Chapter 3 ~Council of Vanyar ~
Elendil arrived at the Council a little later then she expected, and she expected everyone to still be greeting each other. So she thought she could make a quiet entrance, however she learned that at gatherings such as this one, promptness was important. She ran in to the place where Ages ago, Elrond held the Council of Elrond at. She had changed dresses, she was now clad in emerald green, and her long dark hair remained loose behind her. Glancing quickly around the circle, she saw three dwarfs, four men, seven elfs, and a wizard. "Gandalf." She muttered under her breath as she recalled his picture in her readings. He was clad in White and his staff stood beside him leaning on the edge of the chair. His beard was white and he wore no hat. He looked kind, gentle and possibly even amusing, but what he had accomplished wasn't amusing. It was grave, and everything he had gone through told Elendil that the White Wizard was not one to be messed with. "Elendil." Elrond said sternly, snapping her out of her thoughts. Looking over at him, he looked quite angry indeed, and if he called her by her real name then she must have interrupted something. She didn't hear anything on her way down though; maybe they were just looking at each other. She thought. No, that's stupid, why would they look at each other and not say anything? She quickly walked over to the empty seat beside Elrond. As she sat down, she felt all eyes upon her and she smiled. They looked at her like she was crazy. Well so much for making a good first impression. She thought. "We were in the middle of something, try not to be late next time for something of such importance." He told her staring her down. "You weren't even talking, I didn't hear anyone talk when I was coming down here, and even if you were talking it was a long time ago. I was running out of my room when I heard voices." She blurted out, suddenly forgetting her first impression. Elrond now looked at her as if she had lost an eye, and so did the rest of the council. "Well it's true, I didn't hear anything!" she protested. Silence. Suddenly a friendly laugh broke the stillness it was Gandalf. Then the others followed, until each person at the council was laughing, Elrond included. She was stunned, and so confused that she could barely register the peculiar look Gandalf was giving her. "Tee," Elrond began silencing the others who were now looking at her and Elrond. "I told them of your hearing skills. Which is only one of the many that the Vanyar posses. You were running out of your room when I told them of my idea." He said with laughter in his eyes. "Oh." Was the only response that came from her lips. Sensing her discomfort, he decided to introduce each of the members of the council. There were fifteen at the council, and of all she only knew one - Gandalf. The three dwarves were Grór son of Dáin I, Ori faithful companion of Throin, and Dori of the House of Durin. To them Elendil was quite polite and kind, which wasn't the way most elves were like. Except for Gimli, whom she read about, who became quick friends with Legolas Greenleaf, an elf. The four men were Cirion II son of Cirion the twelfth Steward of Gondor, Eldora the delegate of Gondor, Aldor III son of Aldor II, and Hamlet of Rohan. All of whom Elendil thought looked like they needed a shower, but she dismissed that thought when she remembered how far they came from. The seven elves that were at the council came from Mirkwood and Lothlórien, and of these elves Elendil knew of two. She read about them in her books. King Thranduil of the Wood-Elves of Mirkwood, Orophin, Rúmil, and Haldir who were all from Lothlórien were quite pleasant towards her, and she guessed that it was because they were Silvan elves, even though that had nothing to do with one being nice. Senor, Dior and Nowï all from Mirkwood. Lastly she was introduced to Gandalf who she was certain gave her a little wink. She found him very interesting, she had read a lot about him and knew of his greatness and life. After she was introduced, she took a seat beside Elrond, and he started to talk to the council. "Friends of old, strangers of distant lands, we have been summoned here today to perceive one of Ilúvatar's gifts to our world. The Vanyar were long lost, rare and have only been upon us for short times. They were all sent to fulfill great tasks and to aid those in need. They have been forgotten after two long Ages, but now one stands within us. The Vanyar are an extension of His being, of his power, skill and knowledge. For the time they were on this world, they were feared because of their powers, they were unwelcome and hated. Now we have a chance to understand them, to be able to see their presence on this earth - however long or short it may be - as a gift, not a curse. We do not know how long Ilúvatar wishes for Elendil to be with us. Some are given the chance to decide, some are not. You are all here today to decide if her Race will be kept a secret from the world, or if it shall be told to all." Elrond told them. "You are all here today to decide if her Race will be kept a secret from the world, or if it shall be told to all." Elrond's words rang clear through Gandalf's ears, but he kept his eyes on the young elf instead. He clearly remembered his reaction when he heard that Elrondor and Enyawen were slain in battle, and he clearly remembered his thoughts when he realized that Elendil would have no parents. Even through his thoughts, he predicted that she would stay at Rivendell under Elrond's care. He knew that the two had gotten closer since her loss, but the way the two of them exchanged words was much more casual then Gandalf could ever had predicted. She was now sitting on her hands, and from Gandalf's perspective it seemed as though she had to suppress them from doing something crazy. In the past fifteen minutes of the council he had learned quite a bit about Rivendell's beloved Lady. The funny thing was she wasn't at all like a lady