Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings.
natalie: Thank you for your review! I'm glad you like it!
Centellear: Thank you for your review! I really appreciate it. I did read through your entire review, and it will help a lot. I have just started writing for this website in April. Before that the only writing I did that anyone else saw was writing for school, whether it be for classes or, in one case, as short story for friends at lunch. With the exceptions of a few pointers, no one has really ever given me much constructive criticism.
I promise, I will go back and rewrite the first chapters using your advice. I have a tendency to speed through things. That is one bad habit that I need to break.
I will make sure to explain more in the prologue. I haven't finished "Dreamer" yet, but I do know a basic outline of the entire story. I can't ever put that story on this website, though, because it is completely original. However, I might eventually put it on fictionpress.com. I was originally going to do a complete summary of "Dreamer" in the prologue, but then I realized that not only was it not necessary to retell the entire story, but also, if I would happen to post "Dreamer" on fictionpress.com, and anyone that reads this story also reads that story, I will have ruined it for them. But I will explain more than I have already.
I actually did know about the fact that everyone in Middle-earth speaks Westron. I learned that from some of the stories I have read on this website. I noticed that many authors either didn't know about it or simply chose to ignore it. I chose to ignore it, but you are right. It would be more realistic if I include that, even if I just add an explanation for why Tammy understands everything everyone says and vice versa. And also, if you don't mind, I'll take your advice of what Pippin should have said instead of "You talk weird." I'm trying my best with Old English, and I apologize for anything that's out of character.
You're right. Having Aragorn just take a girl to Rivendell, without suspicion, is far fetched. I wasn't sure how to get Tammy to Rivendell, and that was the only thing I could come up with at the time. I figured that that was more realistic than having her just appear in Rivendell. I will try to change that to make it more believable.
Thank you for clearing up the thing with Elrond. I just knew what I heard in the movies and read in fan fictions. While I did read the books, I wasn't a major fan until after I saw the first movie. I had read the first book before I saw the movie simply because I like to always read books before watching them. Due to this, I zoned out during a lot of the explanations in the first book.
With Tammy's dream at the beginning, I will try to go into more detail. I actually went with my brother's advice, which was to forget about descriptions about what was going on and just write what was being said. However, I will change that. Also, I will explain why Tammy could understand everything, with the exception of the elvish. I'm just assuming that anything that wasn't in Sindarin or Quenyan (I think that's how it's spelled) was in Westron. Once again, I will make sure to add why she understands that.
The reason that Tammy was summoned to the council will be explained later on in the story. I already know why, but the time is not right yet.
And, I apologize, I had planned from the beginning that this would be a tenth walker story. I have read some stories like that and decided that I wanted to give it a shot. Even if for no other reason, then simply because I want to see if I can pull it off. If you don't want to continue reading this story due to this, I completely understand. There is a good reason for her being a part of the fellowship. In fact, it is the same reason that she was summoned to the council. This reason will be revealed in Lothlorien. I figure that, out of all of the lotr characters, Galadriel would be the most likely person to know the reason and, therefore, reveal it. Once again, this is simply going by things I have read in other fanfics. I will try to make everything as believable as possible. I will say right now, that some things may be kind of confusing until the reason is revealed. I am doing this on purpose. While I chose to do this story in third person rather than first, I still want the reader to be able to somewhat relate to how Tammy feels. If Tammy is confused, chances are, I'm hoping, the reader will be too.
While this is going to be a tenth walker story, it will stray from what we all know so well by now. I'm not sure how I'm going to change it yet, but I can worry about that when the time comes. One obvious reason for the changes in what is supposed to happen is the addition of Tammy. The other reason is tied to the reason for Tammy's presence.
Thanks again for your review! It really helps. Also, it really means a lot to me that you not only took the time to give me all of this advice, but also that you think I can pull off the dreamer angle of the story. I hope you're right. If you choose to continue reading, despite the fact that it is a tenth walker story, I hope you enjoy it. If you have any questions or complaints, please let me know.
Saber Apricot: Thank you for your reviews! I appreciate the constructive criticism. It always helps. This will be in response to all three reviews. I will try to cover everything in order.
