A/N First I want to say thank you 16! Your wonderful review has spurred me to already begin writing Chapter 3 ! Just one review makes all the difference in my writing. It really inspires me to write faster and with excitement! Any traffic in general gets me excited about this story! Also I broke a wineglass writing this! While I was beginning Chapter 3 to be exact so you know its gonna be good. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Lord of The Rings. Its all Tolkien.
Chapter 2:
Summoned But Unfounded
As the council ended I felt good about the choice to join the journey. It would be good to have a purpose again. Frodo would need all the help he could get. As I reached my room I found that Gandalf was already waiting for me there. The magic of wizards I would not understand.
" You're certainly fast." I said smiling.
Gandalf only frowned.
" What is it? " I asked sitting down on a bench beside him.
"You are a valuable asset to this fellowship and you will be targeted if someone should speak about your healing and skin abilities. Saruman can not know of your existence. Secrecy is at the upmost important on this mission."
" I understand. No one will know."
Gandalf stood and smiled at me his eyes wrinkling.
" Do not be afraid to use your gifts but use them wisely. I bid you good night. We will leave in two days. In the meantime you should brush up on your skills. Your body may know itself better that way."
With that Gandalf took his leave and I was left alone with my thoughts. I decided I should find a private place and attempt to change skins. I left my room and began to walk the halls of Rivendell. I noticed not soon after I had left my room that I was being followed. I didn't turn around.
" If you wanted to talk why not walk with me, Frodo?"
I turned around to see Frodo emerging from a bush.
" I am sorry. Its just - Sam has said so much about you. Spoken only of your beauty and I could not help but wonder why you would care to accompany me to a horrid place such as Mordor."
" Walk with me Frodo."
We began to walk down a steep path toward the water.
" I decided to come with you in part because it feels right. I came to Rivendell without purpose lost in this land. No beast nor elf nor man could have given me such a purpose as you have. I am thankful for the chance to bring peace to you and to this beautiful world."
" You speak of Middle Earth as if you do not belong."
" I'm not sure I do belong Frodo. But it is in you that I feel this quest was meant for me. That is all I can ask for."
" You belong to the fellowship now my Lady."
I smiled at the thought. Yes, I belonged to the fellowship and that felt right. I kneeled down next to Frodo and looked at him hard.
" Frodo you will face many dangers on this road. But I can help you bear the burden."
I pressed my hand firmly against Frodo's chest and put my hand beneath the rings chain. The skin began to tighten under my touch and harden, turning into a firm patch, slick to the touch.
" This skin will help to bear the weight of the ring. It will not last long because as the threat of Mordor grows this healing will weaken. But it will do for now. How do you feel?" I asked.
Frodo gently touched the toughened skin.
" Better, I think."
" When it begins to throb let me know and I will heal it again."
" I will My Lady."
I sat down on the river bank and smiled at Frodo as I put my feet into the cool water.
" You can call me Grace, Frodo. Lady sounds too formal for a friend."
Frodo smiled.
" Well Grace I suppose I bid you farewell. I have no doubt Sam has been searching for me."
And with that Frodo left.
As I relaxed my legs into the water I realized fish were swimming near me. They were large trout wading in closer and closer. Healing Frodo had made me eager to start the journey and with a renewed sense of passion I felt the need to experiment. Maybe I could try to shift into a fish.
I watched their movements to and fro their tails like pinwheels whirling under the waters surface.
I felt at peace in the water even though it was rather cold. I heard a shuffling and I looked up into the forest across the river. Nothing was there, but I felt a gaze on me. As I attempted to dismiss it I noticed not to far from me was a giant river otter. He was walking quickly from the riverbank up into the forest, his paws muddy but with a joyful step. He looked back at me with a large trout in his mouth.
I felt my skin fall away from my body abruptly and I was suddenly wading in the water as a large brown mass, my body slick and warm even in the cold mountain water. I was an otter!
