BEGINNING OF PART I

When Amara awoke from her dream, her cheeks were stained with tears and her heart was aching from it's newly formed break. Her eyes looked to the sky to find it still dark but dawn was quickly approaching.

Her small camp was quickly packed into her bag and the hybrid began walking. Amara's feet did not need direction from her as she was lost in her own mind. So quickly had the dream faded but yet her lost love's words still hung on.

"It's time..." His voice echoed in her head as she walked. For years now she took to wandering Middle-Earth, never stepping the same place twice. But today, she found herself looking up at a very familiar sight.

Rivendell. Though Amara hadn't been there since she traveled with Thorin's company, it still looked as it did back then. Her feet directed her up the smooth stone stairs into a court yard. There waiting for her was an old friend.

"Amara! You are just in time, my dear." The gray wizard exclaimed, smiling widely down at the woman.

"Gandalf...?" She questioned but the wizard merely placed a hand on her shoulder and led her deeper into Rivendell.

"My dear, I am so happy you made it. In all honesty, I had no clue where you were staying these days so I sent letters all over. I'm just glad one found you."

Letter? What letter? She wondered. Amara opened her mouth to speak but Gandalf interuppted her.

"Now I've already got your room accommodation. You can clean up and change out of those travel worn clothes then join the council. It begins at precisely twelve. Don't be late." Gandalf pushed her into a small room.

Amara looked around. It contained a bed, wardrobe, and desk. Not much was special about it bit Amara didn't care about the room. She needed answers.

Her feet took her to the desk where she looked into the mirror that hung on the wall. Her eyes were tired. Her hair, a mess. A layer if dirt covered her face. Amara poured a bit of water in the basin that sat on the table and splashed it on her face, scrubbing lightly. The water dripped back into the basin, now stained brown.

She dried her face and walked over to the wardrobe, finding it filled with elven dresses. All much to big for her. A sigh left her lip and she closed the door.

Amara instead changed into another outfit in her bag: a green tunic with an armored corset and brown skin tight trousers. She secured her cloak back around her shoulders and slipped on her tall back boots. Next came her weapons. A sword secured around her hip. Three knives, one on her thigh, one in her boot, and one at her waist. A bow and quiver full of arrows strapped against her back. She wrapped arm guards from her wrist up to her elbows.

One quick glance outside told Amara that it was nearly midday so she pulled her hood up and ventured outside. She had to find Gandalf before the council began.

Amara found him sitting on a stone bench with five hobbits. Three sat across from him while the other two sat with him. Her quiet steps led her up behind the old wizard.

"Excuse me, Gandalf. Sorry to interrupt but I must speak with you." He turned and smiled.

"Of course, Amara. Please come round in front of me." She moved so she was between him and the the three hobbits.

"Now, the matter I must discuss is-"

"Amara Silverhood...my God it's been too long." She turned so see an old white haired hobbit sitting to the left of Gandalf. His familiar eyes sparkled brightly, "and age has obviously been much kinder to you than to me."

"Bilbo..." The name fell from her lips dully as she removed her hood. Memories washed up to the surface of the kind hobbit who she traveled with more than sixty ago. The one who believed her when no one else did.

"What brings you here to Rivendell?"

"I invited her." Gandalf said with a smile.

"That's what I need to talk to you-"

"Ah just like old times then. Frodo did I ever tell you about Amara? She traveled with me on one of my adventures. She's in my book actually!" Bilbo picked up a large leather bound book as Amara jerked her head towards the elderly hobbit.

"You traveled with my uncle?" The brown haired hobbit next to Bilbo asked, his blue eyes glittering with curiousity.

"That can't be right! You look far too young!" Another hobbit said, earning a jab to the stomach from the one next to him.

"Pippin!" He scolded.

"Amara is part elf so she's lived for many ages."

"Part elf and part what?" Frodo asked.

"Dwarf." Bilbo answered, flipping through his book, "Ah! Here's something. 'Amara Silverhood carried the soft fair features of an elven maiden. But her stoudt stature and an obvious fiery attitude was the trademark dwarf blood in her. And her eyes held a secret. A darkness that I would not learn until our bond of friendship would be tested.'" Bilbo read aloud, every hobbit hanging on his every word.

"Gandalf what am I doing here?" Amara finally burst out.

"Well I explained in the letter-"

"I received no letter, Gandalf." She snapped.

"Then who brought you here?"

"It's where my feet took me." Gandalf rose and took the elf-dwarf by the shoulder and led her way.

"It is a matter of great urgency. You see, the Ring of Power has been found. Bilbo had it in his possession since the Misty Mountains all those years ago. I've invited you because I feel that you will offer good council to what must be done."

