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Chapter 10
Council of Elrond and a Test of Strength.
"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 fatethis one doom." Lord Elrond started in a strong voice that signaled the start of the council. He then gestured to the pedestal at the center of the circle of guests. "Bring forth the Ring, Frodo." I watched silently as Frodo set the ring upon the pedestal.
I had entered just before Elrond and many had sent strange looks in my direction. The cloak that I was given hid my body and shadowed my face so that no one could identify me. Whispering had begun as I took my seat. But all of the whispering ceased when Elrond spoke and now all attention was on the ring. I had been quickly forgotten.
Frodo set down the ring and took his seat next to Gandalf, who was sitting to the left of me. Whispering again started but for an entirely different reason. Frodo looked at me warily, but his attention was quickly drawn away when a member spoke aloud.
"So it is true..." A man said who I quicky recognized as Boromir. He was similar to his character in the movie with his muscular build and auburn hair. He was also cloaked in his fur traveling clothes. He then stood up from his seat. The words I dreaded most came from his mouth.
"It is a gift. A gift to the foes of Mordor. Why not use this Ring?" he said and started pacing. "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!" I wanted to say something but decided to keep quiet because all would be taken care of, it was all playing out as it had in the books.
"You cannot wield it! None of us can. The One Ring answers to Sauron alone. It has no other master." Came the voice of reason. It was the voice of Aragorn. He also was similar to his character in the movie. His shoulder length brown hair, and while his features where strong, his muscular tone was smaller than that of Boromir. He was clothed in his traditional ranger gear, and still, he held a kind of Kingliness about him.
"And what would a ranger
know of this matter?" Boromir shot back testily.
Legolas then
stood to defend a long time friend. He looked at Boromir with fury.
" This is no mere ranger. He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance." He finished matter-o-factly. I looked at Legolas I had never seen him react as such and the strength in his voice chilled me.
"Aragorn?" he whispers and turns towards Aragorn with disbelief in his eyes. "This... is Isildur's heir?"
"And heir to the throne of Gondor." Legolas added looking smugly at the man of Gondor. I caught Frodo out of the corner of my eye. He too was staring at Aragorn in disbelief.
"Havo dad Legolas" Aragorn said calmly trying to regain control of the situation.
"Gondor has no king. Gondor needs no king." Boromir concluded.Legolas looked as if he was about to retort when Gandalf spoke.
"Aragorn is right. We cannot use it."He said drawing attention in our direction.
"You have only one choice. The Ring must be destroyed." Elrond added after nodding in Gandalf direction. Suddenly Gimli got out of his seat and charged toward the ring ax in hand.
"What are we waiting for?" He asked as he brought the ax down upon the Ring. In a burst of light the ax shattered and pieces flew all over the floor. Gimli also thrown to the floor. The ring still remained unscathed. Frodo visibly winced as the ax hit the ring. That's when I heard it's call for the first time.
'If you take me to my master I can fill your greatest desire... I will give you your family back...Your mother you will have again along with your father. These are the two things you desire the most...but wait there is more (the ring laughed)...you want the love of another do you not. I can give it to you, Harken to me, follow me child and you will have all'
That's when I snapped out of the trance. The ring had wanted me to take it. I could not do It I knew this but something deep inside of me was begging me to do so. I gripped the arms of my chair and tried desperately to calm myself and push the felling aside. I regained some control, but what control I had gained didn't work on everyone else. Everything within the room was chaos. Shouting was all you could hear as everyone tried to talk over someone else. I knew that the time had come for Frodo to step forward. The moment of truth was here. As if on cue Frodo's voice rang out.
"I
will take it! I will take it!"
Everyone stoped arguing. Gandalf
closed his eyes as he heard Frodo's statement. Slowly everyone
turned toward Frodo, surprised. Elrond looked at me with wide eyes
questioning me silently. I simply nodded. For Frodo was the one who
would take the ring, and he would defeat it, though not alone.
