A/N: I just want to say thank you to everyone who reviewed! I really appreicate your thoughts, and reviews add to my happiness...so keep it up! Okay, I just want to clear the air about something. I really do know how unoriginal this idea is. Believe me, I do. So...why do it anyway? Because I want to. It's a fun story for me to write, hence I will keep writing it for my own enjoyment (and everyone else who reads this story). So...now that that's out of the way...I think we shall get on with this chapter...

Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings...J.R.R. Tolkien does...darnit...

Chapter 2

Anariel walked through the gardens early the next morning. She loved the gardens. They were full of life, and she loved life. Anariel was walking along a path that usually only she took, when her heightened senses heard Aragorn speaking. She smiled when she heard Arwen answer. Fighting the desperate urge to eavesdrop, she turned around and walked back the way she came.

Arwen was just as devious as her brothers and Anariel. She just never showed it. Anariel shook her head. She would never quite understand Arwen's motives, even after all the centuries of knowing her. As she was walking back down the path, Anariel looked about her and noticed something off. Something wasn't right.

Curiously, she looked around her, but she saw nothing out of the ordinary. Smiling to herself she looked up. Something, or rather someone was in the trees. "I do believe there is a hobbit or two in one of these trees," she called and she smiled when she heard giggles. They were too quiet for Men to hear, but her Elven ears heard it clearly.

She continued walking, listening to the hobbits follow her from above. She finally came to the tree she was looking for and jumped up to grab its lowest hanging branch and swung herself up into the tree. "Why are you following me?" she asked coming face to face with the shocked hobbits.

"We weren't following you," Merry said seriously, but the mirth in his eyes was impossible to miss.

"Yeah," Pippin said happily. "You shouldn't think so much of yourself, Anariel."

Anariel smiled. "Of course, what was I thinking?"

"I don't know, Milady," Merry said. "But I do know that there was a man that came into Rivendell early this morning. The sun was barely in the sky, when he rode through."

"I suspect that was Boromir of Gondor," Anariel mused. "What did he look like?"

"He was big," Pippin said excitedly. "Very proud face, long sort of reddish hair, has a scruffy look about him, but not like Aragorn."

"Yes, I do believe that was Boromir," Anariel said. "Do you think we could get out of the trees now?" she asked.

"Of course!" Merry said. "It was just fun to be up here. You can see so much better."

"Ay," Pippin said as he hopped down. "But I've always preferred the ground."

"That's because when you fall, you don't have as far down to go," Merry said shaking his head and Anariel laughed before jumping out of the tree.

"I didn't know that the Elves of Rivendell ran around in the trees," a voice said and Anariel turned to see Legolas.

"Look Merry," Pippin whispered from behind Anariel. "It's a boy elf."

"You're so observant Pip," Merry whispered back.

"You think they like each other?" Pip asked and Anariel rolled her eyes.

"I don't know," Merry said sarcastically. "Why don't you ask them?"

"Do you think they can hear us?" Pip asked trying to be quiet.

"Every word Pippin my friend," Anariel laughed.

"Oh," Pippin said blushing. "Well, me and Merry, we'll just go…that way," he said pointing in a random direction as he grabbed Merry and towed him away.

Legolas laughed. "They are odd creatures, hobbits," he commented as he walked forward and offered her his arm.

Anariel nodded smiling as she took his arm. It would have been rude not to. "I've grown fond of them. They are so full of life."

"They seem fond of you as well," he commented.

Anariel shrugged. "They remind me of the twins in a way," she said quietly.

"You are very close to Elrohir and Elladan," Legolas observed and Anariel nodded.

"They saved my life when I was an elfling. I've always been closer to them than anyone else," she admitted. "Elrond would not let me go with them when they rode North," she said sadly.

"These are dangerous times," Legolas replied. "I'm sure he just wants to keep you safe."

Anariel snorted. "I'd rather be with them than here. When I'm out there I can do something about the evil that's out there. When I am here I feel useless."

"Aragorn is much the same way," Legolas said. "As am I for that matter," he added thoughtfully.

They soon reached the courtyard, and a maid came up to Anariel. "Milady, the Council is ready to convene."

Anariel smiled, "Thank you Eruanna."

