It was late in the evening, and there had been no sign of Calaen. Alondir
and Celorfyn, the guards who had been knocked unconscious, had since
awoken, and had reported everything to Lord Elrond. The whole of Rivendell
was still in the process of being searched, but only by experienced
soldiers. Everyone else had been ordered to stay inside.
It was with a heavy heart that Legolas walked through the corridors, his eyes a maelstrom of emotions: anger, confusion, wonder. He had decided to try and accept Aradan, but in the chaos, had not been able to mention that fact. Nor had he been able to find Airëlus, Aragorn, or the twins, to apologize to them.
The Prince paused outside his brother's room. He wanted to go in and see him, to try and patch things up and also just to talk about things in general. He hadn't meant to snap at the older Elf earlier that day, but all of his feelings had mixed together, and had created anger. He sighed, and quietly pushed open the door.
Airëlus was lying on the bed, still fully clothed, though he was facing the opposite wall, so Legolas could not see if he was awake. His shoulders rose and fell slowly, but as to whether he was asleep or just breathing easily, that also remained un-known. The golden haired Elf sighed once more, and turned to leave. However, he paused when he heard his name.
"Legolas, is everything alright?" asked Airëlus, sitting up and looking over at his brother.
The Prince turned around, and smiled vaguely. "Sorry, did I wake you?"
"No, I could not get to sleep. I was merely trying to catch some rest, though my thoughts prevented me from doing so," replied Airëlus. "And why were you wandering the corridors at this time of night?"
Legolas shrugged, and walked forwards to sit on the edge of the bed. "Like you, I could not find any peace in sleep. Knowing that he is out there somewhere, and knowing that he managed to fool those seven guards into believing he was truly ill, has made me...I don't know. It has made me realise exactly how dangerous he is."
"Yes, because you didn't know that before," said Airëlus dryly.
"Of course I knew, but I have just been thinking about him, and all that he has done," replied Legolas. "No-one with any sanity could ever re-enact one of his deeds."
Airëlus nodded slowly, his eyes narrowed. "Hmm, that is true. But let us not talk about him, especially when it is dark. Why did you come in here, Legolas?"
"Well, I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry for what happened earlier," replied the Prince. "You were right: I should not have reacted in the way I did upon finding out that Aradan is Calaen's son."
"Those were not my actual words," muttered Airëlus.
"But the implication was still there. I was angry with you, and you were angry with me. The only difference is that you had every right to feel like that, and I did not," said Legolas.
"No, do not place the blame on yourself," said Airëlus. "We were both responsible for the argument. I, for speaking in such a way; and you for taking my words to heart. Let us now forget that anything like that happened."
"Alright," Legolas agreed, inclining his head.
Airëlus smiled, and reached out to touch a hand to his brother's shoulder. "Good. Now, what else did you come in here for? I'm sure it was not just to apologize."
"Like I said, I found no peace in sleep, so I decided to take a walk, and see if I could clear my head," replied Legolas. "I did not intentionally come here. I looked up and realised that I was outside your door."
"You found no peace in sleep?" asked Airëlus, arching an eyebrow. "So...you did sleep, then?"
"For a time," muttered Legolas, ending the sentence in a deep sigh. "There were images in my head. In a dream, I saw the past. I dreamed of things I have not dreamed of for a long time."
"When Calaen was living with us," said Airëlus quietly.
Legolas nodded, and lowered his eyes down to the ground. "Maybe it is....stupid, but I woke up, and I was actually afraid. For a fleeting moment, I was afraid of what he is going to do. He will do something. If not tonight, then in the next few days. I know this, Airëlus."
"No, he may try to do something, but will not succeed in whatever it is," replied the healer. "Did you not try and get back to sleep?"
"No, I did not want to," sighed Legolas. "I occasionally felt threatened by darkness, but I got up and did something to block it out. If I sleep, I will see him again."
"Ai Elbereth, that was not a good thing to do. I understand that you do not wish to see Calaen in your dreams, but you still need sleep. I am not going to do anything else to heal you, but if you do not help yourself, then you may well need aid from me," said Airëlus. "I'm sorry, Legolas, but you need to sleep."
"No, I am fine," said the Prince.
Airëlus arched an eyebrow, and shook his head slowly. "No, you are from it. I am a healer, and believe me when I say that I know what I talk about. You are still weak, even though you deny it. I would not say this if it were not true. Look, do you want to remain part of the Fellowship?"
"Of course," said Legolas.
"Well, I suggest you sleep so that strength returns to your body. Dreams of Calaen may haunt you, but there is nothing you can do about that," said Airëlus gently. "It is the scars that people don't see which take the longest to heal."
Legolas nodded resentfully, though his eyes were somewhat cold. "You speak truly, though they should have healed a long time back."
"There was not one person who expected them to," said Airëlus. "If I am honest with you, although they will get better eventually, there will always be a trace of pain, deep down. Whenever someone mentions Calaen, you will remember. Whenever you see an Elf who vaguely resembles him, you will feel a flash of fear. It is natural, Legolas."
"I suppose so," sighed the Prince. "Alright, I will try and sleep."
Airëlus caught his brother's tunic as he made to get up and leave. "Where are you going?"
"To my room," replied Legolas. "I may well have been imagining everything that was just said, but I could swear by the Valar that you went on at me to try and get some sleep."
"No, you did not imagine it," laughed Airëlus. "Stay in here, for I have work to do. I will also be able to make sure that you actually do sleep, and don't try and prevent yourself from being taken by it."
"I am not a child," said Legolas, narrowing his eyes slightly.
"Ah, but I am a healer and you are my patient. I know better than you," smirked Airëlus, jumping off the bed and going over to his desk. "Please, feel free to use my bed."
Legolas shook his head slightly, though he did what his brother had told him. He kicked off his boots and took out a knife from his belt. Airëlus glanced at it in interest, then looked over at the younger Elf, who was lying on top of the bed covers, hands folded behind his head.
"A knife in Rivendell?" he asked.
"Hmm, I was merely being safe," muttered Legolas.
Airëlus made a soft noise of understanding, then proceeded to light a candle. The flame flickered wildly, casting shadows all around the room. The healer sighed deeply, and rested his head in his hands, wondering what was going to take place tonight with Calaen. Of course the dark haired Elf would try something, there was no doubting it.
"I thought you had work to do," Legolas said.
"And I thought you were going to sleep," replied Airëlus, not turning around.
"Yes, I will do in a minute. Do you actually have work to do? Because if not, and you only said that, then you can have your bed back and I will go to my own room. I really do not mind," said Legolas.
"I have important work, and I am going to do it now, so please stop talking," Airëlus lied, taking out a quill from one of the drawers. He began drawing on a piece of parchment, hoping this would satisfy Legolas. It did.
