Author's Note:

Dear Readers,

I owe you all a bigger than huge apology! And I'm sure even that is not enough to make up for the fact that it took me longer than 3 years to update this story and to keep you all waiting so long. My goodness, it's been 3 years… But after 3 long years, I finally give you the next chapter. It's one that I've struggled with a lot, so I'm quite nervous about what you'll think about it. I really really hope that you will enjoy this as much as you have the previous chapters. I thank you all from the depth of my heart for all of your wonderful reviews and for enjoying my story.

I assure you that the next update will be much sooner than this one and I will try my level best to keep updating regularly.

Enjoy and please leave a review after reading!

Many Meetings - Tales of Rivendell (Part I)

That afternoon Team Avatar spent relaxing in their new room in Rivendell. Exploring the place had been a real adventure. There was still a lot more to see though. Beating Sokka at the race had also been a lot of fun. Of course, the ponytailed teen had been complaining about how unfair the whole game was that entire afternoon.

"Will you quit sulking already?" Toph asked. "You sound like a big baby."

Sokka sighed in annoyance. "Am I the only one who thinks that it's totally unfair that you guys always continue to beat me at every game with your bending?"

Toph nonchalantly picked her nose while answering, "Yes, you are."

"It was just a game, Sokka. It's no big deal," Suki said.

"He's probably just upset he gave Middle-Earth a rather... goofy first impression," Katara remarked.

"What's wrong with being goofy?" Aang asked. "I'm goofy all the time! It's just another way of having fun. I'm sure some of those Middle-Earth people are like that too," he stated.

"Yeah, like Mr. Demonstration out there," Zuko said sarcastically.

Toph sat up. "What's his name again? Biromur? Blobbermir?"

"Boromir," Zuko replied, his tone cold as he spoke the man's name with much aversion for him. "I don't think things will go very smoothly between us during the journey."

"I don't like that guy. Who does he even think he is?" Toph said. "I don't see him complaining about the short people being part of the team, why would he about the young people? Nobody else had a problem with us. What reason could he possibly have to be against us?"

Katara looked at the Fire- and Earthbender. She too wasn't too fond of the way Boromir had been acting during the meeting, but she didn't want things to get worse in such an early stage. "We are still unfamiliar with the ways of this world. Maybe it's just uncommon in Middle-Earth that people our age get involved with such matters. And think about how we barged into their secret meeting. Anyone would get suspicious after witnessing something like that."

"Katara is right," Aang said, supporting his girlfriend. "Let's forget what happened during the council and start over with him. We're going to be one team. We need to trust each other completely if we want to defeat the Dark Lord together. We're not just Team Avatar anymore. We're also the Fellowship of the Ring now."

"That is easy for you to say, being the Avatar," Zuko stated. "I'm just not so sure that this Boromir understands this. And like you said Katara, we're still unfamiliar with the ways of this world. We don't know yet what these people are like."

"What are you trying to say, Zuko?" Suki asked.

"I'm just saying that we should never let our guard down while we're here. That's all."

"This isn't right, guys," Aang tried to explain. "Things will never work out if we're going to be suspicious from the start."

"I don't know, Aang. I think Zuko has a point," Sokka said. "The guy 'welcomed' us with the accusation of taking the Ring and wanting to destroy them, thinking that we're spies of the Dark Lord! I wouldn't trust him so fast. And I think we should be careful with everybody at least for as long as we're strangers here."

"Okay," Katara finally accepted. "We have some valid reasons to be careful with Boromir. But let's not do the same with the others unless they give us a reason to," she argued. "That man Aragorn was very nice. So were the Hobbit, the Elf and the Wizard. They seemed to be in our favour, so let's not spoil that."

"We have at least a few days that we can spend here in peace without the pressures of this quest," Suki said as she tried to get them all a bit more optimistic before suggesting, "Let's use this time to get to know these people better."

"That sounds like an idea," Katara said with a smile.

There was a knock on their door and a very polite male voice asked, "May I enter?"

"Yes, you may, sir!" Aang replied, his voice as cheery as ever.

The door opened and an Elf of Lord Elrond's household entered.

"What brings you here, sir?" Katara asked.

"My name is Lindir and I come with a message from Lord Elrond," the Elf started to answer. "We are preparing a feast this evening, in order to welcome the Avatar and his friends to Middle-Earth."

