Chapter19

The next morning, after dressing and freshening up, I opened my door to go get something to eat, but I was met with the somber faces of Merry and Pippin. Who looked as if they had been waiting for me for some time.

"G'morning," I said, still half-asleep, "What are you two doing up so early?"

"Well, firstly, we're under orders from Gandalf, and secondly, we uh...wanted to spend the day with you." Said Merry.

I raised my eyebrows, "Uh huh...So let me get this straight, Gandalf wants me too keep you two out of mischief today, am I right?"

"Uh, almost exactly right." Said Pippin with a grin. "He also mentioned something about keeping out of earshot of a special council type thingy. It didn't sound too interesting to me anyway."

"Laching yrchs! ('Flaming orcs') That's today?!" I exclaimed.

"Oh...so then it is interesting?" Asked Pippin with a mischievous glance at Merry.

"No. It's not. It is just some gathering where everyone sits and talks, or, argues is more like it, all day long. As in, for HOURS on end. No, it's not very interesting at all." I drawled, trying to make it sound as uninviting as possible.

"I think we'll steer clear then, a' Pip?"

"Definitely."

"Well then boys, I was headed to the mess. But I guess now it's 'we' are headed to the mess." I said with a grin. I was positive that I could find something to do with those two all day.

They nodded and gave me big grins. I shook my head with a laugh. They were starting to remind me of two wayward puppies...

After breakfast, I headed to the library, tweens in tow. I figured that Arwen wouldn't mind a couple more students. And I was sure she would remember Merry and Pippin quite well.

I was right, Arwen didn't mind. But I didn't learn much that day either.

It seemed that a certain Elvish princess had a rather large collection of other cultures' drinking songs. And she was more than willing to add some more hobbit ones.

We spent most of the morning and into the afternoon singing about beer, and laughing.

I left the two young hobbits in her care and sneaked off to where the council was being held. I knew they would be just about finished, and I was determined to convince Elrond, and maybe everyone else that I should be included in the Fellowship.

Once I got near to the bushes surrounding the gathering place, I looked over my shoulder to make sure no one had followed me, and ran smack into Sam Gamgee in the process.

He toppled over with an 'oomph' and I landed on top of him. "Sorry!" I said quietly.

He nodded, but looked at me strangely, as if wondering how I knew about the council. I raised an eyebrow at him, but shook my head. Just then Frodo declared that he would take the ring.

Then it all proceeded to get very quiet. At that moment Sam sprang from hiding, "And I'm going with him. You can't send him into Mordor all alone!" Elrond agreed.

Then the other representations of Middle Earth's inhabitants declared their will to go as well, and it was almost decided when I came out of my hiding place too.

"I shan't be left behind either." I said clearly, noting as all eyes fell upon me. Most of them looked mocking. Especially Boromir man of Gondor.

I gulped but continued. "You have someone to represent all of Middle Earth's people, but where is the representor for the women...of...of...Middle Earth?"

"My Lord, she does have a point," said Gandalf with a chuckle, as he placed his hand on Elrond's shoulder.

"No Mithrandir. I cannot allow it. If she joins, the other hobbits will want to as well." Said Elrond sternly.

I looked up at him, defiant and unmoved.

"And what would be the harm in that? Perhaps they serve some greater porpoise. Perhaps they deserve to go as well." Said Gandalf, sticking with me.

Elrond shook his head, face still filled with doubt. "Are you sure of what you speak of?' He asked Gandalf, making eye contact. Gandalf nodded.

With a sigh, Elrond continued, "Very well. Now that all is decided, the council is adjourned. We have represented the good forces of Middle Earth as a whole, and they shall from this point on, be known as 'The Fellowship of the Ring'.

At that point, mutterings of agreement and disagreement were uttered, as the company broke.

Then Bilbo came over to me and said as he patted my shoulder, "Very good my girl. Very good indeed. You had him there...no one to represent the women! It makes me feel very good to know that someone with a mind like yours will be accompanying Frodo." He finished with a laugh.

I beamed. That was high praise coming from Bilbo. I turned and smiled at Frodo. He looked at me and raised an eyebrow.

As if to answer his unspoken question I said, "Well, I couldn't just let you go into the Wilds without someone with a set of wits on them like mine!" I gave him a big grin to match his own.

Then I darted off to tell Pippin and Merry the good news...

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Author: So it's really short this time. But this was the last chapter that would be boring stuff. Now it should get interesting.

I know this chapter was a little weird too. And I was actually fooling around with the idea of rewriting it. But I decided better of it.

Let me know what you thought of it though, and Thanx ahead of time.

Pippinsgal011890

Also 'Laching yrchs' was of my own creation entirely. It is my version of what an elvish swear would be. Ha ha haaa! Enjoy!