Lady Fae, Thank you soooooooo much for that review. I needed that boost.
Diamond Took, thanks for pointing that out, I just wasn't paying attention when I wrote the part about who's hotter. Plus, the length of the argument is what's known as an exaggeration.
As for Anthy's Worst Fear.... for starters, I have no idea what a mary sue is so if you'd care to enlighten me, be my guest. Secondly, what's it to you how much everything costs? I never said that they took professionally taught classes, now did I? How do you know that Allison's father wasn't already an expert swordsman and could have easily taught the four of them for free? Who said that Nicole's cousin doesn't own a farm where they could have easily learned to ride horses free of charge? As for archery, who said that the girls had to have top of the line equipment? How do you know that archery isn't a skill that has been in Vanessa's family for generations. In other words, she's been doing it since she was very young and she could have easily learned it from her dad and taught it to her friends. Besides, I never said that they were any good. I just don't want my character to look like a complete idiot with a weapon like so many others that I have read about. That was actually the whole reasoning behind the sentence itself. So I repeat, what the heck do you care? It's a fiction for cryin out loud. At this point in the story we should just forget about what happened in the real world. Okay I'm done.
Once again, thank you Lady Fae for your confidence in my story. So without further delay, I give you...... *drum roll*....
For the Love of an Elf
Chapter 2: The New and Improved Council of Elrond
The first thing that Vanessa noticed when she woke up was the fact that Legolas was standing by her bedside, gazing out of the window. At first she was shocked but then she remembered what had happened. Then she realized that she wasn't wearing her costume anymore. Now she was clothed in a simple white night gown. Vanessa reached up to her neck to feel for the golden flower necklace that she always wore, only to discover that it was gone too. "Where's my necklace!" she cried out in dismay. Hearing her voice, Legolas turned around to face her. "Ah, so you are awake at last. You were beginning to worry us."
"Where is it!"
"You mean that pendent that you were wearing? It is right here. I took the liberty of removing it after you were brought here." He told her as he lifted the necklace up from the bedside table and gave it to her.
"Thank you Legolas", she said to him as she clasped the tiny gold chain around her neck.
"How did you know my...", Legolas started to ask but he was cut off by the entrance of a chamber maid.
"Your room is ready my Lady. You may go and change. Your highness, I expect you can guide this young lady to her room. I have other duties to attend to at the moment." With that she left and Legolas helped Vanessa out of bed and into a dressing gown. "I believe that your chambers are just down the hallway", Legolas said as he led her there. "I will meet you out here when you are ready. No doubt you are anxious for an explanation of all this."
"Alright", Vanessa said as shut the door. The first thing she did was take a quick bath, all the while thinking that the ritual must have been good for something after all. "But why me and not one of my friends?" she wondered.
There was a make-up tray set up but who could think of make-up at a time like this? After slipping into a forest green gown, she quickly stepped outside to meet Legolas.
Then Vanessa put on her best expression of bewilderment and asked him, "What has happened to me?"
"Well for starters, you have been asleep for the past four days. You were put into my quarters because there was no available space for you until today. Are you familiar with the Lord Elrond?"
"Yes, the name sounds familiar to me."
"He is the reason that most of us are in Rivendell this day. He has called a council and I believe that he wishes you to attend. Word has gotten around of the Elf maiden found sleeping in the woods who remembers nothing. Would it bother you to come?"
"No, I would be honored to attend this council", Vanessa said, her breath catching in her throat as she realized what event was about to take place.
"That is good because it starts in ten minutes. We might as well get there early."
"Allright then, lead the way."
" Okay", Legolas replied as he stared down at the she-elf that was walking in front of him. He had many questions about this strange girl that he hoped would be answered at the council.
* * *
"Strangers from distant lands, friends of old, you have been summoned here to answer the threat of Mordor." Elrond said to the various beings that were gathered for the council.
Now where have I heard this before? Vanessa thought.
"Middle-Earth stands upon the brink of distruction. None can escape it. You will unite or you will fall. Each race is bound to this fate, this one doom." After a long silence he said, "I believe that many of you here are already aquainted with each other but we have some new faces. The hobbit, Frodo Baggins and this maiden who as of yet, has no name. I will ask you once again Lady, you have no idea what your name is?
"Actually, I do remember one name", Vanessa said.
"And that is...", Legolas asked her, interrupting Elrond before he had even spoken.
"Luthien"
"Do you know who that was?'
