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[bronwe]

It is custom for the Dúnedain to turn their faces westward before meals, to Westernesse that once was. They bid us to do the same, and it reminded me of my home beyond the mountains; hobbits taking their elevenses in comfortable holes under hills.

I hope -- never to call it a once was but an always is.

[ Silence and a sigh as he recalls a funny thought. ]

My dear Sam said something about lettuce then, and something about rain. But sometimes these things slip my mind. Like rain on a wilted lettuce I think he said, like hope.

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[bronwe]

[ Or if Frodo has enough wits and skill with songs, he might repeat it often for his dear friend. Only what comes next proves the challenge great indeed, for the subtle passion Aragorn carries with each note isn't a skill anyone could learn.

He holds his breath until the end, even waiting for seconds after to relish the melody that hangs in the air, before he dares speak in a hushed tone. ]

Would that I can hold at least the sound of it in my heart, if not the words, to carry me through.

[thelastking]

[ A small smile graces him now as he looks towards the hobbit. ]

Let this melody linger deep within you, Frodo, as it has lingered within me. Since childhood I have held this song dear and its poetic words close to my heart.

[ His smile grows. ]

Aye, I have always possessed such a fondness for odes since my early days. While you may not think it, Lord Elrond also possesses a strong fondness for these songs. Hence how I came to learn and cherish them as much as I do.

[bronwe]

He must be a healer in both body and heart.

[ Frodo has a smile in his eyes, though it flickers and dims because not every wound heals. ]

I wonder how it was for Lúthien to dance before the Enemy. Did fear very nearly turn her feet to stone?

[thelastking]

That he is, Frodo. Lord Elrond doesn't merely focus on healing the body alone without healing the soul as well.

[ A thoughtful hum leaves the ranger as he thinks more about this classic tale. ]

Even the most bravest of men sometimes quake before great evil. I do believe Lúthien was no different, but she didn't allow such fear to overtake her.

[bronwe]

[ Frodo falls silent then, weighed with errant thoughts. He stares at his own hands resting palm up on his lap. ]

Has fear overtaken if it occupies one's every single thought, Aragorn? [ Has one lost hope if one no longer looks to reward but to an end? ] Were you ever afraid?

[thelastking]

Yes, Frodo. [As much as he wishes he could say otherwise--] Even I once knew fear.

[bronwe]

[ He's apologetic now for turning this to him. Memories of fear aren't so pleasant. But he needs to know. ] Was it death you feared?

[thelastking]

[ He shakes his head. ] I was never the type to fear death as much as I feared the cursed blood in my veins.

[bronwe]

[ Frodo isn't sure what it is he fears, to meet the end or to be without it when he longs for it. ]

To fall without chance of redemption?

[thelastking]

[ He confirms the halfling's answer with a wan smile. ] You know me too well, Frodo.

[bronwe]

[ Only for knowing himself well. ]

If I did, I would know what to say to soothe your fears.