Happy reading! I do not own Tolkien's work and don't make money from this.

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The sight that greeted her had her mouth hanging open and her eyes wide. A man was sitting calmly in the viewing area. It was he who had spoken.

'Josh?!' her mind buzzed for a moment. Before she could panic, his words filtered through her jumbled brain. 'He doesn't talk like that.' She closed her mouth and examined him more closely. At first glance he resembled her husband greatly. The shape of his face, his colorations, and his heavy 12-oclock shadow were what tricked her, along with the confident set of his broad muscular shoulders. On closer inspection she realized his eyes were a steely grey instead of warm chocolate brown like Josh's… and he smiled differently.

"Hello…my lord." She began hesitantly, "May I ask to whom I have the pleasure of speaking?" She sheathed her sword with hands that only slightly shook as she watched him stand and approach down the steps. Nicole was proud of herself. She'd scraped her composure off the ground mostly intact, if you considered the fact that two seconds ago she thought she might pass out from surprise.

As he moved closer she noted he was also significantly taller than her husband. She saw a white tree emblazoned on the front of his tunic. 'Ahh' now she knew who it was. What a coincidence.

In a few long strides he stopped before her and bowed deeply. "I am Boromir of Minas Tirith." He stood and waited for her response. Nicole smiled politely and bowed back. "My name is Nicole" she said simply. When she met his eyes a charming smile spread across his face. "When I arrived today I was not expecting to discover such beauty. Tell me… are you Lord Elrond's daughter?"

Nicole snorted. "Thank you for the shameless flattery, but lady Arwen is unmistakable. If you saw her you would laugh at how far she surpasses me."

His eyebrows rose up, "Truly? Do all elf maidens have such arresting eyes?" He leaned closer. "They are quite breathtaking."

Nicole fought the urge to roll her eyes. She smirked "Thank you my lord, I had not been told yet today. I thought they had become some dull uninteresting color."

Boromir threw his head back and laughed. "But of course you would have heard such a compliment before." He chuckled. "I was in need of a way to pass the time before my business here could be resolved, so I came here. I was greatly surprised to see a she-elf with such skill."

Nicole raised her eyebrows at the back handed compliment, but took it at face value. "Thank you lord Boromir. My skill is borne both from necessity and enjoyment of the art."

Now he looked surprised. "What necessity could you have here? Surely you are well protected."

Nicole shot him an irritated glance as she began walking up the steps. "Not for much longer, I'm afraid." Her tone came out slightly bitter.

Boromir hurried to walk at her side. "What is your meaning?" he asked in concern.

"What I mean…" she paused, searching for an answer that didn't involve time travel or semi-conscious evil rings, "is that soon nowhere will be safe and all will have to fight to defend themselves."

Boromir was quiet for a few moments as they reached the top of the steps and continued down the hall.

"I understand your reasoning lady Nicole." He said seriously. "It is in part why I have come seeking the council of Lord Elrond Peredhil." But then he sent her a dashing smile. "Fear not, one such as you will never be short of protectors."

"I have a growing list if you'd like to sign up." Nicole said wryly. Inwardly she scowled.

Boromir laughed again. "My lady, I had taken you for the modest type. I see I was mistaken."

Nicole pushed away her thoughts "Oh I love compliments, the more flowery the better." "Modesty isn't much fun." she smiled playfully at Boromir.

As they turned the final corner to her room, Nicole saw the object of her ire stand up tall from where he'd been leaning his elbows on the railing that bordered the courtyard.

"In that case I would like to point out…" He stopped speaking when the lady beside him tensed suddenly. It was impossible for the steward's son to miss the sudden flush in Nicole's face and how she cast her eyes downward. He looked about quickly, wondering at the source of her agitation. His eyes settled quickly on the lithe form of the prince.

The pair slowed to a stop in front of the ellon and there was an awkward silence while the two males sized each other up and waited for introductions. Nicole was desperately trying to gather her wits from where they'd melted on the floor. She cleared her throat nervously.

