A woman stood in the highest branches that could hold her in a large tree as they over looked the vast valley around her. This was Threys daughter of Thorin King Under the Mountain and his wife Nerys Wolf Paw, Queen Under the Mountain.
"Threys, get down here you ruddy squirrel." Gimli called up to her from where he stood with his father Gloin at the base of the tree.
"We are almost there, not far now at all." Threys said as her long wavy midnight black hair in a high ponytail decorated with micro-braids blowing in the wind, her dark blue eyes scanning the valley in excitement.
She wore a long sleeved dark blue fitted tunic, a black vest with silver accents, a long black leather jacket with white grey and black colored fur lining, black pants that tucked into white grey and black colored fur lined boots, a black leather belt with the symbol of Erebor on the silver buckle, silver gauntlets and shin guards also with the symbols of Erebor on them, and strapped to her back was the great sword Orcrist, the goblin cleaver, which had been given to her by her father.
She also had on her mother's necklace a round palm length white gold pendant with the five-fold symbol in yellow gold engraved into it representing balance and engraved in silver in each of the rings were the words that each on represented; Vitality in life, Clarity in light, Growth in love, Order in law, and the center read Balance in all. The four outer circles symbolized the four elements: earth, fire, water, air. The middle circle united all the elements with a goal to reach balance between all four elements and it had been in her family for countless generations as a sign of her royal skin changer heritage.
"We'll be there in no time." Threys said as she climbed down the tree skillfully landing in front of the dwarves she traveled with who only came to her chin. She had also inherited her ability to change into an animal like her mother and could shift into a large grey wolf. Threys also had the honor of being the oldest of this last generation of skin changers at the age of fifty nine, she was just old enough to be allowed to journey to Rivendell.
"You're as spirited as your mother." Gloin shook his head with a laugh as Threys grinned. "Maybe more so."
"A grand compliment indeed and I thank you for it." Threys beamed before turning to Gimli, a sly gleam in her eye. "I'll race you there Gimli. Show me your legendary sprinting abilities cousin."
Threys shifted darting away before the others could protest howling with delight as Gimli grumbled after her. She thundered down the path until she came to the gates of the Last Hoemly House not pausing in her stride as she changed back looking around herself in wonder.
"Look at those waterfalls." Threys said then spotted some pink roses growing nearby. "And those flowers, I've never seen that kind, beautiful."
"It is called the Kadupul Flower." Storyteller said with a small smile as Threys turned around to face Storyteller who had been sitting on a stone bench nearby. Placing her book down shadow stood to her feet smiling at Threys. "Hello, I'm Estella." She opted for the name given to her by Elrond knowing that the name Storyteller would take too much explanation. "May I ask your name?"
"I'm Princess Threys of Erebor." Threys smiled as she performed a curtsey. "It's good to meet you."
"It is good to meet you as well." Storyteller replied with a smile as the rest of Threys's company arrived. "If you wish I will show you to your rooms."
The dwarves nodded their thanks following the young woman down the halls to their rooms.
"You're human." Threys said spotting her ears.
"I am." Storyteller nodded. "My brother and I have lived with Lord Elrond in his home for quite some time." Storyteller opened the doors before them. "These will be yours for yours."
"Thank you my lady." Gloin said with a nod before he and the others walked into the room.
-0-
Threys smiled happily as she walked through Rivendell taking in the sights that her mother had told her about. She had changed into a navy blue scoop necked dress with the trim and him of the dress embroidered with moons and stars in gold, the sleeves were fitted down to her elbows with the same embroidered design at the end then became belle sleeves that stopped just before the tips of her fingers, and her hair fell free except for her micro braids in soft waves down her back.
She had just turned a corner when she came upon a hobbit sitting on a stone bench writing in a large book. Threys cocked her head to the side as she walked up to the hobbit and sat next to looking at the drawing he was working on.
"That is a fine likeness of Erebor." Threys commented gaining his attention.
"Oh dear." The hobbit stuttered starring at her wide eyes. "Nerys…"
"That is my mother, my name is Threys." Threys smiled as her eyes lit up in realization. "You must be Master Bilbo Baggins the burglar, my father often tells me stories of you."
