It's been a while, but I'm sure you all remember the drill:
The characters, with the exception of Allison and the Mary-Sue, do not belong to me. And a line break is a change in perspective.
Prepare for some hilarity to ensue.
Chapter 7 – Some Things Here Are Not like The Others
I felt like a student coming into a huge lecture hall for the first day of a huge class, knowing no one. It was daunting, and I was too tempted to hang on to Gandalf like a child on the first day of school. (Maybe hide under his cape.) There were a few curious glances tossed my way, but no one's eyes truly lingered for more than a few moments.
Seems as though I was once again the least interesting person in the room yet again. What else is new? I grudgingly thought to myself as I sat between Gandalf and Frodo, feeling a little more comforted with the fact that I was with two people I somewhat knew.
I turned to Frodo who looked understandably nervous, but he attempted a small smile when he looked at me. "Good to see another friendly face." His voice sounded as though there were a slight shaking.
"You ok? How are you feeling?" Maybe that miraculous recovering was a little too miraculous. Being skeptical of the Princess's newfound healing abilities wouldn't be totally crazy, right?
"Ah, yes…I am fine." He rubbed his hands together nervously. "I did not realize so many would come…" The smile stayed, but so did the worry in his eyes. "I mean, I understand the importance of it all, but…"
I nodded understandingly. "I know what you mean. It's kind of intimidating." I used to be so mystified by the elves, but now I just felt ostracized, like I was some gangly piece of work that didn't quite fit in. Yes, Dora the Explorer, I'm the one who doesn't fit with the others.
I caught a glimpse of familiar blonde hair that attracted the sun's rays like heaven's light, and jerked my head to find my eyes meeting with her now azure eyes with greenish tints. (Funny, and here I was expecting it to be rainbow colored.) A bitter feeling clawed at my gut when I witnessed the other members of this meeting drink in her presence like starved men. My head turned back to look at my hands, gripping my pants tightly.
Gandalf and Frodo thankfully seemed unaffected by her not-so-inconspicuous arrival. Gandalf had the grace not to react at all, as he looked forward at the princess of perfection with a hint of inquisitive curiosity. Frodo, on the other hand, seemed more confused at the reception of the others who all seemed so enchanted by her and cast me a questioning look. I could only hopelessly shrug, struggling not to show the overwhelming feeling of desolation that made me want to sink into the shadows.
(Which would be difficult, considering this place was brightly illuminated. But I digress.)
To keep my minds of the thing and the things attracted to said thing, I took note of who was here and tried to determine who everyone was. It wasn't like looking at the movie, but at the same time, I could somewhat sense who some of these people were from the way they held themselves.
Some people were already accounted for like Gandalf, Frodo and Elrond. There's three.
I assumed that Erestor, our Elf lord and advisor would be seated near Elrond, but couldn't tell which among the elves was him. There were some that had the look as though they had just arrived from a journey, which I assumed were the elves from Mirkwood. Legolas would likely be among them, and I think I could pick him out easily enough. I couldn't ignore the bitter feeling of disgust make me gag in my throat, watching him watching her.
I tried to prevent this for as long as possible.
But I can't do much about that now, can I? I looked from him and tried to concentrate of what I was doing. Glorfindel was supposed to be here too, if my memory served me right. I think I managed to guess him from his golden locks and his regal air, sitting next to the elf I was going to assume was Erestor. I think I saw him exchange a look with Frodo and figured he was the one to rescue him from The Nine.
I wonder if this is going to be movie universe or book universe. At this point, it was hard to tell since I was already seeing inconsistencies with both the book and the movie.
Going back into my memory, I tried to remember who else of significance was supposed to be present.
(At this point, our princess noticed me and came to sit by me despite the numerous offers she received from those poor saps.)
"It's good to see you, Allison." She said as I looked straight ahead, trying to concentrate.
"What?...Oh. Yeah, sure." I waved her and closed my eyes and added to my list. There's Boromir. Aragorn. Bilbo is going to be here, right? Aw man, I didn't get to run into him earlier.
I felt her nudge me. "You seem so concentrated! What are you thinking about?"
