Sorry that this took SOOOOO long, but band was getting really time
consuming because we made it to STATE FINALS!!! I just got back from
Indianapolis three hours ago and thought I would put the finishing touches
to this chapter and post it for you!!! Yay!
To the reviewers: Angel of Darkness30, feanen, Daisy Princess, DRUIDGIRL, Mercurial1, Cindy, Gilluin, GWFreak315, Haze Zeikechitan, and erniliel ( I feel like an idiot because I spelled Saruman wrong. LoL. I'm glad that you caught that.) Thank you soooo much for reviewing. I really appreciate it. You guys are just as awesome as my saxophone section!! Yay!!
LoL, well, here it is. I hope you like it. Oh, and I posted a little prologue for this story. You can go check it out if you want. ;) Later days.
Reminder:
Reminder: § Here are some words § = words spoken in elvish and I couldn't find the elvish words so you just have to imagine that you are reading elvish words. :D
____________________________________________________________________________ __________
~*Chapter 7: Doom Speeches and doubt among sisters*~
"So.." Katlin started.
Kenzie sighed, folding her legs underneath her, "Yes, I was attacked by a demon."
Kennedy opened her mouth, but Kenzie beat her to it.
"And yes, Legolas saved me. And yes, it was the Changer and it's after the Ring and if Brian hasn't already told you, we have to decide tomorrow at the Council whether we want to stay and help them or leave it to themselves."
Katlin sighed, "So, this is the big decision?"
Kenzie nodded.
"Well, Gandalf asked for our help and Katlin did receive a premonition about it and all." Kennedy offered.
Katlin nodded, "True, but it doesn't make sense."
"What doesn't? There is a demon here from our world, it seems only natural that they would need someone from our world, us, to help them." Kennedy explained.
Katlin frowned, "I get that, Kennedy. I just don't understand my premonition. It centered around Aragorn, not the Ring or Frodo."
Kenzie bit her lower lip, "She has a point."
Kennedy tapped her lower lip with her finger, thinking.
"Maybe Frodo is our Innocent, but we have to protect the whole Fellowship." Kenzie stated.
Kennedy and Katlin looked her with confusion.
Kenzie sighed as she sat up on the bed, "The Fellowship was made to protect Frodo on his quest to destroy the Ring, right? So, the Changer will probably kill them if they get in the way of him trying to get the Ring."
"And Aragorn will protect Frodo till the end." Katlin stated.
"Exactly. I don't think that it would be a bad idea if we seriously thought about doing this." Kenzie said, looking back and forth from Katlin to Kennedy.
Katlin crossed her arms and sat back in the chair she was in. The three sisters sat like that for sometimes, each one contemplating different thoughts.
"We need to think on it. Let's wait and see how things will play out tomorrow at the council before we decide." Katlin stated.
Kenzie sighed and crossed her arms, "We already know what is going to happen." She replied softly, slightly disappointed.
Katlin looked at her younger sister seriously, "I know, Kenzie. But it would be good just to wait and sleep on this. It's a big decision to make. The Fellowship is not the only ones in danger because of this demon. If one of us stays here, that puts our world in danger."
Kenzie nodded her head reluctantly, "All right."
Katlin sighed and stood, "Well, I'm exhausted. I'm going to sleep."
Kenzie wrinkled an eyebrow, "Where?"
"In that bed." Katlin yawned.
Kenzie laughed slightly, "I don't think so. Arwen gave me this room to stay in and in this room I shall stay."
"Well, then can just go find her elven butt and ask her to put us in some rooms." Kennedy replied, smirking at the youngest O'Neil sister.
Kenzie glared and then slid off of the bed, moving noiselessly toward the door. She left the room quietly closing the door behind her. She gazed to her left and right, trying to decided which way she wanted to go. For some reason, she didn't think that Arwen would be in her room. Kenzie turned to the right, hoping that it would led her to where Arwen was.
Several long hallways and a couple of corners later, Kenzie found the exit to the gardens. She smiled when Arwen walked in from the gardens. Her pure white dress flowed behind her and glowed brightly in the moonlight. Her crimped, black hair whipped behind her as she walked and she smiled at the young witch.
"Kenzie, I was just on my way to ask you if you would like to visit the gardens." Arwen stated.
"Well, I'm glad that I found you before you got to my room. My sisters are here and need some rooms. I was wondering if could help them out." Kenzie replied, looking disappointedly behind Arwen.
She would have really liked to walk the gardens with the elven maiden. Arwen picked up on this and smiled brightly, "If you wish, I can tend to your sisters while you walk in the gardens."
Kenzie bit her lower lip, "You wouldn't mind?"
The elf laughed, "No, not at all."
Kenzie hugged her, "Thank you."
"You are very welcome," Arwen replied, pulling away from the young maiden, "Now go."
Kenzie smiled brightly and then walked past the elf, toward the beautiful area outside of the winding halls.
***
Kenzie must have wondered only minutes before hushed voices reached her ears. She suddenly felt disappointed that she wasn't in the gardens alone. But curiosity got the best of her and she felt the need to find out who the voices belonged to.
Two figures stood in a small clearing in the garden, laughing and talking quietly to each other. From where she stood, Kenzie couldn't make out any details that would suggest who they were. She crept closer, being as quiet and concealing herself the best that she could. Peaking out from a tree, Kenzie could finally see the two men. Right away she recognized Legolas, his hair and skin glowed in the moonlight and his fair face was graced with a bright smile. The other man, however, was familiar yet strange. His hair was dark and fell just above his shoulders. He was dressed comfortably, but Kenzie could see the fatigue in his face. The familiarity of the man screamed Viggo Mortensen. Unwillingly, her face broke into a great smile. One of her favorite characters.
"Aragorn." She whispered.
