Disclaimer: I do not any LOTR, Tolkien stuff… so lay off! :D Ha…

WARNING: There will be curse words in this fic that will borderline T-M. I have not rated it M, because there is no nudity, but I am warning you that there is strong use of vulgar language and possibly minor sex jokes. This is completely for fun and for enjoyment. DON'T READ IF YOU DON'T LIKE VULGAR LANGUAGE. This fic may contain all kinds of humor from dark humor, sex, race, religion, sexual orientation, slurs, sexuality, sensuality, etc. If you want to compare humor, think of just regular television shows every day, but rated TV-14 or even a funny rated-R movie like Pulp Fiction.

I ONLY DO POV. To me, it's more fun that way. If you see many fragments, tough. It's conversational style. DO NOT FLAME for semantics or grammar errors. If you would like to assist me in punctuation regulations, please PM me a site. I haven't written in a while and I'm extremely rusty. Also, I DO NOT HAVE A BETA. This makes sense of it without having to correct it. PM me with anything regarding if you need more background story. I'll fix it later on, but not now. I have a life, and I don't want to put too much into something that won't be published. :P I'll fix it sometime in the future when I'm sorta bored.

Sorry for any OOCness here. It's fanfiction, so… I tried to keep them in character. XP

Order of POVs: Elena, Layla

Please enjoy! Don't forget to review at the end. :D Don't be too harsh, just positive feedback/criticism is fine.

Chapter 7: Revelations During A Council… Oh Joy

"Everyone, this is Elena, and her guardian being Gandalf." Lord Elrond introduced me. Me and Gandalf stood by our seats, mine being in between Frodo and Gandalf. We bow and take our seats, though I am a little slower than he for I'm still very sore from last night debacle. I look at Frodo and he is looking back at me. We worriedly smile to each other and shrug our shoulders at the same time. I then take his hand into mine and he grasps my hand back.

"Are you alright? I saw blood last night." His looking toward the platform, but he leans his body towards me as he whispers.

I lean my head toward his direction, but only bent my head a little towards my shoulder. "I'm fine. Nothing to further worry you right now." I could only tell him. He needs to focus on his own thing right now. Nothing else should worry him… nothing else. He knows just about everything, but he doesn't need to know of that I basically had a giant grey reptilian wing come out of my back…

We focus our attention back to the center.

"Elena, are you well enough to be here?" Lord Elrond asks of me.

"Yes Lord Elrond. My 'illness' has passed at this time." I'm actually a little nervous. Gandalf gave me the low down on how Lord Elrond told everyone that I was sick, but he will not omit the fact that I have dark lord vibes within me… and that of a fellbeast's wing came out of my back…

"Good. There are to be no objections of Elena participating in this secret council for she has a part in this as well." He looked at everyone. I can see pissy faces on some of the elves I haven't met yet. I smiled to Glorfindel and I gave him a tiny wave. He just smiles back and gives me a slight nod. I looked around the council more and Aragorn nods his head to me and I nod back. Yup. That's the signal meaning Arwen told him about me. I scan a little bit and I see Legolas and Boromir looking quizzically at me about either my health or my presence… maybe even both.

Did they see what happened last night?

I'm nervous. I'm being spoken to so formally. Kinda reminds me a little of home when I work. You talk smack, cuss, use informal speech when outside the boardroom, but inside, be on your best behavior. That's what I should do here… so boring though… even when I read the book, I was a little bored at this part.

I look around again at all the guests in their chairs and I can see everyone's eyes on me. Oh man… if only you could check out the looks on those dwarves… Even some of the elves are looking at me funny, but with curiosity. I bet everyone must have caught wind of what happened to me. I bet everyone has in this city.

Damn. I just thought of something… is this going to be like the book or the movie?

Lord Elrond then began to speak:

"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 or you will fall. Each race is bound to this fate, this one doom."

Lord Elrond extended his red-brown robed hand to point out the pedestal."Bring forth the Ring, Frodo."

He just called out Frodo. Alright. This is where it starts.

I turn to look at him and he back to me. His face is almost looking at me as if to say he's asking if this was alright. I simply nod my head to him and let go of his hand. He gets off his chair and walks hesitantly to the flat pedestal and sets the Ring in the middle of it.

