YES! This chapter is finally done! I am so indescribably happy. I wanted this chapter to be finished a week ago, but I was so busy with a bunch of work and tests that I couldn't get it done.

Anyways, I hope you enjoy! Like always, I only own my characters.

Chapter 20: The Council Assembles

CLANG!

The sound of two swords clashing against each other echoed throughout the training grounds as Chase and Hunter sparred. Both moved swiftly, though one could see that Chase's movements were more fluid and nimble than Hunter's. One narrow strike forced Hunter to drop to the ground, tumbling across the dirt. From her position on her back, Hunter swung upwards, but Chase easily parried it, knocking the sword out of her grip.

"Yield," he demanded, holding her at swordpoint. His face was serious, but his eyes held a playful, triumphant gleam. Hunter conceded, and with a grin, Chase grasped her arm and pulled her to her feet.

"Not bad, Hunter," a voice commented. "But you should move your feet faster, especially if your opponent is an elf."

Hunter and Chase simultaneously turned to see who had spoken. "Hope!" they exclaimed upon seeing the young Ranger leaning against one of the stone pillars, a weary smile upon her face. Hunter noted that her clothes were stained with blotches of mud, and her face was smudged with dirt and sweat. The duo immediately ran over to her, beaming brightly at their friend.

Chase reached her first, clasping Hope's arm in a warrior's greeting before pulling her into a quick embrace. "I am glad you are safe, mellon nin," he muttered quietly.

"I am glad you are safe as well," Hope replied, stepping back. "I was so worried for you. All Nine Riders were pursuing you; we heard them pass our camp in the night."

"Both Frodo and I arrived here no more harmed than we already were," Chase informed her. "You need not fear anymore."

Hope nodded, turning to face Hunter. "Hello again," she greeted tiredly.

Hunter shook her head, clasping Hope's shoulder and holding her at arm's length to inspect her. "You look terrible," she concluded.

Hope chuckled. "I have a feeling that will not be the last time I hear those words. But come now, I heard from Elladan and Elrohir that the delegations for the council would be arriving today."

The threesome strode together down the halls of Imladris, idly chatting as they walked. Eventually, they arrived at one of the main courtyards, where a pair of horses already stood along with their riders. One was a tall, broad-shouldered man, his reddish-gold locks shorn about his shoulders and a slight beard showing on his proud features. His garments, though rich, were stained with signs of long travel, and an ivory horn rested upon his belt. The other was younger and of much smaller stature, though dressed in a similar fashion. His hair was a darker shade of red than the other man's, and a broad smile was upon his clean-shaven face.

Though they could only guess who the first man was, the threesome had no doubt as to whom was the second. "Philip!" they shouted, causing the young man to whirl around in surprise. The grin upon his face widened, joy dancing in his clear blue eyes as he reunited with those he had not seen for over a year.

"Are these your comrades, Philip?" the older man asked, amusement sparkling in his eyes at his younger companion's excitement.

Phlilp nodded, proceeding to introduce Hope, Hunter, and Philip. "This is Boromir," he told them, gesturing to his partner.

"'Tis a great pleasure to meet you all," Boromir greeted politely, dipping his head. He then turned to Philip. "I take my leave." With that, Boromir strode off, leaving the four alone to talk.

Their conversation did not last long, however, for they were soon interrupted by the drumming of many hooves. A large company of horses cantered into the courtyard, the tall, graceful figures of the Elves astride their backs. Legolas was among them, as was a familiar golden-haired elleth.

Fern dismounted swiftly, grinning at the sight of the foursome. "Hope! Hunter! Chase! Philip!" she called, dashing towards them. The four were pleased to see that she was well and each exchanged greetings with the elleth. Fern excused herself from the company of Mirkwood Elves to speak with the other Elenmîr, and much of the afternoon was spent listening to each recount their adventures and experiences.

Finally, after over a year of being apart, the Elenmîr were reunited once more.

~o*o*o*o~

The sun rose high in the clear autumn sky of Rivendell, casting a warm glow over the gorgeous haven. Hope strolled through the grounds, her deep blue gown swirling around her booted feet. Her hair hung loose around her shoulders, and the Forodgîl pendant rested upon her breast. Aragorn strode beside her, dressed in a clean gray velvet surcoat and tunic. Despite the cheery atmosphere, the pair was grave, knowing that today was the day of the Council, the day that the fate of Middle-Earth would ultimately be decided.

