I own NOTHING but my OCs: Elizabeth, her Father and Draco. Elvish will be in Bold Italics.

Chapter 9: The Council of Elrond

Gandalf, Elrond and I watched Frodo and Sam from the balcony in Elrond's study. It had been a week since we arrived and Frodo had woken only this morning. Now that he had woken, Elrond will have his council. It had been scheduled for late this afternoon but I asked him to make it tomorrow. When I was asked why, I explained that I needed to gain my full True Form and Dragon Form. As a Dragon-Blood I need to attend the Council at full power.

"His strength returns." Elrond stated.

Gandalf shook his head. "That wound will never fully heal. He will carry it the rest of his life." I nodded. "If my powers had been fully accessible before and I had not been distracted by Pippin and Merry crying out from Frodo disappearing so suddenly... I would've not only prevented his injury but also destroyed the Nine before they could do anymore damage." I looked at Elrond. "You do know that the flood you, Arwen and Gandalf conjured only swept them down the river and did nothing more to them then kill their horses, right?"

Elrond nodded glancing at Frodo again before going to pour some wine. "Still, to have come so far, still bearing the Ring, Frodo has shown extraordinary resilience to its evil."

Gandalf shook his head. "It is a burden he should never have had to bear. We can ask no more of Frodo."

Elrond turned and said seriously to the wizard, "Gandalf, the enemy is moving. Sauron's forces are massing in the east– his eye is fixed on Rivendell. And Saruman you tell me has betrayed us." He gave an almost defeated look. "Our list of allies grows thin."

Gandalf faced Elrond. "His treachery runs deeper than you know. By foul craft Saruman has crossed orcs with goblinmen, he's breeding an army in the caverns of Isengard. An army that can move in sunlight and cover great distance at speed." Not taking my eyes off Frodo, I finished his statement. "Saruman is coming for the Ring."

"This evil cannot be concealed by the power of the Elves." Elrond said desperately. "We do not have the strength to fight both Mordor and Isengard!"

Gandalf walked slowly away, in deep thought, me following. Stopping on another balcony, we gaze out over Rivendell.

"Gandalf, the Ring cannot stay here. This peril belongs to all middle earth. They must decide now how to end it."

I half listened to the rest of the conversation as I washed over the Gates. Boromir arrived first. He was clad in red and grey furs with a shield on his back. As he dismounted his horse, he looked up and we made eye contact. I wasn't that fond of the man in the Book and Movie, but I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. I was hoping that maybe I could prevent his death... If he can prove to me he can resist the power of the Ring. Oh, I expect him to scare Frodo into his choice at the Falls but I hope I can save him when he fights to save Merry and Pippin. I smile at him and raise a hand in greeting. He returns the greeting before following an Elf to his new quarters.

Gimli and his family come next and when he locks eyes with me, I smile and place my fist on my heart before pointing said fist towards him. A sign of respect and honor. He laughs loudly along with the others and they all return the gesture before being escorted to their rooms.

I looked towards the Gate and my eyes widened in shock. With everything that had been going on lately I had completely forgotten about Legolas. He and some other Mirkwood Elves rode through the Gate and dismounted their steeds. Legolas' eyes roamed the grounds and I held my breath, praying he wouldn't see me. I tried to move but it felt as if my legs had been glued to the floor. His eyes found me and I watched as his eyes widened and his hand fell over his heart. In my haste to get away from his sight, I did not hear my sleeping inner dragon and my True Form growl out, "Vero Compsgno!" (True Mate!)

As I dashed towards the hallway, I did not notice I had slowly transformed into my True Form. I did not see Legolas' shocked yet awed face when he saw that form. I dashed past Elrond's private library hearing the end of Gandalf and Elrond's conversation.

"There is no strength left in the world of men. They're scattered, divided, leaderless."

"There is one who could unite them, one who could reclaim the throne of Gondor."

"He turned from that path long time ago. He has chosen exile."

