It was early in the morning, and the sun had only just started to cast her
blood red rays over Middle Earth. The inhabitants of Rivendell, however,
had been awake for many hours. The night had passed slowly for everybody,
and it seemed like an age since Legolas had left the haven with Calaen and
Tain, only to venture into the woods and encounter the Southerners. Of
course, it had not been that long.
The youngest Prince of Mirkwood still sat in the healing wing, keeping watch over his brother's body. He had shed no tears, but was still feeling a great sadness in his heart. Thranduil and Airëlus had guessed this, and had left him alone a while back.
The door opened just then and a figure entered the room. Legolas looked up and locked his silver eyes onto sympathetic grey ones. It was Aragorn, and despite being told not to, he had come to see how his friend was faring. He remained quiet though, waiting for the Prince to speak first.
There was a heavy silence for a few minutes, but then Legolas began talking softly. "It is strange, sitting here and watching over Calaen's body. I keep expecting him to open his eyes."
"Yet you know that will not happen," said Aragorn.
"Hmm. I think it seems so un-real because he has always been here. Not necessarily in body, but in mind," Legolas continued. "Even when I lived alone with my father, his presence was always there, and it never left."
Aragorn sighed deeply, though he nodded in understanding. "Yes, it was a connection that you shared as brothers, even though he hurt you in the way he did."
"Yes, but the pain means nothing to me any more," said Legolas. "For all I know, it never existed. No, of course it existed, but now that I look back, it seems uncalled for."
"Maybe to you," said Aragorn quietly.
Legolas held his friend's gaze for a moment, before dropping it back down to Calaen's face. "I always thought he was so much stronger than this. Now I am beginning to realise, though, that in the last hour of his life, he must have gone through more pain than I have."
"Hmm, his heart must have been hurting an awful lot for him to take his own life in the way he did," Aragorn agreed. "Legolas, you understand why he did it, though, do you not? It was not to hurt you."
"I know," said the Elven-prince softly. "Although I wish he had accepted help, and I wish I had not let him die, I do not begrudge him the fact that he has found peace in death."
"And what of everything that happened in the past?" asked Aragorn.
"The past? We were both captured by it, in our own ways. But now we are free from it," replied Legolas. He smiled then, and looked down once more at Calaen. "Yes, we are free from it now."
Aragorn's lips turned upwards in a brief smile also, and he rested a hand on his friend's slender shoulder. "I am happy for you. You have been through so much, yet you have come out a stronger person."
"Excuse me, would you be implying that I was not strong before?" asked Legolas.
"No, of course of not," Aragorn protested. "You have always been a very, very strong person, mellon nin, very strong indeed...when compared to an Elfling."
"If it was not such a sombre occasion, I would throw a pillow in the general direction of that block which sits idly upon the top of your body," Legolas said, his expression neutral.
"It is good to see that you can still joke and laugh," said Aragorn, "considering the circumstances."
Legolas smiled, though it faded as he remembered that his brother was lying dead in front of him. "When Calaen was holding us captive, I saw him laugh and smile on many occasions. But now I wonder how many times he smiled and actually meant it as a happy gesture."
"Do not think of that now. Just know that he is at peace," Aragorn reminded his friend. He paused then, and ground his teeth together as he wondered how best to say what he wanted to.
"Estel, if you wish to remain discreet, kindly cease grinding your teeth at such a volume," Legolas sighed. "What is it that you wish to say?"
"I was....merely wondering if you had heard of the burial arrangements for Calaen and Aradan," said the Ranger, smiling briefly at his friend's comment. "They have already been made by your father and Lord Elrond."
"Yes, I heard Airëlus speaking of it with the twins earlier," replied Legolas. "Aradan is to be buried in Mirkwood, and Calaen also. I am happy with that decision."
Aragorn watched the Elf for a moment, before touching a hand to his shoulder. "Legolas, I understand that you will wish to attend the service, but it is a four days ride to Mirkwood. You must spare one day for the service, and maybe another two for rest. Then it is another four days back here to Rivendell. That would bring the total number of days up to-
"Eleven, I know," Legolas cut in. "You are worried that I will return home for the service, and in doing so, delay the Company even longer. My heart may wish to be with my father and brother so I can say final goodbyes to Calaen and Aradan, but it also knows that its path lies with you and the others."
