AN: First off, SORRY, SORRY, SORRY! I had no intention of taking so long to update, but I had to move across the country for a new job. That took up a lot of time. I am settled now, and will try to get the chapters out sooner. However, there is no internet access except every few weeks when I go to the city. I will try to update every few weeks now. Thank you to everyone willing to hang in there while I was adjusting my life.
Disclaimer: I do not own Maleficent or The Lord of the Rings.
Chapter 5
Maleficent awoke early the next morning. More clothing had been left in her wardrobe the night before, and she chose a riding outfit which would be more conducive for sparring with Arwen. She noticed that her black dress had been washed and was hanging there as well. I will wear it tomorrow. Once she was ready she picked up her staff and walked to Diaval's door. She knocked lightly. No answering squawk.
She tried again, a little louder. When she heard nothing she rolled her eyes and walked in. The raven slumbered away in the nest she made for him. Did I not tell him we had much to do today? He should have been up already. She stood in the doorway a second, trying to decide whether to wake him nicely or… not so much. Then she smirked as she remembered that she had a new nickname that he failed to stop.
The magic around her hand glowed green as she levitated the sleeping bird away from the nest and tree and above the bed. No need to injure him. She transformed him into a human, and after checking that he was still asleep, let go of her magical hold. Instantly, he let out a startled yell as he dropped three feet. He looked around quickly and suddenly was not so surprised when he found Maleficent standing there looking not so innocent. She was smiling slightly and had an amused glint in her green eyes. He leaned back exhaustedly.
"Do you mind? I was sleeping."
"It is morning, and I told you we had things to do today." He quit rubbing his forehead and glanced at her.
"Fine, I will get dressed." She smiled a little, an expression Diaval could not interpret, and left the room. He rolled out of bed and slumped to the wardrobe, picking out a simple outfit of a white tunic and dark brown pants. When he walked out of the room Maleficent was leaning against the wall looking bored. He finally took notice of what she was wearing, riding clothing. It was a different look from her black dress, like the green one yesterday, but was not unflattering.
"Are we riding horses today? Or are you riding me?" He'd said it with a smirk and Maleficent couldn't tell if he was using the remark as a friendly joke or as a sexual one. She decided to not gratify him with a response and started down the hallway. Diaval did not take it personally and followed her to the dining hall to have a small breakfast. Arwen joined them when they'd sat down and the two women started talking about what different weapons they were proficient in. Suddenly, Diaval knew why Maleficent was dressed the way she was. Lady Arwen was dressed almost the same, and he realized they were going to spar.
While they were talking, Maleficent learned that Arwen was skillful in quite a few different weapons.
"My weapon of preference is a sword, but I can use a staff, spear, daggers, and bow and arrow." Maleficent's eyes had gone slightly wider at the list, and Arwen grinned at the faerie's surprise. "That's what happens when one lives for as long as I have. You learn to do different things to avoid boredom." Maleficent smiled uncomfortably and chuckled quietly.
After finishing breakfast, the three walked to the practice field. Arwen pointed out buildings and places to Diaval that she'd shown Maleficent the day before. At the field Diaval stood to the edge near the weapon supplies. Arwen picked up a wooden sword and the women walked to a secluded corner and took up fighting stances. Arwen raised her sword while Maleficent bent her knees, took the staff in both hands, and raised her wings slightly.
"Remember, Maleficent, no magic." Arwen reminded her. Maleficent grinned widely.
"The same to you." Arwen smiled, but suddenly took on a serious frown as she focused solely on her opponent. Diaval had the pleasure to see two women with equally piercing gazes stare at each other, waiting for the other to move.
All was still for two seconds, Diaval not daring to breathe, and then Arwen darted forward with a lunge. Maleficent gasped at the speed of the elf and barely parried the strike. She had her head enough to swing at Arwen horizontally with her staff. Arwen ducked and looked for the opening that was sure to follow the missed strike.
Her eyes widened and she stifled a gasp when a large, muscular wing followed the staff. She quickly rolled away to avoid the appendage. Quickly coming to her feet, she used her elven speed, got inside Maleficent's defense, and kicked Maleficent's feet out from under her.
Maleficent's instincts took over and before hitting the ground, she pumped her wings to rise into the air. The gust of wind knocked Arwen from her feet and to her behind in an undignified heap. Seeing an opportunity, Maleficent swooped to hit Arwen with her staff.
Arwen rolled sideways to her feet at the last instant and landed a blow to the faerie's stomach. The strike was not enough to wind Maleficent, but she recognized that in a real fight she would be fatally injured. Hence, she stepped back and they stood for a second, catching the little breath they needed and thinking on the other's moves. Arwen spoke up first.
"I know I did not, but to be sure, I didn't hurt you with that blow did I?" Maleficent half-smiled at the elf.
"No, you did not." She paused for a second, but then decided it would be better to talk about the little spar. "You have great speed." She realized that she was vulnerable to opponents who were smaller and quicker than herself. She was agile and quick for one of her size, but she had to work with wings while Arwen did not. That made the elf quicker. Arwen nodded, knowing where Maleficent's thoughts were.
"Yes, we can work on your ability to handle those type of opponents if you would like." She offered so Maleficent wouldn't have to ask. Maleficent smiled and nodded, appreciating the elf's consideration.
To the side Diaval watched the women converse for a second before standing off again. He thought they were both very skilled, unlike himself. He'd always relied on his animal form to fend off attackers, no matter what form he may be in. He'd never really had to fight in his human form, and the attack on Weathertop he considered more of a 'stay alive until Maleficent came' situation. He could not help but feel a little useless next to these two and decided to shift his thoughts to something slightly safer if not more troubling: Maleficent's clothing and movements.
The riding clothes and the way she moved left little to the imagination. They were made to deflect the underbrush, and so were tighter than men's clothing and were more practical than any dress she might wear. She'd also discarded the over coat of the outfit, leaving only a rather tight tunic in its place. He blushed and quickly banished the thoughts as the women moved to trade blows.
Up on a balcony, a third person watched unnoticed by the three below. Strider already knew that both Arwen and Maleficent were skilled in combat, but he could also tell that Maleficent would have trouble in close combat with smaller, quicker enemies. He did not know the extent to which she would be involved in the future events of this war, but he assumed Gandalf had something planned. He always did. Upon seeing Arwen strike Maleficent in the stomach he remembered how truly devastating that would be for the faerie. Not only would it be a terrible slashing wound, but it would burn as well. His eyes became unfocused suddenly as he had a thought. Armor! She needs armor. He looked down again as they finished talking took up fighting stances again. But she needs something that does not have iron in it… He glanced at Arwen as an idea started to form. She'd raised her sword again and Maleficent bent in a distinctly more aggressive stance. Will we get more offense from Maleficent this time?
