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"Dad," a young girl turned to her father, her hair as gold as ripe wheat. The man finished tucking her in."Yes, my dear?" her father asked."Could you tell me the story?""Which story? You've taken a liking to many,""She means the one about the warrior elf!" The girl's brother cut in, smiling with all his teeth.The girl nodded and continued, "He's right! The story about the elf and her adventures!"The father sighed and let out an amused chuckle. "But you've heard the story many times!" He said. "Shouldn't you pick another one?""Let them have this, love," his wife said, standing by the door. The father sighed once more and sat on the bed. "Alright then," he said, smiling as his children cheered. "In the mountains, South of Rivendell,"o0oAn arrow whistled in the wind, flying at a great speed until it hit its target. An elf with (h/c) hair stood with another arrow strung on her bow. Orcs wailed in anger as they saw their fallen comrade. "Kill 'er!" The elf just let another arrow loose and smirked as the Orcs ran towards her. She counted to three and drew her sword."Now!" She shouted, and a volley of arrows rained down on the Orcs. Most got struck down, with the survivors left confused and afraid. She charged and decapitated them in quick succession. She flicked the blood off her sword before sheathing it. 'I'll have to clean it later,' she thought to herself.Elves jumped down from the trees, smiling at their victory. "That was a quick victory," Muimben, the second-in-command noted. He avoided the bodies of fallen orcs. "Of course, that's what we expected from our dear commander, (Y/N),""This victory took us three days to achieve," (Y/N) reminded, amused. "Come on, (Y/N)," Muimben whined, shoulders sagging. "Let me have this!"(Y/N) laughed and shook her head. Muimben never failed to lighten the mood, since their childhood until now. It seems even marriage couldn't wear his cheerful spirit down.(Y/N) looked at her comrades' expectant faces. "Rejoice!" She shouted, "For it is time to go home,"o0oWhen her legion had left for battle, they decided to go on foot. This would allow them to be more subtle. Without horses, the journey took longer than usual. So, by the time they arrived in Rivendell, shades of pink and orange were peeking through the horizon. (Y/N) breathed in the familiar smell of home."I missed you," she whispered, a content smile spreading on her lips. "Ada!" A child, with hair as dark as a raven's plume, shouted, running towards Muimben. The man laughed and knelt to take the boy in his arms."Muindir!" A well-dressed woman called out, chasing after the dark-haired boy, fondness in her eyes. Muimben and the woman embraced. (Y/N) watched as friends and family reunited, her heart softening at each happy smile. It wasn't long before a happy smile was directed her way, accompanied by a mop of red hair and milky white eyes."(Y/N)," the young boy uttered, hugging her legs. "You're back,"She laughed, ruffling his hair. "It's good to be back, my little deer," she said.(Y/N) knelt to the boy's height. "Have you been good, Ivorion?" she asked, her question aimed at both the boy and his caretaker, who was standing behind him. She, Aeweth, laughed. It was a soft sound that fit her petite stature. "He was well-behaved," she answered, then she stopped as if considering something. "Although, there was this incident with the guests,""What guests?" (Y/N) asked, eyebrows furrowed. She looked at Ivorion questioningly. "It wasn't my fault!" He protested, pouting. He crossed his arms defiantly. (Y/N) sighed and looked at the caretaker for answers."Guests of Lord Elrond arrived this morning," she answered. "I think he'll tell you about it later,"(Y/N) nodded. "And what did Ivorion do to these guests?""Well, don't tell her!" Ivorion shouted suddenly, a light blush appearing on his cheeks. It seems that what he did, or the consequences of it, embarrassed him."He and Muindir thought it was a good idea to steal one of their horses and have a ride," Aeweth still answered, paying no mind to the boy.Ivorion groaned and hid his face in his hands. Before (Y/N) could speak, Muimben butted into the conversation."What was that about Muindir stealing horses?" he asked. His wife sighed and shared an exasperated look with Aeweth. Both boys blanched and Muindir started to drag Ivorion away. Before they could escape, (Y/N) grabbed both of them by the back of their clothes, raising them like kittens.Muimben put his hands on his hips and got in front of them, his lips pursed. "I'm very disappointed in you," Muimben started, making the children bow their heads. "If you're going to pull a stunt like that, make sure you won't get caught,""Muimben!" His wife, Elinor, scolded, slapping his arm. (Y/N) sighed. She should've known that's what Muimben would say. She didn't mind as much though, seeing as their caretakers already scolded them. "I see you've been informed on what they've been up to," a voice from behind her said.