Author's Note:

Dear Readers,

As promised to do so soon, I present to you all the next chapter. I'm really happy that most of you are still with the story, that you have all been eager for updates and that you all responded so enthusiastically to my previous update. I'm eternally grateful to you all. Nothing makes me happier than seeing that you guys enjoy my story as much as I enjoy writing it. A lot of your reviews and comments have sparked a lot of inspiration in me, so thank you all for reviewing. It really means a lot to me.

I hope you all will enjoy this chapter as much as the previous ones. Now the next update will take me a wee bit longer than this update took me. I can't tell yet how long exactly, but I do promise that I will try my best to update as soon as possible. In the mean time, please enjoy the next chapter and let me know what you thought of it!

Many Meetings - Tales of Rivendell (Part II)

The tale of Suki

"Frying pan… one pot… two pots… two large spoons… That should be enough for cooking out there…"

Suki had been out on her own for only a few minutes when she heard the voice of one of the Hobbits, mumbling to himself about what to pack for the journey. He was standing near the main entrance to Rivendell beside an animal that resembled the ostrich horses in their Earth Kingdom. On the ground were several items that he had already selected for their travels.

"Or maybe not? Fifteen companions Lord Elrond had said. Hmm… These pots will be too small," the Halfling thought out loud. He put the pots on the ground next to the animal and hurried off. A few minutes later he came back with a bigger pot. Placing it with the other items, he left again and this time returned with a pile of plates, forks, knives and spoons. He carefully packed the items in a bag that already contained most of his personal belongings. Adding a few small boxes that contained some spices he closed the bag and hung it over his shoulder to check the weight of everything together. As he did though, he fell backward to the ground in a sitting position, as the items he had selected were too heavy. The Hobbit looked slightly disappointed with himself. He'd have to unpack and repack yet again.

Suki, who had been watching him from some time, approached him and held out her hand. "Let me help you."

He looked up at her, a little surprised and shy at the same time. He took her hand and allowed her to help him up. "Thank you, m'lady," he said appreciatively.

Suki giggled at his polite way of addressing her. "You're one of the Hobbits, aren't you?" she asked, her voice very calm and gentle as it usually was.

"That's right. Sam's the name. Samwise Gamgee," he introduced himself.

"I'm Suki. Very nice to meet you, Sam," she said in reply.

"It feels a little odd to be talking to somebody who is from a different world," Sam then said as he didn't quite know what to say.

"Yes, it is," Suki agreed. "But being here and getting to know this place is quite a wonderful experience," she said.

"Is your world very different from ours?" Sam asked out of curiosity.

"Well, we haven't seen all of Middle Earth of course, but so far it seems that certain things are very similar and others are very different," she said, looking at the animal of which she couldn't recognise the breed. "What kind of animal is this?"

"Bill is a pony," he answered, patting the animal next to him. He was a little surprised though. "Have you never seen a pony before, m'lady?"

Suki shook her head. "No, there aren't any ponies in our world. We have animals that look similar, but they're not quite the same."

"Bill's coming with us so he can help us carry some weight," Sam explained. "I reckon I packed too much though. This will be too heavy for such a long journey." His expression changed into a mildly disappointed look again. "I'm not used to being away from home for that long."

"What do you mean, Sam?" she asked the Hobbit.

"I only know about quests and adventures from stories I've been told," Sam started. "I'm not even sure if I have what it takes to be on a quest like this. I'm just a simple gardener. What do I know about swords and war and… and… living in the wild? What was Gandalf thinking when he sent me along with Mr. Frodo? What was I thinking when I decided to join Mr. Frodo in the Fellowship instead of going back to the Shire," he babbled on nervously.

Suki looked reassuringly at the Halfling in front of her. "Sam, can you hold out your arm?" she instructed him as she had an idea of a small demonstration that might help him understand something. It was a little something that she had been taught during her early days of warrior training.

Sam looked a little puzzled at her request, but he did as she asked him.

"Now make a very tight fist, as tight as you can," she continued.

"Like this?" Sam asked as he did as told. He tightened his fist and the muscles in his arm as much as he could until his whole arm started vibrating.