"Do not come just because you feel duty bound," said Aragorn sharply.
"I am not. Estel, getting rid of me is going to be a lot harder than that," said Legolas. "Really, this Quest will decide the future of Middle Earth. I thought at first that to not present myself at the service would be somewhat disrespectful to the dead, and although I still hold to that, I know that Frodo needs as much help as he can get."
"Indeed," said Aragorn. "I am glad that you have decided to remain part of the Company. I should be quite lost without you to stand by me. You see, there are occasions when an edan needs a little help from one of the Eldar. Besides, Gimli has taken quite a liking to you. Do not let your father hear of the friendship, else he will hit the roof."
Legolas laughed quietly at that. "Yes, I am sure he would. You know, I had forgotten about the Fellowship. How do they fare?"
"No different than they were yesterday," replied Aragorn. He smirked at the expression on his friend's face. "Yes, believe it or not, it was only yesterday that you saw them."
"Oh, I suppose because so much has happened in one night, everything that was normal seems such a long time back," said Legolas.
Aragorn nodded, and glanced out of the window. "The sun has risen fully. Do you wish to come and breakfast with me and the others, or would you prefer to stay here?"
"No, I will come with you," replied Legolas.
"Alright, I will wait outside," said Aragorn softly, sensing that the Elf may want to have a moment before he left Calaen.
Legolas smiled as his friend left the room, and then he cast his gaze down to his brother. "Cal, I hope you can realise that no matter how much I want to return to Mirkwood for your burial, my path lies elsewhere. But my thoughts will be with both you and Aradan."
The Prince leant down and gently kissed his brother on the forehead. Calaen's face was pale, eyes shut, though his lips were drawn upwards in a slight smile. He had died happily. Long dark lashes lay on high and defined cheekbones, and he looked as though he were merely asleep. Yes, peace was indeed with him.
.............................................................................................................
Legolas and Aragorn pushed open the doors to the dining hall, and it were as though a wave came suddenly crashing down upon them. The Fellowship – most of them – were gathered around them with the twins, and there was much embracing from the Hobbits, shoulder-clapping from Boromir, and loud talking from Elladan and Elrohir.
"It is good to see that Calaen and Aradan's demises have not affected him," said Gandalf quietly, watching from the high table with Elrond, Thranduil and Airëlus.
"Yes, I was slightly afraid that it would push him back into the cold and reclusive Elf he once was," replied Airëlus. He glanced sideways as Thranduil drew in a sharp breath. "Ada? Ada, are you quite alright?"
"Never in all my life," the King ground out, "have I seen something like that."
"It is only Gimli," said Gandalf. "He is a Dwarf."
Thranduil turned frosty eyes upon the Istar. "Thank you, I know who he is, and I know what he is. I merely meant I have never in all my life seen a Dwarf embracing an Elf, and the Elf allowing it."
Airëlus laughed. "Gimli is not that bad, Ada. He helped us in the attack of Síriel."
"Yes, but he is still a Dwarf," sighed Thranduil. "If, when the Quest is over, Legolas should bring any of those beings into my palace, rest assured I will feed him to one of the spiders."
"Who, Legolas or the 'being'"? asked Elrond mildly.
"Legolas," replied Thranduil.
Gandalf sniffed disdainfully. "How rather undignified," he muttered.
Thranduil was luckily spared from answering by the arrival of his youngest son. Legolas bowed slightly to his King and the other Elven-lords sitting at the high table, before turning and gesturing to someone standing behind him.
"Gimli, this is my father, King Thranduil of Mirkwood. Ada, this is Gimli, son of Gloin," said the Prince, watching carefully for the older Elf's reaction. "He and I have become friends in the time we have known each other, as I am sure you have seen."
"No, I had not noticed," Thranduil said dryly.
"I have told him that it is quite alright for him to stay at the palace if chance should ever take him into our realm," Legolas continued. "By your leave, of course."
Trying to ignore the stifled laughter of his friends and eldest son, Thranduil nodded briefly. "Yes, quite fine. I...I look forward to seeing you in my halls, Master Dwarf."
