Chapter3. Confidence is dwindling. Reviews would be nice. Just one is all I ask for.
It had been almost two days since Arwen had taken Frodo to Rivendell. They had walked mainly in silence. Strider led the hobbits while Kyra followed behind with the pony.
Kyra suddenly became alert. She whistled. Strider stopped and turned to her.
"Horses. Light and fast heading this way. Only one rider," she called to him.
Kyra knew it was an elf. They had a distinct scent. It was cool and reminded of her of a forest after rain. She relied on her heightened senses to keep her alert.
The elf and horses rode into their line of sight and stopped just short of Strider.
"You are the Halfling Frodo's companions?" he asked briskly.
"We are. How is he?" Strider asked.
"He is with Lord Elrond. You will follow me to Rivendell," he glared pointedly at Kyra then released the two extra horses.
Strider helped Merry up onto the elves horse. Then mounted and pulled Pippin up onto the second horse while Kyra pulled Sam up to sit in front of her.
"I wouldn't expect a warm welcome, Catulian. I doubt you'll be allowed to live much less stay," the elf sneered before moving away.
"Well you're popular," Sam whispered.
"Always am," she whispered back.
The ride to Rivendell was completely silent. Sam wondered what was going to happen when they reached Rivendell. Would they really try to hurt Kyra like the elf said? Sam stole a glance behind him at her.
She wasn't big but she looked tough. Her silver eyes scared Sam a little. Sam didn't doubt that she could stare down even the fiercest of warrior. And the scars. There were too many to count. The largest that Sam could see ran from just below her throat along her collar bone and down her right arm. The large blades she carried at her side added to her intimidating presence. Sam concluded that if it came down to it Kyra could look after herself. Well he hoped.
They'd been in Rivendell for only a day but Kyra already wanted to leave. Lord Elrond had been welcoming but many of the other elves were not as kind. She had been summoned to Elrond's study and was being led by a sullen young elf.
"In here. Lord Elrond is waiting," he scowled, ushering her towards a set of large wooden doors.
Kyra stepped hesitantly into Elrond's study. Gandalf was seated in one of three chairs at a large wooden desk.
Elrond sat at another. Kyra attempted an awkward curtsy.
"Lord Elrond. Gandalf," she said respectfully.
"No need for formalities my dear. You are the elder here. Come, sit," Gandalf beckoned her to the chair beside him.
Kyra nodded awkwardly then sat. Elrond watched her curiously.
"I wish for you to sit on the council tomorrow. As Gandalf and my guest," Elrond said getting straight to the point.
Kyra was a little startled.
"To what end? My words, if I gave any, would be as trusted as... if Sauron himself attended. I would be no help," she reasoned.
Now she knew why Gandalf had insisted that she stay and 'rest'.
"You are not swayed by loyalties nor are you tempted by the ring. It must be taken to Mordor. I want you to take it," Elrond said.
Kyra was taken aback. Elrond and Gandalf were asking her to take the ring to Mordor. Something she could not do. If she failed Kyra would never forgive herself. Nor would anyone else.
"No. I cannot. The council would never agree," she replied.
"If it comes to that the council would not be informed," Gandalf said glancing at Elrond.
"I already carry a burden. I cannot take on another. It is not my fate," she said forcefully.
"You have seen this? You have seen another carry it to Mordor? Who?" Gandalf asked.
"It is not clear. But they will not go alone. As it is today two will reach Mordor," she decided not to tell them the ringbearer and companion were hobbits.
They would find out soon enough.
"Do they succeed? Do they destroy the ring?" Elrond asked.
"I cannot see the end of the rings journey. It is still undecided. Choices still need to be made before I can see anymore," she told them.
"Then we must leave it to fate. I would still like you to attend the council. This may be the one place your voice is heard," Elrond said to her.
"I will attend. But only as an observer. For now that is all I can promise, for even I am not without my prejudices," she set the terms of her attendance.
"As you wish. I will see you tomorrow. You will be summoned when it is time," Elrond politely dismissed her.
Kyra walked slowly back to her rooms, dreading tomorrow. She hoped she did not have to speak. She knew she would not be welcome at the council much less asked to speak.
"Strangers from distant lands, friends of old. You have been summoned here to answer the threat of Mordor. Middle earth stands on the brink of destruction. None can escape it. You will unite or you will fall. Each race is bound by this fate, this one doom. Bring forth the ring Frodo," Elrond gestured to the pedestal in the centre of the meeting.
