The day following the feast, Authiel found herself running through the paths of Rivendell. Her dark blue dress was flying about her legs and her Dúnedain pendant shimmering in the sunlight. She was going to be late for the council if she didn't hurry and she couldn't believe she had allowed such a thing to happen.

'Curse the Hobbits for distracting me with more tales from the Shire' She thought to herself but there was a smile on her face; she did enjoy listening to their stories.

As she neared the steps that led up to the secluded area where the council would be held she slowed. She attempted to make herself presentable, smoothing down her hair, as she quickly made her way to the top of the steps.

All eyes turned to her as she walked in, she glanced at Lord Elrond and bowed her head in apology. He just nodded to her and gestured to a seat by Aragorn for her to take. Authiel quickly took her seat next to the Ranger as he shook his head with a slight smile on his face. She just glared at him, before giving him a confused look as to why he was wearing his travel worn Ranger gear and not something more presentable. Aragorn ignored the look in her eyes and turned his attention to those around him and she followed his action.

Elrond sat with both of his sons on either side of him. Beside Elladan sat Erestor from his council, and next to Elrohir was Galdor, a messenger from Círdan the Shipwright out of the Grey Havens. Bilbo and Frodo sat at the end of the semicircle. To Frodo's left sat Gandalf in his usual grey cloak, holding his staff in front of him. To the Wizard's left sat four Elves, the only one of them she recognized was Legolas. He had on a light brown cloak over his silver tunic and dark blue breeches. Next to the Elves were two men, their origins she couldn't place by their garb. The Dwarves were next, four of them all together. Fully armed in the weapons and armor of their people. She smiled when she saw Glóin sitting there and his son Gimli next to him. When they caught her eye, she inclined her head in greeting to which they returned. Next to them were three more men, one she recognized as the man that she had seen speaking with Aragorn last night. Finishing off the assembled peoples were two more Elves from Rivendell, herself, and then finally Aragorn on the end of the semicircle.

The man that had spoken with Aragorn was giving her a perplexed look to her presence, as were most of the men and the two Dwarves she did not know. The Elves and Gandalf knew of her history and were looking towards Elrond to speak. Even Bilbo and Frodo were looking towards the Elf Lord. Authiel ignored the looks from the others and turned her attention to Lord Elrond. The Elf stood and addressed the gathered peoples of Middle-Earth.

"Strangers from distant lands, friends of old, you have been summoned to Imladris but not all by me. We are here to answer the growing threat that comes from Mordor. Our world stands upon the brink of death and destruction. Not one of you will be able to escape it. We need to unite or we will fall to the oncoming darkness. Each race is bound to this fate. This one doom." Elrond paused, looking over each member of the council. "First we will discuss news from all of your lands so that we may all understand how far the darkness has reached."

There were many tales to be told from where all the gathered peoples had come from. A lot of the news that they brought had been heard by some or all that were present at the council. The only surprising news was that in which Glóin had brought. He spoke of how Balin had taken Óin and Ori with him to Moria over 30 years ago. They had received frequent messages that a great work had begun there and it looked promising that more and more Dwarves would be able to return. But then the messages stopped and no one had heard from them in years. Apart from that the other news he shared was that a messenger had come to Dáin, from Mordor. Asking about Hobbits and where they come from. Promising friendship to the Dwarves and the return of 3 rings that they had possessed long ago, if they were able to find a Hobbit thief that had taken a small, unimportant ring from the Lord Sauron. Three times that messenger had returned and had gone unanswered, and Glóin wanted to warn Bilbo that he was being sought after by the enemy, and to learn more about this 'lesser ring'.

"And this is why you have been called to this great council. To discuss what to do with this 'least' of rings." Elrond broke into Glóin's tale."Today the story of the Ring will be told in full." Elrond said from his chair. "I will begin it, but others here will end it."

Everyone present, save maybe for Gandalf, turned and listened to Elrond with slight fear and wonder in their eyes. A part of the tale was known to some, but the full story had never been heard by all. He spoke of the Elven smiths, one being Celebrimbor, and Sauron that had forged the rings of power long ago in the Second Age. How the Elves craved more knowledge and Sauron deceived them, giving them knowledge, but learning all that they knew. How he had forged the One Ring in secret, how war broke out and the gate to Mordor was shut.

