The Misadventures of Caladriel and Rinnalaiss
By Caladiel Meril W.
Starring: Caladriel, Legolas, Thranduil, Rinnalaiss, Elladan, Elrohir, Arwen, Elrond, Glorfindel, Erestor, and an Elf named Faelon.
Okay, major no-no here, Rinnalaiss is an extra daughter to Elrond, Caladriel is Legolas' younger sister. Rinnalaiss might be adopted, I'm not real sure, but her older brothers Elladan and Elrohir dote on their tomboyish little sister. She's the baby of the family sort of, although older than Estel in years, she is still quite childish. Caladriel is not allowed to be the tomboy she wants to be, and is only Legolas' half sister. This is preLotR, Estel is only about thirty or forty. Why all this guessing? This is a transcribed dream, that's why. Oh, and a groom in this story is not a groom in the sense of bride and groom, a groom is actually someone who takes care of the horses.
Chapter one: Discontent.
Legolas rides in silence, my brother refuses to grace me with even a sidelong glance. To my left is my bodyguard, Faelon, riding his bay horse in silence as well. My brother's friend Ranien rides to the rear of my palomino mare. I was forced to leave my prized silver stallion in the stables with my other childish fancies. We are bound for Imladris, though I find no joy in going. Lord Elrond's twin sons are a terror, though I wish to see how his less famous daughter has been since I last saw her. I know I will be left there, perhaps to be wedded to one of the twins, and I do not wish to go. At the least my bodyguard and groom will remain there with me, as my father will not hear of me riding alone. Faelon does so many things, but he does them in silence, as a servant should. He wished to bring the silver stallion along too, and when father said I could not, the groom became hot under his collar. Father does not want me tearing around the countryside like a peasant, no matter how magnificent my horse may be. No, I must put off my childish things and become a proper lady. I may not filch Faelon's riding breeches and saddle a halfbroke colt anymore, it is not lady-like.
I wonder if Rinnalaiss has been forced to become a lady? She had such a boyish air about her when she was small. Elladan and Elrohir delighted in dressing her in their old clothes, with their tiny old bows and arrows. I turn my mind back the present circumstances. I would that my brother would stop acting like he doesn't care about me anymore. He won't speak to me, or even look at me. Faelon seems to know what I'm thinking, and pats my knee, giving me an encouraging look. I wish I could be as confident as he. There is much about his past that I question, and some of his acquaintances seem to be shadows in the night. His origin is a mystery too, he just showed up in Mirkwood when I was an infant, a mere boy at the time. I know not from whence his dark curls came, nor his odd green eyes, though he has the hearing and eyesight of an Elf. He apparantly attached himself to me at some time in my childhood, perhaps when my first pony ran away with me. I am glad that he had, he has been a true companion.
I can see the Ford of Rivendell in the distance, and I sigh, resigning myself to my fate. Faelon reins his horse close.
"Have no fear, my lady, your stallion will soon join you, and you will find that you have many friends." he whispers.
I see a twinkle in his deep green eyes and ask no questions. He has served me well in the past, why should I question him now?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A small dark haired Elf strained to see the horizon, trying to identify the approaching riders, standing on its tiptoes. It is dressed much like the twin sons of Elrond, who stand on either side.
"Roh, pick Rinn up and let her see who's coming." Elladan said.
Elrohir seized his little sister by her waist and hoisted her to his eyelevel so she could see.
"Look Rinn, it's your cousin Legolas and his sister Caladriel. Remember them?" Elrohir said.
Rinn sighed.
"I'm not a little Elfling anymore! I can ride and shoot and track almost as well as you two, and I'm almost as big, why do you treat me like a baby?!" she cried.
Elladan smirked, taking his sister from his twin.
"Because dear Rinny, you are a baby." he said, giving her a tight, loving hug. "A bit of a tomboy, but a baby nonetheless."
"Dan! I am not a baby! Put me down!" Rinn protested.
The twins looked out toward the approaching party again, their baby sister safe on the ground once again.
"Who cares about this stupid Caladriel anyway?" Rinn complained to herself. "All she is is a prissy she-Elf here to flirt with my brothers. I'll have to prevent that by any means. They can't leave me behind yet."
