Chapter Five
Okay...hopefully I'm not TOO late on updating....I actually wrote most of this a last night. My youth pastor brought in all these boxes of Icy-pops, which is just ice, flavoring, and PURE SUGAR. I had, like, 4 of them, then I got home and had 2 Mountain Dews....so...you can say that I have been on a HUGE sugar rush....Sigh However, it is dwindling down....So, here is the newest chapter! Enjoy!
Next, a little shout out to my reviewers!!
Anigen - I'm glad that you like it! I don't know for sure yet if John is going to be making a cameo....I guess we'll have to wait and see how my wacky lil' mind works...lol. Enjoy this chapter!
EvilWhiteRaven - Thanks for the support. I know, poor Bobby. I've always liked the idea of lovesick ex-boyfriends, so it really helped that Bobby and Rogue were dating. I like to think that the voices in her head are so mean because she absorbs the bad part of their life force when she touches them...either that or they are just really peeved at her for stealing some of their life. But, that's why Logan's voice is mean to her as well. I kind of needed them to be to fit into the storyline. Yeah, Scott did kind of have a stick shoved too far up his butt, huh? lol. I didn't want him to be a huge stick in the mud, so I'm making him kind of a nice guy....kind of. So, I have now updated....where's my cookie? lol. Just kidding...I can settle for Orlando Bloom.
TheSouthernBelle - Thanks!! Yeah, I knew that you love my story and it still tickles me when you say that!! Thanks for the review! Here's the next chapter! Enjoy!
SilentStream - Thanks! Yeah, I haven't really liked many of the X-Men/Lord of the Rings crossovers that I have found, either...but I'm glad that you like it!! I'll make sure to read The Fellowship of the Ring. I'll be going to Barnes and Noble here in a few weeks, so I'll check for it there. Here's the update! Enjoy!!
Hotaru170 - First off, thanks a LOAD for offering to be my Beta!! You are the best!! And...well...you've already seen this chapter...but enjoy all the same!! lol
enchantedlight - Thanks...here's the update! Enjoy!
The-Princess-06 - I'm glad that you hearted the last chapter!! Legolas is a hottie, ain't he? How could I forget your Aragorn? You think I could finish writing without an appearance of Aragorn??? No way!! I know, Legolas could SOO kick Bobby's butt!! I'm still working on his reaction...but you better believe that it won't be a happy one!! I'm thinking him pulling Leggy aside and trying to throw a punch at him...hehe...that would funny...do a little scene from "The Mask of Zorro" thing....not sure yet. But count on Bobby being a LEETLE upset. I'm glad that I got the personalities of the hobbits down. I was worried that I wouldn't.....so thanks for letting me know that I did!! Enjoy this chapter!!
X2P3 - Thanks for the review! I promise that I wont' stop writing until this is finished!! Enjoy this next chapter!!
GambitGirl2008 - I'm glad you like it. Here's the update!! Enjoy!
Nikki Greenleaf - Dude, I love your reviews!! They always make me smile!! Could it be a Bobby/Rogue/Legolas love triangle? Hmmm...maybe...You have many, MANY questions, my dear reviewer...and I will try my hardest to answer them in the next chapters!! And know what?? You could star in a horror movie! lol. But I love your reviews, so please, keep them coming! Here is the next chapter! Read and be fed!
Rock and Sarcasm - I'm glad you like it. I will try to get more into the Legolas/Rogue thing, so count on it! Here's the next chapter! Enjoy!!
Thanks again to all my dear reviewers!! You guys make me get off my butt and update this story!! I love you all!
Dedication: To all of you, of course...and to Hotaru170, for being my Beta.
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Chapter Five
"Rise and shine, milady!"
Rogue groaned at the cheeriness in Allirwen's voice. She rolled over onto her back, cracking her eyes open slightly and looking at her. "Please don't tell me all you Elves are this chipper when you wake someone up," she mumbled sleepily. She heard the elleth laugh, and then groaned when the drapes were pulled open, the sunlight spilling into the room. She flung her arm over her eyes, pulling the blankets up with her other arm.