The younger elf smiled and nodded before scurrying away. "Shall we go then?" Legolas asked.

Anariel smiled and nodded as they made their way to the council meeting. On the way, Legolas thought of the elf maiden on his arm. She was unlike any elf he had ever met. She was not one for propriety, that much was obvious. She had a love of life that was ironic. Most elves often wearied over time because of their long lives. He seriously doubted she would ever have that problem.

She was also beautiful, though he reminded himself that all elves were. However he had come here for the Council, and to also explain how his people had failed to keep the creature Gollum. A subtle anger rolled through him as he thought of his failure, but he pushed it aside. He had to focus on the task ahead.

They soon arrived at the Council and they parted as Legolas went to where the Mirkwood Elves had taken their seats. Anariel saw Frodo and went to sit beside him. She saw how uncomfortable he was and smiled reassuringly at him. She leaned down and whispered in his ear, "Do not fret my friend, these things last forever and hardly ever accomplish anything. But if you pay attention you will find the best gossip."

It had the desired effect and Frodo laughed quietly, "Thank you, Anariel."

"Anytime," Anariel said and Frodo knew that she meant it.

Gandalf sat on her other side and he patted her knee in a very grandfatherly way. She smiled up at him, knowing that once the Council started he would become the wise wizard that everyone else knew him as.

Elrond called the Council to order then, "Strangers from distant lands, friend of old. You have been summoned here to answer the threat of Mordor. Middle-earth stands on the brink of destruction. You will unite…or you will fall. Each race is bound to this fate…this one doom…" Elrond paused and looked at Frodo, "Bring forth the ring, Frodo."

Frodo looked at Elrond and back at Anariel who nodded, sending him reassurance with her eyes. Slowly and hesitantly, Frodo sat the ring on the plinth in the middle of the Council.

Boromir, the man from Gondor, was the first to speak, "So it is true!" he gasped shocked.

"Sauron's ring! The ring of power!" Legolas exclaimed softly in disbelief.

"The doom of man," a dwarf said grimly and Anariel believed that it was Gimli who spoke.

Anariel noticed the look on Boromir's face. There was a light in it that she did not like. It was confirmed when he said, "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!"

"You cannot wield it. None of us can," Anariel interrupted annoyed at the man's obvious lack of common sense.

"The one ring answers to Sauron alone…it has no other master," Aragorn said calmly.

Boromir turned to him coldly, "And what would a ranger know of this matter?" he asked and when Aragorn said nothing, Boromir turned away dismissively.

Anariel was about to stand up and defend Aragorn, only to discover that Legolas was already on his feet, "This is no mere Ranger. He is Aragron, son of Arathorn, and you owe him your allegiance."

Boromir's eyes widened slightly in disbelief, "Aragorn? This is Isildur's heir?"

"And heir to the throne of Gondor," Legolas added, though it was obvious to Anariel that he was keeping his temper in check.

Aragorn rose and put a restraining hand on the elf's shoulder, "Havo dad, Legolas."

Legolas sat back down and Boromir muttered, "Gondor needs no king."

Anariel was seriously considering punching Boromir in the face when beside her Gandalf spoke, "Aragorn is right…we cannot use it."

"You have only one choice," Elrond said solemnly. "The ring must be destroyed."

"Well then what are we waiting for?" Gimli asked and before anyone could stop him, he ran forward and brought his axe down on the ring where it rested on the plinth. Everyone watched as his axe shattered with a crack, and the dwarf was sent hurtling backwards. Gimli stared in disbelief at the ring that was unharmed by the blow.

Anariel sensed something. It was almost as if the ring was humming. She heard something to her right, where Frodo sat and he had slumped in his chair. Anariel looked at him with concern. The ring was already affecting him.

"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," Elrond said gravely, shocking the Council into silence.

To Anariel's great annoyance, Boromir spoke again, "One does not simply walk into Mordor. Its black gates are guarded by more than just orcs. There is an 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."

"Have you heard of nothing Lord Elrond has said? The ring must be destroyed," Legolas argued, and Anariel was nodding her head in agreement.

"And I suppose you think you're the one to do it?" Gimli asked sarcastically.

"And if we fail what then?" Boromir asked. "What happens when Sauron takes back what is his?"