I looked back to the otter only to see he had disappeared into the woods. What a shame I had wanted to go swimming with him. I sank into the water and found it to be crystal clear. The water flowed so effortlessly around me .I took my time swimming and floating on my back. I hopped from rock to rock and plunging back into the stream with ease. As I walked back onto the stony bank I felt the otter skin fall away from me like sand. I was nude I realized but nature did not mind it so why should I. However the stare I had hoped to disappear from earlier was still present and so I looked around warily. Who was out there I wondered.
" My lady forgive me." Whispered a voice " I did not mean to intrude."
" It's alright." I said loudly." You can come out."
I expected a hobbit but instead behind a hemlock tree across the river was the blonde haired elf , I recognized him as Legolas Greenleaf Prince of Mirkwood. His gaze was the stare that felt like a tide washing over me. He leaped from rock to rock and finally reached my side of the river.
" My greatest pardon My Lady." Said Legolas as he bowed. He untied his cloak and wrapped it around me.
"I am Legolas Greenleaf , Prince of Mirkwood."
" I'm Grace." I said wrapping the cloak around me " Thank you for the cloak. I suppose I can't walk around Rivendell in not but my skin can I?" I said chuckling lightly.
" No, I think not Lady Grace." Said Legolas.
I could see he was trying to be serious but a small smile escaped from the corners of his mouth. His hands were on my shoulders and I felt awkwardness between us. I stepped back away from him and his hands quickly fell away from me.
" So what brought you out of the Glen wood across the river?" I asked pulling the cloak higher up on my neck. I suddenly felt very naked in front of the Elf.
" I was practicing. It seemed far enough away so that I could concentrate. Elf hearing is not always a good thing."
"Yes, I'd imagine hearing private conversations can get rather irksome." I said smirking.
" I did not mean to pry into the conversation with you and Frodo only I could not help but hear. "
" I bet you saw plenty as well."
" Aye, I did. But what you did was honorable, healing the hobbit. Though I do not know how long it will last under the weight of the ring. "
" It is not meant to last. The toughness of the skin will soften over time naturally. I only hoped to delay the ring's initial effects."
We locked eyes.
" Did you see anything else?" I asked quietly.
Legolas leaned in close to my ear and whispered
" Your kind are rare even to the Elves."
The breath caught in my throat, I was not good at keeping my shifts a secret and I hadn't even left the safety of Rivendell yet.
" You must tell no one." I said stiffly and I turned my back to him.
He knew more about me then he needed to. Gandalf had said to keep my secrets safe and yet here I was day one with some of my knowledge already kept by someone else.
" It is not my secret to tell." Said Legolas.
I nodded and walked quietly and quickly through the halls of Rivendell. I passed no one which was strange but I ignored its strangeness for mere luck. I opened the door to my room quickly and disappeared inside. I sank against the hard smooth wood of the door.
" Damn it." I cursed.
I slammed my hands against the stone floor.
" No use moping. I should dress and go speak to Gandalf. He will not be happy with me. Secret keeper I am not."
I flung off Legolas's cloak and rummaged through my bag. Brown riding pants with a cream colored tunic will do just fine. As I dressed I realized that neither Aragorn nor Legolas had mentioned any strangeness about the tattoo I was sporting on my left arm. It was large perhaps Aragorn hadn't seen it but Legolas would have most likely gotten a good look. Perhaps they had no interest then. But I thought it might be best not to create more suspicion and so I left the sleeves of the tunic flowing and long. My tattoos were probably the least of their problem with me. However I had be genuinely surprised that no one had objected to my going with the fellowship at the council I thought for sure that-
" Boromir! Boromir Wait-"
My door slammed opened.
" What businesses do you a common woman have on venturing into the wild! Have you no decency! You have not lived if you think can contend in the wild the same way as a man! "
The man from Gondor was tall, well placed with muscle and strength. He looked raw in the face as if he had been drinking. Another man from Gondor was holding him back.
" My Lady I am sorry he has drunk far more then his fill tonight! I beg your forgiveness on his behalf. He will without a doubt be ashamed come morning. The farewell feast has clouded his judgement."
" Boromir that's enough!" Yelled another voice. I saw Aragorn helping the other man from Gondor by pulling Boromir back.
" She is a woman Aragorn-" started Boromir slipping on the stone, his boots giving way to his heavy mass. He slumped on to Aragorns shoulders.
