𝐈𝐋𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐄̈ || A.

𝟎𝟎𝟓 ⸺ gandalf's request

The companion of three travels over land. Iladya and Legolas halt, causing Aragorn to halt as well. He notices them stare into the distance, curious about what their Elven eyes see.
     "What do you see?" he questions.
     "I see someone approaching our way," Legolas mentions. "If my eyes don't deceive me, it is Gandalf riding his horse," Iladya adds. "He seems to be in a hurry." Aragorn scowls as he begins to think why the Wizard needs to be in a hurry.
    The three continue their road, keeping their eye on the Wizard. Perhaps he is just passing by without a message of peril.
     Dusk fell and the three settled down for the night as they heard galloping hooves fade into a walking pace. Gandalf approaches them, relieved that he has finally found them. He has set out from Minas Tirith, carrying an urgent message with him. During his travels, he passed by Rivendell and questioned Lord Elrond about the whereabouts of Aragorn. He then learned he was not alone but accompanied by the Elves of the Woodland realm.
     Gandalf dismounts his horse as his eyes roam over the three companions.
     ''It is good to see you, my friend,'' Aragorn greets with a smile. His smile fades as Gandalf's expression tells him he has a message. An urgent message.
     "I have been searching for you, Aragorn," Gandalf says urgently. Aragorn's brows furrow, leaning closer to the wizard to hear what he has to say. "I have parted Minas Tirith and I shall need your help," he continues. "The urgency of finding his creature, called a Gollum, is utterly necessary."
     "Why is finding him such an urgency?" Aragorn questions, casting his eyes on Iladya for a brief moment. Gandalf's hand caresses the manes of his maeras as his eyes are fixed on the horizon. "He was in possession of the One Ring for over a thousand years," he grumbles. A soft gasp leaves Iladya's lips.
     "I need to speak with it," he continues, looking Aragorn in the eyes.
     "Why?"
     "Seventeen years ago, I did a discovery of a ring. Bilbo has found a disappearance ring in the goblin's tunnels. I kept my eyes on him ever since," he says. "These suspicions only grew after his 111th birthday, so I rode for Minas Tirith and spit through the archives, learning about the One Ring ánd this Gollum." In his last sentence, he gritted through his teeth.
     "Are you telling us that Bilbo has the Ring?" Iladya questions. Gandalf shifts his eyes to the Elf and slowly shakes his head. "No, at least not anymore. I made sure that Bilbo left the Ring for Frodo. I'm riding for the Shire to confirm whether this is the One Ring," he says, again shifting his gaze to the horizon. "If it is the Ring, Middle-Earth is to be in grave danger."
     The Wizard's eyes shot to Aragorn. "It is why it's so important to find that creature, Aragorn. We must find him before the Enemy does." Aragorn has his arms crossed over his chest, his right hand up to his mouth. Gandalf's eyes shift to the two Elves before looking at Aragorn once more.
     "You must do this alone, Aragorn," Gandalf urges. "The three of you will attract far too much attention." Once his words settle into Iladya's mind, she hears her heart crack. She, now, realizes she is to part from Aragorn. Her eyes widen, fixing on nothing. Her heart beats irregularly, not wanting to believe what they need to do.
     "Where will we go?" Legolas questions. Gandalf opens his mouth to answer, however, Iladya answers before the Wizard can utter an answer.
     "Home."
     "If Frodo is in possession of the Ring, he must leave the Shire in an instant. I need you to be stationed near Bree once your hunt on Gollum has finished," Gandalf instructs, mounting his horse. "You will meet me there, but if the tide turns ... You must lead him to Rivendell." Aragorn nods, understanding his quest.
     "I will be going now. You must leave at dawn," he says. "Run, Shadowfax. Show them the meaning of haste." Those are the last words of the Wizard before he rides off into the night. A shaky breath escapes her lips now the Wizard has gone. Her back leans against the back of the tree before she slides down. Neither of them wants to speak, so they remain silent. Aragorn has come to realize that he will need to part from those he has called friends. His heart aches as he thinks of needing to part with Iladya. The Ranger shifts his eyes to the Elf, desperate to meet her eyes.
     "We still have one night to spend in each other's company," Legolas says and he is the first one to break the silence. "Let us remember this night in joy, not grievance." Iladya slowly shifts her gaze to her brother, as if it is possible for her to enjoy this night knowing she will leave the man she adores behind. The man she has grown fond of, perhaps even love.
     "Legolas is right," Aragorn steps in, waiting for her eyes to cross his. Once her eyes meet his, he continues. "The breaking of dawn is hours away." He is aware of the sadness in her eyes as he silently begs her to enjoy this evening they have left.
     "Okay," she whispers.