Reviewer Responses
Pop-tarts- Jackie: Welcome, gald you are enjoying our ltitle story. However, Jamie and I will have to tell you to wait patiently and all your questions will be answered in future chapters. LOL.
Iwishchan- Jackie: Thanks for reviewing, and your questions will be answered in upcoming chapters.
Chapter 5
October 24th 3018 TA: Rivendell (One day before the council)
(Jacklyn's POV)
After Jamie left, I went in search of our father and found him sitting in his library/office, as usual. Opening the door, I cleared my throat and grinned as dad looked up from his research.
"Hello father," I said, a smile on my face.
Father returned my grin and rose from his seat. As he hugged me he said, "My heart sings to see thee little one."
Breaking our embrace, I playfully rolled my eyes. "I am not that little father. I am a grown elleth with a husband you know," I reminded him gently.
Father sighed as he took his seat behind the desk as I took a seat in one of the chairs. "I know daughter. But I can't help but still see you as my little girl," he replied.
Great, I thought sarcastically as I saw my father slip back into his research. --Jamie! Answer me!-- I mind spoke to my sister.
WHAT!-- she replied.
I chuckled mentally. --Sorry sis. But we need to tell father that we know about the future in order to be allowed into the council tomorrow.-- Deciding to be a little mean I continued, --You might wanna bring your honey too.--
Fine, but how the hell…oh never mind the movies I forgot.-- she sent back. --You know you need to bring your hubby, Gandalf, Frodo, and our dear brothers as well.--
Damn! I hate it when she's right. Luckily, I am just as strong in telepathy as Grandmother. After sending the messages I sat and waited patiently until everyone arrived.
The first to arrive was Legolas who smiled as he stood next to me. He took my hand and placed a loving kiss to the back of my hand.
"What is the matter my love?" he asked. I could tell he was curious as to why I had sent the urgent message.
I smiled reassuringly and replied, "You will find out as soon as Frodo, Nienna, Aragorn, and Gandalf are all here."
Legolas looked like he wanted to protest but let the matter drop and a few minutes later Jamie entered the room, on Aragorn's arm, followed by Gandalf and a recovering Frodo. Once everyone took their seats I began to speak.
"Now that everyone is here I can begin," I started. "Frodo, since you don't know some of us, let me begin introductions. My name is Alatáriël, and this is my husband Legolas, son of Thranduil, and crowned Prince of Mirkwood. The elleth standing next to Strider," I was lucky that Aragorn had told us the alias he planned on using, "is my sister Nienna. You all ready know my and Nienna's father Elrond and Gandalf."
Jamie took up where I left off. "However, what you don't know Frodo is that Alatáriël and I were not raised in Rivendell or even Middle Earth. My sister and I were sent to another world to be raised in a safe place only to return some 52 years ago…"
I couldn't help the little jab and said, "Not that we were any safer on Earth than we were here." Nienna glared at me as I continued, "That, however is not the point. What none of you know is that when Nienna and I were on Earth, there was a very popular book. This was no ordinary book though. It was called 'The Lord of the Rings' and it told the story of the destruction of the One Ring. The same ring you now carry Frodo."
I saw the speculation in father's eyes and he asked, "You both know what is to come?"
Jamie and I both nodded. Jamie sighed and said, "You're going to need proof aren't you," she turned to me and I nodded, "Ok, Frodo it has been 17 years, one month and three days since you received the ring (A/N: we're going by the book and movie. But at this point we're using the book's timeline, and it says 17 yrs between Frodo getting the ring and the council). Your Uncle Bilbo left it to you after he 'vanished' from his 111th and your 33rd birthday party and went back to Bag End to get his things."
Jamie paused in her tale and we watched as looks of incredulity, shock; disbelief and pride appeared on the faces of my husband, father, Gandalf, Aragorn, and Frodo. All of them stayed like this for a few moments until Jamie and I rolled our eyes and Jamie decided to break the silence.
"Look," she continued, "Alatáriël and I both know what is going to happen tomorrow so we are going to be at the council, whether you like it or not. The two of us," she pointed first at herself, then me, "will be of more help and the Valar knows that you males will need it."
When no one said anything, I threw a look at Jamie and the two of us decided to let the 'men' stew in their own thoughts. And the Valar help them if they try and stop Jamie and I from going
to the council.