"I am well aware Boromir." Said Aragorn with the tone from a father scolding his son.
Aragorn smiled gently and tilted his head at me.
" Lady Grace. I apologize for his behavior. You should make your way to the farewell feast. I'm sure there is some food still left."
Ah that explained why the halls were empty.
"I will shortly." I said smiling.
Boromir was plastered on Aragorns shoulder.
"What was he having so I can make sure I do not drink it be accident?" I asked laughing.
" Ale and wine." Answered the Gondorian solider.
" Mmm mixing and matching never leads itself to a positive outcome." I said smiling.
" Master Aragorn I will take Lord Boromir back to his chambers. I fear to take anymore of your time then is necessary." Said the solder.
"Are you sure ?" he asked
" I believe I can manage."
With that solider from Gondor carrying Boromir left and Aragorn and I were left alone.
" You said something about food? Would it be too much trouble if you would lead me to it?" I asked.
" Not at all Grace."
With that Aragorn and left my room and began the pleasant walk into the upper cresting corridors of Rivendell.
" I am truly sorry about Boromir." Said Aragorn quietly.
" It is no trouble I expected such a response actually."
" It does not excuse him Grace. His behavior was shameful."
" Be that as it may. He is entitled to his own worries, as are we all. All struggle feels the same. He must come to terms with his own demons Aragorn as must we all."
Aragorn caught my eyes and I could see I had reached into a very sensitive part of him. His mind was turning, thinking and leaving itself unresolved yet again.
"It takes time does it not to solve such problems inside ourselves?" He asked.
He stopped walking, we were not far from where I could hear the plenty voices of elves and men and dwarves discussing and arguing.
" We take as much time as we need and not a second more nor a second less. There will come a time for us all where we must rise to meet our foes. I doubt it will come at a time that we wish for it. But we will be ready regardless. We will defeat them in the end."
Aragorn put his hand on my shoulder.
" You speak with honesty and loyalty. No more could I ask for in a companion in such a dark quest as this one."
I smiled and put my hand on Aragorn's shoulder.
" I too could not ask for a better companion. I fear I will need someone to confide in besides Gandalf."
Aragorn laughed and released my shoulder.
" Yes, someone whose words do not riddle as much."
We continued on and once we had reached the great hall I was excited at the prospect of good food and warm drink. The walls were adorned in old tapestries with images of tall trees and bright lights. Candles melted along the table creating a river of light flowing between the guests.
" Beautiful." I whispered.
I looked to my left to see Aragorn was already gone, smitten by the view of Arwen. Their connection was unmistakable. I couldn't help but enjoy their energy. However the hall was filled with people. I felt my nerves kicking in. I could just leave, I don't have to eat something. Or better yet I could just grab and plate to go and eat in the garden but as I thought of a plan I felt a hand grab mine.
I looked down startled to see Pippin
" Lady Lucia or is it Lady Grace or Lady Lucia Grace or Grace Lucia or-" said Pippin stumbling over his words.
Another hand took hold this time it was Merry.
" Its Lady Grace is it not my lady?" asked Merry smirking widely at Pippin.
" Just Grace is fine actually." I answered smiling at them both.
" See Pip I was closest." Said Merry excitedly.
" Ha but I knew all her other names too!" Scoffed Pippin.
" Both of you we right." I said laughing.
" Grace, would you do us the honor and sit with us lonely hobbits over in the corner there." Asked Pippin as he pointed to a far corner of the hall where the hobbits were near an open doorway closest to the night air.
" Certainly Pippin I would be flattered." I answered.
" Did you hear that Merry, Grace was flattered! By me Pippin Took!"
These two certainly made my smile from ear to ear. As I took a seat next to Sam I quickly saw him blush and look back to his meal, eagerly studying the greens his salad. Merry and Pippin had gotten into a argument about ale while Frodo simply watched them. He smiled to me but I could see was troubled already.
" Sam, have you visted any of the gardens of Rivendell?" I asked.
He looked shyly up at me, not expecting me to be speaking to him.