"That sounds really nice," Suki replied.

Sokka realized that he hadn't eaten anything since the morning they had spent in their own world. The subject of a feast that would most likely include good food caused him to instantly feel hungry and his mouth to become watery.

"Lord Elrond has asked whether you would like to join us for the feast at sunset."

Aang went to stand in front of the Elf. "We'll be there. Thank you!"

Lindir gave a nod and smiled politely before leaving the room.

"I'm going to look for something to eat. I'm starving!" Sokka stated and started to make his way out of their room.

"You're fast enough to trust these people when it comes to food," Katara mumbled.

Sokka turned around to face his sister. "I am going to have to disagree with that. Examining the food of this place and the way it's prepared reveals a lot about the people here. It's an extremely valid way of finding out whether these people can be trusted or not," he stated as a matter of fact.

"Yeah, whatever," Toph remarked.

"Hey, I'm being serious!" Sokka exclaimed.

"I'm sure you are," Katara said. "How about we all go explore the place some more and talk to the people we meet until the feast of this evening? Let's meet back here in two hours," she then suggested.

"Sounds like a plan," Toph said.

ooooo

The tale of Aang

Aang had a lot of fun exploring the rest of the Elven realm. Being an Airbender, he was probably the luckiest among his friends when it came to taking in the extraordinary view, as he used his glider to fly around the place. He could easily reach any spot he wanted to have a closer look at. Occasionally he would land and walk for a bit, taking in the surroundings from the ground. Elves that spotted him in the air would look up to him in the sky in awe, like one's gaze usually followed the beauty of a firefly at night.

The valley of Rivendell had a peaceful air and such beauty in every aspect. Aang found it difficult to believe that this place belonged to a world that also contained great evil and inhabited many monstrous creatures, as he had envisioned before travelling between worlds. Had they not landed in the middle of the council involving the fate of the Ring straight away, he would have believed that something had gone wrong with their journey and that the portal had brought them to an entirely different world that needed anything but saving.

The young Avatar landed again after having flown for some time and arrived in something that seemed like a special room, something like the Sanctuaries at the Air Temples. The walls were decorated with beautiful paintings. As Aang examined the paintings closely, he realized that these weren't just any paintings. These paintings were depictions of historical events of Middle Earth. His eyes fell on a painting of Isildur cutting off Sauron's finger and his sword breaking in the event. He examined it closely. He then turned around to see a statue of a lady holding a plate that had several broken sword pieces on it. Aang recognized the sword pieces, as they resembled Isildur's broken sword in the painting. He was just about to run his fingertips on the shards when an old, booming voice startled him.

"The shards of Narsil," the voice said.

Aang swiftly turned around to find an old bearded man, completely clad in grey, staring at him. He recognized him as the Wizard, Gandalf. "I didn't mean to-," he started apologetically, before he was interrupted.

"Oh, it's quite alright to look at the sword. I didn't mean to frighten you, Master Avatar," Gandalf said as he approached Aang. Gandalf's expression was very kind and brought the young monk back at ease at once. He halted next to Aang in front of the statue, resting both his hands on his staff. Both the Wizard and the Monk now stood alongside each other carrying their respective staffs.

"I saw you in the air with your… tool," Gandalf spoke, glancing at Aang's staff.

"Oh, this is my glider. With this I can fly using my Airbending," Aang explained. He opened and closed his glider in demonstration. It wasn't his antique, handcrafted one he had gotten from the monks, but a new one that he had received just before he and his allies had invaded the Fire Nation on the day of Black Sun. It worked just as well as his original one, with the extra little bonus of a special snack compartment for a quick bite during a flight.

"Quite impressive," said Gandalf. "It must be wonderful to be able to soar the sky whenever you wish." The Wizard, of course, knew very much what it was like to fly. Only, he required a flying creature to be able to do so. The last time he had flown wasn't too long ago when an eagle had come to his aid in escaping Saruman, the White Wizard, his once friend and ally that had betrayed them to serve the Dark Lord.

Aang nodded with a smile, answering "It sure is," before returning his gaze to the sword in front of him. "So this is really the sword that defeated Sauron 3,000 years ago, isn't it?" he stated with admiration.

