Chapter Four: Preparations

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For weeks, Elrond sent our Riders to gather representatives from the Free Races. And for weeks visitors poured into Rivendell to be welcomed by the Elves.

It was on the eve of the thirty-ninth day, the Counsel was called.

They were gathered in the Courtyards and the all other visitors were secluded to specific wings of Rivendell. It was obviously quite an affair if the preparation that had gone into it was any indication; Galadriel had summoned Sakura shortly before the Counsel and outfitted her as she saw appropriate: She was dressed in a gown with a white bodice adorned with light green designs, the skirt being a reversed image comprised of light, metallic green silk that was decorated intricately with white leaf and plant designs. Affixed around her waist was a girdle of a gray metal adorned with a single green gem at its tapering point. Her hair was arranged in waves with jeweled pins and a circlet of silver was slipped around her forehead.

Galadriel herself was dressed similarly in robes of pale pink scattered with spatters of orange and lavender, so that she resembled a walking sunset. Her girdle was of a temperate red adorned with gold swirls and her hair was pulled back and braided, hundreds of small flowers woven into the golden locks. Her head was circled with a band of gold.

And as they approached the Counsel, Sakura felt panic rising in her throat: She was completely out of her depth...

Galadriel's lovely hand fell across her shoulder, squeezing gently with a reassuring smile.

Sakura returned the gesture with an awkward smirk, though she did feel slightly better as she took her place among several Elves. They sat across from people of a stout and strong build, each wielding an ax or hammer as their weapon of choice---the Dwarves. On either side sat the Races of Men from, respectively, Gondor and Rohan.

"I believe the reason for this Counsel is apparent. Sauron is returning to power."

"How?!" One of the Dwarves demanded, rising angrily.

"Is that of any consequence?" Legolas replied.

"Impudent Pointy-Ear...!"

"Now, I never thought I'd agree with an Elf but I think he's right." Another said, smiling meaningfully at Legolas.

"Lord Gimli is correct, now is not the time to fight starting amongst ourselves." Elrond replied, interceding. "We were all foolish to believe Sauron would entwine his fate in its entirety with that of a single artifact."

"And is that an excuse for permitting women to attend a Counsel?" The same dwarf growled.

Sakura bit down on her tongue, fighting the urge to rebuke him openly. Though, to her surprise, Legolas met her eyes with a sympathetic glance.

"Let us not argue on the matter of gender, now." Aragorn replied, glaring him down.

"Enough of this pointless banter, it is necessary for us to delve into the depths of Sauron's twisted mind and discover his intentions for this maiden."

At that, Elrond beckoned her forward. She stood, head held high and proud, and crossed the distance between them in three strides.

"There is legend," began Gandalf carefully, "of spirits imbuing their essence with that of a female to produce a child that is intended to be used as a vessel for their own quintessence."

Disgust rose like bile in the back of Sakura's throat and she fought the cry of rage begging to be loosed.

"Breeding fodder?" The same, arrogant Dwarf snorted.

"Watch your insolent tongue!" Legolas cried, jumping up angrily.

"Silence and peace!" Elrond cried, moving between them as Aragorn forced Legolas back into his seat while Gimli ushered his own back into his seat.

"Gandalf as done much research and we believe this to be his intention." Elrond began after a moment of uncomfortable silence.

"And how do we stop such an errand?" Gimli asked .

"We defeat Sauron, once and for all. The Free Races of Middle Earth must once again unite to fend him off." Elrond replied.

"Another alliance so soon?" A representative of the Elven class asked.

"Good fortune to those who unite under one flag." Gimli replied, raising his ax in an imaginary toast.

"Very well, then it would seem appropriate that those of the Fellowship of the Ring be made part of this alliance." Elrond said, waiting for a protest.

When none came, he called forth Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli, gathering them behind Sakura.

"This journey is unfitting of Hobbits---even their own race has agreed upon that matter. Therefore, they will play a peripheral role in this quest." Elrond stated, looking over the odd congregation, "They ride for the Shire on the Summer Solstice. Until then, they shall reside in Rivendell---beyond the reach of all but Sauron's malevolent eye."

It was well after the Counsel had been dismissed and the dinner hour was upon them. As such, they convened in the dining hall, the tables already laid with many dished.

But Sakura had little appetite and quickly excused herself to the gardens for a bit of quiet.

To her surprise, she found Legolas and Gimli among the blooming flowers. They were laughing, relaxing on the marble benches spattered sporadically throughout the fragrant blossoms. Imagining they desired some privacy, she moved to flit away.

"Now, Young Mistress, don't be so hasty. Come and sit." Gimli called, motioning her forward with a wave of his hand.

Uncertainly, she responded, taking a seat next to Legolas.

"Pretty little thing, isn't she?" He asked his Elven companion.

Sakura was torn between thanking him for the compliment and demanding why he hadn't directed the comment at her. But her anger and anxiety were quickly forgotten when Legolas replied, "She is."

She blushed and muttered some unintelligible thanks, fidgeting with her gown.

"What brings such a young and fresh thing into this dark battle?" Gimli asked.

"I wish I knew..." She responded.

"Well, fear not when you're with me. My ax never misses its mark." He said, laughing.

"Indeed, Gimli, it would seem it does take after its master in the area of stubbornness." Legolas replied with a chuckle.

Sakura giggled, suppressing the sound with her hand.

"Well, the night grows old. I think I'll retire to my room." Gimli stated, rising from the bench, his ax in hand, and tottering back into the Halls of Rivendell.

They sat for a few minutes in a comfortable silence, admiring the nocturnal blossoms. Every so often, they would meet each other's gaze and look hastily away, nervously avoiding the other's eyes.

"So..." Sakura finally said, "What is the Faradome (1)?"

"It's the Summer Solstice; a time of great joy for Elves. It signifies the Growing Times." He replied.

"I see. How is it celebrated, if at all, here?"

"Through song and dance. In fact, I should imagine Elrond would request a work from you."

"A work?"

"A composition or choreography."

Sakura visibly blanched---that didn't seem to be her area of...forte.

"Lle tyava quell?" (2)

"Yes...just surprised." She replied. "I...suddenly feel rather...weary...I hope you'll pardon me if I choose to retire."

"Of course, My Lady. " He replied, taking her hand as she stood and pressing his lips briefly to the creamy skin.

She smiled at him as he withdrew before she flitted back into the flowers and towards her room.

TBC

1) Summer Solstice

2) "Do you feel alright?"