Käleea sat exhausted with her back to a rock and legs drawn to one side of her weary body. She had been reading chapters from her book for quite a while now, as the opportunity seldom came along, and it also helped her to stay awake. As the girl began to turn another page, her peripheral vision caught a fist and several flat objects come within feet of her stunned being. Her eyes went wide as the beams of light from the fire revealed the hand to be that of the male, Strider.
"We have noticed you have not yet eaten." Aragorn said factually, as the girl did not flinch. "What you provided us was plenty, my Lady." He then lowered the items to the ground in front and returned to Legolas, presuming she would not have accepted the objects directly from his hand. She had recoiled several times when serving the food and it was evident now that the adolescent was distressed by not only them, but her surroundings. The situation and their presence must have been very unnerving.
Käleea crept from her place and knelt before the curious pieces. Upon closer investigation, she realized the man had donated half his share of bread. She placed the food cautiously into her bag, though her inquisitive vision never left the second object. Her delicate hand returned and travelled along the soft garb of the folded material, when she recognized the striking brooch. This was the cloak this 'Strider' had been wearing not moments before! The girl's mind raced as she contemplated his generosity. They were being so courteous to her...no doubt because they wanted something in return.
"Umm...mores...oh yes..." Sérathen mumbled in her sleep.
Sérathen! They believed she was the 'noble woman's' daughter! That was why they were being so considerate! She had never been given the light of day like this, and it felt good to know the world still held such compassion, even if they did not know her true status. It was then that Käleea realized how rude she had been for ignoring their generosity...but they were still very unfamiliar and she did NOT want to be in their presence any longer than she needed too.
Käleea's deliberation was not unusual, as she had experienced this type of mind game regularly. For many years she had slowly built up a wall; a protective barrier to the outside world. That way, she could not be hurt again, be it by Wildman, traveller, villager, or farmer. And although this instinctive guarding, this need for security, was normal for Käleea, she reluctantly believed and knew that no one was safe in these dark times...but that did not stop her heart and mind from desiring to experience that feeling, if only once, just to end the curiosity.
"I will just return the cloak and leave." The girl sighed as she decided to respect the rare situation. "This way, they will not have a reason to approach me again, as they will have nothing to claim." Käleea thought thankfully and knew that since Sérathen was asleep, now would be the most appropriate opportunity.
"Käleea." She spoke softly while arising from her position, unwrapped cloak in hand, to properly greet and bow to the two travelers.
"I'm sorry?" Strider questioned as he and the Elf turned to face the young girl.
"I am called Käleea, and please forgive me for my silence. My...mother has a difficult time with my identification, for she has a great deal on her mind. She also believes it is proper for me not to speak when dealing with unfamiliar persons." She quietly explained, not wanting to declare the whole truth- she should be seen and not heard- as fear of arising any suspicions.
Little did Käleea know, Sérathen had already given her true, impolite opinion on the topic.
"That is indeed intelligent, although," Aragorn started as he peered his welcoming face under hers. "We are strangers no more." Extending his hand to proceed in a courteous handshake, the Ranger smirked when the girl found herself not needing to bow a minute longer. Unfortunately, the moment was short lived when his expression became baffled as Käleea swiftly took the opportunity to shove the beautiful bundle of material back into his possession.
"Your offer was most gracious, my Lord, though I can not accept. I do not plan on sleeping this night." She said meekly but firmly in the direction of the shadowed males and hastily prepared to walk away.
"The Uruks are not within these borders." Aragorn explained as he began to re-offer his cloak to Käleea. "You are well protected tonight, as my companions and I will be keeping watch, if that is yo-"
"No." She interrupted and immediately realized her offensiveness to the man. Her tongue had never been granted so much freedom around others, and now it was beginning to run away with her. "I meant to say, my Lord, that those are not my reasons for doing so. I am to look after the horse and rations...as Sérathen does not wish to loose either to hungry beasts." Käleea lied, rather unconvincingly.
Aragorn and Legolas gave a quick glace toward one another as the adolescent girl was in mid-sentence. Surely this child would not be asked to perform such a task, unaccompanied. But neither was about to question the topic, as they probably did not understand her position, nor was it appropriate to disrespect either ladies' motives until they learnt more.
"Then please," the Ranger spoke while nodding over in the direction of several unoccupied boulders. "I am sure your mother would prefer if you to kept alert with company."
"You do not know my 'mother.'" She whispered. The situation was going a little to smooth for her liking, and she certainly did not want to be stuck so close between the two males. "Thank you for your offer, but I must return to watch the stallion." She confirmed as Aragorn reluctantly listened to her uneasy tone.
