Summary: Nilisil always lived in the shadow of her stepbrothers Elladan and
Elrohir. When the Fellowship arrives in Rivendell, she begs Elrond to go
with them, but he refuses. This follows Nilisil's journey as she defies
orders and tracks the fellowship, all the while discovering her own values.
*My first fanfic, constructive flames welcome. Sorry if they're not in
character!*
Disclaimer: I do not own any recognizable characters. They belong to JRR Tolkien. Only Nilisil is mine.
Author's Note: Thanks everyone for reviewing! They were really helpful in what to do and what not to do. And sorry for the long wait for this chapter. I got a bit stuck on what to write. Sorry if there are any mistakes. My beta reader went on vacation.
{.} signifies the visions/dreams
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Chapter Three: Visions, the Council of Elrond, and After
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Nilisil entered the room she saw Mithrandir run into. She was puzzled as to why he was carrying a Hobbit, and was worried about the rest of the group. If one were hurt, wouldn't the rest be?
"Nili. Come, I need your help. Do not worry about Estel or the others. Evil was looking only for this one." Elrond looked at Nili to make sure she heard. He was relieved when she walked towards them.
"What shall I do, Ada?" Nili was unsure of what to do. The memories had brought back a fear of death, either herself dying or someone else dying on her account.
"Fetch some athelas for me, will you?" Elrond had seen a glimpse of fear flit across her face, then disappear behind a stony mask. He sighed inwardly. All these years and she still hid her emotions. He wondered what terrible pain caused her to be so callous at times.
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Nili watched Frodo sleep after his healing. Elrond had told her the physical wound was healed, but emotionally, it was a different story. Frodo may have nightmares about it for the rest of his life.
She watched sadly as Frodo tossed in his sleep, calling out for Strider and Gandalf, sometimes for Sam. She wanted so badly to take his misery and put it on herself, but knew it was not possible.
"Nilisil." She looked up in alarm and sighed in relief it was only Gandalf. "I will watch over Frodo now. You need your rest."
"Alright. But I will be back later." Nili rose out of her chair slowly and took a last glance at Frodo. Gandalf looked at her, studying her features, and noticed a small sadness within her. Nili finally sighed softly and and left to her room. The last thing she saw was Gandalf sitting on a chair next to the large bed, smoking on his pipe.
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{There were silent footsteps behind her. She whirled to face her stalker, her hair sweeping across her face. A figure covered in all black cloths faced her, partially hid in the shadows.
She studied her stalker. He was faceless but held himself proudly like a king. He stopped a few feet away from her, drawing out his sword. She drew out her own sword, a curved Elvish blade not unlike the Evenstar's, holding it out defensively, ready to guard against a swing.
The figure walked towards her, out from the shadows. She gasped softly as four other figures in black appeared, flanking the first one. Her face grew hard, however, as she raised her sword. She was not about to go down in a fight without resistance.
The figures began walking towards her slowly, also raising their swords. They began walking in a semi-circle, pointing their swords inward. She backed up a few feet before taking her stand. The figures continued advancing at her and took a swing at her head.
She tried to block the swing but something was tying her arms down. She watched horrified as the sword got closer to her head. She tried to duck the swing, but she could not move. All she could do was watch the sword get closer.
She was surprised when the sword went through her as if she was a ghost. When she tried to lift her arm, she was surprised that it moved. She turned, as if on instinct, to look behind her. To her surprise, there were four Hobbits, one she recognized as Frodo. The other three were down, Frodo was on the ground, when he suddenly disappeared.
She watched in horror as one figure stabbed the air with a blade, a scream ripping through the air. Another dark figure rushed past her, fighting against the figures in black. She was stunned to see Estel. He finally dispatched of the figures in black before rushing over to Frodo, who had reappeared after being stabbed.}
Nilisil woke with a start, her sheets covered in sweat. Her head was pounding, evidence of another vision, although she believed this was one of the past. She would get visions once in awhile, although ones of the future were more frequent. Nili groaned and went to clean her face and get a drink of water before going back to sleep and whatever visions the night decided to bring her.
{She floated over a mountain, bursting in flames. She looked around and saw armies of Orcs fighting with Humans. Horror dawned on her face as she saw the futility for the Humans. There were too many Orcs and not enough warriors. The dead littered the ground. Dimly, she saw two figures climbing the mountain, with a slinker creeping behind them, when one disappeared. A terrible scream pounded through her head as nine figures in black from her previous vision raced towards the mountain.}
A flash of white before another vision hit her.