**"Sot it is true." I heard Boromir say, as he strokes his chin with his rough hands. I see everyone whispering to each other. Frodo takes his seat. I put my hand on the arm rests of our chairs as an offer, and he takes it again. I give a little shake and he shrugs.

I felt a pulse in my chest and I cough. Gandalf takes his hand and pats my back, and he places it on his lap again. I nodded my thanks. Frodo turns to me and I nod to him signaling him I'm good.

It couldn't have been the Ring. It didn't do anything at all when I first embraced Frodo yesterday… is it because it's so exposed right now? Sensing everyone's uneasiness? Too easy… come on now…

I even see Legolas' vision homing in on it and Aragorn looking uncomfortable. Gimli is like, whatever and focused.

I see Boromir stand. Ruh-roh. I know where this is heading…

He speaks:

"In a dream…I saw the eastern sky grow dark…" He scratches his head or moves strands of his hair from his forehead away but I cannot tell. "…but in the West a pale light lingered." He takes a step. "A voice was crying: 'Your doom is near at hand. Isildur's Bane is found." And closer… he's getting closer… I see Gandalf and Lord Elrond looking at each other as if planning something out. Boromir's hand reaches for the Ring, "Isildur's Bane."

Now I think this is where I first fudged up. Should I let everything happen like this? I'm looking at someone WHO WILL DIE later on… and Boromir seems hella nice really. He doesn't seem so bad… If I could, I would try to stop any deaths of the good people from happening. I should do something right!?

He's a good guy! I know he is! He's a messenger! He's seeking council, asking for help… and he's already made out to be the bad guy? No! I don't want it to be this way!

"Keep away from the ring!" I stood up and yelled not letting go of Frodo's hand. FML what did I just do!? Everyone stared at me in surprise by my outburst, but I was too late for my good intention gesture.

"Boromir!" Lord Elrond called out his name and stood from his chair.

His focus was shaken and he whipped up his head and looked at me and retracted his hand, but it was too late. The looming shadow and dire deep conjuring voice of Gandalf had sounded. I haven't heard his voice like that since he conjured that quick fireball when we were attacked by the Nazgul in the past.

I was feeling weird. I really was… I looked around and I see all the elves going through the same kind of migraine feeling as I was. Lord Elrond looking faint, Legolas trying to be a trooper about it, and the rest of the elves, even Glorfindel, rubbing their foreheads or simply gripping their armrests. Boromir looked like a little kid being caught doing something bad. You know, it's funnier in person to see Gimli panic.

Then I started coughing. I felt pressure in my head and in my chest. I covered my mouth with my free hand and began to cough once again.

Accept me, Elena.

The Ring! That was Sauron's voice.

Accept that of an immortal's life. You are afraid to die. You are afraid to be old. Have the skills and birthright of an elf and gain power. Accept me, and you will rule all.

NEVER!

I cleared my throat and my coughing fit was over. The shadows had passed and I pat my chest. I felt something sticky in my hand as I did so. I take a look… it was blood. Gandalf had sat up after this shadowy fiasco. And I was good again like the rest of the elves. I showed my hand to Gandalf and he looked scared for me too. He took his free hand that isn't hold his staff and rubbed it on his lap. I took it as a sign to mimic it. "Are you feeling ill again?" He whispered to me. I whisper back, "No. I feel great now, right after that happened. It's weird…" He nodded and he rubbed my upper back again. I trembled at his touch, but then I relaxed… "I'm scared… really scared…" This… all of this is too heavy for me…

"Never before has any voice uttered the words of that tongue here in Imaldris." He said to Gandalf.

Gandalf adjusted in his robes and looked around at all the council, mainly Boromir. "I do not ask your pardon, Master Elrond…for the Black Speech of Mordor…may yet be heard…in every corner of the West! The Ring is altogether evil." Then he takes his seat.

Then this part really stretches. The council then speaks of how Gandalf and Aragorn encountered Gollum, and he was entrusted as a prisoner to the Elves of Mirkwood. But then, of course, Legolas pretty much fudged it up right here. "Alas! Alas!" Legolas showed distress on his face. "The tidings that I was sent to bring must now be told. They are not good, but only here have I learned how evil they may seem to this company. Smeagol, who is now called Gollum, has escaped." He confesses.