Maleficent watched Arwen. The elf seemed ready to pounce again. Maleficent grinned inwardly and thought savagely. I will be the one attacking this time around. Bending her knees and leaning forward she pumped her wings and leapt straight at Arwen. She was not flying so much as using her wings to help her gain speed in her leap. She positioned her staff for a diagonal strike just as she was feet away from the elf.
Arwen jerked back in surprise at the speed of Maleficent's advance. She'd covered ten feet in almost a second! Not only was Arwen now off balance, but she could almost sense the strength behind the impending blow as the faerie swung. Rethinking her options, Arwen pivoted to dodge to the side at the last second rather than parry. She instantly brought her sword upward to strike Maleficent's exposed side.
The faerie saw it coming as it was similar to the attack from before. In her forward leaning, post-strike position she knew she did not have time to block. Quickly she jumped to gain a foot of air and used her wings to spin as if going through some clouds. The movement, instead of propelling her forward like a corkscrew, spun her horizontally upward and over Arwen's head. Spreading her wings, she righted herself before landing heavily on her feet behind Arwen.
The elf spun around in time to see Maleficent's staff flying towards her midsection. With no time to dodge, she brought her sword up to block the blow. She succeeded, but the force of the strike pushed her back several feet and Maleficent's blow continued its arc as if she'd struck air. Arwen only barely held onto the sword at all.
Maleficent did not wait for her to recover. She launched at the elf again and swung in an upward diagonal with the other end of the staff.
Arwen deflected the bone-jarring strike and shakily ducked as Maleficent pivoted and lashed a wing at her head. Arwen avoided the wing, but gasped as she looked ahead and saw feathers cloud her vision. The second wing, spread to its full capacity, hit her upper body, and she sailed backwards.
Arwen miraculously landed on her feet but the backwards momentum forced her to fall backwards. Instead of landing on her back, the elf rolled backwards to come to her knees. She looked up in time to see Maleficent's staff descending on her position. Again, she could see the devastating strength behind the attack and rolled sideways. Only this time she did not counter attack. She backpedaled as Maleficent shot towards her again. Arwen, once again, did not have time to dodge and was forced to block and divert four quick blows from Maleficent's staff. Rather than slow down and become weaker, the faerie's blows became stronger as she gained momentum.
On the fifth strike, the strength of the blow flung Arwen to her back and the wooden sword flew from her hand. Maleficent darted forward and put the end of the staff to Arwen's neck. Arwen stayed very still and looked at the stone in the end of the staff as she started to chuckle.
"I yield." Maleficent grinned with her and withdrew the staff.
Then Maleficent did something that completely surprised Diaval. She leaned down and offered her hand to help Arwen up. The elf took it and the two women rested and shared a laugh. He watched as they started talking again.
"Quite a sight to see…" Diaval jumped at the voice next to him. He found a brown haired elf standing with his arms crossed and watching the two warriors converse. Diaval tried to not be concerned about the elf's ability to go unheard. "Your companion is very skilled to be taking on Lady Arwen. They are playing against each other's weaknesses well." Diaval glanced at him curiously.
"How do you mean?" The elf smiled at Diaval, happy to share his expertise.
"Maleficent is strong and relies on instinct, but she is rather slow compared to Lady Arwen. However, if she does land a blow, it is devastating for her opponent as we just saw in the last skirmish." He motioned to the two women who were now preparing to start again. "Therefore, both are working on winning using the other's weakness. It is a good way to practice and learn." Diaval hummed in understanding. He remembered that most of the fights Maleficent had been in were decided by her magic or strength. It made sense that she was trying to gain more speed and agility. "What is your preference?" He cocked his head at the elf when the question threw him off guard.
"Sorry?"
"What weapon do you prefer to use?" Diaval's ears burned in embarrassment.
"I… I do not really fight much. At least not with a weapon, so I suppose I do not have one…" he stammered. The elf studied the bird turned man for a second and Diaval wondered if the secret that he was not human would be found out earlier than expected. Suddenly the warrior's eyes lit up with an idea.
"Come with me." Diaval glanced again at the sparring women and then followed the elf towards the weapons rack.
"I am sorry, but I do not believe we were introduced…" The elf stopped with a shocked and amused look at Diaval.
"Oh," he chuckled, "forgive me! I got so caught up in talking that I forgot we do not know each other!" He laughed a little more and ran a hand through his long hair. "I am called Lefnoln. I am one of the weapons masters in Rivendell." Diaval stuck out a hand in the greeting he knew to be human, and Lefnoln took it.
"Diaval." Lefnoln nodded and they continued towards the weapons. When they arrived Lefnoln moved to a rack of clubs and maces. He picked up a mace and shield and walked back to Diaval.
"Clubs and maces form a category of weapon made for blunt heavy force trauma. This is a flanged mace. It along with others of its type are made to deal blunt force trauma and to pierce and slash through armor. There is a larger form of this weapon called a Morning Star, but they are two-handed weapons generally. These types of weapons have a straight forward application, and only good reflexes are needed." He held the weapon out to Diaval who raised his hands for the elf to keep it.
"From what I know, they are very heavy. I am afraid I am not very strong…" Lefnoln smiled kindly.
"It is elven made." At Diaval's blank look he continued with the explanation that normally did not need to be explained. "It is lighter than anything a human could produce." Diaval looked curiously at the mace and then took it with both hands, expecting it to weigh down his arms. To his surprise, it only seemed to weigh a couple of pounds. The weapon was two and a half feet long with leather wrapped around one end, forming the handle. At the end of the metal shaft was the damaging portion. The metal widened into a solid oblong ball with six sharp edges of metal, or flanges, protruding from it. Each flange were slightly triangular, making a point facing away from the middle of the weapon, and then they all came together to form a point at the tip of the weapon. Just below the flanges were six small, sharp edges of metal only a few inches long. Upon closer inspection, Diaval saw that they were not only sharp, but serrated. All in all, this was a very impressive and dangerous item. Suddenly excited, he took the shield proffered to him. It was also very light.
"That's a heater shield. It is mainly used by warriors on horseback and foot soldiers because they are lighter." The shield had four points. The broadest part was between the two horizontal points and was about as wide as his shoulders. It was longer vertically and reached from his chin to just below the waist. There was a slight incline from the horizontal points to the upper point, making the shield resemble the kites he'd seen human children flying. The whole thing was slightly curved to deflect missiles more easily he suspected.