when she came to the council, she was much more outgoing. "What do you suggest Gandalf?" He shifted his eyes to Elrond whose eyes were searching his own. His dear old friend Elrond who he knew so well was now looking at him as though he'd gone Grey again. "Well," he began looking around the council. "It is clear that this matter is of grave importance, we cannot let this into the open, she will be in great danger, and those around her will be pulled into a life of constantly looking behind their backs." "Yes people will also leave her alone because of the power she possesses." Dori a dwarf said. "Lord Elrond said so, they will fear her and she will be in no danger, who would want to fight someone with such power?" Ori added supporting his fellow dwarf. "You do not have to be close to fight someone, you can shoot an arrow from far, far away. If she does not know it, then she will be hit." King Thranduil spoke. "There are still people out there who would make it a quest to kill her, not everyone will take this as a blessing. Some will take it as a curse." He suggested after listening to them talk. "Yes Gandalf, but Master Elrond already said that they are feared, when one is fear none dare go near them." Eldora retorted. "Then if they are feared, they will be thought evil. When one is thought to be evil all will join together and fight. The Vanyar may be powerful, but even they do not have the strength to go against hatred of all upon Middle-earth." He told the delegate of Gondor. "That is not true," he said sternly standing up which caused Haldir and his brothers to quickly get out of their chairs. "If her kind used to be feared, then they will not speak of it, there will be no one who will want to be seen with her, let alone hurt her." "Gandalf is right, we cannot let others know, it will be too dangerous for her." Haldir spoke. "What does an elf know of this matter?" Grór spoke standing shortly but proudly in front of Haldir. "If it is told, then everyone will respect her and she can aid in any war of her choosing. She can help bring down evil." Aldor III spoke up. "Are you suggesting that we use her powers to fight?" he asked him. "Yes, she has the powers, and she was put on this world to help. We want to be rid of evil, that could be why He sent her here." He replied. "Are you saying that she is merely here to use?" Thranduil asked getting up himself. Senor, Dior and Nowï got up with their king, "She is not to be used as tool, she is like all of us. She is a person who has emotions and has love and hatred in her heart. She is not something to be played with and used!" Dior said, voicing Gandalf's exact thoughts.
He looked over to Elendil and her guardian, he was whispering something in her ear and she looked rather pale. She nodded and turned to face the arguing council. "Tell everyone! They will feel blessed, and scared." "She will not be used!" "If it is told, they might learn to respect her." "War could be launched upon her!" "You heard Master Elrond, they were feared!" "We will not make the same mistake!" Elrond looked as pained as his niece, and Gandalf could see that they both desperately wanted a decision to be made. "She will show us!" Gandalf proclaimed. Slowly the bickering stopped. He hoped that Elrond would pick up on his plan. "Elrond said that the Vanyar were feared because of their powers, but who truly knows the height of their powers?" No one spoke. "Exactly, so I would like to call upon Elendil to show us." He looked at Elrond briefly and he gave a small nod. His eyes now turned to Elendil who looked extremely uncomfortable. "She will be at the Shooting Hills in five minutes, Elrond will lead you there." He said and Elrond smiled at Elendil and left. "Elendil, I'm Gandalf, I hope you're not scared to show what you can do." He told her kindly. "I know who you are Gandalf, I've read a lot about you and Elrond has told me a lot too. Don' t worry I'm not scared, I think they're more scared then I am." She said. Gandalf laughed at this comment. So true it was. "Well, come on, let us go!" One right after the other Ciron kept on hurling rocks at her and from Gandalf's point of view, she wasn't putting in any effort at all. Big rocks small rocks, everything was pitched towards her and every time it would split cleanly in half and lay by her feet. "That is quite easy!" boasted Cirion II son of Cirion I. Elendil shifted her eyes at him, turning sideways from Ciron. He didn't see her actions so he threw another rock at her. She was still glaring at him, but a smile crept over her face. "Watch out Lady Alca-" She stuck her arm out and the rock connected with her sword. Split. "Thank you Ciron II, I heard it coming." She dropped her arms to her sides. "You're right, it is quite easy. So why don't you try it?" she suggested smiling. Cirion nodded and stood where she was. "Ready." He called to Ciron who looked skeptical. A rock hurled at him and he swung at it, picking it up he looked down. The rock had barely even chipped. "So it's really easy right?" she asked him picking up the rock. Turing red, he slipped back behind the rest of the council. "Impressive, but what about fighting skills?" Hamlet asked Elrond. Elrond looked over at Elendil, giving her a slight nod. "There is no one for her to fight Hamlet, therefore she cannot fulfill your request." "She can fight me." He offered himself with pride, almost staring down Elendil who was the same height as he was. "No Hamlet. She will not fight." "It is alright Master Elrond. You can heal her if she gets hurt." "She can heal herself. That is not the point, you may not fight with her." He said firmly, putting a hand on her shoulder. Gandalf could sense tension mounting within the council, he had not meant for this to happen. He knew of Hamlet's ways. He was one of those Men who prided himself more then any other man. He thought of himself as a blessing to the world, and if there were any chance of him to prove that, he would do so. Even if it meant harming others.
