Part I: Aragorn
Aragorn II son of Arathorn led the small, frightened procession in through the gates of the only home he had ever known, Imladris. A beautiful place though it seemed his small companions would not be able to enjoy it as they should have been able to. He looked back at his the small beings that followed close behind. He had led them the last couple of weeks on a hard road. But hobbits he had come to realize were made of sterner stuff then was to be thought, though at the moment with no exceptions, they were frightened and weary.
Sam still led their little pack pony seeming to take comfort by having something to look after to distract himself from the terrible truth they had been facing. He looked around seemed to be in awe of his surroundings though it was tempered by the long journey and his fear for his master.
Merry's was face pale with fright but held resolute none the less looked upon the man's home with something close to suspicion in his clear eyes. Aragorn had come to realize that this one remained suspicious of anything and anyone until they earned his trust. He had to prove himself before he gained the amount of trust he now possessed.
The smallest, Pippin, glanced around but what he had found to be the little ones natural curiosity was masked by fright. He pressed near to Merry nearly treading on the others heels in an effort to stay close, still frightened of the evil that had pursued them .
Again Aragorn looked up they were through the gates of his home but still there remained perhaps a mile before they entered the parts of Rivendell that were the most inhabited. Where the fourth member of their company had been taken to be tended by the Lord Elrond. The sound of horses could be heard he looked back, the hobbits had frozen terror in their hearts at the sound. And little wonder as the sound of hoofs for many days had meant pursuit and enemies.
But the sound was that of elven horses ridden by the Fair Folk. Aragorn smiled in relief upon seeing them, two dark headed men leading a horse. "Aragorn," hailed one of the dark, Elladan, Aragorn's foster brother. "Glorfindel arrived and gave word that you were on your way with some weary travelers." His ageless gaze swept over the Little Folk and there was a gasp of wonder from Sam.
"He speaks truly, Elladan, we would be grateful for your assistance." Aragorn bowed his head in acknowledgement of the elf lord. "I will hand you up the hobbits and then we may reach Imladris' halls all the swifter."
Aragorn reached for Pippin who backed up into Sam. He was afraid, his eyes darting nervously like a cornered animal. Aragorn put his hand out and with a nudge from Merry he accepted it and was led to Elrohir. "Pippin, this is Elrohir, my brother, he is going to take you to Rivendell where Frodo will be treated, alright?" A nod and Aragorn placed him in front of Elrohir, son of Elrond.
Merry's jaw was set and eyes narrowed when Aragorn made to lift him into place. "Merry," he whispered. "If you trust me you can trust them, they are my brothers and will suffer nothing evil to befall you or your friends." Merry relaxed some, though his jaw was still clenched.
"Leave the pony Aragorn." Said Elladan as Merry got situated in front of him. "Donmoell will fetch him and if I am not mistaken he will be drawn to the stables, no matter."
Aragorn removed the halter and placed it in one of the saddle bags. There was not much baggage on the pony as they had dispersed it among themselves so that Frodo could ride. He patted it on the head then lifted Sam onto the horse that had been following Elrohir's before mounting himself.
The ride was swift though silent and soon they reached the mighty halls of Rivendell. Splendid and beautiful to behold though when the hobbits were lowered to the ground it seemed they were at a loss and they huddled near to one another.
"Estel," called Elladan. "Rooms have been prepared for them on the second floor close to the other hobbit. If you wish to take them there then you may take your own rest. We would take them though I fear they do not trust us." Elladan had said this in the graceful elven tongue and no wonder he doubted their trust as Merry still sitting in front of him still stared stonily ahead.
"Come," said Aragorn leading the way up the polished stone steps. "I will take you to your rooms, there you may take your rest."
"What about Mr. Frodo?" asked Sam no preamble. "Where is he? We ought to be goin' there first, Strider."
"He is being treated Sam." Said Aragorn quietly. "It would be best to let Lord Elrond do his work quickly and without interference." He knew from the past couple of weeks that he was in for a battle with Sam and most likely the others, but three extra hobbits underfoot was not the thing to help Frodo survive at the moment. To his surprise it was Merry that spoke next.