By average, I am referring to the fact that most people don't have dreams that actually come true. I might change her age, but I'm not sure yet. The reason why I decided to make her 22 was because that way she would have had a couple years of experience with dealing with her dreams. I said her dreams were weird because they actually came true.
I'll admit it is far fetched that Tammy found an artifact in the sand. I started writing the story "Dreamer" in 7th or 8th grade. I didn't get that far until the beginning of last school year. I already had that idea, though, so I just went with it. However, the story itself is far fetched. In the story, Tammy eventually goes searching for answers. She realizes that she started having the dreams after she found the artifact. So, she does research on the artifact. She finds that there is a myth linked to the history of the artifact. According to the myth, anyone that finds the artifact regains a gift that they lost. In this case, that gift would be her dreams. The history is that she had these dreams when she was a kid. I will go into more detail with this in the rewritten prologue, and possibly later in this story. Anyways, the point I am trying to make is that the artifact she found was mythological in nature. Also, a major theme throughout that story is destiny. She was destined to find the artifact, so she literally stumbled over it.
And no, I am not a fan of X. I've actually never heard of it before you mentioned it. Also, the reason her dreams can be changed is because the events that she dreams about were never meant to happen. Somewhere along the line, something happened to mess up the greater order of things. If the events she dreams about aren't stopped, things could get even worse. Also, there are some dreams she has that are meant simply as warnings of things that are to come...things that have to happen – that if stopped, could cause catastrophic events. Basically those types of dreams are the exact opposite of each other. With time, Tammy was able to easily tell the difference between the two types of dreams.
Just like I told Centellear, I went on my brother's advice to just write what was being said. She does see things in her dreams too, though. I will be going back and rewriting the first few chapters. I will make sure to include descriptions of what she is seeing.
With the titles, I am simply going by what I have read in other fanfics.
When I originally decided to call her a dreamer, it was because I couldn't come up with anything else. However, since the first story is called "Dreamer," it only makes sense that that would be what she's called. Besides, the name of her favorite (fictional) band is The Dreamers. Once again, this was simply because I couldn't come up with anything else. However, I am sticking with that name. While it is kind of tacky, I figure it is ironic that her favorite band would have that name when she is called a dreamer.
With Galadriel, I just figured she would be the most likely one to know of Tammy. This may be a far stretch, but lets just assume that she did see Tammy and what she is, and, of course, that she would come to Middle- earth.
I am trying my best to keep the speech as normal as possible for the characters. I don't speak Old English, and, believe it or not, I don't talk with as much slang as I'm having Tammy use. However, yes, I am from high school. I will be a junior in the fall. I do use a lot of contractions, and I do have a tendency to say, "This sucks," though I don't say it as often as I used to. I had trouble getting my self to write that much slang in such a little space. And like I said in the author's note from the last chapter, there is a reason for this. It may be a lame reason, but there is a reason. As for how I relate to the character... the only thing we have in common is that we like to sleep. I am extremely shy until I get to know someone. It is rare that I can carry on an actual conversation with someone I just met. This is one thing I want to change about myself, but – like everything else – it will take time.
Oh, and what is a Mary Sue? All I know is that they are supposedly perfect, and in many cases fall in love with a fellowship member (most of the time with Legolas). I will say now, though, that this will not be a romance. The only love there will be is the close relationship of friends, bordering on family. However, I'm not saying that I don't think that my character isn't a Mary Sue. I'll take your word for it.
Thank you, once again, for your reviews! I really appreciate it. And by the way, your opinion does matter. I hope that helped to explain some things.
hee hee: Thank you for your review! I'm glad you like it!
A/N: I apologize to everyone. There was a lot I needed to say in the review replies. And now...on with the story.
Chapter 3 – The Council of Elrond
"Leave me alone. I'm tired. My first class isn't until 1:00," Tammy mumbled when she felt someone shaking her to attempt to wake her up. "Fine. I'll get up. Ya happy?"
As soon as she woke up, at first she was confused. This didn't look like her apartment. Then, once she began to wake up, for she had still been half asleep, the memory of the day before came flooding back. She was no longer at college with her three best friends. She was in Middle-earth – Rivendell to be exact – and she had to go to a council this morning.
She looked over to see who had been trying to get her to wake up, and saw that it was Frodo.
"Morning, Frodo," Tammy said.