The two men heard the whisper and their heads shot around toward her direction. Figuring that she was caught anyway, Kenzie stepped out from behind the tree. Once he saw her, Legolas' face relaxed.
"§ It's all right, Aragorn.§" he stated.
The tall, well-built Ranger, however, wasn't so sure.
"Kenzie," Legolas held out his hand, beckoning her to come closer.
She did, her face glowing with anticipation at meeting the future King of Gondor.
"This is Aragorn, friend of Gandalf the Grey and a dear friend of mine as well." Legolas stated, gesturing to the Ranger.
Aragorn bowed his head in respect.
"Aragorn, this is Lady Kenzie. She is the witch I was telling you about." Legolas introduced Kenzie.
Kenzie curtsied to the best of her ability and grinned from ear to ear at the Ranger.
"This is an honor." She whispered.
Aragorn chuckled, "If you are honored by meeting me, I do not know why. The honor lies with me, for you are as beautiful as Legolas has bragged."
Kenzie's face blushed crimson. Legolas closed his eyes as the tips of his ears turned pink.
The Ranger continued to laugh, "Ah, well. Now that I am done embarrassing my friend, I wish to talk with you about all that Legolas has told me."
Kenzie was doing cartwheels inside. She couldn't believe it!! It was Aragorn!! And he wanted to talk with her!! How cool was this?!!
She sighed, "Well, what has Legolas told you and what do you wish to inquire about?" she asked.
Mental note number 3: Don't worry about proper English in Middle Earth. The people there just kind of brought it out of you.
She was pretty proud of herself, seeing as she always thought of herself as one who never used proper English.
"Your powers are what interest me the most, " Aragorn started, offering his arm to her. Kenzie took it and the two began to walk down the garden path. Legolas followed behind, surprised at how the Ranger took to the girl so well.
They spent the rest of the night talking about Kenzie's world and her life and vice versa. Kenzie couldn't believe all of the things about this world that she didn't know.
Legolas was the perfect example. He did, in fact, have a mother. Her name was Isliwen and, from what Aragorn said, Legolas favored her looks very much. He was apart of the great Mirkwood Army, even captain of a regiment, and was a Master Archer.
Kenzie practically knew everything about Aragorn and that was due to the fact that she read the book about a billion times over. What she didn't know, however, was the many hilarious memories that he had throughout his life with the elves.
For instance, when he and Legolas first met, Legolas shot him out of tree. Aragorn had been traveling in Mirkwood when he heard someone behind him. So, naturally, he jumped into a tree to hide and find out who else was walking the forest path. No sooner had he gotten himself in the tree did the Ranger find himself out of it, lying on his back with an arrow sticking out of his shoulder and Legolas standing over him.
In a way, it wasn't funny, yet it was. Kenzie laughed so hard at the two friends that she soon found herself in tears. Aragorn looked over at Legolas with a smirk. The elf, knowing what the man was thinking, shook his head and looked up at the moon.
He sighed, "It's getting late. We probably need to retire for the night. Tomorrow will be a long day."
Kenzie sighed as well, her face reflecting the disappointment she felt.
Aragorn smiled, "Legolas is right. We will accompany you back to your room."
Kenzie smiled back as they made their way back into the twisting halls of the home of Lord Elrond.
The walk to her room, which seemed like a lifetime when she was searching for Arwen, lasted a very short time as Legolas and Aragorn took her back to her room.
Kenzie sighed again, standing in front of her door and then smiling warmly at the two, "Thank you. For taking me around the gardens and everything." She stated softly.
"You are most welcome." Aragorn replied, bowing his head.
"You will be at breakfast tomorrow morn?" Legolas asked.
Aragorn's eyes shifted over to his friend in slight wonder. If he didn't know any better, he would have sworn that Legolas' voice was filled with anticipation and anxiousness.
Kenzie bit her lower lip and then nodded, "Yes, I think I will."
"Until then. It was a great pleasure meeting you Lady Kenzie." Aragorn replied, bowing once more. Kenzie returned the gesture and then slipped quietly into her room.
Once she was gone, Aragorn turned to the elf, "What was that all about?" he asked.
Legolas looked his friend in confusion, "I don't know what you mean."
Aragorn looked at the elf knowingly, "You know very well what I mean. Your voice seemed filled with eagerness to be with her again."
Legolas licked his lips and then turned away, heading down the hallway. Aragorn followed.
"Am I right?" the Ranger inquired.
The elf looked over at Aragorn briefly. The man tried to hide a smirk, but failed. The elven Prince shook his head and looked away.
"Truthfully," Legolas started, "I find her fascinating. She is young, yet has experienced more battles, suffered more losses, and seen more evil than maidens her age. In this world or hers. I can sense her strong will. Her blood flows with strong lineage and goodness. Her presence is intoxicating. There is so much I want to ask her! So much I want to learn about her past, her family, her world."
Aragorn chuckled to himself.
Legolas turned to the Ranger and eyed him incredulously.
"You are mocking me!"
The Ranger shook his head, "I am sorry, Legolas. It is just..I have never seen you this way before. It is quite amusing." He stated through his laughter.
"Well, I remember when you were the same way about Lady Arwen." Legolas replied.
Aragorn's chuckles grew faint as he looked up at the elf. The look on Legolas' face screamed, "Ha, top that!"
The two then laughed out loud.
"Legolas, mellonamin," Aragorn said through his laughs, "This will an adventure indeed."
~*~*~*~
Kenzie fidgeted in her seat. She didn't know if it was from nervousness or excitement. Probably excitement. She had always wondered what it would be like. And finally she would get that chance.
She was sitting in between Kennedy and Katlin the next morning at the council. On Katlin's left sat Frodo, still looking pale from his wound. On Kennedy's right, Lord Elrond stood, waiting to begin the part of the story Kenzie knew by heart.
Elrond looked around at the members of the council and took a deep breath, "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 this fate--this one doom."