(Y/N) put down the boys and turned around."Lord Elrond," she said, palm over her chest with her head bowed. The other elves followed her movement, showing respect to their ruler. Elrond waited for them to raise their heads before continuing. "I congratulate you on your victory," He said to the crowd, smiling at his people. "We shall hold a celebration another time, but for now you should rest and reunite with your families,"The crowd dispersed as everyone went back to their homes. "(Y/N), Muimben, please stay," Aeweth held Ivorion's hand and they walked back to their house. Muimben kissed his wife before they too went back. The two elves turned to Lord Elrond, hands behind their backs and posture straight. "My Lord, what is it you need?" (Y/N) asked, her curiosity hidden behind formality. She was sure it would be related to the guests she was yet to meet. But, the grim expression on Lord Elrond's face made her worry. She and Muimben shared a look, a silent agreement to solve whatever problem Lord Elrond was having. "I assume you have been informed of the guests?" Elrond walked inside, (Y/N) and Muimben followed behind him. "Aeweth mentioned them," (Y/N) answered. Elrond led them to a terrace that overlooked the courtyard. (Y/N) saw two young men with the face of adults, but the height of a child. They were slightly shorter than dwarves and much less hairy. "Halflings?" Muimben asked. Lord Elrond nodded and sighed."There are two others," he said, "and one of them carries the Ring,"The silence was stifling. Muimben and (Y/N) looked at Elrond in shocked silence. "The Ring..." (Y/N) whispered, "so, Ivorion was right,"Elrond nodded grimly. Muimben cleared his throat and regained his composure. "I assume you need us to do something about it?" He asked, ready to follow whatever order he would be given. (Y/N) was still shocked, but she mustered up enough strength to raise her head."I am planning on sending a group of warriors to destroy the Ring," said Lord Elrond, observing their reactions. "I want to send one of you with them,"Silence reigned once more. (Y/N) knew it would have to be her. Muimben had a son and a wife relying on him. They needed him to be alive. Logically, (Y/N) would be the best option to send. Ivorion would understand the risk in the way that Muindir wouldn't, because Ivorion was mortal. He's seen what death does and understood it better than his peers. He would be able to prepare himself for what could happen. Muindir, as much as he claims he can, wouldn't be able. All three of them knew it. "I'll do whatever you command, My Lord," (Y/N) said, finally breaking the tense silence.None of them argued. o0o"You're going away, aren't you?"(Y/N) was in laying in bed, Ivorion beside her. She hasn't told him anything, but the boy knew anyway. He always knew."I am," (Y/N) answered, brushing her fingers through her nephew's hair. It was soft and oh, so fluffy. She wondered if this would be one of the last times she'll feel its softness. "You..." Ivorion hesitated, "you should watch over your companions,""I always do, Ivorion,""Good," Silence."Because one of them's going to die,"(Y/N) stiffened and looked at him. "Ivorion, did you have another vision?" She asked. Ivorion nodded. "I went near one of the guests," he said, "and saw awful things. There was so much screaming, and so many Orcs, (Y/N),"His voice turned into a whisper. She could feel him shaking and hugged him tighter. "Did you see their face?"Ivorion shook his head."That's alright. I'll watch over them,""Promise me, (Y/N),""I promise,"With that, Ivorion closed his eyes and started to sleep. (Y/N), however, stayed awake and pondered. Ivorion's grim visions weren't new. He wasn't born with the gift, but he might as well be. When Ivorion was born, the healers knew he wouldn't make it through the night. They advised his parents to get ready for his eventual death. His mother, (Y/N)'s sister, could not accept this. She begged and begged multiple deities and all sorts of magical creatures to save her son. One of those creatures was a head floating in a well. They called him Mimir. No one knew much about him, except that he was from a time, far older than today. He offered to save Ivorion and gift him the power to see the future. Under one condition. He must give up his sight. Ivorion's mother thought this unreasonable as she only asked for her son to be saved and would gladly give her own life for it. But Mimir could not be bargained with. She asked Mimir why he would gift Ivorion with future sight, and he answered, "Fate will not allow him to live if he does not have a purpose,"About 4 years after, Ivorion's parents left the world; Both traveling to the land of the dead. (Y/N) sighed and closed her eyes, half-hoping she wouldn't wake up.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
