Not understanding the situation, Käleea proceeded to do as she was told. Nervously removing her gaze from the figures, she grabbed the stray piece of skirt material that now lay disoriented on the grass, moved to hide the map within, and shoved it back into her knap sack. Her attention was then brought back to the male forms, when an unexpected sound erupted.
"The stallion!" Käleea whispered. She then began to move forward when stringy arms came across her petite chest to stop her.
"I tolds ya do not move! Follow me lead." Sérathen demanded as she released her grasp and paced several steps closer to her bag, the package...and the daggers.
"Please, forgive our intrusion." A male explained as he approached the camp and pushed back the hood of his cloak, dimly revealing a very rugged and mysterious Human. "Our travels had brought us across this barren land when we discovered your camp and a horse grazing unaccompanied in our path. Alas, we mean you no harm, but only to return the tamed beast." He then leisurely left the company of his two companions and extended his hand to present the reins to Sérathen. In turn, she stepped away from the security of her bag and accepted them.
"Me Lord," she began to coo and curtsy falsely in respect. "You and your men have nothin' ta forgive, for it was not anyones fault but the caregivers. Accept her...our apology." Sérathen continued to ask, without taking a glance upward from the reins that were grasped idly by her side.
As if on cue, Käleea bowed her entire body as a sign of value and compassion for such kindness. He and his escorts could easily have taken the horse to keep as their own, but they did not. In her mind, that kind of empathy was something she rarely saw...but deeply admired.
"I am called Strider," he calmly replied, gravely ignoring her previous statement. "And my companions are Gimli and Legolas. We come from the North, hunting Uruk-Hai." Aragorn explained, notably leaving out the most important reason of their journey-saving the two Halflings. "We are nothing more than weary souls, so please," he gestured to Sérathen to arise from her position. "There is no need to invoke ceremony."
"Uruk-Hai?" Käleea wondered to herself. Why would only three men be hunting such disgusting, fearsome, and swift creatures? Not to mention numerous! Their parties could have turned them from hunters to prey! And it was indeed unnerving to know such beasts were on the same turf as them.
"Very well, Strider, is it?" Sérathen arose while putting on her best lady- like performance. "Since you and your friends have graciously returned me steed at the negligence of my...daughter," She spat while quickly giving a glance to the child. "I would likes ta offer you our hospitality, since y'all seem ta be deprived of such comforts."
"That would be most courteous; however, I believe his previous request also stands out to the young lady." A wonderfully mellow voice called as a male and his stout partner came out from the distance to stand beside their leader.
Käleea was surprised more than anything. Why would such people care about a child hiding away? How did the male even see her that distance away in the shadows! Ignoring her uneasiness, she prayed that the travelers would get what supplies they needed and promptly leave without a fuss.
"Of course, good Sir." Sérathen slowly answered, sounding fairly confused. "Though, my daughter's dealings are those of little importance ta you fine gentlemen. I am called Sérathen. Now, please rest yourselves in comfort." She cooed.
As the travellers made their way into the makeshift camp, Sérathen strode quickly over to Käleea and grabbed the girl's knapsack.
"Now you listen 'ere. Give 'em your portions of food until they ain't 'ungry. They seem ta have other things on their mind, and do not appears ta want to hinder our task. Nonetheless, we must be careful. Keep the package within your sight a'tol times," she forcefully grabbed the forearm of Käleea, believing the girl had not understood her seriousness. "And give them what they ask for, do you understand! We can not afford ta be stopped at this point." Sérathen whispered into Käleea's ear before throwing the arm back down and walking over to join the weary males.
"Yes, my Lady." Käleea obeyed and closed her eyes tightly. This was NOT going to be different from her home life. She was a servant once again, carrying out deeds to which she would rather rot than complete. But there was no escape now! The plan she was thinking about devising was now going to be completely useless if these males made camp with them! Maybe if she stayed fairly out of sight and out of mind, they would consume their needed rations and take rest straight the way. Maybe.
"Well com'mon, girl! They are tired and famished; do not make them wait any longer!" Sérathen hissed from her place within their makeshift circle of bodies then focused her attention back on wooing her guests.
Käleea came out of her thoughts and nodded timidly in their direction, unaware that a pair of Human and Elvish eyes had followed her curious reactions for some time now. She then began to firmly tie up the stallion, not wanting to make the same mistake twice.
"Why did you have to flee?" She angrily asked the silk horse. Almost as if feeling her tension, he nuzzled against the crook of her battered neck. As predicted, the girl released that terrible emotion and groaned in respite. "Then why could you not have waited to take me with you?" Käleea whispered and gently stroked his beautiful mane. She later began to resume the task of dividing out her rations, when the fake voice of Sérathen filled the air.
"Now ya say you are tracking the likes of Uruk-Hai, eh? Oh yes, it takes a real man to be doing such work, hmmm?" She said sweetly and batted her eyelashes as if it was as essential as breathing. Legolas has clearly seen the action, as did the Ranger, who intern slightly raised his brow. Though a certain Dwarf did not catch the obvious act of seduction, but merely the inviting words of which she spoke of.
