Part 6.
In the late afternoon Arwen returned to the guest accommodations to find
all of her guests awake.
"Good afternoon." she greeted them, "How did you sleep?"
"Well thank you Lady Arwen." Gandalf told her, "I would very much like to
see Frodo if you can arrange it."
"He is still sleeping, but I think that Bilbo and Sam would be very happy
to see you all again." Arwen told them, "If Merry and Pippin like,
afterwards I will take them out to see more of Rivendell. Sam has already
said he would very much like to join us."
Arwen led them once more upstairs to check on Frodo.
Gandalf elected to stay and talk with Bilbo a while, then go down to the
library to see Elrond, while Arwen led the three young hobbits and Aragorn
out into the late afternoon sunshine.
"After the Great War, in which the Last Alliance was forged which allowed
Isildur to cut the Ring from the hand of the Dark One defeating him, my
father led a host of Elves here to Rivendell, making it a safe haven for
Elves, and for others too, should they come here and ask for help." Arwen
explained to the hobbits. "It has been my home for the many years of my
life, save the times when I leave to stay with my mother's kin."
"You can't be that old." Pippin told her, "You remind me of a hobbit lass
still in her twenties."
"I am older than you think." She smiled.
"Thirty?" Merry asked.
Aragorn laughed out loud. "Merry, I fear that you and Pippin are very much
off track, and also that you both ask too many questions."
"It's not polite to ask people their age." Sam told the other hobbits,
"Lady Arwen has been a very good host, you shouldn't offend her."
"I am not offended Sam." Arwen told him gently. "I haven't thought about my
age for a long time. Elves age differently than Men, or even hobbits do.
Bilbo is now one hundred and eleven and I am told it's a very good age for
a hobbit. I am 2777 years old, and am considered a young woman by my
Elders. There are many Elves much older than I."
"Older?" Pippin squeaked.
"My father is Lord Elrond, my mother has already passed into the West to
sail to the Undying Lands. I have two brothers, both older than me. You
shall not meet them while you are in Rivendell though. Elladan and Elrohir
are off hunting once more. They roam often with the Dunedain. My mother's
parents, my grandparents still live in Middle Earth. Their home is my
second home." Arwen smiled.
"Lady!" An Elf called out, "Lady Arwen!"
Arwen stopped on the path, waiting for the messenger to catch up.
"Orphalos, what is the matter?" She asked.
"Lord Elrond has called a council of the Free People of Middle Earth. He
asks that you organize accommodations for his guests, Dwarves, Elves and
Men." Orphalos told her.
"Tell Lord Elrond it shall be done. When are his guests arriving?" She
asked.
"Within the week."
"Thank you for relaying the message Orphalos." Arwen said to him.
"What do you think the council is about?" Aragorn asked her.
"The One Ring." Arwen told him. "It will not be safe in Rivendell for long.
The council will take place as soon as Frodo awakens and is strong enough
to be summoned."
Part 7.
The next few days passed by swiftly, Arwen was kept busy preparing for the
arrival of Elrond's guests, as well as looking in on Frodo, who was still
sleeping, although he was regaining his strength, and keeping an eye on the
hobbits Merry and Pippin. Sam spent most of his days sitting beside Frodo's
bed, as did Gandalf. Aragorn spent his days deep in thought, or patrolling
the borders of Rivendell with Glorifindel.
The first of Elrond's guests were the envoy of Dwarves from Erebor, the
Dwarf Lord Gloin and his son Gimli.
Arwen met them in the garden, just as she had met Aragorn and the hobbits.
"Welcome to Rivendell, my Lords." She greeted them. "Lord Elrond much
desired to meet you, but he has been detained."
"Gloin at your service." The older Dwarf answered her.
Arwen bowed too, "Arwen Undomiel at yours and your family's." She answered
correctly.
Both Dwarves smiled at her, "It is long since I have set foot in fair
Rivendell." Gloin told her. "This time I have brought my son Gimli with
me."
"Please come this way." Arwen invited them. "I have prepared rooms for you,
a meal awaits you there."
The Dwarves followed her willingly. "I have not seen you here before."
"I have only returned to Rivendell in recent years." Arwen told him. "I
stayed with my mother's kin for a long time, but my father is glad to have
me home."
"Which Elf is your father?" Gloin asked.
"Lord Elrond." She told him, "I have not been seen by many in the North-
East. My mother's kin dwell further South of here." Arwen paused to open
the door to the Dwarves rooms, a meal laid out in the common area. "I hope
these accommodations are to your liking. If you need anything, please ask.
I will return shortly. You may travel anywhere in Rivendell you like, but
Lord Elrond has asked that all of his guests remain inside our borders."
She explained to the Dwarves.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Lady of Rivendell." Gloin answered her.
A pair of Elves arrived the next day.
Arwen was able to greet them at the very gates of Rivendell. "Welcome to
Rivendell." She called to them, as they were both on horse-back
"Greetings to you, Lady Evenstar of Rivendell!" One of the Elves called to
her, Arwen recognized him as Galdor of the Grey Havens.
"If you hadn't arrived now I was going to send out a search party for you."
Arwen chided them. "You were due yesterday and I was worried."
