(A/N: I know I said I was going to make Adah a teenager in this chapter,
but that didn't happen. She's older, but only ten. Still, a lot of
important stuff happening, and I think even some of the plans I had for
this story are changing, but we'll see. R/R. Hope you like."
CHAPTER 5: Truth Behind Perfection
"When time and stillness collide, grace will shatter, and truths will be revealed."
*******************************************************
Years passed. Legolas never failed to visit Adah, and she never failed to wait. Sometimes the span between visits lasted weeks, sometimes months, but every reunion was just as sweet as the first.
Legolas had found just as much friendship in Adah as she had in him. He was teased greatly in Mirkwood for having such a close relationship with one so young, but he cared not, for inside Legolas was still very much a child, and in Adah he found a world with no rules, and no limits. A world where fairies still existed, and dragons could be slain. A world free from expectations and formality.
This greatly worried Thranduil, and he tried many times to talk to his son, but Legolas became more and more rebellious to his father. He refused to think of Adah being gone, though he knew one day it would happen. His immortal life gave him the feeling of forever; in himself, and in others.
He failed to notice the changes in Adah every spring that he visited Rivendell. She had been getting taller, and fairer.
The spring Adah turned 10, Legolas came to visit after 7 months had passed since his last. It was the longest he'd ever gone without seeing her, and he returned to a very angry child.
He found her sitting alone in the gardens. She was staring at an empty birdbath. She didn't even have to turn around to know he was there. She could sense him behind her. She always could.
She didn't take her eyes off the little fountain, and with her legs crossed and hands placed on her knees; she spoke calmly but sternly to the prince. "I was beginning to think time had swallowed you up." He didn't answer.
Adah picked up a rock from the ground and studied it. "The birds don't come any more. The fawns have all grown, and flee from my call. All of Fredgar's children have left, and he and Ebony hide in their hole." She threw the stone at the fountain and turned with tearful eyes to Legolas. The flowers in the garden all pointed away from her. "I have turned to poison." She spoke with such great sorrow, and the sky began to turn gray. "Is that why you stayed away so long?"
She bit back her tears, and Legolas himself struggled to keep from crying. He felt her heart's pain inside his own. "I have not abandoned you." He declared. "I tried to fight him, but my father is very powerful. He tries so hard to keep us apart." He fell to his knees, and his eyes pleaded with her to forgive him.
She slowly walked to him, tears subsiding, and she stared deep into his eyes, searching for something. Placing her hands on his face she said, "my dear Legolas, nothing could keep us apart. You cannot listen to your father, nor anyone that tries to keep us away from each other. They are all full of lies. They despise me because they fear me. But you have no need to fear me. Do you fear me Legolas?"
Her eyes enchanted him, and he felt control reaching out from her. Deep down, he couldn't help but feel some fear of the child. She held some power over him he didn't understand. But he knew he loved her, and believed that was enough.
"I fear for you." He answered.
"But why? Am I in trouble?"
"I fear this place has caused you to grow so fast. You are still a child, and yet you speak as if some great wisdom lye in the back of your mind." He grabbed her hands and kissed her forehead. "Do you still play?"
"Aye, but alone. The maidens no longer watch me. Their hate towards me grows stronger. The children no longer tease me though. I believe you may have had a part in that." She smiled at him, but it faded fast. "As I have said before, the animals have all departed from me. The trees whisper that I am a stranger to them all now. They say I have changed."
"How so?"
"I know not. Stronger if anything." She looked at his expressionless face. "What are you thinking Legolas?"
"How sorry I am that I had not come sooner. You have been through much pain these past 7 months haven't you?"
"I have been through much pain my whole life, but I have you to bring me out of it." And with that she jumped in his arms and hugged him tight. "I knew you'd come for me. I never doubted it. I didn't mean what I said, I'm sorry."
He lifted her of the ground, and stared out to the trees as she buried her head in his shoulders. "You need not be sorry. I am here now."
She pulled her face up and smiled brightly at him. Her eyes shown more gold then he'd ever seen them before, and her yellow hair fell down to her waist.
"I have school." She spoke.
He put her down, and took her hand. "Come."
He led her out of the gardens, and back up the stony steps into the city. He filled her in on all he had been doing in the past 7 months. He asked her the same, but she had not much to say. So he continued and talked on and on of his adventures and such.
When they reached the schoolroom, she looked at him and spoke yearningly. "I wish greatly I could have been with you on your adventures Legolas."
"I do too. Perhaps one day we will go on a real adventure together."
She smiled at him, and then took off into the schoolroom. Legolas watched after her until she disappeared. Then set out in search of Elrond. He found him walking towards the back of the city, and called out. "Lord Elrond!" His voice was not too friendly towards the king, but he had many questions.