"Alright, if you say so," murmured the Prince.
Airëlus shook his head slightly, and stared at the wall in front of him, letting the quill in his fingers go wherever it wished to. He willingly had no control over it, and he wondered vaguely what was being drawn on the parchment. He always used to do that when he was younger, with Legolas and Calaen. They would blindfold him, and he would draw whatever they asked him to.
The healer smiled at the memory. What had gone wrong? Of course he knew what had gone wrong. Maybe the question would have been better asked if 'what' had been replaced with 'why?' Calaen had been a happy child, always laughing and having fun. The change into a bad tempered and cruel Elf had not been swift, that much was obvious. But still, why or how it had come about, was unknown.
'You destroyed everything,' Airëlus thought sadly. 'Life could have been so much better, if not for you. Why did you have to do what you did? Why did you hate Legolas so much? He did nothing to you.'
Sighing once more, Airëlus continued to draw, the quill racing over the parchment, creating a scratchy sound. He was dimly aware of the fact that a person was being formed beneath his fingers, and he had a horrible idea of who it was. But he carried on, regardless.
The eyes of the usually calm healer flashed furiously, his breathing becoming heavy as old memories were stirred: finding Legolas upon their return from Rivendell all those years back, being a witness to the breaking of Legolas' heart, and dying in his younger brother's arms.
Airëlus suddenly stayed his hand, and he glanced down at the parchment. As he had imagined, Calaen was staring up at him, a cruel smile on his lips. His eyes said clearly: 'You can never win. I will always be here, haunting all of you."
"No, revenge will be ours," hissed Airëlus. He looked at the drawing for a brief moment, before grabbing it, and ripping it to shreds.
.............................................................................................................
King Thranduil, like his sons, was also unable to sleep, and he sat his desk, staring at the opposite wall. A single candle sat in front of him, and he absent-mindedly pulled his fingers back and forth through the flame, ignoring the heat.
"Ai!" he hissed, as he held his hand still for a few seconds too long. He glared at the candle through narrowed eyes, before throwing his chair back, and going over to the door. He threw it open, and walked the short distance down the corridor to Legolas' room.
The King of Mirkwood gently pushed open the door, and slipped inside. He glanced at the bed, and cursed when he saw that it was empty, unslept in. Legolas' knife, which had previously rested on the bedside table, was also gone. Maybe it was just paranoia, but Thranduil felt a rush of fear for his son.
"Damn it, are you entirely incapable of staying in one place without moving?" he muttered, though underneath the irritated tone was great concern.
Upon leaving the room, he hissed in frustration. Legolas was a grown Elf, responsible and perfectly able to protect himself against all...nearly all things, the King corrected himself grimly. Yet still Thranduil always felt the need to protect him, and make sure that he was not in danger.
'Maybe I should stop doing that; maybe I should stop looking out for him; maybe it is time to let him go,' thought Thranduil, as he turned down the corridor to Airëlus' room. 'But can I? Maybe he would only get into more trouble without me.'
The King's thoughts were momentarily stopped as he realised that he was outside his eldest son's room. The healer would no doubt be able to help with his thoughts, even if he could not help with Legolas' whereabouts. Thranduil sighed, and pushed open the door.
"Airëlus, Legolas is..." The King arched an eyebrow as he glanced across at the bed. "Asleep in here. Fair enough."
"You could not sleep either?" asked Airëlus, putting down his quill.
Thranduil shook his head, and softly closed the door. "Hmm, nor could you, I take it. I am surprised though, that Legolas found it easy to do so."
"Ah, but he didn't. He slept for a while, dreamed of Calaen, woke up, and then forced himself to remain awake," sighed Airëlus. "When he told me all of this, I as good as ordered him to take rest in here."
"Good, I am glad he listened to you," said Thranduil, standing by the bed and looking down at his youngest son's pale face. "Airëlus, his eyes remain shut. Does this not worry you?"
"No, give him a while yet," replied the healer calmly.
Thranduil let his gaze linger on Legolas for a moment, before turning and going to stand behind Airëlus. He glanced down at the shredded parchment on the floor, though the sound of his eldest son sighing swiftly drew his attention. Airëlus was holding his head in his hands, staring down at the desk.
"You hide your emotions behind an impassive mask," said the King softly. "You put on a strong front for Legolas and I, because you think we have enough troubles as it is. Yet you also have troubles, ion-nin."
"I am here to protect you and Legolas, so I cannot let myself get affected by the problems which I am supposed to be helping you two deal with," muttered Airëlus.
Thranduil's eyes flashed in sadness as he rested a hand on his son's shoulder. "No, you are here so that all three of us can help each other. Please do not think like that. Were you planning on keeping all of this secret?"
"Yes, because-
"I know," said Thranduil gently. "Will you not talk to me? Will you not share your problems?"
Airëlus looked up, and his face was troubled. "Ada, Legolas spoke to me of this dream that he had. Or rather, he mentioned it briefly; he did not go into detail. Yet it has had me thinking about Calaen, and I am worried. No, I am more than worried, as is Legolas."
"Why?" asked Thranduil quietly, though he knew what was coming, for it had also been on his mind.
"Legolas said that Calaen will try and do something, and I told him that would not happen. But now, I am not so sure," said Airëlus, shaking his head slightly. "Ever since I came back, I have somehow known what the outcome of anything would be, and that is why I remained impassive and calm all the time, because I knew more than nearly everyone else."
"But now?" asked Thranduil.
Airëlus shook his head, and made a helpless gesture with his hand. "Now, I do not know. Or at least, I know that something will happen, I just do not know what. That is what worries me."
"I will not lie to you," said Thranduil softly. "Yes, Calaen is going to do something. We cannot except him to just be content with escaping, for that is not what he is like. Sadly, we can do nothing but wait."
"Ada, we cannot do that," hissed Airëlus.
"There are still patrols searching for him. They are scouring the whole of Rivendell, and some have even gone beyond the borders," said Thranduil gently. "Elrond told me that those who Calaen will wish to harm are Legolas, Aradan, you, and me. I hate sitting here and doing nothing as much as you do, but I am not going to put any of our lives in jeopardy."
"Alright, maybe you make a valid point, but...." Airëlus trailed off, and sighed deeply. "We cannot let him win. Ada, I know that some are against doing this, but if....when we find him, he must die."
"Is that what you think?" asked Thranduil.
Airëlus sighed once more, but nodded slowly. "Yes, because if he still lives, then he will not stop haunting us. You know this as well as I do. Calaen is going to have to die."