"My apologies Lady." One of the Woodland Elves of Mirkwood, Arwen's kinsman
Prince Legolas, son of Thranduil apologized. "We were detained."
"You are forgiven Legolas." She smiled at him, "Come now."
"We are not the last to arrive are we?" Galdor asked as his horse was led
away.
"No," Arwen answered. "There is one other who has yet to arrive. It was
actually him I came here to greet. He is late also."
"Who else is coming?" Legolas asked.
"A Man of Gondor has traveled to bear witness to my father's council. He
should arrive soon." Arwen told him.
As she spoke Glorifindel rode through the gates, a stranger riding with
him.
"Lady Arwen, I bring to you Boromir, son of Denethor, High Steward of
Gondor. He is come to Rivendell to attend the council of Lord Elrond."
Glorifindel introduced the Man.
"Welcome to Rivendell, Boromir." Arwen greeted him. "I would ask that you
join us. Larohir will take care of your horse."
"Thank you." Boromir said to her once her had dismounted from the horse. "I
know not your name Lady."
"I am Lady Arwen Undomiel of Rivendell." She explained to him. "Galdor and
Legolas had just arrived as well. I will take you to your rooms now." She
gestured for all to follow her.
She smiled as she walked, the beauty of the gardens a delight for her. She
turned to speak once more to her father's guests. "Lord Elrond has asked
that you hold all of your questions about the council until it is called.
He also asks that while you stay in Rivendell that you remain inside the
borders. Several days ago the Nazgul approached, almost crossing the
Bruinen. Since then Orcs are being seen more often. This measure is for
both your safety and protection."
"When will the council be called?" Boromir asked.
"One of the people my father wishes to attend has been gravely ill. He has
only awakened today, but it is likely that the council will be held
tomorrow." Arwen answered, "Although I cannot guarantee it."
"This place is magnificent." Boromir breathed, taking in the stonework and
masonry.
"This is the private residence of my father and myself. All of the guests
attending the council are staying here." Arwen told him.
"How many others have come?" Galdor asked.
"Another man, two Dwarves from Erebor, the Istari Gandalf the Grey, also
called Mithrandir, and several of the race of Halflings or Hobbits as they
call themselves." Arwen told them.
"What ails the one who has been ill?" Boromir asked.
"Frodo was stabbed by one of the Ringwraiths with a Morgul blade. He is
recovering well." She answered. "Here are your quarters, a meal is laid out
for each of you. If you need anything, please ask me. I will return to
check on you. Rest if you desire it, you have all had long journeys. Until
I return you may go anywhere in Rivendell that pleases you, but do not
leave our borders." Arwen finished.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Lady Evenstar." Legolas told her.
Part 8.
As afternoon turned to dusk and dusk turned to dark Arwen was kept busy
attending to each of the guests.
In the darkness she entered the room her father called the Place of the
Past.
Arwen watched silently, keeping to the shadows as Boromir the Man of Gondor
stared at the shards of Narsil, under the watchful eyes of Aragorn who was
the broken sword's true owner.
"The shards of Narsil. The blade that cut the Ring from Sauron's hand."
Boromir reached out to touch the blade and cut himself. "It's still sharp."
He said, sounding awed by the presence of the famed blade. "But no more
than a broken heirloom." Boromir finished, reaching out to place the sword
hilt back in it's resting place. He misjudged the distance, and the hilt
fell to the floor. Boromir barely turned back as he heard the clatter.
Aragorn moved to pick the broken hilt up, laying it once more in it's
resting place. He stared at the broken shards for several moments.
Arwen stepped out of the shadows to stand nearer to him. "Why do you fear
the past? You are Isildur's heir, not Isildur himself. You are not bound to
his fate."
"The same blood flows in my veins. The same weakness." Aragorn replied, not
facing her.
"Your time will come. You will face the same evil and you will defeat it."
She reassured him. "A si i-Dhúath ú-orthor, Aragorn. Ú or le a ú or nin."
The Shadow does not hold sway yet. Not over you, not over me.
"Walk with me?" Aragorn asked her.
She nodded, leading him outside, towards the gardens.
They walked out into the grounds the night air cool and pleasant. "The
stars are bright tonight." Arwen told him. "As long as they shine there is
hope for us all."
"Here in the night you shine brighter than all of those stars." Aragorn
told her.
Together they walked onto a bridge, stopping in its middle. Below them the
stars and thin sliver of the moon were reflected in the dark water, along
with the trees and grasses which grew around the pool.
"Renich i lú i erui govannem?" Arwen asked him softly, starlight glowing on
her Elven skin. Do you remember when we first met?
"Nauthannen i ned ôl reniannen." Aragorn answered her. He smiled at the
memory. I thought I had strayed into a dream.
Arwen reached out to lay her hand on his cheek. "Gwenwin in enninath. Ú-
'arnech in naeth i si celich. Renech i beth i pennen?" Long years have
passed. You did not wear the troubles you carry now. Do you remember what I
told you?
"You said you'd bind yourself to me, forsaking the immortal life of your
people." Aragorn answered her.
"And to that I hold. I would rather share one lifetime with you, than face
all the Ages of this world alone. I choose a mortal life." Arwen told him.
