Disclaimer: yet again, I will say that I. Do. Not. Own. Lord. Of. The. Rings! Got it? Good!
A/N: whooo! So sorry it's been a while! Yeah, over Christmas break I had hardly any time to write…and then I was sick…and then school started back full swing….sigh. but I'm on the "A" Honors Roll! Whoohooo! Lol. Okay, enough bragging! ;) so…THANK YOU SO MUCH TO MY REVIEWERS! U GUYZ ROCK!
Little Miss Dramatic 45: lol, thanks krys! Who all have u smaky'ed so far…?
bob: lol. Adore the name. haha. Thanks for reviewing!
Gemini969: lol, I tried to make it dramatic, I'm glad I succeeded! Thanks for support!
Fantasygirl721: lol. I like merry and pippin…but the story didn't call for them. Yeah, ur right about the opinion thing….thanks!
Angel of the Night Watchers: (adore the name) eee! Thank you! Lol. I usually can't be descriptive! I'm really trying to improve! It's working! Yay! Thank you!
TearsOfBlood24: oh, that's not fun. Thanks so much. Hey I read 'Forget Tomorrow'! OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG! Luved it! I reviewed a lot….u did an incredible touching hauntingly beautiful job!
Magsluvsaragorn: thank you! Sweet, lemme know when u get the story up!
Lintered: thank you, and yes, that's y it's fanfiction, lol!
Piper xox Leo: thank ya! Sure, I'll email u. I had the same problem, so I just when to my alerts and it was disabled, so I had to enable it again…that might be the problem…
Insane Elven Rock Baby: OMG u like hanson 2? Awesome! Have u seen them in concert? Lol. Email me. ;) thanks for reviewing!
Lork: whatever. Ur opinion
Hyena: hehe thank you! More's comin'!
Marpessa: ookaay, then. Interesting vocab. Ne way, I really don't care what u think. Just one question? Why do you continue to review my stories even though u detest them? It's rather amusing…makes ya actually look like u like 'em! Lol.
anonymousstranger: lol. Believe me, I've done longer reviews. Okay, just addressing some issues in the review…yes, I described Autumn almost as a human b/c she is part human…it may be true about curly hair; I don't think so, but then I don't know everything…um…I don't know about the age thing, but w/e. Arwen and Aragorn weren't the first…Beren and Luthien were. And also…"The second union was between Tuor, chieftain of the Third House of the Edain and Idril, daughter of Elven King Turgon. They have a son, Earendil who marries Dior's daughter, Elwing. Earendil has 2 sons, Elros and Elrond." (h t t p : w w w . p l a n e t – t o l k i e n . c o m / b o a r d / c a t / 5 3 / t h r e a d / 6 6 3 / 0 Mini Bibliogrpahy) —hey, don't worry ;) I can take constructive criticism! Only one thing: no such thing as a mary-sue! If you think about it, there are way too many restrictions…it's like she can't be human…so if u make her un-like a mary-sue, she becomes a mary-sue…twisted logic…thanks for taking the time to read and review!
CrazyCruzet212: yeah, I know it's been a long time…read the chapter; loved it! ;) thanks for reviewing!
The song in here, or rather, part of the song…I have no idea what it's called. I think linkin park did it, but I'm not sure. (bibliography) here's the website I got it from. If anyone knows what it is, please tell me! (site): h t t p : w w w . f o r f e i t t h e g a m e . c o m / l y r i c s – r o c k – a n d – r o l l – c o u l d – n e v e r – h i p – h i p – l i k e – t h i s – p a r t – 2 . h t m l
Okay, here y'all go…the second installment!
Chapter Two: Stop the Memories
Autumn awoke the next morning feeling strangely refreshed. She stretched a little before getting up and washing her face, using the pitcher of water, towel, and bowl that was provided for her. After slipping into a light blue gown, she pulled the top half of her hair back, letting a single curly tendril dangle beside her right cheek. She didn't often wear it this way, but she felt that it gave her a more dignified appearance, which she would need for the Council, owing to her gender.
Autumn made sure the Ring was still on its silver chain around her neck before walking across the hall to Aned and Haled's rooms. She knocked on the former's door. Within seconds, it swung open. 'Good morning, Autumn,' Aned greeted. 'You look like you slept well,' he added, surveying her refreshed visage.
