A Long Journey Ahead (the fellowship / invites)

[frodobaggins]

It had not been long since Frodo had agreed to take the One Ring to Mordor. He had hoped that once he had it safely in Rivendell he would be able to go back to the Shire, and continue his life. However, that had not been the case. He didn't know what had led him to offer to take the Ring. Maybe it was because he had already carried it to Rivendell, and he felt it was his responsibility. Everyone had been in disagreement over it, and he had hated hearing all of the fighting. Agreeing to take it had been one way to stop the fighting, however, he still had not come to terms with what his offer really meant.

He was happy he had people helping him, because he couldn't do it on his own. Now that there was an entire Fellowship watching over him, he felt more confident. How long that confidence would last, he didn't know. They'd left Rivendell a few days ago, but it already seemed like it had been a long time. The Ring was safely around his neck and seemed to grow heavier each day. He didn't complain though, because he knew it was his task to make sure the Ring was destroyed.

They had decided to make camp for the evening. He was sitting by the fire and had his back resting up against a tree. The night was cool and clear, and it almost felt as if he were home, sitting in the woods near the Shire. But he knew that home was far away, and the closer they were to Morder the further away from home he really was. He tried not to think about it, and sat there listening to the sounds of the forest and the fire crackling. He could hear the voices of the others as they enjoyed the rest of the meal that had been made. If only he could make his mind settle so he could get a good night's sleep. He knew that would be a difficult task, but listening to all the sounds around him made him relax a little, so perhaps sleep was not too far away.

[Ivorwen Meneldil]

It hadn't been long since Ivorwen had left the stream where she had met Lord Elrond's daughter Arwen. She had been respectful towards her and they exchanged words until she told her that she was looking for the Fellowship. After a few more words exchanged between them, she bid Arwen a farewell and rode off once she led her horse back to the road. She had to admit Arwen was very nice since she was the first elf that she had ever met. The afternoon wore on and the road kept cutting through the forest. Life around her was going on as well as the darkness rolled in. It would be only a matter of time until Sauron unleashed his fury upon them. She had only hope that he wouldn't attack Minas Tirith. Her father and friends were there as well as innocent people. If news came to back such she would have to abandon the Fellowship and return home to help fight and to protect what mattered to her the most. Despite the arguments that came between her and her father.

She had been riding for a good long while until she found herself in Rivendell and asked for directions on where the group had gone. After a few minutes she was back on the road making her way into the evening sky which soon gave way to the dark night which was very dangerous for someone to be traveling now that news of ring wraiths where out hunting Frodo. Seeing a light through the trees, she stopped her horse and guide it closer to the light which was a campfire. There gathered around her she saw the members of the Fellowship and to much of her dismay Boromir was there, the air-head as she dubbed him. She preferred his younger brother then him. She tied her horse nearby letting Ioreth rest after a long day before she walked over to the campfire a few looking at her as she pulled her hood back looking at Frodo, who was the leader as she had been told. "I have come to offer my services to help you, Frodo Baggins into destroying the One Ring. You will need as many friends as you can get to fulfill your mission." she spoke with a smile at the young hobbit that was the ring bearer with this dangerous mission.

[Aragorn]

The group had left Rivendell a few days ago, they had decided to make camp before moving onwards towards Mordor, though Aragorn wondered if they would actually make it in time to do some good for the world. Aragorn had left Rivendell with yet another argument with Elrond but that was nothing unusual with them, though it was something that he hoped he would work out in time. Aragorn was scouting the camp as he was on the first watch for the night and he was making sure that the Orc’s couldn’t get into the camp without anyone noticing them, which was unlikely with the group.

The Fellowship had been blessed with so many different people and skills that they could use to defeat their enemy but in the end it would have to be Frodo to deliver the final blow in destroying the ring and Aragorn would protect the Hobbit for as long as he can. Aragorn could hear the different sounds from the camp as everyone was finishing up their evening meal and getting ready for some much needed sleep, everyone except for Aragorn who would get that luxury in a few good hours when his watch would end.