Kyra had been seated at Elrond's right, next to Aragorn. She had been glared at by almost every council member. Others looked at her with fear. Not a good start, Kyra mused.
"So it's true...," a man of Gondor said.
Everyone stared at the ring. Kyra felt it reach and claw out, trying to snare a weak mind. It found one.
"In a dream, I saw the eastern sky grow dark. But in the west a pale light lingered. A voice was crying 'your doom is near at hand. Isildur's bane is found," the man of Gondor slowly walked towards the ring.
He reached out to touch it. Kyra was at his side in seconds, tightly gripping his outstretched hand.
Elrond stood.
"Boromir," he warned.
Suddenly Gandalf stood.
"Ash nazg durbatulûk, ash nazg gimbătul, ash nazg thrakatulûk agh burzum-ishi krimpatul," Gandalf chanted in black speech.
The sky grew dark as he chanted. Boromir stepped back while Kyra stood her ground, ready to defend the ring from her friend. Gandalf stopped and came to his senses. The sky cleared.
"Never before has any voice uttered the words of that tongue here in Imladris," Elrond rebuked Gandalf.
Kyra returned to her seat. Boromir glared furiously at her.
"I do not ask your pardon Master Elrond, for the black speech of Mordor may yet be heard in every corner of the west. The ring is altogether evil," Gandalf returned to his seat sending a scathing glance at Boromir. He then looked at Kyra. He nodded, grateful of her presence as guard to the ring.
"It is a gift," Boromir stood again.
Kyra watched him carefully.
"A gift to the foes of Mordor. Why not use this ring? Long has my father, the steward of Gondor kept the forces of Mordor at bay. By the blood of our people are your lands kept safe! Give Gondor the weapon of the enemy. Let us use it against him!" he pleaded.
"You cannot wield it! None of us can! The ring answers to Sauron alone. It has no other master!" Aragorn replied.
"And what would a ranger know of this matter?" Boromir snarled.
Kyra quelled the urge to put him in his place when a blonde elf stood.
"He is no mere ranger. He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance," he told Boromir.
Kyra watched, amused as Boromir's eyes widened. He turned back to Aragorn.
"Aragorn? This...is Isildur's heir?" he said condescendingly.
"And heir to the throne of Gondor," the elf continued.
Aragorn shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Frodo stared, wide eyed at him.
"Havo dad, Legolas," Aragorn said, urging Legolas to sit.
Boromir looked down at Aragorn.
"Gondor has no king. Gondor needs no king," he said venomously.
"I think very few of your people would agree, Boromir. So sit down before you say anything else equally as foolish," Kyra snapped.
Boromir glared murderously at her.
"How dare you speak to me, you traitorous filth," Boromir spat.
Kyra stood threateningly. Aragorn quickly stood between her and Boromir.
"Enough! Sit down both of you!" Elrond demanded.
Kyra waited for Boromir to sit before she turned her back on him, Aragorn sat glancing sideways at Boromir.
"Aragorn is right. We cannot use it," Gandalf agreed with Aragorn.
"You have but one choice. The ring must be destroyed," Elrond addressed the council.
Suddenly a red haired dwarf jumped from his seat.
"Then what are we waiting for?" he yelled.
He grabbed and swung his axe in one fluid motion. Kyra leapt to her feet. The dwarf struck the ring with all his might but was flung back onto the ground. The ring remained undamaged. Kyra noticed out of the corner of her eye Frodo's pained expression. The rings hold on the hobbit was stronger than she had thought.
Kyra remained standing by the pedestal while the dwarf struggled to his feet. She touched his mind gently for his name.
"The ring cannot be destroyed, Gimli, son of Gloin, by any craft we here possess," she told the dwarf.
Elrond stood again to speak.
"The ring was forged in the fires of Mount Doom. Only there can it be unmade. It must be taken deep into Mordor and cast back into the fiery chasm from whence it came. One of you must do this," he looked around the circle.
Kyra returned to her seat. No one spoke.
"One does not simply walk into Mordor. Its black gates are guarded by more than just orcs. There is evil there that does not sleep. And the great eye is ever watchful. It is a barren wasteland. Riddled with fire and ash and dust. The very air you breathe is a poisonous fume. Not with ten thousand men could you do this. It is folly!" Boromir told them.
"Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said? The ring must be destroyed!" Legolas stood indignantly.
"And I suppose you think you'll be the one to do it?" Gimli demanded standing.
"And if we fail what then? What happens when Sauron takes back what was his?" Boromir added furiously.
Arguments broke out between the council members. Kyra paid no heed to the heated conversation going on. She watched Frodo. Kyra knew what he would do. It was already decided. Frodo looked at the ring then up at Kyra. He gave her a pleading, almost desperate look. She nodded to him. Frodo understood and stood tentatively.
"I will take it! I will take it!" he yelled over the noise.
Kyra stood as the arguments ceased. Everyone turned to look at Frodo.
"I will take the ring to Mordor. Though... I do not know the way," he said bravely.
Gandalf looked at Kyra, questioning. She nodded. She had known it was Frodo's fate to carry the ring.
"I will help you bear this burden Frodo Baggins, as long as it is yours to bear," Gandalf joined Frodo.
Aragorn moved towards Frodo.
"If by my life or death I can protect you, I will," he pledged before kneeling in front of Frodo.
"You have my sword," he declared.
Moving to stand behind Frodo, Legolas followed him.
"And you have my bow," Legolas smiled.
"And my axe," Gimli joined them.
Boromir slowly walked towards them.
"You carry the fate of us all little one. If this is indeed the will of the council, then Gondor will see it done," he said, joining the others.
Kyra now moved towards Frodo.
"It seems my fate is tied with yours Master Baggins. I will see you to the depths of Mount Doom if it is meant to be. On my life you have my loyalty and protection," she pledged.
Frodo smiled in return. Boromir glared at her.
"Heh!" Sam jumped out from behind the bushes and stood beside Frodo.
"Mr Frodo is not going anywhere without me," he said gruffly.
"No indeed, it's hardly possible to separate you even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not," Elrond said amused.
Pippin and Merry chose then to reveal themselves.
"Wait! We're coming too!" they both yelled.
"You'd have to send us home tied up in a sack to stop us," Merry threatened.
"Don't tempt us," Gandalf muttered.
"Anyway you need people of intelligence on this sort of mission quest... thing," Pippin rambled.
"Well that rules you out Pip," Merry quipped.
"Ten companions... so be it! You shall be the fellowship of the ring," Elrond declared.
"Great! Where are we going?" Pippin asked.
Merry and Pippin watched Kyra curiously as she packed for their journey. She had decided to pack in the sun. A small courtyard near her rooms was perfect; it allowed plenty of sunlight through. She had spent so many years after the fall in the darkest of places, hidden away in fear. She enjoyed the sunshine whenever she could.
"What about food?" Pippin asked, always thinking with his stomach.
"We will find food along the way. It would weigh us down if we took food for the entire journey," she explained.
The two hobbits had taken to following her around, having nothing for them to do. They asked questions which Kyra answered without hesitation. They were easy to spend time with. Kyra was growing quite fond of them. Not that she'd admit that out loud.
"What about blankets? For when we rest?" Merry asked when he noticed Kyra had none.
"I don't need a lot of sleep. I find it just as easy to sleep sitting up and the cold does not bother me," she replied.
"What's this?" Pippin asked holding up a small bundle.
Kyra took the bundle and unwrapped it to reveal an exquisite dagger. Gleaming silver double edged blade. The handle was inlaid with a bright blue stone and an inscription.
"It was my father's," she told them holding the dagger out for them to see.
"It's beautiful. What does the writing mean?" Merry said.
"Courage does not always roar," Kyra answered.
"Was your brother a good fighter?" Pippin asked.
Merry shot him a warning glance.
"It's ok. He was not trained. He was too young to have even been given his marks," Kyra said gesturing to her own markings.
"How old was he?" Merry asked.
"He was 12," Kyra replied letting a little sadness creep into her voice.
"How old were you?" Pippin asked.
"I was nearly 40," Kyra explained.
It felt odd sharing her life. She had all this knowledge that only she possessed. Perhaps with time she would tell them more. The hobbits were avid listeners.
"What were your family like?" Pippin asked earning another glare from Merry.
Kyra stopped packing. Arwen was watching and listening from the nearby archway. Kyra could see no harm in letting her be so she sat across from Merry and Pippin.