{Hills and houses were burning. She could see the remains of a garden to one side. A soft cry caught her attention and she crept towards the bush where it originated. Parting the leaves, she saw a small Hobbit baby. He was curled up and sniffling. She picked him up and walked around, looking for any signs of life. A noise to her left reached her ears and she dropped to a defensive position. The Hobbit child immediately went deathly quiet, as if anticipating some danger. She sneaked forward carefully, taking an abandoned dagger in case. She hid behind a tree and peeked around, careful to give no indication she was spying. She was sickened to see Saruman and a sneaky creature inspecting Hobbits, bound and gagged. They were led like animals into houses, presumably for slave work.}
Nili woke again with a start. She thought she had seen Estel fighting in the first vision, but was not sure. Someone had been holding a standard that looked a lot like the one Arwen had been making for him, however. She also thought she recognized the Hobbit who disappeared, but shook her head. For the second one, Nili was worried. It gave deep warnings that Saruman was a traitor. 'Why would anyone believe me if I tell them? He is the white wizard, head of the Council. Even Mithrandir looks to him for advice.' Nili grew hard. 'I will tell Ada. Surely he will believe me. If he does not, then I will tell Mithrandir. For now, I will try and get some rest. I am anxious for Estel and Arwen.' Slowly, Nili drifted off to an uneasy sleep, free of any visions or dreams.
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"Nilisil, m'lady. It is morning." Nili groaned at the sound of a voice. "Lady Nilisil!" She waved her hand weakly in the direction of the insistent voice.
"Yes I am awake. You may go now." She promptly fell asleep again, only to scrunch up in a ball as a blast of cold air hit her body. "Ugh. Cold. Not good."
"Lord Elrond asked me to wake you up. He says Frodo is awake."
At those words, Nili sat up quickly. She looked at the servant. "Really?"
The Elf's eyes danced in mirth. "Yes, Lady. He just awoke and is talking to Mithrandir and Lord Elrond at the moment." She then bowed out of the room to her other duties.
Nilisil hurriedly cleaned herself and dressed as fast as she could. She was puzzled, however, at her eagerness to see Frodo well. 'Ai, Elbereth, why have you instilled in me such a love for the simple Hobbit? He has nothing of value to me.' Nili just shrugged and slipped her boots on, walking rapidly to Frodo's room.
"Ah, Daughter. I see you have awoken." Elrond greeted Nili and looked for any signs of a troubled sleep. The servant he sent to wake Nili up had said the sheets were mussed and dirty, something peculiar when they were just changed that day.
Nili noticed him studying her. She gave a half grin and greeted Mithrandir, hoping to get a chance to tell of her visions soon. "How is Frodo, Ada?"
"He is just fine. His wound has healed and he seems quite content, especially after Sam ran in." Everyone smiled at the memory of Sam bursting through the door, anxious to see Frodo alive and well. "He is with the other Hobbits now, with Bilbo, I presume."
"Okay. Ada, I have something to tell you." She hesitated a bit, biting her lip.
"Nili, what must I tell you? Do not bite your lip," Elrond scolded lightly. "Now what is it? I do not have all day. Representatives of Middle- earth are coming here and I must prepare for a meeting tonight."
"I had a vision last night. Well, more like two and a half."
"Two and a half?" Elrond quirked an eyebrow. "How can you have two and a half visions?"
"Umm.one was in the past. I don't count that as a full one since it already happened." Nili looked at Elrond. "Just let me explain. Don't interrupt, please? And Mithrandir too?"
"Yes, Daughter." Elrond sighed. "Now, pray, tell us, or we will be here all day."
"The first one. It was of Estel and the Hobbits on Amon Hen, I believe. I saw Frodo get stabbed by one of the Ringwraiths. The second one." Nili trailed off. She shuddered and closed her eyes. She continued after a few seconds in a small whisper. "The second one, I saw people fighting at the edge of Mount Doom. I saw two Hobbits and a slinking one climbing on Mount Doom."