"You cannot do this." He protested.
"I can do what I choose. This is my life. I will follow my heart." She said
to him.
In the dim moonlight Arwen reached up and kissed him.
Part 9.
Arwen did not sleep much that night. Instead she knelt by her fountain,
gazing deep into the waters.
In the early hours of the new morning Arwen retired, but still found sleep
hard to come by, haunted by the images she had seen mirrored in the
fountain.
The next morning Arwen was kept busy, asked to give an archery lesson to
some of the young Elves.
Still the images of what she had seen weighed heavily on her mind. The
lesson took up much of the morning, though in truth, Arwen enjoyed teaching
the younger Elves the art of archery. There were too few young Elves in
Middle Earth now.
From the archery field Arwen walked straight to where the Council of Elrond
was being held.
She waited silently as they spoke, waiting until it was time for her to
speak.
"Strangers from distant lands, friends of old. You have been summoned to
answer the threat of Mordor. Middle Earth stands upon the edge of
destruction. None can escape it. You will unite, or you will fall. Each
race is bound to this fate, this one doom." Lord Elrond paused. "Bring
forth the Ring, Frodo."
Arwen watched as the hobbit laid the One Ring on the table in the center of
the group.
"It is a gift. A gift to the foes of Mordor." Boromir began. "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. Give
Gondor the weapon of the enemy. Let us use it against him!"
"You cannot wield it." Aragorn told him. "None of us can. The One Ring
answers to Sauron alone. It has no other master."
"What would a Ranger know of this matter?" Boromir sneered at him.
Legolas stood. "This is no mere Ranger. He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You
owe him your allegiance."
"Aragorn? This is Isildur's heir?" Boromir asked.
"And heir to the throne of Gondor." Legolas told him.
"Havo dad, Legolas." Aragorn spoke to him in Elvish. Sit down Legolas.
"Gondor has no king. Gondor needs no king." Boromir announced.
"Aragorn is right. We cannot use it." Gandalf affirmed.
"You have only one choice. The Ring must be destroyed." Elrond told them.
"What are we waiting for?" Gimli, son of Gloin asked, standing to smash his
ax down onto the One Ring.
The ax head shattered leaving fragments on the table. Gimli was knocked off
his feet.
"The Ring cannot be destroyed, Gimli, son of Gloin, by any craft that 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." Elrond explained to all. "One of you must
do this."
"One does not simply walk into Mordor." Boromir told them. "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 wasteland,
riddled with fire and ash and dust. The very air that you breathe is a
poisonous fume. Not with ten thousand men could you do this. It is folly."
"Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said? The Ring must be destroyed!"
Legolas demanded.
"And I suppose you think you're the one to do it?!" Gimli asked.
"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
shouted. "Never trust an Elf!"
As he spoke the rest of the company erupted into anarchy, people shouting
and arguing between themselves.
Arwen watched, her heart pained to see such a blatant show of disrespect
and distrust between the ones who should have been united under the common
goal of saving their Middle Earth.
She watched as Frodo sat silently in his chair, as though he was deep in
thought. Then he too leapt to his feet.
"I will take it. I will take the ring to Mordor." Frodo began, "Though, I
do not know the way."
Beside him the Istari Gandalf the Grey sighed heavily, as though a great
burden had been added to his shoulders. "I will help you bear this burden,
Frodo Baggins. For as long as it is yours to bear."
Aragorn strode over to stand beside the two. "If by my life or death I can
protect you, then so be it. You have my sword."
"And my bow." Legolas announced, as though expecting the dwarves to object.
"And my ax." Gimli pledged.
Boromir took in the sight of the small hobbit, still weaken from his injury
caused by the Morgul blade. "You bear the fate of us all, little one. If
this is indeed the will of the council, then Gondor will see it done." He
pledged, joining the others.
"Mr. Frodo isn't going anywhere without me." Sam interrupted from his
hiding place. Elrond gave him a light scolding, Arwen could see that he was
pleased to see that the young hobbit would follow his master.
After Sam, Merry and Pippin also joined the others, refusing to be left
behind.
Elrond gazed serenely upon the nine companions. "I give you the Fellowship
of the Ring."
Looking slightly startled he found himself staring across the courtyard at
his daughter, her expression troubled.
"The Fellowship will fall." Her voice was grave.
Everyone spun around to face her. Aragorn approached her, holding his hand
out to her. She made no move to take it.
"Each of you brings unique qualities to this alliance. Each of you has his
own reasons for volunteering. But that is not enough."
Elrond crossed the courtyard to stand beside her. "Are you well, Arwen?" he
asked her in Elvish.
"The only ill around is the ill fortune that surrounds nine." Almost
mesmerized, she walked to the column on which the One Ring was laid. "The
Ring cannot stay in Rivendell. Already the Eye looks towards us here."
"Lady, can you see a way in which the company would succeed." Gandalf
began, "Is there not something we can do, some knowledge we can obtain in
order to succeed in the quest?"
"Everything is hazy now. Like ripples in a pond. The future is ever
changing." Arwen's voice was distant, dream-like.
'Then what are we to do," Boromir asked. "If this journey is forsaken
before it is begun?"
