"Really, I have to talk to him about his deplorable manners! Grrrrr." I
walk the paths of Rivendell, talking to myself. The Elves ignore me.
They're very good at that. "Stupid Elves, stupid Men, stupid males." I
mumble. "So annoyed at Middle Earth in general!" I yell. The Elves look at
me shocked, and then go about their business. I stick out my tongue.
"Stupid snooty snobby stuck-up Elves." I say under my breath. "Grrrr." I
walk along, sulking. I am really sick of being ignored. I hunch my
shoulders and trail my feet. Then I decide to climb trees instead. I climb
up one, and then pause to survey the rest of Rivendell I can see from my
perch. I dangle my legs over the branch I'm sitting on.
I stare down at the ground, and then quickly lift my head when I hear bells. The council! I look around for an Elf I can talk to. Glorfindel! He's scary, but at least he's halfway decent. The bells continue. I'm not in a mood to talk with anyone, so I just follow Glorfindel to where the council is meeting. He goes through an archway to a small garden. I start to climb over the hedge into another large tree on the inside of the garden. I sit above Lord Elrond on a wide branch. He looks upwards and I give him a small wave. He smiles slightly, then talks to Glorfindel, and another Elf standing next to him. Glorfindel bows and leaves. I get my bag, opening it. I get my book out and settle down to read. I already know what's going to happen, so I'll be quiet while they figure out what they're doing.
I am well into my book when the council is fully assembled. I yawn and turn the page. Looking around, I can see all the people who should be here. Boromir, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Groin, Elves from Mirkwood, Elves from Rivendell, Frodo, Gandalf. I think that's it. The main players are here anyway. Sam is behind a tree nearby, and I can see Merry and Pippin beyond the archway. Good. I turn back to my book.
Elrond begins to speak to the Council, welcoming them. "Strangers from distant lands, friends of old, you've been summoned here to answer the threat of Mordor. Middle Earth is on the brink of destruction. None will escape it. You will unite or you will fall." Elrond's voice rings with finality. The Council members are frowning, the Dwarves especially. Elrond continues. "Each race is bound to this fate, this one doom. Bring forth the Ring, Frodo." Frodo glances uneasily at Gandalf, then stands and stretches forth his hand and places the Ring on the table. Poor Frodo. The Council stares at the ring. A whisper of harsh speech teases my hearing.
"So it is true." Boromir whispers. Frodo sits back down next to Gandalf, looking ill. Cruel whispers of a harsh speech. Legolas looks uneasy, I think that if he was human, not Elven, he'd be a pale shade of green. "The doom of man.it is a gift!" Gandalf looks at Boromir uneasily. I hiss in exasperation. Stupid Boromir. Would he reveal his nature so early? But I will turn it. "A gift to the foes of Mordor! Why not use this Ring? Long has my father, the Steward of Gondor, kept the forces of Mordor at bay. By the blood of our people, are your lands kept safe." His voice rises in excitement. "Give Gondor the weapon of the enemy. Let us use it against him."
Aragorn interrupts. "You cannot wield it. None of us can. The One Ring answers to Sauron alone. It has no other master."
"And what would a Ranger know of this matter?" Boromir sneers. Oh dear, that's done it.
Legolas stands up impulsively and answers him. "This is no mere Ranger. This is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance." Boromir stares around at the Council. Elrond shakes his head at Legolas' naivety. Gandalf sighs tiredly. I would climb down and slap Legolas, but I need to leave this alone to work itself out. And Legolas is probably a bit jealous of Boromir anyway. Stupid males.
"Aragorn?" Boromir says disbelievingly. "This is Isildur's heir?" Boromir stares at Aragorn. Aragorn stares steadily back. Stupid, stupid Legolas!
"And heir to the throne of Gondor." Legolas continues spitefully. Rub it in, Legolas. Stupid pride!
"Havo dad, Legolas." Aragorn says, gesturing for Legolas to be quiet and sit down. Go Aragorn! Don't gloat. Maybe this will turn out all right.