Suki nodded. She held his fist and tried to move it to see whether or not it was a strong one. She then tried opening his fist. "Very good, Sam," she complimented him when she couldn't open his clenched fingers. "Can you yourself feel that your fist is strong?"

Sam nodded.

"Good," was her reply. "Now try to make the same strong fist a few more times, but leave one finger out each time."

Sam did as she instructed. With each following fist, he left out a different finger. Now his fists were made out of only four fingers each time and each time, no matter how strong he made his fist, Suki could easily open it. Whenever she did, he felt disappointed, thinking that it was because of his lack of effort and strength.

"Can you feel the difference, Sam?" she asked.

"I can't make a strong fist when I leave a finger out," he answered and it started to dawn on him where the newcomer was going with this.

"Exactly," Suki replied. "During a quest like this and in a fellowship like ours, each person has a different role to play. Everybody is different, so everybody's contribution will also be different," she then started to explain. She took his hand that was in a now weak fist and opened it. Running her hand over his open palm, she continued, "Each finger of our hand is of a different size. The pink may not be as strong as our thumb or as large as any of the other fingers. But even as the smallest finger of all, it has its own role. Leave the pink out of the fist," she said, folding all his fingers except for the pink before continuing, "and it will be weak."

Suki let go of his hand, leaving Sam staring at his own for some time as he took in what was being explained to him.

"We all have our individual talents, traits and strengths and we're all different. Yet each and every one of us is needed for the team to be strong," she then explained.

"Is it also like that for you and your friends?" Sam asked with much curiosity.

"Yes. Every member in our team is very different and unique when it comes to both our personalities and skills. Yet we complete each other in everything we do and in every mission we undertake together."

Even though Suki had joined their gang much later, she had easily recognised what part the different members played on the team. Whenever the absence of light blinded them all, Toph became their eyes. If all got to the point of wanting to give up, Katara pulled them all together and looked after them. Aang brought laughter and joy, at the same time great wisdom and a positive attitude towards everything. Zuko brought about the inspiration to never stop trying and to conquer any inner struggles. And Sokka's wit and critical way of thinking kept their minds sharp. Each of the benders was exceedingly skilled in their own particular element. But none could read a map, develop a strategy or a new invention as good as Sokka. She herself excelled in executing almost any task that needed doing for the team using her own skills and without a second thought. Each of their experiences and characters were useful additions to the group, something that had been proven time and again during the war of their world.

Sam looked down at his open palm and closed his fingers in a loose fist. He looked up at the one who had just given him something to think about and, taking a deep breath, he asked, "So what will my role be on the team?"

"Well, what are the things you're good at? And what defines you as a person?" Suki asked him.

"I'm a gardener, so I know my way around different herbs and flowers and fruits and vegetables," Sam started. "And I enjoy cooking…" he then stated as he thought of any useful capabilities he possessed.

"What else?"

"So far in Rivendell I've mostly been running errands and taking care of Mr. Frodo when he was unwell," he added.

"I believe that is one of the things that define your part in the Fellowship," Suki concluded.

"What do you mean, my lady?"

"When I saw you preparing for the journey, I saw somebody who will look out for his friends. I saw somebody who will take genuine care of his companions," Suki told him. In him she saw what she'd also seen in Katara many times. The one who looks after everybody.

"I think you're right," Sam spoke with renewed inspiration and confidence in his voice. "And I think that's what Gandalf had in mind for me. I think that's why he sent me with Mr. Frodo in the first place," he said as a deeper understanding of the Wizard's purpose dawned on him. "'Don't you lose him, Samwise Gamgee.' That's what Gandalf had told me before we left the Shire. And I will not. I will hold true to the promise I made and look out for Mr. Frodo and the other companions during our journey."

"I think you're a very loyal companion, Sam. And that proves that you have exactly what it takes to be on a quest like this," Suki said to Sam who by now looked both determined about the journey ahead of them and grateful for the advice he had been given.

"Thank you, my lady. Thank you for helping me find my purpose during this quest." Sam patted the pony again. Before he only knew the role Bill would be having on the team. Now he had also found his own.

