Lord of the Ring's - Proving One's Self
Chapter One: Rivendell
As the council was gathering in Rivendell, Alithial watched from one of the decorative balconies overlooking the beautiful courtyard of Elrond's city. The member's of the council were talking as they waited for Frodo and Gandalf to arrive. "A wizard arrives precisely when he mean's too" echoed through her mind. The thought of his silly sayings made her laugh. She looked around the group of men, wishing she could have been asked to sit among them, but knew that women where not allowed. Her gaze drifted from Aragorn, known only as Strider now, but she had known him for many a year. He looked rugged to all at first glance, but when you delved deeper inside of him, he was found to be sincerely gentle. Her eyes settled next on Boromir. He was the only one among them that sent a shiver down her spine, knowing that power sometimes dominated his thinking and confused his heart. She then looked at the dwarves and saw them dressed in their leather and axes swung over their shoulders. Typical of any dwarf she had ever come across.
As she traveled from one member to the next her eyes met those of the elves. Beautiful creatures they were. Being only half, she was envious of their full blood. Her eyes sank in each of their beautiful faces, until she came to the one in the middle of the small elvish group. His name was known to her, but she had never before looked upon his lovely fair features before.
"Legolas", she barely whispered, looking at him softly.
Being sensitive to sounds and things in the whispering wind, he faintly heard his name being called. Legolas looked around the council of men, and none of them looked as if they had addressed him so. His brows furrowed and he looked to his guardsmen. They were occupied with the persons next to them, talking quietly and politely. Confussion was setting in.
'Perhaps it is this place, beautiful as the wind and full of song.' he thought, as his gaze continued to look about the landscape of Rivendell. At first he didn't see her, but as he looked up the large building of twisted and curving vines he saw an elvish face peer down at them. Her eyes looked at them all but in the last, they came to rest upon him.
Her eyes were a lovely green, and they matched her sandy-blond hair that framed her face like a delicate doll. As they measured each other, Frodo and Gandalf arrived at the circle and took their seats. When he looked away to welcome them as the others were, he found that when he glanced back the girl had disappeared. His eyes searched the upper levels of the great building but he saw nothing more of her. Disapointment settled upon his mind and at that he turned his attentions back to Elrond as he was standing to speak to the whole council.
Image of Evil...
Since she was nine, Alithial had lived often near the Shire and knowing some of the tales of the great hobbit Bilbo, she had come to hear of his book that he was writing in Rivendell. "There and back again, a hobbits tale... he had called it." she thought, liking the title almost as much as she liked the little hobbit.
Hearing that Gandalf was riding into the Elven city made her smile even more so, having trained with him in the many arts of magic long ago. She knew him well, but she could not have forseen the danger that had entered the city with him.
She stood quietly near the statue that held the sword of Isildur's father, the king of Gondor. Narsil had unknowingly stayed so sharp, even after 3,000 years since it had cut the One Ring from Sauron the Deciever's hand. Long since it had been in the hands of Elrond, who ment to keep it a memory for all to see. A memory for those who where Isildur's heirs. The great image of Sauron's defeat loomed over her and fear struck her eyes as she looked into the face of their old enemy. Even though she had not been born, when he had brought his evil down on Middle-Earth, Alithial was still afraid every time she looked upon the vile painting. A shadow brought back her attention and she smiled at the person standing before her. Arwen was the most beautiful and skilled of all the elven women, Alithial knew. Her admiration for Arwen had made them closer friends in the last few months since her arrival here.
"What brings you to this place again Alithial, my friend?" Arwen asked coming to look up at the image along with her. She looked at her elven companion and smiled.
"Thinking of my father I guess. It reminds me of how bravely he had fought in this battle along with your father." Alithial replied, turning back towards the statue that held the sword.
"I miss him Arwen. I miss him more then I miss my home. I wish I could but tell him how much I loved him." she whispered, tears forming in her green eyes. Arwen looked at her in that mystical way she had a knack for and smiled at her.
"Alithial, I know that you are greatly troubled by this loss. You must understand that although he is not with you in the flesh, that he will always be with you in spirit. The elvish kindred are never quiet spirits. I hear their calls here and there. Do not be overly troubled, for he is at peace now and has not a worry for war and the like again." Arwen comforted, placing her hand on her friends shoulder for moral support.
