AN: Okay, sorry for the long delay! I recently got a job with the hours all over the place. I have also found that I am too meticulous for my own good, so the chapters may take some time to come out. I will not stop writing however, but I will take time to update. I hope everyone is okay with that.
Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings or Maleficent. Enjoy!
Chapter 3
The morning sun beaming down on Maleficent's face woke her the next morning. In an unfamiliar place, she panicked for a moment before remembering where she was. Rivendell, home of the elves. Sitting up and stretching, Maleficent recalled the events of the previous day and evening.
Flashback
"Welcome to Rivendell." Arwen had said calmly while sweeping her hand across the beautiful city. Forgetting about Frodo's condition momentarily, Maleficent could not help but stare. These are the most beautiful buildings I have ever seen! As a faerie living in the Moors she had never had a need to live in buildings, and therefore, never thought about how they looked. However, these elegant structures were built in accord with the landscape of forested cliffs and powerful waterfalls.
Arwen smiled proudly at faerie's reaction. Maleficent, noticing this after gazing around, schooled her features to impassiveness.
Arwen continued, "Do not worry. That is the reaction most new arrivals have." Maleficent smirked at her host.
"I have not seen buildings such as these. I live near humans, and their structures destroy the land upon which they sit. These are built among the nature surrounding them." Arwen nodded solemnly and motioned for them to continue walking.
"It is true, elves are more attuned to nature than humans. Many humans in Middle Earth are similar to those of your world." Maleficent halted and stared warily at the elf maiden. Arwen, noticing this, stopped as well. She took a second to take in the tensed woman before realizing her words were the cause.
"Strider didn't say anything! I just assumed you were from another plane of existence because there are no creatures like yourself in this world!" Arwen studied the faerie. Although Maleficent did not look enthusiastic about another person knowing, her body relaxed. Arwen stood straight again, gave a small smile, and they continued towards the city.
Maleficent continued to gaze at the landscape furtively, but found it difficult to ignore the whispers and stares of the elves that increased in quantity as they moved inside the city. Many halted mid-step and whispered in Elvish to their neighbors. Others, coming down the street opposite them, took a wide berth as they stared, frightened by her wings and horns. Although it was a strange sight and they continued to talk amongst themselves, all saw that the shocking creature was accompanied by Lady Arwen. Therefore, they believed she must not be a threat.
Maleficent decided she preferred the reactions of the elves more than humans. I wonder if it has to do with their immortality or their magical affinities. Arwen started the conversation again once she saw the citizens were not going to attack.
"If you do not mind me asking, what are you?" Maleficent knew the woman was trying to start a conversation. She did not wish to talk, but imagined friendliness was the better decision over aloofness until she knew where she stood in this place.
"I am a faerie." Arwen did not know what that was, and shook her head at Maleficent. The faerie continued tersely, "We are magical beings that live in the wild. We do not use buildings to live in, so seeing structures used in such a way as this is surprising." Arwen smiled at the hidden compliment.
"What do faeries do?" Maleficent thought for a second. Faeries did not have a definition of what they did for nature, however, she decided to try for Arwen's sake.
"We see to the world around us, making sure it remains healthy and strong." And prank each other when we are bored, she thought after that. Arwen nodded in understanding. Maleficent looked around and saw that they were quickly approaching a building with quite a few elves hurrying about.
"Where are we going?"
"I figured you would want to see how Frodo was doing." At Maleficent's nod she continued. "I want to know as well, so I brought us to the infirmary." The faerie was grateful, but did not show it on her face. They proceeded inside the building and Arwen stopped an elf and asked what Maleficent assumed were directions to Frodo's room. After they started walking again Arwen turned to Maleficent.
"Frodo will pull through. Gandalf and my father are very talented healers." Maleficent inclined her head in understanding, but her thoughts were already turning to her own powers. Arwen could see the faerie's mind going elsewhere, so she kept silent while they walked. Maleficent watched ahead of her, but did not really see as she thought about why her powers failed to work against the Nazgul.