As we walked to our rooms to prepare for dinner, I looked at my sister and asked, "Think they'll let us come?"
Jamie turned her gaze to me and raised an eyebrow, "Are you kidding me?" she asked, "We just
gave them the biggest shock of their lives, I'm surprised if Gandalf, Aragorn and Frodo didn't suffer heart attacks."
I chuckled, "I think you're right…" but just as I was about to continue we bumped into someone. As I got a closer look, I realized it was Boromir.
"Forgive me my ladies. I was not paying attention to where I was going," he said distractedly. It seemed that even though he had not seen the ring yet, the dream he had had and desire to please his father were weighing heavily on him.
As he got better looks at us he introduced himself, his voice tinged with arrogance, pride and selfishness, "I am Boromir, son of Denethor, the Steward of Gondor."
Jamie and I mentally rolled our eyes; Boromir thought he had impressed us with his title. Yeah right, both of us were of higher status than he even as Elrond's daughters.
Sneaking a look at Jamie I noticed she was about to say a wiseass comment and pinched her arm as I told him, "You're forgiven milord. Now if you will excuse us, my sister and I need to prepare for dinner."
"Of course, of course," he said. "But before you leave might I inquire your names?"
I shot a look to Jamie and she shrugged her shoulders. --It's not like he won't know our name tomorrow.-- I heard Jamie tell me telepathically.
Turning back to Boromir I replied, "I am Alatáriël, daughter of Elrond, Lord of Rivendell, and wife of the crowned Prince of Mirkwood, Legolas. This is my twin sister Nienna. I am sorry but we cannot stay. Good day Lord."
Grabbing Jamie's arm we hurriedly headed towards our rooms, well her rooms, and the rooms Legolas and I would share while here, which was near Jamie's. As we entered my rooms, we burst out laughing, not only at the way our family and friends reacted to our news but also at the fact that Boromir thought he could impress us.
Back in the Study…
(Third Person POV)
It had been ten minutes since 'Alatáriël' and 'Nienna' had left them in a daze after revealing their new information. Elrond was the first to break out of it and broke the silence.
"Gandalf, do you think my daughters truly know what is going to come to pass?" Elrond asked. He and the girls' grandmother were both skilled in visions and he thought it as possible that the girls received their knowledge form the Valar, but the thought that a mortal from another world writing a book about the future of Middle Earth had never been taken into account.
Gandalf sat for a moment, his hand stroking his beard, deep in thought before he answered, "It is possible." He paused for a moment before continuing, "I think, that we need to have those girls join the council on the morrow."
Aragorn and Legolas looked like they wanted to protest but they both knew the sisters and their tempers. If they went against the girls' wishes they would make the guys' lives miserable for a few weeks.
"I agree," Frodo spoke up, "They knew about when and how I got the ring. No one, except for Gandalf, Sam, Merry and Pippin knew, and only Gandalf knows what the ring truly is. Besides none of them were able to tell your daughters about it since they were with me all day, well all except Gandalf."
Elrond was about to speak when another elf knocked on the door.
"Enter," Elrond called.
The elf opened the door and looked at Elrond. "Forgive the intrusion my lord but dinner is ready to be served," The elf replied.
Elrond nodded and once the elf left he turned towards his companions, "It seems as though we shall leave this discussion for later," he said rising from his seat and heading towards the doors. The others followed and while Elrond, Gandalf and Frodo headed for the dining hall, Legolas and Aragorn went to escort Alatáriël (Jacklyn) and Nienna (Jamie).
Back in Jackie's Room…
(Jamie's POV)
As Jackie and I finished getting ready, we heard the bell that rang throughout the valley letting everyone know that dinner was served.
I turned towards Jackie and asked, "Jackie, can you do me a favor and help me with these laces?"
Both of us were wearing scoop necked dresses with long flowing sleeves and skirts. We both looked and felt like princesses, which we were. My dress was the color of the midnight sky and Jackie's was a pale lavender. While my hair was in a French braid, thanks to Jackie, her hair was in a ponytail, a braid near the crown of her head and the loose tendrils of hair curled into ringlets.
Our jewelry consisted of Jackie's wedding band, and her everyday royal circlet, my everyday circlet and Aragorn's ring. We also both wore our pendants that represented our family.
As Jackie finished with my laces, we both heard voices from the outer receiving rooms.