"Strider, you take Sam to Frodo. It would be best for both of them at this time. I know we would be in the way so if you will take us to our rooms, I trust we will be notified should...something happen." Merry was ready to let Aragorn lead, and trusting him to make sure Frodo was taken care of.
Aragorn nodded then lead the two younger hobbits to the spacious rooms that had been picked out for them though he guessed they would end up in one. Food was already piled on the tables and Aragorn tried, futilely, to make Sam stay for a bite to eat but he would have none of it and again they were on their way to the Healing rooms.
Sam walked quickly matching his own long stride. They reached the Healing rooms to find them a flurry of activity. Their wounded companion, Frodo Baggines, lay propped up in one of the beds there was a strange translucency about his right shoulder and arm. Sam immediately moved forward to stroke the good hand.
"He will heal." Aragorn turned to see his foster father standing serenely behind him. "The shard has been removed a few hours, neigh, even minutes more and the outcome would have been quite different."
Aragorn breathed easier knowing this. Frodo would survive, he could be rid of the cursed trinket he had been forced to bear and these happy folk could return to their home. He had not realized in how short a time he had become so attached to these delightful people.
"He will sleep for about four days, but when he wakes he should be ready to begin life as easily as if he is only just recovering from a fever." Said Elrond laying a graceful hand on his foster sons shoulder. "You should take your own rest. Things will be fresher after the dawn."
After making sure that Sam was well situated he left the hobbits, meeting his old friend Bilbo looking pale and drawn in the corridor. "Dunedane," hailed the aged hobbit. "Where is my boy? How does he fare?"
"He is well on the road to recovery Bilbo, nothing left to worry about." Replied Aragorn.
"Thank goodness, I don't know that I could bare it should my boy be harmed any further because of my misjudgments." He leaned heavily on the wall, worry lines smoothing out. "It seems I have you to thanks for his reaching here safely."
"Not so safely." Said Aragorn quietly. "I'm afraid they have all had a bad scare and Frodo was wounded because of my inability to protect him."
"No, no, my friend, without you it would have gone worse I am sure." Bilbo patted him kindly on the knee. "You can not be there all the time for everyone, something you must come to realize. But "all" you say, how many of my kinsmen have journeyed so far from the Shire?"
"Four." Replied Aragorn. "A Samwise Gamgee, Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took, all brave and true when faced with terrible beings."
Bilbo looked remotely surprised. "I had best get in there with, my lad, then. I will see you later, Dunedane." The elderly hobbit let himself into the room where his nephew lay in quiet rest and Aragorn took himself off to his own rooms.
Aragorn slept solidly through the whole night and when dawn brightened the sky he set off to the dining halls in hopes of breakfast. When finished consuming one of Rivendell's fine meals he decided to check on the hobbits.
He did not have to go far as he found the two younger ones wandering the corridors at something of a loss. "Where are you two headed this morning?" he asked kindly when they met.
"Well," said Merry glancing around at the junction in the hallway they were standing in. "We thought we would look in on Frodo and Sam only no one told us where they would be lodging so we have consequently taken a lovely tour of the halls."
Pippin stood close behind Merry looking rather disgruntled and Aragorn noticed with some distress that he still seemed to be frightened, although he did look better for the rest. "I thought I would head that way myself, if you would care for the assistance I would be happy to lead you."
Merry nodded and Pippin smiled at him. "Thank you, Strider."
They found the healing rooms and with out knocking the two pushed into the room. Sitting in a chair fast asleep was Bilbo, feet propped up on the bed and hands folded on his chest. Sam stood to one side of Frodo's bed spooning some broth or another into Frodo's mouth, which he seemed to drink with no trouble, though still asleep. In the far corner of the room puffing silently on his pipe was-
"Gandalf!" Merry said in astonishment. Sam smiled softly while wiping a drip of broth off Frodo's mouth. Pippin grinned at dashed over to the wizard.