"Ah… Lord Boromir, this is Prince Legolas of Eryn Lasgalen." She turned to address Legolas, keeping her eyes at the level of his chest. "This is Lord Boromir of Minas Tirith. He is the eldest son of the steward."

Legolas nodded imperiously. "Well met."

Boromir bowed very slightly. "Well met," he echoed back.

There was another awkward pause.

Boromir turned to Nicole and spoke. "My lady, I am in short supply of friends in this city. Would you mind if I accompanied you to the evening meal?" His eyes flickered momentarily to Legolas' disapproving gaze. "That is if you do not already have plans."

"I do not. Thank you." Nicole's ears were burning. She shuffled her feet and fought the overwhelming urge to look either up at Legolas like a lost puppy or run away with her tail between her legs.

He smiled, "Then I will meet you here in an hour's time."

"mmhmm" Nicole affirmed distractedly.

Boromir nodded once to the dark haired elf and spun on his heel, heading back down the hall.

Nicole swallowed a lump in her throat.

"I need to speak with you." Came Legolas' voice in a surprisingly soft tone.

"Oh?" Nicole stared determinedly at her feet.

"I…should not have spoken to you so harshly before…I am sorry."

Her wide eyes jumped to his face. His expression was one of sincere apology. Inwardly, she felt all her anxiety from the past two days melt away. "I'm sorry too…for yelling…and for ah…pushing you." She tilted her head shyly and looked up at him from under her lashes. "You must have been worried about me."

"I was" he said seriously. He released a breath. "Well" he smiled tiredly. "I'm glad we are friends again."

"I never stopped being your friend." Nicole shook her head with a smile. "Don't worry about that. It's pretty hard to push me that far." She took his hand and squeezed it briefly before turning back around and reaching for the latch of her door.

"I have something else that I need to speak with you about." There was a strange note in his voice that she couldn't place.

Nicole opened her door and stood in the frame facing her taller friend with an open smile, "Alright… but I don't want to be rude to Boromir by making him wait. Is it urgent?"

"It can wait until tomorrow." She didn't miss the frown that creased his eyebrows when she said Boromir's name.

"Alright" Nicole's eyes flickered over his face in doubt, "I'll see you later."

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Legolas aimlessly walked away from Nicole's door. When he'd agreed to do this he hadn't realized how hard it would be. He wished he could feel that this was the right thing to do, but if it meant any measure of protection...

He meandered his way to a wide open terrace that looked over the wooded mountainside. The stars were shining in full glory. The sight soothed him somewhat, but the uneasiness stayed there in the back of his mind. As he moved to stand at the edge overlooking the forest he noticed with mild surprise that he was not the only one there. Maybe twenty paces from him facing the rising moon stood a couple wrapped in a loose embrace as they watched the night sky. If he listened he could hear soft murmuring voices, but not words. When the two turned to face each other, he realized who they were. Their profile's connected in a chaste kiss. He suddenly felt his intrusion and turned to leave them in privacy before they realized his presence.

"Legolas?" came a soft feminine lilt. There was more whispering. Then he heard near silent footsteps coming his way.

He stopped and turned halfway to see the dark haired elleth approaching. She glowed brightly under the light of the stars and Legolas couldn't help a wistful smile at the happiness she so clearly reflected.

"I am sorry Lady Arwen. If I had realized you were here...I would not have-"

"Do not trouble yourself mellon." she smiled. "I would have been missed shortly in any case. I need to make an appearance at the hall tonight." She looked back behind her with a smile, "besides, I think you have greater need of Aragorn's attention tonight."

Legolas nodded. "You are probably right, as always."

She laughed. "Do not be so serious. It does not suit you at all."

He dragged up a reassuring smile for his friend. By the look she gave him, she didn't believe it at all. "Speak with him." were her parting words, before she glided away.

Legolas looked towards where his friend stood outlined by the moonlight and walked slowly to stand beside him. Perhaps Aragorn could help him see things more clearly.

"Friend, why are you seeking solitude? Does the council tomorrow weigh on your mind?" came the voice of the ranger.

"You have always been wise beyond your years Aragorn, but you were there two days ago...and heard all that was discussed. I...I do not know how to tell her this. She would never agree without knowing all the facts...and even then…" He stopped and shook his head.

