Gandalf watched, slightly surprised at the tenderness and care that Aradan
was taking, as he tore some cloth from the inside of his cloak, and wrapped
it around his horse's leg. They had left Calaen's stronghold just the day
before, and the hard pace was starting to take its toll on the two animals.
Without rest, it was four days to Mirkwood, but with only brief stops – as
they were taking now – the journey could be made in two days.
"They will have to rest for a few hours at least," said Aradan, stepping back to stand beside Gandalf. "They will be able to ride to Mirkwood after they are refreshed, and might I suggest that you take some rest yourself?"
"There is something about you," observed Gandalf, ignoring the question. "Something different. You are not like Calaen and the rest of his soldiers."
Aradan bit his lip, and sat down at the base of a tree. "Just because I work for Calaen, it does not mean that I have to agree with his ideas, and follow his way of thinking."
"So why stay with him? Why do things that you do not want to do?" asked Gandalf, taking out his pipe, and sitting on a cluster of rocks opposite Aradan.
"I have no choice," replied the Elf sharply. "I have been with Calaen ever since I was born, and I was taught to fight, taught to hate. Fighting comes easily, but hatred is something different for me. You see, it is a very strong feeling, like jealousy. It can be the downfall of its bearer."
"That is true," said Gandalf. "How is it that you have been with Calaen for so long? Was your father one of his soldiers?"
Aradan looked out across the horizon, and slowly shook his head. "You would not believe me if I told you."
"Try me," pressed Gandalf, though he thought he knew what was coming.
"Calaen was blinded for two years after the incident in Mirkwood," sighed Aradan. "After he was healed, he travelled with Berian literally all across Middle Earth, along with a few other Elves who had been manipulated, and turned traitor. They had nothing, and from the tales I have heard, would've slept outside the gates of Mordor if they had to, so great was their exhaustion. Anyway, one day they turned up in Siriel, and were immediately taken in by the kindly townspeople, who of course knew nothing of who they were. Calaen gave himself a temporary new name, became very popular, and it was not long before he gained trust over most. Those who were suspicious of him...were got rid of."
"He killed them?" asked Gandalf sharply.
"Of course not: Calaen could not risk being found out, so he ordered Berian and the others to do it," laughed Aradan. "Do you remember Tolvanir and Garilion? Well, they went and paid 'friendly visits' to all the Elven Realms, and rallied together as many as possible. Like the people of Siriel, any Elves who had been told of the plans but refused to help Calaen, were killed."
"I remember Thranduil, Elrond and Celeborn discussing the disappearance of many of their people," said Gandalf distantly. "They decided to take no action, for it was thought that maybe the Elves had gone across the sea without saying anything about it. It sounded ridiculous then, and it sounds even more so now."
Aradan nodded, and began playing absent-mindedly with a blade of grass. "I suppose that Siriel is quite a small Elven settlement, compared to most. But it is not well known, and there were caves built underground, long before Calaen had even stumbled upon the place. He realised then, that they would be perfect for him to hide in, and build up his army. So, with the help of the townspeople, and of numerous Dwarves, - who were also unaware of the plans – he began to work in the caves. It took many years of hard toil, but the end result made it all worthwhile."
"I saw that Siriel is indeed quite small as we left, but those can definitely not be," said Gandalf.
"No, their centre is directly underneath Siriel, but they go deep into the surrounding forests," replied Aradan. "Anyway, there was a large feast on the night the caves were finished. There was much wine, dancing and laughter. It was there that Calaen struck up conversation with an Elf- Maiden, Varenel. He had seen her around, but never had they spoken. She was the same age as him, golden haired, with eyes of cornflower blue. He has often said how she reminded him of his mother."
Gandalf nodded sadly; Varenel did indeed sound a lot like Findilan of Mirkwood. Puffing away at his pipe, the Wizard noted how a distant look had come into Aradan's eyes, and when he next spoke, his voice was slightly choked.
"They started seeing more of each other, and their friendship developed into a lot more. A year passed, and they had a child," said the Elf.
"You," said Gandalf quietly.
"Hmm. I trust you speak Elvish? Have you not thought about what my name means?" asked Aradan. "I could not reveal who I am, back in Calaen's caves, but I had hoped that you, Legolas or the Ranger would guess."
"Yes, I did think about the translation of your name, but it never really clicked until now," replied Gandalf. "It makes a lot of sense. So, did Calaen treat you well?"
Aradan shifted positions slightly, drawing one knee up to his chest. "When Varenel was alive, the days I spent with them were the happiest of my life. Calaen would play with me, laugh with me, and I was so happy. But when I was an Elfling, Varenel went out riding. She never returned. Orcs killed her, ruthlessly and viciously. Many of the Elves from the town abandoned their duties, and went to join Calaen, leaving the women and children vulnerable. So, a group of them went to the nearest Elven refuge: Rivendell. Calaen thought they were going to speak of his plans, but all they did was ask if Lord Elrond would occasionally send out patrols to scout the area. The Elves of Rivendell were surprised, for Siriel had never needed protection before; that was left to its inhabitants. But of course, most of them had moved down into the caves with Calaen, becoming so wrapped up in their greed, they forgot about their families."