"Gondor has no king. Gondor needs no king." Boromir says, and then sits heavily down in his chair. He sets his face on his hand, and then looks up at me. I blow him a kiss, and a smile flies fleetingly across his set expression. Aragorn stares thoughtfully at Boromir then turn his attention to Gandalf as Gandalf begins to speak.
"Aragorn is right. We cannot use it." Boromir looks rebuked.
"You have only one choice." Elrond says as he stands. "The Ring must be destroyed." The Council stares uneasily around at each other. I rub my ears. There's that voice again. I'm glad I don't know what it is saying, because it sounds nasty.
"What are we waiting for? Gimli says gruffly. He stands and strides over to the table, raising his axe. Elrond moves to stop him, but Gimli chops with all his might. "Yeaaarghhaaha!" The axe shatters and Gimli goes flying. I wince. Frodo starts and presses a hand to his forehead. He breathes deeply, as if in pain. I turn as that voice speaks again. Evil syllables. Wrong. I rub my arms, caught in a sudden chill. I try and see where it I coming from. I nearly overbalance and fall, but luckily right myself. I take some deep breaths to try and calm down.
"The Ring cannot be destroyed, Gimli, son of Groin," Elrond says in rebuke. "By any craft we here possess. The Ring was made in the fires of Mount Doom. Only there can it be unmade. It must be taken deep into Mordor and cast back into the fiery chasm from whence it came." Frodo rubs his forehead uneasily, staring at the Ring. The rest of the Council stares at it as well. Some wearily, some greedily, some knowingly. I shiver as a whisper of that abrasive speech echoes in my ears. "One of you must do this."
"One does not simply walk into Mordor." Boromir says, raising his head. "Its Black Gates are guarded by more then just Orcs." His voice steadily grows louder as he seeks to convince the Council of Elrond's folly. "There is evil there that does not sleep. The Great Eye is ever watchful. It is a barren wasteland, riddled with fire, ash and dust. The very air you breathe is a poisonous fume. Not with ten thousand Men could you do this. It is folly." His eyes close for an instant as he remembers and tries to describe the land of Mordor to the Council.
Legolas leaps out of his chair, voice raised in anger. "Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said? The Ring must be destroyed!" Legolas looks around at the Council, and pauses at Lord Elrond, seeking affirmation.
"And I suppose you think you are the one to do it!" Gimli demands in an angry sneer. Boromir rises from his seat.
"And if we fail, what then? What happens when Sauron takes back what is his?" Boromir asks impassionedly.
Gimli stands angrily. "I'll be dead before I see the Ring in the hands of an Elf!" The Elves come to their feet at this and object furiously. The rest of the council stand and they all begin to argue. "Never trust an Elf!"
Frodo cowers as Gandalf stands and strides over to the confusion, shouting at the Council. "Do you not understand? While you bicker, Sauron's power grows! None can escape it. You'll all be destroyed!" Frodo's breath is coming in pants now as he stares at the Ring. The Ring is forgotten by the Council as they quarrel. Elrond calls for order, but is ignored. I wince and try to cover my ears as that metallic voice invades them. Of course! The Ring. I lower myself from the tree and go stand near Frodo.
I whisper into his ear. "You must volunteer to take it. They will not tolerate each other. Do not worry, they will aid you. Their dislike for other races is too deep for one of then to be the Ringbearer. So you must. Hobbits are neutral in their arguments." I give his shoulder a reassuring squeeze, and then stand. Frodo takes a breath, then stands.
"I will take it. I will take it!" He repeats in a louder voice. I see Gandalf wince and turn to fully face Frodo. The Council stills, they are amazed. "I will take the Ring to Mordor." He affirms. Then a look of doubt enters his eyes, as the Council turns to face him. "Though.I do not know the way." He finishes on almost a whisper.
Gandalf comes to stand in front of Frodo, with a look of compassion on his face. "I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins, as long as it is yours to bear." He places a hand on Frodo's shoulder. I smile slightly as the Fellowship forms.
Aragorn stands and says quietly, "If by my life or death I can protect you I will." He makes it into a solemn promise. He walks forward to kneel in front of Frodo and offer him fealty. "You have my sword."