"Ah yes, lass! It is no easy task what we have been embarking on." Gimli explained gleefully, obviously easing his tension, and began lowering his stout body to sit upon the grassland. "It has been a long journey indeed, not one for the faint of heart." He then extended the handle of his axe, as if asking them all to do the same, which in turn they did. All except for the Elf, whom remained facing inward to the group, bow hugged firmly against the shadowed contours of his chest.
"Really? Oh, do tell!" Sérathen asked with genuine interest; not for the story exactly, but for the information that could be aquired. She needed to know if they were of friend to the Wildmen. If they were not, she had to contemplate how to act so no suspicions would arise.
"Perhaps another time," Aragorn interrupted to prevent the now excited Gimli from slipping out any costly details. "Though, I can say we serve no man."
"Oh?" Sérathen asked as her body language displayed that she was happy about his answer.
"We pursue them into whatever land they may go, and unfortunately that is all I am able to give out." He finished off rather firmly, as to stop her from asking anymore possible questions.
"Um, yes. And your weapons are so...deadly." She continued to woo and gently leaned over to touch the blade of Gimli's intricate axe.
"Ah hum," the Dwarf cleared his throat and moved away several inches as he felt the situation quickly grow uncomfortable. "Ara-um lad, I am chilled to the bone! Could we not have a fire?" He caught himself before revealing the Human's true identity.
"Gimli, I be-" Strider began when he was interrupted by a foul voice.
"Ah yes, please do! I said that long ago, but me daughter though it would not be wise with such evils lurking 'round. What nonsense." Sérathen rolled her eyes and turned to glare briefly in the direction of the girl before recurring back to the conversation.
"Actually, she was very cleaver to assume such a thing. Although, I trust those creatures are many leagues ahead, therefore we may risk some light." Aragorn answered truthfully.
Käleea's head whipped up in confusion. Did someone say she was correct! No...her ears were playing tricks on her. And what a cruel trick she thought it was.
"Aye now, lass," the Dwarf started as he and Strider began gathering brush for the small fire. "It is your turn. What brings you and the wee one all the way out here? It is no place for ladies such as yourselves to be wandering alone."
"I completely agrees with you. Our journey was only ta visit me mother in Minas Tirith, but our map was suddenly lost to the wind and we have been wandering for days now, in hopes of coming across someones ta guide us in the right direction." She clarified. It would have sounded almost completely convincing, if it was not for the over exaggeration in her voice.
"Unfortunately, I know not where our path will lead us." Aragorn stated as kindles of spark crackled within the newly lit fire. He stooped upon one knee as his attention was taken away to gaze upon his two companions, noting the look of pure famishment from Gimli. "Although, I do recognize you should not have to walk these traitorous lands unaccompanied."
As if overlooking his last comment, Sérathen erupted with hand gestures to the young girl that was now carrying rations towards them.
"Ah, finally! What tooks ya so long? Nevermind." She briefed and impolitely grabbed her portion-her second portion of the night-before anyone else.
"Well now," Gimli slightly chuckled. "I do not believe we've had the pleasure of meeting your lovely daughter."
Käleea's lips instantly parted slightly, but no words came out. It had been so long since someone asked for her name...or rather CARED to ask for it. But this was most likely a prank, an act to get on her good side, as almost all the males in her life had done.
"Well, this is... Tredéla." Sérathen pondered as if reaching back into her psyche, grabbing the first name that came to mind. "And please forgive her appearance! Our travels and the elements have caused much toil." She lied as describing Käleea's dress...or lack thereof.
"Ah ha!" The Dwarf laughed while clutching for his ever desired food. "No need to explain. It is indeed unceremonial, but it must be much easier to run without having to wear the full length of that flimsy thing!" He joked, trying to be light-hearted about the situation.
At that time, slight smiles crept across the illuminating shadowed faces...all except on Sérathen's, who did not seem to appreciate Gimli's sense of humour, and yet put on a fake grin seconds later.
Noting her own reaction, it was Käleea's beam that concreted a possible relationship between the young girl and the stout man. It had been so long since she had been witness to such a joyful person, though... she knew there was something else. It was in the reflection of the light that she realized he was not just short- he was a Dwarf! She had read many things about his race, and could not ignore the feeling that he still reminded her of a horrid Wildman. But she uneasily disregarded the emotion, and believed in some way his humour and presence would briefly console her in these dark times.
The adolescent's attention turned to the squatting male. She bent down slightly while offering the snacks, with her eyes fixed upon the grass kindling that lay within his gloved hand.
"Thank you." Aragorn said softly while giving a slight nod of gratitude. He then reached up with the opposite arm, politely accepting the meal as Käleea lowered her head even further, as a sign of respect.
The girl then stood and stirred toward the last of the travellers, as the rest of the group continued to converse. The mysterious male was standing several meters away from the fire, curious, for not much heat was generated that far away.
Käleea's graceful stride placed her within arms reach, allowing her to give the man the last helping. As she extended her hand out, the male's body did not flinch. Questioning his lack of reaction, she raised her blue eyes momentarily to catch an intense gaze that stayed fixed upon his two companions. The beautiful azure in his stare flickered in the reflection of the dim fire, as his pale skin and hair seemed to radiate.