"Then tell the full truth," responded Aragorn. He was amazed at the change in his friend. The elf had always seemed carefree before this. Even with all his battle experience and suffering the slow creeping evil consuming his homeland, he remained much like the first innocent elves of the first age. At least, that is how Aragorn always pictured him.

Legolas continued to shake his head.

"Why is this not an option?" Aragorn's eyebrows creased.

"She... would be grieving...distracted. It would make her weak. There is no time for that now. At least if she has hope and is angry... she will fight to survive" he trailed off. "at least that is how I see it."

"You have a difficult choice to make...and soon. The council is where-"

"I know that!" the words were sharper than he'd intended.

Aragorn fell silent. He watched his friend with somber grey eyes.

"I'm sorry friend..." He looked sideways at Aragorn. "I just wish I could think of a way that would allow..."

"friendship?" supplied his friend softly.

Legolas nodded woodenly.

"I think that you will need more than that in the end, if you choose to do as you stated earlier."

Legolas' eyes rose to meet his, in them Aragorn saw the crushing depths of the sea. He had never seen pain like this in the elf before. He wanted to offer his friend comfort in that moment, but there was none to be given. Legolas had two choices... There was little question of which one he would follow. The ranger could only hope that the elleth involved would be understanding beyond her years and have mercy on his friend.

Nicole awoke the next morning feeling refreshed. It was a good day. She was on speaking terms with all her friends and didn't even mind that the council would be held today. If she remembered correctly from the book, it was dreadfully long and boring. She'd have to pack a lunch or some snacks for herself, Sam, and Frodo. She woke early and headed over to the healing houses to begin looking through the stock of herbs. She was fairly sure that with all they'd been using on Frodo's wound, that she would need to harvest more soon. She found that she was right in her assumption after sifting carefully through all the shelves and drawers. When she stepped out into the herb garden she was surprised to see the distinctive dark curls of Frodo rising just above the back of a bench that faced east. She'd thought he would still be sleeping in his room where he'd relocated yesterday.

"Good morning Frodo" she said from behind him as she drew close.

He turned his head quickly in surprise. "Oh!... I didn't hear you." he said bashfully.

"Sorry" said Nicole sincerely. "I hate it when everyone does that to me. I wasn't thinking."

"Don't worry about it, "he responded easily, "Will you join me? I am watching the sun rise."

"Of course." She sat next to him and relaxed against the bench. "I am in no hurry. I only need to gather a few herbs." She looked at him. "How is your shoulder today?"

"Sore."

She laughed. "I knew that. Does it still feel cold?"

"Yes...Lord Elrond said that it might always feel different."

"Hmm" Nicole's thoughts went back to her encounter with the wraith in Frodo's mind. "Frodo...Do you remember anything from before you woke?" She wasn't sure she should be asking this, but the curiosity had been eating at her for days.

Frodo's thoughtful hazel eyes looked at her, "Not much...I remember the terrible cold and dark..." he shuddered, "a bright light... and your voice also." His eyes narrowed in concentration. "You were singing I think."

"I thought you remembered something" said Nicole. "You knew my name when you woke." She faced the mountainside again. "It's probably good you don't recall all the details," she mumbled to herself, thinking of her reckless sprint across his mind-scape. After briefly complimenting her on her bravery Elrohir had thoroughly chastised her. She hadn't been prepared, but Frodo was here in one piece. She glanced at his cherubic face, so adult and yet so innocent. It was hard to believe he was actually several years her senior. Maybe he wouldn't have been so fortunate if she hadn't found him. She frowned, but if that was her sole purpose in coming here, she wouldn't need to accompany the fellowship. Nicole sighed.

"Is something bothering you?" She met Frodo's strangely perceptive gaze. Sunlight from the first rays of the dawn fell across his face, setting it half in shadow.

"No…no" she said, not wanting to trouble the already burdened hobbit with her worries. He was highly intelligent, and had probably already worried endlessly what might happen to him and the ring he carried. She fixed a smile on her face. "Are you hungry?"

"No." he said in that soft way of his.