Then he goes on that Gollum didn't escape, but it was because of the Elves of Mirkwood were 'overly kind'. They were, not keeping him underground. Gloin then decided to chime in with his good line, "You were less tender to me." Of course referring when King Thranduil imprisoned him by mistake so long ago. After that tidbit resolved itself, Legolas continued his story of Gollum.

"Overly-kind? More like idiocy…" I whispered under my breath.

"How dare you!" He doesn't look very nice anymore as he sharply turned his head toward me and glared. Shit… Elves… can hear muttered things. Damn. "It's true! Why would you simply let free a creature that cried out for it's precious?" I just shook my head and waved him off. Bitchy move, but come on… 'overly kind'? Piss off. "You will apologize for your outburst, Elena! You will not disrespect any member here in this council." I just raised an eye as I turned my head to Lord Elrond. I shrugged and nodded my head and I turned back to Greenleaf here. "Apologies for my… outburst." I did outbursts in air quotes. I see Legolas just roll his eyes. Damn… in the books he is a little haughty… but that's okay. Not like I'm going anywhere. He's the one leaving.

Things moved on when Gandalf explained to the council that he had spoken with Radagast, and how he was actually captured by Saruman and finding me stuck at the top of the Orthanc, which was sorta a lie, and everything else was omitted by Gandalf.

"So that's how he found you?" Frodo was the first to break the slience. "And that's why we did not meet at The Prancing Pony?"

"Yes, my dear boy." That's all he could say. I know he says more in the books, but it's not happening. This is both movie and book that's going on right now.

Then Boromir looks to me for some reason and I just shake my head. Don't say it's a gift…

He shakes his own head and points to the ring and he stands. "It is a gift. A gift to the foes of Mordor. Why not use this Ring?" Now he's really letting go. I swear, I used to tell my friends he could use a MS Powerpoint presentation for this. He'd be a good speaker.

Frodo lets go of my hand and his eyes caught the blood stain on my other hand while I was trying to wipe it on my lap since the fabric was black.

"Elena-" He whispers but I cut him off what a shh. I shook my head and used my eyebrow to tell him to pay attention to the council. I looked around to see if anyone heard him, but I see Legolas and Glorfindel look at me. I just shrugged my eyebrows and went on looking at Boromir.

"Long has my father, the Steward of Gondor…kept the forces of Mordor at bay. By the blood of our people…are your lands kept safe." Aragorn shifts in his seat. "Give Gondor the weapon of the enemy. Let us use it against him."

Aragorn's turn… 3,2,1…

"You cannot wield it. None of us can. The One Ring answers to Sauron alone. It has no other master."

"And what would a Ranger know of this matter?" And Boromir challenges… then

"This is no mere Ranger. He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance." Well thanks for giving it away… would've been nice as a secret too.

Boromir shocked expression and Frodo's too, turn their heads to face Aragorn.

Boromir speaks. "Aragorn. This is Isildur's heir?" Yep, and good looking too.

"And heir to the throne of Gondor." Legolas responds.

"Sit down, Legolas." Aragorn says in Elvish. I at least know what that means.

Boromir turns to Legolas and responds snidely. "Gondor has no king." He walks back to the chair while saying, "Gondor needs no king." And he sits. He looks at me all pissy like and I covered my mouth. Doing the girly thing to show my shock and surprise at his behavior. I want him to change. I want him to have no regrets.

I clasp my hands together in hopes that Boromir would see me pleading to him, "Please Boromir. Everything you have thought about the Ring is true. It is extremely powerful, but it corrupts even the best of us. Why wouldn't Gandalf or Lord Elrond take it? It's because they know, being more powerful and wisest of all of us here, they would succumb to the Ring of Power… please believe me when I tell you this…"

"And what would you know of anything? What would a she-elf like yourself have anything to do with this? Are you here to claim it for yourself?!" He dares yell at me from his chair?! Mutha- ooooooo!

"It's because I'm wiser than you and I listen to my elders! Men before you had the ring, and what makes you so special that you can suddenly wield something that a dark lord created?! Don't touch that ring! Don't even think about it! Avoid it so you don't get yourself killed!" I teared up because I was so frustrated with this manly BS. I don't care if everyone's eyes are on me.

