Frodo rode in on a pony. He hadn't had much trouble getting to Rivendell. There was rarely much trouble in the Fourth age. Unfortunately the places that had the most trouble were the places they had to go through to get to Forodwaith. And the werewolves themselves were the biggest threat he had faced since the War of the Ring.
The quest was not only vital for the people of Forodwaith but all of Middle Earth, because as they pillaged more villages the werewolves' power would grow, until they became as strong a force as any dark army before.
As he got to the gate he met two guards who stopped his entrance.
"State your name and reason for coming to Rivendell," said one guard.
"I am Frodo the Grey and would like to see King Finlas about a quest of great importance," he answered.
"Frodo the Grey has clearance to come by the king," said the second guard.
The guards let Frodo through. Frodo rode up to the king's palace. Soon a tall, lanky elf with long brown hair came out.
"Frodo, what a pleasant surprise," said the king.
Frodo couldn't help smiling. When Frodo had just become a wizard he had saved Finlas' life. He had maintained a good relationship with Finlas, and eight years later Finlas became king.
"It is pleasant to see you too," said Frodo. "But I fear the nature of my visit here is rather unpleasant".
Finlas frowned and the look of seriousness that kings must always have came over him.
"Come in," he said.
Sitting at a table inside was a shorter elf with blond hair.
"This is my advisor Lithilus," he said.
Lithilus nodded his head in acknowledgement. Frodo explained the dream he'd had which notified him of the trouble at Forodwaith and his plan for a quest. He didn't mention his vision of the elf girl.
"So I just need some supplies and food from you," he said. "I'll get the men from Gondor."
Just then Melda decided to stop by knowing her father was there. It had been a week since the sunny day she had spent by the waterfall. She wanted her father to know she would be spending time with some of her friends. She was oblivious to the importance of the meeting going on inside.
So she walked in. And when Frodo saw her he had no problem recognizing the elf in his vision.
"Young lady, what is your name?" Frodo asked Melda.
"M-melda," answered Melda nervously.
"Forgive my daughter's rudeness, Mr. Baggins, she didn't mean to interrupt the meeting," Lithilus explained.
"No need, my good elf this was not my concern," responded Frodo. "How old are you, Melda?"
Now more comfortable that the wizard was not angry with her Melda was quick to answer. "I've just turned fifty," she said. Finlas and Lithilus exchanged confused looks at this question.
"Good, now do you know how to fight?" he asked.
"Not really but I am good at archery," she said. When she was a child Lithilus had gotten her a bow and a quiver of arrows. She practiced with them on targets and was the best female archer, and one of the best archers in Rivendell.
"That's okay, that's all we will need," said Frodo
"Now hold on a minute, Mr. Baggins may I ask why you're interrogating my daughter and what did you mean by that's all you need?" asked Lithilus.
"Patience Lord Lithilus, I was just about to get to that," said Frodo. "Lady Melda, when you came in we were discussing an important journey to free the human village of Forochel from some werewolves," said Frodo. As he tried to finish Finlas interrupted him.
"Sir Frodo do you think it is a good idea to give such classified information to such a young elf?" Finlas asked.
Frodo ignored him. "So Melda, I was wondering if you would like to come on this journey?" he asked.
Melda was momentarily shaken. She had wanted this to happen. She had wanted an adventure but had never expected it.
"I must warn you it will be dangerous, very dangerous but I think you will make a great addition to our company if you come," Frodo finished.
"I am her father Mr. Baggins, don't I get a say in this?" asked Lithilus angrily.
"With all due respect, sir technically you do not. Fifty is coming of age for elves so the decision is Melda's," Frodo explained.
"Finlas?" Lithilus asked for support.
Finlas shrugged. "The wizard is right, Lithilus it is up to Melda," he said.
"Well what possible reason can you have for wanting my daughter to accompany you on your journey?" Lithilus asked.
"We need a decoy," Frodo said. "Someone the enemy will underestimate but can be valuable. Melda fits the description," he finished.
Frodo spoke again, "Well that's that. In two weeks time I will be back from Gondor with nine men. You must decide by then," he said. Frodo picked up his staff, put on his hat, got on his pony and rode off.
So Melda and Lithilus walked to their house in silence. When there Lithilus said "Melda I beg you not to go, elves have the gift of immortality but only from natural deaths. Don't waste this gift by dying in battle."
Melda was silent for a moment. Such a big decision had been thrust onto her in such a short time. But she still knew her answer.
"I want to go," she said.
There was a moment of silence and Lithilus looked sadder than Melda had ever seen him.
"Very well then," said Lithilus. "I knew this day would come from when you were very young," he said. "I cannot stop you," he said.
"Thank you," said Melda. She realized it had taken much from her adoptive father to let her go so she said one more thing.
"I promise I'll come back," she said, and at this promise Lithilus almost looked a little happier.
A/N: So that concludes my restructuring of my first two chapters of Melda and the Wolves. I just wanted to address a few things. While this fic isn't AU it stretches the borders of canon by creating scenarios that might not be possible in the world as Tolkien intended. (ex: Frodo becoming a Wizard.) I intend to explain it in the most believable way possible. Also to avoid confusion Forodwaith is the region, Forochel is the village in Forodwaith. Look out for the next chapter!