The Tale of Luwén

Chapter 3: A Gathering of Hobbits

After the council-meeting was over, preparations began almost immediately. Lord Elrond sent out scouts, some leaving within the same hour, whilst others would follow the day after. Elladan and Elrohir had only just returned from one of their hunting parties, just to hear from lord Elrond that they would be sent out to scout the lands surrounding Rivendell with Aragorn the same evening. Luwén followed closely as her brother began gathering supplies for his trip. His room was like hers, simple yet elegant, only his did not have a view upon the gardens. Instead, pinewoods filled her vision as she leaned against the wall impatiently.

'I do not see why I cannot come with you,' Aragorn moved past her to put some new clothing in his worn travel bag. 'I may not be the best tracker, but I will not slow you down either. Besides, another pair of eyes cannot hurt when it comes down to spotting the spies of the Enemy.'

The older Ranger sighed, his back was faced to her, so she did not see the seconds he closed his eyes before answering her. 'It is a scout patrol, Luwén, we will have to move swift and unseen. You know that lesser numbers give an advantage in this matter.'

She protested. 'I can be swift and unseen.'

He continued packing, neatly folding a shirt, before putting it with the rest of his things. 'Can you also reduce our numbers by coming?'

Luwén faltered a moment before answering: 'Then leave Elladan or Elrohir behind and let me come in their place.'

Her brother raised his eyebrow at her reply and she flushed in embarrassment. She turned to the window and mumbled: 'I hate that you are leaving again.'

Though she had spoken softly, he had heard her all the same. 'I will be back soon.'

She turned to face him once more. 'But why must it always be you? Why can someone else not do this?'

Walking towards her, the fading light of the sun made his eyes seem to glisten a little. He put his hands on her shoulders. 'The lands all around will need to be scoured for many long leagues before the fellowship can leave. Haste is required, so lord Elrond asked me to assist. You know I cannot refuse such a request.'

'I know,' Luwén did not meet his eyes. 'However, I still do not like it.'

'Is it because of the sightings of Carnëquoren?'

She wriggled free of his grip, throwing her arms up in frustration. 'Of course he is part of my worries, he always has been and will continue to be,' the young woman started pacing the room. 'He knows who you are, Aragorn! Or have you forgotten that? What if he sets a trap for you? What if he hurts you and I am not there to help? What if... What if he kills you? It would all be my fault.'

Her brother's eyes softened. 'I will not say that no danger awaits me whilst on my way, for that would be a lie. However, you forget I am not going alone. Besides, last we know, he has been spotted many miles from here. It is unlikely he will dare venture near the borders of Imladris, like all other creatures of Darkness, he does not like being near an elvish border.'

'But you just said you had to venture many miles beyond this border for scouting!'

'And I also told you I am not alone, nor near him.'

Luwén decided upon a different tactic: 'I do not want you to go.'

Aragorn sighed. 'Luwén...'

'At least not without me. You are leaving me behind to worry here, not knowing whether you are alright.'

'I am leaving you behind, because this is your last chance to find information about Carnëquoren.'

Her shoulders slumped a little as insecurity took over, softly she spoke aloud one of her fears, a fear that had grown stronger with the passing years: 'But what if there is nothing more to be found here? What if there simply is no information about him to be found anywhere?'