"Hamlet, Elrond is right. She cannot fight you that will cause physical pain for you both." He said, trying to convince him. "Why not let the girl decide?" he asked Elrond. "Her name is Elendil Master Hamlet, and she will not decide." Hamlet smirked; an idea seemed to form inside his mind. He casually walked in front of Elendil and Elrond, "Well, Elendil, it seems as if you will never be able to make your own decisions. Your guardian will have to make them for you, which I find most unfortunate seeing that your guardian will probably never let you do anything you wish to do." "Shut up, you're just jealous." Everyone's head snapped towards Elendil, his own included. This didn't look too good. "Jealous? Of what my Lady?" he asked smoothly. "Of Elrond, you know it's too bad you're not like him. You would be as lucky in your friends as he is." She replied sweetly, moving towards him. "I have lots of friends." He said, clearly surprised that she was talking back to him. "Tee-" "You like to think you have friends, but then again you like to think you're all powerful too don't you?" She pushed his button, with sudden expected rage to Gandalf; he swung his sword at her. She gracefully bended backwards and put her sword behind her back. "I'm all yours." That angered him even more, he lunged at her legs and she jumped up and landed back on the ground, pinning his weapon down. He yanked it from beneath her and stabbed it into her chest, but with a slight movement to the side, she dodged it. The crowd was now watching in awe and fear. He swung the sword at her neck and she stood still, it wasn't long enough, and when he realized this he stepped forward, but she was already back another step. They continued this for a few more steps when she whipped her own sword out and moved his from her neck. Now she had a glare on her face that told Gandalf she wasn't pleased. She forced his sword to the left, turned it in a circle, leaving her own sword touching his neck. His own sword was at his side and he had a look of surprise upon his face. She didn't stop there though, she moved it across his neck and stabbed it over his shoulder and with one smooth movement put him in a headlock and knocked his sword out of his hand. "Do you want me to continue, or do you want me to stop?" He answered he by kicking her in the chin, "Continue." "Fine." She kicked his sword out of his reached and threw it up in the air with her foot. She caught it in her other hand, now she advanced on him with two swords, he backed away and she ran up to him and stuck one sword by his throat and the other behind his neck, and she kick him in the chin. He was down. "One movement and your head will be detached from your body, one wrong answer and it will be a souvenir for Rohan. Now answer me, do you want me to continue or stop?" His body was now rigid with fear, the crowd looked upon them with even more fear. "Stop." Elendil stepped back, and gave him back his sword. Gandalf let out a sigh of relief, but no sooner had he done so Hamlet got up and charged at Elendil, sword pointed out. "Elendil!" he cried. It was too late, the tip of his sword was inches away from her. Stab. Nothing, no screams, nothing. Then Gandalf saw nothing but a bright light, very bright. Looking as hard as he could through it, he saw Elendil standing beside her guardian, standing as regal as a queen glaring upon Hamlet. It was precisely at that moment that Gandalf predicted great things for Elendil, terrible maybe, or brilliant, but great. "You're a fool. Who do you think you are insulting Elrond then lying to me? You were summoned here because you're smart and you're opinions matter. Never, ever do that again, or I will see that Rohan receives a memorable gift." He looked up at her, a mixture of astonishment, fear, and anger on his face. "You are just a young girl, you know nothing about the troubles of others." He spat. "Wrong. I know of others troubles and sufferings, that's why I choose to give you another chance. If I didn't know what you had on your mind, then I would've chopped your head off." She replied, her light slowly diminishing. She stood by Elrond who had a hand on her shoulder. "What do you know of my troubles?" he growled, picking himself up off the ground. "Everyone has troubles, be it a little or a lot. No one lives without a troubling thought; there is always something in one's mind. I think you have many, many troubling thoughts on your mind, because if you didn't, you wouldn't be so concerned about proving yourself." Gandalf smiled to himself, her words were so true, and she knew so much which was yet another reason why they shouldn't tell anyone about her blessing. This girl wasn't like Arwen, she wasn't like Galadriel or Éowyn, she had more desire and will in her then they did, and she most certainly needed more advice then the others. "I think all you now understand why we must not let this out, make no mistake my fellow friends, she will be greatly feared, for I saw it in your eyes." He told the rest of the council.
~*~
After a much-heated debate, the decision finally came that they should keep her identity a secret. The council left shortly before midnight, but Gandalf stayed. "Well Elrond, that was quite hard was it not?" he asked the elf that night as they strolled through the garden. "Yes it was, I never knew Hamlet was like that." He responded stiffly. Gandalf looked over to his friend, he looked tense and worried, as if a huge stone had been placed on his shoulders. "Is something bothering you my friend?" "I never knew she could fight so well, I kept her from using the sword ever since I found out she was one of the Vanyar. I fear it is too dangerous." He answered lightly. "Well she certainly proved herself today hasn't she?" he asked, taking a seat on the bench. "She has, but she wants to fight, for real Gandalf. Be involved in battles and such, and as I predicted they want to use her. They want to use her as a tool." "They cannot use her that way, she is smart enough to know it if it happens." "No Gandalf, she may be smart enough, but there is only one thing she wants in this world: peace. She will stop at nothing if it means achieving her goal, that is why He picked her, because she will carry it through." This news shocked Gandalf, he knew she had a strong will, but not if it meant putting her life on the line. "There must be a way to stop that." "There is." "They why worry.hmm?" he asked him, getting up from his seat. He saw that Elrond was about to talk so he said something first. "She is a strong girl, let her decide what to do. Do not worry my dear friend, she will not make a wrong decision." "She is strong, too strong I think. She does not realize it yet Gandalf, she looks up to me when I should be looking up to her." At this, Gandalf seriously looked at his friend. From the outside he looked the same as he had for the past one thousand years, throughout those years fates of others, advice, dangerous tasks have been laid in front of him, yet he always made the right decision and that earned him respect, love and admiration. Gandalf remembered what evil Elrond was faced with years before Elendil was born. Arwen had befriended an elf that had fallen in love with her, but when she told him that her heart was with Aragorn he screamed and cursed her. He threatened her and forever hated her, but he hated Elrond more for coming between them. He then ran into the dark forces of the remainder of Sauron's being, and Sauron convinced Raiden that if him, his beloved Arwen would love him in return. Obviously Sauron was lying, but it made Elrond worried for a long, long time until Aragorn had his men search and guard the grounds of Gondor. When he wasn't found, he was presumed dead. Elrond was still worried, but as years passed by and when Elendil was born, he was much, much better. "She admires you because you are worthy of it my friend, very worthy." Gandalf told him trying to ease his worries. Elrond sighed and proceeded to walk down a flight of stairs, he followed the elf carefully watching his steps. "Yes, you know what happened Gandalf, what happened down here was not something I wish to have in my memory." He said, standing at the entrance of the cave behind the waterfall. "Yes I do, but she is past that is she not?" "She is, she never spoke of it." Gandalf decided to change topics, "That light she released, that was quite surprising." "She has learned to control it, but it gives off when she is in danger." Elrond answered. "She is very powerful." "I know Gandalf," he said with a hint of anger in his voice. "Sorry, I have other thoughts on my mind. I will show you to your room." Gandalf's room was very nice, airy. "Thank you." "Think nothing of you. I should thank you." he started out the door. "For what?" "For giving me the outcome I wanted from the council."
