Chapter 7

Fellowships And Darkspawn

~~Thorin's POV~~

Though he could see why Rila had left, Thorin felt a sense of loss when she went. Now he was walking around Rivendell with Dorian, trying to remember where everything was. Too him, it had only been a few weeks since he was last here. Knowing that to be completely untrue, he hated not being near his home, Erebor.

Thorin was delighted in knowing that Erebor was now free from that vile dragon, yet once again, he was saddened in not being there when his kin had reclaimed his and their home. He should have been there.

He was relieved, however, in knowing that his sister Dis was alive and well. That was a huge comfort. Thorin would surely tell his two nephews of this, just as soon as he could find them that is. Even though the news that there was another king in his stead, angered him.

'Dain.' Thorin though, narrowing his eyes a little.

"I must say," began Dorian, breaking Thorin out of his thoughts "this is a very calm place to stay in."

"Pfft."

Dorian looked at Thorin with raised eyebrows.

"You don't think so?"

"It would be alright without the elves," muttered Thorin, though Dorian had heard him "elves are not to be trusted."

"My dear friend, are you talking about Solas or is this something else entirely?"

Thorin stopped walking and looked at his new companion. He knew that Dorian and the other two that fell from the sky would definitely stay and help out Rila, but Thorin, on the other hand, was still very suspicious of these newcomers.

"All elves have their own goal," He explained "they don't like to help out unless there are gold and rubies and other gems to negotiate with. Or in dire conditions, that their realms are also under attack."

"Oh I don't know," replied Dorian, turning around and facing the direction where Lord Elrond and Gandalf were still residing "that Lord seemed okay."

"Does he?"

Thorin still remembered overhearing Lord Elrond and Gandalf speaking about him when he was last here. It was night time and Thorin had wanted to clear his head. Never in his wildness dreams, would he happen to overhear Lord Elrond and Gandalf discuss him regarding the dragon sickness.

Lord Elrond seemed so convinced that Thorin would get this sickness that it actually made the exiled King question himself that night. Would he really get this sickness? He remembered watching his own grandfather act strangely.

Never take any notice of what was going on around him. His grandfather was more concerned with the Arkenstone than anything else. Lord Elrond had made Thorin feel inadequate that night and for that, he despised him for acknowledging his history.

"I don't think all elves are troublesome," said Dorian "though I can see that you feel differently."

"You could say that. I just don't like or trust them. Especially now that one of your friends has brought us sixty years into the future...Is he a halfwit or something?"

Dorian blinked several times, watching the exiled King speak to Solas like this.

"There is something disturbing about that elf of yours," carried on Thorin, now crossing his arms over his chest "I've seen the way he keeps watching those hobbits. That's not normal. If I were you, I wouldn't go anywhere near him."

"No," Dorian said after a while, shaking his head "He is a massive help with the inquisition."

"The what?"

"Doesn't matter...All I'm saying is, Solas can be trusted."

"Trusted!" shouted Thorin, now glaring at the mage in front of him "What person in their right state of mind, would just turn on an orb, then make us come here! Hmmm. That elf needs to be locked up."

"Thorin I-,"

"No," He interrupted "all elves only think for themselves. That includes your precious friend. He is clearly not normal, which is very alarming. If I were you, I'd just leave him to rot somewhere, where he can not cause any more damage to anyone else!"

As soon as Thorin uttered that, he walked off, leaving a wide-eyed Dorian to his own thoughts. Of course, the mage soon recovered and once again, fell into step with the exiled king.

"I will take on board to what you have just said." was all Dorian had said.

"You do that." snapped Thorin, hoping that this council would have more answers to what was about to happen.

o0o

~~Fili's POV~~

Being back Rivendell was strange for Fili. After all, it was just a few weeks ago that he and his kin were here, messing around in the waterfall, naked, throwing food at other elves and just relaxing and having some fun.

Now though, everything had changed. Fili had no idea if he would ever see his mother again. He had no idea where his brother had wondered of too either. Not that he minded being on his own, it was quite nice not having to watch out for Kili. As he walked leisurely down the path, Fili's thoughts soon went on Rila.

He had noticed the way she cried openly when she saw Elladan and Elrohir earlier. It made him realise that she herself was holding everything inside. For a little while, Rila had let her guard down and that had worried him.

Now it seemed she was back to normal, though Fili was not convinced, in fact, he was concerned about her. It seemed like she was used to dealing with things on her own, but not this time. No, Fili would be there for her, should she need someone to speak too. Just as soon as he turned a corner, Fili promptly bumped right into someone.

