Author Note: Inspired by "Steady is the Hand" by rhosinthorn. Thank you for everyone who has read and reviewed my story.

Another long chapter. With this chapter, I have reached the end of my detailed outline and only have my skeleton outline. All major plot points are still planned out, but it will likely just take me longer to update. Thank you all!

The Shards of Sorrow

Review: Arwen enters into a wager with her father regarding Branwen's Heart being closer to Men or Elves. Elrond and Gandalf discuss Branwen's being and how she appears to be transitioning into an Elf from Men. Branwen sits with Elrond and Gandalf and is invited to join their secret council on October 25th. She accepts.

Gandalf leaves and she and Elrond speak privately. Elrond expresses his concern of her being able to enter the Undying Lands as she is of Men and asks to commune with her Heart and Mind to determine the possibility of her becoming like an Elf. After they commune, Branwen is shocked to find Elrond is proud of her for her resilience and is blown away when Elrond not only confirms she appears to be transitioning into an Elf-like being but also offers to adopt her into his house as his daughter—the condition of Arwen winning the wager that is not revealed to Branwen. Branwen is welcomed into the House of Elrond and moves into a new apartment within Imladris and is measured for new clothing after revealing her identity to Elendria.

Frodo awakens the next day whole and healthy and Gandalf and Branwen go to see him. After, Branwen receives her first dress and gifts of jewelry from Arwen to wear at the feast where her adoption shall be announced in addition to celebrating the victory at the Ford and Frodo's recovery. During the feast, she is introduced as Branwen Anaróriel—the Morningstar.

After the feast, they adjourn to the Hall of Fire where Arwen quietly rebukes the power of the Ring before Glorfindel and Pippin share the story of their time from Weathertop to the Ford and Branwen repelling the Riders both times. After the story is told, a Dwarf loudly says he cannot believe it and Branwen takes the time and effort to demonstrate her mastery of magic with an elaborate display of fire to mimic the Aurora Borealis.

Branwen then notices for the first time that Arwen and Aragorn seem to have feelings towards each other, which she is unsure about, while Arwen silently teases Aragorn for the conflict of his own heart.

Chapter Sixteen – The Council of Elrond

The Third Age – October 25th, 3018

Branwen opened her eyes slowly, a deep sense of contentment rising from deep within her as she basked in the comfort of her feather mattress. Last night had been wonderful and she had been the last of the non-Elves that had remained after Hobbits, Dwarves, and Aragorn had departed for bed. She had stayed up long enough to catch a glimpse of her new namesake as light broke across the Eastern Sky before the sun crested the hidden horizon.

Song, music, and poetry galore had delighted her ears in the sweet syllables of Elvish Tongue while Branwen had sat comfortably next to her sister for hours on end. After she had put aside her momentary and slight discomfort of the looks that Aragorn and Arwen had shared, it had amused Branwen to see Aragorn quite unwilling to move from his spot standing next to her sister. Eventually, all three had fallen into conversation and Branwen had delighted Arwen with stories of young Estel bugging her relentlessly in the archives before she would stump him with some tidbit of wisdom. Aragorn bore it with good humor and shared just as many stories of him constantly reminding her that it was time to eat or time to go to bed because she would become so caught up in her readings.

It had been delightful and Branwen had also learned of what Aragorn had done in the intervening years since their sudden reunification.

Arwen had then asked, "Tell me, Branwen. How did young Aragorn act when he saw your face the first time?"

Branwen took a moment to think back on it. Honestly, after so many years, she had come to think it rather sweet and still so very cheesy. She had glanced over and saw Aragorn's cheek were already red and he began to say, "There's no need for—…"

Which meant there was a specific need for this, Branwen had thought with a mischievous grin. She interrupted Aragorn, capturing Arwen's attention, "Well, there I was, enjoying the beautiful view while feeling rather down on myself. This eleven-year-old boy somehow snuck up on me and, while I'm considering what I shall do with him to stop him from blabbing, he begins asking me if I'm Tinúviel and that he must have fallen into a dream!"

Arwen had giggled with delight while Aragorn's face was burning red. Elrond's ear had been caught as well and he had been chuckling in amusement at Aragorn's expense. Branwen had continued, "Now, I have had many Men speak with me and try their chances, but never an eleven-year-old! I must admit, taking his age into consideration, he had been rather charming! Had he been a decade or so older, I might have even fallen for him! Then his mother came up and ushered him off to sleep as it was past his bedtime!"

Aragorn's hands had gone to cover his face, his ears crimson, while Arwen had laughed with tears at the corners of her eyes. After that, there had been some Elves that had begun to serenade and sing of Arwen's and Branwen's beauty. Some had obviously come up with the lyrics that night, or altered existing ones, as a few had referenced them as the Morning and Evening Stars.

It had all been in good fun, even if she found most of the Elves rather too pretty. It seemed stronger and more masculine Elves such as Elrond, Elrohir, Ellandan, and, even though she loathed to admit it, Glorfindel were rather in the minority as opposed to the rule. It was also quite apparent that none of the Elves had realized that she was human…or had been, at least. With her ears covered by her hair, it seemed none could tell at all. Even Lindir, telling Bilbo that he could not tell one Mortal from another, had serenaded them as twin Elf-maiden beauties and that had amused her more greatly than she had expected.

To her even greater amusement, Aragorn had not seemed very pleased once the first Elf had had begun the serenades and then the others had joined in to one up one another. Branwen's delight had made Arwen smile, which only made Aragorn's expression surlier, entertaining Branwen more, and making Arwen happier. It had been a rather fun positive feedback loop.

Branwen would likely have stayed up with her sister if Elrond had not told her quietly that the secret council would be earlier in the morning, in the easternmost and highest garden above the river, and she should go off to get some rest. The bell in the morning after breakfast would signal that it was time to gather. She could not deny that her body, despite Elrond's assertion that she was becoming Elf-like, did need rest.

Only a few hours of sleep had come to her but Branwen felt well enough.'

She dressed in a grey dress and her grey cloak. She had not wanted to risk getting cold if the weather was starting to turn and she did not know how long they would be outside. Branwen paused and looked at her pale staff, crystal shimmering in the early morning light filtering through the balcony doors.

Yes…it was time for her to stop hiding and be as proud in herself as her new family was. Branwen had been a proud witch with an outstanding talent for combat magic, defensive magic, and even, eventually, the Dark Arts—the War Witch, the Morrígan, and the return of Morgan Le Fay. She was no wallflower and, if she was to be taken seriously in a council that she had a feeling would be majority males, Branwen needed to display her thorns that she had told the Hobbits and Aragorn of when they were departing Bree.

She took her staff, Unveiled, before she tossed her loose curls behind her.

Branwen left her room and knocked on her sister's door. She waited a short pause and then opened it before putting her head in. Arwen was already up, dressed, and nearly to the door. Branwen thought it likely she had simply not slept. Arwen smiled, "Good morning, Branwen! How did you sleep?"

Branwen came in the rest of the way, "Very well! Last night was delightful and I'm ready for this council."

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Arwen felt such pride welling up in her. Branwen looked every bit of the powerful magician and witch that she claimed herself to be. Though she was small, her wild midnight tresses over the seriousness of her grey cloak and dress while she clutched her pale staff, left her seeming far larger than she was. Branwen stood with a straight back and wide stance that spoke of confidence and power.

Though Arwen knew that Branwen truly thought quite little of herself as a person, she also knew that Branwen had a deep pride in her magical power. It was the one thing that she was prideful of, for good reason.

Arwen nodded appreciatively as a smirk came on her face, "Sister dearest, you look ready."

Branwen smiled and they went to breakfast. Wide eyes followed them but, for once, Branwen seemed to care little. It was wonderful to see this side of her sister and Arwen knew that she would remember this for when Branwen became down on herself.

They had just finished a light breakfast when there was the sound of a bell. There were some curious looks from the uninformed, but a small number stood to leave. Branwen did as well and she graced Arwen with one last smile, "Well, I can only hope that I will not have swat anyone on the nose as I did last night."

Arwen kissed Branwen on the cheek, "Good luck, my dear, and tell me all about it once you're finished."

Branwen laughed, "Of course!"

Arwenwatched with happiness as Branwen strode so confidently from the hall.

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Branwen came out onto the patio of the specified garden that Elrond had told her they were meeting in. It was a cool but pleasant day and she was glad to have brought her cloak, just in case. She found Elrond and Glorfindel sitting in the center with some already gathered—Elves mostly with a few of the Dwarven company.

Aragorn was off in the corner, dressed plainly in his travel clothing, behind and off to the side of Elrond. There was another Man as well off to the side that she did recognize nor had she seen about Imladris before, but appeared to be of Dúnedain heritage. She did not bother to take him in entirely at that time and instead looked to her father.

Elrond smiled upon seeing her but did not speak. He gestured to a seat next to Glorfindel and another elf she had not met. She took her seat, exchanging nods with Glorfindel and the other blonde Elf next to her.

From her initial sweep of the gathered, it was clear her concerns had been true—she was the only female present from what she could see.

Then Gandalf came along with Frodo and Bilbo in tow. Gandalf took a remaining seat just two removed from Elrond. Elrond sat Frodo directly next to himself and Bilbo between Frodo and Gandalf. With that, it appeared all seats were filled now in their circle around the patio and a certain anticipation began to fill the air.

Branwen Saw that Sam appeared to have followed after Gandalf, Frodo, and Bilbo and was now hiding in the bushes. Odd, but it was not like he wholly ignorant of the matter.

Elrond then spoke, his soothing yet powerful voice clearly heard by all, "Good morning, friends. Thank you for joining me on this day. First, let me introduce our guest of honor. Here, my friends, is the hobbit, Frodo son of Drogo. Few have ever persevered through greater peril or on an errand more urgent."

Frodo flushed before Elrond pointed to Bilbo, "This is Biblo son of Bungo, who had first come across the matter of importance some decades back that Frodo risked his life for to come to Rivendell."

Elrond seemed to focus only on important figures as representatives as he went around the circle introducing everyone.

"Gandalf the Grey, as I am sure you are all aware. He is our foremost expert on the matter at hand."

He pointed out the old Dwarf that Frodo had sat to last night followed by a younger red-bearded Dwarf, "Glóin son of Gróin and Gimli son of Glóin, heading the company of Dwarves that has come to Rivendell bearing news most disconcerting."

"Erestor, my chief of household and advisor."

He pointed to the tall blonde Elf next to her clad in grey, "Galdor of the Grey Havens, who has come on an errand from Círdan the Shipwright"

Elrond pointed to a youthful and athletic looking blonde Elf with bright blue eyes, "Legolas son of Thranduil, Elvenking of the Woodland Realm, who came as a messenger on behalf of his father."

He finally pointed to the Man she did not recognized and introduced him, "Here is Boromir, a man from the South. He arrived in the grey morning and seeks for counsel. I have bidden him to be present, for here his questions will be answered."

Boromir was a tall and fair man with a noble face, dark-haired, and grey-eyed—much like many of Dúnedain heritage. He was still dressed in traveling clothes stained from the Road, but they were quite rich in quality with a fur-lined cloak, silver collar inset with a white stone, and a great horned tipped with silver. Branwen could easily surmise that he was of some noble house of Gondor, most likely.