Thranduil locked eyes with his son for a brief moment, before glancing down at the desk. Pieces of parchment lay there, all covered in drawings of people that the King knew only too well. He sighed, and picked them up.
"They are merely something I did to take my mind of things," said Airëlus quietly.
"Hmm, so I see," replied Thranduil, smiling vaguely as he leafed through the pieces of parchment. They were all there: himself, Legolas, Airëlus. There was one missing though, and the King glanced down at the floor once more, realisation in his eyes.
"I drew Calaen, but ripped him up in a moment of anger," said Airëlus. "I don't know what came over me, but I suddenly felt a fury that I have not felt in a long time. I wanted to hurt him for what he has done, and of course, that drawing was the closest thing I had to him."
Thranduil nodded slowly, and passed the pieces of parchment back to his son. "I see that your talent has not disappeared in the time you were away from us."
"What? Oh, that is no great talent. They are merely....scribblings which help release my thoughts," said Airëlus.
"Well, they are very good 'scribblings' if that is what you wish to call them," said Thranduil, smiling as he gently smoothed a hand through the younger Elf's hair.
Airëlus made a noise of amusement, but the sound of Legolas moving slightly, alerted both of their attention. They turned around to see that he was tossing and turning on top of the bed, his hands firmly clenched around the coverlet. In the candlelight, they could see that he was shaking his head, as though trying to rid himself of some hideous image that was in his head.
"Do not wake him," hissed Airëlus, as Thranduil went to the edge of the bed.
"Why? He is clearly having a disturbing dream. Should we not-?"
"No, let him come out of it in his own time," replied the healer. "I do not know what it is he sees, but I'll guess it is Calaen again. Let us wait, and we will see if he is strong enough to defeat the demons of his mind."
Thranduil looked doubtful for a moment, though he nodded slowly. "Alright, I see the reasoning behind that."
"Do not watch, if you cannot bear to see him go through this," Airëlus said gently.
"No, I am fine," muttered Thranduil, sitting at the side of the bed. He pulled the chair close, and rested his head in his hands.
Airëlus slowly began picking up the shredded pieces of parchment from the floor, keeping his gaze lowered. He was not doing this because he particularly wanted to, but because he himself did not wish to see the emotional turmoil that his brother was going through.
............................................................................................................
Legolas watched as a small Elfling played with two older Elves. They were all laughing, and a dark haired Elf was swinging the Elfling around in the air, his green eyes dancing with happiness. The Prince realised with a jolt that he was watching himself, Calaen, and Airëlus, many, many years back.
"We were happy then," said a soft voice from somewhere in the trees. "We were so happy, and you want that back, don't you?"
Legolas spun around, and he started, as he realised who had just spoken. "Calaen, what are you doing here?"
"I have come for you," replied the dark haired Elf, whilst the happy family carried on playing in the background, entirely oblivious to the fact that their future selves were standing in the same clearing as them.
"What do you mean by that?" asked Legolas sharply.
Calaen smiled, and pulled a knife from his belt. "Well, I said that I had come for you, but it would've been more appropriate if I had said 'I have come for your blood.' Let us fight, brother. Only one will emerge victorious."
"I do not wish to fight you," said Legolas quietly.
"Because you are afraid, weaponless, and unable to defend yourself. It does not look very hopeful for you, does it?" laughed Calaen. "However, I will let you have a knife. That way, the fight will be fair."
Legolas watched as a blade appeared beside his brother. "No, you have something else planned. If I should go for the knife, you will attack me. You always have ways of getting what you want."
"It is not because you do not wish to go for the knife that we are not fighting now," smirked Calaen. "It is because of your cowardice. You are afraid, Legolas. But you should know that if you do not fight me, I will continue to follow Airëlus and your father. They will die eventually."
"I have heard all of this before," said Legolas slowly. "No, I am not afraid of you, Calaen. I pity you. I pity you because all you have left are empty threats. Your time is ending, accept that."
Legolas narrowed his eyes and turned away, whilst Calaen growled low in his throat. Suddenly, the whistling of a knife sounded, and the Prince turned around just in time to see a blade coming towards him. He ducked, and caught it by the handle, only to spin it, and throw it back at Calaen.
The dark haired Elf's eyes widened in shock, and he looked down to see the knife protruding from his chest. He glanced up at Legolas then, who was smiling triumphantly, and just behind him, where the children had been playing, there were only two left. A golden haired Elfling, and a fair haired Elf.
"You see, I was not afraid," whispered Legolas.
............................................................................................................
"I really think we should wake him," said Thranduil, as his youngest son tossed his head to the side once more. "Airëlus, would you just look at him? He is...Valar!"
Legolas had suddenly snapped open his eyes and lunged forwards. As he moved, he reached out and grabbed the knife which he had put on the bedside table, and he threw it across the room. Airëlus cursed and ducked to the ground, whilst the blade embedded itself in the wall, just next to where he had been standing.
"What in all of...?" Thranduil trailed off, and backed away slowly from the bed. "Airëlus, are you alright?"
"Fine," replied the healer, watching as his brother looked around the room, his eyes flashing in confusion.
"What happened?" asked Legolas quietly, pushing some of his hair off his face.
Thranduil moved forwards again, and touched a hand to the Prince's shoulder. "You...you had a dream, ion-nin. When you woke up, you grabbed the knife and...well, you can see what happened."
"I did that?" asked Legolas in surprise.
"Ye-es," replied Thranduil. "Exactly what was it you dreamed of?"
Legolas closed his eyes for a brief moment, though a smile played on his lips. "I...saw Calaen. He wanted to fight, but I refused, and...."
"You killed him," breathed Airëlus. "You found the strength within you to do it. That may have been only a dream, but it is the first steps to recovering emotionally."
"I know," said Legolas quietly.
Thranduil closed his eyes and let out a deep sigh of relief. "Thank the Valar you have good reflexes, Airëlus. I am quite sure that throw would've proved fatal if you had not ducked out of the way. Legolas, you continue to amaze me. Even when coming out of sleep, your aim is true."
"Sorry, Airëlus. I did not mean to throw my knife at you," said Legolas.
The healer shrugged, and pulled the blade from the wall. "No matter, it was good target practice. No doubt Lord Elrond will be interested to know the reason as to why his wall has a new decoration."
Legolas smiled, and went over to take the knife from Airëlus. "I will explain to him tomorrow. Look, I will go back to my own room now, and you can have yours back. I will see you in the morning."
"Good-night," murmured Thranduil, whilst Airëlus inclined his head.
"Well, that was....unique," said the healer quietly. "I can't say I have ever seen anything like that before."
............................................................................................................
Legolas rounded the corner on the way back to his room, and pulled up sharply when he realised that there was someone standing in front of him. He smiled vaguely, and kneeled down so that he was at the same level as the person.