"Lord Elrond asked me to wake you before going to the council," he said.
"Good thing, too. I would have slept through it. By the way, do you even know where this council is?"
"No. I'll be waiting outside with Gandalf. He knows the way."
Tammy yawned and waited for Frodo to exit the room before she got out of bed. She had been given a nightgown to sleep in the night before. They had also offered her some dresses, which she quickly declined. She didn't like dresses. The one and only occasion she willingly wore a dress was for prom. She figured that she would just wear what she had arrived in.
After she had finished getting ready, which didn't take long. She went outside to meet up with Frodo and Gandalf. There was a tall, older man with long gray hair and a beard standing with Frodo. He was also carrying a wooden staff. She assumed that he was Gandalf.
As soon as Frodo saw Tammy, he made the introductions, and they went on their way.
Tammy was looking around at everyone at the council. She had been seated next to Frodo. Some of the men were staring at her, wondering why she was there. However, because she was still in the process of waking up, she was oblivious to this.
Once she saw that every seat had been filled, she knew she had to start paying attention. She hid a yawn when she looked at Elrond as he began to talk.
"Strangers from distant lands, friends of old, you have been summoned here to answer to 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 fate...this one doom." He paused and looked directly at Frodo. "Bring forth the ring, Frodo."
Frodo then stood up and made his way over to a small round table, that almost looked like a mini pillar. Frodo reached out and slowly set the ring down. After this was finished, he sat down once more.
'That must be the ring from that dream I had. One ring to rule them all,' Tammy though as she found her self staring at the ring, as was everyone else. She could have sworn she could hear the ring talking. 'I'm losing it.'
Then, a man with shoulder length auburn hair stood up. "A dream... I saw the eastern sky grow dark, and in the west a pale light lingered. A voice was crying...doom was near at hand. Isildur's bane is found. Isildur's bane..." He moved closer and closer to the ring as he was talking. He began reaching out for the ring as if he was in some sort of trance.
Tammy found herself wondering if this man was also a dreamer, because of what he said. As soon as she saw him reaching out to pick up the ring, she got a bad feeling. 'This can't be good.'
"Boromir!" Elrond cried, but Boromir didn't listen. It was as if he didn't even know that he was being spoken too.
Gandalf stood up and started reciting something. "Ash nazg durbatulûk." The sky began to grow dark. "Ash nazg gimbatul, ash nazg thrakatulûk agh burzum-ishi krimpatul." Once he had finished, everything went back to normal. Even the dark feeling...the sense of fear that had enveloped everyone disappeared.
Elrond looked at Gandalf angrily. "Never before has any voice uttered the words of that tongue here in Imladris."
"I do not ask your pardon, Master Elrond, for the black speech of Mordor may yet be heard in every corner of the west," Gandalf said evenly. "The ring is altogether evil." Then, he sat back down.
"Nay, it is a gift," Boromir said, standing up again. "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."
"You cannot wield it. None of us can. The one ring answers to Sauron alone. It has no other master," Aragorn stated.
Boromir looked at him in distaste. "And what would a ranger know of this matter?"
At this, an elf with long blond hair stood abruptly. "This is no mere ranger. He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance."
"Aragorn. This is Isildur's heir."
"And heir to the throne of Gondor."
Aragorn looked at the elf and said, "Havo dad, Legolas."
Hesitantly, the elf sat down.
"Gondor has no king. Gondor needs no king," Boromir said forcefully.
"Aragorn is right. We cannot use it," Gandalf spoke up.
"You have only one choice. The ring must be destroyed," Elrond concluded.
Then, a short man with long auburn hair and a beard went towards the ring with his axe yelling, "What are we waiting for?" He swung his axe down, and it shattered as soon as it hit the ring, sending the man backwards onto the ground.
Tammy's eyes widened in surprise. "What the?" she said quietly. 'The ring should have been shattered, not the axe.'
"The ring cannot be destroyed, Gimli, son of Gloin, by any craft that we here possess. The ring was made in the fires of Mount Doom. Only there can it be unmade. It must be taken deep into Mordor and cast back into the fiery chasm from whence it came. One of you must do this." Elrond looked everyone in the eye, making Tammy uncomfortable.