Elrond did not introduce her or Aragorn. Elves certainly dominated the meeting membership with Dwarves behind them. Of Men, there were only Aragorn and Boromir and Frodo and Bilbo matched them for the Hobbits. That left Gandalf as the odd Wizard out along with Branwen as the only female…whatever she was.

It was quite the assortment and Branwen began to wonder exactly how important and how dangerous this Ring was. It did not seem that most were aware of the Ring either as they had come together for different purposes. Interesting…

In turn, each representative named began to speak of news from their place of origin and knowledge as Elrond gestured to them in turn. The most troubling of news came from the Dwarves.

Glóin spoke, "It is now many years ago that a shadow of disquiet fell upon our people. Whence it came we did not at first perceive. Words began to be whispered in secret—it was said that we were hemmed in a narrow place and that greater splendor and wealth would be found in the wider world.

Some spoke of Moria—the mighty works of our fathers called Khazad-dûm in our tongue. They declared that now at last we had the power and numbers to return."

Glóin seemed to become a bit emotional, "Moria! Wonder of the Northern world! Too deep we delved there and woke the nameless evil. Long have its vast halls lain empty since the children of Durin fled. But now we spoke of it again with longing and yet with dread, for no Dwarf has dared to pass the doors of Khazad-dûm for many lives of kings, save Thrór only, and he perished."

Branwen wondered what this nameless evil was but put it out of mind as Glóin continued.

"However, at last, Balin listened to the whispers and resolved to go. And though Dáin did not give leave willingly, Balin took with him Ori and Óin and many of our folk, and they went South. That had been nigh on thirty years ago. For a while, we had news and it seemed good—messages reported that Moria had been entered and a great work begun there. Then there was silence and no word has come from Moria since.

Then about a year ago, a messenger came to Dáin, but not from Moria – from Mordor."

There was tenseness that came over the meeting at the name of the Dark Lands.

Glóin spoke quietly now, as if he were afraid something might jump out of the shadows, "A horseman in the night called Dáin to his gate. The Lord Sauron the Great, so he said, wished for our friendship. Rings, he would give for it, such as he gave of old. And he asked urgently concerning hobbits, of what kind they were, and where they dwelt."

Hobbits? Branwen felt her face contort in confusion even as others did the same. Obviously, this was related to the Ring that Frodo carried but how had this news come to the Dark Lord in the first place and why was he sending out messengers about it?

Glóin then began to imitate a dark voice, "'For Sauron knows,' the horseman said, 'that one of these was known to you on a time.'

At this, we were greatly troubled and we gave no answer. And then his fell voice was lowered, and he would have sweetened it if he could. 'As a small token only of your friendship, Sauron askes this,' he said, 'that you should find this thief,' such was his word, 'and get from him, willing or no, a little ring, the least of rings, that once he stole. It is but a trifle that Sauron fancies and an earnest of your good will. Find it and three rings that the Dwarf-sires possessed of old shall be returned to you and the realm of Moria shall be yours forever. Find only news of the thief, whether he still lives and where, and you shall have great reward and lasting friendship from the Lord Sauron. Refuse—and things will not seem so well. Do you refuse?'"

The limited Dwarven company seemed to shudder together as Branwen felt rather dark things rising in her. She did not respond to threats very well and likely would have likely torn off this messenger's arm and beat him with it.

Glóin recomposed himself and said, "At that, the messenger's breath came like the hiss of snakes, and all who stood by shuddered, but Dáin said, 'I say neither yea nor nay. I must consider this message and what it means under its fair cloak.'

'Consider well, but not too long,' he said.

'The time of my thought is my own to spend,' answered Dáin.

'For the present,' said he then rode into the darkness.

Heavy have the hearts of our chieftains been since that night. We needed not the fell voice of the messenger to warn us that his words held both menace and deceit; for we knew already that the power that has re-entered Mordor had not changed, and ever it betrayed us of old.

Twice the messenger has returned and gone unanswered. The third and time, so he says, is soon to come, before the ending of the year."

Glóin took a breath after having finished the recount of the conversation between Dáin and this dark messenger. The old Dwarf then fixed his eyes upon Elrond and said, "And so I have been sent at last by Dáin to warn Bilbo that he is sought by the Enemy, and to learn why he desires this ring, this least of rings, as is claimed.

We crave the advice of Elrond. For the Shadow grows and draws nearer. We have discovered that messengers have come also to King Brand in Dale and that he is afraid. We fear that he may yield. Already war is gathering on his Eastern borders. If we make no answer, the Enemy may move Men of his rule to assail King Brand and Dáin also."

The council took a moment to process this ill news from the Dwarves before Elrond commended, "You have done well to come to me. You will hear today all that you need in order to understand the purposes of the Enemy. There is little that you can do, other than resist, with hope or without it.

But you do not stand alone.

You have heard such already from those who have spoken, but you know that your trouble is but part of the trouble of all the Western world.

The Ring! What shall we do with the Ring, the least of all rings, the trifle that Sauron fancies? That is the doom that we must deem."

Elrond's voice seemed to become more powerful as he continued speaking.

"That is the purpose for which you are all called here. Called, I say, but I have not called you to me, strangers from distant lands. You have come here and met, in the very nick of time, by chance it may seem.

Yet it is not so. Believe rather that it is so ordered that we, who sit here and no others, must find counsel for the peril of the world."

All gathered began to sit up straighter with hardening faces. Branwen now understood there was a missing piece that she did not have. If this was about the Ring, it seemed powerful, but it was only one of nineteen Rings of Power. When Sauron already had others, would he truly have his most powerful servants pursue this one so fiercely because he…fancied it?

No, Branwen refused to believe such a heaping pile of steaming bullshit.

Elrond's voice was filled with authority as he said, "Therefore, things shall be openly spoken that have been hidden from all but a few until this day. And first, so that all may understand what is the peril, the Tale of the Ring shall be told from the beginning to this present. And I will begin this tale, though others shall end it."

Branwen leaned forward intently as Elrond paused before he began to recite, "It began with the forging of the Great Rings by the Elven-smiths of Eregion, under Master Smith and Elven-Prince Celebrimbor. In those days, Eregion and Moria had a great friendship and both had a great lust for knowledge. Also in those days, Sauron was still able to assume a fair form and he disguised himself as a benevolent and wise being by the name of Annatar.

He taught the Elven-smiths how to capture and forge the very essence of Middle Earth and Arda into Rings of Power. The Elven-smiths were enamored with the strength of these rings and, in pursuit of this craft, forged many Lesser Rings that were mere essays in their practice.

Sauron, disguised as he was, commissioned and assisted in the forging of first Nine and then Seven. Celebrimbor, a master of his art and now learned in the creation of Rings of Power, forged the Three greatest of the nineteen that now existed, but Sauron had no direct hand in their creation and was not aware of them.

But the Elves were deceived, for another Ring was made. In the land of Mordor, in the Mountain of Fire, the Dark Lord Sauron forged in secret a master Ring, the One Ring, to control all others. And into this Ring he poured his cruelty, his malice, and his will to dominate."

Branwen felt the breath leave her lungs at once. So, this was the deception that had been mentioned and referenced but never explained in the histories that she had read. This was the Ring then. It was the only reasonable explanation…or least, it was assumed to be the One Ring.

"When Sauron placed the One Ring on his finger, at once, the Elves knew that they had been deceived and removed the Rings of Power from their hands. Celebrimbor hid away the Three that Sauron had not had a hand in making, but there was war as Sauron, furious that his plans had failed, wished to claim all of the Rings of Power.

The land of Middle Earth was laid to waste and Moria was eviscerated so that the Gate of that great work was shut.

Upon claiming the Seven and Nine, Sauron took them and then over the years began to gift them to ensnare the great leaders of Middle Earth—Seven to the Dwarf lords. And Nine were gifted to kings of the race of Men.

But none would know that this gift was a trap for there was only One Ring to rule them all."

Branwen listened in stunned silence of the twenty Rings of Power and as Elrond began to trace the Ring's history. He spoke of the Fall of Númenor, Sauron's deception and the power of his Ring tha had allowed the Fall, and how the Dúnedain came out of the West from the Great Sea to return to Middle Earth. Elendil and his sons, Isildur and Anárion, creating the Realms of the Dúnedain in Exile—Arnor and Gondor. How Sauron and his forces of Mordor came against them but then, the Last Alliance of Elves and Men—made up of the force of Kingdoms of the Dúnedain and Gil-galad—mustered in the North to march upon Mordor.

Elrond then seemed to reminisce a bit, falling into memory, "I remember well the splendor of their banners. It reminded me of the glory of the Elder Days and the hosts of Beleriand, so many great princes and captains were assembled. And yet not so many, nor so fair, as when Thangorodrim was broken, and the Elves deemed that evil was ended forever, but it was not so."

Branwen felt aware again that her adoptive father was ancient beyond reckoning even as Frodo gasped in astonishment. Elrond explained a bit of how many thousands of years he had seen to Frodo as Branwen felt the yawning face of eternity before her. Thangorodrim had been cast down at the end of the First Age when Morgoth was defeated and Elrond had borne witness to it. Would she one day sit and reminisce of battles long past?

She returned her attention to the meeting just as Elrond said, "I beheld the last combat on the slopes of Orodruin, where Gil-galad died, and Elendil fell, and Narsil broke beneath him. But Sauron was overthrown and Isildur cut the One Ring from his hand with the hilt-shard of his father's sword…and took it for his own."

Branwen then felt something buzzing at the edges of her senses and she felt suspicious of what it was. She opened her Sight and Saw the blackness hanging from the chain at Frodo's neck pulsing. Its reaching fingers were now spreading throughout the gathered and she wrinkled her nose in disgust.

The Gondorian, Boromir, then spoke loudly, interrupting Elrond, "So that is what became of the Ring! If ever such a tale was told in the South, it has long been forgotten. I have heard of the Great Ring of him that we do not name. But we believed that it perished from the world in the ruin of his first realm. Isildur took it! That is tidings indeed."

Branwen could not tell if Boromir was concerned or…excited. She did note that the Ring's influence seemed to but wrapping around him the easiest of those assembled. The Hearts of Elves were not so prone to darkness while the Hearts of Dwarves seemed resistant. Aragorn's heart was nearly as resolute and stout as the others, but Boromir did not appear such. In fact, of the gathered, only Bilbo's heart was more affected…but the Ring did not appear interested in the Hobbit this time.

Elrond answered, overlooking the interruption, "Yes. Isildur took it, as should not have been. It should have been cast then into Orodruin's fire where it was made. But few marked what Isildur did. He alone stood by his father in that last mortal contest. And by Gil-galad, only Círdan and I stood. But Isildur would not listen to our counsel."

The Ring seemed to be…gleeful as Elrond began to recount Isildur's folly and as it was called Isildur's Bane that led to his death. Elrond spoke then of how the Shards of Narsil, Elendil's sword, and Isildur's child and heir were brought to Rivendell.

Elrond's voice then became darker as he said, "Fruitless did I call the victory of the Last Alliance? Not wholly so, yet it did not achieve its end. Sauron was diminished but not destroyed. His Ring was lost but not unmade. The Dark Tower was broken, but its foundations were not removed—for they were made with the power of the Ring, and while it remains, they will endure."

Branwen felt that last piece click into place as she recounted what Elrond had said earlier, '…into his Ring he poured his cruelty, his malice, and his will to dominate.' And she replayed the words he had just spoken, 'Sauron was diminished but not destroyed. His Ring was lost but not unmade. The Dark Tower was broken, but its foundations were not removed—for they were made with the power of the Ring, and while it remains, they will endure.'

