The door opened and the old, grey man stepped in. He was no longer smoking his pipe, and he had a mysterious and impressive air about him. Allanon stood up suddenly, as if the old man had startled him, and even Brom turned around, his black eyes glittering with curiosity.
"Pardon, my intrusion," The old man said politely, with a smile, :I just came to inform you that Lord Elrond has extended an invitation to your group, Lady Meia, to join our council" I felt uneasy with my new title but said nothing. " We will be having the meeting soon so I will lead you there, if you would be so kind to come with me,"
"What is this council for?"Allanon asked but Brom's questioned rang louder.
"Who are you?"
The old man locked eyes with the young Ohmsford's and a look of surprise overcame his face. He came into the room, and quickly crossed the distance between him and Brom. The only noise was his thick, woolen grey robe, whispering across the marble floor and the clack of the twining wooden staff he held. He starred hard at Brom's pale white face and even extended a gnarled hand, sweeping back the boy's lank silver hair to reveal slightly tapered ears.
Brom did not flinch or move during the old man's inspection but kept his black liquid eyes locked on the grey elder.
"Bless my soul," The old man breathed, "You're a halfing, elf, human, and something I have not seen before. Something older than our sweet Lord Elrond,"
A look of satisfaction altered Brom's pixie features slightly. He was proud of both his mother's and his father's blood.
"Yes, my name is Brom Ohmsford, son of Walker Boh and Quickening, daughter of the King of Silver River, but who are you?"
Now it was the old man's turn to smile. He straightened himself from Brom's face and said, " Oh, I have many names, but you may call me Gandalf the Grey. I am a wizard and one of the few that have been turned,"
"Turned?" Allanon asked. Gandalf turned his head and looked at us.
"You will find that out during the council." He then looked at me, "But the name of your kingdom is strange. I have never heard of Silver River." Risca gave Brom a good twisting pinch on the arm, making the boy give a startled cry." Oh, well, we will discuss all at the council. Perhaps all of our fates are knotted to the same cause." The wizard's sharp eyes found mine and I looked down at my feet in embarrassment.
"Oh, I wouldn't doubt that for a second!" Rash snorted into my thoughts.
"Oh, like you know!" I cried jumping off the bed," Just shut your hole you and leave me in peace, you blood-sucking wretch!" I stormed past Gandalf and through the door.
A dark look crossed Gandalf's face, and he took a tighter hold on his staff and looked as if he would charge the young girl down when Bremen grabbed Gandalf's arm.
"Do not mind our our Meia," He said as the group began to filter out the door. " Her demons fight dirty." And then gestured for Gandalf to take the lead, Brom, and Ryer behind him.