୨⎯ Chapter 3⎯୧
"The Fellowship"

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RIVENDELL WAS EVERYTHING the stories had promised and more. Waterfalls cascaded down rocky cliffs, their mist catching the sunlight and creating rainbows. The architecture was a blend of nature and Elven craftsmanship, each building seemingly grown from the very rock itself.

Lord Elrond stood at the entrance, his ageless face a mask of serene welcome. "Welcome to Rivendell," he intoned, his voice as timeless as the valley itself. "We have been awaiting your arrival."

As I dismounted, my legs stiff from the long ride, I inclined my head in respect. "Thank you, Lord Elrond. Your hospitality is most appreciated." I paused, choosing my next words carefully. "I confess, I'm uncertain why my mother sent me in her stead. It seems there's much left unexplained."

A flicker of... something passed across Elrond's face. Surprise? Amusement? It was gone before I could decipher it. "Indeed, Princess Liairse. Perhaps the coming days will bring clarity to us all." His gaze shifted to the rest of our company. "Your companion, Frodo Baggins, is recovering. You may visit him if you wish."

As the hobbits scurried off, eager to reunite with their friend, Elrond turned back to me. "Before you rest, Princess, there is someone I believe you should meet."

My heart sank. I knew exactly who he meant, and the realization brought a fresh wave of anxiety. Legolas. The Elven prince I was betrothed to, a stranger I was expected to marry for the sake of political alliance.

Elrond must have sensed my hesitation, for his expression softened. "Do not fear, Princess. He is as nervous as you are."

I couldn't help but let out a laugh. "I highly doubt that, Lord Elrond."

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The garden Elrond led me to was a masterpiece of Elven culture. Flowers of impossible colors bloomed alongside ancient trees, their leaves whispering secrets in the gentle breeze. And there, standing beneath an archway of intertwined vines, was Legolas.

My first thought, much to my chagrin, was that he was unfairly handsome. Tall, with hair like spun gold and eyes that seemed to hold the wisdom of ages. As our gazes met, I saw my own reluctance mirrored in his expression.

Elrond, either oblivious to or purposely ignoring the tension, made the introductions. "Princess Liairse of the Fae, may I present Prince Legolas of Mirkwood."

We exchanged formal bows, our smiles strained but polite. At this, Elrond tactfully excused himself, leaving us alone in the garden.

For a moment, we simply stood in awkward silence. Finally, unable to bear the tension any longer, I spoke.

"Well, Prince Legolas," I began, "I must say, this is quite the picturesque setting for a meeting, don't you think?"

"Indeed, Princess Liairse. Rivendell does have a knack for making even the most... uncomfortable situations seem enchanting."

I couldn't help but chuckle at his dry delivery. "Uncomfortable? Why, whatever do you mean? Surely the prospect of marrying a complete stranger is the height of romance."

Legolas's lips twitched, a hint of genuine amusement breaking through his composed facade. "Ah yes, nothing says 'true love' quite like parental meddling."

As we began to walk along the garden path, our banter continued, each retort serving to ease the tension between us. It was clear that neither of us was thrilled about our union, but there was a strange comfort in our shared discontent.

"So tell me, my prince," I said, pausing to admire a particularly vibrant bloom, "how does Mirkwood compare to this Elven paradise? All shadows and seriousness, I imagine?"

Legolas raised an eyebrow, a challenge in his eyes. "We have our moments of levity, I assure you. Though perhaps not as... spirited as the Fae are rumored to be."

"Spirited?" I echoed, feigning offense. "I prefer to think of it as adding a dash of excitement to an otherwise dull existence."

"Dull?" Now it was Legolas's turn to look affronted. "I'll have you know that life in Mirkwood is filled with... adventure."

"Oh? Do tell. Let me guess – the occasional spider infestation to liven things up?"

A genuine laugh escaped him then, the sound surprisingly melodic. "Among other things. Though I suspect life with you, Princess, will be an adventure all its own."

As we settled onto a bench, the sun dipping low on the horizon. Legolas turned to me, his expression suddenly serious. "I know this situation is far from ideal for either of us. But perhaps, for the sake of our peoples, we can find a way to make the best of it."

I studied him for a long moment, weighing his words. "A noble sentiment, Prince Legolas. Though I warn you, I have no intention of abandoning my 'spirited' ways."

A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "I would expect nothing less, Princess Liairse. Perhaps, in time, we'll find that our differences complement rather than clash."

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The following morning dawned bright and clear, and Aine and I made our way to the council chamber, I could feel the sweat building up in my palms.

The chamber was already filled with representatives from across Middle-earth. We took our places – myself beside Legolas and Aine to my right.

Lord Elrond stood, his presence commanding immediate attention. "Strangers from distant lands, friends of old," he began. "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."

A hush fell over the gathering as Elrond gestured to a stone pedestal at the center of the chamber. "Bring forth the Ring, Frodo."

The young hobbit rose shakily, his face pale as he placed a simple gold band upon the pedestal. Immediately, whispers erupted throughout the council. I felt Aine stiffen beside me, her sharp intake of breath mirroring my own sense of foreboding.

"So it is true," murmured Boromir, a man of Gondor whose eyes glinted with barely concealed desire. "The doom of Men..."

I shifted uneasily, acutely aware of Legolas's gaze upon me. Before I could speak, Boromir rose to his feet, his voice ringing out with misplaced confidence.

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

Aragorn, the ranger we had traveled with, stood abruptly. "You cannot wield it," he stated, his voice firm with conviction. "None of us can. The One Ring answers to Sauron alone. It has no other master."

Boromir's eyes narrowed. "And what would a ranger know of this matter?"