"Yes, I do know who she was and her story. I remember that I loved the story so much that my family took to calling me Luthien. I have no memory of a name of my own. Before you ask, I don't remember who my family is either. Only that nick name", Vanessa told them. Wow, I just lied to Elrond, Vanessa thought as she finished her story.
"Then that is what we shall call you," Elrond said.
"By the way, I thought I should let you know that the hobbits Samwise Gamgee, Meriadoc Brandybuck, and Peregrin Took are hiding in that clump of bushes over there", Vanessa added almost as an after thought.
The three hobbits popped up from the bushes, each wearing an expression of shock.
"Well as long as long as your here you might as well stay and listen," Elrond said with a sigh of exasperation.
"First off", Sam said as he glared suspiciously at Vanessa, "I want to know how you knew our names."
Legolas had been wondering that very thing himself.
"I know all of you. Samwise Gamgee, son of Hamfast and Bell Gamgee, gardener to Frodo Baggins of BagEnd". With that she turned to Frodo. "You are Frodo Baggins, son of Drogo and Primula Baggins, chosen heir of Bilbo Baggins. Bearer of the one ring. You are Meriadoc Brandybuck, son of Saradoc and Esmerelda Brandybuck. You are Peregrin Took, son of Paladin and Eglantine Took.
Vanessa turned to each member of the future fellowship. "Legolas Greenleaf, Prince of Mirkwood, son of King Thranduil. Boromir, son of Denethor II steward of Gondor. You are here because of a strange dream that was sent to you and your brother, Faramir. Seek for the sword that was broken. In Imladris it dwells. There shall be councils taken, Stronger than morgul spells. There shall be shown a token, that doom is near at hand. For Isildur's bane shall waken, And the halfling forth shall stand ,she said, reciting the words of the dream.
"You are Gimli, son of Gloin, Dwarf of Erebor, the lonely mountain, descended from Durin's folk. Gandalf the Gray, one of the five Istari that came to Middle-Earth a thousand years ago to fight sauron the dark lord, also called Mithrandir, Tharkun, Incanus, and Olorin.
Finally, she turned to Aragorn. "And you are Aragorn, son of Arathorn and Gilraen, you have also been called Strider, Estel, and Thorongil. Chief of the Dunedain. Heir to the thrones of the Numenorian realms in exile, Gondor and the lost realm of Arnor. You wield Narsil, the blade that was broken and reforged as Anduril." Then Vanessa leaned forward and whispered the word Elessar in his ear. Aragorn stared at Vanessa with an expression of mingled horror and disbelief. No one knew of his heritage except for Gandalf, Elrond, Arwen, and afew other elves. How was it that this girl could suddenly come along and spout his whole history for the world to hear.
"The rest of you I know not, for your journey ends here." Vanessa finished.
"You know all of this but nothing of yourself?" Gandalf asked quietly.
"Yes".
"Then perhaps you will be of some use in the decision that lies ahead," he told her.
"Bring forth the ring Frodo." Elrond said, trying to continue the council.
Frodo, who was still in shock after hearing Vanessa's story, walked towards the pedestal at the center of the circle and placed the ring on it, keeping his eyes on Vanessa the whole time.
"It is a gift." Boromir started to say
"Save your breath Boromir. I know what you would say and we cannot use the ring against Sauron. It must be destroyed. And it cannot be destroyed by any craft that we here possess. So put away your ax Gimli," Vanessa said as Gimli drew his ax and stepped towards the pedestal.
"It must be taken deep into Mordor and cast back into the fiery chasm from whence it came. One of you must do this." Elrond said.
"One does not simply walk into Mordor. It's black gates are guarded by more than just orcs. There is evil there that does not sleep and the great eye is ever watchful. It is a barren waste land, riddled with fire, ash, and dust. The very air you breath is a poisonous fume. Not with ten thousand men could you do this. It is folly." Boromir said in despair.
"Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said? The ring must be destroyed!" Legolas shouted, jumping up from his seat.
"And I suppose you think your the one to do it", Gimli replied gruffly.
"And if we fail what then? What happens when Sauron takes back what is his?" Boromir asked.
"I will be dead before I see the ring in the hands of an Elf", Gimli said, his voice rising in anger.
With that the council erupted into a chorus of many different arguments. Finally, Frodo stepped forward and shouted above the rest, "I will take it! I will take it! I will take the ring to Mordor. Though, I do not know the way."
Now the council was completely silent. "I will help you bear this burden Frodo Baggins, as long as it is yours to bear", said Gandalf, taking a step towards Frodo.
"If by my life or death I can protect you I will. You have my sword", Aragorn promised him.