"And you have my bow." Legolas comes to stand near Aragorn.
"And my ax." Gimli says gruffly, but eagerly. He comes and stands by Legolas, who looks down at the Dwarf.
Boromir walks forward slowly and thoughtfully. "You carry the fate of us all, little one. If this is indeed the will of the Council, then Gondor will see it done."
"Hey!" A voice cries out. I smile happily as Sam races past me to stand near Frodo. Bless the hearts of Hobbits. "Mr. Frodo's not going anywhere without me." He raises his head and folds his arms defiantly.
"Indeed, it's hardly possible to separate you, even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not." Elrond says dryly. Sam looks down, but Frodo looks grateful for his company.
"We're coming too!" Another voice rings out and Merry and Pippin rush through the archway. Elrond does not look amused. "You'll have to tie us up in a sack to stop us!" says Merry as he and Pippin fold their arms.
"Anyway, you need people of intelligence on this sort of mission. Quest. Thing." Pippin nods, sure he's got all bases covered. Gandalf and Elrond look frankly dumbstruck at the Hobbits assurance.
"Well, that leaves you out, Pip." Merry says in an aside to Pippin.
I walk forward, ignoring the gaze of those who would deny me this chance. "And I am coming as well. You will need, I think, the benefit of my knowledge. And whatever combat skills I manage to learn. In the dark places, one more companion is always welcome." I stand next to Boromir and take hi hand. He squeezes in reassurance.
"Ten companions. So be it. You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring."
"Great! Where are we going?" Pippin asks happily. I snort in laughter and whack him in the back of the head.
"You idiot!"
"What?" He says with a look of injured innocence.
Well, that's another chapter done, thank the Sea and Stars. And yes, this scene is set in the movieverse. ::cringes as rabid Tolkien fans appear:: I try and set the story in the bookverse, but the council of Elrond makes more sense the way it's done in the movie. ::disappears under pile of rabid Tolkien fans carrying pitchforks:: I'm sorry! Really. But the Council of Elrond is like twenty pages, and only Sam and Frodo volunteer. And don't you just love it when Aragorn goes "By my life or death." ::sigh in luststruck wonder:: Yes, luststruck. It's like lovestruck but different. But I will endeavor to keep it in the book, but the movie is already cut down, and, and that's just my artistic license! Ner!
I stare down at the ground, and then quickly lift my head when I hear bells. The council! I look around for an Elf I can talk to. Glorfindel! He's scary, but at least he's halfway decent. The bells continue. I'm not in a mood to talk with anyone, so I just follow Glorfindel to where the council is meeting. He goes through an archway to a small garden. I start to climb over the hedge into another large tree on the inside of the garden. I sit above Lord Elrond on a wide branch. He looks upwards and I give him a small wave. He smiles slightly, then talks to Glorfindel, and another Elf standing next to him. Glorfindel bows and leaves. I get my bag, opening it. I get my book out and settle down to read. I already know what's going to happen, so I'll be quiet while they figure out what they're doing.
I am well into my book when the council is fully assembled. I yawn and turn the page. Looking around, I can see all the people who should be here. Boromir, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Groin, Elves from Mirkwood, Elves from Rivendell, Frodo, Gandalf. I think that's it. The main players are here anyway. Sam is behind a tree nearby, and I can see Merry and Pippin beyond the archway. Good. I turn back to my book.
Elrond begins to speak to the Council, welcoming them. "Strangers from distant lands, friends of old, you've been summoned here to answer the threat of Mordor. Middle Earth is on the brink of destruction. None will escape it. You will unite or you will fall." Elrond's voice rings with finality. The Council members are frowning, the Dwarves especially. Elrond continues. "Each race is bound to this fate, this one doom. Bring forth the Ring, Frodo." Frodo glances uneasily at Gandalf, then stands and stretches forth his hand and places the Ring on the table. Poor Frodo. The Council stares at the ring. A whisper of harsh speech teases my hearing.
