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Both Istari sat on the marble bench which, just a few short hours ago, had serviced one. It was quiet; the noise from the Hall of Fire had faded some time ago as they had walked further on, deeper into the shadowy depths of the gardens. Even the Bruinen seemed to recognise the importance of the meeting taking place not far from its banks, murmured softly in the background.

Indil could see that Gandalf was eager to share his thoughts with her and to explore her own but she could not help wondering if they were what he expected or wished to hear. He sat now on her left, thoughtful and pensive in the grey robes of his station.

"Shall I begin or you?"

Indil smiled at his words, no she would share her views first. It was always the same order, she would talk then him and so on and so forth until all problems and worries had been considered from every aspect possible. It had become a kind of ritual.

"I am anxious my friend. Quite anxious, it seems to me to be a desperate plan."

Gandalf smiled ruefully at her.

"It is a desperate plan for desperate times. Was not the Last Alliance considered a desperate bid for victory? I think I remember, forgive me if I am wrong for my mind is not what it once was, that you thought the Last Alliance foolhardy?"

Indil had to concede that her criticism of the Last Alliance had been pessimistic at the very best but considering the circumstances and situation she had been in . . .

"Not just that but the fact that you hope to find a way into Mordor in secrecy! Your fellowship is too big and questionable itself to be able of such a feat."

Gandalf moved to face her, his eyes requesting that she continue.

"Nine people, nine Olorin. I have seen what Sauron is capable of, he does not rest and his eye wanders the barren wasteland that is Mordor constantly. At most three might be able to penetrate its' borders in secrecy. Even if the company was comprised of elves alone I would be dubious . . . their light attracts unwanted attention. It is not just the eye but his ability to feel. His every nerve is connected with that land, the slightest quake or movement attracts his undivided attention."

Gandalf wanted to answer her but could not find the appropriate words.

" Consider the fellowship itself. Dwarves are a race of action and no thought! Men are more like dwarves than elves and give into fear more readily. The Hobbits are inexperienced and naïve." Indil sighed hopelessly.

As if noticing the emptiness for the first time she turned to face her friend. Understanding shone in her companions' eyes as he sought her gaze.

"Aye, you have voiced what fears Lord Elrond had of such a company but I believe that it is achievable. It must be achievable since the Last Alliance was viewed in the same light, if we dare to hope. I worry daily over my choice in letting the hobbits go. Yes they are naïve and innocent but they have such goodness in them that seems to have been lost in all other races."

"Strangely it is not the Hobbits that concern me the most. Frodo's ability to have come thus far is a testament to that races inherent integrity. No it is the men that I fear the most, especially Boromir. Did you not tell me of his words and actions during the council? He is a loyal and capable soldier but this will be trying for him at best."

Gandalf appeared to be unsurprised at her assessment of Boromir. The Gondorian Captain had some of the finest qualities to be found in men and some of their weakness as well.

"I know your fears for they are my own. Still we must place our faith in the race of man again; Aragorn shines as a beacon of hope for all to see. In him will men find their redemption."

"That is if he takes up what is his by birthright." She voiced aloud to the gloom.

"I trust Aragorn, he will not fail us in the coming darkness."

Both figures sat silently for a time. Indil enjoyed the security Olorins' company it was calming. He may be ageing but he has certainly not changed. The affable front Olorin was able to exude and use to his advantage was one that Indil had to teach herself. In no way could she be as forthcoming or sociable as Gandalf who was able to ingratiate himself with the lowliest servant to the mightiest Lord.

"Whatever faith I have in Aragorn, as little as it is, does not extend to Boromir."

"You were never one to put your faith in anything or person blindly. I, on the other hand, continually trust others and their characters. It can be both a blessing and a curse."

His voice sounded harsh in the silence of the gardens. Smoking pipe weed always seemed to produce such an effect.

"My way of viewing people and the world is no different. Yours is to search for hope whereas mine is to dismiss it. Not a healthy way to regard life."

Gandalf chuckled at her sincerity. Indil never minced her words even when they concerned her. She always was able to get straight to the point no matter how many extenuating circumstances or altering conditions he laid before her. There is no grey with Indil, or very little.

"Is it as bleak as I see it my friend?"

The faintness of her question startled him.

"I do not believe so or should I say hope so. Unfortunately it's a fools hope that I am holding onto, an old fools hope."

"No a wise mans hope."

Gandalf smiled at her. Maybe it would be enough; perhaps this desperate plan would succeed. So many choices and futures lay ahead that not even the wise were able to unravel the confusing thread of fate.

"Enough of philosophy and more on the Fellowship." Declared Indil resolutely.

Maybe she did not hope but she would not sit here while her eternally optimistic companion began to despair.

