A/N1: Mild Language warning.
A/N2: The new baby's name is going to be Tinu (TEE-new) which in Sindarin means, Small Star.
Note: I received a review from a young person named Esyll who expressed some specific opinions about the story. I responded to Esyll by private email and hopefully answered the concerns. The point I want to make and I want everyone to pay very close attention to this, is that Esyll expressed the views in a polite, intelligent and respectful manner. This is a young reviewer who had not forgotten what manners are. It was a rare occurrence to speak to a young one who showed such a large measure of maturity and professionalism. Hannon-le Esyll.
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"A bitter medicine truth … a harsh physician life."
–ME-
Chapter 36
The Enemy of My Enemy
A small repetitive noise intruded upon the consciousness of the eldest son of Elrond. For a time, the sound did not repeat itself and Elladan almost managed to fall back to sleep – almost. Then the sound repeated itself and the eldest twin sat up on his sleep pallet and frowned, blinking his eyes rapidly to dispel the last of the sleep haze from them.
This time when the sound repeated itself, Elladan happened to be facing the doorway of the large cave and saw a flash of movement and color. He recognized it for what it was and reached over on either side of him and woke first Elrohir then Legolas, who woke Aragorn. When the three saw the twinkle in the eldest twin's eyes, their own interests were piqued and when he pointed towards the doorway, they too heard the small repetitive sound followed by a flash of something moving past the cave's door at a high rate of speed – they all smiled.
Just moments after the "blur" had moved past the doorway, "it" came back the opposite direction and entered the cave. With his ears flat to his head and his nose stretched out to optimize his magnificent running abilities, Cyrano entered the sleeping area. When he saw the far wall rapidly getting closer, the small donkey stallion attempted to slow down but no matter the Herculean effort he made, his hindquarters just would not cooperate and kept advancing toward the wall while the petite creature's front hooves began to scrabble madly on the loose sand of the cave's floor in a vain attempt to get the front part of his body out of harm's way and hopefully pull the miscreant "rear" along with it.
Such was not to be the donkey's luck, however, as the back half of him collided forcefully with the wall causing the fleeing front half to flip over on its side. Elrohir stood peeking through the cracks between his fingers while Legolas stood with a wide-eyed expression and one hand clamped over his mouth in a huge attempt not to laugh aloud at poor Cyrano's plight.
For his part, Cyrano lay where he had fallen, breathing heavily and for a few moments, the others seriously wondered if he had hurt himself. Then the long ears began to twitch, the head was raised and the tiny creature pulled himself to his feet. He looked at the elves and humans with an expression in his eyes that let them all know that what had just happened had been done on purpose – he had meant to make an "ass" out of himself. With one last look at the wall, Cyrano turned and trotted for the door.
Nobody could hold it in any longer and within moments everyone was roaring with laughter.
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Rahan was just coming into the sleeping area when he saw Aragorn standing at the foot of Anayah's sleeping pallet. He stopped beside the young edan.
"I suppose you just heard the commotion, Captain."
"Aye, Estel, that I did. Be at peace about the outcome, however, for Master Cyrano has come to no harm. Ada Súrion checked him out personally and found that the only thing to suffer harm was the tiny stallion's pride."
When it didn't seem that Aragorn had even been listening to him, the Captain frowned and looked from the silent young human to Anayah as she lay sleeping on her pallet.
"Your sister slept through all the commotion?"
Aragorn nodded.
"Aye Captain – she did, although that is not all that worries me.
He looked at the Captain.
"Not only did she sleep through the noise but she is also sleeping with her eyes closed. Has she said anything to you about not feeling well?"
Rahan raised an eyebrow at the notion.
"Like you, young sir, she could be missing an arm and a leg and would still try to convince everyone she was fine. No, she has said nothing to me but I will try and keep and eye on her for you."
Aragorn turned to leave.
"I would appreciate it if you would, Captain. My instincts are telling me that something is not quite right."
With a final nod to each other, the two went their separate ways.
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A violent fit of coughing not only instantly woke Anayah but caused her to sit straight up in bed one hand over her mouth and the other hand grabbing for her blanket to try and muffle the sounds she was making. After the spell had passed she looked at her hand and was alarmed to see the blood. While blood vessels in the throat may burst during episodes of violent coughing, this blood was dark which could only mean that it was coming from somewhere else.
"Shit." She said softly.
She looked around the large cavern but no one else was about and therefore, no one had heard her "coughing up toenails" as she would have described it if she had felt better. Looking down and to her side, she saw tiny Tinu watching her quizzically.
"You're not going to tell on me are you?"
As if in answer, the tiny newborn sneezed softly and shook his head.
"Tell on you for what?"
Anayah slipped the hand with the blood on it under her blanket as Aglarion helped Greyfell sit back down on his pallet. It was clear that the elf's walk had exhausted him for he sat with his eyes closed as Aglarion laid a blanket over his lap before he smiled at Anayah then left. Without opening his eyes, Greyfell spoke to her again.
"You didn't answer my question, young Lady."
He opened his eyes and turned his head toward her but when Anayah opened her mouth to reply, he interrupted her by holding up a hand.
"And don't say that I didn't ask a question. Redirection may have worked when I was half dead …"
"You're still half-dead."
"Don't change the subject."
"Ok."
She looked at Tinu, started petting his baby soft hair then smiled when the tiny thing plopped over on his side, and put one tiny hoof on her leg. She jumped when she felt Greyfell take the hand that had been previously put under the blanket and look at it, and when he looked sharply at her, she at least had the good grace to blush with embarrassment.
He took a clean cloth that had been laying near the pallet and after pouring a little water on it from his water flask, gently wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth then cleaned her hand.