Although his appearance was certainly not as gruff and crude looking as a Wildman's, something still unnerved Käleea about his stance and passionate glower. At that moment, she extended her slightly buff arms even further, while her gaze recurred to the ground.
The Elf's elongated neck turned slightly to witness her brief examination. His interest was drawn not to the dilapidated garb she wore, but the depressed look of her young face. Legolas then reached behind his back, placing his bow in a leather holster, for he did not want to cause the girl to be any more uncomfortable than she obviously was.
"Thank you." He said, once again revealing the deep, soothing tone. He bowed his head and graciously accepted the rations with both hands, as the girl turned to leave.
"Ah ha!" Gimli laughed with an incredibly large grin and food spilling out of his mouth. "I did not believe it was possible for someone to be as soundless as the Elf back there! The strong, silent sort I suppose! Eh, lassie!"
Subdued amusement erupted as Käleea's attention was immediately taken back to the tall male, when she turned around in serious confusion. The lack of light before was now made up in spades, as the beams reflected off every angle of his cheekbones, nose, lean grin...and piercing ears. That was why she felt uneasy! After all the stories and rumours she had heard about Elves, her mind comprehended the situation. They were very perceptual and intellectual beings; the fairest of all earthy creatures. Graceful, but strong and resilient to the extremes of nature.
"That explains why he was not by the warmth of the fire, he did not require it." Käleea thought deeply. Most Humans, especially females, were very much inferior to his race, and she now felt guilty about not speaking up about Sérathen's lies... if he had not guessed about their inconsistency already.
"Well now, you seem to have done it again, lad. She's mesmerized! Must be that Elven trance I've heard about." Gimli led on. "Just keep it away from me, you hear!" He mumbled as Käleea snapped out of her thoughts when she felt everyone's passionate gaze upon her. Trying to escape from the site, she nodded apologetically and began returning to guard the package as heat crept in to flourish against the apples of her cheeks. Although there was never any eye contact, Sérathen was still going to have her head for this!
However, it was exactly the opposite. The older woman did not scorn her out in the open, but rather laughed awkwardly at the circumstances.
"I am sorry, she does have a curious natures that Kretéla." She said, once again getting Käleea's name wrong while trying to make the men more comfortable.
"Aye, that she does, but it is nothing to be apologizing for. Curiosity is a wonderful and splendid characteristic to have at such a young age. You must be proud of her." Aragorn stated simply, throwing the last strands of grass into the flames of the fire.
"Proud? Oh...uh wells I always think a child is better ta be seen and not heard. We wouldn't want her mouth running off now would we?" She explained, not realizing how foolish her words and flirtatious body language were performing.
The brows of both Strider and Legolas slightly furled as they looked at one another, when a thunderous voice interrupted there concentration.
"Well, at least that child has the right idea. I also think it is time for all to rest." Gimli stated and began to lye his solid body flat near the comfort of the fire.
"Of course. We will take watch first, for you will be safe tonight." Aragorn reassured a fidgeting Sérathen.
"Aye then.'Night lads...oh and lassies." The Dwarf finished, axe then tucked firmly within the stronghold of his chest.
"Oh, yes. Good night me Lords. And if you need anything, please do not be afraids ta ask." Sérathen noted as she too laid her being within the basket of warmth.
Strider consoled his body by the fire for several minutes, before the hum of Gimli's snoring filled the calm night air. Noting that the Elf's attention was now placed outward from the warm flames, focusing out on the vast plain, the Human steadily walked over to stand aside his perceptive companion.
"Aragorn, do not worry about lookout this night. I will do it, for you also need your rest." The Elf explained sincerely without craning his head.
"Thank you, my friend. But many views scurry through my mind." He replied honestly, making certain no other soul could hear their conversation. Curious, his thoughts turned to focus on the young girl that now had her back toward them, very remote from the comfort of the camp. "She has not yet sleep nor returned to the warmth of the fire." Aragorn stated firmly to the Elf.
"Nor has she eaten." Legolas said as if confirming Strider's concerns. It was at that moment he handed over a rather large slab of uneaten bread to the Human, and gripped Aragorn's shoulder as a sign of concern. "This situation also plays ill in my mind. Something outlandish is happening, for I too have many questions without the comfort of logical answers." His eyes then travelled over to the adolescent, nodding as a sign of encouragement, before returning to his duty of watching the Plains.
Grasping the Elf's arm in response, Aragorn looked at the food in the palm of his smudged hand. He nodded back to Legolas gratefully and began pursuit in the direction of his friend's previous glance, all while taking off his armour and undoing a clasp around the crook of his neck.
Once again, I can not thank the readers and reviews enough. Thank you so much for just taking the time to read it, and I truly hope I'm doing your imaginations justice! If you have any problems (because I don't have a beta and I'm horrible at spell checking, etc), don't be afraid to voice them out, and I will do my best to fix them! Thanks again!
Kaylee (aldea-lightfoot)