"But-"

"But nothing Amara. It's obvious you were meant to be here today. Come. It's time. Frodo!" The young hobbit ran up to us and we walked to the council.

Amara pulled her hood over her head and quickly glanced around at the seats. Everyone seemed to be separated by race. She sat between the dwarves and elves.

Lord Elrond, the only elf that Amara had seen age lines on, stepped out in front of the council.

"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..." His eyes scanned those gathered around him before finally resting in Frodo, "bring forth the Ring, Frodo." 

The hobbit pushed himself out of the seat and walked quietly to the plinth that sat in the middle of the council. From his hands, a golden ring was placed in the center. All around, people gasped. Boromir, a Gondorian man with sandy brown hair leaned forward, his eyes focused on the ring.

"So it is true..." He mutters. Frodo hurried back to his seat and sighed in somewhat relief. 

Amara's eyes remain transfixed on the ring, hearing whispers in her head. The only thing that brings her out of her small trance is when Boromir speaks again.

"Aye it is a gift!" He rises from his seat, "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 bey. By the blood of our people are your lands kept safe. Give Gondor the weapon of the enemy, let us use it against him."

"You cannot wield it. None of us can. The One Ring answers to Sauron alone. It has no other master." Another man cut in, his hair dark and his face full of wisdom. The Boromir turns to him.

"And what would a mere ranger know of this matter?" At those words, the elf sitting next to Amara shot up, staring accusingly at the man.

"This is no mere ranger! This is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance." Boromir looked to Aragorn in disbelief.

"Aragorn! This is Isildur's Heir?"

"And heir to the throne of Gondor!" The elf adds. Aragorn holds up his hand to the elf.

"Havo dad, Legolas." {Sit down, Legolas.} Boromir turned to Legolas.

"Gondor has no king," He said, walking back to his seat and casting a glance over at Aragorn, "Gondor needs no king."

"Aragorn is right.  We cannot use it." Gandalf said, his eyes tired. Elrond srood up, addressing the council as a whole.

"You have only one choice.  The Ring must be destroyed."

"Well what are we waiting for?" The dwarf on Amara's left shot up and wielded his axe towards the ring. The blade shattered and he was thrown back. Amara flinched as a sharp pain hit her shoulder. She looked to see part of the axe had pierced her shoulder.

The ring, however, remained unscathed.

"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 firey chasm from whence it came. One of you........... must do this..." No one dared to step forward. Boromir was the first to break the silence.
 
"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.  Tis 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," he shook his head. "It is folly."

The elf next to Amara, Legolas, shot to his feet again.

"Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said? The Ring must be destroyed."

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

"And if we fail what then?" The Gondorian man stood up once again. "What happens when Sauron takes back what is his?"

"I will be dead before I see the Ring in the hands of an elf." Gimli shouted, jumping up.

The elves stand up to back Legolas.  The men do the same, they all started talking and arguing. Amara remained in her seat, her eyes fixed on the ring.

"Never trust an elf!" Gimli declared.

 Gandalf shakes his head.  Frodo watches the arguing in the reflection in the Ring.  Gandalf stands to join the arguments.

"Do you not understand that while we bicker amongst ourselves, Sauron's power grows?! None can escape it! You'll all be destroyed!" Gandalf warned, his voice drowned out by all the chaos. Out of the corner of her eye, Amara saw the young hobbit stand up.

"I will take it." He declared quietly. The council continued to argue. His eyes searched frantically until they finally rested on Amara. She let out a small smile that could barely be seen under the shadow of her hood. She nodded, encouraging the hobbit to continue.

"I will take it! I will take the Ring to Mordor." The voices ceased and everyone turned to Frodo. "Though, I do not know the way." Gandalf let out a small chuckle.

"I will help you bear this burden Frodo Baggins, as long as it is yours to bear." He walked and stood behind the hobbit. Aragorn was next, standing up from his seat.

"If by my life or death I can protect you, I will," He knelt down. "You have my sword."

"And you have my bow." Legolas declared, walking over too.
 
"And my axe!" Gimli cheered before joining them.

"You carry the fate of us all little one." Boromir said, walking over. "If this is indeed the will of the Council, then Gondor will see it done."

Amara felt eyes on her and soon realized they belonged to Gandalf. She stood up, finally drawing attention to herself. She bowed down before Frodo, remaining eye level with him.

"I was glad to know your uncle on the journey when this ring was discovered. And I am privileged to have met you and have the opportunity to journey to destroy the cursed thing. You have my trust, I will not fail you." Frodo gave her a small smile.

"Thank you, Amara." She stood to her full height and joined the others. Boromir, however, stepped away.

"And what place would you have among us?" He challenged.

