“I know that Sam is taking Elanor seeds and that Frodo has his heart set on those elvish book ends, but what are you taking Merry?”

“I have always admired the maps here. They are so detailed and stunning,” Merry said before dreamily continuing. “I can already see an elvish map of Middle-Earth over the grand fireplace at Brandy hall. It would be beautiful in the flickering light of the fire. Hopefully I will be able to get one. What about you Pip; what are you planning to take?”

“Merry, I don’t know if this is possible,” Pippin begin, “but I want to see if I can take home some copies of the pieces sung in the Hall of Fire. Elvish music is so striking, calming, outer worldly, and oh, I just can’t explain it,” he sighed.

“I know what you mean, Pip. There is something very special about it,” Merry responded thoughtfully.

“I know hobbits will never be able to sing or play it with anything like the grace and beauty of the elves, but it seems such a shame to let the music fade with the elves as they leave our shores,” Pippin relied wistfully. “I want to try to preserve at least some semblance of it. You don’t think the elves will be offended, do you?” he asked plaintively.

“Don’t worry about it, Pip. I think the elves will be quite honored,” Merry said comfortingly. “Now come on if you want to get those copies before we leave you had better ask soon. Let’s go see Elrond. Of course, right after a quick snack,” he finished with a smile.

“You always have the best ideas,” Pippin said visibly brightening before following Merry towards the kitchens.

“Merry, don’t you think that Elrond is busy? Maybe we should come back later,” Pippin said nervously as they stood before the door to Elrond’s study.

“Don’t be ridiculous, Pip. Elrond is always busy, but he also told us to stop by anytime. You just don’t want to ask him about the music.”

“That’s not true,” Pippin argued ineffectually. “Fine, maybe it is,” he admitted, “but that doesn’t mean Elrond isn’t busy.”

“Just for that cheek, I’m going to make you go in alone.”

“Merry, No! I can’t go in alone,” Pippin worriedly replied.

“And why not Pip?” Merry asked smiling.

“Because. Merry, it’s Elrond!  I can’t…”

“It seems Master hobbits, that you have forgotten how sensitive elven hearing is,” Elrond interrupted opening the door causing Pippin to blush.

“Come in. I gather you have some business with me,” Elrond said as he ushered them in.

They entered the chambers and settled near the fireplace.

“We came to let you know that we had decided what we wanted to take home to the Shire with us,” Merry began.

“Let me guess what you want Master Meriadoc.  You would like one of the maps from the library.”

“How did you know,” Merry asked astonished.

“Of course I haven’t seen Frodo and you pouring over them night and day,” Elrond smiled.

“That might have been a hint,” Merry said muttered sheepishly.

“And how can I help you Master Peregrin?” Elrond asked turning towards Pippin.

Looking up Pippin said, “I was actually hoping to get the music to some of the elvish songs we’ve heard in the Hall of Fire. If it isn’t too much trouble of course,” he added hurriedly fearing he may have offended Elrond.

“Well, Master Peregrin, I will grant you this favor on one condition,” Elrond said seeming quite serious.

“What is the condition?” Pippin asked eyeing the elf lord warily.

“Come to my chamber before dinner on the morrow and we will discuss the condition privately,” Elrond said as he escorted them out.

Once outside the chamber, Pippin turning to Merry said, “I worried about this condition.”

Hearing this on the other side of the door, all Elrond did was smile before walking to his desk. He had quite a bit to plan before tomorrow.

“Taurnil, have you finished?”

“Yes, Lord Elrond. I have fashioned it from the best beech wood available as you requested.”

“Thank you Taurnil.” Elrond picked up the slender piece of wood and looked it over. “This is exceptional! Much more beautiful than what I would have expected on such short notice. This will be a perfect!” He carefully put it back down, “Taurnil could you fashion me a case for it by the time the hobbits plan to leave?”

“That would be no trouble at all Lord Elrond.”

“Thank you, I appreciate you doing this,” Elrond smiled. “Now I have to go see how Alatáriël is coming along. Farewell Taurnil”

“Farewell Lord Elrond.”

***

“Lord Elrond! I wasn’t expected you yet!” Alatáriël looked up startled from her writing.

“I was coming to see how you were getting along Alatáriël and if you required any assistance.”