Gimli said nothing in reply, though he bowed low, his beard nearly touching the floor. When he had risen and turned to leave, the Elven-king reached out and grabbed a goblet of wine.
"It is rather early," said Elrond pointedly. "Thranduil, drink of that potency at such an hour? Surely even you can wait until a bit later?"
Gandalf chuckled, though he reached across and plucked the goblet from his friend's fingers. "No, not yet. We have yet to deal with that child, Tain. By all means, drink to your hearts content after that."
"I should think so," muttered Thranduil. Despite his outer smile, though, his mind had darkened. What was he to do with one so young? What penalty could possibly dealt? Was it even right to punish a child in the way that an adult would be punished? So many questions, so few answers.
............................................................................................................
No more than quarter of an hour later, everyone was seated and eating breakfast. Legolas had wanted to sit with the Fellowship, but had promised to join them afterwards, as Airëlus had engaged him conversation, so he was sitting at the high table for the moment. The other Fellowship members were sitting on one of tables running down the side of the hall, and were talking quietly.
"So, Calaen actually killed himself?" asked Pippin, still slightly disbelieving. "Are you sure that Legolas' father didn't do it, then pass it off as a suicide? He didn't like Calaen that much, did he?"
"Keep your voice down," hissed Aragorn. "No, I can assure you that whatever King Thranduil is, he is definitely not a murderer. I can also assure that Calaen took his own life, because he realised that all he had done was....well, evil."
Boromir snorted at that, and his eyes glinted. "Oh, it took him long enough to realise that."
"Do you think he deserved to die?" asked Aragorn, ignoring the Gondorian's comment.
Yes," said Boromir promptly, whilst the others looked doubtful.
"I don't believe that anyone should die," said Sam slowly, his dark eyes thoughtful. "Even if they have done awful things, I always think there is some goodness in people, if you follow me. Or maybe my reckoning isn't right."
"No, it is indeed right," said Aragorn, "though I would think twice before saying that there is good in absolutely everyone. Calaen, however, did have goodness in him. To see it though, his soul had to be searched deeply."
"Hmm, he wasn't always bad, was he?" asked Merry.
"Far from it," replied Aragorn. "But, knowing all that you do about him, do you think he should've died?"
Merry rested his chin in his hands, and shook his head slowly. "No, I don't think so. I mean, he was sorry for everything, was he not?"
"Indeed," said Aragorn, inclining his head.
"Well, if that is the case, then I would have to say no, I do not think he deserved death," said Merry.
"Yes, I agree," said Pippin, nodding his head in earnest.
Frodo glanced up at the high table, and let his eyes linger on Legolas for a moment, before flicking his faze back to the other Fellowship members. "I think that Calaen was not truly evil. I think he was merely powered by some evil force."
"Yes, the hatred he once held for his family," said Aragorn. "But, he realised last night that love is stronger than hatred. He knew then, that he had committed unforgivable crimes."
"And he has paid for them," said Boromir softly. The Gondorian paused as all eyes were turned then upon him. "Yes, you all wonder what I think of it. Well, when I first heard of his demise, I rejoiced. Now, however, although I cannot forgive him for all that he has done, I think that death was too much."
"Contradictory, but it makes sense," said a voice from behind them.
"Damn Elves," muttered Gimli, as he turned to look into silver eyes. "Soft as shadows they are."
Legolas smiled vaguely, and took a seat beside Aragorn. "Maybe you do not forgive Calaen, but that is because you did not know him. I did, and I have full confidence in my belief that he was truly sorry. However, I understand the reasons as to why some may not wish to forgive him."
"Well, if you are so confident in his repentance, I suppose I must be also," Gimli sighed. He paused then, and he narrowed his dark eyes. "Mark my words, though. We would never be treated in such a way if in the company of Dwarves."
............................................................................................................ "Are you going to hold to that threat of feeding your son to a spider?" asked Gandalf quietly. Thranduil had been watching in amusement as Legolas' eyes sparkled at some comment that Gimli had just made.
"What? Oh, maybe I can let him off....just this once," replied the Elven- king.
Elrond laughed softly, and pushed his chair back from the table. "Well, now comes the task of deciding what must be done with Tain. We will meet in my study in no more than fifteen minutes. I think we should be prepared for a long meeting."