"Why don't you look where you are going!" said a very familiar voice.

Fili's head snapped right up and his blue eyes went wide, for he was now staring back at Gloin. He was with his son Gimli, both dwarves seemed just as surprised as he was.

"What is the meaning of this?" snapped Gloin, now poking Fili with his fingers "You can't be real. You died alongside your brother Kili and Thorin."

"How is this even possible?" asked Gimli, clearly shocked at seeing him here.

"It's a long story," admitted Fili, stopping Gloin from prodding his chest "one you should ask uncle about."

"Thorin's here?" asked Gloin, taking in a deep breath.

Gloin looked like he had seen a ghost and despite himself, Fili smirked at that fact.

"Aye, though at the precise moment, uncle is speaking to Lord Elrond."

"Interesting." was all Gloin said, glancing at his son Gimli "now, seeing as Thorin is nowhere to be seen, care to explain what happened since your disappearance lad?"

Knowing that Fili had no choice, he took a deep breath and began to explain just what happened.

o0o

~~Rila's POV~~

Walking in silence, you watch the two hobbit's run up ahead like they were having a race with one another. You found yourself smiling at Merry and Pippin, for they seemed like they had no care in the world.

You smile soon went, when you glanced over to Elrohir, he looked the complete opposite to the two hobbit's. He looked troubled. Your left hand was currently on his arm and you tenderly tugged him, making him turn and look back at you.

"Okay, out with it, what is bothering you?"

"I'm alright," He tried to reassure you, though you were not believing that for one second "I'm just glad you are safe."

You stopped walking, which made Elrohir stop too. You watched him, clearly seeing so many emotions in his grey eyes that it really unsettled you.

"You can not fool me Elrohir, there is something troubling you, what are you hiding?"

Elrohir watched you, then averted his eyes, now looking at the two hobbits who were patiently waiting for you both to reach them.

"I'm anxious, thinking this is a cruel dream," He began "that I'll wake up and you won't be here, that you-,"

Elrohir looked back at you in shock, for you had just pinched him, causing him to flinch out in pain.

"Ouch! What was that for?"

A smile appeared on your lips while you explained yourself.

"If this was a dream, that pinch I just did, would have woken you up. Would you like me to pinch you again to convince you that you are not in a dream?"

Elrohir took you by surprise by placing his free hand on your cheek, gently stroking it.

"You are a very strange lady," He whispered "thank you for doing that. That has reassured me, even though it is a weird way."

"It was the only way," You replied, now grinning back at him "stop living in a dream, I am real. You can't get rid of me that easily."

Elrohir never said a word, now he had a tender expression on his face as he watched you. His thumb was now stroking your cheek. Though you were a little surprised with what he was doing, you did not stop him. Maybe this was his way in understanding that you were really back in Imladris.

"Ahem!" came a sound, causing Elrohir to frown now "We would leave this touching scene."

It was Merry, you realised as he continued speaking.

"But, we have no idea where we are as yet...So could this wait until we are in a more familiar surrounding please?"

Despite yourself, you chuckled and you were relieved when Elrohir did the same. Though with great reluctance, he let go of your cheek and stepped back. He placed your hand in his, causing you to shake your head in mirth.

"Let's be on our way," Elrohir said, now pulling you to move forward "perhaps later Rila, we can speak in private, yes?"

You nod your head saying,

"Of course."

So once again you all began to move. You were still shocked by what had just transpired. Never had you see. Elrohir act this way. Was this because he had not spoken to his brother, that he missed the old days?

To you, it had only been a few days since you last saw each other, but to Elrohir it was decades. All you could see now in your mind was the way he looked at you. There was something other than relief, you just could not pinpoint what that was.

o0o

After walking a little while, you finally saw many people sitting around a round table. You found yourself grinning when you spotted Frodo sitting in the middle, laughing and chatting away.

The last time you had seen him, was when he had been stabbed. You can still see the paleness of his face when you more or less forced him to drink the healing potion you had at the time. You knew Gandalf spoke the truth, that wound Frodo had inflicted, would never truly heal, but to see him smiling and relaxed, completely warmed your heart.

"There you are little star." came a voice that brought you out of your thoughts.

Looking ahead, you saw Glorfindel walking toward you and Elrohir. Though he smiled at you, you could tell he looked troubled.

"Did you get lost?"

You frowned at that, which cause your old friend to chuckle.

"Actually it was these two rascals," You now looked at Merry and Pippin who were at this second hugging Frodo and Sam "that got lost. Elrohir and I just guided them back here."

"I only have your word on that," grinned Glorfindel, glancing at Elrohir who nodded his head in acknowledgement to his mentor "I was worried about you."