"And you have my bow", Legolas said.
"And my ax", Gimli offered.
"You carry the fate of us all little one. If this indeed the will of the council, then Gondor will see it done", Boromir said, offering his services to Frodo.
"Master Frodo is not going anywhere without me", Sam said as he took his place beside Frodo.
"We're coming too. You'd have to send us home tied up in a sack to stop us. Anyway, you need people of intelligence on this sort of mission..quest...thing." Pippin informed them.
"Well that rules you out Pip", said Merry.
It was then that Vanessa noticed that Gandalf was staring pointedly at her. How can I pass up a chance like this. "I do not know what I possibly have to offer to this great quest but I feel that there is something that I can do for you before this is over. I shall do whatever I can for this errand to succeed." Vanessa said as she stepped towards the small group.
"Ten companions." Elrond whispered. "So be it. You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring." He announced proudly.
"Great," said Pippin enthusiastically. "Where are we going?"
* * *
"Shall I escort you back to your room ..Luthien?" Legolas asked Vanessa after the council had dispersed.
"All right", Vanessa replied with gratitude, know that she would soon lose her way in this maze of a house.
"Luthien." Legolas said as if trying it out. "Yes, the name suits you well my Lady."
"Thank you".
"You never did answer Sam's question. How do you know our names?"
"I'm not sure. I just do." Vanessa said, trying to sound puzzled.
"By the way, about that pendent that you were asking for earlier, do you remember where it came from? Why does it mean so much to you?"
"This?" Vanessa asked, holding up the small flower. "I don't know where it came from but I do know that I've always had it. It is the only thing that is familiar," Vanessa told him, her voice fading to a whisper as she spoke.
Legolas gazed down into her eyes. He greatly pitied this beautiful creature. No memory of her true identity and she was now being hurtled into a quest that almost certainly meant marching to her death. She probably had no idea of the dangers that awaited her. He suddenly felt an urge to protect her, to keep her from this terrible fate that awaited her on this errand." Are you certain that you want to do this, Luthien. The realm of doom is no place for a woman. We are probably all going to our deaths."
Vanessa smiled at him, but she was annoyed with him all the same. "I can take care of my self! You need not worry about me Legolas. I can wield a sword and shoot a bow as well as any man can." Actually she wasn't all that good at either one of them but the important thing was that she could do them at all.
"Are you certain of that Luthien? Perhaps you need some practice." Legolas suggested.
"How do you suggest I do that in this place?" she asked. Now he was really starting to bug her. Why did he think that she was so incompetent.
With that, Legolas lead her towards the forest.
* * * "Oh man! I almost had it that time!" Vanessa shouted as she fitted another arrow to the bow. She was trying to hit an apple that was hanging from the branch of a tree that stood on the other side of the clearing that Legolas had chosen for target practice. Vanessa had lost count of how many times she had failed to hit it.
"I told you that you needed practice. It's a good thing that we didn't wait until the company was attacked by orcs. I shudder to think how many of your own companions you would have shot before actually managing to hit an orc." Legolas said in a joking voice. "Actually you can shoot the bow well enough, you just need to improve you aim....a lot." He walked over to her and stood just behind her. Then he placed his own hands upon hers, guiding them up and to the right. This time, as the two of them released the arrow together, it did not fail to hit its mark. Exhilaration shot through Vanessa as the arrow struck the apple and hit the ground. "Now let's see if you can do it on your own. How about you try to hit that apple on the next tree over. It's a little farther off than the first one.
Vanessa fitted a new arrow to the bow. As she lifted the bow and aimed for her target she remembered the warm, reassuring weight of Legolas's hands upon her own, guiding her to the target. Then she let the arrow fly and sure enough the arrow struck the apple right through the heart and sent it crashing to the ground.
"YYYYYYEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSS", she screamed jumping up and down. Legolas rushed over to her and hugged her from behind. "YOU DID IT!! YOU DID IT!!" he yelled right along with her. They stood that way for a few moments, both facing the fallen apple, and Legolas still had his arms around her waist. Then Vanessa turned to face him. His arms fell, useless, at his sides as he looked deeply into her eyes. Legolas suddenly felt helpless under the power of her gaze. He would do anything that she asked of him and be glad of it. "Luthien".
"Yes?" she whispered as the two of them leaned closer to each other.
"You have....wonderful eyes", he whispered back to her, leaning ever closer.
"We should be heading back. It is getting late." She said, regaining control of herself and backing away from him.
"O-Of course. You are right." He said, disappointment ringing in his voice. "We need to get you some weapons of your own before we leave".