He then gestured to the pedestal that stood silently in the middle of the circle.
"Bring forth the Ring, Frodo." he stated.
Frodo looked over to Gandalf and then stood, gently placing the Ring in the middle of the stone pillar. People around them began to whisper as Frodo made his way back to his seat and then sighed as if some weight had been lifted from his shoulders.
Kenzie glanced around at the room. Some people were still whispering while others began to stare at the Ring.
"In a dream, I saw the eastern sky grow dark. But in the west a pale light lingered." a man sitting on the opposite side of the balcony from Kenzie began as he stood.
Kenzie knew immediately that this was Boromir. He was not as tall as Aragon, but broader in the shoulders. He looked like a weary traveler; his face was tired and his dirty blonde hair lay about his shoulders.
"A voice was crying: 'Your doom is near at hand. Isildur's Bane is found'," he continued as he reached for the Ring, "Isildur's Bane."
Kenzie's eyes widened as his hand drew closer to the ring.
Elrond stood quickly, "Boromir!" he cried.
Gandalf then stood as well, "Ash Nazg durbatulûk... (One Ring to rule them all...)"
As the words began to fill the air, the sky grew dark over their heads.
" ...ash Nazg gimbatul. Ash Nazg thrakatulûk agh Burzum-ishi krimpatul. (One Ring to Find them. One Ring to bring them all and in the Darkness bind them.)" Gandalf continued to chanted as a dwarf with bright red hair cried out and reached for his ax.
Boromir began to drawl away back toward his seat. Elrond had placed a hand to his forehead as if his head ached severely and Legolas looked as if he were sick.
The O'Neil sisters also had felt an effect of these words. The three women began to feel nauseous and closed their eyes shut tight as if in great pain, grasping each other's hands.
Gandalf finally finished the poem and light began to fill the sky overhead.
Elrond sat down and looked at Gandalf, highly disappointed, "Never before has any voice uttered the words of that tongue here in Imladris."
Gandalf still stood and looked at Elrond as if he were out of breath, "I do not beg your pardon, Master Elrond. For the Black Speech of Mordor may yet be heard in every corner of the West! The Ring is altogether evil." he cried as he looked around at the whole council.
Boromir began to shake his head in disagreement, "Nay, It is a gift. A gift to the foes of Mordor. Why not use this Ring?"
He once again stood and began to pace around the council, "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!"
Kenzie pursed her lips. She could see why this guy became a problem.
"You cannot wield it! None of us can. The One Ring answers to Sauron alone. It has no other master." Aragorn called out.
Boromir glared at him, "And what would a ranger know of this matter?" Kenzie gritted her teeth and gripped the arms of her chair, ready to stand and defend her friend.
But Legolas beat her to it.
He shot up out of his seat quickly, "This is no mere ranger. He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance."
She still glared as Boromir turned his glance to Legolas. She waited for Boromir to make some attack on the elf and if he did, a flick of her wrist was all it would take.
"Aragorn? This... is Isildur's heir?" Boromir asked.
His voice carried a hint of mockery.
"And heir to the throne of Gondor." Legolas continued.
Kenzie sat on the edge of her seat.
Aragorn sighed and looked to Legolas, "Havo dad Legolas." ¤Sit down Legolas¤
Legolas looked to Aragorn, contemplating were he should sit or not and then did.
Katlin gripped onto Kenzie's wrist. This caused the younger sister to turn her angry eyes toward the oldest O'Neil.
"Calm down." Katlin mouthed.
Kenzie took a deep breath and relaxed, easing back into her seat once again.
"Gondor has no king. Gondor needs no king." Boromir spat, returning to his seat.
"Yeah right." Kennedy said under her breath.
Katlin hit her slightly.
"Aragorn is right. We cannot use it." Gandalf stated.
"You have only one choice. The Ring must be destroyed." Elrond told the company. "What are we waiting for?" the red-headed, bulky dwarf asked, grabbing his ax and heading toward the pedestal.
Kenzie jumped to her feet, "No, don't!" she cried, but she was too late.
He struck the Ring, but was thrown back onto the floor. Kenzie stepped back, placing her arms to her face to protect herself from any shards of ax that decided to come flying at her.
Elrond looked at the dwarf, "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." he stated.
Suddenly, the Ring began to whisper words that were foreign to Kenzie. Her eyes widened in slight fear as she slowly backed toward her seat. She sat down and glanced at both of her sisters.
Elrond looked around at the members of the council, "One of you must do this."
Everyone became deadly silent.
"One does not simply walk into Mordor. Its 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 you breathe is a poisonous fume. Not with ten thousand men could you do this. It is folly!" Boromir stated with conviction.
Once again, Legolas was on his feet, "Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said? The Ring must be destroyed!"
This action brought Gimli to his feet as well, "And I suppose you think you're the one to do it?!"
Legolas glared at Gimli.
"And if we fail, what then?! What happens when Sauron takes back what is his?!" Boromir asked as he rose to his feet as well.
"I will be dead before I see the Ring in the hands of an elf!" Gimli stated vehemently, glaring at Legolas.
That was the last straw. The rest of Legolas' and Gimli's parties were on their feet, yelling back and forth at each other. Legolas held out his arms to keep his companions back.
"Never trust an elf!" Gimli cried.
The rest of the council were also on their feet, arguing just as loudly as the elves and dwarves.
"Oh boy." Katlin stated as the three girls sat and watched the men fighting.
"Do you not understand that while we bicker amongst ourselves, Sauron's power grows?! None can escape it!" Gandalf cried as he also stood.
"Well, they sure are getting far." Kennedy pointed out.
Kenzie shook her head in agreement and looked over at Frodo. He was staring at the Ring uneasily and she knew that what he was about to do was very hard for him.
He suddenly stood, determination etched on his face, "I will take it!" he cried.
