Elrond looked around the gathering once before speaking, "Strangers from distant lands, friends of Old. You've been summoned here to answer the threat of Mordor. Middle-Earth stands upon the brink of destruction; none can escape it." He quickly looked to the Elves and the Dwarves, who were sitting quite close together. "You will unite or you WILL fall. Each race is bound to this fate; this one doom." Some people started looking uneasy, while I felt pretty uncomfortable. Elrond turned to Frodo (who was sitting next to Gandalf, at the other end of the horse-shoe), and spoke to him. "Bring forth the ring, Frodo."
Frodo did as he was told. He rose to his feet almost instantly, before gingerly walking over to the table in the center of the clearing, and placing on it, what Elrond said was 'THE Ring'. As soon as I saw it, I remembered seeing it before. The simple gold shape; with its similarities to a wedding ring. I'd seen Frodo carrying it before Weathertop. That thing has the power to destroy the entire world? That is the Ring which was cut from Sauron's hand?
Many people started muttering, and I shared a quick glance at Ron, who must have been feeling quite confused (seeing as he didn't read anything on the matter!) before someone sitting a few chairs away (Who I'm sure is of the race of Man) stared at the ring and said "So it is true." He rose to his feet, making everyone else's attention turn to him.
He began muttering to himself (I think...) saying 'Isildur's bane is found' while walking closer to the table. Eventually, he stopped and began reaching out, as if to grab the Ring, but before he could, Elrond stepped in.
"Boromir!" He shouted, grabbing the guy's attention. At the same moment he looked towards Elrond, Gandalf started speaking ominously in a foreign language. But this one was different from any language I've heard before. When Gandalf began talking, the sky turned dark, and the light breeze turned cold.
I don't know why, but the words made me completely petrified. A quick glance at everyone else present showed Elrond face-palming, several people looking upwards to the sky, some has closed their eyes, and the one who almost touched the Ring hastily sat down again.
Gandalf spoke for around fifteen seconds, but it felt like a lifetime, before he had finished, and the clouds dispersed immediately. It was silent for a moment as a refreshing breeze returned to the clearing, and the tension in the air diminished slightly.
Elrond spoke next, and he didn't sound pleased, "Never before has any tongue uttered those words here in Imaldris." He said to Gandalf, looking pretty annoyed.
"I do not beg for your pardon, Master Elrond." Gandalf began, resting forward on hi staff. "For soon the Black speech of Mordor may be heard in every corner of the West. The Ring is altogether evil." That clearly is an indicator to us, to GET A MOVE ON AND DESTROY THAT SODDING RING!
"It is a gift." someone said, and once again, Boromir had diverted our attention to him (and his selfish views). rising to his feet, he continued, "A gift to the foes of Mordor." He began walking around, and with that I dropped my gaze to my hands, rolling my eyes, as I had guessed what he was going to begin talking about.
And he did exactly what I thought. "Why not use this Ring to our advantage?" He asked the rest of us, and I could clearly tell people were beginning to get annoyed with him. I glanced up, and saw that he was near the Elves, and was looking around as he continued talking, while turning around to see other people sitting before him.
Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Ranger-boy sit up straighter, with a facial expression that just said, "Are you kidding me?"
"My father, the steward of Gondor, has kept the forces of Mordor at bay, by the blood of our people." Okay, now I really want to slap him, and tell him to 'wake up and smell the roses'! Has he not listened to anything that's been said? "Why not use this Ring?" He asks, and that is a clear 'No' to my mental rhetorical question.
"you cannot wield it." Ranger-boy says angrily. "None of us can." I turn to look at him, and so does everyone else. "The one Ring answers to Sauron alone; it has no other master!" He finishes, and the annoying one turns around to look at him.
"And what, would a ranger know of such things?" He asks, laughing slightly at his own stupid humor. Ranger-boy doesn't reply, but just sits up straighter.