"What are you doing out of bed at such a late hour?" he asked gently.
Tain sniffed, and pushed the back of his hand against his eyes. "There is something outside in the courtyard. It is big, and it is making noises. I think that....I think that it wants to eat everyone here."
"Did you see this being?" asked Legolas, concealing his smile.
"Yes," replied Tain. "It is black, but it has red eyes. Please, do not let it catch me."
Legolas' eyes flashed in sympathy, and he gently brushed a tear from the child's cheek. "You are safer in Rivendell than anywhere else. I do not think that there is anything outside, and even if there were, it would not dare to come inside, where there are so many who can fight it."
"But it is big," whispered Tain, his eyes wide and fearful. "Please, do not let it in."
"Child, I think that maybe you have had a dream. When people sleep, they sometimes see things that they would rather not see," said Legolas softly. "I am quite sure that this is the case here. There is nothing outside."
Tain startled the Elven-prince by leaping forwards and wrapping his arms around his neck. He buried his face into Legolas' shoulder and sobbed un- controllably, the sounds echoing around the corridor. His body shook with grief, but if anyone had been able to see his eyes, they would've seen the maliciousness in them.
"Hush, you will wake everyone," whispered Legolas, gathering the child into his arms. "Where is your room? I will take you back there."
"No, the thing will get me," sobbed Tain.
Legolas shook his head slightly, stunned. He had never once had to deal with a hysterical child before, and now that he had to, he was definitely uncomfortable. He sighed, and stroked a hand gently through Tain's hair, before turning around and going down to the Hall of Elrond's home.
"Where are we going?" asked Tain quietly.
"We cannot go outside because of....well, we just cannot go outside, but you can look through the doors, and you will see that there is nothing in the courtyard," replied Legolas. "But then you must let me take you back to your room."
Tain nodded, and absent-mindedly touched the tip of Legolas' pointed ear. "You are an Elf."
"Ye-es," the Prince replied, arching an eyebrow.
"You have yellow hair," Tain continued.
Legolas was spared from answering to this, for they had reached the Hall. He smiled benevolently at the child, before setting him down on the floor. Tain pushed himself up against the door, his breath steaming the glass as he stared out, whilst Legolas stood beside him, slowly drumming his fingers against the wall.
"You see, there is nothing out there," the Elf said.
"I don't know," whispered Tain. "I think there is."
"I can see nothing," said Legolas.
Tain looked up, and shook his head violently. "Look, there are eyes in the trees. Can you not see them? They are red! Please, look at them! They are over there, and they are burning like fire!"
As the child began to cry again, Legolas sighed, and glanced out into the courtyard. "I can see nothing. Please, I will take you back to your room, and I will stay with you for a while if you so wish. Tomorrow, when it is daylight, I will go out there with you, and we can look for the eyes."
Tain stared at the Elf for a brief moment, before turning around. He nodded slowly, but all the while he was silent, his small hands were working furiously behind him, working to unlock the door. This went un-noticed by Legolas though, and he kneeled once more in front of the child.
"Come, let me take you back," he said gently.
"Alright," whispered Tain. However, just as Legolas reached out to pick him up, he wheeled around and kicked open the door, only to dash out into the night.
Legolas cursed and leaped to his feet. He ran outside, and shook his head with a hiss of frustration, when he realised that Tain was no-where to be seen. He could see perfectly well into the darkness, yet there was no sight of the small child.
"People do not just disappear," he muttered.
"You may want to re-consider that," came a silky voice from somewhere beside him.
Legolas glanced across, and his heart froze at the sight in front of him. Calaen was standing in the shadows of the trees, his arm wrapped around something small. Tain was held firmly in his grasp, a shiny blade to his throat. He was still crying, yet now the sobs came silently.
"Release him," said Legolas coldly.
"I am only too happy to oblige, but of course there is a price," replied Calaen.
"Name it," spat Legolas, eyes flashing furiously.
Calaen smiled, and backed away a little further into the shadows. "This one will go free, but you must come with me. You must get all three of us out of Rivendell, without being stopped by guards. If you do, the child will be unharmed. If you do not, well...his blood will be on your hands."
"That's ridiculous," hissed Legolas. "The guards are searching for you."
"Do it, or the child will die."
............................................................................................................
Irish Anor: Hee hee, I bet Mithrandir and Elrond are kicking themselves now! Well, at least Thranduil can say 'Ha ha, I told you so!'
Mellaithwen: Yes, hiding them would be a very good idea, methinks!
Leeanne: I hope this Legolas chapter made up for the non-Legolas chapter that was the last one!
Rachel13: Hope you're having fun on vacation!
Haldir's Heart and Soul: Totally, he's so evil!
Elven Kitten: Hee hee, I loved how you referred to Calaen as being 'it'!
eleanor rigbey: Yes, he is very evil, which is kinda sad for a child. I expect you'll find out soon enough!
October Skye: You changed your name!
Lirenel: Yes, he is evil, but its very fun to write! I think that evil kids are creepier sometimes than evil adults.
Halimanya: Don't worry, Legolas is back now! And the twins will come back in soon.
Hiei-Rulez: Well, some trained assassins would be good right about now, considering what Calaen is going to do!
Legolas-gurl88: I know you're on vacation right now, but I'll still leave you a reply anyway. Yeah, I did think that you saw LOTR or POTC on the plane! I've never seen that film, but apparently its good. Anyway, have fun on your vacation!
LalaithoftheBruinen: You're back! Hello!
tHeBlOnDeInEveRkNew: Yes, I would be scared whoever I was!
GollumGirl: Yes, I am mean. And I'm glad you think my meanness is so mean that you should check off that little box! Did that make sense? I don't know. Anyway, thanks!
Coolio02: Yeah, it was all too good to last really.
nanar: But there is much more evilness to come!
Kelsey: I'm glad you're enjoying this story and 'A Brother's Jealousy'! Aradan's name pretty much means something along the lines of 'noble-man' or 'regal-man'. They figured it out because of the 'man' part. Yeah, I understand that Legolas is annoying you. I've based his character on a person who pretty much went through the same thing. Maybe he wouldn't be so traumatized, but what with being put through so much by Calaen, and then having Airëlus dying in his arms and everything, I think it would change him quite a bit. Thanks for pointing out that thing with Eru and Ilúvatar! I'll change that. As for all of those other questions you asked, well...you're just gonna have to wait and see! Sorry!
kathysidle: Yeah, that's exactly what the soup did! I'm glad you enjoyed Calaen's escape! I definitely had fun writing it. It was all fun!