I paused hearing that. I lifted my head and said quietly enough to myself so anyone passing would not hear yet loud enough for the two to hear me, "Perhaps he has chosen to follow not to exile or his inheritance. He has chosen the path between: Twilight."

I then took off towards my room. Closing and locking the door behind me I breathed a sigh of relief. I walked to my bed and relaxed. I had to calm down before meeting Master Draco to finally take the final test. I couldn't be distracted by my feelings for the Mirkwood Prince. I needed to get my head and heart in the game for the test.

A knock at my door interrupted my thoughts. I went to the door and said in a low voice, "What is the True Name of the Man I think of as a Father and call Papá?" "Aragorn, Son of Arathorn." I nodded recognizing the voice to be said man. I opened my door and let him in before shutting and locking it. "Was there something you needed Papá? I can't stay long, Master Raxacoricofallapatorius is waiting to begin the Trial of the Dragons-Heart." He sat on the bed and I sat at his feet resting my chin on his legs. He looked at me for a moment then said. "Bambina, you ran so quickly here to your room one would think you were being chased by Orcs."

I laid my head on his knees and looked out the window not answering. He sighed and ran his fingers threw my hair. "What are you so afraid of Piccola?" I hesitated. I haven't told him about my feelings for Legolas but I had no doubt that the Twins or Arwen had told him. "Is this about the Elvin Prince Legolas?" I flinched. "So it is... Arwen told me as much. You love him, so much it pains you to be with him yet being without him it pains you even more. She told me of the fears you told her. Of those visions Joshua Patterson sent to you..."

"Joshua Patterson" I spat bitterly, standing up and glaring. My eyes became my True eyes and glowed with the power within my anger. "died the night of the Fire. Joshua Patterson died the night he was to propose to me. He died when he pulled me from under the collapsed ceiling of his bedroom breaking his hand in the process. He died when he carried me down the stairs in hopes of getting me to the hospital to see about my broken leg. He died when he told me he loved me one last time before pushing me out the front door to safety as the rest of the house crashed on him!" I felt the tears but did nothing to stop them from flowing as my eyes returned to normal. "That Demon... That Monster that is Sauron's General is not nor ever will be the human male I once loved in that other world."

Aragorn was silent until he said. "Black Bone then. Those visions of Legolas he sent you, what exactly were they?"

~Legolas' POV~
I had followed behind Aragorn when he saw Elizabeth running past. Reaching a private room in the far corners of Rivendell, Aragorn signaled for me to stay out of sight and listen. I nodded and he knocked on the door.

"What is the True Name of the Man I think of as a Father and call Papá?" A voice call through the door. Aragorn calmly answered. "Aragorn, Son of Arathorn." The door opened and Aragorn slipped in before it closed and locked behind him. I came closer to the door and listened to the voice that was definitely Elizabeth's.

"Was there something you needed Papá? I can't stay long, Master Raxacoricofallapatorius is waiting to begin the Trial of the Dragons-Heart." Master Who? Trial of What?

"Bambina, you ran so quickly here to your room one would think you were being chased by Orcs. What are you so afraid of Piccola? Is this about the Elvin Prince Legolas?" I gasped and my eyes widened. "So it is... Arwen told me as much. You love him, so much it pains you to be with him yet being without him it pains you even more. She told me of the fears you told her. Of those visions Joshua Patterson sent to you..."

But my love's voice interrupted him as spoke bitterly. "Joshua Patterson died the night of the Fire. Joshua Patterson died the night he was to propose to me. He died when he pulled me from under the collapsed ceiling of his bedroom breaking his hand in the process. He died when he carried me down the stairs in hopes of getting me to the hospital to see about my broken leg. He died when he told me he loved me one last time before pushing me out the front door to safety as the rest of the house crashed on him!' Her voice cracked. 'That Demon... That Monster that is Sauron's General is not nor ever will be the human male I once loved in that other world."

I jerked back a little at hearing this. It was well known Black Bone was Sauron's General, even in my Father's secluded palace. He disappeared a week after Sauron's defeat by Isildur. Did he journey to Elizabeth's world and start a new life? Did he and Elizabeth fall for each other only for him to return to Sauron's side with more knowledge and power and leave her broken?