Branwen turned her horrified Sight onto the Ring hidden under Frodo's shirt. It continued pulsing with satisfaction as Elrond spoke of lamenting the decline of Elves and the Kings of Men, while lesser Men have multiplied, and the Kingdoms of the Dúnedain and Elves having diminished or fallen entirely.

The Ring's insidious fingers begun to dig deeper towards the hearts of those who were gathered as Elrond spoke of the darkness and decay—even Elrond, Gandalf, and Glorfindel were touched, if only lightly. She knew now, without a shadow of a doubt, what this Ring was, though she had previously dismissed it as a mere coincidence in their powers.

It was fucking Horcrux…

A soul container, but one created from a Ring of Power forged by a being like a god… Branwen had no means to destroy such a powerful thing, not even if she had all her spells and the tools of magic at her disposal back on Earth.

A Ring of Power was supposed to be nigh indestructible excluding the flames of Great Dragons, which she could not hope to match. Combine this inherent durability with the power of a soul container?

Branwen shivered in disgust as she felt bile in her throat watching the Ring perform its evil designs.

Her awareness flickered back to the meeting as Boromir stood and spoke with a passionate voice, "Give me leave, Master Elrond, first to say more of Gondor, for from the land of Gondor I have come."

Branwen tuned out his words though as Boromir waxed on about the vigor of Gondor's defense against the Enemy and the odds that they had faced and continued to face. She cared nothing for his words and only Saw the tendrils of blackness from the Ring wrapping around his heart with a soft caress.

Was domination the power of this Ring?

Branwen's attention was brought back again to words as Boromir spoke of a prophetic dream and he recited:

"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."

Halfling? Indeed, Hobbits had been involved thus far with the evil of Isildur's Bane. She continued to See the vile will of the Ring as it worked. Branwen was becoming annoyed with this Southern lordling, as he seemed rather self-important, but she wanted to See what wickedness this Ring could do.

Branwen did not believe the effect it had on Bilbo was something so quick.

Her thoughts turning to Bilbo, she looked into his heart and Saw that, though the Ring did not appear to be focusing on him, his heart was near encased by the tendrils of blackness. He seemed gaunt and full of worry as the hobbit listened to Boromir.

More fingers of smoke had delved into Boromir's chest and they had begun to wrap about his heart as well. Were the Hearts of Men really so weak? Boromir continued to speak, "Of these words of prophecy, we could understand little. And we spoke to our father, Denethor, Lord of Minas Tirith, wise in the lore of Gondor."

Lord of Minas Tirith? Then Boromir was the son of the Steward of Gondor and of the House of Húrin. This was a prince of Men in every way that mattered and only because of Gondor's loyalty to the idea of the Return of the Line of Kings was he not a prince in name as well. His self-importance made a great deal more sense now and Branwen wrinkled her nose.

A Prince of Men and yet he was so weak as to be easily influenced by the Ring he could not see or even knew was there? Rather pathetic…

Branwen listened with half an ear as Boromir lamented how difficult it had been to find the House of Elrond as it was so little known. Branwen knew that she had been quite lucky to have gotten a copy of such a complete map from the Elvenking's Halls those long decades back.

This was becoming was becoming tiresome though and all she saw was a lordling wasting good air.

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Aragorn watched Boromir as he continued to speak. Aragorn felt tension within himself as he saw the man waxing on and seeming to become more impassioned…and near fanatical in his words.

His eyes were then caught by a glow across from him.

Branwen's eyes were luminescent even in the high morning sun now and her emerald gaze was piercing. She looked grave, ashen even, and her eyes seemed to bore into the depths of the chests of all gathered.

He wondered what she Saw. Finally, he had had enough and stood to speak and he pulled out his broken sword.

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Branwen's stare flicked over to Aragorn as he stood and interjected with a powerful voice over Boromir before the man could continue, "And here in the house of Elrond more shall be made clear to you."

Aragorn threw his sword onto the table in the center and she saw it was in pieces. The Ranger said, "Here is the Sword that was Broken."

Boromir looked at Aragorn with skepticism…and then derision. He appeared to be taking in Aragorn's simple and worn travel clothing. There was the slightest curl of his lip as the blackness of the Ring sunk deeper into his heart, and the princeling asked, "And who are you? And what have you to do with Minas Tirith?"

Branwen felt her temper suddenly fail.

҉

Aragorn paused an instant, the eyes of the gathered upon him, as Boromir asked him to identify himself. However, before he could answer, a sudden movement snapped his attention away and the rest of the council as well.

Branwen had she surged to her feet, eyes blazing like fire, and she snarled at Boromir, her words heavy with anger, "He is Aragorn son of Arathorn! Chieftain of the Dúnedain of Arnor! Isildur's Heir and of the line of Elendil! Rightful king of the fallen Kingdom of Arnor and heir to the lost line of Kings of Gondor! He is a man that stands head and shoulders above some lordling that has not done a tenth of what he, his line, and his Rangers of the North and their allies have done to fight the Enemy!"

Aragorn felt his mouth was dry as he and the gathered males were rendered speechless by feminine fury that threatened violence.

After only pause, Boromir recovered and snapped back, "And who are you!? To declare as such?"

Branwen lifted her head, and despite her small stature and form, Aragorn could not help but feel that she stood far above him, Boromir, and the others gathered. She answered with conviction, "I am Branwen Anaróriel, daughter of Elrond, and sworn ally and protector to the Chieftain of the Dúnedain—Aragorn son of Arathorn."

Aragorn could find no words to speak and he felt his heart warm deeply with the affection that he still tried so hard to deny.

He was looking upon queen amongst Women and Elf-maidens who would not and could not be silenced. Aragorn's gaze strayed to Elrond, wondering if he planned to stop this, but instead the Elf-lord seemed quite willing to allow his youngest daughter to speak.

Aragorn's thoughts were then interrupted by Frodo's voice as the hobbit jumped to his feet, "Aragorn, then it belongs to you and not to me at all!"

From Frodo's hand, dangling from a silver chain, was the Ring. Aragorn felt something calling out to him, as the light glimmered so delicately off the Ring.

With effort, he tore his eyes away from it and looked back to Branwen to see her still glaring at Boromir. Boromir was now looking in awe at the Ring that Frodo had revealed.

҉

Branwen kept her Sight and glare upon Boromir as the Ring's blackness dug ever deeper. His own stare had been drawn by Frodo's voice and he looked over as Aragorn spoke to Frodo, soft and sure, "It does not belong to either of us, but it had been ordained that you should hold it for a while."

Elrond then gestured to the shining Ring and declared, "Behold Isildur's Bane!"

Boromir's gaze was fixed upon the Ring and the Ring's fingers had finally seemed just short of constricting his heart entirely. The lordling mumbled in awe, "The Halfling… Is this then the doom of Minas Tirith come at last?"

Branwen was beyond disgusted with how weak this Man was! The way that he looked upon the Ring was how Ron Weasley had looked at her that night he had made his attempt. Branwen pointed her finger at him with her staff in her other hand, drawing the attention of the council again, "Boromir of the House of Húrin! I declare you to be of Lesser Men for this thing has influenced since before you even knew of its existence or it had been presented! Your Heart is weak!"

There were some gasps among the gathered, but she had eyes only for the Man in front of her. Boromir looked back at her with fury and shouted back, "So far all I have seen is a broken sword and a bright ring in a halfling's hand! I declare that a woman, she-Elf or otherwise, has no place among a council of the Wise, no matter who you are!"

There were hisses from the Elves around her, but Branwen marched up toward Boromir, uncaring of his vast height over her, and as her Voice hissed, "I can See exactly how powerful and strong you really are… Even now, the insidious fingers of influence of the Ring are wrapping around your heart stronger than any gathered here, except the hobbit," she pointed at Bilbo, "who had apparently kept the vile thing for decades. And STILL…he is resisting better than you."

She Saw the tendrils of blackness twisting deeper and darker as Boromir's nostrils flared. As he opened his mouth to spew more vitriol, she slammed the base of her staff down onto the flagstone with a loud thwack, her Voice ringing like a peal of thunder and Dragon-Spell caressing each syllable, "Begone, darkness!"

The crystal of her staff flared violently with golden light that seared the eyes of those looking. Branwen felt a massive drain and wave of exhaustion over her as the thick and near-ropey tentacles of blackness and smoke were destroyed like shadows in the midday sun.

All gathered seemed to lose their breathe for a moment but, most all, Boromir and Bilbo as they fell grasping at their chests.

Then there was a small sound, though no less vile for its diminutive nature. It was a screech that raised goosebumps across the gathered and blood drained from their faces while Branwen felt almost ill.

All looked in horror towards the Ring itself as it seemed to shriek in a small and unearthly spectral voice that was only evident because of the silence. It then stopped shortly after.

Elrond voice broke the silence that followed, "…Branwen, please sit."

Branwen sat down, grateful for the seat as she caught her own breath. She watched as Boromir began to pick himself up and she asked, "Are you thinking clearer now?"

Boromir got back to his feet a bit unsteadily and looked at her with fear as it colored his voice, "…You're a witch…"

Glorfindel's voice rang through next to her, strong and clear, as he said, "This witch cast eight of the Nine Nazgûl singlehandedly, with a river of flame to rival a fire-drake, into the Floodwater of the Bruinen to be swept away."

Boromir looked at Glorfindel with shock and awe as the Elf-Lord spoke. Glorfindel fixed Boromir with a hard stare, "Boromir, son of the Steward of Gondor or not, you should mind your insults. We all sit as equals amongst the Council of Elrond and Anaróriel has earned her name as the Morningstar. For she is a herald of light and flame and I sit here having borne witness to the power that she wields."

Branwen favored Glorfindel with thankful look even as Boromir continued to stare at her in a mixture of wonder and fear. With the rest of the council's eyes upon him, Boromir sat down shakily.

Gandalf then sighed, a mixture of resignation and exasperation, and said, "Branwen, you have spoken to us before and stated that you can See the Ring's influence clearly."

Branwen nodded, "Yes, the Ring appears in my Sight as a hole of blackness that devours the light around it."

Frodo had returned to his seat, the Ring back beneath his tunic, but her Sight came back to Ring and found that it seemed to be…still. It was the first time she had not Seen the blackness of its shape circulating or reaching. She shared, "It seems to have gone dormant…for now. However, what I just did to cast out its influence, was extremely taxing and I wonder if I would be able to do so very easily outside of Imladris… It was nearly as tiring as it had been to throw the eight of Nine into the Bruinen, so that you might understand, Gandalf."

Gandalf's eyebrows rose, "'Truly? Is the Ring's influence that powerful?"

Branwen nodded, "It is. That is why one must keep your heart guarded… Master Elrond has said that it draws on the darkest desires of the heart. What I have Seen of its influence confirms that. I believe the only reason that I was even able to hurt it just now was that it had spread its influence outside of its vessel too far and too much."

Gandalf stroked his beard in thought before he turned to the hobbit next to him, "Bilbo, how are you feeling? Are you still up to the task of sharing your tale."

Bilbo nodded slowly and seemed very weary. Branwen winced as she realized that had likely harmed Bilbo a bit and Frodo was looking worriedly at his uncle. Branwen leaned forward and directed to the older hobbit, "My apologies, Master Bilbo. I had not known that purging the Ring's influence would harm you or anyone else… I had cast its influence away from you last night when I saw it affecting you and had not thought that there would be any difference."

