Chapter 4
Elven_Princess_2005
Thanks to:
Chrystyna: You really think it's a wonderful story? Thank you!
GondorianPrincess: Is Katherine part Elf? Hmmmm........interesting question.....you'll have to read to find out. I can't give anything out.
Crystal Snowflakes: And once again, thank you! Here's the council.
Arwen123: Thank you!
Coolio02: Thank you too. I know, it's kinda sad about Katherine isn't it?
Elenawen-Nelinalus: I thank you. You won't have to wonder anymore. Not until the next Chapter that is.
There were TWO names with "Arwen123". One was signed and the other was anonymous. If this is the same person, cool. If not, that's cool too.
Arwen123:(Signed): Here's more for you.
And last but not least.....Isilwen (i recieved this is an email): I'm glad that you're an editor by nature. I would like someone to point out the things that are wrong. I have no problem with it, it's just the nitpicking that irked me. I understand your comment about the "clan" as far as Elves go and you are right. You're also right when you say Orcs are stupid, but Uruks are stupider. And it's understandable that they abandoned the Elvish culture, but you'd think they would keep the English. But I will keep in mind that there Orcs ARE dumb (Sorry if there are any Orc Readers out there). And I also gather that you have MANY peeves. Not to be mean, but that's how I see it. I know that Arwen and Legolas were never called Princess or Prince, but renaming them will not kill anyone! And yes, because he was a Prince by birth doesn't mean he wasn't treated like one, but can you name me one Prince/Princess that wasn't treated like royalty in history? You're right, Boromir did arrive the day before the Council. I did check it and yes your right, but on to another subject before you're ego is boosted too much....I didn't know I was using Quenya. I thought I was using Sindarin, but it would be my luck if it wasn't. Damnit! Anyone know a good Sindarin site for Elvish? Anyway, you're not annoying as a reviewer, just cut down on the nitpicking. That'll help.
I woke up the next morning, at dawn. "Another fun filled day" I muttered to myself.
I sighed and got out of bed. I went to my dresser and pulled out a dress for the day. It was dark green, had a high neckline, and the sleeves were long. There was a slit in them from the elbow down to the wrist while it flared out. I slipped on shoes and walked out of the room. I gently closed my door and walked, quietly down the hall. I made no sound as I strolled through the passageway. It was quiet in the palace, almost too quiet. "Eerie" I whispered.
I entered the kitchen and saw a few cooks preparing breakfast. "What do you need?" One of the Elven cooks asked.
"May I please have some hot tea?" I asked.
"Of course. Go sit in the dining hall, and I'll bring it out to you when it's ready" She said.
"Thank you"
I stepped inside the dining hall. I wasn't expecting anyone in there and it shocked me to see Gandalf sitting in a chair near the balcony. "Good morning" I said, politely.
I didn't really like him, but that didn't mean I had to be disrespectful. "Ah, good morning Lady Katherine" He greeted.
He wore a small smile under his long gray, almost white beard. "Come, sit," he said.
I went directly to my seat. "I have a feeling you wish to speak with me," I said, bluntly.
"You have a firm grasp for the obvious. That's good"
"Gandalf, just tell me what you want to speak about" I pleaded.
It was too early in the morning to be playing games. "I want you to come to the Council Meeting," He told me.
"Why?" I asked.
A cook entered the room with my tea, sitting on a tray. She poured the first cup and placed it in front of me. I took a sip, trying to get the sudden chill I felt in my body. It tasted strangely like Chai tea. It had a spicy flavor and aftertaste. "You know what is to happen. Some would take this as an omen"
"Of what? Death, annihilation, evil, destruction or do you want me to tell you that everything will be fine? That we'll make it out of this? I'm sorry Gandalf, I cannot do that. You said it yourself, with my appearance here in Middle Earth, the future has already changed. I cannot tell you if it's for the better or for the worse. It's too early. You know that"
"Yes, I do. But I do not know why you were brought here. There is no mention of this in any book. I don't suspect foul play, but with nothing to go on, I don't know what it could be"
"So therefore you can't rule anything out? Well, I certainly don't blame you" I took another sip of tea.