Alithial sighed and squared her shoulders. "You are right. I should not morn him over much. He would be happy I think... to see me move on." she stated, looking out into the beauty that was Rivendell. Arwen smiled, having done her part and left her friend alone to reflect upon herself.
The Chosen Nine...
Frodo stood as they argued over what to do with the One Ring and proclaimed that he would take it.
"I will take the ring to Mordor." he repeated.
Gandalf and the others quieted and looked over at the little hobbit. Greatfulness settled on the wizards face.
"Though, I do not know the way." he finished. Gandalf came to stand behind him. "I will help you bare this burden, Frodo Baggins. As long as it is your's to bear" he stated, placing his hands on the hobbits shoulders.
Aragorn too strode across the room and proclaimed his life to Frodo. "I pledge to protect you with my life... and my sword." he said. The council quieted and a voice rose.
"...and I give you my bow" Legolas called out, striding over to join the group.
"...and my axe!" said Gimli, challenging the elf as they exchanged glances.
Bolomir joined with his oath of Gondor to see it through to the end. As Frodo's friends came out of hiding and joined the rest of them,
Elrond sighed and looked them all over.
"So be it, you shall be called, The Fellowship of the Ring!" he announced, hoping beyond hope that they will succeed.
Later after talking with Elrond and Gandalf, Legolas retired to the upper floors to relax. 'This will be a journey of paril and sadness. I can feel it." he thought, coming around the corner and into the great hallway. He bumped into her then as she came from the other direction. Their body's collided and he steadied her with his arm.
"I am sorry my lady." he spoke in elvish. Alithial looked up at him and her eyes were wide with surprise.
"I... I accept your appology, althought one was hardly in need. I am fine, so do not worry yourself." she said, her voice barely a whisper.
Legolas stood back and looked at her. Her hair was flowing down over a lovely brown suit of skin-tight leather, she had a tattoo swirling down the right side of her throat as it disappeared into her tunic.The marvel of her presence made him uneasy.
"I have things I must attend to sadly, so I must depart from your company. May I hope to see you at Lord Elrond's dinner this eve?" he asked her, crossing his arms over his chest.
Alithial breathed deeply, finding courage to speak. "Yes, I will be attending tonights dinner." she replied, glancing at the thick cloak that covered his broad chest. It glimmered in the sunlight that was left of the day.
Legolas smiled slightly and nodded. "What shall I call you then, my lady?" he asked, watching her expression.
Alithial brought her hands together infront of her and breathed again. "My name is Alithial." she whispered, too low for any human to hear. He smiled and bowed.
"At dinner then..." he said, and turned to go about his business.
Alithial gasped for breath as if she had been holding it, and in some sense she had been. This quick meeting with him felt like it had lasted forever, but in truth had only been a few moments in time. Making her way down to the main hall she saw Gandalf talking in low tones to Lord Elrond, but as they saw her apporoching them they ceased their conversation.
"Ahh Alithial my dear girl! How are you today?" Gandalf asked her.
She smiled and nodded towards Elrond before she spoke. "I am fine Gandalf. How are you fareing?" she asked, smiling up at him with admiration. His eyes seemed to be lost in thought elsewhere while he spoke to her of the places he had been and people he had met on the way.
She pulled him off to the side away from the elven lord and spoke to Gandalf in private.
"What is bothering you my old friend? I have been around you many a time before and never have I seen you so... uneasy." Alithial asked.
Gandalf looked down at her as he always had, but his face did not hold the same look as it had before.
"You ask me to give you information that I cannot. There are foul things afoot and it be best if you were not in the path of the dangers they will bring." he said to her, placing his hand on her shoulders in friendship. Alithial looked up at him as her pride was pricked by his words.
"Am I not a good fighter? Can I not hold my own against any foe? I am not weak Gandalf, so do not hide this from me now." she said, glaring up at him with her most powerful look.
Gandalf sighed and closed his eyes, for he knew that she was just as good as any other fighter amongst them. Her stealth had amazed him many times before. "If I am to tell you of this quest, then you must speak of it to no one. Not even your most trusted friend." he said, his eyes growing serious. Alithial nodded and stood ready to listen to what he had to say.