After a moment of silence, Boromir spoke up again. "One does not simply walk into Mordor. Its black gates are guarded by more than just orcs. There is an evil there that does not sleep. The great eye is ever watchful. It is a barren wasteland riddled with fire and ash and dust. The very air you breathe is a poisonous fume. Not with ten thousand men could you do this. It is folly."
Legolas stood once again, and directed his comment at Boromir. "Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond just said? The ring must be destroyed!"
Gimli now stood also. "And I suppose you think you're the one to do it!"
Seemingly oblivious to Gimli's comment, Boromir pressed on. "And if we fail, what then? What if Sauron takes back what's his?"
"I will be dead before I see the ring in the hands of an elf. Never trust an elf," Gimli said. This caused an uproar. It started with the elves and what Tammy assumed had to be dwarves – they looked exactly like the creatures in her dream that had been referred to as dwarves. The only thing that kept the elves from getting to the dwarves was Legolas. He was holding the elves back. After this, the fight seemed to spread like wild fire. The only ones not standing and arguing were Tammy, Elrond, an elf that sat near Elrond, and Frodo.
Tammy glanced over at Frodo. She noticed that he was staring at the ring with a somewhat pained expression. Then, it dawned on her. It didn't take a rocket scientist to figure this one out. Frodo was going to take the ring.
Sure enough, Frodo stood and spoke timidly. "I will take it." Realizing that no one heard him, he spoke louder with more confidence. "I will take it. I will take the ring to Mordor. Though, I do not know the way."
Everyone looked at the hobbit with newfound respect.
Gandalf walked forward. "I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins, for as long as it is yours to bear."
"If by my life or death I can protect you, I will," Aragorn said, now kneeling before Frodo. "You have my sword."
"And you have my bow," Legolas said, making his way to stand by Gandalf.
"And my axe." As soon as Gimli stood next to Legolas, Tammy had to keep herself from laughing. She could clearly see the disgust on both of their faces.
"You carry the fates of us all, little one," Boromir said. "If this is indeed the will of the council, then Gondor will see it done."
"Here!" someone yelled. When Tammy looked over, she saw that it was none other than Sam. He ran out of the bushes and in between Aragorn and Frodo, forcing Aragorn to release his light comforting grip on Frodo's shoulder. "Mr. Frodo's not going anywhere without me."
Elrond watched the situation before him in amusement. "No, indeed. It is hardly possible to separate you, even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not."
"Oi! We're coming too! You have to send us home tied up in a sack to stop us," Merry said as he and Pippin ran out of hiding.
By now, Elrond looked like he was really annoyed. 'I wonder who else is going to run up?' Tammy thought sarcastically.
"Anyway, you need people of intelligence on this sort of mission...quest...thing," Pippin said.
"Well, that rules you out, Pip." At first, at hearing Merry's comment, Pippin was nodding in agreement. When it dawned on him that it was an insult, he glared at Merry.
There was silence. 'Okay...well...oh why not,' Tammy thought.
"You can count me in," everyone looked at her in utter confusion, except Elrond, Aragorn, and Gandalf, for they had all been informed of Tammy's importance. "I'll admit, I don't know how to fight. However, if anyone is willing to teach me, I'm willing to learn." She paused, trying to figure out what to say next, knowing that she had to further explain herself. "As some of you already know, I'm not from around here. I'm from another world. I was brought here for a reason. And, over the past few years, I have learned that everything in my life happens for a reason. I was asked to join this council for a reason. I'm assuming this is it."
Many of the men were looking at her doubtfully.
After a long, uncomfortable silence, Elrond finally spoke again. "Ten companions... So be it. You shall be the fellowship of the ring."
"Great! Where are we going?" Pippin said.
'I hope I didn't make a mistake. Oh well. What's done is done. I'm not backing out now. Besides, like I told them, I am here for a reason,' Tammy thought in a ramble. She was trying to assure herself that she had done the right thing.
A/N: I got the idea for the first line of this chapter from my brother. When he was a sophomore in college, he strategically scheduled his classes so that he never had any before 1:00. He now only has one semester left, and while still immature, has grown past that. I'm a different story. I rarely ever wake up before 11:00 unless I have to. Anyways...that's enough of my rambling. I hope you liked the chapter!
natalie: Thank you for your review! I'm glad you like it!