The arguing continued and seemed to be getting worse.
"I will take it!" Frodo cried again, but louder.
The arguing then began to die down as the members of the council turned to Frodo.
Frodo's voice grew softer, "I will take the Ring to Mordor. Though..... I do not know the way."
Gandalf walked toward the young hobbit and placed a hand on his shoulder, "I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins, so long as it is yours to bear." he stated.
Frodo looked up at him and smiled weakly.
Aragorn then stood and walked toward the small hobbit, "If by my life or death, I can protect you, I will."
He then knelt in front of Frodo, "You have my sword."
Legolas walked toward them, "And you have my bow."
"And my axe!" Gimli grunted as he looked grimly at Legolas and then joined the group.
"You carry the fates of us all little one. If this is indeed the will of the council, then Gondor will see it done." Boromir added as he walked toward them.
Suddenly, there was a cry from the bushes behind Katlin, Kenzie, and Kennedy. Sam ran forth and pushed his way up to Frodo's side; crossing his arms, "Mr. Frodo is not goin' anywhere without me!"
The three sisters smiled at each other. Elrond sat on the arm of his chair with a amused smile on his face, "No indeed, it is hardly possible to separate you even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not."
Suddenly, two more hobbits emerged from hidden places.
"Wait! We are coming too!"
Merry and Pippin joined Frodo's side.
"You'd have to send us home tied up in a sack to stop us!" Merry stated.
"Anyway you need people of intelligence on this sort of mission, quest... thing." Pippin added, trying to look confident.
"Well that rules you out Pip." Merry whispered.
Kenzie bit her lower lip. What Brian had told her was swarming around in her head. Someone needed to protect them from the demon. Someone who knew HOW to deal with demons. Someone who knew the future of the Ring and the Fellowship.
Before she could think about it anymore, she jumped to her feet, "I'm coming too!"
Kennedy and Katlin stared at their sister in amazement, as did the rest of the council. Kenzie licked her lips as she suddenly became nervous.
"Another hunts the Ring and he is beyond any of your knowledge." she started, picking her words carefully and looking back and forth from Elrond to the Fellowship.
"My magical powers will ensure that everything will go the way it's suppose to." she finished.
Elrond looked pleased with this and nodded.
Kenzie let out a breath and glanced at her sisters as she went and stood by Aragorn.
"Ten companions... So be it! You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring!" Elrond stated.
Pippin smiled brightly, "Great! Where are we going?"
Frodo and Merry glared at him while Kenzie giggled.
~*~*~*~
Kenzie sighed for the billionth time that night. From across the room, Kennedy and Katlin shot glares at her. Kenzie lowered her head, pulling her legs up in Indian style, and looking at her hands that laid on top of the green fabric of her dress.
"Do you realize what you are getting yourself into?" Katlin asked.
Kenzie looked up sharply, "What is this about? Huh? You don't think I could do it or handle it because I'm too young?"
Katlin pursed her lips and looked down while Kennedy crossed her arms.
Kenzie stood up violently, "Well, let me tell you something! I have been battling demons as long as you two have! And if anybody here is better for this job, it's me. What are you going to do Katlin? Hit him with a premonition......"
"Now that's not fair and you know it." Katlin interrupted just as viciously.
Kenzie let out a very labored breath. She glared at Katlin.
"And what's fair about questioning my plans to go on this quest?" she asked quietly.
Katlin shook her head.
"Kenzie, you have to realize how much is at stake here." Kennedy answered.
"I know what's at stake, Kennedy. Frodo's life, the lives of the Fellowship.....we all know what will happen to Aragorn because he is protecting Frodo. And we all know what will happen if Frodo and the Ring are captured." Kenzie stated.
Kennedy looked down at the floor.
"Yes, but what about us?" Katlin breathed.
Kenzie met her eyes again.
"If you stay here and go on this quest, that leaves us without the Power of Three. And then OUR world is threatened." Katlin informed her.
Kenzie crossed her arms, "Well, what do you want to do? Go home and let our INNOCENT DIE!?"
Suddenly there was a slight knock on the door. Katlin closed her eyes and fell into a chair by the fireplace. Kenzie shook her head and made her way toward the door.
She opened it to find Legolas standing on the other side. Despite the fight that had been carrying on inside, Kenzie offered him a very weak smile.
Legolas returned the gesture, "Am I interrupting something?" he asked.
Kenzie sighed, "Just a little disagreement between sisters." She stated.
"Yes, a little disagreement that I could hear in my room, two floors above you." He replied.
She actually laughed slightly.
"Well, I guess I will leave you to continue. Perhaps I will call on you another time." Legolas said and then turned to leave.
Kenzie bit her lower lip and, out of instinct, laid a gentle hand on his arm.
Legolas turned back to her.
"Was there something that you needed?" she asked.
He smiled, "I just wanted to ask if you would like to take a walk with me to talk."
Kenzie smiled as well, "I would love to walk with you."
"Ah, but some other time. You need to talk with your sisters." Legolas replied.
Kenzie's expression turned to one that screamed "I don't care what the hell they think!"
"They'll get over it." She told him.
And, even though he knew he shouldn't have, Legolas smiled; pleased that she was going to come.
Kenzie stuck her head back into the room.
"I think that I need a break." She announced.
Kennedy and Katlin looked at her, confused.
"What are you talking about?" Kennedy asked.
"I think we all need to cool off a little bit. I'm going to go on a walk with Legolas. I'll be back after a while." Kenzie answered, and then slipped through the door, closing it behind her.
Kenzie sighed, glad that she got out of that. She then turned to Legolas. The moonlight that streamed in through the windows highlighted his face in every good way possible.
He offered his arm to her, which she took gratefully and they started down the hall.
Meanwhile, back in the room, a stunned Katlin sat.
"Did she just walk out on one of our fights?" she asked.