"Oh, nothing really." I continued on my list. Oh right! Gimli and Gloin! I was looking at the dwarves and noticed two of them with similar features. Of course, the older looking one would be Gloin.
She leaned towards me and whispered. "What are they?" She sounded almost legitimately bewildered, and I was thankful she didn't point and gasp this time.
"Dwarves." I whispered back.
"…You mean, those actually exist?"
I took a deep breath. "Yes. Yes, they do." I took a quick glance at the dwarves. "Obviously."
"Does that mean fairies exist?"
I slowly turned my head to her. "…They don't exist where you're from?"
I was being sarcastic, but she took on this pensive look, clearly thinking about it. After a pause, she replied with the most serious look on her face. "Well, I had suspicions. My father told me it is not commonplace for fairies to appear on your first birthday for princesses, but since then, I have yet to actually see one." She frowned. "Or at least remember seeing one."
She almost looks disappointed. I heard Frodo and Gandalf give her a greeting and they exchanged polite smiles with our fairy deprived princess. Seeing that nearly everyone was seated, I knew that the meeting was going to start soon. I knew that it wouldn't be required that I talk, but I couldn't help but feel a sort of empathic nervousness for Frodo. This meeting was crucial, and where the Fellowship would be formed…
I turned to look at her and sighed. I didn't need to have the power of foresight to predict what would happen with us outsiders here. I was perceptive enough to notice she had arrived her with Elrond and figured from her look that the two of them had a talk. Somehow, I figured this would lead to her becoming part of the Fellowship. Though I was dearly hoping it would not be the case.
I hated to even think it aloud but that were the facts laid before me. I couldn't deny that no matter how much I despised it.
Allison was very preoccupied with troubling thoughts that I knew she was in no mood to share with me. Though to speak truthfully, I was unsure if I truly wanted to know. Whatever thoughts made her grimace so unattractively would probably be best kept out of my lovely head!
The words of the fey lord could not settle in my mind peacefully as it was. I did not need more troubling thoughts.
Just the idea that I would possibly be someone of importance baffled me. No, this was not something for princesses to do! Simply inconceivable! These things were for heroes, for wizards, for princes…Or surely someone not as beautifully blessed as I!
The thought of getting my hands dirty with…ugh, dirt was abysmally horrible to imagine. I will simply have to tell him I cannot do it. I looked on as everyone started taking their respectful seats and noticed their eyes on me. Surely he will understand. This is not something I can do. I smiled at them sweetly. Something I'm not supposed to do!
Being at this meeting, for instance, did not feel right to me. Perhaps it was because it was so unfamiliar but my father had never allowed me to even be present at his meetings with the other lords even when I was little girl. "It is not proper, my lovely." He had said, and let my mother quietly take me away as she patted my head comfortingly.
How I missed them.
I was startled when I realized that the fey lord was speaking. The way he commanded attention without needing to raise his voice made my skin shiver. Never will I ever forget how otherworldly this world was…Even the humans...they seemed different than the people I was familiar with back at home. Somehow, they were grittier and…somewhat frightening. Except Allison, of course.
God knows, she is anything but frightening. Unusual, yes, but frightening? I think not.
Though I would not admit it to her, it comforted me that she was sitting next to me. She, like me, was not from here. She, perhaps also like me, missed her family and was just as confused as me. Though she tried to put on a tough front, I felt she was still scared. Just as scared as me.
I realized I should have been listening to what was being said and tried to tune into what was being said.
I found it difficult to understand what was happening. There seemed to be a looming threat involving more door? Something about a door, I couldn't quite place. But I felt it wasn't my place to speak out and ask since everyone seemed so tense. I looked at Allison and she was looking back at me with an exasperated look on her face. She seemed to do this often.
"I'll explain everything later." She whispered with a slight frown, clearly reading my expression of confusion.
I tried to thank her, but she only shushed me and gestured me to look forward and listen. Feeling thoroughly scolded, I attempted to try and listen to the meeting. At a certain point, one of the child men…oh, what did Allison say they were called? Something that rhymes with…rabbits? Robbits?...Oh wait no, hobbits! That's right!