The elves look at me with questioning eyes when Boromir called me a she-elf. Damn… getting complicated. I hear whispers. I briefly close my eyes to try and focus on their secret conversations. "She is Elf? That cannot be. She does not share the glowing descendents of The Valar or of our Creator. She is more the daughter of Man." Then the rest was Elvish. I see Glorfindel making the shh sounds to keep them quiet and he just shakes his head and waves me a 'don't worry about' gesture.

Boromir's look somehow softened and then he decided to keep up appearances. "How dare you speak to me-" Boromir was cut off.

"Enough Boromir! Elena and Aragorn are right. We cannot use it." Gandalf mentions it.

"You have only one choice." Lord Elrond stood. "The Ring must be destroyed."

"What are we waiting for?" Gimli takes his axe and ready to strike. "No don't!" I tried to yell out, but I was too slow in the action, but I was quick enough to bring Frodo to my chest to protect him from the pieces of the weapon that were flying around. I felt about two pebbles hit my forearm. We both jumped and I knew he saw the Eye of Sauron and felt a jolt of pain. I released him for I had my own jolt through my chest, but I heard him whisper a thank you.

I see Gimli being flown backwards on the ground and his brethren crowding around him.

Gandalf turns toward us and he pats mine and Frodo's backs. I wave my hand signaling I didn't need it, but I was clutching my chest, I patted Frodo's back. "We're fine. We're fine." I whispered to him. Chanting is the best way to convince yourself…

Everyone sees the ring still fully intact. Lord Elrond continues as if he was unfazed, "The Ring cannot be destroyed, Gimli, son of Gloin…by any craft that we 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.

As he was saying this I hear dark ominous whispers that I do not understand…

"One of you must do this."

I couldn't help but turn to Boromir at this point… He's just so famous for this part…

"One does not simply walk into Mordor." This time I let out a cough giggle. Couldn't help it. I'm a child of the internet…I shrug in my seat. "It's Black Gates are guarded by more than just Orcs. There is evil there that does not sleep. The Great Eye is ever-watchful."

I rolled my eyes, "Don't I know it…" I said to myself, but I forgot that elves could hear me. I attracted some onlookers… must be careful… Even Aragorn expression is telling me to keep my mouth shut.

"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."

The Legolas stands up again and he's a wee frustrated. "Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond said? The Ring must be destroyed."

"And I suppose you think you are the one to do it!" Gimli yelled out and now it's Boromir's turn to rise. "And if we fail, what then? What happens when Sauron takes back what is his?"

"I will be dead before I see the Ring in the hands of an Elf!" Gimli yelled out again. Arrogant… hey, defending daddy's honor is cool too, I guess.

Everyone rises and argues. "Never trust an elf!" Gimli's distrust since The Hobbit. Poor Gloin. I see Gandalf shake his head and rises too trying to get his point across. "Do you not understand? While you bicker amongst yourselves, Sauron's power grows! None can escape it! You'll all be destroyed!"

Frodo takes my hand again and he brings it to his forehead then to his chest. We see everyone bickering, feeling the darkness from the One Ring. He looks to me sadly and let's go of my hand.

He stands.

"I will take it. I will take it." He walks towards the center trying to get everyone's attention. This really breaks my heart. Someone so young, so small, to take on the world's fate… I can see Lord Elrond's hesitation.

I see Gandalf's sadness in his eyes, and everyone's shocked expressions all slowly turning to face him say, "I will take the Ring to Mordor. Though, I do not know the way."

"Frodo…" Was all I could muster…

Gandalf walks closer to him to stand by his side. "I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins… as long as it is yours to bear."

Aragorn then rises, "If by my life or death I can protect you…I will." He kneels to Frodo and takes his hand. "You have my sword." Then he rises to stand by him.

Gandalf and Lord Elrond share party eye contact. Meaning that they smile in triumphant that people are joining.

"And you have my bow." Legolas' turn.

"And my axe." Gimli's turn. So hilarious to see Legolas' 'gawd damn it' face when Gimli volunteers. I chuckle to myself.

Then Boromir… "You carry the fates of us all, little one. If indeed this is the will of the Council then Gondor will see it done." Oh Boromir… I just cover my face. How can you really see the people who will go through danger and say nothing? It breaks my heart.

"Hey!" I see Samwise running out of his leafy hiding place. He stands next to Frodo crossing his arms. "Frodo's not going anywhere without me."

