Disclaimer: Nope, not I . . . er, mine. Not mine.
A/N: Finally, the Council of Elrond. Basically this is a brief outline of what we all know to be that very long and tedious chapter of LotR known as 'The Council of Elrond'. This version is shortened up, basically explaining some additional things and giving you a view of the character's thoughts. The italicized is an excerpt from 'The Council of Elrond', the writing's from Tolkien himself . . . which one I wonder?
Chapter 24
'THE TIME HAS COME'
The Council of Elrond was something of legend, written down by a young man known simply as Tolkien. He was present through the entire proceeding, though unseen by all save the Master and the wizard. The historian knew his business and went about it as only he could. Nothing escaped his notice and so, too, did nought escape his quill.
All present Tolkien knew, if not personally, then he had at the very least held a decent conversation with each in turn. There were sixteen present at the Council, including Samwise who sat in a corner (his muscles tense and his gaze ever watchful); but excluding the historian himself, as he was an irrelevant shadow.
They sat in a circle--in a ring, one might have said--with Master Elrond looking out upon the cold mountains and falling often to the rising sun in the east. Tolkien noted with a shake of his head that to the elf lord's right sat those of elvish blood, while to his left was first hobbits, humans, and then dwarves. Erestor, Elrond's chief advisor and long-time friend, sat to his immediate right, his face like a pillar of marble, cool and without emotion. Two others of the House sat beside Erestor, ever quiet, ever calm, ever impassive as only an elf can be, their attention fixated only on their master, ignoring ought else save the wizard and the curious little halfling. Elves had little use--little love--for humans and dwarves.
Beside those of Elrond's House sat Glorfindel. Tolkien knew this particular elf well and could tell with hardly a glance that the dancing stars that had been seen in his friend's eyes over the last couple of days had suddenly been doused and he was cast into such a shadow of despair that not even that glimmer of defiance he had kept ignited over the years broke surface. Tolkien was not the only one to note this and worry over it but Elrond understood that there were more important issues to be dealt with, and dealt with immediately. Some things just had to wait.
Galdor peered about curiously. An elf of the Grey Havens and messenger to Círdan the Shipwright, Galdor had no compunctions about letting his emotions show. Why should one when life was so terribly long?
Legolas of Mirkwood came next in the circle to Elrond's right and he was painfully aware of it. Such a place so far from the Master was an insult to any a guest, not to mention one of royal lineage as Legolas most certainly was. However, the elf was aware of the Council's importance and the very fact that he did not have much to contribute to the immediate crisis, aside from placing one more pain upon an already unbearable burden, and brushed the unintentional wrong aside with as much dignity as he could manage. He glanced over at Morgainne who sat as stiff as a board in her seat, her face as pale as ever he had seen it. He didn't dare brush her hand with his as he wanted to, for someone would surely notice the gesture and take immediate offence. This Council was far too important to be belittled by such trivial emotions. If the elf didn't understand the comings of the dwarves and humans and, most amazing of all, the halflings, this he did understand at the very least. He was one; this Council could decide the fate of all.
Also present, and seated next to the she-elf, was the dwarf Glóin and his son, Gimli. Either regarded the elves with wariness and Gimli could have even been said to view them with distaste, for when he looked at the Fair Folk his eyes darkened and it couldn't be helped but noted, even with his thick beard, that his lip curled in an obvious sneer.
Next to the dwarves sat a Man. He was tall, well muscled and was finely garbed. He was Boromir of Gondor and well aware of his importance and the lack of respect given to him. Unlike the elven prince, Boromir did not see it fitting that he was ignored; however, as had Legolas understood the Council's importance, so too did he and for that very reason did he seethe at the delay. Over two weeks had passed away since Boromir had arrived and though he had patiently explained to Master Elrond the importance of speaking to him the elf lord had seemed preoccupied with other business and hadn't given the man his full attention until now.
To the Steward's son's right sat a Ranger, a man cloaked in mystery and who intrigued Tolkien more so even than the hobbits. The historian could not say why, other than there was something about the man's manner . . . the historian could merely shrug and decide he would watch this one more attentively than the others. The man seemed to deserve the attention.
Gandalf, robed in gray, staff in hand and hat upon his head, was seated between Frodo and Bilbo, unusually silent but certainly watchful and more than a little aware, especially of the younger of the two hobbits, who completed the circle and began the Council of Elrond.
" 'Bring out the Ring, Frodo!' said Gandalf solemnly. 'The time has come . . .'
There was a hush, and all turned their eyes on Frodo. He was shaken by a sudden shame and fear; and he felt a great reluctance to reveal the Ring, and a loathing of its touch. He wished he was far away. The Ring gleamed and flickered as he held it up before them in his trembling hand."
And a great evil was revealed to the peoples of Middle-earth that day and all became aware of the lengthening shadow from the east.
Many things were decided at the Council of Elrond, many issues were brought up (including Morgainne's desire to aid in whatever way she could) and indeed the Council lasted well into the night, ending with those words that Apryl had read so many times, had wanted to hear though had feared them, for they were what started Frodo's slow, tedious decent into darkness and she had wanted to be there with him but now she never would:
"I will take the Ring," Frodo said, "though I do not know the way."
*****
So it begins . . . .