"Ah, Legolas. I didn't expect you for a visit. How doth you father?"
Legolas looked down, and smiled sheepishly. "He does not know I'm here, or well, I'm sure he knows by now, but he was not informed of my leave."
"Legolas. You must take care in this matter."
Legolas knew he was speaking of Adah. "This matter is my own."
"But do you not care of your relationship with your father?"
"My father has not the time for a relationship with me."
"That is a silly thing to say and you know that to be true. Your father has forever."
"Elrond, with all due respect, I did not come here to discuss my father. I will speak of his tidings if you'd like. He doth well, though something seems to be greatly stressing him lately, though I know not what it is. Still, he is good to his people, and our kingdom is flourishing."
"That is good news. Now then, what is it you wished to speak with me about?"
"It concerns the child."
"Adah."
"Yes. I fear she was quite angry with me for being away so long, though I could help it not. Still, there was something in her eyes today. Something different. She was not herself."
Elrond looked down and thought of Legolas' words. "Indeed."
"Then there is something." Legolas starred eagerly at Elrond awaiting a reply.
"Legolas, I speak only truth." Legolas did not answer. "There has been a great change in the child. I find it odd you haven't noticed it before, but this change has been progressing over the years.
"The child and I meet once a week. She tells me what she needs, and if there have been any great problems among the students, or her maidens. I make sure she's being treated properly, and she tells me of her schedule. It usually runs pretty smooth. But she's become, I guess you could say, somewhat rebellious."
"What's the harm in that? All children are. Heck, I'll admit I am somewhat so."
"You haven't let me finish. She rarely meets me any more, and when she does, she does nothing but stare angrily at me, or throw harsh comments."
"Elrond, what did you expect after holding the child hostage here her whole life."
"Legolas! Bite your tongue. You wanted to know what I've seen in the child, so let me finish!"
Legolas held back the outburst he had ready for the king, and Elrond continued. "I do understand your reasoning, but there was something more there. Something in her eyes when she looks at me. Do you know, I've always found the color of her eyes peculiar. The shape too. It's so familiar to me, yet I've never met a human before with golden eyes. Brown, yes, but never so gold."
"How much contact have you had with humans?" Legolas was mocking, and Elrond could sense it, but chose to ignore the comment.
"There's something more than just the color though. Something lurks behind that gold that I can't place. I can only suppose it's the hate she holds for Rivendell, and all who dwell here.
"Still, when she stares at me, I can see something inside her, planing. It's as if she has some plot to bring down this place."
"Elrond," Legolas shouted. "How can you say such things. She is only a child! Do you really fear a child?"
"She is not a child Legolas!" Elrond yelled back. But he quickly took hold of his temper and looked sadly to the ground. "I know it's because of me. I wish situations could have been different."
"Then why did you take her?"
"I did not take her. She came to me."
Elrond and Legolas stared silently at each other, studying the other sharply. Legolas suddenly felt an odd understanding of Elrond. He saw a pain in his eyes that he had never before taken the time to notice.
Elrond continued. "Legolas, you have given the child what I could not. Though I don't approve, I fear for what would have become had you not been there. And still, I fear for what is to come. I do not understand humans, and it has been long since I have felt any kindness towards a human, and maybe one day you will understand that. But you are still young, and have much to learn, and I don't doubt you will.
"But I warn you now. You will not find Adah they way you found her before. She is 10, and yet she is 100. She is innocent, and yet she has crossed over into the world of good and evil, and I fear some evil lurks inside her. Do not be cross with me for my words, for you will soon find it yourself.
"Or perhaps not. I see your defense for her. I believe she holds some spell over you."
"Stop." Legolas demanded. "I will hear no more. You know not of what you speak." And with that, he turned and stormed away from a saddened Elrond.
"Good bye my friend. I fear we shall no longer meet on friendly terms." Elrond turned, and continued his journey to the back of the city, to where his daughter rest.
***
Adah sat quietly amongst the students in her schoolroom. They were of all different ages. Rivendell had one class for all, for age was not so much of an important matter for elves.
The teacher was an elf of a few thousand years. His name was Adalin Tucknin. He had lived on middle earth close to the beginning of time, and had seen many things. He knew of many myths, legends, and much of true history. He could answer almost any question, and in his time, had met many creatures of the past. Some extinct, and some who rest in hiding.
His face was strong, and showed the wisdom of the ages plainly. His eyes were deep and blue, and one could feel stories lingering about them. His hair fell long and dark, and he always wore a belt with writing of many different languages. They told of his adventures, and of all he'd met before, now alive or dead.