Bilbo graced her with a kind smile even as he seemed to still be trying to catch his breath. Branwen's attention was drawn to the other hobbit as Frodo asked with a quiet voice that was still heard by all in the silence, "…Branwen…would you sing your song…for my Uncle Bilbo? I think it might make him…and everyone feel better…"

Branwen felt heat rise to her cheeks as expectant eyes turned upon her, though Boromir was now looking more ill than anything else. Elrond seemed disinclined to say anything and Gandalf and Glorfindel seemed to have matching curls at the ends of their mouths.

She sighed with resignation and began.

҉

Boromir looked at this woman, with a face so fair as to drive Men to tears, and he could only feel apprehension as he kept trying to catch his breath. Her verdant eyes had seemed to gaze into the depths of his very soul…only to find him lacking. It made him uneasy.

When she cried out in her Elvish and he was struck by the force of light, it felt almost like fire had raced through his heart—burning out anything less than pure.

He tensed a bit as she took a breath, the halfling having requested her to sing for some reason, but then her voice came out pure and sweet and it rang gently like the lingering notes of a bell.

"Cuil en i Thûl,

Dab calcurulien

Trevad dan i dúath

Dadwen man nabannen."

The crystal orb atop her staff was shining again but it was a soft glow. Boromir felt the lingering burn in his chest, the fear, and all things negative melting away as even his unknown aches were soothed and his spirit felt lifted.

He looked at her, wild raven locks and lovely face wreathed in a golden halo, and then her emerald eyes looked at him again. He felt like he was halfway in love with only a glance, as ribbons of ephemeral golden light snaked among their number like the soothing touch of a mother…or maybe lover.

"Nesta man naharn,

Pessa i innas en Amarth,

Nathaman nagwanwen

Dadwen man nabannen."

Then it was over.

Boromir swallowed as he looked upon Branwen Anaróriel, daughter of Elrond, as if he had seen the sun dawn upon him for the first time.

҉

Branwen finished and it seemed that everyone was a good deal more relaxed as the last ribbons of her spell faded into the air around them. She looked at Frodo and wanted to sigh loudly. He liked that silly little song far too much.

Thankfully, Bilbo did look quite revived and he now wore a grin upon his face. Elrond seemed to regard her with a subtle smile, causing her to blush a bit again, before he turned to Bilbo and asked, "Well, little master, are you feeling well enough now?"

Bilbo jumped to his feet with a spring as he laughed, "I feel younger than I have in years!"

Bilbo then gave Branwen a dramatic bow at the waist, "My deepest thanks, Lady Branwen! Your father has indeed named you well as Anaróriel! Morningstar and herald of light, indeed!"

Branwen could not help her smile of amusement. Bilbo was, if nothing else, a showman, it seemed to her. He made a quick little demonstration of kicking his heels together. The elderly hobbit was indeed a funny little character.

She then glanced to Boromir, checking to see if he looked better, and he appeared healthier. His eyes were on her as well and he was looking at her in a way that she did not necessarily appreciate. His eyes seemed to be drinking in her face and she glanced away as she sighed through her nose.

Branwen was beginning to regret speaking up, but she disliked this princeling of Gondor.

Branwen only listened with one ear as the talks continued. She kept her Sight trained on the Ring, to make sure its influences had not crept back. She was also rather tired now and was content to just sit.

Bilbo told his story, after asking those among them that had heard him tell a false story previously, to forgive him as, back then, he had only wished to claim his treasure as his own and rid himself of the label of thief.

He spoke of creeping through dark tunnels, finding the Ring in the darkness, coming across the creature called Gollum, and tricking him to escape being devoured. How he had kept it through the years until it had passed to Frodo.

Elrond held up his hand shortly after, "Well told, my friend, but that is enough at this time. For the moment it suffices to know that the Ring passed to Frodo, your heir. Let him speak now!"

Branwen continued only to half listen as Frodo then spoke of his tale with the Ring since he had inherited it and his experience as they fled from the Shire to Bree. Branwen began to listen more closely as Frodo recounted Strider's persistent appeal to assist them. Then the barmaid being revealed as an agent of the Rangers of the North as well.

Their trek through the Wilderness as Strider guided them to Weathertop to hopefully find Gandalf. He revealed, as a side not, his simultaneous trust and unease about both Strider and Hazel. Then the encounter at Weathertop, his injury at the hands of a wraith crowned in pale light, and Hazel driving them off and revealed to be Branwen.

Frodo was interrupted here by one of the Elves next to Legolas, "Pardon me, friend, but can you please elaborate on these wraiths? It sounds, to me, as if you claim to have seen their true forms…"

Frodo replied, "When I had put the Ring on, I did. They had white spectral faces gaunt with hunger and eyes like pits, cloaked in grey robes, wispy grey hair covered by silver helms, and gnarled hands. Of them, only one had a crown of terrible cold white light…he also carried a strange knife aside from his sword that glowed with a sickly pale light."

Another Elf asked, seemingly unsatisfied, "And you are sure of this? This Ring was able to allow you to see into Darkness?"

Branwen saw Frodo appeared a little unsure, as if he did not know what to say, so she spoke up and directed her statement to the asking Elves, "I can confirm what Frodo Saw. The Ring, when worn, does indeed draw the wearer into the Unseen. I Saw the same as what Frodo described and, as it was the Nine pursuing us, I do believe strongly that it was the Witch-King that had injured and cursed Frodo.

In the World of Light, they had been indistinguishable from one another, but the Truth was revealed in the Unseen. Master Elrond and Lord Glorfindel can vouch for strength of the Darkness that had been laid upon Frodo."

Glorfindel nodded as Elrond said, "The power of evil shard that had been left in Frodo's shoulder indeed was potent. I stand by my daughter's statement."

Frodo was allowed to continue and he explained how the wound of the knife had seemed to drive him into cold and then misted his vision. His only respite was Branwen singing her song as she tried to keep the darkness at bay. The Ring seemed heavier as the days went on.

Then, they finally made it to the Ford of Bruinen and he felt the Nine calling to him, beckoning him, and the Ring seemed to whisper to him and he felt the urge to give it to them before Glorfindel's horse carried him across the Ford. Then, the Witch-King seemed to curse him before the floodwaters came and he saw a powerful light and then a great flame from the other side of the river.

Frodo concluded, "And I have no memory after that."

There was silence as the council seemed to disgust Frodo's tale. It was only lightly intruded on as Bilbo whispered to Frodo, "Not bad. You would have made a good story of it, if they hadn't kept interrupting. I tried to make a few notes, but we shall have to go over it all again together some time, if I am to write it up. There are whole chapters of stuff before you ever got here!"

Frodo whispered back, "Yes, it made quite a long tale. But the story still does not seem complete to me. I still want to know a good deal, especially about Gandalf."

Branwen had been wondering that herself and then Galdor of the Havens, next to her, spoke up, "You speak for me also!"

He then turned to look at Elrond, Gandalf, Glorfindel, and then even her. He said, "The Wise and Lady Branwen may have good reason to believe that the halfling's treasure is indeed the Great Ring of long debate, unlikely as that may seem to those less informed. But may we not hear the proofs? Also, what of Saruman? He is learned in the lore of the Rings, yet he is not among us. What is his counsel—if he knows the things that we have heard?"

Branwen raised her hand to Elrond to show her intent to speak while Elrond replied to Galdor, "The questions that you ask, Galdor, are bound together. I had not overlooked them and they shall be answered. First, it appears Branwen would say something as you have named her."

Elrond gestured to her and Branwen said, directing it at Galdor but also loud enough for the council around her, "I do not assume to be learned enough in the lore of the Rings of Power to say whether this Ring is the One Ring. Before this day, I had only known of nineteen Rings of Power and certainly was ignorant of a Master Ring.

All that I am able to do is See that this thing before us, regardless of what it truly is, is foul and vile and it works to ensnare the hearts of Elves, Dwarves, and Men alike with vigor. No more, no less."

Elrond nodded to her and before he took over, "Now then, Galdor's questions are for Gandalf to make clear; and I call upon Gandalf last, for it is the place of honor, and in all this matter he has been the chief."

Gandalf said, "Some would think that the tidings of Glóin, the observations of Branwen, and the pursuit of Frodo, proof enough that the halfling's treasure is a thing of great worth to the Enemy. Yet it is a ring. What then? The Nine the Nazgûl keep. The Seven are taken or destroyed. The Three we know of. What then is this one he desires so much?"

Branwen sighed. Then that was the answer there. If all were accounted for except the One Ring, then that was this. This was not some little trinket. It was a powerful artifact.

She listened as Gandalf recounted that the Necromancer of Dol Guldur of Mirkwood had indeed been Sauron and he had recouped much of his strength governing Mordor at a great distance through the Nine.

Sauron had then fled in the face of the White Council, but it was a feint as the Enemy returned to the Dark Tower and declared himself openly and began to search for the One Ring in earnest.

Saruman said that the One would never again be found in Middle Earth—claiming that it had fallen into the Anduin and it would be carried out to Sea to never be seen again.

Gandalf paused here and said, "There I was at fault. I had been lulled by the words of Saruman the Wise. Had I sought the truth sooner, our peril now would be less."

Elrond spoke, "We were all at fault and, if not for your vigilance, Gandalf, Darkness may have already been upon us. But please, continue!"

Branwen listened as Gandalf explained that he wished to know how this Ring had come to Gollum and how long he had possessed it. So, he set a watch for Gollum, assuming he would come out of the darkness from under the Misty Mountains to seek his treasure at some point.

Gollum came out but escaped and could not be found. Time passed before Gandalf was suddenly gripped by a sudden fear. Where did Bilbo's ring come from? What if it was the One Ring?

Gandalf kept his silence as betrayal had always been the greatest foe in the wars against the Dark Tower. Seventeen years ago, he noticed that spies of many sort, beasts and birds, were gathered around the Shire and his fear grew. He called for the help of the Dúnedain and their allies and their watch was doubled. He then opened the worries of his heart to Aragorn, the heir of Isildur.

Branwen hummed in thought as she had remembered the increase of the Rangers around and through Bree.

Aragorn spoke, "And I counselled that we should hunt for Gollum, too late though it may seem. And since it seemed fit that Isildur's heir should labor to repair Isildur's fault, I went with Gandalf on a long and hopeless search."

Branwen's attention began to fade again as she listened with half an ear. They recounted their time searching all across the Wilderness and even down to the Mountains of Shadow and fences of Mordor.

Then Gandalf was determined to find a way to test the Ring to show for itself its true nature. All other Rings had each their own proper gem, but not the One for it was unadorned. However, hidden from sight, its maker had set marks upon it that the skilled, maybe, could still see and read.

Gandalf spoke of his time among the archives of Gondor and the finding of an ancient scroll left by Isildur that recorded fiery script upon the Ring that had faded when it was removed from the heat of Sauron's flesh, but supposed it might regain them in flame.

Gandalf then left the city and received messages from Aragorn out of Lórien that he had found Gollum.

Aragorn shared, at Gandalf's prompting, that he had begun his journey home from Mordor when, by fortune, he found the marks of soft feet beside a muddy pool, but the trail was fresh and swift. Aragorn found Gollum in the Dead Marshes and marched him to the Mirkwood, collared and tamed only by lack of food and water, and gave him to the Elves of the Woodland Realm.