Well, he stepped forward towards a pedestal that was in the center of the circle which I had been wondering earlier its purpose. He had something in his hand that seemed to shine brilliantly before he placed it in the center of that stone holding. And in that moment, a sea of murmurs erupted that dared to grow into raised voices of excitement. Something about this ring seemed important, that much was sure.
I felt Allison shuffle uncomfortably next to me. It looked as though she wanted to sink into the chair and disappear. The voices were silenced and the fey lord continued to speak. There was something not right with this ring. Even as I looked at it, it looked normal enough but it seemed unnatural somehow.
For but a moment, I felt a chill pierce through the air and down my spine. In my mind, I heard whispers, temping and horrible. Not as horrible as you may think. It was saying. I feel the potential in you. You could rule this place. Does it scare you? It doesn't need to. You can make it as beautiful and perfect as you.
The words were like a gentle breeze caressing me, and I nearly reached forward but flinched when Allison gripped my shoulder tightly. Perhaps a little too tightly, but it wrenched me back to reality as I shook my head and slunk (most unprincess-like) back into my seat. I let out a sigh, but could still feel the whispers wanting to invade my head again.
What was more disturbing was when I realized the voice that was whispering…sounded like mine.
"Just try to ignore it." She looked as though there was no blood underneath the skin of her face. Sweat beaded her forehead, in fact, she looked almost as pale as that hobble or whatever I had somehow healed earlier.
Perhaps I could do it again!
I reached out to touch her face and feel her forehead, as pallid and clammy as it was. "Allison, let me…"
She let go of my shoulder and with very rigid and forced movements, as she jerked herself from me. Especially my hands. "No." She was adamant for some reason. "Just…please…I don't need it."
Before I could protest, she was looking away again and taking deep breaths. The color seemed to return to her face, though just barely. The hoblin next to her, whose name I think was Frollo, looked at her with concern and seemed to murmur if she was alright. Watching her answer him with more consideration nearly made me bristle with brief feeling of anger that I quickly doused with a quick breath. No need to concern yourself, *BLEEP*. Allison and I aren't friends, after all.
Even saying this and forcing myself to yet again plunge into this meeting of confusion and mystery, my mind insisted on being preoccupied on the idea. I don't have friends. Quickly realizing how pathetic my thoughts sounded, I quickly added. But then again, a princess has no need of friends. Especially when all they want is to use you. I struggled to focus yet again on the conversation and the fey lord, Elrond, was talking of the enemy.
The enemy whose name sounded like "Sour-on". Though I was sure that wasn't how it was spelled…but then again, I was a complete stranger to this world. Perhaps things were done differently. The names certainly were.) And why did they refer to this world as "Middle Earth"? As opposed to what? "Low Earth"? "High Earth"? I was looking forward to Allison explaining this to me for this was all too confusing.
Despite my determination to pay attention to the meeting's proceedings, I was still inwardly sorting out my feelings for Allison, which seemed a mixture of contempt yet…also a sort of liking. I could not understand it. She was obviously beneath me. Yet she did not believe it to be so and stood strongly to this idea. At the same time, she confused me by staying with me despite obviously disapproving of me.
This is not the time to think about such things. I could feel the fey lord looking at me expectantly. It's a shame that he did not know how troubled I was. I was sure I had already missed most of the words that were spoken. I knew that at this point, the grey man and another of the hobbles, much older looking, whom they named Bilbulb or something of that sort, came forward to talk about the ring. I wasn't listening, as you may ascertain, but a lot of it didn't have to with me so it was difficult trying to listen.
This entire conversation was difficult to listen to. I might as well have been a bystander. Perhaps I was.
"At least listen to this." Allison nudged me and from her comment I realized that she knew that I wasn't truly listening. I blushed and tried to look forward.
One of the dwarves had went forward with his axe and brought it down onto the pedestal. I felt a shock go through me as I seemed to reach forward to save it…Only to realize that in the next moment, the axe was in pieces. The Ring itself, however, was full intact. What is it? I could feel my hands get clammy and could suddenly sympathize with how Allison felt minutes before. This Ring truly was unnatural. Was there a monster in there? A demon?
At this point, knowing that dwarves existed and we were in a land of the fey, I gathered that anything was possible.