"Black Bone then. Those visions of Legolas that he sent you, what exactly were they?" I heard Elizabeth give a teary laugh. "At first the visions were... beautiful... Unearthly and Divine... Oh, Papá those first visions filled my heart with bliss only Eru and his subjects in Heaven must certainly know!" I sighed and closed my eyes thinking on what that would be like. "But..." My eyes snapped open and I leaned in closer to the door. "He gave up his immortality and Throne for me..."

My eyes went wide. I had planned on living a mortal life with her and still rule on my Father's throne with my children to rule after me. I hadn't talked to my Father about it yet but I was... my thoughts were interrupted. "I then saw my own death played out in many scenarios. Naturally in my sleep with old age, stabbed in battle, assassinated during the night, poisoned by a jealous former lover of Legolas. The list goes on and on!" I felt my own tears running down my face at the thought of my love dying. I was sure that she and Aragorn were teared up a bit as well. "The next and last vision was of the pain Legolas felt after my death. He was in so much despair, anguish and agony that he began fading! The pain of it all was upon me as if it were my own. I felt his pain only it was doubled by the love I feel for him in my heart! Oh, Papá I love him so much that if I did not have the heritage Middle Earth reviled to me I would have died a thousand times more taking the pain he felt in that vision as my own only ten times more because of that love!"

I left then. I had to think everything through.

~Time Skip~
~Elizabeth's POV~
"Are you sure about this Maestro? That I won't go splat on the ground?" I asked as I looked down from the cliff top.

Draco nodded solemnly. During the Trial of the Dragons-Heart, the tradition was that only the one taking the trial was allowed to speak of the noise would break the takers concentration. I took a deep breath and turned my back to the cliff edge. I looked up at my mentor with nervousness, determination and a bit of fear in my eyes. "Augurami fortuna." (Wish me luck.) I muttered before spreading my arms out, closing my eyes and tilting my body backwards. As I felt the pull of gravity, I focus my power and dive deep into my heart.

When I opened my eyes. I was crouching in the same burnt field that I had met my True Form in. I slowly stood and surveyed my surroundings before I looked down at myself. I was in a ragged shirt and pants held up with a thin but sturdy rope. My feet were bare and rough leather fingerless gloves were on my hands. My hair was tied up in a mix of the Gondoriania and Rohaniana battle style. This was the traditional ware that Dragon-Blood's use to fight their inner Dragon.

I glanced over my shoulder when I heard a growl behind me. Slowly turning I came face to snout with a large red and gold scaled Dragon with blue eyes. My inner Dragon.

I watched as it growled at me crouching and lowering its head, never breaking eye contact. I planted my feet apart and crouched. I circled her slowly, her head on its long neck following me. Suddenly her tail whipped towards me and I jumped over it before ducking as it came back. She roared and I tumbled into a roll as gold and red fire, tinted with gold, almost singes me. I growled.

I jumped up grabbing her tail before hanging on tightly as she tried to shake me off. I started grabbing the spikes that led up to her wings using them as leverage to get to the head. As I reached the joint between the shoulders and the wings, the dragon gave a loud roar before jumping up into the air. I screamed and grabbed onto the single spike on her neck. I looked down and gasped at how high up I was. I usually was terrified of heights, which was ironic since I loved roller-coasters, but then just looking down from that point was just...

"Senti, so che questo è un prova Padrona Drago, ma questo è incredibile!" (Look, I know this is a test Mistress Dragon, but this is incredible!) I heard a rumble from the dragon that sounded like laughter and I heard her voice for the first time. "Infatti, giovane dragonessa. Per consentendo la paura delle altezze aver superato la prima parte della prova. Tutto quello che dovete fare ora è quello di prendere una scala dalla punta del naso di passare completamente e ottenere tutte le forme e il tuo Vero Nome!" (Indeed, young dragoness. For concurring your fear of heights you have passed the first part of the test. All you need to do now is to grab a scale from the tip my nose to pass fully and gain all your forms and your True Name!)

