbo first though." Arwen answered. "Sit down and take some rest
Aragorn. It is well-deserved." With those words she left the room.
She made her way back upstairs carrying plates for Bilbo and Frodo.
Both hobbits remained at his bedside, unmoved. She placed a plate in each
hobbits lap, pausing at Sam's side. "Eat now Sam. Recover your strength
while Frodo recovers his." She advised him. "If you need anything else ask
Bilbo where to find me, but I will come up to check on Frodo later."
Arwen then turned to Bilbo. "Lord Elrond will be up soon to see Frodo's
progress, call me if he wakes before then."
As she passed by the library Lord Elrond called to her once more.
She entered the library and waited for her father to speak. "Arwen you know
Gandalf the Grey. He has come to Rivendell on the back of Gwaihir the
Windlord." Elrond gestured to the Istari beside him cloaked in gray.
"Welcome back to Rivendell, Gandalf the Grey." She greeted him. "I trust
you would like to see the others."
Gandalf nodded. "I would very much like that Lady."
"I have just come from Frodo's side, he is healing well, still sleeping but
minded by Bilbo and Sam. I am just on my way back to the others. They are
sitting down to a meal if you would like to join them." Arwen told him.
"Thank you." Gandalf answered her.
"Go now." Elrond told him, "Like the others you are weary. We shall speak
more once you have rested."
Arwen lead him from the room, down towards the guest quarters. She tapped
on the door gently before opening it. Aragorn and the hobbits looked up as
she entered. "I have found another friend of yours." She told them. "Like
you he is weary and hungry so I bring him to you." She entered the room
fully with Gandalf close behind her.
"Gandalf!" Pippin shouted.
"Master Pippin." Gandalf answered him. "I am glad you are all safe in
Rivendell." He told the others.
"Have you seen Frodo yet?" Merry asked.
"No." Gandalf said, "No I have not, Lady Arwen is taking me to see him
shortly."
"Sit down Gandalf." Arwen told him gently, "Eat something and relax in the
safety of Rivendell."
"Thank you Lady." Gandalf smiled at her, sitting down across from Aragorn.
"How is Frodo?" Aragorn asked her.
"Sleeping peacefully. My father will examine the wound again later to make
sure it is healing." Arwen told them.
"Sit down." Aragorn urged her, "Tell us of your journey. You reached
Rivendell safely."
"I met with the Ringwraiths, eight of them anyway. We rode hard, and were
fortunate enough to cross the Bruinen before the Wraiths caught us. They
requested that I gave Frodo up to them, but I refused and brought the river
crashing down on them. Shortly afterwards I met with Glorifindel, the
captain of the guard and my father. We brought Frodo here and tended to
him. He has been improving ever since, and now simply sleeps deeply." Arwen
took a seat beside Gandalf. "Do you need anything more?"
"No Lady." Gandalf told her. "But sit and talk with us a while. What has
happened recently in Rivendell?"
"Some have begun the journey to the Grey Havens so that they may pass to
the Undying Lands. My father wishes me to go, but it is my wish to stay in
Middle Earth. All I love is here." Arwen told them. "Until I rode out in
search of you it had been very peaceful in Rivendell. Since then we have
had Black Riders at our borders and the One Ring within our borders."
Gandalf smiled. "It would appear you almost welcome the disturbance."
"That would be folly. I know what the One Ring was created to do, and I
know that the Dark One is searching for it. If all are not careful Middle
Earth will fall under a cloud of darkness." She began, then caught herself,
"Still, let us not speak of these things unless they come to pass. We shall
place our hope in Frodo's recovery, and take the matter of the Ring one
step at a time."
"That seems sound advice." Aragorn agreed.
"Here is another piece," Arwen began, "All of you should now go and rest.
If Frodo wakes I will come and wake you, if that is what you desire. For
now you should think about recovering your own strength. Sleep well. I will
return when you wake." With these words Arwen stood and left the room.