Lord Elrond sort of hmphs. "It is hardly possible to separate you… even when he is summoned to a secret Council and you are not." Oh my goodness, don't be so uptight, but of course, I bet he knew.

Then the troublemakers! Queue their scene now! "Oi! We're coming too!" Pippin' and Merry come running up the steps to stand next to their hobbit friends. "You'll have to send us home tied up in a sack to stop us."

"Anyway, you need people of intelligence on this sort of… mission…. Quest. Thing." Oh Pippin. I half smiled…

"Well that rules you out, Pip." I love it how Merry tries to keep Pippin in check.

Lord Elrond examines the group before him and smiles. "Nine Companions. So be it. You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring." Lord Elrond declared. No need to appoint anyone, this time round.

"Great! Where we going?" Gawd damn it Pip…

"A nice pickle we have landed ourselves in, Mr. Frodo!" Samwise said, shaking his head.

"Quite the pickle indeed…" I said. Lord Elrond then turned his attention to me as did everyone else… Damn I miss pickles… now I'm thinking of burgers… I miss burgers… The Habit, McDonalds, Carl's Jr., restaurant burgers…nomnomnom

I shake out of my daydreams.

Shit, did I just ruin a good moment or something? Everyone is looking at me funny…

"Elena you are to be going with them as well." Lord Elrond declared to me.

"WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAT!?" I stood up really fast this time, but I held my sides in pain. Being sore sucks!

"Lord Elrond, don't you have your senses? She cannot accompany us." Aragorn turned to him with a shocked face. "She is likely to posses little to no battle skills whatsoever."

"That is sooooo true! You can't do this to me. You can't send me off to battle. I'll get killed out there! Please don't send me away!" I begged and I was freaking out. I stood from my seat and I was standing beside him tripping balls.

"Aragorn is right, Master Elrond. Why is there a reason for someone so unsuitable to travel with them?" Yeah! Ask him Glorfindel! Ask him! I don't want to go! My eyes are so panicky. I look at Glorfindel, to Aragorn, to Boromir, to Legolas, and back to Lord Elrond. See! No one is happy with me going! The last two are just as baffled as me!

"If four little Halflings join this Fellowship, then why not this woman? Hear me! This is my order! Elena, you are to join this Fellowship and seek out your purpose. Your guardian is going with them and so shall you. You can no longer stay here in Imaldris. We shall prepare you in your departure along with them." I see Lord Elrond's face becoming really frustrated. What? No no no no no!

"You want me to die!? Is that it!? You want me to die so whatever is inside me would go away huh! No! I won't go with them!" I start to breathe heavily. "I promise nothing is bad is going to happen. I won't change! Just don't send me away." I'm completely embarrassing myself, but I don't care. I'll do anything not to go.

"Confound it Elena! You are to respect Lord Elrond while you are in his house! Cease your childish temper at once!" I turn to my 'granddad'.

"Gandalf? But I can't. I'll die… if I were to travel just me and you, I can do that. It's like avoiding danger, but going with this group, that is feeding me to the dogs. I have no training, no instincts, no background, I don't even cook or clean or do anything. I'm not a typical girl here. Please, don't make me go…" I pleaded to Gandalf, walking up to him and grabbed him by his robes, I was tearing up and my voice was cracking. A girl like me, only been in a cat fight a few times and winning isn't exactly comparable to swords, knives, bows and arrows, shields, armors… magic… trolls, balrogs, orcs, uruk-hai…etc… oh the etcetera…

"Lord Elrond's word and mine are final." His face is so firm. My tears don't stop…

"Lord Elrond, if I may ask, why are you letting this she-elf join us if she has no experience whatsoever? She will more than likely be a burden than useful." Boromir crossed his arms and gestured his hand to me as if I was nothing. Just looking at me up and down.

"Do not call her a she-elf! She is no child of the Elves! She is of the Race of Men!" Legolas, made his way through the little group that he was behind of when they faced me and pointed at me. Jesus. You might as well scream out witch! Guess he's a little pissed because I called him out earlier.

I started to get scared then the Hobbits started to crowd around me. "You leave her alone, Elf! Or I'll have you!" I see Sam and Pippin put up their fists. "You should not treat a lady so!" Said Merry putting his hands on his hips and raising his chin trying to seem bigger than he is.