"Your journey was forsaken long before you were born, Boromir of Gondor."
Elrond told him.
"It is no more or less forsaken now. It is what will be, and no more."
Arwen looked up at him, unafraid of his aggressive stance and demeanor.
Arwen stood silent for a long minute. She reached up to touch the jewel on
her necklace. "I will join the journey of the Fellowship."
The crowd erupted into chatter.
"Silence." Elrond called, "I bid you all be silent. You can all be heard,
one at a time."
Boromir, the man of Gondor stood, still smarting from Arwen's earlier
comments. "If we take her with us she will slow us down. The hobbits are
one thing, they can defend themselves if need be, but no one will be able
to spare the time to protect her."
Once he had spoken, the dwarf Gimli, son of Gloin stood. "I shall travel
with no woman. The Elves would do well to teach their women to mind, and
keep them where they belong."
Several of the Elder Elves present showed extreme offense to Gimli's
comments.
"Who are we to judge where the Lady Arwen belongs?" Legolas asked,
springing lightly to his feet. "I would, as I have in the past, find it a
pleasure to travel with her."
"I agree with Legolas, the Lady is a good traveling companion. But why
would you risk so much for an errand with no hope?" Aragorn directed his
question to Arwen.
She stared into his eyes for a second. "I do not risk much, Aragorn, son of
Arathorn. You would do well to remember that there is always hope, even
when you cannot see it."
To the surprise of the others, Frodo stood. "Lady if you feel that your
future lies with the Fellowship, I welcome you. Unlike Legolas and Aragorn,
I do not know you very well at all. But you saved my life, and you saved
the Ring from the Wraiths. I, as the others standing before you, owe you a
great debt. If you wish to join us, I will stand beside you."
The rest of the representatives sat silently, awed by Frodo's courteous
speech.
"It is decided then." Gandalf announced. "The Fellowship shall be the Ring-
bearer, and his nine companions, an even ten."
"The Fellowship shall leave at dawn. You have the rest of the day to
prepare for your journey." Elrond announced.
Part 10.
In their private chambers Elrond sat beside his daughter's bed as Arwen and
her hand maidens began to pack the items she would need on the journey.
"Arwen, this is not your destiny. You do not need to go."
"Father I must. My fate has become intertwined with the fate of my heart,
and the fate of the Ring-bearer."
"I implore you to be careful, Arwen. If you must go, promise me that you
will come home to me safe and sound." Elrond warned his daughter.
"Fate will bring me back to you, Father. The winds of change, be they good
or ill, will bring me home to you." she told him. "Of this I am certain."
"As long as you do return, my daughter." Elrond embraced her tightly. "I
should let you pack your things."
It was early the next morning when Arwen reached the assembly point,
leading her horse Nallahir, with her.
"You're late." Gimli growled at her.
"You are early, Master Dwarf." Arwen replied. "There is a distinction
between being late and on time."
"Are you set, Hiril-nin?" One of Arwen's hand maidens asked her mistress.
My Lady.
"Thank you." Arwen replied to the maiden. "Take care of yourself, and the
others while I am away."
"Why do we need two beasts to carry luggage?" Boromir demanded. "Unless the
Lady must bring along her wardrobe, of course?"
Arwen ignored him, as one of her hand maidens approached, a large silver
falcon perched on her gloved hand. "Elessar." she called softly. The falcon
flew from it's perch to Arwen's outstretched hand.
Carefully she set him upon the perch at the front of Nallahir's saddle. The
three of them were regular traveling companions.
"Sam, come and load some of those things onto Nallahir." she called to the
young hobbit, struggling to lift his unbalanced pack.
"Thank you, Lady." he said shyly, "I was afraid the company would have to
leave without me. And I couldn't bear to be without Mr. Frodo. I made a
promise to Gandalf that I wouldn't, and I don't mean to break it."
"Your loyalty to your master is important, Sam. Don't forget that." she
told him quietly, as she tied several rugs to the back of Nallahir's
saddle, and placed several heavier camping tools into the saddle bags.
Legolas and Aragorn were not surprised at her appearance when they too
arrived.
Earlier that morning Arwen had pulled her hair into braids, fixing them to
encircle her head. She wore clothing of green and mossy gray, over which
she wore a lightweight gray cloak, clasped at her throat with a leaf shaped
broach. Her lightweight traveling boots were well broken in, perfectly
suited to walking, or running long distances.
As she watched the remaining members of the Fellowship, Elrond approached
her, carrying both her sword and longbow, along with a quiver of arrows.
With care she buckled the sword-belt around her hips, so that it sat just
below the other belt she wore, before slipping the strap for her quiver
comfortably over her head. After handing his daughter the bow, Elrond
adjusted the strap on her quiver, so that it lay close to her back, without
restricting her movement.
Once he had completed the task, Elrond laid his hand on Arwen's cheek.
"Remember to come home, my daughter."
"Is the Company ready to depart?" Gandalf cried.
Giving her father one last hug, Arwen turned to join her companions.
"Namarie ada." She called out as they began to leave. Farewell father.
From the highest window in the Great Hall of Rivendell Elrond watched them
until, even with his keen Elvish eyes, he could see them no more.