Your eyebrows widen at his admittance.

"Lord Elrond spoke of you," carried on Glorfindel "said you walked out of his study."

"I did," You agreed "I needed some time to think."

You let go of Elrohir's arm as he just smiled back at you when he walked towards the others by the table.

"Do you want to unburden yourself with me?" asked Glorfindel, causing you to look back at your friend.

You shook your head.

"Not here. Perhaps later, we can speak in private?"

Glorfindel nodded his head.

"Very well. Until then, I believe a few hobbits wish to speak to you."

Stepping aside, your blue eyes went back on Frodo and now Sam, who was sitting beside him. Your eyes scanned the rest of the people by the table, noticing Thorin, Dorian, Fili, Kili and a dwarf you never met before. Your eyes moved from one face to another, finally stopping when you saw a face you did recognise.

You were watching the hobbit, Bilbo Baggins. True he looked a little older, but there was no mistaking it was him. He still had that smile as he currently watched you back. Your own smile mirrored his.

"Rila." was all he said, getting up from the chair he was sitting on.

He placed his quill on the table and slowly made his way towards you.

"Thorin has explained everything, though until now," Bilbo explained reaching you "I was a little suspicious on believing him."

Bilbo stopped and turned his head back at Thorin, giving him an apologetic look. Despite yourself, you chuckle. It seems Bilbo hasn't changed that much. You met him halfway and went to his level, pulling him into a tight hug.

"For so long," whispered Bilbo "I have always wondered what had happened to you all," pulling back a little so he could have a good look at you "you haven't changed at all."

"Well." You replied "it has only been a few days since I last saw you. Yet it isn't that case, has it? You look fantastic Bilbo."

"Really, I'm older than we last met Rila," chuckled Bilbo, finally letting go of you "age does have a tendency to catch up with you."

"Nonsense! You look just as handsome as when I last saw you." You remark, winking back at him.

Bilbo looked down at the ground and you realised that you had made him a little bashful now.

"Well I-I-I d-don't know about that," He stammered, now turning a little toward the table "Rila, I'd like you to meet my nephew."

Bilbo surprised you when he placed his hand on yours, now pulling you toward the table.

"Frodo, this is the fair maiden who killed Azog the defiler."

You could feel your cheeks go red at the way Bilbo said that.

"He was getting on my nerves," was your response "wouldn't take the hint to leave well alone," a few chuckles could be heard around the table as you continued speaking "so I took matters into my own hands."

Your eyes went on Thorin, who had a small smile on his face.

"I had no idea at the time, that it was Thorin's nemesis. So, I'll admit it, I don't feel guilty in killing Azog."

"I'm grateful all the same." was Thorin's response.

You smiled back at Thorin, then looked back at Frodo and you had to ask,

"How are you feeling?"

Frodo smiled at you and sighed in content.

"Much better then I was...Sam told me you also had a part to play in helping me out back then."

"I still have several healing potions from my old life that thankfully still work. I had to do something to ease your discomfort." You admitted, gracing Frodo with a smile.

"My dear friend," Your head turned in the direction of where Dorian was sitting "should you need more healing potions, do let me know, I do know how to make them."

You graced Dorian with a smile and a little nod, before returning your attention back to Bilbo and Frodo.

"I would like to thank you Rila," began Frodo, his big blue eyes bore into yours "you and Strider and..." Frodo looked at his three friends, before looking at the table, thinking "everyone helped me. You didn't have too."

"Of course I did," You reply "and I'll do that again. Though I'm hoping that will never, ever, happen again anyway."

Frodo looked back at you, his eyebrows raised as he processed what you had just said. He then smiled and nodded his head.

"You have my word, I'll try and stay out of danger."

"So," You began, taking the empty chair opposite Lindir and Glorfindel sitting down on it "what exactly are you writing Bilbo?"

Bilbo until this second, was busy writing with his quill suddenly looked up at you and smiled.

"I'm just writing about my journey from before. How Gandalf tricked me into travelling with thirteen dwarves from my home."

"A wizard never tricked you, my dear friend," You jumped at the voice behind you, causing a few laughs along the table "this particular wizard just nudged you in the right direction."

By now Gandalf was standing by the chair beside Thorin's though he was watching Bilbo with a gentle smile on his face.

"Just admit it, Bilbo, you would do it all again if you could." grinned Merry, eating two apples at the same time.

"Do what?" asked Bilbo, clearly confused.

"Travel around Middle-earth of course. Your stories are legendary." remarked Pippin.

