Author's Note: Hello again! Jen and I just wanted to take time out to thank the people who have reviewed so far-your reviews mean so much!! Our gratitude to Sindamellonwen, wing0z, Akima, Ara, the_littlest_fairy_of_the_wood, DeadSEXY, and Allycat. *Thank you so much!* Keep the reviews comin'!
When you're standing at the crossroads
Don't know which path to choose,
Let me come along
Cause even if you're wrong
I'll stand by you
Take me into your darkest hour
And I'll never desert you
I'll stand by you.
~'I'll Stand By You' The Pretenders
Chapter 9
" You would see the Ring destroyed?" he asked in their tongue.
All five faeries present nodded. Elrond gave them all a good look; he knew the faerie princess Liana, and her raven-haired friend with the angry purple eyes. Next to her was a slightly taller blonde, hair more white than anything, and chopped off right before her shoulders. Nearly transperant light blue eyes stared calmly into his, but he could sense the same kind of hunger for life and battle as he sensed in Liana's friend. On Liana's right was a shorter Faerie-sunny blonde hair pulled up and away from her face, skin tanned from the sun. Her eyes were hazel and full of childlike mischief; this one was young. A ghost of a smile appeared on her face as she looked at her surroundings. She appeared to be no more than twelve or thirteen years of age, but Elrond knew better than to think she really was that new to the world. Faeries aged so drastically different compared to other races, and it was foolish to judge them based on appearance. To the other blonde's left was the last faerie, the second shortest to the other; she had crystal blue eyes; hair that was a beautiful lavender color; pulled up in twin messy buns on her head, with wisps and tendrils falling down around her forehead and ears. Ears that were pierced.
An odd ritual of the race; among all the other odd rituals they seemed to partake into, Elrond frowned. They deliberately pierce tiny holes into their earlobes to insert small gold or silver posts studded with jewels from the mines of their people. This one seemed to have a deep blue sapphire stone in each ear; but that was nothing compared to the princess's and her partner's three holes in each ear!
Elrond smiled at them, earning him smiles back." What are your names?" he said in a gentler voice, focusing on the other four.
The blonde responded first, staring at him coolly and nodding a little as she spoke." Alexia, soldier of Charon. It's an..honor," she paused, giving a faint smile," to meet you, Lord Elrond." He frowned a little, and looked over to the fair, lavender-haired Faerie." And you?"
" Diana, messenger from Saffron," she responded in a smiling tone, her eyes directly on his. Apparently the rumors were true, Elrond though faintly, that faeries did not understand or know the work meekness." I am pleased to finally meet the King of the Elves in Rivendell. We've heard a lot about this place; it's just as beautiful as the stories others tell us."
His smile turned warm at the Faerie." I thank you for your compliments. It is a pleasure to meet you, Diana." He turned with raised eyebrows to the raven-haired spitfire standing close to the princess.
The girl narrowed her purple eyes into his, and responded monotonely," Nevada."
" And where do you hail from?"
Her eyes narrowed slightly, and Elrond thought he caught an emotion in her eyes before she quickly shut it out-grief." I hailed from Deimos, but that country is no more." He felt slightly guilty for prying, and nodded apologetically, undoing her anger by responding welcome in her own tongue. She nodded back, and seeing as how he would not get anything more from her, he turned to the last faerie.
" And you, my dear?"
She directed her gaze at him, and gave a genuine smile." Peony, soldier of Miranda." She paused for a moment, looked to Liana, then continued staring him down. Elrond almost felt as if she were looking into his soul, reading his intentions, and it made him even more curious about these batch of faeries." A pleasure, Lord Elrond," she finished in a warmer tone.
He nodded his approval." The Meeting has only begun, ladies-" he motioned with his hand at the extra chairs he had set up, accidently, between the elves and Gandalf." Please, take a seat and we will discuss more in depth what you have missed. Princess, would you-"
" I can escort myself, Lord Elrond," she replied in the Common tongue, smiling a little before turning and walking-no, strutting gracefully to her seat-before an Elf stopped her.
" This is an outrage, Lord Elrond!" he stated, and moved to block the Princess." How-"
" What is your name?" she asked. He stared at her. The look on her face was of genuine curiosity, but he wasn't fooled." Galdor. Of Grey Havens. Why do you come here, faerie princess? What have you come to take, or barter for?"
She took the insult without a change in her face, but something akin to anger fleeted through her eyes. She calmly studied the Elf with the long, dark blonde hair and piercing grey-blue eyes. She sighed in her head. Elves were not unpleasant to look upon, but if only they had sunnier dispositions...
" I have come to barter nothing, Galdor, not during a meeting of this importance," she said conversationally.
He studied her skeptically, not fooled by her stunning beauty and honest eyes." I find it hard to believe a faerie would come this far without knowing there was something in it for her."
" Galdor," an Elf in brown and green gave his friend a stern glance." Enough."
" You do not know their kind, Legolas," Galdor continued. The Elf Legolas turned to stare at the princess. Her hair was the most peculiar color; a light brown streaked with strands of gold, as if her hair could not decide which color it wanted to be. It matched her tanned skin tone and the golden jewels of her eyes. He had never seen anything like her before, and he felt as if he could not take his gaze away.
" She will drain us and backstab our Good forces-"
" Will I?" she challenged quietly. Beneath the cool glance, both Elves could practically smell the anger radiating off of her, but she hid it well." And what proof, may I ask, do you possess?"
He shifted." The whole race speaks for itself. Beautiful you are, but deadly your nature, and we do not trust your kind."
" Nor do we trust yours!" said Peony indignantly, irritation shining in her eyes." The feeling is mutual."