"I will take the Ring to Mordor. Though.. I do not know the way." Frodo finished with a voice of despair. Gandalf walked towards Frodo and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins, so long as it is yours to bear." Then as in the movie Aragorn rose from his seat and knolt before Frodo.
"If by my life or death, I can protect you, I will." He took out his sword and held it before Frodo. "You have my sword." Then I knew who was to come next. It was hard to watch as Legolas walked over and stood next to Frodo. While I knew he would be alright I felt a pang of worry and sadness.
"And you have my bow." He promised.I didn't know what to do but I felt as if I could help. But would they allow it? I didn't know. But I knew what I was going to do.
"And my axe!" Came the voice of Gimli as he exchanged a dark look with Legolas.
Boromir then approached slowly and looked at the young Hobbit with interest and slight envy.
"You carry the fates of us all little one. If this is indeed the will of the council, then Gondor will see it done." He no sooner stated and Sam cam out from his hiding spot. I'd known they were there but had forgotten until now.
"Heh!" Mr. Frodo is not goin' anywhere without me! " he exclaimed coming to stand next to his friend. Elrond just looked on with amusement.
"No indeed, it is hardly possible to separate you even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not." He said smiling and Sam blushed.
" Wait! We are coming too!" Merry and Pippin yelled coming out from their hiding spots. Standing among the forming fellowship. "You'd have to send us home tied up in a sack to stop us!" Merry added placing his hands on his hips. I smiled they were very loyal to there friend. Elrond looked as if he was going to name them the fellowship of the Ring when I rose and made my way to Frodo. The room became even more quiet as I approached. Elrond watched me and I knelt before Frodo as Aragorn had.
"You do not know me or my name or even what I look like." I stated removing my cloak. Gasps followed it's removal when they saw I was a woman. " I offer you my protection and all the knowledge of Middle Earth that I posses. I hope to help guide you along with the rest of this company." I finished looking up at Frodo. He seemed to be in shock but nodded.
" A woman." sneered Boromir and Legolas laid a hand on my shoulder. I looked up at him to see sadness and worry. He was not happy with my decision at all, but he respected it. "You have no place here at this meeting or among this group." I held my tongue as Legolas squeezed my shoulder gently. I just looked over at Elrond who smiled slightly.
"It is the Lady's decision. She is not of my realm therefore does not follow my order. She may go if that is what she truly believes is right" he finished looking at me pointedly. I nodded.
" I do believe it is right I will go." I finished looking at Frodo and then at all the rest. I bowed my head to the ring bearer and stood among the rest. Boromir was about to argue. But Elrond beat him to the punch.
"Ten companions... So be it! You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring!" And with that Elrond dismissed all. The meeting had ended. I left walking with Legolas back toward the palace when he took my hand and stopped me.
"Why did you not tell me you where there?" he questioned looking at me and furrowing his brow in confusion. I just shrugged.
"I didn't want you to stop me." I said simply and started walking again with Legolas still holding my hand.
"I wouldn't have you know, stopped you." he said
"Really, why?" I asked totally aware of his hand in mine. No no no bad thoughts.
" You told me once that you know what is to come...I trust your judgement." he finished sighing. "I have to..." he started again when an angry voice called from behind.
"WOMAN!" I turned to see Boromir coming at me. He was red and furious. The rest of the Fellowship was behind him. Legolas went to step in front of me when I stopped him. I knew this wasn't Boromir talking, it was the ring. When It could not have me it went for him.
"Yes Boromir" I replied calmly. Which seemed to infuriate him even more.
" Who do you think you are! You do not belong with us. You are weak and will only hinder us on our journey. We have to protect Frodo we should not have to protect you also.!"
"You will not have to protect me. I am capable of defending myself." I said trying to remain calm.
"Really is that so... Care to prove it?" he asked. A question I had so hoped he would ask. I smiled and he looked taken back. I was about to reply when I heard another voice from behind.
