Right so here we go with Chapter 9! To be honest, I'm not sure if people would like this chapter so please review and let me know! I'd also just like to thank everyone who reviewed, it was great hearing from you and means so much to me ^_^ Thanks again and don't forget to review! LOL
disclaimer: I own nothing associated with Lord of the Rings, only Freya and Chaos are mine :P
I hit the floor with a thud as I woke from sleep with a shock. My room was still fairly dark, with only the smallest slivers of the new dawn breezing in from the curtained doorway onto the balcony. I sat up with a groan, still too much asleep to move any further. I looked at the bed to see Chaos' large body stretching over the entire king sized bed.
Typical, I leave that dog for a few hours to go to the feast, he goes and steals half the bed when he's supposed to be outside and now he's decided that he wants all of it. Perfect.
Not bothering to get up, even though I was in quite an uncomfortable position, with my head and neck propped up against the bedside cabinet and my tired body lying carelessly on the floor, I thought about everything that had happened since arriving here, not fully realising the amount that had happened in the space of a short few weeks. Sighing, I heaved myself off the floor, banging my head against the cabinet on my way up, ow jeez! I thought, it would happen wouldn't it?
Rubbing my slightly sore head, I tiptoed over to the balcony where I turned back one of the curtains slightly so that I could slip out without Chaos waking. I looked back slightly to check on him, only to see his big head lying on one of his equally massive paws. He looked like a puppy when he was asleep, an overgrown one maybe, but a puppy with his ears flapped down, eyes closed and tongue lolling, making it look as if he were smiling.
Moving out into the crisp October air I let the cool breeze wake me up so that when I got to the ledge, I was alert enough not walk over the edge of the balcony. Resting my elbows on the marble ledge, I examined the silent beauty of Rivendell. The sun was only beginning to rise and the first weak rays were playing on the autumn leaves of the beech trees, their intoxicating scent lulling me just as the voices of the hurrying water over the rocky bed sang to me. It was truly enchanting, truly. The untouched beauty of the Valley resembled all the peace and grace that land back home had not had for some time. The sculpted gazebos and natural paths that were scattered across the plains reminded me of the stars at night, each one dotting the sky, making it more and more beautiful with each one. Nothing made sense. I knew that but honestly, I could find any rational explanation for everything that had happened.
I mean, Middle-Earth? It's not possible, but then again, here I am. Does that mean that nothing is really as it seems? Is everything we thought was right is actually wrong? Is fiction really fiction or is it a gateway to what's really out there? These questions plagued my mind as I stood in silence, scanning the land below me,
Why me? Why am I here? 'Why am I here?' I whispered, as if the answer would just hit me, or someone would answer. No one did. It was as silent as before, with only the rushing water of a nearby stream breaking the silence. Sighing, dejectedly, I looked to the sky, confused and well, scared of what it all meant. I wasn't scared of much, I never saw the need to be scared but not knowing what was going to happen to me, terrified me. What would happen? Something, maybe nothing, but all I knew was that I was going with Frodo even if he didn't know he was going to be the Ring-Bearer, even if they didn't know about the Fellowship until tomorrow, I was going with him no matter what.
I thought about the other members of the Fellowship, those who I'd met anyway. The hobbits, well I loved them like family, they were to me. I was getting closer to Aragorn, I could tell, he talked more openly with me now, he even smiled a bit too! I had only seen Boromir once at the feast but didn't speak to him, but at first glance he had a very proud stance that simply spelled arrogance but then again, he had a warm friendly smile that reached his green eyes. I don't know what to say about Gimli other than that he was pretty opinionated, especially when it came to Elves and voiced it quite loudly, but he was loyal and friendly, I could tell as well as having a side-splitting sense of humour. Then I thought about Legolas, he confused me to be honest. I didn't know what to think about him and usually I'm very good at the whole "reading people" thing, first impressions are everything and all but I still wasn't sure whether or not I had my proper first impression of Legolas. When I first met him he was courteous and charming but when I had seen him briefly at the feast, he seemed cold, almost resentful as I left. I shook my head; I knew he was bad news, like I said before; nothing good could come from someone like that. Forget about him Freya, he's not worth it...