The fey lord spoke and said that the Ring would not be destroyed by any weapon of their means. Impossible. So it seemed, yet the evidence was there. The pieces of the axe still lay on the ground. And the dwarf who had held it was distraught as though he lost a friend.
"It can only be destroyed in the fires of Moredoor from whence it was made." He spoke with obvious reverence. It was poetically ironic almost. What person would ever expect that something could be unmade at the very place it was made?
The entire counsel seemed to sober at the idea within a thick silence. Apparently this Moredoor place was frightening. I couldn't even begin to try and imagine how…until one of the other councilmen, the one who was sort of a rugged handsome fellow, voiced a description that made it seem deadly and impossible to trek. Yet it was implied that to destroy the Ring, trekking to such a place was all too necessary. His suggestion was that his people bring it back to his homeland, a place which he called Gonedoor.
What is it with these names and why do they end with a "door"? Is it supposed to be symbolic?
Despite my wondering, I had thought that this idea seemed sound enough. The place called Moredoor sounded near impossible to travel to and, from what I heard, was dangerously guarded by this evil Sour-On person. If it could be avoided by just taking it somewhere secure, what would be the harm in that?
And if the Ring could be harnessed as a weapon against this Sour-On person, then that would only add on to the benefit of bringing it elsewhere. After all, I could not understand the logic of undergoing the risk of being discovered by this evil wizard overlord demon (whatever he was, they didn't specify). I mean, they were suggesting going into his territory to destroy the thing that is the source of his power!
Despite me thinking is was a sound suggestion,…it was quickly shot down by one of the fey and in that moment I felt a pang of sympathy. I struggled to understand what reason they would have to want to go on this suicide mission. Surely, they did not think it was possible to achieve!
My head began to spin when I slowly realized what was bound to happen. They cannot be serious. Surely they have some sense not to think this is possible! For not the first time that day, I started to tremble with fear.
I finally knew what the fey lord, the one they called Elrond, was asking of me.
Things seemed to be going as I predicted. More on the movie universe side, but the people seemed more erratic and easy to irritate in this setting. More than once, Elrond had to calm the council down before we could start up the conversation again. It seemed that the tensions couldn't even be put aside for the greater good of Middle Earth.
I was starting to question the wisdom of whoever arranged the seating so that the representatives of the dwarves were seated next to the elves. You could practically lick the disapproval from the air. And it'd probably taste disgusting. Well, that's how it was looking to me anyway.
Every now and then, one of the elves or dwarves seemed to think it was appropriate to make a jab at each other and disturb the conversation in regards to the Ring. It was so irritating! The humans were sitting where they were, often ignored. A feeling I could easily sympathize with.
The one who was obviously not among the ones who arrived from Gondor, was sitting beside Legolas and I knew him to be Aragorn. He was characteristically calm during this whole ordeal, watching like a wolf observing his prey. It was chilling when I watched him and more than once, our eyes connected and I had to pretend I was looking somewhere else.
It was like he was trying to read me. Aragorn was no fool. He was observant and didn't let anything slip past his guard. Whether or not he was affected by the wiles of the princess was not yet determined…but I was confident that his love for Arwen would stand stronger. (Or, at least, I was hoping so.)
His composed demeanor betrayed nothing, so I couldn't really predict anything of him.
Except when the one I knew to be Boromir, who was dark haired and grey eyed as Aragorn, spoke of this plan to take the ring back to Gondor. Despite their two shared features, their similarities ended at that. It seemed that in opinion, I noticed Aragorn nearly glare at Boromir with distaste of the idea and of the way he spoke of the Ring with such reverence. It was for only a split second, but then his face returned to a mask of composure yet again.
I was having a hard time listening to Boromir and nearly felt embarrassed for him. He legitimately thought that this was the best cause of action. But it was like someone saying a racial slur towards a group of minorities. No one was willing to tolerate it. They acted as if he suggested something so blasphemous or stupid, he really shouldn't have said it in the first place. There was a lot more arguing in this council that I remembered in the movie. Or the book.
Gandalf had to interrupt the squabble with the Black Speech to prove a point and I felt even the princess tremble beside me. Elrond, understandably, nearly glared at Gandalf as though it were an insult for him to speak such language within his domain. It probably was, but it got everyone to quiet down again. I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to learn it just to shut people up.