"Especially the troll story." said Frodo, looking at his uncle with such tenderness that it brought up your memories of your own family.

You momentarily close your eyes, remembering the way your father had taught you on how to use a sword. He taught you everything as did your mother, though you enjoyed it more when your father would encourage you to fight him.

You found yourself smiling when you always tried to get the upper hand and sometimes, the sword fighting took hours to reach a conclusion, as both of you had always been competitive against one another.

"My lady, are you alright?"

Opening your eyes, you looked at Lindir who had clearly spoken and graced him with a smile. Though you were unaware of the troubled expression Elrohir was giving you.

"I am fine Lindir, just remembering my own family," You look back at Bilbo and Frodo, clearly seeing the concern on their faces "family is important after all," You continue "never let go of that fact."

"I agree." said Bilbo, after a while "Frodo is like a son to me."

You smiled, liking that answer, before looking back at the red book he was writing in.

"Perhaps when you have finally finished writing your tales," You began, watching Bilbo once more "I could read it, yes?"

You were curious as to what Bilbo had done during your time away.

"Well," replied Bilbo, "there is still a lot to write about. I have thought of a title of this story though."

"Oh?" You found yourself saying "What's that then?"

Once again, Bilbo smiled warmly at you, before replying,

"There and back again."

"I like it." You reassured him, your smile broadening.

"Aye, not bad." You heard Thorin and the others say.

For a while, you and the rest of your friends, stayed around the table, listening to everyone that was currently speaking at the time. You watched Bilbo after a while, who was once again jotting something down in his book.

You were relieved to see him. He still had that charm from before this sorry mess came about, which you were glad about. After hearing about the battle of five armies, you had to wonder, just what was Bilbo himself doing then.

Obviously, he had survived this epic battle, though you knew from your own experience, that battles could be daunting. It seemed luck was helping Bilbo back then. Then you found yourself frowning as you realised something.

Could it be possible that during that battle, Bilbo was already carrying the one Ring? That could indeed explain why he was able to survive. Though this thought alone alarmed you, you were glad that everything turned out right for him in the end.

"Rila."

You came back from your own thoughts as you looked up at Gandalf once more, gracing him with a small smile.

"It is time." said the wizard with a sombre expression on his face.

You knew what he was referring too. It was time to go to this secret council. You admit you were nervous, but you wanted answers on how to reach Mordor and destroy that blasted red Archdemon and Corypheus once and for all.

o0o

Noticing many other people around a circle, you looked for a vacant chair, finding one near a blonde elf. As you made your way there, you spotted Aragorn who you realised was watching you. You graced him with a smile and a little nod as you sat next to the elf beside you, noticing him do the same to you as well.

A few minutes pass before you noticed Frodo, Gandalf, Thorin, Dorian and Glorfindel arrive. They too quickly found chairs, though your old friend Glorfindel decided to sit beside you, gracing you with a knowing smile.

"I do have to keep an eye on you, after all, little star." He whispered.

"Is that so?" was your reply, rolling your eyes "Why is that?"

Just as Glorfindel was about to reply, Lord Elrond stood up from where he had been sitting and walked a few steps away from his chair. The look on his face made you worry as to what he was about to say. He, in turn, looked at everyone before beginning.

"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."

Lord Elrond looks at everyone again, before his eyes went on Frodo.

"Bring forth the Ring, Frodo."

Frodo sighed looking nervous, though stood up and walked towards the stone plinth that was in the middle of the circle, placing the Ring on it. Even though you were away from this Ring, you could feel an evil within coming from this gold band and you didn't like that one bit.

"So it's true!" said the man you recognise from earlier on "In a dream, I saw the Eastern sky grow dark."

You watch this man as he now stood up, watching the Ring with wonder in his eyes.

"In the West, a pale light lingered A voice was crying, 'your doom is near at hand'."

By now, you were getting concerned. Watching this man look at this Ring was very alarming. You looked back at Lord Elrond, noticing he too was not happy with what was currently happening.

"Isildur's bane is found."

Your eyes went wide as you watched this man stretch out his hand, ready to touch this evil Ring.

"Isildur's Bane."

"What in Maker's name are you doing?" was your response, standing up, narrowing your eyes at this man.

"Boromir!" warned Lord Elrond, as he too stood up.

You realise the sky was now dark and it was only when you saw Gandalf speak, you realised it was him doing this,

"Ash nazg durbatuluk, ash nazg gimbatul, ash nazg thrakatuluk agh burzum-ishi krimpatul (One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and, in the darkness, bind them.)"

You sat back down, watching Gandalf, then at the sky. The relief when the dark clouds were now gone.

