Chapter 8
I just wanted to let you know that for those of you that noticed the time line is a little off but that's only because I wanted this story to progress a little faster than it was.
Reviewers
Elfbride- What exactly did I confuse you about? If you meant with all the guys I just wanted her to meet them a develop a relationship- not necessarily an intimate on. There will be a romance but I refuse to reveal my favorite for the role...hehe
MBDTA- I'm glad you love my writing. It makes me feel like my goal of pleasing a few readers has been accomplished.
"When true friends meet in adverse hour;
'Tis like a sunbeam through a shower.
A watery way an instant seen,
The darkly closing clouds between."
- Sir Walter Scott
Recap
Voices spilled from the room as I grew steadily closer. I charged through the front door gasping for air the book still clutched opened into my chest. I found Gandalf wasn't the only one in the room, Glorfindel, Elrond, and the dark haired man from earlier were surrounding a bed with the "halfling" I'd seen ride in that morning. Three more little people sat in chairs beside the bed. All looking pale and tired. I looked up at Glorfindel to Elrond and then to Gandalf. I looked him in the eye and handed him the book.
" I found it...all of it." I whispered.
End of Recap
Gandalf took the book from my shaking hands and began to read. He turned the page and just as I had, closed the book tightly.
" So you have," He whispered " It seems things are revealing themselves faster than I would have thought." He handed the book back to me and I clutched it to my chest. His eyes were no longer twinkling with the cleverness that I'd seen earlier. Now they were a deep dull grey that made him look older some how. His face seemed to sag under some invisible weight. " I suggest you finish reading it and when you do, find me, and we shall discuss it before the council on the morrow."
I'm not sure how he was so eerily calm about this while I was standing there acting like a blubbering mess. I didn't trust my voice to answer, so instead of speaking I simply nodded and walked back out of the room with the book clutched tightly to my chest. I closed the door behind me and proceeded to lean against the wall beside it. I heard the sound of voices rise again over my haggard breathing and pounding heart. I pushed myself from the wall and slowly began to walk. I was frazzled beyond belief. I took a deep breath and slowly made my way back to my room.
oooOooo
I opened my door and slipped quietly into my room. I turned from the door and nearly jumped out of my skin. The she-elf yelped in surprise witch in turn surprised me and caused me to let out a very unladylike yelp myself. The elleth made a small curtsy, " I'm so sorry my lady, I was told you were away for the time being, and that it'd be alright if I came in to clean your room."
Clean my room I thought, there's nothing in my room to clean. I don't have anything and I made my own bed every morning. From the looks of it the only thing she'd done was go through my clothing chest, in fact it looked messier than it had been when I left. I looked at her cautiously, " What's your name my lady? I would hate not to be able to thank you properly for doing such a service for me."
" It's quiet alright my lady. Its my duty to care for the guests of this house. If you'll give me a moment I'll finish this up and leave you to your business." She bent down and began to fold my clothing. Her movements were hesitant and to me seemed unsure. She folded each piece of clothing differently, making them bulk up in my chest so that they almost didn't fit properly. Why would a maid not know how to fold clothing? She quickly got up and left with out another word. The door shut behind her with a snap and I heard her hurried footsteps as she ran down the hall. It was then I realized that she never told me her name.
oooOooo
I sat at on my bed unmoving, as I had been for the last 20 minutes, with the book in my lap, the encounter with the maid gone from my mind. I stared at the cover, not really wanting to open it. I was afraid at what might be on those pages, what the book might tell me. What if the book was wrong? What if something different happened to me, just like the woman who'd fallen in love. Or what if it was right? What if what was in this book told me exactly what I was, what I was supposed to do, and how I would do it? Did I really want to know...
I gently lifted the dark blue leather cover, I ran my fingers over the golden script on the inside of the first page. I turned the page and winced as it sliced my finger, a single drop fell onto the page before my wounded finger found its way to my mouth. My finger burned a lot more than I thought it would for such a tiny cut as if the book was giving me a warning. I looked back down at the book, ' no' I thought, ' I didn't want to know what this book had to offer,' I closed the cover, pressing it firmly with my other hand.