"Yes," Gandalf spoke. "And I'm quite certain it will have a part to play again in the war that awaits us. Until now it has merely been resting as a memory of past greatness, a reminder of what we are capable of if we but put our differences aside and join hands with those of the other races."

"The Last Alliance," Aang whispered, as he understood what Gandalf was referring to. Elves and Men had fought the war in which Sauron had been defeated by this sword as one. He remembered this from the research he had done on Middle Earth with the help of the books he had found in the Southern Air Temple Sanctuary.

Gandalf's face lit up, surprised at how Aang knew so much about their world already while he hadn't had the slightest clue of the existence of multiple worlds, despite all of his experience and wisdom.

"Do you think it will be much of a challenge to unite the different races of Middle Earth?" Aang asked. He knew the importance of working together all too well, especially with those of other races, or in his case, benders of the other elements. Their team had been small, but strong and their different strengths and gifts completed each other. They had managed great things by working together as one. Being somewhat aware of the enmity between the Elves and Dwarfs for one, he knew that it would require some effort to get them all to unite.

Gandalf's expression became somewhat concerned. "I'm afraid so," he answered. "Unfortunately not all of the races get along very well. Uniting the peoples of Middle Earth will be quite a task."

"But it's not impossible," Aang said. "The Fellowship is a start, right?"

"It is, indeed," Gandalf replied, his lips curling into a smile at the Airbender's optimism. "It is with this purpose that we chose to represent each race within the Fellowship. It remains to be seen whether this plan works as per our intention. I fear that while the Fellowship holds many noble and brave people, there are still some who may find it difficult to truly accept the others as their own companions," Gandalf spoke in a slightly worried tone. "The Fellowship will have to be strong for our quest to succeed," he concluded.

Aang's mind went to Boromir. He had a feeling that Gandalf was referring to this particular person. Boromir had seemed quite arrogant and unwilling to accept them into the Fellowship, much to the dislike of some of his friends. But at the same time, he had accepted Elrond's decision. Aang was convinced that this wasn't an impossible task and that if there were people in the Fellowship with grudges against others, it was bound to settle with a little effort.

"It will be strong. I'm sure of it," Aang said, determined. "I've seen people change beyond measure and letting go of everything they were once made to believe to finally do the right thing. I've seen people make up and get along again after a century old rivalry," he explained, referring to his personal experiences on the matter. "I'm positive that the Fellowship will fulfill its purpose and be the start of uniting the different races. I can assure you that I for one will be putting my effort into making that happen."

Gandalf was beaming at Aang by the time he finished speaking. "The wonders of the universe never seize to amaze me. Such a miracle it is to have you here, young Master of the Elements. It is as if the universe has granted Middle-Earth what it needs. And for that, I am most grateful."

Aang smiled politely in reply. "Well, I'm not sure about the universe, but Lord Elrond is definitely giving us what we need. I'm looking forward to that feast!"

The Grey Wizard chuckled in amusement. "Ah yes, you are quite right, Master Avatar. The feast will surely bring about what the Fellowship needs."

ooooo

The tale of Toph

The peaceful air of Rivendell was filled with rhythmic impacts of metal upon stone as the blind bender was taking a stroll using her walking stick. This gift of her Waterbender friend wasn't really serving its purpose at the time, as she was perfectly capable of seeing with her feet in the strange but beautiful land. Yet she pretended to be using it in the way the metal stick was meant for. Along with taking in her surroundings in her own particular way, she had been sensing for some time that she was being followed by two inquisitive little beings. She was still putting up the act of not having noticed them, and pretended to be walking like any ordinary visually impaired fellow.

As Toph walked further, she sensed that her two stalkers tiptoed right after her, hiding behind a boulder next to her not to get caught. It amused her to no end and a small smile formed on her face as she decided to give them what they were most likely hoping to see. Some bending.

With a flick of her hand, she changed her metal stick into a metal ball.

Two pairs of eyes widened at that sight.

"Did you see what she just did? How did she do that?" Pippin whispered to his friend.

"Shh!" was Merry's response, as he saw their subject of fascination turn toward them.

"Do you think she can see us?" Pippin asked in a softer whisper, causing his friend to give him a sharp look at his foolishness of not keeping quiet.

Toph all of a sudden took her stance and moved her fist downward, turning the boulder that served as the Hobbits' cover into sand.