She dived for the ground and I held on tight, not helping myself as I laughed on the way down. She gave a loud roar in delight and when she landed she gently grabbed me by the scruff of my neck with her teeth and set me on the ground in front of her. She then took a couple of steps back before growling and lunging at me.

I jumped and grabbed the spike on her nose. Placing my feet firmly on her snout and holding on to the spike with one hand, I ripped off a scale that started red at the top but blended and faded to gold. I jumped off and rolled as she roared and one of her paws reached up to rub her nose. I looked down at the scale in my hands. It was as large as my fist and I knew at once it was the one that rests on the tip of a dragon's snout. If ripped off, the skin that was underneath it would become a prime target for arrows. If pierced with an arrow going at the right speed, that patch of skin would lead up to its brain.

My head snapped up when I felt smoke and steam surround me. "Mi hai sconfitto. Prendete la vostra Vera Forma e conoscere il tuo Vero Nome!" (You have defeated me. Take your True Form and know your True Name!)

My eyes snapped open and glowed with power. I immediately felt the power of my people pulsing though me. My True Form out, my wings snapped and I swooped out of the fall. The feeling of flying, it felt so natural. High in the air I felt my inner dragon roar in delight and I gave my own roar in delight. My form silhouetted against the moon.

Unknown to me down in Rivendell, Legolas' head snapped up at a powerful pulse seeming to pass through him. Rushing to the window, he gasped seeing a figure silhouetted against the moon. It was the shape of a human but had wings, a tail and glowing blue eyes. His heart pounded as he gazed in awe. Elrond, Gandalf and Aragorn all watched from the balconies of their rooms. As one, they said, "The Dragon-Bloods have returned."

Draco stood proud as I landed in front of him.

"Con la Benedizione di Eru, sono ora e per sempre Fire-Starheart del Rohaniana e Gondoriania Drago-Sangue Clan!" (With Eru's Blessing, I am now and forever Fire-Starheart of the Rohaniana and Gondoriania Dragon-Blood Clans!)

~Time Skip~
~Narrator's POV~

Aragorn was sitting in a chair in the hall which held the Shards of the sword Narsil reading a book. Boromir entered and paused to look at the painting of Isildur and Sauron. He then noticed Aragorn and faced him.

"You are no Elf."

Aragorn lifted his head. "The Men of the South are welcome here."

Boromir raised an eyebrow. "Who are you?"

Aragorn lowered his book. "I am a friend to Gandalf the Grey."

"Then we are here on common purpose…' he paused for a second then finished his sentence. 'friend." Aragorn nodded his head to Boromir before returning to his book. Boromir turned around and saw the same girl he saw earlier that day at the gate. She was wearing a silver dress with a cloak around her shoulders, her golden hair flowed down her back in the night.

"Tell me, who is that beautiful creature there? With the golden hair and silver gown?" Boromir asked turning to Aragorn.

Aragorn looked towards Elizabeth and immediately told the story she had told him to tell if anyone would ask of where she came from. "She is Lúthien Rhuiviel or Anna Elizabeth. Her Father was from Gondor while her Mother was from Rohan. Her father was killed by orcs before she was born and her mother fled far north. Her mother gave birth to her and met and married another man. She has only recently come to Middle Earth to find her Father's grave and make a life here in honor of him."

"She is most beautiful... Lúthien... is she being courted by anyone?" Boromir asked.

Aragorn's head snapped to the man and said in warning. "As of yet she is not. But before her father died they asked me to be Godfather. I am her guardian in place of her birth father. I already am considering one who already has her heart, but I will leave the final decision to her."

Boromir flinched but nodded deciding to ask to court her in the morning. Then he turns and sees the broken sword. He picked up the shaft and stares at the blade. "The shards of Narsil! The blade that cut the ring from Sauron's hand!"

Boromir runs his finger up the blade and cuts himself. Wide eyed, he said surprised, "It's still sharp!"