"You are wise beyond your years"
"You're not the first person to say that"
"Legolas?" He inquired.
I raised an eyebrow. "Aye, he asked me if I was an Elf" I chucked.
"It would explain something at least"
"Like what?" I asked.
Suddenly the doors opened and Lord Elrond entered, followed by Aragorn and Boromir. Both looked out of breath. "Been practicing?" I asked.
"Yes. It does us both some good," Aragorn said.
"Whatever floats your boat" I said.
Elrond gave me an odd look. "It's a saying from where I come from. It means whatever you want to do," I explained.
"It's nice to see you up and about for the morning meal, Lady Katherine" Elrond said.
I cleared my throat and took another sip of tea. "Yes, I haven't been feeling very well and I haven't been too hungry" I told him.
"I thought you'd been avoiding us," Boromir said, honestly.
"Now, why would I want to do that?" I asked with a smile on my face. "Truth be told, eating has been the lat thing on my mind. I've just wish for solitude, nothing more"
"Why?" Merry asked.
I hesitated. "I needed some time to think," I whispered.
"You're very melancholy this morning. What brought it on?" Aragorn asked.
"The death of a loved one will do that to you, I suppose"
"What happened?" the Ranger asked.
"I'd prefer not to say anything right now" I said, elusively.
"Very well" Aragorn said.
I finished my cup of tea and poured myself another. Breakfast was served and I ate very little. I think it was somewhere around one egg and one piece of toast. Even if I considered another bit of anything, it was inhaled by the hobbits. For so small a creature, they could sure eat more than their fill. It made me wonder how they would survive the rations on the small trip. I pictured them fighting Aragorn or Boromir for more food and a smile appeared on my lips. "What are you smiling for lass?" Gimli asked.
"Hmm? Oh, nothing important" I shook it off.
As breakfast ended, Elrond said, "For those of you who are sitting in at the Council, it will be held promptly after lunch"
I stood up from the table and started off to the training area. I leaned against a pilaster for support. "The training grounds is no place for a lady, such as yourself" I turned only to see, yep you guess it, an Elf. He had dark brown hair and his eyes were a sky blue. His face, of course, was flawless and looked like ivory.
"I'm not afraid to get hurt. I know my way around a sword, but I appreciate your concern" I said.
It wasn't a lie either. I had a few fencing lessons and I knew a little kendo. I was fairly advanced in karate, so I could basically defend myself if need be. I didn't fear pain and his concern was sweet, but a little misplaced. "You know how to fight, my lady?" He asked.
I laughed. "Don't sound so shocked. Yes, I do. I'm not a warrior, but holding my own in battle wouldn't be hard"
"No woman has ever fought in a battle," He said.
"Maybe you should give them a change. You never know what they could do"
He laughed. "A woman's place is in the home, taking care of the house and children"
I rolled my eyes. "What if she has no home or children? What then?" I asked.
"Then she should get married. It's dangerous to be out in the wild with no family"
"Some people have no choice," I muttered quietly.
"Why not my lady?" He asked.
"I didn't really mean anything by it" I fibbed.
"Perhaps I will see you later, Lady…?" he didn't know my name.
"Katherine" I replied.
"Ahh. A beautiful name for a beautiful maiden. I'm Ithredruil," He said, taking my hand and kissing it.
"It was nice to meet you Ithredruil"
He smiled and walked off. The one thing I don't think I will ever get use to is the chivalry. I don't mind them being good mannered, and it's a nice change, but it's odd.I thought. I pushed myself off the pillar and out into the grounds. I wanted to speak with Legolas. I found him at the last target. He wore a silver tunic and green trousers. His brown boots came up to mid-calf. His blond hair was brushed back into a neat single braid. God he looked good! I shook my head and scolded myself. Bad girl! No! The Elf is off limits. Remember you're not of this world. He is, not to mention he's royalty. I shouted to myself.