I wanted to live my life, I wanted to experience life and all the surprises it had for me. I didn't want to know what was to come, I'd figure it all out when the time arose, but as of now I'd take it as it came. Like life was supposed to be. What good would my life be if I knew everything...what mystery would be left for me to figure out?
I got up from my bed and walked to my door and opened it quietly before stepping out. With the book in hand I made my way back to the library. My going was slow and made all the more slow by my sudden fatigue. I'd pushed myself hard over the last few days and been more than a little stressed. I'd never really given my body time for it to heal properly, this being evident in the stiffness I constantly felt in my shoulders and the ever present pressure of the broken bone in my cheek. The bruises were beginning to fade, the one on my visage nothing more than I yellow mark that my tanned skin helped to hide.
I yawned widely as I made my way into the library only to see Boromir still sitting at the table with the pile of books still present at the table. He'd placed his feet on the table and had a book in his lap. It was thick and its pages yellowing with age. He seemed completely immersed in its pages. I watched as his blue grey eyes moved over the page, traveling back and forth in a steady rhythm.
I stepped in quietly trying my best not to disturb him. My efforts were in vain, he turned as if sensing my presence. I continued my walking as if my sudden disappearance early had meant nothing. He stood quickly and tossed the book onto one of the piles before jumping up from his chair and making his way across the room to me.
" Where did you go in such a rush my lady?" His voice light and concerning. He met my even pace step for step as I continued walking.
I didn't know quiet how to answer him so I did the best that I could. " I had some business to attend to, it was most urgent."
" That much I figured for myself. I do not mean to pry my lady for I barely know you, but you rushed out with such urgency I couldn't help but feel as if something was wrong."
" I assure you my lord Boromir, nothing is wrong, in fact, I think everything is just starting to go right."
We stopped together in front of the bookshelf. I looked for an empty spot were the book had come from and finally found it...5 feet over my head. I sighed and but my foot up on the shelf with every intention of climbing up it to put my book away. I was slightly startled when Boromir cleared his throat, and almost dropped my book. He stood there with a chair at his side, looking up at me with a silly grin on his face. To tired to argue, I took my foot down and handed him the book. He stood on the chair and reached the spot with no difficulty. I yawned and ran a hand through my long hair. I then proceeded to stretch out my sore muscles.
" If you'll excuse me my lord Boromir I think I'm going to retire early tonight. I'm unusually tired and must have my rest for tomorrow. It was good to meet my lord I hope you have a good nights rest. I will see you on the morrow."
" Indeed my lady it has been a pleasure. I hope that will have the chance to talk more soon, I have enjoyed the little time I have spent in your company." He inclined his head before I bid him farewell to make my way back to my room to what I hoped to be a good nights rest.
Unbeknownst to them both they would be spending much more time together.
oooOooo
I awoke rather late the next morning feeling refreshed, my strength seemingly renewed. I rolled to my side and found a small try of fruit waiting for me on my night stand with a note set beside it. I reached for a slice of apple and popped it into my mouth as I stood. The slice was sweet and juicy and pleasantly crispy. I picked up the note and read the small flowing script.
Adriana-
A gown has been left for you in your chest for the counsel this afternoon.
I sighed, I'd almost completely forgotten about the counsel. I wasn't looking forward to speaking with Gandalf, he would be upset with me for my decision but it was after all my decision. I ate another slice of apple before I began to quietly dress. I pulled on the gown that had been left for me, it was simple but beautiful none the less. It was a rich green colored sheer fabric. It was very light and delicate. I slipped it on over my head and let it fall over me. It came down over the top of my feet a dragged a small bit behind me. There was also a pair of slippers thank the gods because I didn't have any shoes that would have matched. I pulled the supple beaded fabric over my foot, they were a little snug but not bad.