"Never before has any voice uttered the words of the tongue here in Imladris." scolded Lord Elrond, looking at Gandalf with anger in his eyes.

"I do not ask your pardon, Master Elrond, for the black speech of Mordor may yet be heard in every corner of the West! The Ring is altogether evil." remarked Gandalf now glaring at Boromir.

You found that you were holding in your breath and it wasn't until you felt a hand go on your own, you finally exhaled. You turned and looked at Glorfindel, knowing it was him that was helping you. You graced him with a small smile, letting him now, that you were okay.

"It is a gift! A gift to the foes of Mordor! Why not use this Ring?"

Your head turned to where Boromir sat. He was still looking at the Ring as he continued speaking.

"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!"

"Are you ill in the head?" You found yourself asking.

"Little star!" warned Glorfindel.

"No," You replied, looking back at your friend, before returning your attention towards Boromir "this man clearly has no idea what this Ring can do."

Your eyes went back on the Ring itself, You could feel the power from it and this in itself, was worrying you. You realised this Ring was growing stronger.

"This Ring is evil. I can sense so much power coming from inside of it," You looked back at Boromir who was now glaring back at you "it needs to be destroyed now!"

All this man did was shake his head in disdain. Your eyes went back on the Ring once more and you felt a chill go down your spine. Yes, this very Ring had to be destroyed because you knew the whole of Middle-earth would never be the same ever again, should the Ring find it's true Master.

"You cannot wield it! None of us can. The one Ring answers to Sauron alone. It has no other master." remarked Aragorn, bringing you out of your troubled thoughts.

"And what would a ranger and a lady know of this matter?" hissed Boromir.

"Who I am is of no importance to you!" You snapped at him, noticing Dorian smile at that.

The elf that had been sitting beside you, suddenly stood up, glaring back at Boromir.

"This is no mere ranger. He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance." remarked the elf,

"Aragorn?" exclaimed Boromir turning his attention from you to Aragorn "This… is Isildur's heir?"

"And heir to the throne of Gondor." exclaimed Legolas.

"Havo dad Legolas (Sit down Legolas) said Aragorn, holding out his hand to settle this once and for all.

"Gondor has no king. Gondor needs no king." sneered Boromir.

You gave Boromir such a dirty look as he sat back down. Unaware that Aragorn was now watching your disgust for Boromir's attitude problem.

"Rila and Aragorn are right. We cannot use it." said Gandalf.

"Rila?"

You turned your head, now watching Legolas. You were a little surprised to see a small smile on his face as he looked back at you. You smiled back, wondering why he had said your name.

"You have only one choice. The Ring must be destroyed." exclaimed Lord Elrond, causing you to return your attention to the matter at hand.

"What are we waiting for?" remarked a red-haired dwarf who grabs his axe and approaches the pedestal.

"ARGH!" He cried out as he strikes the Ring as hard as he can, but is thrown back, falling to the ground.

"Well, that was unexpected!" You heard Dorian say, as you watch the red-haired dwarf get back up again.

Your eyes then widen as you spot Frodo holding his head in his hands as if he was in pain. You stood up and walked towards the hobbit and kneel to his level, taking his hand as gently as you could, trying to help him out as best as you could.

You failed to notice the looks you were now receiving from Thorin, Glorfindel, Aragorn and Legolas. You just wanted Frodo to be okay. You knew that he had been travelling with this Ring and it must have taken its toll on him.

"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!" You heard Lord Elrond say "One of you must do this."

Everyone was quiet until Boromir started speaking 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. 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!"

"Then what do you suggest we do?" asked Dorian, clearly unnerved by what's been happening here.

"Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said? The Ring must be destroyed!" exclaimed Legolas getting up again, as you moved a little and watch what was happening.

You gently stroked Frodo's hand, trying to calm him down. You could tell that he was not himself and that worried you.

"And I suppose you think you're the one to do it?!" snapped Gimli glaring at Legolas, causing you to roll your eyes.

"And if we fail, what then?! What happens when Sauron takes back what is his?!" asked Boromir.

"Everything will be gone," You replied with a sad tone of voice "all the good in this land will be replaced by darkness and discord. That is not what I want at all."

"I will be dead before I see the Ring in the hands of an elf!" exclaimed Gimli.

The other elves rise and start shouting at Gimli and the other dwarves. Legolas holds out his hand to stop them from starting a fight. You just shake my head in disgust.

"Never trust an elf!" someone shouted.