What was I thinking. He thought angrily. I'm such a stupid idiot. What made me think that she felt the same way as I did back there. That's when the realization hit him. He was in love with Luthien! That explained why he had been feeling strangely sick and light-headed when he was around her. But why her. His father had tried to set him up with numerous elf girls, many of them far more beautiful than Luthien. Why was he so attracted to her? Why had he fallen for some mystery maiden that had just appeared out of no where? For all that he knew she was lying about her past and she was just an assassin out to kill him. But no, that couldn't possibly be the case. He could feel it. It was so confusing. Just trying to figure it out was giving him a headache.
By this time, they had arrived at Vanessa's room.
"Goodnight Luthien."
"Goodnight Legolas", she whispered as she shut the door.
Legolas stood staring at the door for a few minutes before heading back to his own room. Just as he was about to open the door he heard a voice come out of the shadows. "Legolas, can I talk to you for a moment?" Aragorn asked him as he walked up to his friend.
"Of course."
As he looked at Aragorn's face he realized that it was etched with concern. "Where were you two? You've been gone since the council ended. What have you been doing?" he asked Legolas suspiciously.
"I was just teaching her how to shoot a bow the right way. That's all, I swear."
"I don't trust her Legolas. How does she now so much about all of us? Did you even stop to think why she knows your name? She'll be the death of you! I don't know who she is, but I don't believe her story. Luthien is hiding something from us. ARE YOU EVEN LISTENING TO ME?"
"YES I'M LISTENING TO YOU AND I'M TELLING YOU THAT YOUR'RE WRONG ABOUT HER", Legolas shouted back.
It was then that Aragorn saw the look in Legolas's eyes. "Oh sweet Elbereth, You're in LOVE with her Legolas? YOU CAN'T LOVE HER! LISTEN TO ME, YOU MUST STAY AWAY FROM HER LEGOLAS! SHE'LL GET YOU KILLED! SHE'LL GET YOU KILLED, LEGOLAS!"
"HOW CAN YOU SAY THAT?! YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW HER!"
"KNOW HER!!!! I DON'T HAVE TO KNOW HER!! THE FACT THAT SHE CAME OUT OF NOWHERE AND KNOWS EVERYTHING ABOUT US IS PROOF ENOUGH THAT SHE IS NOT TO BE TRUSTED!!"
"DAMNIT ARAGORN! WHY ARE YOU BEING SO UNREASONABLE?!"
"I'M BEING UNREASONABLE! YOU'RE PUTTING ALL YOUR LOVE AND TRUST IN A WOMAN THAT YOU ONLY GOT TO KNOW FIVE HOURS AGO! THAT'S JUST PLAIN STUPID. I THOUGHT YOU KNEW BETTER!"
"YOU THINK THAT'S STUPID. YOU DID THE SAME THING WITH ARWEN AFTER KNOWING HER FOR JUST ONE HOUR!!!!"
"STOP CHANGING THE SUBJECT!!!! THIS ISN'T ABOUT ME!!! IT'S ABOUT YOU!"
"I DON'T CARE WHAT YOU SAY! SHE'S JUST AN INNOCENT GIRL WHO'S IN WAY OVER HER HEAD WITH THIS MISSION."
"WE CAN'T TRUST HER LEGOLAS AND YOU KNOW IT!!!"
At this point Legolas tried to regain his composure. "I don't see what you have against her but I guess that you are entitled to your own opinion. Luthien is the most spectacularly wonderful person that I have ever known. You really ought to get to know her before you make such rash judgments about her. After all you'll be working with her from now on."
Aragorn was silent for a moment. "That may be true but I still do not trust her...and I never will", he added as he shoved past his friend.
"JUST GIVE HER A CHANCE!" Legolas yelled at Aragorn's retreating back, but Aragorn didn't answer.
This is going to be one hell of an adventure .Legolas thought as he entered his chamber.
Meanwhile, Vanessa was in her room pondering the night's events. It really pissed her off how Legolas had said that the quest was nothing for a woman. Man, that elf had an ego. Then he just assumed that she couldn't handle a weapon. She had actually done pretty well with sword. Just because she couldn't quite aim the bow straight he had to treat her like she was three years old. It was pathetic. First he treated her like a child and then he tells her that she has nice eyes and he acts like he's going to kiss her. It was strange. No man had ever told her that any part of her was beautiful. No man had ever made her feel so out of control and so right at the same time. What am I thinking, Vanessa was suddenly alarmed. What's the matter with me.