"A lady she is not! I believe she is purposefully omitting information and this council confusing her for an elf when clearly she isn't." Legolas pointed out and he's glaring at me. He can look scary.

"Then if she is not elf, nor of man, what is she? Who are you really?" Boromir asked. Things are getting ugly… and I'm getting nervous. Gandalf starts to walk in front of me and Glorfindel starts to walk towards me and turns around.

"No one is to disrespect this woman! No one is to speak ill of her in any way!" Lord Elrond finally spoke up. He's the one that put me on the spot of everything, and now he wants to defend me? I don't understand him. Everyone got quiet though. "If you all will take your seats, we shall explain." Everyone had their guard up. The Elves, Dwarves, Boromir and some of his crew had their guard up and were glaring at me as they were all sitting down and adjusting themselves in their seats. I had Gandalf and Glorfindel in front of me and the Hobbits were then in front of them. They're not leaving me by myself. Frodo is next to me holding my hand while this whole thing turned for the worse.

"This woman you see before you has come from another world that is very different from ours. She has come to Middle-Earth as a seer and knows the outcome of this war. She is, as of right now, neither a daughter of Man nor Elf." Lord Elrond finished.

"Does this mean she is of your kind, Master Elrond?" Aragorn spoke up. I know he knows, but maybe he's trying to break the ice for me a bit. I turned to look at his face in between the spaces of Glorfindel and Gandalf, and he gives me a slight nod.

"I am afraid it is quiet literal in this sense. Elena, you will need to show them." Gandalf said as he faced the council and he and Glorfindel stepped aside, but I remained behind the hobbits. They were like a security blanket for me right now. I looked at Glorfindel's face and he slightly nodded and smiled. He mouthed the words, "Go on. No one will hurt you." I nodded and Gandalf gave me a nudge. "Alright. Alright." I said and then I looked to the council myself… Good God. I have never had this type of attention before.

"It's true. I was human. But then I was stolen from my world and then I descended here in Middle-Earth. I appeared before Gandalf and he found me this way. I couldn't believe it. I am stuck in between two different races because my transition has been, well, interrupted, so to speak." I slowly took my hands and lifted them to the sides of my head. I paused knowing damn well this could ruin me. Or at least the beginning…

I lifted up my hair and held it on the top of my head. I turned my head to one side and then to the other side exposing both my ears and I immediately hear gasps and whispers. "Currently what has changed about my body is that my left ear has taken on the shape that of Elves, and my right ear has remained to what I call my normal ear, my ear of mortal men. My left eye is that of an elf and I can see extremely far that I never had before and so clearly and my left ear can hear things that of pin drop at a very far distance. It is hard at times when focusing on hearing or seeing due to the different characteristics of my new found heightened, and yet, unbalanced senses. It's quite annoying."

I can just feel everyone's uneasiness. "How did you come upon this world, Lass?" Gimil asked me. He seems very interested in me like a specimen, uhhh… something new to learn about. That's when Gandalf cleared his throat. He looked down on me and said, "We'll have to tell them. Since they know about the Ring, they should know about you." Gandalf stepped forward and was near the platform pedestal of where the Ring was laid. Great… the possibility of being shunned is upon me…

I only whispered aloud, "Please don't hate me…"

"Elena had come upon this world as a mere little light. A light that had taken the shape of Sauron's enflamed eye." Gasps are heard again. Glorfindel puts his hand on my shoulder and I take my opposite hand and give it a quick squeeze before I put it at my side again. Gandalf continues to speak. "But then that light had turn into something white and when it had touched the floor before me while I was trapped at the top of the Orthanc, it had given shape and revealed it was Elena. She was burned, injured, bloodied and branded." I looked around at all the eyes. I even glanced behind me to see Erestor sitting. "Rest easy," he said, "no harm will come to you, for that, Lord Elrond and I promise." That is the first thing he's ever said to me. I could only nod and bring my eyebrows into worry and turned my attention back to the others.

"Saruman, has spoken that Elena, had been summoned by the Dark Lord Sauron himself, and used whatever remaining energy that his predecessor had given to him, is now within Elena for the sole purpose that she is to be used as Sauron's vessel!" I think Gandalf got a little carried away because he got a little theatrical. Everyone was completely shocked. I can hear it now:

"By the Valar!"

"This cannot be true!"

"How is this even possible?!"