"Is there something you need, Lady Katherine?" he asked.
My jaw fell to the ground. "How did you know I was here?" I asked.
"You smell of jasmine. That and I saw you speaking with Ithredruil"
As he spoke, I couldn't help but notice the small pang of jealously in his voice. How could he be jealous of Ithredruil? We just met and I don't know him. "I have a question actually"
He released his arrow. It sped through the air, hitting the center of the target. "What is it?" He asked, turning toward me.
"Why?" I asked.
His face knitted in concern. "I'm afraid that I do not understand what you are saying," He said.
"Why do you care so much about me? Why do you want to know me?" I asked.
He sighed. "Because I want to help you get through this. You need someone to hold on to right now. With your parents' death, it's going to be hard for you're to hold on to your life and I cannot help but feel attracted to you"
My eyes widened. Attracted? Whoa, this I was not expecting. I thought. "I'm scared," I said.
"Why?" He asked.
"I'm not use to having people care about me. It's an unusual feeling. I guess that I've blocked out all emotions from my heart for so long that I've forgotten what's it's like to have people care about me," I admitted.
"You're not as emotionless as you say you are. We've got a few hours, why don't you go change and see how well you can fight"
I looked at him. "I heard your conversation with Ithredruil. I want to see how long you can hold up against a trained warrior"
"Oh? Well, I think it's just fair to warn you that I'm going to beat you"
"We'll see. Just go change," He said.
I took off running to my room. My normal clothes of jeans and a short-sleeve shirt were lying on my bed. "Thank you, thank you, thank you" I said as I changed.
I ran out of my room, wearing my Nike's. I ran back down to the training grounds. "Pick your weapon" Legolas said.
I looked at the selection. There were swords, daggers, bows and arrows, lances, among others that I didn't know. I picked up an Elven blade, scabbard and all, and pulled the sword out of the sheath. It was a longer blade, about 30 inches. It was light and there were marking inscribed on the blade. My fingers lightly traced over the unfamiliar lettering. "Estella e' degora" Legolas said.
I narrowed my eyes. "Hope in battle" I translated.
I looked at the sword again. The blade curved at the top. The metal shone in the sunlight. It had been well polished and I could tell it had been used very little if at all. "Are you ready?" he asked.
"My, my. Ever the impatient one" I smirked.
He smiled, but didn't say anything. "Alright, let's go"
I gently laid the scabbard on the table and took my place. He picked up an Elven blade and swung it in his hands. "Show off" I mumbled under my breath.
And it began. We sized each other up first. I knew I didn't have a chance and he knew that as well, but it was all fun and games. He was the first to attack. He went for underneath and I blocked it, almost too easily. He was quick with his movements as he went to attack from above. I pulled my sword up and all you heard was the clang of metal. I pushed his sword away and attacked. We moved to counter the other. Fighting with swords was completely different from fencing. I held my own, but I had a feeling that Legolas was holding back. "Is that all you've got?" I asked, taunting him. "I know you're holding back. God forbid you should hurt me"
"Don't be foolish. If I wanted to harm you I could have and would have done so already"
"Or so you say"
That was a bit too much. In one fluid motion, my sword was knocked out of my hands and his blade was at my throat. I swallowed hard. "Okay" I squeaked out. "You win"
He smiled at my reaction. "You're not bad though your form is off by a little"
"Well, the only training I had to go by was stopped three years ago and it didn't even involve a sword. I think I did pretty well," I boasted.
"That nasty ego of yours is showing taren"
"I'm far from a princess," I said, taking his words like an insult.
"You act like one sometimes"
"Dolle naa lost. Auta miqula orqu"
"I see no orc, but you, melyamin would make a fine substitute," He said.
"Antolle ulua sulrim. Nadorhuan" I hissed.
"Tanya awra!" he said, placing a hand over his heart.
"Dina" I commanded.
"Uma, taren" He said, smirking.
"Lle tela?" I heard a voice ask.