~*~
Gandalf heard a voice through his window, getting up with a small grunt he saw someone by the waterfall singing. Looking more closely it was Elendil, with a faint white light around here. Gandalf lay back down on his bed, feeling a lot lighter. His eyes closed as Elendil's voice floated through the Elven realm.
~*~
For the next two weeks, Gandalf stayed with Elrond and his niece at their home, and talked a lot with both of them. "Elendil you have a very good voice." He told her one afternoon when she was at the Shooting Hills. He saw the arrow pierce through the air and land directly in the center. "Thank you! When did you hear me sing?" she asked putting down her bow and arrow. "A few nights ago, when you by the waterfall." He answered. "Oh, I see. Well thanks," she said picking a few strands of grass out of her hair. "Hey, I'm thirsty do want a drink or something?" she asked him. "Why not?" "Did the Vanyar send you back to complete your task?" Gandalf stopped. "What?" "When you fell fighting the Balrog, did the Vanyar send you back?" "Yes." he began but he was cut off. "I knew it!" she squealed happily stopping in the middle of the path. "Yes, but who told you?" he asked her quite seriously with curiosity. "No one, I just figured it out myself," she answered "Well not really myself, I had to read the books and stuff. I just figured out the part about the Vanyar sending you back and stuff." She added giddily. "You read about me?" "Of course!" she said continuing on the path. "But don't worry, really. I'm not a shadow at your tail or anything. So don't worry, really." She said sensing a trace of panic and disbelief. They had reached the Great Hall and she just thrust a drink into his hands. "Here you are." She gave him the drink. "You must feel lucky." He said after taking a sip of flavoured water. "Why's that?" she asked while twirling around in circles, how she managed to speak and do that was beyond him, but he didn't question her. "To be here, to be under Elrond's care." He answered watching her twirl. "Of course, who wouldn't feel lucky to have such a person like Elrond to care for them?" she asked him rhetorically twirling even faster. "Well, everyone would I suppose." He said more to himself then to her. "Exactly." She said, now she was like a blur of pale yellow in front of him. "He really lo-" he was cut off as he looked in front of him, she wasn't there. Instead she was spinning so quickly she was almost near the top of the ceiling. Now she was slowing down, just twirling as if it was something she was used to doing. "Elendil! Can you please stop that?" She continued, "This is so much fun Gandalf!" He didn't know what to do, "You stay right there, and I will be right back." A few minute later Elrond appeared right behind a rushing Gandalf. Elrond seemed to be stunned, "Tee, get down right now!" he called up to her. She immediately stopped twirling and fell about four feet down to the hard floor with a thump. Which hurt quite a lot if she must say but just because she knew how to get up didn't mean she knew how to go down. "Tee, what do you think you are doing?" he asked her with a look of concern on his face. "Ow, that hurt." Elrond sighed, looking around rolling his eyes, "Of course it hurt, you fell from up there!" he exclaimed pointing toward the ceiling. "Yea, I know, but I don't really know how to stop." She said getting up from the ground trying to rub her head, feet, legs, and arms at the same time. She faced Elrond and Gandalf who was now standing beside him with a puzzled expression on his face. "Since when could you do that?" Elrond asked her bearing a look of wonder. "I don't really know, I think I just started to spin up and up. This is the first time I've done it. I didn't do it on purpose though, ask Gandalf." She said, thinking back to her twirling. She thought it was harmless spinning, until Elrond told her to come down and she managed to fall like a rock. She saw Gandalf nod slightly and Elrond now had a look of speculation on his face. "Do it again." He said to her with the same suspecting look. "What?" "Do it again, I want to see you fall." "Very funny." "Is it not? Do it again." The rest of the day was spent on her falling from the ceiling then spinning back up again. "Does she not mind all the bruises?" she heard Gandalf whisper when she was near the ceiling. "Bruises? She wants bruises, even though she rarely gets them." He answered; she could feel his eyes still on her. "She wants bruises?" the wizard asked him with surprise. "Oh yes. She says that they make her feel 'content to the point of no return'." Gandalf laughed.
