The Fellowship of the Blade
Melissa Merriweather
Disclaimer: The children of the original Fellowship (with the exception of Elanor Gamgee), Sauron's evil spawn Diablos, and the (screwed-up) plot are the products of my imagination and, therefore, belong to me. So if it's possible to hold a copyright to them, well, consider them copyrighted! On the other hand, JRR Tolkien created Middle-earth and everything else you recognize from The Lord of the Rings, so he owns them. And, lastly, I am not getting paid for writing this.
Author's Note: I would like to address some comments made by my first two reviewers. First, I know Narsil was re-forged, but in my story something happened that broke it again. You'll find out what in a later chapter. Second, I don't remember reading about the marriages of Pippin and Merry in the LOTR books… of course, I didn't read the books thoroughly, I skipped some paragraphs and a few chapters, so it's possible I missed that. Can you tell me where I might find that bit of information?
Like I said in my previous AN, I'm not an expert on Middle-earth, so I really appreciate your reviews. Thanks!
Here's the second chapter. Don't forget to let me know what you think.
Chapter Two
Elanor could hardly believe her eyes. Right before her was a member of one of the most ancient races in Middle-earth, a fair being she had once thought she would never see, whose pale face, shining with ethereal radiance, represented all that had been beautiful and wise and magical, all that had been lost in the swiftly-flowing streams of Time. If she hadn't been able to feel Alasdair's tug on her arm, she would have been convinced she was dreaming.
The stranger's lips tilted up in a faint smile. "Yes, Master Hobbit, I am an Elf," she said, sounding amused. "Or, should I say, a half-Elf. My father is a mortal."
"I didn't know there were still Elves in this world," said Niphredil shyly, somewhat intimidated by this lovely creature.
"There are, but very few," the maiden replied. "After the War of the Ring, most of my mother's kin sailed to the Grey Havens. My mother elected to remain here, with my father." Her silvery eyes softened, as did her voice. "She cast aside the immortal life of her people to be with him, although she knew that there would come a time when he shall perish."
"Niphredil! Time for us to go!"
"Us, too, Alasdair!"
Six Hobbits had come out of the house. When they saw the strange new arrival, they stopped dead in their tracks.
"Blessed be!" Sam Gamgee exclaimed. "It's Lady Arwen!"
"Arwen?" Elanor, Alasdair, and Niphredil exclaimed all at once. Arwen Undomiel… the Evenstar of her people… One of the wonderful characters in the stories their fathers had told them…
"What might you be doing here, Lady Arwen?" said Merry, drawing closer.
The Elf lithely jumped off her horse, causing Pippin to blink in consternation. "Eh?" he said, perplexed. "You're a lot smaller than you were the last time we saw you, my lady."
"Arwen" laughed, an enchanting sound that reminded all those who heard it of the delicate tinkle of a tiny bell. "You are mistaken. I am not Arwen… I am her daughter."
"What's that?" Now it was Sam's turn to blink.
She fought back another burst of laughter as she looked down at the poor, confused expressions on the faces of the Hobbits.
"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Ithiniel, daughter of Arwen Undomiel and Aragorn, King of Gondor."