I turned to see Arwen standing here, her mouth open. "I cannot believe you two. Insulting each other like children. You should be ashamed of yourselves. I would half expect this out of Lady Katherine, but for you Legolas to engage and instigate this, I'm shocked. What would your father think?" She asked.
I bowed my head in shame. Damn she was good on laying on the guilt. I thought. "Amin hiraetha" I apologized.
"Very well. I came out here to tell you that lunch will be within the hour"
"Thank you Arwen," I said.
She turned and walked into the palace. "We got in trouble," I said.
"No kidding," He said.
I picked up my fallen sword and place it back in the scabbard and placed it back on the table. I went back to my room to change back into the dress and I walked back to the dining hall, hoping that Arwen told no one of my previous actions with Legolas. We weren't that lucky. "My daughter tells me that you and Legolas got into a verbal fight?" Elrond said.
My cheeks reddened. "Yes" I said.
"Why you either of you indulge in name calling?" He asked.
"It started out as a joke. It was meant with good intentions," I said.
"Which were?" He asked.
"It was a game. We were joking around" I explained.
"And that was a good intention?" Elrond asked.
"Uma" I said, defiantly.
"I do not what to hear another one of your escapades, do you both understand me?" Elrond asked.
"Yes, but…"
Legolas touched my hand, telling me to stop. "We understand," He said.
"Now that that is settled. Lunch is served"
Damn Elrond! He's treating me like a child. I hate this. It was just a game. Elrond needs to get a sense of humor. I thought.
The maid brought out wine, but I asked for water. The last thing I needed was to start drinking again. I saw Gimli smile at me, knowingly. The meal was good and light on the stomach. Soon lunch was over and all went out separate ways, waiting for the Council. Elrond said promptly after lunch, and about ten minutes later, I heard the warning bell. I groaned. The last thing I wanted to do was go, but it was Gandalf's request. I walked down the hall, and to the area of the Council. My stomach was starting to get upset and I was feeling lightheaded. "Lady Katherine is there something that you need?" Aragorn asked.
"No, I'm here for the meeting" I told him.
I put on a brave face, but inside I was crumbling. The members that were talking with one another, stopped and looked at me. I felt like I was two inches tall. "She is here on my request" Gandalf said.
I suddenly wanted to run up to him and hug him. I sat down next to Frodo. The small hobbit looked if nothing else, exhausted. I sighed, heavily and waited for Elrond's opening mini-speech.
Elrond stood up. "Strangers from distant lands; friends of old, you've been summoned here to answer the threat of Mordor. Middle-Earth stands upon the brink of destruction. None can escape it. You will unite of your will fall. Each race is bound to his fate, this one doom. Bring forth the Ring Frodo"
Frodo stood up from his chair, kind of hesitantly, and walked to the middle of the council. He placed the One Ring on a gray stone podium.
"So it is true," Boromir said. Frodo went back to his seat and sat down and heavily sighed. Everyone murmured amongst themselves and looked shocked. Their eyes were wind and their jaws were almost to the ground. I swore I heard the Ring whisper: The Doom of Man. "It is a gift. A gift to the foes of Mordor" He stood up. "Why not use this ring? Long has my father, the Steward of Gondor, kept the forces of Mordor at bay. By the blood of our people are you lands kept safe. Give Gondor the weapon of the enemy. Let us use it against him"
"You cannot wield it, none of us can. The One Ring answers to Sauron alone. It has no other master" Aragorn said.
"And what would a ranger know of this matter" Boromir said, almost spitefully.
Legolas stood "He is no mere ranger. He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance"
"This is Isildur's heir?" Boromir asked, uneasily.
"A heir to the throne of Gondor" Legolas admitted.
"Havo dad Legolas" Aragorn lightly ordered.
Legolas sat back down in his seat. "Gondor has no king. Gondor needs no king" Boromir said, crossly.