~*~
Elendil arrived at the Council a little later then she expected, and she expected everyone to still be greeting each other. So she thought she could make a quiet entrance, however she learned that at gatherings such as this one, promptness was important. She ran in to the place where Ages ago, Elrond held the Council of Elrond at. She had changed dresses, she was now clad in emerald green, and her long dark hair remained loose behind her. Glancing quickly around the circle, she saw three dwarfs, four men, seven elfs, and a wizard. "Gandalf." She muttered under her breath as she recalled his picture in her readings. He was clad in White and his staff stood beside him leaning on the edge of the chair. His beard was white and he wore no hat. He looked kind, gentle and possibly even amusing, but what he had accomplished wasn't amusing. It was grave, and everything he had gone through told Elendil that the White Wizard was not one to be messed with. "Elendil." Elrond said sternly, snapping her out of her thoughts. Looking over at him, he looked quite angry indeed, and if he called her by her real name then she must have interrupted something. She didn't hear anything on her way down though; maybe they were just looking at each other. She thought. No, that's stupid, why would they look at each other and not say anything? She quickly walked over to the empty seat beside Elrond. As she sat down, she felt all eyes upon her and she smiled. They looked at her like she was crazy. Well so much for making a good first impression. She thought. "We were in the middle of something, try not to be late next time for something of such importance." He told her staring her down. "You weren't even talking, I didn't hear anyone talk when I was coming down here, and even if you were talking it was a long time ago. I was running out of my room when I heard voices." She blurted out, suddenly forgetting her first impression. Elrond now looked at her as if she had lost an eye, and so did the rest of the council. "Well it's true, I didn't hear anything!" she protested. Silence. Suddenly a friendly laugh broke the stillness it was Gandalf. Then the others followed, until each person at the council was laughing, Elrond included. She was stunned, and so confused that she could barely register the peculiar look Gandalf was giving her. "Tee," Elrond began silencing the others who were now looking at her and Elrond. "I told them of your hearing skills. Which is only one of the many that the Vanyar posses. You were running out of your room when I told them of my idea." He said with laughter in his eyes. "Oh." Was the only response that came from her lips. Sensing her discomfort, he decided to introduce each of the members of the council. There were fifteen at the council, and of all she only knew one - Gandalf. The three dwarves were Grór son of Dáin I, Ori faithful companion of Throin, and Dori of the House of Durin. To them Elendil was quite polite and kind, which wasn't the way most elves were like. Except for Gimli, whom she read about, who became quick friends with Legolas Greenleaf, an elf. The four men were Cirion II son of Cirion the twelfth Steward of Gondor, Eldora the delegate of Gondor, Aldor III son of Aldor II, and Hamlet of Rohan. All of whom Elendil thought looked like they needed a shower, but she dismissed that thought when she remembered how far they came from. The seven elves that were at the council came from Mirkwood and Lothlórien, and of these elves Elendil knew of two. She read about them in her books. King Thranduil of the Wood-Elves of Mirkwood, Orophin, Rúmil, and Haldir who were all from Lothlórien were quite pleasant towards her, and she guessed that it was because they were Silvan elves, even though that had nothing to do with one being nice. Senor, Dior and Nowï all from Mirkwood. Lastly she was introduced to Gandalf who she was certain gave her a little wink. She found him very interesting, she had read a lot about him and knew of his greatness and life. After she was introduced, she took a seat beside Elrond, and he started to talk to the council. "Friends of old, strangers of distant lands, we have been summoned here today to perceive one of Ilúvatar's gifts to our world. The Vanyar were long lost, rare and have only been upon us for short times. They were all sent to fulfill great tasks and to aid those in need. They have been forgotten after two long Ages, but now one stands within us. The Vanyar are an extension of His being, of his power, skill and knowledge. For the time they were on this world, they were feared because of their powers, they were unwelcome and hated. Now we have a chance to understand them, to be able to see their presence on this earth - however long or short it may be - as a gift, not a curse. We do not know how long Ilúvatar wishes for Elendil to be with us. Some are given the chance to decide, some are not. You are all here today to decide if her Race will be kept a secret from the world, or if it shall be told to all." Elrond told them. "You are all here today to decide if her Race will be kept a secret from the world, or if it shall be told to all." Elrond's words rang clear through Gandalf's ears, but he kept his eyes on the young elf instead. He clearly remembered his reaction when he heard that Elrondor and Enyawen were slain in battle, and he clearly remembered his thoughts when he realized that Elendil would have no parents. Even through his thoughts, he predicted that she would stay at Rivendell under Elrond's care. He knew that the two had gotten closer since her loss, but the way the two of them exchanged words was much more casual then Gandalf could ever had predicted. She was now sitting on her hands, and from Gandalf's perspective it seemed as though she had to suppress them from doing something crazy. In the past fifteen minutes of the council he had learned quite a bit about Rivendell's beloved Lady. The funny thing was she wasn't at all like a lady when she came