Amusement glimmered in the faerie princesses' eyes, one which died when her attention went to the Elf Legolas. Liana hid her surprise at his intense gaze, but she refused to look away. He looked just like the rest of them; long light blonde hair, tall, slightly pale, lean muscle, and the keen, gorgeous blue eyes that seemed to be a trademark of the whole race, but this one...She could not place it, but she sensed he would play a bigger role in more than a few ways in the future. And the feeling he was giving her, she couldn't explain that, either, but it made her uncomfortable..." I appreciate your help. However, it is not needed." When he only raised an eyebrow with mild curiosity, she continued," I can very much take care of myself, and so can they. We do not need you to come to our aid, Legolas...?"
" Legolas Greenleaf," he answered monotonely." Prince of Mirkwood."
She struggled with an amused smile. Now that he mentioned it, he did carry himself as royalty would." I see, Prince Legolas. I hope I do not offend you-"
" Not at all," he replied.
It was her turn to raise an elegant eyebrow." But we do not need your assistance."
" See how ungrateful they are," a dwarf cut in, for once, agreeing with an elf." Lord Elrond, why you invited the faeries here is beyond my comprehension-"
Nevada strode forward, but Alexia held her back. Other Elves and dwarves had their hands on their daggers, ready to spring if need be." We cannot take these insults, princess Liana," Nevada growled." Not if we want to hold our place here."
" Let him continue," the blonde faerie Alexia said coolly, but her blue eyes snapped with fire and menace at the elves and offending dwarf." They are only words, with no action to back them."
" Do not mind Galdor or Gimli, my good faeries. They mean no harm."
Galdor turned to look at Gandalf." You know these mischief-makers, mithrandir?"
Gandalf, who had been quiet and watchful the whole time, smiled warmly at the young princess and Nevada." Yes, I do. Very well. Nevada and Liana...It has been many years."
" Too many years, old friend," Nevada relented with a small smile.
" Yes," Liana agreed, mirroring Nevada's pleased look.
Gandalf winked at the two, the gesture not going unnoticed by others, and spoke in a booming voice in the Common Tongue to everyone else." Do not mind the Elves, my dears; the House of Elrond welcomes you to this meeting-have a seat."
The other faeries beamed at him, and sat down in the chairs made available by the servants.
As Princess Liana went to take her seat, the Elf Legolas stayed her arm for a moment more. She leaned toward him as he lowered his head to talk in her ear." And I was not coming to your people's aid, Princess," he said in a quiet voice. She raised her head slightly, but waited patiently for him to finish." I was coming to yours." Not knowing how to react to that, she spared him a fiery glance, one that almost reminded the Elf Prince of a haughty Queen-to-peasant look. It almost had him smiling as he took a seat among the Council. Almost. His mind drifted to what he had just witnessed between the princess, Nevada, and Gandalf. The wizard regarded them like one would a grandchild, or even a set of daughters. Gandalf the Grey had that affect on a lot of people, but this relationship seemed closer - the affection in their voices was rare. He still couldn't understand his immense curiosity towards Liana, though. He had never had dealings with faeries before, so maybe that would explain his straying thoughts.
Peony found herself next to the Elf Galdor that insulted Liana, and she looked at him with distaste clear in her hazel eyes, even though she knew he wasn't looking. She had heard that faeries were not respected this far West, where their race rarely traveled, but she did not expect it to be this bad. Alexia sat next to her, and Peony spoke to her in a low voice." I can feel their hate, Alexia. I couldn't bear those insults! How could Liana stand there and take that?"
Alexia smiled slightly and kept her eyes trained on Elrond and an ear on what he was saying while she spoke to her younger companion." Do not fear their hate, Peony. Liana did take his insults, but she did not fire her tongue back. She is better than that. What she has is class." Alexia lowered her head and let her hair blow in the wind as she let a brief but strong sliver of anger pass through her." What they have is stupidity." Peony frowned, and to lighten her friend's mood, Alexia motioned behind her with a move of her head." Look behind you, Peony. To your left. I think you'll be surprised."
" Hm?" Pausing from listening to Lord Elrond, the younger blonde faerie turned her head behind her into the brush-and saw another head! Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion as she frowned, then smiled, recognizing the unruly curls. A hobbit! Such delightful little creatures! Whatever was a hobbit doing back there? She would have saught him out further, but Elrond's next words caught her and everyone else's attention.
" There is no other way," Elrond was saying in a stern voice." The Ring must be cast back into the fires of Mount Doom."
" Does he think he can just walk into Mordor?" Diana remarked to Liana. Gandalf looked down at the two faeries. Liana's legs were crossed with a slim hand propped under her chin, her eyes narrowed with concentration. The same thought was probably running through her mind, Gandalf grunted.
As if reading their thoughts, Boromir made an indignant sound in his chair." One does not just walk into Mordor. I would not, with ten thousand men at my bid, step foot in there. There is evil in that place that never sleeps, it is in the very air that you breathe," he spoke passionately. He pointed to the faeries." My good Faeries of the East- tell them what you have seen and how murderous it would be to walk into the very black heart of the place!"
The faeries looked at each other, and Liana glanced at Alexia, who nodded. The nearly white-haired faerie stood up and moved to the center of the platform, addressing all as she spoke in an almost monotone voice." We have been defending the Eastern borders of the lands against Mordor to keep them from advancing for more than 200 years, and only in the last fifty has it gotten so bad that the human forces called us to spread our defenses further West, where the fighting grew harsher." When it looked like an Elf was about to interrupt her, she quickened the pace, uncovering her arms to show the battle scars littering the underside of her arms. An audible gasp came from everyone who could see, and she held them out openly." We lost many good fighters in the past few months. They have grown stronger and smarter, Valar help us. As you know, these are not from normal swords; they are equiping Orcs with poisonous blades, and these scars will forever be a reminder to me and to all of you that if this is what they can do to an Immortal Faerie..." Her light blue eyes were narrowed with sorrow as she glance at the humans and the hobbits." There is no telling what they will do to Mortals."