Jackie let out a full-fledged megawatt smile as she left the bedroom and went to see her husband. I followed a moment after and rolled my eyes at the sight of Legolas and Jackie kissing like there was no tomorrow.
"All right, you two," I said as I grinned at Aragorn and took the proffered arm, "We're going to be late for dinner."
Jackie and Legolas broke apart reluctantly and Jackie threw me one of her death glares, which said "You are sooo going to get it later." I just smiled back and ignored the 'dire threat'.
(Jackie's POV)
I rolled my eyes at my sister's comment and Legolas and I reluctantly parted. Legolas leaned down slightly and whispered into my ear, "Later my love." I smiled in anticipation. Legolas offered me his arm and the four of us made our way to the dining hall where we were all announced.
"Prince Legolas of Mirkwood and his wife Princess Alatáriël of Rivendell," the ellon (male elf) said.
I sighed, Legolas and I, though we were royalty, we did not like ceremony that much. Legolas and I made our way to the head table where we had seats waiting near my father and my brothers.
As we walked in the same elf said, "The Lady Nienna of Rivendell escorted by the Lord Estel."
Taking our seats, Legolas to my left, Nienna to my right, and Aragorn to Nienna's right, we began eating the feast laid before us.
I don't know why I expected dinner to be uneventful, but my hopes were dashed when Legolas broke the silence.
"Are you and Nienna truly planning on attending the council?" he asked.
Turning form my food I raised an eyebrow and looked at him. "Of course we are. And do not think you can stop us," I replied.
"You know I would not try to stop you, but it does not mean I have to like it," he retorted. "I only want you to be safe sweeting."
I smiled warmly at him. "I know my love, but remember Nienna and I know more about what is going on than even our fathers, my Grandmother and Grandfather, Gandalf, and even Saruman and Sauron know," I reminded him gently.
Legolas nodded and the rest of the evening was spent catching up with both Jamie and Aragorn. At least until it was time for the dancing, singing and story telling. Jamie and I were sitting comfortably next to our men (ellon in my case) and the four of us were talking about some of the payback we would give the twins for a prank we had not fully paid back yet when father joined us.
Smiling, he said, "Now that you have returned Alatáriël, perhaps you and your sister could grace us with a song?"
Ok, father did not just ask if Jamie and I would sing for everyone here. Looking at his face I realized I was wrong…Damn.
Jams, what song are we going to do? Cause you know father won't let us get out of it.-- I sent to her telepathically.
I know, I know Jackie. Lemme think ok.-- she sent back.
After thinking for a moment I came up with one song that I knew we'd be able to sing. --Jams, you remember that song I liked, 'Carry on My Wayward Son' by Kansas?--
Ohhh, that is perfect sis. I just got one as well, 'Hands' by Jewel. Give our little hobbit hero some encouragement.--
Perfect. Let's go get this done and over with.--
I looked up at father and nodded my agreement to sing and soon Jamie and I were up, in front of the entire crowd.
"Good evening," I said, "Our father has kindly requested that my sister and I sing for you tonight. We will only be singing two songs. The first one is called 'Carry on My Wayward Son'."
Carry on my wayward son,
For there'll be peace when you are done
Lay your weary head to rest
Now don't you cry no more
Once I rose above the noise and confusion
Just to get a glimpse beyond the illusion
I was soaring ever higher,
But I flew too high
Though my eyes could see,
I still was a blind man
Though my mind could think,
I still was a mad man
I hear the voices when I'm dreamin',
I can hear them say
Carry on my wayward son,
For there'll be peace when you are done
Lay your weary head to rest
Now don't you cry no more
Masquerading as a man with a reason
My charade is the event of the season
And if I claim to be a wise man,
It surely means that I don't know
On a stormy sea of moving emotion
Tossed about I'm like a ship on the ocean
I set a course for winds of fortune,
But I hear the voices say
Carry on my wayward son,
For there'll be peace when you are done
Lay your weary head to rest
Now don't you cry no more
Carry on,
You will always remember
Carry on,
Nothing equals the splendor
Now your life's no longer empty
Surely heaven waits for you
Carry on my wayward son,
For there'll be peace when you are done
Lay your weary head to rest
Now don't you cry no more
(Kansas. (1984). Carry on Wayward Son. Leftovers. CD.)
After taking a breath, Jamie and I began to sing. As we finished the song fifteen minutes later, the entire crowd looked at us, stunned for a few moments before clapping and asking for the next song.