Little did she know that Legolas was thinking about her too.
* * *
Diamond Took, thanks for pointing that out, I just wasn't paying attention when I wrote the part about who's hotter. Plus, the length of the argument is what's known as an exaggeration.
As for Anthy's Worst Fear.... for starters, I have no idea what a mary sue is so if you'd care to enlighten me, be my guest. Secondly, what's it to you how much everything costs? I never said that they took professionally taught classes, now did I? How do you know that Allison's father wasn't already an expert swordsman and could have easily taught the four of them for free? Who said that Nicole's cousin doesn't own a farm where they could have easily learned to ride horses free of charge? As for archery, who said that the girls had to have top of the line equipment? How do you know that archery isn't a skill that has been in Vanessa's family for generations. In other words, she's been doing it since she was very young and she could have easily learned it from her dad and taught it to her friends. Besides, I never said that they were any good. I just don't want my character to look like a complete idiot with a weapon like so many others that I have read about. That was actually the whole reasoning behind the sentence itself. So I repeat, what the heck do you care? It's a fiction for cryin out loud. At this point in the story we should just forget about what happened in the real world. Okay I'm done.
Once again, thank you Lady Fae for your confidence in my story. So without further delay, I give you...... *drum roll*....
For the Love of an Elf
Chapter 2: The New and Improved Council of Elrond
The first thing that Vanessa noticed when she woke up was the fact that Legolas was standing by her bedside, gazing out of the window. At first she was shocked but then she remembered what had happened. Then she realized that she wasn't wearing her costume anymore. Now she was clothed in a simple white night gown. Vanessa reached up to her neck to feel for the golden flower necklace that she always wore, only to discover that it was gone too. "Where's my necklace!" she cried out in dismay. Hearing her voice, Legolas turned around to face her. "Ah, so you are awake at last. You were beginning to worry us."
"Where is it!"
"You mean that pendent that you were wearing? It is right here. I took the liberty of removing it after you were brought here." He told her as he lifted the necklace up from the bedside table and gave it to her.
"Thank you Legolas", she said to him as she clasped the tiny gold chain around her neck.
"How did you know my...", Legolas started to ask but he was cut off by the entrance of a chamber maid.
"Your room is ready my Lady. You may go and change. Your highness, I expect you can guide this young lady to her room. I have other duties to attend to at the moment." With that she left and Legolas helped Vanessa out of bed and into a dressing gown. "I believe that your chambers are just down the hallway", Legolas said as he led her there. "I will meet you out here when you are ready. No doubt you are anxious for an explanation of all this."
"Alright", Vanessa said as shut the door. The first thing she did was take a quick bath, all the while thinking that the ritual must have been good for something after all. "But why me and not one of my friends?" she wondered.
There was a make-up tray set up but who could think of make-up at a time like this? After slipping into a forest green gown, she quickly stepped outside to meet Legolas.
Then Vanessa put on her best expression of bewilderment and asked him, "What has happened to me?"
"Well for starters, you have been asleep for the past four days. You were put into my quarters because there was no available space for you until today. Are you familiar with the Lord Elrond?"
"Yes, the name sounds familiar to me."
"He is the reason that most of us are in Rivendell this day. He has called a council and I believe that he wishes you to attend. Word has gotten around of the Elf maiden found sleeping in the woods who remembers nothing. Would it bother you to come?"
"No, I would be honored to attend this council", Vanessa said, her breath catching in her throat as she realized what event was about to take place.
"That is good because it starts in ten minutes. We might as well get there early."
"Allright then, lead the way."
" Okay", Legolas replied as he stared down at the she-elf that was walking in front of him. He had many questions about this strange girl that he hoped would be answered at the council.
* * *
"Strangers from distant lands, friends of old, you have been summoned here to answer the threat of Mordor." Elrond said to the various beings that were gathered for the council.
Now where have I heard this before? Vanessa thought.
"Middle-Earth stands upon the brink of distruction. None can escape it. You will unite or you will fall. Each race is bound to this fate, this one doom." After a long silence he said, "I believe that many of you here are already aquainted with each other but we have some new faces. The hobbit, Frodo Baggins and this maiden who as of yet, has no name. I will ask you once again Lady, you have no idea what your name is?
"Actually, I do remember one name", Vanessa said.
"And that is...", Legolas asked her, interrupting Elrond before he had even spoken.
"Luthien"
"Do you know who that was?'
"Yes, I do know who she was and her story. I remember that I loved the story so much that my family took to calling me Luthien. I have no memory of a name of my own. Before you ask, I don't remember who my family is either. Only that nick name", Vanessa told them. Wow, I just lied to Elrond, Vanessa thought as she finished her story.