As he explained to her the finding of Sauron's ring in the Shire, and the many things they had went through to reach Rivendell safetly. He also told her of Saruman's treason against Middle-Earth.
"I can not believe this. Saruman joined with the forces of Mordor so easily?" she asked him, a look of astonishment in her eyes.
Gandalf but nodded in agreement. "That he has, Alithial. He spent to much time trying to figure out the seeing stone he has in his keeping. I believe Sauron took him then, as he was playing with fire." Gandalf explained, continuing his tale of what has happened. When the wizard was done telling her everything, she was filled with a sudden sense of dread.
"This is very bad news you have told me Gandalf, but I will keep my promise and tell no one of it!" she whispered, glancing around her as if she could feel Saurons eye fixated on her.
Gandalf sighed again. "I do not want you to think that you are invited to come with us on this adventure. We already have enough members. Aragorn, myself, Boromir, Frodo, his friends, Gimili, and Legolas are all escorting Frodo to Mordor to destroy the ring as quickly as possible. There would be to much confusion if you were to come along my dear Alithial." he said to her, as he walked to the railing that overlooks a part of the city.
Alithial breathed in sharply. "Confusion? What do you mean by that Gandalf?" she spouted back at him, as she came up to stand next to him at the balcony.
It was not Gandalf's voice that answered, however, but Lord Elronds.
"You know of what he speaks Alithial, and it is too great of a danger to have one such as yourself to join with them." he said, speaking to her from behind.
Alithial turned about at his words, and she felt tears stinging her green eyes. Without any words to defend herself she fled from them, and ran to the bridge tucked besided the city, near the waterfalls. The sound of the water crashing onto the stones below seemed to calm her a bit, and she sat on the edge, her feet dangling over the water below.
The Bridge...
Legolas had relaxed near the statue, holding Narsil, longer than he had liked. He was much more anxious to survey the city and see the beauty that he had been told existed here in Rivendell. It was much different here then in his home of Mirkwood, but it held a music all of its own. Walking slowly about the long balcony streaching half of Rivendell, he sank in the surroundings. One particular scene made him linger a little longer. Somewhere on the opposite side of the city, he could see Gandalf and Elrond talking to a young girl. She looked much like the girl he had run into in the hall earlier.
'Alithial...' he spoke her name in his mind, and it rolled over in his mind like watery waves.
He watched her spin around as if anger motivated her movements and then she ran away from them back into the depths of Rivendell. His brows furrowed as he tried to think of what had transpired between the three, but he thought it best to seek one of them out and simply ask. He was about to go back the way he had come, and then down to the second level, when he saw the girl stride slowly over the bridge and look up at the falls. He could see her sadness as she sat down on the ledge that was facing away from him, and he could not see her expressions then, and had thus decided to go find out.
Walking back through the halls he found his way over to the doorway that led towards the waterfall. There she sat on the side, kicking her feet up and down, looking on into the depths of the waterfall, as the mists bubbled up and covered the area with sparkling dew. He slowly made his way over towards her not wanting to overly disturb her thoughts. Her expression, he noticed as he got closer to her, made her appear like she was dreaming but a hint of sadness was there.
Alithial sat thinking of the many adventures she had been on, slaying orcs and the like. She had trained with the best of men, and this was the reason why she could not fathom why they would not let her accompany them. Sadness crept onto her features and she went to stand, but noticed the shadow of someone standing behind her. Alithial turned about quickly and looked up at her intruder. It was Legolas. He looked sorely surprised as well as somewhat sorry for intruding on her private moment.
"I am sorry to disturb you m'lady." he said, his voice as fair as his handsome face. Alithial went to stand, but he came to her aid and helped her up the rest of the way.
"Thank you. I do not think you disturbed me, but more of distracted me from my thoughts." she told him, looking up at the city that was Rivendell. Legolas looked on at her in serious thought, trying to figure out what was working in her mind as she stared at the beautiful city with that sadness in her eyes.
"Would you mind if I accompanied you to dinner this eve?" he asked, as his eyes sparkled with the oncoming moonlight. Her lips could not move for mere moments as she looked up into his green eyes.
"I... I would be honored, Legolas" she replied, having the courage to speak his name outloud. He offered her his arm and with slow movement she placed her arm about his and they walked back down the path and into the city to attend the dinner that was soon to come.
