Disclaimer: Anything recognized as Tolkien's belongs to him. Everything else is mine.
Ella left Erestor's office after carefully hiding the charcoal sketch behind the wrapped portrait of Maggie. Dusk had settled upon Rivendell and Ella knew that she was very late for supper, if she hadn't already missed it. She decided to make her way to the kitchens and see what scraps were left. Ella was in the middle of a small meal of roasted chicken, peas, and squash when Athwenyë found her. The two chatted quietly in the kitchens before moving on to walk through the gardens.
The night air was cooler than it had been on previous nights, and it was not long before they sought refuge in the library. They sat and practiced Westron, Ella was beginning to learn more formal speech, and Athwenyë also found books for her to try reading before saying goodnight. Not wanting to leave just yet, Ella had settled in to a soft armchair that was near the fire with her new books, and tucked her legs under her. She had managed to get halfway through the first chapter with some difficulty when she realized that she was not alone.
At the foot of the stairs stood Boromir, and he was gazing at her with a peculiar look on his face. Ella found it quite uncomfortable, and cleared her throat,
"May I help you?" She asked after a moment. Boromir shook his head,
"Forgive me, my lady. I did not mean to disturb you, but I believe I have seen you before. In the forest just this morning." He paused as if in thought, "You ran away from me."
Ella rested her book in her lap, using her index finger as a bookmark, "Yes, well, you must forgive me. I did not realize that you were an expected guest in Lord Elrond's house, and I did not expect to see any one out in the woods so early." The lie dripped easily from her tongue, and Boromir inclined his head slightly.
"Your apology is not necessary. These are dark times indeed if a woman lives here among Elves." Ella hoped that the heat in her cheeks could be hidden in the glow from the fireplace; she began to conjure a lie that would soundly explain her presence.
"I was travelling with a group and we became waylaid by Orcs. I was separated from them and, in my terror, fled until I came here. And here I have remained." Her explanation sounded feeble even to her.
"What became of your company, my lady?" He asked, and appeared concerned at her tale.
"I do not know. I have not heard or seen them since." Ella did not like how curious the man of Gondor was, and frantically she began to think of a way out.
"Your accent is strange, and it is one I have never heard before. Tell me, where do you come from?" He moved closer to the hearth now, standing next to the empty chair across from her.
"My home is one you have never heard of, and I would ask that you do not ask me any more questions for tonight. I beg your forgiveness but I am feeling quite tired and I wish to go and rest soon." Ella said quickly, instantly regretting it. Boromir was startled by her sudden change in attitude, but he did not say anything. Abruptly she stood up, said goodnight, and walked quickly from the room leaving the bewildered man of Gondor behind. It was not until a long while after he left the library that Boromir realized that he still did not know her name, and now he was less sure that he wanted to.
The next morning Ella was woken up by Athwenyë, who had come to tell her that she was being summoned to a private meeting with Lord Elrond. There was a small tray with oatmeal and tea that was eaten quickly before she dressed and washed her face. As Athwenyë made sure her wig was in the proper place, Ella picked up her sketchbook and decided she would draw after the meeting. The morning was crisp and bright at the end of October, and it seemed difficult to imagine that there was any danger in the world. Athwenyë led Ella to a small porch where already there were others waiting, and it did not take Ella long to recognize the Nine. Lord Elrond rose from his chair as the two made their presence known, and with a squeeze of Ella's arm Athwenyë took her leave.
"Friends, this is Ella Flynn. She has come here from her home far away in time and place through a means unknown even to Gandalf and myself." Elrond introduced her, as he motioned for her to sit in a chair to his right. "I believe you are quite familiar with the others here, are you not?" he asked, and Ella affirmed this before he continued, "She comes here at my request, and I can assure you that she harbors no ill will or evil in her heart and mind. If you would, Ella, tell the others what you have told Gandalf and myself."
Ella could feel herself becoming quite pale as everyone's focus shifted to her; she did not like where this was going.
"As Master Elrond said, my name is Ella Flynn. I come from Duluth, Minnesota; a place that none of you have ever heard before. That is because it does not exist in your world and time. In my home, you all do not exist except in stories. In my home, there was a man who wrote a great deal of a magic ring carried by a hobbit, and of all the trials he had to face. This man wrote about the Company who traveled with him, and gave quite extensive histories as well as what happened ever after." Ella paused as the Fellowship began to exchange surprised and concerned glances.