" My Lady I have. But I've only admired from afar. They are far to beautiful to trample myself through."
" I doubt you would trample them Sam." I said laughing lightly. " Tomorrow when you get the chance you should. I bet it would bring a real joy and ease to your heart before our journey. It may not be your home but it is a good bit of green earth that could do to center your heart. "
Sam couldn't hide his smile from me.
" Of course My Lady. Green earth does heal better then most things." Said Sam while taking a swig of ale and eating a forkful of lettuce.
"You may call me Grace, Sam. A lady does not quite fit my namesake." I said as I heaped bread, cheeses and salad onto my plate. Eggplants and carrots, hot and colds salads I piled onto my plate. I ate till I felt the seams of my skin.
"Delicious food." I mumbled to the hobbits between bites of food. As I drank a goblet filled with red liquid I realized that it must be an elf wine for it was the finest taste of red currents and honey I have ever tasted.
" Delicous wine." I added as I stared at the cup in wonder. I took another sip. Full of flavor, like the sun dipped in wax frozen at the blossom of spring. Another swig, like flecks of sweet leaves coated in sugar.
" One goblet will have you far away from this place Lady Grace best drink it slowly." Said a voice.
I turned to see Legolas smiling gently at me his own goblet in his hand.
" What is it?" I asked.
Legolas sat down beside me.
" It from Dorwinion, imported. They make the finest wines in all of Middle Earth on the banks of the River Running. Lush gardens lull to sleep the grapes and they say its people learned to blend the roots of their gardens with the river itself. Creating a wine both strong and deep just like the river."
" Wonderful." I said as I took another sip. I felt the depth of the river, the roots of the garden roses fermenting in the dirt, the smell of the fleshy blossoms like fruits on my bare lips.
" Its unbelievable." I said again.
Legolas smiled at me and took my goblets from my hands.
" Hey, I haven't finished that quite yet." I said laughing.
I was in such an excellent mood and Legolas looked so handsome tonight. The thought sobered me quickly.
" On second thought, I think you should have the rest of that."
Legolas smiled and poured the liquid into his own cup.
"Ah Grace, I see you are taking to this feast rather well!" said I hoarse voice.
I could see Gandalf approaching me with a pipe in one hand and goblet of wine in the other.
" Getting to know one another before the journey?" He asked as he took a seat across from Legolas and I.
"It is good to get to know each other before we set out is it not Mithrandir?" Asked Legolas taking a sip of his wine.
The way his lips caressed the gold curve of the goblet made my heart flutter.
" It's the wine." I whispered to myself while staring.
" Yes, the wine is quite good. Legolas I hear it is from your Fathers halls?" said Gandalf while blowing smoke in my face. He gave me a look that told me to pull myself together.
"Not quite Mithrandir. It is imported from Dorwinion. Though it was my kinsmen and me that brought some of it to Rivendell. Lord Elrond always asks it of my father when we visit for it is a long road to Mirkwood."
"The Great East Road is a very long road indeed Prince Legolas."
I took a buttered roll and ate it as quickly as I could. I felt my body getting hot from the wine. I needed to soak it up somehow. Gandalf only laughed.
" My dear Grace and what have you been up to today? It seemed as if you had disappeared from Rivendell all together." Asked Gandalf.
" I was out- swimming."
I looked at Legolas.
" Yes I came upon her after I had finished training." Said Legolas turning to Gandalf.
I felt relived inside. My secret was safe. I knew Gandalf would not mind that Legolas knew of my shifting and healing abilities but I still did not feel the need to test my theory.
"She is quite the natural swimmer. Almost like an river otter herself." Continued Legolas.
I paled slightly. Legolas looked to be the only one to notice my uncomfort. He seemed to be enjoying himself. I made a mental note to make him uncomfortable at a later date, or perhaps I could make him uncomfortable now.
" Not to mention I was nude. I hardly noticed the Prince say a word until I saw him from behind a hemlock." I said.
Gandalf coughed wildly on his pipe and Legolas certainly looked thoroughly embarrassed. Gandalf began to laugh and so did I and soon everyone in our corner of the room started to laugh even Legolas. It was quite infectious. It seemed so fitting at the eve of so much doom, laughter still offered peace.
