That night, Elrond was seated by his fire, sipping a glass of wine, contemplating his latest patient. He had known ponies - and most animals - to be intelligent, far more than Men gave them credit for. Something about Bill, however, struck him as beyond the normal level of intelligence. Those brown eyes, richer and softer even than his silken fur - Elrond had felt himself beginning to drown in them more than once while tending his wounds. What's more, the pony had looked back. No dumb, ignorant stare was it, either - Bill had known Elrond was studying him, and had been studying in return. "Oh my little friend," the Lord sighed. Standing, he made a note to ask Gandalf about the spell he'd laid on the pony and began undressing for bed.
Elrond had stripped to his under tunic and soft inner leggings when he heard a quiet moan in the distance. His breath caught the moment he heard it, for he knew immediately the only creature in Imladris to make that noise. Rushing from his chambers, he ran to the stables, grateful for the late hour and vacant halls.
Bill was huddled in a corner of his large stall, shivering. A chill danced over Elrond's skin, and he realized the temperature had dropped dangerously in the last few hours. The other horses, being larger and in better health, and of Elven breeding, were not bothered in the least. Bill, however, with his weakened state and lesser breeding was suffering greatly. Glancing around, Elrond quickly found several blankets. Kneeling beside Bill, Elrond unfolded the blankets and shook them, letting them settle over Bill's shivering form. After covering him, Elrond scratched Bill's nose, smiling when the pony whuffled in his hand. "Sleep well, dear Bill." Elrond murmured as he moved to stand.
Bill's head rose slightly, catching Elrond's sleeve in his teeth. Elrond smiled, thinking Bill was being playful. "Let go, little one, I must sleep." Instead of letting go, however, Bill gave the sleeve a sharp tug. To Elrond's surprise, he was sprawled on his back in the dirt and hay of the stable floor. "Bill!" he chastened, sitting up. With a snort, Bill pushed his nose against Elrond's chest and nudged him back down. Before the Lord could move further, Bill's heavy head was resting on his chest. "Oh," Elrond was speechless, feeling the warmth from Bill's head spreading over his chest. "Sweet Bill," he sighed, having no choice but to drape his arm over Bill's neck.