She looks out at the riders with a scornful expression. Her hair is done up in braids just like her twin brothers', and is shiny and dark, just like theirs. Her figure is trim, not yet very feminine, and she is on the threshold of her 'teenage' years. Her chief joy is going hunting with her brothers, and she emmulates them at almost all times. Her sister Arwen doesn't interest her, she is too much older, and much too beautiful for her to identify with. Elladan and Elrohir have always been there for her, picking her up and putting her back on her pony every time she fell off, holding and hugging her when she needs to be comforted, teaching her what they can. They have done the same for Estel, her onetime playmate, who has grown up so much faster.
She is determined to make Caladriel feel unwanted, and having been taught her jokes and pranks by her brothers, she feels she will have little difficulty.
Erestor, their father's advisor, joins them, putting a hand on Rinnalaiss' shoulder.
"Hello Rinn, how did your target shooting go today?" he wants to know.
She blushes.
"I almost shot Glorfindel again." she whispers. "I was too hasty with my shot."
"You really should be more careful, put one more arrow in Glorfindel and he may return the favor." Erestor advises. "He soon tires of Lord Elrond's constant companionship, he may want to obtain yours so you can understand why he hates archery practice with you."
Rinn locked the advice away in her mind.
Glofindel approaches, curious as to why there is a gathering at the ford. He sees Legolas and his expression brightens. Finally, an archer to replace him in Rinnalaiss' daily lessons. His keen eyes pick up the sad expression on Caladriel's face and the way her blonde locks cascade down her shoulders and over the sides of her horse. She has grown since he last saw her, in stature and beauty, and he is as proud as he imagines her father to be of her. He wonders why she looks so melancholy, why her brother beside her looks so stern. The groom is the only one who looks comfortable, his soft curls boucing as he rides at his lady's side, happy to be in her presence. Glorfindel remembers the groom, he is a likable fellow, easy to get along with and agreeable, and not too bad an archer, perhaps he will be able to get through to Rinnalaiss.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I see the welcoming commitee on the bank of the ford, so many familiar faces to greet me. Glorfindel, Erestor, the sons of Elrond, and a little Elf whom I do not know. Its face is that of a young girl, and yet it is clothed like the twins, and I know not whether it be male or female. It does not look happy to see me, but all the others are, and Glorfindel's broad, welcoming smile comforts me. I remember when I was little and he would tell me stories about his adventures, I love him like another father. Erestor too is smiling, and I am sure that I am as happy to see him. The twins are another story, I am hoping that this time my visit will not be marred by pranks, for myself or my brother. Why I am thinking of my brother's comfort when he has been rude and cold toward me our entire journey I do not know.
We cross the ford and ride into Rivendell, the Last Homely House, and I hope I will find it homely. Faelon dismounts and holds the bridle of my horse while Erestor helps me to dismount. These traveling dresses are not so good for traveling as the designer thought. Faelon is soon engaged in lively conversation with the advisors, leading both his mount and mine to the stables. I turn toward the flagstone steps to face the Lord of Rivendell. Elrond Halfelven sweeps down the steps to my brother and I.
"Ah! Legolas! Caladriel! You've come at last! I hope your journey was without incident." Elrond says cordially.
"No sir, we had no trouble at all. It was a very quick journey." I say.
"I come to seek your judgement in a matter concerning my sister and her groom." Legolas says flatly.
I look to him in surprise, what could he be speaking of? My groom is the model of diligence and servitude, he has never done anything improper. Elrond too looks stunned. He knows Faelon better than I do even.
"Legolas, what do you speak of? Faelon has not done anyone any harm." I say, unable to believe the unspoken charge he has laid against this innocent servant.
"We will speak of this later." says Elrond, with the authority he rightly possesses.
My brother and I follow him into the house, flanked by my brother's friend, Elrond's two or three sons, and my groom, who has no idea that he is in danger.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Caladriel has lived in the household of Elrond for a week and a half. Legolas has still not brought the charges against Faelon out into the open. Faelon himself, released for a time from his occupation by his lady, has gone hunting with Estel. Legolas still refuses to talk to his sister. Rinnalaiss has not given the weary she-Elf a moment's rest, and Caladriel is feeling cut off from her warm, cozy little world. Rinnalaiss doesn't remember a special tie with Caladriel that Caladriel is loath to bring up. Instead, it will be her brothers who do it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Faelon and Estel returned from their hunt, bringing with them four deer, three pheasants, and one peacock. The peacock was still alive, Faelon had snared it for his lady, knowing she would admire its bright plumage. He tucked the bird under his arm to take it to her, having helped Estel with the deer and fowl. Caladriel sat in the hall of fire, alone, and wishing she had not let Faelon go off, she had no friends without him anymore. Glorfindel and Erestor were both very busy, and neither had the time to talk to her or take her with them on a ride.