“Actually, I’ve gotten more than I expected done. I have a couple of pieces ready, including the one you requested. By the time of the hobbits' leaving I can have a whole set of songs ready and even more if I had help,” Alatáriël replied.

“I’ll take what you have for now and send you some assistance immediately and thank you Alatáriël, for agreeing to do this.”

“It’s my pleasure!” Alatáriël replied. “I’m truly looking forward to getting to know Master Peregrin.”

“Well, it will be an interesting experience is all I can say,” smiled Elrond before continuing “I must go see to the final preparations.”

 “Farewell Alatáriël. I’ll see you this evening,” he said before leaving the room.

“Until evening,” Alatáriël smiled.

 Everything was set, Elrond thought as he walked back to his chamber. His plan was coming along perfectly.

**

Meanwhile Pippin was trying to convince himself everything would work out fine. Elrond wouldn’t do anything rash, right? Yes, yes that was exactly right. The only reason Merry hadn’t been invited along was because he had no appreciation for music. Exactly! That was it. Elrond had been impressed by Pippin’s interest in music and wanted to have a private conversation between two individuals who truly appreciated it.

As he nervously approached Elrond’s chambers he heard a soft sound that seemed to float in the air. He couldn’t explain it, but it reminded him of home, of the Shire, of Tuckborough in the spring, of rolling green hills, blooming flowers, and fresh rain. He stopped suddenly struck by a moment of homesickness. He truly missed the Shire, missed his parents and sisters. They were probably worried about him. He couldn’t wait to see them again and that would be in a couple weeks! Cheering up again, he drew himself together and approached Elrond’s door. Pippin hesitated gathering his courage and then knocked knowing that Elrond probably already knew he was there and would come get him if he didn’t knock soon.

Elrond opened the door and beckoned him in. As he stepped in, his eyes were immediately drawn to the balcony where there sat a beautiful dark-haired elve dressed in a gown of shimmering pale blue that looking like rippling water. She was the one who was making the haunting music which had stopped him before. Elrond guided him forward and said, “Master Peregrin, I like you to meet Alatáriël.”

Pippin bowed. “I’m very pleased to meet you, Alatáriël. And please call me Pippin.”

Alatáriël smiled. She already liked the young hobbit. “I’m pleased as well Pippin.”

And before Pippin could ask why Alatáriël was here or what she had to do with anything. Elrond smiled, “I know you have questions Master Took. I’ll explain everything to you in a minute, but first I must give you something.”

Elrond pulled out a smaller version of the instrument Alatáriël had been playing and handed it to Pippin. “This is a flute; somewhat similar to the pipe of the Shire which I have heard you already have some experience with. As part of my conditions Alatáriël will teach you how to play this elven flute in the following weeks before you leave so that you will not only have elvish music, but also an elvish instrument as well to aid you in trying to recapture the music being lost to the west.”

Pippin was stunned. The flute was beautiful. It was pale with a leaf design carved into it and around the bottom their looked to be an elvish engraving. This was more than he had ever hoped for when he had requested the music from Elrond.

Elrond saw Pippin looking toward the engraving and softly said, “It translates into ‘Wind of the West’ since elvish music seems to fly on the wind. When it is played, it transcends the self. One becomes part of nature as if the wind itself. You will feel this connection as well. Of course not as strong as the elves do, but stronger than most for in you dwells the faerie blood of our ancestors though you keep it well hidden.”

A/N: The reference to Pippin having elvish/faerie blood is from my other fic, The Took Family Secret. If you’re curious that story explains more on his relationship to the elves and his first experience with them.

Pippin and Alatáriël practiced everyday as the departure of the hobbits from Rivendell approached. The special piece that Alatáriël had reproduced at Elrond’s request was also called ‘Wind of the West’ and their goal was that by the final night of the hobbit’s stay, Pippin would be able to play it in the Hall of Fire.

**

The last night of the hobbits stay, everyone gathered in the Hall of Fire with the promise of a surprise. Frodo, Merry, and Sam knew that Pippin was involved with whatever had been planned, but, to their chagrin, they couldn’t get any details out of him. They had tried all week and now Pippin had disappeared again.

“Where do you suppose he went off to?”  Merry asked Frodo and Sam as they found seats.

“I don’t know, but this is all somewhat curious,” Frodo said. “I’m beginning to wonder if he disappears just to confuse us”

“Look Mr. Frodo!” Sam interrupted. “Mr. Pippin is near the hearth and who is that he’s with?”