Elrond began to speak of the glory of Númenor and it's fall. About Elendil and Isildur. Of how they mustered a great host with Gil-Galad and marched against the armies of Mordor. That there will never be a time again to have such a great host of Elves and Men, led by three such captains. The splendor of Gil-Galad, Elendil, and Isildur in their bright shining mail and wielding sharp swords. How Elendil's sword had broken beneath him when he died, but Isildur took up the shards and cut the Ring from Sauron's hand. At the mention of Isildur keeping the Ring for his own, Authiel felt Aragorn tense up beside her. She glanced at him from the corner of her eye and saw the grim look on his face and the tight line of his jaw. She reached over and gently squeezed his hand reassuringly, and she was rewarded with his face softening slightly and his grip tightening on her hand.

Suddenly, the man that spoke to Aragorn the night before, who had been identified as Boromir, stood and addressed the council.

"So that is what happened to the Ring. Isildur took it." he began in a strong voice. "In Gondor, we thought that the Ring had perished with the Dark Lord in his first downfall."

"Yes, he took it." Elrond reiterated. "And it should not have been so. He took it as the price for his father and brother perishing on the battlefield. But it betrayed him to his death, killing him and his three eldest sons near the Gladden Fields. The shards of Narsil were brought here, to Rivendell, and given to his youngest and only surviving son, Valandil, who was but a child. The sword has not been reforged." There was a pause. "Sauron was not destroyed and nor was the foundations of Mordor and the Dark Tower. As long as the Ring endures so will this evil. Because it was not destroyed the Northern Kingdom of Arnor and the line of Kings fell. The blood of Númenor was all but spent as it was mixed with those of lesser men. Their pride, dignity, and valar all but forgotten and their life span diminishing. The dark powers hunting them down and leaving behind green burial mounds of great men. But in the south, in Gondor, men survived. Building up their city and the King endured. The winged crown of Elendil was looked upon with great pride. But then the line of Kings was broken and the White Tree that was brought over from Valinor withered. The rule of Gondor was passed to the Stewards, until a King is returned. And the knowledge of the Ring has passed from all knowledge, but now has yet been found again."

Aragorn once again tensed up at Authiel's side as Elrond had spoken and this time she turned her head slightly to look at him. The grip he had on her hand tightened and she could begin to feel the blood loss in her fingertips. Her attention on the Ranger was cut short as the man from Gondor spoke once more.

Boromir was standing once again, proud and stern. "Give me leave to speak, Lord Elrond." The Elf Lord nodded his head allowing the man to continue. "Long has my father, the Steward of Gondor, kept the forces of Mordor at bay. By the blood of my people are your far off lands kept safe from evil! Everywhere my people travel we are praised for our deeds, but yet so few come to aid us." Boromir paused for a moment. "I left for Rivendell after a dream had come to my brother and myself. I saw the eastern sky grow dark, but in the West a pale light lingered. A voice was crying out to me. '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.' We could make little of this riddle, and have come to Lord Elrond for his wisdom and council."

Aragorn stirred from beside Authiel and stood, releasing her hand in the process. "And here in the House of Elrond you will find your answers." Aragorn reached to his side and unsheathed the sword that hung there. Only it was not a whole sword. It was a hilt with a few inches of steel coming from the metal crossbars to end in a jagged point. Authiel sharply took in a small breath as she recognized the broken blade as Narsil. "Here is the Sword-that-was-Broken." Aragorn declared and placed the broken sword on the stone dais in the center of the council.

Boromir looked Aragorn up and down with calculating eyes. He was taking in his tattered Ranger coat, and his lean and weathered face. "And what would a Ranger know of this matter?"

Authiel felt anger bubble up inside her at the way this Gondorian was speaking to her Chieftain. She went to stand and speak, but Legolas beat her to it.

"He is no mere Ranger." Legolas spoke staring Boromir down. "He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your loyalty and allegiance."

