Author*s Note: I don*t know why, but for some reasons, the little quote
things are coming out retarded. So, instead of confusing everyone
(including myself) quotes will be represented by ** instead. The single
apostrophe, -- the thing for ownership and quotes within quotes, is being
represented by **. Sorry if this messes you up, cuz I don*t know why it*s
happening lol. If you do know, feel free to explain away in a review :) .
Anyway, sorry for the wait, thank for the replies, and now, on the with the
story.
---------------------------
**Are you listening to me?**
Gandalf frowned impatiently, his eyes narrowed as he kept a steadying hand on the taunt neck of the black elven horse prancing in front of him. The sun was beginning to dip into the shadows at long last, after an anxious day of worrying and planning for both wizard and girl. But her mission was finally beginning, and gusto for her assignment coursed through her. Her eyes darted merrily around the shadows, a smile playing on her lips, and her enthusiasm was contagious. Avar, the horse she was borrowing from the Rivendell stables, was picking up on her rider*s excitement, throwing her head up and snorting. Krystal, in all her time in Middle Earth, had picked up a few tips and was now an able rider, but Gandalf*s patience was growing thin, and Krystal still had yet to memorize her directions fully and it had the wizard worried. Krystal smiled condescendingly, bringing her hands up tighter on the reins. **Of course I*m listening to you, Gandalf, sir.**
**What did I just say?**
Krystal smirked. ** * Are you listening to me?* **
Gandalf*s usually merry eyes flashed, irritated. **Krystal, this is not a time for games.** He snapped.
Krystal sighed and rolled her eyes. She knew this was a dangerous mission, but come on, she wasn*t **totally** useless. Plus, they had been going over her instructions all day and if she didn*t understand the plan NOW - she never would.
Krystal turned a comforting smile onto the crinkly old wizard. **Gandalf, I know what I need to do. Just trust me, okay? Everything*s gunna be fine.**
Blue eyes clashed as Gandalf studied her doubtfully. **For the last time, are you sure you wish to do this?**
**Yes -- I*m positive.**
**Are you abso--**
**I*m sure!** Krystal exclaimed, exasperated, throwing her hands up. **I*m positive, certain, have no doubt, its affirmative, and definite - I*m going!**
Gandalf studied her in silence, his eyes bright beneath his crumply gray hat, though his face was set. **You are going to be the death of me,** he muttered under his breath, and Krystal grinned. **You sound like my old principal. Can I go yet?**
**Principal?**
**Never mind. I*m leaving now....**
**No, you most certainly are **not**. Repeat back to me, one last time, your plan of action.** Krystal rolled her eyes and let out a sign of exasperation. **At this rate, they*ll be at Mirkytree before I even get going.**
**It*s **Mirkwood** and you know it. Now, entertain an old man and tell me the plan one more time.**
Krystal frowned, but obliged, answering in a monotone, her face purposefully blank. **I stick to the trail through the mountain pass. I need to ride hard, but carefully, because I need to follow their trail over the mountains before more snow falls. If I don*t make it in time, I*m supposed to let some stupid bird that you*ll have following me know, in a way I have yet to figure out but no matter, and you*ll come and be my knight in shinning gray robes. After I pass the mountain, let them travel for one more day. Stay close behind them, but not too close. They **are** some of the best hunters and trackers Middle Earth has to offer and could and most probably will kill me on sight if they think I*m some orc following them -- though, from the pictures I*ve seen, I don*t know how **anyone** could mistake me as an orc, but whatever floats your boat. I should go around and approach them from the front - make a lot of noise so they*ll know I*m there - do **not** surprise them. Then throw myself at their mercy not to make me go home and if they yell, blame it all on you. That about right?**
Gandalf smiled slightly, and nodded his head. **That*s about right, my friend.**
Krystal grinned, her smile widening at the term *my friend*. No longer was she *little one* or *my child* -- maybe she really **had** grown up. She suppressed a shudder. Scary thought.