There Gandalf endured long and weary talks with Gollum but, not without profit. Gandalf learned that Gollum's ring had come out of the Great River near the Gladden Fields. He also learned Gollum had possessed it a long time—many lives of his small kind.

Gandalf spoke with power and authority, "The power of the Ring had lengthened his years far beyond their span; but that power only the Great Rings wield. And, if that is not proof enough, my friends, there is the other test that I spoke of."

Gandalf then turned to Frodo, "Frodo, if you would, please place the Ring on the stone table."

Frodo did so, but seemed reluctant, Branwen thought, before he returned to his seat again. Then Gandalf turned to her and said, "Lady Branwen, you have shown great control over fire the last evening. If you would now, would you please bring fire onto the Ring, so that it might reveal itself and we shall all bear witness to the proof."

The gathered held their collective breath as Branwen whispered, "Fire."

Flames sprang into life in her hand and she stood and walked to the stone table. The Ring was still dormant as she held the mundane flame to it. They waited in silence and then Branwen felt her breath catch.

Fiery Tengwar licked up the golden sides of the Ring that glowed even in the sunlight. She withdrew her hand as Gandalf stepped forward, "Now, you all see the proof of the Truth of this Ring. This script upon the Ring reads this."

Gandalf's voice suddenly turned menacing, powerful, and harsh as the air around them darkened and shadows lengthened.

"Ash nazg durbatulûk,

Ash nazg gimbatul,

Ash nazg thrakatulûk agh burzum-ishi krimpatul."

Branwen felt bile rise up in her throat and she clapped a hand over her mouth as Gandalf recited the inscription. She recognized it as the Black Speech from the bits and pieces that she could identify from the Orkish that she had ripped out of that warg rider from years before.

She was in horror as she Saw the dormancy of the Ring end as it shivered in delight, its true purpose revealed in the foul language of its master. It once again began to send forth dark tendrils slowly out from itself among all the gathered, who looked upon it in its full glory of Black inscription on its sides.

Branwen hissed with her Voice, "Begone, darkness," and harsh golden light shone from the fire in her hand onto the Ring. Its tendrils evaporated in her Sight, but it did not seem to fall into dormancy again. Instead, it seemed to have only relented to staying within its physical shell where it was safe from her banishment.

Branwen turned angry eyes onto Gandalf as Elrond also spoke with stern words, "Never before has any voice dared to utter that tongue in Imladris, Gandalf the Grey."

Gandalf answered, "And let us hope that none will ever speak it here again."

Elrond then turned to Branwen and said, "Tell us, my daughter, what did you See of the Ring when Gandalf spoke the words engraved?"

Branwen met Elrond's eyes and then turned to Gandalf as she said to the council, "It appears to my Sight that the words uttered have immediately revived the Ring from the dormancy it had entered earlier.

Unfortunately, as I suspected, it did not go dormant again when I just burned away the few traces of essence it had just begun to release. Instead, it seems to have only relented for now, but it is aware again."

Galdor then spoke up, "Lady Branwen, there have been some statements that you have made, and I wish to better understand. You speak of the Ring as if it as if it is alive…and can reason."

Branwen looked at Galdor with a hard eye before she said slowly, as she returned to her seat, "I See what I See…and that is all I shall say for now."

Gandalf then drew everyone's attention back to him, "I will not ask for your pardon, Master Elrond, in regards to my use of that foul language earlier. For if that tongue is not soon to be heard in every corner of the West, then let all put doubt aside that this thing is indeed what the Wise have declared—the treasure of the Enemy, fraught with all his malice; and in it lies a great part of his strength of old.

Out of the Black Years come the words that the Smiths of Eregion heard, and knew that they had been betrayed:

One Ring to rule them all,

One Ring to find them,

One Ring to bring them all and in the Darkness bind them."

Branwen frowned as the Ring seemed to purr in her Sight even as Gandalf revealed it purpose in Westron. It seemed sentient enough to realize that she would burn it again if it attempted to try its hand. From what it sounded like, the other Rings of Power were then connected to the Master Ring almost…a Protean Charm…or the Dark Mark…

What a disgusting, vile, and powerful Horcrux…

She tuned out the talking around her as she considered the blackness staring back at her, only hearing a little as it came to light that Gollum had escaped the Elvenking's Halls by taking advantage of the Elves' kindness and an ambush from orcs. This was according to Legolas, who seemed quite distraught. Gollum had escaped the tracking of the Elves as well by fleeing towards Dol Guldur.

Then Gandalf began to speak on Saruman. It was a name she had heard a few times over the decades, the White Wizard of Isengard. She remembered that, at one time, she had considered going to him as she had passed through the Gap of Rohan but decided not to and had pressed North.

Gandalf said that he had been sought out by Radagast the Brown, another Wizard, to communicate that the Nine were active again and asking news of the Shire. This was told to Radagast by Saruman, who bid Gandalf to come should he need help, as Saruman was learned in the ways of the Enemy and his vigilance had long been invaluable in resisting Sauron.

Radagast told Gandalf to go at once as Radagast had been supposed to find him before Midsummer and it was Midsummer the day they spoke. But Gandalf was unable to leave that day, his horse and himself weary, and left a note for Frodo with his trusted friend in Bree.

Branwen snorted quietly, thinking of Barliman's forgetfulness, but no one seemed to notice.

Gandalf explained how he went South and came to Isengard at the end of the Misty Mountains. Isengard apparently had powerful enchantments upon it laid by the Men of Númenor long ago upon the circle of sheer stone surrounding it and the tower of Orthanc; much like the City Wall of Minas Tirith, it sounded to Branwen.

It had been a trap set by Saruman to try and sway Gandalf to the side of the Enemy, for Saruman had betrayed the Free Peoples. Branwen felt horror at the thought. Another Maia, a powerful one, was an enemy now?

Branwen scowled as Gandalf continued to explain that he had refused to be swayed and was imprisoned atop Orthanc until he revealed the location of the One Ring to Saruman. From there, Gandalf saw that the forest of Isengard had been razed and great smoking pits of Orcs and Wolves now filled those places as Saruman was building his own army.

Gandalf could do nothing there except fear for what might happen with the rising of the Nine and hope that Frodo and the Ring would make it to Rivendell. However, it was Saruman's underestimation of Radagast the Brown that ultimately saved Gandalf.

Gandalf's command for Radagast to rouse the beasts and birds to look out for the Nine and send word to him, resulted in one of the Great Eagles coming to him on the top of Orthanc and then bearing him away before Saruman could interfere. The Eagle took him to Edoras, where he found Saruman's lies had already begun to take root in the king, but the king gave him leave to take a horse and go.

He took the best horse in the land that took him swiftly to the Shire and followed the trail of the Riders.

Branwen listened with more interest as their tales began to intersect and Gandalf spoke of his encounter with Barliman, "'Butterbur they call him,' thought I, 'If this delay was his fault, I will melt all the butter in him. I will roast the old fool over a slow fire.' He expected no less, and when he saw my face he fell down flat and began to melt on the spot."

Branwen chuckled. A little fear would be good for the forgetful dimwit to encourage him to use his head more. Frodo spoke up with alarm, "What did you do to him? He was really very kind to us and did all that he could!"

Gandalf laughed, "Don't be afraid! I did not bite and I barked very little. So overjoyed was I by the news that I got out of him, when he stopped quaking, I embraced the old fellow. How it had happened I could not then guess, but I had learned that you had been in Bree the night before and had gone off that morning with Strider."

Gandalf paused and then chuckled, "And also, oddly enough, the barmaid in tow who had allegedly threatened to geld Bill Ferny in broad daylight before leaving with Strider."

Gandalf looked at Branwen and there were some chuckles about the gathering at the light note. She sucked her teeth, "If you're expecting remorse, you'll find none from me. As I told Barliman and our little group, after instilling in them the fear for their manhoods, Bill Ferny had tried near everything to get into my bed except rape me and it was not for lack of trying but opportunity.

He is a vile man and the only think I regret is not gelding him then and there as I threatened him after putting up with his disgustingness for years."

The laughter died off abruptly at her words and Elrond, Glorfindel, and Aragorn looked rather dark in their thoughts as well. Gandalf continued without comment, "Butterbur's news of them departing with Strider did rekindle the hope that had been fading and I was glad to hear it; putting aside the strange barmaid accompanying them, but trusting in Aragorn's judgement."

His tale continued and confirmed what Branwen had sensed at Weathertop—a great battle of magical power between Gandalf and the wraiths. Then he finished his account that left him in Rivendell only two days ahead of them.

Elrond then began to muse aloud as he considered Saruman's betrayal and then Frodo's account, including the odd creature Tom Bombadil that she had only heard in passing, but Branwen was struggling to keep her attention. This council had gone on far longer without break than she supposed it would and she felt a bit drained from her show of magic against the Ring earlier.

If anything, it showed her that it was a great power in itself and she likely could not curb its influence very well.

They council then began to debate what to do with the Ring, finally with Glorfindel recommending sending it over the Sea to the Utter West or casting it into the Sea itself, with Elrond and Gandalf denying both. The males began to fight amongst each other and their quibbling gave Branwen a headache, arguing more over semantics at this point it seemed than what actually mattered.

Finally, Elrond spoke plainly and Branwen felt the weight of his pronouncement, "Now at this last, we must take a hard road, a road unforeseen. There lies our hope, if hope it be. To walk into peril—to Mordor. We must send the Ring to the Fire."

Branwen smiled coldly as it seemed the Ring understood what had just been declared. She Saw its blackness had stilled, as if in fear at those who sought to utterly unmake it.

Boromir then stood. He was not influenced by the Ring this time, it seemed, and he said, "I do not understand all this. Saruman is a traitor, but did he not have a glimpse of wisdom? Why do you speak of hiding and destroying? Why should we not think that the Great Ring has come into our hands to serve us in our hour in need?

Wielding it, the Lords of the Free may surely defeat the Enemy. That is what is he most fears, I deem!"

It seemed this boy had not learned his lesson.

Branwen felt her anger simmering but did not rise from her seat. Instead, she commanded him in Westron so that it was understood, "Silence!"

Boromir suddenly clutched at his throat as his words died into pitiful wheezing. The Elves and Dwarves looked at her with caution before she told Boromir, "Stop your yapping and listen carefully."

Boromir quieted in his attempts to speak as he looked at her with wide eyes. Branwen then turned to the leery Galdor sitting next to her and said, "You had asked why I speak of the Ring as if it is alive and can reason."

Galdor nodded as the rest seemed to lean forward with interest. Branwen said, "That is because it is. I may be young compared to many Elves, but I have traveled farther and wider than most of you could ever claim and I have seen evil magics like no other.

This is an example of them—the greatest and most terrible that I have seen of these foul creations by far."

Branwen then looked back at Boromir, "The Ring is not a tool to be used, it is a vessel. From what I have Seen and my experience with these…abominations of magic and life, I am convinced that within the Ring dwells a portion of Sauron's very soul."

There were some intakes of breath from around the group as she continued, "A soul container binds its creator to this plane of existence. As long as the Ring exists, so will Sauron and he cannot be destroyed until the Ring is destroyed.

It cannot be used against Sauron because the Ring, in a sense, is Sauron."

Branwen let that sink into their minds before she finished, "Remove the notion that it can be used like a tool or easily destroyed. A soul container, by housing a portion of the soul, the very immutable properties of the soul are transmitted to its vessel and it is rendered practically impervious to damage.

