Hey guys! I know Devious-WildChild wrote this first, and yes! It is the same person here, don't worry! I took off my stories to edit them a little bit, then my account went all crazy and I couldn't get back into it to post them back on. So I had to make a new account. Lucky I'd already taken my stories off in my other account eh? :)
Anyway, so here it is. There are a few more chapters that I've added, so enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters apart from the Phoenix.
Ps. I've created the character of the Phoenix based mostly on stuff I've made up and stuff that I already know. It might not be really much like what a real Phoenix is like, but hey this is my story, and I make what happens here! XD
Pss. To those who have read it before, I've realised how Mary-Sue-Ish it was and I've done my best to try and reverse it!
Chapter five:
Rivendell
Faye, Aragorn and the three hobbits arrived at Rivendell a few days after Glorfindel had left with Frodo.
They where led through tall archways, carved of wood with intricate patterns engraved in them. Tall trees and blossoming flowers surrounded them. The sunlight was soft, and the distant sound of a waterfall could be heard. It seemed, as if they where in paradise.
A tall man, with long brown hair that was smooth and soft and had a few strands braided back, away from his face stood upon the steps to the entrance of Rivendell. He wore a long robe flowing robe that shifted and settled again smoothly in the soft breeze. His face was kind and he smiled warmly as Aragon, The Hobbits and Faye approached. Sam noticed with a gasp that the man, who was really and elf had pointed ears.
"Welcome, to Rivendell." He said, although he was not talking loudly his voice seemed to resonate. There was something about him, the way he stood maybe that demanded respect as If he was a king.
"I am Elrond, Master of Rivendel. The elves welcome you here and you are welcome to stay until you recover." As he said this, Elves seemed to appear out of no-where. They came quietly, their footsteps making no noise at all – it was as if they where gliding. They where graceful creatures, with soft features and long, flowing hair that caught the soft sunlight. They stood behind Elrond, and up upon the many balconies and behind the large grand windows of the Rivendell household. All where smiling warmly.
"E-Excuse me sir," said Sam nervously. Faye and Aragorn stepped aside so that Elrond could hear who was talking to him. Sam seemed nervous, not quite knowing how to address the master of Rivendell.
"M-My friend, Frodo... is he well?" he asked. Elrond smiled warmly.
"Yes, he has recovered. You may see him once we are inside. Your friend Gandalf the Grey arrived here yesterday, not long after your friend Frodo did." Replied Elrond.
The four hobbits looked up at the mention of Gandalf. They smiled and sighed out of relief. The elves guided them inside the household and found them rooms to stay in, and arranged to have their wounds tended to, their clothes cleaned and a hot bath and food organised for their weary guests.
Sam demanded that he see Frodo before even thinking about anything else. Merry and Pippin were spotted creeping around the household, and Strider had managed to disappear soon after being led inside.
Faye ate in the peaceful silence of her room. It overlooked the courtyard of the household. Small leaves and flower petals caught up in the soft breeze swirled into her room a few settled in her hair. She gently brushed them out and sighed. She put down her food and walked over to the full length mirror beside the dresser.
There, gazing back at her was a fairly tall woman, with a slender body. Once she had cleaned all the dirt out of her hair and off her face, her flaming red hair was bright and her emerald green eyes the same.
She sighed and pushed the mirror away. She knew many women would wish for her beauty, but she found it a curse and a burden. Too many men had found her extremely attractive, too many men had tried to take advantage of her.
She suddenly didn't have the stomach for any more food. She opened up the wardrobe and decided to change into the deep purple dress of velvet. The cloth felt soft and smooth and gently touched the ground. It was the perfect length. She put it on, but then decided it fitted her figure too well. She wished not to draw attention to herself. So, she put on the cloak that matched with it and decided to hide her flaming golden red hair behind a veil.
She looked back in the mirror, and saw a reasonably normal figure gazing back at her with emerald green eyes. Faye gritted her teeth. Oh well, there isn't anything I can change about that. She thought to herself.
