"And my bow."
Legolas proudly stepped forward and gave Frodo a curt nod. Others began to step up, including Elenya.
"You also have my power." she said, softly.
Legolas glanced at her and shook his head. "Elenya, stand down."
She gave him a cold look but he did not cower. "You must remain here."
She kneeled down before Frodo and met his eyes. "Brave Hobbit, I am not a man, but I was born with powers beyond my own belief. Allow me the honor of joining you."
Frodo glanced at Legolas who shook his head at the whole idea. "We're going to need all the help we can get."
Elenya stood up and thanked him. Legolas scoffed and walked away from the meeting. Aragorn put a hand on Elenya's shoulder and gave her a nod.
"I shall speak with him."
"No, it must be me. His quarrel is not with you."
"I will speak with Legolas."
They both turned as Elrond stood between them with his serious face. Aragorn knew his place and backed away from the two elves.
Elenya, however, was not satisfied and demanded to speak with Legolas herself and unaccompanied.
"This council is dismissed." Elrond declared.
Gandalf walked off with the four Hobbits, helping to prepare them for the journey. Elrond asked Elenya to follow him.
They passed by a fountain and the water began to boil. Elrond smirked and glanced at Elenya.
"You're making the water boil."
"Bad habit when I get frustrated, Elrond."
"Why should you be frustrated? You should be thanking Legolas and myself for forbidding you to take part in this perilous journey."
Elenya narrowed her eyes. "Forbid me. I care not for your silly instincts, as you call them. I'm leaving with the young Hobbit and the others."
Elrond placed his hand into the fountain water when it ceased to boil. Slowly, he dragged his hand through the water and created ripples.
"You were born with the power to control water and fight with the strength and flow of it. Why is that?" he asked, staring at the water.
Elenya sighed. "Because the elder elves gave me those powers, my lord."
Elrond dried his hand on his robe. He approached Elenya and gazed into her silver-blue eyes, admiring how she stared at him without a hint of hesitation.
"They gave you those powers because your-"
Elenya groaned. "I do not you to remind me why they were given to me. I know perfectly well."
"Then, you also know perfectly well that I will not allow you to simply risk your life and throw it away for such a dangerous mission."
"Save your pity for our people and worry about protecting them."
"You are one of my people. How can you dishonor them by abandoning them to make a name for yourself? A mere she-elf, who isn't thinking about her people." he scolded.
She pointed a finger at him, giving him a fierce glare. "Do not speak lies. I am trying to help my people by doing this. The elder elves gave me my powers and I am trying to use them or the good of the people."
Elrond shook his head and circled her. "I've watched you grow. I know how dearly you care for all the other species and creatures. You sympathize with the Hobbits, Dwarves, and even man."
"Man has failed several times but they've-"
"You do not understand the power that greed has over man."
"Greed is not just a hunter of man, my lord. It is a seeker of all creation."
Elrond stuck up his chin. "It is. I can it already consuming you, my star."
He stroked her cheek but she pulled away.
"Do not touch me again. I'm going to search for Legolas." she said, giving him a threatening glance.
He frowned as she walked away from his sight. He loved her dearly. But, she did not love him. He knew her heart was elsewhere.
Elenya hurried down a series of steps and spotted Legolas as he say by a stream. The clear water shimmered beneath the glow of the sun. She sat by him, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Do not be angry with my decision." she said, softly.
He kept a stern face as he watched the stream. "He loves you."
Elenya lowered her eyes and gave a small shrug. "And we know he's not the one I love. Do you think supporting his decision will increase his likeness of you?"
"Of course not, Elenya. Are you joking? It'll be dangerous and I would never forgive myself if you are killed."
The water in the stream stopped flowing, as if time had frozen. Elenya looked at Legolas' eyes, hypnotized by their beauty. His white hair draped over his shoulders so perfectly.
"You underestimate my abilities."
Legolas shook his head. "I do not. I'm simply speaking realistically."
"I'm going with you, Legolas. Neither you or Elrond will keep me from going."
They stated at each other for a moment. He rubbed the back of his neck, still disagreeing with her.
"It's times like this that I wish you had a mother. I'd report your decision to her and you'd have three people against you."
"But, alas, it is not so. Elrond acts as my mother and father. You're my irritating brother." she said, giving him a playful shove.
Legolas gave her a tender smile and shook his head once more. His hand went over hers and rubbed her knuckles.
He looked at her, in total seriousness. "I know you're a brilliant warrior. And, you're an amazing young woman, Elenya. So, I will support you if that is what you truly desire."
"It is, Legolas."
He nodded and brought her hand to his lips. He kissed her hand several times with passion and affection.
"So, shall we pack for the journey?" he asked with a smile.