The sun was still pretty low, I hadn't been out for long but already there were already Goosebumps on my exposed arms from the cold. I was about to go back into the room when I noticed two figures on a bridge in the distance. Smiling softly, I recognised them to be Aragorn and Arwen. When I was younger, around fifteen, I always had fantasies about the perfect guy, the perfect scenario, how he would tell me he loved me, how our lives would plan out. It always changed though, the scenario would be different or the declaration, I didn't know what I wanted. All I knew was that I wanted someone who I wasn't afraid to be myself around, who I could trust, someone that made it so that I didn't need to have fantasies, to be loved for real. I was happy for the two of them, Aragorn and Arwen. They matched, nothing complicated about it. They loved each other and that was all that mattered. Sure there was the thing about her being an Elf but really, in the end, love really does conquer all. They deserved it.
Now smiling sadly, knowing that my own fantasies could never come true I went back into the room. They would never happen because I would never let them. It was more trouble than it was worth, all the heart-break and pain to get one moment of bliss would never be worth it. There was nothing more to it so I forgot about it. Like I always did. I walked over to the bed and shoved Chaos out of the way, a much harder thing to do than I had originally thought, even when he was asleep. With him moderately out of the way I slid back into the bed, closing my once again tired eyes. Might as well get some sleep when I can, you'll have loads to do when you wake up next... Following my own advice, I relaxed myself as sleep finally took me again.
I awoke to the sound of barking in my ear. My eyes flying open I instinctively pushed the furry monster who was deafening me away resulting in him losing his grip on the bed and falling in a heap on the ground,
'Chaos!' I yelled in shock as he glared at me from the ground.
Freya! What the hell? Get the hell up! The Council starts in forty fucking minutes! Not my problem that you slept in. C'mon you're late!
I didn't listen as I continued my rant towards him, 'How do you like falling on your ass first thing in the morning, huh? Next time you feel the need to take over the entire bed, you can haul your ass down to the stables and -.' I stopped midsentence, 'Wait, forty minutes? Oh shit, shit, shit!' I hopped out of bed and ran towards the wardrobe, yanking the doors open and stared at the different array of gowns, tunics, outer tunics and leggings.
OK, what is appropriate to wear to one of the most significant events in history? Hmm this is nearly as hard as trying to pick an outfit for a concert. Right, well I can see no jeans, no tank tops, no sweaters and or hoodies... this should be fun...
For the next ten minutes I pulled out every piece of clothing there was in the wardrobe that was actually a lot bigger than I thought. Pulling out a top type thing with a series of strings on the back, I looked in complete bewilderment at it, 'What the fuck is this?'
Chaos just laughed.
Throwing it away I came across a simple dark purple gown, a bit too girly for me but not as much as that embroidered pink one I came across a few minutes ago. The purple was nice too, as was the floral design on the inner dress, the base of which was a much paler purple with vines creeping up the front. The inner dress was coated by a thicker, darker purple dress that covered the inner one like a coat. The outer dress was arm length which fell longer than the actual length of my arms making it look very... medieval. The bodice was laced with similar vines covering it.
Five minutes Freya! Called Chaos panicked.
'Alright, just a sec!' I yelled back as I ran a comb through my tangled hair, nearly reefing the head off of me in the process.
We don't have a sec Freya! We're late!
I looked around, in case I forgot anything and then ran past Chaos while trying to pull on a pair of boots that just didn't go with the outfit but then again desperate times called for desperate measures. I skidded down hallways, bumped into a few people before I realised that I had absolutely no idea where we were going. Panting, I looked around the garden Chaos and I were standing in before I saw a small hobbit running in confusion as well. Going up to Frodo, I placed a hand gently on his shoulder causing him to jump. I just chuckled, 'You lost too?'