Autumn sighed. 'Better than normal, at least,' she replied. 'How long is it before the Council is begins?'
Aned ran his hand through his dark blonde hair. 'I'm not sure,' he answered. 'It couldn't start sooner than midday.' He looked at her gently. 'You're nervous,' he said softly.
Autumn cast her eyes to the ground and murmured, 'I don't want to be discriminated against—just because of…my background…and my gender.'
Aned tilted her chin up with his forefinger. 'Hey,' he said gently, 'you will be discriminated against, but you'll gain respect by not letting it bother you. Be strong, alright?'
Autumn drew in a deep breath and nodded. 'I'll try.'
Aned grinned and put his arm around her shoulder. 'That's the spirit. Let's go get Haled.' They walked together a little way down the hall and knocked on their friend's door. It took a few minutes for him to appear. When he did, he looked extremely groggy. 'Isn't it a little early?' he groaned.
'Not today,' Aned said brightly. 'We still have to introduce ourselves to Lord Elrond before the Council.'
'And we're not sure when the Council will begin,' Autumn added.
'Alright, alright,' Haled snapped. 'Just give me a few minutes.' And so Aned and Autumn waited patiently for their friend to get ready before they all set off in search of Lord Elrond, or someone who could lead them to him. They stopped a humble-looking elf along their way. 'Excuse me,' Aned said, 'might you be able to lead us to Lord Elrond?'
'Of course,' the elf replied. 'Follow me.' He led them along a rather curvy path to one of the more majestic structures. 'If you go down that hall,' said the elf, pointing, 'you will come to an open room where you will find Lord Elrond.'
They thanked him and followed his directions. As promised, a tall, dark-haired elf was sitting at a wooden desk, poring over a thick, ancient book. Haled cleared his throat. The elf looked up, and after a moment of studying them, smiled. 'Mae govannen (Welcome),' he greeted.
The three bowed their heads in respect, each murmuring, 'Hannon le (Thank you).'
Elrond continued, 'I assume you are the three from Atherias? Haled Linoed, Aned Miran, and…'—his eyes fell upon Autumn—'ah. Autumn Vetilwen.'
Autumn nodded.
'A pleasure indeed.'
Noticing that his female friend seemed a little reluctant to speak much, Haled said, 'We came to inform you of our arrival and to inquire the time of the Council.'
Elrond lifted his gaze from Autumn and met Haled's. 'The Council will commence an hour after noon,' he said. 'In the time you have, I recommend getting some breakfast, and perhaps taking a walk around the village. Any one of the elves would be more than happy to help you, so please feel free to ask them anything.' He smiled.
Sensing that the meeting was over, Haled, Aned, and Autumn thanked Elrond and departed from the room. Autumn was silent while her two friends conversed. Three hours, she thought. Three hours left of my life as I know it. She didn't even have to worry about what decision would be made. There was no chance something as evil as the Ring could be allowed to continue existing. Especially after all the lives it had destroyed…all the innocent lives…
Fifteen-year-old Autumn burst out laughing.
Airethôn blushed. 'You promised you wouldn't…' she mumbled.
The girls were in Autumn's room, talking and sharing secrets. It was late at night and they were alone in the house.
'I'm sorry,' Autumn tried to stifle her giggles, but burst out laughing again. 'It's just so funny!' she rolled over on her bedroom floor, breathless with laughter. 'I can't believe you like Haled!'
'And why not?' Airethôn asked indignantly.
'Well—just—just—because—he's Haled…'
'Your point is…?' Airethôn folded her arms.
Autumn stopped laughing. She realized her friend was serious. 'Well…uh…he is handsome…' she said timidly.
'You liar!' Airethôn threw a pillow at her friend, giggling.
Autumn gasped. She grabbed the pillow and threw it back. This continued until it had reached a full-fledged pillow fight. Afterwards, the girls fell back laughing. As soon as they had gotten a hold of themselves, Autumn looked at her friend thoughtfully. 'Do you love him?' she asked quietly.
Airethôn looked stunned, but didn't answer.