Normally, she had no difficulty healing any injury or curing illness. However, not only did she fail to heal Frodo, but her powers only worked on the poison for a day and a half. Yes, he would have died without her help, but she was still ineffective. Also, there was the problem that her magic did not seem to work on the Nazgul. She could lift humans, objects, elements, and animals with ease, but had been forced to drop the Ring Wraiths. Why is that? Could it be because Sauron's, and the Nazgul's, dark magic is so different from mine that my magic is not as strong against them?
"Here we are." Arwen's voiced pulled Maleficent from her thoughts as they stopped outside a closed door. "Unfortunately, we will have to wait here while Gandalf and my father finish. According to a nurse, they are still working on containing the poison and then will need to close the shoulder wound." Maleficent nodded and they made themselves comfortable. Arwen sat on a bench near the door, while Maleficent leaned against the wall. They were alone for a few minutes when an elf brought two plates of nuts, berries, fruit, and vegetables. Maleficent took the offered plate and stole a glance at Arwen.
"Lunch." She explained. Just as she said it Maleficent realized she had not eaten since she had left the clearing of troll statues. She was famished! Looking at the elf, she noticed Arwen eating rather quickly, but still politely, as if she were hungry as well. After she had eaten, she put the plate down and returned to her troubling thoughts. I wonder if Gandalf, Arwen, or even her father could shed some light on my problem. She did not want to share her disadvantages, but she also did not want to be defenseless if another fight occurred. Normally, she would talk to Diaval about it, but there had not been time, and he would not arrive in Rivendell in at least another day or two.
They stayed in the hall for hours, deep in their thoughts. Every once in a while an elf would stop to converse with Arwen, but none talked to Maleficent. Word had spread throughout the city of her presence, so she was in no danger now. However, many still gave her a three foot berth. Maleficent was fine with that. She was busy thinking of solutions to her malfunctioning powers, deciding whether or not to ask Arwen about it, and wishing Diaval was there. At least she could have him as a silent companion, or even talk to him about this. She smirked inwardly. He would most likely have snide comment or two about the situation. Something about not being able to turn him into animals he did not like, and not being able to curse Aurora in the first place. Although he annoyed her to no end, she could not imagine him not being by her side. She hoped he and the group were safe and not running themselves into the ground to get to Rivendell. Although, considering the relationships of the hobbits, they'd want to arrive as soon as possible.
Her opinion on whether to ask the elf about her magic swung back and forth, in and out of favor, like a pendulum. Around six in the evening, the pendulum had swung to the side in favor of asking, and she was just about to speak up when the door to Frodo's room opened. The pendulum swung back and she decided she'd ask Diaval, or just figure it out on her own. An exhausted Gandalf walked out to address them and Arwen stood from her bench, while Maleficent pushed away from the wall.
"Frodo will be fine. He will sleep a couple of days, but will only wake with some pain in his shoulder." He then turned to Maleficent, still examining her features. "Lord Elrond and I would like to speak with you, but would it be acceptable to wait until tomorrow morning?" Maleficent nodded her head to signify it was fine, and he smiled in thanks. "Very good." He then spoke to both of them again. "You may go in, but do not stay long. Arwen, I assume you can show our guest to her quarters?" At Arwen's nod he walked down the hallway after a quick bow at Maleficent. The elf gestured for Maleficent to go first, but the faerie pointed at her wings.
"You had better go ahead," she told Arwen while examining the door. It was only slightly larger than the Prancing Pony's, and she knew she would have to stoop and twist to get in. Arwen proceeded inside, and Maleficent approached the frame. Hugging her wings to her back and sides as much as possible, she also hunched forward to avoid hitting the top with her horns. Arwen attempted to hide a grin, but Maleficent caught it and glared at the woman.
Arwen's grin turned into a small smile, "I do not think the designers of this structure had faeries in mind when they made the doors."