"The elf is young but well trained, the dwarf stubborn but stout, the men courageous but easily corrupted and the hobbits noble but inexperienced. It is such a mix Olorin that there are bound to be conflicts."

"But, of course, my dear. An elf and dwarf in such close quarters, two men whose beliefs are quite the opposite and let it not be forgotten the ravenous hobbits who will try everyone's patience. If it was any different it would be no fun!"

Indil laughed at his dry humour.

"You have forgotten one my friend. A grumpy Istar whose patience is renowned for its brevity!"

"Who dares make such a statement?"

"No matter. Gandalf what do you propose to do when you reach Mordor? I am being optimistic in saying this much my friend."

He did not answer immediately; instead he stood and paced the tiny grove they occupied. Indil waited tolerantly knowing that he would speak when he knew what he had to say.

"Frankly, I do not know. This whole process is only beginning. I have yet to decide firmly on anything. The only thing that is certain is that I shall leave with a certain hobbit and together we shall partake of a journey so epic that whatever the outcome it shall be remembered."

"Same as ever, Gandalf. Thinking on ones feet is only so good; there must be some kind of plan." Reprimanded Indil in a teasing voice, her eyes twinkling as she did.

"Likewise Indil, forever planning for events that may or may not occur." He retorted.

The sounds of a merry party rose and fell as the Hall of Fire was vacated. Indil could distinguish the voices of Boromir, the Hobbits and the dwarves. The elves would probably continue on further into the night and early morn. It was so surreal that not thirty paces away beings passed by in such a jovial mood when here, with Olorin and herself, everything was distant and foreboding.

"The path which we shall take is loosely decided. Through the Gap of Rohan, across the River Entwash plains, through Emyn Muil and approach Mordor from the North." Began Gandalf noticing his friends' meditative expression.

Indil contemplated the route chosen, close to Isengard unfortunately but closer to Mount Doom from the North. The real trouble would start upon reaching the Entwash plains; from there on parties of orcs and more evil things would become more frequent.

"It is a fair path, as fair as any path that leads to Mordor. What of timing? I understand the need for winter to pass but Gandalf, please, the fellowship must set out as soon as possible if there is any kind of hope for secrecy. It is mid-November my friend, autumn is waning."

"Indil the Hobbits are not used to travel, especially Frodo who was grievously injured. As soon as the weather becomes milder and late winter is upon us then we shall depart. That should leave you with three weeks to educate the Fellowship."

Indil unconsciously grimaced at the fact that she would be trying to impart information to such curious Hobbits, one in particular; namely Pippin.

Gandalf laughed at his friends' expression, one he could surely guess the meaning and origin of. She would have to be patient and kind, something she is well capable of when she has a mind to.

Indil grinned at Gandalf as he once again took his seat beside her.

"Remind me what exactly you want me to teach them."

Huffing exasperatedly, Gandalf replied.

"All of Mordor. Its' layout, atmosphere, dangers . . . down to its' very appearance. I want them prepared Indil, in what ever way you can. If they ask you for advice, training, ideas . . . anything I want you to do it for them. Consider it a favour to me."

He had sounded so adamant, different to the usual Olorin she knew. What was he hiding? He had always been secretive but there had been a hint of pleading in his voice.

"What I can tell will not save them. You cannot prepare them for this task Gandalf, it is something that cannot be weighed or measured."

Just as he looked askance at her as if to interrupt she held up her hand to silence him.

"However . . . I will do as you ask."

The contentment that she detected in his face was thanks enough. She had only once seen her associate so anxious and that had been during the first war of the ring. If she could relieve any of the pressure he placed on himself then she would.

"I think we have discussed all we can tonight. Look the moon has travelled to the far side of the sky. Let us retire for an hour or two of sleep before a new day begins." Stated Gandalf.

Indil followed his hand to the moon which had, indeed, covered quite some distance during their discussion. The garden was waking slowly to the new day, it was still dark but had a morning quality to it that one knew from early travelling.

"I think I shall retire soon, go ahead. You know I am safe from any harm."

Gandalf gazed at the woman before him. She showed all the signs of not sleeping but he knew better than to argue. If she wished to escape her troubles who was he to force her to face them. Smiling gently he nodded and left the Istar to her thoughts.

Indil watched him go fondly. She knew him well enough to know that something in his voice toward the end of the conversation had been strained. It was if he was preparing the Hobbits for something, but she had her doubts that it had been Mordor occupying his thoughts. Olorin was never one to share his burden lightly. More often then not it was difficult to get him to talk about any of his travels. Still if he had need of her help she would not refuse it.

Broodingly she left the small grove and made her way back towards the halls of Rivendell. She needed a few things in her room before she began any lesson and to think upon what had passed between herself and Gandalf during their night discussion. No she would not sleep ere this dawn.