"So you have read the future? You know what the fate of all of us will be?" Aragorn asked, and again Ella nodded.
"I find your words quite hard to believe." It was now Boromir who spoke, "If you really do know so much about each of us and what will happen, predict something. Show us that what you say is true!"
"I do not believe that would be wise with the circumstances as they lay-"Elrond began, but Ella interrupted.
"I could not predict every second of the future, but would you settle for a history lesson?" Boromir merely raised his eyebrows, "Very well then. Your journey to Rivendell took a total of 110 days, mainly because you lost your horse at Tharbad. You left from the city of Minas Tirith on July 4th, after a great debate between you and your brother as to who should take on such a journey. You and your brother are very close, and became as such after your mother died when you were ten years old. Her name was Finduilas and she hailed from Dol Amroth." Boromir's mouth now hung agape at her words, "I do not ask you for any pardon or forgiveness. You are the one who asked for proof and I have given it to you." Ella spoke with a matter-of-fact tone.
"That will be sufficient, Ella." Lord Elrond said sharply. "The time has now come to decide where you will be harbored next. Your presence and knowledge has not yet been made known to our enemies, but no one can guarantee how long that will last. It was agreed late last night by Gandalf and I that it should be the ring-bearer and his companions that help decide your fate; especially because of your knowledge regarding their fates."
"You mean to make her our guide?" came Pippin's curious voice, "Ella will be the one to tell us where to go?"
"No!" Gandalf cried, "No, I should think that would make her all too noticeable. If she is to remain secret then her coming and going should remain as hidden as possible."
"Then she should be taken to a place where her knowledge could be put to good use." Boromir said, "Minas Tirith has long stood against Mordor by the strength of our people, and by sending Ella there she could help counter the enemy at every turn!"
"There is too much risk there, and if she should end up being captured then all would be lost." Aragorn warned.
"She has remained hidden so far amongst the Elves. Perhaps Mirkwood or Lothlorien could keep her safe." Legolas now suggested.
It was not long before everyone had a say in where Ella would best be hidden, and the argument went as followed. Aragorn and Legolas believed that she should stay within the realms of Elven folk, and the two youngest Hobbits suggested that she live in the Harbors to the West. Gimli thought she would be safest among, "Men and her own kinsfolk", in the town of Dale or Minas Tirith. Bree was only briefly considered. Boromir seconded the Dwarf's suggestion, and strongly maintained that she should be brought to Minas Tirith. Gandalf was quick to point out that Dale and Minas Tirith were constantly under attack from Mordor and that the road would be perilous. Elvish lands would be safer, but it was difficult to decide if she should go to those in the East, where lands were better protected, or to the West. Only Frodo remained silent and Sam too.
As the debate wore on, Ella grew more and more irritated. She had voiced her opinions and concerns about the roads she was to travel to each location mentioned. All the plans were well-meaning and would get her to the cities, but none of them discussed what would happen after. "'You will not be brought and dropped somewhere as though you were a parcel, Ella.'" Lord Elrond's words floated into her mind, and she realized that it was as though they were talking about a parcel. While she understood that they all only had her best interest and safety at heart, it was quite irksome to be talked about in this way. Quietly she seethed to herself and the debate went on; it was finally decided that the two places most likely to be able to house her would be Lothlorien or Minas Tirith. Aragorn and Gandalf argued that Lothlorien would provide her with safety and absolute invisibility from Sauron, whereas Boromir argued that Minas Tirith would offer the same protection. Gimli seconded this thought and added that it would be best to begin to expose her to "her own kind". That got Ella to speak up,
"'With my own kind?' I have not been unhappy here, nor do I believe I would be unhappy in Lothlorien." She was beginning to let her anger boil over, "Regardless of where I go, I do not see why it should be you to have the final say! I know that you all only want to keep me safe and hidden from the enemy, but I am not some parcel for you to pick up and drop as you please. It is clear now that there are still two places left in this world for me to go in order to ensure that I stay hidden. And if I can help it, I will be the one who decides where I am to go. Thank you all for helping with this matter."