****Now** can I go?**
**If you insist,** Gandalf agreed, nodding, his eyes narrowed as he ran through one last mental check. He leaned back one last time to make sure her saddle bags - some of them bursting at the seams, -- were tied on tightly, then took several steps backwards. **Be careful, Krystal.**
It was the first time he had used her name and she stopped, momentarily startled. **I will, Gandalf. I promise. I can do this.**
**I know you can,** He agreed softly in his rumbling growl of a voice. **You are perfect for this mission Krystal. I know you will not fail.**
And just when things were about to get mushy, just when Krystal could feel the tears prickling the back of her eyes as she understood the lengths of his compliment, just as Gandalf shook his head and slowly realized he might be sending a young girl to her death, fighting a battle that was not hers, she grinned, melting the moment in the warmth of her smile.
**I admire your honesty, Gandalf the Gray.**
And with a last nudge of her heels and one last grin, Krystal and Avar disappeared into the forest.
Gandalf stood, watching them for a moment. He frowned, his brow furrowed, and his eyes narrowed before he began to smile slightly, shaking his head. He held up a hand. One finger, then two, three, four and by the time he put the fifth one back up, Krystal and Avar had returned, both horse and rider looking sheepish.
**Right then,** she said with a small smile, her face bright red. **It*s this way, then is it...**
As she and Ava disappeared into the woodland for a second time, this time in the opposite **correct** direction, Gandalf*s booming laugh nipped at her heels.
************
Elrond was not a happy elf. Or, half elf, anyway.
He had given a intentional order to a young girl in his care and she deliberately disobeyed him -- putting not only herself in danger, but the safety of the mission, and in turn the safety of Mirkwood and Middle Earth.
Krystal did not realize the effect she had on his sons and their friend. They had grown too attached to her for Krystal to join them in this mission -- it was too dangerous! Not all of them would come out alive. Valar, for that matter, none of them might return alive. He knew this. They knew this. But she did not.
Because she was too arrogant to listen, too much like a typical human who thought she knew what was best. Her reasons for going were selfish at best, because she was going so she wouldn*t be lonely here in Rivendell while her friends were out saving Middle Earth. Because she wanted to share in the glory of triumph with her friends -- that was all well and good, and triumph would be almost too sweet to comprehend, but the bitter taste of defeat was not and it was most likely.
Elrond was hopeful enough to pray that his sons would come back to him. Did he expect all three of his sons to come back uninjured? No - Elrond was many things, but he was not naïve. His sons came back with broken bones from simple hunting trips, never mind scouting a Wraith. They would come back bruised and bloodied, but something in his heart told him they would come back alive. He got the same feeling when his heart dwelled on Legolas. The Prince had the best chance of any to survive -- it was his homeland they were entering and the skills that he had honed there - archery, running, climbing, tracking, -- would be of the most use. Legolas Greenleaf was on the type of archer legends were made of - he had yet to miss a shot.
But Krystal...she was as defenseless as any. She had no extraordinary talents, no defenses, other then her smile but Elrond failed to see how that could help her in this situation. The girl was doomed. Riders must be sent after her immediately.
He furrowed his brow as he stood at his balcony, looking out over all of Rivendell, his eyes tracing the path through the woods he had just seen Elladan*s favorite horse sprinting down, sporting a rider with a impish grin and mischievous eyes. She was setting out almost a full day behind the party -- it wasn*t even like she was sneaking out a few minutes after them, or even before. They were a full day in front of her and she was alone in the wilderness. What possessed this girl?
She couldn*t be far now, only a few miles away at most. Riders had to be sent after her immediately.
**Erestor?** Elrond turned away from the window and lightly called his friend, who he knew would be floating around somewhere outside of Elrond*s chambers. **Erestor?**
The smaller elf popped his head in the door, his normally bright eyes weary. It had been a trying time for the elf, what with all the visitors to Rivendell in the last few days -- irrepressible humans and trying dwarves reeking havoc through the normally serene halls. With the members of the expedition finally gone and Krystal seemingly occupied, Erestor was just about to sit down for a nice cup of tea. Or, so he thought.