Suki smiled again. She couldn't wait to share this story of her encounter with Sam to the rest of the team. She was sure that they didn't have to worry about trusting the rest of the members of the Fellowship the way Sokka and Zuko had suggested earlier. Perhaps Boromir was a different story. But what she had seen so far and her experience with the Hobbit told her that the Fellowship of the Ring consisting of Team Avatar and the selected people from Middle Earth would be a strong one.

She considered herself lucky to be there and to be part of the team. Had the Avatar not inspired her to assist in the war against the Fire Nation, she'd probably still be limited to her own island. The Avatar had given meaning to her life and a purpose for the many skills she possessed. And now she could do the same for others.

ooooo

The tale of Zuko

Zuko had been walking around in Rivendell on his own for a while, something he was quite used to thinking back about certain journeys he had taken in life. It had been a while since he'd seen somebody and this time he was hoping to find someone soon as he was a little lost. He had gotten in a kind of garden that looked somewhat deserted. He didn't think he'd find anyone there, until he saw a man clad in black kneeling in front of a statue. A familiar voice started to speak.

"In her heart your mother knew you'd be hunted all your life," the Elf Lord Elrond said to Aragorn as he walked through the bushes towards the Ranger and continued, "but you'd never escape your fate. The skill of the Elves can reforge the sword of Kings, but only you have the power to wield it."

"I do not want that power. I have never wanted it," was Aragorn's reply. He was willing to do anything and go to any extreme to make the world a better place and to protect those in need of protection, but not as the heir of Isildur.

"You are the last of that bloodline, there is no other," Elrond reminded him.

Aragorn remained silent. The Elf Lord then decided to give the Ranger a moment alone with his mother and left. Aragorn feared that eventually he would not have a choice but to accept this. His mother was probably right. He'd never be able to escape his fate.

The young Fire Lord had witnessed the scene and although it was a different situation from his own, the matter at hand felt somewhat familiar to him. He approached Aragorn and kneeled beside him. "You look like you carry a heavy weight."

Aragorn looked at the kneeling teen next to him, amazed at the manner in which he spoke.

"It's not by choice, is it?" Zuko added, looking at the Ranger.

Aragorn shook his head. "I cannot deny the bloodline I was born into. But I cannot take my ancestors' place as King either. I carry his weakness within me."

"What do you mean by that?" Zuko asked as he didn't understand what Aragorn was referring to.

"After Isildur, my ancestor, defeated Sauron, he claimed the One Ring as his own instead of destroying it along with its true master. It ultimately led to his downfall," Aragorn explained.

Zuko remembered Aang telling them the story until Sauron's defeat. The rest of the story, after Isildur took the Ring, was unknown to them. It now started to make better sense to the Fire Bender.

"Men are easily corrupted. My ancestor was. And I do not wish to take the same risk," Aragorn continued.

The former Fire Prince then started, "I know what you mean. But it doesn't have to be that way," Zuko spoke. "If I were the same as my ancestors, I would have been the biggest tyrant of the universe."

Aragorn raised his eyebrows in surprise at that information. "How so?"

"My great-grandfather was directly responsible for a war in our world. My grandfather and father both continued the war. For a long time I had thought that following into their footsteps was my legacy. My ancestors… they were pure evil. And I always thought that I was meant to be like that. But for some reason I couldn't. I was different from them all. Scarred by my own father when I was a thirteen-year-old boy, I was banished from my nation, just for being who I was."

"That scar on your face... The wound that left it was inflicted upon you by your father?" Aragorn asked.

Zuko nodded in reply. "While I didn't see it that way at first, my banishment was actually the best thing that happened to me. I had made a lot of mistakes during that time, but I struggled to find out right from wrong. The Avatar I set out to capture at first in the hope that it would regain my honour in the eyes of my father became one of my best friends. And together we ended the war," Zuko told Aragorn who by now had become very impressed by him.

"You became Fire Lord after that?" Aragorn asked.

"I did." The Fire Lord continued, "Even though I also carry the weakness of my ancestors, it was up to me to cleanse their sins and restore the balance. And in the end, that's exactly what I did."

