96. First in Mind.
"His is not the first name that springs to mind Mithrandir"
The master of Imladris stopped pacing and raised a disapproving eyebrow as he turned his intense gaze upon the elderly man seated in the plush leather chair beside the desk in his study.
"He is too young and too much a child of the forest to make for a steady and reliable companion on a journey of such import surely!"
"So who would you send in his stead Elrond?" The wizard asked gruffly. "The mighty Glorfindel? He would be as a beacon to the dark creatures Sauron has under his command." He drew upon his pipe then continued sharply.
"Or your own sons perhaps?"
Elrond flinched at this pronouncement his eyes closing in pain before whispering almost to himself in reply.
"Will I lose all of my children then?"
"You know one would not go without the other, Elrond." Gandalf said softly. "But I do not think that is their path. They are too well known amongst the orcs and other foul creatures roaming the lands to be able to pass without notice."
Elrond sighed and seated himself at last at the desk. He suddenly felt old and worn and as he stared at the small framed portrait of his wife that stood on its polished surface a great longing for her swept over him.
"I am tired Mithrandir," he began quietly. "I wish…"
"Wishing is for fools and children!" The wizard snapped crossly. "If you want wishes to become reality then you must look to yourself for the resolution. A decision must be made about the members of this fellowship," he flung the last word out offhandedly before continuing firmly.
"…and sooner rather than later. I fear that Sauron is growing in power as we wait. We do not have much time left Elrond."
"I am well aware of that Gandalf." The elf lord spit out the mannish name for the wizard in annoyance. "Yet care must be taken to give Frodo the best chance to succeed."
Silence fell for a few moments as the pair sank each into their own thoughts.
"You are correct." Elrond finally broke the quiet with a sigh.
"They will need stealth and obscurity. To pass though the lands as inconspicuously as possible to avoid detection. As you have said, with both Glorfindel and my sons this would not be possible. So although my heart wishes to send the most vaunted warriors the elves have to offer, my head tells me you may have a point."
Mithrandir visibly relaxed at these words, allowing a small smile to play on his lips.
"He may be young," the wizard began cautiously. "But he is far from inexperienced in battle." He continued surely.
"The forest he dwells in has become darker and darker over the years and yes, he is headstrong and some may say reckless, even dangerous at times but he is wise to the ways of orcs and goblins as well as spiders." He paused for a moment before a smile spread over his face in reaction to a long ago memory. "And his song can lift the hearts of all who travel with him, wherever the journey take them."
"So," Elrond began with a nod, his decision finally made.
"Legolas shall be for the elves."
Gandalf nodded agreement with a smug grin then leaned forward.
"Now." He declaimed confidently.
"I believe Gimli would be an excellent choice for the dwarves…"
A/N
Just my take as to perhaps why Glorfindel or the twins were not included in the fellowship.
Many thanks for all your lovely messages and thoughts after the last chapter.
Stay safe and take care
Nyx