Our best hope was to listen to Lord Elrond and Gandalf. I, personally, would see this Ring destroyed so that Sauron might be defeated once and for all."

Branwen sat back and the waved her hand in Boromir's direction to give him a visible indication that she had removed the spell and he could speak again. She slumped back into her chair, feeling thoroughly exhausted.

She had not gotten enough sleep last night for all this.

҉

Aragorn watched as Branwen seemed to fold in on herself. It seemed the conversation was as draining for her as it was for him. And yet, she continued to glare at the Ring upon the stone table with ire.

She had more than proven her place as a part of this council and he was glad that she had been present to spell things to clearly for all.

҉

Boromir could not decide whether he was in love with this Elf-maiden or feared her…or worse, both.

Never had he come across a female so stout in heart or spirit.

When she spoke, those gathered listened. Somehow, she had captured their respect enough that most did not even speak up. That Lord Elrond and Gandalf the Grey appeared to trust in her Sight and words also lent its weight.

But those green eyes, he feared, would be the death of him.

҉

Branwen had almost entirely tuned out the conversation now. What this counsel decided would be what it would be. She had said her part.

The Ring must be destroyed. It could not be used. That was the Truth.

She was suddenly aware of silence around her and tried to recall the last few words said but was unsuccessful. The Elves, Dwarves, Men, and Hobbits all seemed contemplative.

She closed her eyes and waited for whatever was being decided.

҉

Frodo looked at the Ring with dread and, though he only wished to remain in Rivendell with Bilbo, he knew what must be done.

When Branwen had declared its nature—to be a piece of the Dark Lord's very soul that had to be destroyed—her eyes had lit up with fire and rage like he had never seen before. Now, she sat quietly and still as if waiting for the final pronouncement.

And so he said, "I will take the Ring…though I do not know the way."

҉

Branwen looked at Frodo and Saw his thoughts and heart as Elrond kindly but strongly praised Frodo for his courage. Frodo was fearful, dreadfully so, but determined to finish this. He had seen her vehement rejection of the Ring and it spurred him onward towards its destruction. Branwen smiled slightly.

She supposed Hobbits could be full of surprises.

Then Sam came running around the corner. She had almost forgotten that he had been hiding in the bushes and was surprised as he cried out, "But you won't send him off alone surely, Master Elrond?"

Elrond turned and smiled, unsurprised to see Sam, and replied, "No indeed! You at least shall go with him. It is hardly possible to separate you from him, even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not."

Branwen chuckled as Sam muttered with a shake of his head, "A nice pickle we have landed ourselves in, Mr. Frodo!"

The meeting was finally called to an end with the different parties going separate ways—Gandalf and the hobbits, Glorfindel, Elrond, and his household, Aragorn and Boromir, the Woodland Realm elves, the Grey Havens elves, and the Dwarves.

Branwen departed by herself, the males seeming to want to give her some space…or put some space between her and them.

Branwen went to her room and found Arwen waiting for her with a kind smile sitting on her bed with a book. Branwen sat down heavily next to her sister and allowed Arwen to pull her into an embrace. She did not ask anything but Branwen told her what had happened and Arwen simply held her and listened.

By the end, Branwen felt better.

Arwen offered commentary that was more encouragement than any else before finishing with, "I believe, from what you have said, you represented yourself well and spoke truly… Now, let us put this to rest for now. There are some who would dearly like to meet you!".

Branwen felt some curiosity before Arwen shuffled her off to the lower gardens and, for the first time in decades, Branwen saw Ellandan and Elrohir. The twins seemed to be enjoying some peace and sunlight when they saw Arwen and Branwen approaching.

They stood up and, even trying to hide it, Branwen could see they were very surprised by the startling resemblance between Arwen and Branwen.

Ellandan began, "Good afternoon! I understand that we have a new younger sister!"

Elrohir chimed in, "Yes! And Arwen has been made a middle child! So sorry, Arwen, but best of luck!"

Branwen smiled with some amusement, "Hello, my name is Branwen Anaróriel. I understand that you are my two older brothers now."

The twins walked forward and Elrohir bent down before saying with jest, "I know you're adopted, but are sure that our father did not have a dalliance somewhere…or maybe separated at birth? The resemblance is uncanny!"

Branwen chuckled, "I can verify that there is no chance of that. In any case, it's wonderful to see you both again after so many years."

They looked at her with scrunched eyebrows as Ellandan said, "Now I'm sure that I would have remembered seeing you before… If a green-eyed double of our little sister had walked past us before, I would have hardly forgotten that!"

Branwen laughed as Arwen pursed her lips with amusement. Branwen said, "This is my true face and Branwen is my real name, but I think that you may have heard I have some talent with magic. When we first met and when we parted, I was wearing a different face under a different name. Maybe you will recognize me now!"

The Veil of Ashwen came over her and the twins were shocked into open-mouthed silence before Elrohir asked, "Ashwen!? What trickery is this!?"

Branwen giggled loudly as Ashwen's face melted away again and gave a small curtsey, "I must thank you, brother dearest! Neither of us had any way of knowing, but you taught your future youngest sister how to properly use a sword and bow and even gifted me such splendid weapons!"

Arwen began to laugh loudly and Elrohir joined in. Ellandan seemed confused but mostly amused, "Well, this seems like it will be quite a tale then! Branwen, sit with your older siblings and tell your brothers all about yourself. The truth this time, if you would!"

Arwen sat next to Branwen, holding her hand, and Branwen gave them an abbreviated tale of who she was—omitting all the dark and bitter parts that could be eliminated. From the twins, she found easy acceptance as Elrohir and Ellandan treated her much as they had when she was Ashwen but a good deal more affectionate.

All was well in Elrond's household.

҉

Aragorn found them in the gardens all together.

As he watched from a distance for a moment, he could not help but feel that Branwen fit perfectly as she laughed with her adoptive siblings. Ellandan and Elrohir seemed to have accepted her easily with no friction and, all the while, Arwen gazed at her sister with tender adoration and happiness. Branwen would look back from time to time with the same reflected in her eyes.

Had he never met Branwen until the council this morning and then come across this scene, he would have never imagined her adopted and so newly as it was.

Aragorn walked forward and lifted a hand in greeting, "Good afternoon, all!"

He was greeted back with familiarity. Arwen turned her affection towards him that was just as strong as it had been for Branwen, but far different in its intent. Her gaze at times made him want to blush like a teenager.

Branwen looked at him as well, affection in her gaze too, but that of a dear friend.

Elrohir and Ellandan smiled thinly as they saw his attire. Aragorn confirmed their unasked question and said, "Master Elrond would have us journey out, see what there is to be seen, and report back."

The twins nodded and Ellandan said, "We will dress and be ready within the hour."

Elrohir spoke darkly, "I hope there is more than seeing to be had and maybe some opportunity for Orc slaying."

Ellandan then turned to Branwen, "It was a pleasure seeing you again and meeting the real you this time! I am sure that we will have plenty of opportunity to spend time together in the future!"

Elrohir smirked, "Yes! Since I have already taught you the sword and bow, I shall have to make sure that you are up to task! Then, we shall go Orc hunting for family bonding!"

The twins walked off quickly andAragorn noticed that Branwen seemed to look at them sadly as they walked away. Nearly as sadly as Arwen herself.

He wondered if Arwen had told Branwen of the torment of her new and unknowing adoptive mother. Branwen then said, "I wish to take some time alone… Just to walk about, I think."

Aragorn glanced after her as she walked towards the upper gardens before he turned back to Arwen. Arwen watched her sister go with a faraway expression before she turned back to him. They held hands and Arwen's affection came back to him.

Arwen spoke, "Branwen shared what had happened in the council with me."

Aragorn nodded with amusement, "Yes, her actions and words left many in the gathering scrambling for their thoughts."

Arwen laughed and their conversation turned away from darker topics to one another.

Aragorn decided, when he returned from this newest mission, he would offer himself to Arwen finally. She deserved no less than his full commitment to her.

҉

Gandalf had just left the hobbits behind. They were discussing things back and forth amongst themselves in a circular fashion now, so he left them to their thoughts and each other to see Elrond.

Elrond was with only Glorfindel in his study when he entered. Elrond greeted him with some grimness to his face, "Mithrandir…"

Glorfindel remarked as Gandalf sat, "The council seemed to go about as well as could be hoped considering the matter being discussed."

Gandalf nodded, "I believe I would have to agree."

Elrond frowned at him though, "I do wish that you would not have uttered that foul tongue here, regardless."

He had suspected Elrond would have remained upset about that. Gandalf bowed his head, "My apologies, my friend. I felt it necessary to impress upon the gathered the seriousness of the matter."

Glorfindel commented, "Dear Branwen had appeared nearly about to vomit as you recited it."

Gandalf became thoughtful upon the mention of the witch. He hummed for a moment and said, "I had not had the time to speak with you about it, Elrond, but I do wonder about this newest addition to your household… Pardon me if I am overstepping, but did you not allow her too much freedom at the council today? I know that she is a good and powerful individual, but I wonder at welcoming her in so deeply…so quickly."

Elrond said, "Mithrandir, you Know of the differences between the Hearts of the Eldar and the Atani. Arwen possesses a gift of Knowing by Hearing the Heart through the words and voices of others. You know that I had spoken with you that Arwen and Branwen had communed Heart to Heart as well and it was this reason that they grew so close and why they love one another so fiercely.

Arwen also knows my Heart. She knows that I have closed it off…since the torment and departure of my beloved Celebrían. Her little wager that I had mentioned, but not gone into depth about with you, encouraged me to beseech Branwen to See into her Mind and Heart as well.

I have Seen all that there is of Branwen. While she may have been born from Men, as you had suspected, she is becoming like the Eldar. Branwen, despite her suffering, is good and pure. With time, and not a great deal of it either, I know that I too will come to love Branwen as my daughter as much as I love Arwen."

Gandalf nodded for a moment in thought. He then said, "Within Frodo's memories, the night on Weathertop when he wore the Ring and could See into the Unseen, I saw Branwen revealed in the fullness of her strength. It appears, to me, that she has concealed the Truth of the nature of these Shards of Sorrow from us. Did you learn of this as well?"

Elrond looked slightly surprised and nodded, "Since you have learned of it on your own, yes, I can confirm that I have learned all that Branwen is aware of regarding these Shards of Sorrow. Seeing her with my own eyes and sensing her, I can also confirm that she does appear to be similar to Glorfindel.

This power, whatever it is, is not evil, despite her beliefs, and is tied deeply to the elements. In the fullness of her power, she appears akin to the Maiar when she draws her strength into the World of Light."

Glorfindel nodded, "Yes, I had thought similar when I glimpsed her momentarily when her Veil fell completely at the Ford."

Gandalf hummed in thought. He then asked, "And what of these…soul containers she had spoken of during the council? I remember her speaking of dark artifacts that the Dark Lord of her realm had used to preserve his life even if his body should be destroyed, but she had only mentioned of the soul fragment in her. Were those dark artifacts the same?"

Elrond nodded, "Yes… They were…similar, in a way, to the effects of the Ring in temptation and manipulation. However, they did not give their bearers power. They only manipulated them. They appeared almost as pale imitations of the Ring. Branwen, indeed, has had experience with them…

The knowledge that I gleaned from her memory regarding these things, that she knows as a Horcrux, has let me understand a little better about the Ring itself. As a Greater Ring of Power, it is already quite durable.