Elrond half smiled sympathetically. **I*m truly sorry to bother you, my friend, I know you have had a busy last few weeks--**
**Speak not of it, my lord.** Erestor interrupted. **I*m not bothered. What is it you need?**
**I have just discovered much to my chagrin, that the Lady Krystal has taken it upon herself to head out after my sons and the members of the mission.**
Erestor*s dark eyes widened slightly, but he managed to keep his surprise in check. However, internally, he burst out laughing. Trust the unruly human to follow adventure straight to the darkness of Mirkwood.
**I see, my lord.**
**I am sure you see the dilemma of this action.**
**I do, my lord.**
**See to it that you have our riders sent out after her as soon as possible.**
**Yes, my lord.** Erestor agreed with a half nod, half bow, before walking slowly out of the room. He was halfway down the hallway towards the courtyard when he paused suddenly, back tracking. Popping his head back in the door, he frowned. **Lord Elrond?**
Elrond turned his head, surprised, lost in his thoughts. **Yes?**
**Not to be tiresome, my lord...but how did the Lady Krystal manage to follow the group? Correct me if I*m wrong, my lord, and I mean no disrespect...but I heard her discussing the geography of Middle Earth with Mithrandir a few days ago and her knowledge left a lot to be desired.**
Elrond stared blankly for a moment, before his eyes widened. He glanced down at the floor, his body taunt and erect with anger, and when he looked back up, Erestor cringed. Elrond*s intense piercing silver gaze landed on the slightly smaller elf, and for a moment, Erestor cowered slightly before his long time friend. The fury in the half elf*s gaze startled him - Elrond and Erestor had been friends for many centuries and never had Erestor seen that look directed at him before. Maybe at Elladan and Elrohir that time they died 15-year-old-Estel*s hair a shocking shade of fuchsia before Yen Festival and the following festivities - but never at him. Immediately, he added, stumbling over his words in his haste, **I*m sorry, my lord, if I came across disrespectful towards the Lady - I was not implying in anyway that Lady Krystal lacked knowledge, I was just curious to as how she came to follow the members of the expiation in the correct manner. Perhaps this information would help our riders catch her. Forgive me, my friend.**
Elrond continued to glare, but his fury lessened slightly, shaking his head. **No, no it is not you Erestor. I do not grow angry at your words, I grow angry at those who undermine my authority and risk the safety of others. I*m sorry if I came across as cross to you, my friend. It*s not you. But would you do me a favor? Send riders after our wayward girl with all haste, but before you do...might I ask you ask Mithrandir to come and pay me a visit?**
Erestor*s brow furrowed, confused but he said nothing. **Right away, mellon nin.** With a slight bow, he turned back towards the hallway, shaking his head. And Rivendell was supposed to be peaceful.
**There*s no need for either of those things to be done, my good Erestor.**
Someone behind him spoke out boomingly, and it was all Erestor could do from rolling his eyes, a nifty habit he had picked up from Krystal. More drama? All he wanted was some nice tea...
**My lord?** Nevertheless, the elf turned around politely to come face to face with the very man he had been looking for. **Oh, Mithrandir! I have just been sent to look for--**
**I know, Erestor. I was standing just outside the door now.**
Erestor*s brow arched. **I didn*t see you. Or hear you, for that matter.**
Gandalf*s smile was kind. **Perhaps you are more tired then you suspect.**
Erestor smiled sheepishly. **Perhaps.**
**You can forget about both things the good Lord Elrond just asked you to do, my friend. I shall take care of the matter of the Lady Krystal.**
Erestor shook his head slightly. **Thank you, my lord, but I am not as tired as I cannot walk down to the stables and send Astadler and Elear or some of the other warriors out after her.**
**Astadler and Elear will not need to go after her, Erestor.** Gandalf told him calmly, the door to Elrond*s study still ajar as the two men stood outside of it.