Maleficent scoffed and made it inside. Both of them stood next to Frodo's bed for a moment. He already looked better than when Gandalf took him from Maleficent's arms hours earlier. Although, he still had an ashen color to his face and shadows surrounding his eyes, he was not in pain and was breathing normally. After a few minutes, the two left the room. When Maleficent made it through the door again, Arwen spoke.
"I was told that there would be no formal dinner tonight. Would you like dinner in the dining hall, or in your quarters which I am going to show you now?" Not in the mood to ignore more whispers and stares, she told the elf that she would take her meal in her quarters. Arwen nodded and led the faerie to another large building. The room she was shown to was both elegant and spacious. A door led to the restroom, and a set of double doors opened onto a balcony. As Maleficent looked around, Arwen spoke up behind her.
"I realize it is not a tree or cliff, but I hope it is acceptable. I requested your room have a balcony as I assumed you did not like to be in closed spaces." At Maleficent's nod she continued. "Water has been drawn for your bath in the restroom, and dinner will be brought up in an hour." She walked to a large wardrobe in the corner and opened it. Inside were yards of cloth making up elegant dresses, practical dresses, and riding clothes. She picked them up, leaving only a cloak. "I will have these tailored to your wings." Maleficent's eyes widened at the prospect of the dresses being ruined.
"That is not necessary. What I have is all I require." The elf waved her off.
"Nonsense! The seamstresses will enjoy the challenge anyway." She cast a judgmental look at Maleficent, "Besides, what you have on is going to be washed, so you will need something to wear." Her tone allowed for no argument and Maleficent sighed in defeat. She then smirked at the elf.
"Would you at least like to know how I alter my dresses?" Arwen nodded with an enthusiastic smile which did not go unnoticed by the faerie. She beckoned Arwen closer and turned around, only slightly cringing at the thought of turning her back. Arwen saw that the dress had two slits in it starting at the base of the place where her wings protruded from her back. They went up through the neckline, and if there were not pieces of string holding the ends together the whole dress would be hanging from her arms. The slits encircled the areas where Maleficent's wings protruded from her back, neatly covering her back. She stepped back and Maleficent turned around.
"Simple, but genius," she complimented. "I will make sure they know how it is done. One dress should be finished by tomorrow morning. Is there a certain dress you would like to wear?" She held up the stack, but Maleficent shook her head.
"I have no preference." Arwen bowed her head and bid her good night.
End Flashback
Sitting up in bed, Maleficent smiled as she remembered just how good it felt to wash almost a week's worth of grime from her skin. She had kept her wings as clean as possible to be able to fly, but she neglected the rest of her body and clothing. When she had exited the restroom the night before, she had found her dress missing! In its place was a robe that had been quickly altered to handle her wings. Getting over how annoyed she felt over her dress being taken, she had marveled at the skill of the elves. The robe had been altered quickly, but whoever did it managed to make it look tasteful. 'Elegant' was what Maleficent decided was elves' constant state of being. Her meal had also come and was sitting on the desk next to the bed. She had never heard the elves enter the room. The realization was both surprising and disturbing for the faerie.
On that thought she decided to start getting ready for the day. The position of the sun suggested it was about 7:00 in the morning. After washing her face and straightening her hair, she heard a knock at the door. She froze in place before she heard Arwen's voice through the door.
"Maleficent? It is Arwen. Are you awake?" Maleficent smirked, walked to the door, and opened it. The elf smiled at her. "Good morning! Did I wake you?" She was holding two dresses in her hands and Maleficent opened the door wider so she could come in.
"And to you. No, you did not wake me." She watched as Arwen went straight to the bed and laid the dresses down.
"I've come to collect you. We are to go to breakfast and then I will deliver you to my father's study where you, he, and Gandalf will have your meeting." Maleficent nodded and strode over to see the dresses. Both had long, flowing skirts, wide necklines, and tight bodices. One was deep red with long sleeves that had been slit to the shoulder. The other was dark green with long and wide sleeves. Both had gold trim.