" The Nazgul, as well," Nevada added. A gasp came from Frodo's direction as she continued." I was chased naught but two weeks ago by two of the black lords, before they retreated, catching on to an unknown scent."
" But that's impossible!" Frodo cried." Lord Glorfindel swept them away at the ford-"
" So that's how they came that far West," Liana mused to herself.
" The Nazgul cannot be killed by mere water, Master Frodo," Nevada said in response to his implied question." And yes, it is possible for them to have been there, because their terrible cries still echo in my mind."
" This is ill news," Lord Elrond said gravely." In what direction did they take?"
" South," Nevada confirmed.
Elrond looked at them thoughtfully, plans speeding through his mind. They were loyal. They could fight, and..." We will speak of that later."He stood out of his chair and beckoned Alexia to sit, who nodded and obeyed." Now that you are all here, I would like to ask a favor of the five of you. But before I do that, I do not believe you have been formally introduced to the members of the council." When it looked like Nevada and Diana would interrupt, he pointed to the humans and started naming them off." That is Boromir, from Gondor, and next to him," Elrond smiled a small smile," is who Legolas has already pointed out before you arrived; Aragorn, Son of Arathorn."
A gasp came from the Faeries, and Liana merely smiled." It's a pleasure to see you again, Aragorn."
He smiled back and nodded." Always a pleasure to do business with the Faeries."
" I take it the son of Isildur has visited the faeries, as well," a dwarf grunted. Nevada and Alexia's eyes narrowed at the offending creature.
" Yes, he has," Aragorn answered, much to their amusement." They're good allies and fighters, and the lands of their home are so beautiful our home pales in comparison." The faeries beamed with pleasure in their seats, properly appeased with his remarks, which is what he hoped to accomplish." Continue, Lord Elrond."
The powerful Elf lord nodded." Of course." He introduced the rest of the Council to them before continuing." As I said, I may ask a favor of you." He paused for a moment, then addressed all five Faeries." I would be pleased if the five of you stayed until this is over. We could use your strength, your fighting skills, and your courage in these dire times. You would all be a great help to Middle Earth, and we would welcome you as long as you like."
The faeries all looked at each other, and Liana looked pensive for a few moments." That is a tough decision to make, Lord Elrond." She spoke to the other four faeries, and three of them got up to leave." They will discuss this matter during the time we are here." Elrond nodded, then looked at Nevada questioningly. She wouldn't budge from her seat.
Elrond arched an eyebrow at the faerie, who indignantly replied," I'm not leaving. I want to hear this." He nodded his acceptance.
" Now." Elrond addressed the whole of the Council, eyeing each member as he spoke." I know the plan seems impossible, but we have no choice; the Ring must be destroyed, and the only way to do it is to unmake it." He looked around again, quietly this time." Who will take it?"
" Who says it needs to be taken?" A young dwarf with dark red hair rumbled. Five pairs of eyes looked to the sky in exasperation." I say we destroy it now, and get it over with!"
" Gimli-" Aragorn went to raise out of his seat. The dwarf took up his axe with a mighty yell, and raced toward the Ring. Liana sat up in her seat and eyed the Ring and the dwarf warily to see what would happen, along with others. When the axe hit the Ring, an enormous clang rang through the air, and everyone present covered their ears in shock. Nevada chanced a glance at the young hobbit next to Gandalf-he looked to be almost in pain because of it.
" Dear God," Boromir gasped. The axe was split into four pieces, and the Ring...still intact.
Liana caught her breath, and looked over when Nevada nudged her." Look at the Halfling," Nevada muttered to her friend." It looks like someone struck him." Liana looked over at him, and reached out with her mind. He was tied to the Ring in a way that caused him great pain...What did that mean? She pondered over this just as Lord Elrond broke the silence.
" The Ring cannot be destroyed, Gimli, son of Gloin, by any craft that we here possess," Elrond chided the dwarf still lying on the ground in disbelief. Gimli's hands and arms stung from hitting the Ring, and he couldn't believe that the little thing had broken his axe." 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 fire. It is the only way, and one of you...must do this."
" It is folly, Lord Elrond!" Boromir cried. Liana stifled a groan and Nevada rolled her eyes, but let him continue." The evil is so potent-not to mention the great Eye." His voice dropped ominously." It is ever watchful, and will know the moment we set foot in that horrid place-"
" Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said!" Legolas stood up, startling everyone present. He nearly shook his head with disbelief at the human's negative words." The Ring must be destroyed!"
" And I suppose you think you're the one to do it!" Gimli immediately jumped in defense, eyeing the Elf suspiciously. Legolas glared down at the dwarf, and all hell broke loose.
Everyone was on their feet and arguing within a matter of seconds, and it wouldn't be long before punches were thrown, by the looks on the elves' and the dwarves faces,
" Hey!" Nevada stood up, getting between an Elf and a dwarf who looked ready to throw the first." That's not why we're here, dammit! Get over yourselves and sit down!"
" How dare you!!" The Elf turned to her, and both stared each other down, ready to draw weapons.
" Enough!" Liana pushed past Nevada and looked into the Elf's eyes." Galdor," she said, remembering him from earlier." You may show your displeasure to me," she stated in an angry voice," but you will not upset my friends, no matter how much you do not want us here. Have I made myself clear?"
Galdor looked at her attentively, hesitating before nodding and stepping away. He did not like backing down to the faerie, but he did not want her or her friend's wrath - the temper of a faerie was almost legendary.
" This is one of those few times I wish I had your patience," Nevada muttered to Liana.
" No one trust an Elf!" They heard Gimli shout. Nevada hissed and turned to face him.