There was a short silence as Zuko remembered some of the many incidents in his life that shaped his identity and as Aragorn took in everything the young Lord had told him so far. Zuko thought of his uncle, the one who played a major part in the forming of his character, and then of his mother, the one who taught him to always remember who he is. Had his uncle and mother not been part of his life, Zuko would have still been a struggling teen.

He continued, "My uncle always says that destiny works in mysterious ways. You may believe that you're destined for something, but you never know how it is actually supposed to turn out. You don't have to escape your fate. Embrace it instead. You can always choose not to be like your ancestors and act upon that which is right. In the end it's about who you are. And that's something only you can decide."

"How old are you?" Aragorn asked the teen.

"Eighteen."

"You are very wise," Aragorn remarked. "The Fire Nation must truly be blessed to have you as their Lord."

Zuko replied with an appreciative smile.

"As will the realm of Men be the day you assume the throne of Gondor, my friend," came a voice.

Aragorn and Zuko turned their heads to find Legolas standing behind them. The Elf was carrying an unlit candle. He gently approached his friend and the teen who both stood up in a welcoming gesture towards the Elf.

"Lord Elrond told me I would find you with your mother. I brought you this," Legolas spoke and he handed the candle to Aragorn.

"Hannon le, Legolas," Aragorn said in the language he and the Elf both understood with a thankful gesture.

"Allow me," Zuko spoke. The Fire Bender used his bending and shot a fire spark from his fingertip to light the candle.

"We are very fortunate that you joined this quest," Legolas said, impressed by Zuko's skill. "Your presence will give hope to those in despair, as will it aid in uniting the peoples of Middle Earth."

"That is, if they don't mistake us for servants of the Dark Lord first," Zuko mentioned, jokingly referring to the incidents that had taken place during the council.

The Elf and the Man chuckled at the teen's comment.

"One of your friends has already taken it upon him to try and make Gimli feel more at home among the Elves. Sokka is his name, if I am not mistaken," Legolas mentioned.

Aragorn looked pleasantly surprised. "Is it? That is very good indeed." They had done the right thing by having these talented children join their quest.

Zuko had expected Aang or Katara to get involved with something like this. This was very much unlike Sokka, he thought as he remembered their conversation before exploring the valley. He wondered how Sokka had gotten this one up on his sleeve. But he guessed it would be good if Sokka could pull it off.

There was a short silence before Zuko started, "So… You're supposed to be the King of Gondor?" he asked, returning to the subject that the Elf had started earlier.

"Yes," Legolas answered for Aragorn. "He is the heir to the throne of Gondor."

Gondor. He had heard the name of this place before. He tried to remember when it was that this name was mentioned exactly and then the realisation hit him. "Didn't Lord Elrond introduce Boromir as being from Gondor?" Zuko asked, his mind going back to the person whose attitude he very much disliked.

Aragorn took a deep breath before replying. "His father is the Steward of Gondor. He and his ancestors have been ruling the city for many generations." His voice suggested that he was quite content with this fact, as he himself had no interest in ruling the city that was rightfully his.

"Until the heir of Elendil returns," Legolas reminded him.

"Our attention should be on the quest at hand," Aragorn stated, with that ending the topic. He placed the candle lit by Zuko before his mother's statue and left the area without saying another word.

Legolas and Zuko shared a look.

"He will accept his destiny one day," Zuko stated, knowing that that inevitably had to come to pass sooner or later just like it did for himself.

"Yes, young Fire Lord. He will," Legolas replied.

ooooo

The tale of Katara

Katara had found a nice spot to sit down for a while and from where she could really enjoy the beautiful scenery that Rivendell had to offer. She allowed herself to be immersed in the enchanted tunes the Elves were producing that set the ambience of the valley. To her mind, the place looked like a combination of an Earth Kingdom city and an Air Temple, but with an extra touch. A magical one.

All of a sudden, the young Waterbender heard a voice coming from a room nearby.

"I'm sorry I brought this upon you, my boy. I'm sorry that you must carry this burden," she heard an old man say before he started to cry. Katara felt the need to make sure that everything was okay.

"I'm sorry for everything," Katara heard him continue when she stood in the doorway of their room.

