All Soul's Night
"Love is the flower of life, and blossoms unexpectedly
and without law, and must be plucked where it is found,
and enjoyed for the brief hour of its duration."
...D.H.Lawrence
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
ONE:- In which her heart is stolen
"His name is Boromir of Gondor child," Elrond's voice came from behind her.
"Boromir of Gondor," she whispered.
"You would have him steal your affection daughter," the elven lord question.
Suddenly Boromir looked up, and his eyes locked with hers for a moment. "I would have him steal my heart," was her quite reply.
~ * ~
"My Lord?"
Elrond turned to the servant and spoke, "Send my youngest in, I wish
her in this meeting."
The servant bowed and left. Elrond's attention turned to the half oval
of council members and he sighed only slightly. To his right sat Aragorn
son of Arathorn, then the first Lord from Gondor, followed by Boromir,
the one who had so easily caught his youngest daughter's eye, when none
had caught it before. He scanned the rest of the council, three humans,
three dwarves, three elves, one wizard, one hobbit and one ranger. Oh,
they made quite the group. Another chair was brought in and sat next to
Elrond's own. He paid this no heed as he pondered the council and what
was to be decided here.
Aria smiled to herself as her eyes landed on Merry
and Pippin watching the council from behind the pillars at the entrance,
"Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took, what have you gotten yourselves
into?"
"Lady Aria," Merry exclaimed, nearly falling over.
She smiled at the pair, "I won't tell Merry, just promise to stay quiet?"
"Of course," Pippin said, jumping in.
She moved past them, pale violet skits billowing and entered the area
in which the council was to be held. She walked forward and noticed that
all had gone silent when she entered. Aragorn stood and bowed slightly
as she passed and she gave him a slight smile. She stopped in front of
Elrond and spoke, her voice echoing like wind chimes, "You sent for me
Father?"
Elrond smiled at his daughter's entrance, and grinned to himself as
he saw Boromir's jaw drop, "Yes child, I wish you to join us within this
meeting, your cool head I believe will come in handy."
She smiled and blushed before seating herself next to him. He patted
her hand and began the meeting.
Aria had spaced out during the beginning of the
meeting, but she snapped out of it as Boromir stood and began to speak,
saying that they should use the ring against Sauron. Her eyes widened at
his proposal and she stood, "You cannot wield it!" Everyone looked at her
and she continued, "This ring was made for Sauron alone, none can wield
it but him! It's evil would engulf you and tear you apart, and Middle-Earth
would fall into darkness."
"I want naught but to hold the power to protect my people," Boromir
replied in shock.
Aragorn stood, "What Aria says is true! Not one of us could wield it's
power without turning to Sauron and betraying those we love."
"And who are you to say such a thing," Boromir inquired, "You are but
a Ranger!"
"This is no mere Ranger," Legolas Greenleaf, Prince of Mirkwood said,
standing, "He is Aragorn son of Arathorn, heir of Isildur."
Boromir stared as a ripple of whispers broke out around the circle.
Elrond stood, "We have no choice but to destroy it! One of you must take
the ring into the very heart of Mordor and cast it into the fire's from
whence it came.. Into the fire's of Mount Doom."
Soon an argument broke out over who would do this and Aria watched
silently as Frodo stood and shouted, "I will take it!" All movement stopped
and the Hobbit continued, "Though, I do not know the way."
"Then I will guide you," Gandalf the Gray said, standing behind him.
Aragorn stood, "On my life I can protect you - he knelt in front of
Frodo - You have my sword."
To the shock of everyone Aria stood, "You have my bow Frodo Baggins,
I will protect you."
"And you have my bow also," Legolas said moving over to them.
"And my ax," Gimli son of Gloin said.
Aria looked over at Boromir and walked over to him, holding out her
hand, "Will you ride with us Boromir of Gondor?"
He looked at her hand and then took it, "I will go as well, for if
one of each people goes, then one of Gondor should as well."
A sudden rustle came from behind the group and a
startled look appeared on Elrond's face as Samwise Gamgee leap forward,
"I'm going to, Mr. Frodo!"
"Of course," Elrond said, "For we cannot not separate you two, even
when Frodo is summoned to a secret council meeting."
Aria spottoed Merry and Pippin look at each other and run out, Pippin
shouting, "Wait! We're coming too!"
"Ten companions," Elrond spoke, "Alright, you will be know and the
Fellowship of the Ring."