"We must do away with her then! She cannot be walking around with Dark Lord Morgoth's energy!" I don't even care who spoke. I covered my ears not wanting to hear more.

That's when Aragorn stood up and I heard his chair move and I stared at him. "None of you know of the turmoil of this young girl! She is but a child compared to the rest of us, bearing this burden on her own. She is like Frodo, bearing evil so close, and yet, they are the only ones who are resisting. Nay, do not condemn her, for she may yet be set free!" He came to my side and the hobbits gave way for him. He kneeled before me this time and took my hand. "If by my life, I can protect you as well, then I shall." I was so baffled by this sudden declaration.

"Aragorn…" I was all but too happy in my speech. He stood up and took a place by my side.

"Yes, you cannot harm her, for we do not know what may happen to the energy inside her. Will it take over her? Will it consume her? Will it transfer to another? Share your answer if you know what is to pass before us!" Gandalf really did say all that stuff. Nice. Everyone around me started to look even more uncomfortable. "Moving on, she does carry the energy of the Dark Lord Morgoth's, who is said to be sealed into the void and it relates to this that somehow, this energy was transferred to Sauron to be then transferred to Elena when he summoned her. He tried to manipulate her body by forcing it to be the race of elves, but her grasp and connection to her mortality has kept her from fully becoming an elf. Sauron desires the race of elves for their gifts and immortality, but as you can see, Elena has yet to succumbed to it." I could only nod.

I guess he's omitting the wing from last night…

"She is my dearest friend and no one is to harm her." Frodo, wow. He holds my hand tighter. The other hobbits around me relax a little, but still glaring at the council.

"She is to be with the Fellowship. I am her guardian and she is not to be without me." Gandalf stated.

"This is madness… utter madness. I will not travel with the vessel of evil." Legolas sneered at me.

"You have already agreed, and they will need your help. Do not dishonor your kin by turning back on your word so quickly. You are not obliged to protect her. That will be up to Gandalf and Aragorn." Lord Elrond said. Legolas, being in Elrond's house, did not protest.

Gimli then walked up to me, "Elena, though I do not sense anything dangerous from you, but I wouldn't want you to come with us if it means your death." I looked at his eyes, and that was so sweet. "I know Gimli. I know of what will pass on this journey. I also want to protect you all as much as I can. Thank you for not shunning me."

"Aye. I will take my leave since everything has been decided. I have no qualms if she is to join us." He, his father and his band of dwarves left the council.

"This will end the council. You all shall leave within two months time. We will take advantage of this time to do any tasks and training that is necessary for this journey." Lord Elrond declared. And everyone decided to disperse. I see Legolas and Boromir just glaring at me as they walked away. Fuck man… those two guys were pretty nice to me and they do a one-eighty on me…

I turned toward Aragorn's direction and he looked at me, "I guess I should formally introduce myself. Heh, I'm Elena, vessel to the Dark Lord." I could only nervously laugh. Aragorn cracked a smile and said, "As revealed by Legolas of Mirkwood, I am Aragorn, Son of Arathorn, descendent of Isildur's evil connection to the Ring of Power that he didn't throw into the fires of Mount Doom."

"Yes, I have heard of you. It's a pleasure to meet you Lord Aragorn." I curtsied and he kissed the top of my hand. "We have a lot to talk about." The hobbits looked up at me from where I stood, and I could tell that Glorfindel was leaning in. "Yeah, some information to share. Let's go talk about it somewhere else…" and the six of us leave to go somewhere else for a chat.

"Elena!"

I first realize my consciousness is fully aware when I am straight up from I laid, sweat dripping down my face, I could feel my heart beating rapidly and I breath deep and fast.

"Layla! Easy. Take it easy." I feel two hands on my shoulders and then I turn to the one whose hands they belonged to. I stared into a pair of beautiful crystallized eyes that I can just swim in for days, stared at the silvery light yellow hair, my eyes following along his facial features…

"Haldir? What happened? What's going on?" I feel confused. I slick my hair back with one of my hands.

"Layla, take it easy and lie back down. Please trust me. You are safe. Everything is fine. I'm alright."

"What? Wha?" I feel very confused. "What happened? Tell me what happened?" My breathing is starting to get slower. Then I remembered! I started to get a little panicky and started rubbing Haldir's body. "Are you okay?! Should you be up right now? Still bleeding? Why aren't you in bed?!" I took a good look at him and he's wearing his regular brownish tunic outfit.

