Chapter 2: The Gathering of the Council

(Serena POV)

'This place is like something out of a fairy tale but this is real! I even pinch myself just to be sure. I know I am in my princess incarnation but I am not the same girl as the one back
in a millennia. The things that I have seen and experienced as Sailor Moon has changed my perspective greatly and I am not as naive and weak. Sure, I have more of her grace and "princess etiquette" but still if push comes to shove, I can protect myself...'

I keep walking down the palace halls which Legolas has told me belongs to Lord Elrond. After cleaning myself up from the river, I now wore a new silky pale lavender dress adorned with an elegant rose trimming. I had taken my hair from my trademark meatballs and instead left it flowing freely. 'This Rivendell reminds me of the future Crystal Tokyo, an utopia where peace reigns and beauty lives. I wonder why the crystal brought me here...'

Then, I find myself in a war room of some sort. A man is there but it is not Legolas. This man is much more physically build and slightly taller than Legolas. He is dressed ready for battle in a grander style of clothing, carrying a sword on his belt and a silver shield on his back. His hair was a light auburn with hints of blonde. He is staring at a painting at the wall but then he must have noticed my presence because he suddenly turns to me with his eyes gleaming and sword drawn.

(Narrator POV)

Boromir, Steward of Gondor was summoned to Lord Elrond's council to discuss Isildur's Bane. Just saying it had sent a wave an emotion through him and he was determined to rebuild the former beauty and power of his people.

He was just admiring the mural depicting the fall of Sauron and the victory of Man, of Isildur. He thought of his duties as the son of the Steward, the eldest of two sons of Denethor. His brother, Faramir, was also in his mind. If only ...

Ever keen on his surroundings, Boromir he realized that he was not alone in the room. Instincts kicked in as he swerved, pulling his sword and pointing it at the intruder. Boromir's eyes shot up in alarm as recognition sank in.

"My apologies milady. I assure you..." said Boromir as he withdrawn his sword.

"No need for apologies. I know you were only being careful. I should be the one to apologize for intruding, Sir."

"Boromir, son of Denethor, and you are?" He advanced towards her, taking her hand for a kiss.

"I am Lady Serenity." There was something in his demeanor that made her uncomfortable. He radiated no evil and his actions were not malicious. She could tell that he was a man of honour and proper manners. Still, she was conscious of the fact that she did not ask him to call Serena instead of Serenity.

"Well, Lady Serenity. What brings you here?"

The question held a double meaning to her: here in this dimension or here as in the present room. She chose to answer the latter, "Like you, I have many thoughts weighing on my mind. I thought that perhaps, solitude may help sort them through."

The Man nodded in understanding but he caught the subtle hint that she wanted to be alone. He dipped his head slightly, "Then, Lady Serenity, I leave you to your thoughts. I must say that it has been a pleasure to meet you. Perhaps, I shall see you soon."

"And I, you, Lord Boromir."

With his depature, Serena turned her full attention to the painting that Boromir was previously looking at. It was a truly magnificent depiction, and Serena felt herself drawn to that very place and time. Then, she felt self conscious and realized that was yet another presence in the room. She turned to her left and another man emerged from the shadows.

"I beg your pardon, Sir. I was not aware that this was common retreat for man and his thoughts." 'I seemed to be doing that a lot today. First Legolas, then Boromir, and now him.. .'

This man was different than Boromir. Slightly taller but Boromir was more physically built. The person before her, had hair of a dark shade of brown that fell unevenly to his chin. He too carried a sword at his side but no shield. There was scars on his face and he had the beginnings of a beard but very nicely trimmed. Though he wore no royal garments as Boromir did, he had a velvet cloak on. Serena could sense an air of nobility around him.

He said, "Please Lady Serenity, no need for apologies."

"I see that you have acquired my name but I do not know yours."

"I heard your exchange with Boromir, and your name was spoken. As for mine, you may call me Strider."

"Please Strider, you may call me Serena. Legolas calls me that as well."

Strider was shock at hearing Legolas' name mentioned. "Legolas? How did you meet him for I can see that you are not of the Elvenkind." Strider was not being accusatory but simply stating a fact.

"An elf? Prince Legolas is an elf! Then, I supposed that explains the pointed ears that I saw earlier."

Strider fought the urge to chuckle but masked it with a cough. He knew of the unique anatomical features between Man and Elf, so he was not totally surprised by the female exclamations. Then, Lady Serena proceeded in telling him of how she came to meet the Elf minus some crucial details. Towards the end of her explanation, her attention was drawn to the altar where the Sword of Elendil laid in pieces.

Strider followed her gaze as she tenderly fingered the pieces. With a firm resolution, she even picked up the handle and felt the weight of it. She twisted the sword as the light reflected on the blade. Then she ran her finger along it and was startled that it was still sharp, so sharp that it drew blood on her finger.

"A lady should not be handling a weapon."