As he sits straighter, an Elf, with blonde hair and wearing something that resembled a floor-length silvery poncho, jumped to his feet, and snapped at Mr Annoying. "Do you not know who this is?" He asks, and continues before he has a chance to answer. "He is no mere Ranger; he is Aragorn, son on Arathorn." I feel everyone's gaze snap to the guy sitting next to me, and then back to the Elf. "You owe him your allegance."
I spot the Elf from the archery range yesterday, sitting next to the empty chair, looking embarrassed. And that's when I notice that he, and the Elf standing up, look similar. They're brothers and his reaction confirms that hypothesis.
"Aragorn?" Annoying one comments and he begins walking over the where the guy was sitting. "This is Isildur's heir?" He asked, both in awe, shock and annoyance (No surprise!). It takes all of my will power not to scream at him, or hug the guy next to me. Don't ask me why though, my brain is just weird that way.
Ranger-boy (though I can't really call him that anymore...) sat up even straighter and he kind of acted regal, and even though you should feel timid in the presence of someone of that status, I didn't. To me, he was still that mysterious stranger who led 4 Hobbits (more or less,) and 2 lost kids to Rivendell.
"And the heir to the throne of Gondor." The Elf said again. See; that's what I was talking about. He should be the fricking KING, and he doesn't act like it. Annoying one looked to the Elf, when two voices; one to my direct right, and one to the Elf's, said something like "Havo dath, Legolas." I can only assume that meant 'sit down' as he sat down afterwards; and I could also guess that his name was Legolas, again, from what they said.
I felt tension in the air grow again, as annoying Boromir went to sit down, saying, "Gondor has no king." He sat down and, while looking at Aragorn, spat out, "Gondor needs no king."
Okay; that just crossed a line. A big, line that has barbed wire, electric fences and signs that say 'DO NOT CROSS!' in bold red letters. But what would you expect, from the son of the Gondorian Steward? The next one in line to take care of the throne, with power and some status. (Note how I said 'some'.)
It was all silent for a moment, before Gandalf tried to steer the conversation back to the original topic. "Aragorn is right; we cannot use it."
"You have only one choice." Elrond confirmed, his voice sounding serious, instead of angry now. "The Ring must be destroyed." A weight was taken off my chest, but was soon back, as I realized that one of the people sitting here would have to do it. I don't know why I got the gut feeling; I just did.
I kept thinking how it would be one of the Dwarves, as they've got the skills and the heavy weaponry, when the ginger dwarf said impatiently, "Then, what are we waiting for?" He stood up, grabbing the axe that was situated beside his chair. Hen ran forward, and attempted to cut the Ring in half, but it didn't work. The axe shattered, and the pieces flew outward. One, just skimmed past my right ear, and embedded itself into the wall behind where I was sitting. Meanwhile, the Dwarf was thrown onto his back, and was being helped to his feet.
I glanced over to Frodo, who was sitting there, clutching his head; sitting out breath, staring at the Ring.
"How the hell...?" Ron whispers from beside me, and I look at him. Then, following his gaze, I see that the Ring, is perfectly intact; with the only damage done to the table, and the now destroyed axe.
"It cannot be destroyed, Gimli son of Gloin, by any craft we here possess." Elrond said as the now-named Gimli regained his seat; his cheeks going as red as my hair. "The Ring was forged in the fires of Mount Doom." Makes sense, seeing as nothing else in this world does. "And only there can it be unmade."
Ah. Right. That explains my gut feeling. You want somebody to go Mordor; the center of evil in Middle-Earth, and throw the Ring into what is basically a 24/7 erupting volcano? Are, you MAD?! Nobody would do that!
"One does not simply WALK into Mordor." Boromir whined, pinching the bridge of his nose. "There is evil there that does not sleep; the Great Eye is ever watchful. Not with ten thousand men could you do this; it is folly." Super (!) No way to get to the volcano without being seen. Again, ARE YOU MAD, ELROND?!
