Chain 080: The Lord of the Rings

Chain 080: The Lord of the Rings
Location: Rivendell
Age: 23
Identity: Human
Drawbacks: None
[50/1000]   Archery
[Free]      Forestry
[150/1000]  Elven Grace
[650/1000]  Elven Enchantment
[950/1000]  Blood of Kings
[1000/1000] Lembas Bread

Rivendell. It was a place I had looked forward to visiting, and I found myself there from one moment to the next - though this time the timing was much more predictable, ten years rather than four thousand as it was during my accompanying the dawn of Man in this world. It was extremely pleasing to see a few faces that remembered me over the years, such as Elrond and Galadriel. As ever, she was unable to see myself or Demona in her mirror, which amused her to no end - perhaps it was nice to see that some things could still be a surprise, or perhaps it was the only way they could be completely certain that I was who I claimed, after disappearing for decades on end once again.

The Conspiracy spent much of their time in the forest around Rivendell and its surroundings, while Demona and I travelled. There was much to see, and we crossed paths with Gandalf and smoked together to pass the time, as well as meeting with Saruman later in Isengard. And we sat, and we spoke. I had realized when I was, you see; I told him of the chains he was binding himself with as he sought power. An absolute power, which would absolutely corrupt him. He was angered and lashed out, and I returned the favor - he knew I had power, after all, I'd never hidden it in our past meetings. There were two options, I told him. Either continue down the path that would inevitably lead to his downfall as he turned against everyone and everything... or set aside his pride and seek absolution. Turn westward.

In another place, another time, his pride would have won out. Instead, he left Isengard to seek counsel with Gandalf, as I had shaken him to the core - I had given him a certain series of books and sat while he read them, and he could find no fault within them. I heard nothing more from him, and years later Isengard would be found abandoned, but in truth I do not know whether he heeded my advice or merely chose to sit out the events to come. Still, seven years after our arrival, we received word that there was a council being held within Rivendell. Demona and I were requested to attend, along with many others. The Ring, found, was to be taken to Mordor for its destruction.

Even after so many years, seeing so much over the centuries, the pull of the Ring was surprising. I had steadied myself in preparation but I didn't truly believe it would affect me. Nor had Demona. Nor the ravens that weighed down the trees, though they fled rather than remain near it; they sensed my anger toward the artifact for daring to try to impose its will upon me and those near me. Still, the ring being uncovered causing birds to fly away in fear... it made for something that grabbed attention, before the ensuing argument.

A hobbit elected to take the ring. Many gifts were given to him, and though I chose not to accompany him on the journey, I told him that when he reached his darkest hour in Mordor, when he was in most dire need, I would be there for him. Of course, the hobbits had little idea who I was beyond the most vague idea, but it was appreciated... somewhat.

The war that resulted was not as big as it might have been. Saruman's corrupting influence had been abandoned, his allegiance-to-be with Sauron never occurred, and the only uruk-hai were those who hailed from Mordor. As a result, the war that occurred was shorter, if perhaps more brutal as a result - the Black Gate opened, the orc horde marched forth, but the beacons were lit earlier than they might have been and aid came quickly.

As to the Ringbearer's quest, Boromir very nearly made a mistake, before catching himself and ceasing; to keep them safe, after feeling the temptation of the ring, he returned to Gondor - and while he laid the groudnwork for Aragorn to take the throne, he also helped in the defense of the city, and though he died, his efforts ensured that the gates were never breached. His death became a rallying moment.

In Mordor... well, the journey went easier than it might have gone, from a certain point of view. Gollum still waylaid them, and helped as much as he hindered. A spider captured a halfling, orcs killed the spider in the hopes of having halfling stew, and instead he escaped while they pondered consuming each other. And in his final moments within the volcanic forge, when Frodo was being implored to throw the Ring in, and turned to open his mouth to decline... he noticed me, standing behind Samwise, who had not noticed my arrival. He faltered, just for a moment. Just long enough for Gollum to skitter around the both of us and latch onto him, and in the ensuing tussle the Ring was lost - only to fall into the volcano, clutched in that miserable creature's grip.

I carried the both of them out of the volcano as it erupted. My role, in truth, was only to give momentary comfort in the depths of despair, but it seemed to have worked. They flew upon the backs of the great eagles that came for them, while I and a flock of ravens accompanied them. Frodo sailed west, along with several others, as the war had been so very harsh on their spirits. But at least my presence eased it somewhat.