Stuck In The Middle

The Council

   ''Kate?!'' Ashley whisper-yelled, looking at the older brunette girl in shock.

''Ashley. Atalanta.'' Kate greeted, calmly.

''What the hell are you doing here?'' Atalanta asked, still feeling annoyed with her older sister.

Kate didn't look offended. ''I came to do what I said. Protect you. And if doing that means possibly joining a deadly quest, that's okay. Plus....adventure sounds....nice.''

Atalanta raised her eyebrow. ''Who are you, and what have you done to Katheryn Kendell Jackson, my stuck-up, normal-lived-'' She got cut off, though.

Lord Elrond has risen to his feet and glanced around all the different people. Elves, men, dwarves, and even a little hobbit. Speaking of the hobbit, Atalanta wasn't too keen of seeing that little Frodo brat. In Atalanta's opinion, Frodo Baggins was rather weak, much like Arwen Undomiel. Sam had been the real hero.

''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. Each race is bound to this fate–this one doom. Bring forth the Ring, Frodo.'' Said Lord Elrond, rather gravely.

Atalanta had to hold back a snort, as she watched the hobbit rise. Frodo had a look of helplessness and cluelessness, which seemed like his signature look. Frodo walked – slowly – up to the pedestal and took the ring off his silver necklace. Slowly taking off the golden ring, he returned to his seat.

Atalanta had expected to feel a pull towards the ring. She was a human, after all. Every human was affected, regardless of your gender. However, Atalanta felt nothing – except the darkness. There was an aura of darkness around the small gold ring, one that was not real in earth.

''So, it is true......'' Boromir muttered.

''Duh. It's right there.'' Atalanta said, rolling her eyes.

Boromir turned to look at her, disgust in his eyes. ''And what does a mere lady know of the matter?''

Atalanta was about to retort, but she didn't have the time. Kate, who had heard enough, stood up, abruptly. ''Don't talk to my sister like that, mere steward. Oh, wait, you aren't a steward. You're a son of a steward.''

Both Atalanta and Ashley had to hold back a laugh. Who would've thought, Kate, a smart mouth?

Boromir's eyes widened, upon seeing Kate. ''My Lady! I'm sorry, I-''

''Save it.'' Kate snapped, sitting back down. However, when she sat down, she looked like a queen, on her throne. Her eyes were locked in a glare, which was sent at Boromir – the man himself was avoiding her gaze.

Lord Elrond cleared his throat, and there was a slight tension in the air. The three sisters, who, again, were huge Lord of The Rings fans, knew what was next.

''Ash nazg durbatuluk, ash nazg gimbatul, ash nazg thrakatuluk agh burzum-ishi krimpatul!'' Gandalf said, suddenly. Lord Elrond looked at Gandalf, sternly.

''Never before has any voice uttered the words of the tongue here in Imladris.'' Lord Elrond said, quietly.

''Yeah, yeah, Gandalf, we know that you didn't ask permission. There's no need to give a speech. Also, yes, we know it's evil, no need for fancy words.'' Atalanta drawled, watching Gandalf's slightly surprised expression.

Suddenly, Boromir jumped up – the thing Atalanta was trying to avoid – and started shouting. ''It is a gift! A gift to the foes of Mordor! Why not use this Ring? 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! Give Gondor the weapon of the enemy. Let us use it against him!'' Bad idea, mister, thought Atalanta.