He sees Aragorn, who is watching him with a raised eyebrow. Boromir sighs. "But no more than a broken heirloom!"

He put the sword back carelessly and it fell to the ground. Boromir stopped for a second, but then walked away. Aragorn got up, picked up the dropped shaft and carefully sets it in place with the other shards. He took a step back, looking at shards. Arwen walked up behind him.

"Why do you fear the past? You are Isildur's heir, not Isildur himself.' Arwen said. 'You are not bound to his fate."

Aragorn shook his head. "The same blood flows in my veins.' He turns to Arwen and said expressly. 'The same weakness."

Arwen stepped closer shaking her head. "Your time will come. You will face the same evil, and you will defeat it. A si i-Dhúath ú-orthor, Aragorn. Ú or le a ú or nin." (The Shadow does not hold sway yet, Aragorn. Not over you and not over me.)

~Time Skip~
~Elizabeth's POV~

Gandalf and Frodo along with a group of Men, Elves and Dwarves were seated in a circle around a stone pedestal. I sat next to Aragorn on his right, the hood of my cloak covering my face. Elrond was introducing everyone. I looked across the room at Legolas who was looking around as if searching for someone. I knew he was looking for me. He knew that this Council was something I wouldn't miss for the world.

I had also come to terms with something that happened to me after the Trial. I had accepted Legolas as my True Mate. I had learned from Draco that I was not Black Bone's mate. His mate had died but he refused to accept that so he chose me to become his new mate. That was something Forbidden. Dragon-Bloods mate for Life and we can only mate with a single immortal. My mother had mated with Gillian since he was immortal, but now that she was mortal she was required to mate with a mortal.

Elrond then gestured to me and he said, "This is the daughter of a very old friend of mine. She is here on behalf of her people and her now deceased father." I inclined my head to Elrond when I heard Boromir snort.

"What can a women do? I doubt she would be able to keep her own against any orcs, much less a young man." I growled and Aragorn placed his hand over mine. I calmed down a bit but still glared at Boromir. "Isn't it known in Rohan that women learn the ways of the sword? That they learned long ago that those without swords can still die upon them? Do not forget that without women, there would be no home for men to return to. There is a saying from my home land: 'If women can bring men into the world, they can take them out just as easily.'"

Some of the Counsel chuckled. Boromir scowled at me but took his seat.

Elrond chuckled before turning to the Counsel and addressing them. "Strangers from distant lands, friends of old. You have been summoned here to answer the threat of Mordor. Middle-Earth stands upon the brink of destruction. None can escape it. You will unite or you will fall. Each race is bound to this fate–this one doom.' He looks at Frodo, who looks up, and gestured to the pedestal. 'Bring forth the Ring, Frodo."

Frodo rose slowly and placed the Ring on the pedestal. He returned to his seat with a sigh, closing his eyes for a second, and looking like a great weight had been lifted off his shoulders. The Council members started to whisper among themselves.

"So it is true…" I heard Boromir whispered. Aragorn glanced at the man from the corner of his eye. I myself stared at the Evil artifact, trying to control the shivers threatening to run down my entire body.

"The Doom of Men..." was whispered throughout the counsel.

Boromir stood up slowly and spoke. "In a dream, I thought the eastern sky grew dark and there was a growing thunder, but in the West a pale light lingered, and out of it I heard a voice, remote but clear, crying: 'Seek for the Sword that was broken:
In Imladris it dwells;
There shall be counsels taken
Stronger than Morgul-spells.
There shall be shown a token
That Doom is near at hand,
For Isildur's Bane shall waken,
And the Halfling forth shall stand.'"

With each word he spoke, he stepped closer to the Ring. Gandalf, Elrond and I exchanged nervous glances. When Boromir was reaching for the Ring. Elrond spoke warningly, jumping up, "Boromir!" Gandalf rose from his chair and shouted. "Ash nazg durbatuluk, ash nazg gimbatul, ash nazg thrakatuluk agh burzum-ishi krimpatul." (One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and, in the darkness, bind them.)

