Chapter Ten

Dragons are known to be wicked and wily at heart. Worms like Smaug the Magnificent and Glaurung cared for none save themselves and their hearts are filled with cold malice. But the seven Dragons of the Valar were of a valiant race. They arose from the Valar's thoughts and they dwelt in the World ere it was tainted with Morgoth's filth. Each Dragon represents the strength of each Valar.

"Deep in the dark caves under the Grey Mountains lies the Heart-jewel of Valinor, for it is shaped like a Dragon's heart. Only in it lies the Power to awaken the Dragons and unite their strength. For fear that the Men and Dwarves would one day possess the jewel and turn it to evil purposes; the Valars hid them under the mountain and lay a spell upon it. In the riddle it is said that in the darkest hour, only One can wield it and bring a ray of hope to Middle Earth." Elrond said.

"Just a question. If the jewel was so precious to the Valars and hold so great a power, why didn't they keep it with them, instead of tossing it under the mountains?" Callysta asked.

Elrond frowned at her. "Good heavens! Can you ask! Unfortunately, I do not know. The Valars tell me not the purpose of their actions. Still, perhaps the Wise have foreseen this and even if so, why should they expect to know it, until the time has arrived?"

"I'd like to believe every word you said. I'd even like to think I am really the appointed One but I can't pull this thing off alone."

"No, indeed! That is why I have selected three companions for you on this journey. Legolas had volunteered to go. Your journey will take you through the perilous forest of Mirkwood and his knowledge will serve you then. The other two are Lorgast, the Mage and Laurëwen, a she-Elf from the race of the Green Elves of Ossiriand." Elrond replied.

The two rose and bowed. Lorgast had a tall built. His long hair was the colour of burnished copper and he wore a dark brown cloak with black boots made of soft hide. A young Mage, no doubt, but there was a smouldering fire in his dark eyes that suggest it would be most unfortunate for you if you happened to be on the receiving end of his wrath.

Laurëwen was a slender and lithe-limbed she-Elf and she was gifted with the golden locks worthy of her name. Beautiful hair aside, she was also gifted with good skills in archery and swordplay. Her raiment was grey and green, the colours favoured by her people, the Laiquendi.

Seven days from the Council, they are to set off for Elrond fear the Dark host is getting stronger and may assail Gondor any time. That night, a great feast was held. After the feast, the fair folks moved to the Great Hall. It was time for songs and tales.

The doors were thrown open and they went across a wide passage and through other doors came into a white hall. A bright fire burned in a great hearth between the carven pillars on either side. This was the Hall of Fire. When everyone was settled, the hall was slowly filled with the light music made by the fair hands of Elvish minstrels.

A! Elbereth Gilthoniel

silivren penna míriel

o menel aglar elenath

Na-chaered palan-díriel

o galadhremmin ennorath

Fanuilos, le linnathon

nef aear, sí nef aeron

Golden firelight danced upon Callysta's face and shimmered like gold in her hair. She sat bewitched while the sweet syllables of the Elvish song fell like clear jewels of blended words and melody around her. She was leaning against a pillar, enjoying the tune when a moment later, she realized that Figwit was beside her. She felt a pang of guilt coursed through her.

"Figwit, I am sorry. I should've have told you the truth…" Callysta began.

"Hush, there is no need to be sorry for something that you cannot help." Figwit replied. He paused, gazing at her fair face and added, "Indeed, in my eyes, you are as fair as any Lady should be."

He touched her cheek softly but she turned away and in her eyes, he perceived that her heart was given to another.

"Pardon me," He apologized. His voice was sad but there was no jealousy or bitterness in it, "Quel du ar quel kaima, arwenamin Good night and sleep well, milady." He bade her, "I wish you a safe journey ahead."

Callysta bade him the same. Her heart was heavy as she watched him walked away. She did not know what was wrong with her. Pushing away a true love only to hanker after one who loves her nothing more than a friend. The Elves had started to sing another lament, the Lay of Leithian. A lament on the sacrifices made out of love between Beren and Luthien, a Mortal and an Elf. It was all too much for Callysta. She arose quietly and left the hall.

Later, as she was preparing to rest for the night, she heard a knock on her bedroom door. When she opened it, she was surprised to see it was Legolas. She had not seen him the whole evening, neither at the feast nor at the Great Hall.

After the incident at Farmer Hock's grape-stomping party, Legolas was kinder to her and treated her well but it was clear that it was nothing more than how a friend would treat another.

"How are you, Callysta?" Legolas asked.

"Still in shock. I can't believe I actually said yes but I guess Elrond is not the kind of person you'd say no to." came the reply.

"Elves can be very persuasive if they want to when they know you are the right One."

Callysta groaned, "But I don't feel like the One right now. In fact, I don't feel very good. This isn't about picking pockets or playing dead by the road. The fate of the Free People of Middle Earth lies in my hands or at least, that's how Elrond made it to be."

"Try not to think of it that way. Just concentrate on the task at hand, as a small part in fulfilling the prophecy." That was Legolas' advice.

Callysta laughed, "Fulfilling prophecies are for great warriors and old Wizards. As you can see, I am not exactly hero material."

"Are you having second thoughts then?"

"No, I am just stating the obvious." Callysta said with a sigh, "All the same, I'd like to try. When I was in the hall listening to the songs of the Elves, something stirred in me. I almost felt like crying. It was so beautiful and I want to preserve that beauty. Probably what I am doing is just like an ant trying to bite a Giant but nevertheless, I want to do it. Even if I can't kill him, I'd like to give him a godawful itch on his rear."

Legolas smiled one of his rare smiles, "It will be more than just a godawful itch, I'm afraid. That's why Elrond sent me along."

"Aren't you the little boaster? Are you always this sure of yourself?" Callysta grinned.

"Mostly. Perhaps you do not realize it yet but Elrond sees a kind of magic in you."

"What do you see in me?" Callysta asked, and she was serious.

Legolas paused, considering his reply and then, he said, "I put my trust in Elrond's judgement. Figwit could feel it too. Perhaps that's why he proposed to you."

Callysta turned to face the window and she said, almost inaudibly, "I've rejected his proposal."

"Mani ume lle quena?! What did you say?! How could you do that? He loves you." Legolas exclaimed. His fair face wrought in disbelief.

Callysta turned to face him and her voice was bitter when she said, "It should never happen between an Elf and a Mortal. You taught me that."

Legolas had no reply to that. He turned and left the room, searching for Figwit. Finally, he found him. Figwit was sitting at the balcony and playing a lonely tune on his lute. When he became aware of Legolas' presence, he stopped playing.

"Figwit, amin hiraetha ten Callysta I am sorry about Callysta." Legolas began.

"Uuma dela ten amin. Re mela lle ar cormamin rangwa lle mela he. Sana malia en he quel. Lle vesta? Don't worry about me. She loves you and my heart perceives you love her too. Take care of her well. Do you promise?" Figwit said.

"Amin nauva. Amin vesta I will. I promise" Legolas replied.