............................................................................................................
Hiei-Rulez: Sure, I'll read your story! And good, I'm glad your shovel is ready!
Jedi Gollum: Good to see that you're back!
Wadeva: Yeah, sadly this is one of the last chapters. I'm guessing that there's about 2/3 left.
Deana: Yeah, he's probably the only bad guy that I was sad to see go!
Rachel13: I'm glad Calaen is having fun with that flashlight! Hope you had fun at the zoo!
That Undomiel Chick: My favourite doughnuts are jam ones, preferably strawberry. They are so yummy!
Halimanya: Thanks for such a nice review, I'm glad you liked it!
Silver: No, it doesn't sound weird, cos he was one of my favourite characters also, no matter what he did!
Jennifer: Yeah, I have a prequel planned for 'A Brother's Jealousy'. Its gonna be pretty much from Calaen's point of view, so you can see a lot of what he went through. I'm looking forward to writing that!
tHeBlOnDeInEveRkNew: I'm really glad you enjoyed it so much!
Legolas-gurl88: Yes, it is very sad. Still, it had to happen. Well, I guess it didn't, but I just made it happen. I'm mean like that to characters that people like. Hee hee!
Vicki Turner: Yeah, there's a bit more of this story. Maybe a few chapters. But look out for the prequel to 'A Brother's Jealousy'!
kathysidle: I'm glad you vote for the alternate ending! Yeah, I'm also very sad that he died, but at least he died happily and peacefully.
Elven Kitten: So, Calaen is no longer an 'it', right?
eleanor rigbey: That was such a nice review! Thank you so much! And don't worry, there are a couple more chapters left. Only a couple, though :(
The Last Hope: There were those reactions that you wanted!
jesusroxmysox: Yeah, I wish my brother was more like the nice Calaen also! If only wishes came true...
Ok, that wasn't a cliffie, and also kind of a boring chapter compared to the others, cos not a lot happened in it. Anyway, this chapter is up early, as will every other chapter, cos I'm going on holiday for 2 weeks on Saturday, and as there isn't much left of this story, I don't want to leave you waiting for one chapter. Misto PS: I've been asked by GollumGirl (whose new name is Jedi Gollum) that she has a new account and is re-posting 'Haldir's Here', so all of you who were reading it before, it's back up!
The youngest Prince of Mirkwood still sat in the healing wing, keeping watch over his brother's body. He had shed no tears, but was still feeling a great sadness in his heart. Thranduil and Airëlus had guessed this, and had left him alone a while back.
The door opened just then and a figure entered the room. Legolas looked up and locked his silver eyes onto sympathetic grey ones. It was Aragorn, and despite being told not to, he had come to see how his friend was faring. He remained quiet though, waiting for the Prince to speak first.
There was a heavy silence for a few minutes, but then Legolas began talking softly. "It is strange, sitting here and watching over Calaen's body. I keep expecting him to open his eyes."
"Yet you know that will not happen," said Aragorn.
"Hmm. I think it seems so un-real because he has always been here. Not necessarily in body, but in mind," Legolas continued. "Even when I lived alone with my father, his presence was always there, and it never left."
Aragorn sighed deeply, though he nodded in understanding. "Yes, it was a connection that you shared as brothers, even though he hurt you in the way he did."
"Yes, but the pain means nothing to me any more," said Legolas. "For all I know, it never existed. No, of course it existed, but now that I look back, it seems uncalled for."
"Maybe to you," said Aragorn quietly.
Legolas held his friend's gaze for a moment, before dropping it back down to Calaen's face. "I always thought he was so much stronger than this. Now I am beginning to realise, though, that in the last hour of his life, he must have gone through more pain than I have."
"Hmm, his heart must have been hurting an awful lot for him to take his own life in the way he did," Aragorn agreed. "Legolas, you understand why he did it, though, do you not? It was not to hurt you."
"I know," said the Elven-prince softly. "Although I wish he had accepted help, and I wish I had not let him die, I do not begrudge him the fact that he has found peace in death."
"And what of everything that happened in the past?" asked Aragorn.
"The past? We were both captured by it, in our own ways. But now we are free from it," replied Legolas. He smiled then, and looked down once more at Calaen. "Yes, we are free from it now."