But before either of the other hobbits could respond, both Pippin and the mysterious elf began to play beautiful music. Frodo, Merry, and Sam were astounded. So this was what Pippin had been disappearing off to do these past few weeks. The music was eternal; they couldn’t believe that one of their own kind could create such outer worldly music. Looking at Pippin playing the elvish instrument, they finally knew that though the elves were leaving these shores, they would not be forgotten. They listened speechlessly and when the performance ended with Pippin playing ‘Wind of the West’ by himself; they were filled with pride. Not only had the song brought tears to their own eyes, but to the eyes of the elves too. Pippin had quite a skill in creating the emotion filled and haunting music of the elves.

The morning came and Gandalf and the hobbits prepared to leave for the Shire. As they went to gather their packs, Elrond pulled Pippin aside.

“Alatáriël and I have some last minute gifts for you,” he said leading Pippin to his chamber. He opened the door and ushered Pippin inside.

Alatáriël was inside and upon seeing Pippin, she approached and kneeled down. “Pippin I have truly enjoyed getting to know you to these past couple of weeks. You’re more than a student, you are a friend.”

Pippin hugged her. “I count you as a friend as well. I shall miss you Alatáriël. Thank you so much for everything.”

Alatáriël pulled away and handed him a leather book. “Here is the music to all my favorite songs. You should be able to play any of them now.”

Pippin was exuberant and hugged her again. “I really do hope we see each other again.”

Hugging him back tightly, she replied, “So do I Pippin. Let us not say farewell rather until next time.”

“Until next time then.” Pippin said with a smile.

Elrond approached then and handed him an intricately carved wooden box. “This is a case for the flute, Peregrin. I hope it preserves the instrument at least half as well as you’re preserving our music,” he said with a smile.

 Pippin took the case which had a leaf design matching that of his flute. It was beautiful! Elrond had done so much for him; so much more than he had asked for. He couldn’t believe he had ever feared the elf lord. He carefully put the case and book aside before hugging Elrond as well. “Thank you so much Elrond! You don’t know how much this means to me!”

Elrond hugged him back before replying, “You’re more than welcome, Peregrin. I am honored that you would want to preserve our music and I am honored to have come to know you. I count you as a friend, Pippin and I hope that by now you have gotten over your fear of me and count me as such as well,” he finished with a smile.

Pippin hugged him again. “Of course I do! You’re not so bad once you get past the lordly exterior. However, I believe Merry is still quite afraid of you.”

“Is he now? That must explain why he was the one who didn’t want to come to my chamber alone?” Elrond smirked. "Now come, we must get you outside or they’ll leave without you,” he laughed seeing the blush on Pippin’s face.

**

And as Gandalf and the hobbits rode off, Pippin turned one last time and gave one last wave to Alatáriël and Elrond who he would only see one last time and that would be when they left for the West with Frodo.

Months passed since they had returned and freed their homeland. The Shire was growing again, spring was upon them and Sam’s wedding was fast approaching. Thus, one cool spring day, Sam and Rosie Cotton married under the newly sprouted mallorn tree. After the ceremony, Pippin played ‘Wind of the West’ in their honor. It was the first time elvish music was heard in the Shire. Its beauty quieted even those old aunts who could never seem to get enough gossip. The haunting notes of the flute floated in the air and brought tears to many an eye due to its beauty and once it was over those who knew enough about the elves to not fear them, were saddened once again to hear that they were fading into the West. However most affected of all by the song was Frodo. Hearing the song now in his own homeland, he finally understood. He would not be able to last here much longer either; he was fading just as the elves were and before the following year’s end he would leave these shores forever and follow the elves into the west. He only hoped that when the time came his friends would be able to accept his choice.

**

As he rode back from the Grey Havens, lost in his own thoughts, he was saddened. Not only had his dear cousin Frodo left and his Uncle Bilbo, but so many dear friends that he owed so much to, Gandalf, Alatáriël and Elrond. Though his heart was darkened with sadness, he found consolation in the fact that though he would never again see them, they would be happy, especially Frodo. He hoped that Frodo would finally find healing. Thus, as they rode home he hummed ‘Wind of the West’ to himself knowing that though the western wind had taken his friends, it would also bring them happiness and healing.