Erestor*s brow furrowed. **But the girl cannot wander the wilderness alone, and Astadler and Elear are best suited for the task of retrieving her- if they do not go, who shall?**
**No one shall go after her.** Gandalf told him, his voice firm. **The girl is well on her way to fulfilling her purpose and I will not have interference.**
**Her purpose? I*m sorry, my lord, but I don*t understand..you mean to let the Lady wander about aimlessly during these dark times?**
**She is far from aimless, Erestor. Her purpose is clear and set and if you*ll just let me through, I will go have this discussion with Lord Elrond and he will tell you it is unnecessary to bother Astadler and Elear and that you, my friend, are in dire need of rest if you cannot hear a cranky old man walk up behind you.**
Erestor stared, puzzled still, but nodded slightly. **As you wish, my lord. Nevertheless, I shall wait right here--** he pointed to a spot outside of Elrond*s door, **--waiting for Lord Elrond*s word that the girl is to be okay.**
Gandalf smiled pleasantly. **That sounds fine. Careful not to fall asleep now.**
Erestor*s smile was strained. **Yes, my lord.**
Stepping aside, Erestor moved away from the door, allowing Gandalf entrance to see the heated Lord of Rivendell.
Elrond stood, having heard the exchange that took place outside of his study. His face was set, and his fury firmly under control. It soon melted into a surge of worry that swooped through his stomach with surprising force, before morphing into a sense of betrayal. Gandalf had gone behind his back with someone who was in his care, risking everything for nothing. It made no sense - enter confusion into his whirl of emotions. What **was** going on?
**Mithrandir, you*ve yet to lead me wrong. But unless you explain yourself quickly and immediately, I will be forced to admit the Gandalf the Grey has indeed endangered Middle Earth with his foolishness.** His tone was clipped and even, but his eyes blazed.
Gandalf shook his head slowly, and as he countered, his tone was pacifiying. **Elrond, my old friend, when was it that I lost your trust? You are correct in your assumptions -- I did lend my aid to Krystal and my guidance before she left. But I did not do it out of foolishness or recklessness. You yourself admitted the girl had a purpose for being here. I believe this is her purpose.**
**Her purpose is to die?** Elrond snapped. **I do not follow you, Gandalf.** Raising his voice he added, **Erestor, please make haste to the stables.**
Outside the door, Erestor nodded, and began walking down the hallway.
Gandalf shook his head and called out, rather loudly, **Just one moment Erestror!**
The smaller elf stopped, his head cocked. **Return to your post,** Gandalf called to him firmly, and with a half hearted shrug, the elf walked the 10 steps back outside of the study.
Elrond*s frown deepend. **The more time we spend arguing this, Mithrandir, the greater the peril Krystal is in. I do not pretend to understand your reasoning, but I will not waste time arguing with you. Erestor!**
The elf stuck his head inside the door. **Yes, my lord?**
Elrond ignored the tired circles under his friends eyes as he nodded briskly. **The riders, if you please.**
Erestor barely managed to hide his sigh. **yes, my lord.**
Gandalf pressed his mouth into a firm line. **Listen to me, Elrond. I do not understand how Krystal will aid this mission, all I know is that she will! You, of all people and elves, are gifted with foresight. Use it!**
**I have,** Elrond snapped in reply. **And when my mind settles on Krystal, I do not see her returning from Mirkwood! I see her entering darkness, I see mist, I see shadow, and then all of a sudden I hear a piercing scream and I see light. I do not see her returning, Gandalf. If she goes to Mirkwood she will **not** leave it!**
**That does not necessarily imply death, Elrond,** Gandalf argued, though his face had lost some of it*s color. **It merely implies pain, and Krystal is no stranger to that. Erestor!**
Erestor paused on the stairs, his eyes closed softly. **Yes, my lord?** he called back, unable to keep the hostility out of his voice.
**There is no need to bother any Rivendell rider, thank you!**
Elrond didn*t bother to counter, he merely stared, as they heard Erestor trudge back to his position outside of the door.
**If she is not coming back, Gandalf, but she is not dying, then **where** is she going?**
His voice rang with irony and sarcasm, but confusion was etched on his face. Erestor*s face bobbed in the doorway as Gandalf gave him a half smile, filled with bittersweet memories and sadness.