To my surprise, Legolas leapt to his feet, his usually composed demeanor replaced by fierce loyalty. "This is no mere ranger," he declared. "He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance."

A ripple of shock passed through the assembly. Boromir turned to Aragorn, disbelief etched across his features. "Aragorn? This... is Isildur's heir?"

"And heir to the throne of Gondor," Legolas finished, a note of pride in his voice.

Sensing the rising tension, I stood, placing a hand on Legolas's arm. "Havo dad, Legolas," I said softly in Elvish, urging him to sit. He met my gaze, and stared at me with an unreadable expression before he complied.

I turned to address the council, my voice clear and firm. "Aragorn speaks truly. The Ring cannot be used as a weapon. Its power is too great, too corrupting. Even with the best intentions, it would lead only to ruin."

Gimli, a dwarf with a beard as fiery as his temper, scoffed loudly. "And what would a Fae know of such matters? You, who hide away in your enchanted realms while the rest of us face the true dangers of this world."

Anger flared within me, hot and sudden. "Just because our realm is hidden does not mean we are ignorant of the threats that face us all," I retorted, my eyes flashing. "Our magic, our connection to nature – these give us insights you cannot begin to fathom."

Gimli's laugh was harsh and mocking. "Insights? Bah! What good are your fairy tricks against the might of Mordor? Go back to your trees and leave the real fighting to those who know how to wield true power."

I felt my magic stirring, responding to my anger. The air around me crackled with energy, and I saw several council members shift uneasily in their seats. "How dare you, you stubborn, narrow-minded—"

"Enough!" Gandalf's voice boomed through the chamber, accompanied by a pulse of magic that seemed to darken the very air. We all turned to him, stunned into silence.

"This bickering will not save Middle-earth," the wizard continued, his tone brooking no argument. "We face a threat greater than any of us alone can hope to overcome. Only together do we stand a chance."

Chastened, I sank back into my seat, though I could still feel the angry flush in my cheeks. Aine placed a comforting hand on my arm, while Legolas shot me a look that seemed almost... approving?

Elrond stepped forward once more, his gaze sweeping across the now-silent assembly. "The Ring cannot be destroyed by any craft that we here possess," he stated solemnly. "It must be taken deep into Mordor and cast back into the fiery chasm from whence it came. One of you... must do this."

A heavy silence fell over the council, each member grappling with the enormity of the task before us. It was Boromir who finally broke it, his voice tinged with despair.

"One does not simply walk into Mordor," he said, shaking his head. "Its black gates are guarded by more than just orcs. There is evil there that does not sleep. 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!"

Legolas stood once more, frustration evident in his voice. "Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said? The Ring must be destroyed!"

"And I suppose you think you're the one to do it?" Gimli snarled, leaping to his feet. "I will be dead before I see the Ring in the hands of an Elf!"

In an instant, the council erupted into chaos. Elves, Men, and Dwarves hurled accusations and insults, their faces contorted with anger and fear. I sat back, massaging my temples. So much for unity in the face of evil.

It was then that I noticed Frodo, his face pale and drawn, staring at the Ring with an expression of grim determination. As if in a trance, I rose and made my way to him, kneeling before his chair.

"I will take it," he said, his voice barely audible above the din. "I will take the Ring to Mordor."

When no one seemed to hear him, frustration welled up within me. Standing, I placed two fingers in my mouth and let out a piercing whistle that cut through the arguing like a knife.

All eyes turned to me, expressions ranging from shocked to annoyed. I ignored them, gently pushing Frodo forward. "Perhaps," I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm, "you could all stop bickering like children long enough to listen to the one person here brave enough to volunteer for this impossible task?"

Frodo looked up at me gratefully before addressing the now-silent council. "I will take the Ring to Mordor," he repeated, his voice stronger now. "Though... I do not know the way."

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

Aragorn followed suit, kneeling before the hobbit. "If by my life or death I can protect you, I will. You have my sword."

"And you have my bow," Legolas declared, moving to join them.

"And my axe," Gimli added gruffly, casting a challenging glance in my direction.

All eyes turned to me expectantly. I crossed my arms, raising an eyebrow. "What, you think I'm going to volunteer for a mission like this? I think not."

Legolas approached me, his expression of exasperation "Liairse," he said softly, using my name for the first time, "we cannot do this without you. Your power, your connection to nature – these could be invaluable on this quest."

I met his gaze, searching for any hint of mockery or manipulation. Finding none, I turned to look at Frodo. The hobbit's eyes were wide with hope and fear, and in that moment, I felt something shift within me.

With a heavy sigh, I stepped forward, kneeling before Frodo as Aragorn had done. "You will not be alone in this, little one," I said softly. "The magic of the Fae is at your disposal. May it light your path in the darkest of places."

As I stood, I caught Legolas's eye. The smile he gave me was small but genuine, and I felt a strange flutter in my chest that I quickly pushed aside.

Boromir joined us last, his earlier bravado tempered by the gravity of the moment. "You carry the fates of us all, little one," he said to Frodo. "If this is indeed the will of the Council, then Gondor will see it done."

Before Elrond could speak, there was a commotion from the bushes. Sam burst forth, red-faced and determined. "Mr. Frodo's not goin' anywhere without me!" he declared, taking his place beside his friend.

Elrond's lips twitched in amusement. "No, indeed. It is hardly possible to separate you, even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not."

As if on cue, Merry and Pippin emerged from their hiding spots, rushing to join the growing group. "We're coming too!" Merry announced. "You'll have to send us home tied up in a sack to stop us."

"Anyway," Pippin added with a grin, "you need people of intelligence on this sort of... mission. Quest. Thing."

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