Chapter One: Rivendell
As the council was gathering in Rivendell, Alithial watched from one of the decorative balconies overlooking the beautiful courtyard of Elrond's city. The member's of the council were talking as they waited for Frodo and Gandalf to arrive. "A wizard arrives precisely when he mean's too" echoed through her mind. The thought of his silly sayings made her laugh. She looked around the group of men, wishing she could have been asked to sit among them, but knew that women where not allowed. Her gaze drifted from Aragorn, known only as Strider now, but she had known him for many a year. He looked rugged to all at first glance, but when you delved deeper inside of him, he was found to be sincerely gentle. Her eyes settled next on Boromir. He was the only one among them that sent a shiver down her spine, knowing that power sometimes dominated his thinking and confused his heart. She then looked at the dwarves and saw them dressed in their leather and axes swung over their shoulders. Typical of any dwarf she had ever come across.
As she traveled from one member to the next her eyes met those of the elves. Beautiful creatures they were. Being only half, she was envious of their full blood. Her eyes sank in each of their beautiful faces, until she came to the one in the middle of the small elvish group. His name was known to her, but she had never before looked upon his lovely fair features before.
"Legolas", she barely whispered, looking at him softly.
Being sensitive to sounds and things in the whispering wind, he faintly heard his name being called. Legolas looked around the council of men, and none of them looked as if they had addressed him so. His brows furrowed and he looked to his guardsmen. They were occupied with the persons next to them, talking quietly and politely. Confussion was setting in.
'Perhaps it is this place, beautiful as the wind and full of song.' he thought, as his gaze continued to look about the landscape of Rivendell. At first he didn't see her, but as he looked up the large building of twisted and curving vines he saw an elvish face peer down at them. Her eyes looked at them all but in the last, they came to rest upon him.
Her eyes were a lovely green, and they matched her sandy-blond hair that framed her face like a delicate doll. As they measured each other, Frodo and Gandalf arrived at the circle and took their seats. When he looked away to welcome them as the others were, he found that when he glanced back the girl had disappeared. His eyes searched the upper levels of the great building but he saw nothing more of her. Disapointment settled upon his mind and at that he turned his attentions back to Elrond as he was standing to speak to the whole council.
Image of Evil...
Since she was nine, Alithial had lived often near the Shire and knowing some of the tales of the great hobbit Bilbo, she had come to hear of his book that he was writing in Rivendell. "There and back again, a hobbits tale... he had called it." she thought, liking the title almost as much as she liked the little hobbit.
Hearing that Gandalf was riding into the Elven city made her smile even more so, having trained with him in the many arts of magic long ago. She knew him well, but she could not have forseen the danger that had entered the city with him.
She stood quietly near the statue that held the sword of Isildur's father, the king of Gondor. Narsil had unknowingly stayed so sharp, even after 3,000 years since it had cut the One Ring from Sauron the Deciever's hand. Long since it had been in the hands of Elrond, who ment to keep it a memory for all to see. A memory for those who where Isildur's heirs. The great image of Sauron's defeat loomed over her and fear struck her eyes as she looked into the face of their old enemy. Even though she had not been born, when he had brought his evil down on Middle-Earth, Alithial was still afraid every time she looked upon the vile painting. A shadow brought back her attention and she smiled at the person standing before her. Arwen was the most beautiful and skilled of all the elven women, Alithial knew. Her admiration for Arwen had made them closer friends in the last few months since her arrival here.
"What brings you to this place again Alithial, my friend?" Arwen asked coming to look up at the image along with her. She looked at her elven companion and smiled.
"Thinking of my father I guess. It reminds me of how bravely he had fought in this battle along with your father." Alithial replied, turning back towards the statue that held the sword.
"I miss him Arwen. I miss him more then I miss my home. I wish I could but tell him how much I loved him." she whispered, tears forming in her green eyes. Arwen looked at her in that mystical way she had a knack for and smiled at her.
"Alithial, I know that you are greatly troubled by this loss. You must understand that although he is not with you in the flesh, that he will always be with you in spirit. The elvish kindred are never quiet spirits. I hear their calls here and there. Do not be overly troubled, for he is at peace now and has not a worry for war and the like again." Arwen comforted, placing her hand on her friends shoulder for moral support.