"We waited for you, Gandalf and then decided to go ahead and leave Crickhollow. Frodo said surely we would see you in Bree then you weren't there either! But we did find Strider just like your letter said he led us through the country to Weathertop then there Frodo got hurt and we still couldn't find you and, and." Pippin seemed to be breaking down, he wrung his hands and began to cry.
"There, there, my lad." Said Gandalf setting aside his pipe and pulling Pippin into a loose embrace. "Everything turned out well in the end, did it not? We are all safe and sound."
Pippin sniffed and wiped at his eyes. "Are we?" he gaze fell on Frodo. "Why is he still asleep?" he whispered a bit fearfully.
Merry made his way over to them and took Pippin into his own embrace and they both watched Gandalf. Who smiled. "Your cousin is in a healing sleep. When he wakes up he will nearly be as good as new. There is nothing for you to worry about."
During all the commotion Bilbo had woken up, stretching cramped limbs. "Well now it seems we are all here." His gaze was appraising as he looked at the two lads standing with Gandalf.
"Bilbo!" that was Merry as he moved to the elderly hobbit hugging him tightly. "I wondered if we would see you here!" he mumbled from the hobbits waistcoat.
"Merry-lad!" said Bilbo running his fingers through the soft curls. "You have grown up, three years past your coming of age aren't you?"
"Yes, sir. Frodo hinted that you might have taken up residence here." Said Merry. "But it has been a long time since we saw you."
Pippin looked at him shyly from next to Merry. "Pippin, isn't it?" said Bilbo looking him in the eye. "Why you were a child last time a saw you! You have gotten big. I hear you have been helping to keep my Frodo out of trouble."
Pippin smiled. "Mostly the other way around!"
Bilbo chuckled and ruffled his fine curls. "Give me the news on your families! How are things in the Shire?"
While the hobbits went into detail about the everyday doings of the homes Aragorn slipped over to Gandalf who had taken up his pipe again. "Hobbit's really are amazing creatures, are they not?" he said softly.
"That they are." Replied Aragorn watching as they chattered away happily. "There is so much that could be learned from them. I feel even happier thinking about all the long days watching the borders of their fair land. Here at least is a folk that will not be troubled by the outside world, so long as we may protect them. I never realized what treasures we watched over."
Gandalf nodded. "They have a way of entwining themselves in your very heart, do they not?" He puffed quietly for a few moments letting hobbit talk and laughter fill the room. "What do you see in them, Aragorn?"
Aragorn watched for a moment. Merry was doing the majority of the talking though Pippin's laughter rang clearly and he no longer seemed tense and scared. Sam interjected a comment here and there though continued to feed Frodo who was the only one not to share in their smiles. "They are a strong people, though they may not look it. Frodo, he is perspective and seems to more easily grasp what it happening and be able to handle it, mostly, as it comes. Sam, he is there always to lend a hand or take up the slack where needed, steadfast and true. Merry," Aragorn smiled, remembering his mistrust. "he can be suspicious, you must earn his trust but once you have it he will be one of your most loyal friends. Pippin," Aragorn hesitated. "Pippin is perhaps the opposite of Merry, he will consider you a friend until you give him a reason not to, always ready with a smile and a laugh, though he does have a point where he becomes almost too afraid to continue. Thorough it all they remain a delightful and innocent people."
"Yes." Said Gandalf. "I think you have the right of them. A wondrous folk that will continue to surprise you no matter how well you think you know them."
Four day later Aragorn pondered that conversation. How much they would need each other now. Frodo was not fated to return to his land in peace, he was going to continue the journey, until the very end. He had no doubt he would need his three friends before the end, they would be there to comfort and support one another through many trials, he only hoped those trials did not prove too much for their love for one another to handle.
Yet even as he thought these things he watched them playing in the gardens of Rivendell, song and laughter ever on their lips and decided that nothing could prove too much for such love and friendship.