"So it is true." Boromir whispers. Frodo sits back down next to Gandalf, looking ill. Cruel whispers of a harsh speech. Legolas looks uneasy, I think that if he was human, not Elven, he'd be a pale shade of green. "The doom of man.it is a gift!" Gandalf looks at Boromir uneasily. I hiss in exasperation. Stupid Boromir. Would he reveal his nature so early? But I will turn it. "A gift to the foes of Mordor! Why not use this Ring? Long has my father, the Steward of Gondor, kept the forces of Mordor at bay. By the blood of our people, are your lands kept safe." His voice rises in excitement. "Give Gondor the weapon of the enemy. Let us use it against him."
Aragorn interrupts. "You cannot wield it. None of us can. The One Ring answers to Sauron alone. It has no other master."
"And what would a Ranger know of this matter?" Boromir sneers. Oh dear, that's done it.
Legolas stands up impulsively and answers him. "This is no mere Ranger. This is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance." Boromir stares around at the Council. Elrond shakes his head at Legolas' naivety. Gandalf sighs tiredly. I would climb down and slap Legolas, but I need to leave this alone to work itself out. And Legolas is probably a bit jealous of Boromir anyway. Stupid males.
"Aragorn?" Boromir says disbelievingly. "This is Isildur's heir?" Boromir stares at Aragorn. Aragorn stares steadily back. Stupid, stupid Legolas!
"And heir to the throne of Gondor." Legolas continues spitefully. Rub it in, Legolas. Stupid pride!
"Havo dad, Legolas." Aragorn says, gesturing for Legolas to be quiet and sit down. Go Aragorn! Don't gloat. Maybe this will turn out all right.
"Gondor has no king. Gondor needs no king." Boromir says, and then sits heavily down in his chair. He sets his face on his hand, and then looks up at me. I blow him a kiss, and a smile flies fleetingly across his set expression. Aragorn stares thoughtfully at Boromir then turn his attention to Gandalf as Gandalf begins to speak.
"Aragorn is right. We cannot use it." Boromir looks rebuked.
"You have only one choice." Elrond says as he stands. "The Ring must be destroyed." The Council stares uneasily around at each other. I rub my ears. There's that voice again. I'm glad I don't know what it is saying, because it sounds nasty.
"What are we waiting for? Gimli says gruffly. He stands and strides over to the table, raising his axe. Elrond moves to stop him, but Gimli chops with all his might. "Yeaaarghhaaha!" The axe shatters and Gimli goes flying. I wince. Frodo starts and presses a hand to his forehead. He breathes deeply, as if in pain. I turn as that voice speaks again. Evil syllables. Wrong. I rub my arms, caught in a sudden chill. I try and see where it I coming from. I nearly overbalance and fall, but luckily right myself. I take some deep breaths to try and calm down.
"The Ring cannot be destroyed, Gimli, son of Groin," Elrond says in rebuke. "By any craft we here possess. The Ring was made in the fires of Mount Doom. Only there can it be unmade. It must be taken deep into Mordor and cast back into the fiery chasm from whence it came." Frodo rubs his forehead uneasily, staring at the Ring. The rest of the Council stares at it as well. Some wearily, some greedily, some knowingly. I shiver as a whisper of that abrasive speech echoes in my ears. "One of you must do this."
"One does not simply walk into Mordor." Boromir says, raising his head. "Its Black Gates are guarded by more then just Orcs." His voice steadily grows louder as he seeks to convince the Council of Elrond's folly. "There is evil there that does not sleep. The Great Eye is ever watchful. It is a barren wasteland, riddled with fire, ash and dust. The very air you breathe is a poisonous fume. Not with ten thousand Men could you do this. It is folly." His eyes close for an instant as he remembers and tries to describe the land of Mordor to the Council.
Legolas leaps out of his chair, voice raised in anger. "Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said? The Ring must be destroyed!" Legolas looks around at the Council, and pauses at Lord Elrond, seeking affirmation.
"And I suppose you think you are the one to do it!" Gimli demands in an angry sneer. Boromir rises from his seat.