"Threys daughter of Thorin and Nerys, you look so much like them." Bilbo smiled as he sat his book aside. "I have heard of you often as well when some of the company came for visits. How is your father and mother, Fili, Kili, and your brother Thurin and all of those cousins nieces and nephews of yours?"
"They are all doing well, my father and my Uncle Fili are teaching Thurin to be King. Kili and Turiel are expecting their third child. Fili and Dina just had their second." Threys smiled happily. "My family is getting bigger everyday it seems."
"That is good to hear, it has been an age since I have seen any of them." Bilbo said wistfully.
"Gloin is here with his son Gimli, you must have dinner with us tonight and you can both share your stories." Threys said eagerly.
"I would be honored Princess Threys as long as I am permitted to bring my nephew and three of his friends." Bilbo smiled.
"The more the merrier." Threys nodded standing to her feet. "Now if you will excuse me I have much more that I want to explore."
"Have fun." Bilbo said with a laugh as he watched her wonder away taking in the amazing sight before her.
Threys wondered around the elven city remembering what he father and mother had told her of the city. She came across the large fountain where her mother told her of Lord Elrond and Lindir's unfortunate tale when they came across her father Thorin's company swimming in it naked.
She then moved onto to a beautiful garden filled with trees baring pink flowers, the petals floating in the breeze littering the ground like snow. The light pink of the petals contrasted beautifully with the green grass that covered the garden floor.
Threys walked over to one of the trees standing under it looking up through the branches and inhaled the sweet aroma the flowers gave off. She placed a hand on the trunk as she turned to take in the view through one of the archways in the garden wall that over looked numerous waterfalls.
She was only able to tear her eyes away from the sight when she heard the gallop of horses drawing near. She turned to another archway and saw three elves on horseback coming into the clearing dismounting gracefully as they looked around in appreciation at the sight of the last homely house.
Judging by their clothing they were of the woodland realm which made her all the more curious about them. To this day her father and uncles swore against the woodland realm elves, they barely tolerated Rivendell elves or Lothlorien elves, but for the elves of Mirkwood held a special hate in their hearts. The only exception being Tuariel who had risked her life for them, stood up to her own people in their defense, and then gave up her immortal life to be with Kili, no one could ask for more.
She watched as they walked into the garden not making a move lest she draw their attention to herself, she really did not want to get into a squabble in such a beautiful place. Two of the elves dismissed themselves from the other walking away to find their rooms leaving him alone, or so they thought.
Threys started to back away making for a discreet exit, but a nefarious twig snapping under her heel alerted the elf to her presence, his eyes snapping to where she was standing. He looked her over, his brows drawing together as if he was trying to place her, but she was sure she had never run into him before.
"Good day." Threys greeted, breaking the silence.
"Good day to you as well." Legolas nodded in return, his eyes taking in the young lady before him. He could tell she was not elf, but she did not seem human either, the thought of dwarf flashed in his mind briefly, but was quickly dismissed due to her more delicate looking bone structure and her smooth beardless face. "May I ask what brings you to Rivendell my lady?"
"My kin and I were tasked to journey here, we seek the guidance of Lord Elrond on a grave matter." Threys replied as the elf walked over to her.
"My kin and I are here for the same reason, perhaps we have the same dilemma as well." Legolas said with a small smile.
"Then I hope we both receive the answers we seek." Threys smiled back. She could only imagine what her father would be doing if he knew she stood in Rivendell having a pleasant conversation with a woodland elf, Tuariel was really the only one he could stand. This thought caused a small laugh to escape her, her hand darting to her mouth with a blush.
"You find something amusing." Legolas commented.
"I do." Threys nodded.
"And what would that be?" Legolas asked, finding her quiet laughter catching.
"I cannot tell you, it would turn the conversation sour." Threys shook her head then cast her gaze to the sky. "It was pleasant talking to you, but I must return to my kin for the evening meal, we are expecting company."
"Then I will bid you good day." Legolas bowed slightly, Threys curtsying in return before they went their separate ways.
That evening she enjoyed the company of the hobbits along with her kin, Gloin and Bilbo recounting their adventure to reclaim the lonely mountain, but for the life of her she could not stop thinking about the handsome elven man, she berated herself for not gaining his name.
