Gimli

Daeran POV

Everyone was here now and we could finally get on with this meeting. I was sitting next to ada in a large circle. Everyone seemed clustered in their own groups.

The Elves sat together, the Dwarves and the race of Man. Before my mind could wonder any further though Lord Elrond spoke "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. Bring forth the ring Frodo."

Everyone looked in Frodo's direction myself included. He looked very nervous as he brought the ring towards the pedestal placing it for everyone to see. Immediately whispers started.

I watched as Frodo went and sat back down. He didn't look to good. I worried for him. I didn't know if this might be causing him discomfort. It was then that I started to hear something dark coming from the ring and by the looks on everyone else's faces they did too.
It sang to me calling me. I wasn't sure if everyone heard the same things, but everyone seemed to sit straighter in their seats.
It was then that a man stood up from what I knew I believed his name was Boromir. It was almost like a dream as he reached for the ring. Men were weak, and I could tell this man might be a problem. Lord Elrond stood up suddenly along with Gandalf who started chanting in the same vile language that was surrounding the council.

I could feel darkness start to surround and consume by very being. There were a few shouts. But as quickly as it came it was gone. The darkness that had surrounded us was fading. Though I still felt it deep within me.

Soon the darkness faced and the light soon remained. Lord Elrond was berading Gandalf on using such a dark language here and I couldn't agree more it was frightening.

"The ring must be taken deep into Mordor and cast back into the fiery chasm from whence it came. One of you must do this" ada's words rang out through the council, but no one made a move to say anything.

"One does not simply walk into Mordor" It was that man again Boromir. I could feel that there was darkness in his heart and I did not trust him. "It's black gates are guarded by more than just orcs.

Not with ten thousand men could you do this it is foy." That was when Legolas stood up. "Have you not heard what was just said, the ring must be destroyed."

"And I suppose you think you're the one to do it. I will be dead before I see the ring in the hands of an elf" Gimli grunted. With those word most of the elves present stood alongside Legolas arguing and bantering back and forth. "Never trust an elf" Gimli was saying.

I just sat there watching as everyone started to argue with one another. I noticed Gandalf shaking his head while ada rubbed his. Then Gandalf stood and joined in the argument.

I looked towards Frodo, he was staring at the ring. "I will take it" my head quickly moved to stare at the Hobbit. Would he really do it.

When no one noticed what he said he repeated his statement and by then everyone was starting to calm down. Everyone was staring at Frodo some with worry others with amazement.

"I will take it, though I do not know the way" Frodo looked to everyone, he seemed very small in this moment. But yet I felt so moved my his statement.

"I will help you bear this burden Frodo Baggins. As long as it is yours to bear. Rolik got up from where he was sitting. He had not said anything while the chaos had unfolded.

"By my life or death I can protect you I will." Rolik walked over to Frodo and kneeled before him.

"You have my sword" I stood suddenly causing everyone to look at me, but I ignored everyone. "You have my magic and all else I can provide." Frodo smiled at me and I could help but give him a reassuring smile back. Legolas looked at me with surprise and shock on his face. Maybe even a little hurt, but I wasn't surprised when he spoke up next.

"And you have my bow" Legolas said coming to my side. "And my axe" The dwarf from earlier said walking over. The man Boromir came over adding his own help.

I didn't trust the man, but I didn't say anything against him. I would have to keep an eye on him though. "oye, Mr. Frodo isn't going anywhere without me." It was Sam.

I was surprised until Merry and Pippin appeared. "Hey we're coming too" The two ran up the stairs towards Frodo, standing next to him. The look on ada's face was priceless as could be and I couldn't help but laugh.

The Hobbits stood in the front as we all face Lord Elrond. "Ten companions so be it, you shall be the fellowship of the ring." When all was done with and plans were decided on when we would be leaving I quickly left. I wanted to get away, I wanted to settle myself for the onslaught of disappointment I was about to receive.

I was quite surprised myself that I had volunteered to go. Maybe if it was anyone else I would not have, but I liked Frodo and I wanted him safe. I felt as if I really needed to be there. Like it was my destiny. Oh what would I know of destiny. Nothing. I sighed and made my way towards my quarters. Once I was in my room I leaned against my door, letting out a sigh. We would be leaving in three days.

I knew Rolik would be training the Hobbits in as much swordsmanship as he could. Primarily the basics since none had used a sword before. It made me feel better that they would not be going out into the great wide world without any way of defending themselves.

I walked over to my bookcase and grabbed a few of my favorites. I made my way towards my bed and layed down. Reading always brought my mind rest. I could get lost, in the imaginings of many wonderful tales for hours at a time.

I was about half way through my book when there was a knock on the door. "Enter" I said not looking up from my book. I knew who it was. The footsteps that entered were light as they made my way towards me.

I still didn't look up. "Are you here to yell at me, to tell me this is too dangerous and that I cant handle this journey we are about to set out on, or-" "Daeran please" I stopped talking. "At least hear what I have to say" I nodded my head still not looking up.

"I am proud of you" That made me look up. I looked into Legolas's eyes not believing what I heard. "You are?" Legolas smiled "I am"

"Why"

"I admit I was harsh on you that day. I was just worried, but I have to understand that you can defend yourself and that you are a great warrior. I am proud you spoke up to go" Legolas sat on the side of my bed about a foot away from me. "Thank you. You don't know how much this means to me" We sat on my bed in silence not doing anything.

"Daeran there is something I must ask you" I looked up curious. "I spoke with Lord Elrond not long ago" Legolas put his hand in his pocket and pulled out a small box.

I held my breath. "He has given me permission to court you and I was hoping to give this to you before we leave."