"Pardon me, sir, but I can assure you that I am quite capable of handling a weapon. As you heard that I am not from around here, but that does not mean I have no experience in battles. I may look innocent or weak but looks can be deceiving." Her azure orbs had a defiant gleam and her whole aura had become defensive but it was ready to switch to an offensive one in a matter of moments. Strider may have only met his lady for a short time but from her tone he knew she was serious.

"I have no objections to your ability to fight. I simply believe that a lady such as yourself should not have to fight."

"The world often leaves us no choice but to fight whether you are a man or even a lady such as myself. Often, fates demands that it is the only way for the survival of the world. No matter how hard we wish to stray from it, we will eventually wind up upon the same path. Perhaps, it is one of life's ironies that you may think that you are defying destiny, but in truth you are doing exactly as destiny has planned."

"Yet at the same time, you are bound the same fate as those of your ancestors. The heirs along the same bloodline shall be have same weaknesses flowing through their veins."

"As well as the same strength flowing through their veins. Perhaps, you are bound to the same fate but the outcome of your fate shall not be the same. It is part of the game of fates. You shall come out victorious but with a price..."

"I do not doubt that you speak from experience, Lady Serena. Still, I will sacrifice my own life so another will be spared from the horrors of war."

"I could not agree more. I have fought in endless battles for love and peace as fate intended for me but at what cost..."

Her voice had grown faint to almost a murmur but Strider heard her nonetheless. He was mystified by the lady before him. 'What was her past? What is she doing here?'

"Lady Serena, there you are!"

"Legolas," brightening once again, "I was merely admiring the beauty of Rivendell. Besides, no need to worry, I was only talking to Str..."

She was about to say Strider when she realized that he had disappeared. Legolas looked at her strangely, but remain silent. Instead he said, "Come, I shall introduce you to Lord Elrond."

--oo--

As Legolas led the way, Serena asked questions about the world she was in. Middle Earth fascinated her and her curiosity was aroused when she heard about Elves, Dwarves, Halfings called Hobbits, as well as Men. Of course, Legolas did his best to answer her questions but with one answered thousands more demanded answers as well. Then he vaguely said, "All in due time, Lady Serena." Serena could hear the finality of his words and spoke no more for they had arrived at the porch where many had assembled. She noticed that both Boromir and Strider was there but there were many strange and unfamiliar people.

Legolas took her hand gently in his and there it stayed for Serena saw no reason in removing it. Before long, Serena found herself before Lord Elrond. He reminded her much about Sailor Pluto, her fellow scout and friend Trista Meiou. He had an ageless face, and only his eyes revealed the wisdom that he had seen in all his years. He composed himself with an air of authority, firmness as well as a gentleness.

"Lord Elrond, may I introduced Lady Serenity."

Legolas presented her in front of the lord and Serena was compelled to drop into a royal courtesy as she had done many times during her days on the Moon. "My lord, I thank you for your hospitality of your house while I am away from home."

"Please rise, Lady Serenity. Legolas has informed me that you have no way of finding your home. Until you do, may you find comfort in Rivendell."

"I am eternally grateful, my lord."

"Now I should introduce you to some of our guests before you. There is Frodo Baggins, son of Drogo from the Shire. Gandalf the Grey, an old friend. You have met Legolas Greenleaf, Prince of Mirkwood Forest here on behalf of his father Thranduil, King of the Elves of Northen

Mirkwood. As well as my chief elves, Glorfindel and Erestor and also Elf from the Grey Havens. Here is Boromir, Steward of Gondor. Finally, the Dwarves and among them Gimli, son of Gloin."

Serena nodded to each in turn but she had also took note of Strider who was sitting off the side but Lord Elrond had not introduced as he had the others. However, when she caught his glance, he too had nodded his head in greeting. Also, Frodo the young Hobbit, she assumed from Legolas' descriptions had also smiled at her as she met his gaze. She had felt Boromir's eyes on her as well but most important, the ever mysterious Gandalf the Grey had studied her the entire time. It was as though he was trying to uncover her secrets and she had felt an tremendous amount of energy from him, not negative energy but certainly powers that she did not want to reckon with. She knew that he had assessed her as well but her powers were somewhat hidden as she was in this form and not transformed as Sailor Moon.

The biggest surprise of her was the identity of Legolas, a Prince of an Elven realm. She did not recall being told of this previously. However, Serena knew the importance of keeping one's identity and titles separate from strangers.

"Lady Serenity, if you please follow the Lady Arwen, she would escort you to other parts of the palace which I am sure will appeal to you"

Serena had very much wanted to say for such a gathering of guests certainly meant something important had arose. Still, she was only a guest, in the strange land of Middle Earth away from her own time. She curtseyed once more and took her departure of the guests. Lady Arwen was very beautiful, a flawless image and seemed one with the exquisite scenery of her home. Arwen was also very perspective when she spoke to the blonde beside her, "I know that your heart yearned to stay at Lord Elrond's to hear of their tidings. You must go quickly if you so desire. I shall be in the gardens if you change your mind."

