Once again thank you so much to those who left such nice reviews! It's really great to see people enjoying something I worked hard on. I wanted to say that this chapter does contain a little bit of movie verse because it is about the council and that's a pretty key part of the story. I tried to change it up a bit and also have original dialogue. I have decided there will be an update every weekend so yay for regular updates. Here's chapter six!
**Edit** For those of you who don't know, Nienna is one of the Valar. She teaches pity, endurance and wisdom through grief and it was she that sang grief into the world.
Lord Elrond looked out over the courtyard below his study and sighed, his kind face creasing into a frown. The time of the elves was coming to an end and yet it seemed that now was when Middle Earth had greatest need of them. He was just pouring a glass of wine when a knock came at his door. He bid his visitor to enter and wasn't surprised when Gandalf quietly shuffled in. The wizard propped his staff against a bookshelf and joined Elrond at the balcony, looking to a flock of geese flying overhead. "As usual, your skills are to be marveled at my friend," he began. "Mr. Baggins has had a miraculous recovery. When Eredhel told me what happened I hardly dared to hope he would survive."
"Hobbits are incredibly resilient, even so he will never completely heal," said Elrond sadly as he took a sip of his wine. "Wounds are not always physical, and even those that are can often leave behind emotional scars. And despite our best efforts, these cannot always heal, no matter how desperately we want them to." Elrond laid down his cup and folded his hands over the rail, his eyes closing in frustration.
"I sense we are no longer speaking of the hobbit," observed Gandalf, looking over at the elf. "I thought you had forced the darkness from your daughter's mind?"
"As did I. But it seems that she is simply very good at hiding things, especially when it comes to protecting those she cares about. She is far too much like her father I am afraid."
Gandalf smiled, "Yes but that is a virtue, not a curse." He once again became serious, "but I fear she will diminish if those scars continue to haunt her."
"She already has, I saw it when she arrived. Our people have been known to fade, to waste away to the grievances of immortality, but this is different. Countless elves have found counsel and comfort in this valley and yet Eredhel is unable to. I am beginning to doubt that any save Nienna can help her now."
"And yet she in unwilling to sail," said Gandalf with a sigh.
"Yes, she will not hear of it. Even though she has heard the voice of the sea she does not long for it like many of her kindred, though she has inherited a deep hatred of Sauron and his servants from the elves of old."
"Yes, her Sindar heritage is strong. Her skills will most likely be needed before the great battle reaches its end." Elrond sighed at the wizard's words and he laced his fingers together. "Surely you intend for her to aid whatever quests the Council deems necessary?" Gandalf looked over at his friend uncertainly, wondering what was going through the lord's mind. Elrond however remained silent, his eyes vacant as he stared at the wall. After a moment he spoke.
"I cannot foresee her future but I believe that Middle Earth holds nothing but grief and sorrow for her now. Nonetheless, you are right, she may be needed before the end."
Frodo sat in one of Rivendell's beautiful gardens. He found himself feeling completely relaxed for the first time in months and hoped they would be staying for a good while. He thought of all that had happened since he left the Shire. It felt like it had been years ago. Yesterday he had awoken to find himself propped up in a very comfortable bed, with Gandalf and Lord Elrond next to him. He had had only hours left when he arrived at the elven valley. If not for Arwen he would be a Wraith by now. The Black Riders had pursued them right to the ford. When they had attempted to cross, the power of the elves had caused the waters to rise and wash them away. Strider and Eredhel arrived with the others a while after him but he had not seen their guides since awakening.
Frodo was so deep in his thoughts that he did not hear Bilbo come up and sit down beside him. It had been a great surprise to see his uncle again even though he had always said he was going to live with the elves. When he did look up, the old hobbit was staring at him with sadness in his eyes. They began to talk of what had changed in the Shire since Bilbo left. They reminisced on memories of nights spent at the Green Dragon, dreaded visits from the Sackville Baggins' and Bilbo's 111th birthday party. Frodo had missed Bilbo dearly and he hoped they would be able to spend more time together in Rivendell. He did not know how long they talked but they were suddenly interrupted by Gandalf. The bent wizard studied the two hobbits for a moment before speaking. "The meeting is about to begin" he said, as the warning bell chimed through the gardens. They rose and followed him through the twisting paths towards the house of Lord Elrond.
The Council was being held in one of the many open porches scattered throughout Rivendell. Chairs carved with twisting branches and leaves were gathered in a circle around a small stone plinth. Tangled ivy and different kinds of climbing flowers grew over the porch's walls bringing with them the fresh smell of yellow jessamine and honeysuckle. Eredhel had arrived even before her father and had studied each of the guests as they came in, some of them casting awkward glances her way.