And when he spoke, it was the answer Elrond had known all along, but loathe to admit because it would mean such pain for his sons, and if he admitted it, to himself.
Gandalf*s voice was like rough velvet as he spoke, heaving a sigh filled with understanding and yet sadness.
**She is going home, my friend.**
---------------------------
**Are you listening to me?**
Gandalf frowned impatiently, his eyes narrowed as he kept a steadying hand on the taunt neck of the black elven horse prancing in front of him. The sun was beginning to dip into the shadows at long last, after an anxious day of worrying and planning for both wizard and girl. But her mission was finally beginning, and gusto for her assignment coursed through her. Her eyes darted merrily around the shadows, a smile playing on her lips, and her enthusiasm was contagious. Avar, the horse she was borrowing from the Rivendell stables, was picking up on her rider*s excitement, throwing her head up and snorting. Krystal, in all her time in Middle Earth, had picked up a few tips and was now an able rider, but Gandalf*s patience was growing thin, and Krystal still had yet to memorize her directions fully and it had the wizard worried. Krystal smiled condescendingly, bringing her hands up tighter on the reins. **Of course I*m listening to you, Gandalf, sir.**
**What did I just say?**
Krystal smirked. ** * Are you listening to me?* **
Gandalf*s usually merry eyes flashed, irritated. **Krystal, this is not a time for games.** He snapped.
Krystal sighed and rolled her eyes. She knew this was a dangerous mission, but come on, she wasn*t **totally** useless. Plus, they had been going over her instructions all day and if she didn*t understand the plan NOW - she never would.
Krystal turned a comforting smile onto the crinkly old wizard. **Gandalf, I know what I need to do. Just trust me, okay? Everything*s gunna be fine.**
Blue eyes clashed as Gandalf studied her doubtfully. **For the last time, are you sure you wish to do this?**
**Yes -- I*m positive.**
**Are you abso--**
**I*m sure!** Krystal exclaimed, exasperated, throwing her hands up. **I*m positive, certain, have no doubt, its affirmative, and definite - I*m going!**
Gandalf studied her in silence, his eyes bright beneath his crumply gray hat, though his face was set. **You are going to be the death of me,** he muttered under his breath, and Krystal grinned. **You sound like my old principal. Can I go yet?**
**Principal?**
**Never mind. I*m leaving now....**
**No, you most certainly are **not**. Repeat back to me, one last time, your plan of action.** Krystal rolled her eyes and let out a sign of exasperation. **At this rate, they*ll be at Mirkytree before I even get going.**
**It*s **Mirkwood** and you know it. Now, entertain an old man and tell me the plan one more time.**
Krystal frowned, but obliged, answering in a monotone, her face purposefully blank. **I stick to the trail through the mountain pass. I need to ride hard, but carefully, because I need to follow their trail over the mountains before more snow falls. If I don*t make it in time, I*m supposed to let some stupid bird that you*ll have following me know, in a way I have yet to figure out but no matter, and you*ll come and be my knight in shinning gray robes. After I pass the mountain, let them travel for one more day. Stay close behind them, but not too close. They **are** some of the best hunters and trackers Middle Earth has to offer and could and most probably will kill me on sight if they think I*m some orc following them -- though, from the pictures I*ve seen, I don*t know how **anyone** could mistake me as an orc, but whatever floats your boat. I should go around and approach them from the front - make a lot of noise so they*ll know I*m there - do **not** surprise them. Then throw myself at their mercy not to make me go home and if they yell, blame it all on you. That about right?**
Gandalf smiled slightly, and nodded his head. **That*s about right, my friend.**
Krystal grinned, her smile widening at the term *my friend*. No longer was she *little one* or *my child* -- maybe she really **had** grown up. She suppressed a shudder. Scary thought.