With that, Lady Arwen continued her way to the garden while Serena hurried back to the veranda where the council had commenced. Lord Elrond began retelling the story about Middle Earth during the age where Men and Elves took up arms and fought against the Dark Lord Sauron. She listened as the stories about the Ring of Power and the purpose of the Council. She looked on with a new sense of admiration as the Hobbit, Frodo produced the object of great destruction, Isildur's Bane. As that band of gold was revealed, Serena felt a rush of evil coursed through her veins. Only then, did she fully realized what her fellow scout Mars felt when she sensed an evil presence. However, this feeling was multiplied as her crystal was activated by the foul energy of the Ring. As she closed her eyes to clear her head, she caught a glimpse of an eye,fuming glare of the One. The feeling began to subside but then ...

"It is a gift. A sign. A weapon that we can wield to destroy Sauron. My people shall once again rise and glory shall be restored once again in Gondor."

Strider who had remained silent, then said, "Boromir, only Sauron can wield the power of the Ring. It shall answer to no one but Him."

"What does a mere ranger know of the ONE Ring of Power."

"No, he is no mere ranger. He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn, the heir of Isildur Elendil's son of Gondor. You owe your loyalty to the King."

Serena now looked upon Strider, whose noble heritage was now made known. 'Now I know why he mentioned destiny for the burden he carries is the One that shall be fate of all Middle Earth.'

Boromir looked sharply at Legolas who had spoken. The Elven Prince was not afraid of the glare of Men. Boromir looked from Legolas to Aragon, "This is Isildure's heir? Gondor has no King. Gondor needs no King."

Boromir had once again sat down but at the same time, Glimi son of Gloin had taken up his axe and cried out, "Lets settle this once and for all!" With that, he slammed his metal weapon upon the Ring but no dent was made upon the golden band.

"The Ring cannot be destroyed by any means present. It was forged in the fires of Mount Doom and there will it be unmade. Now who shall be the one to do it?"

Nobody came forth to answer Lord Elrond's question. Boromir said, "One can't just simply march into Mordor. There are great evils that lurked in every shadow and He has many spies and warriors who under his command. Not to mention, Ringwraithes that are constantly drawn to the power of the Ring."

"Well I say, never trust an Elf with the Ring."

The comment from the Dwarves had sent outrage to the Elves. Thus, an argument broke loose and from where she was standing, Serena could see that the Hobbit (who had remained silent after revealing the Ring) had stood up. He was saying something but his voice was drowned above the noise. He tried once again as he said, "I shall take the Ring to Mordor."

All turned to look at the Little One and Serena could feel the sudden shift in burden upon his shoulders. At that point, Serena held a deep admiration for Frodo for he had taken upon himself such a task that all at the council could not. She realized that her thoughts were mutual as Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli and even Boromir had pledged themselves into the service of the Ring Bearer. Suddenly, another Hobbit sprang from the bushes and demanded, "Mr. Frodo shall not be going anywhere without Samwise Gamgee."

"Yes, I can see that you two are rather inseparable even though you were not summoned to the Council."

From where she was, Serena almost burst out into laughter as two more Hobbits came from their hiding place and joined their comrades. Lord Elrond was taken by surprise but nevertheless, he declared the nine of them as the Fellowship of the Ring.

--oo--

All dispersed after the Council and Serena was about to leave before she was caught but she noticed that Lord Elrond and Gandalf had moved aside from the group and continued on together on a separate way and Serena decided to follow them. Even though, it was rather rude of her to eavesdrop but she must find out more about the Ring and Him.

"Well Gandalf, what did you think of Lady Serenity?"

"She holds many secrets, riddles that I do not seem to know the answer to."

"Really, did you feel a wave of power from her, a rare sense of purity that seemed familiar yet foreign to me?"

"Yes, though it felt rather refreshing but the amount of power is rather unusual to be found in such a lady. How did Legolas say that he met her?"

With that Lord Elrond recounted Legolas' story to Gandalf and when he was finished, Gandalf stroke his beard in thought. "She seemed harmless enough, though looks can be deceiving. I can sense the goodness of heart and Legolas trusts her. I saw Aragon had greeted her as well and he seemed to have his level of trust with her."

Lord Elrond nodded his approval and the two friends continued their walk until Lord Elrond spoke once more, "There is something else on your mind. Surely, it is not Lady Serenity who is troubling you."

"No, but the Dark Lord himself. Saruman had betrayed us and he is breeding a stronger force that can travelled by light with greater speed."

"Our list of allies grows thin."

"Yes, there is another thing. It is true that the Ring of Power is forged in the fires of Mount Doom but there is a possibility that even with its destruction that its influences may be too great on those already affected. There is chaos and Sauron can still take form by combining the evil essences of his followers."

"Sauron's spirit is in the Ring and with its destruction, all that under His command shall fall. Rest your fears, my friend, for a long journey awaits you."

With that, the two embraced for the last time but by then Serena had made up her mind, she was going to follow the Fellowship. If what Gandalf said is true then perhaps her Crystal will be needed once again.

End of Chapter 2