Arwen watched apprehensively as Maleficent took in each of them with an expressionless face. "These were the only two finished," she started, thinking the faerie did not like them, "your dress will be clean by tomorrow!" Maleficent put her hand up to stop any further explanation. Her dress was the black one she wore at Aurora's coronation in the Moors, and she felt rather attached to it. However, these would do fine until it was returned to her.
"They are fine, beautiful even. Please send my thanks to the seamstresses." Arwen relaxed and watched with a small smile as Maleficent picked up the green one and moved behind the changing screen. After a short silence Maleficent decided she wanted to know how her dress was taken without her hearing.
"When did the robe and dinner arrive last night? I did not hear anyone enter the room." She heard Arwen chuckle slightly.
"Elves are known to be light on their feet." Maleficent could hear the pride in her voice. "Was the meal acceptable?" Maleficent started to nod, but realized the elf could not see her.
"Yes."
Arwen watched as Maleficent came out from behind the screen tying one of the strings to hold the dress above her wing. Even before Maleficent finished tying the other, Arwen noticed that the faerie looked very beautiful in the dress. Anyone could see she was beautiful, but the dark color offset her pale skin nicely and matched her light green eyes. After the strings were tied Maleficent noticed that the elf had a small satisfied smile gracing her lips.
"What?" Arwen jumped as Maleficent caught her staring.
"Oh, nothing! The dress compliments you well." Maleficent blinked at her slowly.
"Thank you." After a short awkward silence, Arwen swept her hand to the door.
"Shall we go to breakfast?" Maleficent nodded and took up her staff. Arwen eyed it as they left the room, and decided to ask about it. "You do not have to tell me if you do not wish to, but why do you carry the staff?" Maleficent, rather than being offended, was more curious as to why the elf maiden would ask. When Arwen saw that the faerie was not angry, she continued. "I noticed that it has no magical properties on its own, and you do not have a problem walking, so I was curious why you have it?" Maleficent thought about her answer. She did not want to tell her whole life story, nor did she want to offend the elf. She opted to tell half the truth.
"I was injured some time ago, and I needed this. Now I carry it more out of habit." She smirked at it a little, remembering sneaking into Stephen's castle. "I can also use it as a weapon." Arwen accepted her answer and they continued in silence, Arwen greeting elves as they passed and Maleficent watching her surroundings.
Breakfast was uneventful. All the elves in Rivendell now knew of Maleficent's presence and her attendance to the dining hall only elicited a few whispers. Any that stared took care to do it furtively. Arwen introduced her to a few elves, the names of whom Maleficent quickly forgot. She was formally introduced to the Captain of the Guard from the night before. He approached them and gave Arwen a respectful bow and a formal greeting to Maleficent.
"Captain Larrel, milady. I apologize for our rude meeting yesterday, but these are troubling times and we always suspect a threat."
"I understand. I would have done the same if an unknown creature invaded my land." He smiled at Maleficent's understanding and moved away.
After finishing the meal, Arwen led them to a hall with large double doors. She stopped in front of them.
"This is where your meeting will be. I believe Gandalf and my father have arrived already." Maleficent nodded and Arwen opened the door and spoke in Elvish. Maleficent heard her name in the jumble of musical syllables and assumed Arwen was announcing their arrival. She stood back and held the door for Maleficent. "I will wait here until you finish. I still have to give you your tour." Maleficent thanked her and proceeded inside the room.
It was large. There was a balcony on all three sides of the room and Maleficent assumed it rounded the corners on the outside of the building. There were desks and chairs, a fireplace, and multiple bookshelves containing numerous ancient looking tomes. Gandalf and Arwen's father were just standing to greet her. They strode towards her and the wizard stepped forward first.
"As you know, I am Gandalf the Grey. I apologize for insisting we push our meeting until today instead of last night." He extended his hand and Maleficent took it only after seeing he had no iron on that hand.
"Maleficent, and it is fine." Arwen's father, from whom Arwen got her looks, stepped forward.
"And I am Lord Elrond. I welcome you, belatedly, to Rivendell." She took his hand in greeting and they all sat down to begin. Gandalf started.
