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Chapter nine:
Conversations and Convictions
"You wished to speak with me, Lord Elrond?" Legolas asked as he poked his head into the elven lord's study.
"Indeed I did, Legolas. Please take a seat," Elrond said, motioning to one of two overstuffed chairs in front of his massive desk. "Legolas, as you know, the council has decided that the ring must be destroyed and Frodo Baggins has volunteered to complete this task."
Legolas nodded, these facts had been brought to his attention at the council. Certainly this was not what Elrond had called him here to discuss?
"You are also aware of the fact that I am appointing companions for him to make the journey with, Aragorn among them..."
"My Lord, what is it you wish to speak with me about?" Legolas interrupted, growing impatient with the elder elf's stalling.
"Legolas, I have chosen you to represent our people in this quest," Elrond said with a sigh and a look on his face that appeared to be one of guilt. "I know it's a difficult decision, but..."
"I'll do it," Legolas once more interrupted him. The prince now understood the reasons behind Elrond's hesitancy. He knew Elrond thought of him as another one of his children as he had long been a friend of the family, having been life long friends with his three eldest and the best of friends with his youngest. For Elrond to send two of his children on a quest that was more of a suicide mission than anything else was tearing him up.
"Legolas, I do not want you to make this decision in haste. If you go on this journey it is very likely that you will be killed, and that would be a terrible loss to the elven people. You know how much you mean to us," Elrond said, knowing that it wouldn't matter. He had known this elf since he was a mere elfling, and he knew that, when the prince decided to something, he could not be swayed. He also knew that this particular elf was one without fear and would die for any cause he thought worthy. It was these features that had made Elrond choose him in the first place as they were very important to this mission. Unfortunately, they also caused Elrond great fear as these qualities were also what was most likely to get Legolas killed.
Legolas smiled at the lord's words, "Fear not, Lord Elrond. I will have Estel to protect me," he said with slight jest, even though he was serious.
"That is one of my greatest fears. With both of you on this quest bringing your collective luck, or lack there of with you, it will be a miracle if you even make it to the Misty Mountains without having to come back, dragging one of you to be healed." Legolas gave Elrond a look of mock offense at those words.
"Now, when have we ever done that?" he questioned, putting on an air of innocence. Elrond merely laughed at the young one's antics before turning serious once more.
"Legolas, I really do want you to be careful. Now is not the time for recklessness. You are now protecting both the heir to the throne of Gondor and the Ring. This will be the most difficult task you have ever had. I wish to congratulate you on a job well done at the end of it," he said, grabbing the prince's shoulders and looking straight into the other's eyes.
"I will, Sir. And be sure that I will fulfill both tasks," Legolas said in the same solemn tone that Elrond had just spoken to him in. Elrond couldn't help but believe him.
"Then it is settled. Legolas Greenleaf, you are now officially a member of The Fellowship of the Ring. May the Valar watch over you," Elrond said with a glint of pride in his eyes.
"Thank you, Elrond," Legolas said, dropping formality for a moment, before embracing the elf that had become as a second father to him and catching Lord Elrond by surprise.
Once released, Elrond quickly brushed off his clothes before saying, "Now come, for there is still much that needs to be done, and you still haven't completely healed." As he said this, Elrond began leading Legolas in the direction of the guest rooms where he would tend to Legolas's still healing hand.
A/N Okay, my endings still suck and my chapters are still short, but I ashore you that it is a problem I am working on remedying. The next installment will come out as soon as I am able to put it out, but in the meantime...READ AND REVIEW.
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P.S. Only THREE MORE DAYS!
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Right then.
Peace,
Hobbit Killer