After they had both chosen spots by the library's window as it offered one of the best views of Rivendell, Gandalf spoke, "The One Ring has been found."

At this, Elrond turned suddenly on the Maia, "Where?"

"In the Shire of all places," Gandalf said, keeping his eyes forward. "All these years it was under my very nose in the keeping of Bilbo himself."

The Elven Lord's eyes widen. "Are you saying that the One is here, now in Imladris?"

Gandalf shook his head, "No, you misunderstand me, Master Elrond. The One did not leave the Shire with Bilbo when he came to live at Rivendell. Upon my insistence Bilbo left the One in the Shire as part of his heir's inheritance. Frodo has kept it safe for all of these years its been in his possession." Elrond seemed relived to hear that it was not in his realm yet, however Gandalf's next words shattered that relief.

"Saruman has betrayed us. He now serves the Dark Lord," the wizard said in a weary voice. "He knows that the One Ring is in the Shire. He learned of its location when I went to him in haste to seek his wisdom in what should be done with the Ring."

"Ai Elbereth!" Elrond muttered.

"However, the situation is far worse than a mere betrayal by Saruman," Gandalf continued, "The Úlairi crossed the Isen on Mid-Summer's Day."

Elrond closed his eyes; "They have surely reached the Shire by now."

"Yes, we can only pray that Frodo and Samwise made it safely to Bree before the Nine can reached them," Gandalf's voice was full of a hope he did not necessarily feel.

"Will the Perriannath await you in Bree?"

Gandalf shook his head, "No, I arranged for Aragorn to guide them here from Bree in the happenstance that I could not do so myself."

Arwen stayed long enough to hear Gandalf's estimate of how far away Estel and the Perriannath were from Rivendell before she made a hasty retreat to her rooms. Changing quickly into riding clothes, she opened a trunk at the foot of her bed, retrieving a wrapped sword from it. After unwrapping the sword carefully she only hesistated a moment as she once again beheld the blade that had belonged to her own mother. "Hathel berio melon-nînPerriannath o um!" With that, Arwen left the room, hurrying to the stables, not looking back as she did so...

**

Moments later, Lord Glorfindel was summoned to the library...

"You sent for me, hîr-nîn?" the blonde Elf nodded a greeting to Gandalf as their eyes met.

"A, Glorfindel, I have a task for you," Elrond began, "A rather dangerous one I am afraid."

"Speak, mellon-nîn, what is it?"

"The Nine are abroad again," Elrond said. "And the One Ring has been found."

"Elbereth!" Glorfindel hissed. "Has it begun then?"

"Yes, Lord Glorfindel, it has," said Gandalf.

"Just tell me what you need me to do, hîr-nîn, and I will do it!"

Elrond smiled, "Halante, mellon-nîn. We need you to ride east from Imladris towards Amon Sûl."

"Very well, hîr-nîn. What will I be looking for?"

"For Estel, and his two charges from the Shire, Frodo and Samwise."

A puzzled expression came over Glorfindel, "Two of the Perriannath, Mithrandir? What, pray tell in the Star-Kindler's name, are they doing so far from home?" Then clear understanding entered his eyes, "One of the hobbits carries It and the Nine are pursing them for it." Elrond only nodded to confirm his friend's suspicions. "I will leave immediately, hîr-nîn."

But before Glorfindel could cross the room, a servant entered, seeking Elrond out immediately, "Hîr-nin, the Lady Arwen has been seen by the Guard leaving Imladris, riding towards the East. Hîr-nîn, the Guard reports she carried a sword."

"What?!!" Elrond nearly shouted.

"Thank you, Nivórimo," Glorfindel dismissed the servant.

Elrond slammed his fist down on a nearby table causing his two companions in the room to jump, "By the Valar, how could Arwen do something so reckless as to go after them herself?"

"She will be fine, Elrond," Glorfindel ventured, causing the Elf lord to glare at him, "Besides she is her father's daughter."

The End

***

Mithrandir = The Grey Wanderer (Name given to Gandalf by the Elves)

Úlairi = Ringwraiths (A rare Elvish name for the Nazgûl)

Perriannath = Elvish word for 'Halfings'; a name for the hobbits

Hathel berio melon-nîn Perriannath o um = [Let this] protect my beloved [and the] Halfings from evil!

hîr-nîn = my lord

mellon-nîn = my friend

halante = thank you