Out at the Council of Elrond, a figure crouched atop a tree. She wore a light green cloak to camouflage herself within the layers of pale leaves, and her dark hair could be seen falling down her shoulders in waves that had not been plaited due to the haste Maith had rushed out in at news of the Council.
The elleth knew she was not supposed to be there, but Maith too could feel the great Evil approaching and knew that she had to help. She shifted into a sitting position as the council began.
"Strangers from distant lands, friends of old, you've been summoned here to answer to the threat of Mordor," Elrond said. "Middle Earth stands on the brink of destruction," he continued, "none can escape it. You will unite, or you will fall…"
Graveness descended upon the company, and fear wrapped around each race, whether men, elves, hobbits or dwarves. Legolas could feel heaviness in his heart at the meaning Elrond's words held, and the elf tried hard to hide the disgust in his eyes at the actions of Boromir.
"Ash nazg durbatuluk, ash nazg gumbatul, ash nazg thrakatuluk agh burzum-ishi krimpatul."
The sinful language broke into Legolas' thoughts as Gandalf uttered them. As an elf, a being of light and nature, the Black Speech was repelled by every cell in his body, and he lifted his eyes to see the reaction of the others.
"Never before has any voice uttered the words of that tongue here in Imladris," Elrond said with disapproval in his voice.
Gandalf looked at him long and hard, "I do not ask your pardon, Master Elrond, for the Black Speech of Mordor may yet be heard, in every corner in the West." He continued, "The Ring is altogether evil…"
"It is a gift..." A voice broke in. Boromir rose from his seat and Legolas looked at the human with icy blue eyes.
"…A gift to the foes of Mordor. Why not use the Ring? 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." His voice was tinged with ignorant proudness.
At that, Legolas and the elves around Boromir turned cold eyes to his face, the creatures given the light of wisdom not understanding how a human's ignorance and greed could blind.
"Give Gondor the weapon of the enemy! Let us use it against him!" Boromir continued, unaware of the disapproval growing against him.
"You cannot wield it. None of us can," Aragorn cut in firmly.
Boromir did not seem to have comprehended his words, "and what would a ranger know of this matter?" he asked mockingly.
Legolas knew he needed to interfere, "this is no mere ranger," he said coolly, rising from his seat, "he is Aragorn, Son of Arathorn and you owe him you allegiance."
"Aragorn…This is Isildir's heir?"
"And heir to the throne of Gondor." Legolas confirmed.
"Havo dad, Legolas," Aragorn said. The elf sat down gracefully, but his eyes remained on Boromir.
In the tree, Maith tilted her head in thought. She did not trust Boromir any more than Legolas did, for how could he not realise the Ring's true powers? She knew about the One Ring, having read about it from a dusty book in the library, flipping through yellowed pages.
Her gaze then turned to Aragorn, and she studied him closely. So this is the man Arwen has given her heart to, she thought. Maith wondered if they could become friends.
Then her eyes fell on Legolas, and she smiled. He was certainly an admirable elf, with such composure even Maith could not match, and she would have liked to know him better. She was also desperate to improve at the sword, in order to prevent being shamefully beaten again. The elf knew she was there, Maith could tell by the way his eyes often strayed to the tree in which she was hiding.
"You have only one choice… The Ring must be destroyed." Elrond said.
"Then what are we waiting for?" Maith's eyes widened in shock as a dwarf jumped from his seat, axe in hand.
What does he think he is doing?! Maith knew that The Ring could not be simply destroyed like this. It was far too powerful…The dwarf could harm himself. Without thinking, she launched herself from the tree and landed lightly on her feet between him and the Ring.
Legolas had stood-being nearest to the dwarf-to stop him, but the elleth he had seen earlier had already leapt in front.
"The Ring cannot be destroyed," she said softly. Her dark blue eyes stared back at anyone who dared cast a surprised look her way, challenging them to doubt her.
"Maith, you troublesome child," Elrond said, exasperation and frustration mixed in his voice.
Maith turned, and bowed her head with respect, "atar. (father) I am sorry, but I am part of this world too. Please let me help in this." She lifted her head, eyes pleading.
Legolas watched as emotions chased themselves around Elrond's eyes, the care of a father battling with logic that his daughter would indeed be a suitable candidate, with quick wits and an unmatched skill with the bow. Finally, he said slowly, "you shall get your wish," then he addressed the company, "now let us continue."
Maith took a seat, and the Council continued.
Elrond turned to the dwarf, "Gimli, son of Gloin, the ring cannot be harmed by any craft that we here possess. The Ring was made in the fires on Mount Doom, and only there it can be unmade," he paused, "it must be taken deep into Mordor and cast back into the fiery chasm whence it came. One of you…must do this." At that he surveyed the group, but no one could meet his eyes.
At last, a small but determined voice broke the silence, "I will take it."
It was Frodo Baggins, and Legolas knew he was the one meant for the quest, for he could feel the power within the hobbit.
"I will take the Ring to Mordor, though I do not know the way," Frodo continued, fear tinging his voice, but his chin still stayed at a determined angle.
Gandalf parted from the crowd and walked over to the hobbit. "I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins, as long as it is yours to bear."
"If by my life or death I can protect you, I will." Aragorn added. "You have my sword."
"And you have my bow," Legolas stated sincerely.
"And my axe!" Gimli said beside him.
Boromir stepped forward gravely, "you carry the fate of all of us, little one. If this indeed is the will of the Council, then Gondor will see it done."
Legolas looked curiously at the bushes to his right, when was the hobbits going to come out? Then he saw leaves rustle and…
"Hey!" the hobbit flew out of the bushes, "Mr. Frodo is not going anywhere without me!"
"And we are coming too!" Merry and Pippin appeared and stood by Frodo's side.
Elrond smiled, "no indeed, when it is hardly possible to separate you even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not." He emphasized the last word with a raise of eyebrows.
"Yes, and you'll have to send us home tied up in a sack to stop us," Merry said.
"Anyway," Pippin added, "you need people of intelligence on this sort of mission…quest…thing!"
"Well, that rules you out, Pip." Merry said dryly.
Maith glanced at her father questioningly, and Elrond smiled sadly, inclining his head in the direction of the group. She smiled back gratefully, and stepped forward to join the group.
"Ten companions," Elrond said thoughtfully, "so be it. You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring."
"Great! Where are we going?" Pippin asked.