to the council, she was much more outgoing. "What do you suggest Gandalf?" He shifted his eyes to Elrond whose eyes were searching his own. His dear old friend Elrond who he knew so well was now looking at him as though he'd gone Grey again. "Well," he began looking around the council. "It is clear that this matter is of grave importance, we cannot let this into the open, she will be in great danger, and those around her will be pulled into a life of constantly looking behind their backs." "Yes people will also leave her alone because of the power she possesses." Dori a dwarf said. "Lord Elrond said so, they will fear her and she will be in no danger, who would want to fight someone with such power?" Ori added supporting his fellow dwarf. "You do not have to be close to fight someone, you can shoot an arrow from far, far away. If she does not know it, then she will be hit." King Thranduil spoke. "There are still people out there who would make it a quest to kill her, not everyone will take this as a blessing. Some will take it as a curse." He suggested after listening to them talk. "Yes Gandalf, but Master Elrond already said that they are feared, when one is fear none dare go near them." Eldora retorted. "Then if they are feared, they will be thought evil. When one is thought to be evil all will join together and fight. The Vanyar may be powerful, but even they do not have the strength to go against hatred of all upon Middle-earth." He told the delegate of Gondor. "That is not true," he said sternly standing up which caused Haldir and his brothers to quickly get out of their chairs. "If her kind used to be feared, then they will not speak of it, there will be no one who will want to be seen with her, let alone hurt her." "Gandalf is right, we cannot let others know, it will be too dangerous for her." Haldir spoke. "What does an elf know of this matter?" Grór spoke standing shortly but proudly in front of Haldir. "If it is told, then everyone will respect her and she can aid in any war of her choosing. She can help bring down evil." Aldor III spoke up. "Are you suggesting that we use her powers to fight?" he asked him. "Yes, she has the powers, and she was put on this world to help. We want to be rid of evil, that could be why He sent her here." He replied. "Are you saying that she is merely here to use?" Thranduil asked getting up himself. Senor, Dior and Nowï got up with their king, "She is not to be used as tool, she is like all of us. She is a person who has emotions and has love and hatred in her heart. She is not something to be played with and used!" Dior said, voicing Gandalf's exact thoughts.
He looked over to Elendil and her guardian, he was whispering something in her ear and she looked rather pale. She nodded and turned to face the arguing council. "Tell everyone! They will feel blessed, and scared." "She will not be used!" "If it is told, they might learn to respect her." "War could be launched upon her!" "You heard Master Elrond, they were feared!" "We will not make the same mistake!" Elrond looked as pained as his niece, and Gandalf could see that they both desperately wanted a decision to be made. "She will show us!" Gandalf proclaimed. Slowly the bickering stopped. He hoped that Elrond would pick up on his plan. "Elrond said that the Vanyar were feared because of their powers, but who truly knows the height of their powers?" No one spoke. "Exactly, so I would like to call upon Elendil to show us." He looked at Elrond briefly and he gave a small nod. His eyes now turned to Elendil who looked extremely uncomfortable. "She will be at the Shooting Hills in five minutes, Elrond will lead you there." He said and Elrond smiled at Elendil and left. "Elendil, I'm Gandalf, I hope you're not scared to show what you can do." He told her kindly. "I know who you are Gandalf, I've read a lot about you and Elrond has told me a lot too. Don' t worry I'm not scared, I think they're more scared then I am." She said. Gandalf laughed at this comment. So true it was. "Well, come on, let us go!" One right after the other Ciron kept on hurling rocks at her and from Gandalf's point of view, she wasn't putting in any effort at all. Big rocks small rocks, everything was pitched towards her and every time it would split cleanly in half and lay by her feet. "That is quite easy!" boasted Cirion II son of Cirion I. Elendil shifted her eyes at him, turning sideways from Ciron. He didn't see her actions so he threw another rock at her. She was still glaring at him, but a smile crept over her face. "Watch out Lady Alca-" She stuck her arm out and the rock connected with her sword. Split. "Thank you Ciron II, I heard it coming." She dropped her arms to her sides. "You're right, it is quite easy. So why don't you try it?" she suggested smiling. Cirion nodded and stood where she was. "Ready." He called to Ciron who looked skeptical. A rock hurled at him and he swung at it, picking it up he looked down. The rock had barely even chipped. "So it's really easy right?" she asked him picking up the rock. Turing red, he slipped back behind the rest of the council. "Impressive, but what about fighting skills?" Hamlet asked Elrond. Elrond looked over at Elendil, giving her a slight nod. "There is no one for her to fight Hamlet, therefore she cannot fulfill your request." "She can fight me." He offered himself with pride, almost staring down Elendil who was the same height as he was. "No Hamlet. She will not fight." "It is alright Master Elrond. You can heal her if she gets hurt." "She can heal herself. That is not the point, you may not fight with her." He said firmly, putting a hand on her shoulder. Gandalf could sense tension mounting within the council, he had not meant for this to happen. He knew of Hamlet's ways. He was one of those Men who prided himself more then any other man. He thought of himself as a blessing to the world, and if there were any chance of him to prove that, he would do so. Even if it meant harming others.