"Might I ask you the same question? All you desire is the power the ring has to offer." She countered. Boromir looked to Elrond.

"You would trust a woman with such a great task?" Elrond smiled.

"I would trust her with my life." He scoffed and looked at everyone in disbelief. While no one seemed to agree with him,  no one bothered to disagree, so Amara took things into her own hands and threw back her hood.

The dwarves present immediately recognized her, and even a small flicker of memory was present in Legolas' eyes.

"I think you'll find that I am more than capable to accompany Frodo on this journey. I am Amara Silverhood, perhaps you've heard of me." Boromir huffed in acknowledgment and stood back with the group. Elrond looked as if he were about to speak when the bushes behind the group began rustling.

"Hey!" Sam comes running out from where he was hiding and pushes through the group.

"Mr. Frodo's not going anywhere without me!" He declared, crossing his arms. Elrond smirked.
 
"No indeed it is hardly possible to seperate you, even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not!"

"Wait! we're coming too!" Merry and Pippin came running in as Elrond looked at the two hobbits in shock.

"You'd have to send us home tied up in a sack to stop us." Merry said.
 
"Anyway you need people of intelligence on this sort of mission ...........quest ..........thing..." Pippin rambled.
"Well that rules you out Pip." Merry muttered.
"Ten companions... So be it! You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring!" Elrond announced.

"Great!" Pippin looked excited before looking to Merry. "Where are we going?"

No one bothered to answer the hobbit as he would soon find out when they began their treacherous journey.

--

Amara tightened her belt and looked in the mirror.

What am I getting myself into... She thought, letting out a heavy sigh. There was a small knocked on the door.

"Come in!" She called, turning away from her reflection.  The door opened to reveal Bilbo.

"I wanted to see you off, my dear." He said, shuffling in. Amara noticed his leather bound book in the crook of his arm. The elf-dwarf smiled and sat down in one of the chairs. Bilbo sat down next to her.

"How are you Bilbo?" She asked. The old hobbit.

"I am well...but the question is, Amara, how are you?"

"What do you mean?" Bilbo smiled sadly.

"Don't play that game with me. I know you far too well. You are still grieving."

"What does it matter?"

"It matters because Frodo is in your care now and I want to ensure his safety. I trust no one more than you, but if your mind is clouded in grief...I fear what may become of you and my dear nephew."

"I promise I will not let Kili distract me from the task at hand." She snapped, standing up. She heard Bilbo sigh and the pages if his book being flipped.

"What a sorrowful sight it was. Two lovers caught up in a war and ripped away from each other far too soon. There I watched Amara weeping over the body of Kili, his eyes open but no longer glistening with life. Amara's sobs heaved and echoed in the silent, empty air. Not one member of the company moved to comfort her.

Amara had betrayed us. Thorin forbade us ever to speak to her. But in my mind, she redeemed herself the moment I saw her begging Thorin in the elven dungeons. So I was the first to move, slowly catching the attention of the others.

'Bilbo.' Dwalin warned, his face hardened into a scowl. But I paid him no mind. As I reached Amara, I knelt down next to her and placed a hand on her shoulder.

Her body stiffened and she sat up, her eyes red and swollen with tears and her face flawed with many injuries. Her breathing was heavy as she searched my eyes for answers.

'I'm...I'm sorry.' She whimpered, covering her mouth with her hands. I didn't say a word, I didn't need to. Instead, I pulled her into a tight embrace. Immediately her arms went around me and she cried onto my shoulder.

Her cries echoed into the night sky, speaking volumes to the rest of the Company. Slowly, our remaining friends gathered around and held our broken friend and her shattered heart."

"Stop." Amara snapped, whirling around to face the old hobbit. Her eyes were almost as red with tears as they had been on that fateful night. Bilbo closed the book and looked up at his friend.

"Take care of Frodo like you and I took care of each other. Please, Amara. Do this for me."

--

Elrond stood before the Fellowship, looking at each member until his eyes rested on Amara. Her eyes held years of pain and torment and he hoped this journey proved to be a better outcome for her. But he had already foreseen her inevitable future.

"The Ringbearer is setting out on the quest of Mount Doom and you who travel with him, no oath nor bond is laid to go further than you will. Farewell. Hold to your purpose and may the blessings of elves, and men, and all free folk go with you." With a wave of his hand, he sent the Fellowship off. 

"The Fellowship awaits the Ringbearer." Gandalf said.

Frodo looks nervously around and turns to walk through the arches.

"Mordor, Gandalf, is it left or right?" Frodo asked. Gandalf placed a hand on the hobbits shoulder.

"Left."

Frodo nodded and led the Fellowship out of Rivendell and into the world.