Title: Standing Up
Author: Breon Briarwood
Category/Rating: Gen/G
Summary: Frodo stands up to his fear
Disclaimer: Don't own them, never have, never will.
A/N: A passage taken directly from Tolkien's work -
FotR: The Council of Elrond.
Written for Marigold's Challenge #7. Opening line: ( ) couldn't ever remember being so afraid.
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Frodo couldn't ever remember being so afraid. He thought his task was over, his journey completed. They'd made it, a little worse for the wear, but still, they were safe, here in Rivendell. Or rather, the Ring was. Time to let the wise and elder races decide what to do with it. So, why was he still afraid?
Sitting in the Lord Elrond's council he heard its voice, mocking and taunting him, spreading dissonance and discord quietly amongst the gathering. Frodo watched as, one after another, they were influenced, tempted, by the ring.
First the Man, in all his arrogance, thinking it could be wielded safely against its master. Then the Elf and the Dwarf bickering over who would carry the thing, neither trusting the other, causing the entire council to break out in turmoil.
And amidst the din, the Ring, clamoring for someone to claim it.
He could admit it - he was afraid.
Afraid of the way the Big People were arguing over it. After all, how could they hope to overcome the Greatest Evil when they couldn't agree on who was to carry it.
Afraid of what would happen if it wasn't destroyed.
Afraid of what would happen if it was destroyed.
Afraid of the way he felt about giving it to someone else to destroy.
Afraid of the way he felt about giving it to someone else.
Afraid of the way he would feel when it was destroyed.
Afraid of the way he felt about the Ring.
Such a little thing to cause such fear.
Frodo rose to his feet as if pulled by some unknown force.
A great dread fell upon him, as if he was awaiting the pronouncement of some doom that he had long foreseen and vainly hoped might after all never be spoken. An overwhelming longing to rest and remain at peace by Bilbo's side in Rivendell filled all his heart. At last with an effort he spoke, and wondered to hear his own words, as if some other will was using his small voice.
"I will take the Ring," he said, "though I do not know the way."
-END-