She walked over and stood upon her balcony. It was so beautiful here, she did feel as if she was in paradise. Rivendell seemed like a whole different world, different to the harsh cruel world that she knew. The sunlight was soft, it was so peaceful and quite here. The calls of many beautiful birds could be heard over the soft rustling of the trees and the trickle of water. She gazed down at the courtyard. It was circular, and there were many chairs, carved of wood. The craftsmanship that had gone in to it was amazing. It made in the similar style as the rest of the architecture of Rivendell. Smooth entwining vines with flower blossoms here and there reached up the legs and arms of the chairs. The head of the chair was a large flower, with large petals that would provide a large enough place for one to rest his/hers head against. In the middle of the courtyard was a small altar, with elvish words carved around the sides. Tall trees that must be hundreds of years old surrounded the courtyard, with many colourful flowers blossomed around the ground.
Faye was unable to resist the temptation to go to the courtyard and see for herself the other beautiful elven sights that surrounded it. She quietly slipped out of her room, keeping to the shadows, not wanting to disturb anyone. She eventually managed to find the courtyard. The elves were truly amazing creatures. So skilful and obviously patient at the works displayed around the courtyard must have taken a long time to make. She traced her finger along the entwining vines upon the chair that she had admired from her balcony. It definitely looked as if it belonged to Lord Elrond. A small path lead away from the courtyard and off to the gardens. She followed it down to a small creek. She sat by the banks of the creek and dipped her feet into the cool water.
Her ears picked up voices. She put her shoes back on and curiously followed the voices. She gasped as she saw Strider and an elven woman together. The elven woman had long jet black hair that had entwining braids in it and a silver circlet sat upon her head. Her lips were red in colour, here eyes a deep blue. It looked as if there where stars shining from beneath them. Her skin was fair and soft, her cheeks rosy. Strider and the woman gazed into each others love struck eyes. Strider leant forward and kissed the woman's lips softly. Faye, sighed and turned around. If only she had someone who truly loved her, and looked past her beauty and her title of the lady phoenix.
As she returned to the courtyard, she saw that a target had been set up, towards the far end. An elf stood with his back towards her, with a quiver full of arrows upon his back. He took the arrows one by one and shot them perfectly into the centre of the target, on after the other. Not quite sure of what to do, Faye walked as quietly as she could around the courtyard and had almost reached the steps when the elf suddenly turned around. Faye gasped, shocked at being caught out. She had been so careful; this elf obviously had a great sense of hearing. He was tall as all elves are, but there was something about him that seemed different. He had long shining blond hair and a kindly look about his face. His blue eyes seemed to smile at her, with warmth and kindness.
"Forgive me my lady, I had no intentions of startling you." He said, walking over to her slowly. Faye froze, feeling suddenly nervous. She couldn't seem to look away, those blue eyes had her gaze fixed upon him. Faye liked the way that the elf's eyes stayed looking into hers, and not wandering over the rest of her body. He crossed the distance between them with what seemed like only a few steps. He now stood before her, and set his bow and quiver down on the ground beside him.
"I am Legolas, of the Mirkwood realm." He introduced himself with a heart warming smile and a courteous bow.
"I am Faye" she said, taking her turn to introduce herself. She no longer knew her family name, nor where her original birthplace was. She had spent so many years wandering middle-earth alone, fighting uruk-hai and orcs – that is, until she was captured.
"It is a pleasure to meet the Lady Phoenix." Replied Legolas, planting a soft kiss upon the back of her hand. Faye began to feel a little uneasy. "I must be leaving now." She said quickly, before turning and running up the steps and back into her room.
That night dinner was held in the great hall. All the elves gathered around a long table, of which Lord Elrond sat at the head. On either side of him sat Gandalf and Strider. Beside Strider sat the elven woman Faye had seen Strider with earlier that day. Beside Gandalf sat the four hobbits, including Frodo who was now well enough to leave his bed. Sam was looking both extremely relieved and happy.
Faye came a little late to dinner, and feeling slightly out of place amongst all the other elves didn't really know where to sit. The seats near those whom she knew where already taken. She stood awkwardly by the door, then finally making a choice, decided to sit at the end of the table. She sat opposite a man with shoulder length brown hair and deep brown eyes who introduced himself as Boromir.