Elrond directed the groom to his lady, noting the brightly colored bird with a smile. Faelon knew what would amuse Caladriel, there was no debate about that. Elrond was sure that whatever charges Legolas had against this Elf, they were untrue.
Caladriel looked up when she heard Faelon approach, a smile spreading across her face as she saw his hunt had been successful. What a beautiful bird he had brought with him. He set it on the ground, directing it toward Caladriel with a gentle nudge. It strutted toward her, fanning its tail and showing off. It pleased Faelon to hear Caladriel laugh, and every hunt he went on he brought something back for her that she would enjoy.
"Such a beautiful creature, Faelon, thank you for bringing it!" Caladriel said.
"Ah, it is beautiful, yes, but not so beautiful as you, my lady. No peacock could outshine you." Faelon said, knowing this would make her laugh too.
"You don't mean that, you flattering servant. You just want me to let you go hunting again." Caladriel laughed.
"No, that's not true. You are beautiful. I *do* want you to let me take you out for your ride, Lord Elrond tells me you haven't had one for days, you could have asked Elladan or Elrohir." Faelon said, trying to hide the fact that he was glad she hadn't ridden with anyone else.
"I don't know Elladan or Elrohir very well, and I certainly wasn't going to ask my brother." she said. "You're the only riding companion I really trust."
Faelon's expression darkened, he was not happy to hear there was still a rift between Caladriel and Legolas. It was really hurting Caladriel, and he hated to see that. He wondered why her brother had been so uncaring lately. It wasn't good that she should have to find solace in the company of a servant. Looking at Caladriel's sad face he wished for the millionth time that he weren't a servant. He wished that he was her equal, and could freely take her on trips to places she wanted to see. She seemed so lonely all the time, and when he was in Rivendell on errands he borrowed books on faraway lands for Caladriel, so she could find solace in a world of her own imagining. Now she had access to Elrond's fine library herself, he would have to show her all the books she hadn't read.
"Faelon?" Caladriel's voice broke into his thoughts. "Why is it that everyone stays away from me? Arwen won't talk to me, Rinnalaiss is more of a terror than her brothers, and no one else has time for me. I would make time for them were they in my place."
"I cannot answer that for you, my lady. How about that ride? Perhaps things will seem clearer afterward." Faelon offered.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The tables were laid with the game Estel and Faelon had brought down. Dinner was going to be interesting, Rinn would see to that. She felt that she had Caladriel right where she wanted her, and intended to send her home sobbing. Caladriel entered the hall attended by her groom, who showed her to her seat and then went to help in the kitchen. Rinnalaiss crept along under the table, a jar of glue and a brush in her hand. She made her way to Caladriel's feet, and then proceeded to glue the hem of her dress to the floor. She then snuck out of the room and returned openly with her brothers and father. She sat between her brothers at the meal, and watched Caladriel closely, waiting for the she-Elf to stand and rend her dress. Legolas sat beside his sister, without acknowleging her presence. Caladriel looked at the daggers in her brother's belt. Hers had been taken, and she missed their smooth, perfect grips, wishing she could go back a few years to when she'd been allowed to carry weapons. But now that wasn't allowed, it wasn't lady-like.
Rinn could hardly contain her excitement. Her brothers noticed and realized she was up to something.
"What have you done now, you little sneak?" Elrohir asked.
"I glued her dress to the floor!" Rinn said, stifling a giggle.
"Rinnalaiss Turegwaithien! How could you do that to her? Don't you remember when you were little and she used to take you for rides on her pony?" Elladan said. "How could you do something so wicked?"
Rinn's heart skipped a beat. This subdued, unhappy she-Elf was her cousin Calad? Why hadn't she realized that?! She suddenly recognized the golden locks and the gray eyes. Eyes that now held no mirth, only sadness and rejection. Rinn's heart rose in her throat as she remembered those rides in the meadows with her cousin. She had wronged a person who had never done anything malicious to her, and she knew it.
Caladriel quietly excused herself and went to stand, only to hear her dress tear. She seized one of her brother's daggers, bent down, and sliced the torn portion off. When she straightened her eyes were wild with tears of rage.
