Mikuras eyed the bag sitting on her bed and contemplated her next move. "Well, now what?" she muttered as she reached for the bag and pulled out a pear-shaped sapphire the size of her hand. Breaking into the head jeweler's store had been too easy. Mikuras had been sitting in one of the local taverns when she heard Master Elówyn boast about his infallible security system and the plot just sort of implanted itself into her head. It wasn't her fault if someone was just offering her opportunities like this. Besides, its not like she was going to keep the jewel.
Outside the waning moon was just beginning to start its westwardly descent to make room for the sun. In a few more hours she could begin the second part of her attack on the arrogant jeweler. Folding her legs underneath her, she leaned back against the wall of her room and went into a trance-like sleep. Being an elf meant she only had to rest for a few short hours each night, so she knew she would awake with plenty of time to spare.
After a couple hours being in the world of dreams, Mikuras stood up and made her way to her desk. Sitting down she pulled out a piece of parchment, a feathered quill, and a small vial of ink. She traced the quill against her cheek as she contemplated what she was going to write. Leaning forward, she dipped it into the well and began writing her one sentenced note. Dear Master Elówyn, Next time be more careful when boasting about your security system. –An Honorable Thief.
Mikuras secured the note around the brilliant jewel with a soft leather cord and tossed it back into her bag. After strapping the bundle to her back, she opened the plate glass window of her room and shimmied down the wall to the ground below. The jeweler's guild was only a few allies away so Mikuras made her ways through the shadows, careful not to be seen by the night watchers.
She propped the sapphire against Elówyn's door making sure it would hit his feet as he opened the door to head to work in an hour's time. That was one thing about the citizen's of Rivendell; they were always so predictable. Mikuras liked to bring a little spice to unsuspecting townspeople every now and again. She couldn't help it if a rich noble noticed some coin missing one morning only to discover they had made a charitable donation to the poor of Rivendell, could she? Besides, its not like she was hurting anyone. She knew, though, that if she would be in a world of hurt if Lord Elrond discovered her.
Glancing over her shoulder she saw the sun as it began peaking over the mountains. Mikuras climbed up the trunk of a nearby tree and concealed herself within its bows. She said a small blessing of thanks to the tree for protecting her from prying eyes as she sat in awe of the rising sun. Sunrise was always her favorite time of day. The penetrating rays of the sun through the dusky night shadow always amazed Mikuras as the world around her began to come alive. Soon, birds would be chirping and fluttering to find their morning feast while flowers and trees began to grow and rejuvenated the air. The world made more sense in the morning and always reminded her that no matter how bad the night before had been, that day was a new day filled with new adventures.
She inhaled slowly and closed her eyes, letting nature seep through the air and her skin. As she exhaled, she opened her eyes just in time to see the door to Master Elówyn's begin to open. Pressing herself against the tree, she peered through the branches and watch as last nights prize fell onto its owner's feet. Elówyn bent down and picked up the jewel with a very perplexed look etched onto his countenance. With the help of her keen eyes, she was able to make out each muscle as his face contorted in anger and annoyance as he read the note she had left him. It took everything in her not to laugh, but she knew she could not give herself away. She had no desire to experience the wrath of Elrond today, so instead, she smiled quietly to herself. Elówyn began looking to each side of him, making sure no one was looking. He tucked the jewel beneath his tunic and began walking to his shop. Under his breath, Mikuras heard him mumble, "At least they didn't out right steal it," as he walked away.
After a few minutes, Mikuras curled her legs around the branch of the tree and flipped herself backwards to see if anyone was around. After taking a quick peek she somersaulted from the tree and proceeded to head back to the palace to look for some breakfast. As if on cue, her stomach began growling, reminding her it was time to eat.
She had just rounded the corner heading from the kitchen with a handful of bread and cheese to head back to her room as she heard a deep male voice call from behind her, "Mikuras, I hate to disturb your breakfast, but Lord Elrond wishes to speak with you.."
Without looking behind her, she called, "Thank you, Aragorn! Please tell my uncle I am on my way right now," as she began running towards her room to change. Mikuras gave no thought as to what Elrond wished to speak with her about, for he had often called her into council for various things.