" No one trust a dwarf, but you don't hear *me* complainin'!" she shouted at him. He was so insulted, he did nothing when some of the Elves broke out into laughter.
And nearly out of her range of hearing, amidst all the shouting and fighting, Liana heard a small voice say," I will take it! I will take the Ring."
She turned, disbelieving, along with the others who quieted down and stared at the hobbit. This little creature was offering to do the unthinkable? When men and elf alike argued whether it was possible to even travel to Mordor, this tiny hobbit had already made up his mind to be the one to take it. She did not miss the look of sorrow in Gandalf's eyes, or the disbelief in Elrond's, as well. The hobbit looked confused and lost, but determined. Softly, he added," Although I do not know the way."
There was silence for a long moment. Finally, Gandalf shuffled up next to the hobbit, and put his hand on his shoulder, smiling down on him almost tenderly." I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins. As long as it is yours to bear."
Suddenly, Aragorn came up, unsheathing his sword and causing Nevada and Liana to smile knowingly. He knelt down in front of Frodo and stared up at him, saying quietly," If by my life or death I can protect you, I will. You have my sword."
" And you have my bow." Liana turned just in time to see the strange Elf, Legolas, step up and look down at Frodo. The princesses' respect for him grew a little.
" And my axe!" Liana and Legolas rolled their eyes at the same time as the dwarf stepped up to join the party of Ringbearers, and Nevada grinned at the seething look on Legolas' face.
A sigh came from the left corner, and Boromir came up, looking down at the young hobbit." You carry the fate of us all, little one. If this is indeed the will of the council...Than Gondor will see it done."
Elrond was about to speak, but then a " *Wait!*" from the shadows startled everyone. Elrond's face turned to one of surprise as a young, heavyset hobbit came rushing up from the brush to their right to stand next to Frodo." Mr. Frodo's not going *anywhere* without me!" Nevada raised an eyebrow at the slightly chubby hobbit, but kept her thoughts to herself.
" Obviously not, Sam. It is hardly possible to separate you from him, even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not." Elrond gave a small, amused smile while Sam blushed furiously.
Yet another interruption of," Hey!" caused Elrond to turn his head in outraged disbelief. Two more young hobbits ran out from the left of the council, and joined the other two, smiling.
" We're coming, too!" Pippin cried.
" You'll have to send us home tied in a sack to stop us!" Merry added excitedly.
" And anyway," Pippin continued enthusiastically," you need people of intelligence on this sort of mission...quest...thing."
Merry paused, as if thinking for a moment, then leaned in to his friend. In a low, sarcastic voice, he finished," Well that rules you out, Pip." Liana smiled in amusement at his comment, and nearly laughed at the exasperated look on Gandalf's face.
The look on Elrond's face, however, changed to a knowledged one." Well." He began gravely," Nine Companions...So be it."
" Wait!" They all looked at Frodo, and Frodo stepped forward. He started walking slowly, and stopped at...Liana and Nevada. He looked up at them, and the two women exchanged a puzzled look before giving him their full attention." Won't you both come with us...at least part of the way?"
Liana and Nevada stared down at the Halfling in surprise, as if trying to figure him out, and to everyone's utter amazement, Gandalf supported it." Yes," he smiled, stepping up." Why not? As I recall, both of you are very skilled with sword and bow," he smiled knowingly, secretively." And are used to long travel. You have obviously come here to see the Ring destroyed, am I right? What better way than to accompany them?"
Liana opened her mouth to speak, then closed it. This sudden turn of events caught her by complete surprise, and by the look on Nevada's face, she felt the same way. Liana's eyes bored into Frodo's until he had to resist the urge to look away, and she asked, quietly," Why should we, Frodo Baggins?"
He shrugged slightly, still staring up into the golden depths of her ageless eyes. How many years had those eyes seen? Both girls had such kind eyes when they looked at him, even Nevada's. He wanted them both to come with. For some reason it felt right to him. They both looked strong and reliable to him, and he felt he could trust them.
Frodo made no move to protect his thoughts from either faerie, and they heard every word without even trying. It touched Liana and Nevada that he felt that way, but...Traveling with a dwarf and an Elf??
In the background of the meeting, Merry's voice could be heard saying," I've never seen a faerie before, let alone talk to one." He had been watching the two faeries, and felt an amount of awe and curiosity at their presence." I think it would be great to have them along."
" It's settled, then!" Gandalf nearly shouted, surprising everyone." The hobbits are eager to have the faeries along, so they *must* come." He winked at the outraged look on Nevada's face." What say you, my ladies?"
Nevada glanced at the nine, narrowing her eyes and opening her mouth to speak. She was about to say something rather chafing, but stopped herself when Liana gave her a nudge and a slight frown. With a great sigh, the faerie attempted a smile and a civil tone." Fine." ' God dammit, Why do I let her get me into these messes?'
Liana gave a radiant smile to her friend, then turned to the nine." How can we resist the charm of the hobbits?" She grinned cheekily at Merry's blush." Of course we will come." Slowly, Liana brought her face level with Frodo's, and stared deeply into his blue eyes. She was struck with a sudden sadeness when she met his gaze, and didn't know what to make of it. Her voice became softer when she recognized the emotions flowing through their depths; this hobbit was already suffering. And it would not get any easier." You have our skills to protect you, Frodo Baggins of the Shire." The hobbits, Gandalf, and Aragorn smiled along with Elrond.
" Eleven companions," Elrond stated in a grand voice, his gaze sweeping over them all. A pleased smile lit his face at what he saw; all loyal, wonderful people and excellent fighters." You shall by the Fellowship Of The Ring!"
" What did we just agree to?" Nevada asked Liana in a low voice that no one else could hear as everyone began to clap.
" Valar, I don't know," Liana muttered back, nearly foreboding.