(Y/N) stood in front of Lord Elrond."It seems that me being on this mission has become essential," she said, having just finished explaining Ivorion's vision."And he says he didn't see a face?" Asked Lord Elrond."No, My Lord, he says he only saw snippets of what happened. It wasn't a full scene,"Elrond sighed and massaged his temples. "Ivorion's visions have never failed to come true," he said, looking at (Y/N) with a grim look.(Y/N) knew this, more than anyone. From what they have observed, Ivorion's visions were absolute. They always found a way to come true, one way or another. Try to stop someone from burning to death, and they drown the next day. It was never-ending. You could postpone it, but you could never stop it. "You must not tell this to anyone," Lord Elrond commanded, stern. "If someone from the council hears of this, it will make them hesitant. Only speak of this when the fellowship has been chosen and everyone is devoted to the quest and the ring-bearer,"(Y/N) nodded, not questioning him. She's learned that Lord Elrond often made the best decisions. If she was told not to tell anyone, that is what she would do. Elrond left for the council, (Y/N) trailing behind him.o0oThere was time before the council meeting started and (Y/N) chose to spend it in the garden. The garden surrounded the council porch so it would be easy to head there directly. The gardeners kept the plants well-maintained and it was always a sight to see. (Y/N) crouched beside a patch of yellow poppies. She smiled and lightly touched the petals.o0o'What's yellow?''Yellow is... the sun and its warmth. Yellow is happiness and light and all things bright,''Oh, that's nice... is there any more?''Hmm, those flowers you're touching are yellow,''Really?''Yeah, they're called 'yellow poppies'''That's a nice name... yellow poppies... are happiness and warmth?''Happiness and brightness, actually,''Then you should touch them too,''Why?''Because you need to be happy, (Y/N),'o0o"And I thought you would always be more interested in dirt than what they're actually growing,"(Y/N) gasped and turned around. She laughed as she saw Legolas, a trained warrior and the crown prince of Mirkwood. Also one of her oldest friends. She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tightly."God, how long has it been since we've last met?""Not since you became a lieutenant,"That was more than a hundred years ago. (Y/N) let go and took a proper look at Legolas. He hadn't changed much, but she could see the weariness in his smile and the haunted look in his eyes. He had seen many a horror and it took its toll on him. However, it hadn't changed the way his smile still reached his eyes. It hadn't changed how his hands still lingered on her shoulder longer than necessary. It hadn't changed his spirit. He was still the same Legolas, albeit with more scars to bear and stories to tell."I've missed you, my friend," (Y/N) said, smiling widely."So have I,"They just stood for a while, enjoying each other's company. The questions could come later. For now, they would enjoy the brief time they have with each other.o0o(Y/N) stood behind Lord Elrond, serving as both a participant and a repellent against anyone who would cause conflict. Muimben, on Elrond's right, looked impassive but (Y/N) knew he wanted to be anywhere but here. She shared his sentiments since, after this, her part in the quest would be official."Strangers from distant lands," Elrond started, "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..." he looks around, "or you will fall. Each race is bound to this fate ... this one is doom,"He looks at Frodo, "Bring forth the Ring, Frodo,"The Hobbit walked forward and placed the Ring on the pedestal. (Y/N) sucked in a breath. She could hear its faint whispers, tempting, and bargaining.Exclamations of shock and fear circulated. Boromir strode towards the Ring as if captivated by it."In a dream," he said, eyes never leaving the pedestal. "I saw the eastern sky grow dark, but in the West, a pale light lingered. A voice was crying: 'Your doom is near at hand. Isildur’s Bane is found,'"He reaches for the Ring."Boromir!" Lord Elrond shouts. (Y/N) reached for her sword and looked at Muimben who was nearest to him. Her lieutenant had already stepped forward, his sword halfway out of its sheath. Before anyone could take action, Gandalf stood up. The clouds darkened and thunder booms. Boromir staggered to his seat in shock."One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the Darkness bind them," Gandalf chanted in the Black Speech.(Y/N) froze, the words causing memories to resurface. She's heard those words before, straight from the Nazgul. That day was forever scarred into her memory. She still remembered the blood, tears, and screams. That was the day Ivorion became an orphan; the day she lost both her sister and father.Everything turned to normal when Gandalf calmed down. (Y/N), though still tense, relaxed her stance. Muimben went back to his place behind Elrond but still held his sword hilt. He was looking at Boromir in caution.Elrond looked at Gandalf sternly."Never before," he says, "has any voice uttered the words of that tongue here in Imladris," "I do not ask your pardon, Master Elrond," Gandalf answered, sitting back down. "For the Black Speech of Mordor may yet be heard in every corner of the West! The Ring is altogether evil,"Boromir stands once more, trying to make his case. "It is a gift," He proclaimed, looking at every member of the council. "a gift to the foes of Mordor!"