You were surprised that Thorin was not involved in this stupid spat. Instead, he was watching you with concern on his own face. You graced him with a small smile as you heard Gandalf shout out,

"Do you not understand that while we bicker among ourselves, Sauron's power grows?! None can escape it!"

The shouting continued and it was only when you felt Frodo's hand slip away from yours and then got up, a feeling went through you then, that things would change forever for this incredible hobbit.

"I will take it! I will take it!" said Frodo.

You shut your eyes frowning. Hadn't Frodo done enough? Everyone stops arguing. Gandalf closes his own eyes as he hears Frodo's statement. Everyone slowly turns toward Frodo, clearly surprised.

"I will take the Ring to Mordor. Though.. I do not know the way."

Gandalf walked towards Frodo and smiled at him.

"I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins, so long as it is yours to bear." said Gandalf placing a hand on Frodo's shoulder.

"If by my life or death, I can protect you, I will!" remarked Aragorn standing up and kneels in front of Frodo "You have my sword."

"And you have my bow." said Legolas walking towards Frodo.

"And my axe." said Gimli who gives Legolas a dirty look.

You stand up and watch Frodo, gracing him with a smile.

"Until such a time I have to leave," You say gently "I'll be there for you."

"Thank you Rila." smiled Frodo, clearly touched that you would be travelling with him.

"I too shall lend you my strength," You heard Thorin say "someone has to keep an eye on Rila here."

"Hey!" was your reply, noticing the grin on Thorin's face.

"You carry the fates of us all little one. If this is indeed the will of the council, then Gondor will see it done." remarked Boromir slowly walking up to Frodo.

"Heh!" You heard from somewhere.

You see Sam emerge from behind some bush and now stands beside Frodo.

"Mr Frodo is 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." replied a very amused Lord Elrond.

You try and fail to hide your laughter.

"Wait! We are coming too!" You heard Merry and Pippin say who then scoot round Lord Elrond heading straight for Frodo.

"You'd have to send us home tied up in a sack to stop us!" exclaimed Pippin "Anyway you need people of intelligence on this sort of mission, quest… thing."

"Well that rules you out Pip." scoffed Merry, causing you to chuckle at these two rascals.

"Eleven companions… So be it! You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring!" remarked Lord Elrond.

"Great! Where are we going?" asked Pippin, earning a chuckle from you once again.

"Rila?"

You looked straight at Lord Elrond, noticing his hand go on your back as he and yourself walked away a little from the others.

"Though you are now part of the fellowship, I know you will want to reach your own destination."

"That is true," You replied, "that Archdemon must be dealt with."

"Indeed," agreed Lord Elrond, who stopped walking and turned to face you "though like Frodo, you can not do this alone."

You frowned as you watched him. You knew you were a good fighter, after all, your father and mother taught you well. You said nothing though. Lord Elrond looked away from you and sighed.

"Elladan and Elrohir will accompany you Rila, you know you need all the help you can get," Lord Elrond faced you once more "Corypheus is just a threat as is Sauron. Whose to stop him from joining forces with him."

"My lord," You began, catching the sombre expression of Dorian as you quickly scanned the many faces around this court garden "I've dealt with an Archdemon before as well you know."

"And look what happened! You died because of it." blurted out Lord Elrond, surprising you a little.

"It was the only way," was your reply "I couldn't allow my friend Morrigan to do what she had in mind."

You caught the puzzled look on Lord Elrond's face and sighed, knowing now, you had to carry on.

"It was the eve of the battle of Denerim," You began slowly, now looking at the ground "Alistair and I had just discovered some startling news from another Warden named Riordan who explained that in order to kill an Archdemon, the Warden who was dealing the final blow will have to sacrifice themselves in order to save everyone."

"Yes, I know that You explained all of this when you could."

"Yet, I never mentioned the deal Morrigan had in mind." You remark.

"Indeed you did not," agreed Lord Elrond "what was this deal?"

With a heavy heart, you whispered to him what Morrigan had in mind on the eve of battle. How she said there is another way to kill the Archdemon without any Warden's death.

Closing your eyes as you went on, you could now see Morrigan in that room as she revealed her plan. That if you asked Alistair to see Morrigan herself for a night of passion, everything would sort themselves out.

"It felt very wrong," You continued, now watching nothing in particular "if I had agreed to this, Alistair would have had a child. A child with a god inside of it. Morrigan said that should I accept this, I too would be with my own love."

"Rila," You heard Lord Elrond say, while just for a second, you saw Zevran smiling back at you in your mind's eye "thing's happen for a reason, remember that."

By now you felt Lord Elrond's warm hands go over your own, bringing you back to the present.