Boromir's eyes became wide, as did most of the men that were seated. The name of Arathorn was know to these men, but the knowledge he had a son was not. Boromir looked at Aragorn and spoke, in an almost unbelieving tone of voice. "Aragorn? Son of Arathorn?" he paused and then with a slight smirk coming over his lips. "This...is Isildur's heir?" His tone was almost joking.

Legolas spoke again. "And heir to the throne of Gondor."

Boromir looked back at the Elf and narrowed his eyes, before looking back towards Aragorn. "That lines was broken long ago. Gondor has no King. Gondor needs no King."

Aragorn spoke to his friend. "Havo dad, Legolas."(Sit down.) and the Elf took his seat followed by the two men.

"Frodo." Elrond turned to the Hobbit, "Bring out the Ring so that all here, and Boromir, may better understand his riddle." He gestured to the pedestal that stood in the middle of the assemblage of people.

Frodo stood and walked towards the pedestal. Reaching into his pocket he withdrew the Ring and set it gently on the stone in front of him, next to the broken sword. Before walking back towards his seat he took one more glance at it as if he was reluctant to leave it in the open.

Whispers broke out all throughout the assemblage.

"So it is true?"

"The doom of man."

"Isildur's Bane."

The Ring itself seemed to start speaking to each member of the council. Beckoning each one of them to walk forward and claim the Ring for their own. Authiel closed her eyes trying to will it's evil whispers away from her mind.

"The Halfling," Boromir muttered breaking the silence. "So does this mean that our doom at Minas Tirith is at hand? But then why should we seek a broken sword?"

"The words were not the doom of Minas Tirith." Aragorn spoke with such authority as he looked upon Boromir. "But doom and great deeds are indeed at hand." Aragorn stood once more and put his attention on Boromir. "For the Sword-that-was-Broken is the sword of Elendil that broke beneath him when he fell. It is an heirloom that has been treasured among all his heirs when all others were lost. For it was spoken long ago that the sword would be remade when Isildur's bane was found." As Aragorn spoke those words, he chanced a glance at Authiel with a gentle smile, then turned back to Boromir. "Now that you have seen the sword and Isildur's bane, what would you have? Would you have the house of Elendil return to Gondor?"

"I was not sent to beg any boon, but to seek only the meaning of the riddle." Boromir said sternly. "I have already said we don't need a King. But," he paused for a moment, his words growing a little softer. "We are hard press, and the sword of Elendil would be a welcome help. If such a thing could be returned from the shadows of the past."

Bilbo stood suddenly and spoke in a loud and clear voice. "All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost; the old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost. From the ashes a fire shall be woken, a light from the shadows shall spring; renewed shall be the blade that was broken: the crownless again shall be king."

Aragorn smiled fondly down at the old Hobbit, as did Authiel from across the council. He was clearly not happy with the way Aragorn was being spoken to either.

"For my part I forgive your doubt." Aragorn said looking at Boromir. "Little do I resemble the figures of Isildur and Elendil, who stand carven in all their splendor in the halls of Denethor. I am but the heir of Isildur, not Isildur himself." Once more, Aragorn glanced at Authiel, echoing her words from the previous night. "I've had a hard life and a long one. I've crossed many mountains and rivers and trodden many plains. But my home, such as I have, is in the north. Where the heirs of Elendil have dwelt unbroken from father to son for many generations. Protected and guided by one who is the most loyal and courageous of our people."

Authiel blushed at his words, hoping that no one seated there took notice. Yet she couldn't help but have a sense of pride at Aragorn's words and how he spoke. Gone was the man last night, who looked to be on the brink of despair. In his place stood a man with confidence and power, a hidden strength was revealed in him. One that knew what lay before him, and no matter how dark and dangerous the trials were that lay ahead, he would face them.