"Now, since they are light you will need to use your strength to land solid blows. In my opinion, it would behoove you to rely on speed and accuracy like Lady Arwen. Wait to see how your opponent is attacking and make decisions from there…" Diaval swung the mace to get a feel for it. Although it was metal, meaning Maleficent could not touch it, he rather liked the thought of being able to defend himself as a human.
"Would you like a lesson?" Diaval looked at Lefnoln. He was holding a wooden club and shield out for him to take. Diaval nodded and set the metal objects on the rack. Lefnoln picked up a wooden sword and shield for himself.
"First, you need to know the proper stances, and then basic movements, such as blocks, parries, and strikes. After that, you will learn to anticipate opponents' strikes and move to block, parry, or dodge them." He moved into a fighting stance and Diaval mimicked him. For the next half an hour Diaval learned and practiced these things. It was strange for him at first, but his body acclimated quickly to the positions and movements.
Maleficent and Arwen finished their spar with strained breaths and grins. Maleficent had won twice more and Arwen three times. It did not surprise Maleficent much. Though she was stronger than Arwen, the elf was faster, making it difficult to land decisive blows. By the end of the fight, however, Maleficent figured she could hold her own against such an opponent if she really needed to. They moved to rest on a bench and put Arwen's sword away when Maleficent noticed that Diaval was missing. She looked around disappointedly, hating the way her heart squeezed at his departure. Arwen made an amused sound behind her.
"It looks like Diaval felt he wanted to be more useful in a fight." Maleficent turned to her in confusion and the elf maiden nodded her head towards the corner of the practice field. She followed Arwen's gaze and saw Diaval dodge a blow from an elf warrior and strike in turn. The elf blocked it and quickly tripped Diaval. The bird-man stayed on the ground in frustration and exhaustion. She smirked in amusement, but Arwen saw the tiny glint of genuine pride in the faerie's eyes. I wonder how the two of them do not notice.
Arwen caught movement out of the corner of her eye and looked to see Strider subtly getting her attention. By the way he was moving she understood that he did not want Maleficent to know he was there. She moved so her body blocked where Strider was and turned to Maleficent.
"I am going to freshen up. What do you have planned?" Maleficent reluctantly took her eyes off the fighting lesson Diaval was getting and looked at Arwen.
"I have to talk to Diaval about some things. Where can we talk in private?" Arwen looked to the forest.
"There are many places in this city used for privacy, but the forest is not being used for practice purposes today…" Maleficent nodded at the suggestion. Arwen smiled. "I will see you at dinner then?"
"Probably not. Our conversation may take a while. We can fend for ourselves tonight. Unless you need to speak to me about something?" Arwen shook her head.
"Nothing in particular. I could have some food brought to you rooms…" Maleficent said that would not be necessary. They agreed to catch up the next day and then shook hands. Maleficent turned to go to Diaval, while Arwen strode to where Strider was hiding. She smiled in amusement.
"Why are you hiding, Aragorn? It's not like you are frightened of her." The human rolled his eyes and started walking with her.
"One would be foolish to not be slightly frightened after watching that fight… However, that is not why I am avoiding her sight."
"Hiding," she cut in. He glared in annoyance.
"Not hiding."
"Yes, dear, that was hiding. Like a five year old." She giggled and he gave up on convincing her.
"I did not want her to know I was talking to you. She is intelligent and would figure out my plan, or part of it." He had Arwen's attention now.
"Yes?" He looked around to make sure they were alone and moved to a more secluded area. He took her hands.
"I want you to make something for me, so I can give it to her. She cannot know that you made it… if you say yes." Arwen raised an eyebrow at him. That could not be more suspicious.
"Go on." Her tone was no longer joyful or teasing, but more… guarded.
"Well, she needs armor, but it cannot be metal." Arwen cocked her head to the side in curiosity.
"Why not? It is one of the best materials for it." Aragorn looked around and leaned closer to whisper in her ear.
"Metal burns faeries." Arwen's eyes widened and she looked to the side, remembering, as he leaned away. She remembered how Maleficent would not pick up Isildur's blade, but insisted on just looking. She also now faintly remembered a hidden relieved expression when she said they were going to spar with wooden weapons.
"… I see. And she would be angry with you for telling me her secret." Aragorn nodded, relieved that she understood. "So now, the question of what her armor can be made from." She walked to a nearby bench and sat to think. Aragorn sat next to her.
"I had a thought, but it would be difficult. Not impossible, but you probably would not have enough time seeing as Gandalf wants to leave once the council meeting is over." She just looked at him. "Mithral." A smile started to form on the elf maiden's face.
"Mithral armor in a couple of days... What an interesting challenge."
Maleficent walked to where Diaval and the elf were practicing. Diaval was not doing too badly for a beginner and she suspected he would be able to defend himself if he needed to. He already had good reflexes from living the majority of his life as a raven, and so, only needed to get the movements ingrained into his mind.
She watched as Diaval, hunched behind a shield, looked for an opening in the elf's defense. Suddenly, the elf lunged with his wooden sword, and Diaval altered his stance so the sword slide past him on the shield. He took a step around the elf and swung his club at the exposed back. The elf rolled sideways and blocked Diaval's second strike with his own shield. That left Diaval exposed and the opportunity was taken. He tripped Diaval and brought his sword down to end the spar. Diaval rolled away and scrambled to his feet as the elf lunged for a second time. Either with skill she did not know he had, or luck, Diaval swung his club and perfectly deflected the wooden sword. His swing was across his own body and so he pivoted and lashed out with the shield, successfully hitting the elf square in the back. Her eyebrows rose in surprise. That actually looked like a professional move… but can he optimize it? The elf rolled forward and to his feet, while Diaval crouched defensively again. Nope… He and the elf stood opposing each other again.
"No, no, no, Diaval!" She slammed her staff down in frustration. He looked at her, surprised at her presence. However, he quickly brought his attention back to Lefnoln.
"What?"
"You are supposed to go after him when he falls like that. If you do not, then he just gets back up and you have to deal with him again!" It was all she could do to not cross her arms and tap her foot. Lefnoln chuckled.
"Maleficent is right, Diaval. When your opponent has fallen, you need to act on your advantage and strike a killing blow. That instinct will come with experience." He stood suddenly. "That is probably enough for today. We can meet again tomorrow if you would like. I have a meeting to go to in the morning, but we could meet afterward. How about an hour after Noon?" Diaval stood straight as well and nodded. Lefnoln nodded and turned to Maleficent.