Aragorn II son of Arathorn led the small, frightened procession in through the gates of the only home he had ever known, Imladris. A beautiful place though it seemed his small companions would not be able to enjoy it as they should have been able to. He looked back at his the small beings that followed close behind. He had led them the last couple of weeks on a hard road. But hobbits he had come to realize were made of sterner stuff then was to be thought, though at the moment with no exceptions, they were frightened and weary.
Sam still led their little pack pony seeming to take comfort by having something to look after to distract himself from the terrible truth they had been facing. He looked around seemed to be in awe of his surroundings though it was tempered by the long journey and his fear for his master.
Merry's was face pale with fright but held resolute none the less looked upon the man's home with something close to suspicion in his clear eyes. Aragorn had come to realize that this one remained suspicious of anything and anyone until they earned his trust. He had to prove himself before he gained the amount of trust he now possessed.
The smallest, Pippin, glanced around but what he had found to be the little ones natural curiosity was masked by fright. He pressed near to Merry nearly treading on the others heels in an effort to stay close, still frightened of the evil that had pursued them .
Again Aragorn looked up they were through the gates of his home but still there remained perhaps a mile before they entered the parts of Rivendell that were the most inhabited. Where the fourth member of their company had been taken to be tended by the Lord Elrond. The sound of horses could be heard he looked back, the hobbits had frozen terror in their hearts at the sound. And little wonder as the sound of hoofs for many days had meant pursuit and enemies.
But the sound was that of elven horses ridden by the Fair Folk. Aragorn smiled in relief upon seeing them, two dark headed men leading a horse. "Aragorn," hailed one of the dark, Elladan, Aragorn's foster brother. "Glorfindel arrived and gave word that you were on your way with some weary travelers." His ageless gaze swept over the Little Folk and there was a gasp of wonder from Sam.
"He speaks truly, Elladan, we would be grateful for your assistance." Aragorn bowed his head in acknowledgement of the elf lord. "I will hand you up the hobbits and then we may reach Imladris' halls all the swifter."
Aragorn reached for Pippin who backed up into Sam. He was afraid, his eyes darting nervously like a cornered animal. Aragorn put his hand out and with a nudge from Merry he accepted it and was led to Elrohir. "Pippin, this is Elrohir, my brother, he is going to take you to Rivendell where Frodo will be treated, alright?" A nod and Aragorn placed him in front of Elrohir, son of Elrond.
Merry's jaw was set and eyes narrowed when Aragorn made to lift him into place. "Merry," he whispered. "If you trust me you can trust them, they are my brothers and will suffer nothing evil to befall you or your friends." Merry relaxed some, though his jaw was still clenched.
"Leave the pony Aragorn." Said Elladan as Merry got situated in front of him. "Donmoell will fetch him and if I am not mistaken he will be drawn to the stables, no matter."
Aragorn removed the halter and placed it in one of the saddle bags. There was not much baggage on the pony as they had dispersed it among themselves so that Frodo could ride. He patted it on the head then lifted Sam onto the horse that had been following Elrohir's before mounting himself.
The ride was swift though silent and soon they reached the mighty halls of Rivendell. Splendid and beautiful to behold though when the hobbits were lowered to the ground it seemed they were at a loss and they huddled near to one another.
"Estel," called Elladan. "Rooms have been prepared for them on the second floor close to the other hobbit. If you wish to take them there then you may take your own rest. We would take them though I fear they do not trust us." Elladan had said this in the graceful elven tongue and no wonder he doubted their trust as Merry still sitting in front of him still stared stonily ahead.
"Come," said Aragorn leading the way up the polished stone steps. "I will take you to your rooms, there you may take your rest."
"What about Mr. Frodo?" asked Sam no preamble. "Where is he? We ought to be goin' there first, Strider."
"He is being treated Sam." Said Aragorn quietly. "It would be best to let Lord Elrond do his work quickly and without interference." He knew from the past couple of weeks that he was in for a battle with Sam and most likely the others, but three extra hobbits underfoot was not the thing to help Frodo survive at the moment. To his surprise it was Merry that spoke next.