Nicole smiled slyly. "Truly? I thought hobbits were always hungry."

He laughed. "You have met my cousins then."

Her smile widened "Yes I have."

"Master Frodo?" came a hesitant voice from far behind them. Nicole and Frodo turned to look. Framed in the entranceway of the healing house was Samwise blinking and shading his eyes with one hand and holding a plate piled high with a large variety of foods. When his eyes adjusted he spotted them and smiled shyly while moving to join them.

"Pardon me miss Nicole, but I've brought Mister Frodo a plate of breakfast. Lord Elrond told me he needed to eat, he did, in order to keep up his strength."

Nicole scooted over and patted the place between her and Frodo. "Please sit Sam. We would love your company." She shared a fond smile with Frodo. "I guess you'll be eating after all Master Frodo. Doctor's orders."

"Come on then Sam. I'll share it with you."

The blond hobbit hurried forward to sit between them. They picked at the food until it was all gone.

'Not hungry huh?' thought Nicole with some humor.

A distant bell rang twice.

Nicole frowned, her eyebrows scrunching together.

"That is the bell to signal the council," said a voice just behind them. Nicole sucked in a breath and placed a hand to her quickly beating heart. She aimed a glare over her shoulder.

Elladan smirked at her. "Pay attention." He said simply with a smirk. "There are a few minutes before it starts"

She harrumphed indignantly, "You should make more noise when you walk up behind people. It's rude to surprise innocent maidens."

He made a show of looking about. "Strange…I don't see any of those here."

Frodo chuckled and Sam spoke up eagerly, "Miss Nicole is too a lady!" he said in her defense.

Nicole didn't point out that had not exactly been the correct response to Elladan's perceived insult. "Thank you Sam," she smiled down at him. "You are very gallant." She cast a wry glance back at Elladan, "unlike some."

"I am sorry for insulting the lady." Said Elladan with a poorly hidden smile and a bow of his head. "Nicole, you should go and get something to eat. The council is likely to be long winded." He looked at Sam and Frodo. "We wouldn't want the lady to swoon from hunger."

"In that case," said Nicole while rolling her eyes, "you'd better eat too." She stood and moved away from the bench. Her jibe was rewarded by the soft laughter of Frodo.

Nicole looked back at the hobbits with humor still twinkling in her eyes. "You two coming?"

"Not just yet Lady Nicole," said Frodo pleasantly. "I had a mind to take a walk." He gestured towards a dewy, rock strewn path leading away from the healing halls. Nicole knew from experience that it meandered along the rock face of the mountains and contained lots of beautiful scenery and wildflowers even at this time of year.

There was an air of anticipation. She felt it as they moved quickly along the halls. Nicole saw that the dwarves and Boromir were also grabbing a last minute breakfast. Elladan cautioned her not to be late as he moved off down the hall. She shook her head at his retreating figure and then looked back at Boromir. Still feeling light-hearted despite the coming council, Nicole waved and greeted the warrior.

"Good Morning Boromir. Are you headed to the council as well?" She said by way of greeting as she approached.

He turned to her with raised brows and a plate of food in his hand. She'd blinked at it. She'd forgotten the sheer volume men could eat in one sitting.

"You are attending?" His words pulled her attention back to his face.

Nicole sighed. What wouldn't she give for more legendary fictional characters to tell her she should keep out of men's business.

"Yes, though I can think of far more pleasant ways to spend my time," said Nicole.

"I gather you do not wish to attend," he surmised.

"No" said Nicole letting out a breath. She eyed the food with a smirk. "You will get fat eating so much." She teased.

Boromir looked shocked for a moment.

"I have just spent over 3 months foraging in the wilderness traveling here," he said defensively.

Nicole tried and failed to smother her smile which grew into a grin. "Oh, of course. Forgive my rudeness. You do look rather frail…"

"Hmmph" he stepped around her and moved to one of the tables. Nicole trailed behind him. "I suppose you must not be so very good at foraging to become thin."