Aragorn's lips turned upwards in a brief smile also, and he rested a hand on his friend's slender shoulder. "I am happy for you. You have been through so much, yet you have come out a stronger person."
"Excuse me, would you be implying that I was not strong before?" asked Legolas.
"No, of course of not," Aragorn protested. "You have always been a very, very strong person, mellon nin, very strong indeed...when compared to an Elfling."
"If it was not such a sombre occasion, I would throw a pillow in the general direction of that block which sits idly upon the top of your body," Legolas said, his expression neutral.
"It is good to see that you can still joke and laugh," said Aragorn, "considering the circumstances."
Legolas smiled, though it faded as he remembered that his brother was lying dead in front of him. "When Calaen was holding us captive, I saw him laugh and smile on many occasions. But now I wonder how many times he smiled and actually meant it as a happy gesture."
"Do not think of that now. Just know that he is at peace," Aragorn reminded his friend. He paused then, and ground his teeth together as he wondered how best to say what he wanted to.
"Estel, if you wish to remain discreet, kindly cease grinding your teeth at such a volume," Legolas sighed. "What is it that you wish to say?"
"I was....merely wondering if you had heard of the burial arrangements for Calaen and Aradan," said the Ranger, smiling briefly at his friend's comment. "They have already been made by your father and Lord Elrond."
"Yes, I heard Airëlus speaking of it with the twins earlier," replied Legolas. "Aradan is to be buried in Mirkwood, and Calaen also. I am happy with that decision."
Aragorn watched the Elf for a moment, before touching a hand to his shoulder. "Legolas, I understand that you will wish to attend the service, but it is a four days ride to Mirkwood. You must spare one day for the service, and maybe another two for rest. Then it is another four days back here to Rivendell. That would bring the total number of days up to-
"Eleven, I know," Legolas cut in. "You are worried that I will return home for the service, and in doing so, delay the Company even longer. My heart may wish to be with my father and brother so I can say final goodbyes to Calaen and Aradan, but it also knows that its path lies with you and the others."
"Do not come just because you feel duty bound," said Aragorn sharply.
"I am not. Estel, getting rid of me is going to be a lot harder than that," said Legolas. "Really, this Quest will decide the future of Middle Earth. I thought at first that to not present myself at the service would be somewhat disrespectful to the dead, and although I still hold to that, I know that Frodo needs as much help as he can get."
"Indeed," said Aragorn. "I am glad that you have decided to remain part of the Company. I should be quite lost without you to stand by me. You see, there are occasions when an edan needs a little help from one of the Eldar. Besides, Gimli has taken quite a liking to you. Do not let your father hear of the friendship, else he will hit the roof."
Legolas laughed quietly at that. "Yes, I am sure he would. You know, I had forgotten about the Fellowship. How do they fare?"
"No different than they were yesterday," replied Aragorn. He smirked at the expression on his friend's face. "Yes, believe it or not, it was only yesterday that you saw them."
"Oh, I suppose because so much has happened in one night, everything that was normal seems such a long time back," said Legolas.
Aragorn nodded, and glanced out of the window. "The sun has risen fully. Do you wish to come and breakfast with me and the others, or would you prefer to stay here?"
"No, I will come with you," replied Legolas.
"Alright, I will wait outside," said Aragorn softly, sensing that the Elf may want to have a moment before he left Calaen.
Legolas smiled as his friend left the room, and then he cast his gaze down to his brother. "Cal, I hope you can realise that no matter how much I want to return to Mirkwood for your burial, my path lies elsewhere. But my thoughts will be with both you and Aradan."
The Prince leant down and gently kissed his brother on the forehead. Calaen's face was pale, eyes shut, though his lips were drawn upwards in a slight smile. He had died happily. Long dark lashes lay on high and defined cheekbones, and he looked as though he were merely asleep. Yes, peace was indeed with him.
.............................................................................................................
Legolas and Aragorn pushed open the doors to the dining hall, and it were as though a wave came suddenly crashing down upon them. The Fellowship – most of them – were gathered around them with the twins, and there was much embracing from the Hobbits, shoulder-clapping from Boromir, and loud talking from Elladan and Elrohir.