He had no personal prejudice towards humans, and had known many before he came to Rivendell. But he loved his king, and wished not to displease him, so he built no personal relationship with Adah. He secretly wished for it, and did his best to get her to participate in class. She seemed to like to learn of the world outside Rivendell, and so he gave many lessons on it for her benefit.
"Good afternoon class." Adalin began. I have a special lesson prepared for you today, for I know the subject is something you all enjoy." He pulled out a chart with pictures of different creatures; Humans. Animals. Trees. Elfish writing sat next to each picture.
The children's eyes stared wide, and they each leaned forward in their seats. Even Adah seemed eagerly interested, and this pleased the teacher greatly.
Adalin pointed to one of the trees on the poster. "This is an Ent. The Ents are all around you."
Once child raised her hand up high.
"Yes Bellama?"
"But it's a tree."
"Yes. It's a tree. And an Ent."
"But what's an Ent?" She asked.
"A tree."
The child sat confused and the teacher smiled. "You see Bellama, Ents are trees. Not just living trees, but trees that are alive!"
"But then why are there none alive here?" Adah interrupted, and then sat back embarrassed. Adalin's mouth dropped open, but he shut it quick, and eager to appease Adah's interest, continued.
"There are Adah. They're sleeping."
She tried not to answer, but curiosity took her over. "What do you mean?"
"Ents were always alive, but in the beginning they were deep in sleep, unaware of the world around them, until the elves woke them up and taught them things."
"Are there any awake now?"
"Yes, I believe there are Adah." Adalin grew excited, and he wanted Adah to speak more, but she sat back silent, so he moved on.
He moved on to the next creature, but Adah ignored it. She continued to think about the Ents. She envisioned herself talking with trees. Maybe she could wake one up. If the animals refused to talk with her, perhaps the trees would.
Adah looked back at the chart, and something at the bottom caught her attention. "Professor Adalin?"
He looked back at her surprised. "Yes Adah?"
"The human at the bottom. Why is she dressed that way?" The apparel was a clear material Adah didn't recognize, and it came down as a dress in many different layers of many different colors. Her hair was big and curly, and her eyes sparkled, even in the picture.
"Well, because she's not a human."
"But she looks like one." Called out a boy in the front.
"Yes, well, so do elves." The teacher remarked.
The children all made noises of disgust, and Adah shrunk back in her chair, but the teacher continued. "The creature is a fairy."
"Like in the story about Mayella?" Adah asked sheepishly.
"Yes."
"Then fairies are a myth?"
"That's not to be certain. There are many things that existed long ago, that were long forgotten, and developed into only myths."
"Then if they're real, could there be any left?"
"I don't think so Adah. Legend says fairies disappeared long ago. Either they're in hiding, or they were overrun."
Adah thought about that, and became saddened. "How come she doesn't have wings?"
"Well, that was part of the myth created about them. Fairies were really almost human. Hey looked like humans, but it's said there was something different about being in their presence. And it's also said they possessed magic."
"What kind of magic?"
"Nothing to great. It was more subtle than that of wizards. They could make things grow fast, and they could disappear if they needed to, though none is sure if they were just good at hiding, or if they disappeared all together. And nature was very friendly and open with them."
"Were they immortal?"
"Much like the elves, yes."
Once again, Adah sat back and smiled. She contemplated this as Adalin went on.
***
Back in her room, Adah went to her window and looked out at the tree that grew near. She called to it, but it didn't change.
"Come on. I'm a friend. I promise. Wake up."
Still, nothing.
"Mr. Tree. My name is Adah. If you wake up, I'll be your friend."
The wind rustled the tree's leaves but that was all that stirred. She picked up one of her slippers and through it at the tree. Still nothing.
"Fine!" She called.
She turned and saw something over on her dresser. She walked up to the beautiful oak wood, and picked up a single red rose. A note lay by it that red, "The rose will one day pass away, but its beauty remains forever in our hearts, and the memory of how it gave light to the day, will never be forgotten."
She didn't know what to make of it, so she went back out to search for Legolas.
***
Elrond appeared behind his daughter who was starring out from the edge of her porch way at the trees. "Arwen." His voice was gentle, but it startled her, and she came out of her dream.
"I think perhaps I was wrong in giving you this room. You spend much too much time here. Shouldn't you be out with the other maidens?"
"I do not wish to father. I have peace here."
"This place is swallowing up your mind. You should come out into the world a bit." Elrond walked up to his daughter and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Odene was asking for you again."
"Odene is a lover to gossip."
"She is a very pleasant girl."
"Father, she is a love struck girl who acts much too much like a child. I have never been fond of her."
"Well, there are many others Arwen."
"No father. I will stay here. If you wish me to take a break from this place, I will walk through the forest a bit. Perhaps I will visit the falls. But do not make me converse with anyone. Please."