I walked over the mirror and grabbed a small brush. My hair was an absolute mess, it'd turned into a knotted mess over night. It took me all of ten minutes of nonstop tugging and wincing to untangle my hair. I pulled the top half up and tide it back with a small green ribbon. Standing up and examining myself I figured I looked decent enough. I was extremely thankful for the fact that the gown cover enough of my shoulders to hide most of the scares that lingered there. The light bruising around them peeked out from underneath but not enough so that I felt that they were exposed. My face looked much better and had lost all the color of bruising. I reached up to touch it and winced. It was still extremely sensitive to touch. Even the marks on my wrists were gone. It was a bit of a wonder that I was heal as fast as I was, ' it must be the elvish medicine,' I thought.
I walked to the door and locked it behind me, the incident with the maid yesterday had concerned me enough to lock my door when I left. I would be gone for a long time and any maid that kept up on her visitors would know what was going on this afternoon.
I stepped back and slipped my key into my slipper, having no where else to place it. I walked down the hall and out to the gardens. I took my time walking through them to the small area where the council was being held. When I arrived the only people present were Gandalf and Elrond. I sat in the chair across from Gandalf. I sat for a second as they both looked at me waiting for me to say something.
" I didn't read it," I blurted out as I placed my hands in my lap. " I couldn't."
" I thought as much." Gandalf said quietly. " I knew you wouldn't read it, your not the type that would. I only hope that it will not hurt you in the long run."
" Even if it did Gandalf, I would rather have had the time I did to live freely and as I willed it." I said strongly " I wont have a book control my life."
" I respect your decision in every aspect my lady and hope that in time you will understand your path. There are difficult roads ahead for all of Middle Earth and by no means will yours be any easier. Yours will be made even more difficult with the added weight of your destiny and I am sorry to say that we are about to make it even more difficult for you." Elrond looked over at Gandalf before continuing. " We wish for you to join the fellowship that will be formed here today. The others know nothing about this."
" Fellowship?" I asked " Fellowship of what?"
Gandalf answered, " Lord Elrond possesses the gift of foresight my dear. He has seen what will become of the counsel."
" The Fellowship of the Ring, 10 members to destroy the one ring, those of which will be reveled to you at the end of the council. It is my wish for you to be apart of this fellowship." Elrond said softly
I sat for a moment in udder silence. " Why?" I said, it was the only thing that came to mind.
" Because my lady, your future lies with that of the fellowship...I have seen it...mind you not all of it, only glimpses of what could be. Of course in the end the choice is your own..." Again Elronds' voice was surprisingly soft for such a stern looking elf.
I didn't have time to answer as the first small group of council members joined us. It was a small group of about five elves, three of which were blond, the other two dark raven brown hair. I recognized Legolas and Glorfindel, I smiled gently at the pair. The group seated themselves next to Elrond, the closest of them some three chairs to my left. The rest of the chairs were quickly filled by more people, all of which I noticed were men. I felt slightly out of place as the last chairs were filled by short men with red beards and hair. They looked extremely ruff in their worn leather and medal armor and large double edged axes. I noticed they smelled somewhat strongly of ale. I laughed to myself, I liked them already.
All was silent until Elronds strong voice filled the air.
"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." He gestured to the large empty pedestal in the middle of the council and glanced at the young Hobbit I'd seen in bed the day before. "Bring forth the Ring, Frodo." I watched as the poor fellow stood slowly, and hesitantly placed the ring on its pedestal. It was if it pained him to let it go.
Frodo sat back down beside Gandalf. The hushed voices of council members filled the silence until Boromir stood.
" So it is true..." He said, " The One Ring has been found." He stared at it a moment before speaking softly. " It is a gift." his voice gained more strength and confidence. " A gift to the foes of Mordor. Why not use the Ring?" He began to pace back and forth before his chair. "Long has my father, the Steward of Gondor, kept the forces of Mordor at bay." His voice grew stronger and fierce as if it were a warrior in battle. "By the blood of our people are your lands kept safe! Give Gondor the weapon of the Enemy. Let us use it against him!" His passion was admirable but completely misplaced. I opened my mouth to speak but was cut off by the man I'd seen bring in the Hobbit early yesterday morning.
"You cannot wield it! None of us can. The One Ring answers to Sauron alone. It has no other master." He was right none could argue with that.
"And what would a ranger know of this matter?" Boromir shot back.