But, it has to be done...
Legolas rose to his feet again, and snapped at Boromir. "have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said?" He looks around and continues, "The Ring must be destroyed!"
The Dwarf rose to his feet dramatically, and turned to the Elf; a face like thunder. Oh crap, he's not going to start an argument is he? "And I suppose you'd think you're the one to do it." He snaps.
And who else stands next, but Boromir. "And if we fail, what then?" He almost roars. "What happens when Sauron takes back what is his?"
Dwarfy 'speaks' again. "I will be dead before I see the Ring in the hands, of an Elf!" He comments. That really wasn't your best move.
The Elves and Dwarves all rise to their feet; the blonde one holding his arms wide to stop his friends from getting physically violent.
A massive argument begins, and eventually, the Men (apart from the two sitting either side of me) all join in.
The place turns into the complete Bedlam. Arguments were my strong point, but seeing as how it's over stupid tiffs, we're going to get nowhere close to destroying the Ring.
At one point, Ron gets to his feet, but I grab his arm, and force him to sit down again. He looks at me in repent, but doesn't try to stand again.
I gaze around the place, and see Gandalf rise to his feet. He yelled at the top of his voice, and was heard, even above everything else, roaring his head off at one person in particular.
I listened to what specific people were saying. Let's just say, sooner or later, it was going to end up getting racist between the Elves and Dwarves.
But, what happened next, nobody could predict would happen.
When, after a minute or two of watching them all argue, I was seriously debating walking out. It was embarrassing! Grown adults, getting along worse with each other, than me and sodding Draco Malfoy!
I stared at my feet, and, while using my improved hearing (as another attempt to train it, and to also pass the time being wasted by stupid people) I overheard something that made me look up. It was quiet, but I still heard Frodo stand up and shout with all his might "I will take it!".
Nobody (apart from me) heard what he had said, as he shouted it again, right at the point when the argument reached its crescendo, and got to its loudest point.
I honestly felt sorry for the guy. It must take a lot of courage to stand up, infront of a group of grown adults, and say something like that, which could mean carrying what is most likely the most dangerous weapon ever, and throw it into the one place closest to where we don't want it to go.
Finally, I had enough, I turned to Ron and told him to cover his ears, when I nodded. He told Aragorn as I stood up, indicating to Frodo for him to do the same.
I stepped forward once, and while keeping eye contact with the Hobbit, I nodded. He covered his ears with his hands, and I'm positive the other two have done the same. Then, I put my finger too my lips and wolf whistled very loudly. The frequency was quite high, and I saw two or three people cover their ears in pain.
They all stopped arguing immediately, and I held the whistle on for around three or four seconds before I stopped. Everyone stared at me, and as I began speaking, the people who had covered their ears, lowered their hands.
I walked forward a few more steps, and began. "Now that you're all done acting like six year olds." I commented "I think Frodo wants to say something. At least give him the respect he deserves, and listen to what he has to say." Some of those in front of me looked really embarrassed.
I turned to Frodo and continued speaking in a kinder tone of voice. "Go on, Frodo." I say, gesturing with my hand. "What were you saying?"
He doesn't respond to me directly, and I don't expect him to. He turns to the entire council and says, "I will take it. I will take the Ring to Mordor." I see several people stand there in shock, and Gandalf, who was one of the few people, who hadn't turned to look at Frodo in the first place, slowly closed his eyes, sighed silently, and while turning to face the Hobbit, he opened them again.
But Frodo continued. "Though, I do not know the way..." He said, in a timid voice, and I could tell he was slightly embarrassed to admit that.
Nobody did anything for a split second, before Gandalf moved to stand behind Frodo stating, "I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins. As long as it is yours to bear." He patted Frodo on the shoulder, as someone stood up and walked forward.
Aragorn. He knelt infront of the Hobbit, and said "If by my life or death, I can protect you; I will. You have my sword." He rises and stands beside Gandalf, who nods slightly to Elrond. I don't think anyone notices the discreet action, as two more people are already volunteering.