-0-
Storyteller was sharpening her sword as she went over some of her favorite stories in her head when the doors to her room burst open then slammed shut. Her head snapped up to see two very familiar trouble making hobbits leaning against the doors breathing hard with slightly excited and slightly panicked looks on their faces.
"What have you done now?" Storyteller asked with a raised eyebrow, both of them opening their mouths to speak, but were cut off.
"Meridoc Brandybuck, Peregrin Took get out here right now." Said the stern voice of Gandalf.
"Hide us, please." Merry pleaded and Storyteller rolled her eyes with an amused smile.
"Quickly, under the bed." Storyteller said as she ushered them away from the door. "Whatever you do keep quiet."
Storyteller re-took her previous seat at the window overlooking the vast city just as a knock sounded on the door.
"Come in." Storyteller called out and frustrated Gandalf opened the door looking in. "Gandalf what's wrong? Why are you yelling down the hall?" Storyteller stood placing her sword on her bed as she nudged a rather hairy foot back under the bed without drawing attention to it. "Is something wrong?"
"Nothing is wrong; I'm just looking for a certain Brandybuck and Took that may have come this way." He said with a frustrated look.
"Oh, is that all. I heard the sound of bare feet running down the hall a while ago." Storyteller said thoughtfully. "What did they do?"
"They seem to have stolen a vast quantity of pastries from the kitchens and made quite a mess in their getaway." He replied with a slight frown, but a laugh was just waiting to be let out if the twinkle in his eyes was anything to go by. "If you see them tell them I am looking for them."
"Of course." Storyteller nodded.
"Good night my dear." Gandalf said as he left.
"Good night." Storyteller replied then waited for a few moments for Gandalf to get far enough away so she wouldn't have to worry about him hearing them or coming back. "He's gone."
There was a scuffle and a few well-placed curses as they scrambled out from under the bed.
"Thanks for hiding us." Merry said as he stood up and dusted himself off.
"Not at all." Storyteller shook her head. "You might want to keep out of Gandalf's way for a bit though, he'll probably try to line up some work for you in order to make up for the trouble you two caused."
"Can we stay here? Just until he's gone to bed?" Pippin asked.
"I don't see why not." Storyteller nodded and gestured to the seats near the fire.
"How about another story?" Merry asked eagerly as he and his cousin took seats, their feet nowhere near the ground.
"Alright, I believe I had a good one." Storyteller said taking her own seat and once again spoke her quote. "When people told themselves their past with stories, explained their present with stories, foretold the future with stories, the best place by the fire was kept for... The Storyteller."
"Why do you always say that?" Pippin asked before she could begin her story.
"Tis a tradition passed down to me by a great storyteller who was a fellow ranger by the name of Henson. He taught me all he knew of storytelling; in fact he had quite a good story that involved himself, would you like to hear it?" Storyteller asked with a smile as the young hobbits nodded in excitement.
Storyteller spun them the story she called Stone Soup, the tale of a harsh time when her mentor was forced to walk the lands as a beggar. Finding himself in sight of the castle kitchen, he picked up a stone and fooled the castle cook into helping him make soup from a stone, by adding it into a cauldron of water and slowly adding other ingredients to improve the flavor. When the cook realized he has been swindled, he asked that the Storyteller be boiled alive.
As a compromise, the King promised to give the Storyteller a gold crown for each story he told for each day of the year - and to boil him if he failed. The Storyteller does well at first, but on the final day he awakened and could think of no story. In a panic he roamed the castle grounds, running into a magical beggar who turned him into a flea. At the end of the day when the king called for his story, the Storyteller confessed he has no story, and instead told the king the true tale of his adventures under the magic of the beggar that day and was thusly sparred.
By the end of her story both of the hobbits where laid out on her couch completely asleep. Smiling to herself she picked up a couple of extra blankets covering them up before moving over to her own bed for the night.
-0-
The next day Threys walked toward the council meeting area ahead of her kin wanting to have some time to herself. She wore another royal blue gown with silver accents and her hair was in a braided halfway up style with micro braids throughout it. Setting lightly atop her head was a tiara of silver with a round sapphire in the center and chips of diamonds accenting it.