Gimli leapt to his feet. "I will be dead before I see the ring in the hands of an Elf!" At this all the Elves jumped up from their seats, Anariel included.

"Never trust an Elf!" Gimli shouted.

"Do you not understand?" Gandalf cried. "While we bicker amongst ourselves, Sauron's power grows! None will escape it! You will all be destroyed, your homes burnt, and your families put to the sword!"

"It is true!" Anariel exclaimed. "Listen to what Gandalf says!"

From behind them her Elven ears picked up a calm, steady voice, "I will take it." Anariel turned and saw Frodo on his feet. "I will take it," he repeated. "I will take the ring to Mordor."

Anariel stared at the little hobbit. "Though I do not know the way," he said quietly.

Everyone was silent for a few moments before Gandalf spoke, "I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins, as long as it is yours to bear," he said surely.

"If, by my life or death, I can protect you, I will," Aragorn said and he came to kneel before Frodo. "You have my sword."

Anariel watched as both Legolas and Gimli stepped forward. "And you have my bow."

"And my axe," Gimli added.

Anariel saw Boromir step forward, "You carry the fate of us all, little one. If this is indeed the will of the Council, then Gondor will see it done."

Anariel finally made up her mind. She watched Elrond's reaction as she stepped forward. He looked at her and in that one glance she knew that he would let her go. They both knew that even if he forbade her to go that she would go anyway.

"I too shall see this journey through," she said softly to Frodo before she bent down and whispered in his ear, so only he would hear her, "I think we all know that this group will need a woman's perspective."

Frodo grinned and nodded, when out of nowhere someone shouted, "Here!" Everyone turned to find that Sam had hopped out from behind a bush and was scurrying towards Frodo. "Mr. Frodo's not going anywhere without me," the stout hobbit declared.

Elrond chuckled. "No indeed…it is impossible to separate you…even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not."

Anariel smiled at Sam who smiled shyly back at her. "Oi! We're coming too! You'll have to send us home tied up in a sack to stop us!" Merry said as he and Pippin emerged from the surrounded bushes.

"Anyway…you need people of intelligence on this sort of mission…quest…thing…" Pippin added.

"Well that rules you out Pip," Merry muttered and Anariel smiled.

Anariel looked up at Elrond who was eyeing the group thoughtfully. When their eyes met she saw the hidden worry in his grey eyes, but she was determined to go and he knew that. "Ten companions," he mused. "You shall the Fellowship of the Ring."

"Great!" Pippin exclaimed. "Where are we going?"

Anariel was packing for her journey the night before they were due to leave when there was a soft knock on her door. "Come in," she called and looked expectantly at the door.

She wasn't surprised when Elrond stepped into the room. "Anariel," he began.

"I'm going Ada," she said softly, but determinedly. "I cannot stay here knowing that I could do something to help."

Elrond sighed, and for a moment Anariel could see the weight of all his years, "I know that I cannot dissuade you from going. You will always follow your heart wherever it leads you."

Anariel smiled and took his hand. "I will be fine, Ada. Trust me. Trust Frodo. Trust the fellowship. We will not fail," she said confidently.

Elrond held her face in his hands for a moment before he bent and kissed her forehead. "Then I wish you a safe journey," he said quietly and then he left the room.

Anariel couldn't deny that she felt guilty. She knew that she'd given him no warning, but when she'd seen everyone else pledging themselves to Frodo, she'd just had to act. She couldn't stay safe in Rivendell, knowing that her friends were in grave danger. Especially Merry and Pippin, who were not warriors. Anariel herself was a fine warrior; she was taught by the twins and even had a few lessons from Glorfindel himself. She could take care of herself. Elrond knew that, but parents worry no matter what.