"The days of the Dúnedain have darkened and we have dwindled. Lonely men are we, the Rangers of the wild. Hunters. But always hunters for the servants of the enemy. Not all evil beings are found in Mordor, but all over the lands of Middle-Earth. Many dark beasts and powers there are that the walls of Gondor would not have stayed if not for us Rangers who fought them in secret. What roads would any dare to tread if the Dúnedain were not there to watch over them? But yet we are treated poorly, given strange names. Strider, I am called by those in Bree. Yet, if simple folk are free from fear or care, then we are happy. That is the task that my people have been charged with these long years, but the world is changing. Isildur's bane is found and we are being called from our secret places. Battle is near at hand. The Sword-that-was-Broken will be remade. I will come to Minas Tirith." Aragorn declared.

Aragorn spoke with such a determination and purpose that none there would challenge him. When he resumed his seat next to Authiel, he sat up tall and straight in his chair, his posture emitted pride and dignity. She almost had to look at him twice, to be sure that this was the same man that she had watched over all his life. Though when he met her eyes and his expression softened, she smiled. He was still her Aragorn. Just more focused on finishing what his father had left for him to accomplish.

Galdor, the Elf from the Grey Havens spoke after a silence. His clear voice uplifting the spirits of those present. "How do the wise here know that this ring, is the One Ring?" was his simple question.

"That shall now be told." Elrond announced and he turned to Bilbo. "Master Baggins, if you would be so kind as to tell your tale on how you found the Ring."

Bilbo sat up straighter in his seat. "I shall, even though I am hungry and now will most likely miss my noon meal." He looked towards Glóin, Gandalf and even Authiel for a moment. "I will now tell my story in full and the entire truth. Those that have heard it otherwise, I beg they forgive me. For I wanted nothing more than to claim this Ring as a treasure of my own."

Bilbo told his story in full. Not forgetting a single riddle that was spoken between him and Gollum in their competition under the Misty Mountains. When he had finished, the story was continued by Frodo. Every part of his tale was questioned and analyzed. From the moment he left Bag End, to the Barrow Downs, Bree, the Prancing Pony, meeting up with Strider, and the Ringwraiths on Weathertop, all the way to the Ford of Bruinen and the council they all now sat in.

The question was then brought up as to why Saruman was not present at such a meeting. Here Gandalf began his tale of Saruman's betrayal, which began even when Bilbo had started on his first adventure with Thorin Oakenshield. He spoke of how dark beasts and spies started to gather around the Shire and he called upon the Dúnedain to have the watch doubled. He spoke how he told Aragorn some of his fears that Gollum may be behind such things and to set out looking for him. Aragorn had indeed captured him, with the help of his fellow Ranger, Authiel. Gandalf commented that he did not wish to know what dark and deathly perils those two had faced together to find Gollum. In the end he was brought to the Elves of Mirkwood and was interrogated by the Wizard. He had learned that Gollum had been captured and tortured by the enemy and gave them the name of Baggins and a place called the Shire. Here Legolas broke in telling how Gollum had escaped his captors while being allowed to climb a tree. His escape, could not be helped now. Gollum's future purpose could be good or evil, there was no way to know and no time to recapture him.

"So what do we do now?" Galdor asked to no one in particular. "Do we take the Ring to hide, or to destroy?"

Boromir's voice broke the silence and it was full of optimism. "This Ring is a gift. A gift to the foes of Mordor. We should and need to use it." Boromir stood and began pacing looking over the members of the council. "Give Gondor the weapon of the enemy. Let us use it against him!"

Authiel felt Aragorn stir next to her. He was annoyed with this man's ignorance, as was she. "You will not be able to wield it! None of us can. The One Ring will only answer to the one that forged it. Sauron alone is it's master."

Boromir looked at Aragorn with another disapproving look, but before he could speak Authiel stepped in.

"Before you say another word I will tell you this." Authiel said her temper, usually kept in check, was rising to the surface. "You take this Ring, and you will at first do good and wonderful things, yes. But the Ring will corrupt you, it only has the power to destroy. You will lead your people and city to death and destruction. You'll leave Sauron's forces to march freely out of Mordor and into every area of Middle-Earth. The Ring has one goal. To get back to Sauron."

Boromir scoffed at Authiel and Aragorn placed a calming hand on her arm, keeping the Half-Elf in her seat. "A woman?" he said almost laughing at her. "I have wondered why you were here from the moment you arrived. Silent throughout the whole council and now you speak. Who are you and what would you know of such a great matter?"

