Wherever You Are

By Kalina

Disclaimer: This story is based on characters, settings, and situations created and owned by J.R.R. Tolkien, various publishers including, but not limited to, New Line Cinema and Ballantine Books. Silmarwen was born in the depths of my twisted imagination and, therefore, belongs to me. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

Author's Note: Bess and Wunderlust have begged me not to write a tenth-member fic. I know this has been done to death, but I promise that my plot is a little bit different, so I'll just have to ask for your trust.

Chiad, I got the name "Silmarwen" from the Elvish Name Generator (). I chose it because it had a nice ring to it, and I didn't think it was stupid. Also, perhaps you could give me your reasons why you think my original character is a Mary Sue? That would be a big help so I can work on developing her.

I'd also like to thank Lady Catrina and Insane Dragoness for their comments.

To all the people I mentioned above, I really appreciate your reviews, and I hope the next chapter doesn't disappoint you. Feel free to correct any errors and give your comments and suggestions. In other words… review! Ü

Chapter Three: The Argument and the Decision

As soon as Frodo Baggins had volunteered for, and been given, the task to take the Ring to Mordor, Sam Gamgee jumped up from the corner where he had been quietly sitting on the floor and cried, "But you won't send him off alone surely, Master!"

Unable to help himself, Legolas laughed. Elrond tried to look stern, but failed. He turned to the uninvited Hobbit and said with a smile, "You at least shall go with him. It is hardly possible to separate you two, even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not."

The members of the Council, all of whom had been so grave until now, grinned as Sam blushed. There were a few who chuckled.

And then a female voice exclaimed, "Wait! I, too, shall go!"

Legolas could hardly believe his eyes as Silmarwen jumped out from a nearby bush, disheveled and wearing masculine garments that did not disguise her slender, very feminine figure. He leapt from his seat and strode over to her.

"What," he hissed, "in the name of the Valar, are you doing here? Who is with you?"

Silmarwen looked up into his stormy blue eyes, and then dropped her gaze. "I… I came alone," she admitted softly.

The inexplicable surge of gladness that went through Legolas at the sight of her gave way to blinding fury. "Have you gone mad? You rode all the way from Mirkwood to Rivendell by yourself?" He was shaking, not only with anger at her for doing something so foolish, but also with fear, as he pictured what might have happened to her while traveling the long and dangerous road to the House of Elrond. "Silmarwen, you could have gotten lost! You could have been attacked by Wargs and the heavens know what else! You could have died. What possessed you to come here?"

I wanted to be with you. "I wanted to see Imladris, that's all!"

Legolas clenched his fists at his sides, resisting the urge to wrap his hands around her lovely neck and cheerfully strangle her. "You disobeyed your father's orders, you stole your brother's clothes, and you risked your life, all because you wanted to go sightseeing?"

Silmarwen lifted her chin defiantly, willing herself not to let the tears pooling in her eyes fall. She had never seen her friend so outraged before, and that rage was directed at her. "How did you know I disobeyed my father's orders and stole my brother's clothes?"

"Tarien, Kelavan is the only Elf I know who comes closest to your size, and do you honestly expect me to believe that your father would give you his permission once he found out what you were planning to do?"

A telltale flush crept up her cheeks until her entire face was bright red with guilt. Legolas swore. "Your father does not know? You rode out of Mirkwood without telling anyone where you were going? Silmarwen, I could kill you now with a bright smile on my face!"

"And I could knock you out before you can take another step towards me!" she retorted hotly.

They glared at each other, eyes as blue as the ocean on a summer day boring into eyes like polished jade. It wasn't until Elrond cleared his throat that they realized that the whole Council was watching them in amazement.

"Lady Silmarwen," said the Lord of Rivendell, "I take it that Legolas is your sweetheart?"

"No!" Silmarwen and Legolas vehemently exclaimed at once.

Elrond's skeptical expression made it clear that he did not believe them. "I see," he said gravely. "Lady Silmarwen, perhaps you would like to sit down so we can discuss this---"

"There is no need for that, Lord Elrond," Legolas interrupted coolly. "I am taking the lady back home right this minute!"

"I am afraid you cannot do that, Legolas," said Gandalf the Gray. "We have much to talk about and many plans to make, and your presence is greatly required. Perhaps Lord Elrond might be so kind as to send escorts to ride with the lady back to Mirkwood?"

Elrond thoughtfully rubbed his chin. "That is a wise decision, Gandalf. I could ask---"

"No!" Silmarwen shouted. All eyes turned to her. Elrond appeared vaguely irritated at having been interrupted twice. She took a deep breath and proceeded to speak as calmly as possible. "I do not wish to go home. I have heard your lengthy discussion, and I realize that Middle-earth is in utmost peril. I would like to help in any way possible, which is why I will go with Frodo to Mordor."

"And of what use," asked Boromir, "can a woman be on such a dangerous journey?"

Silmarwen ignored him and turned pleading eyes to Elrond. "Lord Elrond, ever since I was a child, I have always wanted to do something that mattered, something that would validate my existence, and this is my chance. Please let me go."

The Lord of Rivendell stared at the courageous maiden standing before him, her messy hair the reddish gold color of the setting sun, her green eyes sparkling with defiance and hope, and he felt sheer admiration. She had a spirit as valiant as that of any warrior's. And it was with deepest regret that he shook his head and watched the light in her eyes disappear.

"I am sorry, Lady Silmarwen. As Boromir said, it is a dangerous journey and a gently-bred maiden, no matter how noble her intentions, will only be a hindrance to the Ringbearer."

"I know how to protect myself," argued Silmarwen desperately. "I can use a sword and shoot an arrow…"

This declaration startled a burst of laughter from Legolas who, despite his anger, remembered the last time his friend had wielded a sword; she had almost cut off her mother's head.

Silmarwen knew what he was thinking and, after a ferocious scowl in his direction, quickly amended, "Or at least I can learn. I am a fast learner."

"My decision has been made, child," said Elrond firmly. His voice was kind but stern, and the expression on his face told her that nothing would change his mind--- and it would be folly to even try to do so.

Silmarwen hung her head, biting her lip. She looked so dejected that Legolas' fury abated and he put his arm around her slender shoulders. "It is all right, Tarien," he murmured soothingly. "I am sure that Lord Elrond will allow you to stay here in Rivendell for a couple of months--- that is what you originally wanted, is it not? A chance to explore the Last Homely House?" He looked at Elrond questioningly.

Elrond nodded. "Yes, I believe a stay in Imladris will console you, child. You are welcome to stay here for at least two months, and I shall send a message to your family so that they will not go out of their minds with worry."