"They were good people. I had three brothers. Karik, Ulice and Nalin. My parents were... They were kind people. They did not deserve their fate," Kyra finished.
Arwen listened as Kyra described her family. It was as if she was talking about strangers. It saddened Arwen hearing of her brothers. Their lives cut tragically short. Kyra's life had ended too. Just not physically. Arwen could feel nothing from her. No pain or sadness. Either she was excellent at hiding it or it wasn't there. Arwen feared that Kyra was too far gone to ever feel anything but anger. Arwen felt such joy at times and could not imagine life without it. Kyra had had a loving family, then nothing. And she blocked out the pain and emotion that Arwen took for granted. It was an empty existence. One that Kyra lived, alone. Sensing that she was no longer hidden Arwen slowly stepped towards the trio. Kyra stopped packing and looked up as if she'd been waiting. The two hobbits smiled shyly at her.
"Perhaps you two should go see what previsions you can acquire from the kitchens. Only small things," Kyra suggested.
The two hobbits smiled mischievously and took off towards the kitchens, leaving Arwen alone with Kyra. Arwen began to feel nervous as the Catulian finally turned her silver gaze upon her. Kyra was not what would normally spring to mind when you thought of a seasoned warrior but there was something in her eyes that didn't make you doubt that was exactly what she was.
"Did you need something?" Kyra asked, her gaze never wavering.
"No, nothing," Arwen replied.
"So we were just eavesdropping then?" Kyra held Arwen's gaze.
"No! I was walking by and heard you and I wanted to speak with you. I didn't mean to..." Arwen tried to defend herself.
"Don't fret. What did you want to speak about?" Kyra replied turning her attention back to her pack.
Arwen felt foolish. She was acting like a shy little elfling. Kyra had many years on Arwen but she looked no older than her.
"I wanted to ask you to do something for me," Arwen moved forward cautiously before sitting where the hobbits had been.
Kyra paused for only a second before she spoke.
"I can guarantee nothing but I'll do everything I can to keep him safe. That is all I can promise you," Kyra said looking back at Arwen.
"Thank you," Arwen smiled sadly.
Kyra waited for the elf woman, Arwen to leave before she resumed packing. She'd made a promise, something she rarely did. A promise to keep him safe. Kyra was aware of the love Arwen and Aragorn shared. She doubted Arwen's father, Lord Elrond approved. She did not doubt Elrond intended for Arwen to travel to the undying lands with the rest of her kin. He would not let her stay. Not even for Aragorn. Kyra understood very little about love. She had loved her family of course but they were long gone. Kyra had never felt anything more than slight enjoyment in another's company. Nothing like the intense feeling Arwen and Aragorn shared. Kyra had no expectations of ever feeling that way.
Kyra had planned on slipping out quietly and meeting the others outside of Rivendell but Gandalf had caught her sneaking away and had forced her to come.
"It is important you show you are committed to our quest," he reasoned, bullying her into attending.
Luckily it was short. Elrond stood formally in the centre of a small glade beneath an ancient stone archway that was the boundary of Rivendell.
"The Ring bearer is setting out on the quest of Mount Doom. On you who travel with him neither oath nor bond is laid to go farther than you will," he looked at each member of the fellowship, lingering on Kyra.
"Farwell. Hold to your purpose. May the blessings of Elves and Men and all free folk go with you," he spread his arms.
Kyra hated all this formal stuff. She just wanted to get going. This was a waste of time in her mind.
Despite her feelings Kyra still bowed to Lord Elrond when he finished, as did Legolas and Aragorn.
"The fellowship awaits the ring bearer," Gandalf called to an uncertain looking Frodo.
Frodo looked for Kyra. She gently pushed reassurance and confidence into his mind. Frodo gave her a grateful smile and began to walk. The fellowship followed single file behind him. Kyra went last and looked back one last time at Elrond and Arwen and inclined her head. They returned her nod both for their own reasons. Elrond wanted her to get the ring to Mt. Doom no matter what. Arwen wanted her to look out for Aragorn and the others. Kyra would try to do all of these things. Even if it meant taking the ring from Frodo and continuing on alone. That is why Elrond had allowed her into Rivendell and the council meeting, because she had the strength to do what needed to be done. Because she had nothing to lose.
Not sure how long I'll continue. I'm posting for feedback so any reviews will be much appreciated!