Yep, no-one except the twins know about Tain's evil-ness. They all think he's just some innocent little kid, but of course, we know differently. And we also know that he is working with Calaen. Legolas does not know this. He also thinks that Tain is just an innocent kid. Surely he would not want an innocent kid's life to be thrown away? I think not. See you soon! Misto
It was with a heavy heart that Legolas walked through the corridors, his eyes a maelstrom of emotions: anger, confusion, wonder. He had decided to try and accept Aradan, but in the chaos, had not been able to mention that fact. Nor had he been able to find Airëlus, Aragorn, or the twins, to apologize to them.
The Prince paused outside his brother's room. He wanted to go in and see him, to try and patch things up and also just to talk about things in general. He hadn't meant to snap at the older Elf earlier that day, but all of his feelings had mixed together, and had created anger. He sighed, and quietly pushed open the door.
Airëlus was lying on the bed, still fully clothed, though he was facing the opposite wall, so Legolas could not see if he was awake. His shoulders rose and fell slowly, but as to whether he was asleep or just breathing easily, that also remained un-known. The golden haired Elf sighed once more, and turned to leave. However, he paused when he heard his name.
"Legolas, is everything alright?" asked Airëlus, sitting up and looking over at his brother.
The Prince turned around, and smiled vaguely. "Sorry, did I wake you?"
"No, I could not get to sleep. I was merely trying to catch some rest, though my thoughts prevented me from doing so," replied Airëlus. "And why were you wandering the corridors at this time of night?"
Legolas shrugged, and walked forwards to sit on the edge of the bed. "Like you, I could not find any peace in sleep. Knowing that he is out there somewhere, and knowing that he managed to fool those seven guards into believing he was truly ill, has made me...I don't know. It has made me realise exactly how dangerous he is."
"Yes, because you didn't know that before," said Airëlus dryly.
"Of course I knew, but I have just been thinking about him, and all that he has done," replied Legolas. "No-one with any sanity could ever re-enact one of his deeds."
Airëlus nodded slowly, his eyes narrowed. "Hmm, that is true. But let us not talk about him, especially when it is dark. Why did you come in here, Legolas?"
"Well, I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry for what happened earlier," replied the Prince. "You were right: I should not have reacted in the way I did upon finding out that Aradan is Calaen's son."
"Those were not my actual words," muttered Airëlus.
"But the implication was still there. I was angry with you, and you were angry with me. The only difference is that you had every right to feel like that, and I did not," said Legolas.
"No, do not place the blame on yourself," said Airëlus. "We were both responsible for the argument. I, for speaking in such a way; and you for taking my words to heart. Let us now forget that anything like that happened."
"Alright," Legolas agreed, inclining his head.
Airëlus smiled, and reached out to touch a hand to his brother's shoulder. "Good. Now, what else did you come in here for? I'm sure it was not just to apologize."
"Like I said, I found no peace in sleep, so I decided to take a walk, and see if I could clear my head," replied Legolas. "I did not intentionally come here. I looked up and realised that I was outside your door."
"You found no peace in sleep?" asked Airëlus, arching an eyebrow. "So...you did sleep, then?"
"For a time," muttered Legolas, ending the sentence in a deep sigh. "There were images in my head. In a dream, I saw the past. I dreamed of things I have not dreamed of for a long time."
"When Calaen was living with us," said Airëlus quietly.
Legolas nodded, and lowered his eyes down to the ground. "Maybe it is....stupid, but I woke up, and I was actually afraid. For a fleeting moment, I was afraid of what he is going to do. He will do something. If not tonight, then in the next few days. I know this, Airëlus."
"No, he may try to do something, but will not succeed in whatever it is," replied the healer. "Did you not try and get back to sleep?"
"No, I did not want to," sighed Legolas. "I occasionally felt threatened by darkness, but I got up and did something to block it out. If I sleep, I will see him again."
"Ai Elbereth, that was not a good thing to do. I understand that you do not wish to see Calaen in your dreams, but you still need sleep. I am not going to do anything else to heal you, but if you do not help yourself, then you may well need aid from me," said Airëlus. "I'm sorry, Legolas, but you need to sleep."
"No, I am fine," said the Prince.
Airëlus arched an eyebrow, and shook his head slowly. "No, you are from it. I am a healer, and believe me when I say that I know what I talk about. You are still weak, even though you deny it. I would not say this if it were not true. Look, do you want to remain part of the Fellowship?"
"Of course," said Legolas.
"Well, I suggest you sleep so that strength returns to your body. Dreams of Calaen may haunt you, but there is nothing you can do about that," said Airëlus gently. "It is the scars that people don't see which take the longest to heal."
Legolas nodded resentfully, though his eyes were somewhat cold. "You speak truly, though they should have healed a long time back."
"There was not one person who expected them to," said Airëlus. "If I am honest with you, although they will get better eventually, there will always be a trace of pain, deep down. Whenever someone mentions Calaen, you will remember. Whenever you see an Elf who vaguely resembles him, you will feel a flash of fear. It is natural, Legolas."
"I suppose so," sighed the Prince. "Alright, I will try and sleep."
Airëlus caught his brother's tunic as he made to get up and leave. "Where are you going?"
"To my room," replied Legolas. "I may well have been imagining everything that was just said, but I could swear by the Valar that you went on at me to try and get some sleep."
"No, you did not imagine it," laughed Airëlus. "Stay in here, for I have work to do. I will also be able to make sure that you actually do sleep, and don't try and prevent yourself from being taken by it."
"I am not a child," said Legolas, narrowing his eyes slightly.
"Ah, but I am a healer and you are my patient. I know better than you," smirked Airëlus, jumping off the bed and going over to his desk. "Please, feel free to use my bed."
Legolas shook his head slightly, though he did what his brother had told him. He kicked off his boots and took out a knife from his belt. Airëlus glanced at it in interest, then looked over at the younger Elf, who was lying on top of the bed covers, hands folded behind his head.
"A knife in Rivendell?" he asked.
"Hmm, I was merely being safe," muttered Legolas.
Airëlus made a soft noise of understanding, then proceeded to light a candle. The flame flickered wildly, casting shadows all around the room. The healer sighed deeply, and rested his head in his hands, wondering what was going to take place tonight with Calaen. Of course the dark haired Elf would try something, there was no doubting it.
"I thought you had work to do," Legolas said.
"And I thought you were going to sleep," replied Airëlus, not turning around.
"Yes, I will do in a minute. Do you actually have work to do? Because if not, and you only said that, then you can have your bed back and I will go to my own room. I really do not mind," said Legolas.
"I have important work, and I am going to do it now, so please stop talking," Airëlus lied, taking out a quill from one of the drawers. He began drawing on a piece of parchment, hoping this would satisfy Legolas. It did.