She noticed two Hobbits, an old man sitting on a bed and Frodo, who was holding the man's shoulder. She realised it'd probably be the best if she left the two of them alone. But before she could turn around, Frodo noticed her.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt," Katara apologised. "I just wanted to make sure everything is alright."

"It's okay," Frodo said. "Please, come in."

Katara entered the room.

"You're Frodo, right?" she asked to be sure.

The Hobbit nodded.

"I'm Katara," she introduced herself again.

"You're the one who made those beautiful waves," Bilbo, who had straightened himself up after his emotional moment, excitedly commented on what he'd seen of their race at the council.

Katara giggled. "Yes, I'm a Waterbender."

"This is my uncle Bilbo," Frodo introduced.

"It's nice to meet you, Bilbo," Katara said kindly.

"What you can do... It is pretty amazing," Frodo said.

"Thanks," Katara said. "So, are you ready for the adventure?"

"I have always loved hearing about uncle Bilbo's adventures and I've always hoped to have one of my own one day. I just never expected it to be like this," the Hobbit replied.

"What do you mean by that?" Katara asked.

"The fate of the world depends on whatever happens to the Ring. And I'm responsible for that. Being the Ringbearer..." Frodo said before Katara interrupted.

"It's like carrying the weight of the world," she finished.

Frodo nodded. She understood him.

"As the Avatar, Aang has been through exactly the same. He was tasked with restoring balance to a world that had been in war for a century. That certainly wasn't easy," Katara said. "But one thing we've learned, is that no matter how hard the task, with the support of the right friends, anything can be achieved. You have the fellowship. You have us. You don't have to do this alone."

"She's right, lad," Bilbo spoke. "I know what the company of the Dwarves meant during my adventure and what I was capable of with their support. Your company equals an entire army!"

Katara giggled at that. She noticed that Frodo got more at ease after their consolation. She put her hand on his shoulder to confirm her support to him, which caused the Hobbit to flinch slightly as it was his wounded shoulder she was holding. Katara remembered Aang's vision. She quickly removed her hand.

"Your shoulder... I forgot," she said apologetically.

"That's alright," Frodo said. "It doesn't hurt that much anymore." However, from the look on his face Katara could tell that the wound was still paining him.

"If you're okay with it, can I take a look at your wound? I have healing abilities, maybe I can help."

Slightly hesitant, Frodo unbuttoned his shirt, revealing the wound on his shoulder. To his amazement, Katara revealed some water from her pouch, making it cover her hand. When she came closer, he flinched warily.

"It's okay," Katara reassured him. "This won't hurt."

Frodo allowed the Waterbender to heal his shoulder. When the water she used to heal him made contact with his skin, it relaxed him. He could feel the pressure on his wound decreasing.

"How does that feel?" Katara asked.

"It's very soothing," the Hobbit replied.

"I can feel a lot of energy here. It's different from any kind of energy I've ever sensed before," she remarked.

"It must be because the power that did this belongs to somebody who is neither living nor dead," Frodo explained, referring to the Ringwraith that was responsible for it.

Katara looked up at this. These kind of dark forces were still new to her. Her enemies so far had always only been people. Even with the incident of people disappearing under the full moon when they first assumed that something more dark and evil was going on, it turned to be a Waterbender with a twisted mind. In her world forces like these only belonged in campfire stories.

Her attention went back to Frodo's shoulder. "I'm afraid I can't fully heal your wound as it was caused by something unnatural. But I hope it's better than it was before," Katara said before returning the water to her pouch.

"It most certainly is. Thank you," Frodo replied with gratitude. He then remembered something Aang had mentioned during the council and decided to ask Katara about it. "Your friend, the Avatar, he said something about turning into me during his visions. And that he saw and felt what I did when I had the Ring on. How is that possible?"

"It must have been because of his Avatar abilities. We're not so sure either how you got connected to each other exactly. It's still a mystery to us. But what we do know is that your destinies are now intertwined. And that's why we're here. To share the weight of the world."

"That means a lot," Frodo started. "I believe we will have a great adventure with many tales to tell after we return. Just like uncle Bilbo," he said, turning to his uncle.

"I'm sure you will, my boy," his uncle replied. "I'm sure you will."

ooooo

To Be Continued...