Phew, finally finished all my shopping needs. The mall is very, very scary this time of year my friends. Though that's kind of stating the obvious.

Disclaimer: Here is my gift to the lawyers. I don't own Lord of the Rings, so you don't have to waste your time sue-ing me. Isn't that great news!

Chapter 16 Recap:

Hmm, I don't think one is really necessary. The only thing you need to know is that she volunteered for the fellowship. Remember now? I'm actually just going to start this one with the last couple sentences.

Oh, and a reminder. Italics mean elvish or a dream. You should be able to tell by context. I don't use elvish that much, but it can change the feeling of certain scenes if you imagine it in elvish or something.

Chapter 17:

"Lady Abigail, if you will please stay," she heard Lord Elrond's voice say.

She stopped in her tracks and cringed. Even though he said please, it was most definitely a command.

'Crap, so close and yet so far. Elbereth, help me!'

Gandalf must of saw her cringe, because he whispered to her,

"Maybe it was not a good idea to join this quest if you can't even handle an angry Lord."

She could tell he was joking, and responded,

"Well, it's no worse than an angry wizard according to your Hobbit friends," she gestured toward Merry and Pippin.

"If there are referring to the firework incident, they had it coming."

She smiled. "Indeed."

"Abigail?" Elrond insisted again.

"Excuse me, I should go," she said.

"I would like to talk to you again, my dear," Gandalf said.

"Sure…of course," she said, as she continued to walk away.

He watched her for a moment as she left, then turned to catch up with Frodo.

"What has Galadriel sent us this time?" he mused.

As soon as Abigail walked up to Lord Elrond, she got a good look as his face and decided it would be better if she sat down. It seemed like he had a lot to say.

"What, in seven hells do you think your doing?" he asked.

"Well, my lord, it seemed reasonable at the time."
"Reasonable?" he looked shocked. "Abigail, I had to yell at them to stop them from harassing you for just BEING at a council. How do think it is going to be when you are will be judged and tested everyday while traveling?" You are going to have to hide your identity in every city as to not make uproar!

"With all due respect my Lord. At this council today the point was to have every race represented. Think of me as representing the race of women. They are part of this world too!" she countered.

"Abigail, women do not fight, they do not go to war councils, and most haven't ever touched a sword in there life. You do not represent women by being in this fellowship."

"Women are stronger than you give them credit for! Most have the power to make a difference; they just don't get a chance. They make life and can give life a purpose itself. I've have been trained like a soldier, let me act like on!"

Both were breathing heavily now, since they had been shouting. It wouldn't be surprising if half of Rivendell had heard their disagreement.

"Any man can be trained for battle, but that doesn't meant he has the will for one. Can you really say you will stand your ground when you have wargs coming at you?" Elrond said.

"I have been waiting to do my part in this world. It honestly seems fair for me to fight. And I do have a bit of an upper hand."

He raise and eyebrow carefully. "What do you mean?"

She decided the best way to prove herself, at least to him, was to show him what kind of power she really had.

"Watch the chair over there."

His eyes followed to where she pointed. He watched the chair rise slowly into the air, move side to side, then come down gently.

He was astonished. The chair was made of stone!

"This is a gift I've had for a few years now, and it's developed greatly. I would not be surprised if I could crush an orcs heart in an instant." She said quietly.

"How many people know?"

"Only three others. Lord Celeborn, Lady Galadriel and Haldir."

He sighed. "And I would keep it that way. While elves like Prince Legolas, and a few other like Gandalf might understand this. It would only make much confusion and suspicion with the hobbits and the mortals."

"What about Lord Aragorn. He has seen many elvish gifts similar to mine."

"As understanding as he is, he must be careful with his trust because of his past. He also believes that a women's place is not on a battle field." Elrond looked her in the eye. "Again, I'm in no place to stop you, but I only try to make you see what you are getting into. You do not wish to be a burden, but being a woman already makes things very difficult for them."

"I only want to help," she pleaded. "It's not like I have a lot to lose in this world."

'No real family, no real home, no real history," she thought to herself.

"A certain captain might disagree," he said.

"Oh shit! I mean-uh-oh darn!" She had completely forgotten about Haldir. He was going to be so, so angry with her. Especially without his consent, since he was still technically her guardian.