"Greetings, milady. I am Lefnoln, a weapons expert and an instructor in Rivendell." She nodded to him, and he left them alone. Diaval returned his club and shield to the rack and stepped up to her.
"Your fight with Lady Arwen was impressive. I did not know you could fight with such… ferocity." Maleficent decided to take it as a compliment since it was in her mind. She started walking towards the forest and he followed.
"Thank you. I am surprised you were practicing with a human weapon though. I thought you abhorred the human way of fighting."
"I do. Humans seem to fight for no reason sometimes. At least we animals fight for good reasons." Maleficent smirked at his indignant tone.
"Humans always have a cause when they fight. If the cause is truly justified is another question all together. Anyway," she turned to glance at his face, "you seemed to be enjoying yourself…" Diaval sighed and shrugged.
"Using a weapon is more effective when in this form, and since you prefer me to be a human right now I figured I should learn to defend myself… Besides, Lefnoln offered in the first place. Should I have refused?"
"No, of course not! That would have been rude." Diaval chuckled and she turned back to him again.
"What?"
"Oh, it's just ironic." She curious look deepened and he explained. "Because going to a Christening of a baby you are not invited to, and cursing said baby is polite." He continued to chuckle and she huffed as she walked a little faster. The only reason she did not transform him then was because they needed to talk. He increased his speed to catch up. "So what are we doing in the woods? Not that I do not love the wilderness, but I have been walking for the past few days." Maleficent simply glanced at him out of the corner of her eyes and continued walking.
They strode in silence for a while until Maleficent found a place she thought was suitable. It was a small clearing that was pretty well lighted by the sunlight even though the canopy was rather thick. In a few places brighter beams of sunlight pierced to the ground. There was a small stream with some boulders at its side flowing at the edge of the clearing. Diaval and Maleficent perched themselves on the boulders to talk.
"There are two things we need to discuss. The first is our situation in this world. As you know, I do not really have a spell that can take us back to the Moors. However, I spoke to Gandalf and Lord Elrond about it. There is a myth of multiple worlds and a legend of a dark artifact that may have been a way to travel between the worlds. And before you get excited, it is a myth and so possibly not true." At his crestfallen face she continued. "However, I am willing to risk it."
"So what is the artifact?"
"The Amulet of Morgoth. It is an onyx amulet made from dark magic." She did not want to give him a long explanation, knowing he'd get bored, and so, stuck with a short version. "Morgoth was the dark magic conqueror before the current one, Sauron. The legend is that he created the amulet and hid it in one of his libraries. Before you ask, the libraries' locations are unknown, but Gandalf and Lord Elrond had two places to suggest. Unfortunately, both of those places are in enemy territory." She watched him to make sure he was still following. At his nod she continued. "Gandalf subtly suggested I aid in the impending war to be able to search for the item if it exists. I said I would talk to you before I decided." She finished with a sigh, realizing that was longer an explanation than she'd expected to give.
Diaval, for his part, was more excited than concerned. He may not be an aggressive being, but he did long for adventure at times. This presented the perfect opportunity. Additionally, he was touched by the fact that Maleficent wanted him to make his own decision in this situation. Not too long ago, she would not have given him a choice. Yes, he would have helped her even if he complained, but it was nice that she was considering his feelings.
"Well, if the amulet will help us get home and the war needs to be won to find it, then I think we should help. Plus, we've seen what they are up against. They need help." They smiled at each other, both longer than they intended, until Maleficent became uncomfortable. She cleared her throat and changed the subject quickly.
"Good. Now that that is done, on to my next subject." She paused for a second, debating on how to tell him. "You remember on the ruined fort when we were fighting the Nazgul?"
"How could I forget?"
"You remember that I lifted them, but then dropped them rather quickly?" She glanced at his face to see him nod with a concerned expression. He was sensing it was not a good thing. "Well, I dropped them because I had to. Normally, I would have blasted them all off the side of the hill, but something stopped me." She paused, thinking of a way to explain the feeling. "It was like they were too heavy and my magic could not hold them up let alone throw them." She let that sink in before she continued.
Diaval remembered how shaken she'd seemed after the fight, and now it made sense. Usually Maleficent was unstoppable when it came to magic, but that time she was not. He brought his attention back to her when she started again.
"My thoughts are that the dark magic here, or magic in general, is so different from my own that they cannot work against one another. I even feel physically and mentally repulsed whenever one of the Nazgul is close. I think that as I cannot cast a spell on a magical being's body, they cannot do the same to me."
"But, judging from your tone, you feel like you may have a way around the disability." He smiled at her sudden frown.
"Disability? I would hardly…"
"It sounds like one to me, but if you think it's different…"
"I do." He continued to smirk, but let it drop before she became more annoyed. She glared at him for a few more seconds before continuing in a darker tone, not letting that comment be forgotten. "I think I might be able to block direct magical attacks and send magical energy at other magic users even if I cannot manipulate the being themselves." Diaval wanted to make sure he understood.
"So you cannot levitate or transform magic users, the Nazgul for example, like you can for normal humans and I, but you think you might be able to attack them more physically and directly." She nodded. "How do you plan to do that? Have you ever attacked with 'energy' before?" Maleficent squirmed slightly as she hesitated.
"No. Faeries, on the bottom line, are peaceful creatures. We make sure nature is as it should be more often than not, and are not usually inclined to violence. Obviously, I am an exception, but I have never done anything so malicious before." Diaval smiled.
"Except for cursing a baby." Maleficent pursed her lips and tried to ignore that remark.
"Anyway, I am out here to try and practice it. I was just under the impression you would want to be here…" She crossed her arms to hide her embarrassment and looked at something in the stream that must have been interesting. If it was possible, she just became more endearing to Diaval, but he would never tell her. He looked at the stream too.
"Well, I am here to serve. How would you like me to help? What are your ideas?"
"… I was actually expecting some sort of suggestions or advice…" She said it so quietly he almost didn't hear it, but smiled slightly before considering her problem seriously.
"Hmm, I guess I would not say that you would necessarily be doing anything really ill-intended…" At her curious look he explained his idea. "Well it is not like you are going to be attacking these things out of the wickedness in your heart. You will be protecting yourself and those around you! Isn't that a form of healing?" His sly smile made her smirk. Sneaky bird. She sighed and looked to a pile of dead branches, deciding they'd make a good enough target.