"Be it as you will." He looked down sadly, and before he left, kissed her forehead.
Her eyes followed after him, and sadness over took her, but no tears fell from her eyes.
Loneliness consumed her, but she preferred it. Guilt crawled around in her mind. Her stomach felt empty, but not from hunger.
She slowly began to take steps down the stairs that led into the fields. The world around her felt strange and idle, but she kept walking. She felt the trees beckoning her, and she followed the warmth of the sun.
***
Legolas was waiting in the fields for Adah, right where she knew he'd be.
"Legolas, Legolas!" She called out to him, still carrying the rose.
He forced a smile, and prepared himself for whatever he might find in her.
She held the rose up to his face. "It's beautiful."
"Yes it is."
"When did you put it in my room?"
"I didn't."
She stared confused. "You didn't give this to me?"
He shook his head, and she turned and looked around her. She felt confused, and angry, and threw the rose on the ground. She jumped up and down on it, and screamed, and Legolas stood back in fear. He didn't know what to do or say or think. But Elrond's words rang in his mind.
"This is an awful, cruel joke." She turned to Legolas, and tears stained her face. "Why do people hate me Legolas? I don't understand."
"Please don't cry." Legolas forgot all that he felt before, and concern was all he knew. "Please. I hate to see you cry."
"I would stop crying for you if I could. But I can't." She walked to him, and put her arms around his neck. "I would do anything for you Legolas."
He wrapped his arms around her, and cradled her, letting her sob into his shoulders. He began to feel a pain in his heart, and quickly grew afraid.
He stood up away from the child. "What? What is it?" She asked.
But he didn't answer. The pain in his heart grew.
"Legolas? Answer me."
But he kept backing up. He starred at the child, and fear shook him uncontrollably.
"Legolas?" She cried. "Legolas, please. Tell me, what is it?" Her tears seeped into her dress. "You're shaking."
He stood there, and just kept staring. He'd never felt this pain before, and it scared him. He wanted to run. He wanted to turn and leave, but his conscience would not let him leave Adah.
In time, she turned and ran. She screamed for Elrond. Legolas stayed in the field, frozen. He couldn't move, besides his shaking, and he couldn't speak.
It was there, that Arwen found him.
*************************************************************
"Mr. Statton. Mr. Statton."
Jonathan looked up angrily at the one who interrupted him. "What?" He snapped.
Freda shrank back. "I hate to interrupt you. In fact, I think I shall never do it again."
"Indeed."
"I'm sorry again Mr. Statton, but Dr. Falgand is here once more, and he says he has something very important to tell you."
"Oh, very well. I'll meet him in the kitchen. I'm hungry." He heard his stomach growl for the first time.
"O. K sir. I'll inform the cook."
He hesitantly put the story down. He desperately wanted to know what was happening with Legolas, and may new questions were arousing in his mind, but he could not ignore his doctor.
When following Freda, he noticed his wife's water bottle." Is my wife home?"
"Mrs. Statton came and left. She said she was angry you didn't pack yet, and you better do it soon, or she'll call the hotel and make sure they don't serve you any good wine."
Freda kept walking, and led him to the living room, where Dr. Falgand was waiting.
John walked over and shook his hand.
"Good evening friend." The doctor greeted.
"Not quite. Come, we'll talk in the kitchen."
Sitting at the table, Falgand sat, and twiddled his hands. He shifted back and forth in his seat."
"You look uncomfortable. Can I get you another chair?" Jonathan asked.
"No, no, but perhaps a glass of water."
Freda brought them both glasses, and left back into the kitchen.
"So, I didn't think you'd be back so soon." Began Jonathan breaking the silence.
"I'd hoped not to."
"What do you mean?"
After another long pause, the doctor began. "John, we got your tests back." He picked up his brief case up, and put it on the table, then put it back on the floor. He opened his hands towards Jonathan. "There's really no easy way to tell you this, but. John, you have cancer." His next speech came out of the doctor's mouth much quicker than before, but Jonathan didn't hear much of it. "We'll have to do a CAT scan to find out where, but your blood clearly shows us that it's there. Now there's a number of ways we can treat this."
Jonathan tuned him out, and Freda brought a plate of shrimp pasta, and placed it before him. Two spoons, two forks and one knife were placed orderly alongside the bowl. A napkin perfectly folded was placed on one side of the pasta, and a spotless champagne glass was placed behind it.
The smell of the shrimp filled his nostrils, and the golden pasta gleamed in his eyes. He could tell from the smell, it was 5 star restaurant worthy. His food always was. A spice he didn't recognize was lightly spread over the pasta, and a warm steam lifted off it.
