****This story takes place before Elrond shows up at the Rohan camp. I'm working on the assumption that he was riding Asfaloth to get there.****
Bill caught a familiar scent in the air and lifted his head. He could see the Healer approaching and started towards him. The White One stayed put, giving Bill and the Healer time together.
To Bill's dismay, the Healer only patted his neck and fed him a sweet. There was a momentary whisper, but Healer then continued on to the White One. Bill turned and followed him, butting Healer gently as he spoke to the White One. Healer patted him absently, but Bill could tell his attention was focused on White One. The two stallions glanced at each other and Bill felt that White One understood his dismay. It would be as if White One's Rider came to the paddock and began feeding sweets to Bill and ignoring him.
White One stepped sideways, out of Healer's reach and turned to press his nose into the small of the elf's back, nudging him into the pony's side.
The elf made a noise of protest and straightened. He turned to Bill and scratched him behind the ears, murmuring sweetly and comfortingly at the undersized steed. Bill gave a little whuffle and began chewing Healer's hair contentedly. White One had set him straight.
After a moment of contentedness, the pony's hopes of a quiet afternoon with Healer were once again dashed. Healer approached White One again and began stroking his snow white mane.
Bill began to fear that Healer's affections had changed, moving to White One instead of him. Bill watched them for a moment. When Healer made to ride White One, he turned away, not wishing to see more of whatever they were doing.
Behind him, there was a thud and a grunt and Healer sounding angry. Turning slightly, he saw the dignified Healer apparently mimicking himelf and White One, for he was now on all fours, tossing his mane.
Healer stood and strode from the paddock and Bill could smell the annoyance and anger left in his wake. A warm body pressed to his and White One's neck draped over Bill's. The Pony could feel White One's apology and comfort in a way no other creature - not Healer, nor even White One's beloved Rider - could.
The two were still standing thus when Healer returned with Rider. Healer looked determined, Rider looked upset, and they were speaking to each other. White One lifted his head as they approached, subtly shifting his body to keep his imposing form between the two and Bill.
The two stopped and Rider stepped forward. Cupping White One's face, they communicated, and eventually White One tossed his head in a nod. Bill was now more dismayed that he was being abandoned. He began to extract himself, then White One took ahold of his mane and tugged him back gently.
White One nuzzled Bill, and Bill suddenly realized. Healer needed to go somewhere. Fast! The little pony's heart swelled. It wasn't about him at all! White One stepped away, as did Rider. Healer approached and wrapped his arms around Bill. The pony leaned into the embrace, and felt as deeply as he could that it woud be alright. White One was faster than him, it was that simple. The faster Healer could go wherever he needed to go, the faster he would be back. And nothing on four legs was faster than White One.
Healer steppd back and turned to Rider with a bow, then leapt onto White One's back. Rider handed Healer a package, long and slender looking, then Healer and White One sped off. As they departed, Rider placed a hand on Bill's neck and the pony heard him speak and understood his words!
"They'll be back."