"You have my bow.! Says the blonde Elf Legolas proudly, as he walks forward and stands the other side of Gandalf. He had been barely standing there two seconds, when that ginger dwarf added, "And my axe!"
The facial expression Legolas had was hilarious, and it was really difficult to stop myself from laughing. I managed it, but barely.
But, what I was actually doing, was having a quick debate inside, on whether or not I should help as well. The only conclusion I came to was, that if the Ring was destroyed quicker, then I might be able to save Harry and Hermione sooner than if I wait here. So, my choice; volunteer.
I took a deep breath, and began talking calmly, though collectively. "Frodo." I began, getting everyone's attention. "I swear, that I will protect you in this task - or die at your side." I smiled, and the Hobbit nodded, and I walked over to stand beside Aragorn. Ron waltzes over too, but I don't catch what he says before he goes and stands beside Dwarfy.
Okay, so that's seven; anyone else? I gave Ron a look that said 'nicely done!', but my attention snapped to the rest of the group, where someone else was walking towards us. I'll give you 3 guesses who it was.
Boromir. He walked forward, staring at Frodo with his head held high. "If you want us to see it through, then Gondor will consider it done." He stated proudly, and walked over to the rest of us, just as I heard the bushes rustle behind us, and a familiar voice cried out.
"Hey!" Sam shouted, gaining everyone's attention, as he jumped over the small fence and slipped between Gandalf and Aragorn hastily, to stand beside Frodo, with his arms crossed. "Mr Frodo's not going anywhere without me." He acknowledged, before averting his gaze to the floor in embarrassment.
Everyone apart from Sam looked to Elrond, for his response. Surprisingly, he had an amused look on his face. "No, indeed it is hardly possible to separate you." Elrond began, his tone quickly changing from one of humor, to one a parent or teacher would us to tell off a child. "Even when he is summoned to a secret council, and you are not."
Jeez, don't be so harsh on the guy; he's only curious, don't be such a buzz-kill!
Before anything else is spoken, I hear Merry shout "Oh! We're coming too!" as he and Pippin jumped out from behind a pair of pillars, near to where I was sitting. The two ran forwards, at the same time Merry continued speaking, "You'll have to send us home tied up in a sack to stop us!"
One look at Elrond's face now was just a ticket for anyone to start laughing. The facial expression he wore had 'Where did all these Hobbits come from?' written all over it.
"Anyway!" Pip remarked, and I looked to see the two of them standing beside the rest of us. "You need people of intelligence on this mission ... quest ... thing." I couldn't help but smile at this. Thinks he's smarter than the rest of us, huh? Yeah right (!) He's prank smart, but that isn't really going to help him from now on ...
"Well that rules you out, Pip." I hear Ron and Merry say. Pippin's smile faded, and he hit Merry on the arm, and went to it Ron, but he moved out of the way, just barely.
"Hmmm... Eleven companions." Elrond announced, and we all stood slightly straighter and prouder. "So be it. You shall be the 'Fellowship of the Ring."
My smile didn't fade from my face, but it wasn't entirely genuine. The 11 of us have just volunteered for a task, that will either end in Sauron's destruction... or all freedom of good, forever. Wow, my mind is a very cheerful place(!)
Pippin spoke next. "Brilliant!" He exclaimed before looking puzzled. "Where are we going?" He asks, and you can just sense that everyone in the room wants to moan in frustration.
Only from Peregrin Took, would you hear a remark being spoken aloud in a meeting about the fate in the world.
A/N So that's it! The Fellowship has been formed, and Celeste is on her way!
I have to thank my buddy Katharine, who was the Merlin-themed genius behind what Cel said, as she volunteered for the Fellowship.
Ellian (The blonde Elf is constantly being mentioned) was created by my buddy Jack, or as you know him Silverhand9028; check out his work!