"John, John?" The doctor called, but John didn't hear him. He just kept staring at the perfect, uneaten pasta set before him.
CHAPTER 5: Truth Behind Perfection
"When time and stillness collide, grace will shatter, and truths will be revealed."
*******************************************************
Years passed. Legolas never failed to visit Adah, and she never failed to wait. Sometimes the span between visits lasted weeks, sometimes months, but every reunion was just as sweet as the first.
Legolas had found just as much friendship in Adah as she had in him. He was teased greatly in Mirkwood for having such a close relationship with one so young, but he cared not, for inside Legolas was still very much a child, and in Adah he found a world with no rules, and no limits. A world where fairies still existed, and dragons could be slain. A world free from expectations and formality.
This greatly worried Thranduil, and he tried many times to talk to his son, but Legolas became more and more rebellious to his father. He refused to think of Adah being gone, though he knew one day it would happen. His immortal life gave him the feeling of forever; in himself, and in others.
He failed to notice the changes in Adah every spring that he visited Rivendell. She had been getting taller, and fairer.
The spring Adah turned 10, Legolas came to visit after 7 months had passed since his last. It was the longest he'd ever gone without seeing her, and he returned to a very angry child.
He found her sitting alone in the gardens. She was staring at an empty birdbath. She didn't even have to turn around to know he was there. She could sense him behind her. She always could.
She didn't take her eyes off the little fountain, and with her legs crossed and hands placed on her knees; she spoke calmly but sternly to the prince. "I was beginning to think time had swallowed you up." He didn't answer.
Adah picked up a rock from the ground and studied it. "The birds don't come any more. The fawns have all grown, and flee from my call. All of Fredgar's children have left, and he and Ebony hide in their hole." She threw the stone at the fountain and turned with tearful eyes to Legolas. The flowers in the garden all pointed away from her. "I have turned to poison." She spoke with such great sorrow, and the sky began to turn gray. "Is that why you stayed away so long?"
She bit back her tears, and Legolas himself struggled to keep from crying. He felt her heart's pain inside his own. "I have not abandoned you." He declared. "I tried to fight him, but my father is very powerful. He tries so hard to keep us apart." He fell to his knees, and his eyes pleaded with her to forgive him.
She slowly walked to him, tears subsiding, and she stared deep into his eyes, searching for something. Placing her hands on his face she said, "my dear Legolas, nothing could keep us apart. You cannot listen to your father, nor anyone that tries to keep us away from each other. They are all full of lies. They despise me because they fear me. But you have no need to fear me. Do you fear me Legolas?"
Her eyes enchanted him, and he felt control reaching out from her. Deep down, he couldn't help but feel some fear of the child. She held some power over him he didn't understand. But he knew he loved her, and believed that was enough.
"I fear for you." He answered.
"But why? Am I in trouble?"
"I fear this place has caused you to grow so fast. You are still a child, and yet you speak as if some great wisdom lye in the back of your mind." He grabbed her hands and kissed her forehead. "Do you still play?"
"Aye, but alone. The maidens no longer watch me. Their hate towards me grows stronger. The children no longer tease me though. I believe you may have had a part in that." She smiled at him, but it faded fast. "As I have said before, the animals have all departed from me. The trees whisper that I am a stranger to them all now. They say I have changed."
"How so?"
"I know not. Stronger if anything." She looked at his expressionless face. "What are you thinking Legolas?"
"How sorry I am that I had not come sooner. You have been through much pain these past 7 months haven't you?"
"I have been through much pain my whole life, but I have you to bring me out of it." And with that she jumped in his arms and hugged him tight. "I knew you'd come for me. I never doubted it. I didn't mean what I said, I'm sorry."
He lifted her of the ground, and stared out to the trees as she buried her head in his shoulders. "You need not be sorry. I am here now."
She pulled her face up and smiled brightly at him. Her eyes shown more gold then he'd ever seen them before, and her yellow hair fell down to her waist.
"I have school." She spoke.
He put her down, and took her hand. "Come."
He led her out of the gardens, and back up the stony steps into the city. He filled her in on all he had been doing in the past 7 months. He asked her the same, but she had not much to say. So he continued and talked on and on of his adventures and such.
When they reached the schoolroom, she looked at him and spoke yearningly. "I wish greatly I could have been with you on your adventures Legolas."
"I do too. Perhaps one day we will go on a real adventure together."
She smiled at him, and then took off into the schoolroom. Legolas watched after her until she disappeared. Then set out in search of Elrond. He found him walking towards the back of the city, and called out. "Lord Elrond!" His voice was not too friendly towards the king, but he had many questions.
"Ah, Legolas. I didn't expect you for a visit. How doth you father?"