Elrond frowned as Nilisil continued. "The third one was just as horrible. I saw Hobbits being bound and gagged and led like pack animals. Ada! I forgot. Saruman is a traitor. He was there with some sneaky ugly creature, looking at the Hobbits. You have to believe me, Ada!"
Elrond nodded. "Yes, Daughter. We know that already. Mithrandir was held captive for awhile by Saruman after a proposition to join Sauron. He has seen an army being bred by Saruman himself." Mithrandir nodded in confirmation.
Nilisil paled. "What do you propose to do, Ada? We cannot just sit here and do nothing!"
"No, we cannot. But Frodo has a heavy burden and we must not ignore it. However, we cannot ignore Saruman." Elrond sighed and for the first time since his wife passed, Nilisil saw him tired. "Tonight, as I mentioned earlier, will be a council held to determine the fate of the Ring. I wish you to be there."
Nilisil looked up at Elrond and sputtered. "Me? But why, Ada? I have no good skills or ideas to contribute."
"I need someone with a different view towards our fate there."
"But what of Mithrandir? Will he not be enough?"
"He will be there, but I need someone who does not know what is going on exactly. Do you understand? I need you there because I need someone there who hears everything for the first time."
"Yes, Ada. I will be there." Nilisil put on a brave face, but inside, she was afraid. 'A meeting among esteemed Elves, Men, and Dwarves, and me among them? What have I gotten myself into?' She groaned softly as she took her leave from Elrond and Mithrandir, and walked to her room. 'I have nothing to give. My skills are barely good enough compared to Estel. I am just a regular Elf-maiden. Who happens to be good with a bow and sword.' She sighed again and gracefully sank into her bed, waiting for the servant to call her up when the time for the Council was to come.
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"Lady Nilisil." Nili groaned as a hand softly shook her. "It is time for the Council to start."
"Yes thank you. I will be there shortly." The servant nodded and left. Nilisil got up and stretched languidly. She looked at her rumpled clothes and crinkled her nose in disgust.
"Well there goes what I planned to wear."
"Do you need help, Lady?"
Nilisil looked up to see another servant standing at the door. "Yes I need help." Nili gave a half-grin and looked at her clothes again. "What I planned to wear tonight is not very presentable. And my hair!" Nili rushed to a mirror and looked in mild disgust at the messy curls.
"That can be fixed easily! I saw you sleeping earlier and thought you would be in need of more clothes, so I went through your wardrobe and picked out clothes similar to what you are wearing. And you can leave your hair straight and simple to its full length.
Nilisil sighed in relief. "Yes thank you for the foresight of picking out my clothes beforehand." She stood quietly as the servant quickly brushed through her hair into neat curls. "Thank you so much! I must hurry now. The Council must have started by now." She waved to the servant and ran to the meeting place.
Before she got there, she slowed to a walk and calmed herself down. 'No need to look hurried. I am an Elf, surely, and Elves do not hurry.' She took a deep breath and walked through the arch leading to her chair.
"Ada, I am here," she murmured. Elrond looked at her, pleased.
"You are just on time, Nilisil. Everyone is here and I was just about to start. You have good timing." He cleared his throat to get everyone's attention and started the meeting.
Nilisil tuned out the talking, not wanting to look bored and fall asleep, and scanned the crowd. She saw Frodo and smiled at him. He glanced at her and smiled shyly back. Next to him was Mithrandir. He had a grave look on his face, like one with bad news. She continued down and saw many Elves she did not recognize. However, one sat in regal silence and held a familiarity to her. Nili gasped lightly as she recognized King Thranduil's son, Prince Legolas. Nilisil shook her head slightly and continued taking note of the rest of the members.
After him, she saw Dwarves and wrinkled her nose in disgust. She didn't recognize any of them and didn't plan on getting to know them either.
Next to them were Humans. She saw as one Human sitting proudly among the Men, wanting to know why he was there. She wanted to know who he was until he started to look very interested in the Ring Frodo had just put on a small stone table. She heard him whisper something but gave it no notice. Nilisil was very startled when he jumped up and started pacing, ranting about using the Ring to their advantage. She merely sighed as everyone started bickering.
She glanced at Estel, sitting next to the Men, and saw him looking at everyone displeased, as was Elrond. Because of the bickering, she barely heard Frodo speak up next to her. She watched as Mithrandir turned to him as Frodo spoke again, saying he would take the Ring himself though he did not know the way. She watched as Mithrandir offered to show the way. She watched as Legolas offered his bow, as Gimli offered his axe, and watched in horror as Estel stood up and walked towards the group. Nilisil was about to stand up, but a hard glance from Elrond kept her sitting.