Looking down the row she saw the men of the South. One of them was Boromir, the son of the steward. Eredhel had met his brother, Faramir, a Ranger of the South. Though his younger sibling was honourable she could not be sure Boromir was of the same temperament. Glorfindel had been on the watch when the Men arrived and he said they had nearly fallen off a cliff trying to find their way. Then there were the dwarves and finally numerous elves across from her. Glorfindel and Galdor sat side by side with Erestor and their Woodland kin. She locked eyes with Legolas and they exchanged a knowing nod. Both of them knew what was about to come, they had predicted it in their discussion with Aragorn.
It was then that she noticed Gandalf opposite her. Eredhel had spoken with the wizard again since her conversation with the others. He had taken great delight in her gift of pipe weed, not having had the chance to get any due to his delay at Isengard. Eredhel had never liked Saruman, even when he was considered an ally. Now that he had betrayed them her dislike grew to hatred when she thought of the torture he had put her friend through.
When she expressed her condolences the wizard had simply embraced her and thanked her for helping Frodo. Now he sat looking off into the distance, watching his smoke rings rise into the sky. On her other side sat Aragorn. He was staring at one of the men intently, his face impossible to read. Eredhel sat up straighter as Lord Elrond began to speak. "Strangers from far off lands, allies and friends of old. Messengers were sent to summon you here to answer the menace that has sprung from Mordor. Middle Earth stands upon the brink of destruction. No single race can escape it. We cannot remain blind to it any longer. If you do not unite, you will fall to Sauron's doom."
Eredhel's thoughts wandered as her father told the familiar story of the forging of the Rings of Power and the One Ring. He recounted the Battle of Dagorlad and the siege of Barad-Dur. Finally he spoke of Isildur who cut the Ring from Sauron's finger. Everyone was silent as they waited. "The One Ring has been found. Frodo bring it forth." Elrond motioned to the young hobbit who placed the Ring upon the plinth then returned to his chair. Immediately Eredhel scanned the faces of those seated. On some she saw only vague curiosity but on others, mostly in those of the men, she saw lust and greed. She continued to study them one by one until Boromir stood, his eyes fixed on the Ring.
"I had a dark dream, I saw the Eastern sky grow fierce. In the West a pale light lingered. A voice was crying, your doom is near at hand. Isildur's bane is found. I saw my people fall at the hands of our enemies, no child or woman was spared. I told my father of my vision and he charged me with finding a way to save our country." He had been walking towards the plinth while speaking and now he reached out his hand towards the Ring.
"Boromir!" Elrond warned.
"Ash nazg durbatulûk, ash nazg gimbatul ash nazg thrakatulûk," Gandalf chanted. The sky darkened and grey clouds gathered overhead, a low rumbling drowning out the ever present sound of waterfalls. The Council members shrank into their seats. Legolas and Elrond grimaced while Eredhel let out a small gasp, clutching her head in pain. It felt as if fire was burning through her mind as the whispers of the Ring hissed in her ears. Aragorn looked over and gripped her shoulder tightly. "Agh burzum-ishi krimpatul," Gandalf finished and the sky became clear once more.
"It is unwise to utter such words in this valley. Never before has such an evil tongue been spoken in Imladris!" said Lord Elrond angrily.
"I will not ask for forgiveness for it was necessary. If the Ring was to fall into the hands of our enemy the Black Speech would be heard all over Middle Earth, poisoning our minds and ears," said Gandalf.
Boromir shook his head, "The Ring is a gift to those who would challenge Mordor. You have not seen the desperation to the South. My people fight day and night to ensure the lands are kept safe. The Rangers of Ithilien battle against squadrons of orcs, while we debate what to do with the greatest weapon of our enemy! Gondor is strong, we could use it against Sauron," he insisted.
"Those of your country are not the only ones who risk their lives to combat the growing darkness. The Northern Dúnedain have watched over the Shire and prevented the Wraiths from seizing the Ring," added Eredhel thoughtfully.
"And all their efforts will have been for naught if we do not put it to good use," reasoned Boromir and his face hardened.
"Gondor alone does not have the strength to fight all of Mordor and Isengard combined!" snapped Eredhel, beginning to grow impatient.
"None of us can wield it without succumbing to darkness. The One Ring answers to Sauron alone," said Aragorn.
"It would be the doom of us all if we were to try and use it against its master," Eredhel added.
"What would a Ranger and an elleth know of this matter?" Boromir sneered. "Your valley is oblivious to the suffering of the South." At this Legolas stood, his eyes on the man.
"That Ranger is Aragorn, son of Arathorn, I would suggest you offer him some respect."
"Aragorn! This is Isildur's heir?" asked Boromir in disbelief.
"Yes and also the heir to the throne of Gondor!" replied the elf.
"Sérë, (peace) Legolas," Aragorn said softly. It made the man uncomfortable when people referred to him as a future king.