"I don't know what you all have against me, but I have had enough! I am sick of your coldness, Legolas, I am sick of everyone avoiding me, and I am sick of having to go to my groom to find someone who has the time to talk to me and be kind to me! I am sick of these pranks, and I am sick of all the secrecy surrounding poor Faelon! He has done nothing wrong, and you have no evidence to prove otherwise, brother dear!" Caladriel thundered.
With that, she slammed the keen Elven dagger into the table, putting it through the table by three inches, and left the room. The dagger had nearly hit Rinnalaiss, who had been crawling under the table to set her cousin free. It had been so close that the younger Elf passed out, having found herself nose to blade with the knife. Legolas was now trying to extract the blade from Lord Elrond's table, dreadfully embarassed.
"So sorry my lord, won't happen again." Legolas muttered.
Elrond seemed unpreturbed.
"Legolas, what is it you have against that poor groom anyway?" he asked.
"I have seen him sneaking in and out of her chambers at night, my lord." Legolas said. "I cannot help but question his reasons for being there."
"Well you could always have asked me." Faelon said, entering the room. "I could have told you."
"Yes, but I don't know that you would tell me the truth." Legolas accused.
Faelon sighed. He turned to Lord Elrond.
"My lord, I was not doing anything wrong. My mistress has many pets, and some are nocturnal animals. They wake in the night, and rather than let them wake my lady, I take them outside or to another room, and bring them back in the morning before she wakes." he said. "Sometimes I stay there in her bedchamber for hours on end, which my lord Legolas is probably refering to, because I am always uneasy about her. She hasn't been herself since her weapons and hunting horse were taken away. I was hoping you would notice and you could help her, because I am afraid to wake up and find her gone, King Thranduil would have me executed."
"I have noticed." Lord Elrond said quietly. "She has been quite lost without you, and much more depressed while you were absent."
Elrond leveled a sharp gaze at Legolas, who shrank back and put his dagger back in his belt. Faelon's innocence was obvious, the prince must have another reason for wanting to bring trouble down on the other Elf's head.
"Well, I must excuse myself. It seems that my daughter has been up to no good once more, and I must discipline her." Elrond said, gravely rising and going to his shame faced youngest child.
Rinnalaiss looked like she knew she was in deep trouble. If her father let her see her cousin again on this visit it would be nothing short of a miracle. Faelon excused himself as well, looking as though a descision had been made for him and he had orders to carry out. Legolas wondered what the groom was doing now, and followed him. The groom swung aboard his nervous horse with no bridle or saddle whatsoever, and clattered out of the courtyard. Twenty minutes later, Legolas' friend Tuveren rode into the courtyard.
"My lord, your sister's prize horse has been stolen!" Tuveren said, leaping from the back of his lathered mount.
Legolas looked surprised.
"That unruly silver colt? Why would anyone want to steal something so useless? That colt is unridable." Legolas thought aloud.
"Begging your pardon, my lord, but your sister had no trouble riding it whatsoever, nor did her groom." Trelan said, leading his winded horse in circles to cool it out.
Legolas was suddenly suspiscious. Why was the groom riding out at this hour anyway? With nothing on his horse? Legolas decided to wait in the courtyard for the groom's return. Hours passed, the sky darkened, and still Faelon did not return. Legolas decided that the servant was not going to return tonight, and went into the house to go to bed.
Seeing the blond Elf desert his post, Faelon walked into the courtyard, leading two horses, his bay and a stallion that shone silver in the moonlight. He had muffled their hooves with rags and sacks made of deerskin. He tied them in the stables, then took a small bundle down from the back of the silver horse. No one was on watch, so the groom went up to the house, quickly making his way to Caladriel's bedchamber. As he thought, she was not asleep, but sat gazing into a merry little fire. He entered quietly, taking her by surprise.
"Shh, fret not Calad. Don't cry out and wake the household." he said, when she looked up in shock. "I brought your stallion, and if you would, please put these clothes on."
"With you here? I shall not! What makes you think you can just walk into my room and order me around?!" Caladriel whispered feircely.
"I know your stay here has not been to your liking and I know you are sick of trying to be something that you are not." Faelon said gently. "I have taken the liberty of planning a little trip for you, my lady, which I believe you will like better. If you put those on we can go. I will meet you in the courtyard."