If Aragorn's hand had not been on her arm, Authiel was sure that she would have jumped from her seat and shown him exactly what she knew of the matter. For her sake, Legolas stood up, angered at the way Authiel was being treated.

Boromir turned and regarded the Elf. "She is Authiel of the Dúnedain. The Half-Elf Ranger that has dedicated her life to help protect and guide the heirs of Isildur. To make sure that a King returns to Gondor. Perhaps you know her by another name, she is know as Randír in your city. I daresay, you owe her your allegiance as well."

Boromir almost laughed, "So the myths are true? I've heard stories, only as a child though, that there was a Half-Elf that took care of the heirs of Isildur. But it was just a bedtime story for children. I never would've thought to come to this great Elven city to find myths and legends were actually real."

"I assure you I am very real, and so is my skill with a blade." Authiel challenged Boromir.

"Authiel." Aragorn whispered harshly next to her, his hand still tightly gripping her arm.

Boromir only chuckled, "But you call her Randír. He was a man, a great warrior that served with the great Captain Thorongil under my Grandfather's rule. They would be dead and buried by now."

"Disguised as a man, maybe. But many here can attest that she is the same Randír that served under your Grandfather, and Thorongil sits beside her. The same man you have already insulted." Legolas added in a hard voice. "You should show some respect to the people that served as heroes and inspiration for Gondor."

Boromir looked over at the Rangers with wide eyes even as Authiel continued to glare at him. Stunned to silence, the man eventually took his seat and Legolas did the same, but the Elf inclined his head to Authiel and Aragorn.

"What has been spoken is true on all accounts." Elrond said addressing them all and looking long and hard at Boromir. The Elf Lord trying to ease the tension that had built. "The Ring cannot be used. I fear to take the Ring to hide it. I will not take the Ring to wield it."

"Nor I." said Gandalf

Boromir looked at them doubtfully, but bowed his head in defeat. "So be it." he said. "Then in Gondor we must trust to such weapons as we have. And at the least, while the wise ones guard this Ring, we will fight on. Mayhap the Sword-that-was-Broken may still stem the tide if the hand that wields it has inherited not an heirloom only, but the sinews of the Kings of Men."

"Who can tell?" said Aragorn not rising to the potential argument, "But we will put it to the test one day." Authiel couldn't help but let a smile cross her face at his declaration.

"May the day not be too long delayed" said Boromir. "For though I do not ask for aid, we need it."

Elrond spoke next, "We have only one choice. The Ring must be destroyed."

"Well then," Gimli spoke standing up and lifting an axe. "What are we waiting for?" He approached the pedestal and brought the blade of the axe down on the Ring. He let out a yell and fell backwards as his axe shattered to pieces and fell to the floor. His kinsmen rushed forward to help him up as he stared amazed at the broken shards of his axe lying on the ground.

Elrond looked at the Dwarf with sympathy, "I'm afraid the Ring cannot be destroyed, Gimli, son of Glóin, by any craft that we here possess. Sauron made the Ring in the fires of Mount Doom. Only there can it be destroyed. It must be taken deep into Mordor and cast back into the fires from whence it came." Elrond informed them all. "One of you, must gather your strength and courage to do this."

A dead silence fell upon all those gathered. Knowing what was being asked of them was a suicide mission and impossible to achieve. Boromir once again spoke in a foreboding voice. "One cannot simply walk into Mordor. It's 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, ash, and dust. The very air you breathe is a poisonous fume. Not with ten thousand men could you do this. It is folly!"

Legolas jumped to his feet and looked at Boromir "Have you heard nothing that has been spoken? The Ring must be destroyed!"

Gimli jumped to his feet and glared at Legolas. "And I suppose you think you're the one to do it?!"

Boromir joined the Dwarf, "And if we fail, what then?! What happens when Sauron takes back what is his?!"

"I will be dead before I see the Ring in the hands of an Elf!" Gimli shouted, causing an uproar amongst the Elves and Dwarves, who immediately started arguing with one another. The other men stood trying to calm the arguing races down.

