Feä Bond (Legolas x OC)

The fellowship

From this day, Frances went back to her studies. Arwen offered to fill Estel's place when while he was away with the twins, instructing her on the world and the legends of her folk. Her infinite patience allowed Frances to learn much more than she would have on her own, stumbling upon elvish words without shame as Arwen laughed lightly. Her new friend did not seem to have any objection about getting her ready for battle. Frances wondered many times if the gift of foresight that she was told to possess could explain her behavior. Despite their tentative friendship - or because of it ? - Estel did not want Frances to be part of the fellowship. Anyway, it was no use making conjectures, and in this domain Frances did not want to pry. Sometimes, there were things that had to remain hidden so that destiny could be fulfilled. If Arwen did not feel the need to share her thoughts on the matter, better to stay silent.

Estel was roaming the borders in search of more parties of Orcs, and did not have any more time to spare for her. His uneasiness whenever he was in Rivendell reminded her of the role she had to play. One day, Frances gathered her courage, and went to master Elrond's office. She stayed a long time in front of the magnificent wooden doors. As her racing heart would not find rest until she got her deed done, she lifted her shaking hand into a fist. Surprisingly, the characteristic creaking resonated before she could touch the panel. A voice rose.

- "Please make your way in, lady Frances. There is much to talk about."

Her eyebrows shooting up, the young woman penetrated in the sanctuary, feeling like she was swallowed by some ancient beast as the light receded. Gandalf, for he was there, closed the door behind her. Trapped ! Standing in the middle of the office, a part of her really wanted to disappear. She, the nineteen-year-old girl, was in presence of two of the main powers of this world. «Intimidating much", she though. If Glorfindel had been there, the effect would have been total. Fortunately, lord Elrond's level of humor was as low as usual, and therefore he did not linger on socialities.

- "I have heard that your fighting skills have improved greatly", he said, his dark eyes boring holes into her.

- "Have you really?".

Her surprised outburst caused Gandalf to chuckle.

- "Frankness is very refreshing"

- "Well, that's my name", Frances mumbled.

A few wrinkles appeared at the edge of the wizard's twinkling eyes. Lord Elrond, a bit surprised by this statement, regained his composure. Elves did not depreciate themselves this way, and no conversation held this much spontaneity. Of course, the young lady's skills were still far below average in those matters, but she had only been training for a couple of months. There was not much hope than for her to learn en route. The hobbits, who had volunteered shortly after the council, had no training whatsoever. Furthermore, she had shown quite some courage and strength of mind, and this quest would need much of it. There was no way ten walkers would defy Sauron's armies with the strength of arms. Therefore, the matter was settled.

- "Yes, your swordsmaster said as much"

- "How nice of him", came the witty reply, "to tell you so when he never uttered a word of compliment to me..."

This time, Gandalf laughed out loud, and Elrond's grim face shut her mouth for good. Frances cringed, fearing she might have gone too far. However, a close observation of the lord's eyes sowed a doubt in her mind. Did he actually look sheepish?

- "You have much to learn about the elves," young lady, finally said Gandalf with a pointed look. "Idle shatter is not their main ability"

Frances nodded. If the twins had been refreshing, she had seen how their manners exasperated their own kind. True to himself, lord Elrond cut the conversation short. There was far too much mirth in the room for his taste, and the aim of her visit seemed to sail away.

- "The fellowship is soon to depart. Do you hold true to your word?"

'So then, back to business', she though. Her eyes meet the elflord's grey eyes, and she put as much might as she could in her stare.

- "I do."

- "Then it is settled. The fellowship leaves in a dozen of days, on 25th of December."

At hearing the date, Frances chuckled, but the joke didn't seem to hit home. The two startled stares that she won told her there was none intended. She tried to pry a little, feeling uneasy by the unresponsive looks.

- "Come on, Christmas?"

- "I am sorry young lady but I do not see any matter of mirth in this."

Elonrd's reply was sharp, and forced her bubbling mind finally to focus. Frances sighed, defeated. How ridiculous she must seem. Of course, Christmas had no signification in middle earth; there was no catholic religion nor Christ in sight.

- "Would you mind explaining what Krissmas is?", tempted Gandalf, sensing the girl's uneasiness.

- "Well, in my... world. Christmas is a yearly feast that happens on 25th of December. We celebrate the birth of, er, an historical figure. Anyway, people gather and have a meal, and then some presents are offered. It is one of the biggest traditions amongst my people. It's the most important day of the year, I think"

- "How fitting, then".

For the lord of Imladris, the discussion was now closed. However, Frances still had some very important questions to ask, and felt cheeky enough to stay.

- "If I may... You mentioned a prophecy when I first came. Is that the reason why you consider my participation?"

Silence welcomed her question, and it lasted for quite some time. Finally, it was Gandalf who answered.

- "There are many signs in this matter. This prophecy does predate the elves' installation on those shores, and not much remains. Lady Galadriel, whose dwellings are settled on the other side of those mountains, might be of help to you. We however take every indication very seriously; there clearly is a role for you to play in this war."

Frances opened her mouth, then closed it anew with a frown.

- "Yes, that is the reason why you are granted a seat in the fellowship without us knowing much more of you than we should. The Keeper of Time must be there"

This was the longest speech that had ever been addressed to her in this office. Therefore, the young lady bowed, ready to take her leave. She had found nothing about the prophecy in the ancient books. Here and there, a few hints had been written about a lady fighting in the third age war, but no details. Frustrated, she had given up looking. Before she left Lord Elrond's office, the elf Lord mentioned that a sword would soon be ready for her. The young lady could not help but smile at the prospect; at least she gained a weapon adapted to her size.