The comment she had made about the immutable powers of the soul transferring to the vessel is a property of these soul containers though. Items that would be easily destroyed are rendered near invulnerable. I can only imagine that a soul container made from a Greater Ring forged by a fallen Maia superbly skilled in smithcraft is why the Ring is so completely indestructible, excluding by being returned to the Fire of Orodruin.

In a way, this does lend Branwen quite a bit of authority on this matter as such foul creations have never before existed in Arda. Between her knowledge of this fell magic, in conjunction with her Sight of Knowing, I felt that her voice was worth being heard during the council and why I did not stifle her."

Elrond then looked thoughtful and admitted, "Also, the Boromir lad was grating on my own nerves a bit. Branwen is just too young to have developed the proper patience for dealing with Men."

Glorfindel laughed at that and even Gandalf had to chuckle.

҉

Nearly two months passed from the time of the council and December was halfway gone.

Branwen had spent most of that time practicing her sword, her bow, and a bit of her magic. She also continued to spend a great deal of time with Arwen. Right now, they were simply waiting.

Branwen had noticed Boromir about Imladris a great deal, appearing thoughtful, and his eyes would often go to her and Arwen whenever they entered the room. She was not fond of him but saw no reason to antagonize him as long as he kept his distance.

Gandalf, Elrond, and Glorfindel spent many long days holed up with one another in Elrond's study, speaking with their various guests at great length.

The scouts had finally all returned as well, including Aragorn, Ellandan, and Elrohir. Finally, she was summoned to speak and she sat with Elrond, Gandalf, and Aragorn.

҉

The Third Age – December 18th, 3018

Aragorn watched Branwen as she listened intently with luminous green eyes unblinking.

Elrond spoke plainly—the riders sent out from Imladris and the Rangers had found that at least eight of the Nine had been defeated for now as eight of their horses had been found dead and there was no sign of the Riders to the North, West, East, or South. They likely were all were now returning to their master in Mordor formless and shapeless through the Unseen.

Elrond finished by saying, "If there was a time to act in the pursuit of the destruction of the Ring, the time is now."

Branwen nodded as she took a moment to process what all had been told to her. Finally, she said, "Very well. Now what is my part to play in this?"

Elrond took a breath and, it seemed to pain him to, as he told her, "We wish to gather nine or ten Walkers to counter the Nine and One that we face. This will be a matter of secrecy as opposed to open action as the Ring is taken to Mordor to be destroyed. Unfortunately, we cannot muster the strength to fight the Enemy as we had in ages past.

Nine Walkers have been decided upon—Frodo as the Ring Bearer, Sam, Peregrin, Meriadoc, Gandalf, Aragorn, Boromir, Gimli son of Glóin, and Legolas son of Thranduil. Together, they represent the hopes of all the Free Peoples of Middle Earth.

Though it pains me to offer this to you, considering that I would never have thought to send a daughter of mine into darkness, your power, skill, and knowledge cannot be denied and we would offer you the position as the last Walker. Will you join this Fellowship of the Ring?"

Aragorn felt his throat become a bit dry and then he had to stop himself from chuckling when Branwen smiled, "Your concerns are appreciated…father. But I will join this Fellowship to see the destruction of the Ring. Also, I must uphold my promises to Gilraen and, where Estel goes, I will follow to protect him; especially if it should combat the Enemy."

Aragorn had to stop himself from wrinkling his nose after she had finished her statement. He felt Branwen was referring to him as if he were still a child that she would not allow to run off in secret. Putting aside that this was in regard to the One Ring that the Enemy would do all he could to retrieve it.

Even so, sometimes, Aragorn forgot that she had sworn oaths to serve him as the Chieftain of the Dúnedain as an ally of the Rangers.

The important thing though was that she appeared glad to come along and another magician, especially one so powerful, certainly could not hurt.

Elrond nodded heavily as Gandalf said, "Your assistance is most welcome! Thank you for accepting this role."

Aragorn smiled as she looked at him and he added, "Aside from Gandalf, there is no one else that I want along more than you."

She gifted him with a dazzling smile and his heart betrayed him as her emerald gaze transported him back to that night of Weathertop—her form wreathed in a golden glow and then moonlight.

Branwen then leaned back in her chair and said, "Yes, you're both very welcome. However…I do have some concerns regarding the rest of this party."

Aragorn felt his heart sink a bit and Gandalf prompted her to continue with a wave. Branwen turned to Aragorn and asked, "Did we not learn our lesson on the trek to Imladris? Four Hobbits? Now, I don't doubt the their hearts or their courage having seen what they are made of, but I do doubt their strength and their bodies… They are as children. Frodo, I understand. Even Sam, I understand. But would Merry and Pippin not be better served returning to the Shire and two more Elves along instead?"

Aragorn did feel this was the case but Gandalf answered, "Frodo has expressed the desire to have them along. He trusts them and that is the most important part… Also, Hobbits are quite light of foot and, as said, this is not a mission of combat but of stealth."

Branwen frowned and asked, "And what Boromir? He may be strong of body but he is weak of heart. Is there not concern regarding the temptation of the Ring? Even if it is not directly influencing him, the desire for power is a strong motivation."

Aragorn held his hand up here, "I have spoken at length with Boromir during the opportunities that I have had and I can say that he is a good man. I believe his experience and your dressing down of him has opened his eyes a great deal. I will vouch for him."

Branwen let out a sigh, "And of the Dwarf? Is he a decent warrior at least worth the annoyance of the boasting he will inevitably engage in?"

Gandalf, looking amused, responded, "I was not aware you were prejudiced against Dwarves."

Branwen looked unimpressed, "My only interactions with Dwarves over the years have been listening to their bragging, their disparagement of Men and Elves, and then their even greater disparagement of me as a woman. So far, the only impressive things I have witnessed from Dwarves are their appetites and the fact they can somehow look down on me while being half my height…maybe a bit taller than that."

Aragorn tried to hide his laughter with a cough before Elrond said with a smile, "Gimli is a well-reputed warrior amongst his folk."

Branwen nodded, "Very well… I suppose I am unable to complain too fiercely as I am last chosen."

A thought then seemed to come to Branwen and she looked at her father, "…Is Arwen aware that Aragorn and now myself are leaving…?"

Elrond's face became stony as Aragorn fell his heart sink. He did not think this would go over that well. Elrond replied, "As of yet, your sister is not aware."

Branwen nodded with a grimace, "…Very well… I suppose I shall break the news to her so that she might not be as upset."

Branwen stood and walked out of the study before Gandalf chuckled, "Oh dear, I do wonder what Lady Arwen will think?"

Elrond replied, his voice stern, "It matters little. She has never trained as a warrior and she has left her gift for magic uncultivated. I already send one of my daughters, loathed as I am to do so, on this journey. I will not send both."

Aragorn remained silent. He imagined Arwen would not be happy. She was used to him going off over the years as he had been doing for decades… He was not so sure that she would be willing to sit quietly as Branwen set off—regardless of Branwen's power, skill, or her curse.

And Aragorn still needed to speak with Arwen. It was time to consider the future now that it loomed so closely.

҉

Arwen knocked sharply on her father's study. She waited a pause, ready to go through regardless, when she heard, "Enter."

She opened the door forcefully and found her father sitting behind his desk with no one else in his study. He did not seem surprised to see her and motioned to a chair, "Please, have a seat, Arwen."

Tamping down her anger, she sat stiffly and met her father's grey gaze with her own. Silence reigned between them for a few moments. Her father regarded her with resolute solemnness. He appeared ready to sit there all afternoon and evening in silence and Arwen did not have the patience for it at this time.

She said, "I understand that you mean to send Aragorn and Branwen on this quest to destroy the Ring."

Her father nodded, "Yes. This is Aragorn's duty to amend the mistakes of his forefather, Isildur, and he is a skilled warrior and Ranger. Your sister is powerful and knowledgeable magician with powers that rival my own and is also trained and practiced with a sword and bow."

Arwen felt her anger beginning to bubble up, "And how long have you and Gandalf been planning this mission?"

He seemed reluctant but answered, "Since the council regarding the Ring."

Arwen nodded, "And I understand that there are four hobbits traveling as part of this mission."

Her father frowned, "That is correct. I was not thrilled of it, but Mithrandir vouched for them."

Arwen felt her anger boiling over and asked, "So, if I am to ask if I might accompany them on this mission, what would your answer be then?"

Her father's face was like stone and he answered, "No. You will not accompany them. You have had no training as a warrior nor have you learned any magic."

Arwen raised her voice finally, "But you are willing to send four hobbits with the same experience! At least I am an Elf! I am faster and stronger than most Men and far beyond a hobbit! If this had been shared when you had begun initial planning, I might have been able to train and be ready to do my part as well!"

Her father looked unimpressed and said, "Arwen, this is not a discussion. The hobbits have no one that they answer to. If they wish to risk their lives and the Ring Bearer wishes their presence, then that is all. The rest of this party are skilled and trained in their own ways. If not for your sister's power and promises that she had made decades before, I would have likely fought Mithrandir on her inclusion. I am already sending one daughter to the Land of Mordor; I will not send another!"

Arwen knew that her father would not be talked down. She sat in silence for a moment to collect her thoughts as his gaze bore into her. Finally, she responded, "Very well…I cannot deny what you say—I have not trained at all with sword or magic. I see that was a mistake. I shall not endeavor to run off and join them. However, in consideration of this, I wish to beginning training both in the sword and in magic."

Her father looked surprised before he started to shake his head, "You do not need to worry of such things, Arwen."

Arwen gritted her teeth, "Either I will learn from you, someone you appoint, or, when Branwen eventually returns, she will teach me… I will not be helpless. Not ever again. It was already hard on my heart to watch Aragorn and my brothers journey off each time. If I must watch my sister as well, then that is too much for my heart. I love you, father, but either you will teach me or I will find someone to teach me."

He bowed his head, "…Very well. We shall begin your instruction in magic soon… I will ask Glorfindel to begin teaching you the sword. He shall remain here in Imladris should the forces of the Enemy begin to move."

Arwen stood and came around the desk to embrace her father, "Thank you, father… I know how hard it must be for you to watch Branwen go. It is difficult for me as well."

He sighed, "Yes… I am not looking forward to the day when I must let you both go. I fear it is far sooner than I would like…especially as I've only just gotten your sister."

Arwen sighed—a mixture of many emotions.

҉

Frodo had stepped out alone to think a bit.

He had just finished the final discussion with Gandalf and the pronouncement of the Company that would take the Ring South—Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin, Gandalf, Aragorn, Boromir, Legolas, Gimli, and Branwen. Ten Walkers against Nine Riders and their One Master departing in a week's time.

He had been happy to hear that Branwen had accepted accompanying them. She had not yet been told when he had first spoken with Elrond. Frodo felt that Elrond was rather reluctant to do so.

Having her accompany them made Frodo as happy as he had to hear Aragorn was as well.

Frodo walked past the bathhouse that he had heard of, but Hobbits were rather more shy about that sort of thing than the Elves—only Pippin having gone and said it was quite a nice time.

He found a set of stairs upward that he had not seen before and mounted them. He went up and found a terrace high above the valley looking out West. Leaning against the stone railing was Branwen, looking out towards the setting sun.