"I'm glad to see that I am not the only one who feels a little out of place amongst the elves, dwarves, hobbits and the wizard assembled here." He said with a smile. Faye smiled nervously back then concentrated on the food upon her plate. She looked up again to see him looking at her. Instead of looking away, he smiled at her again. Faye looked back at her plate and tried to ignore the fact that the man was staring at her.
"You look like you could use some company." Said a friendly voice beside her. Faye turned to see Legolas standing beside her.
"Mind if I sit here?" he asked.
"Not at all." Replied Faye, feeling glad that she wasn't just her and Boromir anymore. He smiled and set down his plate beside her then sat down.
Throughout dinner, Legolas kept up friendly conversation with her. Boromir joined in every now and then.
After dinner was over, Legolas insisted that he escort Faye back to her room.
"No really, I insist." He said persistently. Faye sighed.
"Very well then." She said with a slight smile. Legolas offered her his arm. She took it cautiously wondering what his intentions where, but realised Legolas was only being polite. Once at her door he turned towards her, with his heart warming smile, blue eyes shining and said:
"I bid you farewell, milady until I see you tomorrow." With that he planted another soft kiss on Faye's hand then left with a smile.
Faye entered her room and shut the door carefully, with a warm feeling inside her. She smiled happily, but something inside her was warning her. Do not let him get to close. He could just be like all the other men you have met before – like Boromir. She grimaced as she remembered the eerie way he kept staring at her and smiling every time she caught him. But then again, Legolas could be the only different one. She thought.
It was just before dawn, and Faye lay awake in her bed. She had tossed and turned all night, nightmares filling her sleep. She decided to give up trying to have any chance of sleep and decided she would bathe and get changed. She did so and chose to wear the plain dress of deep blue velvet, with silver embroidery on it to look as if it was made of the night sky. She brushed her fingers gently over the surface of the material. The elves were truly amazing creatures. They never failed to amaze her with everything they did. Once again, she hid her hair behind a veil and put a cloak on to hide her shapely curves that the dress enhanced.
She sat outside on the balcony and watched the sunrise, spreading the world with warmth and sunlight and banishing the cold terrors and nightmares of the night with its presence. She was feeling in an odd mood that morning. She couldn't explain how she felt. For once in a very long time, she just felt content to sit and admire the beauty of her surroundings rather than be tormented by her past and the happenings of the middle earth.
The dappled sunlight filtered through the tress and the soft breeze picked up little flowers and leaves from the gardens and dropped them onto the railings of the balcony. She picked up the small flowers and smelled the soft sweet scent they had to offer. The petals where white with a pale pink tinge on the outside a pale yellow nectar inside. She took a few inside and put them in a small vase of water beside her bed.
Deciding that most of the household should be awake by now she left her room. She closed the door behind her and turned around only to bump into a cloaked figure. She fell back startled. The figure turned around and pulled back it's hood. It was the elven woman, Strider's lover. She smiled warmly, blue eyes shining.
"Sorry to startle you." She said, her voice was as sweet as a nightingale's.
"I am Arwen, daughter of Lord Elrond." She said introducing herself. "You must be Faye." She said. Faye nodded.
"I came to tell you that after breakfast there will be a secret council meeting, to which only few are allowed to attend. Lord Elrond requests your presence." Faye nodded, taking in the information.
"Please tell him I would be honoured to attend his council meeting." She replied. Arwen flashed a pearly white smile and then lead Faye to the hall where breakfast was held.
Faye made her way to the courtyard after breakfast. She wondered what was going on, what had happened that called for a council meeting? She suddenly remembered, the Nazgul attack. The one ring has been found. The thought sent shivers up her spine. She had already seen what kind of work the evil creatures that seek the ring can do, and knew what they would do. Panic and fear took over her, memories of the past flashed through her mind. Her body trembled, and she clutched the railway of the staircase to try and steady herself.
"Faye? Are you alright?" she heard a concerned voice question, but it seemed so distant and far away. Images still running before her eyes, she felt as if she had left her body. All she could see or hear was the happenings of her past. She felt a strange tingling sensation in her head and heard the distant sound of a soft incantation of elvish words being recited, then all of a sudden she was free. She gasped loudly and fell backwards, grimacing as her body slammed into the stairs. Legolas rushed to help her up, slinging and arm around her waist and steadying her on her feet.