"Do they?" You reply, feeling the anger course through you again "I should not be here, I should be helping Thorin out on this quest in reclaiming Erebor. Solas has a lot to answer t-,"

"Shhhh, You were meant to return in this timeline." said Lord Elrond, now placing your hand over his arm.

You just watch him while you both walked away from the court. It suddenly dawned on you that he had the gift of foresight. In fact, when you first meet him, you were surprised at the way he was dealing with your sudden appearance.

"You knew this was going to happen," You surmised, more to yourself but you knew he had heard you.

Lord Elrond didn't say anything though when you glanced at him, you could see the troubled expression on his face.

"I'm not blaming you, my lord," You continue, returning your gaze elsewhere "as if you could have said, 'Have a safe trip Rila, oh and by the way, the next time I will see you, it will be sixty years later.'

"I do not sound like that little star!" exclaimed Lord Elrond as you did actually mimic his voice.

"Forgive me." You reply, now trying to stop yourself from laughing.

You were a little taken aback when Lord Elrond chuckled which went when you carried on.

"For the first time ever, I find I just do not trust one particular elf."

"You mean Solas?"

You nodded and sighed.

"There is just something off about him," You admitted "when I had it out with him regarding this massive time leap, for one second, my inner voice spoke of a name."

You pause, still feeling very strange of hearing those two words inside your mind. Lord Elrond brought you back to the present by calling out your name.

"Rila, what is this name you heard?"

Looking at Lord Elrond, you sighed again and said,

"Dread Wolf."

You saw the frown on Lord Elrond's face, though thought better of asking him about his concern. It was just a name after all, wasn't it? Then why does it feel like that name should mean something?

o0o

You were leaning on a high bridge that overlooked Imladris. There was a light breeze in the air and from time to time, you could smell flowers from the wind that was blowing around you.

It was another place you loved going to when you wanted to be and think alone. The whole area was away from everyday activities and it gave you time to relax and go over things in your mind.

You had agreed with Lord Elrond's insistence, to have Elladan and Elrohir accompany you on your own quest to get rid of the Archdemon. Though he could clearly see that you were not happy with this, you never challenged him about it.

For a while, you would be travelling with the fellowship, though you knew that was temporary. This whole thing felt like the Blight, everyone not knowing what tomorrow would bring, it was like history was indeed repeating itself. The only thing missing was your fellow warden Alistair and your heart, Zevran.

You really missed the Antivan elf and a small smile came when you remembered how you had first encountered him. He had paid some thugs to entice you and your companions in helping them with their own problem.

Of course, there was no problem as Zevran had a stupid smirk on his face as he shouted out,

"The Grey Wardens dies here."

You sighed as you unsheathed your sword and dagger and began fighting back. It didn't take long, thanks to Alistar, Artemis your faithful Mabari dog and Sten the Qunari.

A chuckle left your lips when you recall seeing a tied up Zevran on the ground explaining why he was sent to kill you and Alistair. You don't know why, but it was then that you felt completely relaxed with him. You weren't sure if it was his accent or the way he explained things. Probably both.

It was your idea in letting Zevran accompany you and the rest of the companions. Alistair was appalled by this until you explained that having an assassin was an excellent idea especially if you wanted things done quickly. Your fellow warden soon saw things your way but you knew he still was shocked that you had recruited Zevran.

From there though, things with Zev and yourself grew, you got to know the real him and vice versa. You had never felt this way about anyone before and you doubt you ever will again.

Since being in Middle-earth, you refused to move on from your Antivan lover and friend. No one has made any acknowledgement that they like you in that way and that's how you liked it. Your heart will always belong to Zevran Arainai, no one else.

While holding on to the silver rail of the bridge, your thoughts soon went on another matter entirely.

The Archdemon.

Now that you knew that this red dragon was now residing in Mordor, you now had a goal. Though you also knew that Corypheus was also a big threat, though you had no idea just what he was. Was he a darkspawn leader or something worse?

'Perhaps Dorian and Varric can help with that.' You thought, feeling the breeze through your hair.

The breeze brought you a new smell and you instantly spun around spotting Aragorn walking towards you.

"I did not mean to make you jump my lady." was his reply.

"Please drop the familiarities," You answered, relaxing again "Rila will do."

A little nod from Aragorn as he walked towards you, looking at the scenery in front of him. For a while, nothing was said between you. You went back to thinking of the Archdemon and Corypheus.

When it finally came to killing the dragon, you realised something. Would you finally be at peace and return to the Maker. You were still baffled that you ended up in this world and not be joined by your father and mother.

"Rila."