"It is good to see that Calaen and Aradan's demises have not affected him," said Gandalf quietly, watching from the high table with Elrond, Thranduil and Airëlus.
"Yes, I was slightly afraid that it would push him back into the cold and reclusive Elf he once was," replied Airëlus. He glanced sideways as Thranduil drew in a sharp breath. "Ada? Ada, are you quite alright?"
"Never in all my life," the King ground out, "have I seen something like that."
"It is only Gimli," said Gandalf. "He is a Dwarf."
Thranduil turned frosty eyes upon the Istar. "Thank you, I know who he is, and I know what he is. I merely meant I have never in all my life seen a Dwarf embracing an Elf, and the Elf allowing it."
Airëlus laughed. "Gimli is not that bad, Ada. He helped us in the attack of Síriel."
"Yes, but he is still a Dwarf," sighed Thranduil. "If, when the Quest is over, Legolas should bring any of those beings into my palace, rest assured I will feed him to one of the spiders."
"Who, Legolas or the 'being'"? asked Elrond mildly.
"Legolas," replied Thranduil.
Gandalf sniffed disdainfully. "How rather undignified," he muttered.
Thranduil was luckily spared from answering by the arrival of his youngest son. Legolas bowed slightly to his King and the other Elven-lords sitting at the high table, before turning and gesturing to someone standing behind him.
"Gimli, this is my father, King Thranduil of Mirkwood. Ada, this is Gimli, son of Gloin," said the Prince, watching carefully for the older Elf's reaction. "He and I have become friends in the time we have known each other, as I am sure you have seen."
"No, I had not noticed," Thranduil said dryly.
"I have told him that it is quite alright for him to stay at the palace if chance should ever take him into our realm," Legolas continued. "By your leave, of course."
Trying to ignore the stifled laughter of his friends and eldest son, Thranduil nodded briefly. "Yes, quite fine. I...I look forward to seeing you in my halls, Master Dwarf."
Gimli said nothing in reply, though he bowed low, his beard nearly touching the floor. When he had risen and turned to leave, the Elven-king reached out and grabbed a goblet of wine.
"It is rather early," said Elrond pointedly. "Thranduil, drink of that potency at such an hour? Surely even you can wait until a bit later?"
Gandalf chuckled, though he reached across and plucked the goblet from his friend's fingers. "No, not yet. We have yet to deal with that child, Tain. By all means, drink to your hearts content after that."
"I should think so," muttered Thranduil. Despite his outer smile, though, his mind had darkened. What was he to do with one so young? What penalty could possibly dealt? Was it even right to punish a child in the way that an adult would be punished? So many questions, so few answers.
............................................................................................................
No more than quarter of an hour later, everyone was seated and eating breakfast. Legolas had wanted to sit with the Fellowship, but had promised to join them afterwards, as Airëlus had engaged him conversation, so he was sitting at the high table for the moment. The other Fellowship members were sitting on one of tables running down the side of the hall, and were talking quietly.
"So, Calaen actually killed himself?" asked Pippin, still slightly disbelieving. "Are you sure that Legolas' father didn't do it, then pass it off as a suicide? He didn't like Calaen that much, did he?"
"Keep your voice down," hissed Aragorn. "No, I can assure you that whatever King Thranduil is, he is definitely not a murderer. I can also assure that Calaen took his own life, because he realised that all he had done was....well, evil."
Boromir snorted at that, and his eyes glinted. "Oh, it took him long enough to realise that."
"Do you think he deserved to die?" asked Aragorn, ignoring the Gondorian's comment.
Yes," said Boromir promptly, whilst the others looked doubtful.
"I don't believe that anyone should die," said Sam slowly, his dark eyes thoughtful. "Even if they have done awful things, I always think there is some goodness in people, if you follow me. Or maybe my reckoning isn't right."
"No, it is indeed right," said Aragorn, "though I would think twice before saying that there is good in absolutely everyone. Calaen, however, did have goodness in him. To see it though, his soul had to be searched deeply."
"Hmm, he wasn't always bad, was he?" asked Merry.
"Far from it," replied Aragorn. "But, knowing all that you do about him, do you think he should've died?"
Merry rested his chin in his hands, and shook his head slowly. "No, I don't think so. I mean, he was sorry for everything, was he not?"