'No, Estel, you cannot go. I need you, Arwen needs you!' She pleaded silently.
"And I offer my sword," he said quietly, unaware of Nili's pleading.
Nili bowed her head in distress. She knew Estel was stubborn and would not change his mind from joining the group. A noise from a plant caught her ear and she looked up. She saw Sam bound out, and as Merry and Pippin ran to the group, all joining as well. She didn't catch what the Hobbits and Elrond said as she thought madly. 'I will ask Ada to join later. He will let me. He let Estel go. I might not be as good as he is, but they will need everyone the can get. And anyways, that Human does not look too honest. There's something about him.' Nilisil glanced at Boromir. 'Yes. I will go with them.' "Daughter, the Council has ended. Are you staying out here to sleep under the stars?" Elrond quirked an eyebrow at Nilisil. "Oh. I did not notice. Ada, I was wondering if it was alright that I went with the Fellowship." "So you were listening. Your answer is no." Elrond turned to go to his study. "But Ada! They need me! There are four Hobbits, a Dwarf, a Human, and then only one Elf, Estel, and Mithrandir! They will not get very far!" Elrond stopped abruptly and turned around. "I have given my answer and you will obey." He turned back around walked into his study, Nilisil following all the way. "You must give me a reason at least as to why you will not let me!" Nilisil started shouting. "I do not have to give any whatsoever, Nilisil." Elrond was annoyed, but he would not give into his anger. "Tell me or I am leaving with them!" Elrond would not stand for demands made by a younger Elf, especially one under his care. "Nilisil, you will go to your room now." "Ada! Just give me one reason! That is all I ask." Nilisil started tugging at Elrond's sleeve, hoping for any reason to be given. Elrond just shrugged her off. "Are you going because you wish to avenge your family? I know of your past now, Nilisil." Nilisil gasped and fell into a chair. "How?! I told no one." "Airelond sent a messenger before the Council convened. He told of your past and everything before you arrived here seeking training. I know you were tracking down Orcs and killing them with no mercy, even torturing them!" "It is not for vengeance, I swear, Ada!" She tried to catch his eye, but he refused to look at her. "So what is it for? I can think of no other reason you wish to go!" There was a silence before Nilisil spoke up. "Because of Frodo, Ada." "Frodo has the others to protect him." "Ada, the Hobbits do not know what they are going into! And if the others are separated, then what? The Hobbits cannot take care of themselves! Look at what happened at Amon Hen before Estel drove the Ringwraiths off." Nilisil waved her hands impatiently, almost knocking over an inkbottle. "They will be fine without you, Nilisil. And why do you worry so much for Frodo?" Elrond sighed, wondering if he should give in. "I do not know, Ada. But I have a fear for him. Ever since he was brought to Rivendell, I care about him." Nilisil looked away for a moment, toying with the hem of her sleeve Elrond looked at Nilisil and saw no dishonesty from her. She was telling the truth. He sighed softly again. "My answer still stands the same. You cannot go." Nilisil jumped up in anger. "What? You still do not let me go?! I can protect them!" "And so can Estel, Legolas, Boromir, and Mithrandir! Now go to your room, Nilisil, or I will see punishment befall you!" Elrond practically yelled out. "I still do not see your reasoning behind your judgement," Nilisil hissed. She ran out of Elrond's study, not hearing his sigh. "You are too headstrong, Nili. Too young. You should not have had to endure such pain."
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Nilisil stormed to her room, not caring about bumping into others. When she arrived at her room, she flopped ungracefully onto her bed.
'Why will Ada not allow me to go? It is not like I will die. I am not his blood daughter, anyways," she fumed. "I will go with them, whether Ada will allow me or not. I will wait until the night they leave and track them.'
Nilisil grinned at her decision and promptly fell asleep, dreaming of battles and swordfights.
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End of Chapter Three. All reviews welcome as usual! Please please PLEASE tell me if anything could be better. Sorry if Nilisil's changing moods were confusing, but I made her that way on purpose hehehe. Cookies to those who can see Elrond's reasoning behind his refusal. And if anyone can tell me how to make words italicized, that'd be great. Ooh and if someone could tell me how to fix it so everything doesn't get squished into one paragraph too.that'd be cool. Thanks!!!