This time, the two pairs of eyes almost rolled out of their sockets.

"Well, Pip, I think she can," Merry answered as he stared at the dust in front of him that had been solid only moments ago. He was a little shaken from the display and amazed by it at the same time.

"What do you two knuckleheads think you're doing?" Toph asked sternly, standing in front of them with her arms folded as she had caught them red handed.

The two Halflings stared at the Earthbender, both rendered unable to speak by the tone in her voice and her fierce expression.

Toph then suddenly burst into a fit of laughter at the two Hobbits. "You two were actually hiding behind a rock for someone who's blind. That's unbelievable!"

Merry and Pippin eyed each other and looked back at the girl in front of them, grinning sheepishly. They were both feeling more at ease now that the Earthbender seemed to be amused about their behaviour instead of angry, what they had initially expected her to be.

"How did you know where we were hiding if you're blind?" Pippin asked, scratching his head. The inquisitive Hobbit got up and waved his hand in front of Toph's eyes. "Can you see what I'm doing now?"

"No, I can't," was her reply.

Merry raised an eyebrow. "Then how did you find us behind that rock?" he asked.

"That's because I see in a different way. I can't see with my eyes, so I can't make out appearances or small movements. I see with my feet," Toph replied.

"With your feet?" Merry asked in utter amazement.

"Are your feet different from ours?" Pippin asked, looking down at her feet.

Toph giggled at the way the two Hobbits were trying to understand her way of seeing. "No, they aren't. I have two normal feet like everybody else. It's because I'm an Earthbender that I can use my feet to know where everything is, by sensing the vibrations in the earth. That's also why I walk barefoot, so I can feel the earth properly," she explained. She raised her leg to show the two Hobbits her sole-less shoes.

Pippin looked at his own two hairy feet and wiggled his toes. "We Hobbits walk barefoot all the time. I don't feel anything like that. Do you, Merry?"

"No, Pip, I don't feel anything either," was his friend's reply.

"That's okay," Toph answered. "In my case, it's my Earthbending that is an extension of my senses. That allows me to really listen to the earth and that's how I see with my feet."

"Where we come from, folks used to say that there are forests were the trees are alive," Merry told them.

Pippin looked at his friend, surprised, as he didn't know what he was talking about. "Alive? Which forests are you talking about?"

"Remember the Old Forest, on the borders of Buckland?" Merry asked.

Pippin nodded his head in reply.

"Aren't all trees alive?" Toph asked, not really understanding what was so special about trees that 'are alive'.

"Yes, but not all trees can talk to each other..." Merry replied. "Or move," he added raising his eyebrows to emphasize this miraculous phenomenon that the newcomer in front of him obviously didn't take seriously.

Toph very much tried not to, but she laughed out loud. "Walking and talking trees, huh? I sure hope we run into one of those during our journey," she said sarcastically.

Merry folded his arms in front of his chest. "How is that any different from seeing with your feet? Or doing the things that you and your friends can do?"

"Hmm… Good point," Toph admitted.

"So, can you show us some more of your tricks?" Pippin asked the Earthbender as he was very eager to see more of her skills.

The blind bender smiled as she had an idea of what 'tricks' to show the two inquisitive Hobbits. "Sure."

ooooo

The tale of Sokka

A nice, soft breeze rustled the leaves of the many plants and trees of the lush and green Rivendell. The chirping of birds could be heard. The ambience was nice and quiet with some distant serene melodies coming from the Elves' songs. A restless growl, however, suddenly disturbed the calm atmosphere.

"Be quiet, stomach! It won't be long now," Sokka spoke to himself. His hunt for food had been going on for quite some time. Until now he didn't have any luck though and his stomach was growing impatient. "Why didn't I just ask that Lindir to get me some food?" he whined.

All of a sudden there was another, loud, growl that alarmed the young Water Tribe warrior. "That wasn't me. Who's there?" he asked, looking around.

His question was answered by a deep and heavy voice that muttered angrily, "Stupid, pointy-eared, good-for-nothing… arrgh!"

Sokka recognized the voice as one of the council members' and followed it. Before he could see the source of the voice, he stepped on something. He looked down to find a trail of fruits and nuts leading to the person who was expressing his dislike for the Elves. Gimli, the Dwarf, was sitting on a bench with his arms crossed in front of his chest. Some shards of what was a bowl before were on the floor at his feet with his axe right beside them. He was still muttering something inaudible under his breath and he looked utterly annoyed.