In the late afternoon Arwen returned to the guest accommodations to find
all of her guests awake.
"Good afternoon." she greeted them, "How did you sleep?"
"Well thank you Lady Arwen." Gandalf told her, "I would very much like to
see Frodo if you can arrange it."
"He is still sleeping, but I think that Bilbo and Sam would be very happy
to see you all again." Arwen told them, "If Merry and Pippin like,
afterwards I will take them out to see more of Rivendell. Sam has already
said he would very much like to join us."
Arwen led them once more upstairs to check on Frodo.
Gandalf elected to stay and talk with Bilbo a while, then go down to the
library to see Elrond, while Arwen led the three young hobbits and Aragorn
out into the late afternoon sunshine.
"After the Great War, in which the Last Alliance was forged which allowed
Isildur to cut the Ring from the hand of the Dark One defeating him, my
father led a host of Elves here to Rivendell, making it a safe haven for
Elves, and for others too, should they come here and ask for help." Arwen
explained to the hobbits. "It has been my home for the many years of my
life, save the times when I leave to stay with my mother's kin."
"You can't be that old." Pippin told her, "You remind me of a hobbit lass
still in her twenties."
"I am older than you think." She smiled.
"Thirty?" Merry asked.
Aragorn laughed out loud. "Merry, I fear that you and Pippin are very much
off track, and also that you both ask too many questions."
"It's not polite to ask people their age." Sam told the other hobbits,
"Lady Arwen has been a very good host, you shouldn't offend her."
"I am not offended Sam." Arwen told him gently. "I haven't thought about my
age for a long time. Elves age differently than Men, or even hobbits do.
Bilbo is now one hundred and eleven and I am told it's a very good age for
a hobbit. I am 2777 years old, and am considered a young woman by my
Elders. There are many Elves much older than I."
"Older?" Pippin squeaked.
"My father is Lord Elrond, my mother has already passed into the West to
sail to the Undying Lands. I have two brothers, both older than me. You
shall not meet them while you are in Rivendell though. Elladan and Elrohir
are off hunting once more. They roam often with the Dunedain. My mother's
parents, my grandparents still live in Middle Earth. Their home is my
second home." Arwen smiled.
"Lady!" An Elf called out, "Lady Arwen!"
Arwen stopped on the path, waiting for the messenger to catch up.
"Orphalos, what is the matter?" She asked.
"Lord Elrond has called a council of the Free People of Middle Earth. He
asks that you organize accommodations for his guests, Dwarves, Elves and
Men." Orphalos told her.
"Tell Lord Elrond it shall be done. When are his guests arriving?" She
asked.
"Within the week."
"Thank you for relaying the message Orphalos." Arwen said to him.
"What do you think the council is about?" Aragorn asked her.
"The One Ring." Arwen told him. "It will not be safe in Rivendell for long.
The council will take place as soon as Frodo awakens and is strong enough
to be summoned."
Part 7.
The next few days passed by swiftly, Arwen was kept busy preparing for the
arrival of Elrond's guests, as well as looking in on Frodo, who was still
sleeping, although he was regaining his strength, and keeping an eye on the
hobbits Merry and Pippin. Sam spent most of his days sitting beside Frodo's
bed, as did Gandalf. Aragorn spent his days deep in thought, or patrolling
the borders of Rivendell with Glorifindel.
The first of Elrond's guests were the envoy of Dwarves from Erebor, the
Dwarf Lord Gloin and his son Gimli.
Arwen met them in the garden, just as she had met Aragorn and the hobbits.
"Welcome to Rivendell, my Lords." She greeted them. "Lord Elrond much
desired to meet you, but he has been detained."
"Gloin at your service." The older Dwarf answered her.
Arwen bowed too, "Arwen Undomiel at yours and your family's." She answered
correctly.
Both Dwarves smiled at her, "It is long since I have set foot in fair
Rivendell." Gloin told her. "This time I have brought my son Gimli with
me."
"Please come this way." Arwen invited them. "I have prepared rooms for you,
a meal awaits you there."
The Dwarves followed her willingly. "I have not seen you here before."
"I have only returned to Rivendell in recent years." Arwen told him. "I
stayed with my mother's kin for a long time, but my father is glad to have
me home."
"Which Elf is your father?" Gloin asked.
"Lord Elrond." She told him, "I have not been seen by many in the North-
East. My mother's kin dwell further South of here." Arwen paused to open
the door to the Dwarves rooms, a meal laid out in the common area. "I hope
these accommodations are to your liking. If you need anything, please ask.
I will return shortly. You may travel anywhere in Rivendell you like, but
Lord Elrond has asked that all of his guests remain inside our borders."
She explained to the Dwarves.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Lady of Rivendell." Gloin answered her.
A pair of Elves arrived the next day.
Arwen was able to greet them at the very gates of Rivendell. "Welcome to
Rivendell." She called to them, as they were both on horse-back
"Greetings to you, Lady Evenstar of Rivendell!" One of the Elves called to
her, Arwen recognized him as Galdor of the Grey Havens.
"If you hadn't arrived now I was going to send out a search party for you."
Arwen chided them. "You were due yesterday and I was worried."