Legolas looked down, and smiled sheepishly. "He does not know I'm here, or well, I'm sure he knows by now, but he was not informed of my leave."
"Legolas. You must take care in this matter."
Legolas knew he was speaking of Adah. "This matter is my own."
"But do you not care of your relationship with your father?"
"My father has not the time for a relationship with me."
"That is a silly thing to say and you know that to be true. Your father has forever."
"Elrond, with all due respect, I did not come here to discuss my father. I will speak of his tidings if you'd like. He doth well, though something seems to be greatly stressing him lately, though I know not what it is. Still, he is good to his people, and our kingdom is flourishing."
"That is good news. Now then, what is it you wished to speak with me about?"
"It concerns the child."
"Adah."
"Yes. I fear she was quite angry with me for being away so long, though I could help it not. Still, there was something in her eyes today. Something different. She was not herself."
Elrond looked down and thought of Legolas' words. "Indeed."
"Then there is something." Legolas starred eagerly at Elrond awaiting a reply.
"Legolas, I speak only truth." Legolas did not answer. "There has been a great change in the child. I find it odd you haven't noticed it before, but this change has been progressing over the years.
"The child and I meet once a week. She tells me what she needs, and if there have been any great problems among the students, or her maidens. I make sure she's being treated properly, and she tells me of her schedule. It usually runs pretty smooth. But she's become, I guess you could say, somewhat rebellious."
"What's the harm in that? All children are. Heck, I'll admit I am somewhat so."
"You haven't let me finish. She rarely meets me any more, and when she does, she does nothing but stare angrily at me, or throw harsh comments."
"Elrond, what did you expect after holding the child hostage here her whole life."
"Legolas! Bite your tongue. You wanted to know what I've seen in the child, so let me finish!"
Legolas held back the outburst he had ready for the king, and Elrond continued. "I do understand your reasoning, but there was something more there. Something in her eyes when she looks at me. Do you know, I've always found the color of her eyes peculiar. The shape too. It's so familiar to me, yet I've never met a human before with golden eyes. Brown, yes, but never so gold."
"How much contact have you had with humans?" Legolas was mocking, and Elrond could sense it, but chose to ignore the comment.
"There's something more than just the color though. Something lurks behind that gold that I can't place. I can only suppose it's the hate she holds for Rivendell, and all who dwell here.
"Still, when she stares at me, I can see something inside her, planing. It's as if she has some plot to bring down this place."
"Elrond," Legolas shouted. "How can you say such things. She is only a child! Do you really fear a child?"
"She is not a child Legolas!" Elrond yelled back. But he quickly took hold of his temper and looked sadly to the ground. "I know it's because of me. I wish situations could have been different."
"Then why did you take her?"
"I did not take her. She came to me."
Elrond and Legolas stared silently at each other, studying the other sharply. Legolas suddenly felt an odd understanding of Elrond. He saw a pain in his eyes that he had never before taken the time to notice.
Elrond continued. "Legolas, you have given the child what I could not. Though I don't approve, I fear for what would have become had you not been there. And still, I fear for what is to come. I do not understand humans, and it has been long since I have felt any kindness towards a human, and maybe one day you will understand that. But you are still young, and have much to learn, and I don't doubt you will.
"But I warn you now. You will not find Adah they way you found her before. She is 10, and yet she is 100. She is innocent, and yet she has crossed over into the world of good and evil, and I fear some evil lurks inside her. Do not be cross with me for my words, for you will soon find it yourself.
"Or perhaps not. I see your defense for her. I believe she holds some spell over you."
"Stop." Legolas demanded. "I will hear no more. You know not of what you speak." And with that, he turned and stormed away from a saddened Elrond.
"Good bye my friend. I fear we shall no longer meet on friendly terms." Elrond turned, and continued his journey to the back of the city, to where his daughter rest.
***
Adah sat quietly amongst the students in her schoolroom. They were of all different ages. Rivendell had one class for all, for age was not so much of an important matter for elves.
The teacher was an elf of a few thousand years. His name was Adalin Tucknin. He had lived on middle earth close to the beginning of time, and had seen many things. He knew of many myths, legends, and much of true history. He could answer almost any question, and in his time, had met many creatures of the past. Some extinct, and some who rest in hiding.
His face was strong, and showed the wisdom of the ages plainly. His eyes were deep and blue, and one could feel stories lingering about them. His hair fell long and dark, and he always wore a belt with writing of many different languages. They told of his adventures, and of all he'd met before, now alive or dead.
He had no personal prejudice towards humans, and had known many before he came to Rivendell. But he loved his king, and wished not to displease him, so he built no personal relationship with Adah. He secretly wished for it, and did his best to get her to participate in class. She seemed to like to learn of the world outside Rivendell, and so he gave many lessons on it for her benefit.