Disclaimer: I do not own any recognizable characters. They belong to JRR Tolkien. Only Nilisil is mine.
Author's Note: Thanks everyone for reviewing! They were really helpful in what to do and what not to do. And sorry for the long wait for this chapter. I got a bit stuck on what to write. Sorry if there are any mistakes. My beta reader went on vacation.
{.} signifies the visions/dreams
.
Chapter Three: Visions, the Council of Elrond, and After
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Nilisil entered the room she saw Mithrandir run into. She was puzzled as to why he was carrying a Hobbit, and was worried about the rest of the group. If one were hurt, wouldn't the rest be?
"Nili. Come, I need your help. Do not worry about Estel or the others. Evil was looking only for this one." Elrond looked at Nili to make sure she heard. He was relieved when she walked towards them.
"What shall I do, Ada?" Nili was unsure of what to do. The memories had brought back a fear of death, either herself dying or someone else dying on her account.
"Fetch some athelas for me, will you?" Elrond had seen a glimpse of fear flit across her face, then disappear behind a stony mask. He sighed inwardly. All these years and she still hid her emotions. He wondered what terrible pain caused her to be so callous at times.
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Nili watched Frodo sleep after his healing. Elrond had told her the physical wound was healed, but emotionally, it was a different story. Frodo may have nightmares about it for the rest of his life.
She watched sadly as Frodo tossed in his sleep, calling out for Strider and Gandalf, sometimes for Sam. She wanted so badly to take his misery and put it on herself, but knew it was not possible.
"Nilisil." She looked up in alarm and sighed in relief it was only Gandalf. "I will watch over Frodo now. You need your rest."
"Alright. But I will be back later." Nili rose out of her chair slowly and took a last glance at Frodo. Gandalf looked at her, studying her features, and noticed a small sadness within her. Nili finally sighed softly and and left to her room. The last thing she saw was Gandalf sitting on a chair next to the large bed, smoking on his pipe.
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{There were silent footsteps behind her. She whirled to face her stalker, her hair sweeping across her face. A figure covered in all black cloths faced her, partially hid in the shadows.
She studied her stalker. He was faceless but held himself proudly like a king. He stopped a few feet away from her, drawing out his sword. She drew out her own sword, a curved Elvish blade not unlike the Evenstar's, holding it out defensively, ready to guard against a swing.
The figure walked towards her, out from the shadows. She gasped softly as four other figures in black appeared, flanking the first one. Her face grew hard, however, as she raised her sword. She was not about to go down in a fight without resistance.
The figures began walking towards her slowly, also raising their swords. They began walking in a semi-circle, pointing their swords inward. She backed up a few feet before taking her stand. The figures continued advancing at her and took a swing at her head.
She tried to block the swing but something was tying her arms down. She watched horrified as the sword got closer to her head. She tried to duck the swing, but she could not move. All she could do was watch the sword get closer.
She was surprised when the sword went through her as if she was a ghost. When she tried to lift her arm, she was surprised that it moved. She turned, as if on instinct, to look behind her. To her surprise, there were four Hobbits, one she recognized as Frodo. The other three were down, Frodo was on the ground, when he suddenly disappeared.
She watched in horror as one figure stabbed the air with a blade, a scream ripping through the air. Another dark figure rushed past her, fighting against the figures in black. She was stunned to see Estel. He finally dispatched of the figures in black before rushing over to Frodo, who had reappeared after being stabbed.}
Nilisil woke with a start, her sheets covered in sweat. Her head was pounding, evidence of another vision, although she believed this was one of the past. She would get visions once in awhile, although ones of the future were more frequent. Nili groaned and went to clean her face and get a drink of water before going back to sleep and whatever visions the night decided to bring her.
{She floated over a mountain, bursting in flames. She looked around and saw armies of Orcs fighting with Humans. Horror dawned on her face as she saw the futility for the Humans. There were too many Orcs and not enough warriors. The dead littered the ground. Dimly, she saw two figures climbing the mountain, with a slinker creeping behind them, when one disappeared. A terrible scream pounded through her head as nine figures in black from her previous vision raced towards the mountain.}
A flash of white before another vision hit her.