With that the groom bowed and left the room.
By Caladiel Meril W.
Starring: Caladriel, Legolas, Thranduil, Rinnalaiss, Elladan, Elrohir, Arwen, Elrond, Glorfindel, Erestor, and an Elf named Faelon.
Okay, major no-no here, Rinnalaiss is an extra daughter to Elrond, Caladriel is Legolas' younger sister. Rinnalaiss might be adopted, I'm not real sure, but her older brothers Elladan and Elrohir dote on their tomboyish little sister. She's the baby of the family sort of, although older than Estel in years, she is still quite childish. Caladriel is not allowed to be the tomboy she wants to be, and is only Legolas' half sister. This is preLotR, Estel is only about thirty or forty. Why all this guessing? This is a transcribed dream, that's why. Oh, and a groom in this story is not a groom in the sense of bride and groom, a groom is actually someone who takes care of the horses.
Chapter one: Discontent.
Legolas rides in silence, my brother refuses to grace me with even a sidelong glance. To my left is my bodyguard, Faelon, riding his bay horse in silence as well. My brother's friend Ranien rides to the rear of my palomino mare. I was forced to leave my prized silver stallion in the stables with my other childish fancies. We are bound for Imladris, though I find no joy in going. Lord Elrond's twin sons are a terror, though I wish to see how his less famous daughter has been since I last saw her. I know I will be left there, perhaps to be wedded to one of the twins, and I do not wish to go. At the least my bodyguard and groom will remain there with me, as my father will not hear of me riding alone. Faelon does so many things, but he does them in silence, as a servant should. He wished to bring the silver stallion along too, and when father said I could not, the groom became hot under his collar. Father does not want me tearing around the countryside like a peasant, no matter how magnificent my horse may be. No, I must put off my childish things and become a proper lady. I may not filch Faelon's riding breeches and saddle a halfbroke colt anymore, it is not lady-like.
I wonder if Rinnalaiss has been forced to become a lady? She had such a boyish air about her when she was small. Elladan and Elrohir delighted in dressing her in their old clothes, with their tiny old bows and arrows. I turn my mind back the present circumstances. I would that my brother would stop acting like he doesn't care about me anymore. He won't speak to me, or even look at me. Faelon seems to know what I'm thinking, and pats my knee, giving me an encouraging look. I wish I could be as confident as he. There is much about his past that I question, and some of his acquaintances seem to be shadows in the night. His origin is a mystery too, he just showed up in Mirkwood when I was an infant, a mere boy at the time. I know not from whence his dark curls came, nor his odd green eyes, though he has the hearing and eyesight of an Elf. He apparantly attached himself to me at some time in my childhood, perhaps when my first pony ran away with me. I am glad that he had, he has been a true companion.
I can see the Ford of Rivendell in the distance, and I sigh, resigning myself to my fate. Faelon reins his horse close.
"Have no fear, my lady, your stallion will soon join you, and you will find that you have many friends." he whispers.
I see a twinkle in his deep green eyes and ask no questions. He has served me well in the past, why should I question him now?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A small dark haired Elf strained to see the horizon, trying to identify the approaching riders, standing on its tiptoes. It is dressed much like the twin sons of Elrond, who stand on either side.
"Roh, pick Rinn up and let her see who's coming." Elladan said.
Elrohir seized his little sister by her waist and hoisted her to his eyelevel so she could see.
"Look Rinn, it's your cousin Legolas and his sister Caladriel. Remember them?" Elrohir said.
Rinn sighed.
"I'm not a little Elfling anymore! I can ride and shoot and track almost as well as you two, and I'm almost as big, why do you treat me like a baby?!" she cried.
Elladan smirked, taking his sister from his twin.
"Because dear Rinny, you are a baby." he said, giving her a tight, loving hug. "A bit of a tomboy, but a baby nonetheless."
"Dan! I am not a baby! Put me down!" Rinn protested.
The twins looked out toward the approaching party again, their baby sister safe on the ground once again.
"Who cares about this stupid Caladriel anyway?" Rinn complained to herself. "All she is is a prissy she-Elf here to flirt with my brothers. I'll have to prevent that by any means. They can't leave me behind yet."