Jamie then spoke. "The next song is called 'Hands', and is a song about not giving up hope and knowing that you can affect the future," she said before we began the song.
If I could tell the world just one thing
It would be we're all okay
And not to worry
Cause worry is wasteful and useless in times like these
I won't be made useless
Nor be idle with despair
I give myself over to my faith
For light does the darkness most fear
My hands are small I know
And they're not yours
They are my own
But their not yours
They are my own
And I am never broken
Poverty, stole your golden shoes
I didn't steal your laughter
And heartache came to visit me
But I knew it was ever after
We'll fight, not out of spite
For someone must stand up for what's right
Cause where there's a man who has no voice
There ours shall go singing
My hands are small I know
And they're not yours
They are my own
But their not yours
They are my own
And I am never broken
In the end only kindness matters
In the end only kindness matters
I will get down on my knees and I will pray
I will get down on my knees and I will pray
I will get down on my knees and I will pray
My hands are small I know
And they're not yours
They are my own
But their not yours
They are my own
And I am never broken
My hands are small I know
And they're not yours
They are my own
But their not yours
They are my own
And I am never broken
We are never broken
We are God's eyes
God's hands
God's heart
We are God's eyes
God's hands
God's heart
We are God's eyes
God's hands
(Jewel Kilcher. (2000). Hands. Spirit. CD.)
Minutes later, as the song finished Jamie and I heard more compliments and clapping for our music. We hurried back to Legolas and Aragorn who smiled at us.
"You both have beautiful voices," Legolas complimented.
Aragorn nodded his agreement. "He is right, though I believe it to be expected from those descended from Lúthien the fair," he said with a smile on his face.
"Thank you," Jamie and I said in unison.
Before we could say anything else, I noticed Frodo come walking over, with a couple of his friends following.
(Jamie's POV)
I can't believe that father had us sing, and in front of the whole city. But I have to admit it was nice when Aragorn complimented me and Jackie. I noticed that Jackie wasn't saying anything and I followed her gaze.
Ah, Frodo and the other hobbits are on their way over.
"My ladies, that was a wonderful performance," Frodo complimented.
I smiled, "Thank you Master Frodo. Now, are you going to introduce your friends?"
Frodo nodded. "Of course, and please call me Frodo," he replied.
"If that's the case then feel free, all of you to call me Nienna, and my sister Alatáriël," I said, shooting a look at Jackie and she smiled in agreement."
Frodo smiled, "Very well. Sam, Merry, Pippin, you all know Strider. The lady sitting next to him is Lady Nienna, daughter of Lord Elrond. The elleth next to her is her sister Alatáriël, and next to Alatáriël, is her husband Prince Legolas of Mirkwood," he said, pointing to each one in turn. "And these hobbits with me are Samwise Gamgee, Meriadoc Brandybuck, and Peregrin Took, or as they are known to friends, Sam, Merry, and Pippin."
"Welcome to our home," Jackie said, covering a yawn. "Unfortunately I must go to. I hope to see you all tomorrow."
Everyone nodded and after the 'goodnights' Legolas and Jackie both went to bed. Leaving me by myself, with Aragorn and the hobbits, for another hour before I felt the need for rest.
The next morning I awoke to the sound of my lady's maid, Elentári, going through my closet and preparing my clothes for the day. Blinking my eyes I smiled, today was going to be interesting.
"Good morning Elentári," I said sitting up.
Elentári turned and smiled, "Good morning my lady. I have your dress prepared for the day and your bath is already drawn."
"Thank you, and what did I tell you about calling me my lady while it's just us. You do have permission to call me by my name you know," I grinned as I got up and headed towards the bath.
Elentári just shook her head and said that is was not proper. I chuckled, I had known her for nearly half a century and still she says the same thing. After dressing in the jade green dress, and putting my slippers and jewelry on I headed for the dining hall and got some breakfast.
Breakfast went by fast and soon everyone that had been called to the council was entering the Veranda. I noticed Jackie and Legolas were seated together. I grinned at seeing Jackie wearing her cloak, hiding her features, as was I.
A few moments later, father opened the council.
(Third Person POV)
"Strangers from distant lands, friends of old. You have been summoned here to answer 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," Elrond said gesturing to the pedestal. "Bring forth the Ring, Frodo," he instructed.