Relieved that it was me he grinned, 'This place is too big for a hobbit, I can hardly see over the walls in the garden.'
I laughed, 'Well we can be lost together, c'mon, we'll find our way eventually.'
I started walking in any given direction with Frodo by my side.
'Just to let you know Freya,' Frodo said, 'you look really lovely.'
I smiled and gave him a small half hug, 'Trust me, when you see the Lady Arwen, then you'll know what lovely really is.'
'But I have seen her, and you are just as lovely.' He concluded, determined.
I chuckled softly, 'You're too nice Frodo, you know that? You want to make everyone feel important. But don't forget to look out for yourself too, promise me?'
He looked slightly bewildered, 'I promise, Freya.'
After about ten minutes of walking aimlessly, just talking, we came across a circle of beings, all of whom were looking at us with stern expressions. I could easily pick out Gandalf and Elrond as well as Aragorn, Boromir, Gimli and Legolas. I looked around and caught the eye of Samwise Gamgee as he look on from behind a tall plant. He seemed shocked that I'd seen him but I just winked and put my finger to my mouth in a "shh" way.
'Frodo! Freya! Where have you been? The Council was supposed to start twenty minutes ago!' exasperated Lord Elrond as he gave me a stern look. Bowing my head, thinking it wise not to start a fight, I took my seat to the right of Frodo, and Chaos sat beside me. We were all gathered in a semi-circle around a stone pedestal. Giving me one last look, Elrond began,
'Strangers from distant lands, friends of old. You have been summoned to answer the threat of Mordor.' Tension filled the air, 'Middle Earth stands upon 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.'
We all looked around the semi-circle, judgemental eyes roamed and met. Old enemies glared and others looked distressed. I tried my best to keep a sombre expression but I know I must have shown some fear.
'Bring forth the Ring, Frodo.' Elrond concluded gesturing towards the pedestal.
Frodo looked up fearfully at me; I gave his hand a light squeeze and a soft smile. I felt all eyes, especially an intense pair of blue eyes on us. Nodding, Frodo arose from his seat slowly and walked over to the pedestal, hesitating as he placed the Ring in the centre of the stone table. Looking around awkwardly he made his way back to his seat, a look of relief evident of his face as he relaxed back in his seat. Turning my attention back to the Ring I felt the same pull and desire to take it for my own. It was captivating. In the shadow of my mind I knew it was evil, but right now all I could see was its beauty.
Then I heard a chant so vile, so disgusting that it drew me out of my trance and look upon the Ring for what it was,
Ash nazg durbatulûk, ash nazg gimbatul,
Ash nazg thrakatulûk, agh burzum ishi krimpatul.
Thunder rolled and the earth shook, black clouds shrouding the sunlight as Gandalf uttered the Black Speech powerfully as Elves, Dwarves and men alike shuddered at the sound. After what felt like an eternity the voice of the Ring died down. There was a shocked silence as people took their seats, too speechless to say anything. After a moment Elrond looked upon Gandalf with such a look, it would have curdled milk,
'Never before has any voice uttered the words of that tongue here in Imladris!' Elrond rebuked.
'I do not ask your pardon, Master Elrond, for the Black Speech of Mordor may yet be heard in every corner of the West! That Ring is altogether evil!' he claimed, his voice raspy from the force of the words and language, with a last scathing look at Boromir.
But it appeared as though Boromir was unperturbed, 'It is a gift. 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!' Boromir proclaimed as he paced around the semi-circle.
I was getting pretty pissed at this point, doesn't he get it? The Ring is evil! It can't be used by anyone besides Sauron...
Aragorn voiced my opinion, 'You cannot wield it! None of us can. The One Ring answers to Sauron alone. It has no other master.'
Boromir turned impatiently towards Aragorn, 'And what would a ranger know of this matter?'