****Now** can I go?**
**If you insist,** Gandalf agreed, nodding, his eyes narrowed as he ran through one last mental check. He leaned back one last time to make sure her saddle bags - some of them bursting at the seams, -- were tied on tightly, then took several steps backwards. **Be careful, Krystal.**
It was the first time he had used her name and she stopped, momentarily startled. **I will, Gandalf. I promise. I can do this.**
**I know you can,** He agreed softly in his rumbling growl of a voice. **You are perfect for this mission Krystal. I know you will not fail.**
And just when things were about to get mushy, just when Krystal could feel the tears prickling the back of her eyes as she understood the lengths of his compliment, just as Gandalf shook his head and slowly realized he might be sending a young girl to her death, fighting a battle that was not hers, she grinned, melting the moment in the warmth of her smile.
**I admire your honesty, Gandalf the Gray.**
And with a last nudge of her heels and one last grin, Krystal and Avar disappeared into the forest.
Gandalf stood, watching them for a moment. He frowned, his brow furrowed, and his eyes narrowed before he began to smile slightly, shaking his head. He held up a hand. One finger, then two, three, four and by the time he put the fifth one back up, Krystal and Avar had returned, both horse and rider looking sheepish.
**Right then,** she said with a small smile, her face bright red. **It*s this way, then is it...**
As she and Ava disappeared into the woodland for a second time, this time in the opposite **correct** direction, Gandalf*s booming laugh nipped at her heels.
************
Elrond was not a happy elf. Or, half elf, anyway.
He had given a intentional order to a young girl in his care and she deliberately disobeyed him -- putting not only herself in danger, but the safety of the mission, and in turn the safety of Mirkwood and Middle Earth.
Krystal did not realize the effect she had on his sons and their friend. They had grown too attached to her for Krystal to join them in this mission -- it was too dangerous! Not all of them would come out alive. Valar, for that matter, none of them might return alive. He knew this. They knew this. But she did not.
Because she was too arrogant to listen, too much like a typical human who thought she knew what was best. Her reasons for going were selfish at best, because she was going so she wouldn*t be lonely here in Rivendell while her friends were out saving Middle Earth. Because she wanted to share in the glory of triumph with her friends -- that was all well and good, and triumph would be almost too sweet to comprehend, but the bitter taste of defeat was not and it was most likely.
Elrond was hopeful enough to pray that his sons would come back to him. Did he expect all three of his sons to come back uninjured? No - Elrond was many things, but he was not naïve. His sons came back with broken bones from simple hunting trips, never mind scouting a Wraith. They would come back bruised and bloodied, but something in his heart told him they would come back alive. He got the same feeling when his heart dwelled on Legolas. The Prince had the best chance of any to survive -- it was his homeland they were entering and the skills that he had honed there - archery, running, climbing, tracking, -- would be of the most use. Legolas Greenleaf was on the type of archer legends were made of - he had yet to miss a shot.
But Krystal...she was as defenseless as any. She had no extraordinary talents, no defenses, other then her smile but Elrond failed to see how that could help her in this situation. The girl was doomed. Riders must be sent after her immediately.
He furrowed his brow as he stood at his balcony, looking out over all of Rivendell, his eyes tracing the path through the woods he had just seen Elladan*s favorite horse sprinting down, sporting a rider with a impish grin and mischievous eyes. She was setting out almost a full day behind the party -- it wasn*t even like she was sneaking out a few minutes after them, or even before. They were a full day in front of her and she was alone in the wilderness. What possessed this girl?
She couldn*t be far now, only a few miles away at most. Riders had to be sent after her immediately.
**Erestor?** Elrond turned away from the window and lightly called his friend, who he knew would be floating around somewhere outside of Elrond*s chambers. **Erestor?**
The smaller elf popped his head in the door, his normally bright eyes weary. It had been a trying time for the elf, what with all the visitors to Rivendell in the last few days -- irrepressible humans and trying dwarves reeking havoc through the normally serene halls. With the members of the expedition finally gone and Krystal seemingly occupied, Erestor was just about to sit down for a nice cup of tea. Or, so he thought.
Elrond half smiled sympathetically. **I*m truly sorry to bother you, my friend, I know you have had a busy last few weeks--**
**Speak not of it, my lord.** Erestor interrupted. **I*m not bothered. What is it you need?**
**I have just discovered much to my chagrin, that the Lady Krystal has taken it upon herself to head out after my sons and the members of the mission.**
Erestor*s dark eyes widened slightly, but he managed to keep his surprise in check. However, internally, he burst out laughing. Trust the unruly human to follow adventure straight to the darkness of Mirkwood.