She smiled when she saw the elf she had conversed with the day before talking to a human woman wearing a gown of dark violet with accents of gold and her hair light brown was left to fall freely down to her waist. The woman smiled upon seeing her and the elven man turned to see who she was smiling at.
"Good morning." Threys smiled, but it faltered when she saw the dark look in the eyes of the elven man as he looked at her tiara.
"Good morning Princess Threys." Storyteller bowed. "I am happy to see you arrived safely."
"Thank you." Threys replied before looking to the Elven man, her smile faltering under his icy gaze. "You have me at a disadvantage now sir, you know my name, but I know not of yours." Threys said trying to brush off the unease she felt when she met the elfs gaze. "We did not exchange names yesterday."
"This is Prince Legolas of the Woodland Realm." Storyteller answered when she saw Legolas make to move to and Threys felt her eyes widen in shock.
"Prince…." Threys breathed out.
"Princess." Legolas bit out.
Storyteller looked between their gazes that had turned narrowed and angry, she could almost feel the tension radiating around them.
"I believe the council is about to begin." Storyteller broke the silence and without a word the two turned away from each other and went to the council pavilion.
"That went better than I thought it would." Strider commented as he walked over to his sister.
"Yes, I believe so." Storyteller shook her head. "Their feud amazes me, I doubt even they remember how it really started."
"I think you are right." Strider nodded. "But that is not the problem we need to think on. Come along, the council is about to start."
-0-
The council of free-peoples of Middle earth gathered in a pavilion at the request of the Lord of Rivendell, all seated around a pedestal with Elrond stood before them addressing them all. Storyteller took the seat next to Strider
Threys as Princess of Erebor sat in the center of the dwarves gathered there and Legolas sat amongst his own people, both of them still wearing dark glares. Tauriel was one thing as were other, but the Prince of Mirkwood was a completely different subject for the princess, she remembered her father as well as the other dwarfs in the company telling her of their time in Mirkwood.
"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..." Elrond said in a commanding voice as he started the meeting. "Bring forth the ring, Frodo."
Frodo stepped forward and moves toward a stone Plinth placing the ring on the plinth then returned to his seat.
"So it is true!" Borimir said in shock.
"Sauron's Ring! The ring of power!" Legolas said in disbelief.
"The doom of man!" Gimli said in a grim voice.
"It is a gift...a gift to the foes of Mordor! Why not use this Ring? Long has my father, the Steward of Gondor, held 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!" Boromir said with a fever in his eyes.
"You cannot wield it. None of us can. The one ring answers to Sauron alone...it has no other master." Boromir turned and looked at Strider who had spoken, his demeanor stiff.
"My brother is right. That ring has a will all of its own." Storyteller added gaining Boromir's judging gaze.
"And what would mere rangers know of this matter?" Boromir said in an icy voice but neither sibling said anything as Boromir turned away dismissively, but then Legolas stood suddenly.
"They are no mere Rangers. He is Aragorn and she is Gillian, the children of Arathorn and Gilraen. You owe them your allegiance." Legolas said. Frodo looked at Strider and Storyteller questioningly as Boromir turned sharply.
"Aragorn? Gillian? These are Isildur's heirs?" Borimir said in quiet disbelief.
"And heirs to the throne of Gondor." Legolas went on.
"Legolas, n'uma." 'Legolas, no.' Gillian shook her head, this was something neither sibling was ready to be known.
"Havo dad, Legolas." 'Sit down, Legolas'. Aragorn said in equal embarrassment.
"Gondor has no king, Gondor needs no king." Borimir said then looked scathingly to Gillian. "Nor does it need a Princess."
"Aragorn is right...we cannot use it." Gandalf said before Gillian could make a retort, and judging by the dry look she was giving Boromir it would have been a good one.
"You have only one choice...the ring must be destroyed." Lord Elrond said as he looked at all who had gathered as if he was weighing their worthiness and the hum of the ring seemed to grow louder in Frodo's ears. Gimli suddenly stood, excited, axe drawn.
