Author's Notes: Well, I wrote this chapter quite quickly. I have changed some of the script of the meeting but have kept the crucial parts. I hope you like. Oh and I have just seen the trailer of Desolation of Smaug. It looks brilliant. Oh and sorry to Seriya Silvermist for spelling Rivendell wrong for so long.

Council Of Elrond

Some way or another I managed to wake up early. I bathed in hot water and got ready. I placed my hair into a lose side bun and put my circlet upon my head. This was one meeting where I would not let other undermine me just because I was a woman and seen as feeble and weakminded. I felt the coldness of my silver necklace that hung loosely at my throat. I put on my smokey grey dress that was the colour of the sky just before it snowed or rained. I set my maroon cloak around myself and stood in deep thought looking out on to Northeast of Rivendell. What would happen if war hit Castdeia with me being else where? Can our armies protect us? Will the One Ring perish along with it's master before the destruction of the land begins? What was the plan of the servant of Morgoth/Melkor? Would this sorceress be my bane? Who would fall and who would rise? There was so many questions running through my head but all were without answers.

The bells of Rivendell rang out echoing threw the valley, it was the signal to all those who were to go to the Council to make their way to area where Lord Elrond planned to do his meeting. I made my way to the council and found that many chairs had been set out but none had people set upon them. Lord Elrond stood leaning on the wooden plinth in the centre of the stone circle. His hands sat within his cloak's sleeves. I bowed my head to him and took up seat on the far left. "Early? Well, that's is a first for you, Tara"

"It's a short walk and this is an important meeting which should not be delayed for any matter, my lord. Would you mind if Horus was present? I think it would be wise to send note to Castdeia once the council is done." I asked. Lord Elrond pondered for a small fraction of time then nodded slowly. "Your Phoenix may do as he pleases in this land, they are gracious creatures, whom I can trust."

"Thank you, my lord"

Without even asking for Horus to arrive he came flying down on to the top of my chair with bright eyes. 'You'll need to pass the message to Bowan the Phoenix of my uncle once you arrive in Castdeia. When you go fly as fast as you can go but do not lose your vigilance. I do not want to know what is feels like to lose you, my friend.'

'I shall be as fast as an unstoppable wildfire with the vigilance of a watch Guard.' He answered as he patted his claws on the head of the chair. I smiled but that turned flat when the guests of the meeting came trailing in, taking their seats.

At the meeting were several Dwarves, two Men (one was Aragorn and the other was Boromir, son of the Steward Denethor), 20 Elves, Gandalf and little Frodo Baggins. Frodo sat upon my right with Gandalf next to him. I received many glares from the Dwarves and Boromir. Lord Elrond stood straight and proud looking at the guests in the eyes. Then he began.

"Strangers from distant lands, friends of old. You have been summoned here to answer the threat of Mordor. Middle-earth stands upon the brink of destruction. None can escape it. You will unite or you will fall. Each race is bound to this fate this One doom" I looked around. Each and every face of the council had turned glum. "Bring forth the ring, Frodo" Lord Elrond beckoned Frodo forward. My hands gripped together in my lap turning my knuckles white, my nerves to see the One Ring were at the brink of breaking loose and showing my true fear of such a small object. Frodo got up onto his oversized feet and padded to the wooden plinth. He took the One Ring from his pocket and dropped it onto the plinth. His eyes showed that it pained him to not be in contact with the One Ring. He padded back to his seat.

I looked at the One Ring and saw the darkness it brought. The gold was pure and shone like an inferno. Nothing about it seemed out of proportion. "Noxas ït cindals e broundlo" (The Darkness it kindles is boundless) I murmured in Castdeian. Gasps were heard and all sat straighter in their seats looking at the One Ring with fear and distrustful looks. "So it is true!" Exclaimed Boromir loudly,almost jumping out of his seat. His voice was not shocked like I expected but was excited like he had awaited to see such a dark object in this world. "Sauron's ring. The ring of power." Legolas spoke with a dark and fearful tone. He sat clad in rich fabric with some of his kin at his side. "Boom of man!" Shouted the Dwarf who had fallen asleep during Bilbo's story telling the night before. He was Gimli son of Gloin. He was tough looking Dwarf who was short in stature for even a Dwarf with a round belly filled with rich meals and gallons of mead and ale.