"Alright, if you say so," murmured the Prince.
Airëlus shook his head slightly, and stared at the wall in front of him, letting the quill in his fingers go wherever it wished to. He willingly had no control over it, and he wondered vaguely what was being drawn on the parchment. He always used to do that when he was younger, with Legolas and Calaen. They would blindfold him, and he would draw whatever they asked him to.
The healer smiled at the memory. What had gone wrong? Of course he knew what had gone wrong. Maybe the question would have been better asked if 'what' had been replaced with 'why?' Calaen had been a happy child, always laughing and having fun. The change into a bad tempered and cruel Elf had not been swift, that much was obvious. But still, why or how it had come about, was unknown.
'You destroyed everything,' Airëlus thought sadly. 'Life could have been so much better, if not for you. Why did you have to do what you did? Why did you hate Legolas so much? He did nothing to you.'
Sighing once more, Airëlus continued to draw, the quill racing over the parchment, creating a scratchy sound. He was dimly aware of the fact that a person was being formed beneath his fingers, and he had a horrible idea of who it was. But he carried on, regardless.
The eyes of the usually calm healer flashed furiously, his breathing becoming heavy as old memories were stirred: finding Legolas upon their return from Rivendell all those years back, being a witness to the breaking of Legolas' heart, and dying in his younger brother's arms.
Airëlus suddenly stayed his hand, and he glanced down at the parchment. As he had imagined, Calaen was staring up at him, a cruel smile on his lips. His eyes said clearly: 'You can never win. I will always be here, haunting all of you."
"No, revenge will be ours," hissed Airëlus. He looked at the drawing for a brief moment, before grabbing it, and ripping it to shreds.
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King Thranduil, like his sons, was also unable to sleep, and he sat his desk, staring at the opposite wall. A single candle sat in front of him, and he absent-mindedly pulled his fingers back and forth through the flame, ignoring the heat.
"Ai!" he hissed, as he held his hand still for a few seconds too long. He glared at the candle through narrowed eyes, before throwing his chair back, and going over to the door. He threw it open, and walked the short distance down the corridor to Legolas' room.
The King of Mirkwood gently pushed open the door, and slipped inside. He glanced at the bed, and cursed when he saw that it was empty, unslept in. Legolas' knife, which had previously rested on the bedside table, was also gone. Maybe it was just paranoia, but Thranduil felt a rush of fear for his son.
"Damn it, are you entirely incapable of staying in one place without moving?" he muttered, though underneath the irritated tone was great concern.
Upon leaving the room, he hissed in frustration. Legolas was a grown Elf, responsible and perfectly able to protect himself against all...nearly all things, the King corrected himself grimly. Yet still Thranduil always felt the need to protect him, and make sure that he was not in danger.
'Maybe I should stop doing that; maybe I should stop looking out for him; maybe it is time to let him go,' thought Thranduil, as he turned down the corridor to Airëlus' room. 'But can I? Maybe he would only get into more trouble without me.'
The King's thoughts were momentarily stopped as he realised that he was outside his eldest son's room. The healer would no doubt be able to help with his thoughts, even if he could not help with Legolas' whereabouts. Thranduil sighed, and pushed open the door.
"Airëlus, Legolas is..." The King arched an eyebrow as he glanced across at the bed. "Asleep in here. Fair enough."
"You could not sleep either?" asked Airëlus, putting down his quill.
Thranduil shook his head, and softly closed the door. "Hmm, nor could you, I take it. I am surprised though, that Legolas found it easy to do so."
"Ah, but he didn't. He slept for a while, dreamed of Calaen, woke up, and then forced himself to remain awake," sighed Airëlus. "When he told me all of this, I as good as ordered him to take rest in here."
"Good, I am glad he listened to you," said Thranduil, standing by the bed and looking down at his youngest son's pale face. "Airëlus, his eyes remain shut. Does this not worry you?"
"No, give him a while yet," replied the healer calmly.
Thranduil let his gaze linger on Legolas for a moment, before turning and going to stand behind Airëlus. He glanced down at the shredded parchment on the floor, though the sound of his eldest son sighing swiftly drew his attention. Airëlus was holding his head in his hands, staring down at the desk.
"You hide your emotions behind an impassive mask," said the King softly. "You put on a strong front for Legolas and I, because you think we have enough troubles as it is. Yet you also have troubles, ion-nin."
"I am here to protect you and Legolas, so I cannot let myself get affected by the problems which I am supposed to be helping you two deal with," muttered Airëlus.
Thranduil's eyes flashed in sadness as he rested a hand on his son's shoulder. "No, you are here so that all three of us can help each other. Please do not think like that. Were you planning on keeping all of this secret?"
"Yes, because-
"I know," said Thranduil gently. "Will you not talk to me? Will you not share your problems?"
Airëlus looked up, and his face was troubled. "Ada, Legolas spoke to me of this dream that he had. Or rather, he mentioned it briefly; he did not go into detail. Yet it has had me thinking about Calaen, and I am worried. No, I am more than worried, as is Legolas."
"Why?" asked Thranduil quietly, though he knew what was coming, for it had also been on his mind.
"Legolas said that Calaen will try and do something, and I told him that would not happen. But now, I am not so sure," said Airëlus, shaking his head slightly. "Ever since I came back, I have somehow known what the outcome of anything would be, and that is why I remained impassive and calm all the time, because I knew more than nearly everyone else."
"But now?" asked Thranduil.
Airëlus shook his head, and made a helpless gesture with his hand. "Now, I do not know. Or at least, I know that something will happen, I just do not know what. That is what worries me."
"I will not lie to you," said Thranduil softly. "Yes, Calaen is going to do something. We cannot except him to just be content with escaping, for that is not what he is like. Sadly, we can do nothing but wait."
"Ada, we cannot do that," hissed Airëlus.
"There are still patrols searching for him. They are scouring the whole of Rivendell, and some have even gone beyond the borders," said Thranduil gently. "Elrond told me that those who Calaen will wish to harm are Legolas, Aradan, you, and me. I hate sitting here and doing nothing as much as you do, but I am not going to put any of our lives in jeopardy."
"Alright, maybe you make a valid point, but...." Airëlus trailed off, and sighed deeply. "We cannot let him win. Ada, I know that some are against doing this, but if....when we find him, he must die."
"Is that what you think?" asked Thranduil.
Airëlus sighed once more, but nodded slowly. "Yes, because if he still lives, then he will not stop haunting us. You know this as well as I do. Calaen is going to have to die."
Thranduil locked eyes with his son for a brief moment, before glancing down at the desk. Pieces of parchment lay there, all covered in drawings of people that the King knew only too well. He sighed, and picked them up.