"Strider, you take Sam to Frodo. It would be best for both of them at this time. I know we would be in the way so if you will take us to our rooms, I trust we will be notified should...something happen." Merry was ready to let Aragorn lead, and trusting him to make sure Frodo was taken care of.
Aragorn nodded then lead the two younger hobbits to the spacious rooms that had been picked out for them though he guessed they would end up in one. Food was already piled on the tables and Aragorn tried, futilely, to make Sam stay for a bite to eat but he would have none of it and again they were on their way to the Healing rooms.
Sam walked quickly matching his own long stride. They reached the Healing rooms to find them a flurry of activity. Their wounded companion, Frodo Baggines, lay propped up in one of the beds there was a strange translucency about his right shoulder and arm. Sam immediately moved forward to stroke the good hand.
"He will heal." Aragorn turned to see his foster father standing serenely behind him. "The shard has been removed a few hours, neigh, even minutes more and the outcome would have been quite different."
Aragorn breathed easier knowing this. Frodo would survive, he could be rid of the cursed trinket he had been forced to bear and these happy folk could return to their home. He had not realized in how short a time he had become so attached to these delightful people.
"He will sleep for about four days, but when he wakes he should be ready to begin life as easily as if he is only just recovering from a fever." Said Elrond laying a graceful hand on his foster sons shoulder. "You should take your own rest. Things will be fresher after the dawn."
After making sure that Sam was well situated he left the hobbits, meeting his old friend Bilbo looking pale and drawn in the corridor. "Dunedane," hailed the aged hobbit. "Where is my boy? How does he fare?"
"He is well on the road to recovery Bilbo, nothing left to worry about." Replied Aragorn.
"Thank goodness, I don't know that I could bare it should my boy be harmed any further because of my misjudgments." He leaned heavily on the wall, worry lines smoothing out. "It seems I have you to thanks for his reaching here safely."
"Not so safely." Said Aragorn quietly. "I'm afraid they have all had a bad scare and Frodo was wounded because of my inability to protect him."
"No, no, my friend, without you it would have gone worse I am sure." Bilbo patted him kindly on the knee. "You can not be there all the time for everyone, something you must come to realize. But "all" you say, how many of my kinsmen have journeyed so far from the Shire?"
"Four." Replied Aragorn. "A Samwise Gamgee, Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took, all brave and true when faced with terrible beings."
Bilbo looked remotely surprised. "I had best get in there with, my lad, then. I will see you later, Dunedane." The elderly hobbit let himself into the room where his nephew lay in quiet rest and Aragorn took himself off to his own rooms.
Aragorn slept solidly through the whole night and when dawn brightened the sky he set off to the dining halls in hopes of breakfast. When finished consuming one of Rivendell's fine meals he decided to check on the hobbits.
He did not have to go far as he found the two younger ones wandering the corridors at something of a loss. "Where are you two headed this morning?" he asked kindly when they met.
"Well," said Merry glancing around at the junction in the hallway they were standing in. "We thought we would look in on Frodo and Sam only no one told us where they would be lodging so we have consequently taken a lovely tour of the halls."
Pippin stood close behind Merry looking rather disgruntled and Aragorn noticed with some distress that he still seemed to be frightened, although he did look better for the rest. "I thought I would head that way myself, if you would care for the assistance I would be happy to lead you."
Merry nodded and Pippin smiled at him. "Thank you, Strider."
They found the healing rooms and with out knocking the two pushed into the room. Sitting in a chair fast asleep was Bilbo, feet propped up on the bed and hands folded on his chest. Sam stood to one side of Frodo's bed spooning some broth or another into Frodo's mouth, which he seemed to drink with no trouble, though still asleep. In the far corner of the room puffing silently on his pipe was-
"Gandalf!" Merry said in astonishment. Sam smiled softly while wiping a drip of broth off Frodo's mouth. Pippin grinned at dashed over to the wizard.