She looks out at the riders with a scornful expression. Her hair is done up in braids just like her twin brothers', and is shiny and dark, just like theirs. Her figure is trim, not yet very feminine, and she is on the threshold of her 'teenage' years. Her chief joy is going hunting with her brothers, and she emmulates them at almost all times. Her sister Arwen doesn't interest her, she is too much older, and much too beautiful for her to identify with. Elladan and Elrohir have always been there for her, picking her up and putting her back on her pony every time she fell off, holding and hugging her when she needs to be comforted, teaching her what they can. They have done the same for Estel, her onetime playmate, who has grown up so much faster.
She is determined to make Caladriel feel unwanted, and having been taught her jokes and pranks by her brothers, she feels she will have little difficulty.
Erestor, their father's advisor, joins them, putting a hand on Rinnalaiss' shoulder.
"Hello Rinn, how did your target shooting go today?" he wants to know.
She blushes.
"I almost shot Glorfindel again." she whispers. "I was too hasty with my shot."
"You really should be more careful, put one more arrow in Glorfindel and he may return the favor." Erestor advises. "He soon tires of Lord Elrond's constant companionship, he may want to obtain yours so you can understand why he hates archery practice with you."
Rinn locked the advice away in her mind.
Glofindel approaches, curious as to why there is a gathering at the ford. He sees Legolas and his expression brightens. Finally, an archer to replace him in Rinnalaiss' daily lessons. His keen eyes pick up the sad expression on Caladriel's face and the way her blonde locks cascade down her shoulders and over the sides of her horse. She has grown since he last saw her, in stature and beauty, and he is as proud as he imagines her father to be of her. He wonders why she looks so melancholy, why her brother beside her looks so stern. The groom is the only one who looks comfortable, his soft curls boucing as he rides at his lady's side, happy to be in her presence. Glorfindel remembers the groom, he is a likable fellow, easy to get along with and agreeable, and not too bad an archer, perhaps he will be able to get through to Rinnalaiss.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I see the welcoming commitee on the bank of the ford, so many familiar faces to greet me. Glorfindel, Erestor, the sons of Elrond, and a little Elf whom I do not know. Its face is that of a young girl, and yet it is clothed like the twins, and I know not whether it be male or female. It does not look happy to see me, but all the others are, and Glorfindel's broad, welcoming smile comforts me. I remember when I was little and he would tell me stories about his adventures, I love him like another father. Erestor too is smiling, and I am sure that I am as happy to see him. The twins are another story, I am hoping that this time my visit will not be marred by pranks, for myself or my brother. Why I am thinking of my brother's comfort when he has been rude and cold toward me our entire journey I do not know.
We cross the ford and ride into Rivendell, the Last Homely House, and I hope I will find it homely. Faelon dismounts and holds the bridle of my horse while Erestor helps me to dismount. These traveling dresses are not so good for traveling as the designer thought. Faelon is soon engaged in lively conversation with the advisors, leading both his mount and mine to the stables. I turn toward the flagstone steps to face the Lord of Rivendell. Elrond Halfelven sweeps down the steps to my brother and I.
"Ah! Legolas! Caladriel! You've come at last! I hope your journey was without incident." Elrond says cordially.
"No sir, we had no trouble at all. It was a very quick journey." I say.
"I come to seek your judgement in a matter concerning my sister and her groom." Legolas says flatly.
I look to him in surprise, what could he be speaking of? My groom is the model of diligence and servitude, he has never done anything improper. Elrond too looks stunned. He knows Faelon better than I do even.
"Legolas, what do you speak of? Faelon has not done anyone any harm." I say, unable to believe the unspoken charge he has laid against this innocent servant.
"We will speak of this later." says Elrond, with the authority he rightly possesses.
My brother and I follow him into the house, flanked by my brother's friend, Elrond's two or three sons, and my groom, who has no idea that he is in danger.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Caladriel has lived in the household of Elrond for a week and a half. Legolas has still not brought the charges against Faelon out into the open. Faelon himself, released for a time from his occupation by his lady, has gone hunting with Estel. Legolas still refuses to talk to his sister. Rinnalaiss has not given the weary she-Elf a moment's rest, and Caladriel is feeling cut off from her warm, cozy little world. Rinnalaiss doesn't remember a special tie with Caladriel that Caladriel is loath to bring up. Instead, it will be her brothers who do it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Faelon and Estel returned from their hunt, bringing with them four deer, three pheasants, and one peacock. The peacock was still alive, Faelon had snared it for his lady, knowing she would admire its bright plumage. He tucked the bird under his arm to take it to her, having helped Estel with the deer and fowl. Caladriel sat in the hall of fire, alone, and wishing she had not let Faelon go off, she had no friends without him anymore. Glorfindel and Erestor were both very busy, and neither had the time to talk to her or take her with them on a ride.
