A/N 1:Holy wah! 17 reviews in 2 days! sniffles You guys make me feel so loved. I wish I could get that many for every chapter! Lol. Please be sure to read the explanation at the end of the chapter.
Disclaimer: See prologue.
Chapter 22
Chauvinist Men
As the council dispersed, going to their chambers to make ready for the evening meal, Arodwen approached the only remaining people; Lord Elrond and his sons. She had deliberately not pledged herself a member at the council, so as to avoid argument and chauvinism.
"I will protect Frodo as well, my lord." she said firmly, her tone that of one not wanting to put up with defiance.
Elrond's lips pursed at her declaration. He nodded at his sons, clearly indicating that they should leave as well.
As Elrohir and Elladan began to make their way down the steps that led away, they glanced back at their adar, wondering if they might be able to eavesdrop. But when they looked back to see if they might have a chance, they met their father's stern gaze, which quashed any more ideas.
Elrond returned his attention back to Arodwen, who looked just as stern.
"Arodwen, please understand that-"
"My lord, I know the dangers. I know every step this fellowship will take."
Elrond stared at her, his eyes gleaming with disbelief and doubt. "How do you know this?"
Arodwen sat down in the seat that was Elladan's, looking weary and drawn. "I told you before, that my name will not be written henceforth in any book or script. I have seen the fellowship's journey, my lord. Where I have been, milord, the future that will be written here is but an already written fairytale. And, if I was not written in those books in the future, then I must make sure that I am not now. Please understand this, milord..."
Elrond said nothing, but rested his head in one of his hands in the manner of one who tries to alleviate a painful headache.
"Trust in my words, Elrond..." she said, craving his acceptance and approval.
He looked to her with a stoic gaze.
"Arodwen... I know you have trained in defense... I have watched you learn the healing arts and ways... But I am still hesitant. For one, there is already an elf in this fellowship."
"But yet there are four hobbits! And two men! Why not two elves?" she protested vehemently. "I can help them, Elrond. I can fight with them. I have been told that this is the path I must take. If you deny me this, then you are defying the will Ilúvatar..."
Elrond fell into silence again. The only sounds were the distant rumbling of waterfalls, the rustle of the autumn leaves, and the faint gentle chirp of crickets.
"I would not have denied you, Arodwen." Elrond said at last, and she was surprised that he sounded grievous. "Keeping you here would only hasten your fading... Letting you go... you might yet find comfort. But heed my words, penneth... No matter what choice you make, both paths, will eventually lead to your death. One path, will take two."
Arodwen nodded. "This I already know, my lord." she said quietly, her head bowed as though she was admitting defeat.
Elrond looked at her gravely, then shook his head in a defeated way. "Come then... The evening meal will be set out soon."
Over the next month before the fellowship (none of which save Gandalf and Frodo knew Arodwen was to accompany them) was to depart, Legolas saw Arodwen training hard everyday with either Elrohir, Elladan, or Arwen, on the practice field. And if she was not wielding a blade, she was immersed in healing studies with Lord Elrond in the library. But on the rare occasion, he had thrice glimpsed her collecting herbs in the garden, and in the forest.
"You are looking better." Aragorn said, as both of them made their way back to the Homely House after a hard training.
"Only because I see her looking better." Legolas answered, twirling one of his blades absently in his hand.
Aragorn frowned. "She seems to be hiding something..."
"Everyone has their secrets, Estel. You of all people should know this..." Legolas teased, the corners of his lips turning up in a smile.
Aragorn laughed and nodded. "Aye, that I do. But she does not need to keep secrets from us. What could she possibly be hiding?"
Legolas shrugged his shoulders, not too keen to pry at Arodwen at the moment. "I know not. We have not spoken."
"You should. We leave tomorrow."
"I know. But I think perhaps a silent parting is better." Legolas mused.
"Better for who? Come now Legolas, it pains you to leave her. Do you not think you should give her a proper farewell? Maybe she feels pained as well."
"That I doubt. Tiro." (look) Legolas said, pointing to where Arodwen was walking leisurely toward a glade with a small basket in hand to collect herbs and roots in, softly singing a song of the Valar. "She is happy, my friend. And I dare not trouble her when she has at last found solace."
Arwen finished packing the few clothes into Arodwen's small pack. She had snuck in little things that she knew Arodwen would want, but yet had not bothered with to take up room; special shampoo and soaps, a brush, and even a carefully folded elven gown cushioned between the other clothes. Arwen had a feeling she might want to where it at some point...
"You did not have to pack my things, Arwen. Though I appreciate it greatly. Hannon le." (thank you) Arodwen said, coming into the room while she buckled the belt around her waist that held the newly forged sword Arwen's brothers had gifted to her. They were like her own kin now.
Arwen smiled. "I only wish I could do more for you, my friend."
Arodwen returned it, slipping a small yet deadly knife in one of her calf-high boots. "You have given me so much already. I could not ask for more even if I wanted."
After slipping one of the pack's straps over her shoulder, Arodwen was embraced tightly by Arwen. The Evenstar had finally let her mask of well-wishing happiness fall, revealing a grief-stricken elleth with tears welling in her eyes. "Estel... He said that 'it was a dream'... our future together... He told me to take the ship into the West; live a better life. But I have no life without him Arodwen!" she quietly cried, letting herself be comforted and embraced by her friend.