"Good afternoon class." Adalin began. I have a special lesson prepared for you today, for I know the subject is something you all enjoy." He pulled out a chart with pictures of different creatures; Humans. Animals. Trees. Elfish writing sat next to each picture.
The children's eyes stared wide, and they each leaned forward in their seats. Even Adah seemed eagerly interested, and this pleased the teacher greatly.
Adalin pointed to one of the trees on the poster. "This is an Ent. The Ents are all around you."
Once child raised her hand up high.
"Yes Bellama?"
"But it's a tree."
"Yes. It's a tree. And an Ent."
"But what's an Ent?" She asked.
"A tree."
The child sat confused and the teacher smiled. "You see Bellama, Ents are trees. Not just living trees, but trees that are alive!"
"But then why are there none alive here?" Adah interrupted, and then sat back embarrassed. Adalin's mouth dropped open, but he shut it quick, and eager to appease Adah's interest, continued.
"There are Adah. They're sleeping."
She tried not to answer, but curiosity took her over. "What do you mean?"
"Ents were always alive, but in the beginning they were deep in sleep, unaware of the world around them, until the elves woke them up and taught them things."
"Are there any awake now?"
"Yes, I believe there are Adah." Adalin grew excited, and he wanted Adah to speak more, but she sat back silent, so he moved on.
He moved on to the next creature, but Adah ignored it. She continued to think about the Ents. She envisioned herself talking with trees. Maybe she could wake one up. If the animals refused to talk with her, perhaps the trees would.
Adah looked back at the chart, and something at the bottom caught her attention. "Professor Adalin?"
He looked back at her surprised. "Yes Adah?"
"The human at the bottom. Why is she dressed that way?" The apparel was a clear material Adah didn't recognize, and it came down as a dress in many different layers of many different colors. Her hair was big and curly, and her eyes sparkled, even in the picture.
"Well, because she's not a human."
"But she looks like one." Called out a boy in the front.
"Yes, well, so do elves." The teacher remarked.
The children all made noises of disgust, and Adah shrunk back in her chair, but the teacher continued. "The creature is a fairy."
"Like in the story about Mayella?" Adah asked sheepishly.
"Yes."
"Then fairies are a myth?"
"That's not to be certain. There are many things that existed long ago, that were long forgotten, and developed into only myths."
"Then if they're real, could there be any left?"
"I don't think so Adah. Legend says fairies disappeared long ago. Either they're in hiding, or they were overrun."
Adah thought about that, and became saddened. "How come she doesn't have wings?"
"Well, that was part of the myth created about them. Fairies were really almost human. Hey looked like humans, but it's said there was something different about being in their presence. And it's also said they possessed magic."
"What kind of magic?"
"Nothing to great. It was more subtle than that of wizards. They could make things grow fast, and they could disappear if they needed to, though none is sure if they were just good at hiding, or if they disappeared all together. And nature was very friendly and open with them."
"Were they immortal?"
"Much like the elves, yes."
Once again, Adah sat back and smiled. She contemplated this as Adalin went on.
***
Back in her room, Adah went to her window and looked out at the tree that grew near. She called to it, but it didn't change.
"Come on. I'm a friend. I promise. Wake up."
Still, nothing.
"Mr. Tree. My name is Adah. If you wake up, I'll be your friend."
The wind rustled the tree's leaves but that was all that stirred. She picked up one of her slippers and through it at the tree. Still nothing.
"Fine!" She called.
She turned and saw something over on her dresser. She walked up to the beautiful oak wood, and picked up a single red rose. A note lay by it that red, "The rose will one day pass away, but its beauty remains forever in our hearts, and the memory of how it gave light to the day, will never be forgotten."
She didn't know what to make of it, so she went back out to search for Legolas.
***
Elrond appeared behind his daughter who was starring out from the edge of her porch way at the trees. "Arwen." His voice was gentle, but it startled her, and she came out of her dream.
"I think perhaps I was wrong in giving you this room. You spend much too much time here. Shouldn't you be out with the other maidens?"
"I do not wish to father. I have peace here."
"This place is swallowing up your mind. You should come out into the world a bit." Elrond walked up to his daughter and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Odene was asking for you again."
"Odene is a lover to gossip."
"She is a very pleasant girl."
"Father, she is a love struck girl who acts much too much like a child. I have never been fond of her."
"Well, there are many others Arwen."
"No father. I will stay here. If you wish me to take a break from this place, I will walk through the forest a bit. Perhaps I will visit the falls. But do not make me converse with anyone. Please."
"Be it as you will." He looked down sadly, and before he left, kissed her forehead.