Elrond directed the groom to his lady, noting the brightly colored bird with a smile. Faelon knew what would amuse Caladriel, there was no debate about that. Elrond was sure that whatever charges Legolas had against this Elf, they were untrue.
Caladriel looked up when she heard Faelon approach, a smile spreading across her face as she saw his hunt had been successful. What a beautiful bird he had brought with him. He set it on the ground, directing it toward Caladriel with a gentle nudge. It strutted toward her, fanning its tail and showing off. It pleased Faelon to hear Caladriel laugh, and every hunt he went on he brought something back for her that she would enjoy.
"Such a beautiful creature, Faelon, thank you for bringing it!" Caladriel said.
"Ah, it is beautiful, yes, but not so beautiful as you, my lady. No peacock could outshine you." Faelon said, knowing this would make her laugh too.
"You don't mean that, you flattering servant. You just want me to let you go hunting again." Caladriel laughed.
"No, that's not true. You are beautiful. I *do* want you to let me take you out for your ride, Lord Elrond tells me you haven't had one for days, you could have asked Elladan or Elrohir." Faelon said, trying to hide the fact that he was glad she hadn't ridden with anyone else.
"I don't know Elladan or Elrohir very well, and I certainly wasn't going to ask my brother." she said. "You're the only riding companion I really trust."
Faelon's expression darkened, he was not happy to hear there was still a rift between Caladriel and Legolas. It was really hurting Caladriel, and he hated to see that. He wondered why her brother had been so uncaring lately. It wasn't good that she should have to find solace in the company of a servant. Looking at Caladriel's sad face he wished for the millionth time that he weren't a servant. He wished that he was her equal, and could freely take her on trips to places she wanted to see. She seemed so lonely all the time, and when he was in Rivendell on errands he borrowed books on faraway lands for Caladriel, so she could find solace in a world of her own imagining. Now she had access to Elrond's fine library herself, he would have to show her all the books she hadn't read.
"Faelon?" Caladriel's voice broke into his thoughts. "Why is it that everyone stays away from me? Arwen won't talk to me, Rinnalaiss is more of a terror than her brothers, and no one else has time for me. I would make time for them were they in my place."
"I cannot answer that for you, my lady. How about that ride? Perhaps things will seem clearer afterward." Faelon offered.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The tables were laid with the game Estel and Faelon had brought down. Dinner was going to be interesting, Rinn would see to that. She felt that she had Caladriel right where she wanted her, and intended to send her home sobbing. Caladriel entered the hall attended by her groom, who showed her to her seat and then went to help in the kitchen. Rinnalaiss crept along under the table, a jar of glue and a brush in her hand. She made her way to Caladriel's feet, and then proceeded to glue the hem of her dress to the floor. She then snuck out of the room and returned openly with her brothers and father. She sat between her brothers at the meal, and watched Caladriel closely, waiting for the she-Elf to stand and rend her dress. Legolas sat beside his sister, without acknowleging her presence. Caladriel looked at the daggers in her brother's belt. Hers had been taken, and she missed their smooth, perfect grips, wishing she could go back a few years to when she'd been allowed to carry weapons. But now that wasn't allowed, it wasn't lady-like.
Rinn could hardly contain her excitement. Her brothers noticed and realized she was up to something.
"What have you done now, you little sneak?" Elrohir asked.
"I glued her dress to the floor!" Rinn said, stifling a giggle.
"Rinnalaiss Turegwaithien! How could you do that to her? Don't you remember when you were little and she used to take you for rides on her pony?" Elladan said. "How could you do something so wicked?"
Rinn's heart skipped a beat. This subdued, unhappy she-Elf was her cousin Calad? Why hadn't she realized that?! She suddenly recognized the golden locks and the gray eyes. Eyes that now held no mirth, only sadness and rejection. Rinn's heart rose in her throat as she remembered those rides in the meadows with her cousin. She had wronged a person who had never done anything malicious to her, and she knew it.
Caladriel quietly excused herself and went to stand, only to hear her dress tear. She seized one of her brother's daggers, bent down, and sliced the torn portion off. When she straightened her eyes were wild with tears of rage.