Finally the excitement within Boromir could not be contained he erupted from his seat with the prize in his eyes. "It is a gift. A gift to the foes of Mordor! Why not use this Ring? Long has my father, the Steward of Gondor, held the forces of Mordor at bay. By the blood of our people are your lands kept safe. Give Gondor the weapon of the enemy, let us use it against him!" He got closer to the ring almost a finger touches away from picking it up. I could not hold it any more. He needed to stand away from power of the One Ring. "Stop!" I cried out loudly. The heads of the whole council turned to face me. Boromir went closer with a smile on his lips. "Think twice before you believe your will is strong enough to bare such Darkness without the Dark bending you to its bidding! Don't you understand? This is not a weapon to be used by the Light for the One Ring is tied to the Darkness of it's master. If anything it would be a thorn in your side bringing more Orcs and fell creatures to the land of Gondor." I sat down quickly watching to see what would happen next.

Aragorn was next to rise. "She is right. You cannot wield it. None of us can. The One Ring answers to Sauron alone...it has no other master." His voice was strong like the natural leader within him had just popped up to say 'hello, I am actually a King.' Boromir stepped back and went up to Aragorn with a proud face. Boromir looked down at Aragorn as if Aragorn was a piece of dirt with his head high with useless pride. "And what would a Ranger and a mere woman know of this matter?" He paused and his glare fell upon me. "Surly you would rather sit making flower chains in the fields than sit in a council talking of the coming Darkness? This isn't a matter that should be spoken in the presence of a young woman." He patronising was childish and rude. I smirked at him and looked him in the eyes. No way would I allow his idiotic words that tried so hard to undermine me as a foolish woman. "Flower chains? What use would that do? Nothing by my reckoning unless you think I could throw them in the faces of Orcs so they would sneeze to death. Alas, the likelihood of that happening is low. Maybe if you timesed your age by 229 then I would allow you to call me 'young'. However, you are not so I don't care what thoughts you have on my presence or on Aragorn's presence." There was a silence in the council none dared to talk. Horus squawked in agreement and flew down onto the chair's armrest. 'Do not listen to the fool.' He whispered in my head. I stroked the back of my hand down his left wing. 'I am not listening. Do not worry. I will not take his rude words to heart.'

"Why not leave now and do us all a favour? We do not need to hear your foolish thoughts on the world. As a matter of fact why don't you, Ranger, leave now? I mean I am sure you have other things to do like scarvenge? Or be a burden on someone else." His words were meant to hurt yet the only thing me and Aragorn did was sigh and roll our eyes. Boromir certainly needed a lesson in family trees or in Middle Earth's politics. Legolas stood up unable to stand any of Boromir's ignorance. "This is no mere Ranger and woman. He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn and she is Queen Tara Stormhold of the realm of Castdeia, daughter of the late King Vidon and his wife. You owe their allegiances."

Boromir looked questionably at Aragorn but ignored me. "Aragorn? This is Isildur's heir" He pointed at Aragorn almost with disgust and disbelief. Legolas nodded. "And heir to the throne of Gondor."

Aragorn looked at his feet like an embarrassed child and swayed back and forth. He then looked up and spoke politely to Legolas in Elvish. "Havo dad, Legolas" (Sit down, Legolas) Legolas sat down quickly. Boromir muttered bitter words of: "Gondor needs no king." he too sat back down with Aragorn following closely behind.

Gandalf now began to speak. "They are right. We cannot use it."

Lord Elrond nodded and got to his feet. His eyes showed grave thoughts on what was to come. "You have only one choice. The ring must be destroyed" the moment straight after Lord Elrond revealing what we must, a loud humming began in my eyes and my hands burned and stung like someone had cast them in molten lava. My hands tightened on the chair as tried to fight the burning sensation. Without warning the Dwarf, Gimli rose to his fight baring his axe in his hands. His eyes shone with excitement. He rushed forward then thrusted his axe on to the One Ring. There was a flash of blinding white light. When our sight came back we found what most expected. Shards of broken bits of Gimli's axe laid around Gimli's feet. But, still the One Ring sat on the plinth unharmed. A fire seemed to be in the Ring burning furiously.