He handed me the box and I took it gently. I opened it and gasped. It was a necklace with a platinum silver leaf on the end. It was beautiful. I held it up and small diamonds shone in the light.

"Thank you it's so beautiful." Legolas smiled "So you accept?" I leaned over and hugged him "Yes of course I do." Legolas hugged me back and I couldn't ask for a better moment.

.............

We were leaving tomorrow, but there was still one last thing I had to do. I walked to Ruith's room I had to speak with him.

When I arrived at his room I knocked gently. Ruith opened the door a huge smile on his face.

"What's this I hear about you going on this great quest to destroy the one ring and save us all." "This isn't a joke Ruith, if we don't succeed it could be the end of all" Ruith frowned "I'm trying to be uplifting" I nodded my "Sorry, I guess I just have a lot on my mind."

"Yes, I would to if I were going"

"That's not all of it" I whispered. Ruith looked up at me. "What else is going on? Is everything ok?" I smiled "Yes everything is great."

"So what have you not told me?" I paused for a second before gathering up my courage. "Legolas asked if he could court me" Suddenly I was in a tight embrace.

"Daeran this is such good news." I hugged my friend back laughing. "Yes, I can't believe it really, I keep thinking it was just a dream. But then I look at this"

I took the necklace from under my shirt and showed it to Ruith. "It's beautiful" he exclaimed. I smiled "yes it is. It reminds me that all this is real." I sighed

"I'm really going to miss you Ruith. Will you see me off tomorrow?" Ruith nodded his head "Of course I will. Im just sorry I wasnt there to join you in a way. But its not really my place. You though, you will change the world. You, will save Middle Earth. I smiled at him, he was really milking it. With a few last words I left Ruith's room and made my way towards Elmyra's room.

One there I knocked on the door waiting for an answer. The door opened and a surprised Elmyra was standing there.

"Prince Tithdaeran, what can I do for you this evening?" I smiled at her indicating if we could speak in her room. She immediately obliged leading me in. Elmyra was beautiful, even in elvish standards. She had coppery hair that shone brightly in the daylight. But seemed to shimmer under the moon. Voron was a lucky man and I knew there were many who envied them. Elmyra had had many suiters, but she didn't pay any of them mind. That is until Voron came along. She was smitten with him and I couldn't be happier for them. I didn't know her well, but we spoke occasionally.

"What can you tell me about courting. I am not very familiar with its practices." Elmyra smiled "Have you found your someone special your highness?"

"I just want to know is all" She nodded and sat at her desk. "Do you have any specific questions?" I thought for a moment "Maybe this was a bad idea" I started then headed for the door. Elmyra quickly got up and took my hand.
"Please"
"I...I'm just unaware of some of the practices and traditions. I would talk with ada, but." My cheeks blushed "It seems embarrassing to be talking with him. I was hoping since you were courting Voron you could help." Elmyra smiled sweetly. "Like can we kiss? Or you know do anything else" I probably looked like a tomato right now.
"I have some books if you would be interested. But don't worry yourself over anything. You want to be formal, but still yourself." I nodded "thank you and I'm sorry to have wasted your time."

Elmyra shook her head "You are never a bother and if you ever want to talk please let me know." She went towards were book shelf and handed me three books. "Thank you" i said. She gave a slight bow as I left. Man that was embarrassing.

I sighed maybe I should go to bed I have a long day tomorrow. I made my way towards my room, i shoved the books in my travel bag. I changed then quickly got into bed. Before I knew it I was fast asleep.

The next morning came bright and early. The sun wasn't even up yet by the time everyone was gathered. There was only one pony who was caring a good amount of supplies.

The rest we would have to carry. Lord Elrond, Ruith, Voron, Elmyra and Arwen were among the many there to bid us goodbye.

I hugged each of them, maybe shedding a tear or two. Who knows, this could be the last time I see any of them. I didn't want to dwell on it though. It was time to go though. We traveled far throughout the day. Traveling over mountains and plains.

No one talked much as we walked and stayed silent usually until around lunch meal times. It had been a few days and we were currently taking a lunch break.

Sam had cooked up a nice meal while Boromir was teaching Merry and Pippin swordwork. Rolik would make comments every now and then.

As I was listening to Gimli blabber about how we were traveling and how his poor short legs couldn't- wait I'm getting off track. As Gimli was complaining I noticed Legolas move from beside me to a rock nearby.

I looked to see what he was eyeing. There was a mass of something coming closer. I wasn't the only one who noticed either. "What is that?" Sam asked I looked closer, it was like a large flock of birds.

"Nothing it's just a wisp of clouds." Gimli said "It's moving too fast to be clouds" I said standing up. "Crebain from Dunland" Legolas said before running towards me. Suddenly everyone was moving.

Rolik started gathering things up and running towards the bushes. Sam started to gather up supplies. Everyone was running for cover.

I grabbed a pot of water and dumped it on the fire. I quickly grabbed my things when suddenly my arm was being pulled. Without thinking I followed into the nearby bushes.

It was then that hundreds of birds started circling above us, then shortly after they were gone. I rose up from my crouched position along with everyone else. I watched them as they made their way. I had never seen anything like it before.

"The passage south is being watched" Gandalf said. "Gandalf what were those?" I asked "Spies of Saruman"

"Saruman, but he's dead"

"Yes that's what worries me" I felt shivers crawl down my back at the thought of him somehow being alive. Legolas placed a calming hand on my back as everyone started arguing about what path we should take next.

Gimli wanted to go through the Mines of Moria, but Gandalf on the other hand was very much against it. And if Gandalf feared the mines, then the rest of us should too. Other offers were suggested, but were turned down. In the end it was up to Frodo.

And so it was decided, we would tempt the mountain pass.