Gandalf stood up. "Aragorn is right. We cannot use it"
"You have only one choice the Ring must be destroyed"
Everyone was silent for a minute, like they were thinking. Suddenly Gimli stood with his axe in hand. "Then what are we waiting for" He walks over to the ring and tried to smash it. It didn't work. His axe broke into pieces before he landed on his backside. I stifled a laugh.
"The Ring cannot be destroyed Gimli, son of Glóin, by any craft we here possess. The Ring was made in the fires of Mount Doom. Only there can it be unmade. It must be taken deep into Mordor and cast back into the fiery chasm from whence it came. One of you must do this"
"One doesn't simply walk into Mordor. Its Black Gates are guarded by more than just Orcs. There is evil there that doesn't sleep and the Great Eye is ever watchful. It is a barren wasteland, riddled with fire and ash and dust. The very air you breathe is a poisonous fume. Not with 10,000 men could you do this. It is folly." Boromir said, with what looked like pain etched in his face.
Legolas spoke up, "Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has just said? The Rings must be destroyed"
"And I suppose you think you're the one to do it" Gimli's gruff voice echoed through the council.
"And if we fail what then? What happens when Sauron takes back what is his?" Boromir shouted as he stood from his seat.
"I will be dead before I see the Ring in the hands of an Elf! Never trust and Elf!" Gimli shouted.
Legolas stood hold back the other Elves that are infuriated with Gimli's statement. Bickering and arguing broke out and it didn't look like it was going to end anytime soon. I closed my eyes and dropped my head. These were the people who were going to save Middle Earth. I thought. All the while the One Ring started up with the Black Speech. I groaned. This was going to be a long day.
Having heard enough of the shouting, I stood up. "ENOUGH!!!!" I shouted.
Everyone stopped and looked at me. "Everyone sit down," I ordered.
The looks on their faces were scary, but priceless nonetheless. I saw Gimli open his mouth to say something. "And yes, Master Dwarf that means you as well" I told him.
My voice told them not to do anything that went against my word. Even Glóin was wise enough to sit down. "Thank you. Now while you gentlemen are standing her, bickering pointlessly I might add, Sauron gains more power" I paused. Nothing was said so I continued. "The way I see it we have three options. Option 1: We can stand here and continue to bicker pointlessly while Sauron gains so much power that he kills us. Option 2: We come to a resolution that fixes this issue without bickering. Option 3: We all go home, forget about the One Ring, and wait for Sauron's forces to come knocking on our door to kill us. I don't know about you, but I don't want to die. Now, the only logical option we have is to find a resolution. You're grown men, Elves and Dwarves and all you can do is stand here and assault each other with your words. I would have thought that some of you if not all of you here would have more common sense, I guess I was wrong," I said.
"An easy resolution would be to use it against Sauron" Boromir said.
"If you believe that, then you're more foolish than I originally thought" I snapped. "Everyone here at this council is too pure hearted, too good, to use that One Ring. It's too evil and cruel to be used by anyone except Sauron"
"Any ring can be used for good or evil" Boromir shot back.
"How in the fucking hell do you get that?" I stood up. Gasps were heard throughout the council. My language probably startled them. Oh well. I thought. "You're ignorant and a fucking idiot if you do!"
"Our only course of action is to destroy the Ring. We can afford to do nothing else" Elrond said.
Again the bickering started. Long day indeed. I mused to myself. "I will take it" Frodo said.
No one heard his cry. They were all too busy fighting each other. "Hey! If you belligerent morons would shut-up!" I shouted, and the room quieted down.
Now that's service. I smiled. "I will take it. I will take the Ring to Mordor. Though…I do not know the way"
Gandalf stood. "I will help you bar this burden Frodo Baggins, as long as it is yours to bear" He said, as he placed a hand on the young hobbit's shoulder.
"If by my lie or death I can protect you, I will. You have my sword" Aragorn said, standing up and walking over to Frodo.
"And you have my bow" Legolas stood.
"And my axe" Gimli said with a smug look on his face.
Legolas didn't look happy. Boromir stood and walked over to Frodo. "You carry the fate of us all, little one. If this is indeed the will of the council, then Gondor will see it done," Boromir said, with a little hesitation.