Kennedy, in spite of the seriousness of the fight, giggled, "Yep. And she went to flirt with the yummy, yummy elf."
To the reviewers: Angel of Darkness30, feanen, Daisy Princess, DRUIDGIRL, Mercurial1, Cindy, Gilluin, GWFreak315, Haze Zeikechitan, and erniliel ( I feel like an idiot because I spelled Saruman wrong. LoL. I'm glad that you caught that.) Thank you soooo much for reviewing. I really appreciate it. You guys are just as awesome as my saxophone section!! Yay!!
LoL, well, here it is. I hope you like it. Oh, and I posted a little prologue for this story. You can go check it out if you want. ;) Later days.
Reminder:
Reminder: § Here are some words § = words spoken in elvish and I couldn't find the elvish words so you just have to imagine that you are reading elvish words. :D
____________________________________________________________________________ __________
~*Chapter 7: Doom Speeches and doubt among sisters*~
"So.." Katlin started.
Kenzie sighed, folding her legs underneath her, "Yes, I was attacked by a demon."
Kennedy opened her mouth, but Kenzie beat her to it.
"And yes, Legolas saved me. And yes, it was the Changer and it's after the Ring and if Brian hasn't already told you, we have to decide tomorrow at the Council whether we want to stay and help them or leave it to themselves."
Katlin sighed, "So, this is the big decision?"
Kenzie nodded.
"Well, Gandalf asked for our help and Katlin did receive a premonition about it and all." Kennedy offered.
Katlin nodded, "True, but it doesn't make sense."
"What doesn't? There is a demon here from our world, it seems only natural that they would need someone from our world, us, to help them." Kennedy explained.
Katlin frowned, "I get that, Kennedy. I just don't understand my premonition. It centered around Aragorn, not the Ring or Frodo."
Kenzie bit her lower lip, "She has a point."
Kennedy tapped her lower lip with her finger, thinking.
"Maybe Frodo is our Innocent, but we have to protect the whole Fellowship." Kenzie stated.
Kennedy and Katlin looked her with confusion.
Kenzie sighed as she sat up on the bed, "The Fellowship was made to protect Frodo on his quest to destroy the Ring, right? So, the Changer will probably kill them if they get in the way of him trying to get the Ring."
"And Aragorn will protect Frodo till the end." Katlin stated.
"Exactly. I don't think that it would be a bad idea if we seriously thought about doing this." Kenzie said, looking back and forth from Katlin to Kennedy.
Katlin crossed her arms and sat back in the chair she was in. The three sisters sat like that for sometimes, each one contemplating different thoughts.
"We need to think on it. Let's wait and see how things will play out tomorrow at the council before we decide." Katlin stated.
Kenzie sighed and crossed her arms, "We already know what is going to happen." She replied softly, slightly disappointed.
Katlin looked at her younger sister seriously, "I know, Kenzie. But it would be good just to wait and sleep on this. It's a big decision to make. The Fellowship is not the only ones in danger because of this demon. If one of us stays here, that puts our world in danger."
Kenzie nodded her head reluctantly, "All right."
Katlin sighed and stood, "Well, I'm exhausted. I'm going to sleep."
Kenzie wrinkled an eyebrow, "Where?"
"In that bed." Katlin yawned.
Kenzie laughed slightly, "I don't think so. Arwen gave me this room to stay in and in this room I shall stay."
"Well, then can just go find her elven butt and ask her to put us in some rooms." Kennedy replied, smirking at the youngest O'Neil sister.
Kenzie glared and then slid off of the bed, moving noiselessly toward the door. She left the room quietly closing the door behind her. She gazed to her left and right, trying to decided which way she wanted to go. For some reason, she didn't think that Arwen would be in her room. Kenzie turned to the right, hoping that it would led her to where Arwen was.
Several long hallways and a couple of corners later, Kenzie found the exit to the gardens. She smiled when Arwen walked in from the gardens. Her pure white dress flowed behind her and glowed brightly in the moonlight. Her crimped, black hair whipped behind her as she walked and she smiled at the young witch.
"Kenzie, I was just on my way to ask you if you would like to visit the gardens." Arwen stated.
"Well, I'm glad that I found you before you got to my room. My sisters are here and need some rooms. I was wondering if could help them out." Kenzie replied, looking disappointedly behind Arwen.
She would have really liked to walk the gardens with the elven maiden. Arwen picked up on this and smiled brightly, "If you wish, I can tend to your sisters while you walk in the gardens."
Kenzie bit her lower lip, "You wouldn't mind?"
The elf laughed, "No, not at all."
Kenzie hugged her, "Thank you."
"You are very welcome," Arwen replied, pulling away from the young maiden, "Now go."
Kenzie smiled brightly and then walked past the elf, toward the beautiful area outside of the winding halls.
***
Kenzie must have wondered only minutes before hushed voices reached her ears. She suddenly felt disappointed that she wasn't in the gardens alone. But curiosity got the best of her and she felt the need to find out who the voices belonged to.
Two figures stood in a small clearing in the garden, laughing and talking quietly to each other. From where she stood, Kenzie couldn't make out any details that would suggest who they were. She crept closer, being as quiet and concealing herself the best that she could. Peaking out from a tree, Kenzie could finally see the two men. Right away she recognized Legolas, his hair and skin glowed in the moonlight and his fair face was graced with a bright smile. The other man, however, was familiar yet strange. His hair was dark and fell just above his shoulders. He was dressed comfortably, but Kenzie could see the fatigue in his face. The familiarity of the man screamed Viggo Mortensen. Unwillingly, her face broke into a great smile. One of her favorite characters.
"Aragorn." She whispered.
The two men heard the whisper and their heads shot around toward her direction. Figuring that she was caught anyway, Kenzie stepped out from behind the tree. Once he saw her, Legolas' face relaxed.