"I don't know what you all have against me, but I have had enough! I am sick of your coldness, Legolas, I am sick of everyone avoiding me, and I am sick of having to go to my groom to find someone who has the time to talk to me and be kind to me! I am sick of these pranks, and I am sick of all the secrecy surrounding poor Faelon! He has done nothing wrong, and you have no evidence to prove otherwise, brother dear!" Caladriel thundered.
With that, she slammed the keen Elven dagger into the table, putting it through the table by three inches, and left the room. The dagger had nearly hit Rinnalaiss, who had been crawling under the table to set her cousin free. It had been so close that the younger Elf passed out, having found herself nose to blade with the knife. Legolas was now trying to extract the blade from Lord Elrond's table, dreadfully embarassed.
"So sorry my lord, won't happen again." Legolas muttered.
Elrond seemed unpreturbed.
"Legolas, what is it you have against that poor groom anyway?" he asked.
"I have seen him sneaking in and out of her chambers at night, my lord." Legolas said. "I cannot help but question his reasons for being there."
"Well you could always have asked me." Faelon said, entering the room. "I could have told you."
"Yes, but I don't know that you would tell me the truth." Legolas accused.
Faelon sighed. He turned to Lord Elrond.
"My lord, I was not doing anything wrong. My mistress has many pets, and some are nocturnal animals. They wake in the night, and rather than let them wake my lady, I take them outside or to another room, and bring them back in the morning before she wakes." he said. "Sometimes I stay there in her bedchamber for hours on end, which my lord Legolas is probably refering to, because I am always uneasy about her. She hasn't been herself since her weapons and hunting horse were taken away. I was hoping you would notice and you could help her, because I am afraid to wake up and find her gone, King Thranduil would have me executed."
"I have noticed." Lord Elrond said quietly. "She has been quite lost without you, and much more depressed while you were absent."
Elrond leveled a sharp gaze at Legolas, who shrank back and put his dagger back in his belt. Faelon's innocence was obvious, the prince must have another reason for wanting to bring trouble down on the other Elf's head.
"Well, I must excuse myself. It seems that my daughter has been up to no good once more, and I must discipline her." Elrond said, gravely rising and going to his shame faced youngest child.
Rinnalaiss looked like she knew she was in deep trouble. If her father let her see her cousin again on this visit it would be nothing short of a miracle. Faelon excused himself as well, looking as though a descision had been made for him and he had orders to carry out. Legolas wondered what the groom was doing now, and followed him. The groom swung aboard his nervous horse with no bridle or saddle whatsoever, and clattered out of the courtyard. Twenty minutes later, Legolas' friend Tuveren rode into the courtyard.
"My lord, your sister's prize horse has been stolen!" Tuveren said, leaping from the back of his lathered mount.
Legolas looked surprised.
"That unruly silver colt? Why would anyone want to steal something so useless? That colt is unridable." Legolas thought aloud.
"Begging your pardon, my lord, but your sister had no trouble riding it whatsoever, nor did her groom." Trelan said, leading his winded horse in circles to cool it out.
Legolas was suddenly suspiscious. Why was the groom riding out at this hour anyway? With nothing on his horse? Legolas decided to wait in the courtyard for the groom's return. Hours passed, the sky darkened, and still Faelon did not return. Legolas decided that the servant was not going to return tonight, and went into the house to go to bed.
Seeing the blond Elf desert his post, Faelon walked into the courtyard, leading two horses, his bay and a stallion that shone silver in the moonlight. He had muffled their hooves with rags and sacks made of deerskin. He tied them in the stables, then took a small bundle down from the back of the silver horse. No one was on watch, so the groom went up to the house, quickly making his way to Caladriel's bedchamber. As he thought, she was not asleep, but sat gazing into a merry little fire. He entered quietly, taking her by surprise.
"Shh, fret not Calad. Don't cry out and wake the household." he said, when she looked up in shock. "I brought your stallion, and if you would, please put these clothes on."
"With you here? I shall not! What makes you think you can just walk into my room and order me around?!" Caladriel whispered feircely.
"I know your stay here has not been to your liking and I know you are sick of trying to be something that you are not." Faelon said gently. "I have taken the liberty of planning a little trip for you, my lady, which I believe you will like better. If you put those on we can go. I will meet you in the courtyard."
With that the groom bowed and left the room.