She stared at her hand, focusing, until magic pooled around it. Diaval stepped back a bit. Maleficent whipped her hand at the target and the magic flew at it. Immediately the branches came to life, sprouting leaves and flowers. They both stare for a second, Diaval discreetly hiding a smile. At least we know she can heal from a distance. He hurried forward and gathered some more dead underbrush and laid it against a tree for her to try again. All the while she was staring at her hand, trying to figure out the solution.
She tried again. This time, not only did the branches start growing again, but the tree grew two feet. Vines and roots shot towards her and tangled in her feet and wings in what seemed like affectionate thanks. She struggled away from them and almost tripped in the process. Diaval cackled from his perch as she regains her footing.
"Shut it!" She snapped as she pointed in his direction. Suddenly green magic shot towards Diaval's feet! He jumped aside quickly with a yelp and the ground where his feet had been exploded with the magic's impact.
There was silence for a second. Maleficent furtively checked Diaval for injuries but found none before going back to staring at her hand. Diaval got up and dusted himself off after making sure his feet were still attached.
"How did that happen?" He asked. Maleficent shook her head.
"I do not know." She pointed at a nearby tree and magic shot at it. It immediately grew higher and healthier. Maleficent scoffed in annoyance and rolled her eyes skyward. Diaval stared at the tree in thought.
"What were you feeling?"
"What?" Her tone suggested she did not like the direction of his question.
"What emotion was it when you pointed at me versus the tree just now?" He picked up an acorn off the ground and inspected it. She thought for a moment about his question. I was thinking differently. I wanted Diaval to stop laughing at me. I suppose it was selfish, but I wanted him to be a miserable as I felt. I did not feel that way towards the tree or any of the other targets… She unconsciously pulled magic to her hand. Diaval saw and quickly threw the acorn he'd picked up.
It hit her in the side of the head and she turned towards him. Instantly, the ground next to her exploded with leaves and dirt, sending her reeling sideways. After stumbling a little she looked at the spot in surprise. After the noise of the explosion wore off, she heard the sound of Diaval unabashedly laughing at her reaction. She looked at him and saw his eyes closed, close to tears, and holding his side. Thankfully he wasn't rolling around on the ground.
Diaval couldn't remember laughing so hard. Maleficent's facial expression and bodily reaction were too much to handle. He also felt giddy that the reaction made her seem more normal and not the heartless goddess most people thought she was. Maleficent watched him laugh for a second more before deciding she'd had enough.
"Keep laughing like that and I will change you into a dog again!" Diaval's laughter only slightly subsided.
"Oh, because I hate canines? Well, according to the hobbits, wolves are both dangerous and beautiful here, so I guess I do not mind." His smile was triumphant and smug. Maleficent stared at him as if he'd just said the stupidest thing in the world. Not only is that what she thought in the first place, but he was forgetting something.
"Well, you have to remember that there are many types of dogs. Wolves just happen to be one of the more majestic breeds." Her eyes narrowed. "I could easily change you into something significantly less majestic, such as a poodle or pug. I believe Aurora called them cute…" She started towards Diaval as he paled and quickly stood.
"That's the emotion!" Maleficent stopped her advance abruptly.
"What?" She almost yelled in frustration.
"You were angry both times it worked, and it would work if you tried it now. You have to be angry!" He shot his hands up at the conclusion, smiling at his supposed intelligence. She stood still trying to process the fact that he was probably right. I was angry and frustrated both times.
"So what, Diaval? I have to be angry with you at all times?" He quit smiling and she hid a smirk. Of course she would not stay angry with him; she just needed to mess with him. It may be anger as well as the other negative emotions such as frustration, sorrow, anxiety, jealousy, fear. Diaval was busy thinking of a way for her to not be constantly angry when she swept her hand at him. A crescent-shaped wave of green magic drove towards him. Diaval jumped out of the way with a yell as the magic hit a rock behind him. The thing exploded and Maleficent halted any shards flying at the two of them.
"You could have warned me!" He stared indignantly at her.
"I wanted to see if I could do it at will… I can." She crossed her arms and refused to feel contrite. He stood and brushed himself off.
"So, how do you do it? Is it simple?" Maleficent nodded.
"Theoretically, yes. I think I have to feel some sort of negative emotion. Anger and frustration are probably the easiest, but I think others such as fear and sorrow count as well. I think I can just think of that human and it will work." Diaval nodded in understanding.
They practiced for the rest of the day, and at some time they switched from Maleficent practicing her magic to Diaval working on his dodging skills. In a way it gave both a chance to hone their skills. After a few burns, lost and regrown eyebrows, and scrapes and bruises they decided to call an end to the session. It was dusk by the time they flew into Maleficent's room. She changed Diaval back into a human and smirked at his disheveled clothing and messed up hair.
"Do not mock me! It is your fault I look like this." Maleficent attempted to hold back a small chuckle, but failed. His almost panicked expression when he'd lost his eyebrows came to her mind. She'd found it more amusing than he had. His dodging skills still leave something to be desired. She settled down and sat on her bed.
"So we are still in agreement? Help in this war so we can try to get back to the Moors?" He sat on a chair.
"Yes. Besides, I rather like this world how it is now. If their enemy wins, all of it will be lost. I really cannot let that happen, even if I play a small part." Maleficent smiled, rather happy they could get along so well after so many years.
"I agree." They looked at the door after a soft knock. Looking back at each other for a second, Diaval got up and opened the door.
To say Gandalf's expression was surprised to see Diaval open the door was an understatement. It was unusual for a single man to be in a single woman's quarters alone, but this was an unusual couple. He let it go. After glancing at Maleficent for permission, Diaval let the wizard in and closed the door.
"I am sorry for the intrusion, but I did not see either of you a dinner and had wanted to speak with you." Maleficent gestured for him to sit while Diaval dragged up another chair. "I had wondered if you'd given my question any thought." He watched as the two exchanged a nod before Maleficent spoke for both of them.
"We have agreed that it would be in our best interests if you and your allies won the oncoming war." Gandalf gave a relieved smiled.
"Oh, I am so grateful! Well, on to my next order of business. Are you aware that Rivendell has received more guests today?" Maleficent nodded. She had heard from a passing elf at breakfast. It was another one of the reasons she and Diaval had stayed out for dinner that night. Might as well not scare away all the allies the second they arrive. "There is going to be a council meeting held tomorrow morning at nine o'clock. It will be to decide the best course of action before the war officially starts. There are rumors that Sauron's ring has been unearthed, but to all of these allies it is only a rumor. They will see it tomorrow, and will have to agree on how it should be handled." Maleficent and Diaval nodded in understanding before he continued. "The unfortunate thing it that some of these allies are unfriendly towards others on our side. For example, dwarves and elves rarely get along, and humans tend to be untrusting of elves at times."