Centellear: Thank you for your review! I really appreciate it. I did read through your entire review, and it will help a lot. I have just started writing for this website in April. Before that the only writing I did that anyone else saw was writing for school, whether it be for classes or, in one case, as short story for friends at lunch. With the exceptions of a few pointers, no one has really ever given me much constructive criticism.
I promise, I will go back and rewrite the first chapters using your advice. I have a tendency to speed through things. That is one bad habit that I need to break.
I will make sure to explain more in the prologue. I haven't finished "Dreamer" yet, but I do know a basic outline of the entire story. I can't ever put that story on this website, though, because it is completely original. However, I might eventually put it on fictionpress.com. I was originally going to do a complete summary of "Dreamer" in the prologue, but then I realized that not only was it not necessary to retell the entire story, but also, if I would happen to post "Dreamer" on fictionpress.com, and anyone that reads this story also reads that story, I will have ruined it for them. But I will explain more than I have already.
I actually did know about the fact that everyone in Middle-earth speaks Westron. I learned that from some of the stories I have read on this website. I noticed that many authors either didn't know about it or simply chose to ignore it. I chose to ignore it, but you are right. It would be more realistic if I include that, even if I just add an explanation for why Tammy understands everything everyone says and vice versa. And also, if you don't mind, I'll take your advice of what Pippin should have said instead of "You talk weird." I'm trying my best with Old English, and I apologize for anything that's out of character.
You're right. Having Aragorn just take a girl to Rivendell, without suspicion, is far fetched. I wasn't sure how to get Tammy to Rivendell, and that was the only thing I could come up with at the time. I figured that that was more realistic than having her just appear in Rivendell. I will try to change that to make it more believable.
Thank you for clearing up the thing with Elrond. I just knew what I heard in the movies and read in fan fictions. While I did read the books, I wasn't a major fan until after I saw the first movie. I had read the first book before I saw the movie simply because I like to always read books before watching them. Due to this, I zoned out during a lot of the explanations in the first book.
With Tammy's dream at the beginning, I will try to go into more detail. I actually went with my brother's advice, which was to forget about descriptions about what was going on and just write what was being said. However, I will change that. Also, I will explain why Tammy could understand everything, with the exception of the elvish. I'm just assuming that anything that wasn't in Sindarin or Quenyan (I think that's how it's spelled) was in Westron. Once again, I will make sure to add why she understands that.
The reason that Tammy was summoned to the council will be explained later on in the story. I already know why, but the time is not right yet.
And, I apologize, I had planned from the beginning that this would be a tenth walker story. I have read some stories like that and decided that I wanted to give it a shot. Even if for no other reason, then simply because I want to see if I can pull it off. If you don't want to continue reading this story due to this, I completely understand. There is a good reason for her being a part of the fellowship. In fact, it is the same reason that she was summoned to the council. This reason will be revealed in Lothlorien. I figure that, out of all of the lotr characters, Galadriel would be the most likely person to know the reason and, therefore, reveal it. Once again, this is simply going by things I have read in other fanfics. I will try to make everything as believable as possible. I will say right now, that some things may be kind of confusing until the reason is revealed. I am doing this on purpose. While I chose to do this story in third person rather than first, I still want the reader to be able to somewhat relate to how Tammy feels. If Tammy is confused, chances are, I'm hoping, the reader will be too.
While this is going to be a tenth walker story, it will stray from what we all know so well by now. I'm not sure how I'm going to change it yet, but I can worry about that when the time comes. One obvious reason for the changes in what is supposed to happen is the addition of Tammy. The other reason is tied to the reason for Tammy's presence.
Thanks again for your review! It really helps. Also, it really means a lot to me that you not only took the time to give me all of this advice, but also that you think I can pull off the dreamer angle of the story. I hope you're right. If you choose to continue reading, despite the fact that it is a tenth walker story, I hope you enjoy it. If you have any questions or complaints, please let me know.
Saber Apricot: Thank you for your reviews! I appreciate the constructive criticism. It always helps. This will be in response to all three reviews. I will try to cover everything in order.