'Well?' Autumn pressed.
Airethôn blushed. 'Y—yes,' she admitted.
'I'm sorry for laughing,' Autumn sighed. 'I didn't know you were that serious.'
'It's alright,' Airethôn said, smiling.
Suddenly, the cabin door slammed, causing both girls to jump. 'It's my father,' Autumn said in a horrified whisper. 'We have to get out of here.'
'But there's no window!' Airethôn whimpered, her eyes wide.
They heard Enialis bumping into furniture as he made his way through the house. 'He's drunk,' Autumn said hopefully. 'He doesn't know what he's doing. He may not even know we're here…just be quiet; he might go away.' She spoke calmly, but inside her heart was pounding. What had she been thinking? She'd been so stupid to bring her friend into the house…to risk putting her in danger. 'If she gets hurt, I will never forgive myself,' Autumn vowed.
The bedroom door burst open…a dark, silhouetted figure swayed in the doorway. 'Whatted I tell you 'bout havin' people over?' he growled.
'She's not doing us any harm!' Autumn whispered. She was scared, and her fear finally was showing on her face…A fear so intense that every feature of her face was stricken with it.
'Don't yeh talk back ter me!' Enialis backhanded her. Autumn made no sound, but Airethôn screamed. Enialis turned on her next. 'Yeh want sum too?' he slurred.
'Don't touch her!' Autumn screamed. She tried to stop her father's hand, but she was too late. Her father struck Airethôn to the ground. Airethôn sat up, sobbing. A large bruise was rising on her cheek, blood trickling steadily from it. Enialis rounded on Autumn again. He grinned…that insane, drunken grin. And then…it began. Autumn felt her heart seize up in pain, guilt, and fear, and as the countless blows were delivered upon her, she screamed at her friend, 'Airethôn, get out of here! Just—get—away—while—you—can!' She let out a chocking sob.
But Airethôn would not abandon her friend. 'Leave her alone!' she screamed, jumping on Enialis' back, trying to hold his arms back. Enialis snarled as his hand went to his hip. In one swift, tauntingly drawn-out motion, he whirled around and silenced his opponent.
Autumn stared in horror as her best friend since birth collapsed to the ground, her body stained with fresh, innocent blood. One last shuddering breath…and then she was gone. Autumn's eyes stung with fresh tears, and her wounds with fresh pain.
'That oughttah teach yeh,' he sneered, drawing the knife out slowly…
Stop it! Autumn screamed at herself. Stop it, you can't change it!
'Autumn?' Haled's voice pierced through her thoughts. 'Are you alright?' He looked concerned.
'I'm fine,' Autumn answered, a little snappishly. She took one look at the stunned and slightly hurt expression on her best friend's face and sighed. 'I'm sorry,' she said quietly. 'I was thinking about…about Airethôn again…'
Haled gave a frustrated sigh. 'Autumn, you can't keep lashing out at people just because you're remembering those things,' he said roughly. 'Other people have bad memories too, but you're the only one who dwells on them. It's been over a hundred years; you should be over it by now.' He glared at her.
Autumn stared at him with an expression of hurt disbelief. She burst into tears just as Haled realized his mistake. He guiltily put his arms around her to comfort her, but she pushed him from her and ran away as fast as she could, tears streaking down her cheeks. Her best friend…how could he? How could he say that? After all he knew she'd been through? Unimaginable horrors; horrors he'd never had to face…pain and fear he'd never known…grief he'd never felt.
Suddenly, Autumn collided with something very solid…or someone, rather. She began to fall backwards, but the person caught her just in time and righted her. Autumn looked up. Intense blue eyes stared into her shimmering hazel. 'Are you alright?' the person asked, referring both to her physical and emotional condition.
'I—I'm fine,' Autumn stammered, stepping back, her shoulders trembling. The person she had run into was an elf. He had broad shoulders, long blonde hair, and a handsome face. And those eyes…beautiful eyes…just like— Stop it! she scolded herself. 'I'm fine,' she snapped. 'Just leave me alone!' She took off running again, leaving the elf quite confused. He stared after her for a few moments, her pained, tear-filled eyes haunting him like a deadly spirit plaguing a vulnerable mind.
