Daughter of the Dark (War of the Rings: Books 1-3)

The Council of Elrond

Lyrielle's POV

I dressed in my cloak and hood the next morning as I got ready for the Council meeting. I would be the only female present and I knew that if any of the men present were similar to that idiot Gondorian, than they might not like it if they knew that I was sitting amongst them; so I hid within the folds of my travel worn cloak and headed off towards the outdoor balcony where Elrond had decided to hold the meeting.

I glanced around before settling down in the chair next to Gandalf; Strider and Legolas sitting on my other side. I kept my face and ears well hidden as I sat quietly; listening as Elrond and Gandalf explained the long history of the One Ring. I sat up straighter as Bilbo described finding the ring during his adventure with Gollum and their game of riddles. He hadn't admitted it at the time and I had thought I was going insane when I had sensed my father's presence during our fight with Smaug.

And then it was Frodo's turn...my eyes widened in fear as Gandalf prompted him to stand up and place the ring on the podium in the middle of the group. I winced as I struggled to ignore the dark whispers of my father that immediately filled my mind with temptation. My head throbbed as I squirmed in my seat; keeping my eyes shut tight.

I sensed Gandalf, Strider, and Legolas glancing at me with worry as the idiot Gondorian from yesterday stood up abruptly and started spouting about some dream of his that spoke of doom. I scoffed at this but kept my eyes shut as Strider tried to set the man straight about his ridiculous notion that it would be a good idea to use my father's ring to help in the war against him. How stupid! The ring could only be wielded by father - and me, being of his bloodline, not that I ever wanted anything to do with it! It was hard enough to resist my father's hold on me without adding the ring into the mix!

I finally opened my eyes in surprise as Legolas leaped to his feet to defend his friend; revealing the fact that Strider was not just any ranger like I had thought...He was Aragorn, son of Arathorn - the rightful king of Gondor...

Strider; or Aragorn, motioned for Legolas to sit down as he stared at me apologetically. I shrugged my shoulders at him, letting him know we were ok. It was definitely a shock, but I couldn't really hold his deception against him, considering the fact that I was keeping an even larger secret from him and everyone else here but Gandalf and Elrond - the only two in existence who knew the truth about who I was.

I bit my bottom lip hard enough to draw blood when Gimli jumped up and tried to strike the One with his axe; shattering the axehead into pieces as I groaned against the new flash of pain.

There was then a huge argument that broke out between the men of Gondor, the elves, and the dwarves over who should travel to Mordor and take the ring to be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom. I hesitated at this point, feeling a sense of obligation to do it myself, but fearing too much the consequences of carrying the ring. Before I could say anything though, Frodo stood up and offered to do it himself. What a brave hobbit - just like Bilbo.

Of course, no one heard the poor fellow, too busy arguing amongst themselves. I nudged Gandalf and pointed to Frodo. I didn't expect him, however, to do what he did next.

Pain laced throughout my body as Gandalf drew himself to his full height and started reciting the inscription on the One Ring in black speech. The words grated harshly against my ears and stars danced before my vision as I struggled to keep still in my chair; not wanting Legolas or Aragorn to notice how much pain I was currently in.

I sighed heavily as Gandalf finally sat back down; patting my shoulder gently to apologize for the pain he had caused. I gritted my teeth but nodded to him as Elrond addressed the council.

I watched as the crazy old wizard, then Aragorn, and then Legolas; followed quickly by Gimli, and then the Gondorian pledged themselves to help Frodo on his journey. I then stood up and made my own vow to protect Frodo with my life; just as Sam emerged from the bushes. I chuckled under my breath as I saw Elrond's look of incredulity as Sam was joined by Merry and Pippin. I would have thought that he had noticed them listening in on the council - I certainly had.

I headed back to my room to pack my meager possessions and help prepare for our journey, pleased to note that Boromir, as I learned he was called, had been smart enough not to comment on the fact that there was a lady in the company. I was hoping that we would be able to start over, but he seemed quite stubborn in his beliefs about the meekness of women.

********************************************

Two months passed before the scouts started reporting back to Elrond with their discoveries.

I spent my days pouring over maps with Gandalf as we planned out what route we should take to get to Mordor. The rest of my time was used sparring with Aragorn, Legolas, Elladan, and Elrohir in the training grounds. I noticed Boromir watching on several occasions from the sidelines - but made a point to ignore him.

That is, until one evening when he finally strode up to me and practically demanded that I prove myself to him. I rolled my eyes at this; had he not learned anything from observing me with the others? Oh, well, if the fool hadn't learned his lesson yet, then it was my extreme pleasure to ensure that he finally had it drilled into him not to question my skills!

I grinned wickedly as I tossed my sword to Elrohir; who caught it with a huge smile on his face, before motioning to Boromir. He glanced in surprise at the sword that was now being held by Elrohir and back to me; standing "defenseless" before him.

I tilted my head at him with a smirk as he finally charged at me. I stepped to the side at the last minute and he went flying past me. Aragorn and Legolas cheered me on as Boromir continued to try and strike me. I dodged every single one of his attempts, never lifting a hand to block. It was only after Boromir was snarling and practically spitting with frustration and rage that I finally raised a hand - using it to send him soaring head over heels onto his rear with a loud, satisfying thud.

"I am not going to repeat myself again, Boromir. Do not underestimate me. Continue to do so and you will suffer greatly." I glared down at the man as he slowly picked himself up off the ground in defeat. Elladan, Elrohir, Aragorn, and Legolas applauded me as Boromir walked away; his shoulders slumped in shame.

I turned around, about to ask for my sword back, only to find myself being lifted into the air. I squealed loudly as I stared down at my friends.

"That was amazing!" shouted Aragorn.

"You are truly wondrous to behold," exclaimed Legolas.

"You certainly showed that fool!" declared Elladan.

"Did you see the look on his face when you gave me your sword!" laughed Elrohir. I giggled as the four of them twisted me around in triumphant circles on their shoulders.

"Let me down, you rascals!" I could barely breath from laughter as they ignored me and continued to swing me around in their arms no matter how many times I whacked them.

********************************************

"Mordor, Gandalf. Is it left or right?" I smiled at Frodo's uncertainty as Gandalf tapped him discreetly on the correct shoulder. Another week had gone by since I had handed Boromir his ass on a platter and we were finally heading off. Elrond had provided us with provisions and a wonderful send-off feast before wishing us luck on our journey.

Frodo was up front for the first few miles, followed closely by Gandalf and myself. As the next few days flew by, though, he settled to the back of the line with the rest of the hobbits, while Legolas and I scouted ahead of everyone, using our elven sight to make sure our path was clear.

********************************************

In-Line Comments

- Another chapter done! Let me know if you have any suggestions on how I should reveal the whole soulmate idea and the whole fact that Sauron is her father. I'm thinking that part could either be during an attack before Moria and or when she protects Frodo from the cave troll. If anyone has a preference let me know! Was thinking maybe the Witch King; alone or with one or two of his buddies, could confront the company before they head up into the mountains and she could send em off etc. She could either do it without anyone knowing about it; or them showing up at the end and asking her how she pulled it off?