{Hills and houses were burning. She could see the remains of a garden to one side. A soft cry caught her attention and she crept towards the bush where it originated. Parting the leaves, she saw a small Hobbit baby. He was curled up and sniffling. She picked him up and walked around, looking for any signs of life. A noise to her left reached her ears and she dropped to a defensive position. The Hobbit child immediately went deathly quiet, as if anticipating some danger. She sneaked forward carefully, taking an abandoned dagger in case. She hid behind a tree and peeked around, careful to give no indication she was spying. She was sickened to see Saruman and a sneaky creature inspecting Hobbits, bound and gagged. They were led like animals into houses, presumably for slave work.}
Nili woke again with a start. She thought she had seen Estel fighting in the first vision, but was not sure. Someone had been holding a standard that looked a lot like the one Arwen had been making for him, however. She also thought she recognized the Hobbit who disappeared, but shook her head. For the second one, Nili was worried. It gave deep warnings that Saruman was a traitor. 'Why would anyone believe me if I tell them? He is the white wizard, head of the Council. Even Mithrandir looks to him for advice.' Nili grew hard. 'I will tell Ada. Surely he will believe me. If he does not, then I will tell Mithrandir. For now, I will try and get some rest. I am anxious for Estel and Arwen.' Slowly, Nili drifted off to an uneasy sleep, free of any visions or dreams.
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"Nilisil, m'lady. It is morning." Nili groaned at the sound of a voice. "Lady Nilisil!" She waved her hand weakly in the direction of the insistent voice.
"Yes I am awake. You may go now." She promptly fell asleep again, only to scrunch up in a ball as a blast of cold air hit her body. "Ugh. Cold. Not good."
"Lord Elrond asked me to wake you up. He says Frodo is awake."
At those words, Nili sat up quickly. She looked at the servant. "Really?"
The Elf's eyes danced in mirth. "Yes, Lady. He just awoke and is talking to Mithrandir and Lord Elrond at the moment." She then bowed out of the room to her other duties.
Nilisil hurriedly cleaned herself and dressed as fast as she could. She was puzzled, however, at her eagerness to see Frodo well. 'Ai, Elbereth, why have you instilled in me such a love for the simple Hobbit? He has nothing of value to me.' Nili just shrugged and slipped her boots on, walking rapidly to Frodo's room.
"Ah, Daughter. I see you have awoken." Elrond greeted Nili and looked for any signs of a troubled sleep. The servant he sent to wake Nili up had said the sheets were mussed and dirty, something peculiar when they were just changed that day.
Nili noticed him studying her. She gave a half grin and greeted Mithrandir, hoping to get a chance to tell of her visions soon. "How is Frodo, Ada?"
"He is just fine. His wound has healed and he seems quite content, especially after Sam ran in." Everyone smiled at the memory of Sam bursting through the door, anxious to see Frodo alive and well. "He is with the other Hobbits now, with Bilbo, I presume."
"Okay. Ada, I have something to tell you." She hesitated a bit, biting her lip.
"Nili, what must I tell you? Do not bite your lip," Elrond scolded lightly. "Now what is it? I do not have all day. Representatives of Middle- earth are coming here and I must prepare for a meeting tonight."
"I had a vision last night. Well, more like two and a half."
"Two and a half?" Elrond quirked an eyebrow. "How can you have two and a half visions?"
"Umm.one was in the past. I don't count that as a full one since it already happened." Nili looked at Elrond. "Just let me explain. Don't interrupt, please? And Mithrandir too?"
"Yes, Daughter." Elrond sighed. "Now, pray, tell us, or we will be here all day."
"The first one. It was of Estel and the Hobbits on Amon Hen, I believe. I saw Frodo get stabbed by one of the Ringwraiths. The second one." Nili trailed off. She shuddered and closed her eyes. She continued after a few seconds in a small whisper. "The second one, I saw people fighting at the edge of Mount Doom. I saw two Hobbits and a slinking one climbing on Mount Doom."
Elrond frowned as Nilisil continued. "The third one was just as horrible. I saw Hobbits being bound and gagged and led like pack animals. Ada! I forgot. Saruman is a traitor. He was there with some sneaky ugly creature, looking at the Hobbits. You have to believe me, Ada!"