The two Rangers quickly arrived at the terrace where the council would be held. Elegantly carved wooden chairs were arranged in a wide semi-circle, and almost every seat was occupied. Frodo and Gandalf sat beside one another across from the entrance. Legolas, Fern, and the other Mirkwood Elves sat in one section opposite of the delegation of Dwarves, whom they regarded with a hint of distaste. The Dwarves seemed to share the feeling, and one of them, a stout fellow with a bushy auburn beard whom Hope presumed was Gimli, would not even look at them, preferring to gaze elsewhere on the terrace. Philip and Hunter sat together beside Boromir, and Chase sat near the edge of the semi-circle. Hope uneasily took a seat beside the young ellon, feeling rather out of place with all of the older figures assembled. Aragorn calmly sat beside her, gently resting a reassuring hand on her arm. Murmured conversations rippled through the crowd, but all fell silent as Lord Elrond rose, addressing the Council.

"Strangers from a distant land, friends of old," he began, his stern gray eyes gazing gravely at those before him. "You have been summoned here to answer the growing threat of Mordor. The Shadow grows more powerful each day, and our list of allies grows thin. Middle-Earth stands upon the brink of destruction. Each race is now bound to this one doom. We must unite, or surely will we fall into darkness."

Much was discussed and debated during the council of Elrond, though most of what was said need not be known. Many spoke of happenings in the South and the wide lands east of the Misty Mountains. Very rarely did any of the Elenmîr speak, all five knowing that their opinion would be rebuffed simply because of their age. The sun slowly climbed higher into the sky, and morning soon passed into afternoon. Finally, Elrond turned to Frodo, gesturing to the small stone plinth in the center of the terrace.

"Frodo, bring forth the Ring," he directed, his voice powerful and strong. Timidly, Frodo stepped forward, slowly reaching into his pocket to pull out the small golden band and place it gently upon the pedestal. Though it seemed small and light, it landed upon the stone with a solid thump, almost as if it was forged of lead rather than gold. A soft, still voice echoed throughout everyone's minds, whispering words of poisonous temptation.

Chase squeezed his eyes shut as the voice penetrated his mind. Use the Ring. You will live up to the legacy of Erynion. Just take it. The ellon shook his head furiously, denying the temptation.

You want to be strong, do you not? the voice asked Hope. The Ring will give you that strength, that valor that you so crave. Hope's fists clenched as she battled the lure of the Ring, determined not to lose.

Take the Ring, the voice urged Hunter. You could save all you saw perish in the Mirror of Galadriel. You could finally go back to Rohan. You could go home. Hunter's knuckles whitened as she tightened her grip on the seat of the chair, fighting desperately against the pull of the Ring.

You could make sure Castien is safe, the voice whispered to Fern. You could have your happy ending. Quickly, Fern diverted her thoughts to what happened in the books, trying her hardest to drive the voice from her mind.

Taking the Ring would make you a hero. You will become famous, renowned in all the lands. The voice tantalized Philip, the allure of the Ring growing stronger and more powerful every minute. He did not even notice when Boromir rose from the seat beside him and began to address the Council, his friend's voice overpowered by the voice of the Ring.

Suddenly, Gandalf stood, his deep, booming tone thundering above all else. "Ash nazg durbatulûk, ash nazg gimbatul, ash nazg thrakatulûk, agh burzum-ishi krimpatul!" The sky seemed to darken, a shadow appearing over the terrace. The Elves winced with pain as the Black Speech rung through the air. All the Elenmîr snapped back to their senses, now glaring at the Ring with fiery hatred in their eyes. One of the dwarves yelped, and Boromir backed into his seat, wearing an expression of shock and fear.

Elrond gazed furiously at Gandalf. "Never before has any voice dared to utter words of that tongue here in Imladris."

"I do not ask your pardon, Master Elrond, for the Black Speech may yet be heard in every corner of the West!" Gandalf boomed, leaning on his gnarled staff. The Wizard returned to his seat, his clear blue eyes smoldering. "The Ring is altogether evil!"

"But it is a gift!" Boromir argued, rising again. "A gift from the foes of Mordor! Why not use this Ring? Long has Gondor kept the forces of the Black Land 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!" Philip stared incredulously at his friend, stunned at his words. This wasn't like Boromir at all; never was the Captain of the White Tower so arrogant or forceful.

"You cannot wield it," Aragorn rebuked, shaking his head. "None of us can. The One Ring answers to Sauron alone; it has no other master!" Boromir opened his mouth to argue, but Hope spoke up, cutting him off.

"The Ring brings nothing but wrath and ruin upon the one who attempts to wield it," she added. "It cannot help Gondor." Both Aragorn and Chase gazed at her, mildly surprised by her sudden input.

Boromir glared at the two Rangers. "And what would you know of such matters?"

"They know more than you believe," Chase retorted, his blue eyes flashing angrily as he defended his friends.