Once she was standing, she took a few steps away from Legolas withdrawing herself from his arms. She was breathing rather heavily and her legs where a little shaky. Legolas looked slightly confused but quickly masked it behind a calm face.
"Are you alright? You look as if you've seen a ghost. You are lucky I found you when I did." He said. Faye looked up at him, a confused expression on her face.
"What was it that you where saying before in elvish?" she asked.
"Well, it look liked you where in some kind of deep trance. I just said the incantation to bring you out of it. It looks as if I was right." He said with a smile. Faye was slightly surprised, she had no idea the elves had magical power, but then again they were ethereal beings. Rivendell did have that kind of magical feeling to it as well.
Together they walked to the council. Legolas was led to one side of the circle around the altar in the centre of the courtyard by Lord Elrond to the side where the elves sat. Faye sat on the opposite side, beside Gandalf and Strider. There were puzzled expressions upon the faces of those assembled at the council. The same expression was on Faye's face. Not because she was wondering what the cause of this council was for, but for the many races that where present. There were members present of the elven race, humans, hobbits, dwarves and wizards.
Lord Elrond stood in the centre of the circle. His expression was grim. "Strangers from distant lands, friends of old. You have been summoned 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 this fate, this one doom. Bring forth the ring, Frodo."
Frodo rose slowly, and placed the one ring on the altar. Just by looking at it, you would never have been able to tell what great power and danger it possessed. It was just a plain band of gold. Gasps came from everyone, Boromir suddenly rose from his chair. A wild expression upon his face. His eyes brightened as he gazed upon the ring.
"So it is true... It is a gift. A gift to the foes of Mordor. 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!" he spoke with great passion, and longing. Faye couldn't explain it, but there was something that made him that made her feel uneasy.
Strider argued that the ring cannot be used. None of those present at the council had the power to wield it. "The ring answers to Sauron alone." He said.
Boromir spun around, a great fire burned behind his eyes. His expression was bitter. "And what would a mere ranger know of this matter?" he spat.
Legolas leapt from his chair, eager to defend the ranger. "This is no mere ranger, he is Aragon, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance." He said.
There were startled gasps from everyone. They all looked upon the stranger, who was actually a king with new respect.
So it was agreed, that the ring was not to be used. "The ring must be destroyed." Lord Elrond announced. The words pounded fear into everyone present. Faye's heart skipped a beat. That would mean..... facing Saruman's warriors again...then eventually Saruman... and then... Sauron...
An Argument broke out over who would bear the ring on the perilous journey. Legolas held back his fellow elves as an insult was hurled at them. The main fight was between the elves and the dwarves. Aragorn sighed deeply. Suddenly a small voice shouted, struggling to be heard over everyone else.
"I will take it! I will take the ring to Mordor....though... I do not know the way." Cried Frodo. The crowd was silenced by the hobbits act of great courage.
"I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins, for as long as it is yours to bear." Said Gandalf, walking through the crowd to stand by the hobbit's side.
Legolas was the next to join him, then a dwarf by the name of Gimli, Bormoir was the next to join. Frodo's three hobbit friends: Sam, Merry and Pippin ran from their hiding spots to stand by the small group of followers. They grinned wildly and were looking very proud of themselves as they saw the looks of surprise from the others.
Pippin looked to Faye. "Will you join us?" he asked, a hopeful expression upon his face.
Merry's face also lit up. "Yes!" he cried. "That was amazing, the way you handled those Nazgul before!"
Aragorn's face also lit up. "Your skills would be greatly appreciated" he said.
Faye didn't know what to do. Joining them would mean she must face what she feared the most. I can't do it...She thought, and was instantly ashamed. If four hobbits had the courage to venture deep into the heart of Mordor, then she should too. What was wrong with her? Of course... they have not faced what I have faced, a voice within her pointed out. She looked at the nine faces, all looking at her with hope in their eyes. I must go with them. They will need all the hope they can. She thought then made the bold decision, before she could change her mind. She crossed the courtyard to stand by Frodo with the others.
"So be it!" Announced Lord Elrond. "You shall be the fellowship of the ring!"