"We waited for you, Gandalf and then decided to go ahead and leave Crickhollow. Frodo said surely we would see you in Bree then you weren't there either! But we did find Strider just like your letter said he led us through the country to Weathertop then there Frodo got hurt and we still couldn't find you and, and." Pippin seemed to be breaking down, he wrung his hands and began to cry.
"There, there, my lad." Said Gandalf setting aside his pipe and pulling Pippin into a loose embrace. "Everything turned out well in the end, did it not? We are all safe and sound."
Pippin sniffed and wiped at his eyes. "Are we?" he gaze fell on Frodo. "Why is he still asleep?" he whispered a bit fearfully.
Merry made his way over to them and took Pippin into his own embrace and they both watched Gandalf. Who smiled. "Your cousin is in a healing sleep. When he wakes up he will nearly be as good as new. There is nothing for you to worry about."
During all the commotion Bilbo had woken up, stretching cramped limbs. "Well now it seems we are all here." His gaze was appraising as he looked at the two lads standing with Gandalf.
"Bilbo!" that was Merry as he moved to the elderly hobbit hugging him tightly. "I wondered if we would see you here!" he mumbled from the hobbits waistcoat.
"Merry-lad!" said Bilbo running his fingers through the soft curls. "You have grown up, three years past your coming of age aren't you?"
"Yes, sir. Frodo hinted that you might have taken up residence here." Said Merry. "But it has been a long time since we saw you."
Pippin looked at him shyly from next to Merry. "Pippin, isn't it?" said Bilbo looking him in the eye. "Why you were a child last time a saw you! You have gotten big. I hear you have been helping to keep my Frodo out of trouble."
Pippin smiled. "Mostly the other way around!"
Bilbo chuckled and ruffled his fine curls. "Give me the news on your families! How are things in the Shire?"
While the hobbits went into detail about the everyday doings of the homes Aragorn slipped over to Gandalf who had taken up his pipe again. "Hobbit's really are amazing creatures, are they not?" he said softly.
"That they are." Replied Aragorn watching as they chattered away happily. "There is so much that could be learned from them. I feel even happier thinking about all the long days watching the borders of their fair land. Here at least is a folk that will not be troubled by the outside world, so long as we may protect them. I never realized what treasures we watched over."
Gandalf nodded. "They have a way of entwining themselves in your very heart, do they not?" He puffed quietly for a few moments letting hobbit talk and laughter fill the room. "What do you see in them, Aragorn?"
Aragorn watched for a moment. Merry was doing the majority of the talking though Pippin's laughter rang clearly and he no longer seemed tense and scared. Sam interjected a comment here and there though continued to feed Frodo who was the only one not to share in their smiles. "They are a strong people, though they may not look it. Frodo, he is perspective and seems to more easily grasp what it happening and be able to handle it, mostly, as it comes. Sam, he is there always to lend a hand or take up the slack where needed, steadfast and true. Merry," Aragorn smiled, remembering his mistrust. "he can be suspicious, you must earn his trust but once you have it he will be one of your most loyal friends. Pippin," Aragorn hesitated. "Pippin is perhaps the opposite of Merry, he will consider you a friend until you give him a reason not to, always ready with a smile and a laugh, though he does have a point where he becomes almost too afraid to continue. Thorough it all they remain a delightful and innocent people."
"Yes." Said Gandalf. "I think you have the right of them. A wondrous folk that will continue to surprise you no matter how well you think you know them."
Four day later Aragorn pondered that conversation. How much they would need each other now. Frodo was not fated to return to his land in peace, he was going to continue the journey, until the very end. He had no doubt he would need his three friends before the end, they would be there to comfort and support one another through many trials, he only hoped those trials did not prove too much for their love for one another to handle.
Yet even as he thought these things he watched them playing in the gardens of Rivendell, song and laughter ever on their lips and decided that nothing could prove too much for such love and friendship.