I was starting to get really annoyed. Maybe it was the fact that the elves were really starting to grate on my nerves. I almost couldn't wait to leave. No wait. Don't wish for that. You know the consequences if the thing we're talking about happens.
It seemed that once Boromir finished saying his part and no longer finding enough praises about Gondor from his ass, Aragorn was livid, but said with a calmness touched with a promise of death. "You cannot wield it. None of us can. The One Ring answers to Sauron alone." He emphasized but softened his tone. "There is no other master."
Boromir looked shocked that this ranger would suddenly speak out against him. "And what does a Ranger know of such matters?" Maybe nothing at all…
As on cue, Legolas popped up faster than a whack-a-mole, breaking his calm demeanor. "That is no mere ranger! He is Aragorn…Son of Arathorn." Ohhhh, Boromir, I guess he does know something. Woopsie.
Taking in the elf's words, Boromir repeated his name and seemed to look at Aragorn for the first time, unsure of what to feel. But then, realizing himself, scoffed and sat back down among his men. Way to look like a douchebag, Boromir. Great representation for the humans, yaaaaay.
Finally, I couldn't help but look beside me and notice the princess was looking genuinely pale and almost shivering. Despite my annoyance of her earlier, I found myself worried. She was a total ditz but I wasn't about to let her faint from sickness. "Hey, are you alright?" I whispered as softly as I could manage.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Gandalf look towards us and I prayed that no one else was paying attention. God forbid she faints here and a barrage of people suddenly swarm her trying to help. We really didn't need that right now.
She looked dazed and then looked at me as though realizing I had spoken to her. "…I'll be alright. Thank you."
"Try and hold on, okay? This is important stuff." I took a sharp breath when I noticed Elrond observing us while trying to calm the newest argument between the elves and dwarves, and even the humans, on who would be the one to take the Ring. It became apparent what he was expecting of her already. Damn it. I'm too late. The path was practically already set and paved by our elf lord and I could tell he was adamant regardless of what happened, that she be one of the people to go and take the Ring to Mordor.
"I think I'm going to be sick, Allison. I cannot take this." She was gripping her stomach and I tried to calm her down. The last thing we needed was for her to mentally break. Here. In front of everyone. I didn't know why I didn't invite this kind of opportunity but then I realized that I wasn't nearly so cruel to really want it.
I wondered if the Ring was finally getting to her. I tried not to think back of the moment I watched it touch the pedestal. It was like a dark angel that descended in our presence and its whispers were cold yet tempting. It scared me. It wanted me to do things.
Pushing the thoughts out of my head, I concentrated on the princess yet again. I wasn't going to let it sway me with its poisonous words. That motherfucking Ring was going to burn.
"Look. I know you're scared right now, but I need you to hold on, ok?" What am I doing? "You have to try and get a grip. I'm right here just…hold my hand or something." I realized in that moment that I was already accepting what I never realized until now to be inevitable. She was going to have to join this Fellowship and help take the Ring to Mordor to save Middle Earth. The only thing I could do at this point was abandon here or leave her to whatever devices came her way.
She could die. And then everything could be fixed right? I remember thinking this earlier in the beginning but as time passed, I realized this wasn't nearly going to be so simple. This plotline was already tainted and warped. There was no fixing it. The only thing left to do was to trek on and give this universe the same happy ending the canon ones had. The characters deserved that, at least.
I felt her hold my hand tightly and looking at her, I came to terms of how beautiful she looked as she gave me a small smile. Even when she looked as though she was going to puke, she seemed to almost glow. She would never be able to survive by herself. If…No, when she was chosen to be one of the Fellowship…I knew what I had to do.
"I could take it." I heard Frodo's voice start out quietly as he stepped forward. "I can take it. I can take the Ring to Mordor."
The voices were quickly silenced and I looked to Gandalf. His face betraying his emotion of sadness. He did not want this for Frodo.
"Though…the way is unknown to me. I will take it." He seemed to almost shrink upon realization though his bravery was still noted. The elves, dwarves and men alike was almost in awe of this small creature. The size of a child who was willing to step forward and partake in this journey of certain death without even the knowledge of how to get there! I think I almost sensed respect emanating from them along with a sort of amusement…if not admiration.