"§ It's all right, Aragorn.§" he stated.
The tall, well-built Ranger, however, wasn't so sure.
"Kenzie," Legolas held out his hand, beckoning her to come closer.
She did, her face glowing with anticipation at meeting the future King of Gondor.
"This is Aragorn, friend of Gandalf the Grey and a dear friend of mine as well." Legolas stated, gesturing to the Ranger.
Aragorn bowed his head in respect.
"Aragorn, this is Lady Kenzie. She is the witch I was telling you about." Legolas introduced Kenzie.
Kenzie curtsied to the best of her ability and grinned from ear to ear at the Ranger.
"This is an honor." She whispered.
Aragorn chuckled, "If you are honored by meeting me, I do not know why. The honor lies with me, for you are as beautiful as Legolas has bragged."
Kenzie's face blushed crimson. Legolas closed his eyes as the tips of his ears turned pink.
The Ranger continued to laugh, "Ah, well. Now that I am done embarrassing my friend, I wish to talk with you about all that Legolas has told me."
Kenzie was doing cartwheels inside. She couldn't believe it!! It was Aragorn!! And he wanted to talk with her!! How cool was this?!!
She sighed, "Well, what has Legolas told you and what do you wish to inquire about?" she asked.
Mental note number 3: Don't worry about proper English in Middle Earth. The people there just kind of brought it out of you.
She was pretty proud of herself, seeing as she always thought of herself as one who never used proper English.
"Your powers are what interest me the most, " Aragorn started, offering his arm to her. Kenzie took it and the two began to walk down the garden path. Legolas followed behind, surprised at how the Ranger took to the girl so well.
They spent the rest of the night talking about Kenzie's world and her life and vice versa. Kenzie couldn't believe all of the things about this world that she didn't know.
Legolas was the perfect example. He did, in fact, have a mother. Her name was Isliwen and, from what Aragorn said, Legolas favored her looks very much. He was apart of the great Mirkwood Army, even captain of a regiment, and was a Master Archer.
Kenzie practically knew everything about Aragorn and that was due to the fact that she read the book about a billion times over. What she didn't know, however, was the many hilarious memories that he had throughout his life with the elves.
For instance, when he and Legolas first met, Legolas shot him out of tree. Aragorn had been traveling in Mirkwood when he heard someone behind him. So, naturally, he jumped into a tree to hide and find out who else was walking the forest path. No sooner had he gotten himself in the tree did the Ranger find himself out of it, lying on his back with an arrow sticking out of his shoulder and Legolas standing over him.
In a way, it wasn't funny, yet it was. Kenzie laughed so hard at the two friends that she soon found herself in tears. Aragorn looked over at Legolas with a smirk. The elf, knowing what the man was thinking, shook his head and looked up at the moon.
He sighed, "It's getting late. We probably need to retire for the night. Tomorrow will be a long day."
Kenzie sighed as well, her face reflecting the disappointment she felt.
Aragorn smiled, "Legolas is right. We will accompany you back to your room."
Kenzie smiled back as they made their way back into the twisting halls of the home of Lord Elrond.
The walk to her room, which seemed like a lifetime when she was searching for Arwen, lasted a very short time as Legolas and Aragorn took her back to her room.
Kenzie sighed again, standing in front of her door and then smiling warmly at the two, "Thank you. For taking me around the gardens and everything." She stated softly.
"You are most welcome." Aragorn replied, bowing his head.
"You will be at breakfast tomorrow morn?" Legolas asked.
Aragorn's eyes shifted over to his friend in slight wonder. If he didn't know any better, he would have sworn that Legolas' voice was filled with anticipation and anxiousness.
Kenzie bit her lower lip and then nodded, "Yes, I think I will."
"Until then. It was a great pleasure meeting you Lady Kenzie." Aragorn replied, bowing once more. Kenzie returned the gesture and then slipped quietly into her room.
Once she was gone, Aragorn turned to the elf, "What was that all about?" he asked.
Legolas looked his friend in confusion, "I don't know what you mean."
Aragorn looked at the elf knowingly, "You know very well what I mean. Your voice seemed filled with eagerness to be with her again."
Legolas licked his lips and then turned away, heading down the hallway. Aragorn followed.
"Am I right?" the Ranger inquired.
The elf looked over at Aragorn briefly. The man tried to hide a smirk, but failed. The elven Prince shook his head and looked away.
"Truthfully," Legolas started, "I find her fascinating. She is young, yet has experienced more battles, suffered more losses, and seen more evil than maidens her age. In this world or hers. I can sense her strong will. Her blood flows with strong lineage and goodness. Her presence is intoxicating. There is so much I want to ask her! So much I want to learn about her past, her family, her world."
Aragorn chuckled to himself.
Legolas turned to the Ranger and eyed him incredulously.
"You are mocking me!"
The Ranger shook his head, "I am sorry, Legolas. It is just..I have never seen you this way before. It is quite amusing." He stated through his laughter.
"Well, I remember when you were the same way about Lady Arwen." Legolas replied.
Aragorn's chuckles grew faint as he looked up at the elf. The look on Legolas' face screamed, "Ha, top that!"
The two then laughed out loud.
"Legolas, mellonamin," Aragorn said through his laughs, "This will an adventure indeed."
~*~*~*~
Kenzie fidgeted in her seat. She didn't know if it was from nervousness or excitement. Probably excitement. She had always wondered what it would be like. And finally she would get that chance.
She was sitting in between Kennedy and Katlin the next morning at the council. On Katlin's left sat Frodo, still looking pale from his wound. On Kennedy's right, Lord Elrond stood, waiting to begin the part of the story Kenzie knew by heart.
Elrond looked around at the members of the council and took a deep breath, "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 this fate--this one doom."
He then gestured to the pedestal that stood silently in the middle of the circle.
"Bring forth the Ring, Frodo." he stated.