Her eyes followed after him, and sadness over took her, but no tears fell from her eyes.
Loneliness consumed her, but she preferred it. Guilt crawled around in her mind. Her stomach felt empty, but not from hunger.
She slowly began to take steps down the stairs that led into the fields. The world around her felt strange and idle, but she kept walking. She felt the trees beckoning her, and she followed the warmth of the sun.
***
Legolas was waiting in the fields for Adah, right where she knew he'd be.
"Legolas, Legolas!" She called out to him, still carrying the rose.
He forced a smile, and prepared himself for whatever he might find in her.
She held the rose up to his face. "It's beautiful."
"Yes it is."
"When did you put it in my room?"
"I didn't."
She stared confused. "You didn't give this to me?"
He shook his head, and she turned and looked around her. She felt confused, and angry, and threw the rose on the ground. She jumped up and down on it, and screamed, and Legolas stood back in fear. He didn't know what to do or say or think. But Elrond's words rang in his mind.
"This is an awful, cruel joke." She turned to Legolas, and tears stained her face. "Why do people hate me Legolas? I don't understand."
"Please don't cry." Legolas forgot all that he felt before, and concern was all he knew. "Please. I hate to see you cry."
"I would stop crying for you if I could. But I can't." She walked to him, and put her arms around his neck. "I would do anything for you Legolas."
He wrapped his arms around her, and cradled her, letting her sob into his shoulders. He began to feel a pain in his heart, and quickly grew afraid.
He stood up away from the child. "What? What is it?" She asked.
But he didn't answer. The pain in his heart grew.
"Legolas? Answer me."
But he kept backing up. He starred at the child, and fear shook him uncontrollably.
"Legolas?" She cried. "Legolas, please. Tell me, what is it?" Her tears seeped into her dress. "You're shaking."
He stood there, and just kept staring. He'd never felt this pain before, and it scared him. He wanted to run. He wanted to turn and leave, but his conscience would not let him leave Adah.
In time, she turned and ran. She screamed for Elrond. Legolas stayed in the field, frozen. He couldn't move, besides his shaking, and he couldn't speak.
It was there, that Arwen found him.
*************************************************************
"Mr. Statton. Mr. Statton."
Jonathan looked up angrily at the one who interrupted him. "What?" He snapped.
Freda shrank back. "I hate to interrupt you. In fact, I think I shall never do it again."
"Indeed."
"I'm sorry again Mr. Statton, but Dr. Falgand is here once more, and he says he has something very important to tell you."
"Oh, very well. I'll meet him in the kitchen. I'm hungry." He heard his stomach growl for the first time.
"O. K sir. I'll inform the cook."
He hesitantly put the story down. He desperately wanted to know what was happening with Legolas, and may new questions were arousing in his mind, but he could not ignore his doctor.
When following Freda, he noticed his wife's water bottle." Is my wife home?"
"Mrs. Statton came and left. She said she was angry you didn't pack yet, and you better do it soon, or she'll call the hotel and make sure they don't serve you any good wine."
Freda kept walking, and led him to the living room, where Dr. Falgand was waiting.
John walked over and shook his hand.
"Good evening friend." The doctor greeted.
"Not quite. Come, we'll talk in the kitchen."
Sitting at the table, Falgand sat, and twiddled his hands. He shifted back and forth in his seat."
"You look uncomfortable. Can I get you another chair?" Jonathan asked.
"No, no, but perhaps a glass of water."
Freda brought them both glasses, and left back into the kitchen.
"So, I didn't think you'd be back so soon." Began Jonathan breaking the silence.
"I'd hoped not to."
"What do you mean?"
After another long pause, the doctor began. "John, we got your tests back." He picked up his brief case up, and put it on the table, then put it back on the floor. He opened his hands towards Jonathan. "There's really no easy way to tell you this, but. John, you have cancer." His next speech came out of the doctor's mouth much quicker than before, but Jonathan didn't hear much of it. "We'll have to do a CAT scan to find out where, but your blood clearly shows us that it's there. Now there's a number of ways we can treat this."
Jonathan tuned him out, and Freda brought a plate of shrimp pasta, and placed it before him. Two spoons, two forks and one knife were placed orderly alongside the bowl. A napkin perfectly folded was placed on one side of the pasta, and a spotless champagne glass was placed behind it.
The smell of the shrimp filled his nostrils, and the golden pasta gleamed in his eyes. He could tell from the smell, it was 5 star restaurant worthy. His food always was. A spice he didn't recognize was lightly spread over the pasta, and a warm steam lifted off it.
"John, John?" The doctor called, but John didn't hear him. He just kept staring at the perfect, uneaten pasta set before him.
