Aleana and Aragorn

Chapter 16

***Aleana POV***

Pain flooded my body and mind, burning when the axe came in contact with the ring. It was as if Gimli had hit me directly. I could feel strong arms around me, holding me up as I held my head in my hands, praying for the pain to pass. 

After a few minutes, it finally does, and I slowly open my eyes to see two blue eyes staring at me in concern. I pull away from Aragorn and stumble slightly, still a little disoriented, and he steadies me by placing an arm around my waist and holding me close.

Everyone's eyes were on me and poor Frodo looked terrified at what had just occurred. I smile at him reassuringly as Lord Elrond calls to me. I turn to him.

"Lady Aleana, would you like to retire to your chambers?"

"No, it is alright," I bow my head apologetically, "please continue."

I take a seat and Aragorn moves closer to me, his arm still around my waist. I place my head on his shoulder, closing my eyes and trying to gain back my energy. Lord Elrond addresses the council once more. 

"The Ring cannot be destroyed, Gimli, son of Gloin, by any craft that we here possess. 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 charm from whence it came. One of you must do this."

I open my eyes as there is a stunned silence. The council sits with downcast eyes, as if a great dread has descended upon them. Boromir addresses the council in a quiet voice. 

"One does not simply walk into Mordor. Its Black Gates are guarded by more than just Orcs. There is evil there that does not sleep and 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."

"Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said," Legolas stands angrily, "the Ring must be destroyed."

"And I suppose you think you're the one to do it," Gimli sneers. 

I close my eyes as they begin bickering with another, angry. Aragorn grabs my hand in his and rubs soothing circles on the top of it with his thumb. I smile gently, forgetting for a moment of all the anger around me, that is until one voice speaks up.

"I will take it," Frodo speaks in a strong, clear voice and I pick up my head from Aragorn's shoulder, looking to Frodo in shock as he continues, "I will take it...I will take the Ring to Mordor, though I do not know the way."

Everyone looks on in astonishment at the small hobbit showing so much courage. Father turns to him.

"I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins, as long as it is yours to bear."

"If by my life or death I can protect you, I will," Aragorn stands, walking to Frodo and kneeling before him, "you have my sword."

"And you have my bow," Legolas moves forward followed by Gimli.

"And my axe," Gimli says. 

Boromir looks on before walking to Frodo, "you carry the fates of us all, little one. If this is indeed the will of the Council, then Gondor will see it done."

Frodo stares in wonder when we hear Sam's shout as he runs up to Frodo.

"Here! Mr. Frodo's not going anywhere without me."

"No, indeed," Elrond says amused, "it is hardly possible to separate you...even when he is summoned to a secret Council and you are not."

Suddenly Pippin and Merry jump out of some bushes behind me, running past to stand beside Frodo as Elrond looks on shocked. 

"Oi! We're coming too," Merry exclaims, "you'd have to send us home tied up in a sack to stop us."

"Anyway," Pippin continues, "you need people of intelligence on this sort of mission...quest...thing..."

"Well, that rules you out, Pip," Merry turns to him and I can't help but smile. 

I look and see Frodo's eyes on me, him begging silently for me to go along to. I smile at him gently, before moving towards him and kneeling before him. I take his hands in mine as he looks to me wide-eyed.

"I promise to take care of you Frodo Baggins, till my last breath. If you would let me."

"Thank you," he whispers as a small smile finds a way on his lips. I place a small kiss on his forehead before moving to stand beside Aragorn. We all turn to look at Lord Elrond as he addresses us. 

"Ten companions," Elrond says thoughtfully, "so be it. You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring."

"Great," Pippin says and we all look to him, "where are we going?"

I can't help but smile at his naivety.

***Aragorn POV***

After the Council disbanded, everyone retired to their chambers to get ready to head out on our journey in the morning. I had visited my mother's grave and by then night had fallen. It was while I was walking back to my room that I noticed Aleana standing on a balcony, looking out to Rivendell, lost in thought. 

I walk up to her, placing a hand on her shoulder and she jumps at my touch, turning around. But when she notices me, she gives me a small smile and turns back to gazing out at Rivendell. 

"How are you feeling Aleana?"

"Alright."

"You should rest, tomorrow we have to wake early. What are you doing here, alone?"

"Waiting for father and Lord Elrond."

I am about to ask her why when I hear their voices behind us.

"You called for us Lady Aleana," we both turn and nod to Elrond and Gandalf in greeting.

"Yes, there is something I must tell you," Aleana answers.

"Do you wish to speak to us alone," Elrond casts a glance my way and I look to Aleana, wondering if she does not want me present. But she shakes her head, a small smile on her face.

"No, I very much prefer Lord Aragorn to stay here, for I feel much more at ease in his presence. If you don't mind, of course," she adds. They nod and she turns around, facing out the balcony again as she begins to speak, her voice low and full of fear and sadness. 

"I am afraid I may have a connection with Sauron and the One Ring," her voice is a whisper.

I look at her back in shock as I notice Elrond and Gandalf exchange a glance. She continues. 

"When Bilbo first wore the ring at the party, I had a vision. No, not a vision. I actually found myself standing in the dungeons of Barad-dur in the presence of Sauron. Then once again it happened at the inn. The last time being on Weathertop, when the Nazgul attacked us. It was then that he hurt me, physically," she turns around and pulls up her sleeve.

Her arm is on display in the moonlight, the angry Elvish burned on her skin.

"Destroy the power that runs in these veins," Elrond whispers the translation in shock.

"I can't use my powers father," she looks to Gandalf teary eyed, "I feel powerless, as if my energy is slowly leaving my body. How is this possible father?"

"Well it is quite an easy answer my child," Gandalf looks at Aleana grimly, "the ring was forged by your blood."

My eyes go wide as we both stare at Gandalf in utter shock.

A/n: Is that what you guys were expecting? Just wait though, there is more!

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