"Then that is what we shall call you," Elrond said.
"By the way, I thought I should let you know that the hobbits Samwise Gamgee, Meriadoc Brandybuck, and Peregrin Took are hiding in that clump of bushes over there", Vanessa added almost as an after thought.
The three hobbits popped up from the bushes, each wearing an expression of shock.
"Well as long as long as your here you might as well stay and listen," Elrond said with a sigh of exasperation.
"First off", Sam said as he glared suspiciously at Vanessa, "I want to know how you knew our names."
Legolas had been wondering that very thing himself.
"I know all of you. Samwise Gamgee, son of Hamfast and Bell Gamgee, gardener to Frodo Baggins of BagEnd". With that she turned to Frodo. "You are Frodo Baggins, son of Drogo and Primula Baggins, chosen heir of Bilbo Baggins. Bearer of the one ring. You are Meriadoc Brandybuck, son of Saradoc and Esmerelda Brandybuck. You are Peregrin Took, son of Paladin and Eglantine Took.
Vanessa turned to each member of the future fellowship. "Legolas Greenleaf, Prince of Mirkwood, son of King Thranduil. Boromir, son of Denethor II steward of Gondor. You are here because of a strange dream that was sent to you and your brother, Faramir. Seek for the sword that was broken. In Imladris it dwells. There shall be councils taken, Stronger than morgul spells. There shall be shown a token, that doom is near at hand. For Isildur's bane shall waken, And the halfling forth shall stand ,she said, reciting the words of the dream.
"You are Gimli, son of Gloin, Dwarf of Erebor, the lonely mountain, descended from Durin's folk. Gandalf the Gray, one of the five Istari that came to Middle-Earth a thousand years ago to fight sauron the dark lord, also called Mithrandir, Tharkun, Incanus, and Olorin.
Finally, she turned to Aragorn. "And you are Aragorn, son of Arathorn and Gilraen, you have also been called Strider, Estel, and Thorongil. Chief of the Dunedain. Heir to the thrones of the Numenorian realms in exile, Gondor and the lost realm of Arnor. You wield Narsil, the blade that was broken and reforged as Anduril." Then Vanessa leaned forward and whispered the word Elessar in his ear. Aragorn stared at Vanessa with an expression of mingled horror and disbelief. No one knew of his heritage except for Gandalf, Elrond, Arwen, and afew other elves. How was it that this girl could suddenly come along and spout his whole history for the world to hear.
"The rest of you I know not, for your journey ends here." Vanessa finished.
"You know all of this but nothing of yourself?" Gandalf asked quietly.
"Yes".
"Then perhaps you will be of some use in the decision that lies ahead," he told her.
"Bring forth the ring Frodo." Elrond said, trying to continue the council.
Frodo, who was still in shock after hearing Vanessa's story, walked towards the pedestal at the center of the circle and placed the ring on it, keeping his eyes on Vanessa the whole time.
"It is a gift." Boromir started to say
"Save your breath Boromir. I know what you would say and we cannot use the ring against Sauron. It must be destroyed. And it cannot be destroyed by any craft that we here possess. So put away your ax Gimli," Vanessa said as Gimli drew his ax and stepped towards the pedestal.
"It must be taken deep into Mordor and cast back into the fiery chasm from whence it came. One of you must do this." Elrond said.
"One does not simply walk into Mordor. It's black gates are guarded by more than just orcs. There is evil there that does not sleep and the great eye is ever watchful. It is a barren waste land, riddled with fire, ash, and dust. The very air you breath is a poisonous fume. Not with ten thousand men could you do this. It is folly." Boromir said in despair.
"Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said? The ring must be destroyed!" Legolas shouted, jumping up from his seat.
"And I suppose you think your the one to do it", Gimli replied gruffly.
"And if we fail what then? What happens when Sauron takes back what is his?" Boromir asked.
"I will be dead before I see the ring in the hands of an Elf", Gimli said, his voice rising in anger.
With that the council erupted into a chorus of many different arguments. Finally, Frodo stepped forward and shouted above the rest, "I will take it! I will take it! I will take the ring to Mordor. Though, I do not know the way."
Now the council was completely silent. "I will help you bear this burden Frodo Baggins, as long as it is yours to bear", said Gandalf, taking a step towards Frodo.
"If by my life or death I can protect you I will. You have my sword", Aragorn promised him.
"And you have my bow", Legolas said.