" Great!" Pippin called out, cutting the two off from their private chat. They paused to see what he had to say before leaving with the rest of the council.
" Where are we going?"
When you're standing at the crossroads
Don't know which path to choose,
Let me come along
Cause even if you're wrong
I'll stand by you
Take me into your darkest hour
And I'll never desert you
I'll stand by you.
~'I'll Stand By You' The Pretenders
Chapter 9
" You would see the Ring destroyed?" he asked in their tongue.
All five faeries present nodded. Elrond gave them all a good look; he knew the faerie princess Liana, and her raven-haired friend with the angry purple eyes. Next to her was a slightly taller blonde, hair more white than anything, and chopped off right before her shoulders. Nearly transperant light blue eyes stared calmly into his, but he could sense the same kind of hunger for life and battle as he sensed in Liana's friend. On Liana's right was a shorter Faerie-sunny blonde hair pulled up and away from her face, skin tanned from the sun. Her eyes were hazel and full of childlike mischief; this one was young. A ghost of a smile appeared on her face as she looked at her surroundings. She appeared to be no more than twelve or thirteen years of age, but Elrond knew better than to think she really was that new to the world. Faeries aged so drastically different compared to other races, and it was foolish to judge them based on appearance. To the other blonde's left was the last faerie, the second shortest to the other; she had crystal blue eyes; hair that was a beautiful lavender color; pulled up in twin messy buns on her head, with wisps and tendrils falling down around her forehead and ears. Ears that were pierced.
An odd ritual of the race; among all the other odd rituals they seemed to partake into, Elrond frowned. They deliberately pierce tiny holes into their earlobes to insert small gold or silver posts studded with jewels from the mines of their people. This one seemed to have a deep blue sapphire stone in each ear; but that was nothing compared to the princess's and her partner's three holes in each ear!
Elrond smiled at them, earning him smiles back." What are your names?" he said in a gentler voice, focusing on the other four.
The blonde responded first, staring at him coolly and nodding a little as she spoke." Alexia, soldier of Charon. It's an..honor," she paused, giving a faint smile," to meet you, Lord Elrond." He frowned a little, and looked over to the fair, lavender-haired Faerie." And you?"
" Diana, messenger from Saffron," she responded in a smiling tone, her eyes directly on his. Apparently the rumors were true, Elrond though faintly, that faeries did not understand or know the work meekness." I am pleased to finally meet the King of the Elves in Rivendell. We've heard a lot about this place; it's just as beautiful as the stories others tell us."
His smile turned warm at the Faerie." I thank you for your compliments. It is a pleasure to meet you, Diana." He turned with raised eyebrows to the raven-haired spitfire standing close to the princess.
The girl narrowed her purple eyes into his, and responded monotonely," Nevada."
" And where do you hail from?"
Her eyes narrowed slightly, and Elrond thought he caught an emotion in her eyes before she quickly shut it out-grief." I hailed from Deimos, but that country is no more." He felt slightly guilty for prying, and nodded apologetically, undoing her anger by responding welcome in her own tongue. She nodded back, and seeing as how he would not get anything more from her, he turned to the last faerie.
" And you, my dear?"
She directed her gaze at him, and gave a genuine smile." Peony, soldier of Miranda." She paused for a moment, looked to Liana, then continued staring him down. Elrond almost felt as if she were looking into his soul, reading his intentions, and it made him even more curious about these batch of faeries." A pleasure, Lord Elrond," she finished in a warmer tone.
He nodded his approval." The Meeting has only begun, ladies-" he motioned with his hand at the extra chairs he had set up, accidently, between the elves and Gandalf." Please, take a seat and we will discuss more in depth what you have missed. Princess, would you-"
" I can escort myself, Lord Elrond," she replied in the Common tongue, smiling a little before turning and walking-no, strutting gracefully to her seat-before an Elf stopped her.
" This is an outrage, Lord Elrond!" he stated, and moved to block the Princess." How-"
" What is your name?" she asked. He stared at her. The look on her face was of genuine curiosity, but he wasn't fooled." Galdor. Of Grey Havens. Why do you come here, faerie princess? What have you come to take, or barter for?"
She took the insult without a change in her face, but something akin to anger fleeted through her eyes. She calmly studied the Elf with the long, dark blonde hair and piercing grey-blue eyes. She sighed in her head. Elves were not unpleasant to look upon, but if only they had sunnier dispositions...
" I have come to barter nothing, Galdor, not during a meeting of this importance," she said conversationally.
He studied her skeptically, not fooled by her stunning beauty and honest eyes." I find it hard to believe a faerie would come this far without knowing there was something in it for her."
" Galdor," an Elf in brown and green gave his friend a stern glance." Enough."
" You do not know their kind, Legolas," Galdor continued. The Elf Legolas turned to stare at the princess. Her hair was the most peculiar color; a light brown streaked with strands of gold, as if her hair could not decide which color it wanted to be. It matched her tanned skin tone and the golden jewels of her eyes. He had never seen anything like her before, and he felt as if he could not take his gaze away.
" She will drain us and backstab our Good forces-"
" Will I?" she challenged quietly. Beneath the cool glance, both Elves could practically smell the anger radiating off of her, but she hid it well." And what proof, may I ask, do you possess?"
He shifted." The whole race speaks for itself. Beautiful you are, but deadly your nature, and we do not trust your kind."
" Nor do we trust yours!" said Peony indignantly, irritation shining in her eyes." The feeling is mutual."