Suddenly however Aragorn could hear another sound that did not belong to the camp. Aragorn knew the different sounds that belonged to the camp but this new sound was coming towards them quickly. Aragorn made his way back to the camp where he noticed someone new a female was speaking to Frodo. “You wish to help us? Why? How did you even know where to look to find us?” Aragorn asked. His words may have sounded harsh but these were the questions he needed to speak to find out the answers he wanted to know. Aragorn stood there, his hand was resting on his sword wondering what the woman would say next.

[Legolas]

It was the first evening after the had set out from Imladris. The distance covered had been not quite what Legolas had hoped for, but it seemed clear that although speed was part of the plan, there was once so much that could be asked of his companions, especially if they were to travel leagues and leages for several months at least.

Now was time for rest, and even Legolas had forced himself to relax and trust in Aragorn, who was on watch to do his part. How he would trust in the Dwarf was a different matter entirely, and the young Elf at present had opted for fully ignoring that ninth companion, but with the others he had better learn to do it, before they reached truly dangerous lands. So he had wandered off to gather some more firewood. The year was waning and temperatures had dropped during the last few hours. It was a bad time to set out, but no one wanted to give Sauron time to gather his forces while the Fellowship waited out the winter.

He had not gone far yet when he heard the horse. Instantly he dropped the wood, headed back toward the camp, drawing one of his knives as he went. The boy was unstrung and resting next to his pack beyond the fire, out of reach.

His steps carried him next to Frodo, facing the newcomer. A woman? Offering her help. Somehow that did not make him any less suspicious. How did she even know of the quest, left alone where to find them? Indeed, Aragorn's question was a very valid one!

So the knife remained Legolas' his hand, held downward for now, next to his leg, but ready to be used just in case.

[frodobaggins]

The quiet was suddenly interrupted by the sounds of footsteps, and Frodo immediately felt the hairs on his arms rise. Ever sine the attack at Weathertop by the Ringwraiths, he's feared seeing them again. He knew they traveled at night, and this would be the perfect time for one of them - or all of them - to find their way into their camp. Even though Arwen was able to fight them off when she was taking him to Rivendell, he knew that she hadn't destroyed them. They were still out there, lurking in the dark and it gave him nightmares every time he closed his eyes. He had also started to hear voices whispering to him in his dreams. It was mostly about the Ring, and he knew it was some sort of evil brought on by it, but he hadn't told anyone about it because he didn't want to make people worried. His hand instantly found the ring that was hanging on a necklace and he sighed with relief when he felt it was still there.

The next sound he heard was a feminine voice behind him, and he stood from his spot on the ground and turned to face the visitor. She didn't seem too dangerous, but she had managed to find them at their camp. She said she wanted to offer her services to him. How had she known where they were going? Had she followed them from Rivendell? Before he could speak, Aragorn asked her the questions that were in his mind, and then he noticed Legolas had entered the clearing as well. He immediately felt relieved. If she meant him any harm she wouldn't be alive much longer.
He decided to say something, just to ease the tension.

"I'm just as curious as Aragorn, how did you manage to find us? How are you aware of our quest?"

[Ivorwen Meneldil]

It hadn't been long since she had help from Arwen who helped her reach Rivendell, but the group had already left. With directions in made she bid Arwen and the others a farewell before making her way to the where she was now. She had just spoke to Frodo when other members appeared around her. It made her feel a little bit alarmed, but she hadn't been expecting them to throw their arms out and welcome her. She had to be strong and she would be. She eyed the Fellowship seeing several hobbits, a dwarf with a axe, an elf, who she respectfully bowed to, a rugged man that spoke to her in a very harsh way, and of course Boromir. She remembered him well enough to just look away from him. She smiled when Frodo spoke in a calmer way then what that rugged man had done. She would reply to them all in hope to at least try to join them. She had come from Minas Tirith as well and she wanted to help, but she wouldn't be judged by her gender wise.

"My friends, I have come as well from the white city of Minas Tirith. I heard about this a few weeks ago when Boromir left. The news of this terrible time has effected everyone including me. I knew that you all will need as many allies and friends that you can all receive no matter what the gender will be." she spoke at first putting all gender wise judgements to rest before they even began. "I memorized the path towards Rivendell and I had help from a elven friend lead me there. When I arrived you all had sat out. With directions I found you all." Ivorwen felt herself being as confident and level headed through this. "I am very aware of your mission Frodo. Your mission is to take the ring into Mordor and destroy it. I wish to pledge my alliance with you and help you succeed in your journey. I may not be a expert swords-woman, but it and the hope within my heart of a brighter future of Middle Earth. I wish to help you and everyone on this dangerous mission despite all consequences it will bring." She ended her speech she looked at them wondering what they would say about her or even if they would accept her. She kept a positive look on this and awaited for their answer.