I was surprised when my friend jumped up to defend the man. " This is no mere ranger. He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance." His words were hissed between his teeth in anger. His words were icily cold almost to the point where I could feel them. I'd never seen him act this way before.
"Aragorn?" He whispered unbelievingly . "This... is Isildur's heir?" His voice turned to one of discussed.
"And heir to the throne of Gondor." Legolas added with a hint of finality. Everyones eyes seemed to gravitate toward Aragorn with Legolas' final words. Voices rose.
"Havo dad Legolas" Aragorn said calmly. His words seemed to regain control over the group.
Boromir spoke, "Gondor has no king. Gondor needs no king." His voice seemed to have an air of finality about it.
It was Gandalfs' turn to speak and entertain to see him send a glare toward Boromir "Aragorn is right. We cannot use it." All eyes moved from Aragorn to him.
"You have only one choice. The Ring must be destroyed." Elrond finally said. The small red headed man beside me jumped from his seat and pulled out his axe. ' oh no' I thought. I knew the ring could not be destroyed in the way he was thinking. His axe would simply shatter. "What are we waiting for?" He said gruffly as he swung his axe. I jumped out of my seat and grabbed axe by its large handle on its down fall. I stopped it midair with an arm jarring force I pushed it away.
" The One Ring cannot be destroyed by any force we here posses." I said quietly. He looked shocked at my actions and then suddenly furious he opened his mouth to retort to my words but I again cut him off. " It would be a waste of a perfectly good axe." I said lightly.
" She is right." Elrond said. " the ring can only be destroyed by casting it into the fire from whence it came, in the very heart of Mordor...One of you must do this." Shouts arose throughout the hole council while I sat quietly in my seat, observing each man, elf , hobbit, and other creatures jump down each others throats.
"I will take it! I will take it!"Frodo cried. The silence what went through the council was deafening as all the members turned to Frodo. "I will take the Ring to Mordor. Though.. I do not know the way." Gandalf put his head in his hands and slowly shook his head. He looked up at Frodo before standing and placing a hand upon his shoulder.
"I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins, so long as it is yours to bear." Then Aragorn rose from his seat and knelt before Frodo
"If by my life or death, I can protect you, I will." He took out his sword and held it before Frodo. "You have my sword."
Legolas was next to walk forward. " You have my bow." he said as he knelt before him. The man beside me stood " And my axe." he said gruffly.
Boromir walk slowly forward and place both his hands upon Frodos' shoulders. "You carry the fates of us all little one. If this is indeed the will of the council, then Gondor will see it done." No sooner had he finished did the bushes across the way begin to rustle and a hobbit popped out. I couldn't help but laugh softly to myself. Elrond looked thoroughly amused.
"Heh! Mr. Frodo is not goin' anywhere without me! " he exclaimed coming to stand next to his friend.
"Indeed, it is hardly possible to separate you even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not." He said smiling. The hobbit blushed a deep shade of red.
" Wait! We're coming too!" two more hobbits cried as the burst forth from the same spot the other had come from. Standing among the forming fellowship. "You'd have to send us home tied up in a sack to stop us!" One added placing his hands on his hips.
" Besides you need people of intelligence on this sort of mission...quest...thing." Said the other.
" Well that rules you out Pip." I smiled from my seat at the antics of the hobbits. This would definitely be one interesting trip.
" I have been told that my future lies with that of the one whom carries the ring." I said as I slowly stood from my seat. " If that one is you then by all the power I posses, will all the skills I have gained, and all the courage I have, I will see this task done if you allow it." I watched as Frodos' eyes widened and Elrond nodded his head slightly. Frodo looked me in the eye and I had the feeling he was looking right into my soul.
" Your intentions are true as is your heart, my lady" He reached out and ever so lightly touched my broken cheek. " If this is what you wish, I will not stop you." I knelt and bowed my head before him, before I stood with the rest of the fellowship.
"Ten companions... So be it! You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring!" Elronds voice rang strongly above us all.
" So," said Pip " Where are we going?" I laughed merrily. An interesting trip indeed.
oooOooo
That's the end of chapter 8 I hope you like it. Please R&R all comments are welcome.