As he shouted those dark words in that dark speech, the sky grew dark and all those present at the Council winced as if in pain. I opened my mouth and roared loudly, snapping Boromir out of the trance he put himself in. As he sat down, the sky began to lose the darkness, and all the Council who did not know what I was were looking for the creature who roared. Elrond lifted his head from out of his hands and spoke to the Grey Pilgrim.

"Never before has any voice uttered the words of the tongue here in Imladris." "And it better never happen again!" I hissed knowing the wizard could hear me.

Gandalf inclined his head and said gruffly, "I do not ask your pardon, Master Elrond, for the Black Speech of Mordor may yet be heard in every corner of the West! The Ring is altogether evil."

Boromir however stood up and said insistently, "It is a gift! A gift to the foes of Mordor! Why not use this Ring?" he started to pace. '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!' I half scoffed. 'Give Gondor the weapon of the enemy. Let us use it against him!"

"Ha!" I said gaining the attention of everyone. "True your people protect your own lands and defeat the creatures that come out of those Dark Gates, but have you forgotten the news that now spreads throughout the land?" I stood up and gestured to all the Council. "All of you have heard the rumors one way or another. I have seen that they are true for myself! Gandalf and Elrond also have confirmed it! Sauron's Top General, his right hand man, Black Bone the Betrayer, the Last of the Mordorina Dragon-Blood Clan has returned to his masters' side stronger and more powerful than ever!"

The Council whispered to each other as I stared Boromir down from under the hood of my cloak. "You turn pale, son of Denethor. You know your people cannot fight a Dragon-Blood head on without the help and blessing of a Gondoriania Dragon-Blood. Do you not think he has the power to flatten the White City with a flick of his wrist?"

I pointed at the Ring. "What makes you think you can even wield such dark power? If Gondor can't withstand an attack from a Dragon-Blood, then how can your people say you can use that thing against its maker?"

Aragorn nodded. "The One Ring answers to Sauron alone. It has no other master."

Boromir turned from me and sneered at my Papá. "And what would a ranger know of this matter?"

Suddenly, Legolas stood up, and declared angrily, "This is no mere ranger. He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance."

Boromir's eyes widened. "Aragorn?' He turned towards Aragorn with disbelief in his eyes. 'This… is Isildur's heir?"

Aragorn shifted in his seat, still not comfortable with the thought of being King. I was still working on that. "And heir to the throne of Gondor. You owe him more than your allegiance." I said in a quiet voice yet I knew everyone heard me.

Frodo looked wide-eyed at Aragorn. However Aragorn sighed and said, "Havo dad Legolas." (Sit down Legolas.) He then looked at me. "Siediti, Bambina." (Sit down, Child.)

Boromir looked at Legolas and said harshly, "Gondor has no king." He sneered at me and Aragorn. "Gondor needs no king."

He returned to his seat with a sigh and Legolas and I sat, me with a soft huff, dark smoke coming from my nose. Aragorn again placed his hand on my arm to calm me. I slumped back in my seat, my lip trying not to curl up into a snarl revealing my fangs and heritage too soon.

"Aragorn is right.' Gandalf said. 'We cannot use it."

Elrond spoke. "You have only one choice. The Ring must be destroyed."

There was a pause in which Boromir sighed knowing he would not win this argument and the Council nodded in agreement.

"Then, what are we waiting for?" Gimli asked grabbing his axe and approaching the pedestal. Elrond and I stood and I gave a shout of "Don't Master Dwarf!"

Gimli struck the Ring as hard as he could, but is thrown back, falling to the ground and his axe shattering. I whispered a protection spell on the Council members so they wouldn't get hit with stray flying axe shards. Concurrently to Gimli's moment of Foolishness, Frodo flinches as he saw the Eye of Sauron in his mind and winces in pain. The Ring remains intact on the pedestal with the shards of the axe around it, whispers in the Black tongue are heard coming from it.