"And my ax", Gimli offered.
"You carry the fate of us all little one. If this indeed the will of the council, then Gondor will see it done", Boromir said, offering his services to Frodo.
"Master Frodo is not going anywhere without me", Sam said as he took his place beside Frodo.
"We're coming too. You'd have to send us home tied up in a sack to stop us. Anyway, you need people of intelligence on this sort of mission..quest...thing." Pippin informed them.
"Well that rules you out Pip", said Merry.
It was then that Vanessa noticed that Gandalf was staring pointedly at her. How can I pass up a chance like this. "I do not know what I possibly have to offer to this great quest but I feel that there is something that I can do for you before this is over. I shall do whatever I can for this errand to succeed." Vanessa said as she stepped towards the small group.
"Ten companions." Elrond whispered. "So be it. You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring." He announced proudly.
"Great," said Pippin enthusiastically. "Where are we going?"
* * *
"Shall I escort you back to your room ..Luthien?" Legolas asked Vanessa after the council had dispersed.
"All right", Vanessa replied with gratitude, know that she would soon lose her way in this maze of a house.
"Luthien." Legolas said as if trying it out. "Yes, the name suits you well my Lady."
"Thank you".
"You never did answer Sam's question. How do you know our names?"
"I'm not sure. I just do." Vanessa said, trying to sound puzzled.
"By the way, about that pendent that you were asking for earlier, do you remember where it came from? Why does it mean so much to you?"
"This?" Vanessa asked, holding up the small flower. "I don't know where it came from but I do know that I've always had it. It is the only thing that is familiar," Vanessa told him, her voice fading to a whisper as she spoke.
Legolas gazed down into her eyes. He greatly pitied this beautiful creature. No memory of her true identity and she was now being hurtled into a quest that almost certainly meant marching to her death. She probably had no idea of the dangers that awaited her. He suddenly felt an urge to protect her, to keep her from this terrible fate that awaited her on this errand." Are you certain that you want to do this, Luthien. The realm of doom is no place for a woman. We are probably all going to our deaths."
Vanessa smiled at him, but she was annoyed with him all the same. "I can take care of my self! You need not worry about me Legolas. I can wield a sword and shoot a bow as well as any man can." Actually she wasn't all that good at either one of them but the important thing was that she could do them at all.
"Are you certain of that Luthien? Perhaps you need some practice." Legolas suggested.
"How do you suggest I do that in this place?" she asked. Now he was really starting to bug her. Why did he think that she was so incompetent.
With that, Legolas lead her towards the forest.
* * * "Oh man! I almost had it that time!" Vanessa shouted as she fitted another arrow to the bow. She was trying to hit an apple that was hanging from the branch of a tree that stood on the other side of the clearing that Legolas had chosen for target practice. Vanessa had lost count of how many times she had failed to hit it.
"I told you that you needed practice. It's a good thing that we didn't wait until the company was attacked by orcs. I shudder to think how many of your own companions you would have shot before actually managing to hit an orc." Legolas said in a joking voice. "Actually you can shoot the bow well enough, you just need to improve you aim....a lot." He walked over to her and stood just behind her. Then he placed his own hands upon hers, guiding them up and to the right. This time, as the two of them released the arrow together, it did not fail to hit its mark. Exhilaration shot through Vanessa as the arrow struck the apple and hit the ground. "Now let's see if you can do it on your own. How about you try to hit that apple on the next tree over. It's a little farther off than the first one.
Vanessa fitted a new arrow to the bow. As she lifted the bow and aimed for her target she remembered the warm, reassuring weight of Legolas's hands upon her own, guiding her to the target. Then she let the arrow fly and sure enough the arrow struck the apple right through the heart and sent it crashing to the ground.
"YYYYYYEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSS", she screamed jumping up and down. Legolas rushed over to her and hugged her from behind. "YOU DID IT!! YOU DID IT!!" he yelled right along with her. They stood that way for a few moments, both facing the fallen apple, and Legolas still had his arms around her waist. Then Vanessa turned to face him. His arms fell, useless, at his sides as he looked deeply into her eyes. Legolas suddenly felt helpless under the power of her gaze. He would do anything that she asked of him and be glad of it. "Luthien".
"Yes?" she whispered as the two of them leaned closer to each other.
"You have....wonderful eyes", he whispered back to her, leaning ever closer.
"We should be heading back. It is getting late." She said, regaining control of herself and backing away from him.
"O-Of course. You are right." He said, disappointment ringing in his voice. "We need to get you some weapons of your own before we leave".