"You infuriating elf!" he burst out sending Nicole into a fit of giggles. "Men cannot live off of greens and sunlight like elves. Out in the wild there is naught but roots, berries, and small game. It is natural to become lean." He stopped his little speech and eyed the laughing elleth sitting across from him. "You are teasing me." He stated.

Nicole gasped and placed a hand dramatically to her chest. "Me? Certainly not." She reached across the table and plucked a roll from his pile of food. He watched her for a moment, his expression warring between amusement and irritation. They ate in silence for a few moments. When Nicole finished the stolen roll she leaned forward and rested her chin in her hands.

"Tell me, what is it like growing up in the white city?" she asked curiously. "I have never been there and I would like to hear stories."

Boromir paused with his fork halfway to his mouth. "But you are from the south of Gondor. Did you not pass through it in your journey here?"

Nicole smiled softly. "My journey here was long and confusing. I was lost at one point. I did not pass through there, or even see it from a distance."

"That is a shame" he continued eating. "I will show you the city when a time of peace comes." He smiled kindly at her.

She stifled the sadness that rose when she thought of his fate. That combined with his looking so much like Josh nearly brought tears to her eyes. She shook her head suddenly to clear it of the dark thoughts.

"What of your family? I hear you have a brother," she said, changing the subject.

Boromir finished his meal and stood. He brushed the crumbs from his hands. As they walked towards the exit he offered her an arm. "I will tell you of my family as we walk to the council area."

Nicole smiled and nodded eagerly.

"My mother died when I was only 10 years old, but I remember how beautiful and kind she was." He smiled. "She doted on my brother Faramir and I believe he is much like her."

"How so?" said Nicole looking up into Boromir's achingly familiar face. He was looking ahead as they walked, but his eyes were unfocused, as if seeing the events of the past.

"Hmm, I have never put words to it before… Faramir is a deep thinker. Where I would rush in, he would stand back and plan the best course. I admire him, but I am more like my father."

"You are your father's favorite then." Stated Nicole. If she had not figured it out from his speech, then she remembered from the books how his death had driven the steward over the edge of sanity.

"Yes…" Boromir's eyebrows pushed together in a troubled expression.

Nicole smiled suddenly. "Well my mother used to tell each of my brothers and I when we were alone with her that we were the favorite child in the room."

Boromir laughed and Nicole laughed with him for a moment. "You have four brothers right?" Did you not quarrel often? I know not how it is with young elves."

"Oh yes we argued, but far less than others. I rather like the company of my brothers. People outside our family often think we are strange, but when I am with my family I feel normal and cherished. "

"Then you are lucky." Said Boromir with a sad smile. "Though I am my father's favorite. He has become colder since the passing of my mother. And his approval is shown often in reprimand and additional duties."

"Perhaps he should marry again," said Nicole. "It would remove his mind from grim matters and give him a focus other than the two of you."

"What strange advice!" cried Boromir looking at her as if he had not seen her before that moment.

"But it makes sense, don't you think? Could he not find love again?"

"You are a romantic soul I think," he said quietly when they stopped outside the doors to the council area. "But my father would never let anyone get so close to him again. I believe that part of him died with my mother."

Her response was interrupted by the familiar tenor of her friend. "Lady Nicole."

Nicole and Boromir turned to see Legolas dressed in earthy green and brown. "I would like to speak to you now before the start of the council. He said seriously.

"No problem." She bowed her head to Boromir. "Thank you for walking with me and for the interesting conversation." She said kindly.

The man nodded back and cast a suspicious look over at the prince, before heading into the council area.

The prince smiled, "Walk with me." He said.

"Only because you asked so nicely." She gave him a half smile and followed. They moved back down the hall to where a balcony opened up and a fresh breeze blew in from the line of the Misty Mountains.

"Ah, Nicole. I have something for you." Legolas glanced quickly at the elleth who stepped up to the railing of the balcony beside him.

She smiled excitedly. "Really? What? I love surprises!" Her eyes sparkled up at his profile.

"Give me your hand" he said seriously. Curiosity filled her expression as she held out her left hand palm up.

"The other one"

"OK…" she laughed and shook her head. "You are acting so strange." She commented as she offered her other hand. He took her hand in his and turned it over. Then he slid a cool weight over her forefinger with his other hand.

