A/N: Tolkien’s of course. Pardon me if I get something wrong. I don’t know much about Imladris or Glorfindel. Also, sorry it’s so short, but it’s the best I can do.
Book-verse
~: Asfaloth :~
I knew something was different when my Lord entered the stable bearing his light saddle and the bridle ornamented with small bells, for in his face I saw apprehension and almost fear. This was no carefree ride across the valley, but a dangerous journey we would be taking. My years in the service of my Lord Glorfindel have been lighthearted, wonderful times, years of enjoyment and laughter; but I knew in my heart that things would be so no more. For my Lord’s mind was not upon his small tasks, but wandering other paths.
We left Rivendell and crossed the river, my Lord’s gaze searching through the trees as we went, the small tinkle of bells seeming terribly loud in the stillness of the trees. Even the birds seemed quieter than usual, their songs trilling only occasionally through the forest. Each step I took felt as though I were walking on shards of rock and I stepped lightly, holding myself back from bolting only through great struggle.
For days we spent our time wandering paths long unused, hoping to meet travelers of any kind. We came, finally, across Aragorn son of Arathorn whom my Lord knew well, for he was the foster son of Lord Elrond and had been raised in Rivendell.
My Lord and the son of Arathorn conversed tensely for sometime before we were joined by four hobbits, peculiar folk to my eye and of a kindred I had never before seen. They had with them a delightful pony by the name of Bill, an ignorant young thing who asked an endless string of questions as we traveled together. I became, actually, quite fond of him and he seemed to return the affection, although his rough language was rather difficult for me to decipher at times. For I had never truly learned the Common Tongue, and he spoke in a strange dialect and with a heavy accent.
But it was not a happy journey for very long. We were pursued by the Nine and it was necessary after a time that I flee, one of the hobbits in my saddle, back across the river where they could not take him. The hobbit I bore was thin and pale, with a wound in his shoulder made by the blade of the Witch King. He was reluctant to leave his friends and held back upon the reins, but a command from my Lord was all I needed.
The following chase through the trees was no trouble for me, although rather frightening with all nine of the black riders in close pursuit. The stirrups had been shortened, and so my burden, by name of Frodo, was able to remain firmly in his seat. We reached the Ford with no time to spare and watched as my Lord Glorfindel and his companions chased the Nine into the river. The Lord Elrond’s flood then swept the Nazgûl and their foul beasts down river, killing their horses and sending them back to the Dark Lord for a time.
Rivendell was reached shortly thereafter and I was relieved of my burden who was then turned over to the charge of Lord Elrond. My Lord Glorfindel treated me royally for several days thereafter, often letting me out to run free for the morning.
Bill was stabled and turned out with us, and we became very good friends. We still had trouble understanding one another, but in time I learned to translate his questions and comments. The other horses of Imladris all overcame their first suspicious and soon Bill was well liked by all. But when the Nine Walkers set out on their journey, Bill went with them, leaving me once more with the peace and silence of Rivendell.
My life then continued as normal with my Lord, and nothing quite so strange has ever again crossed my path. But I will always remember it and wonder where young Bill be now and how he fares. He was a wonderfully endearing beast.