**I see, my lord.**
**I am sure you see the dilemma of this action.**
**I do, my lord.**
**See to it that you have our riders sent out after her as soon as possible.**
**Yes, my lord.** Erestor agreed with a half nod, half bow, before walking slowly out of the room. He was halfway down the hallway towards the courtyard when he paused suddenly, back tracking. Popping his head back in the door, he frowned. **Lord Elrond?**
Elrond turned his head, surprised, lost in his thoughts. **Yes?**
**Not to be tiresome, my lord...but how did the Lady Krystal manage to follow the group? Correct me if I*m wrong, my lord, and I mean no disrespect...but I heard her discussing the geography of Middle Earth with Mithrandir a few days ago and her knowledge left a lot to be desired.**
Elrond stared blankly for a moment, before his eyes widened. He glanced down at the floor, his body taunt and erect with anger, and when he looked back up, Erestor cringed. Elrond*s intense piercing silver gaze landed on the slightly smaller elf, and for a moment, Erestor cowered slightly before his long time friend. The fury in the half elf*s gaze startled him - Elrond and Erestor had been friends for many centuries and never had Erestor seen that look directed at him before. Maybe at Elladan and Elrohir that time they died 15-year-old-Estel*s hair a shocking shade of fuchsia before Yen Festival and the following festivities - but never at him. Immediately, he added, stumbling over his words in his haste, **I*m sorry, my lord, if I came across disrespectful towards the Lady - I was not implying in anyway that Lady Krystal lacked knowledge, I was just curious to as how she came to follow the members of the expiation in the correct manner. Perhaps this information would help our riders catch her. Forgive me, my friend.**
Elrond continued to glare, but his fury lessened slightly, shaking his head. **No, no it is not you Erestor. I do not grow angry at your words, I grow angry at those who undermine my authority and risk the safety of others. I*m sorry if I came across as cross to you, my friend. It*s not you. But would you do me a favor? Send riders after our wayward girl with all haste, but before you do...might I ask you ask Mithrandir to come and pay me a visit?**
Erestor*s brow furrowed, confused but he said nothing. **Right away, mellon nin.** With a slight bow, he turned back towards the hallway, shaking his head. And Rivendell was supposed to be peaceful.
**There*s no need for either of those things to be done, my good Erestor.**
Someone behind him spoke out boomingly, and it was all Erestor could do from rolling his eyes, a nifty habit he had picked up from Krystal. More drama? All he wanted was some nice tea...
**My lord?** Nevertheless, the elf turned around politely to come face to face with the very man he had been looking for. **Oh, Mithrandir! I have just been sent to look for--**
**I know, Erestor. I was standing just outside the door now.**
Erestor*s brow arched. **I didn*t see you. Or hear you, for that matter.**
Gandalf*s smile was kind. **Perhaps you are more tired then you suspect.**
Erestor smiled sheepishly. **Perhaps.**
**You can forget about both things the good Lord Elrond just asked you to do, my friend. I shall take care of the matter of the Lady Krystal.**
Erestor shook his head slightly. **Thank you, my lord, but I am not as tired as I cannot walk down to the stables and send Astadler and Elear or some of the other warriors out after her.**
**Astadler and Elear will not need to go after her, Erestor.** Gandalf told him calmly, the door to Elrond*s study still ajar as the two men stood outside of it.