"Then...what are we waiting for?" Gimli suddenly rushed forward swinging his axe down on the ring, the axe shattering with a deafening crack! Gimli fell backwards, staring in disbelief at the ring which remained unharmed! Frodo winced as an angry image of the fiery eye hit his and slumped in this chair, clutching his forehead while Gandalf looked at him with concern.
"Gimli." Threys quickly helped her cousin up as he assured her he was fine. She heard a chuckle and glared toward the woodland elves, a growl building in her throat when her eyes met the gaze of the elven Prince.
"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. One of you must do this." Elrond said once again gaining everyone's attention.
Stunned silence enveloped the council who sat with downcast eyes, as if a great dread has descended on them. Boromir addresses the council once again in a quiet voice as he stood to his feet.
"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." Boromir said ominously. "It is 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."
"Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said? The ring must be destroyed." Legolas said standing to his feet.
"And I suppose you think you're the one to do it?" Threys challenged with a glare also standing to her feet.
"And if we fail what then? What happens when Sauron takes back what is his?" Boromir said.
"I will be dead before I see the Ring in the hands of an Elf!" Gimli said as he leapt to his feet next to Threys. "Never trust an Elf!"
A storm of argument erupted around the room of angry faces, the shaking fists, and the accusatory fingers. Legolas and Threys were glaring at each other as they argued holding back their kin from ripping into each other at the same time.
"Do you not understand? While we bicker among ourselves, Sauron's power grows! No one will escape it. You will all be destroyed, your homes burnt and your families put to the sword!" Gandalf said as he moved into the throng of anger.
"Please stop, this bickering will help no one." Gillian called out, but was ignored. "ENOUGH!" Gillian yelled, her anger started to overrule her etiquette, gaining everyone's attention and causing them to turn toward her in surprise. She eyed them for a moment then started to speak in a condescending voice. "Great lords of men, dwarfs, and elves stand before me and all I see are bickering children. It is time you grew up and left behind your racist views. We have a problem that could cost us the lives of every living being, now is not the time for our personal grievances. Someone has to destroy the ring before it destroys us."
Silence followed her statement as they absorbed what she had said; some of the more reasonable looking slightly ashamed for letting their emotions get away with them. Frodo suddenly stood and spoke in a strong, clear voice breaking the silence.
"I will take it...I will take the Ring to Mordor." Frodo looked around the room at the astounded faces. The tension was so thick that it had become tangible. Frodo shifted his weight from foot to foot as he began to feel nervous under the stares of those who surround him. "Though...I do not know the way."
"I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins, as long as it is yours to bear." Gandalf said after a few moments silence.
"If, by my life or death, I can protect you, I will." Aragorn said as he kneeled before Frodo. "You have my sword."
"And where my brother goes I go as well, nor will I abandon you now that we have come so far." Gillian stood tall, leaving no room for argument. "You have my sword as well."
Gillian stepped forward followed by Legolas and Gimli.
"And you have my bow." Legolas said.
"And my axe." Gimli adds causing Legolas to wince and turn his eyes skyward.
"And my claws." Threys said stepping up next to her cousin, some of the other dwarves tried to stop her, but a sharp command let them know she was going on this quest. Boromir looked at them all then walked towards Frodo.
"You carry the fate of us all, little one." Boromir said as he looked towards Elrond and Gandalf. "If this is indeed the will of the Council, then Gondor will see it done."
Frodo stared in wonder as the Greatest Fighters in all Middle earth stood at his side, it was like he was going to live out one of his uncles adventures.
"Here!" A Sudden Noise...Sam popped up from behind a Bush! "Mr. Frodo's not going anywhere without me."
"No, Indeed...it is hardly possible to separate you...even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not." Elrond said slightly amused. Merry and Pippin jumped up from behind another bush!
"Oi! We're coming too! You'll have to send us home tied up in a sack to stop us." Merry said causing Elrond's face to change from amusement to disbelief.
"Anyway...you need people of intelligence on this sort of mission...quest...thing..." Pippin floundered.
"Well, that rules you out, Pip." Merry said with a roll of his eyes, Pippin smiling till he realized what Merry had said.
"Eleven companions..." Elrond mused. "Very well then, you shall be known as the fellowship of the ring!"
"Great! Where are we going?" Pippin asked brightly to the annoyance of some and the amusement of others.