Jackie and Jamie watched as Frodo rose and laid the Ring on the pedestal before returning to his seat. Everyone there began whispering and the girls rolled their eyes.
While everyone was gossiping, Jackie and Jamie both noticed that Boromir was already coming under the influence of the ring. As his hand drew closer, their father caught him.
"Boromir!" he called out in chastisement.
Gandalf looked at the ring and began reciting the ring's inscription by rote, in the Black speech. "Ash Nazg durbatulûk..." he began, as dark clouds shadow the council and Gimli reached for an axe, "...ash Nazg gimbatul. Ash Nazg thrakatulûk agh Burzum-ishi krimpatul."
Jamie felt her head begin to ache and stomach become queasy as he spoke. Through the pain, she noticed Boromir retreating... and that her father looked as if his head ached as well. Legolas and Jackie both looked nauseous. As her gaze landed on Aragorn, Jamie noticed it had very little affect on him, except for that of disgust.
As Gandalf finished the ring poem, the light returned and father turned on Gandalf.
"Never before has any voice uttered the words of that tongue here in Imladris," he said in shock.
Gandalf looked sadly and apologetically at Elrond as he said, "I do not beg your pardon, Master Elrond. For the Black Speech of Mordor may yet be heard in every corner of the West! The Ring is altogether evil."
Boromir shook his head. "It is a gift. A gift to the foes of Mordor. Why not use this Ring?" he said pacing in front of his chair. "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!"
The stupid…Well, it's now or never. Jackie thought. "Are you suicidal?" she asked half incredulously, half angrily. "Do you not get it?" she continued as she rose from her seat and pushed her hood down.
Jamie rose from her seat, pushed her hood down and joined Jackie. "Does it escape your tiny brain that every person who ever owned it is now miserable or was nearly destroyed?" she asked.
Boromir looked at the two elleths for a moment before speaking. "And what would you two women," the last word spat out like a swear word, "know about war? Why don't you leave the men to discuss this matter?"
Legolas and Aragorn both mentally winced at the tone in Jackie's voice. They had all heard it often enough to recognize it. It was her 'fuck-with-me-and-die' voice and no one messed with her when she got that tone.
Aragorn, taking attention off of Jackie, continued where she left off, "You cannot wield it! None of us can. The One Ring answers to Sauron alone. It has no other master."
Boromir moved his look from Jackie to Aragorn with scorn and disdain as he scoffed, "And what would a ranger know of this matter?"
Oh hell no! Jamie thought. He did not just dis my man.
Legolas rose from his seat, glaring at Boromir as he said, "This is no mere ranger. He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance."
Jackie, I love your husband right now.-- she sent telepathically to Jackie.
Really?-- she chuckled mentally. --Nice to know he's appreciated--
Boromir threw a skeptical and disgusted look at Aragorn. "Aragorn? This... is Isildur's heir?"
"And heir to the throne of Gondor," Jackie and Legolas replied in unison.
Jackie and Jamie noticed as Frodo threw a wide-eyed look at Aragorn as he said, "Sit down Legolas, Alatáriël."
Boromir snorted in disgust as he returned to his seat, "Gondor has no king. Gondor needs no king."
Ohhh, he is so going to get it later, Jamie thought as Boromir denounced Aragorn.
Gandalf trying to defuse the situation said, "Aragorn, Nienna and Alatáriël are right. We cannot use it."
Elrond sighed and continued where Gandalf left off, "You have only one choice. The Ring must be destroyed."
"What are we waiting for?" Gimli said as he grabbed an axe and approached the pedestal. "ARGH!" he cried out as he struck the Ring with full force. But he was thrown to the ground.
Both girls looked worriedly at Frodo as they knew he had just seen the Eye of Sauron in his mind and winced in pain. The could hear the indecipherable whispers of the ring but ignored it as their father spoke.
"The Ring cannot be destroyed, Gimli, son of Glóin 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."
The Ring's whispers were now becoming more vocal and it began taunting, "Ash Nazg…"
"One of you must do this," Elrond continued, causing a dead silence from the council.
Boromir broke the silence as he rubbed his face with his hand. "One does not simply walk into Mordor. Its black gates are guarded by more than just orcs. There is evil there that does not sleep. And 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 rose from his seat yet again and angrily said, "Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said? The Ring must be destroyed!"