It was then that Legolas rose angrily speaking for the first time, 'This is no mere ranger, he is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance.' I was surprised at the force in Legolas' voice, it was so much different than the way he spoke to me. The way he spoke now was full of authority and vigour; it was hard not to listen to him. When he spoke to me, it was softer, quieter. But after his strange attitude at the feast, I wasn't surprised at his rough tone. Still, it was strange to see. I wasn't sure what to make of him at all.
It was then that Gimli struck the Ring with his axe but all that resulted in was Gimli being thrown in the air and landing on his back with a look of complete shock masking his face as the remains f his axe lay scattered around the pedestal, while the Ring remained unscathed. My head snapped to Frodo as he jolted as the axe struck the Ring and looked like a terrible headache had just hit him. Worriedly I placed a hand on his shoulder. Elrond continued to speak, no doubt about how the Ring has to be destroyed and how one of us would have to do it but all I was concerned about was Frodo, 'Are you OK?' I whispered to him.
It was then that commotion broke out, everyone was on their feet and yelling at each other which in turn was distressing Frodo more and more. I was angry now, angry at all of them. Standing up, I stormed into the thicket of the argument. Pushing Gandalf and Boromir away from each other, I gave both death stares to shut up as I did with Legolas and Gimli, both shocked to the core that I had pushed them,
'OK listen up you crazy ass sons of bitches!' that shut them up, 'What the fuck are you doing fighting? How is this going to solve anything, if we fight then Sauron has already won! I don't get pissed often but you guys are acting like a bunch of toddlers fighting over who plays with the toy truck next! So sit your asses down and get a fucking grip!' I yelled at them, meeting their eyes until they looked away, ah the beauty of having an intense stare. Though everyone still stood, there was silence until I heard a small voice,
'I will take the Ring to Mordor.' Turning, we all saw Frodo come towards us with Chaos by his side.
'I will take the Ring to Mordor, though I do not know the way.'
'I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins, as long as it is yours to bear' said Gandalf, placing a hand on his shoulder.
'If by my life or death, I can protect you, I will.' Said Aragorn rising from his seat, 'You have my sword.'
'And you have my bow.' commented Legolas as he stood beside Gandalf.
'And my axe,' grumbled Gimli.
Everyone turned to Boromir as he walked over, '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 smiled as he took his place with the others. I looked at the bush where Sam was hiding and gave him a knowing nod,
'Mr. Frodo is not goin' anywhere without me!' he shouted as he ran from his hiding place behind the plant.
'No indeed, it is hardly possible to separate you even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not.' Elrond commented, amused.
He was not so amused when two other hobbits ran towards the growing group,
'Wait! We are coming too!' called Merry as the two ran forward, 'You'd have to send us home tied up in a sack to stop us!' he continued taking his place beside Frodo.
' Anyway you need people of intelligence on this sort of mission, quest... thing.' Pippin put in.
'Well that rules you out Pip.' Merry muttered to a gullible Pippin.
Musing, Elrond looked upon the nine, 'Nine companions, so be-'
'Hold it!' I called, 'Ten. Ten companions. I didn't think you needed a speech to know that I was going.'
There was silence as everyone looked at me then Elrond said matter-of-factly, 'Freya, you are not going.'
Speechless, I looked around at everyone for backup. It appeared they were on my side but didn't speak except for one,
'Lord Elrond is right, it would not be wise to bring a female.' I looked in abhorrence at Legolas but he wouldn't meet my eye.
'Excuse me?' I said, venom leaking off of my words, 'Who are you to tell me whether or not I can go, it's not your decision!'
'Legolas speaks the truth; a female will just slow the rest down. Besides, the idea of nine is to counter the nine Ringwraiths. Ten of eleven if you think of bringing the wolf would defeat the purpose and a smaller party is better.' Elrond concluded.