(Y/N)'s hand goes back to her sword. If Boromir makes a move for the Ring again, she would attack. "Why not use this Ring?" Boromir continued. "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,"He walked around."Give Gondor the weapon of the enemy ... let us use it against him!"It was then that Aragorn spoke up."You cannot wield it," he said. "None of us can. The One Ring answers to Sauron alone ... it has no other master,"Boromir turns and looks at him coolly. The tension in the room increased tenfold. "And what would a Ranger know of this matter?" Boromir made the word sound derogatory, somehow. He didn't scoff, nor add the word "mere", but it was greatly implied. (Y/N) watched their exchange, gauging how violent it might become. She was starting to feel the Ring's power once more. Its whispers trying to cause conflict.She gripped her sword tighter. One look at Muimben proved he had done the same."This is no mere ranger," Legolas stood up and glared at Boromir. "He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn... you owe him your allegiance,"(Y/N) should've seen this coming. Legolas and Aragorn were great friends and have known each other much longer than (Y/N) knew Legolas. It was only natural he would come to his defense.This revelation seemed to shock Boromir and he expressed his disbelief."Aragorn?" he whispered. "This is Isildur's heir?""And heir to the throne of Gondor," Legolas added to the rising tension."Legolas, sit down," Aragorn said to him. Legolas glared at Boromir before doing as he said. (Y/N) glanced at Boromir to see the shock had worn off, replaced by a defensive and annoyed look."Gondor has no king," he said, starting to go back to his seat. "Gondor needs no king,"(Y/N) silently sighed, relieved a conflict had been avoided. Muimben looked at her and pretended to dramatically faint in relief. She hid a chuckle behind her hand. No one else seemed to notice (Gandalf did, that old wizard knew everything), and even if they had noticed, she was sure Muimben wouldn't have minded. In fact, he would have loved the attention and would have been more dramatic. Even though she would be greatly amused, Elrond probably won't be, so it was for the best.As their little interaction went on, the conversation had already started."... we cannot use it," Gandalf was saying, agreeing with Aragorn's previous statement. He looks at Elrond who addresses everyone."You have only one choice," he says, looking into each person's eyes. "The Ring
must be destroyed,"Ah, there it was. Silence fell on the council only to be broken, moments later, by a dwarf with red hair. His face was hidden behind a bushy beard and wild hair. He held his ax and an excited grin was on his face."Then, what are we waiting for?"He stands up, and before anyone could stop him, he swung his ax and hit the Ring.The weapon shattered with a loud crack and the dwarf was thrown to the ground, his kin surrounding him in shock. On the pedestal, the Ring still lay with not a single crack on it. The Hobbit ('Frodo,' (Y/N)'s mind supplied) winced and clutches his forehead as he slumps on his chair. (Y/N) met his eyes and gave him a comforting smile. He relaxed a bit so she assumed it worked.Elrond waited for the dwarves to sit again before speaking. "The Ring cannot be destroyed, Gimli,
son of Glóin," he addresses the dwarf, "by any craft that we here possess,"He looks around the room again. (Y/N) prepared herself for the argument that was bound to occur."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. One of you must do this,"Dread descended unto the council. Downcast eyes and frightened faces were all (Y/N) saw. It would take a great deal of talking and bargaining to have people agree.Boromir speaks to the council in a quiet voice. "One does not simply walk into Mordor," he says, his hand to his temple.He continued his speech, growing more frustrated with each word. No doubt, it was due to his close proximity to that vile place as a man of Gondor. (Y/N) could understand him perfectly. Nothing in Mordor was good. It was a land of darkness and evil, a stark opposite to the elven realms she was used to. If she could, she would never go to the forsaken place in her life; not after everything it caused."It is folly!" Boromir ends his speech in desperation. Though it may sound cowardly, (Y/N) could see he had good intentions. He lives on Mordor's doorstep and he's heard every story and seen every horror that came from there. His words were not of a coward, but of a man who valued life greatly. His actions were brash, but he was a good man at heart. He had (Y/N)'s respect, as a person and as a leader.Though, he hasn't received the respect of others at council, judging from the argument that flowed from his words."Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said?" Legolas said, his frustration caused by a different reason. "The Ring must be destroyed,""And I suppose you think you're the one to do it?" Gimli shouts, sparking a different argument.Man, argued with Man, as Elf, argued with Dwarf. Boromir and Gandalf were engaged in a heated argument. Elrond was slumped in his chair, exasperated as chaos reigned around them. (Y/N) and Muimben moved to stop the fighting, but Elrond stopped them with a shake of his head. They looked at each other and followed his command.'Lord Elrond knows best,' as the saying goes.(Y/N) notices that Frodo was still in his seat, staring intently at the Ring. He was breathing heavily and looked to be in another place. She was about to snap him out of it when he abruptly stood up."I will take it!" He says in a loud and clear voice. "I will take the Ring to Mordor,"Silenced reigned as shock settled on everyone. (Y/N) and Muimben exchanged shocked glances. This wasn't supposed to happen... right?(Y/N) looked at Elrond and-'Oh, that little-'Their ruler didn't look shocked at all. In fact, he looked as if he expected all this to happen. (Y/N) wasn't angry, per se, but a warning would've been nice. Especially since they were, apparently, going on a life-threatening quest with a Hobbit whose farthest venture was to Rivendell. The said Hobbit seemed to be lost even here."Though I do not know the way," he admitted and Elrond rises to his feet."Fret not, Master Hobbit," he says, "for I will be sending one of Rivendell's greatest warriors to accompany you,"(Y/N) stepped forward and kneeled before Frodo. "I will give my life if that is what it means for you to succeed," she promises (you don't mean that), "I will keep you safe,"She stands behind Frodo and ignores the fear creeping on her. Muimben gives her a comforting smile, accompanied by a thumbs up. Gandalf pledges to join, followed by Aragorn, then Legolas, then Gimli (who exchanged dirty looks with the two elves), and finally, Boromir."You carry the fates of us all, little one," He kneels to Frodo's height, his words taking a cryptic tone. He looks towards Gandalf and Elrond, standing up."If this is indeed the will of the Council, then Gondor will see it done,"Frodo looks at the group around him in wonder. (Y/N) gives him a wink when his eyes land on her, promising mischief on their quest, a reprieve from its grim nature. Muimben was becoming an influence, whether it was bad or good, she didn't know. It did make Frodo smile, so she supposes it was good at times.Suddenly, a voice shouts from the bushes, and behold, Samwise Gamgee was there. It seemed he had been listening in on the conversation from the start. (Y/N) takes a petty a satisfaction from Elrond's swiftly hidden shock. He did not expect this one, it seems."Mr. Frodo's not going anywhere without me," Sam stands beside his friend defiantly, as if challenging anyone to refuse him. (Y/N) saw Muimben stifling a laugh. Elrond looked amused as he raised an eyebrow."No, indeed," he says, "it is hardly possible to separate you. Even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not,"Sam looks down sheepishly. Elrond starts to speak, but another voice interrupts, this time from the columns. Now, Elrond looks mildly affronted."We're coming too!" says Meriadoc Brandybuck, accompanied by Peregrin Took. "You'd have to send us home tied up in a sack to stop us,""Anyway," Pippin says, a confident air about him. "You need people of intelligence for this sort of mission... quest... thing,"Merry looks at him incredulously. "That rules you out, Pip,"Muimben coughed on his fist, trying to disguise his chuckles. (Y/N) bit her lip in an attempt to prevent her laughter. These Hobbits would undoubtedly be the ones that would keep them going. They would hold their group together. She did them wrong by underestimating their relevance to the quest. It seems Lord Elrond was thinking along the same lines."So be it," he proclaims. "You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring,"So it begins..."Where are we going?"
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The weather was nice.Ironic that one of the nicest weathers (Y/N)'s seen was on the day of her departure."You, be good," she knelt in front of Ivorion, bidding him goodbye.Her nephew's eyes were watery and it was clear he was trying hard not to cry. (Y/N) hugged him tightly. She didn't comment on the wet spot on her shoulders. Nor did she comment on the barely hid sniffles.She ran her hands through his hair, one more time."I don't want you to leave," Ivorion whispered after they let go. "I-I don't want to lose you too,"
'Too' because you failed to protect them
It was easy to forget Ivorion was just a kid. It was harder to remember she was the only family he had left.(Y/N) wiped away his tears, keeping her own at bay. "You won't lose me, Ivorion," she said, ruffling his hair.