By average, I am referring to the fact that most people don't have dreams that actually come true. I might change her age, but I'm not sure yet. The reason why I decided to make her 22 was because that way she would have had a couple years of experience with dealing with her dreams. I said her dreams were weird because they actually came true.
I'll admit it is far fetched that Tammy found an artifact in the sand. I started writing the story "Dreamer" in 7th or 8th grade. I didn't get that far until the beginning of last school year. I already had that idea, though, so I just went with it. However, the story itself is far fetched. In the story, Tammy eventually goes searching for answers. She realizes that she started having the dreams after she found the artifact. So, she does research on the artifact. She finds that there is a myth linked to the history of the artifact. According to the myth, anyone that finds the artifact regains a gift that they lost. In this case, that gift would be her dreams. The history is that she had these dreams when she was a kid. I will go into more detail with this in the rewritten prologue, and possibly later in this story. Anyways, the point I am trying to make is that the artifact she found was mythological in nature. Also, a major theme throughout that story is destiny. She was destined to find the artifact, so she literally stumbled over it.
And no, I am not a fan of X. I've actually never heard of it before you mentioned it. Also, the reason her dreams can be changed is because the events that she dreams about were never meant to happen. Somewhere along the line, something happened to mess up the greater order of things. If the events she dreams about aren't stopped, things could get even worse. Also, there are some dreams she has that are meant simply as warnings of things that are to come...things that have to happen – that if stopped, could cause catastrophic events. Basically those types of dreams are the exact opposite of each other. With time, Tammy was able to easily tell the difference between the two types of dreams.
Just like I told Centellear, I went on my brother's advice to just write what was being said. She does see things in her dreams too, though. I will be going back and rewriting the first few chapters. I will make sure to include descriptions of what she is seeing.
With the titles, I am simply going by what I have read in other fanfics.
When I originally decided to call her a dreamer, it was because I couldn't come up with anything else. However, since the first story is called "Dreamer," it only makes sense that that would be what she's called. Besides, the name of her favorite (fictional) band is The Dreamers. Once again, this was simply because I couldn't come up with anything else. However, I am sticking with that name. While it is kind of tacky, I figure it is ironic that her favorite band would have that name when she is called a dreamer.
With Galadriel, I just figured she would be the most likely one to know of Tammy. This may be a far stretch, but lets just assume that she did see Tammy and what she is, and, of course, that she would come to Middle- earth.
I am trying my best to keep the speech as normal as possible for the characters. I don't speak Old English, and, believe it or not, I don't talk with as much slang as I'm having Tammy use. However, yes, I am from high school. I will be a junior in the fall. I do use a lot of contractions, and I do have a tendency to say, "This sucks," though I don't say it as often as I used to. I had trouble getting my self to write that much slang in such a little space. And like I said in the author's note from the last chapter, there is a reason for this. It may be a lame reason, but there is a reason. As for how I relate to the character... the only thing we have in common is that we like to sleep. I am extremely shy until I get to know someone. It is rare that I can carry on an actual conversation with someone I just met. This is one thing I want to change about myself, but – like everything else – it will take time.
Oh, and what is a Mary Sue? All I know is that they are supposedly perfect, and in many cases fall in love with a fellowship member (most of the time with Legolas). I will say now, though, that this will not be a romance. The only love there will be is the close relationship of friends, bordering on family. However, I'm not saying that I don't think that my character isn't a Mary Sue. I'll take your word for it.
Thank you, once again, for your reviews! I really appreciate it. And by the way, your opinion does matter. I hope that helped to explain some things.
hee hee: Thank you for your review! I'm glad you like it!
A/N: I apologize to everyone. There was a lot I needed to say in the review replies. And now...on with the story.
Chapter 3 – The Council of Elrond
"Leave me alone. I'm tired. My first class isn't until 1:00," Tammy mumbled when she felt someone shaking her to attempt to wake her up. "Fine. I'll get up. Ya happy?"
As soon as she woke up, at first she was confused. This didn't look like her apartment. Then, once she began to wake up, for she had still been half asleep, the memory of the day before came flooding back. She was no longer at college with her three best friends. She was in Middle-earth – Rivendell to be exact – and she had to go to a council this morning.
She looked over to see who had been trying to get her to wake up, and saw that it was Frodo.
"Morning, Frodo," Tammy said.