Amusement glimmered in the faerie princesses' eyes, one which died when her attention went to the Elf Legolas. Liana hid her surprise at his intense gaze, but she refused to look away. He looked just like the rest of them; long light blonde hair, tall, slightly pale, lean muscle, and the keen, gorgeous blue eyes that seemed to be a trademark of the whole race, but this one...She could not place it, but she sensed he would play a bigger role in more than a few ways in the future. And the feeling he was giving her, she couldn't explain that, either, but it made her uncomfortable..." I appreciate your help. However, it is not needed." When he only raised an eyebrow with mild curiosity, she continued," I can very much take care of myself, and so can they. We do not need you to come to our aid, Legolas...?"
" Legolas Greenleaf," he answered monotonely." Prince of Mirkwood."
She struggled with an amused smile. Now that he mentioned it, he did carry himself as royalty would." I see, Prince Legolas. I hope I do not offend you-"
" Not at all," he replied.
It was her turn to raise an elegant eyebrow." But we do not need your assistance."
" See how ungrateful they are," a dwarf cut in, for once, agreeing with an elf." Lord Elrond, why you invited the faeries here is beyond my comprehension-"
Nevada strode forward, but Alexia held her back. Other Elves and dwarves had their hands on their daggers, ready to spring if need be." We cannot take these insults, princess Liana," Nevada growled." Not if we want to hold our place here."
" Let him continue," the blonde faerie Alexia said coolly, but her blue eyes snapped with fire and menace at the elves and offending dwarf." They are only words, with no action to back them."
" Do not mind Galdor or Gimli, my good faeries. They mean no harm."
Galdor turned to look at Gandalf." You know these mischief-makers, mithrandir?"
Gandalf, who had been quiet and watchful the whole time, smiled warmly at the young princess and Nevada." Yes, I do. Very well. Nevada and Liana...It has been many years."
" Too many years, old friend," Nevada relented with a small smile.
" Yes," Liana agreed, mirroring Nevada's pleased look.
Gandalf winked at the two, the gesture not going unnoticed by others, and spoke in a booming voice in the Common Tongue to everyone else." Do not mind the Elves, my dears; the House of Elrond welcomes you to this meeting-have a seat."
The other faeries beamed at him, and sat down in the chairs made available by the servants.
As Princess Liana went to take her seat, the Elf Legolas stayed her arm for a moment more. She leaned toward him as he lowered his head to talk in her ear." And I was not coming to your people's aid, Princess," he said in a quiet voice. She raised her head slightly, but waited patiently for him to finish." I was coming to yours." Not knowing how to react to that, she spared him a fiery glance, one that almost reminded the Elf Prince of a haughty Queen-to-peasant look. It almost had him smiling as he took a seat among the Council. Almost. His mind drifted to what he had just witnessed between the princess, Nevada, and Gandalf. The wizard regarded them like one would a grandchild, or even a set of daughters. Gandalf the Grey had that affect on a lot of people, but this relationship seemed closer - the affection in their voices was rare. He still couldn't understand his immense curiosity towards Liana, though. He had never had dealings with faeries before, so maybe that would explain his straying thoughts.
Peony found herself next to the Elf Galdor that insulted Liana, and she looked at him with distaste clear in her hazel eyes, even though she knew he wasn't looking. She had heard that faeries were not respected this far West, where their race rarely traveled, but she did not expect it to be this bad. Alexia sat next to her, and Peony spoke to her in a low voice." I can feel their hate, Alexia. I couldn't bear those insults! How could Liana stand there and take that?"
Alexia smiled slightly and kept her eyes trained on Elrond and an ear on what he was saying while she spoke to her younger companion." Do not fear their hate, Peony. Liana did take his insults, but she did not fire her tongue back. She is better than that. What she has is class." Alexia lowered her head and let her hair blow in the wind as she let a brief but strong sliver of anger pass through her." What they have is stupidity." Peony frowned, and to lighten her friend's mood, Alexia motioned behind her with a move of her head." Look behind you, Peony. To your left. I think you'll be surprised."
" Hm?" Pausing from listening to Lord Elrond, the younger blonde faerie turned her head behind her into the brush-and saw another head! Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion as she frowned, then smiled, recognizing the unruly curls. A hobbit! Such delightful little creatures! Whatever was a hobbit doing back there? She would have saught him out further, but Elrond's next words caught her and everyone else's attention.
" There is no other way," Elrond was saying in a stern voice." The Ring must be cast back into the fires of Mount Doom."
" Does he think he can just walk into Mordor?" Diana remarked to Liana. Gandalf looked down at the two faeries. Liana's legs were crossed with a slim hand propped under her chin, her eyes narrowed with concentration. The same thought was probably running through her mind, Gandalf grunted.
As if reading their thoughts, Boromir made an indignant sound in his chair." One does not just walk into Mordor. I would not, with ten thousand men at my bid, step foot in there. There is evil in that place that never sleeps, it is in the very air that you breathe," he spoke passionately. He pointed to the faeries." My good Faeries of the East- tell them what you have seen and how murderous it would be to walk into the very black heart of the place!"
The faeries looked at each other, and Liana glanced at Alexia, who nodded. The nearly white-haired faerie stood up and moved to the center of the platform, addressing all as she spoke in an almost monotone voice." We have been defending the Eastern borders of the lands against Mordor to keep them from advancing for more than 200 years, and only in the last fifty has it gotten so bad that the human forces called us to spread our defenses further West, where the fighting grew harsher." When it looked like an Elf was about to interrupt her, she quickened the pace, uncovering her arms to show the battle scars littering the underside of her arms. An audible gasp came from everyone who could see, and she held them out openly." We lost many good fighters in the past few months. They have grown stronger and smarter, Valar help us. As you know, these are not from normal swords; they are equiping Orcs with poisonous blades, and these scars will forever be a reminder to me and to all of you that if this is what they can do to an Immortal Faerie..." Her light blue eyes were narrowed with sorrow as she glance at the humans and the hobbits." There is no telling what they will do to Mortals."