Sokka thought it best to just turn around and leave so the angry Dwarf could continue his sulking alone. Also, he wasn't interested in finding out what it was like to run into an axe-wielding and tough looking fellow in a bad mood. Just when he was about to leave, the Dwarf continued,

"… Never seen such bad hosts. No decent food in the last so many days! How is a Dwarf supposed to live here? I thought father said Rivendell wasn't so bad compared to Mirkwood. But this is absolutely horrendous! How insulting!"

Gimli went on to rant in his own Dwarfish language, which just sounded to Sokka like some random blabbering. It was probably a bad idea to get involved, but remembering how it was important to get to know the Fellowship members better, he addressed the grumpy Dwarf anyway. "Umm, hello? Is everything okay?"

He had no idea what this conversation would lead to, but he just thought to take his chances. He remembered Aang telling them that the Dwarfs and Elves hated each other. Maybe now he had an opportunity to find out why and to understand it better so they could help and settle the enmity between to two races if circumstances permitted.

"Huh? Who is that?" Gimli spat as he was finally taken out of his own continuous ranting. "You're one of the new folk," he said when he saw Sokka in front of him. He was still in a bad mood and wanted to get over with this and to be left to himself. "State your business!"

A smile formed on the ponytailed warrior's face as he thought of how to get on the Dwarf's good side. Because apparently, there was one thing they both had in common: a great liking for good food. Teaming up with another hungry food lover seemed like a good idea. Sokka picked up an apple from the floor near Gimli and took a bite from it. He casually went to sit next to the Dwarf, leaving Gimli frowning at the sudden change in his behaviour.

"I see you already found yourself a starter. I don't suppose you know where I could find the main course here?" Sokka asked with a mouthful of apple. "My friends and I are starving and you yourself look like you could use some good food."

"Good food?" Gimli asked, slightly surprised. "I requested food and look what those pointy-ears got me," he then said, gesturing to the floor. "You call this food?"

Sokka looked down at the items scattered on the floor and well, he certainly didn't disagree with the bearded guy next to him. For him, fruits and nuts were the kind of food you take when nothing else is available. And since there were going to be plenty of those moments during their journey, he was in for some of his favourite kind of food.

Meanwhile the Dwarf continued his ranting, "These Elves don't know how to treat a guest. You know what I was told when they gave me this? They don't want me to spoil my appetite before the feast. Spoil the appetite of a Dwarf? Outrageous! As if there is such a thing."

"You know," Sokka started as he approached Gimli. "I bet they're preparing something special for the feast tonight. Something like… some very tasty meat. I mean, think about it. What would they want us to save our appetite for? Perhaps we could take a look around and find ourselves some." He himself was desperate for some good food and at the same time, this could be the way to have the grumpy guy next to him cheer up a little bit.

"We'll find much better food out there in the wild." Gimli scoffed in annoyance. "I'm not going to any feast hosted by an Elf. Let them get us some real food first!" he then decided.

Sokka raised an eyebrow in slight disbelief. The Dwarf seemed to adore food. How could a food lover not be interested in a feast?

"Okay, suit yourself," Sokka said, shrugging his shoulders as he acted like he couldn't care any less. He got up from the bench and started to leave. "I'm off to find me some real food to eat. Enjoy your nuts," he said casually. He raised his arm in a laid back wave to the Dwarf without looking back at him.

Gimli stared at the newly arrived teen as he left. Part of him felt like joining him. His stomach gave another loud rumble as he thought of food. But there was no way he was going to give in to these Elves and accept anything they offered. He wanted to leave the Elven Realm as soon as he could.

Walking away from Gimli, Sokka tried to look back and see if there was any change in the Dwarf's appearance. At that moment though, he almost bumped into somebody and only barely avoided colliding into the person. He looked up to see a blonde-haired Elf staring back at him. Not just any Elf, it was the one who was part of the Fellowship, whom they'd be travelling with together. The Elf was wearing a greyish robe and he was carrying an unlit candle.

"Oh, hello, I didn't see ya there," Sokka said sheepishly, scratching the back of his head.

"My apologies," was the Elf's reply. "It was not my purpose to startle you."