Autumn ran until her legs seared with pain. She collapsed at the foot of an oak tree and drew her knees up to her chest, sobbing.
The sky opens wide
Swallowing again
Once I am inside
I'm lost and can't pretend
These pictures in my mind
Are not a part of me
These memories hold me tight
'Til I can hardly breathe
(Breathe, breathe, breathe, breathe, breathe)
I can hardly breathe
(Breathe, breathe, breathe, breathe, breathe)
I can hardly stop the memories…
She cried for what seemed like forever. Finally, she lifted her head and roughly wiped the tears from her face. 'Autumn?' Haled's voice broke the silence.
Autumn turned around, with neither a smile nor a frown upon her face. 'What?' she responded resentfully.
'May I talk to you?' Haled persisted, unperturbed.
Autumn nodded, and her friend took a seat beside her.
'I'm sorry for what I said,' he said quietly. 'I just—it—when you get like that…I know you're hurting inside and it hurts me too.'
'Haled, I will hurt inside until the day I die,' Autumn murmured bitterly. 'You can't do anything about it. You shouldn't let it get to you.'
Haled sighed. 'I know,' he said. 'But I can't help it. And when you—talk about—' he broke off and drew a deep breath, clearly fighting the urge to cry. He bravely tried again. 'When you talk about…that night…when—'
A dagger of realization pierced through Autumn's mind. She looked at her friend and, for the first time, saw lines of pain etched into his face. 'You…you loved her, didn't you?' she asked softly.
Haled remained silent, his fists clenched at his sides. Slowly, he nodded.
'I'm sorry,' Autumn whispered. 'I never knew…what it must have done to you…to find out she—she was gone.' A horrible thought prodded incessantly at her memory. It was her fault. She had led her friend to the doors of Hell…knowing the dangers, trying to forget. Could she tell him? Would he too blame her, just as Airethôn's parents had? 'Haled…' she said hoarsely, 'it was my fault. I told her we'd be safe; my father was out…'
Haled shook his head. 'It wasn't your fault and it wasn't your father's fault. The only one that is guilty is Sauron. The demon that created that—that thing around your neck.' He slammed his fist into the ground. 'They have to destroy it!' he yelled, his voice steeped in pain. 'They can't let something so evil live on! Not after all the pain it has caused, the lives it has destroyed, the bonds it has broken—' he stopped, but bravely held in the tears. 'Come on,' he said gruffly, taking her arm and gently pulling her up. 'The Council is going to start soon…'
Autumn stood up and drew in a deep breath. 'Let's go,' she said softly. Haled nodded and put his arm around her waist.
Half an hour later…
Autumn and her two friends stepped onto the circular stone platform where the Council was to be held. There were fifteen seats arranged in a semicircle, and three larger, throne-like seats for Elrond and his two sons. There was a stone pedestal in the middle. Autumn seated herself on the end chair; Aned sat beside her and Haled beside him. Within five minutes, the rest of the attendees had swarmed in, including the man Autumn had run into earlier. He did a double-take when he saw her…their eyes locked for just one second…. But in that second, Autumn felt paralyzed…her heart pounded furiously, but yet stopped…her lungs sharply filled with air, yet collapsed…but the moment it happened it was gone. She tore her eyes from his and stared, horrified and determinately, at the pedestal.
Minutes later, Elrond and his sons entered. The two younger elves seated themselves, but Elrond stood in front of his chair. He cleared his throat and the rest of the Council ceased talking and sat down with attentive faces. And so it began:
'Strangers from distant lands, friends of old,' said Elrond, 'you have been summoned to this Council to answer the threat we face from 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 gestured to the pedestal whilst looking at Autumn. 'Bring forth the Ring, Autumn.'
Autumn drew herself up and slowly walked to the pedestal, aware of every eye piercing through her and the murmurs. She took a deep breath and unclasped the chain about her neck and slid the Ring off, placing it in the center of the stone stand. She stiffly returned to her seat, ignoring the particular set of eyes that she knew was following her movements.
'So it is true,' whispered a man seated on the other side of the platform.