"Oh, no, not all of us," Allirwen said, tying back the drapes. "Most of us enjoy the day, but there are quite a few who prefer the night." She turned and walked over to the bed. She stared down at the brown haired girl wrapped in the blankets and put her hands on her hips. "Well, come, come, child," she said, reaching down and no-so-gently smacking the mutant's leg. "You can't very well stay in bed all day. It's almost midday as it is. You have to rise for the council meeting."
Rogue shot up at her words, brown eyes wide. "Midday?," she yelled. "Are you serious?" Allirwen nodded. "Why did you let me sleep for so long?," she asked, pulling back the blankets and swinging her legs over the side of the bed. She shivered when her bare feet hit the floor.
Allirwen smiled and walked over to the door that led to the washroom. She went to the small dresser against the wall, opening a drawer and pulling out a washcloth and a towel. "Prince Legolas requested that you not be awakened early today," she said, shutting the drawer.
Rogue looked up at her. "Really?"
Allirwen nodded. "Aye, he did," she said, walking into the washroom with the towels. "He said that you may have drank a bit too much wine at dinner. He didn't want you to have to awaken with a horrific headache." She smiled and sighed dreamily as she began to fill the tub. "Quite the charming gentleman, he is."
Rogue sat on her bed with a soft smile on her face as she listened to Allirwen filling the tub. He did that?, she thought. Wow....I wonder why he did he actually like me the way I like him?
Dream on, Rogue, John's voice said. You're a mutant. Give up all these flights of fancy.
"Shut up, John," she said softly.
"What was that, milady?," Allirwen asked, emerging from the washroom, drying her hands on a towel.
Rogue looked up at her and smiled. "Nothin', Allirwen," she said. "Just talkin' to myself."
In a way, John said.
Rogue ignored him, standing up and smiling. "So....that bath ready?"
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"Here you are, milady," Allirwen said when Rogue emerged from the washroom, wrapped in a towel. She handed her a bundle of clothes. "Master Gandalf said that you would be needing these."
Rogue frowned and took the clothes. Sitting down on the bed, she looked at them, and smiled. They were the clothes that Gandalf had promised her. Picking them up one by one, Rogue saw that there was a pair black pants, a long sleeved black shirt, a pair of black riding boots, and a pair of gray elbow length gloves. There was also a long, gray cloak. She nodded and looked up at Allirwen. "Yeah, I'll be needin' them. Thanks, Allirwen."
The elleth laughed. "It's no trouble, milady. Now, I'll allow you to dress, then I'll show you to where the council shall be held." She smiled and walked into the washroom. Rogue smiled after her and looked down at the clothes once more before dropping her towel and dressing.
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Allirwen had led Rogue outside. They had passed through three gardens and arrived at a small outdoor meeting room. Several chairs were arranged into a circle, and a small podieum sat in the center. Allirwen had smiled at Rogue, then left her to make her way to a chair. She was relieved to see a few familiar faces-- Gandalf and the hobbit, Frodo, sat side by side, and the old wizard smiled up at her when she walked towards the circle. "I'm pleased to see the clothes fit you well, dear Rogue," he said.
She smiled. "Yeah, they do....thanks for them....I think I'll be able to be safe around people now." She said good-bye to the wizard, but no before looking down at the young hobbit. He looked uncomfortable, as if he would rather be having a root canal than sitting in that chair....If the people here knew what a root canal was, she thought as she made her way over to a chair across from the old wizard. She sat down, then smiled a minute later when Aragorn took the seat next to her. She smiled at him, and he returned it.
"Good afternoon, Rogue," he said. "Did you sleep well?"
She nodded. "I did....did you?"
He nodded and looked away from her when others began to arrive. Rogue nodded her head when Lord Elrond arrived, taking a seat in the largest seat. And why not?, she thought. He is the ruler around here. She leaned back in her seat and sighed, once again wondering what could be so important, and why she had been asked to attend this "secret" council meeting. Not to mention how the hell I got here in the first place. She looked over when several short, hairy men arrived, each of them carrying a wicked looking ax. Their faces were hidden behind long, bushy beards, their frame stout.