Alithial sighed and squared her shoulders. "You are right. I should not morn him over much. He would be happy I think... to see me move on." she stated, looking out into the beauty that was Rivendell. Arwen smiled, having done her part and left her friend alone to reflect upon herself.
The Chosen Nine...
Frodo stood as they argued over what to do with the One Ring and proclaimed that he would take it.
"I will take the ring to Mordor." he repeated.
Gandalf and the others quieted and looked over at the little hobbit. Greatfulness settled on the wizards face.
"Though, I do not know the way." he finished. Gandalf came to stand behind him. "I will help you bare this burden, Frodo Baggins. As long as it is your's to bear" he stated, placing his hands on the hobbits shoulders.
Aragorn too strode across the room and proclaimed his life to Frodo. "I pledge to protect you with my life... and my sword." he said. The council quieted and a voice rose.
"...and I give you my bow" Legolas called out, striding over to join the group.
"...and my axe!" said Gimli, challenging the elf as they exchanged glances.
Bolomir joined with his oath of Gondor to see it through to the end. As Frodo's friends came out of hiding and joined the rest of them,
Elrond sighed and looked them all over.
"So be it, you shall be called, The Fellowship of the Ring!" he announced, hoping beyond hope that they will succeed.
Later after talking with Elrond and Gandalf, Legolas retired to the upper floors to relax. 'This will be a journey of paril and sadness. I can feel it." he thought, coming around the corner and into the great hallway. He bumped into her then as she came from the other direction. Their body's collided and he steadied her with his arm.
"I am sorry my lady." he spoke in elvish. Alithial looked up at him and her eyes were wide with surprise.
"I... I accept your appology, althought one was hardly in need. I am fine, so do not worry yourself." she said, her voice barely a whisper.
Legolas stood back and looked at her. Her hair was flowing down over a lovely brown suit of skin-tight leather, she had a tattoo swirling down the right side of her throat as it disappeared into her tunic.The marvel of her presence made him uneasy.
"I have things I must attend to sadly, so I must depart from your company. May I hope to see you at Lord Elrond's dinner this eve?" he asked her, crossing his arms over his chest.
Alithial breathed deeply, finding courage to speak. "Yes, I will be attending tonights dinner." she replied, glancing at the thick cloak that covered his broad chest. It glimmered in the sunlight that was left of the day.
Legolas smiled slightly and nodded. "What shall I call you then, my lady?" he asked, watching her expression.
Alithial brought her hands together infront of her and breathed again. "My name is Alithial." she whispered, too low for any human to hear. He smiled and bowed.
"At dinner then..." he said, and turned to go about his business.
Alithial gasped for breath as if she had been holding it, and in some sense she had been. This quick meeting with him felt like it had lasted forever, but in truth had only been a few moments in time. Making her way down to the main hall she saw Gandalf talking in low tones to Lord Elrond, but as they saw her apporoching them they ceased their conversation.
"Ahh Alithial my dear girl! How are you today?" Gandalf asked her.
She smiled and nodded towards Elrond before she spoke. "I am fine Gandalf. How are you fareing?" she asked, smiling up at him with admiration. His eyes seemed to be lost in thought elsewhere while he spoke to her of the places he had been and people he had met on the way.
She pulled him off to the side away from the elven lord and spoke to Gandalf in private.
"What is bothering you my old friend? I have been around you many a time before and never have I seen you so... uneasy." Alithial asked.
Gandalf looked down at her as he always had, but his face did not hold the same look as it had before.
"You ask me to give you information that I cannot. There are foul things afoot and it be best if you were not in the path of the dangers they will bring." he said to her, placing his hand on her shoulders in friendship. Alithial looked up at him as her pride was pricked by his words.
"Am I not a good fighter? Can I not hold my own against any foe? I am not weak Gandalf, so do not hide this from me now." she said, glaring up at him with her most powerful look.
Gandalf sighed and closed his eyes, for he knew that she was just as good as any other fighter amongst them. Her stealth had amazed him many times before. "If I am to tell you of this quest, then you must speak of it to no one. Not even your most trusted friend." he said, his eyes growing serious. Alithial nodded and stood ready to listen to what he had to say.
