Chapter Twenty Two: The Final Part of the Council of Elrond

Written in story form by Carithawen

Webposter's notes: This is written from the roleplaying that we did, but written in story form by me.

Suddenly, a Hobbit-toned voice shouted from the bushes lining the side of the council area. "Here!" Samwise Gamgee jumped up quickly, and ran up to Frodo's side. "Mr. Frodo's not going anywhere without me!"

Elrond looked back surprised, as Sam ran up to join Frodo. A smile grew on his face, as he saw Sam's friendship towards Frodo. "No, indeed. It is hardly possible to separate you two, even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not."

And yet, another Hobbit voice shouted from the entranceway to the council area. "Oi! We're comin' too!"

Elfindel turned around quickly, her robes gently shifting, as Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took ran from the entrance all the way to Frodo's side; Merry continued. "You'll have to send us home tied up in a sack to stop us!" Elfindel tried to hide a gentle smile, to no avail. Pippin caught sight of her smile though, and stood silent for a moment, drifting off gently...

Several members of the Fellowship looked down at Pippin, and Merry, noticing this, shoved him in the arm, shaking him out of his daze; the bewildered Pippin then turned to Elrond. "Anyways, you need people of inteeligence on this sort of mission.... quest... thing!" He raised his eyebrow, making his point, glancing sideways at Elfindel to see if he did all right. Elfindel nodded once, smiling, and he looked back at Elrond, his pride beaming...

Then Merry burst his bubble... "Well that rules you out Pip."

Halien who had stood next to her chair smiling widely to herself spoke softly. "I can't offer you much, Frodo, except a promise to guard your life. I offer you the protection of my sword, Aré."

She had not really thought about her father's reaction, but now it dawned on her. "No, Halien. Your place is here. You are bound here to your duty and family."

Elfindel glanced at Elrond; even though she had respected his wisdom, this was not one of those times.

Halien turned to face him slowly, and raised her chin. "Nay, I have no duty, but to go and represent our household. Who will you send? Your sons? Far too long have they been on adventures. It is my turn."

Elfindel waited until she caught the eyes of the older Elf, and when she did, she nodded once. Elrond closed his eyes, and shook his head. "This is no adventure, and you will have no part of it."

Halien bit her lip stopping it from quivering. "I ask no permission. Whether you will have it or not, I will go."

At this, Elrond opened his eyes, and looked at her bewildered. His hard gaze met her pleading look, and he closed his eyes, and bowed his head. "I have tried to tame your wild heart, but to no avail. If it is you wish to go, then I will not stop you." He looked at her once more, and nodded reluctantly.

At this, Elfindel tried to stop a victorious grin, in Elrond's favor. Then her eyes went to Frodo, even though Boromir was the first to eye her. "I have known you for many a year, Frodo... And I strongly believe that it is my sworn place to accompany you and protect you, if you so have it."

Frodo smiled gently. "Oh, Elfindel, of course I accept your company, and I thank you for wanting to protect me..."

Pippin, although it didn't show on the outside (...mostly...), was on the verge of fainting, his heart beat starting to quicken; she was coming?? he thought.

But Boromir would have none of this. "For the daughter of Lord Elrond to take part in this company is one thing, but for an Elf woman who has nothing to speak for to join is a different matter in itself..."

Pippin quickly glanced up at Boromir, getting defensive; if only he was several feet taller... nevertheless, he would find a way to get him floored... he would find a way...

When he saw Elfindel move out of the corner of his eye, Pippin lowered his gaze to her, watching her bend down, picking up a long sword that was still in its dark sheath, lying on the floor next to her chair. Keeping her firm gaze on Boromir, she unsheathed the long sword, ringing as the shining blade made its way into the Imladris sunlight; Pippin, along with Merry and Aragorn, watched questionably, gazing at the magnificent sword. She slowly stepped to the cylindrical centerpiece, the bottoms of her robes seemingly slow-dancing around her ankles as she did so, placing the sword down so that the blade reflected the sunlight, and the small, worn piece of fabric tied to its hilt looked as if it was gently glowing; she then turned to Boromir, and her voice was firm and noble.

"This is the Anduras... the sword that was forged from the battle spear of Gil-Galad in the Last Alliance."

Halien's jaw dropped open upon hearing Elfindel's words. She had never really known that about her. Her gaze driften to Elladan who also stood shocked watching them. Gandalf and Aragorn, who knew more of the tales of Gil-Galad than the Hobbits, stood still, their surprised awe growing with each spoken word; no one, not even Elrond knew of this.

"...I am Gil-Galad's heir..."

Elladan's voice came softly mirrowing Halien's thoughts. "By Illuvatar..." They were both incrdeluous, and could not tear their eyes from her sword.

In fact, the whole Council stood still in silence, except for Boromir, who lowered his gaze, looking away angrily; Elfindel's eyes landed on Aragorn's, and she could see the bewilderment and awe behind them; she then turned to Elrond. "Forgive me, my Lord Elrond, for not informing you of this earlier in our friendship..." And she bowed her head in courtesy.

Elrond's eyes gazed at her, and a warm grin played on his lips. "It is of no matter Elfindel, it would not have changed our friendship. Although I must admit this is strange news, I am happy that you will accompany Frodo on his journey." He turned to the whole group. "Eleven companions... So be it; you shall be the fellowship of the ring."

Elfindel mirrored his grin, bowing her head slightly once more, and walked over to the company, standing behind Pippin, and nearly scaring him to death when she placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. Pippin, who now began to enjoy the feel of her hand, smiled gleefully, and when he looked up at Elrond, his grin never faltered.

"Great! ....Where are we going?"