She watched as other men arrived, all bearing beards and long hair. They sat, none really conversing with the others. She didn't fail to notice the looks they shot her. What were they--looks of surprise? Hesitation? She couldn't tell....except for the look one man gave her. A red-headed man stared at her, the look on his face being one she had seen several times in New York--the look of disgust and fear. This man knew she was a mutant.....and he didn't like it. The others merely looked surprised and hesitant to allow a woman to attend the council...but this man....he hated the fact that a mutant was there....She shifted in her seat, uncomfortable under the man's gaze. Which is odd, considering how many looks like that I've gotten.
She smiled when she spotted Legolas walk up to a chair and take a seat, followed by several other blonde haired elves. He cast a quick look in her direction and smiled. Rogue relaxed, her feelings of unease pushed away. She sat up straighter when Lord Elrond stood and cleared his throat.
"Strangers from distant lands, friends of old. You have been summoned here to answer the threat of Mordor. Middle-earth stands upon the brink of destruction...None can escape it. You will unite or you will fall. Each race is bound to its fate, this one doom." He looked towards Frodo and held out his hand, motioning towards the podieum. "Bring forth the ring, Frodo." Rogue watched as the hobbit rose, looking around him self-conciously. She watched as he reached up to the podieum and depositited a small, golden ring on it. She stared at it while the others around her gasped and whispered. She was sure she even heard someone whisper, "The doom of man." She watched as Frodo returned to his seat, and she stared at the ring. That little thing is the doom of man?
"So it is true."
Rogue looked over at the man who had spoke. It was the man who had stared at her earlier. He was staring at the ring, his fingers on his lips. She watched as he rose from his seat. "A dream...I saw the Eastern sky grow dark, but in the West, a pale light lingered...A voice was crying, 'The doom is near at hand! Isildur's bane is found!' Isildur's bane...Is found." He reached out, his hand reaching towards the ring. Suddenly Gandalf jumped to his feet and raised his hand. The sky grew dark and the earth shook as he began to chant in a different language. Rogue looked around her, seeing the Elves cringe and close their eyes. As Gandalf quieted, all returned to normal and he looked towards Elrond.
"Never before has any voice uttered the words of that tongue here in Imladris," Elrond said angrily.
Rogue watched as Gandalf looked at him and slowly returned to his seat. "I do not ask your pardon, Master Elrond, for the Black Speech of Mordor may yet be heard in every corner of the West! The ring is all together evil!," the wizard said.
The red-headed man looked at everyone. "It is a gift," he countered. "A gift to the foes of Mordor! Why not use this ring?" Rogue watched as Aragorn and Frodo looked over at him in disbelief, and she did the same. She didn't know what was up with this ring, but she had a feeling that the little accessory wasn't good. "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 weild it!," Aragorn shouted. "None of us can." Rogue looked over at him, seeing a look of aggravation and anger on his face. "The One Ring answers to Sauron alone. It has no other master."
The man glared over at him. "And what would a Ranger know of this matter?," he demanded.
At that moment, Legolas jumped to his feet, anger burning in his blue eyes. "This is no mere Ranger," he said. "He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance."
The man looked over at Aragorn, disbelief etched on his face. "Ar-Aragorn? This....is Isildur's heir?"
"And heir to the throne of Gondor," Legolas stated.
Rogue's eyes widened and she looked over at the man sitting next to her. Heir to the throne?, she thought. Well, he left THAT out last night at dinner. And yet, as she looked at him, she wondered if he had done it on purpose. The man sat in his seat, obviously uncomfortable. She watched as he held out a hand towards Legolas.
"Havodad, Legolas," he said, and the elf took his seat.
She glared at the man when he sneered at Aragorn. "Gondor has no king," he spat bitterly. "Gondor NEEDS no king." He returned to his seat, still glaring at Aragorn.
"Aragorn is right," Gandalf said. "We cannot use it."
Elrond looked at everyone. "You have only one choice...The ring must be destroyed."