"Hey! Mr. Frodo's not going anywhere with out me" Sam shouted, coming out of his hiding spot behind the plants.
"No, indeed it is hardly possible to separate you even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not" Elrond said with a hint of amusement in his voice and as a smiled played on his lips.
Pippin and Merry run out from behind the columns. "Wait, we're coming too! You'll have to send us home tied in a sack to stop us," Merry told them.
"Anyway, you need people of intelligence on this sort of mission…quest…thing" Pippin said.
"Well, that rules you out Pip" Merry said.
"There is one more person that I would like to go…" Elrond said. I knew what was coming. "Katherine"
"A quest such as this is no place for a lady" Boromir said.
"Now you're worried about my well-being?" I whispered under my breath.
But apparently I was heard. I saw Legolas smile at me. "She will be a valuable asset to the Fellowship. I expect you to treat her correctly, Lord Boromir. Lady Katherine?" Elrond asked.
"Oh what the hell. Sure I'm in"
"Ten companions. So be it. You will be the Fellowship of the Ring"
"Great! Where are we going?" Pippin asked.
I stood up and walked out of the area, before any questions could be thrown my way. Elrond and Gandalf were the only ones who knew about my knowledge. They think I'm some sort of seer, but I'm not. Then again, it's almost better for them to think that. I thought.
"Lady Katherine?" I heard someone call.
It was Legolas that I knew. "Lady Katherine" He called again.
"Katherine stop!" He shouted.
I stopped. "What do you want Legolas? I'm tired and I would really like to rest before dinner," I told him.
To be honest, I just wanted to go for a nice long walk to clear my thoughts. Being around other people or elves was not what I had in mind. "Why does Lord Elrond wish for you to come with us?" He asked.
I knew THAT one was coming. I thought mildly.
"Because of my knowledge" I answered.
It was the answer. Granted I was avoiding the entire question, but still. Elrond wanted me to help them, by help save Boromir. All they knew was that someone was going to die, I didn't tell them who. I figured the less they knew, the better off I was. I just wanted to go home; I didn't want to get involved with his mess. "What knowledge do you possess?" Legolas asked.
"You'd be surprised," I murmured. "Let's just say, that it'll be useful from time to time," I said, walking away.
"You cannot hide yourself or the truth forever, my lady. Sooner or later it will catch up with you" He commented.
I count on later. I thought, though I really wanted to voice it, I thought it better not to. I walked off toward the river. It was a relatively long walk, around and through trees and rocks. I stopped at the riverbed, and sat down on the ground. "It's dangerous for you to be out this far" Elladan commented.
"Where did you come from?" I asked, knowing I was going to get no peace and quiet.
"I was taking a stroll," He told me.
"You tell me that it's dangerous to be out this far, and you did the same thing," I told him.
"Yes, but I know how to defend myself if need be" He said.
"So do I. I may not use swords as well as you, but I know things you don't" I said.
"Such as?" He asked.
"I can fight if need be" I told him.
"In either case, please be careful" Elladan said.
"I will," I whispered.
He walked off, leaving me to my thoughts. I sat there for several hours before I moved. It was starting to get dark, when I started heading back to Rivendell. I got into the city gates and walked down to the palace. Dinner had started, but I wasn't too hungry, so I decided to skip it and go to my room.
Author's Note: That was Chapter 4. I hope you enjoyed it. I had much of this written, so that's why it didn't take me long to post this Chapter. I'm halfway through with Chapter 5 and you should be able to see it by Sunday of this week.
Elvish Translations:
Estella e' degora - hope in battle
Taren - princess
Dolle naa lost - your head is empty
Auta miqula orqu - go kiss an orc
Melyamin - My Dear
Antolle ulua sulrin - Much wind pours from your mouth
Nadorhuan - Cowardly Dog
Tanya awra! - That hurt!
Dina - Be silent
Uma taren - Yes, princess
Lle tela? - Are you finished?