"And if we fail, what then? What happens when Sauron takes back what is his?" Boromir asks impassionedly.
Gimli stands angrily. "I'll be dead before I see the Ring in the hands of an Elf!" The Elves come to their feet at this and object furiously. The rest of the council stand and they all begin to argue. "Never trust an Elf!"
Frodo cowers as Gandalf stands and strides over to the confusion, shouting at the Council. "Do you not understand? While you bicker, Sauron's power grows! None can escape it. You'll all be destroyed!" Frodo's breath is coming in pants now as he stares at the Ring. The Ring is forgotten by the Council as they quarrel. Elrond calls for order, but is ignored. I wince and try to cover my ears as that metallic voice invades them. Of course! The Ring. I lower myself from the tree and go stand near Frodo.
I whisper into his ear. "You must volunteer to take it. They will not tolerate each other. Do not worry, they will aid you. Their dislike for other races is too deep for one of then to be the Ringbearer. So you must. Hobbits are neutral in their arguments." I give his shoulder a reassuring squeeze, and then stand. Frodo takes a breath, then stands.
"I will take it. I will take it!" He repeats in a louder voice. I see Gandalf wince and turn to fully face Frodo. The Council stills, they are amazed. "I will take the Ring to Mordor." He affirms. Then a look of doubt enters his eyes, as the Council turns to face him. "Though.I do not know the way." He finishes on almost a whisper.
Gandalf comes to stand in front of Frodo, with a look of compassion on his face. "I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins, as long as it is yours to bear." He places a hand on Frodo's shoulder. I smile slightly as the Fellowship forms.
Aragorn stands and says quietly, "If by my life or death I can protect you I will." He makes it into a solemn promise. He walks forward to kneel in front of Frodo and offer him fealty. "You have my sword."
"And you have my bow." Legolas comes to stand near Aragorn.
"And my ax." Gimli says gruffly, but eagerly. He comes and stands by Legolas, who looks down at the Dwarf.
Boromir walks forward slowly and thoughtfully. "You carry the fate of us all, little one. If this is indeed the will of the Council, then Gondor will see it done."
"Hey!" A voice cries out. I smile happily as Sam races past me to stand near Frodo. Bless the hearts of Hobbits. "Mr. Frodo's not going anywhere without me." He raises his head and folds his arms defiantly.
"Indeed, it's hardly possible to separate you, even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not." Elrond says dryly. Sam looks down, but Frodo looks grateful for his company.
"We're coming too!" Another voice rings out and Merry and Pippin rush through the archway. Elrond does not look amused. "You'll have to tie us up in a sack to stop us!" says Merry as he and Pippin fold their arms.
"Anyway, you need people of intelligence on this sort of mission. Quest. Thing." Pippin nods, sure he's got all bases covered. Gandalf and Elrond look frankly dumbstruck at the Hobbits assurance.
"Well, that leaves you out, Pip." Merry says in an aside to Pippin.
I walk forward, ignoring the gaze of those who would deny me this chance. "And I am coming as well. You will need, I think, the benefit of my knowledge. And whatever combat skills I manage to learn. In the dark places, one more companion is always welcome." I stand next to Boromir and take hi hand. He squeezes in reassurance.
"Ten companions. So be it. You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring."
"Great! Where are we going?" Pippin asks happily. I snort in laughter and whack him in the back of the head.
"You idiot!"
"What?" He says with a look of injured innocence.
Well, that's another chapter done, thank the Sea and Stars. And yes, this scene is set in the movieverse. ::cringes as rabid Tolkien fans appear:: I try and set the story in the bookverse, but the council of Elrond makes more sense the way it's done in the movie. ::disappears under pile of rabid Tolkien fans carrying pitchforks:: I'm sorry! Really. But the Council of Elrond is like twenty pages, and only Sam and Frodo volunteer. And don't you just love it when Aragorn goes "By my life or death." ::sigh in luststruck wonder:: Yes, luststruck. It's like lovestruck but different. But I will endeavor to keep it in the book, but the movie is already cut down, and, and that's just my artistic license! Ner!