[Legolas]

The woman's explanation only made Legolas' frown deepen. Her voice carried the same strange accent as Boromir's, so it seemed reasonable that she would hail from Gondor as well. The rest, however, was much harder to believe.

Legolas himself had never been in the South, but from the preparations and planning done in Imladris, he knew that their were heading out for a journey that would be measured in months rather than weeks. And how would new of the quest reach that far, that long ago, when the (hopeful) fate of the Ring had only been decided at the council? What blubberhead in Imladris gad given directions to a stranger for finding a group whose only hope of success was secrecy? Was she a spy of the enemy? Or were Gondor's plans not quite as in agreement with the Council as it had seemed?

So many questions and no answer. One thing was certain, though. "If this woman is even vaguely telling the truth..." At this, Legolas cast a supicious look at both her and Boromir. "..and we are this easy to find, then we might as well turn around now. We are not even a league from Imladris and already the secrecy of the quest has been compromised."

[Aragorn]

Aragorn was both confused and surprised on how a simple woman was able to find them when they only have spoken to Elrond and his council a few days ago about their mission to destroy the one ring. The woman before him just startled him but Aragorn was glad that people wanted to help them on their quest, they of course needed every able body if they were to deliver the ring to the fires of Mordor. Legolas had approached them now and spoken a few words that were still all valid questions that needed to be answered or this would be a very short trip indeed.

Aragorn turned his attention to Frodo before turning back to the woman who now had now spoke her wishes to help the fellowship in this dark time ahead. Aragorn had wanted to know the elf friend that the woman had spoken to so he could at least believe her words. “Who was the elf friend you spoke of if you don’t mind me asking.” Aragorn asked. Aragorn’s voice was a bit softer than before, he just wanted to make sure that he could trust this woman and he hoped that she herself wasn’t a spy for the enemy because that in itself would be bad.

Turning towards both Legolas and Frodo Aragorn decided to voice his own thoughts about the matter. “If this woman truly wishes to help us in our quest then I have no problems with it. We need all the help we can get and an extra hand in would prove to be good in times of dark. Frodo as you’re the ring bearer you decide the outcome.” Aragorn explained his words and thoughts to both Legolas and Frodo though he wandered what Frodo would say next though he would just have to wait and see what happened next.

[Legolas]

"Indeed. Good help is always welcome." Legolas said, very carefully. His stance was still the same. In fact, there was this strong urge to reach back and draw his second knife as well. "However, I would prefer a companion whose tale is not littered with obvious inconsitencies which have to either be untruths or hint at some kind of treachery. Either way is greatly troubling. Be that as it may, I see no other way now than have her join us."

With that said, Legolas turned his full attention to the woman again - not that he had allowed much of it to wander in the first place. "I do not trust you. Your arrival is just too convenient and lacking in explanation. It makes me pose questions concerning this fellowship. So let me say this: My task here is to protect Frodo, and that is what I will do."

What did they say? It was better to have an enemy in fully sight than wait for him to come slinking through the shadows. Legolas would be watching. Her and Boromir both. If she joined. The final decision about this - thankfully - was not his. Of course, there were practical considerations as well, starting with provisions, but those would come later.

[Ivorwen Meneldil]

She was telling the truth every bit of it and the elven man who stood next to Frodo was turning her words against her. She had dealt with people like this in the past and they highly got on her nerves, but coming from an elf? She thought that he would have more respect then this. He was just being flat out rude. "I am telling you all the truth. I was not followed I made sure of it. Only the a few guardsman knew where Boromir was going and not worry about it for it was their duty to protect Minas Tirith not follow him. I was the only one other then the guards that knew where he was going. No one else and the secret has not be compromised. No one else other then ourselves and the elves in Rivendell knows about this." she was being defensive, but also it was the honest truth.