Hope shook her head, laying a hand on his arm. "Sedho, Chase," she gently commanded, and Chase, albeit reluctantly, obeyed. Boromir, sensing that his proposition was out of consideration, returned to his seat, continuing to glower at the two Rangers.

Philip gently nudged his friend. "Calm down," he hissed. Boromir sighed, averting his gaze from the pair and relaxing.

"Aragorn and Hope are right," Gandalf conceded, addressing the entire Council once more. "We cannot use it."

Elrond nodded gravely. "We have but one choice. The Ring must be destroyed. In the fires of Mount Doom was it forged, and only there can it be unmade. It must be taken deep into Mordor and cast into the fiery chasm from whence it came." The Elf-lord paused, gazing solemnly around all assembled. "One of you must do this."

Silence descended upon the Council at Elrond's proclamation. Boromir passed a hand across his face, shaking his head incredulously. "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, 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 nothing Lord Elrond has said?" Legolas cried, springing from his seat. "The Ring must be destroyed!"

"And I suppose you think you're the one to do it!" Gimli shouted, gazing fiercely at the Elf.

"And if we fail, what then?" Boromir questioned, standing up to face the Elf. "What happens when Sauron takes back what is his?"

More shouts and cries filled the air as more people rose from their seats, debating fiercely over the fate of the Ring. Fern rubbed her hand across her face as she watched the Elves around her argue with the Dwarves and Men. Philip and Hunter had both jumped into the fray, defending their respective countries and the race of Men in general. Chase leapt from his seat as well, doing his best to get the others to see reason and stop wasting time. Hope just exchanged an exasperated look with Aragorn, unsure of what to do.

Suddenly, a quiet yet strong voice rang out over the din. "I will take it!" All eyes turned to Frodo, gazing at the small hobbit in surprise and disbelief. "Though," he continued quietly, "I do not know the way."

A sad look passed over Gandalf's face, but it was soon replaced with one of resolve. "I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins," the Wizard announced. "So long as it is yours to bear."

Swiftly, Aragorn rose from his seat, kneeling before the hobbit. "If by my life or death I can protect you, I will," he pledged, placing his hand over his heart. "You have my sword."

"And you have my bow," Legolas declared, joining the Ranger and the Istar by Frodo's side.

Not one to be outdone by an Elf, Gimli stepped forward, a fierce grin on his face. "And my axe!"

Hope and Chase then stood, smiling faintly at the hobbit. "You are very brave, Frodo Baggins," Hope stated, her gray eyes grim with the knowledge of what challenges Frodo would face throughout his journey. She glanced over at Chase, who nodded determinedly. "We would be honored to accompany you on your quest until fate deems us part."

Philip pushed his way through the mass of people still standing, Hunter close behind him. "I may not be the bravest or the strongest of those who travel with you," he began. "But I swear I will do all I can to protect you and your company."

"And so do I," Hunter proclaimed, taking her place in the company.

Fern sighed at the sight of four of the Elenmîr standing in what was meant to be a company of only nine. With a shake of her head, she made her decision, rising to her feet. "I shall accompany you as well, Frodo Baggins, in the hope that nothing goes astray."

Boromir gazed at the group assembled around the hobbit. "If this is indeed the will of the Council, then I wish to help see it done," he pronounced. The Captain of Gondor paused before Frodo, gazing solemnly down at the halfling. "You carry the fate of us all, little one."

Elrond examined the eleven gathered before him, but before he could say anything, a cry burst forth from the bushes, and Samwise Gamgee sprung onto the terrace, running to Frodo's side. "Mr. Frodo's not going anywhere without me!" the stout hobbit declared, crossing his arms across his chest.

"No indeed," Elrond stated, turning to him with a smile. "It is hardly possible to separate you from him, even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not."

Sam gazed down at the floor, blushing and muttering something about what a pickle he's gotten himself in. Suddenly, two more hobbits rushed to the growing company.

"Oi! We're coming too!" Merry shouted.

"You'd have to send us home tied in a sack to stop us!" Pippin added, standing stubbornly beside Frodo. "And besides, there must be someone with intelligence in the party."
"Well, that rules you out, Pip," Merry remarked quietly.

Once again, Elrond surveyed the group. "Fourteen companions," the Elf-lord mused. "So be it. You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring!"

"Great!" Pippin exclaimed, beaming brightly. "Where're we going?"

Elvish Translations

mellon nin = my friend

Sedho, Chase = Quiet, Chase

So I went pretty much by the movie for the Council because the book version was just too darn long!

Also, did you all see the Elenmîr's temptations? Well, most will be elaborated on in the next chapter. At least, I hope they will be.

Anyhow, please review!