"My apologies Lady." One of the Woodland Elves of Mirkwood, Arwen's kinsman
Prince Legolas, son of Thranduil apologized. "We were detained."
"You are forgiven Legolas." She smiled at him, "Come now."
"We are not the last to arrive are we?" Galdor asked as his horse was led
away.
"No," Arwen answered. "There is one other who has yet to arrive. It was
actually him I came here to greet. He is late also."
"Who else is coming?" Legolas asked.
"A Man of Gondor has traveled to bear witness to my father's council. He
should arrive soon." Arwen told him.
As she spoke Glorifindel rode through the gates, a stranger riding with
him.
"Lady Arwen, I bring to you Boromir, son of Denethor, High Steward of
Gondor. He is come to Rivendell to attend the council of Lord Elrond."
Glorifindel introduced the Man.
"Welcome to Rivendell, Boromir." Arwen greeted him. "I would ask that you
join us. Larohir will take care of your horse."
"Thank you." Boromir said to her once her had dismounted from the horse. "I
know not your name Lady."
"I am Lady Arwen Undomiel of Rivendell." She explained to him. "Galdor and
Legolas had just arrived as well. I will take you to your rooms now." She
gestured for all to follow her.
She smiled as she walked, the beauty of the gardens a delight for her. She
turned to speak once more to her father's guests. "Lord Elrond has asked
that you hold all of your questions about the council until it is called.
He also asks that while you stay in Rivendell that you remain inside the
borders. Several days ago the Nazgul approached, almost crossing the
Bruinen. Since then Orcs are being seen more often. This measure is for
both your safety and protection."
"When will the council be called?" Boromir asked.
"One of the people my father wishes to attend has been gravely ill. He has
only awakened today, but it is likely that the council will be held
tomorrow." Arwen answered, "Although I cannot guarantee it."
"This place is magnificent." Boromir breathed, taking in the stonework and
masonry.
"This is the private residence of my father and myself. All of the guests
attending the council are staying here." Arwen told him.
"How many others have come?" Galdor asked.
"Another man, two Dwarves from Erebor, the Istari Gandalf the Grey, also
called Mithrandir, and several of the race of Halflings or Hobbits as they
call themselves." Arwen told them.
"What ails the one who has been ill?" Boromir asked.
"Frodo was stabbed by one of the Ringwraiths with a Morgul blade. He is
recovering well." She answered. "Here are your quarters, a meal is laid out
for each of you. If you need anything, please ask me. I will return to
check on you. Rest if you desire it, you have all had long journeys. Until
I return you may go anywhere in Rivendell that pleases you, but do not
leave our borders." Arwen finished.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Lady Evenstar." Legolas told her.
Part 8.
As afternoon turned to dusk and dusk turned to dark Arwen was kept busy
attending to each of the guests.
In the darkness she entered the room her father called the Place of the
Past.
Arwen watched silently, keeping to the shadows as Boromir the Man of Gondor
stared at the shards of Narsil, under the watchful eyes of Aragorn who was
the broken sword's true owner.
"The shards of Narsil. The blade that cut the Ring from Sauron's hand."
Boromir reached out to touch the blade and cut himself. "It's still sharp."
He said, sounding awed by the presence of the famed blade. "But no more
than a broken heirloom." Boromir finished, reaching out to place the sword
hilt back in it's resting place. He misjudged the distance, and the hilt
fell to the floor. Boromir barely turned back as he heard the clatter.
Aragorn moved to pick the broken hilt up, laying it once more in it's
resting place. He stared at the broken shards for several moments.
Arwen stepped out of the shadows to stand nearer to him. "Why do you fear
the past? You are Isildur's heir, not Isildur himself. You are not bound to
his fate."
"The same blood flows in my veins. The same weakness." Aragorn replied, not
facing her.
"Your time will come. You will face the same evil and you will defeat it."
She reassured him. "A si i-Dhúath ú-orthor, Aragorn. Ú or le a ú or nin."
The Shadow does not hold sway yet. Not over you, not over me.
"Walk with me?" Aragorn asked her.
She nodded, leading him outside, towards the gardens.
They walked out into the grounds the night air cool and pleasant. "The
stars are bright tonight." Arwen told him. "As long as they shine there is
hope for us all."
"Here in the night you shine brighter than all of those stars." Aragorn
told her.
Together they walked onto a bridge, stopping in its middle. Below them the
stars and thin sliver of the moon were reflected in the dark water, along
with the trees and grasses which grew around the pool.
"Renich i lú i erui govannem?" Arwen asked him softly, starlight glowing on
her Elven skin. Do you remember when we first met?
"Nauthannen i ned ôl reniannen." Aragorn answered her. He smiled at the
memory. I thought I had strayed into a dream.
Arwen reached out to lay her hand on his cheek. "Gwenwin in enninath. Ú-
'arnech in naeth i si celich. Renech i beth i pennen?" Long years have
passed. You did not wear the troubles you carry now. Do you remember what I
told you?
"You said you'd bind yourself to me, forsaking the immortal life of your
people." Aragorn answered her.
"And to that I hold. I would rather share one lifetime with you, than face
all the Ages of this world alone. I choose a mortal life." Arwen told him.