"I must say. I was quite surprised to see you carrying Frodo. I was expecting Strider to be leading the two hobbits here in the event I was unable to meet them at the Prancing Pony."
"Well, I did not expect to be carrying him. It would have been nice if he had not been stabbed." She studied the two men and smirked. "However, both of you are more interested in knowing who I am." They nodded sheepishly, and Lord Elrond spoke up.
"Yes, that is what we would like to know. Before you start however, I want you to understand that both Mithrandir and I know that you are not from Middle Earth. That is not because my daughter told us, but because both of us are long-lived and know that there are no beings such as yourself in this land." Maleficent nodded at him.
"I thought so." She paused and began a short version. "My companion and I were pulled through a portal that put us here. I saved Frodo from being run down by a Nazgul before he arrived at Bree, and Pippin mentioned that Gandalf," she glanced at the wizard, "may be able to help us. Therefore, we decided to accompany the hobbits. When you did not meet them Strider offered to guide them here. The hobbits then told us that if Gandalf was unavailable, the elves may be able to help. Hence, here I am." As she finished, both the men were nodding in understanding and were deep in thought. Maleficent let them think and sat in silence, watching their faces. Neither were troubled, so she took that as a good sign. Gandalf broke the silence.
"Forgive my presumption, but you are magically gifted, correct?" She nodded affirmative, assuming he knew because he was also involved in the mystical arts. "However, you have no idea how to get back to your world?" Again, she let him know he was right. "I wonder if there are any ways to travel back." He looked at the elf, "Lord Elrond?"
"I was thinking about the myths that there are other worlds like Middle Earth. There are only a couple and very few still live that remember them. I see the myth is true, but how to send you and your companion back?" He stood and went to one of his many bookshelves. As his back was turned he addressed Gandalf, "Are there are no spells of the Maiar?" Gandalf turned to him, watching the elf as he searched for an unknown book.
"I am not aware of any." He turned back to Maleficent suddenly curious about something she'd mentioned twice now. "I am sorry to suddenly change the subject, but you stated Pippin said I might help you? You also said there were four hobbits?" Maleficent studied him, confused, before she answered affirmative.
"Diaval and I came across four hobbits when we arrived in Middle Earth. Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin." Gandalf's eyes twinkled and he chuckled. To Maleficent, he seemed friendlier than what she'd seen before now.
"I apologize. I was surprised. For you see, when I left Frodo, he only had Samwise as a traveling companion. Frodo and Sam must have picked up the other two while they were causing some mischief." He continued to chuckle and Maleficent saw that he had a great fondness for the hobbits. She smiled slightly, understanding why he felt that way. Although she had only been traveling with them for a week, she found them entertaining and very friendly, much like many of the faeries living in the Moors. However, she decided to bring the conversation back to more somber matters.
"Why did you not meet the hobbits as planned? They were quite distressed." He, as she expected, gained a troubled expression.
"I had gone to get council from the head of my order, Saruman the White. It was revealed that he has been in league with our enemy for some time now. He tried to convince me to join Sauron, but I refused. I was held captive and only escaped after the time I was to meet Frodo and Samwise." Maleficent, familiar to the greed of man, nodded in understanding. She assumed Gandalf's fellow wizard saw fortune in joining Sauron, or he saw the power shifting and felt these men's enemy was going to succeed in the impending war.
"Were you seeking his advice on Sauron's ring that Frodo is carrying?" Both men shot surprised and alarmed looks at her. Looking between the two men, she realized she was not supposed to know. Well, as a traveling companion and protecting them from dark creatures, how was I NOT going to find out?! "Frodo told us after he accidentally put the ring on and he disappeared. It was not like the rest of us were going to forget that." If it was possible, the two looked more alarmed.
"He put it on?!" Gandalf practically screamed and shot to his feet. Maleficent leaned back. She was not so much intimidated as surprised.