As Gimli was being helped up by his people, Elrond said, "The Ring cannot be destroyed, Gimli, son of Gloin by any craft that we here possess. The Ring was made in the fires of Mount Doom. Only there can it be unmade. It must be taken deep into Mordor and cast back into the fiery chasm from whence it came."

The Ring whispered one word. "Ash Nazg..." (One Ring...)

"One of you... must do this." Elrond finished.

Dead silence.

"One does not simply walk into Mordor.' Boromir stated that famous line. 'Its black gates are guarded by more than just orcs. There is evil there that does not sleep. And the great Eye is ever watchful. It is a barren wasteland. Riddled with fire and ash and dust. The very air you breathe is a poisonous fume.' He shook his head. 'Not with ten thousand men could you do this. It is folly!"

Legolas stood up. "Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said?' he asked the Gondorian 'The Ring must be destroyed!"

"And I suppose you think you're the one to do it?!" Gimli asked harshly. I growled at Gimli for his tone at my mate.

Boromir rose from his seat. "And if we fail, what then?! What happens when Sauron takes back what is his?!"

Gimli jumped up and yelled, "I will be dead before I see the Ring in the hands of an elf!"

I growled louder at the Dwarf as the other Elves rise and starts shouting at Gimli and the other Dwarves. Legolas holds out his hands to stop them from starting a fight. But then Gimli showed his Foolishness again by shouting, "Never trust an elf!" I roared though it was drowned out by the others in the Council yelling and shouting at each other. My instincts would have made me jump and fight the Dwarf for insulting my mate if Aragorn hadn't wrapped his arms around my shoulders and told me sternly to calm myself.

Gandalf sighed shaking his head before standing to try and knock some sense into the Council. "Do you not understand that while we bicker among ourselves, Sauron's power grows?! None can escape it!"

"You'll all be destroyed!"

My eyes turned to Frodo. He watched the Ring, seeing the angry figures of the Council reflected on its surface. Suddenly, flames flare up, engulfing the surface of the Ring as it chants over and over, "Ash Nazg Durbatuluk! Ash Nazg Gimbatul! Ash Nazg Gimbatul! Ash Nazg Gimbatul!"

The intensity of the arguments increased. Slowly, Frodo understood what he must do.

He locked eyes with me and I asked within his mind. "Do you know what you are getting into? Are you certain of this Frodo son of Drogo? Are you willing to take this Quest and fulfill it to its end, even though it may cost you your life?" He replied positive and I smiled and nodded my head. "Then this Quest is yours."

He rose and took a step toward the arguing Council, trying to make his voice heard above theirs.
"I will take it!' When the first time doesn't work, I whisper a voice amplifying spell. 'I will take it!"

Everyone stops arguing having heard him that time. Gandalf closed his eyes as he heard Frodo's statement. Everyone slowly turned toward Frodo, surprised.

"I will take the Ring to Mordor.' He hesitated, embarrassed he has so much attention on him. Looking away a bit he said, 'Though... I do not know the way."

Gandalf nodded and walked towards Frodo. "I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins,' he put his hand on Frodo's shoulder. 'So long as it is yours to bear." Frodo gave a small smile to his friend.

Aragorn rose from his seat beside me. "If by my life or death, I can protect you, I will.' He kneeled before Frodo and vowed. 'You have my sword."

I gave Elrond a look that said that this was the first step to his Destiny on the path of Twilight.

Legolas walked over and also vowed. "And you have my bow."

"And my axe!" Gimli stated also going to stand with Frodo but he and Legolas exchange dark looks.

Boromir approached the hobbit slowly. "You carry the fates of us all little one. If this is indeed the will of the council, then Gondor will see it done."

"Heh!' Some of the Council turn to see Samwise Gamgee suddenly emerge from behind some bushes and runs up to stand beside Frodo. 'Mr. Frodo is not goin' anywhere without me!"

"No indeed,' Elrond gave a slight smile with a raised eyebrow and said in a slightly amused tone. 'It is hardly possible to separate you even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not."

Sam blushed a bit embarrassed but perks back up when Frodo gives him an encouraging smile.