"That's what I thought, though someone had probably already told him."

"Sorry, Lord Elrond, I have to go." She began to run away. "Great council. We must do it again sometime!"

Elrond smiled, in spite of himself. "I must admit, she could help lighten the atmosphere at certain points."

As soon as the council was down, Aragorn left to find Haldir. He needed to have another chat with his friend

When he found the captain's room, he just went straight in.

"Sure, just come in, no need to knock," the elf said. He looked up and then realized it was Aragorn.

"That was a short council," he commented.

"She's just visited?" Aragorn asked icily.

Haldir scratched his chin.

"I suppose you would have figured that out, now."

"How can she be a representative, Haldir? She's not even a member of Lorien. Not to mention a woman!"

"Did Elrond not explain, Lady Galadriel has her reasons? And as far as I'm concerned she is part of Lorien."

Aragorn eyed him for a moment. "What's so special about this girl? Why lie to me about her?"

Haldir stood up from his chair, and walked over to the porch.

"First of all, as you can see your not taking it to well, which I knew you wouldn't. You had a lot on your mind, so I did not feel like bothering you. Also, I've been…keeping a close eye on her in Lorien. I'm sort of like her mentor, so you could say our relationship is personal," Haldir explained.

"Personal? This is different for you. You refuse to settle down with a wife, yet you would "watch over" a child for-how many years?"

"She's 19, and yes I would," he answered simply.

Aragorn was surprised at his first answer.

"She's only 19?" He frowned. "What in seven hells was she thinking? She's far too young for this mission," he muttered.

"What did you say Aragorn?"

Aragorn sighed. "Haldir, I'm willing to give a little on the council subject. But did you expect her to join a fellowship?"

Now Haldir frowned. "What fellowship?"

"Just as I thought. The council's decision was to make a Fellowship of the Ring. We are going to Mordor to destroy the ring. Abigail just volunteered to join the company."

The elf's eyes widened with a mixture of shock and anger.

"She WHAT?"

Both turned as the door opened.

"Haldir, I might have done something-" Abigail began, but then she practically ran into Aragorn.

"Oh (gulp) hello there Lord Aragorn. We meet at last," she said, trying not to make a fool of herself.

"Rather we are meeting for a second time," he said.

Now, since she was so close, her noticed her finer features. Her hair was a deep auburn, contrast to fair skin (save for the freckles, of course). She was also pretty tall, the top of her head reaching his chin. Her eyes were the most interesting, though. A dark blue-gray, like the waters after a storm.

(A/n- How poetic.)

He realized she was staring a bit as well. She soon realized he had noticed, and she blushed slightly while taking a step back.

"Well," Aragorn spoke again. "You have impeccable timing. You two need to talk I think.'

She sort of flashed him a "you just had to tell him!" look as he started to leave.

She watched him go out the door and thought, 'Wow, he's…cute. I mean, those hazel eyes-I hope he didn't see me gawking. And he was one of the few not to yell at me during the council.'

"AHEM!" Haldir cleared his throat.

"Haldir, please, I know I can-"

"Absolutely not," he interrupted. "There is no way you are going to go to Mordor! There is a reason it is called the black land, a plagued land! It is by no means fitting for a girl like you!"

"Haldir listen!" she begged. "19 is not so young in mortal years. I'm old enough to wed if I wanted. And you can't deny that I'm skilled, you've seen me fight. I was taught almost everything I know by the captain of the guard. Doesn't that count for anything?"

"It might in some contest, but not for war! Don't you remember what I told you when you first wanted to fight? I said I would teach, but I never meant for you to be in a battle."

They both sat down on a couch that was in the room.

"I know you didn't mean for this, I sure know I didn't plan it. But while I was sitting in that council, something inside of me said yes. All those years of training were leading up to this moment."

Haldir got up from the couch and walked away. She stood up but didn't move.

"My heart tells me this is destiny! You have to trust me!" She was almost on the verge of tears, and he could tell it. He went back towards her slowly and pushed back a piece of hair that was in her face.

"I worry that I am the only one who does trust you."

She took a firm grip on his hand.

"I will make them trust me. They will see I am not helpless.

"But that is exactly what scares me," he explained. "I will not have the luxury of knowing you are safe. Every step you take will be one followed by danger."