All you could remember when dealing the final blow to the other Archdemon was a blinding white light, then nothing. You woke up in a bed and in this world, wondering what was going on.

"Rila."

You jump when you felt a hand go on your shoulder, bringing you out of your troubled thoughts. Turning your head, you saw the concern on Aragorn's face, making you frown a little.

"Are you alright?"

You nodded, gracing him with a weak smile. You had this feeling that he was not buying that. For one thing, his hand was still on your shoulder.

"What is troubling you?"

You knew Aragorn would not drop this matter, so with a sigh, you slowly explain what was going through your mind.

"Lord Elrond told me where the Archdemon resides," You began, returning your attention to the front, watching the trees sway from the wind "and I'm just wondering if things will be different this time."

"What do you mean?" asked Aragorn, taking his hand off your shoulder.

"When I slay the Archdemon," You reply, turning to face Aragorn as you continue "will I return to the Maker and finally see my parents or will I still be here, wondering what to do next."

You could clearly see the confusion on his face. You then explained to Aragorn what your fellow grey warden Riordan said. That whoever killed the Archdemon, dies with it.

"I was meant to die when I slew the original Archdemon, but I somehow ended up here, in Middle-earth. When I slew the Archdemon, a blinding white light came from its body taking my life with it. Only I never went to the Maker...I ended up here, alive."

You left out that Morrigan asked for your help in keeping you alive with her own offer as that seemed pointless now. For a short while, there was a silence between Aragorn and yourself.

At this point, you were now facing the front again, watching the trees sway against the breeze. You could feel Aragorn's eyes watch you, though causing you to frown a little. It was like he was reading you, trying to get to the good bit of the story.

"Are you saying, you will die when you slay this dragon?" asked Aragorn, finally breaking the silence between the pair of you.

"That I do not know," You admitted "I'm not too sure this is a real Archdemon."

Once again you turned and faced Aragorn, though your eyes looked at the sky, thinking. Thinking of Corypheus.

"I find it very strange that this Archdemon is working alongside someone else," You continued "Corypheus. Is he the servant or the puppet master controlling the red dragon?"

"What do you think the answer is?"

Your eyes instantly went on Aragorn's own grey/blue eyes, noticing the concern in them. Sighing, you felt this was very different from the other Archdemon, but the darkspawn were now appearing in Middle-earth. This was not good news at all.

"I believe the answer is all connected to Corypheus," You replied, nodding your head as you continue "I'll have to deal with him as well as this dragon.

They are tainting this land Aragorn and if Corypheus is joining forces with Sauron, then he needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. I've seen what the Blight does and it's not something I want repeating."

"You will not do this alone Rila, it is foolish!"

Despite yourself, you smiled at Aragorn, seeing the confusion on his face.

"I won't be alone. Lord Elrond has made it perfectly clear that Elladan and Elrohir will accompany me. Plus," I add, my smile broadening "I have this feeling Thorin and his kin will aid me too."

Your smile went as you watched Aragorn, thinking of something else.

"Please be very careful around the elf Solas. I don't like him and do not trust him at all. He is somehow connected in all of this. After all, he brought me and the others sixty years into the future."

You shook your head, closing your eyes, you saw the way Thorin acted when he realised that he was now in the future. You could see the anguish on his face when he knew that he was nowhere near his home Erebor or his sister Dis. You vowed then, that you would help Thorin get this home back and return him to his family.

"Yes, he is definitely up to something," You carried on, reopening your eyes "every time I think of Solas, all I can see, is a wolf. That to me is not a good omen. Just be on your guard."

Once again, you look at Aragorn, noticing him frown a little.

"I just don't trust him and I think he is up to something."

" I believe you," replied Aragorn, now gracing you with a smile.

"Especially with those green orb things he seems to look out for" You carried on "that can not be good either!"

You were still confused that a green orb had so much power in teleporting you and the others sixty years into the future. This orb was clearly not to be touched and yet, Solas reached out for it and...bang, here you all were. Same place, different time zone.

"Are you alright?"

You were brought back to the present with a gentle touch to your shoulder blade. Your blue eyes instantly went back on him and you find yourself giving him a small smile.

"Sorry," You reply as Aragorn took his hand away from your shoulder "miles away there."

"You do seem to have a lot on your mind," He remarked "is there something else that is troubling you?"

You were taken aback by his question as you knitted your brows together, thinking if he would understand what was really bugging you now. As the breeze blew your hair, you decided to explain everything to Aragorn that only a select few knew of this. Sighing, you quietly said,

"There is something you should know about me, seeing as we shall be travelling together soon."