Ella took in a deep breath after she had finished speaking, and suddenly felt very ashamed for her bluntness. No one said anything, and after what seemed like an eternity a quiet voice spoke,
"I want her to journey with us." Frodo said, watching her closely, "Ella may not be allowed to tell us what path to take, but she can still make sure that things go according to the stories in her homeland. She did say that the story told of what happened ever after, and so must mean that there was a world to live in after our journey."
Now it was Ella's turn to allow her mouth to hang open, and the Fellowship began to exchange glances with one another. Lord Elrond had placed his elbow on the arm of his chair and leaned his chin against his hand, lost in thought. Ella could feel her face growing hot as she opened and closed her mouth, trying to find words. Gandalf began to warn that it would only increase the danger to their quest, but also agreed that she could make sure that their journey went as it had been told in her homeland. Murmurs of agreement began to spread, and Ella began to look at each of them carefully before whispering, "You are absolutely mad. I will do no such thing." Standing up so fast that her chair screeched against the floor, Ella left the room.
Ella was incredibly relieved when she was not immediately called back by Lord Elrond, and she moved as quickly as she could without seeming panicked. She had not meant to slip with her words and she had not noticed that she had practically announced the success of Frodo's journey. Ella now could hardly take notice of the last of the flowers and fall colors as she traced her steps back to her room. Any thoughts of sketching were now gone, and she threw her book onto the bed as she entered. Locking the door behind her, she began to pace back and forth, feeling herself become more anxious with each step.
They could not have possibly expected her to agree to such an outrageous suggestion, and Ella thought she was right to refuse it. Their journey was already a borderline suicide mission with the Ring, and having someone in the group who knew every minute detail of what would happen would only heighten that. It was complete and utter madness to even suggest that she accompany them! And yet, the chance to go and see all that she had read about was all too tempting. Ella was almost certain that anyone else who was so enamored with the trilogy would gladly go along if the invitation had been extended. 'It wouldn't be right, though!' she argued silently. It would fly in the face of cannon, and would completely break with the "Nine Walkers against Nine Wraiths" idea presented in the books. Even though both of the 'safe havens' would be reached on the journey, there was no guarantee that Ella would make it that far. 'I barely speak Westron clearly enough to be understood and I can't even fight! How on earth would they expect me to contribute or be useful at all?' She thought.
On and on her internal debate went until eventually she had worked herself into such frenzy that Ella's room felt stifling, and she had to step outside for a breath of air. As she made her way down to the courtyard below her room, Ella paused in mid-step upon seeing that someone was already sitting there. Boromir sat on one of the low stone benches with his back upon the wall and his eyes closed. Ella debated going back to her room or trying to quietly sneak past, but before she could move his eyes were on her.
"I came to apologize for the way you were spoken of earlier." He said quietly, "You are not a piece of baggage, nor should that have been implied."
Ella was taken aback, but accepted the apology and a strange silence settled in the courtyard. Ella found that once again she was being scrutinized by the captain, and she did not like it.
"Why do you insist upon doing that?" she finally asked, and Boromir gave a start. "Why do you stare at me? It makes me feel uncomfortable."
"A bad habit," he replied with a small chuckle, "I am merely trying to get a sense of what kind of person you are. In my homeland, women are very delicate and easily disturbed by unpleasant things. Yet I feel as though you would not be one to merely stand aside and let others do things for you. At the meeting this morning, you did not seem to enjoy having your fate decided by anyone other than yourself. I somehow get the impression that you would fight until the very end for what you thought was right."
Ella was very unnerved at his assessment of her, "Do you always do this to people you meet or just to those who have done the same to you?" She asked as she crossed the courtyard on the side opposite of him.
"Both, I like to have a very thorough picture of whom I am dealing with." He countered.
"Well then, keep painting away. I will certainly not be one that you shall finish in one sitting." Ella retorted, and he laughed as she moved through the archway. When she heard him stand and begin to follow her she picked up her pace, but he merely called after her,
"I also do not believe that you are one to run away either." He paused when he saw that she slowed down, "You do not seem like the type who was raised to run from opportunity and hide behind others to protect you." The young woman scurried away, and Boromir was left to hope that he had gotten through to her somehow.
There was no intended path to Ella's footsteps, and soon she was outside of the walls of the House and meandering about in the woods. She had become so wrapped up in her thoughts that Ella simply let her feet carry her where they may. Boromir had been right, and Ella did not like how easily he had read her thoughts. 'Karma is a bitch!' she thought to herself as she kicked a nearby stone.
