Author: Sam

Story: Leather-bound: 10 of ?

Series: n/a

Setting: Rivendell as seen in The Red Book of Westmarch.

Song Note: No Matter What by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Jim Steinman. I heard this during the Royal Albert Hall Celebration and fell in love. It was performed by Boyzone when I heard it.

Feedback: Yes, please? Especially constructive. samwise_baggins@yahoo.co.uk

Webpage: http://www.oocities.org/samwise_baggins/index.html

As the nine companions started on their journey, leaving the relative peace and safety of Rivendell, what must they have been thinking? What silent promises had they been making to themselves and each other? What excuses or reasoning ere derived to justify their inclusion in the quest? What feelings ran through their hearts and minds as they set out to destroy the One Ring before it destroyed them and all they held dear? What thoughts accompanied those would be heroes?

Frodo, the Ring-Bearer: small, scared, determined. He knew what was at stake, knew what people thought of Hobbits in general, and knew that this mission was his to fulfill. Ever since he'd acquired the Ring of Power, darkness had followed him... darkness and fear. Frodo saw the Shire as a haven to return to, once he had helped save the rest of Middle Earth from the evil that had befallen in. That didn't stop him from having to continually remind himself, however.

Merry: mischievous, clever, fun-loving. It had already become apparent that danger would dog their steps at every turn, but he could not let his cousin go off without support. The young Hobbit would be there to protect his older relative and to pull him out of trouble, just like when they were younger. True, it had often been Frodo pulling Merry out of trouble, but that didn't stop the Brandybuck from insisting on joining anyway.

Gimli: wiry, tough, fierce. No one had any real understanding of the Dwarves, and, as a result, no one had any real confidence in them. Nobody knew just how deep and caring a race they really were. A healthy spirit of competition with those self-centered prancing Elves didn't hurt, either... Gimli'd show them who would see the quest through.

Boromir: noble, proud, passionate. The Human warrior saw the devastation around them and was in despair. He felt that they were on their last hope, chasing dreams. But he would see it through to the end... even if it meant dying for the cause. Gondor demanded nothing less.

Gandalf: wise, calm, reassuring. The official leader of the rag-tag group had a goal. He would lead them to the fires of Mount Doom and home again safely. He would use his knowledge and lore to guide and protect them. Would his guidance be enough? It would have to be... and if the spirits allowed, nothing unforeseen would take him from his companions in their most dire need.

Aragorn: reserved, knowledgeable, devoted. He was the unofficial guide of the group, his knowledge of medicinal herbs, people, and wood lore making him a good addition to the motley band of near-strangers. He took his vows seriously and meant to protect Frodo until he was no longer needed. His own goal of ruling Gondor fell to the wayside when compared to his desire to aid the Hobbit in the destruction of the Ring. But to hear that Ring calling and know it held the power to aid his other desires was a temptation he would have to fight every step of the way.

Legolas: graceful, aloof, swift. The lone Elf had joined because he knew he was the best archer the Elven Kingdoms could offer in aid of the quest. He knew that Men and Dwarves might feel Elves were too distant or too absorbed in their art and trees to care, but Legolas knew that his immortality made other races prejudiced. To prove them wrong, and aid Middle Earth, the Elf would do whatever was needed to support the Ring Bearer, the companions, and... yes... even that annoying Dwarf.

Sam: hard-working, loyal, brave. He joined out of love for Frodo, plain and simple. He had no idea what was out there or how long it would take. In fact, he would really rather be back home in the Shire tending the garden and listening to his Gaffer's gossip, but the sturdy Hobbit would never leave his master's side. Even if ordered to do so, or even threatened, he would serve and protect Frodo until his death. He would even go to the farthest reaches of Middle Earth if it would serve his beloved master.

Pippin: foolish, naive, clumsy. He was the wild card in the pack. The council hadn't wanted the young Took to go, and it had taken much persuasion to convince them that he wouldn't stay put or be sent home. The youngest Hobbit meant to stay with his cousins, share in their adventure, and help out however he could. He had no idea how he could help out, but he was determined to do so... for Frodo and merry if for no other reason. Pip's private fear that he might cause this quest to become a disaster was buried as deep as he could get it for the time being.

Yes, when looking at the mismatched nine, one had to be convinced that they'd never make it. Dwarves were too bloodthirsty, Elves too self-absorbed, Humans too greedy, and the Hobbits too small. No one knew much about Wizards, but it seemed he was reluctant to even be near the ring, so wouldn't carry it to its destruction if needed. There were so many hazards and trials a group could face out there against the hordes of Sauron. The Fellowship of the Ring seemed destined to fail at the outset... unless one could see into their heads and hearts.

The Fellowship may have been destined to fail, but they were determined to succeed... no matter what.