"He is not sure of himself, Arwen. Aragorn believes that it would be best for you to sail, even if it means for his own happiness. Do you not see? He loves you more than anything... That is why he cannot stand to see you give up something so precious as your immortality. It pains him to know that while you remain perfect an beautiful, he will age before your eyes until he passes, leaving you alone in the world." Arodwen said gently, breaking the embrace to look at Arwen.
The raven-haired beauty had tears clinging to her dark lashes, and her expression was that of one heading to the gallows.
"Worry not Arwen. I promise you that if you do not sail West, you will not regret it."
Arwen looked as though she was going to question further, but Elrohir's voice sounded from beyond Arodwen's door, calling her to the courtyard.
The two stepped outside, and faced each other to say their painful partings.
"Goodbye then, my friend." Arodwen said quietly, her eyes drifting to the ground. Would she ever see Arwen again? What if she died on the journey?
"Nay, mellon, say not goodbye. Rather, until next we meet." Arwen encouraged, giving her friend one final embrace before having to depart to stand in the courtyard with her brothers and father.
Arodwen stood at the foot of the stairs, one hand grasping a pillar as she looked around the side to see all who were there.
Aragorn seemed to be speaking with Arwen through his sad grey eyes as he stood proudly, waiting to depart.
Sam was speaking quietly to Bill, while Merry and Pippin muttered about not having had a second breakfast yet. Frodo had a far-off look in his eyes, his thoughts straying to doubt. Gandalf beside him with his large hat upon his head, a strong sword at his side, and twisted staff in hand.
The dwarf Gimli, arrayed heavily in his dwarven armor, leaned against he axe easily.
Legolas, as ever, was standing patiently with an unreadable expression. His eyes were roaming over all the elves present, and she saw the slightest frown line crease his forehead as he did not find whatever it was he sought.
She jumped when she heard a voice sound very near to her. "Are you ready Arodwen?" Elrond asked her quietly, a strong hand reaching out and gripping her shoulder.
Arodwen simply nodded, adjusting her pack firmly over her shoulder, and stepped from behind the pillar, making her way smoothly down the stairs.
Legolas rested his eyes upon her as she revealed herself from behind the carven stone. His heart plummeted as he saw her carrying a weapon, and the attire she was garbed in. A silver blue femininely cut tunic with silver fastenings under a tighter over-tunic of light and dark greys, matching leggings, and black calf-high boots. A brown belt with gold elven writing circled around her waist, and an elven sword hung elegantly from it, nestled in an ebony and silver scabbard.
"Oh Valar..." he muttered to himself, just as Elrond approached them all with a dignified stride and stern expression.
"There is one more to add to this fellowship. The Ringbearer has decided that she will be an asset, and not a hindrance to the quest; and he therefore grants her leave to take part also." Elrond said, beckoning Arodwen to his side. She did her best not to look intimidated, and not catch eyes with Legolas. Poised, head held high, and eyes piercing, she surveyed them.
"A woman?" Boromir cried, astonished, his eyes shining with mirth. "Surely you jest Lord Elrond! Lest of course you mean her purpose in this fellowship will be not for the arts of war or healing..."
"Hold your tongue you chauvinist pig, lest I cut it from your foul mouth!" Arodwen hissed at him, knowing the full implications of his words.
"What other use could a woman have on such a dangerous quest as this?" Boromir argued, glaring at her with ferocity.
Aragorn saw Legolas clench his hand into a fist, relax, and then clench it again while he murmured a prayer to Ilúvatar to grant him patience and calm his anger.
Arodwen looked at Boromir with such hatred, Aragorn was surprised the man was not dead.
"Lord Boromir," Frodo said, "I have already decided that Lady Arodwen will join us. If you are not content with this, then I suggest you either rein in your anger, or discontinue your part in this Fellowship."
Arodwen smiled at Frodo in thanks for his words, and he returned it with a shaky grin.
Boromir just huffed disapprovingly, but remained where he was standing.
"Very well then." Elrond said at last, giving Arodwen a small push forward in the small of her back.
She stepped forward, and decided it would be best to stand with the hobbits. 'Best place really. I'd rather not endure Legolas and Aragorn's anger with me at the moment...' she thought, smiling kindly at Merry and Pippin, who were giving her broad grins.
"This fellowship is setting out on a quest for Mount Doom," said Elrond loudly, "On you who travel with him no oath, nor bond is laid, to go further than you will. Go now forth, and may the blessings of elves, men... and all free folk, go with you."
Arodwen bowed her head to Elrond, then looked to Arwen. The Evenstar drew her gaze away from the Ranger to offer her friend an encouraging smile, and mouthed the words, 'Until next we meet'.
As the Fellowship turned and began to walk from the gates, she fell into step on the other side of Bill, her eyes immediately taking to scan the forest (even though she knew no enemies would lurk within Rivendell).
So immersed in her task, she did not notice the elf prince approach from behind her...
A/N 2: The favor she asked of Elrond was pretty crucial. Because of it, I guess you could say that's why she wasn't in the books. But hey, that's just what I wrote it as. So, in a way, I guess she isn't really contradicting the canon, because no one would ever know she existed! At least if this were real! Lol. REVIEW!