"Lord Elrond asked me to wake you before going to the council," he said.
"Good thing, too. I would have slept through it. By the way, do you even know where this council is?"
"No. I'll be waiting outside with Gandalf. He knows the way."
Tammy yawned and waited for Frodo to exit the room before she got out of bed. She had been given a nightgown to sleep in the night before. They had also offered her some dresses, which she quickly declined. She didn't like dresses. The one and only occasion she willingly wore a dress was for prom. She figured that she would just wear what she had arrived in.
After she had finished getting ready, which didn't take long. She went outside to meet up with Frodo and Gandalf. There was a tall, older man with long gray hair and a beard standing with Frodo. He was also carrying a wooden staff. She assumed that he was Gandalf.
As soon as Frodo saw Tammy, he made the introductions, and they went on their way.
Tammy was looking around at everyone at the council. She had been seated next to Frodo. Some of the men were staring at her, wondering why she was there. However, because she was still in the process of waking up, she was oblivious to this.
Once she saw that every seat had been filled, she knew she had to start paying attention. She hid a yawn when she looked at Elrond as he began to talk.
"Strangers from distant lands, friends of old, you have been summoned here to answer to 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 fate...this one doom." He paused and looked directly at Frodo. "Bring forth the ring, Frodo."
Frodo then stood up and made his way over to a small round table, that almost looked like a mini pillar. Frodo reached out and slowly set the ring down. After this was finished, he sat down once more.
'That must be the ring from that dream I had. One ring to rule them all,' Tammy though as she found her self staring at the ring, as was everyone else. She could have sworn she could hear the ring talking. 'I'm losing it.'
Then, a man with shoulder length auburn hair stood up. "A dream... I saw the eastern sky grow dark, and in the west a pale light lingered. A voice was crying...doom was near at hand. Isildur's bane is found. Isildur's bane..." He moved closer and closer to the ring as he was talking. He began reaching out for the ring as if he was in some sort of trance.
Tammy found herself wondering if this man was also a dreamer, because of what he said. As soon as she saw him reaching out to pick up the ring, she got a bad feeling. 'This can't be good.'
"Boromir!" Elrond cried, but Boromir didn't listen. It was as if he didn't even know that he was being spoken too.
Gandalf stood up and started reciting something. "Ash nazg durbatulûk." The sky began to grow dark. "Ash nazg gimbatul, ash nazg thrakatulûk agh burzum-ishi krimpatul." Once he had finished, everything went back to normal. Even the dark feeling...the sense of fear that had enveloped everyone disappeared.
Elrond looked at Gandalf angrily. "Never before has any voice uttered the words of that tongue here in Imladris."
"I do not ask your pardon, Master Elrond, for the black speech of Mordor may yet be heard in every corner of the west," Gandalf said evenly. "The ring is altogether evil." Then, he sat back down.
"Nay, it is a gift," Boromir said, standing up again. "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."
"You cannot wield it. None of us can. The one ring answers to Sauron alone. It has no other master," Aragorn stated.
Boromir looked at him in distaste. "And what would a ranger know of this matter?"
At this, an elf with long blond hair stood abruptly. "This is no mere ranger. He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance."
"Aragorn. This is Isildur's heir."
"And heir to the throne of Gondor."
Aragorn looked at the elf and said, "Havo dad, Legolas."
Hesitantly, the elf sat down.
"Gondor has no king. Gondor needs no king," Boromir said forcefully.
"Aragorn is right. We cannot use it," Gandalf spoke up.
"You have only one choice. The ring must be destroyed," Elrond concluded.
Then, a short man with long auburn hair and a beard went towards the ring with his axe yelling, "What are we waiting for?" He swung his axe down, and it shattered as soon as it hit the ring, sending the man backwards onto the ground.
Tammy's eyes widened in surprise. "What the?" she said quietly. 'The ring should have been shattered, not the axe.'
"The ring cannot be destroyed, Gimli, son of Gloin, by any craft that we here possess. The ring was made in the fires of Mount Doom. Only there can it be unmade. It must be taken deep into Mordor and cast back into the fiery chasm from whence it came. One of you must do this." Elrond looked everyone in the eye, making Tammy uncomfortable.