Either way, the council that was arguing just moments ago were probably feeling rightly chastised. I caught Aragorn's mouth curl into a slight smile.
"You couldn't possibly go by yourself!" I was shocked when the princess stood, by her own accord, still holding my hand. Not without feeling awkward, I stood with her as she intended, finally taking in that this was the moment. "Let me come. Let us come with you." I felt her grip my hand tightly at the word "us" and I nearly felt emotionally compromised.
"And…" God I suck at words. "I know I'm not very impressive, and I wish there was another way to destroy this Ring, but this is important and…I want to help you, Frodo. I want to help you succeed." He smiled at our support and seemed to stand a little bit straighter. It was adorable. You know, if you could take this out of context.
"Two women and a hobbit? That is hardly a threatening group to behold when facing the doors of Mordor." Of course, Boromir had something to say about it. "Better that this journey not happen at all-"
"Better that you do not speak of things out of your knowledge, Boromir, son of Denethor." Gandalf swiftly interjected like the smooth motherfucker we knew him to be. "Your father is often guilty of this trait, and I would not see you speak without thinking first. For once." That was enough to make Boromir get red faced, but he shut his mouth.
"What council would we be if we allowed these brave three to walk this way without protection? You speak truthfully in this case at least." Gandalf continued giving me a wink and I nearly grinned. "After all, I will be coming along." He stared down Boromir. "Unless you think this old man too weak to offer help?"
"Enough teasing, old friend. Though the point has been made." Elrond and the rest of the council were finally in a sort of peace. The elves and dwarves no longer on the swing of madness. "Who will offer their service to protect these three?"
With only a slight pause, Gimli bounced down from his seat, with a new axe in hand (where the hell did that come from?) and stepped forward. "Then know that you have my axe."
"And my bow." Legolas didn't miss a beat and stood up, also stepping forward.
"You have my sword." Aragorn stood up and stepped towards Frodo with kind eyes. "And my hope." (I wanted to squeal at this exchange from it being so freaking adorable. I just had a thing for guys with calm demeanors who are nice to certain people, like oh my god, I'm almost freaking out right now.)
"It seems that all of our hope rests with you, young hobbit." Boromir said with one finally accepting the situation before him. "It is with my honor that I accompany you on this journey as well." Ok, he almost sounded sincere. It was nice.
"It seems our group grows by the moment." Gandalf said towards me and I grinned.
I couldn't help but reply. "You have no idea."
Gandalf looked confused but then a small voice from behind cried. "WAIT!" And he nearly looked exasperated if he also wasn't so amused. "Samwise Gamgee, you have a habit for eavesdropping!"
"Sorry sir but…" He didn't look sorry. "I need to go with Mr. Frodo. If he's goin' to a place where there's trouble, he's going to need-"
"A gardener?" Gandalf teased.
"A friend." Sam smiled and I felt the almighty need to melt from this heartwarming scene.
Elrond tried to not look too bothered. "Well. Despite the interruption and the ignorance of the privacy of this council, it seems we have our people to undertake-"
"Wrong." I sang quietly. And everyone who heard barely had enough time to question what I meant, when, perfectly on time, our two hobbits ran into the council room. "Not without us, you won't!" Can't have too many hobbits for an epic journey. And in came the two rambunctious mischief makers: Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took. More important to this plotline than many would ever predict.
I had to struggle not to laugh at Elrond's look of utter displeasure at the arrival of two more unexpected hobbits, cause' gosh darn it, isn't there decorum anymore?! There was no such thing as privacy when it come to hobbits apparently. But aside from a select few, Elrond included of course, many were laughing and it seemed that this was the happiest mood that the council has been since it had formed.
It made me feel a little bit better with everyone in a better mood and by the time that Elrond dubbed us as the Fellowship and Pippin said his noteworthy line of "Great….where are we going?"…things settled into a calm. But I knew this was only going to be the beginning. The calm before the storm.
It was still overwhelming. But I couldn't bring myself to regret doing what I did. I volunteered myself for this mission. I volunteered…
I felt myself gasp and held onto Allison's hand tighter. What have I done? Only minutes before I had called this mission suicide and yet I was willing to go with him on this near impossible quest! What was wrong with me?