" The Nazgul, as well," Nevada added. A gasp came from Frodo's direction as she continued." I was chased naught but two weeks ago by two of the black lords, before they retreated, catching on to an unknown scent."
" But that's impossible!" Frodo cried." Lord Glorfindel swept them away at the ford-"
" So that's how they came that far West," Liana mused to herself.
" The Nazgul cannot be killed by mere water, Master Frodo," Nevada said in response to his implied question." And yes, it is possible for them to have been there, because their terrible cries still echo in my mind."
" This is ill news," Lord Elrond said gravely." In what direction did they take?"
" South," Nevada confirmed.
Elrond looked at them thoughtfully, plans speeding through his mind. They were loyal. They could fight, and..." We will speak of that later."He stood out of his chair and beckoned Alexia to sit, who nodded and obeyed." Now that you are all here, I would like to ask a favor of the five of you. But before I do that, I do not believe you have been formally introduced to the members of the council." When it looked like Nevada and Diana would interrupt, he pointed to the humans and started naming them off." That is Boromir, from Gondor, and next to him," Elrond smiled a small smile," is who Legolas has already pointed out before you arrived; Aragorn, Son of Arathorn."
A gasp came from the Faeries, and Liana merely smiled." It's a pleasure to see you again, Aragorn."
He smiled back and nodded." Always a pleasure to do business with the Faeries."
" I take it the son of Isildur has visited the faeries, as well," a dwarf grunted. Nevada and Alexia's eyes narrowed at the offending creature.
" Yes, he has," Aragorn answered, much to their amusement." They're good allies and fighters, and the lands of their home are so beautiful our home pales in comparison." The faeries beamed with pleasure in their seats, properly appeased with his remarks, which is what he hoped to accomplish." Continue, Lord Elrond."
The powerful Elf lord nodded." Of course." He introduced the rest of the Council to them before continuing." As I said, I may ask a favor of you." He paused for a moment, then addressed all five Faeries." I would be pleased if the five of you stayed until this is over. We could use your strength, your fighting skills, and your courage in these dire times. You would all be a great help to Middle Earth, and we would welcome you as long as you like."
The faeries all looked at each other, and Liana looked pensive for a few moments." That is a tough decision to make, Lord Elrond." She spoke to the other four faeries, and three of them got up to leave." They will discuss this matter during the time we are here." Elrond nodded, then looked at Nevada questioningly. She wouldn't budge from her seat.
Elrond arched an eyebrow at the faerie, who indignantly replied," I'm not leaving. I want to hear this." He nodded his acceptance.
" Now." Elrond addressed the whole of the Council, eyeing each member as he spoke." I know the plan seems impossible, but we have no choice; the Ring must be destroyed, and the only way to do it is to unmake it." He looked around again, quietly this time." Who will take it?"
" Who says it needs to be taken?" A young dwarf with dark red hair rumbled. Five pairs of eyes looked to the sky in exasperation." I say we destroy it now, and get it over with!"
" Gimli-" Aragorn went to raise out of his seat. The dwarf took up his axe with a mighty yell, and raced toward the Ring. Liana sat up in her seat and eyed the Ring and the dwarf warily to see what would happen, along with others. When the axe hit the Ring, an enormous clang rang through the air, and everyone present covered their ears in shock. Nevada chanced a glance at the young hobbit next to Gandalf-he looked to be almost in pain because of it.
" Dear God," Boromir gasped. The axe was split into four pieces, and the Ring...still intact.
Liana caught her breath, and looked over when Nevada nudged her." Look at the Halfling," Nevada muttered to her friend." It looks like someone struck him." Liana looked over at him, and reached out with her mind. He was tied to the Ring in a way that caused him great pain...What did that mean? She pondered over this just as Lord Elrond broke the silence.
" The Ring cannot be destroyed, Gimli, son of Gloin, by any craft that we here possess," Elrond chided the dwarf still lying on the ground in disbelief. Gimli's hands and arms stung from hitting the Ring, and he couldn't believe that the little thing had broken his axe." 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 fire. It is the only way, and one of you...must do this."
" It is folly, Lord Elrond!" Boromir cried. Liana stifled a groan and Nevada rolled her eyes, but let him continue." The evil is so potent-not to mention the great Eye." His voice dropped ominously." It is ever watchful, and will know the moment we set foot in that horrid place-"
" Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said!" Legolas stood up, startling everyone present. He nearly shook his head with disbelief at the human's negative words." The Ring must be destroyed!"
" And I suppose you think you're the one to do it!" Gimli immediately jumped in defense, eyeing the Elf suspiciously. Legolas glared down at the dwarf, and all hell broke loose.
Everyone was on their feet and arguing within a matter of seconds, and it wouldn't be long before punches were thrown, by the looks on the elves' and the dwarves faces,
" Hey!" Nevada stood up, getting between an Elf and a dwarf who looked ready to throw the first." That's not why we're here, dammit! Get over yourselves and sit down!"
" How dare you!!" The Elf turned to her, and both stared each other down, ready to draw weapons.
" Enough!" Liana pushed past Nevada and looked into the Elf's eyes." Galdor," she said, remembering him from earlier." You may show your displeasure to me," she stated in an angry voice," but you will not upset my friends, no matter how much you do not want us here. Have I made myself clear?"
Galdor looked at her attentively, hesitating before nodding and stepping away. He did not like backing down to the faerie, but he did not want her or her friend's wrath - the temper of a faerie was almost legendary.
" This is one of those few times I wish I had your patience," Nevada muttered to Liana.
" No one trust an Elf!" They heard Gimli shout. Nevada hissed and turned to face him.
" No one trust a dwarf, but you don't hear *me* complainin'!" she shouted at him. He was so insulted, he did nothing when some of the Elves broke out into laughter.