Erestor*s brow furrowed. **But the girl cannot wander the wilderness alone, and Astadler and Elear are best suited for the task of retrieving her- if they do not go, who shall?**
**No one shall go after her.** Gandalf told him, his voice firm. **The girl is well on her way to fulfilling her purpose and I will not have interference.**
**Her purpose? I*m sorry, my lord, but I don*t understand..you mean to let the Lady wander about aimlessly during these dark times?**
**She is far from aimless, Erestor. Her purpose is clear and set and if you*ll just let me through, I will go have this discussion with Lord Elrond and he will tell you it is unnecessary to bother Astadler and Elear and that you, my friend, are in dire need of rest if you cannot hear a cranky old man walk up behind you.**
Erestor stared, puzzled still, but nodded slightly. **As you wish, my lord. Nevertheless, I shall wait right here--** he pointed to a spot outside of Elrond*s door, **--waiting for Lord Elrond*s word that the girl is to be okay.**
Gandalf smiled pleasantly. **That sounds fine. Careful not to fall asleep now.**
Erestor*s smile was strained. **Yes, my lord.**
Stepping aside, Erestor moved away from the door, allowing Gandalf entrance to see the heated Lord of Rivendell.
Elrond stood, having heard the exchange that took place outside of his study. His face was set, and his fury firmly under control. It soon melted into a surge of worry that swooped through his stomach with surprising force, before morphing into a sense of betrayal. Gandalf had gone behind his back with someone who was in his care, risking everything for nothing. It made no sense - enter confusion into his whirl of emotions. What **was** going on?
**Mithrandir, you*ve yet to lead me wrong. But unless you explain yourself quickly and immediately, I will be forced to admit the Gandalf the Grey has indeed endangered Middle Earth with his foolishness.** His tone was clipped and even, but his eyes blazed.
Gandalf shook his head slowly, and as he countered, his tone was pacifiying. **Elrond, my old friend, when was it that I lost your trust? You are correct in your assumptions -- I did lend my aid to Krystal and my guidance before she left. But I did not do it out of foolishness or recklessness. You yourself admitted the girl had a purpose for being here. I believe this is her purpose.**
**Her purpose is to die?** Elrond snapped. **I do not follow you, Gandalf.** Raising his voice he added, **Erestor, please make haste to the stables.**
Outside the door, Erestor nodded, and began walking down the hallway.
Gandalf shook his head and called out, rather loudly, **Just one moment Erestror!**
The smaller elf stopped, his head cocked. **Return to your post,** Gandalf called to him firmly, and with a half hearted shrug, the elf walked the 10 steps back outside of the study.
Elrond*s frown deepend. **The more time we spend arguing this, Mithrandir, the greater the peril Krystal is in. I do not pretend to understand your reasoning, but I will not waste time arguing with you. Erestor!**
The elf stuck his head inside the door. **Yes, my lord?**
Elrond ignored the tired circles under his friends eyes as he nodded briskly. **The riders, if you please.**
Erestor barely managed to hide his sigh. **yes, my lord.**
Gandalf pressed his mouth into a firm line. **Listen to me, Elrond. I do not understand how Krystal will aid this mission, all I know is that she will! You, of all people and elves, are gifted with foresight. Use it!**
**I have,** Elrond snapped in reply. **And when my mind settles on Krystal, I do not see her returning from Mirkwood! I see her entering darkness, I see mist, I see shadow, and then all of a sudden I hear a piercing scream and I see light. I do not see her returning, Gandalf. If she goes to Mirkwood she will **not** leave it!**
**That does not necessarily imply death, Elrond,** Gandalf argued, though his face had lost some of it*s color. **It merely implies pain, and Krystal is no stranger to that. Erestor!**
Erestor paused on the stairs, his eyes closed softly. **Yes, my lord?** he called back, unable to keep the hostility out of his voice.
**There is no need to bother any Rivendell rider, thank you!**
Elrond didn*t bother to counter, he merely stared, as they heard Erestor trudge back to his position outside of the door.
**If she is not coming back, Gandalf, but she is not dying, then **where** is she going?**
His voice rang with irony and sarcasm, but confusion was etched on his face. Erestor*s face bobbed in the doorway as Gandalf gave him a half smile, filled with bittersweet memories and sadness.
And when he spoke, it was the answer Elrond had known all along, but loathe to admit because it would mean such pain for his sons, and if he admitted it, to himself.
Gandalf*s voice was like rough velvet as he spoke, heaving a sigh filled with understanding and yet sadness.
**She is going home, my friend.**