"… By accident…" she clarified. She felt like she was getting Frodo into more trouble than he deserved, and decided to steer the conversation back to Sauron. "What do you plan on doing with the ring? Hiding it? It seems to me that it will be found eventually…" Gandalf swallowed his alarm, and sat back down.
"That is a matter Lord Elrond and I have yet to discuss." Obviously she was not privy to that information… yet, so she let it drop. Not wishing to bring further negative feelings to the front, she changed topics.
"How long will it be before Strider and the others arrive?" She'd never admit it, but she was worried for Diaval's safety.
"If they are traveling quickly, it will only be a day or two. Possibly a day and a half." She nodded, and Lord Elrond made a triumphant sound. He returned to them with an ancient looking tome in his hands. Although it was likely older than both of these men's ages put together, it had no coating of dust. He opened it and scanned the pages. He found what he wanted and put the book down. It was in what Maleficent assumed was Elvish and she could not read it. Elrond explained what he'd found.
"Connected to the myth of multiple worlds is a legend and a rumor. The legend is that there are items that can transport beings between the worlds that many do not think exist. We already know that other worlds do exist based on your presence, so it is reasonable to assume the items also exist." Maleficent felt both elated and discouraged. There may be a way to get home, but if it is a legend it possibly means no one knows where the items may be. "However, there is only one item that is specifically mentioned in the legend. That is 'The Amulet of Morgoth.'" Gandalf took a sharp breath and Lord Elrond had gone silent after the name. Maleficent had no idea why, but she assumed this man was not a good man.
"By your dismal faces I suspect he is not an ally." Gandalf sighed. This meeting is going to last days if we have to explain the entire history of the world to her… He elected to tell her a very condensed version.
"No he is not an ally… He is the late leader and mentor to Sauron. Sauron was his Lieutenant, and Morgoth's ambition had also been to rule Middle Earth and the lands beyond. There was a rumor that he believed there were other worlds, such as where you are from, and wanted to rule them as well. He had many artifacts of dark magic that he could use to further his goal."
Elrond took up the explanation. "The legend here," he tapped the page, "states that he created an amulet of pure onyx with dark magic that would transport him anywhere he wanted, including possibly the other worlds." Maleficent thought that logic sounded problematic. He created an item that would take him anywhere. How did it work? He would never know where he was going. He could end up in the middle of an ocean or under the earth! I would think he would need to know exactly where to go… She imagined she could figure it out if it existed. If it did not say how the amulet worked, then she could at least try to find it and figure it out.
"Where does it say the amulet was located?" Lord Elrond started scanning the page again.
"As the legend goes on, it says that Morgoth kept all his magical artifacts in his library." Maleficent leaned forward in anticipation for the location, but Gandalf dashed any hope she may have raised.
"I believe Morgoth had two libraries."
Lord Elrond agreed. "He was also very secretive, as he should have been. He would have hidden and protected any items that were of great importance."
She hoped there would at least be a listing of the locations of the libraries. "Does it say where the libraries are?" Gandalf saw Maleficent's shoulders slump slightly when Lord Elrond shook his head. The movement was so small that he would have missed it if he had not been watching the faerie. Feeling like he needed to lift her spirits, he spoke to her.
"I am sure if the amulet exists, we can find it." Maleficent, disliking the coddling, merely acknowledged his comfort. Lord Elrond, still scanning the pages, spoke from his seat.
"The fact that the amulet was made with the aid of dark magic troubles me. It could mean it only functions on dark magic." All three were concerned at his statement, Maleficent for a different reason than the wizard and elf. The two were disturbed by the mere fact that dark magic was involved, while Maleficent wondered if she could use it with her own magic. Obviously, the dark magic in this world was different from her own abilities which was why she was having trouble with the Nazgul and Sauron's magic. However, if she could get it to work, then she and Diaval could return home. The thought brought her back to the problem of fighting their magic, and she suddenly had an idea. Maybe I do not need to counter their attacks with magic spells, but simply block and push them away... She stored the thought away for after the meeting. The wizard and elf had dropped the question of dark magic and were scanning the page again for any additional information, and Maleficent moved the conversation back to the locations.