Frodo looked over to Gandalf and then stood, gently placing the Ring in the middle of the stone pillar. People around them began to whisper as Frodo made his way back to his seat and then sighed as if some weight had been lifted from his shoulders.
Kenzie glanced around at the room. Some people were still whispering while others began to stare at the Ring.
"In a dream, I saw the eastern sky grow dark. But in the west a pale light lingered." a man sitting on the opposite side of the balcony from Kenzie began as he stood.
Kenzie knew immediately that this was Boromir. He was not as tall as Aragon, but broader in the shoulders. He looked like a weary traveler; his face was tired and his dirty blonde hair lay about his shoulders.
"A voice was crying: 'Your doom is near at hand. Isildur's Bane is found'," he continued as he reached for the Ring, "Isildur's Bane."
Kenzie's eyes widened as his hand drew closer to the ring.
Elrond stood quickly, "Boromir!" he cried.
Gandalf then stood as well, "Ash Nazg durbatulûk... (One Ring to rule them all...)"
As the words began to fill the air, the sky grew dark over their heads.
" ...ash Nazg gimbatul. Ash Nazg thrakatulûk agh Burzum-ishi krimpatul. (One Ring to Find them. One Ring to bring them all and in the Darkness bind them.)" Gandalf continued to chanted as a dwarf with bright red hair cried out and reached for his ax.
Boromir began to drawl away back toward his seat. Elrond had placed a hand to his forehead as if his head ached severely and Legolas looked as if he were sick.
The O'Neil sisters also had felt an effect of these words. The three women began to feel nauseous and closed their eyes shut tight as if in great pain, grasping each other's hands.
Gandalf finally finished the poem and light began to fill the sky overhead.
Elrond sat down and looked at Gandalf, highly disappointed, "Never before has any voice uttered the words of that tongue here in Imladris."
Gandalf still stood and looked at Elrond as if he were out of breath, "I do not beg your pardon, Master Elrond. For the Black Speech of Mordor may yet be heard in every corner of the West! The Ring is altogether evil." he cried as he looked around at the whole council.
Boromir began to shake his head in disagreement, "Nay, It is a gift. A gift to the foes of Mordor. Why not use this Ring?"
He once again stood and began to pace around the council, "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!"
Kenzie pursed her lips. She could see why this guy became a problem.
"You cannot wield it! None of us can. The One Ring answers to Sauron alone. It has no other master." Aragorn called out.
Boromir glared at him, "And what would a ranger know of this matter?" Kenzie gritted her teeth and gripped the arms of her chair, ready to stand and defend her friend.
But Legolas beat her to it.
He shot up out of his seat quickly, "This is no mere ranger. He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance."
She still glared as Boromir turned his glance to Legolas. She waited for Boromir to make some attack on the elf and if he did, a flick of her wrist was all it would take.
"Aragorn? This... is Isildur's heir?" Boromir asked.
His voice carried a hint of mockery.
"And heir to the throne of Gondor." Legolas continued.
Kenzie sat on the edge of her seat.
Aragorn sighed and looked to Legolas, "Havo dad Legolas." ¤Sit down Legolas¤
Legolas looked to Aragorn, contemplating were he should sit or not and then did.
Katlin gripped onto Kenzie's wrist. This caused the younger sister to turn her angry eyes toward the oldest O'Neil.
"Calm down." Katlin mouthed.
Kenzie took a deep breath and relaxed, easing back into her seat once again.
"Gondor has no king. Gondor needs no king." Boromir spat, returning to his seat.
"Yeah right." Kennedy said under her breath.
Katlin hit her slightly.
"Aragorn is right. We cannot use it." Gandalf stated.
"You have only one choice. The Ring must be destroyed." Elrond told the company. "What are we waiting for?" the red-headed, bulky dwarf asked, grabbing his ax and heading toward the pedestal.
Kenzie jumped to her feet, "No, don't!" she cried, but she was too late.
He struck the Ring, but was thrown back onto the floor. Kenzie stepped back, placing her arms to her face to protect herself from any shards of ax that decided to come flying at her.
Elrond looked at the dwarf, "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." he stated.
Suddenly, the Ring began to whisper words that were foreign to Kenzie. Her eyes widened in slight fear as she slowly backed toward her seat. She sat down and glanced at both of her sisters.
Elrond looked around at the members of the council, "One of you must do this."
Everyone became deadly silent.
"One does not simply walk into Mordor. Its 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 you breathe is a poisonous fume. Not with ten thousand men could you do this. It is folly!" Boromir stated with conviction.
Once again, Legolas was on his feet, "Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said? The Ring must be destroyed!"
This action brought Gimli to his feet as well, "And I suppose you think you're the one to do it?!"
Legolas glared at Gimli.
"And if we fail, what then?! What happens when Sauron takes back what is his?!" Boromir asked as he rose to his feet as well.
"I will be dead before I see the Ring in the hands of an elf!" Gimli stated vehemently, glaring at Legolas.
That was the last straw. The rest of Legolas' and Gimli's parties were on their feet, yelling back and forth at each other. Legolas held out his arms to keep his companions back.
"Never trust an elf!" Gimli cried.
The rest of the council were also on their feet, arguing just as loudly as the elves and dwarves.
"Oh boy." Katlin stated as the three girls sat and watched the men fighting.
"Do you not understand that while we bicker amongst ourselves, Sauron's power grows?! None can escape it!" Gandalf cried as he also stood.
"Well, they sure are getting far." Kennedy pointed out.
Kenzie shook her head in agreement and looked over at Frodo. He was staring at the Ring uneasily and she knew that what he was about to do was very hard for him.
He suddenly stood, determination etched on his face, "I will take it!" he cried.
The arguing continued and seemed to be getting worse.
"I will take it!" Frodo cried again, but louder.