"But that is the purpose of the fellowship, I will not be doing this alone."

She smiled. "They may not love me, but they aren't going to leave me for dead if I'm in trouble."

He rubbed his head. "Those no way of talking you out of this?"

She shook her head. "Not unless you have a large sum of money," she joked.

"You've made me soft," and indeed his voice was back to a gentle tone.

"I'll came back, just like you always to. You can't get rid of me that easily."

Then she gave him a friendly hug.

The Next Day

"I am a little glad to be leaving so soon. Less time for people to object, and for me to come to my sense," she mumbled.

"So you have changed your mind?" Haldir asked hopefully.

"No, I am still as crazy as ever."

They stopped before the "exit area" and did private farewell just to avoid questions.

"You will take Sagitta home, right?" Abigail asked.

"Of course I will."

Neither really knew what to say.

"I guess this is just, goodbye then, for now," she offered.

He hugged her and kissed he on top of the head.

"Goodbye, and take care."

"Same to you," she said softly and then she walked out.

Haldir saw Aragorn on a nearby path and stopped him.

"I know it is strange for you, but please try to keep an eye on her."

Aragorn only nodded.

"And I'm sorry for lying to you. You have my trust and my faith."

"I know and I do, my friend" Aragorn assured.

"Try to stay in one piece?" Haldir said with a smile.

"I always do," replied the ranger. They gave the manly "clap on the shoulder" bit, and went their separate ways.

When Abigail stepped in the clearing, she saw that the hobbits, Gandalf, Lord Boromir, and the dwarf (Lord Gimli she believed) were already there. There was also the farewell procession of elves. Arwen caught her eye and waved her over.

"This is a bit of a surprise," she said.

"I was sworn into secrecy," Abigail explained.

"Don't worry, I get it. I did enjoy our talks, you know."

"As did I. Maybe we can meet again when this is done," Abby suggested.

"Yes, maybe."

Abigail noticed something shiny was missing from the lady's neck.

"Arwen, what happened to you necklace?" she whispered.

The elf showed a trace of a blush on her cheeks. "I, um, gave it away," she whispered back. She sort of nodded towards Lord Aragorn who was now coming out.

"Oh. Oh! I knew something was going on."

"Clever you!" grinned Arwen.

They both bowed to each other, then Abigail went towards the group.

"So you really are coming?" sneered Boromir.

"Bado mîbo orch!" she muttered. Again, Gandalf seemed to catch her muttering and looked at her with a hint of warning and amusement.

(A/N-Translation-Go kiss an orc! Haha, she told off Boromir and he doesn't know it)

She ignored Boromir and fiddled with her tools as the other came. Besides normal provision (blanket, extra clothes), her weapons were two elvish long daggers and a bow and arrow set. She thought about bringing her sword, then decided she didn't need the extra weight. As for clothing, she wore a long brown skirt, with slits on both sides that stopped right above the knee. Under that she wore black leggings and dark boots. On top, she had a dark green blouse with her gray Lorien cloak. Half of her hair was in a braid, and the other half was loosely down. As soon as everyone was ready, Elrond said a farewell speech.

"The Ring-bearer is setting out on the Quest of Mount Doom. On you who travel with him, no oath, nor bond is laid to go further than you will. Farewell. Hold to your purpose. May the blessings of Elves and Men and all Free Folk go with you."

'Wonder how long it took him to think of that,' Abigail thought.

As they went out, she heard Frodo whisper,

"Mordor, Gandalf, is it right or left?" since he was in the lead.

"Left," Gandalf replied.

Abigail grinned to herself. 'And we're off like a herd of turtles."

And from far away, the lone captain said,

"Namárië," hoping it would reach her ears.

So, lot's of talking in this chapter, not too much action. But I think some fighting will happen in the next one.

For the most part, I think I may end up sticking more with the movie version of LOTR then the books, but my own little spin will still be added with it.

Thanks to reviewers:

LOTR Lover 24 and 7: Heehee, I know you all hate cliffies. But it's how I make sure you will keep reading.

ArwenEvenstar83: So, like I told you before, Elrond stopped her and there is no Legomance. And yes men are stupid.

In case I don't write soon, let me just say Happy Holidays. Send me lots of reviews as a gift!

-MysticNight9