The Rose of the Fellowship

Song: Ticket to Heaven

Artist: 3 Doors Down

ItsLateAndImTired: thank you very much for getting me on track! I admit, it's been a while since I've written, so I SHOULD edit that. And about the "rare beauty and strangely colored eyes" thing, I don't believe I said she was beautiful, and her eye color isn't THAT strange. I would know, since I have the same eye color. I SHALL edit, however, so thank you for slapping me back into reality! Here's a cookie for ya!- (::)

Disclaimer: Any and all things mentioned in this story that are copyrighted do not belong to me. I am just using them for enjoyment and inspiration with this story, and no profit is being made with these copyrighted things.

Chapter Two: Ticket to Heaven

"Sarah!" I grabbed my head in pain "Sarah!" Ugh, I could feel the headache coming.

"You really shouldn't yell at someone who's just regained consciousness, Gandalf Grayheim," I muttered, slowly opening my eyes. I smiled at the kind, old man. "It wouldn't end well for either party."

"I was told you had a rather dry sense of humor," he replied, smiling as he helped me to my feet. "That will prove useful on the long journey ahead." I looked around, and saw that we were on the trail just outside of Rivendell. I turned to Gandalf.

"What is the date?" I asked. He gave me a curious look as we began walking.

"It is October 24th." he answered. I nodded and looked at the sky.

"Frodo is safe, then." I muttered, seeing that it was mid-day. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the wizard nod. He placed a hand on my shoulder.

"Come, we must speak with Lord Elrond." Gandalf informed me. We entered the Elven refuge, and met the elf-lord in his study.

"This is the woman you were sent to find?" Elrond questioned., standing and walking towards Gandalf and I. I could see Gandalf nod. I heard a nagging voice in my head tell me to greet Elrond in Elvish, and to not worry about knowledge of the language. I hesitated, then opened my mouth, and was surprised by what came out.

"We are well met, my lord Elrond." I greeted in Elvish, bowing to him. I could see Lord Elrond's surprise. I was surprised, as well. I was NEVER this outgoing.

"We are well met indeed, my lady," Elrond replied, casting Gandalf a surprised glance. "Though I do not believe you gave us your name."

"Forgive me," I replied in my native tongue. "I am Sarah, daughter of Joseph." Elrond nodded.

"I was told that you are to have a part in what is to come," he said "one of the guards will show you to your room." Elrond gestured to the guard at the window, and the guard walked over to me.

"I will find you in the morning," Gandalf said as I walked out "when the fate of the Ring has been decided."

"The fate of the Ring was decided long ago," I replied, turning to the old man and elf "and I will not wait in my room like some frail thing who cannot fight for herself." I saw Gandalf and Elrond share an amused glance.

"We expected no less from you," Elrond replied "which is why the guard will show you our training grounds, as well." I smiled in relief.

"Many thanks, Lord Elrond." I said in Elvish, bowing to him. After the guard showed me to my room, where I left my pack, he brought me to the training grounds. It was there that I practiced with my samshir. After a few hours, I heard horses, and knew the members of the council had arrived. I knew that a long journey was going to soon begin, and had MAJOR doubts about how I would be any help. These doubts kept me awake, so I decided to walk around Rivendell.

I wandered, enjoying the stars, when I suddenly found myself right outside the room that held the shards of Narsil. I looked in, and saw that Arwen and Aragorn were having their conversation about how Aragorn wasn't like his ancestor, Isildur. I knew that everything happened for a reason, and felt that I was meant to see that moment between the two lovers. I then felt like I had my answer. Aragorn's self-doubt was so much like my own, that I knew I had to help them. I was then able to sleep, my mind at ease.

The next day, I decided to practice archery, to see if I had skill enough that I could ask Elrond for a bow and quiver. On the way to the range, I passed Gandalf on his way to the meeting.

"You've been invited to take part in the council." Gandalf said as I kept walking. I turned and shyly smiled at him.

"I already know what will be decided," I replied "I'll be in the archery range, come find me when the meeting is over." Gandalf and I went our separate ways. When I got to the range, I strapped on my bracers and began practicing. I wasn't all that surprised that my first few arrows missed the target completely. After a few hours, I was hitting the targets fairly well, so I knew that it was worth asking for a bow and quiver. I don't remember how much time had passed after that.

Gandalf's POV

"Come, my friends," I said to the others as the council ended "let me introduce you to the last member of our group."

"I had wondered what Elrond meant when he said 'ten companions'." Gimli said. We entered the archery range, and were greeted by the frequent thunks of arrows hitting targets.

"A woman?" Boromir questioned, and Sarah turned to us. She smiled and slung her bow over her shoulder.

"Indeed I am a woman, Boromir, son of Denethor."

My POV

"Not bad." Aragorn commented, seeing my targets. I nodded to him in thanks.

"Many thanks, Strider," I replied, reaching out and shaking his hand "or should I say; Aragorn, son of Arathorn?"

"Do you know all of our names?" Legolas asked. I nodded.

"Indeed I do, Legolas." I said. "Your father is still ruler over the woodland realm of Mirkwood, I trust?" I asked in Elvish. I could see the shock on his face.

"Then you know why we are here?" Frodo asked. I nodded.

"The Fellowship of the Ring has been formed," I declared "You have come to inform me of my part in it, and our time of departure for Mordor."

"How is it you know all this?" Aragorn asked, understandably suspicious. This part was going to be tough.

"I am afraid," Gandalf started, seeing the look in my eye "Our friend is bound to silence concerning her knowledge." Saved by the wizard!

"How are we to trust her, then?" Gimli demanded. While I understood where he was coming from, the accusation still upset me.

"I would trust each of you with my life, Gimli, son of Gloin," I stated "All I ask is that you trust me in return." The dwarf nodded.

"Fair enough." he replied. I smiled.

"Now, if you gentlemen will excuse me, I will go begin packing my supplies and sharpening my swords." I said, retrieving my quiver.

"Swords?" Merry repeated, emphasizing the S that made the word plural. I grinned.

"Yes, Merry," I laughed "Swords, as in, more than one sword." I then bowed my head slightly, wanting to show I had a healthy respect for them, and left the range. Not two seconds later, I felt a presence behind me. I looked, and saw Aragorn.

"Tell me," he began, matching my pace "how did you meet Gandalf?" I hesitated.

"We met on the road," I replied "I asked him about Rivendell, the council, and-after proving I was a friend- he brought me here." It seemed like a good enough cover to me. Aragorn nodded. A few moments of silence passed.

"Do you know how this journey will end?" he asked. I stopped at the wall overlooking the river, then turned and looked him in the eye.

"I do," I replied quietly "And you know that I cannot answer what you wish to ask me." Aragorn nodded and walked up beside me.

"I know," he said "It just brings a measure of comfort, knowing that you know what will happen, yet are still willing to join us."

"Even if I did not know, I would still have joined you on this quest." I said, reaching an arm around his shoulders.

"Why?" Aragorn asked, looking me in the eye "This is not your fight." I sighed and squeezed his arm.

"What you all are doing requires the greatest amount of courage I've ever known, that's why." I replied. "I know the fear as well, and I will do everything in my power to help you all."

End Chapter Two

AN: So, what do you think? Let me know by rating and reviewing! Bolʹshoe spasibo! That's "Thank you very much" in Russian!