The Council members managed to tear their eyes off Autumn and look at the man. He was tall, with broad shoulders and reddish-brown hair. The only identification he wore were his vambraces, which were in graved with a stenciled white tree—which could only be from Gondor.
The Gondorian man rose from his seat. 'In a dream,' he said, taking steps toward the pedestal, 'I saw the Eastern side grow dark, but in the West a pale light lingered.' He touched his forehead, as if struggling to remember. 'A voice was crying: 'Your doom is near at hand. Isildur's Bane is found…'
Isildur, Autumn thought, the last king of Gondor?
'Isildur's bane,' the man whispered, his fingers extending towards the Ring…
'Boromir!' Elrond leapt from his seat, a warning look on his face.
An old man, robed in grey and with long grey hair and a long grey beard, also jumped up. 'Ash nazg durbatluk, ash nazg gimbatul'—the sky suddenly grew dark, the very ground beneath them seemed to rumble and shake—'ash nazg thrakatuluk agh burzum-ishi krimpatul (One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and, in the darkness, bind them)' The sky presently returned to it's normal color, and Boromir had shakily taken his seat.
Elrond lifted his head from his hand and said severely to the old man, 'Never before, Gandalf'—Autumn glanced quickly at the old man, remembering the name of the renowned wizard—'has any voice uttered the words of the Black tongue here in Imladris.'
'I do not ask your pardon, Master Elrond,' Gandalf said gruffly, 'for the Black Speech of Mordor may yet be heard in every corner of the West! The Ring is altogether evil.' He shrugged his dangling cloak back on his shoulders as he sat down.
'It is a gift!' said Boromir. 'A gift to the foes of Mordor!' He rose. 'Why not use this Ring?' He began to walk around the pedestal, almost glaring at every member of the Council. 'Long has my father, the Steward of Gondor, kept the forces of Mordor at bay! By the blood of our people'—he put his hand over his heart—'are your lands kept safe! Give Gondor the weapon of the enemy—let us use it against him!'
'You cannot wield it!' another man spoke up. He had wavy, dark brown hair and warm, grey eyes. 'None of us can,' he continued. 'The One Ring answers to Sauron alone. It has no other master.'
'And what would a ranger know of this matter?' Boromir sneered.
The blonde-haired elf Autumn had run into earlier leapt from his seat. 'This is no mere ranger,' he said angrily, his blue eyes blazing. 'He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance.'
Boromir stared at Aragorn disbelievingly. 'Aragorn?' he repeated. 'This…is Isildur's heir?'
'And heir to the throne of Gondor,' Legolas added.
Autumn stared, wide-eyed at the man called Aragorn. Heir of Isildur, heir of the throne…and heir of the Ring, she thought fearfully, almost protectively.
'Havo dad (Sit down), Legolas,' Aragorn requested softly.
'Gondor has no king,' said Boromir almost bitterly. 'Gondor needs no king.' He returned to his seat, glaring spitefully at Aragorn.
An uncomfortable, deafening silence passed over the Council. Finally, Gandalf said, 'Aragorn is right. We cannot use it.'
'You have only one choice,' Elrond said in a tone of finality. 'The Ring must be destroyed.'
Relief flooded into Autumn's heart. A enormous weight seemed to lift itself suddenly from her chest. It would all be over after so many years…
'Well, what are we waiting for?' said one of the dwarves gruffly, picking up his axe. He strode over to the pedestal, raising the axe high above his head, and brought it crashing down on the Ring. 'ARGH!' yelled the dwarf, and was thrown back onto the shattered fragments of his axe.
The moment the axe struck the Ring, a horrible image flashed in Autumn's head: a lidless eyes, wreathed in flame…. Autumn winced sharply, and struggled to overcome the sudden urge to vomit.
Murmurs swept through the Council.
'The Ring cannot be destroyed, Gimli, son of Gloin, by any craft that we here possess.' He looked at each of them, his dark eyes piercing through them. 'The Ring was made in the fires of Mount Doom…and only there can it be unmade. It must be taken deep into Mordor and cast back into the fiery chasm from whence it came….' His gaze fell upon Autumn, who dropped hers to the ground. 'One of you must do this,' he finished.