Rogue looked over when one of the short men sprang to his feet and grabbed his ax. "Then what are we waiting for?" He raised his ax and ran towards the podieum, bringing his ax down on the ring. The earth shook and the dward was thrown back. Everyone looked at the podieum. His ax had shattered into pieces....but the ring remained untouched. Rogue stared at it. What the....?
Elrond looked at him. "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 firey chasm from whence it came." He stared hard at each one of them. "One of you must do this."
Rogue looked at him. So that's what this council is about....destroying this "One Ring" in the....Fires of Mount Doom? Oh boy...that doesn't sound good, she thought. that be why I'm here? To help destroy this ring?
The red-headed man sighed. "One does not simply walk into Mordor," he said. "It's Black Gates are guarded by more than just Orcs." He raised his head and looked at all of them. "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. And the very air you breathe is a poisonous fume...Not with ten thousand men could you do this. It is folly." The more he said, the more Rogue didn't like the idea of traveling to this Mordor place.
She watched as Legolas once again jumped to his feet. "Have you heard NOTHING Lord Elrond has said?," he demanded. "The ring MUST be destroyed!"
The same short man who had tried to break the ring glared at him. "And I suppose you think you're the one to do it?" Legolas looked down at him in irritation, and Rogue's eyes widened. Things were going to get ugly.....
She watched as the red-headed man jumped to his feet in anger. "And if we fail, what then?," he demanded angrily. "What happens when Sauron takes back what is his?"
The short man jumped to his feet and glared at Legolas. "I will be dead before I see the ring in the hands of an Elf!," he yelled. Rogue flinched when the rest of the Elves jumped to their feet, shouting at the short men. "Never trust an Elf!"
One of the Elves moved towards him, but Legolas stuck out his arm, holding him back. The Men were the next to rise, each of them yelling at someone else. Gandalf shook his head and stood, joining them, yelling at how Sauron's power grows with every minute. Rogue looked around, seeing that only she, Frodo, and Aragorn remained seated. Everyone else were in utter chaos. She stared at the fueding people, shaking her head. THESE were the ones who were supposed to destroy this ring? She looked over at Frodo, sensing his eyes on her. The hobbit stared at her painfully and she felt her heart break. Leaning towards Aragorn, she lowered her voice, yet made it loud enough for him to hear. "I take it this ring is evil?," she asked.
He nodded. "Very evil....it corrupts all...No one is immune to the evil of the One Ring." She nodded and looked back at Frodo. He was staring at the ring, his head in his hand. Suddenly, his face changed, and he jumped to his feet, walking over to the argueing men.
"I will take it!," he yelled. "I will take it!" All fighting ceased as everyone looked at him. Frodo stared at them all. "I will take the ring to Mordor."
Rogue stared at him, her mouth slightly open. This small creature was going to travel to Mordor...alone...and destroy this ring? I can't let him go alone, she thought.
She watched as his face fell slightly. "Though....I do not know the way," he said softly.
She watched as Gandalf smiled softly and moved behind him. "I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins, as long as it is yours to bear." No one else moved for a long moment, then Rogue took a deep breath and rose from her seat. She walked over to him and knelt down in front of him.
"I'm probably not as tough as half the guys here, Frodo....but your courage really encourages me. What kind of person would I be if I let you go alone?" She smiled and looked into his eyes. "You have a big heart for such a small creature, Frodo...and I promise to protect it--and you--if I can." The hobbit smiled up at her, and as she rose to her feet, she saw that Gandalf also wore a smile on his face. He nodded at her as she stood next to Frodo.
Aragorn rose as well. "If by my life or death I can protect you, I will." He walked towards them and leaned down. "You have my sword." He rose and stood next to Rogue.
Legolas smiled and came forward. "And you have my bow."
The short man--whom Elrond had called Gimli--quickly followed. "And my ax."
Legolas looked down at him in irritation. Now I have to put up with a dwarf. Perfect, he thought.
They all stood as the red-headed man slowly walked forward. "You carry the fate of us all, little one. If this is indeed the will of the council...then Gondor will see it done."