"They are merely something I did to take my mind of things," said Airëlus quietly.
"Hmm, so I see," replied Thranduil, smiling vaguely as he leafed through the pieces of parchment. They were all there: himself, Legolas, Airëlus. There was one missing though, and the King glanced down at the floor once more, realisation in his eyes.
"I drew Calaen, but ripped him up in a moment of anger," said Airëlus. "I don't know what came over me, but I suddenly felt a fury that I have not felt in a long time. I wanted to hurt him for what he has done, and of course, that drawing was the closest thing I had to him."
Thranduil nodded slowly, and passed the pieces of parchment back to his son. "I see that your talent has not disappeared in the time you were away from us."
"What? Oh, that is no great talent. They are merely....scribblings which help release my thoughts," said Airëlus.
"Well, they are very good 'scribblings' if that is what you wish to call them," said Thranduil, smiling as he gently smoothed a hand through the younger Elf's hair.
Airëlus made a noise of amusement, but the sound of Legolas moving slightly, alerted both of their attention. They turned around to see that he was tossing and turning on top of the bed, his hands firmly clenched around the coverlet. In the candlelight, they could see that he was shaking his head, as though trying to rid himself of some hideous image that was in his head.
"Do not wake him," hissed Airëlus, as Thranduil went to the edge of the bed.
"Why? He is clearly having a disturbing dream. Should we not-?"
"No, let him come out of it in his own time," replied the healer. "I do not know what it is he sees, but I'll guess it is Calaen again. Let us wait, and we will see if he is strong enough to defeat the demons of his mind."
Thranduil looked doubtful for a moment, though he nodded slowly. "Alright, I see the reasoning behind that."
"Do not watch, if you cannot bear to see him go through this," Airëlus said gently.
"No, I am fine," muttered Thranduil, sitting at the side of the bed. He pulled the chair close, and rested his head in his hands.
Airëlus slowly began picking up the shredded pieces of parchment from the floor, keeping his gaze lowered. He was not doing this because he particularly wanted to, but because he himself did not wish to see the emotional turmoil that his brother was going through.
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Legolas watched as a small Elfling played with two older Elves. They were all laughing, and a dark haired Elf was swinging the Elfling around in the air, his green eyes dancing with happiness. The Prince realised with a jolt that he was watching himself, Calaen, and Airëlus, many, many years back.
"We were happy then," said a soft voice from somewhere in the trees. "We were so happy, and you want that back, don't you?"
Legolas spun around, and he started, as he realised who had just spoken. "Calaen, what are you doing here?"
"I have come for you," replied the dark haired Elf, whilst the happy family carried on playing in the background, entirely oblivious to the fact that their future selves were standing in the same clearing as them.
"What do you mean by that?" asked Legolas sharply.
Calaen smiled, and pulled a knife from his belt. "Well, I said that I had come for you, but it would've been more appropriate if I had said 'I have come for your blood.' Let us fight, brother. Only one will emerge victorious."
"I do not wish to fight you," said Legolas quietly.
"Because you are afraid, weaponless, and unable to defend yourself. It does not look very hopeful for you, does it?" laughed Calaen. "However, I will let you have a knife. That way, the fight will be fair."
Legolas watched as a blade appeared beside his brother. "No, you have something else planned. If I should go for the knife, you will attack me. You always have ways of getting what you want."
"It is not because you do not wish to go for the knife that we are not fighting now," smirked Calaen. "It is because of your cowardice. You are afraid, Legolas. But you should know that if you do not fight me, I will continue to follow Airëlus and your father. They will die eventually."
"I have heard all of this before," said Legolas slowly. "No, I am not afraid of you, Calaen. I pity you. I pity you because all you have left are empty threats. Your time is ending, accept that."
Legolas narrowed his eyes and turned away, whilst Calaen growled low in his throat. Suddenly, the whistling of a knife sounded, and the Prince turned around just in time to see a blade coming towards him. He ducked, and caught it by the handle, only to spin it, and throw it back at Calaen.
The dark haired Elf's eyes widened in shock, and he looked down to see the knife protruding from his chest. He glanced up at Legolas then, who was smiling triumphantly, and just behind him, where the children had been playing, there were only two left. A golden haired Elfling, and a fair haired Elf.
"You see, I was not afraid," whispered Legolas.
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"I really think we should wake him," said Thranduil, as his youngest son tossed his head to the side once more. "Airëlus, would you just look at him? He is...Valar!"
Legolas had suddenly snapped open his eyes and lunged forwards. As he moved, he reached out and grabbed the knife which he had put on the bedside table, and he threw it across the room. Airëlus cursed and ducked to the ground, whilst the blade embedded itself in the wall, just next to where he had been standing.
"What in all of...?" Thranduil trailed off, and backed away slowly from the bed. "Airëlus, are you alright?"
"Fine," replied the healer, watching as his brother looked around the room, his eyes flashing in confusion.
"What happened?" asked Legolas quietly, pushing some of his hair off his face.
Thranduil moved forwards again, and touched a hand to the Prince's shoulder. "You...you had a dream, ion-nin. When you woke up, you grabbed the knife and...well, you can see what happened."
"I did that?" asked Legolas in surprise.
"Ye-es," replied Thranduil. "Exactly what was it you dreamed of?"
Legolas closed his eyes for a brief moment, though a smile played on his lips. "I...saw Calaen. He wanted to fight, but I refused, and...."
"You killed him," breathed Airëlus. "You found the strength within you to do it. That may have been only a dream, but it is the first steps to recovering emotionally."
"I know," said Legolas quietly.
Thranduil closed his eyes and let out a deep sigh of relief. "Thank the Valar you have good reflexes, Airëlus. I am quite sure that throw would've proved fatal if you had not ducked out of the way. Legolas, you continue to amaze me. Even when coming out of sleep, your aim is true."
"Sorry, Airëlus. I did not mean to throw my knife at you," said Legolas.
The healer shrugged, and pulled the blade from the wall. "No matter, it was good target practice. No doubt Lord Elrond will be interested to know the reason as to why his wall has a new decoration."
Legolas smiled, and went over to take the knife from Airëlus. "I will explain to him tomorrow. Look, I will go back to my own room now, and you can have yours back. I will see you in the morning."
"Good-night," murmured Thranduil, whilst Airëlus inclined his head.
"Well, that was....unique," said the healer quietly. "I can't say I have ever seen anything like that before."
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Legolas rounded the corner on the way back to his room, and pulled up sharply when he realised that there was someone standing in front of him. He smiled vaguely, and kneeled down so that he was at the same level as the person.
"What are you doing out of bed at such a late hour?" he asked gently.
