Marveling, as I looked, at the intricate structures and beautiful scenery. I could smell the fresh flowers and almost taste the pure air. I was so involved, I started when I heard shouting.

I followed the sound into a large area, beautifully lit by the sun. The small flowers peeking out, freshly blooming. The birds happily chirping. The sound of running water softly in the background. The scene was a strong contrast to the conversational atmosphere between the men standing in the clearing. Among the men was Legolas, who was listening with a blatant scowl on his face. I began listening to the discussion.

"And if we fail, what then? What happens when Sauron takes back what is his?"

A stout dwarf stood and exclaimed, "I will be dead before I see the Ring in the hands of an Elf!"

An eruption sounded throughout the area. Shouting from man to elf to wizard to dwarf. I watched the heated arguments, confused yet slightly intrigued. I noticed then what I had not before...a small hobbit looking very much in pain. I studied the hobbit quite closely, noting his unusual eyes and pale color. He seemed to snap out of his trance, and stood, speaking,

"I will take it. . . I will take it. . . I will take the Ring to Mordor."

Abruptly, the noise stopped. All the men turned in shock toward the small creature.

It was decided that Frodo (the hobbit with the strange eyes) would take the Ring to Mordor, with the assistance of a group called "The Fellowship Of the Ring."

I knew immediately what my part was in all of this. As Legolas walked from the group, I stepped in front of him.

" Legolas...I have a favor to ask of you."

Legolas' eyes grew wide as he saw me.

"Amalynn? What are you doing here?

"I ask...that you take me with you."

"Princess, that is not in my control... I cannot-"

"Please... please..!" I grasped his hands, hoping that he would see the desperation engrained in my heart.

"I-," His words were interrupted by a strong presence. We both looked, towering above us stood the wizard that was amongst the group.

"Permit me to introduce myself, I am Gandalf the Grey.. and you are Princess Amalynn, correct?"

"Yes, sir," I curtsied, suddenly remembering my manners.

"And you, young lady, would like to join us on this very difficult journey?"

"Yes, sir.."

"And you are sure you could complete this journey?"

"I feel as though I will complete it or die trying."

"You have much fire in your spirit… I believe that it is destiny that you join us on this journey. We leave at dawn."

And with that the wizard walked away. I stared in awe after him.

"Amalynn...did you really just...you're in the fellowship..you are.."

"Yes, Legolas, I do believe that I am." I smiled at him, a real smile that reached all the way to my heart.

He appeared puzzled, "Do you have any idea what you have gotten yourself into?"

Then he turned on the heel of his boot and left me behind; quietly wondering if I had just made the worst mistake of my life.

I ran to papa and mother's chambers, banging my fists on the door.

"Yes?!" Papa wrenched open the door, a wild look in his eye.

"Papa! I need to tell you something…"

"Could it not wait until morning, my dearest?"

I gave him my best glare. "Papa, this is too important."

"Well, let us walk together."

He smoothed down his hair and closed the door behind him. We strolled to a lonesome bench and sat down. Tiny stars twinkled down from the expansive sky, shining light on the lush land of Rivendale. The moon joined the stars, creating a beacon of the creamy light. It was much more enjoyable than the uneasy look on my beloved father's face. He finally heaved a sigh and turned his furrowed brow toward me.

"Father," I said, trying to be as formal as possible, "I am joining the Fellowship that is taking the Ring to be destroyed. I have already asked and been permitted to go. This is my decision, and I will not be changing my mind."

I steeled myself, waiting for his anger. Instead he sighed and looked at the moon.

"Amalynn, you and your mother are the two most important things to me in this life. The day your mother and I married and the day of your begetting are my two most prized memories. When you entered this troubled world and I held you in my arms, you were the most beautiful being I had ever beheld. You were so small and yet you already held a look of fierce determination," He chuckled at the memory. "And you grew. You grew into this small being with this huge way of speaking. You looked at the world as though you could conquer it at the most simple whim. Yet, I witnessed the gentleness of your mother in you, as you helped anyone in need. You have always been so brave, so strong, so fierce."

He mustered a shaky breath.

"Sending my beautiful, strong flower out into this war is impossible to think of. I am crippled by the thought of you being slain. I always dreamed of watching you marry, watching you have children of your own, that they may be as you are."

He stood, outlined by the golden moonlight.

"Please my Amalynn. Please do not make me watch as you go off into inevitable danger. Please. Let me watch you live. Please."

I felt a small droplet on my cheek. I wiped my tear away, my heart aching for my father.

"Father, many years ago, you told me something that is forever engrained in my mind. You told me, evil is a strong presence, but good will always be stronger. I know that good will prevail in this situation as it is meant to. I need to help. I must help. I do not know if I am meant to survive or to be a sacrifice, but good will win."

He frowned and changed the subject, "They make to leave for the Valinor soon. Your mother intends to go with them."

I gasped, "But F-fathe-"

"Amalynn, you are to go with your mother."

"No."

He stumbled back a tad, "What?"

"No. I'm not going to sail safely off to Valinir. I am going to fight."

He sighed, suddenly appearing far older, "I cannot let you do this. My duty is to keep you and your mother safe."

"What about our kind, Father?! What about all the other elven people who will suffer. The humans? The dwarves?"

He flinched as the last word flew from my mouth, "Amalynn, do not let that filth touch your tongue."

I scowled, "We cannot let past disagreem-"

"Disagreements?! Is that what you call losing your grandfather?!"

Alas, it was my turn to flinch. "I did not mean it in that way, I mean that we should band together! That we should fight! And, that I should go with them. With the Fellowship."

"You are not welcome among the fighting Amalynn. You are but a child."

"A child!? Is that all you see me as? Not as your daughter?! Not as a warrior?! Sauron will not care what age I am as he sends one of his fighters to slit my neck!"

"Hold your tongue!"

I looked away.

"Amalynn, darling, I love you. I cannot and will not sit idly by and watch you march to your death with a few hobbits to keep you safe."

"Father, if you will not give me your blessing to go, I will defy you. I do not want to, but it is what is right."

"If you think-"

"Alionwyn."

Our heads both snapped over to a shadow near the edge of the clearing. My mother took a few steps out into the moonlight and continued.

"It is time for our daughter to go. You must let her go, or she will scorn us for the rest of time."

"Minada, she will be killed," he set his hard eyes on me again, "you will not die for this war."

"I will decide for myself what I will die for."

"Let her go, my love." Mother placed a hand on his chest.

He sighed and turned his back to me, "Come Minada, let us rest." He paused and turned only slightly toward me, "I will not watch you leave for death. Consider this our goodbye if you are choosing to defy me."

I felt a sob rise in my throat, "But papa…" But he had already disappeared into the shadows.

My mother looked at my with concern etched into her features. "Amalynn, we love you more than words could express. You are our star. Your father… he loves deeply, and when he is hurt, feels it in his very soul. I know I have been hard on you all your life, but it is only because your father saw no faults in you. I wanted you to become strong, as I knew this day would come. I fought for your side tonight. Do not let it be for naught."

She crossed over and kissed my forehead, then leaned against it for a moment.

"My morning star. Be safe on the journey. May we one day be reunited."

"Mother," I felt another sob build in my throat. There were so many things I wished to say to her. Tonight would be my last chance. Tears spilled down my cheeks as I murmured, "I will fight to stay alive for you. I will come and meet you. I love you more than words can express."

Her cheeks were also wet, "My Amalynn…"

She turned and left. I looked up to the moon and wept.

When there were no tears left, I returned to my chambers and rested.