Last Act of Love (Sequel to The Last One)

Chapter 3

Ruive wandered around Rivendell, admiring the familiar beauty. Thanks to the skill of Lord Elrond, Frodo would be fine, much to her relief and Aragorn and the other Hobbits would be arriving soon.

"Ruive." An old, familiar voice called from behind her.

Ruive turned and smiled at the old, grey wizard, striding forward into his open arms.

"Gandalf, it has been too long."

"It has indeed, my dear." Gandalf smiled releasing her.

"What news of Frodo?" 

"He is resting now, but he is well on the mend thanks to Lord Elrond. And you and Glorfindel, of course." 

Ruive pressed her lips together and nodded, glad to hear the Hobbit was doing well, though in the back of her mind, she thought of how close she had come to losing him, to failing. Gandalf saw this and placed a warm hand on her shoulder and gave her a reassuring smile.

"You did well, Ruive. It's high time I think you let go of the past, it will do you no good to hold on to such pain."

"I've tried, believe me Gandalf, I've tried. But everywhere I look, I see their faces, all of them. My parents, my sister, Thorin, Fili," She swallowed. "Kili."

"Do you think they would want you to remember their death? Or rather how they lived?" Gandalf raised a bushy eyebrow.

Ruive looked at the ground mulling over the wizard's words.

"Ah! Yes that reminds me, there is someone here who would like to see you I do believe. Perhaps you should venture down to the gardens" The wizard winked before walking away. 

Slightly confused, Ruive strolled down to the gardens in search of this 'someone'. She looked around, a wide smile coming to her face as her eyes caught sight of a small elderly looking Hobbit. She silently walked over to the stone bench where he had perched himself, her smile continuing to grow. 

"Folk say if I'm looking for a burglar, you're the one to see."

The Hobbit jumped in surprise and looked up curiously at her. Recognition flashed in his eyes and a large smiled stretched across his worn face.

"Ruive? My goodness is that really you?"

"Its good to see you again, dear Bilbo."

Bilbo pushed to his feet and wrapped his arms around her waist. Ruive smiled and bent down slightly to wrap her arms around him. The old Hobbit pulled back and looked her up and down.

"My, my, I think you've grown taller. And look at your hair, how it's grown, before you know it you'll be tripping on it." Bilbo laughed, looking up at her fondly.

Ruive laughed shyly along with Bilbo who sat back down on the stone bench.

"Oh please, will you join me? We have much to talk over." Bilbo asked, gesturing to the space beside him.

Ruive sat down next to him and began listening as Bilbo told her all he had been up to in the past 60 years; going on other adventures, raising Frodo, how things have been in the Shire. When he finished she told him of how she had been asked to raise Aragorn, all the places they had been and people she met. They even spoke about their time together on their journey so long ago. Neither had returned since the day they left, but Bilbo wished to dearly. They recalled the fond memories and remembered those they had lost. Bilbo even showed her the book he was writing about the adventure for his nephew, Frodo. Bilbo told her he had told Frodo most of the adventure, including Ruive, but planned to tell him all of it.

"I look forward to reading it when it's finished." Ruive said.

Bilbo smiled and laughed, swinging his feet back and forth like a child. Even after so many years, Ruive could still make the Hobbit blush.

Ruive's ear perked up at the sound of four Hobbits nearby. She smiled at Bilbo and rose to her feet.

"Well it was truly lovely to see you again, Bilbo. But I do believe there is someone else who would love to see you."

They both smiled knowingly at each other.

"Farewell, Master Burglar."

"Farewell, Miss Ruive."    

Ruive walked back the way she came and happened upon the four Hobbits. Each turned and smiled at her, which she returned.

"It's good to see you up and about, Frodo." 

"Thank you." He nodded. 

He seemed to be contemplating something before he spoke up.

"You're Her, aren't you? You're Ruive, from my Uncle's adventure."

Ruive smiled and titled her head in a bow.

"Pleasure to meet you, Frodo Baggins and company."

"Pleasure's all ours, Miss Ruive. We've heard lots about how great of a fighter you are from Mister Bilbo." Sam gushed.

"Indeed. Speaking of Bilbo, Frodo, there's someone who might like to see you." Ruive gesture behind her with her head before nodding to the Hobbits and walking off in search of Aragorn.

She found the dark haired Ranger wandering mindlessly down a hall

"Lost something, Hanar?" (Brother) Ruive called.

Aragorn paused and turned around, smiling as the both of them quickly strode to one another and embraced each other in a tight hug.

"I'm glad that you're alright." Aragorn said giving her a quick glance over to make sure she wasn't injured.

"I as well."

The pair began to stroll around Rivendell, talking about little things and just enjoying each other's company. Their bond was so strong, they were practically brother and sister but not by blood.

"There is to be a council meeting tomorrow to decide the fate of the Ring." Aragorn began.

"Yes, though it's fate is obvious enough, it must be destroyed."

Aragorn nodded in agreement, biting his lip. Ruive noticed and immediately stepped in front of him.

"What are you not telling me, Aragorn?" She said looking him hard in the eyes.

Aragorn did his best to look anywhere but her harsh gaze, but quickly caved.

"He will be there. Legolas."

Ruive's face became neutral, she had not seen Legolas since he returned to Mirkwood 60 years ago. Though they did not exactly part ways on bad terms, the thought of seeing him again brought back memories and feelings she had buried deep beneath her cold exterior. She vowed after the death of Kili that she would not fall in love again to save both them and herself the pain it would cause. The walls that Kili had so carefully chipped away at had been rebuilt twice as high and twice as strong until she was sure no one could break them down, not even her first love.