"All these years Gondor has been without a king, Gondor no longer needs a king" smirked the Captain. Eredhel's blood boiled at the man's arrogance but she kept her expression calm. It would achieve nothing to let him know he had gotten under her skin. "What of the elf?" he sneered as many others also focused their attention upon her. Before she could speak Gandalf stepped in.
"She is Eredhel of Rivendell, the eldest of Lord Elrond's sons and daughters. She has gathered information from all over Middle Earth and is the Captain of Rivendell's guard" he explained and then sat. Boromir's eyes narrowed and several of the council members stared at her.
"Your Captain is a woman?" asked a council member.
"Indeed," replied Eredhel and several of the men averted their eyes from her cold glare.
"They are right. We cannot use it, therefore our only option is to destroy the Ring," said Lord Elrond before more questions could arise.
"Then what are we waiting for!" yelled Gimli and he rose, raising his ax above his head. He swung and was about to bring it down upon the Ring when his arm was caught by Eredhel. No one had seen her move behind him. He glared at the fingers curled around his wrist, confusion and irritation in his face.
"I would not recommend you do that unless you wish to destroy your weapon," she said calmly.
"What would you know about magic rings? We have decided that we must be rid of it!" growled Gimli.
"I know that it cannot be undone by any mortal weapon. If it were that easy the Ring would have been destroyed long ago. Had you brought your ax down on it the blade would have shattered into a million pieces." She was truly growing irritated now, the rash decisions of men and dwarves were frustrating. She had lived more than twenty of their lifetimes over and seen the consequences of arrogance and impatience.
"She speaks the truth," urged Elrond. "It was created in Mordor and that is the one place where it can be unmade. Only the fire of Mount Doom will melt it."
"One cannot just walk into Mordor," said Boromir. "Its gates are guarded by orcs, trolls and who knows what else. There is a constant evil there and the great eye is always watching. Tis a barren wasteland. The very air you breathe is a poisonous fume. Not with all the soldiers of Gondor and Rohan combined could you enter. It is folly." He shook his head.
"So you would sit here and do nothing? The Ring must be destroyed!" insisted Legolas, locking eyes with Eredhel. The irritated look in her eyes mirroring his own emotions.
"And you think you should be the one do to it?" demanded Gimli angrily.
"If we do not succeed what then?" asked Boromir. "Sauron will march out and search endlessly for the Ring. What happens when he finds it?"
"I would rather die than see the Ring in the hands of a blasted elf!" Gimli spat. It was then that the fighting broke out. The elves stood to back up Legolas and then the men and the dwarves did the same. The bickering grew louder. Elrond sighed and Eredhel ran over to get between several council members. She got between the dwarves and the elves, holding back her kin whilst also trying to subdue the dwarves. In seconds Legolas was by her side, attempting to control his companions. Amidst all this Frodo walked towards the plinth and tried to speak above the noise.
"I will take it!" he said. It was only Gandalf, Lord Elrond and Eredhel who heard him.
"Enough!" she cried. Like her father's, her words seemed to hold power behind them and the arguing ceased.
"I will take it!" Frodo repeated, louder this time. "I will take it, but I do not know the way."
"This is a great burden to bear. Though I was unable to assist you in Bree I offer to join you on your quest," said Gandalf solemnly and went to stand next to him.
"If by my life or death I can protect you, I will" promised Aragorn and he knelt before the hobbit. "You have my sword."
"And my bow" added Legolas as he joined them.
"And my axe" offered Gimli, grimacing as he passed the elf.
"The fate of us all rests on your shoulders," said Boromir. "Gondor has always played a role in the events of legend and now is no exception. If this is the will of the Council then Gondor will see it done." He stood with the others. Eredhel looked into the hobbit's bright eyes and was about to rise when a voice in her head stopped her.
"Do not volunteer. With Elladan and Elrohir riding in the North you're the only one I can send to Lothlórien with an important message," said Lord Elrond.
"He will need all the protection he can get," she reasoned.
"Eredhel I need you here," he said sternly. She hesitated but after a moment gave her father a small nod and felt his relief through their connection. All of a sudden Sam came running out onto the porch.
"I came here with Mr Frodo and I intend to leave with him as well," he huffed, panting slightly.
"Well we can hardly separate you, even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not!" said Elrond mirthfully. It was then that Merry and Pippin jumped from the bushes and joined Sam at Frodo's side.
"Well then we're coming too!" cried Merry. "Not even old farmer Maggot and all his dogs could stop us from going!" he insisted.
"Anyway you need people of intelligence on this sort of mission... quest... thing," said Pippin.
"Well that rules you out Pip," replied his cousin with an eye roll.
"Nine companions to equal the nine riders. So be it, you are the Fellowship of the Ring!" declared Lord Elrond.