What was I thinking. He thought angrily. I'm such a stupid idiot. What made me think that she felt the same way as I did back there. That's when the realization hit him. He was in love with Luthien! That explained why he had been feeling strangely sick and light-headed when he was around her. But why her. His father had tried to set him up with numerous elf girls, many of them far more beautiful than Luthien. Why was he so attracted to her? Why had he fallen for some mystery maiden that had just appeared out of no where? For all that he knew she was lying about her past and she was just an assassin out to kill him. But no, that couldn't possibly be the case. He could feel it. It was so confusing. Just trying to figure it out was giving him a headache.
By this time, they had arrived at Vanessa's room.
"Goodnight Luthien."
"Goodnight Legolas", she whispered as she shut the door.
Legolas stood staring at the door for a few minutes before heading back to his own room. Just as he was about to open the door he heard a voice come out of the shadows. "Legolas, can I talk to you for a moment?" Aragorn asked him as he walked up to his friend.
"Of course."
As he looked at Aragorn's face he realized that it was etched with concern. "Where were you two? You've been gone since the council ended. What have you been doing?" he asked Legolas suspiciously.
"I was just teaching her how to shoot a bow the right way. That's all, I swear."
"I don't trust her Legolas. How does she now so much about all of us? Did you even stop to think why she knows your name? She'll be the death of you! I don't know who she is, but I don't believe her story. Luthien is hiding something from us. ARE YOU EVEN LISTENING TO ME?"
"YES I'M LISTENING TO YOU AND I'M TELLING YOU THAT YOUR'RE WRONG ABOUT HER", Legolas shouted back.
It was then that Aragorn saw the look in Legolas's eyes. "Oh sweet Elbereth, You're in LOVE with her Legolas? YOU CAN'T LOVE HER! LISTEN TO ME, YOU MUST STAY AWAY FROM HER LEGOLAS! SHE'LL GET YOU KILLED! SHE'LL GET YOU KILLED, LEGOLAS!"
"HOW CAN YOU SAY THAT?! YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW HER!"
"KNOW HER!!!! I DON'T HAVE TO KNOW HER!! THE FACT THAT SHE CAME OUT OF NOWHERE AND KNOWS EVERYTHING ABOUT US IS PROOF ENOUGH THAT SHE IS NOT TO BE TRUSTED!!"
"DAMNIT ARAGORN! WHY ARE YOU BEING SO UNREASONABLE?!"
"I'M BEING UNREASONABLE! YOU'RE PUTTING ALL YOUR LOVE AND TRUST IN A WOMAN THAT YOU ONLY GOT TO KNOW FIVE HOURS AGO! THAT'S JUST PLAIN STUPID. I THOUGHT YOU KNEW BETTER!"
"YOU THINK THAT'S STUPID. YOU DID THE SAME THING WITH ARWEN AFTER KNOWING HER FOR JUST ONE HOUR!!!!"
"STOP CHANGING THE SUBJECT!!!! THIS ISN'T ABOUT ME!!! IT'S ABOUT YOU!"
"I DON'T CARE WHAT YOU SAY! SHE'S JUST AN INNOCENT GIRL WHO'S IN WAY OVER HER HEAD WITH THIS MISSION."
"WE CAN'T TRUST HER LEGOLAS AND YOU KNOW IT!!!"
At this point Legolas tried to regain his composure. "I don't see what you have against her but I guess that you are entitled to your own opinion. Luthien is the most spectacularly wonderful person that I have ever known. You really ought to get to know her before you make such rash judgments about her. After all you'll be working with her from now on."
Aragorn was silent for a moment. "That may be true but I still do not trust her...and I never will", he added as he shoved past his friend.
"JUST GIVE HER A CHANCE!" Legolas yelled at Aragorn's retreating back, but Aragorn didn't answer.
This is going to be one hell of an adventure .Legolas thought as he entered his chamber.
Meanwhile, Vanessa was in her room pondering the night's events. It really pissed her off how Legolas had said that the quest was nothing for a woman. Man, that elf had an ego. Then he just assumed that she couldn't handle a weapon. She had actually done pretty well with sword. Just because she couldn't quite aim the bow straight he had to treat her like she was three years old. It was pathetic. First he treated her like a child and then he tells her that she has nice eyes and he acts like he's going to kiss her. It was strange. No man had ever told her that any part of her was beautiful. No man had ever made her feel so out of control and so right at the same time. What am I thinking, Vanessa was suddenly alarmed. What's the matter with me.
Little did she know that Legolas was thinking about her too.
* * *