After a moment of silence, Boromir spoke up again. "One does not simply walk into Mordor. Its black gates are guarded by more than just orcs. There is an evil there that does not sleep. The great eye is ever watchful. It is a barren wasteland riddled with fire and ash and dust. The very air you breathe is a poisonous fume. Not with ten thousand men could you do this. It is folly."
Legolas stood once again, and directed his comment at Boromir. "Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond just said? The ring must be destroyed!"
Gimli now stood also. "And I suppose you think you're the one to do it!"
Seemingly oblivious to Gimli's comment, Boromir pressed on. "And if we fail, what then? What if Sauron takes back what's his?"
"I will be dead before I see the ring in the hands of an elf. Never trust an elf," Gimli said. This caused an uproar. It started with the elves and what Tammy assumed had to be dwarves – they looked exactly like the creatures in her dream that had been referred to as dwarves. The only thing that kept the elves from getting to the dwarves was Legolas. He was holding the elves back. After this, the fight seemed to spread like wild fire. The only ones not standing and arguing were Tammy, Elrond, an elf that sat near Elrond, and Frodo.
Tammy glanced over at Frodo. She noticed that he was staring at the ring with a somewhat pained expression. Then, it dawned on her. It didn't take a rocket scientist to figure this one out. Frodo was going to take the ring.
Sure enough, Frodo stood and spoke timidly. "I will take it." Realizing that no one heard him, he spoke louder with more confidence. "I will take it. I will take the ring to Mordor. Though, I do not know the way."
Everyone looked at the hobbit with newfound respect.
Gandalf walked forward. "I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins, for as long as it is yours to bear."
"If by my life or death I can protect you, I will," Aragorn said, now kneeling before Frodo. "You have my sword."
"And you have my bow," Legolas said, making his way to stand by Gandalf.
"And my axe." As soon as Gimli stood next to Legolas, Tammy had to keep herself from laughing. She could clearly see the disgust on both of their faces.
"You carry the fates of us all, little one," Boromir said. "If this is indeed the will of the council, then Gondor will see it done."
"Here!" someone yelled. When Tammy looked over, she saw that it was none other than Sam. He ran out of the bushes and in between Aragorn and Frodo, forcing Aragorn to release his light comforting grip on Frodo's shoulder. "Mr. Frodo's not going anywhere without me."
Elrond watched the situation before him in amusement. "No, indeed. It is hardly possible to separate you, even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not."
"Oi! We're coming too! You have to send us home tied up in a sack to stop us," Merry said as he and Pippin ran out of hiding.
By now, Elrond looked like he was really annoyed. 'I wonder who else is going to run up?' Tammy thought sarcastically.
"Anyway, you need people of intelligence on this sort of mission...quest...thing," Pippin said.
"Well, that rules you out, Pip." At first, at hearing Merry's comment, Pippin was nodding in agreement. When it dawned on him that it was an insult, he glared at Merry.
There was silence. 'Okay...well...oh why not,' Tammy thought.
"You can count me in," everyone looked at her in utter confusion, except Elrond, Aragorn, and Gandalf, for they had all been informed of Tammy's importance. "I'll admit, I don't know how to fight. However, if anyone is willing to teach me, I'm willing to learn." She paused, trying to figure out what to say next, knowing that she had to further explain herself. "As some of you already know, I'm not from around here. I'm from another world. I was brought here for a reason. And, over the past few years, I have learned that everything in my life happens for a reason. I was asked to join this council for a reason. I'm assuming this is it."
Many of the men were looking at her doubtfully.
After a long, uncomfortable silence, Elrond finally spoke again. "Ten companions... So be it. You shall be the fellowship of the ring."
"Great! Where are we going?" Pippin said.
'I hope I didn't make a mistake. Oh well. What's done is done. I'm not backing out now. Besides, like I told them, I am here for a reason,' Tammy thought in a ramble. She was trying to assure herself that she had done the right thing.
A/N: I got the idea for the first line of this chapter from my brother. When he was a sophomore in college, he strategically scheduled his classes so that he never had any before 1:00. He now only has one semester left, and while still immature, has grown past that. I'm a different story. I rarely ever wake up before 11:00 unless I have to. Anyways...that's enough of my rambling. I hope you liked the chapter!