"I understand." Maleficent nodded and waved her hand to tell him she did not need any more examples.
"I have come to request yours and Diaval's presence at the meeting since you plan on helping this cause." He watched as the two exchanged another look. I wonder how long they have been together to understand each other so well.
"We will come, but I hope you understand how it will go. I do not know if Strider told you, but I was not well-received at the Prancing Pony."
"Ah yes, I was told. Rest assured, Lord Elrond, Strider, Frodo, and I will defend your right to be present." He smiled and his eyes twinkled conspiratorially. "Besides, you have proven you can defend yourself easily." She and Diaval smirked and he stood. "Well, I will bid you goodnight, and will see you in the morning. Do you plan on coming for breakfast?" Diaval opened the door for him as Maleficent walked Gandalf to the door.
"No, I believe I will leave the majority of the surprise for the meeting. I will take my breakfast in my room." Gandalf inclined his head with a chuckle, nodded to Diaval, and left. Diaval waited at the door a second before also leaving.
"You do not plan on the black leather outfit, crown, and cape again do you? You don't want to frighten the villagers too much." Maleficent pretended to be offended.
"How could you say such a thing? I only make grand entrances when I have not been invited." She gave a wide and unnerving smile that barely attempted to be innocent. Diaval chuckled as he closed to door and went to his own room. Maleficent continued to smile as she picked out her black dress for tomorrow. Although, I mustn't give them the impression that I am a nice person, so black it is.
The next morning Maleficent met Diaval outside her room just before the start of the meeting. She was slightly nervous, not that she'd show it, but she really shouldn't be. Not only could she defend herself as Gandalf rightly assumed, but she also had five allies going to the meeting not including however many elven guards that would likely be present. Diaval, ever insightful, glanced furtively at the minute nervous ticks.
"You alright, Mistress?"
"Of course. Why shouldn't I be?" Diaval gave a noncommittal shrug as they started towards the meeting's location. They walked for a few minutes in silence before Maleficent spoke. "Diaval, would you mind if I transformed you into a raven for the meeting? So you could sit near the humans without them knowing?" Diaval nodded.
"Of course, but why?"
"I would like a warning if they plan anything ill-willed… or ill-advised." Diaval smirked along with her at the thought of the result of the latter. There wouldn't be much left of them if they planned something like that.
"What about the other members? The dwarves and visiting elves?" Maleficent nodded.
"From what I can tell, the elves at least will take their courses of action based on the other elves. As for the dwarves, I think they will look to their hosts and Gandalf for any indication of my intentions. I am mostly concerned for the humans for obvious reasons." Diaval nodded and she transformed him since they were close enough to the area. She arrived at the corner before coming into sight of those already assembled and paused. She took a calming breath to prepare herself for the impending reactions and strode, head held high, around the corner and through the archway.
A pin could be heard hitting the floor in the resulting silence that followed her entrance. All eyes turned to her as she walked forward. Frodo was sitting at an edge of an almost closed circle. As their eyes met she noticed he looked relieved to see her if not nervous about life in general. He still looked slightly ill, but much better than before. Strider was standing next to two empty chairs and simply gave her an approving glance before gesturing to one of the chairs for her to take and sitting himself in the other. Lord Elrond gave a small smile and nodded, while Gandalf was openly grinning.
"Maleficent!" He exclaimed loud enough so everyone could hear. "Lord Elrond and I were wondering if you would be on time or fashionably late." She only gave him a demure smirk before going to the seat Strider had saved for her. The other members were still silently staring and her staff clicking on the stone floor seemed more deafening than the waterfalls. Although she could sense the start of grumbling coming from the humans and dwarves. The elves seemed to adopt impassive expressions until more was known.
Strider met Legolas' gaze and nodded at him to show there was no problem. Legolas nodded and moved himself into a more relaxed position. His peers noticed and did the same.
Gimli and the dwarves shifted anxiously in their seats, but saw that the creature was welcomed here. Gimli did not like it though. She was not known to him, and there was no proof of her being an ally or an enemy. He may trust Gandalf, but not the elves. She also looked like one if the horns and wings were removed.
The grumbles from the humans, however, were becoming louder. They did not seem to take the reactions of the dwarves and the calm of the elves into account. Many of them could not get past the horns and wings. Words such as monster, evil, and demon were the loudest. Lord Elrond took the silence as a cue to start.
"Now that we are all here…"
"What is the meaning of this?!" Everyone looked to the human who was on his feet. He was a portly old man with a white beard and graying hair. His face was so red Maleficent thought his heart might fail. The man turned his glare to Maleficent and then back to Lord Elrond. "How dare you let such a creature join this council?"
"Peace! Maleficent is a friend." The man scoffed loudly while the other men grumbled in discontent, their fingers twitching towards their weapons. Boromir was curiously quiet. Strider found that rather strange compared to his encounter with the man the previous night. To him he'd seen him as a man who said what he thought no matter how foul it may be. He did not look pleased, but he was keeping unhappily calm even though his man was not.
"Well, it looks like a friend of Sauron's, not of the elves!" Maleficent had basically been ignoring him until he referred to her as an it. The other humans' blood froze at her sudden glare, but the man foolishly ignored it and continued his tirade. "We will all be ruined if you let it stay!" The tension in the air was so thick, Frodo felt like he was breathing in a dense mist.
"Maleficent." The human's head snapped to the faerie.
"What?"
"My name is Maleficent. I would appreciate it if you'd use it." The phrase was friendly enough, but her tone stayed even and her glare deepened. Frodo did not think that was possible. He pressed his back into his seat. He knew she could be frightening if given the chance, and the human was pressing his luck. Maleficent tilted her head down a little so he got a good view of her horns and her grip tightened on the staff. Personally, she wanted nothing more than to put the pathetic little man in his place, but a significant look from Strider stopped her, for now. Also, she could see Diaval shifting nervously on the branch, probably begging her to calm down.
The human moved to say something crude, but Lord Elrond cut in, sensing a growing danger from the faerie.
"My Lord, please clam yourself." He was looking at the man, but discreetly held a hand out to Maleficent as if attempting to persuade her to also calm down. He continued, "Maleficent is a part of this council. I beseech you to accept that." The elf and man glared at each other for a second before the human dropped his gaze. He turned to return to his seat, but not before he sent another glare at Maleficent. She returned it.