'Independent' and 'resolute' were often used to describe Ella's mannerisms as she grew up. She had always been one to never back away from something if she felt it was truly right. Even if it meant that she had to struggle, argue, and fight for it. When she decided that she wanted to go to art school, her parents immediately tried to dissuade her. They pointed out that the field was very competitive and that there would be little chance of her getting a job. Then after her first year she announced that she wanted to teach art, they again tried to convince her to teach something a little more desirable. Ella would still counter them at every argument regarding her passion, and eventually the debates stopped. Her mother had once told her that after a while she realized that Ella would be successful at teaching art, because of how passionate and persuasive she could be. She believed that her daughter would talk her way into working at a school, and did not realize how right she was until Ella received her first job.
Both of their children had turned out this way, but the key difference was that Maggie had a tendency to act first and think later. Ella would think through her actions, and would very carefully calculate how sound her rational was in an argument. This way she felt surer of herself and the decisions she made. Often this decision making lead to her and her father having deep conversations and by the end it would be clear to Ella how she should next act.
'If my Dad were here now, what would he say? What would he tell me to do?' Ella mused. The more she thought about it, the more she could almost hear him. She imagined that he would tell her to consider what Frodo had said, and that she should remember that time was running out. Eventually, one way or another, she would leave Rivendell in order to hide someplace safer. And would it really be such a terrible thing to go with the Fellowship?
How could she manage to face all the perils of their journey? Ella remembered the first time she had read the books, and she had to have her father skip over the darkest parts because she was too scared to know what happened. At that time, however, she was only twelve. Now she was twenty-eight and faced with an incredible decision: would she find some other company to take her to Lothlorien or Minas Tirith or would she accompany the Fellowship? Fear began to well up from deep within her, threatening to once again make her bolt in panic. Sitting down heavily on a fallen tree, Ella rested her head on her knees and threaded her fingers in her hair. All of a sudden, a memory long since buried resurfaced:
"This is the fourth institution to deny me a position, Dad. Two of them were specifically requesting new grads and I still was rejected! What if, after this next term ends and a whole new batch of new grads is out, I can't find anything?" Ella asked as she casted her line out into the water. These fears had plagued her for months now, but she refused to let them show in front of her Mom and Maggie.
"Ellie" He called her by her pet name, "They will pick you sooner or later. You are a fantastic artist and a wonderful teacher. Someone is bound to see how great you would be at their school."
"But when, Dad? I'm afraid that the longer I stay out of work and out of school the less my diploma will actually mean. What if I never find a real job, and I work at the café for the rest of my life?" Ella continued with a knit brow. Her father sighed,
"Ellie, you just gotta take it all one day at a time. Baby steps. You got rejected today? Okay, then you go back out there tomorrow and keep at it! No one ever said this was going to be easy, but you're going to make it. I know you will. You're too much of a fighter to just give up when things get tough." He paused to reel in his line and cast it off of the other side of the boat. "One step at a time, Ellie. Baby steps."
"Baby steps." Ella whispered out loud and she lifted her head. It was true that the thought of traveling with the Fellowship was frightening, but it was also an opportunity that she could hardly pass. However in order to agree to go along Ella would have to work out some of her own fears, and she would have to do them carefully and slowly. 'Baby steps.' She thought to herself as she stood from the log. She started to walk again, thinking about everything that would happen to the company on their journey and how she would handle the situations. The first leg of the journey would be unbearably cold and miserable, and Ella decided that would be something to just deal with when the time came. Cold was manageable. Moria was another story; not only would she have to fight for the first time, but she would also have to allow them to lose Gandalf to the Balrog. That would be unbearable to watch, but Ella knew that it would have to happen in order for things to be set right. After that would be Lothlorien, and…and there she would most likely remain there until the journey was complete. Now that she thought about it, Ella did not foresee too much damage being done. Being part of the Fellowship for the first part of the journey couldn't cause too much trouble, and as long as she kept quiet Ella couldn't see anything going wrong. There was still that little bit of fear though, as she walked near the top of the waterfall by the swimming hole. 'Baby steps.'
Ella looked down into the water below and stepped back with a sharp inhalation. Slowly breathing it out, she looked again, 'Baby steps' and she jumped over the ledge.
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