"Wait! We are coming too!" Elrond and the Council turn, and I laugh as I see Merry and Pippin run up from behind some pillars.

Merry crossed his arms and told everyone bluntly. "You'd have to send us home tied up in a sack to stop us!"

Pippin nodded. "Anyway you need people of intelligence on this sort of mission, quest… thing."

Merry rolled his eyes while I snickered. "Well that rules you out Pip."

Elrond looked upon the group. "Nine companions..." he muttered. I whispered into his mind. 'And Nine Riders of the Dark Lord. An even match, I say! With me and my people's blessing we shall succeed!' Elrond nodded and spoke up. "So be it! You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring!"

"Great!' Pippin said. 'Where are we going?"

I laughed before standing. "If you still need to ask Peregrin Took, then you'll need one more person to go with you." I walked over to Frodo and kneeled in front of him taking his hands in my own. "Like I told you when we were packing in Bag End: 'You didn't think you were going on an adventure without me were you?'" I knew he could see my smile under my hood and he smiled back. "I swear on the blood of my people that I will help you in any way I can."

"Lord Elrond, this has gone on long enough! Surely you won't allow this woman to come with us?" Boromir asked. I stood up and glared at the man. "You know not to whom you speak Figlio di Gondor. (Son of Gondor)" I made sure Power was in my voice in those last words.

Taking a step back, my right hand reached up and grasped the clasp of my cloak on my left shoulder and, like one of those hero's in books and movies, I threw off my cloak. My True Form was out in full power, my aura pulsing throughout the room. My wings spread out behind me and my tail moved back and fourth behind me. My blonde hair flowed down to my lower back braided in the traditional Rohaniana style, it's red tips like fire. My scales were all visible round my wrists, all over my shoulders, over my collarbone, up my neck and around my eyes. The armor I was wearing was my Father's Gondoriania White armor, which he had gave to Elrond asking him to keep it safe and was returned to me for my Fathers honor. My fangs were visible from the corners of my mouth sharp and read to bite. I lifted my head and opened my eyes revealing the power within them.

"Figlio di Gondor, you DARE speak of what you do not know. You insult me yet you do not know me. Have you mortals forgotten my people so soon? Surely even your father told you tales of my father and mother? Gillian, the High Chief of the Gondoriania Dragon-Blood Clan and Pyael Freaniraheal, Warrior/Healer of the Rohaniana Dragon-Blood Clan?"

He gasped and took a step back. The others in the council gasped and most of the Elves, Men and, surprisingly, all the Dwarfs got on their knees bowing. My eyes scanned over the room and over the Fellowship. The Hobbits were smiling at me but their eyes were wide in awe. Aragorn was on a knee but had a proud look that only a father would have when looking at his child. Gandalf and Gimli were bowed but only the Dwarf was in awe. Boromir was trembling. His eyes widened as he realized what he did before bowing low.

My eyes then lifted to Legolas, the only member of the Fellowship I was terrified to face. Shock was written on his face and it seemed he recognized me. He stepped forward and bowed before asking, "Dragon-Blood, What is the name you go by?"

I gave him a sad smile and placed my fist with my forefinger, pinky and thumb out over my heart and my middle and pointer finger bent as a sign of respect. "I am known by three names Principe di Mirkwood. (Prince of Mirkwood) I am Fire-Starheart of the Rohaniana and Gondoriania Clans. Before I fully received that name I went by the Elvish name Lúthien Rhuiviel." I heard a gasp from Boromir. Aragorn had told me he was interested in courting me, but I had told him that I accepted Legolas as my mate and that I wouldn't change my mind for the world. Boromir must have realized he insulted the women he wanted to court.

I inwardly smirked at the thought that he would not court me before bringing my attention back to the here and now. "However, I did not know of my heritage until months ago, up til then I believed I was the daughter of Men. A mortal, cast into a world that I thought only fictional." I closed my eyes and took a breath before opening them and looking the Elf I loved in the eye.

"My Mortal name was Anna Elizabeth Jones."