I was disgusted to say the least, 'Oh no way you're pulling that gender thing on me! I don't care if I'm a woman, I'm going end of story! You can't make me stay! Anyway,' I said as I made my way up to the hobbits, picking up Pippin as I went along. I put him on Merry's shoulders while still holding him, 'Hobbits only count for half so for every two Hobbits, it counts for one Wraith, so, if my math is correct that leaves two openings.' I smiled and pointed at me and Chaos, while Chaos gave a big grin. It didn't faze Elrond, 'If I were even to consider sending two more people it would be Glorfindel and another skilled warrior, not a female without any experience!'
'Lord Elrond,' Gandalf interrupted, 'I don't think it would be wise to keep Freya here, she could be helpful as could Chaos, he could be quite useful in battle.'
I nodded, 'I know I have no experience but I'm sure I can learn in the remaining time, at least enough to defend myself. Face it,' I said giving Legolas a quick glare from over my shoulder, he just stared at me with his crystal eyes, a frustrated look on his beautiful face, 'I'm going whether you want me to or not. I'll find a way to go, no matter what you do.' I said forcefully.
Elrond looked torn, 'Well...'
'My Lord!' Legolas said surprised, 'You know as well as I do that bringing a woman is forfeiting this quest!'
'OK, Legolas don't take this the wrong way, but shut the fuck up!' I yelled at him.
Gimli laughed heartedly, 'I say she goes! We'll always be entertained if anything!'
Aragorn smiled, 'I agree, Freya should come, I trust her. I'll even train with her until we leave.'
Frodo spoke up, 'I don't go anywhere without Freya, if she doesn't go, then I don't.'
It was final then, Elrond couldn't fight everyone so grudgingly, he agreed to our terms. I breathed a sigh of relief as I gave Chaos and Frodo a smile.
I felt a tap on my shoulder. Turning, I saw Boromir bow low to me, 'Milady, tis an honour. I don't think we've properly met. I am Boromir, eldest son of Denathor, Steward of Gondor.'
I smiled, 'Unless you count my little rant at all of you guys a few minutes ago? Ha-ha.'
He laughed with me, 'Yes, I must say it took me by surprise that you did that. All the ladies I've met have never said a word without being spoken to first. You're different, tell me, where are you from? I do not recognise your accent.'
'It's Irish but I'm from somewhere pretty far from here. You wouldn't know it.'
Nodding, but not looking fully convinced, he bowed again, 'It was nice to meet you milady and I would be happy to train with you also, the hobbits want to learn too so perhaps sometime?'
I nodded and he left to talk to one of his advisors.
It was about an hour later when we started to file out of the gathering area. As I walked through one of the many gardens to get ready for dinner a strong hand grabbed my upper arm and dragged me into a dark corner. Suddenly, I was looking into the azure eyes of a very angry Legolas,
'What are you doing joining the Fellowship, Freya?' he hissed.
Yanking my arm back I glared at him heatedly, 'What's it to you? One second you act like my friend and the next it's as if I'm some disgusting rodent that needs exterminating!' I couldn't help but notice the closeness of our bodies.
'That's not an answer Freya, why are you coming? What do you want? What are you?'
'Are you pissed because I sat with the dwarves and not the Elves? Did I taint your precious pride?'
'Oh you think this is about that blasted feast? I know you talk to that wolf. How can you be a whisperer in this day and age and WHY are you here? WHAT are you? I don't trust anything I don't know so having you coming is not going to work for me.'
Whisperer, someone had called me that before but I was too angry to think who, 'Look, I don't know what you're on about but you can shove it OK? I don't give a damn what you think and even if I did know something why would I tell you?'
Pulling away from his conceited, angry form, I shook my head at him once and walked away,
Nothing good can come from him... boy was I right, I thought as I stalked towards the entrance that led to my room leaving a very irritated and fuming Legolas who looked after me before walking into the woods...
So? Was it any good? I wanted to make this as different as possible to other fics so please please PLEASE review and tell me what you thought XD
