Title: Mine
Rating: PG
A/N: While I was watching the movie-specifically, the scene in which Isildur decides not to destroy the Ring-for the second time, this short piece just came to me. This is my first LOTR story, and reviews and constructive criticism are welcome and much appreciated. Anyway, on with the story.
Disclaimers: All characters belong to J.R.R. Tolkien and his heirs; I'm just playing in the sandbox.
"Cast it into the fire!"
Elrond's sharp, anxious command reaches my ears as I step forward to stand at the edge of the fiery chasm. Despite the urgency of his tone, I do not do as he bids. Instead, I open my hand to stare at the small, gleaming object within. For so long, it was viewed as a terrible, dire threat which had to be destroyed at all costs, even by myself. It was something that should not have even existed. Yet, now that I take the time to truly gaze upon it, it does not appear nearly as dangerous as it did scant minutes ago. In fact, it looks harmless...even inviting. How can so many have feared this Ring?
"Destroy it!"
Elrond shouts to me again. I raise my eyes to his own, long enough to read the tenseness in his expression. And with a single word, I make my decision. As I close my fingers around the Ring and walk away, I pay no heed to the horror and disbelief in the half-elf's voice as he calls my name. He can never understand. I have wrested the Ring from the enemy with my own strength, so by right, it is now mine. Mine to use as I see fit, as I will. I will neither relinquish it nor destroy it.
It is far too precious.
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