Bushes rustled and the hobbit, Samwise Gamgee, came running out. "Hey!" He came to stand beside Frodo and looked up into Elrond's surprised face. "Mr. Frodo's not going anywhere without me."
Elrond spared a small smile. "No, indeed, it is hardly possible to separate you even when he is summoned to a secret council and YOU are not." He spun around, shocked, when he heard another shout.
"OI! We're coming too!" The other two hobbits, Merri and Pippin, rushed down the steps and joined them. "You'll have to send us home tied up in a sack to stop us," Merri said.
Pippin nodded. "Besides, you need people of intelligience on this sort of mission. Quest. Thing."
Rogue held back a giggle when Gandalf rolled his eyes while Merri looked at his friend."Well, that rules you out, Pip," he said. Pippin frowned at him, confused.
Elrond looked them over. "Ten companions...So be it. You shall be known as the Fellowship of the Ring."
Pippin smiled. "Great! Where are we going?" At that, they all heard Rogue giggle.
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Rogue walked away from the Council meeting, several feelings and thoughts going on inside her. Was she making the right decision? What if the Professor and the others came to Rivendell looking for her and she was gone? Did they even know she was in Rivendell? Probably not, considering that I disappeared without a word in the middle of the night, she thought.
Do you think they have even noticed?, Magneto asked in her head. After all....your dear Dr. Grey just died. Aren't they more concerned with their grief than worrying about you?
She shook her head, trying to block the sneering voice out of her head. Would you shut up?, she told him silently. They care about me...Of course they've noticed.
Oh really? Then where is Charles, racing in to save his beloved child? I would assume he and the other X-Men would be here by now, to whisk you back to the school.
She brought her hand to the side of her head. You don't know what you're talking about, Magneto.
She jumped when she felt a hand on her arm, and she spun around. Her brown eyes met Legolas' blue ones, and she felt a smile come to her face. "Hi, Legolas," she said in her heavy Southern drawl.
He looked down at her, taking her arm and pulling her off to the side when he spotted others coming towards them. "Are you aware of what you have gotten yourself into my joining this Fellowship?," he asked, his voice low.
Rogue frowned, looking up at him. "No, not really....but I know that I could be some use."
Legolas sighed and looked down at her. "Rogue....this ring is dangerous. It must be destroyed."
She nodded. "Yeah...that's what I'm going for. To help destroy it."
"Rogue, there are dangerous creatures out there that are after it. They will be chasing after us once they realize that we are taking it." He stared down at her, amazed at the fear he felt at the thought of the young woman getting hurt on this quest. "Do you know how to weild a sword?"
She hesitated then shook her head. "No...but I can learn," she said. He opened his mouth to reply, and she cut him off. "I do know how to fight....but what I don't know is why you are so against me joinin' the Fellowship. I think I can help, Legolas, I really do. And apparently so do Gandalf and Lord Elrond. It was their entire idea that I even attend this council. Why are you so against it?"
He stared down at her, unwilling to admit that he cared for her....that he feared for her safety. "I worry about the ringbearers protection," he said. He looked down into her brown eyes, seeing them search inside him, and he smiled softly. "And I worry that you may be hurt."
Rogue smiled at him. "Well, don't...I can take of myself." She grinned up at him. "And you better be careful," she said playfully. "I might just start thinking that you actually care about me." Which, hopefully you do, she added silently. She smiled up at him again before moving away. "See ya tomorrow morning," she said, referring to the time the Fellowship would depart for Mordor. She walked off, glancing over her shoulder once more and smiling at him.
Legolas stood there a moment, playing over their short conversation in his head. He was worried for her...He had just met her, and he was WORRIED. Valar, what is she doing to me?, he wondered as he rubbed the back of his neck and walked away, heading towards his room, thoughts of Rogue and the upcoming journey on his mind.
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The next morning, Rogue said good-bye to Allirwen, the first Elven friend she had made, and made her way to the front gates. She spotted Gandalf ahead of her, and ran up to him, touching his shoulder gently. The old wizard turned, and his face lit up when he saw her next to him. "Oh, good morning, dear Rogue," he said, smiling at her. "Are you well rested for our journy ahead?"