She turned to look at him and greeted him with a kind smile that sent his heart racing and warmth to his cheeks, "Good afternoon, Frodo. Come to enjoy the view?"

As her eyes bore in to his, he could not help but smile and nod.

It seemed whenever Branwen or Arwen met his eyes, it was like his heart was pierced anew each time. Thinking of Arwen, it was rare to see Branwen away from her sister.

Frodo came to stand near Branwen and said, "Gandalf tells me that you are to be a part of our company. I am very glad to hear that you will be joining us. Having you with us sets my heart at ease just as having Gandalf and Strider does. Thank you."

Branwen laughed in a way that caressed his ears like silver bells and it devastated his heart. She replied, "You're very welcome, Mister Baggins. Besides, a group of boys needs at least one woman to keep them in all in line."

Her smile then turned savage, "Besides, I have some experience disposing of things like this and I'll never suffer one if can help it."

Branwen looked at Frodo, her emerald gaze glowing in the light of the setting sun, before she came closer to him. The top of his head only came up to her armpit and he blinked in surprise as she placed her hand upon his hair.

She whispered something in Elvish that echoed with a hiss, like she always did when casting a spell. He felt warm light that also burned a bit as it entered his body. Frodo sighed with relief as she soothed something he did not realized was aching.

Branwen crouched down to be eyelevel with him and smiled again. She said, "You have a strong heart, Frodo Baggins. At one time, when I was still a child, I too had borne something like the Ring, but not nearly so great.

It was an evil thing with a fragment of a vile soul.

I had had others with me who had carried it as well, and still neither I nor they had been nearly so strong as you. You should be proud of your will and your heart."

Frodo blinked in surprise before she rose up and told him, "Prepare your, Mister Baggins, for the journey ahead. The world is far bigger than you think it is. And not nearly so easily traveled with winter upon us."

Branwen then cast one eye back towards the horizon, the sun having set, but the evening star was now bright in its dying light. She smiled and walked down the stairs leaving Frodo alone.

҉

In the week before their departure, there seemed to be a feast nightly as if to bolster the spirits of the departing Fellowship. The occupants of the Head Table changed each night but Branwen was always sat up there with her sister and her father.

Ellandan and Elrohir had departed almost as quickly as they had returned, and she did not think that had ever sat down to eat together since she had been adopted by Elrond.

Each night, after feasting, Branwen, Arwen, and Elrond led the others arm-in-arm to the Hall of Fire where they would sing and tell stories deep into the evening. Branwen took the time to enjoy her remaining stay in Imladris.

It felt wonderful to know that, once this matter was concluded, she had a home to return to and a family to greet her. She was determined to protect that.

҉

Boromir could not help his gaze as he found himself staring again as those bewitching sisters together—most especially Branwen.

He had enjoyed his time in Rivendell and had found a bond with Aragorn as well, despite his initial misgivings of the man. While his dress and appearance were often poor for one of his bloodline, the Ranger was eloquent, thoughtful, and wise beyond his years. In truth, he was a kingly man in bearing and Boromir had grown to respect him.

While in Rivendell, he had also learned a number of things of its residents and the House of Elrond. He could not deny to himself his interest in Branwen. He had been surprised to learn that she was, in fact, only newly adopted as Elrond's daughter despite her looking to be of his loins—especially sitting next to her sister with whom she appeared nearly identical to.

According to the Elves of Rivendell, both bore a resemblance and loveliness to Lúthien Tinúviel the Fair that was startling and near heartrending for the ancient Elves that had gazed upon the fairest of the Children of Ilúvatar to ever walk the face of Arda.

Undómiel and Anaróriel they were called—the Evenstar and Morningstar—and Boromir could not help but agree. Arwen was like moonbeams among twinkling stars in a clear sky in serene repose while Branwen was like the rays of the dawning sun bleeding the underside of clouds crimson in resolute action.

Arwen was as untouchable as the moon and had never seemed to be found outside of the company of her sister, her father, Aragorn, or simply not found at all. Branwen, while often attached to her sister, did not hide herself away and walked with all the power of a warrior queen, as if it was certain that no one would dare stand in her path and, those who did, would surely regret it.

He then caught her gaze for an instant, emerald eyes through the flames of the hearth, but she looked away with apathetic indifference that almost bordered on dismissive.

By the Valar, he could not tell if he had fallen in love with this woman from afar or if he had only grown to fear her more.

He then saw the Elf-lord Glorfindel walk up to her with a bright smile. That Elf, the legend that he was, was like the embodiment of the midday sun, and Branwen returned his smile with one her own.

Boromir frowned slightly as his stomach churned with something green.

҉

Glorfindel had noticed how the man Boromir had watched Branwen these last few weeks, always from afar and never speaking with her, but within his gaze, there was something approaching an intensity.

He did not necessarily worry as Branwen had shown herself quite able to control the "Lesser Man" as she had called him. Branwen seemed to dismiss the man as almost inconsequential but Glorfindel wondered what she could See in his thoughts and emotions.

Glorfindel approached her by the hearth in the Hall of Fire and greeted, "Good evening, Lady Branwen! And how are you this evening?"

Branwen returned his smile with one of her own, "Well, Lord Glorfindel. And you?"

"Very good, my lady!"

He stood next to her chair and they listened to music and songs in silence as Branwen held her sister's hand.

His relationship with Branwen had become much friendlier once she had finally let go of all the secrets burdening her. Although…he could admit, with a mixture of displeasure and amusement at his own expense, her annoyance with him had also taken a sharp dive after he had been woken up in the middle of the night a few weeks back by a deluge of water. That was then followed by his sheets being frozen with him in between them.

Glorfindel has never been ambushed in the House of Elrond but supposed he had learned his lesson about irritating a witch needlessly as she had stood over his ice encased figure with a mischievous smile. She had been kind enough to thaw him out after he had apologized for teasing her so much.

He found that the youngest daughter of Elrond fascinated him endlessly. He mused internally that he supposed his fascination was not alone nor unique among the males—Elf, Man, or Dwarf.

Her introduction had certainly startled the other Elves, especially those visiting. Already, it seemed that news of her adoption and introduction was spreading across the Eldar Domains of Middle Earth along with the stories of her prowess.

He was interrupted from his thoughts as Arwen stood up and Branwen looked at her curiously. Arwen smiled and said, "I think I'll be stepping out for just a short while to enjoy the moonlight. Please, continue to enjoy the music! Lord Glorfindel, you're welcome to my seat while I am away!"

Arwen gifted them one last smile before stepping out of the hall. Glorfindel felt curious but left it alone as he took the offered seat. After a moment, Glorfindel shared his interrupted thoughts, "Your adoption as a daughter of Elrond and tales of your strength are beginning to spread across the Elven Domains, from what I understand."

Branwen's gaze remained on the fire and she shrugged, a rather rude and inappropriate action for a young lady but seemed so very like her. She responded, "The only thing that matters is the thoughts of those closest to me. I truthfully have no concerns about my adoption or strength or how they are perceived by others I do not know. Besides, if these other Elves treat me anything like Arwen, they'll never even speak to me—only stare from a distance."

Glorfindel laughed at how easy it was for her to dismiss it. She truly did fascinate him.

҉

Aragorn held Arwen's hands as he gazed deep into her eyes as they were bathed in moonlight and starlight in the cold valley air on the terrace that he had met Branwen and then Arwen all those years ago.

He brought one of her hands to his face and kissed her knuckles gently. Aragorn returned his gaze to hers and said, "Arwen Undómiel, I love you…and I wish to spend the rest of my life with you, if you will have me. You hold my heart and I would never be parted from you if I could so choose."

Arwen's smile was glorious, sweet, and tender before she replied, "And I love you, Aragorn son Arathorn. I will spend the rest of your life with you if you wish… You know that should you choose this, you will go Beyond with the Gift of Men unaccompanied. I will not be parted from my sister who has been sundered from the Gift of Men. Will you have me, even knowing this?"

Aragorn replied, "I will gladly go into the world Beyond and spend the rest of eternity alone if only I can spend this lifetime with you."

"Then you will have me."

Aragorn felt his heart soar as he removed the Ring of Barahir from his finger and slid it onto hers, as loose as it was. Their eyes met again and he leaned forward slightly and she pulled him down to meet her lips.

It was a sweet and lingering kiss that drove away the cold as it warmed him from the top of his head to the tips of his toes.

Though he did not want to, he separated from her soft and warm lips and they stood there for a while—the cold forgotten and having no effect on either of them as he embraced her smaller form into him.

Arwen then sighed, her lips moving against the front of his tunic as her nose was buried in his chest, "Now, we must only contend with my father."

Aragorn felt a tight smile come across his face. He was not looking forward to it. He replied, "…It shall be an interesting conversation, I am sure…"

Arwen laughed, her hot breath warming his tunic and he heard an edge of wickedness in the beautiful sound. She jested, "Just think of how my father shall feel when you wed both of his daughters!"

Aragorn felt his cheeks and ears burning alongside that familiar sense of shame and guilt. They had not yet talked about Arwen's odd comment she had made that night he had come across Arwen cradling Branwen in her arms.

Aragorn asked, a note of exasperation coloring his voice, "Why do you jape about such things?"

Arwen drew her face back so that she could look him in the eye. Her smile had become serene and said, "I jest but there is a seed of truth within what I say, Aragorn, that you cannot deny. I love you…and I love my sister… I also know that, though you love me more now, Branwen holds a piece of your heart as surely as I do

Branwen also cares deeply for you. I Saw this in her Heart, but I believe that she herself is unaware that she cares for you as more than her friend. Should Branwen allow herself and you allow yourself, you will also fall in love."

Aragorn was frozen and unable to reply. Arwen simply had a way of speaking that brooked no argument and made it near impossible to talk her down. She continued, "As I had said some months before, we already share a face…so what is a shared husband? If you are to be a king of two kingdoms then would it be strange for you to have two queens? I cannot hold it against you that you love Branwen when I, above all others, know who my sister is and her beautiful heart and spirit.

I cannot hold it against Branwen if she should come to love you either, as your heart is nearly as beautiful. I only want the very best for my sister and you are far and away the best of Men.

Is it odd that I feel this way? I can recognize I should not and that I should feel jealousy…but cannot. Branwen is a part of me as surely as I am a part of her."

Aragorn still had no words and only held onto the Elf-maiden that he loved and had pledged himself to.

Arwen then said, wickedness in her voice again but a hint of warning, "Of course, that says nothing of Branwen's own thoughts or feelings, and she could as easily fall in love with another."

Her voice then became serene again, "But for now, this moment is for us and us alone. Tomorrow, you will speak with my father and then, you and my sister must depart to do your duties in destroying the Enemy."

Aragorn marveled at how she said such feats as if they were mere obstacles and, he supposed, in the pursuit of the love they shared, they were. His thoughts went to the bright and sharp blade of Andúril, forged from the Shards of Narsil, and thought they it would be put to good use.

He had a throne to claim and a kingdom to raise and reunite if he was to wed Arwen.

Translations:

Cuil en I Thûl - Life of the Breath

Dab calcurulien - Allow to shine your power

Trevad dan I dúath -Traverse back the darkness

Dadwen man nabannen - Return what is [to be] gone

Nesta man naharn - Heal what is [to be] hurt

Pessa I innas en Amarth - Affect the will of Fate

Nathaman nagwanwen - Save what is [to be] departed

Dadwen man nabannen - Return what is [to be] gone