"I will give my life if that is what it means for you to succeed,"
She ignored the guilt that formed a lump in her throat, ignored the way Ivorion looked at her sadly, not believing what she said. She ignored Aeweth's burning gaze on her, silently accusing, silently blaming. She ignored the sorrow clawing at her heart.She's been doing that for more than a decade; she won't be stopping now.(Y/N) took a small box out of her pocket."I have something for you,"She held the box towards Ivorion. He grabbed the box tentatively, feeling the wood and tracing the carvings. He found the clasp and opened it. Inside, was a single earring. It had a silver chain that reflected the sunlight, and at the end, there was a light blue gem."What is it?" Ivorion asked, feeling the bumps of the accessory. He took it out of the container carefully."That's an earring," (Y/N) answered. "Do you want to wear it?"Ivorion nodded and handed her the earring. She inserted it in his right ear, complementing the identical earring on her left."It's blue," she said, "remember blue?""Calmness, sadness, water, change, the sky," was Ivorion's answer. He paused."There's something else, isn't there?"(Y/N) let out a shaky laugh. Ivorion had always been perceptive. Too perceptive."It was your mother's"Ivorion's expression changed into a mix of shock and longing. He rubbed the gem between his fingers. Tears flowed down his cheeks again, but he was smiling. He silently reached for (Y/N)'s earring and she bent down slightly to make it easier."I'll always have a part of you with me," he whispered.(Y/N) felt a pang in her heart. She went back to the time she bought those earrings. Went back to the time her sister had split it between them. To the time her sister said the exact same words.She stood up and wiped her tears. "I'll be going now," she said. Her voice cracked at the end.Ivorion nodded and hugged her legs before telling Aeweth to take him to the garden. (Y/N) watched him go and disappear around the corner before heading to the rest of the fellowship.Legolas was looking at her with sadness, mixed with understanding. He knew how it felt to leave people behind. (Y/N) stood beside him."It won't stop hurting," he said quietly. "And you'll never stop missing them,""But you have to keep going,""And what if-" (Y/N) hesitated, "what if I can't anymore... what if there comes a time I won't be able to go on,""Then you remember that you're doing this for them,"Legolas puts a hand on her shoulder and squeezes it comfortingly. (Y/N) smiled at him and exhaled. He was right. She would keep on going and she would keep on fighting. She would do everything to return to Ivorion. She would survive and hold him in her arms again.Ivorion would not suffer the grief of losing two mothers.o0o"Miss (Y/N),""Yes, Master Samwise?"The Fellowship was currently trekking through the Eregion Hills. Huffing and panting could be heard from their companions and Pippin was requesting (begging) for a break for the 5th time. When she asked about it, Frodo had expressed his shock and said the youngest hobbit would usually complain more in shorter travels.Currently, they were on moderately even ground, so Sam had taken this opportunity and sated his curiosity."It's only 'Sam', miss," Sam looked at his feet, flustered. (Y/N) steered him away from hitting a large boulder."Then it's only '(Y/N)' for you," she said as the hobbit mumbled his thanks. He was the most curious, yet the shyest in the bunch. She would always catch him looking at everything with wonder and curiosity. He looked at everything like they all had stories to tell."Alright then Miss- I mean, (Y/N)," He frowned at his words. (Y/N) was sure he would keep calling her 'miss' throughout this quest; or at least, during the beginning. She didn't dwell on it and urged him to continue."Who was that child you were with before we left?" he added hastily, "If you don't mind me asking,""That was Ivorion," she answered, careful to school her expression and keep her voice steady. "He's my nephew,""Oh,"He bit his lip and tapped his fingers on the straps of his pack. He still wanted to ask something. (Y/N) patiently waited for him to find his courage and his words. Finally, he sighed and looked at her again."If it isn't too personal," he started, and (Y/N) practiced a response in her head.
She was killed by orcs. She was killed by orcs. She was killed by-
"Is he blind?"(Y/N) startled. She wasn't expecting that.Sam took her silence as a sign she was unwilling to answer and apologized quickly."No, it's fine, Sam," (Y/N) interrupted. "I was just startled,""Oh, sorry-"(Y/N) laughed. "It's alright," she repeated. "You were just asking a question,""And to answer it, yes, Ivorion has been blind since birth,"Sam let out a quiet "oh". He opened his mouth to ask another question but was cut off by Gandalf."Keep up, you two!" The wizard yelled. (Y/N) realized they had been falling behind. Aragorn, the one in front of them, had already taken hold of Bill the pony in Sam's stead. He was already a considerable distance away."Sorry, Mister Gandalf, sir!" Sam yelled back, hurrying his pace. (Y/N) followed him and caught his arm just as he slipped on an incline. He muttered another thank you and started walking fast again, albeit, more carefully this time. He took Bill's reigns from Aragorn and walked ahead. His head was held down and he was walking briskly. He was embarrassed.Aragorn noticed this too, it seems. "Keep your eyes on the road, Sam," he said, smile quickly turning mischievous. "(Y/N) won't be there to catch you again,"Sam tensed and kept his straight, walking even more briskly it was akin to a slow run."Leave the poor Hobbit alone, Estel," she admonished, smirking as he scowled at the name. She dodged the rock thrown at her head."Don't use that with people around," he said in a hurried whisper, glaring at her."Are you embarrassed, Estel?"She dodged another rock, tripping in the process. Aragorn laughed at her.