Frodo sat slumped in his chair with a cold look upon his face. "The ring cannot be destroyed, Gimli, son of Gloin, by any craft that 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." Lord Elrond looked around hopefully. No one dared to take up this dangerous task for we knew that if one was to go it would be a suicide mission. The was a long silence, the burning had gone but sill the hum was loud. All in the council had downcast eyes. Dread sat within our hearts. Then Boromir quietly addressed the council with a urgent voice of warning that was both true and myth. "One does not simply walk into Mordor. Its black gates are guarded by more than just Orcs. There is evil there that does not 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 ten thousand men could you do this. It is folly"

Legolas rose again and spoke up at Boromir unafraid of the fact that Boromir was carrying a sword on his belt. "Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said? The ring must be destroyed."

Gimli laughed loudly. "And I suppose you think you're the one to do it?!" His voice was full of mockery. Boromir's expressions turned cold and solid. A terrible thought had passed his stern mind and as I feared he was going to make it public. "And if we fail, what then? What happens when Sauron takes back what is his?"

I came up with an answer. "Destruction, slavery, death, blood, death again and a whole lot of other stuff. Moving on from this dismal topic of 'what ifs'? We should worry about the future, later and think of the pre..." I never finished my sentence.

Gimli, son of Gloin could not longer contain his own thoughts and feelings. "I will be dead before I see the Ring in the hands of an Elf or Darkling alike!"

"Well, that's just rude, Master Dwarf." I mumbled. An argument broke out between the Elves, Dwarves and Men. Aragorn, Legolas, Gandalf and Lord Elrond all set back in their seats watching the argument. The hum in my ears grew louder. The gold band on the turned as red as blood and turned back to its normal burning fire. "Never trust an immortal!"

"Oi! We can still die you thoughtless stone breaker!" An young looking elf of The Grey Heavens shouted over the argument. People shouted loudly over one and another, though it was getting them no where. "Do you not understand? While we bicker among ourselves, Sauron's power grows! No one will escape it. You will all be destroyed, your homes burnt and your families put to the sword!" Gandalf shouted at the arguing group. Slowly behind him, Frodo Baggins got to his feet moving closer to the One Ring.

"I will take it...I will take it...I will take the Ring to Mordor." His voice was strong. The arguing stopped and heads turned to Frodo Baggins. All were surprised by this Halflings bravery. But soon turned timid and rethought his words. "Though...I do not know the way." He looked downward. Gandalf strode up to Frodo and placed his wrinkled hand on Frodo's shoulder. "I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins, as long as it is yours to bear."

Now comforted by knowing he had company on his journey, Frodo looked up at Gandalf and smiled. Aragorn now came forward. A boldness that I had never seen before was in him. He drew his sword and knelt before Frodo. "If, by my life or death, I can protect you and that I shall do. You have my sword" He stood up and sheathed his sword once more.

Legolas stood forwards. "And you have my bow."

Determined to not seem weak Gimli stood forwards. "And my axe." he paused and looked at his axe's remains. "When I fix it, of course." I smirked and also got to my feet. Horus read my thoughts at once and pulled at my cloak's hood. He squawked and yanked at my hood, trying to stop what I was going to say next. Lord Elrond's calm face drifted off into the past. "Are all your birds so untrained, Darkling, or is it just yours?" Gimli asked with a snarky tone that I found quite annoying.

"Just mine, Master Dwarf. Casi, Horus." (Calm, Horus) He tugged harder. 'So be it, you stuborn Phoenix.' I pulled unlaced the knot on my cloak and allowed it to drop to the ground. "Though my Phoenix thinks it unwise, I shall come too." After my sentence I gained many confused looks. The next person to stand was Boromir who seemed displeased that a woman would be taking a journey too possible death. "You carry the fate of us all, little one. If this is indeed the will of the Council, then Gondor will see it done." He glared at me. "Yet I have one question for Queen Tara. Whom will rule your lands without you being present?"