"Great," said Pippin. "But one question, where are we going?"
The Council had concluded half an hour ago and four members stood in a pavilion in one of the hidden corners of Imladris. It was the same structure that had housed the meeting of the White Council when the dwarves visited Rivendell all those years ago. Gandalf, Aragorn, Lord Elrond and Eredhel studied the map laid out on the low table before them. They had come here immediately after the Council to discuss the course of the Fellowship among other important matters. The stone dome was perched on a cliff, overlooking one of the great waterfalls. Their altitude and the rushing water would drown out their voices to any unwanted listeners. "What about the High Pass?" suggested Aragorn as he placed a finger on the mountains behind Rivendell.
"Once you cross over the Misty Mountains you could follow the Anduin river past Lórien and continue towards Gondor. Although, I do not think the Ring should be taken too close to the cities of men," said Eredhel.
"But such a route would also take you past Mirkwood, where darkness has reclaimed much of the forest," added Elrond.
Gandalf considered their suggestion for moment, his eyes scanning the worn parchment. "It would also cost us precious time to take that pass over the mountains. Have either of you been to Hollin or Dunland in the past months?" he asked, looking at Eredhel and Aragorn.
The man shook his head, "No, I followed a straight route to the East immediately after leaving Mirkwood."
"I took the Gap of Rohan and then continued along the mountains until I met the Glanduin River," replied Eredhel. "I met no threats on the road but a lone traveler draws far less attention then a group such as yours. It is likely to be more dangerous now that Saruman is set against us."
"It would take us just over a month of traveling south before we could turn east at the fords then continue through Rohan and on to Mordor," said the wizard as he considered the route.
"Gandalf, you would be walking past the very walls of Isengard!" exclaimed Elrond. The ancient tower was the only landmark for miles on the open plains. From this vantage point Saruman would have no trouble spotting them.
"Our strength lies in stealth and speed. We would have to be careful but it is the quickest and surest way through the alps," Gandalf reasoned.
"Very well." Elrond sighed and the others nodded. "Now for another matter. As Legolas informed us after the Council, the creature Gollum has escaped from the Woodland Realm. He will come after the Ring."
"Yes," agreed Gandalf. "The Ring calls to him, its power pulling him towards it. So the task falls to the three of us to keep an eye out for him."
"He will not openly attack Frodo when he is so closely guarded. Gollum will follow you until he sees his chance," commented Eredhel.
"And you must make sure he does not succeed," insisted Elrond. "If he gets the Ring all will be lost." They fell silent for several moments. The rushing waterfall cast mist swirling about their feet and birds chirped overhead. Eredhel leaned against one of the stone columns and rubbed her temples in slow circles. So much could go wrong, she felt as if she stood upon a thin ledge and a single gust of wind would send her falling thousands of feet to the ground. A simple mistake would mean lives lost. It was unusual for the elf to feel so unsure and anxious. Lord Elrond looked over at her, his brow furrowed. "There is something troubling you. What is it that plagues your thoughts?"
"I'm sure you saw as well as I the temptation the Ring presented today." she lied, saying the most obvious thing that came to her mind.
"Ah yes, the Captain of Gondor. In physical strength he is powerful but of the mind he is one of the weakest in the Fellowship. The Ring will try to take him," warned Elrond.
"We will have to be wary and watchful. His sights are set on the salvation of Gondor. Boromir is courageous but also arrogant with the pride of his people," said Aragorn. The four of them continued discussing preparations for the Fellowship's departure for over an hour. Finally when most of the decisions had been made they rose to take the path back to the heart of Rivendell. They would have several weeks to make any more necessary arrangements. Aragorn and Gandalf pulled out their pipes and left the gazebo. Eredhel made to follow them but felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned to face her father.
"I appreciate you staying here," he said with a smile.
"It seemed quite important," Eredhel replied. "When can I depart?"
"A few days after the Fellowship leaves. Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel will be expecting news."
"Where exactly are Elladan and Elrohir?" Eredhel asked and she noticed that her father hesitated before answering her.
"They went North. A few days later I realized I needed them to bring word to Lórien after the Fellowship departs."
"I see. Is that all?" She frowned.
"Well there were a few more things I wanted to discuss with you but now is not the time. We will have plenty of opportunities to speak again over the next few weeks," said Lord Elrond.
"Of course," she said.
"Very well, we will talk later," He indicated to the trail. Eredhel nodded and then turned to follow the others back along the path. Elrond remained, watching her retreating back. From behind he could imagine that she was her sister, willing to do as he asked and recoiling from the bloodshed of battle. But Eredhel was not like Arwen, she was daring and resolute. So much like himself, willing to do anything for those she loved and that worried him. He couldn't bear the thought of losing another member of his family. Lord Elrond sighed, hoping he had made the right decision in asking her to stay behind.