"THAT IS ENOUGH!" I turned to see Elrond and Gandalf coming toward us.
"BUT YOU CAN NOT ALLOW THIS!" Boromir bellowed.
" I can and I will." Elrond said finally. "I was going to call a meeting later to discuss things with the fellowship but seeing as you are already at each others throats I will speak to you all now. Come we will head to my private gardens" He motioned us to follow and we did. Boromir walked a head of me and occasionally sent dark looks at me. I looked at Legolas and he seemed to be burning a whole in the back of Boromir's head I just smiled to my self. If looks could kill Legolas would have killed him a thousand times over. Remind me to never get on his bad side. Everyone traveled in silence as we entered the gardens. There were benches and Elrond bid us to take a seat.
"Now that we are all seated I will start, you will leave the safety of Rivendell in a two weeks time, but until then I cleared the training fields from dawn to lunch everyday so that all of you may train freely. You must all go together and test each other." he said looking from Boromir to me. " You must be in your best physical condition to travel on the quest. So starting tomorrow morning at dawn I will meat you all here to start. Legolas, Aragorn and Myself will help and with the training."
"Why must we train together?" Boromir asked
"Because when you work together you know each others fighting abilities and there is no room for doubt among your companions." Gandalf put in and Elrond nodded in agreement.
"Very well" Boromir said looking at me darkly. "I look forward to it"I just rolled my eyes. This was going to be great fun.
"Now that we have spoken you may go, but remember I expect to see all of you tomorrow morn" He finished standing. We stood as well. He turned to leave and we bowed slightly and he exited the garden leaving us alone with each other. Gandalf stood looking at me carefully and I had a feeling of what he wanted. I sighed.
"If I am going to be part of this Fellowship you all must trust me, none of you know who I am, a side from Legolas and Gandalf." I started and all eyes where on Legolas and I. "I will tell you what you need to know about me." Confusion ran across many a face. I nodded to Gandalf and started my story as everyone took there seat again. I finally finish and silence settled over the group until Aragorn broke it.
"That is some tale." He said softly. " You are not of this world and you know about the future, that is some tale, I find it hard to believe." I just shook my head.
"Do I need to prove it?" I asked and many nodded Legolas included. "Very well." I said and Turned to Aragorn. " You are Aragorn son of Arathorn, a descendant of the Numenoreans ,you were raised here in Rivendell for a time until you joined the rangers of the North, Your name then became Strider. You met the Hobbits at the prancing pony and brought them here." I finished. He nodded looking a little shocked but still unconvinced. "And you are in love with the daughter of Elrond, Arwen Undomiel, who has the ability to forsake her immortality for that of a mortal life." With that I had Him. His eyes widened and he became ridged in his chair.
"How could you possibly know that, We have told noone." He said in utter disbelief.
"I told you I know things." I said turning to Boromir. "You are Boromir son of Denethor eldest brother to Faramir. Your mother died giving birth to Faramir, which caused your father to hate him. Your father holds you as his prized son. Just before you arrived here you had just reclaimed Osgiliath from Mordors Orcs." I finished and Boromir's face looked like that of Aragorns. I then turned to Frodo. "And you ringbearer are best friends with Sam, your gardener, you just recently started living with your uncle Bilbo who had originally found the ring. He had taken it from Gollum, He received a sword from Galadriel, that glows blue when orcs are around, called Sting. Also I know that today when Gimli hit the ring with his ax you saw the eye of fire." Everyone gasped. I think I had proved my point. Noone talked. " I think I have proved my point"
"That you have." Gandalf said placing a hand on my shoulder.
"It maybe hard to except me into this group, but please do not judge me because I am not of this world or know things that others don't. Judge me for the person I am" I finished. "I will leave you now" I said and left the garden in peace and left the fellowship to think. That had been harder then I thought.
I had gotten to my room to find Arwen sitting there waiting for me. She was sitting on my bed looking down at her hands.