"My uncle, Lord Knox and the rest of the Castdeian council shall have lead. For they've done it before in my youth." I said plainly as I shunned the pleads coming from Horus to stay in Rivendell. "Any more questions?... No? Good." I turned and collected up my cloak and put it back on.

'Go, Horus. You must get note to my uncle. Then chose what you wish to do. You can either go back to Castdeia and stay or you can fly back and come on the mission with me.'

'I am coming with you, my lady. Do not leave without me or I shall fly after you.' He opened his wings and flew into the Northeast of Rivendell. As he flew he left a trail of blue that faded quickly. He was going faster than sound. A thundering sound was made as he flew like a storm had come over Rivendell though the sky was clear of clouds.

"Here!" A unseen voice cried. The bushes behind my seat shook as the jolly face of Samwise. He emerged from the bush and hopped over the wall. "Mr. Frodo's not gong anywhere without me." He cried in a desperate petition to come too. Gandalf and Lord Elrond both laughed. "No, Indeed...it is hardly possible to separate you, even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not." At Lord Elrond's words, Sam dropped his head in shame. From behind a pillar out jumped Pippin and Merry. "Oi! We're coming too! You'll have to send us home tied up in a sack to stop us."

"That could be arranged, I am sure Lord Elrond has some sacs that would comfortable fit two young Halflings" Gandalf laughed at it joke but no one seemed to join in. Pippin strode forward with his stomach pulled in and his chest pushed out. "Anyway you need people of intelligence on this sort of mission...quest...thing..." He scratched the top of his forehead in wonder. The guests of the council laughed but they were no scornful laughs. A cheerful chirp escaped from Merry's lips. "Well, that rules you out, Pip."

Lord Elrond surveyed the group. His glance held for a long time as he looked at me. I spotted his worries but nodded to him sternly so he knew I would no turn my back on this mission now. "Ten companions... so be it. You shall be the Fellowship Of The Ring. The council is over. You may leave now and rest under the protection of my people"

"Great. Where are we going?" Pippin asked Merry as they both ascended down the stairs, ahead of me. Merry face palmed and shook his head "To Mount Doom in Mordor. I think it sounds like a brilliant spot." His sarcasm was loud and clear. Both he and Pippin giggled to themselves and passed out of my veiw. I held back and looked back at the shards of Dwarf iron on the floor.

On its own the One Ring could break iron with ease but I feared even with strong hearted Frodo as it's bearer, the One Ring would still wield a Darkness in Frodo that none had ever seen before, if this happen I knew the Ring would whisper ideas into Frodo's ear, making him walk to Sauron and give up the One Ring. "That will not happen, yet... His free will is strong at the moment but he will need the help of his servent when the time comes" it was Lord Elrond. He looked out on to the world. "I know I must not stop you on this journey, Tara. But I shall warn you, this Witch you told me of is cruel and ever watchful. She is the twin sister of Suaron but less powerful. However, her witchcraft is strong and violent. Out of all the races of Middle Earth, she hates the Nymphs the most. I fear she already knows who you are..." he trailed off train of thought. I gulped and held on tightly to the cold gem on my necklace. "She does. I saw her in and dream and she saw me. But that can't be true, can it?"

"It could be. Why have you not spoken of this before?"

"Everything is falling to Darkness and I felt it childish to complain about nightmares. Anyway they've stopped. This Witch...whoever she is must have just wanted to scare me."

"Listen to me, Tara. Sinolest can not use her powers will build over the coming months. If she sees you as a threat she will not hesitate in making some sort of witchcraft to stop you from getting closer to herself or her brother when she reaches that stage in her rise of power." his voice was full of warning and fear. But I had one major question running through my mind. Why would she see me as a threat? I can only control fire and even then I still sometimes mess up when I control it.

A shadow passed over him. A grim look was on his face. "Sinolest cannot die by the hand of any person. No weapon can kill her. She is a shadow and a spirit of Darkness. She too served Morgoth when he reigned. No Light is in her only Darkness. But do not fret, she will be weak for the time being."

"Yes, let us hope this quest succeeds so her spirit can no longer haunt this world."

"Yes, let us hope Fate is on the right side." He walked away stuck in the grasp of deep thought.