The feast wined down as groups of laughing and dancing elves made bid their farewell. Dwarves slept wherever they could find room and the hobbits had made pretty perches on the benches nearest the fire. Gandalf had bid his goodnight and so it was only Legolas and I left sitting beside the open balcony. I stood up and wandered out to the edge of the railing. Extending my hands out wide and feeling a brisk wind come through me. The wine was still in my blood stream and the cold air felt fresh against my skin. I sighed and as Legolas stood beside me.
" So what is that you are exactly?" asked Legolas gently he looked to my eyes to make sure I was comfortable. I was sure he could see far more then I would have liked to admit.
" A human given a Elven life and a skin changer." I whispered.
" Remarkable." Said Legolas.
He put his hand to my shoulder and turned me to him.
" You are so unlike any Elf maiden I have met."
Legolas was staring into my eyes, searching for a lie or some untrustworthy force. There was nothing, my walls were down.
"Thank you." I replied. I did not know what to say and his hand felt so warm on my shoulder.
I felt a heaviness begin to build on my mind. The threads of my memory loosening like fraying rope. I saw the death of my parents, both of them crying out in the dark until the crying stopped all together. Then the clang of sword and the huff of an arrow pursuing a child plunging deep into my mind, I was lost in the vision. Taken by the dark flame of the rings power.
" Grace." A voice called out to me such a light voice, like a bird in the snowstorm.
"Grace." It said over and over again but the storm was so loud in my ears. My memory so damp with the thoughts of my parents deaths, guns, and knives and war. It was a like a flood one thought to the next like a deepening wound.
" Grace." This tie the voice was louder I could almost see the mountain now cover in snow, so much snow and there on the top. Who was that?
" Grace." Said the mountain and then it began to shake like a giant tremor ripping open my mind.
"Grace!" I opened my eyes, shocked and dripping. Gandalf had been leaning over me along with Legolas and Aragorn.
" How are you feeling child?" asked Gandalf leaning away from me and sitting back into a chair.
" I- I feel fine only a little headache probably from the wine." I replied rubbing my head.
" Mmm I believe it would be wise if you were not to drink the wine again Grace. You were in quite the slumber. We've been trying to wake you for hours. Luckily Legolas caught you before you tumbled from the balcony."
I turned to Legolas.
" I owe you my life. Thank you." I said grasping his hand and holding onto it tight.
"It is nothing, friend." Said Legolas smiling.
" It is good to see you better Grace. I think it would be best if you take rest today for we leave for Mordor at first light tomorrow." said Aragorn ruffling my hair playfully.
" Do not worry. I will take my rest." I replied. I hadn't realized I was still holding onto Legolas's hand until I looked up and let it go. His hand had been so smooth like a river stone washed down a stream.
" Good. We will take our leave then. Aragorn Legolas?" Said Gandalf.
As they left Legolas looked back at me with a hint of disappointment. Had he wanted to stay with me I wondered.
As the door closed I thought back on the vision I had seen. I must have been the ring, it had seen a weakness and had taken its opportunity to swipe at me. It certainly had been a nasty blow. I rubbed my head.
" Ridiculous. I will need to be more careful." I said out loud.
I dressed and made myself ready for the day. I knew I would need to practice sword fighting and this was a good day as any to. I found Aragorn in the stables.
" Didn't we say you were to rest easy today? I hardly think sword fighting is the best idea Grace."
" Nonsense, any day is a good day!" I announced loudly.
I grabbed Aragorn's sword from his hilt and ran into the nearby yard.
" Enough of these games Grace, Give me back my sword." Said Aragorn laughing.
" I think you'll need to duel me for it seeing as you wont fight with me otherwise." I said jumping from place to place.
Aragorn begrudging went back into the stable and found another sword.
" Grace- twack- give- twack- me- ting- my- clang- sword-thwack- back-zing." said Aragorn as we made our rounds in the courtyard. Our swords hissed against each other before separating.
" I think that's enough." Said Aragorn.
I lunged at him again and I nearly nicked him on the arm before an arrow flew passed my face.