"Arwen?" I said shutting the door behind me. She looked up with tears in her eyes.
"What's wrong." I asked walking over to Arwen and sitting down next to her. She sighed and wiped the tears from her cheeks.
"My father told me who was in the fellowship." with that realization hit me.
"Aragorn." I whispered. She looked at me and nodded dumbly.
"How did you know about us?" she asked. "Was it that obvious?" I just nodded.
With that we sat there until well past dinner just talking about anything and everything and I found myself revealing more to her than I had to anyone. I even told her about my parents. Both of us had laughed and cried more times then I could count. It felt good just to talk to someone. We were then interrupted by a knock on the door.
"Yes." I called
"It's Aragorn, can I come in?"I just looked at Arwen and she nodded.
"Yes." I said and he walked through the door. He saw Arwen and smiled slightly.
"I will leave you now." Arwen said standing. She hugged me and walked quietly out the door. Aragorn shut it behind her.
"Aragorn I am sorry that I said things about Arwen in front of everyone, I..." He held up his had and took a seat in the chair next to my bed.
"It is alright, you do not have to be sorry, you were asked to prove it and you did." he said smiling slightly. I smiled as well.
"What is it that you need?" I asked fidgeting slightly. I hoped that I hadn't frightened the fellowship.
" I came here to speak on behalf of the fellowship. We still want you to come along with us. Most of us think that your knowledge of the future could be vital." I looked at him and cocked my head to the side.
"What do you mean my 'Most" of us?" I asked.
" Well there was one who did not think it would be a good idea to have you along."I nodded in understanding.
"Boromir." I said clenching my fists.
"Yes it was him but we all out ruled him, he also got a good scolding form Gandalf." He said laughing and I did as well.
"Well thank you for coming to tell me."
"You are welcome my lady..."
"Please just call me Gwen."
"Then you are welcome Gwen. I do have one more question though." he said standing and I did as well.
"And what would that be?" I asked watching a smile appear on the rangers face.
"What were you and Arwen talking about in here that you didn't even make it to dinner." I laughed.
"My lips are sealed," he looked at me confused. " It means I won't tell you" I shrugged. "It's a girl thing." he just shook his head.
"Well then, I tried. Good night Gwen we will see you early in the morn." I nodded
"Good night Aragorn. And Thank you again." he nodded and left the room. I fell back on to the bed as relief washed over me. They were going to let stay with them. I laughed, and Aragorn was already regarding me as a friend. I got up and changed for bed and then snuffed out the candles and went to sleep. Tomorrow was going to be a long day.
next morning
I was sleeping soundly when I was roughly shaken awake.
"What." I said sleepily rolling over. "10 more minutes."
"I am sorry Lady Gwen but it is time for you to get up you have to be on the field in 10 minutes."the rude voice said. I shot up out of bed. I had totally forgotten. Quickly the maid had given me a pair of gray breeches and a green blouse to ware. I dressed and collected my weapons and tied them to my waist. Then the maid sat me down and braided my hair. I was no sooner ready and there was a knock at the door. I got up and opened it to find Legolas waiting for me.
"Ready?" he asked and I nodded he offered me his arm and he escorted me to the fields.
"Today should prove interesting." I said to him as we walked.
"I agree, the way that Boromir looked at you yesterday I have a feeling you will have to fight him today, just to settle this." he said shaking his head. " He does not trust you."
"I know not everyone can trust easily it takes time." He nodded in agreement. And we where quiet the rest of the way there. Soon we arrived and everyone was there Aragorn was warming up with Boromir while Gandalf watched. Elrond was there as well watching. I entered and looked at Legolas.
"Care to warm up with me." He nodded and we both took out our weapons as we came to the field. He just worked slowly with me by giving me easy things to block. But then Elrond's voice rang out.