The arguing then began to die down as the members of the council turned to Frodo.
Frodo's voice grew softer, "I will take the Ring to Mordor. Though..... I do not know the way."
Gandalf walked toward the young hobbit and placed a hand on his shoulder, "I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins, so long as it is yours to bear." he stated.
Frodo looked up at him and smiled weakly.
Aragorn then stood and walked toward the small hobbit, "If by my life or death, I can protect you, I will."
He then knelt in front of Frodo, "You have my sword."
Legolas walked toward them, "And you have my bow."
"And my axe!" Gimli grunted as he looked grimly at Legolas and then joined the group.
"You carry the fates of us all little one. If this is indeed the will of the council, then Gondor will see it done." Boromir added as he walked toward them.
Suddenly, there was a cry from the bushes behind Katlin, Kenzie, and Kennedy. Sam ran forth and pushed his way up to Frodo's side; crossing his arms, "Mr. Frodo is not goin' anywhere without me!"
The three sisters smiled at each other. Elrond sat on the arm of his chair with a amused smile on his face, "No indeed, it is hardly possible to separate you even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not."
Suddenly, two more hobbits emerged from hidden places.
"Wait! We are coming too!"
Merry and Pippin joined Frodo's side.
"You'd have to send us home tied up in a sack to stop us!" Merry stated.
"Anyway you need people of intelligence on this sort of mission, quest... thing." Pippin added, trying to look confident.
"Well that rules you out Pip." Merry whispered.
Kenzie bit her lower lip. What Brian had told her was swarming around in her head. Someone needed to protect them from the demon. Someone who knew HOW to deal with demons. Someone who knew the future of the Ring and the Fellowship.
Before she could think about it anymore, she jumped to her feet, "I'm coming too!"
Kennedy and Katlin stared at their sister in amazement, as did the rest of the council. Kenzie licked her lips as she suddenly became nervous.
"Another hunts the Ring and he is beyond any of your knowledge." she started, picking her words carefully and looking back and forth from Elrond to the Fellowship.
"My magical powers will ensure that everything will go the way it's suppose to." she finished.
Elrond looked pleased with this and nodded.
Kenzie let out a breath and glanced at her sisters as she went and stood by Aragorn.
"Ten companions... So be it! You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring!" Elrond stated.
Pippin smiled brightly, "Great! Where are we going?"
Frodo and Merry glared at him while Kenzie giggled.
~*~*~*~
Kenzie sighed for the billionth time that night. From across the room, Kennedy and Katlin shot glares at her. Kenzie lowered her head, pulling her legs up in Indian style, and looking at her hands that laid on top of the green fabric of her dress.
"Do you realize what you are getting yourself into?" Katlin asked.
Kenzie looked up sharply, "What is this about? Huh? You don't think I could do it or handle it because I'm too young?"
Katlin pursed her lips and looked down while Kennedy crossed her arms.
Kenzie stood up violently, "Well, let me tell you something! I have been battling demons as long as you two have! And if anybody here is better for this job, it's me. What are you going to do Katlin? Hit him with a premonition......"
"Now that's not fair and you know it." Katlin interrupted just as viciously.
Kenzie let out a very labored breath. She glared at Katlin.
"And what's fair about questioning my plans to go on this quest?" she asked quietly.
Katlin shook her head.
"Kenzie, you have to realize how much is at stake here." Kennedy answered.
"I know what's at stake, Kennedy. Frodo's life, the lives of the Fellowship.....we all know what will happen to Aragorn because he is protecting Frodo. And we all know what will happen if Frodo and the Ring are captured." Kenzie stated.
Kennedy looked down at the floor.
"Yes, but what about us?" Katlin breathed.
Kenzie met her eyes again.
"If you stay here and go on this quest, that leaves us without the Power of Three. And then OUR world is threatened." Katlin informed her.
Kenzie crossed her arms, "Well, what do you want to do? Go home and let our INNOCENT DIE!?"
Suddenly there was a slight knock on the door. Katlin closed her eyes and fell into a chair by the fireplace. Kenzie shook her head and made her way toward the door.
She opened it to find Legolas standing on the other side. Despite the fight that had been carrying on inside, Kenzie offered him a very weak smile.
Legolas returned the gesture, "Am I interrupting something?" he asked.
Kenzie sighed, "Just a little disagreement between sisters." She stated.
"Yes, a little disagreement that I could hear in my room, two floors above you." He replied.
She actually laughed slightly.
"Well, I guess I will leave you to continue. Perhaps I will call on you another time." Legolas said and then turned to leave.
Kenzie bit her lower lip and, out of instinct, laid a gentle hand on his arm.
Legolas turned back to her.
"Was there something that you needed?" she asked.
He smiled, "I just wanted to ask if you would like to take a walk with me to talk."
Kenzie smiled as well, "I would love to walk with you."
"Ah, but some other time. You need to talk with your sisters." Legolas replied.
Kenzie's expression turned to one that screamed "I don't care what the hell they think!"
"They'll get over it." She told him.
And, even though he knew he shouldn't have, Legolas smiled; pleased that she was going to come.
Kenzie stuck her head back into the room.
"I think that I need a break." She announced.
Kennedy and Katlin looked at her, confused.
"What are you talking about?" Kennedy asked.
"I think we all need to cool off a little bit. I'm going to go on a walk with Legolas. I'll be back after a while." Kenzie answered, and then slipped through the door, closing it behind her.
Kenzie sighed, glad that she got out of that. She then turned to Legolas. The moonlight that streamed in through the windows highlighted his face in every good way possible.
He offered his arm to her, which she took gratefully and they started down the hall.
Meanwhile, back in the room, a stunned Katlin sat.
"Did she just walk out on one of our fights?" she asked.
Kennedy, in spite of the seriousness of the fight, giggled, "Yep. And she went to flirt with the yummy, yummy elf."