A/N:
I can openly admit that this is actually one of my weakest stories right now, so any LOTR fans should be warned that this is a random dream that I had and that there will also be OOC at times; my dreams are a bit abstract. There is also a bit of my own wishes thrown in, so I just want readers to know what they are getting into, and if they want to stop now I won't be offended in any way.
"Nine companions," mused Lord Elrond. Frodo Baggins looked around at the strength that had gathered, not quite sure what had just happened, but relieved that so many had come forth to guide and protect him.
"Ten," called a woman's voice from the covered walkway, "You'll need someone to guide you through Morder's land." She stepped into the sunlight, removing the silver hood from her face. Her black hair was cut longer in the front than the back, her bangs framing her long dark face, green eyes flashing. The cloak hid the rest of her figure, but could not hide her height. She gracefully glided to where Frodo stood, shock displayed openly on his face.
She kneeled down, looking the hobbit in the eyes, "I will protect you with my life, Baggins, of that there is no doubt." Frodo was speechless, not sure how to respond to such a claim.
Luckily for him Elrond spoke to the woman, "Highness, are you certain? Would you not prefer to travel with your people to the West?"
"Lord Elrond, I have not been so sure of anything in my life." She stood and faced the elf, her gaze unreadable. "Very well, Princess Leaza." He nodded in submission. Leaza turned back to the companions, taking in each member with the same gaze. The hobbits felt the intensity of her gaze and shook silently, waiting for her to move on. Gimli glared at the impertinent woman, thinking A woman, join this quest, certainly this must not be true. And a princess nonetheless, but a princess of what? Aragorn returned the blank gaze with his own, not betraying any emotion. Legolas, schooled in politics, did not display his heart upon his face, but inside that heart was beating wildly at that sight of the woman. Boromir fell to the faults of his kind and felt himself tensing at the sight of the woman, both with anger and lust. Gandalf nodded to the woman, showing to the council that he would accept her help guiding Frodo to Mount Doom.
"So be it, you shall be the Fellowship of the Ring," Elrond toned, breaking the silence.
Leaza smiled, but still her eyes remained cold. She turned and returned to the walkway where two escorts awaited, seeking refuge inside the palace of Rivendell till the fated journey began.
Each member disbanded from the gathering, taking to their own preparations. Boromir, Gimli, and Legolas left with their respective parties to send word to their people of the quest; Gandalf joined Elrond to speak of private terms and concerns. The hobbits remained standing, until Frodo turned to the others and told them that he had to speak with Bilbo once more before the journey. Pippin and Merry shrugged, content to go wander the palace once more and determined to enjoy the elven city. Sam hesitated, torn between the troublemakers and his charge, but decided that Frodo would need time to heal and catch up with Bilbo and followed Merry and Pippin. None of the men felt the piercing eyes of Leaza follow them, taking in their every move, or more specifically, the movements of the young elf.
"He hasn't changed since you last saw him, Highness. Is it wise to tempt him again, now?" A man moved forward to stand next to Leaza, his hood falling back to reveal white blonde hair shorn close to his scalp, the tail pulled into a braid trailing down the nape of his black neck. His clear blue eyes followed hers, watching Legolas until the elf was hidden by the palace walls.
"He is of no concern at the moment, Goun. Our only goal is to ensure the ring is in capable hands and that our people are saved. You have your orders, unless you question me?" The man's tight lips scowled, and he realized he was caught in a political game he could not win. "And what have you to say, Namr? Do you also question me?" The second man remained in the shadows, his gray eyes catching the sunlight that reflected off the floor to his face. His skin was the lightest of the three, and had a reddish tint when hit by the sun. His hair, or what fell forward past his hood, was black and cut to shoulder length.
His eyes danced mischievously, but he shook his head. Leaza sighed, wishing the man would say something, anything.
A/N:
This is my first attempt at a Lord of the Rings Fanfiction written down. I dream hundreds of them, but this one stuck out to me and I want to see how people react to this one. Most of the story will be similar to the movies, not the books (been too long since I read them...), and I will skip any overly dry scenes. Also, much of the story will be told from Leaza's POV, still third person, but the whole point of this fic is to incorporate my own character into the tale. Feel free to remind me of any points I forget in the portions I write about, or if you want to give me your opinion. Enjoy!