As he explained to her the finding of Sauron's ring in the Shire, and the many things they had went through to reach Rivendell safetly. He also told her of Saruman's treason against Middle-Earth.
"I can not believe this. Saruman joined with the forces of Mordor so easily?" she asked him, a look of astonishment in her eyes.
Gandalf but nodded in agreement. "That he has, Alithial. He spent to much time trying to figure out the seeing stone he has in his keeping. I believe Sauron took him then, as he was playing with fire." Gandalf explained, continuing his tale of what has happened. When the wizard was done telling her everything, she was filled with a sudden sense of dread.
"This is very bad news you have told me Gandalf, but I will keep my promise and tell no one of it!" she whispered, glancing around her as if she could feel Saurons eye fixated on her.
Gandalf sighed again. "I do not want you to think that you are invited to come with us on this adventure. We already have enough members. Aragorn, myself, Boromir, Frodo, his friends, Gimili, and Legolas are all escorting Frodo to Mordor to destroy the ring as quickly as possible. There would be to much confusion if you were to come along my dear Alithial." he said to her, as he walked to the railing that overlooks a part of the city.
Alithial breathed in sharply. "Confusion? What do you mean by that Gandalf?" she spouted back at him, as she came up to stand next to him at the balcony.
It was not Gandalf's voice that answered, however, but Lord Elronds.
"You know of what he speaks Alithial, and it is too great of a danger to have one such as yourself to join with them." he said, speaking to her from behind.
Alithial turned about at his words, and she felt tears stinging her green eyes. Without any words to defend herself she fled from them, and ran to the bridge tucked besided the city, near the waterfalls. The sound of the water crashing onto the stones below seemed to calm her a bit, and she sat on the edge, her feet dangling over the water below.
The Bridge...
Legolas had relaxed near the statue, holding Narsil, longer than he had liked. He was much more anxious to survey the city and see the beauty that he had been told existed here in Rivendell. It was much different here then in his home of Mirkwood, but it held a music all of its own. Walking slowly about the long balcony streaching half of Rivendell, he sank in the surroundings. One particular scene made him linger a little longer. Somewhere on the opposite side of the city, he could see Gandalf and Elrond talking to a young girl. She looked much like the girl he had run into in the hall earlier.
'Alithial...' he spoke her name in his mind, and it rolled over in his mind like watery waves.
He watched her spin around as if anger motivated her movements and then she ran away from them back into the depths of Rivendell. His brows furrowed as he tried to think of what had transpired between the three, but he thought it best to seek one of them out and simply ask. He was about to go back the way he had come, and then down to the second level, when he saw the girl stride slowly over the bridge and look up at the falls. He could see her sadness as she sat down on the ledge that was facing away from him, and he could not see her expressions then, and had thus decided to go find out.
Walking back through the halls he found his way over to the doorway that led towards the waterfall. There she sat on the side, kicking her feet up and down, looking on into the depths of the waterfall, as the mists bubbled up and covered the area with sparkling dew. He slowly made his way over towards her not wanting to overly disturb her thoughts. Her expression, he noticed as he got closer to her, made her appear like she was dreaming but a hint of sadness was there.
Alithial sat thinking of the many adventures she had been on, slaying orcs and the like. She had trained with the best of men, and this was the reason why she could not fathom why they would not let her accompany them. Sadness crept onto her features and she went to stand, but noticed the shadow of someone standing behind her. Alithial turned about quickly and looked up at her intruder. It was Legolas. He looked sorely surprised as well as somewhat sorry for intruding on her private moment.
"I am sorry to disturb you m'lady." he said, his voice as fair as his handsome face. Alithial went to stand, but he came to her aid and helped her up the rest of the way.
"Thank you. I do not think you disturbed me, but more of distracted me from my thoughts." she told him, looking up at the city that was Rivendell. Legolas looked on at her in serious thought, trying to figure out what was working in her mind as she stared at the beautiful city with that sadness in her eyes.
"Would you mind if I accompanied you to dinner this eve?" he asked, as his eyes sparkled with the oncoming moonlight. Her lips could not move for mere moments as she looked up into his green eyes.
"I... I would be honored, Legolas" she replied, having the courage to speak his name outloud. He offered her his arm and with slow movement she placed her arm about his and they walked back down the path and into the city to attend the dinner that was soon to come.