The Silver Flame (LOTR)

The Fellowship of the Ring

As the council fell into a stunned silence after Frodo's quiet declaration, the tension in the air thickened. The weight of what had just transpired began to settle upon the room. Visenya's gaze shifted around the circle, watching the others react. The decision had been made, yet it was clear the journey ahead would require more than just Frodo's courage.

Gandalf was the first to rise, his gray robes billowing slightly as he stepped forward, placing a gentle yet firm hand on Frodo's shoulder. "I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins," Gandalf said solemnly, his eyes filled with wisdom and care, "as long as it is yours to bear."

The room remained silent as all eyes turned to Aragorn. His jaw clenched with determination as he strode forward, kneeling before the hobbit. His voice was steady and full of resolve as he spoke. "If, by my life or death, I can protect you, I will. You have my sword." The sincerity in his words sent a ripple of assurance through the gathering.

No sooner had Aragorn spoken than Legolas, the elven prince of Mirkwood, took a step forward. His graceful movements matched the sharpness of his gaze as he declared, "And you have my bow." His words carried the confidence of one who had seen many battles.

Gimli, the sturdy dwarf, who had spent much of the council eyeing Legolas with suspicion, now moved beside him. With a fierce grin and a hearty thump of his axe against the stone floor, he said, "And my axe." There was no doubt in his commitment to the cause.

Boromir, the proud son of Gondor, hesitated for a moment before stepping toward Frodo. He had been doubtful of the strength of others to carry such a burden, but as he looked into Frodo's unwavering eyes, his expression softened. "You carry the fate of us all, little one," he said, his voice laden with the responsibility that weighed heavily on him. "If this is indeed the will of the Council, then Gondor will see it done."

Frodo blinked in amazement as the mightiest warriors of Middle-earth pledged their support to him. But before anyone could say more, a sudden noise interrupted the moment. From behind a bush, Samwise Gamgee popped into view, his face set in determination. "Here!" he exclaimed, much to the council's amusement. "Mr. Frodo's not going anywhere without me."

Elrond, who had been watching the unfolding pledges with quiet thoughtfulness, smiled. "No, indeed," he said. "It is hardly possible to separate you, even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not."

But the surprises were not over yet. Merry and Pippin suddenly sprang up from behind another bush, their faces filled with mischief and stubborn resolve.

"Oi! We're coming too!" Merry declared, crossing his arms defiantly. "You'll have to send us home tied up in a sack to stop us."

Pippin chimed in with his usual cheeky grin. "Anyway, you need people of intelligence on this sort of mission...quest...thing."

Merry quirked a brow at his friend. "Well, that rules you out, Pip."

A ripple of laughter spread through the council, breaking the somber mood for a brief moment. Elrond surveyed the group before him, the diverse gathering of men, elves, dwarves, and hobbits, and now Visenya. His expression grew thoughtful as he stood tall, ready to announce his decision.

"Nine companions..." Elrond's voice echoed through the chamber, filled with gravity. "So be it. You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring."

There was a collective sense of both anticipation and unease. Before the conversation could move forward, Visenya stood, her long silver hair gleaming in the dim light. She had been quiet until now, but the fire in her heart called her to act.

"I, too, will accompany Frodo," she said, stepping forward, her voice calm but resolute. "I have seen battles and walked through war-torn lands. If by my sword I can aid this cause, then so be it."

A flicker of recognition passed between her and Aragorn, both of them having shared their war stories before. Elrond nodded, acknowledging her courage. "Another strong ally joins the Fellowship," Gandalf said approvingly, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

With that, the Fellowship was formed, bound by their oaths and a common purpose to see the destruction of the One Ring. The path ahead would be fraught with danger, but they would face it together.

Visenya felt a familiar rush of adrenaline as the council came to an end, her mind already turning to preparations. As she followed Aragorn out of the chamber and toward the stables, the weight of the journey began to settle over her shoulders. Yet, there was no fear. Only determination.

The Fellowship of the Ring was set, and she would stand with them—until the end. They walked in silence for a while, the sound of their boots echoing softly on the cobbled paths. The stables came into view, the soft nickering of horses greeting them.

"I was surprised when you volunteered," Aragorn admitted, glancing at her. "This isn't your fight."

Visenya stopped, looking at him with her sharp eyes. "Is it not?" she replied. "We both know the darkness that spreads across this world. Whether in Westeros or Middle-earth, evil does not stop at borders. I have faced it before, and I will again."

Aragorn considered her words for a moment before nodding. "Then we are fortunate to have you."

As they entered the stables, Aragorn began gathering supplies—bedrolls, provisions, and weapons. Visenya moved to the stall of her horse, gently stroking its white mane. The horse, a dappled beauty with silver markings on its snout and feet, nickered softly at her touch. The bond between them had grown quickly, much like the one she had once shared with Silverwing, her dragon.

Aragorn paused, watching her with the horse. "You've always had a way with creatures," he commented. "That is a rare gift."

"Animals understand more than we give them credit for," Visenya replied. "Perhaps they see the truth in us before we see it in ourselves."

Aragorn chuckled softly. "Perhaps." He looked down at the sword he was tying to his pack, the weight of their mission seeming to grow heavier with every passing moment. "This journey will test us all. But I am glad to have someone at my side who has already passed through fire."

"As am I," Visenya said, her voice steady. "I have walked this path before, Aragorn. I will not falter now."

The two continued their preparations in silence, the weight of the coming days hanging over them. Though the path ahead was uncertain, Visenya felt a strange sense of calm. She had faced the unknown before, and she had always emerged stronger. Now, with this new fellowship, she would face it again—one step at a time.