(Y/N) stuck her tongue out and rolled her eyes. The man laughed again before turning his back on her.A very grave mistake.She promptly took her revenge by kicking the back of Aragorn's knee and running past him as he shouted profanities.o0oThe sounds of clashing steel and crackling fire filled the air as the fellowship rested.Boromir was giving Merry and Pippin a sparring lesson as Aragorn gave advice on the sidelines. Frodo and Sam were sitting by the campfire, Sam cooking and Frodo resting. Gimli had cornered Gandalf and was now trying to convince him into passing through the Mines of Moria.And the two elves?Well, they were currently wrapped in a game of "How-many-rocks-can-we-throw-at-Aragorn-before-he-figures-out-it's-us". The number was at a whopping 13. Legolas threw a rock at his leg. 14. (Y/N) threw a small one on his chest. 15. Legolas threw one at his hand. 16-Aragorn looked at them and glared. He started to walk towards them. The two of them were ready to bolt, but were saved by Boromir getting tackled by the two Hobbits."Get him!" Merry shouted, holding down his arm. Pippin was laughing and was using his body to stop Boromir from getting up. Boromir was laughing and trying (and failing) to get out of their tackle. Aragorn took mercy on him and grabbed the hobbits by their arms, getting them off the man. The said hobbits grabbed his legs and pulled, sending him sprawling on the ground. (Y/N) cackled.She then realized Legolas was not beside her anymore. She turned around and saw him standing, looking at something in the sky."Legolas," she called, standing up. "What's wrong?"He gestured for her to come toward him.(Y/N) stood beside him and looked at the sky... there.A mass of black was moving towards them, rapidly."What is that?" Sam asked, noticing the black shape. The rest of the Fellowship looked at the shape. Gimli dismissed it as a wisp of cloud, but Boromir pointed out that it was moving fast and against the wind.(Y/N) looked at it more carefully before her eyes widened in shock."Crebain from Dunland!" She and Legolas shouted. The both of them grabbed the packs nearest to them and hid under a leaning rock. Not much, but it was the best they could find in such an open area. It was a small space so they had to huddle together to avoid being seen. (Y/N) held her breath and waited as the birds flew over them before flying back. So, they had been spotted.(Y/N) grabbed Legolas's arm and hauled him up. (Her hand lingered longer than necessary, but no one needed to know that). They walked back to the rest of the group and looked at Gandalf, waiting for his decision."We must take the path of Caradhras!"(Y/N)'s stomach plummeted and she was suddenly tempted to throw up everything in her stomach. That road (if it could even be called that) was filled with snow and put them in greater danger than walking in the open. She understood why Gandalf did it (discretion was their goal, after all), but it didn't mean she liked it."Well," Legolas turned to face her. "It's better than the mines,"She grudgingly agreed and they made their journey towards their new path.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
(Y/N) took up the rear as the Fellowship trekked through the snowy grounds.She had no difficulty walking on the thick snow, but her companions (bar Legolas) did not have such an easy time. The hobbits, especially. They sank to the ground, tripping and slipping as they went farther. In front of her, Frodo slipped and fell to the ground. Aragorn quickly walked to him and helped him up.Boromir picked up something from the ground. The Ring.He looked to be entranced and his gaze was fixed on the Ring. Aragorn reached for his sword warily. (Y/N) interrupted before the situation could worsen."Boromir!" She yelled. "What happened!"The man snapped out of his trance and returned the Ring to Frodo, ruffling his hair before he continued to walk. Aragorn looked at her in thanks. (Y/N)'s worry grew. It would be best to get Boromir as far away from the Ring as possible. The consequences of the Ring finding a new master was frightening, and something (Y/N) didn't want to explore.o0o
The cold attacked them relentlessly, snow and hail mixing to deter their journey.
Legolas walked in front, while (Y/N) stood at the back. The rest of the Fellowship supported each other in their trek. (Y/N) could feel their labored breaths as they walked up the mountain. It was the first time she felt bad about being an elf. Seeing her companions struggle, while she walked on with no difficulty pained her greatly.
The sound of chanting reached her ears. "There is a fell voice in the air," Legolas announced.
She locked eyes with Gandalf. They both knew who this voice belonged.
"It's Saruman!" Gandalf shouted, just as the ground before them shook. Rocks and snow cascaded down the mountain, just barely hitting the Fellowship. One of the hobbits screamed as they were pulled away. (Y/N) immediately clung to the rock wall.
"He's trying to bring down the mountain!" She shouted over another round of falling snow.
"Gandalf!" Aragorn called, holding on to Frodo and Sam. "We must turn back!"
"No!"
The wizard raised his staff and chanted, trying to counter Saruman's spell. Saruman's voice strengthened and lightning cracked. (Y/N) watches in horror as an avalanche fell towards them.
Boromir screamed beside her.
He had lost his footing as he was helping the hobbits stay on theirs. The snow fell and started to take him with them.
"Boromir!" (Y/N) shouted and grabbed his arm, just in time. The snow fell completely, burying them.
Her lungs burned. Her nose and mouth were blocked and she couldn't breathe. The snow weighed her down. It was cold and her fingers were starting to numb. She was holding something. God, what was she holding?
Somehow, she popped out of the snow. Her breaths came out in pants. Her fingers were still numb... and heavy. Why were they still heavy?