"It is time to begin. I will assign you some one to spar with so that I can see your fighting style. Legolas I want you with Boromir, Merry with Pippin, Frodo with Sam, Gandalf and Gimli and Aragorn and Gwen." we all nodded and stood next to our partners. "One at a time you will go so you can all see each individuals fighting skills. Legolas and Boromir your first."They nodded and came forward. They drew their weapons and began. Boromir was good but not good enough Legolas came out the victor. Then Elrond would critique there fighting. He went though everyone until finally Aragorn and I were up. Everyone fell silent when we were called forward. Just like everyone else we took our place and began.
Aragorn began by making easy swings at my head that I easily blocked. He then swung at my stomach and I also blocked that one. He was taking it easy on me. He wasn't using his strength I could tell.
"Aragorn I know your holding back at least challenge me a little because if you don't I will never get any better." He nodded and his speed and strength increased. He was almost as strong as Legolas ...almost. He was fast but not as fast as the elves I had spared. I parried and his blows but didn't strike back. I was waiting for the opportune moment. His strength and speed stayed steady as he pushed me back farther and farther across the field but he still did not falter. Then he made his mistake...he swung high at my head, I ducked under his blade and did something I didn't even know I could do. As I ducked I jumped up and grabbed the hilt of his sword with my free hand, then threw my weight back and kick out with my feet hitting Aragorn square in the chest. He flew back at the force of my kick and landed with an load thunk. I continued my backward rotation until I complete a full back flip. Aragorn staggered to his feet, obviously bewildered at what had just happened. He look slightly dazed and I used that to my advantage, I dropped low and swiped his feet out from under neath him. He fell yet again. He went to get up again but I put my foot down on his chest and shoved him back down. I held both swords to his neck and pressed them down, so if he moved or tried to pull a fast one me, wouldn't be able to because the blades would cut his throat.
He looked up the blade of the sword with wide eyes. " Do you yield?" I asked already knowing what his answer would be.
"Aye" Was the only answer I got from him, but it was good enough for me. I removed my foot from his chest and moved the blades away from his neck. I tossed our swords a side and dropped down beside Aragorn who had gotten up onto his knees still looking bewildered at what had happened. I let out a low laugh at the look on his face. I clapped him on his back
" Come on big guy I didn't beet you that bad." I said even though I knew I had. He didn't say anything until I hauled him up to his feet and I picked up his sword and handed it to him.
He looked me over and then placed his sword in his sheath. " You completely manipulated me." he said . " You made me think I had you the hole entire time, when you were really just waiting for me to make a mistake." He said as he followed me back over to the group. " You hit the nail right on the head." I said over my shoulder.
I turned back to look at the group to see looks of astonishment on all the faces but one. Elrond just smiled, and came towards me and Aragorn who was still lost.
"My dear, that was the best fight I have seen in decades. You truly are capable of going on this journey. Who may I ask trained you?" Elrond asked.
"Legolas trained me during my stay in Mirkwood." I replied.
"But I never taught you that!" he exclaimed coming up beside me. "How did you do that?" I just shrugged.
"I really don't know." I said looking down to see a faint glow from my necklace, but as soon as I spotted it, it left. Now that was just creepy! There was more to this necklace than I knew, but I knew who did know and he refused to tell me. Why do things have to be so damn difficult.
I then looked back up to find the rest of the fellowship gathered around me.
"My lady I am sorry." Boromir said bowing his head. " I should never have said the things I said."
I waved my hand "It is ok, I never took it to heart." I said smiling. "Just call me Gwen alright. That goes for all of you." they all nodded.
"Well everyone, are time here is up my soldiers have to train for the rest of the day and it is lunch time. So let up retire to the dinning hall"Elrond said.
"Sounds good, I am starving" I said putting a hand to my forehead causing everyone to laugh.
"Well I like her already!" Pippin said grabbing my hand and leading me away. I looked back at those who followed and all wore a smile. This was going to be better then I thought, these where not just going to be traveling companions but friends.
This routine continued throughout our two week stay. Until the morning came for our departure and the beginning of my journey as part of this legendary fellowship.