And nearly out of her range of hearing, amidst all the shouting and fighting, Liana heard a small voice say," I will take it! I will take the Ring."
She turned, disbelieving, along with the others who quieted down and stared at the hobbit. This little creature was offering to do the unthinkable? When men and elf alike argued whether it was possible to even travel to Mordor, this tiny hobbit had already made up his mind to be the one to take it. She did not miss the look of sorrow in Gandalf's eyes, or the disbelief in Elrond's, as well. The hobbit looked confused and lost, but determined. Softly, he added," Although I do not know the way."
There was silence for a long moment. Finally, Gandalf shuffled up next to the hobbit, and put his hand on his shoulder, smiling down on him almost tenderly." I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins. As long as it is yours to bear."
Suddenly, Aragorn came up, unsheathing his sword and causing Nevada and Liana to smile knowingly. He knelt down in front of Frodo and stared up at him, saying quietly," If by my life or death I can protect you, I will. You have my sword."
" And you have my bow." Liana turned just in time to see the strange Elf, Legolas, step up and look down at Frodo. The princesses' respect for him grew a little.
" And my axe!" Liana and Legolas rolled their eyes at the same time as the dwarf stepped up to join the party of Ringbearers, and Nevada grinned at the seething look on Legolas' face.
A sigh came from the left corner, and Boromir came up, looking down at the young hobbit." You carry the fate of us all, little one. If this is indeed the will of the council...Than Gondor will see it done."
Elrond was about to speak, but then a " *Wait!*" from the shadows startled everyone. Elrond's face turned to one of surprise as a young, heavyset hobbit came rushing up from the brush to their right to stand next to Frodo." Mr. Frodo's not going *anywhere* without me!" Nevada raised an eyebrow at the slightly chubby hobbit, but kept her thoughts to herself.
" Obviously not, Sam. It is hardly possible to separate you from him, even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not." Elrond gave a small, amused smile while Sam blushed furiously.
Yet another interruption of," Hey!" caused Elrond to turn his head in outraged disbelief. Two more young hobbits ran out from the left of the council, and joined the other two, smiling.
" We're coming, too!" Pippin cried.
" You'll have to send us home tied in a sack to stop us!" Merry added excitedly.
" And anyway," Pippin continued enthusiastically," you need people of intelligence on this sort of mission...quest...thing."
Merry paused, as if thinking for a moment, then leaned in to his friend. In a low, sarcastic voice, he finished," Well that rules you out, Pip." Liana smiled in amusement at his comment, and nearly laughed at the exasperated look on Gandalf's face.
The look on Elrond's face, however, changed to a knowledged one." Well." He began gravely," Nine Companions...So be it."
" Wait!" They all looked at Frodo, and Frodo stepped forward. He started walking slowly, and stopped at...Liana and Nevada. He looked up at them, and the two women exchanged a puzzled look before giving him their full attention." Won't you both come with us...at least part of the way?"
Liana and Nevada stared down at the Halfling in surprise, as if trying to figure him out, and to everyone's utter amazement, Gandalf supported it." Yes," he smiled, stepping up." Why not? As I recall, both of you are very skilled with sword and bow," he smiled knowingly, secretively." And are used to long travel. You have obviously come here to see the Ring destroyed, am I right? What better way than to accompany them?"
Liana opened her mouth to speak, then closed it. This sudden turn of events caught her by complete surprise, and by the look on Nevada's face, she felt the same way. Liana's eyes bored into Frodo's until he had to resist the urge to look away, and she asked, quietly," Why should we, Frodo Baggins?"
He shrugged slightly, still staring up into the golden depths of her ageless eyes. How many years had those eyes seen? Both girls had such kind eyes when they looked at him, even Nevada's. He wanted them both to come with. For some reason it felt right to him. They both looked strong and reliable to him, and he felt he could trust them.
Frodo made no move to protect his thoughts from either faerie, and they heard every word without even trying. It touched Liana and Nevada that he felt that way, but...Traveling with a dwarf and an Elf??
In the background of the meeting, Merry's voice could be heard saying," I've never seen a faerie before, let alone talk to one." He had been watching the two faeries, and felt an amount of awe and curiosity at their presence." I think it would be great to have them along."
" It's settled, then!" Gandalf nearly shouted, surprising everyone." The hobbits are eager to have the faeries along, so they *must* come." He winked at the outraged look on Nevada's face." What say you, my ladies?"
Nevada glanced at the nine, narrowing her eyes and opening her mouth to speak. She was about to say something rather chafing, but stopped herself when Liana gave her a nudge and a slight frown. With a great sigh, the faerie attempted a smile and a civil tone." Fine." ' God dammit, Why do I let her get me into these messes?'
Liana gave a radiant smile to her friend, then turned to the nine." How can we resist the charm of the hobbits?" She grinned cheekily at Merry's blush." Of course we will come." Slowly, Liana brought her face level with Frodo's, and stared deeply into his blue eyes. She was struck with a sudden sadeness when she met his gaze, and didn't know what to make of it. Her voice became softer when she recognized the emotions flowing through their depths; this hobbit was already suffering. And it would not get any easier." You have our skills to protect you, Frodo Baggins of the Shire." The hobbits, Gandalf, and Aragorn smiled along with Elrond.
" Eleven companions," Elrond stated in a grand voice, his gaze sweeping over them all. A pleased smile lit his face at what he saw; all loyal, wonderful people and excellent fighters." You shall by the Fellowship Of The Ring!"
" What did we just agree to?" Nevada asked Liana in a low voice that no one else could hear as everyone began to clap.
" Valar, I don't know," Liana muttered back, nearly foreboding.
" Great!" Pippin called out, cutting the two off from their private chat. They paused to see what he had to say before leaving with the rest of the council.
" Where are we going?"