"Slow down Layla. Breathe and slow down. Don't you remember what happened?" Hm… I got comfortable on the bed and I was sitting Indian style going into thinking mode… let's see, "I was panicking over you, Lady Galadriel pressuring me to heal you, but I just didn't know how! And then… I felt as if I was in a heavenly state of mind. I felt light as a feather… then I thought I couldn't hear anymore… I saw your wounds closed, and then, that's it." That's all I remembered…

"Layla, you had saved me and I thank you for that." He took a seat on my bed next to me and faced me holding my hands. "But something extraordinary happened. You had sprouted large angelic white wings, that even seemed that the Valar should only posses such appearance. You were very much the site to see." He outstretched a hand to my face to caress my cheek and I leaned into his hand… so warm… "Dearest Layla, as beautiful and remarkable as you looked, I was stunned, but I also feared for you." I raised an eyebrow.

"I'm scared too Haldir. I felt those wings come out of me, but they slipped out as if I slipped off a jacket. Smooth and no pain. And I think this is why I felt Elena's pain. I think I actually felt her." Haldir's eyes widened. "What do you mean?"

I took a deep breath and I covered my face with my hands and I rubbed my temples. "I think… I really think… the same time I had sprouted my wings, so did Elena, but with her, it was very painful. I had dreamt I was right there with her, as if I could actually see her. I think, my missing her, is actually making that connection. Lady Galadriel has mentioned to me that somehow she and I are not only connected through our friendship, but because how we got to this world, is what is keeping us together. I may have angelic white feathered wings, but from what I have dreamt, she is cursed with that of what I saw was a demonic wing. Only one had sprouted and she was in the most painful moment of her life. Haldir, it was horrible." I couldn't even focus on what had happened to Haldir. I mean, I thought I almost lost him, and then to actually dream of Elena? Was it a dream? Was I actually there to witness everything that went though, and when the wing had feathered away and disappeared, that is when I could no longer see her.

"Haldir, I thought I was going to lose you, and now that I see that you are fine, I see that Elena is in deep with this. I thought I saw someone with her in the room, but I could not tell. He looked like he was helping her. I honestly hope she is being helped Haldir. I would lose my mind if something bad were to happen to her." He took me into his embrace and then I just cried. I cried and sniffled into his chest and we wrapped our arms around each other. I shook in his embrace and he just rubbed my back in circles saying things to me that she is alright, think positive, I am sure you will see her soon, and The Valar will protect her.

I hope so. I think I saw Lord Elrond who was with her… and maybe Gandalf too… God I hope she is with them… I hope whatever pain she is going through, it will pass…

I looked up at him and I smiled. "I'm so happy I didn't lose you. I would have seriously lost my mind if I did. Don't scare me like that again!" I laughed and took back a quick breath to stop myself from breaking down again.

I see him smirk a bit. Hmm… "What?" I asked. He just rolled his eyes. "The Lady who told you to save me will be the one to tell you what this expression means." I just rolled my eyes. I didn't care at this moment… I just want to be pampered right now. I looked down and it seemed like I was wearing a nightgown and I saw through the material and I was wearing a white band that was pretty tight, but gave me support.

"I wish I could just look for her. I wouldn't know where to start though. Plus, she's like me. We know these lands, and we would probably look for the bigger landmarks. I'm here, so since I know she's out there, somewhere that I think doesn't seem like landmark we would stay at, she would move on. I have to stay… as much as it kills me." I pouted and Haldir handed me a tissues to blow my nose and dry my eyes. "This royally sucks." I sighed.

I feel his eyes on me and he caresses some hair behind my ear. "I know this pains you. I would feel it too, if it were any of my brothers, but you do have this feeling that she is with someone safe. I can see it on your face. You will continue to develop you special abilities and your archery for when the time asks for it." I simply nod my head and I meet his face. "How do you always have something to day to help me move on?"

He does his haughty scoff that I love. "It is a part of my charm and wisdom. I have been an elf much longer than you have."

I slightly slap his shoulder. "Ever the ego…" He gently pushes me down on the bed and he snuggles against me. "You should feel privileged. You have been the only one to challenge me." I just pft and we laid there in silence and then we both fell into a light cat nap.