"You're part of our Fellowship, right? What's your name again? I'm Sokka."

"Legolas. Legolas Greenleaf," he introduced himself. "What brings you here? Are you lost?" Legolas politely asked.

"Sort of," Sokka started. "Hey, Legolas, maybe you can help me out. You see that angry Dwarf over there?" he then asked, motioning towards the Dwarf.

Legolas looked in the direction Sokka was pointing in. His face turned to an 'I thought so' expression when he recognized the Dwarf. "Gimli?"

"That's the one. He's been going on about how unhappy he is with the services provided by the Elves of Rivendell," Sokka explained.

"That is not very surprising," Legolas answered before he started to explain, "The Dwarfs have a great dislike for the Elves. It is very unlikely that anything provided by us would comfort them. Most of the other present Dwarfs have grown fond of the beauty and homeliness of Rivendell. But Gimli is ever too proud to admit to it."

"Hmm… This feud seems like serious business," Sokka thought out loud and then decided, "For the sake of the Fellowship, I'm going to try and see if I can get him to lighten up a bit towards the Elves."

Legolas smiled. "A very noble effort, Sokka. But do not be disappointed if your plan fails. Dwarfs are very stubborn." he remarked. He didn't really think Gimli would change his mind about the Elves, but it was nice that the newcomer wanted to give it a try. "I cannot be of much assistance to you I'm afraid as I am on my way to find a friend. I, however, doubt that the Dwarf will appreciate my meddling in this."

"Part of what I have in mind involves some work in the kitchen here. Would you be willing to show me the way?" Sokka asked.

The Elf gave a polite nod. "Follow me," he said as he started to lead the way.

'Finally,' Sokka thought excitedly as he followed the Elf. His search for food was about to come to an end.

"So, Legolas," Sokka started after some time as they walked together, "being an Elf, how do you feel about the Dwarfs?" he asked.

"The ways of the Dwarfs are rather queer, very much unlike the Elves. Hence we do not get along," the Elf answered.

"Has it always been like that?" Sokka asked.

"Once upon a time the Elves and Dwarfs lived like brethren. Many turns of events throughout time have caused this enmity. Truth to be told, I do not believe this rivalry will ever fully resolve," Legolas spoke.

"Well, it will have to if we want to win this war," Sokka stated.

Legolas gave no reply. "We have arrived," he said, gracefully motioning his hand towards the kitchen. "I will leave you to the task you took upon you. Should you succeed, your effort will surely bear its fruits within the Fellowship." With that, Legolas left the area.

Sokka looked towards the kitchen and saw one of the Hobbits leaving from there with a pile of plates in his hands. The Hobbit hadn't noticed Sokka, and the hungry teen decided not to disturb him. His mind went back to his crying stomach and he really didn't feel like getting into another conversation at that moment. He entered a fancy looking dining hall that was located next to the kitchen itself with great expectations. However, the dishes that greeted him caused his mouth to fall open in a mixture of shock and disappointment. "What!" he exclaimed.

A large table in the middle of the room held many bowls and plates. But what they contained was far from what the food lover had expected to find. He walked by the table to double check whether he'd seen properly. He even checked underneath the table to see if any of the missing menu items were hidden underneath for some weird reason. And well, his eyes hadn't lied to him.

"What's this? Where's the meat? No wonder the Dwarf was so grumpy after spending time here ," Sokka said, now with a slight sympathy for the Dwarf. He tasted some of the vegetables that had been prepared and spit them out almost immediately. "Ugh! Eww!" he exclaimed among more of his incomprehensive wails that he usually pronounced when hit by something dirty, something that happened to him quite often. "This feast's food needs some more taste and the menu some desperate changes. It's the only way the Dwarf will swallow his pride and show up," he said to himself. "And it's the only way I am going to be able to swallow any of this," he added.

His face lit up as his strategic brain mustered up a plan to get them some of his favourite food and along with that to have Gimli lighten up a bit towards the Elves. He revealed his boomerang and looked down at it. "Well Boomerang, it looks like we got ourselves a small mission before our quest officially starts."

ooooo

To Be Continued...

Up next in Chapter 8-2: Many Meetings - Tales of Rivendell (Part 2):
The Tale of Suki
The Tale of Zuko
The Tale of Katara