The IRE of Winter

[ 6.2 ]

'She signed a contract! Gandalf recruited her as a scout for the quest.' Legolas answered for me, and he explained further speaking his native tongue. 'She is a child, reckless and stubborn and above all, she has no skill to defend herself. A human cannot possibly learn it, not with limited time.  Elrond, you must reconsider.'

'We cannot melt ice with swords and arrows,' an old man spoke. He wore a dull brown robe, holding a wooden staff. He was a wizard just like Gandalf. He stood to make his point, his pale blue eyes scanning me. 'Fire is what we need. Fire that could turn a hearth into ashes. And this girl can get it for us!'

'What you ask of her is impossible,' Legolas said.

'Improbable not impossible. I've seen the likes of her before. Auvir, Lithnar, Garida, all pale eyed and fearless. You all know what a vaurg can do and can possibly do. O Vala hailed the day the first vaurg was born, she has it. I've seen those same look in her eyes. Hungry. Cunning.'

'A single vaurg will not resolve this, look at her.' Legolas noted.

'Vaurgs no vaurgs, what does it matter? She has the gift, at least she tries.' They spoke in elvish and the argument continued.

'Legolas,' another elf joined the conversation. He was a tall he-elf, pale-skinned, brown haired and wore a golden circlet. 'Do not make the same mistake as your grandfather did. Oropher had a great force during the Last Alliance but he disregarded the council's plans and his reckless charge costs two-thirds of his army... and his life. You must not follow the same path. You are the only one who could possibly convince your father.'

'Father is not easily convinced. The last time he agreed to something, he marched his army East, helped Bard and the weaklings and was almost killed. He regreted since then, though the treasures he recieved were beyond his count, his heart still grieves for the peole he had lost. What made you think this girl could change his mind?'

'Not, if you don't try. Why don't we ask her?'

They all turned to me and I was melting like a block of ice under the scorching sun. The lady gracefully walked towards me. Her every step brought chills to my spine.

'Now child...why did you offer your help?' the she-elf spoke to me, her face glowed with elegance. I thought I heard her voice but I did not see her lips moved. I stared at Legolas, his eyes were filled with uncertainty. I tried to weaved everything I've just heard. Ice and fire, war, training... How could I be a part of this meeting? I held my breath for a while trying to sew my words together.

'I wanted to help. I knew my skill can do more than just toying around with ravens and cats,' I murmured.

I heard someone chuckled, some smiled. What I said was true. I always felt myself lacking at times. I never had contentment, if truth be told, and I wanted to do more. I turned to Legolas, but unlike everyone else, his lips arched down, disappointed.

'That is settled then. She doesn't have to put on a heavy armour to swing a sword, all she needs now is someone who will look after her,' the old wizard said.

'I agree.' Elrond turned to Legolas, as if asking if he would accept the task.

'You shall have my answers when Gandalf returns. She is his responsibility. But I will take the girl and do what needs to be done. Afterall, she needs to know how to wield a sword when the time comes.'