"But will you not be awake as we are? Why do you do so alone?" He questioned, instantly regretting the strong, empowering tone that came out with his statement. "Forgiv-"
"We mean not to create distress, but merely to provide you with the companionship needed to maintain your alertness this night." Legolas spoke softly as he swiftly tried to counteract the sudden boldness of his friend, noting the immediate tense reaction from the girl. "You are most welcome to join us, Lady Käleea." He then extended an unoccupied hand to a rock, as Aragorn sat himself atop another while giving a nod of gratitude to the Elf's quick intervention.
"What Lady?" She thought and recognized the previous statement as an order. Not as direct as the ones she usually received, but it was one none the less. She had to comply. And even though she was clearly uncomfortable, Käleea could not stop the feeling of curiosity about the males. The two were possibly allowing her a chance to speak freely, but their grammar and knowledge seemed so much more extensive than that she was used to!
After several moments, the girl surrendered to many of her anxieties as she sat atop another boulder, metres away from the travellers. Käleea cautiously looked over to the hidden daggers and started to flatten the remainder of her skirt. "At least this way I have a advantage if anything does go ill." She groaned.
Aragorn laid his cloak down and got into his weaponry once again, as several awkward minutes passed before anyone spoke. Käleea had never really had a decent conversation with anyone, so having the chance to do so with such obviously sophisticated people was a true privilege… though an intimidating one at that. In any case, they were still wonderers, unpredictable, and would most likely have done anything to get on Sérathen's good side for food.
"What was I thinking?" Käleea finally understood that the hunters most certainly could and WOULD not get her out of her inhumane lifestyle. She questioned herself silently, regretting all previous ideas and decisions. And now the girl believed she had nothing important enough to explain or interrupt them about that would capture their attention! Attention...it was at that point Käleea's nosiness got the best of her. She knew the male's concentrations were focused out on the Plain, so she decided to finally put a full face to the names.
Their striking eyes were completely compelled on the land in front, as their etched faces and bodies evidently did the same. This had been one of the first times Käleea had seen a grown male's profile that wasn't covered in a heavy, fully bearded face that belonged to a Wildman. And although both travellers seemed much more welcoming, they were still males, Elven or not...they may have even been keepers and owners of women who had to honour and obey their every wish. Her brows ferruled at the thought as the Elf turned his attention towards her, his blonde hair rippling over the hood of his cloak. Nodding politely, Käleea then whipped back to take resume watch over the Plain, low self-respect clearly overwhelming her body.
After watching the young adolescent's reactions, Legolas heard Aragorn take in a rather uneasy breath, as he too seemed to have many questions as to the characteristics the girl had displayed all night. But she should have been troubled, Legolas thought, for they were mere strangers to her, and the environment that now surrounded her was also unfamiliar. But the Elf also knew neither male had given her reason to be nervous or deem them dishonest. Why then did she insist upon keeping watch needlessly into the night?
If it had not been for Aragorn also noting the odd situation, Legolas may have believed his extreme perception to details in situations such as this was merely heightened because of the Fellowship's previous dangerous encounters. But this was different. Of course the Elf fully valued and respected the Ranger, but this time he knew and entirely trusted his own intuition. He would not back down from voicing his instincts again this journey.
"May I ask where it is you hail from?" Aragorn questioned. He understood that her nature was very quiet and timid, but wanted to try and break the silence to open her up.
"Hail from?" Käleea's squinting moved its position from the Plain to her lap. "Oh, it is a small village in the Enedwaith, my Lord. It is not well known." She lied, knowing Sérathen would not have wanted the girl to tell the truth. From her awkward response, Käleea felt as if more questions would be asked, and decided to try and stop them as best she could. "My father has entrusted my mother and I to deliver goods to a town in Rohan, as he could not do so himself." She bit her lip shyly; proud that it was not a complete fib.
"Ah yes, although I believe you mean to arrive at Minas Tirith, do you not? To your grandmother, as your mother has said." Strider reassured the adolescent, realizing her fidgeting had halted abruptly when he corrected her.
"I am sorry, I did mean that city." Käleea tried to explain as she changed her lie to fit Sérathen's. "I have much trouble with my limited direction and mapping skills, as does Sér...my mother... as you can obviously tell since we are lost." She lightly joked, unknowingly releasing the tenseness in her body.
"As I can see!" Aragorn laughed aloud as he too felt the situation grow much more relaxing. "But do not blame yourself; Middle-Earth is a rather large and complex land."
"It is, though I find it to be very interesting. The pronunciation of most places is a task in and of itself." Käleea joked once again, but without ever fully smiling or looking up from the hem of her skirt. "Though, I am up to the challenge." She whispered.
"What was that?" Strider asked as he thought the comment was intended for him to hear. As the adolescent moved, Aragorn caught sight of a mysterious bangle wrapped around the thinness of her wrist.