Surprise filled her as she looked down to see a sparkling thick banded ring that looked to be made of bright silver in a design of ornate leaves and vines. They twisted around a large dark green stone. While beautiful, it looked decidedly masculine.

"Ah…" Nicole stared at it speechless. "I…I…don't. I can't take this." She said incredulously. She peered up at her friend with narrowed eyes. "I've seen you wear it. Did you have it sized to fit me?"

"…" His appearance was like an unruffled pool, which disconcerted Nicole for some reason. She looked back down at her hand.

"Forgive me but…where I come from rings like this are only given to declare…. a serious intention." There was a long moment of silence, in which Nicole almost began panicking, when he finally spoke.

"It is a sign that you are under my protection," he said. "Any who recognize it will realize this."

"Oh…Thank you." She shook her head. "I still feel uncomfortable…"

"Why?" said the prince with a strange note in his voice.

"Because…because it is so expensive. What if I break it… or lose it?"

He relaxed, "That is not likely."

"Why not?" Nicole was examining the ring closely.

"Because it is made of mithril…and there is a spell on it to keep it from being removed unless I remove it myself."

"Mithril" her jaw popped open and she looked at it with new eyes, "but it must cost a fortune." Her eyebrows pushed together. "Have you had it a long time?"

"It was my grandfather's."

"So…" she fisted her other hand and placed it on her hip, still staring at the ring. "What you are telling me is that you are giving me a priceless, magical family heirloom for an indefinite amount of time." Experimentally, she pulled at the ring, and was surprised when it slid easily off her finger. "Uh…It doesn't seem to be working." She held it up apologetically.

He plucked it from her hand and placed it back on her finger. "You must accept my offer," he said evenly.

"Your offer," Nicole repeated dumbly. She stared him blankly for a moment. A ridiculous thought flitted through her mind, but she refused to acknowledge it. Her internal voice piped up, 'he's offering you protection you dingbat!'

"Right…Yeah sure I accept." She smiled. "Thanks Legolas." She glanced down at the ring in wonder and disbelief. "I feel bad. I should make you a gift or something in return. I'm pretty crafty when I put my mind to it. "

"That won't be necessary." He said wearily and began heading back to the council area.

Nicole frowned as she walked beside him. When she gave a gift to someone that they really liked she did a silly happy dance around her apartment. He looked so…resigned, which didn't make any sense. Yeah protecting someone is a serious responsibility but still…

"Don't worry Legolas" she smiled encouragingly. "As you asked before, I won't deliberately make your job difficult. I'll try to stay safe if I possibly can."

He nodded silently, his eyes unfocused and directed forwards.

'Hm' she thought, 'something else must be bothering him.' His sad countenance bugged her a lot. Legolas was usually a happy person. She took his elbow and walked silently beside him.

They parted ways once they reached the council area. She would have preferred to sit next to him so she could keep an eye on the morose elf, but the only open seats were on the polar opposites of the room. At least she was between Glorfindel and Elladan. Some of the other members of the council looked a little…intimidating. She knew Gimli, Gloin, Aragorn and Boromir, but otherwise. There were far more people here than mentioned in the book. She received some curious looks as she sat and she did her best to ignore them. She sent brief smiles towards Glorfindel and Elladan before sitting.

Once the council began and she sat listening she realized it was nearly word for word as it had been in the book. The difference being that there were quite a few quiet side conversations going on during the long winded history lessons. Nicole did as she was wont when in the presence of those she considered wiser than herself and remained silent. She listened intently to all that was said. Though she couldn't help but glare at Boromir when he suggested using the ring. She felt it was her look, more than Aragorn's response, that silenced him as he stopped speaking the instant he met her irate gaze.

During an explanation of the ring's origins, which Nicole was morbidly fascinated in like one is fascinated with a train wreck, Gandalf did speak the inscription on the ring. He didn't yell it out like in the movies, but simply repeated it. Just that was enough to bring a cringe to her face and make the hairs on the back of her neck rise. It reminded her of how she'd felt when she was inside Frodo's mind… Then again, had he been wearing the ring the whole time? That would explain why he had felt so heavy to her and why she'd felt something watching her. Sauron? She shuddered. She really hoped the ring couldn't somehow communicate to its master. She didn't want the attention of that deceiver focused on her.