"Hamlet, Elrond is right. She cannot fight you that will cause physical pain for you both." He said, trying to convince him. "Why not let the girl decide?" he asked Elrond. "Her name is Elendil Master Hamlet, and she will not decide." Hamlet smirked; an idea seemed to form inside his mind. He casually walked in front of Elendil and Elrond, "Well, Elendil, it seems as if you will never be able to make your own decisions. Your guardian will have to make them for you, which I find most unfortunate seeing that your guardian will probably never let you do anything you wish to do." "Shut up, you're just jealous." Everyone's head snapped towards Elendil, his own included. This didn't look too good. "Jealous? Of what my Lady?" he asked smoothly. "Of Elrond, you know it's too bad you're not like him. You would be as lucky in your friends as he is." She replied sweetly, moving towards him. "I have lots of friends." He said, clearly surprised that she was talking back to him. "Tee-" "You like to think you have friends, but then again you like to think you're all powerful too don't you?" She pushed his button, with sudden expected rage to Gandalf; he swung his sword at her. She gracefully bended backwards and put her sword behind her back. "I'm all yours." That angered him even more, he lunged at her legs and she jumped up and landed back on the ground, pinning his weapon down. He yanked it from beneath her and stabbed it into her chest, but with a slight movement to the side, she dodged it. The crowd was now watching in awe and fear. He swung the sword at her neck and she stood still, it wasn't long enough, and when he realized this he stepped forward, but she was already back another step. They continued this for a few more steps when she whipped her own sword out and moved his from her neck. Now she had a glare on her face that told Gandalf she wasn't pleased. She forced his sword to the left, turned it in a circle, leaving her own sword touching his neck. His own sword was at his side and he had a look of surprise upon his face. She didn't stop there though, she moved it across his neck and stabbed it over his shoulder and with one smooth movement put him in a headlock and knocked his sword out of his hand. "Do you want me to continue, or do you want me to stop?" He answered he by kicking her in the chin, "Continue." "Fine." She kicked his sword out of his reached and threw it up in the air with her foot. She caught it in her other hand, now she advanced on him with two swords, he backed away and she ran up to him and stuck one sword by his throat and the other behind his neck, and she kick him in the chin. He was down. "One movement and your head will be detached from your body, one wrong answer and it will be a souvenir for Rohan. Now answer me, do you want me to continue or stop?" His body was now rigid with fear, the crowd looked upon them with even more fear. "Stop." Elendil stepped back, and gave him back his sword. Gandalf let out a sigh of relief, but no sooner had he done so Hamlet got up and charged at Elendil, sword pointed out. "Elendil!" he cried. It was too late, the tip of his sword was inches away from her. Stab. Nothing, no screams, nothing. Then Gandalf saw nothing but a bright light, very bright. Looking as hard as he could through it, he saw Elendil standing beside her guardian, standing as regal as a queen glaring upon Hamlet. It was precisely at that moment that Gandalf predicted great things for Elendil, terrible maybe, or brilliant, but great. "You're a fool. Who do you think you are insulting Elrond then lying to me? You were summoned here because you're smart and you're opinions matter. Never, ever do that again, or I will see that Rohan receives a memorable gift." He looked up at her, a mixture of astonishment, fear, and anger on his face. "You are just a young girl, you know nothing about the troubles of others." He spat. "Wrong. I know of others troubles and sufferings, that's why I choose to give you another chance. If I didn't know what you had on your mind, then I would've chopped your head off." She replied, her light slowly diminishing. She stood by Elrond who had a hand on her shoulder. "What do you know of my troubles?" he growled, picking himself up off the ground. "Everyone has troubles, be it a little or a lot. No one lives without a troubling thought; there is always something in one's mind. I think you have many, many troubling thoughts on your mind, because if you didn't, you wouldn't be so concerned about proving yourself." Gandalf smiled to himself, her words were so true, and she knew so much which was yet another reason why they shouldn't tell anyone about her blessing. This girl wasn't like Arwen, she wasn't like Galadriel or Éowyn, she had more desire and will in her then they did, and she most certainly needed more advice then the others. "I think all you now understand why we must not let this out, make no mistake my fellow friends, she will be greatly feared, for I saw it in your eyes." He told the rest of the council.
~*~
After a much-heated debate, the decision finally came that they should keep her identity a secret. The council left shortly before midnight, but Gandalf stayed. "Well Elrond, that was quite hard was it not?" he asked the elf that night as they strolled through the garden. "Yes it was, I never knew Hamlet was like that." He responded stiffly. Gandalf looked over to his friend, he looked tense and worried, as if a huge stone had been placed on his shoulders. "Is something bothering you my friend?" "I never knew she could fight so well, I kept her from using the sword ever since I found out she was one of the Vanyar. I fear it is too dangerous." He answered lightly. "Well she certainly proved herself today hasn't she?" he asked, taking a seat on the bench. "She has, but she wants to fight, for real Gandalf. Be involved in battles and such, and as I predicted they want to use her. They want to use her as a tool." "They cannot use her that way, she is smart enough to know it if it happens." "No Gandalf, she may be smart enough, but there is only one thing she wants in this world: peace. She will stop at nothing if it means achieving her goal, that is why He picked her, because she will carry it through." This news shocked Gandalf, he knew she had a strong will, but not if it meant putting her life on the line. "There must be a way to stop that." "There is." "They why worry.hmm?" he asked him, getting up from his seat. He saw that Elrond was about to talk so he said something first. "She is a strong girl, let her decide what to do. Do not worry my dear friend, she will not make a wrong decision." "She is strong, too strong I think. She does not realize it yet Gandalf, she looks up to me when I should be looking up to her." At this, Gandalf seriously looked at his friend. From the outside he looked the same as he had for the past one thousand years, throughout those years fates of others, advice, dangerous tasks have been laid in front of him, yet he always made the right decision and that earned him respect, love and admiration. Gandalf remembered what evil Elrond was faced with years before Elendil was born. Arwen had befriended an elf that had fallen in love with her, but when she told him that her heart was with Aragorn he screamed and cursed her. He threatened her and forever hated her, but he hated Elrond more for coming between them. He then ran into the dark forces of the remainder of Sauron's being, and Sauron convinced Raiden that if him, his beloved Arwen would love him in return. Obviously Sauron was lying, but it made Elrond worried for a long, long time until Aragorn had his men search and guard the grounds of Gondor. When he wasn't found, he was presumed dead. Elrond was still worried, but as years passed by and when Elendil was born, he was much, much better. "She admires you because you are worthy of it my friend, very worthy." Gandalf told him trying to ease his worries. Elrond sighed and proceeded to walk down a flight of stairs, he followed the elf carefully watching his steps. "Yes, you know what happened Gandalf, what happened down here was not something I wish to have in my memory." He said, standing at the entrance of the cave behind the waterfall. "Yes I do, but she is past that is she not?" "She is, she never spoke of it." Gandalf decided to change topics, "That light she released, that was quite surprising." "She has learned to control it, but it gives off when she is in danger." Elrond answered. "She is very powerful." "I know Gandalf," he said with a hint of anger in his voice. "Sorry, I have other thoughts on my mind. I will show you to your room." Gandalf's room was very nice, airy. "Thank you." "Think nothing of you. I should thank you." he started out the door. "For what?" "For giving me the outcome I wanted from the council."
