Twenty - Suspicion

~Years Later~

“You’re not going to shoot that doe,” I whispered. “Maybe if you were not so loud,” Legolas responded in a low whisper. “It has nothing to do with the volume of my voice, but with how quick she is,” I said, looking at the deer. 

He shot an arrow that buzzed right past her as she ran off. “Damn,” he muttered. “I told you so,” I shrugged. He huffed and looked at me in frustration and I smiled. He smiled too and shook his head. 

I looked away from him as another deer ran through the clearing. I quietly got my bow, nocked an arrow and took my aim. “Hold your breath,” I whispered. I shot the arrow, which barreled right through the animal’s eye. 

~~~

“Aragorn,” I said as we walked back to our camp. Aragorn took my end of the deer and I started a fire as they laid it down. Aragorn began to skin it as I sat next to Legolas, who was looking into the fire. 

“You alright, Greenie?” I asked, nudging him. He hummed in response. “Where to after this?” Aragorn asked. “Imladris,” Legolas answered. “It’s been years since I have seen Elrond and my cousins,” I sighed. 

“Well, you will see them in a few days' time,” Legolas smiled. “Good,” I smiled. 

“I forgot you’re related,” Aragorn said and I nodded. 

I have travelled with Legolas and Aragorn almost everywhere. We only ever stayed in the Wild except for the occasions when we went back to Ezeria then visited Caras Galadhon to see Esme, who had another child, Ozora, who can change the weather at her will. 

~~~

“Well, look who it is,” Elrohir said in Elvish as he walked into the stables. “It is the cousin who didn’t acknowledge us the last time she was here,” Elladan said, slightly hurt. “I was in a hurry,” I reasoned.

“Excuses, excuses,” Elladan said. “Tis a pity,” Elrohir sighed. “If you do not wish to see me I will go find Arwen. I am sure she will be happy to see me,” I shrugged and began walking away. 

They walked carefully behind me and Elrohir stopped in front of me and Elladan stayed behind me. “You know we missed you, Ver,” Elrohir said. He hugged me and Elladan stood next to us. “I missed you too,” I said and hugged Elladan. 

“Verena!” Arwen shouted, walking quickly down the stairs to me. “Arwen!” I shouted and pulled her into a hug. “You’ve grown, little cousin,” I laughed, looking at her face. 

“Verena,” Elrond said as he stood next to Legolas. “Hello, uncle,” I smiled and hugged him. “Gandalf is here. Somehow, he knew you were coming this way,” He said and I nodded. “What does he need from me?”

~~~

“Bilbo Baggins is still alive?” I asked. “And is celebrating his one-hundred and eleventh birthday,” Gandalf continued. “Hobbits rarely live that long,” I said. “It is rather peculiar,” Gandalf commented. 

“When do you leave?” I asked. “We leave in three days,” he answered. “We?” I repeated. “Do you not wish to see the Hobbit again?” He asked. “I do, but… I’ve been travelling with Legolas and Aragorn for so long, I can’t just leave them,” I stammered. “They will understand, Verena,” he assured me. 

“It’s more than that, I haven’t left them in almost ten years, we can’t separate now,” I continued. 

“Ver,” He said. “Bilbo plans to leave the Shire and asks for my help, as well as yours. There is so much more behind it, my own suspicions are fearful, but I need you to trust me on this,” He explained. 

“Suspicions of what?” I asked. “Bilbo found something on our adventure all those years ago,” He said. “A ring that harbours rare abilities, specifically, invisibility,” He continued. “No,” I whispered, shaking my head. 

“I do not know if it is true,” He said. “But if you’re right, he will need help,” I said to him. 

“It is not Bilbo who will need to be watched over,” I looked at Gandalf. 

“Who?” I asked. 

“Frodo Baggins,”

~~~

I sat in my room, thinking about Gandalf’s words for the rest of the day. If Bilbo has the One Ring, it means he will either rise or fall soon. Either way, I can not turn my back.

“Ver,” Legolas knocked. “Come in,” I replied in Elvish. He opened the door and sat next to me by the fire. “Are you alright?” He asked. “Why wouldn’t I be?” I asked with a suresmile. “You’ve been off since you spoke to Gandalf. You did not join us for dinner,” He answered. “What did he want?” He asked. “Bilbo Baggins is still alive,” I sighed. “The Hobbit?” He asked and I nodded.

“He wants me to go to the Shire with him for his birthday… His one hundred and eleventh” I continued. “You seem disheartened,” He said. “I don’t have a good feeling about it,” I said. 

“Do not let us stop you from going, we will all reconnect again,” he assured me. “And maybe, as some encouragement to see the Hobbit, Elrond had gotten word from my father. He wants me back in Mirkwood, and to go alone,” He said. “When?” I asked. “As soon as possible,” He sighed. 

“Then we have no choice,” I sighed. “I will go to the Shire, you will go home, and Aragorn will find his own way,” I said. “Seems so,” he nodded. 

“We will find each other again,” He promised. 

~~~

Legolas left the following day. Aragorn took it rather well when we told him we had separate paths and decided to go north again.

Gandalf and I left on his wagon with supplies to get us to the shire and back, along with fireworks. Some Hobbits love them, others, not so much. 

“How long until we reach the Shire?” I asked as I got on the wagon. “A few days' time,” He answered. “The sooner we get there, the better,” I sighed. “We have time,” He assured me. “Not enough of it,”

As he said, we travelled for four days to the Shire, only stopping to allow the horse to rest. 

Sauron’s Ring is the biggest threat in this world and now that he is rising again, it only means there will be a war.