Elrond nodded. "Yes, Daughter. We know that already. Mithrandir was held captive for awhile by Saruman after a proposition to join Sauron. He has seen an army being bred by Saruman himself." Mithrandir nodded in confirmation.
Nilisil paled. "What do you propose to do, Ada? We cannot just sit here and do nothing!"
"No, we cannot. But Frodo has a heavy burden and we must not ignore it. However, we cannot ignore Saruman." Elrond sighed and for the first time since his wife passed, Nilisil saw him tired. "Tonight, as I mentioned earlier, will be a council held to determine the fate of the Ring. I wish you to be there."
Nilisil looked up at Elrond and sputtered. "Me? But why, Ada? I have no good skills or ideas to contribute."
"I need someone with a different view towards our fate there."
"But what of Mithrandir? Will he not be enough?"
"He will be there, but I need someone who does not know what is going on exactly. Do you understand? I need you there because I need someone there who hears everything for the first time."
"Yes, Ada. I will be there." Nilisil put on a brave face, but inside, she was afraid. 'A meeting among esteemed Elves, Men, and Dwarves, and me among them? What have I gotten myself into?' She groaned softly as she took her leave from Elrond and Mithrandir, and walked to her room. 'I have nothing to give. My skills are barely good enough compared to Estel. I am just a regular Elf-maiden. Who happens to be good with a bow and sword.' She sighed again and gracefully sank into her bed, waiting for the servant to call her up when the time for the Council was to come.
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"Lady Nilisil." Nili groaned as a hand softly shook her. "It is time for the Council to start."
"Yes thank you. I will be there shortly." The servant nodded and left. Nilisil got up and stretched languidly. She looked at her rumpled clothes and crinkled her nose in disgust.
"Well there goes what I planned to wear."
"Do you need help, Lady?"
Nilisil looked up to see another servant standing at the door. "Yes I need help." Nili gave a half-grin and looked at her clothes again. "What I planned to wear tonight is not very presentable. And my hair!" Nili rushed to a mirror and looked in mild disgust at the messy curls.
"That can be fixed easily! I saw you sleeping earlier and thought you would be in need of more clothes, so I went through your wardrobe and picked out clothes similar to what you are wearing. And you can leave your hair straight and simple to its full length.
Nilisil sighed in relief. "Yes thank you for the foresight of picking out my clothes beforehand." She stood quietly as the servant quickly brushed through her hair into neat curls. "Thank you so much! I must hurry now. The Council must have started by now." She waved to the servant and ran to the meeting place.
Before she got there, she slowed to a walk and calmed herself down. 'No need to look hurried. I am an Elf, surely, and Elves do not hurry.' She took a deep breath and walked through the arch leading to her chair.
"Ada, I am here," she murmured. Elrond looked at her, pleased.
"You are just on time, Nilisil. Everyone is here and I was just about to start. You have good timing." He cleared his throat to get everyone's attention and started the meeting.
Nilisil tuned out the talking, not wanting to look bored and fall asleep, and scanned the crowd. She saw Frodo and smiled at him. He glanced at her and smiled shyly back. Next to him was Mithrandir. He had a grave look on his face, like one with bad news. She continued down and saw many Elves she did not recognize. However, one sat in regal silence and held a familiarity to her. Nili gasped lightly as she recognized King Thranduil's son, Prince Legolas. Nilisil shook her head slightly and continued taking note of the rest of the members.
After him, she saw Dwarves and wrinkled her nose in disgust. She didn't recognize any of them and didn't plan on getting to know them either.
Next to them were Humans. She saw as one Human sitting proudly among the Men, wanting to know why he was there. She wanted to know who he was until he started to look very interested in the Ring Frodo had just put on a small stone table. She heard him whisper something but gave it no notice. Nilisil was very startled when he jumped up and started pacing, ranting about using the Ring to their advantage. She merely sighed as everyone started bickering.
She glanced at Estel, sitting next to the Men, and saw him looking at everyone displeased, as was Elrond. Because of the bickering, she barely heard Frodo speak up next to her. She watched as Mithrandir turned to him as Frodo spoke again, saying he would take the Ring himself though he did not know the way. She watched as Mithrandir offered to show the way. She watched as Legolas offered his bow, as Gimli offered his axe, and watched in horror as Estel stood up and walked towards the group. Nilisil was about to stand up, but a hard glance from Elrond kept her sitting.