Aside from the elf she turned to the other man who had been rather harsh with her to begin with. When he required who her elf friend she gladly gave him the answer,"My elven friend is the daughter of Lord Elrond, Arwen. She helped me to Rivendell then give me directions on where I should find you. I told her about what I was doing and she agreed that I should join you all." she replied smiling as she thought her new found friend Arwen. She never had a elven friend, but she was glad to have one. She felt happier with the man said that he did not have a problem with her joining, but of course it was for Frodo to decide.

This male elf was starting to get on her last nerve. "If I am to join you then might I ask that you keep your opinions to yourself. For we do not know the other and therefore we cannot judge each other. My task here is as well as all of you. I want to help and protect Frodo on his journey and to see him through into destroying the ring. Not many women would do want I am doing." she looked at him speaking wisely, but in a calm way even though she had the strong urge to pin him down to the ground with her sword, but one cannot judge the other for no one knew their life. She turned to Frodo to await his final words

[Legolas]

Legolas nearly snorted, but just in time recognized it as his father's temper breaking through, so he reigned himself in to just a thin-lipped smile. He was, however somewhat disappointed in Arwen. As long as he knew her, he had admired and respected her as a strong and resolved maiden. He wondered if she had taken council with Elrond before setting someone she barely knew on Frodo's trail. He guessed the answer was no, for surely Elrond would have sent along someone to vouch for this strange newcomer.

"I am afraid that speaking my opinion and voicing my concerns is part of my task of keeping Frodo safe. And no, we do not know each other, which is - in large part - the problem. That might be rectified in time, but for now I can only go by what is presented to me."

There. He had been resolved to remain silent, but now Legolas felt compelled to make himself clear once more. "Whether you were followed or not is the least of my concerns, although it is one that needs to be taken into account for our next steps. My main concerns lie withe the fact that someone suddenly appeared in our camp, claiming to have traveled to Imladris with the purpose of joining the Ringbearer on his quest. So let me repeat Frodo's question, which you still failed to answer: How were you even aware of it?"

[frodobaggins]

Frodo took into consideration what the woman had said. He still didn't know how she knew of the mission - only that somehow she had heard it from Borimir or had known where he was going. Either way, if they didn't let her come with them, what if she went and told other people about them? They couldn't let someone they didn't know wander around spreading rumors about where they were. It seemed to him that their only choice now was to let her come, and they could figure out all the details later. He really was growing tired of the argument. At least if she was with them, they could keep close tabs on her, and perhaps her allegiance would reveal itself in due time. He was sure that if she was lying, they would figure it out soon enough.

"I think we should let her stay. It's safer than letting her go," he commented and shrugged. It was true, or so he thought. He wasn't exactly sure of Borimir's allegiance either, and out of all the Fellowship members he felt the most concerned about him. Now they had this new guest to their party and he found himself in the same situation they had when he and his friends had met Aragorn : they had no other choice but to trust him. "At least if we let her stay, we have someone else helping and we can keep an eye on her..."

Surely if this woman meant him harm, he would know instantly. "I usually have a good sense of character and I don't feel this woman is dangerous." He looked at Legolas and Aragorn. He still couldn't believe they were letting him make the decisions. To them he must seem like a mere child.

[Legolas]

Legolas nodded, and said one simple. "Agreed".

Frodo's reasoning was not too far from his own earlier. It definitely would be better to keep an eye on this woman than send her off to do who knew what. And then, maybe with time they might actually get the answer which were lacking so far.

This woman was a mystery. She seemed harmless enough, but Legolas had seen the corruption that the dark shadow could wreak upon the fairest of things first-hand, so he was not swayed by it. Her speech soudned straightforward on the surface, yet somehow she had managed to dodge the questions asked of her by manner of answering around her.

At this thought Legolas' lips turned up in a soft simple. If this were a diplomatic mission, he would be applauding her. The art of answering questions without actually doing so was something that many people had to learn through many years of practise. In someone who claimed to be a simple maiden the skill was plain suspicious.

While Legolas did not move, his stance relaxed ever so slightly. He did, however return the knife to its sheath. Drawing it again would only take a split-second longer than holding it. Granted, that time delay could mean the difference between life and death, but he would not be able to keep the knife out of his bow strung at all times during the day ahead either.