Gandalf stood trying to speak amongst the council members, "Do you not understand that while we bicker amongst ourselves, Sauron's power grows?! None can escape it! You'll all be destroyed!"

Authiel looked over at Aragorn, who with her, Elrond, his son's, Bilbo and Frodo remained seated. "This is getting us nowhere." she whispered to him. "We might as well accept the fate of death if none of the Lords of Middle-Earth can come to a decision about such a matter."

Aragorn looked at her with a smirk on his face. "Where is your hope and faith that you had last night?" he said almost jokingly.

Authiel smiled at him shaking her head slightly. "Perhaps it has left me and been passed to you, Heir of Isildur." She looked at him more closely and he met her eyes. "I have never heard you speak in such a manner, nor any of your forefathers. Not even your father. You intend to go to Minas Tirith?"

"I do. Isildur had the chance to destroy the Ring and end all of this. It is only right that Isildur's heir should be the one to fix this matter." Aragorn told her in a strong voice, but yet she could still see some doubt in his eyes.

"Yet you won't have to alone. I will be right by your side." She reached over and laid a gentle hand on his. "Like I always have."

"Thank you. As much as I would wish for you to stay back and remain safe, I know that you will not and I will be glad to have you by my side." He placed his own hand over hers and gave it a gentle squeeze. "But you speak the truth I fear. If this council cannot see past differences and arguments from ages long ago, then we are all doomed."

Authiel opened her mouth to speak, but was silenced when she heard a small voice among the commotion.

"I will take it!" the Hobbit, Frodo Baggins, spoke rising and stepping forward towards the arguing races. "I will take it!" he yelled this time, drawing everyone's attention.

Everyone looked on in amazement at Frodo. Here among these great Lords and warriors stood the smallest being who was willing to brave all the dangers of Middle-Earth to attempt to save them all.

"I will take the Ring to Mordor." he spoke looking at all of them with determination in his eyes. It faltered slightly as he spoke again, "Though... I do not know the way."

Gandalf walked forward and gave Frodo a small smile. "Frodo Baggins, I will help you bear this burden as long as it is yours to bear." He stood next to the Hobbit and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

Aragorn rose beside Authiel and she stared up at him from her seat. "If by my life or death, I can protect you, I will." He walked forward, Authiel's eyes following after him. He knelt in front of Frodo and took his hand. "You have my sword."

"And you have my bow." Legolas said walking towards them to stand beside Gandalf.

"And my axe!" Gimli shouted not to be outdone by an Elf. He stood next to Legolas and looked up at him grimly.

"You carry the fate of us all little one. If this is indeed the will of the Council, then Gondor will see it done." Boromir said slowly walking forward.

Authiel stood from her seat and met Aragorn's eyes. He watched as she walked forward and knelt in front of Frodo. She smiled at the Hobbit looking him in the eyes. "I pledged my life to Aragorn when he was born. If he pledged his to yours, then my life will also be at your service." Frodo gave her a small smile and she stood next to Aragorn, whose eyes held a mixture of both sorrow and joy.

Elrond looked to those that had pledged their servitude to Frodo and smiled; each race was represented. He opened his mouth to speak but was cut off when Sam jumped out of some bushes and ran to stand next to Frodo.

"Mr. Frodo isn't going on this journey without me!" he stated firmly with no room for argument."

Elrond gave an amused smile to Sam and Frodo. "No indeed, it is hardly possible to separate you two even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not."

Sam looked down at the floor a little sheepishly, but he smiled when Merry and Pippin emerged from behind a pillar and took off running towards the group.

"Wait! We're coming too!" they yelled simultaneously. Elrond gave them a slightly disapproving look mixed with confusion and amusement.

"You'd have to send us home tied up in a sack to stop us!" Merry said standing next to their friends.

"Besides, you need people of intelligence on this sort of mission, quest... thing." Pippin said crossing his arms and looking at Lord Elrond.

"Well that rules you out, Pip." Merry said looking at Pippin.

Elrond looked over the group once again. "Ten companions… to match the Ring Lord and his Nine Servants. So be it! You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring!"