Anariel finished her packing and lay down to sleep. She would need her strength for the day ahead. She thought of the other members of the fellowship. Gandalf would certainly be the leader. He was a wizard and knew the land better than anyone, aside from Aragorn of course. Gandalf's help and experience were invaluable. Aragorn was bound to this quest no matter what. He didn't know it, but he was on his way in fulfilling his destiny. He was one of the best swordsman she had seen and his knowledge of healing and medicine would also prove of great use, should the need arise. She thought of Legolas. She'd heard that he was unrivaled in archery, and she had no doubt he was also skilled with a blade. Both she and Legolas would provide for excellent scouts and look outs because of their heightened senses. Even the dwarf would probably prove useful at some point...maybe. Anariel's thoughts shifted to Boromir. She didn't like that he seemed to want to use the ring. She could understand of course. If someone could wield it and not succumb to the darkness she would be all for the idea…but it could not be done. Uneasily, her thoughts drifted the last members of the company. The hobbits. They were not warriors. Frodo seemed to be the wisest of them, but there was strength in Sam that Anariel could see. That strength was loyalty. Sam would go where Frodo would go. Maybe that was what the hobbits would bring. The hobbits were all loyal to Frodo, and they believed in him, therefore they believed in the cause. They simply believed.

The scouts that Elrond had sent out had all returned, the last of those scouts being Elrohir and Elladan. The twins were not pleased that Anariel was going to Mordor, though she couldn't decide if they were more upset about her going, than they themselves not going. She had asked them where they had gone, but they only spoke of their journey to Elrond.

The morning they were due to depart they all awoke early. Anariel was up before the sun had risen and was in the gardens one last time. A few minutes after she had arrived, Legolas came up to her. He wore a green tunic with brown leggings, reflecting his home in the Woodland Realm. She too wore a tunic, but hers was a midnight blue and her leggings were silver. She also wore a belt around her waist to show off her curves, though that was only at Arwen's insistance.

"Anariel," Legolas greeted, taking a seat beside her on the bench.

"Legolas," she said returning his greeting. It was silent for a few moments and Anariel spoke, "I hope you're not intending to try and dissuade my coming on this journey," she said playfully.

Legolas smiled but shook his head, "Something tells me that it would fall on deaf ears."

"And you would be right," Anariel laughed.

Legolas sighed in defeat. He admitted that he was not fond of the idea of Anariel coming with them. It was not that he doubted her ability to fight. Nor did he doubt that she could help the fellowship in their quest. He found that he was strangely protective of her. Was it simply because she was a woman? Was it simply because she was his friend? Both? Legolas decided that it was probably a little bit of both. However he couldn't deny that he was happy another elf was part of the fellowship.

"We should be going," Legolas said finally, getting up and offering her a hand.

Anariel took it and wondered why she liked having her hand in his. It just seemed…right. What was she talking about? She mentally shook herself. She had to focus on the quest. Protect Frodo. Destroy the ring. That was her priority.

Legolas and Anariel walked to the gates of Rivendell and saw that Aragorn and Arwen were saying their goodbyes. Anariel let go of Legolas's hand and went over towards them. As she approached, Aragorn turned and left, going over to Legolas. "Do not worry," Anariel said softly. "I'll make sure he stays out of too much trouble."

Arwen laughed and out of the corner of her eye she saw Aragorn look up and smile faintly at the sound. "Please watch out for him," she entreated.

"I will. Promise," Anariel said smiling and Arwen gave her a big hug.

"Include yourself in that promise," Arwen whispered smiling.

"Of course," Anariel said lightly. "You know me. I'm always careful."

"That's what worries me," Arwen laughed lightly and Anariel gave her adoptive sister one last hug before joining the rest of the fellowship where she heard Gimli grumbling to Boromir about traveling with not one, but two elves, one of them being a woman. That made Anariel smile. Yes. She was going to get along great with Gimli.

Elrond stood at the gates and he seemed to study all their faces. His eyes lingered on Anariel, and she gave him a reassuring smile that he returned with his eyes. "Go now with free hearts. Farewell, and may the blessings of Elves and Men and all Free Folk go with you!"

Anariel smiled once more at Elrond, before turning around and walking up to the front beside Gandalf, who was behind Frodo. Ever so faintly she heard Frodo whisper, "Gandalf? Which way is Mordor? Left or right?"

"Left," Gandalf answered and the fellowship began their journey.

And so it begins! I must say I'm really excited to write the journey...lots and lots of action! For my Merlin fans who are reading this story, I'll tell you that I have the sequel outlined chapter by chapter...so I'll be starting it soon! Yay! But let's focus on Lord of the Rings for now!

Please, please, pretty please review,

ArthursCamelot