She smiled. "I hope so," she said. She looked at him from out of the corner of her eye. "Gandalf, you knew that I would join the Fellowship, didn't you?," she asked. "That's why you told me to come to the Council."
Gandalf glanced at her, and he sighed. "Yes, I did...Your arrival in Middle-Earth was no mistake, Rogue...of that I am sure. But I am not sure of its entire purpose...just that you are needed for this quest to be successful."
She nodded. "But...you still don't know how I got here? Or how I get back?"
He sighed and shook his head. "No, I don't...and for that I am sorry. I can't imagine how confused you must be. And I wish that I knew the answers...but I don't." He stopped walking and turned to her. "But I can promise that I will do whatever I can to find out how to send you back...and how you got here."
Rogue looked at him and smiled. "Thank you, Gandalf," she said. "That means a lot to me."
The old wizard smiled and shook his head. "Oh, it's nothing," he said. "Now come...we have a long road ahead of us. We best join the others."
Rogue smiled and nodded, shifting the small pack on her back as she continued with the wizard towards the gates.
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The Fellowship stood at the gates of Rivendell.
"The ring bearer is setting out on the quest of Mount Doom. And you who goes with him, no bond nor oath is laid to go further than you will. Farwell. Hold to our purpose. May the blessing of Elves and Men and all the free folk go with you," Lord Elrond announced, standing before the ten companions.
Frodo stood before them all, his gaze searching the crowd that had gathered to see them off. His gaze fixed on Arwen, the daughter of Lord Elrond. She had saved his life, riding with him to Rivendell after he had been stabbed by a Ringwraith. Her sad gaze met his, and she nodded her head in farewell.
"The Fellowship awaits the ring bearer," Gandalf said from behind him. Frodo turned and looked at them. These nine beings had sworn their lives to protect him...He looked at each of them, grateful for the protection. The last face he saw was the face of Rogue. She was the one that had most surprised him with her vow of protection. The young mutant had just arrived in Middle-Earth. She had no idea of what evils may lay outside the gates of Rivendell, yet she still swore to follow him. Her brown eyes met his blue ones, and she smiled at him. He returned it, grateful for her company on this quest. He walked forward, and they parted for him. He walked through the gate, his eyes slightly panicked.
He gulped, and quietly, whispered to Gandalf, "Mordor, Gandalf...is it right or left?"
Gandalf smiled. "Left," he whispered back. Frodo nodded and turned left, and the others followed.
Rogue was smiling and shaking her head as she walked beside the hobbits. Poor Frodo, she thought. But who am I kidding? I wouldn't know which way to turn either. She smiled and walked on, following behind the other members of the Fellowship. She looked up when Legolas slowed his pace and fell into step next to her. "Come to try to talk me out of it again?," she asked playfully, smiling up at him.
He returned her smile, cursing his heart for skipping a beat at her smile. What is this woman doing to me? "Nay, I've merely come to make conversation," he said. "It is a long road. Aside from Aragorn and the hobbits, you seem the most decent to spend time with."
She grinned. "What? Not goin' to try to talk to the dwarf?" At the look he sent her, she laughed. Gandalf had explained to her that Elves and Dwarves did not mix company, and how no one really knew why they never got along. Rogue, herself, actually found it quite humorous. The fact that they never mixed company, and now, suddenly, they have to travel together. She had also discovered that the red-headed man was Boromir of Gondor, the Steward's eldest son. When she had asked the wizard if Boromir cared for mutants, he didn't answer directly, merely claimed that everyone was different. Which I would take as a no.
She looked up at the handesome elf, and he smiled at her. And when her heart nearly stopped at the flash of pearly whites, Rogue knew that this was going to be SOME journey.
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Ahhh! It is finished!! So, tell me what you think, and I will try to have the next chapter up soon!! Coming up: The X-Men travel to Middle-Earth, and the Fellowship head for the Mines of Moria....ooooooohhhh...Review please!!