There was another long silence, this time broken by Boromir. 'One does not simply walk into Mordor,' he said quietly, something like pain in his voice. '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.' His tone changed; he spoke like a corrupt man trying to frighten a little child. 'It is a barren wasteland, riddled with fire, ash, and dust. The very air you breathe is a poisonous fume. Not with then thousand men could you do this. It is folly!'
'Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said?' Legolas leapt from his seat again. 'The Ring must be destroyed.'
Autumn felt a sudden rush of gratitude towards him.
'And I suppose you think you're the one to do it?' the dwarf called Gimli challenged.
'And if we fail, what then?' Boromir asked. 'What happens when Sauron takes back what is his?'
'I will be dead before I see the Ring in the hands of an elf!' Gimli spat.
All the elves at the Council (minus Autumn, Haled, and Aned) jumped up at the insult. Legolas held out his arms to stop them from advancing. The Men and Dwarves rose as well, shouting and bickering.
'Never trust an elf!' shouted Gimli.
'Do you not understand,' Gandalf roared, 'that while we bicker amongst ourselves, Sauron's power grows? None can escape it!'
'You'll all be destroyed!' someone shouted over the din.
A familiar feeling sliced at Autumn's chest. Her breath quickened, her heart raced. The shouting and the violent words brought back the memories of long, bloody nights, filled with screams of helplessness and terror. With each syllable spat out by angry tongues, reminder's knife slashed her memory, reopening the wounds so freshly sealed. Her heart cried out with every lacerating swipe. Images rushed back into her mind…images longing to be buried deep into the earth and never looked upon again. Autumn's fingers pressed against her eyes and against her temples, trying to ban the memories for at least the moment, but like the waves of an ocean storm they crashed upon the shore of her memory relentlessly, drenching the sands of her sanity. Finally, with a tremendous, enervating effort, she calmed the storm inside her and stood. 'I will take it!' she shouted.
The noise ceased immediately, and all eyes snapped to Autumn.
'I have carried the Ring thus far and I intend to see this through,' her voice trembled slightly, but also commanded a certain attention. 'I have seen the horrors and the powers of the Ring, and have seen, in my family, the corruption it instills in the hearts of Men. Destroying the Ring will avenge my past and protect all the people it could potentially harm. I will take the Ring to Mordor.' She looked around at them. 'Though…I do not know the way…'
The wizard Gandalf gazed thoughtfully at Autumn for a moment, then said, walking to her, 'I will help you bear this burden, Autumn, so long as it is yours to bear.' He gave her a small smile from beneath the grey beard, revealing the gentle heart inside.
Almost at once, Haled and Aned stood, each taking a place at Autumn's side. 'We will also bear this task with you,' Aned said. 'We swear to protect you 'til our death.'
The man called Aragorn rose from his chair, approached Autumn and knelt before her. There was a respect that shone in his eyes when he looked upon her. 'If by my life or death I can protect you, I will,' he pledged, and stood. 'You have my sword.'
'And you have my bow,' vowed Legolas, joining the group. Autumn glanced at him, then quickly looked away, almost afraid of his eyes. It was as if he could see into the depths of her soul…a place of hers that she wanted to remain secret and unseen.
'And my axe,' Gimli grunted, seemingly not wanting to be shown up by an elf—especially that certain elf.
Boromir sighed lightly, rising from his seat and approaching her slowly. 'You carry the fate of us all,' he said, then drew himself up rather proudly. 'If this is indeed the will of the council, then Gondor will see it done.'
'Eight companions,' said Lord Elrond, 'so be it! You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring. You will not begin your journey for several months, and in that time, preparations will be made for your departure. Until then, I ask that you remain in Rivendell. This Council is dismissed.'
ne way, that's it for now, I hope you all enjoyed it. I know there should have been nine companions but I didn't want to have to deal with another character. I mean, three descriptions, three personalities to keep consistent with, yada yada yada. So ne way. I've spent waaay too long on this chapter and I apologize, I just wanted to give you something of quality, however feeble it may be. So…I have a history paper (3+pages) due next Friday! Like, this coming Friday! And then on Tuesday I'll be getting an English paper due march 1! Help me! Lol.
Leave the love and review!
Love y'all!
LilyClairePotter (henceforth: lcp)