'No, Estel, you cannot go. I need you, Arwen needs you!' She pleaded silently.
"And I offer my sword," he said quietly, unaware of Nili's pleading.
Nili bowed her head in distress. She knew Estel was stubborn and would not change his mind from joining the group. A noise from a plant caught her ear and she looked up. She saw Sam bound out, and as Merry and Pippin ran to the group, all joining as well. She didn't catch what the Hobbits and Elrond said as she thought madly. 'I will ask Ada to join later. He will let me. He let Estel go. I might not be as good as he is, but they will need everyone the can get. And anyways, that Human does not look too honest. There's something about him.' Nilisil glanced at Boromir. 'Yes. I will go with them.' "Daughter, the Council has ended. Are you staying out here to sleep under the stars?" Elrond quirked an eyebrow at Nilisil. "Oh. I did not notice. Ada, I was wondering if it was alright that I went with the Fellowship." "So you were listening. Your answer is no." Elrond turned to go to his study. "But Ada! They need me! There are four Hobbits, a Dwarf, a Human, and then only one Elf, Estel, and Mithrandir! They will not get very far!" Elrond stopped abruptly and turned around. "I have given my answer and you will obey." He turned back around walked into his study, Nilisil following all the way. "You must give me a reason at least as to why you will not let me!" Nilisil started shouting. "I do not have to give any whatsoever, Nilisil." Elrond was annoyed, but he would not give into his anger. "Tell me or I am leaving with them!" Elrond would not stand for demands made by a younger Elf, especially one under his care. "Nilisil, you will go to your room now." "Ada! Just give me one reason! That is all I ask." Nilisil started tugging at Elrond's sleeve, hoping for any reason to be given. Elrond just shrugged her off. "Are you going because you wish to avenge your family? I know of your past now, Nilisil." Nilisil gasped and fell into a chair. "How?! I told no one." "Airelond sent a messenger before the Council convened. He told of your past and everything before you arrived here seeking training. I know you were tracking down Orcs and killing them with no mercy, even torturing them!" "It is not for vengeance, I swear, Ada!" She tried to catch his eye, but he refused to look at her. "So what is it for? I can think of no other reason you wish to go!" There was a silence before Nilisil spoke up. "Because of Frodo, Ada." "Frodo has the others to protect him." "Ada, the Hobbits do not know what they are going into! And if the others are separated, then what? The Hobbits cannot take care of themselves! Look at what happened at Amon Hen before Estel drove the Ringwraiths off." Nilisil waved her hands impatiently, almost knocking over an inkbottle. "They will be fine without you, Nilisil. And why do you worry so much for Frodo?" Elrond sighed, wondering if he should give in. "I do not know, Ada. But I have a fear for him. Ever since he was brought to Rivendell, I care about him." Nilisil looked away for a moment, toying with the hem of her sleeve Elrond looked at Nilisil and saw no dishonesty from her. She was telling the truth. He sighed softly again. "My answer still stands the same. You cannot go." Nilisil jumped up in anger. "What? You still do not let me go?! I can protect them!" "And so can Estel, Legolas, Boromir, and Mithrandir! Now go to your room, Nilisil, or I will see punishment befall you!" Elrond practically yelled out. "I still do not see your reasoning behind your judgement," Nilisil hissed. She ran out of Elrond's study, not hearing his sigh. "You are too headstrong, Nili. Too young. You should not have had to endure such pain."
.
Nilisil stormed to her room, not caring about bumping into others. When she arrived at her room, she flopped ungracefully onto her bed.
'Why will Ada not allow me to go? It is not like I will die. I am not his blood daughter, anyways," she fumed. "I will go with them, whether Ada will allow me or not. I will wait until the night they leave and track them.'
Nilisil grinned at her decision and promptly fell asleep, dreaming of battles and swordfights.
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End of Chapter Three. All reviews welcome as usual! Please please PLEASE tell me if anything could be better. Sorry if Nilisil's changing moods were confusing, but I made her that way on purpose hehehe. Cookies to those who can see Elrond's reasoning behind his refusal. And if anyone can tell me how to make words italicized, that'd be great. Ooh and if someone could tell me how to fix it so everything doesn't get squished into one paragraph too.that'd be cool. Thanks!!!