Gimli leapt to his feet, glaring at Legolas, "And I suppose you think you're the one to do it!"
Jackie and Jamie ignore the fighting as they watch Frodo. He had remained seated through out the fighting and was watching the Ring uneasily, the angry figures of the council reflected on its surface.
The girls could hear the ring as it's whispers grew louder, saying, "Ash Nazg Durbatuluk! Ash Nazg Gimbatul! Ash Nazg Gimbatul! Ash Nazg Gimbatul!"
As the intensity of the arguments increased Jackie and Jamie notice the determination dawn on Frodo's face. Frodo rose from his seat near Gandalf and stepped closer to the angry mob that the council had changed too. Slight smiles form on the face of both Jackie and Jamie as they get ready for their unveiling.
"I will take it! I will take it!" Frodo tried to cry out over the din. But the arguments continue. Jamie and Jackie share a look before rising from their seats.
Get ready…one…two…three-- Jackie sent telepathically to Jamie.
As one both girls threw their hoods down and shouted, "SHUT UP!"
The argument died down as everyone but Legolas, Aragorn, Elrond, Gandalf and Frodo looked at them in shock.
"Now that we have your attention," Jamie said.
"Sit down and listen," Jackie finished.
Once everyone was seated, Jackie continued. "This is exactly what Sauron wants. He wants us to fight amongst ourselves. It's the age old trick of divide and conquer. But united we can defeat him and his army."
"What would a she-elf know of war," Boromir scoffed.
Jackie leveled a glare at Boromir. "The land where I and my sister were raised was constantly in war during its history. And the tactic of divide and conquer was a well known and well used technique for over 2000 years," she said coldly, then turned back to the rest of the council. "Now that we have your attention I believe that Frodo has something to say."
Frodo sent Jamie and Jackie a thankful glance before speaking. "I will take the Ring to Mordor. Though-- I do not know the way," he announced.
Gandalf smiling with pride walked towards Frodo. "I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins, so long as it is yours to bear," he said placing his hands reassuringly on Frodo's shoulders.
Aragorn rose form his seat. "If by my life or death, I can protect you, I will," he said as he approached Frodo and knelt before him. "You have my sword."
Legolas' curved slightly into a small smile. "And you have my bow," he said as he joined them.
The girls looked at one another and then both stepped forward. Aragorn and Legolas threw each other worried looks as Jamie spoke.
"There's no way you are all leaving Alatáriël and me here by ourselves. Besides you men need a woman to keep you in line," Jamie said. She took one of Frodo's hands and smiled.
Jackie rolled her eyes, "And someone needs to go along to make sure Nienna doesn't make you lose your minds." Taking Frodo's other hand Jackie looked down at the hobbit and said, "You have our knowledge, our weapons and our promise that as long as we still have life within us you have our allegiance."
Jackie let go of Frodo's hand and moved to Legolas' side as Gimli, not one to be upstaged by elves, stood up. "And my axe!" he exclaimed looking grimly at Legolas as he joined the group.
Jackie noticed the look on Legolas' face as Gimli joined the group. He did not look happy at all.
Be nice, my love-- she scolded him lightly. Legolas shot Jackie a look that clearly said he wasn't amused.
Chuckling mentally, Jackie watched as Boromir walked over to them.
"You carry the fates of us all little one. If this is indeed the will of the council, then Gondor will see it done," he said, kneeling in front of Frodo as Aragorn had done.
Suddenly someone jumped from the bushes and joined the group.
"Mr. Frodo is not goin' anywhere without me!" Sam said as he stood next to Frodo.
Jackie and Jamie saw that their father, Elrond, was clearly amused as he said, "No indeed, it is hardly possible to separate you even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not."
Two more small hobbit sized bodies emerge, from behind the pillars, to join them, both crying, "Wait! We are coming too!"
Merry looked up defiantly at Elrond. "You'd have to send us home tied up in a sack to stop us!"
Pippin nodded his agreement and added his two cents. "Anyway you need people of intelligence on this sort of mission, quest... thing."
Merry looked at Pippin incredulously. "Well that rules you out Pip," he remarked dryly.
Elrond looked at the eleven volunteers. Pride, hope, and shock running through him as he said, "Eleven companions... So be it! You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring!"
Pippin looked up at Elrond, an innocent look on his face as he said, "Great! Where are we going?"