She devoured a few bites of bread and cheese before throwing it out of her window for the birds to feast upon. She raced around her room, pulling a pair of green leggings out of her wardrobe followed by a darker green tunic. Tossing off her dusty brown leather tunic, she pulled the new clothes over her body and secured it with a matching belt around her waist. She ran a brush through her tangled hair and quickly braided her hair in the fashion of the elven warriors. After securing her daggers beneath her sleeves, she laced up her boots and left for Elrond's chambers.
She pushed open the large oak door, letting herself into the brightly lit room. Elrond was sitting at his desk, mulling over a stack of papers and seemed not to notice her come in. As she was about to speak up, Elrond lifted his head and motioned for her to sit down.
"Good morning, Mikuras. It is good to see you did not forget our meeting," his voice was friendly, yet allowed no room for emotion to seep through. Throughout the years she had spent in Rivendell she had come to realize this was the tone he used whenever he was discussing anything of importance.
"Good Morning, Lord Elrond," she said as she sat down in one of the chairs in front of his desk.
"As you know, Mikuras, the Fellowship will be leaving tomorrow at dusk. They are on a most important mission, one that will inevitably determine the fate of Middle Earth," Elrond said as he leaned forward and crossed his arms on the desk.
"Yes, I am fully aware of what it means, Elrond," she watched his face closely and noticed his muscles twisted with worry. Slowly, she heard herself say, "Why have you summoned me here, Elrond? Your face betrays you."
He offered her a weak smile and said, "I knew better than to hide my emotions from you. I have decided on who to send with the young hobbit into the depths of Mordor." His face darkened as he mentioned the name of the wretched city of Sauron.
"Whom shall you be sending?" she questioned.
"Aragorn and Gandalf have already requested my leave for them to accompany Frodo, though they do not need it. As well as Sam, who holds fast to not leaving his side. Merry and Pippin, the other two hobbits who left the Shire with Frodo, wish to also accompany their friend. And one cannot stand in the way of a hobbit's loyalty, let alone three hobbits," Lord Elrond said.
"Surely you are not going to send four hobbits and a wizard to Mordor with only the aide of Aragorn to protect them. Mithrandir may be a powerful Grey wizard and Aragorn talented with his sword and in the art of healing, but the Ring of Power will need more protection that what they can offer!" pleaded Mikuras.
"Your rashness will be the bane of you one day, Mikuras," Elrond said, "I am also sending Legolas, Gimli, and Borimir to accompany them."
"A fine selection of companions, Elrond. But what does this have to do with me? You certainly do not need my opinion on the matter," Mikuras looked straight into her uncle's eyes demanding an answer.
"Mikuras," he started, "I wish for you to go with them as well."
"Me?" asked Mikuras, "Why? I do not possess the healing skills of Aragorn, nor can I make a bow sing as well as Legolas can. Why would you send me with them? Surely I will be nothing but a burden to them."
"You do not possess any of those talents, niece, but you have other skills that will prove useful," he said as he stood up and walked out from behind his desk.
"I beg your pardon?" she gave him a crocked look.
"Do not pretend with me any longer, Mikuras. I know of your escapades," he warned. As those words left his mouth, she felt her shoulders sag in shame. All this time she thought she had been careful of not being caught, only to find out she was wrong. "Do not be ashamed. I know of all that happens here in the Rivendell," he said.
"But you have caught me," she said, avoiding his eyes.
"That is not the point, Mikuras," he said as he placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "The point is, you will be valuable asset to the fellowship and I dare not send them without you."
She looked up at him, holding back the feeling of disappointment in her voice, "What can a mere rogue offer, Lord Elrond? I am of no more use to them than a boot is useful to a horse."
"I cannot tell you that, Mikuras. That is for you to go and discover. Make your own destiny," he said.
Mikuras stood up in front of Lord Elrond and nodded her head. "I do not understand you sometimes, uncle, but I have never questioned your reasoning before and I will not start now. If it is your wish I join the fellowship then I will go and aide where I can."
He smiled at her and nodded. "I will tell the others you are to join them. Now go and pack. You will be leaving at sundown tomorrow."
Mikuras turned and headed for the door, but then a thought crossed her mind. Turning back to face him, she asked, "When did you decide this, uncle?"
"This morning, right after you returned the stone back to Master Elówyn," he said. "You may be light with your hands, Mikuras, but at least you are honest." She turned to leave again, this time making it as far as the door before Elrond called out to her, "Don't worry, Mikuras, your secret is safe with me." Without saying a word, she slipped through the door and closed it behind her.