Though, he did not realize that Legolas had also seen the strange, bold band.
"Oh, I asked where it was you were from," the girl started as she used much restraint to hold back an obvious yawn that threatened her lips. "But you do not have to respo-"
"I will gladly reply to your question," Aragorn began as a look of slyness came over his masculine features when he turned towards her, catching the girl's intention of hiding her exhaustion. "If you agree to rest after I give the answer."
"Really, my Lord. I can stay alert. I am not tired." She persisted, leaning down to gently rub the aching out of her battered knee and shin. The aching that was both caused and covered up by Sérathen.
"Your legs obviously do not insist upon hiding the truth, so you should not either." The Elf explained, revealing that his attention had been on the pair for some time. While remaining fairly quiet for most of the discussion, Legolas knew that both he and Aragorn were not about to permit the female to pointlessly stay awake much longer. "You must be weary from the jogging you completed this day." He hinted factually, once again maintaining the monotone in his voice.
"How did you..." Käleea started as her blonde hair flowed when she turned to meet the Elf's gaze. Elf. "Oh...wait, so it is true! Elves do have extraordinary senses!" She suddenly erupted with pure excitement as her eyes set wide and back went completely erect... when the child noticed the suddenly amused, silhouetted faces both the males now adorned. Cursing her abruptness, Käleea tried hard to cover her embarrassment as she returned to look out across the land, posture once more becoming slouched with insecurity.
"And how would you know of an Elf's perceptions, my Lady?" The Ranger questioned with pure delight and enjoyment in his voice when he glanced at his Elven companion and returned back to the discussion. "Is that what you were reading?"
"Reading?" Käleea asked in confusion. "It was nothing more than passages on lore and history, my Lord." She explained quietly. Even though she felt slightly more at ease about their presence, every so often the girl took a glance back toward the stallion and package.
"That is no easy task. The skill to read alone is a great and rather hard accomplishment for one so young. You should truly take pride in your persistence and dedication." Aragorn explained sincerely, becoming all the more interested in their conversation. "Your mother must have taught you well."
"Actually, Sérathen does not believe in the verse of written words." Käleea responded, somewhat shocked from the courteous words from the Human. "And my skill is certainly not impressive."
"But I must say that either way, it shows. Your speech is certainly much more...extensive...than your mother's." Strider said half-heartedly, trying to crack a faint smile on the female's face, and surprisingly, it did appear. Two small dimples on her pale cheeks materialized as the fullness of her crimson lips curved upwards ever so slightly.
"Thank you, my Lord." She continued, feeling the need to hide the smirk, but could not bring herself around to doing so. No one had ever dared to poke fun at Sérathen, so that simple joke on his part came as a large comfort. "But I merely taught myself, as the pastime helped cure my fascination and learn of past ages, cultures, and history."
"You have read of the Elves?" Legolas questioned and narrowly lowered his head. Both he and Aragorn became very impressed that this young Human had such an interest to do so.
"Aye, though..." Käleea contemplated looking at the Elf as she spoke, but decided against it. "My knowledge is minimal and I do not know the accuracy of the information. My apologies if I-"
"Nonetheless, it is most impressive." Aragorn interrupted, not wanting the girl to ask for forgiveness anymore they she needlessly had already.
"And most respected." Legolas commented and gave a slight nod of his head in her direction. "Hannon-le."
"Pardon me?" Käleea questioned as she finally brought her full attention to the males. From just those two simple words, she knew it was a beautiful and most delicate language. If only the rest of Middle-Earth would take heed from his seemingly unworldly culture.
"It means 'thank you' in my tongue." He replied as indentations by his thin, garnet lips emerged.
"It is my pleasure," she began, unsure of the appropriate answer to give. "Though, I should be the one to graciously thank the both of you for returning Sérathen's horse. She could not have travelled far without it." Käleea gently responded as her eyes and mind opened to the subtle contentment in his voice.
"It is not an act one should accept that much gratitude for, my Lady. But your generous hospitality is something most appreciated." Legolas stated when his Elven senses regained focus.
"Indeed, and now in my tongue I must say that it is time for your slumber." Aragorn stated kindly but strongly as he got up to offer his cloak once again.
"But you did not tel-"Käleea started impatiently, desperate to stay awake.
"I do not have a home." He answered to her previous question. "I am a Ranger. And now I have kept my end of the barter and more." The girl then began to lower her head in defeat as he walked over, but the male caught sight of the action before she could do so. "My Lady," he sighed and started motioning to slightly touch Käleea's shoulder, but as expected, she quickly stood up and shunned away. "You have nothing to fear this night."
"I-I think I know." Käleea breathed in heavily while briefly closing her ice blue eyes. For the first time since she could remember, the girl truly believed what someone had told her. "I am used to the cold night air, but I thank you." She lied while refusing his charity and cautiously stepped around the Ranger to reach her resting spot.