Hours later when it was finally time to decide who would take the ring to its destruction, Nicole smiled fondly at Bilbo when he offered to do the honors. She wondered what the ring might try to tempt her with as she watched Frodo from the corner of her eye to see when he would give in and offer to take it. Well, she'd try to avoid touching the ring if she could. She sighed and silently agreed with Bilbo's complaint about missing lunch. She glanced back at Sam who was standing forgotten in the corner with the glow of the afternoon sun shining on his round face. He was looking out over the view with its many waterfalls glistening endlessly down into the deep of the valley of Rivendell. He seemed uninterested in the council. She smiled when she heard his stomach grumbling. She heartily agreed. She reached down into a small satchel she'd brought that was filled with apples, cheese, and several rolls.

"Psst Sam" she said just loud enough for the hobbit to hear. No doubt all the elves heard her too, but she didn't care. If they didn't want anyone disrupting their fancy meeting with the crunching of apples they should've ended it hours ago or scheduled a break for food. The hobbit looked up hopefully and Nicole winked at him before tossing him an apple. She grinned at his quiet bashful thanks before tearing into a roll herself. She would throw one to Bilbo too if she thought his sight was still good enough to catch it, but she didn't want to start throwing food down the middle of the room where everyone was watching one another. She giggled at the thought of projectile food bouncing off the head of some important dignitary.

"I will take the ring" said Frodo. "Though I do not know the way."

'Ahhh, finally.' Nicole continued eating. 'What a relief.' She reached down to rummage in her bag for a piece of cheese. She'd share it with Sam too.

Sam jumped up, his half eaten apple still in his hand. "But you won't send him off alone surely, Master?"

"No Indeed" Elrond turned to look at Sam in his corner behind Nicole's chair. "You and Nicole shall go with him."

Nicole froze where she was bent over and looked up at the Peredhil slowly. She was normally too afraid of Elrond to glare, but she did it now. Did he have to announce it like that? Couldn't Nicole go silently along and be ignored to do whatever duty was expected of her. She released her hold on the wedge of cheese and sat up slowly, extremely conscious of the looks directed her way by all the most influential people in Middle Earth. She thought she might puke and fought the urge to shout 'What?!' and cover her face with her hands. There was a five second pause.

"But she is a woman," said someone in the crowd. Nicole was staring fixedly at the ring on her hand. "You noticed." She muttered sarcastically to herself.

Beside her Glorfindel clucked his tongue at her in reprimand. She saw Elladan shift in his seat uncomfortably.

"What family would allow their daughter on such a journey?" Said Gloin in disapproval.

Nicole scowled. "I am alone currently Master Gloin, and I speak for myself," she clenched her jaw.

"Nicole has a great deal to contribute to this quest. She is a skilled healer and is capable of defending herself… and," he paused. "She has knowledge that will be useful."

The privilege of having been given a compliment by Lord Elrond was soured by the negative attention she was receiving now.

"Still this quest is no place for such a gentle lady," said Boromir. "It would not do to always be worried for her welfare as well as that of the ring bearer."

There was a murmur of agreement to this statement. Finally, she saw the familiar form of her handsome friend stand reluctantly from his seat. She looked up at him hopefully. If anyone could turn this into something positive, it was him. She offered him an encouraging smile.

He met her eyes solemnly as he opened his mouth to speak. Doubt caused her smile to drop slowly from her face.

"I will speak for Lady Nicole." He began. The words sounded forceful, like he'd practiced them quite a few times, "As her betrothed I give her leave to be part of the quest… and I will accompany and protect both her and the ring bearer." He sat back down. Nicole felt the blood leaving her face. 'Why wasn't he looking at her? It's a joke…it has to be... Her eyes flashed from him to Elrond to Gandalf.' But no one was laughing.

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Drama! I love it! What reason could they possibly have to do something like this!