"Indeed," said Aragorn, inclining his head.
"Well, if that is the case, then I would have to say no, I do not think he deserved death," said Merry.
"Yes, I agree," said Pippin, nodding his head in earnest.
Frodo glanced up at the high table, and let his eyes linger on Legolas for a moment, before flicking his faze back to the other Fellowship members. "I think that Calaen was not truly evil. I think he was merely powered by some evil force."
"Yes, the hatred he once held for his family," said Aragorn. "But, he realised last night that love is stronger than hatred. He knew then, that he had committed unforgivable crimes."
"And he has paid for them," said Boromir softly. The Gondorian paused as all eyes were turned then upon him. "Yes, you all wonder what I think of it. Well, when I first heard of his demise, I rejoiced. Now, however, although I cannot forgive him for all that he has done, I think that death was too much."
"Contradictory, but it makes sense," said a voice from behind them.
"Damn Elves," muttered Gimli, as he turned to look into silver eyes. "Soft as shadows they are."
Legolas smiled vaguely, and took a seat beside Aragorn. "Maybe you do not forgive Calaen, but that is because you did not know him. I did, and I have full confidence in my belief that he was truly sorry. However, I understand the reasons as to why some may not wish to forgive him."
"Well, if you are so confident in his repentance, I suppose I must be also," Gimli sighed. He paused then, and he narrowed his dark eyes. "Mark my words, though. We would never be treated in such a way if in the company of Dwarves."
............................................................................................................ "Are you going to hold to that threat of feeding your son to a spider?" asked Gandalf quietly. Thranduil had been watching in amusement as Legolas' eyes sparkled at some comment that Gimli had just made.
"What? Oh, maybe I can let him off....just this once," replied the Elven- king.
Elrond laughed softly, and pushed his chair back from the table. "Well, now comes the task of deciding what must be done with Tain. We will meet in my study in no more than fifteen minutes. I think we should be prepared for a long meeting."
............................................................................................................
Hiei-Rulez: Sure, I'll read your story! And good, I'm glad your shovel is ready!
Jedi Gollum: Good to see that you're back!
Wadeva: Yeah, sadly this is one of the last chapters. I'm guessing that there's about 2/3 left.
Deana: Yeah, he's probably the only bad guy that I was sad to see go!
Rachel13: I'm glad Calaen is having fun with that flashlight! Hope you had fun at the zoo!
That Undomiel Chick: My favourite doughnuts are jam ones, preferably strawberry. They are so yummy!
Halimanya: Thanks for such a nice review, I'm glad you liked it!
Silver: No, it doesn't sound weird, cos he was one of my favourite characters also, no matter what he did!
Jennifer: Yeah, I have a prequel planned for 'A Brother's Jealousy'. Its gonna be pretty much from Calaen's point of view, so you can see a lot of what he went through. I'm looking forward to writing that!
tHeBlOnDeInEveRkNew: I'm really glad you enjoyed it so much!
Legolas-gurl88: Yes, it is very sad. Still, it had to happen. Well, I guess it didn't, but I just made it happen. I'm mean like that to characters that people like. Hee hee!
Vicki Turner: Yeah, there's a bit more of this story. Maybe a few chapters. But look out for the prequel to 'A Brother's Jealousy'!
kathysidle: I'm glad you vote for the alternate ending! Yeah, I'm also very sad that he died, but at least he died happily and peacefully.
Elven Kitten: So, Calaen is no longer an 'it', right?
eleanor rigbey: That was such a nice review! Thank you so much! And don't worry, there are a couple more chapters left. Only a couple, though :(
The Last Hope: There were those reactions that you wanted!
jesusroxmysox: Yeah, I wish my brother was more like the nice Calaen also! If only wishes came true...
Ok, that wasn't a cliffie, and also kind of a boring chapter compared to the others, cos not a lot happened in it. Anyway, this chapter is up early, as will every other chapter, cos I'm going on holiday for 2 weeks on Saturday, and as there isn't much left of this story, I don't want to leave you waiting for one chapter. Misto PS: I've been asked by GollumGirl (whose new name is Jedi Gollum) that she has a new account and is re-posting 'Haldir's Here', so all of you who were reading it before, it's back up!