"You said that Siriel is an Elven town, yet when we left, I saw humans there also," said Gandalf.
"Yes, it started off with just Elves, but so desperate have the women got, that anyone who passes through, immortal or mortal, they ask to stay," said Aradan. "Many of the newcomers do not know of the horrors that go on in the caves; they think that it is just a pleasant town."
"But those who do know, why do they not speak out?" asked Gandalf.
"They are scared of what Calaen will do," said Aradan shortly.
Gandalf shook his head, and clicked his tongue sympathetically. "What was Calaen like after your mother died?"
"He became ill-tempered, and I would spend my days with him, wanting love, but not receiving any. He used to teach me stories, and make me recite them," said Aradan. "They were all of Thranduil and Legolas, who were always portrayed as the villains. Calaen thought he had managed to turn me against them, but he was wrong. I used to dream of escaping, and finding them. So, when I first heard the Legolas had been captured, I felt my world fall. I knew he would never accept me if he knew I was working for Calaen."
"Many would not believe your story, but I do. I can see in your eyes that you have spoken nothing but the truth," said Gandalf. He paused for a moment to puff on his pipe. "When we get to Mirkwood, will you tell Thranduil?"
"No!" said Aradan swiftly. "Why should I?"
"We both know the answer to that," replied Gandalf. "Then, I suppose he will have too much to cope with anyway. But after Legolas and the others are free, will you reveal your true identity?"
Aradan sighed, and looked down at the ground. "I see no real point in doing something like that. No, I will stay with Calaen, and continue to work for him. That is clearly the path that has been lain out for me, so who am I to change it?"
"I thought that all you had ever dreamed of was to have a family who cares. You will not get that by staying with Calaen," said Gandalf gently. "You know this as well as I do, so why-?
"He is my father," cut in Aradan.
"You want love, because the last time you received that, was when your mother was alive. You would have a good chance of that with Legolas and Thranduil, rather than Calaen," said Gandalf. "Now, if you will excuse me, I am going to take some rest. I suggest you do some serious thinking, Aradan, about what you want. I cannot decide for you, but I can give you one bit of advice: follow your heart."
............................................................................................................
Hee hee, some of you have guessed correctly about the whole Merry thing, but I won't say anything about that. You'll have to wait a bit longer to find out! How evil. Anyway, next chapter will up on Monday. Luv Misto x-x PS: Sorry I can't answer any reviews, but ff.net won't let me see them for some annoying reason.
"They will have to rest for a few hours at least," said Aradan, stepping back to stand beside Gandalf. "They will be able to ride to Mirkwood after they are refreshed, and might I suggest that you take some rest yourself?"
"There is something about you," observed Gandalf, ignoring the question. "Something different. You are not like Calaen and the rest of his soldiers."
Aradan bit his lip, and sat down at the base of a tree. "Just because I work for Calaen, it does not mean that I have to agree with his ideas, and follow his way of thinking."
"So why stay with him? Why do things that you do not want to do?" asked Gandalf, taking out his pipe, and sitting on a cluster of rocks opposite Aradan.
"I have no choice," replied the Elf sharply. "I have been with Calaen ever since I was born, and I was taught to fight, taught to hate. Fighting comes easily, but hatred is something different for me. You see, it is a very strong feeling, like jealousy. It can be the downfall of its bearer."
"That is true," said Gandalf. "How is it that you have been with Calaen for so long? Was your father one of his soldiers?"
Aradan looked out across the horizon, and slowly shook his head. "You would not believe me if I told you."
"Try me," pressed Gandalf, though he thought he knew what was coming.
"Calaen was blinded for two years after the incident in Mirkwood," sighed Aradan. "After he was healed, he travelled with Berian literally all across Middle Earth, along with a few other Elves who had been manipulated, and turned traitor. They had nothing, and from the tales I have heard, would've slept outside the gates of Mordor if they had to, so great was their exhaustion. Anyway, one day they turned up in Siriel, and were immediately taken in by the kindly townspeople, who of course knew nothing of who they were. Calaen gave himself a temporary new name, became very popular, and it was not long before he gained trust over most. Those who were suspicious of him...were got rid of."
"He killed them?" asked Gandalf sharply.
"Of course not: Calaen could not risk being found out, so he ordered Berian and the others to do it," laughed Aradan. "Do you remember Tolvanir and Garilion? Well, they went and paid 'friendly visits' to all the Elven Realms, and rallied together as many as possible. Like the people of Siriel, any Elves who had been told of the plans but refused to help Calaen, were killed."
"I remember Thranduil, Elrond and Celeborn discussing the disappearance of many of their people," said Gandalf distantly. "They decided to take no action, for it was thought that maybe the Elves had gone across the sea without saying anything about it. It sounded ridiculous then, and it sounds even more so now."