"Do either of you have any presumptions of where the libraries could be?" Lord Elrond furrowed his eyebrows in thought, and Gandalf stroked his beard. After a moment he looked at the elf.
"Do you think Barad Dur would be one of the locations?" Lord Elrond nodded thoughtfully, and added his own location.
"And possibly Minas Morgul." Maleficent looked between the two feeling very lost. Both had troubled expressions gracing their faces.
"What are those places? And where are they?" Lord Elrond stood.
"Please, follow me." He and Maleficent walked to a large table. Maleficent found herself looking down on a detailed map. He pointed to a wooded area west of a large chain of mountains running north and south. "We are here, in Rivendell." At the place he pointed was a word in Elvish that she assumed said Rivendell. He moved his hand southeast and pointed to the edge of a rectangular shaped mountain range. "This is where Minas Morgul is located," she followed his finger slightly north west of that location to a point on the inside of the mountain range. It was close to a symbol that could only mean a volcano, "and here is a fortress known as Barad Dur." Maleficent studied the map, thinking about how long it would take to get there.
"These are headquarters of Morgoth?"
"No," Gandalf answered as he walked to the map, "he had a different fortress, but both of these areas were places he could have kept his secret artifacts. Also, this area surrounded by the mountain range is Mordor, Morgoth's old kingdom, and is currently Sauron's. I believe Sauron would keep any artifacts of his old mentor in the event he needed them." Maleficent suddenly realized why they believed this would be difficult and she found herself agreeing. This was the enemy's territory and going there alone would be suicide, especially if she was having issues with the dark magic in this world.
Gandalf got a familiar twinkle in his eyes and Lord Elrond cast a wary glance at him. "If this war could be won, you could most likely get into these places…" Maleficent smirked at him, not at all surprised that he'd subtly suggest that she help in the war. She did not enjoy the idea of being involved in the war, but she also knew she had a better chance of finding the amulet if she did not have to worry about armies of dark creatures impeding in her search. However, she was not alone in this world and wanted to run it by Diaval. She looked at Gandalf who was attempting and failing to hide a pleading expression.
"I will think about it, and then I have to discuss the matter with my companion." Gandalf smiled while Lord Elrond looked on disapprovingly from behind.
"That is all I ask milady. I suppose we are done here. Lord Elrond and I will see if we can find anymore information on the amulet, and how it may be attained. In the meantime, I suggest you enjoy yourself until the rest of your company arrives." Agreeing with him, she bid them good day and stepped outside the room. Arwen was sitting on a comfortable looking chair reading a book when Maleficent exited. She stood when the door opened, and smiled when Maleficent came out.
"You are done?" At the faerie's nod, she continued. "Brilliant, then I will give you the tour. Is there any place you would like to see first?" Maleficent shook her head and the women started down the hall.
(Elrond's study)
When they heard the two women walk away Elrond turned to Gandalf.
"Are you sure letting her stay here is in our best interest?" Gandalf looked at his friend in understanding. He too felt the darkness emanating from the faerie, but he also knew she was not a threat.
"I know you are concerned, but she has proven she is not our enemy. She barely knew Frodo and offered to fly him here when he was in mortal danger." Lord Elrond shook his head.
"That is not what I am troubled by, Gandalf. Yes, she may not be our enemy, but she is a creature of powerful darkness, and like any creature of dark power she can be drawn to the ring. How do we know she is strong enough to resist its pull?" Gandalf lowered his head. He also felt the temptation of the ring, but refused to listen to it. He had no idea if Maleficent was as strong, although her temperament suggested she was capable of resistance.
"I believe she is able. If you are so concerned then have some elves watch her discreetly."
"I believe I will." Elrond turned back to the sitting area they had all been occupying. "Come, let us see if we can find any additional information on the amulet. Also, we need to plan the council meeting. We only have three days before everyone arrives."
TBC
AN: There it is, I hope you all like it. Again, I am sorry for the wait. Read and review!