Lord Elrond let out a quiet sigh while the rest of the council members let out the breath they'd unconsciously been holding. He gathered himself, glanced at Gandalf, and started the meeting.
"Strangers from distant lands, friends of old. You have been summoned here to answer the threat of Mordor. Middle Earth stands upon the brink of destruction. None can escape it. You will unite or you will fall. Each race is bound to this fate, this one doom." He gaze swept across those assembled and then landed on Frodo. "Bring forth the Ring, Frodo." The hobbit nervously gulped at the attention, but moved towards the pedestal slowly. He carefully set the ring down and whispers immediately spread through the members. Maleficent and Strider heard Boromir whisper loudly to himself.
"So it's true." Legolas and Gimli stared suspiciously at the Ring, while Maleficent ignored the whispers coming to her head. Slowly all heads turn to Boromir as he stood. His voice started out slow and wistful.
"In a dream I saw the Eastern sky grow dark." Maleficent watched as he walked towards the Ring. "In the West a pale light lingered. A voice was crying, your doom is near at hand. Isildur's bane is found." Maleficent felt the power of the Ring flare a little as he drew closer and stretched out his hand, and Lord Elrond looked at Gandalf in concern. "Isildur's Bane…"
"Boromir!" Lord Elrond jumped to his feet, as Gandalf did the same. The sky darkened suddenly as Gandalf spoke in language that crawled along Maleficent's skin and thrummed against her heart. She couldn't decide to cringe away or answer the sudden flare of dark power.
"Ash nazg durbatulûk, ash nazg gimbatul," Boromir backed up to his seat as Gimli shouted in surprise. Lord Elrond held his head in pain and Legolas closed his eyes in a grimace. "agh burzum-ishi krimpatul." Boromir sat down in shock while Gandalf halted the speech and the sky cleared. Maleficent relaxed slightly, but Lord Elrond glared at the wizard.
"Never before has anyone uttered words of that tongue here in Imladris." Gandalf looked at the elf as he caught his breath.
"I do not ask your pardon Master Elrond for the Black Speech of Mordor may yet be heard in every corner of the West." He turned and looked at the members of the council. "The Ring is altogether evil." He turned and sat back down, annoyed at Boromir's reaction. A human such as him would be drawn to its power.
Boromir shook his head in disagreement.
"Aye, it is a gift!" He stood up again as Gandalf angrily whipped his gaze to him again. "A gift to the foes of Mordor. Why not use this Ring?" He addressed the whole council to sway them to his idea. "Long has my father, the Steward of Gondor, kept the forces of Mordor 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!" Strider, having enough, finally spoke up.
"You cannot wield it!" Boromir turned to the man he thought his inferior. "None of us can. The One Ring answers to Sauron alone. It has no other master!" Maleficent was impressed by her ally's knowledge, but Boromir glowered indignantly.
"And what would a ranger know of this matter?" Legolas stood up suddenly.
"This is no mere Ranger." Boromir and everyone else looked at him in curiosity. "He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance." Boromir whipped his head around and stared at Aragorn in disbelief while Frodo looked at his guide in amazement. Maleficent had no idea who Arathorn was, but according to Boromir's face, he was someone of importance. She did however know the meaning of "allegiance". What position could he have that make him Boromir's superior? Boromir couldn't believe it!
"Aragorn! This… is Isildur's heir…" Legolas haughtily finished his thought.
"And heir to the throne of Gondor." Maleficent's eyes widened as she fully looked at the man seated next to her. A king? No wonder he seemed so different from the humans in the tavern, and seems to know so much. She also slightly smirked at Boromir's obvious distaste. Aragorn held his hand up to Legolas.
"Havo dad, Legolas." Legolas sat as instructed, and Boromir turned to the elf.
"Gondor has no King." He continued to stare at Aragorn as he walked back to his seat. He added disdainfully, "Gondor needs no King." After a short uncomfortable silence, Gandalf spoke up.
"Aragorn is right. We cannot use it." Elrond, feeling like it was his responsibility to tell them the path, stood again.
"You have only one choice. The Ring must be destroyed." There was a pregnant pause of silence as everyone either stared the elf or at the Ring. Maleficent felt tension rise from the Ring.
"Then what are we waiting for?!" Everyone watched as Gimli jumped up with his axe held high. Lord Elrond jumped in his seat, while Gandalf yelled a warning.
"Gimli!" he shouted as the axe was brought down. A white-hot flare of power made everyone close their eyes. Maleficent sensed the immediate danger and opened her eyes in time to see shards of the axe flying everywhere, including towards some council members and herself. Instinctually, she focused her power and stopped every piece of metal in midair, each shard surrounded by her golden power. A second later everyone opened their eyes to either see pieces of metal stopped in front of them, or around them. Frodo, Boromir, Legolas, and Elrond would have been fatally wounded, and others seriously damaged.
Frodo let out a breath as he forgot the pain that ricocheted in his head at the axe's contact, and stared past the piece of metal to Maleficent. Her eyes were glowing green as she looked right at him and smiled.
"That was close…" Everyone else let out bated breaths and watched the faerie, now revealed as a sorceress, as she flicked her wrist. All the axe shards moved away from their targets and spiraled into a neat pile next to Gimli's chair. Slowly he got up and stared at the pile and then her, the power of the Ring forgotten for the moment. Maleficent cocked her head to the side as she addressed the bewildered dwarf.
"The Ring is a magical object. A normal axe will not stand a chance against it." Gimli's face suddenly became very red.
"Normal axe?! That work of art was made by the best Dwarfish axe smiths in Middle Earth!" No one saw Legolas roll his eyes except Aragorn who only raised his eyebrow at him. Maleficent continued, attempting not to hurt the dwarf's ego further.
"But it did not have magical properties. The Ring does." Lord Elrond stood before the argument could get out of control.
"Maleficent is right. The Ring cannot be destroyed, Gimli, son of Gloin, by any craft that we here possess. The Ring was made in the fires of Mount Doom. Only there can it be unmade. It must be taken deep into Mordor and cast back into the fiery chasm from whence it came." Frodo glanced at the Ring, feeling his headache come back as he heard the Ring whisper more, and Lord Elrond continued. "One of you… must do this." Silence fell on the council and Maleficent looked at the stricken faces of those assembled. After some time, Boromir spoke up again.
"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. Tis a barren wasteland, riddled with fire and ash and dust. The very air you breathe is a poisonous fume. Not with ten thousand men could you do this. It is folly." He finished with a distraught shake of his head. Maleficent was busy picturing such a terrible place when Legolas jumped to his feet in response.
"Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said? The Ring must be destroyed!" he almost shouted with boyish determination.
"And I suppose you think you're the one to do it." Gimli's eyes narrowed as he glared at the elf. Legolas returned the look as Boromir jumped up in annoyance and panic. Although, Maleficent could not figure out if he was frightened of the Ring being destroyed or traveling into Mordor.
"And if we fail what then? What happens when Sauron takes back what is his?"
"I will be dead before I see the Ring in the hands of an elf!" Gimli shouted as he also stood to face the blond elf. Suddenly all the other elves, save Lord Elrond, stood to back Legolas, while the humans stood to defend Boromir. A second later, the dwarves all stood as Gimli yelled again. "Never trust an elf!"
Maleficent watched the ensuing chaos with dismay as Gandalf shook his head. Frodo watched the argument in the reflection of the Ring as Gandalf stood to join the dispute.
"Do you not understand that while we bicker amongst ourselves, Sauron's power grows?! None can escape it! You'll all be destroyed!" Maleficent could not agree more. She did not know if Gandalf could sense the power of the Ring like she could, but as the fight grew more heated the power of the Ring grew each second. She looked at the Ring, but noticed Frodo almost hyperventilating as he stared at it. It was as if he could sense it too. Suddenly, he shot his gaze to the quarrelling group, and stood.
"I will take it!" If Maleficent had been drinking something she would have choked. The shock quickly wore off and was replaced by pride as the hobbit repeated himself and finally got the attention of the others. Gandalf closed his eyes in sorrow, and the rest of the group fell silent as they looked at him. "I will take the Ring to Mordor." After a slight pause he added, "Though, I do not know the way…"
She smirked at his discomfort, and watched as Gandalf slowly walked towards the hobbit.
"I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins, as long as it is yours to bear." Gandalf stood behind hobbit as he patted him on the shoulder. Aragorn stood quickly and addressed Frodo.
"If by my life or death I can protect you, I will." He walked up to Frodo and kneeled in front of him. "You have my sword." Maleficent saw Gandalf smile and wink at Lord Elrond, as if he'd planned this whole thing. Legolas stepped toward the group, still with an expression of awe.
"And you have my bow." A second later, Gimli spoke up as well.
"And my axe." The dwarf and elf looked at each other, the latter grimacing slightly. Boromir walked slowly towards them, almost like a stalking cat.
"You carry the fate of us all little one. If this is indeed the will of the Council, then Gondor will see it done." Although he did not seem overjoyed, Maleficent could see the noble man underneath that arrogant exterior. Maleficent moved to stand, but interrupted by a shout from the bushes.
"Hey! Mr. Frodo's not going anywhere without me." Sam stood next to his friend and crossed his arms as if daring anyone to stop him. Lord Elrond looked half amused and half exasperated.
"No indeed it is hardly possible to separate you, even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not!"
"Wait! We're coming too!" Everyone looked as Merry and Pippin ran out from behind some pillars. Maleficent had the joy of seeing Lord Elrond look more annoyed and surprised at their entrance. Obviously he expected Sam, but not the other two hobbits. They ran next to Frodo and Sam. "You'd have to send us home tied up in a sack to stop us!" Frodo smiled at them gratefully. Pippin spoke up.
"Anyway, you need people of intelligence on this sort of mission… quest… thing." Maleficent raised her eyebrow in amusement, Gandalf stared at the sky in exasperation. Merry had been staring at his friend in annoyance.
"Well that rules you out Pip." Pippin did a double take at Merry when he heard the light insult. Maleficent took that as her cue to join the conversation. She stood and tapped her staff on the stone floor, effectively getting Frodo's attention. Flicking her eyes to Diaval, he glided over as she stepped forward.
"You did well enough getting the Ring here. I am sure with their help you can make it to Mordor." She smiled widely, showing her white teeth, and making her red lips stand out. Aragorn mentally groaned at the mischievous expression. "But, seeing as I never trust anyone to get anything done properly, we will accompany you as well." Just as she finished Diaval flew near her and she transformed him.
Everyone except the hobbits and Aragorn gasped or stepped back in surprise. Diaval dusted himself off and looked at Frodo.
"Hope you don't mind, Frodo." Maleficent examined the expressions of the company as she and Diaval walked towards them. Gandalf has quickly gotten over the shock of Diaval's appearance and was now watching amusedly. The hobbits looked both relieved and excited, while Aragorn was unsurprised. Legolas was staring at Diaval as if he would change back suddenly, and Gimli was staring at her in disbelief. Boromir's face was red, much as she expected. She knew he did not trust her, but was hoping he would do better than his companion.
"This is outrageous!" No, he is going to act similarly. He turned to the rest of the company. "She cannot join this cause!" Gandalf did not bother to hide his smile.
"Why ever not, Lord Boromir?"
"We do not know who she is! We were told she is a friend, but her origin is unknown and we do not truly know what side she is on! Plus," his voice pitch went a little higher, "she is a woman! How is a woman going to help in this quest?" Maleficent, along with the rest of those assembled, simply stared at him. Maleficent was truly surprised. Really? That's his reason? Not trusting me, yes, but because I am a woman? Surely there are human women who fight very well! I've seen enough female Elven fighters here… She crossed her arms and grinned at him.
"A woman with horns, wings, and magical abilities. How is that not helpful?" He moved to retort, but she cut him off. "Besides, it is not truly up to you." Boromir's mouth snapped shut and they both looked to Frodo.
The hobbit jumped a little at the sudden attention, but quickly recovered. He remembered all the times Maleficent and Diaval were very helpful; both of them outright saved his life on a few occasions.
"I want you both along." Gandalf nodded in agreement.
"Does anyone else have any objections?" No one spoke up while the last two stood next to Gandalf. He nodded at Lord Elrond.
"Eleven companions…" he ignored the triumphant smirk on Gandalf's face. "So be it! You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring!" Merry and Pippin smiled at each other in excitement before Pippin spoke.
"Great! Where are we going?" Everyone froze a little to stare at the young hobbit. Maleficent shook her head. This will be an interesting trip.
AN: Again, I am sorry this took so long to come out. Hopefully, I can get the next installment out quicker. As much as I would like to say I have every line of the movies memorized, I am sorry to say I do not. I thank the people running the website, , for writing out the script. Also, I thank all of you readers who are hanging on during my slow process of writing. I've noticed that changed a few of my settings when I uploaded, so I am sorry if that changed some of my writing. Please let me know if you see anything, and I will fix it. Thank you and please R&R!