~*~
Gandalf heard a voice through his window, getting up with a small grunt he saw someone by the waterfall singing. Looking more closely it was Elendil, with a faint white light around here. Gandalf lay back down on his bed, feeling a lot lighter. His eyes closed as Elendil's voice floated through the Elven realm.
~*~
For the next two weeks, Gandalf stayed with Elrond and his niece at their home, and talked a lot with both of them. "Elendil you have a very good voice." He told her one afternoon when she was at the Shooting Hills. He saw the arrow pierce through the air and land directly in the center. "Thank you! When did you hear me sing?" she asked putting down her bow and arrow. "A few nights ago, when you by the waterfall." He answered. "Oh, I see. Well thanks," she said picking a few strands of grass out of her hair. "Hey, I'm thirsty do want a drink or something?" she asked him. "Why not?" "Did the Vanyar send you back to complete your task?" Gandalf stopped. "What?" "When you fell fighting the Balrog, did the Vanyar send you back?" "Yes." he began but he was cut off. "I knew it!" she squealed happily stopping in the middle of the path. "Yes, but who told you?" he asked her quite seriously with curiosity. "No one, I just figured it out myself," she answered "Well not really myself, I had to read the books and stuff. I just figured out the part about the Vanyar sending you back and stuff." She added giddily. "You read about me?" "Of course!" she said continuing on the path. "But don't worry, really. I'm not a shadow at your tail or anything. So don't worry, really." She said sensing a trace of panic and disbelief. They had reached the Great Hall and she just thrust a drink into his hands. "Here you are." She gave him the drink. "You must feel lucky." He said after taking a sip of flavoured water. "Why's that?" she asked while twirling around in circles, how she managed to speak and do that was beyond him, but he didn't question her. "To be here, to be under Elrond's care." He answered watching her twirl. "Of course, who wouldn't feel lucky to have such a person like Elrond to care for them?" she asked him rhetorically twirling even faster. "Well, everyone would I suppose." He said more to himself then to her. "Exactly." She said, now she was like a blur of pale yellow in front of him. "He really lo-" he was cut off as he looked in front of him, she wasn't there. Instead she was spinning so quickly she was almost near the top of the ceiling. Now she was slowing down, just twirling as if it was something she was used to doing. "Elendil! Can you please stop that?" She continued, "This is so much fun Gandalf!" He didn't know what to do, "You stay right there, and I will be right back." A few minute later Elrond appeared right behind a rushing Gandalf. Elrond seemed to be stunned, "Tee, get down right now!" he called up to her. She immediately stopped twirling and fell about four feet down to the hard floor with a thump. Which hurt quite a lot if she must say but just because she knew how to get up didn't mean she knew how to go down. "Tee, what do you think you are doing?" he asked her with a look of concern on his face. "Ow, that hurt." Elrond sighed, looking around rolling his eyes, "Of course it hurt, you fell from up there!" he exclaimed pointing toward the ceiling. "Yea, I know, but I don't really know how to stop." She said getting up from the ground trying to rub her head, feet, legs, and arms at the same time. She faced Elrond and Gandalf who was now standing beside him with a puzzled expression on his face. "Since when could you do that?" Elrond asked her bearing a look of wonder. "I don't really know, I think I just started to spin up and up. This is the first time I've done it. I didn't do it on purpose though, ask Gandalf." She said, thinking back to her twirling. She thought it was harmless spinning, until Elrond told her to come down and she managed to fall like a rock. She saw Gandalf nod slightly and Elrond now had a look of speculation on his face. "Do it again." He said to her with the same suspecting look. "What?" "Do it again, I want to see you fall." "Very funny." "Is it not? Do it again." The rest of the day was spent on her falling from the ceiling then spinning back up again. "Does she not mind all the bruises?" she heard Gandalf whisper when she was near the ceiling. "Bruises? She wants bruises, even though she rarely gets them." He answered; she could feel his eyes still on her. "She wants bruises?" the wizard asked him with surprise. "Oh yes. She says that they make her feel 'content to the point of no return'." Gandalf laughed.
~*~