Aradan nodded, and began playing absent-mindedly with a blade of grass. "I suppose that Siriel is quite a small Elven settlement, compared to most. But it is not well known, and there were caves built underground, long before Calaen had even stumbled upon the place. He realised then, that they would be perfect for him to hide in, and build up his army. So, with the help of the townspeople, and of numerous Dwarves, - who were also unaware of the plans – he began to work in the caves. It took many years of hard toil, but the end result made it all worthwhile."
"I saw that Siriel is indeed quite small as we left, but those can definitely not be," said Gandalf.
"No, their centre is directly underneath Siriel, but they go deep into the surrounding forests," replied Aradan. "Anyway, there was a large feast on the night the caves were finished. There was much wine, dancing and laughter. It was there that Calaen struck up conversation with an Elf- Maiden, Varenel. He had seen her around, but never had they spoken. She was the same age as him, golden haired, with eyes of cornflower blue. He has often said how she reminded him of his mother."
Gandalf nodded sadly; Varenel did indeed sound a lot like Findilan of Mirkwood. Puffing away at his pipe, the Wizard noted how a distant look had come into Aradan's eyes, and when he next spoke, his voice was slightly choked.
"They started seeing more of each other, and their friendship developed into a lot more. A year passed, and they had a child," said the Elf.
"You," said Gandalf quietly.
"Hmm. I trust you speak Elvish? Have you not thought about what my name means?" asked Aradan. "I could not reveal who I am, back in Calaen's caves, but I had hoped that you, Legolas or the Ranger would guess."
"Yes, I did think about the translation of your name, but it never really clicked until now," replied Gandalf. "It makes a lot of sense. So, did Calaen treat you well?"
Aradan shifted positions slightly, drawing one knee up to his chest. "When Varenel was alive, the days I spent with them were the happiest of my life. Calaen would play with me, laugh with me, and I was so happy. But when I was an Elfling, Varenel went out riding. She never returned. Orcs killed her, ruthlessly and viciously. Many of the Elves from the town abandoned their duties, and went to join Calaen, leaving the women and children vulnerable. So, a group of them went to the nearest Elven refuge: Rivendell. Calaen thought they were going to speak of his plans, but all they did was ask if Lord Elrond would occasionally send out patrols to scout the area. The Elves of Rivendell were surprised, for Siriel had never needed protection before; that was left to its inhabitants. But of course, most of them had moved down into the caves with Calaen, becoming so wrapped up in their greed, they forgot about their families."
"You said that Siriel is an Elven town, yet when we left, I saw humans there also," said Gandalf.
"Yes, it started off with just Elves, but so desperate have the women got, that anyone who passes through, immortal or mortal, they ask to stay," said Aradan. "Many of the newcomers do not know of the horrors that go on in the caves; they think that it is just a pleasant town."
"But those who do know, why do they not speak out?" asked Gandalf.
"They are scared of what Calaen will do," said Aradan shortly.
Gandalf shook his head, and clicked his tongue sympathetically. "What was Calaen like after your mother died?"
"He became ill-tempered, and I would spend my days with him, wanting love, but not receiving any. He used to teach me stories, and make me recite them," said Aradan. "They were all of Thranduil and Legolas, who were always portrayed as the villains. Calaen thought he had managed to turn me against them, but he was wrong. I used to dream of escaping, and finding them. So, when I first heard the Legolas had been captured, I felt my world fall. I knew he would never accept me if he knew I was working for Calaen."
"Many would not believe your story, but I do. I can see in your eyes that you have spoken nothing but the truth," said Gandalf. He paused for a moment to puff on his pipe. "When we get to Mirkwood, will you tell Thranduil?"
"No!" said Aradan swiftly. "Why should I?"
"We both know the answer to that," replied Gandalf. "Then, I suppose he will have too much to cope with anyway. But after Legolas and the others are free, will you reveal your true identity?"
Aradan sighed, and looked down at the ground. "I see no real point in doing something like that. No, I will stay with Calaen, and continue to work for him. That is clearly the path that has been lain out for me, so who am I to change it?"
"I thought that all you had ever dreamed of was to have a family who cares. You will not get that by staying with Calaen," said Gandalf gently. "You know this as well as I do, so why-?
"He is my father," cut in Aradan.
"You want love, because the last time you received that, was when your mother was alive. You would have a good chance of that with Legolas and Thranduil, rather than Calaen," said Gandalf. "Now, if you will excuse me, I am going to take some rest. I suggest you do some serious thinking, Aradan, about what you want. I cannot decide for you, but I can give you one bit of advice: follow your heart."
............................................................................................................
Hee hee, some of you have guessed correctly about the whole Merry thing, but I won't say anything about that. You'll have to wait a bit longer to find out! How evil. Anyway, next chapter will up on Monday. Luv Misto x-x PS: Sorry I can't answer any reviews, but ff.net won't let me see them for some annoying reason.