"You cannot do this." He protested.
"I can do what I choose. This is my life. I will follow my heart." She said
to him.
In the dim moonlight Arwen reached up and kissed him.
Part 9.
Arwen did not sleep much that night. Instead she knelt by her fountain,
gazing deep into the waters.
In the early hours of the new morning Arwen retired, but still found sleep
hard to come by, haunted by the images she had seen mirrored in the
fountain.
The next morning Arwen was kept busy, asked to give an archery lesson to
some of the young Elves.
Still the images of what she had seen weighed heavily on her mind. The
lesson took up much of the morning, though in truth, Arwen enjoyed teaching
the younger Elves the art of archery. There were too few young Elves in
Middle Earth now.
From the archery field Arwen walked straight to where the Council of Elrond
was being held.
She waited silently as they spoke, waiting until it was time for her to
speak.
"Strangers from distant lands, friends of old. You have been summoned to
answer the threat of Mordor. Middle Earth stands upon the edge of
destruction. None can escape it. You will unite, or you will fall. Each
race is bound to this fate, this one doom." Lord Elrond paused. "Bring
forth the Ring, Frodo."
Arwen watched as the hobbit laid the One Ring on the table in the center of
the group.
"It is a gift. A gift to the foes of Mordor." Boromir began. "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. Give
Gondor the weapon of the enemy. Let us use it against him!"
"You cannot wield it." Aragorn told him. "None of us can. The One Ring
answers to Sauron alone. It has no other master."
"What would a Ranger know of this matter?" Boromir sneered at him.
Legolas stood. "This is no mere Ranger. He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You
owe him your allegiance."
"Aragorn? This is Isildur's heir?" Boromir asked.
"And heir to the throne of Gondor." Legolas told him.
"Havo dad, Legolas." Aragorn spoke to him in Elvish. Sit down Legolas.
"Gondor has no king. Gondor needs no king." Boromir announced.
"Aragorn is right. We cannot use it." Gandalf affirmed.
"You have only one choice. The Ring must be destroyed." Elrond told them.
"What are we waiting for?" Gimli, son of Gloin asked, standing to smash his
ax down onto the One Ring.
The ax head shattered leaving fragments on the table. Gimli was knocked off
his feet.
"The Ring cannot be destroyed, Gimli, son of Gloin, by any craft that 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." Elrond explained to all. "One of you must
do this."
"One does not simply walk into Mordor." Boromir told them. "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 wasteland,
riddled with fire and ash and dust. The very air that you breathe is a
poisonous fume. Not with ten thousand men could you do this. It is folly."
"Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said? The Ring must be destroyed!"
Legolas demanded.
"And I suppose you think you're the one to do it?!" Gimli asked.
"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
shouted. "Never trust an Elf!"
As he spoke the rest of the company erupted into anarchy, people shouting
and arguing between themselves.
Arwen watched, her heart pained to see such a blatant show of disrespect
and distrust between the ones who should have been united under the common
goal of saving their Middle Earth.
She watched as Frodo sat silently in his chair, as though he was deep in
thought. Then he too leapt to his feet.
"I will take it. I will take the ring to Mordor." Frodo began, "Though, I
do not know the way."
Beside him the Istari Gandalf the Grey sighed heavily, as though a great
burden had been added to his shoulders. "I will help you bear this burden,
Frodo Baggins. For as long as it is yours to bear."
Aragorn strode over to stand beside the two. "If by my life or death I can
protect you, then so be it. You have my sword."
"And my bow." Legolas announced, as though expecting the dwarves to object.
"And my ax." Gimli pledged.
Boromir took in the sight of the small hobbit, still weaken from his injury
caused by the Morgul blade. "You bear the fate of us all, little one. If
this is indeed the will of the council, then Gondor will see it done." He
pledged, joining the others.
"Mr. Frodo isn't going anywhere without me." Sam interrupted from his
hiding place. Elrond gave him a light scolding, Arwen could see that he was
pleased to see that the young hobbit would follow his master.
After Sam, Merry and Pippin also joined the others, refusing to be left
behind.
Elrond gazed serenely upon the nine companions. "I give you the Fellowship
of the Ring."
Looking slightly startled he found himself staring across the courtyard at
his daughter, her expression troubled.
"The Fellowship will fall." Her voice was grave.
Everyone spun around to face her. Aragorn approached her, holding his hand
out to her. She made no move to take it.
"Each of you brings unique qualities to this alliance. Each of you has his
own reasons for volunteering. But that is not enough."
Elrond crossed the courtyard to stand beside her. "Are you well, Arwen?" he
asked her in Elvish.
"The only ill around is the ill fortune that surrounds nine." Almost
mesmerized, she walked to the column on which the One Ring was laid. "The
Ring cannot stay in Rivendell. Already the Eye looks towards us here."
"Lady, can you see a way in which the company would succeed." Gandalf
began, "Is there not something we can do, some knowledge we can obtain in
order to succeed in the quest?"
"Everything is hazy now. Like ripples in a pond. The future is ever
changing." Arwen's voice was distant, dream-like.
'Then what are we to do," Boromir asked. "If this journey is forsaken
before it is begun?"