Tain sniffed, and pushed the back of his hand against his eyes. "There is something outside in the courtyard. It is big, and it is making noises. I think that....I think that it wants to eat everyone here."
"Did you see this being?" asked Legolas, concealing his smile.
"Yes," replied Tain. "It is black, but it has red eyes. Please, do not let it catch me."
Legolas' eyes flashed in sympathy, and he gently brushed a tear from the child's cheek. "You are safer in Rivendell than anywhere else. I do not think that there is anything outside, and even if there were, it would not dare to come inside, where there are so many who can fight it."
"But it is big," whispered Tain, his eyes wide and fearful. "Please, do not let it in."
"Child, I think that maybe you have had a dream. When people sleep, they sometimes see things that they would rather not see," said Legolas softly. "I am quite sure that this is the case here. There is nothing outside."
Tain startled the Elven-prince by leaping forwards and wrapping his arms around his neck. He buried his face into Legolas' shoulder and sobbed un- controllably, the sounds echoing around the corridor. His body shook with grief, but if anyone had been able to see his eyes, they would've seen the maliciousness in them.
"Hush, you will wake everyone," whispered Legolas, gathering the child into his arms. "Where is your room? I will take you back there."
"No, the thing will get me," sobbed Tain.
Legolas shook his head slightly, stunned. He had never once had to deal with a hysterical child before, and now that he had to, he was definitely uncomfortable. He sighed, and stroked a hand gently through Tain's hair, before turning around and going down to the Hall of Elrond's home.
"Where are we going?" asked Tain quietly.
"We cannot go outside because of....well, we just cannot go outside, but you can look through the doors, and you will see that there is nothing in the courtyard," replied Legolas. "But then you must let me take you back to your room."
Tain nodded, and absent-mindedly touched the tip of Legolas' pointed ear. "You are an Elf."
"Ye-es," the Prince replied, arching an eyebrow.
"You have yellow hair," Tain continued.
Legolas was spared from answering to this, for they had reached the Hall. He smiled benevolently at the child, before setting him down on the floor. Tain pushed himself up against the door, his breath steaming the glass as he stared out, whilst Legolas stood beside him, slowly drumming his fingers against the wall.
"You see, there is nothing out there," the Elf said.
"I don't know," whispered Tain. "I think there is."
"I can see nothing," said Legolas.
Tain looked up, and shook his head violently. "Look, there are eyes in the trees. Can you not see them? They are red! Please, look at them! They are over there, and they are burning like fire!"
As the child began to cry again, Legolas sighed, and glanced out into the courtyard. "I can see nothing. Please, I will take you back to your room, and I will stay with you for a while if you so wish. Tomorrow, when it is daylight, I will go out there with you, and we can look for the eyes."
Tain stared at the Elf for a brief moment, before turning around. He nodded slowly, but all the while he was silent, his small hands were working furiously behind him, working to unlock the door. This went un-noticed by Legolas though, and he kneeled once more in front of the child.
"Come, let me take you back," he said gently.
"Alright," whispered Tain. However, just as Legolas reached out to pick him up, he wheeled around and kicked open the door, only to dash out into the night.
Legolas cursed and leaped to his feet. He ran outside, and shook his head with a hiss of frustration, when he realised that Tain was no-where to be seen. He could see perfectly well into the darkness, yet there was no sight of the small child.
"People do not just disappear," he muttered.
"You may want to re-consider that," came a silky voice from somewhere beside him.
Legolas glanced across, and his heart froze at the sight in front of him. Calaen was standing in the shadows of the trees, his arm wrapped around something small. Tain was held firmly in his grasp, a shiny blade to his throat. He was still crying, yet now the sobs came silently.
"Release him," said Legolas coldly.
"I am only too happy to oblige, but of course there is a price," replied Calaen.
"Name it," spat Legolas, eyes flashing furiously.
Calaen smiled, and backed away a little further into the shadows. "This one will go free, but you must come with me. You must get all three of us out of Rivendell, without being stopped by guards. If you do, the child will be unharmed. If you do not, well...his blood will be on your hands."
"That's ridiculous," hissed Legolas. "The guards are searching for you."
"Do it, or the child will die."
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Irish Anor: Hee hee, I bet Mithrandir and Elrond are kicking themselves now! Well, at least Thranduil can say 'Ha ha, I told you so!'
Mellaithwen: Yes, hiding them would be a very good idea, methinks!
Leeanne: I hope this Legolas chapter made up for the non-Legolas chapter that was the last one!
Rachel13: Hope you're having fun on vacation!
Haldir's Heart and Soul: Totally, he's so evil!
Elven Kitten: Hee hee, I loved how you referred to Calaen as being 'it'!
eleanor rigbey: Yes, he is very evil, which is kinda sad for a child. I expect you'll find out soon enough!
October Skye: You changed your name!
Lirenel: Yes, he is evil, but its very fun to write! I think that evil kids are creepier sometimes than evil adults.
Halimanya: Don't worry, Legolas is back now! And the twins will come back in soon.
Hiei-Rulez: Well, some trained assassins would be good right about now, considering what Calaen is going to do!
Legolas-gurl88: I know you're on vacation right now, but I'll still leave you a reply anyway. Yeah, I did think that you saw LOTR or POTC on the plane! I've never seen that film, but apparently its good. Anyway, have fun on your vacation!
LalaithoftheBruinen: You're back! Hello!
tHeBlOnDeInEveRkNew: Yes, I would be scared whoever I was!
GollumGirl: Yes, I am mean. And I'm glad you think my meanness is so mean that you should check off that little box! Did that make sense? I don't know. Anyway, thanks!
Coolio02: Yeah, it was all too good to last really.
nanar: But there is much more evilness to come!
Kelsey: I'm glad you're enjoying this story and 'A Brother's Jealousy'! Aradan's name pretty much means something along the lines of 'noble-man' or 'regal-man'. They figured it out because of the 'man' part. Yeah, I understand that Legolas is annoying you. I've based his character on a person who pretty much went through the same thing. Maybe he wouldn't be so traumatized, but what with being put through so much by Calaen, and then having Airëlus dying in his arms and everything, I think it would change him quite a bit. Thanks for pointing out that thing with Eru and Ilúvatar! I'll change that. As for all of those other questions you asked, well...you're just gonna have to wait and see! Sorry!
kathysidle: Yeah, that's exactly what the soup did! I'm glad you enjoyed Calaen's escape! I definitely had fun writing it. It was all fun!
Yep, no-one except the twins know about Tain's evil-ness. They all think he's just some innocent little kid, but of course, we know differently. And we also know that he is working with Calaen. Legolas does not know this. He also thinks that Tain is just an innocent kid. Surely he would not want an innocent kid's life to be thrown away? I think not. See you soon! Misto