A/N: I forgot to mention when I began to post this fiction that I have changed some of the back stories of some of the characters within the fiction. As this is my version of what happened and not just a simple retelling of what happened adding an extra character, I do not think this should be a problem. I apologize if this offends anyone, but please do not let these changes affect how you view and read this fiction.
And, on that note, I shall continue with the story. I still only own Lúthien/Raina and, as always, reviews are welcomed and much appreciated!
I was awoken the one morning almost a full month after Frodo arrived by the sound of pounding hooves. I figured that the men, elves, and dwarfs that would be attending the meeting were arriving. I quickly dressed in a simple purple dress with a darker purple sash around the waist. I checked to make sure my hair was still the mud color I had to once again add to it the night before for, although my hair took in the color, it could lose it if my hair got wet. It was quite an odd effect that I had not figured out yet. I pleated my hair and braided it into one simple braid. I headed out then to stand in the shadows of the meeting.
I arranged myself perfectly. I was hidden within the shadows behind a group of men whom I did not recognize. I could only be seen by Gandalf so he would know I had not failed him. I took in the people around the circle. I noticed the hobbit first. He was small, a fairly obvious trait, with a head of curly black hair. I assumed this hobbit was the ring bearer, Frodo, for why else would a hobbit attend such a meeting. He then brought forth the ring; I shuddered.
My eyes were drawn towards Estel for a moment. I still could not believe how much he had changed and how much time had passed. Upon a good glance at him I realized that he was not the boy of twenty-five I had thought him to be. He had to be at least thirty if not older. In my distracted amazement, I had not noticed a man in front of me get up and begin to speak. He had almost finished speaking and I had caught none of it. I only saw his go to touch the ring.
"Boromir!" Estel's voice boomed. The man, Boromir, would not retreat. Gandlaf stood and spoke such horrible words in a dark menacing language I recognized as the language of Mordor. Elrond stood and scolded Gandalf who was not ashamed of what he did. I would not have been either.
"It is a gift," Boromir started. I turned my attention back to the man. A gift? How could such evil be a gift? "Give Gondor the weapon of the enemy; let us use it against him!"
"You cannot wield it, none of us can!" Estel shouted. He was correct. Only Sauron had the power to control the ring and Estel said as much. As an argument continued, I went over my knowledge of the ring once again until I heard another familiar voice.
"This is no mere Ranger. He is Aragon, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance."
This answered one of my questions. Estel was the only one who had accompanied the hobbits into Rivendell. He was the mysterious Aragon I had heard about. But who was the one speaking? I looked over at where the voice was coming from. I recognized him immediately, Legolas. He looked about as old as I first saw him to be if not a year or two older. His hair had grown out to about the same length as mine. But the thing I noticed most was his smile; it was not there. When we were young he could never stop smiling, and that bright smile was gone.
I found myself being distracted again by my past until an argument broke out. I watched as all the men, dwarfs, and elves argue. Their anger bewildered me. How could such powerful men squabble like such small children?
"I will take it!" A voice shouted that was barely noticeable, but all stopped and turned to the hobbit, Frodo. "I will take the ring to Mordor," he said again. "Although, I do not know the way."
"I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins, as long as it is yours to bear," Gandlaf said as he went to stand behind him laying a hand on his shoulder.
Estel then followed Gandalf's lead walking towards Frodo. "If by my life or death I can protect you, I will. You have my sword."
"And you have my bow,"Legolas walked up as well.
"And my Axe." A small dwarf walked forward. I believed I had heard his name once before and remembered it to be Gimli.
"You have my sword and bow as well, young Hobbit," I stated as I finally stepped out of the shadows. Gandalf gave me a knowing look.
Boromir turned around and gave me an outraged look. "And what reason do you, elf-maiden, have to be at this meeting."
"I was invited to this meeting, Sir Boromir, by Gandalf the Grey to offer my services to the traveling party," I turned back to Frodo. "My allegiance is yours, young Hobbit, if you are willing to accept it."
Frodo nodded slowly and I walked over to join the four who already stood near him. Still outraged, Boromir offered his services and joined us as well. Soon, three Hobbits came out of hiding and joined us as they were minimally scolded by Lord Elrond for sneaking about.
"Ten companions…" Elrond thought for a moment before say, "So be it. You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring."
One of the Hobbits had an empty head and had to ask us where we were going. I laughed to myself while the others gave him a strange look.
"To Mordor, dear Hobbit," I answered taking pity on the small man.
"Oh, alrighty then, let's get going," once again I had to laugh.
"One moment, elf-maiden," it was Boromir. Elrond had finished talking us through what we had to do and dismissed us to pack for the journey. "You have not yet told us your name, yet you know all of ours." This was true. Throughout the course of our conversation, I had learned that the three other Hobbits were called Sam, Merry, and Pippin, all shorter versions of their true names to be sure.
"If that is what you wish to know, all you had to do to was ask it of me, Sir Boromir," I smirked slightly at him. "My name is Lúthien, adopted daughter of Lord Elrond." I received a few shocked faces as I admitted this to the others. If they knew I truly was, they would be even more shocked. Even now, the King and Queen of Eglarest sent out search parties for me.
While the others stood in shock, I left towards my quarters to pack. However, I felt as though I was being followed.
"Lady Lúthien," a familiar voice called and I turned to see Legolas coming towards me. "Will you allow me to accompany you to your quarters?"
"If that is your wish, Prince Legolas, then you may," I answered.
He however paused for a moment and gave me an odd look, "How do you know I am a prince?"
"I have seen you around the grounds many times with Lord Elrond talking politics," I lied. "My elf ears picked up your true title, Prince Legolas of Mirkwood."
Once again he paused, "You seem so familiar, like I have seen you before. However, I do not recognize your face."
"You might have seen me in the gardens on one of your visits," I lied again. "I spend most of my time in the gardens. I have been here ten years and they are still my favorite place."
"I see," Legolas paused with me in front of my quarters. "I am looking forward to your company on this journey, Lady Lúthien."
"Please, just call me Lúthien," I stuck out my hand to shake his.
"Only if you just call me Legolas," He took my hand and grasped it, a small smile playing on his lips.
"Then Legolas it is," I smiled in return.