"Calm down and come with me." I was grateful, holding on to Allison as she speedily led me away from the council area, even away from the prying eyes I had found myself adoring. I was like a doll, unable to think and move for myself and only Allison to lead me. I couldn't think properly. I knew she wanted to retreat to our room to try and prepare for this trip.
Trip? Oh no, what do I call this? There was no word I could describe this that could come close to how I felt at the moment. My opinion of it was not something enjoyable. It was not something I would appreciate spending free time on. "Execution walk" seemed too dire. I suppose quest will do just fine. Omit the "suicide"…for now.
One of the men stepped in our way and Allison made no move to fight with him, though she did stiffen and straighten her posture. When we were in council, I did not think much of this man…only that his stare was piercing and intimidating. Like a wolf. "There is something interesting about you two."
"Interesting? How?" Allison asked innocently, out of character of her usual self.
He looked at her critically and I inwardly applauded Allison for her ability to keep a straight face under his scrutiny. "I know you two are not from here. If I find reason to distrust either of you, I will not hesitate to take action."
"You are much more keen to taking violent means that I expected…Aragorn, son of Arathorn." There was an importance to that name that everyone, including Allison, seemed to know. I was almost envious, but then the man named Aragorn gave Allison an even harder glare. As though trying to read her intentions. It was almost frightening.
I held onto Allison's hand and pulled her gently and she gave me a sideways glance and a nod. "It's okay. He seems scary, but Aragorn is trustworthy." Both the man and I looked at Allison questioningly, wondering how she could possibly know such things.
"Aragorn." The old man wizard came towards us and gestured the man to him. With only a slight pause, Aragorn gave one more look at Allison, who still was impressively unflinching, and then left us alone again. Allison took this cue to continue walking as I took one more look back behind us to see the old man gesturing to us as though explaining something.
By the time we reached the room, I was relieved that no one was waiting there for us. I did not know why I expected someone to be waiting there I just…It was my nerves. After that meeting, I gather that many things I understood would become confusing. We opened the door and I heard Allison let out a breath when we found our things were already packed.
"Typical." She said in that obviously unpleased way of hers. "Freaking elves." She shook her head and opened one of the packs to inspect what was inside.
I was confused as to why she would be angry at this gesture but as I joined her in going through the items, I began to realize that the fey lord, though wonderfully polite and stunningly handsome, was never going to give me a choice from the beginning. The items, they were so precise for this long quest, and why would he prepare these things for us so soon unless he had already anticipated we would both go?
Allison turned to me with a grim expression. "I hate to tell you this…Actually no, that's a lie, I actually get a sort of sick satisfaction but…you can't bring any of the dresses with us."
My mind was frozen. "What?"
"Dresses are not practical for what we're going to do on this journey." I could tell she was trying to be patient.
"What? But of course, dresses are unpractical! It's an entirely selfish desire to better my appearance. As impossible as that may seem."
"Wow. I'm surprised you're willing to admit that." She gave me a small smile. "But we still can't bring the dresses."
"But what shall we do in the event of an emergency?"
"If there was an emergency, you wouldn't want to wear a dress-"
I interrupted her in my excitement. Perhaps unwisely. "No, no, not that kind of emergency! I meant a spontaneous need for a social debut! A ball? A party, surely?"
"You…are ridiculous." She tried to resist the urge to roll her eyes again and only sat down on the bed and signed. "Let me explain something to you, princess. The likelihood that we go to a party or a ball during this trip is very very unlikely. Actually, I'm pretty sure I can guarantee that any chance of going to a party wouldn't even really require a dress because everyone would be too glad of the fact that we were alive instead of worrying about what we're wearing."
This information hit me hard as I realized what she meant. But here I was, childishly trying to cling to the one thing that made me happy and comfortable. From this point on, I finally realized, I would need to grow up…
Still…giving up the dresses was still going to be difficult.
"Could we just bring…one?" I couldn't help but pout. I expected a barrage of insults and anger as she ridiculed me for acting like a child when our lives were going to be on the line.
But she only smiled sadly and said. "Sure. I think I can make room for one."