"Your journey was forsaken long before you were born, Boromir of Gondor."
Elrond told him.
"It is no more or less forsaken now. It is what will be, and no more."
Arwen looked up at him, unafraid of his aggressive stance and demeanor.
Arwen stood silent for a long minute. She reached up to touch the jewel on
her necklace. "I will join the journey of the Fellowship."
The crowd erupted into chatter.
"Silence." Elrond called, "I bid you all be silent. You can all be heard,
one at a time."
Boromir, the man of Gondor stood, still smarting from Arwen's earlier
comments. "If we take her with us she will slow us down. The hobbits are
one thing, they can defend themselves if need be, but no one will be able
to spare the time to protect her."
Once he had spoken, the dwarf Gimli, son of Gloin stood. "I shall travel
with no woman. The Elves would do well to teach their women to mind, and
keep them where they belong."
Several of the Elder Elves present showed extreme offense to Gimli's
comments.
"Who are we to judge where the Lady Arwen belongs?" Legolas asked,
springing lightly to his feet. "I would, as I have in the past, find it a
pleasure to travel with her."
"I agree with Legolas, the Lady is a good traveling companion. But why
would you risk so much for an errand with no hope?" Aragorn directed his
question to Arwen.
She stared into his eyes for a second. "I do not risk much, Aragorn, son of
Arathorn. You would do well to remember that there is always hope, even
when you cannot see it."
To the surprise of the others, Frodo stood. "Lady if you feel that your
future lies with the Fellowship, I welcome you. Unlike Legolas and Aragorn,
I do not know you very well at all. But you saved my life, and you saved
the Ring from the Wraiths. I, as the others standing before you, owe you a
great debt. If you wish to join us, I will stand beside you."
The rest of the representatives sat silently, awed by Frodo's courteous
speech.
"It is decided then." Gandalf announced. "The Fellowship shall be the Ring-
bearer, and his nine companions, an even ten."
"The Fellowship shall leave at dawn. You have the rest of the day to
prepare for your journey." Elrond announced.
Part 10.
In their private chambers Elrond sat beside his daughter's bed as Arwen and
her hand maidens began to pack the items she would need on the journey.
"Arwen, this is not your destiny. You do not need to go."
"Father I must. My fate has become intertwined with the fate of my heart,
and the fate of the Ring-bearer."
"I implore you to be careful, Arwen. If you must go, promise me that you
will come home to me safe and sound." Elrond warned his daughter.
"Fate will bring me back to you, Father. The winds of change, be they good
or ill, will bring me home to you." she told him. "Of this I am certain."
"As long as you do return, my daughter." Elrond embraced her tightly. "I
should let you pack your things."
It was early the next morning when Arwen reached the assembly point,
leading her horse Nallahir, with her.
"You're late." Gimli growled at her.
"You are early, Master Dwarf." Arwen replied. "There is a distinction
between being late and on time."
"Are you set, Hiril-nin?" One of Arwen's hand maidens asked her mistress.
My Lady.
"Thank you." Arwen replied to the maiden. "Take care of yourself, and the
others while I am away."
"Why do we need two beasts to carry luggage?" Boromir demanded. "Unless the
Lady must bring along her wardrobe, of course?"
Arwen ignored him, as one of her hand maidens approached, a large silver
falcon perched on her gloved hand. "Elessar." she called softly. The falcon
flew from it's perch to Arwen's outstretched hand.
Carefully she set him upon the perch at the front of Nallahir's saddle. The
three of them were regular traveling companions.
"Sam, come and load some of those things onto Nallahir." she called to the
young hobbit, struggling to lift his unbalanced pack.
"Thank you, Lady." he said shyly, "I was afraid the company would have to
leave without me. And I couldn't bear to be without Mr. Frodo. I made a
promise to Gandalf that I wouldn't, and I don't mean to break it."
"Your loyalty to your master is important, Sam. Don't forget that." she
told him quietly, as she tied several rugs to the back of Nallahir's
saddle, and placed several heavier camping tools into the saddle bags.
Legolas and Aragorn were not surprised at her appearance when they too
arrived.
Earlier that morning Arwen had pulled her hair into braids, fixing them to
encircle her head. She wore clothing of green and mossy gray, over which
she wore a lightweight gray cloak, clasped at her throat with a leaf shaped
broach. Her lightweight traveling boots were well broken in, perfectly
suited to walking, or running long distances.
As she watched the remaining members of the Fellowship, Elrond approached
her, carrying both her sword and longbow, along with a quiver of arrows.
With care she buckled the sword-belt around her hips, so that it sat just
below the other belt she wore, before slipping the strap for her quiver
comfortably over her head. After handing his daughter the bow, Elrond
adjusted the strap on her quiver, so that it lay close to her back, without
restricting her movement.
Once he had completed the task, Elrond laid his hand on Arwen's cheek.
"Remember to come home, my daughter."
"Is the Company ready to depart?" Gandalf cried.
Giving her father one last hug, Arwen turned to join her companions.
"Namarie ada." She called out as they began to leave. Farewell father.
From the highest window in the Great Hall of Rivendell Elrond watched them
until, even with his keen Elvish eyes, he could see them no more.