"Quel kaima,Lady Käleea." The Elf stated peacefully, completely expecting the confused facial characteristics she gave. It was then that his eyes finally expressed a sense of humanity and amusement in the dim light of the fire, before calmly looking away to resume guard. But of course, the girl never had the chance to view it.
"Sleep well, young one." Aragorn assured genuinely as he held out his hand in the direction of the stallion. Anticipating that she would not look either in the eye before departing, the Ranger's brow narrowed and a rather courteous grin appeared toward the Elf's light-heartedness. He had caught wind of Legolas' obvious intention of easing the young girl's sombreness, and it was then that Aragorn truly realized that he was not the only one with concerns toward the situation.
"Oh, um..." Käleea started, unsure of the response to give, but for once allowed her heart to speak instead of her mind. "If I do not see you at dawn, it has been a privilege to be in your presence, and I thank you." Although she did appreciate the conversation, Käleea still hoped that this statement would convince the hunters to leave her alone, allowing her time to finish conceiving a plan for the package. "Good night, my Lords." She courteously bowed their way and left swiftly without a glance back.
"I do not like this, Aragorn. She has not yet made eye contact with anyone. And although the circumstances must be overwhelming for her, the girl is frightened not only of us, but I sense of her guardian as well." Legolas stated quietly once he knew the adolescent's ears were out of reach. "No child would truly fear their mother in the way that she has demonstrated."
"Aye," Strider sighed as he scratched the fullness of his speckled beard and walked back over to his friend. "But I do not believe the Lady is her mother. There is no resemblance to the child's soft features and this 'Sérathen's' arrogant ones."
"The girl has also called her Sérathen and not 'mother.'" The Elf confirmed as his brows and marine blue eyes narrowed in the Ranger's direction. "Who would permit their daughter to run alongside a horse for days?"
"And how could one so young be partaking in such a perilous journey?" Aragorn questioned before lowering his voice as to not awaken the other travellers. "No woman nor child should be completing such a crossing unaided, especially within days this sinister."
"I understand your thoughts and the Hobbits are many leagues ahead, Aragorn. If we escort the females to the nearest village, we will lose valuable time."
"I know." The Ranger replied regretfully as he started to pace. "Though, we can not leave them out here on their own. We know not what demons lurk about and I doubt they would survive long if an attack did occur. If they were to be tortured..." He carried off, pure conflict showing in his voice and body language when the Elf strode over to comfort his friend.
"It would be murderous neglect on our behalf." Legolas understood as he grasped the Ranger's shoulder in reply.
"I do not wish to carry any more blood on my conscience." The Ranger spoke quietly.
"I know your strength in battle and you are not to blame for our companion's deaths, Estel. Do not speak of what you may or may not have done, nor what you are going to do. Do it and allow the action speak for itself." Legolas stated when he reassured his partner. "Now rest, for you must now save your strength for the females if we are to escort them in the morn." The Elf said with a hint of persuasion. "I am certain they can maintain pace if both ride the stallion." He confirmed when a hand grasped the broadness of his shoulder.
"Hannon-le, mellonamin." Aragorn expressed to his comrade, mouth turning slightly upwards to show his appreciation. As both stood upright for several moments within contact of one another's body form, an unknown, intense emotion erupted briefly in both of their eyes. To others, the occurrence would have been invisible, but these males were so predictable, so well-known to one another, that nothing would go unnoticed or overlooked. The Elf could effortlessly hide any emotion, in contrast to his companion. As hard as the Ranger tried, his aura and passion was clearly visible to Legolas each day. This type of bond may have been abnormal for another duo, but their care for one another, their devotion, went far beyond the ordinary.
A faint rustle was heard beyond the fire as the concentrated connection broke between the two hunters. Weapons at the ready, both visually inspected their surrounds, but noticed it was merely the girl's lying form that created the noise. With her back to their bodies, she had plainly tossed around in discomfort.
"I do not believe the sleeping child will be too pleased with our decision." Aragorn joked as he walked over to Legolas, before both readied themselves to resume guard.
Though, the Ranger had been wrong, for she had not yet slept. Lying with an arm under her head and Sérathen's bag tucked snugly into her chest, Käleea had been perfecting a new plan to get away. That and contemplating all meanings this Strider may have meant by using the words, 'young one.'
I just wanted to say that I have unbelievable gratitude to everyone who is reading this! Thank you so much for giving it a chance!
Mega props to Unski, aragornseyes, Stun04, mellon18, gotlegolas, Amanda, Ellmarr, moonbunny77, Eldrianna, Yami Ray, and Leah for your killer reviews. Hope its living up to what you said!