(Y/N) realized her arm was still buried. Something was holding onto her arm... or someone.
'Fuck, Boromir,'
She frantically buried him out of the snow.
'One of them is gonna die,'
She pulled Boromir out and nearly cried.
His hair was nearly white with the snow and he was shivering badly.
"T-thank you," he mumbled, sagging on her shoulder. He was really cold.
(Y/N) grabbed him and dragged him to the wall, just to be safe. Merry and Pippin immediately latched onto him, nearly sending him toppling. He wrapped his arms around them and held them close. (Y/N) still held onto him. She would not risk another accident.
"We-we must get off the mounta-ain!" He shouted, voice still shaky. How he found the strength to shout, (Y/N) didn't know.
"Make for the Gap of Rohan and ride West to my city!"
"The Gap of Rohan takes us too close to the city!" Aragorn rebuked.
(Y/N) felt Boromir shiver again and unclasped her cloak. It was long enough to cover him and the hobbits.
"Here," she whispered as Gimli proposed the Mines of Moria. "Use it until you feel warm enough,"
The man couldn't find it in himself to argue and accepted it with a silent thanks. He pulled the two hobbits closer to him as (Y/N) draped the cloak around them.
It was quiet, save for the wind and heavy panting of their companions. Gandalf had a worried look on his face. Something in those mines worried him. Worried him so greatly he was willing to choose Cardrahs over it.
"Let the Ring-bearer decide,"
All eyes turned to Frodo. There was a moment of silence as the Hobbit locked eyes with Gandalf.
"We will go through the mines," he said. (Y/N) could hear the hesitation in his voice. She knew he was still unsure; he didn't know if he made the right decision.
Well, only time will tell if they will be lead to safety... or damnation.
o0o
"Where's your cloak?"
(Y/N) raised an eyebrow at Legolas.
"We get off that forsaken mountain and that's the first thing you ask me?"
Legolas rolled his eyes and slapped her shoulder lightly. Or tried to. (Y/N) was already out of reach the moment she said those words. She went back beside him once she was sure he wouldn't slap her.
"It's with the hobbits," she gestured towards Merry and Pippin. "I gave it to them,"
The two hobbits were bickering, the cloak wrapped around them looking like a blanket. Boromir was walking in front of them, looking back from time to time. He joined their discussion at times with words of his own.
Their near-death experience had made (Y/N) remember Ivorion's warning quite abruptly. She knew this wasn't the death Ivorion had talked about. He was adamant about it happening during, or after a battle. He probably didn't mean a battle with the cold; and if what happened was what the vision depicted, then (Y/N) would have to keep a careful eye over Boromir for the rest of their quest.
"(Y/N)," Legolas called her. "Are you okay? You've been staring,"
"Don't worry," she answered, patting his shoulder. "I'm fine,"
He frowned and looked at Boromir. The man was conversing with the hobbits, laughing at their words. Legolas stayed quiet for the rest of the walk, leaving (Y/N) to wonder what that was about.
o0o
Like all dwarven doors, the Mines of Moria had a hidden entrance.
"Even their own masters cannot find them if their secrets are forgotten," Gandalf had explained. To which Legolas responded with a mocking comment of his own.
"Why doesn't that surprise me?"
(Y/N) laughed quietly at his comment, whilst Gimli glared at both of them. It was fun messing with the dwarf.
Now, to their current... predicament.
The door showed only in starlight and moonlight, and, lucky for them, it was a cloudless night. Finding the door wasn't the problem, however. It was actually opening it that caused them problems. No matter how many variations of "let us enter" Gandalf shouted, the door never budged. If you asked (Y/N), pushing through the nightmare that was Caradhras would've been a better use of their time.
(She doesn't mean that. She would never wish that fate upon anyone, friend or foe)
And so, they waited. They waited as Gandalf's temper slowly turned shorter and his mood sourer. They waited as Aragorn and Sam bid Bill the pony goodbye. They waited as Pippin and Merry threw stones into the lake. They waited as the aforementioned hobbits were told off and now had to find new ways to amuse themselves.
They waited as the night grew colder and the winds blew a bit harder. They waited as the water rippled and rippled without disturbance. They waited as the minutes ticked by, shortening their time slowly.
They waited and waited until the doors opened with the screeching sound of stone against stone.
Frodo had solved the riddle. The hobbit was smiling proudly.
"Good job, Frodo," (Y/N) whispered to him, ruffling his hair.
"Thank you, (Y/N)," he whispered back. "I see Sam's stories were not exaggerated,"
(Y/N) frowned. "What stories?" she asked. The hobbit only laughed in response as they entered the darkness of the mines.