"If you're trying to hide something like that, make sure to wipe the blood from the corner of your mouth."
He tried to get her to look at him.
"How long has this been going on, Anayah?"
She shrugged her shoulders and remained silent, refusing to meet her friend's eyes.
"Anayah, look at me."
Slowly she turned towards the elf and though she met his gaze, still remained silent.
"You have got to tell your brother."
"No."
She shook her head stubbornly.
"And why not?"
She just shrugged and looked in the opposite direction. In turn he just looked at her and sighed.
"Badger meets bear."
She looked at Greyfell.
"Excuse me?"
"I said, badger meets bear."
He scooted a little closer to her pallet.
"Your Captain compares you to a badger which he says, and truthfully so from what I know of the things, that they are small and extremely fierce creatures with very sharp teeth that are not at all impressed by the size of his, or in your case her, opponents. Unfortunately, whether he, or in your case she, wills it or not, the bear can still hurt him, or in your case her."
She was looking at him with a raised eyebrow.
"Anayah, there is no dishonor in withdrawal – for the badger that is."
Then Greyfell noticed the twinkle in her eyes.
"What?" He asked seriously.
"Greyfell, you are holding my hand. Is there something you want to tell me?"
They both looked down at her hand at the same time and for a moment, all Greyfell could do was stutter – that and quickly drop her hand. When he once more looked at her he saw that she was doing her best not to smile and though he tried his best not to do the same, he couldn't help himself and started laughing. Though she had never heard the elf laugh this hard before, something about the sound of it and the fact that his whole face lit up when he laughed lightened her heart for a moment.
Standing at the door of the sleeping area where he had come to check out what was making Greyfell laugh so hard, Rahan just shook his head then glancing over at Tathrin, he noticed that the older man had tears in his eyes.
"Tathrin?"
The old man turned back to where he had been busy carving but before he stepped away from the door he reached up and patted Rahan's shoulder.
"I never thought I'd ever hear that sound again for I thought his heart was dead."
After the man had gone, Rahan lingered for another moment, frowning, before he too turned back to what he had been doing.
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"You aren't going to say anything are you?"
After the laughter had died down, the two had sat on their respective pallets with tiny Tinu lying between them. The young colt was laying with his eyes closed as he was lulled into somnolence by the two elves as they slowly and gently stroked his tiny, downy body. Greyfell sighed before he answered.
"Although it goes against my better judgement, I won't, Anayah."
He looked up at her.
"However, if you worsen, or if I am directly asked, I will let your brother or your Captain know what I saw. I do wish that you would tell your brother yourself and as soon as possible."
Without looking at her friend, she wiped a tear from her cheek then voiced her fears.
"I can't tell him, Greyfell."
"And why not?"
"First because he has too much to do and doesn't need the distraction and second because I know he will retire me and I could not bear having to sit here while everyone else works. My life is service to others, Greyfell and if I am unable to do that then I will feel purposeless."
She rubbed Tinu behind his ears and the baby looked at her.
"I pledged myself to his cause and I cannot fulfill my pledge while sitting on my backside doing nothing!"
"Like I said, Anayah, I won't say anything unless you worsen or unless I am asked directly. In good conscience, I can promise you no more than that."
She smiled at him sadly.
"That is all I can ask, my friend. Thank you."
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A short time later, Anayah went to seek her brother out and found him supervising the making of weapons and the sharpening of swords and daggers.
"Estel – a moment of your time please?"
Aragorn turned towards her then taking her by the arm, walked her to where two large barrels sat next to the wall then helped her sit.
She thought about her words for a moment.
"I have heard it said by a very wise man that the 'enemy of my enemy is my friend,' and in this ancient proverb, I truly believe, lies much truth. This ancient saying also points to a problem that we have not yet addressed."
The two looked up as two workers walked past them carrying supplies and waited to resume their conversation until after the two were gone.
"The night Semoro and Saeros were sent out to look for Greyfell, they overheard some of the people of Hoth speaking their political minds regarding recent happenings and in particular about what Ostara had done to Greyfell. It seems that the High Chieftain's stranglehold on the people she rules is not as solid and absolute as she would like to believe it is."
She took a drink of water from her flask before she continued.
"Have you given thought to the innocents, Estel, or are they going to remain secondary considerations on Freedom Day? I fully understand that in times of war or political unrest that there will be innocent casualties – this fact is a given. However, knowing Ostara as I do, when the rebellion begins she will use her own people as a shield and to her own advantage in any way she can, and that might not be such a good thing. Do you feel that we have any responsibility to them?"
Aragorn thought for a few moments then looked around the cave until he found Lothur and Halgar and called the two humans over to where he and Anayah were sitting.
"Lothur, you are familiar with the ways in which the merchant-owned slaves communicate with each other, are you not?"
"Aye, I am."
"Good. I would like for you and Halgar to go out and find out how many of these independently owned slaves believe, or would even want their masters to be considered when the rebellion starts. Depending on what we find out, we may have to adjust our plans and maybe even our timetable."
He turned and laid a hand on Anayah's shoulder.
"Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I will look into the matter immediately."
Kissing her brother lightly on the cheek, Anayah returned to see if Cyrano and Irildë had returned to baby Tinu.
After promising Aragorn that they would find out what they could, Lothur and Halgar nodded their heads and left.
Upon seeing the twins walking in his direction Aragorn rolled his eyes, for the twins were in too good of a mood and that could only mean that they had some devious plans in the process of seeing the light of day. Only his brothers …
Aragorn met them half way across the small cavern.
"So what did the two of you do now?"
The identical looks of mock outrage on Elladan's and Elrohir's faces under any other circumstances might have made him laugh but things had been too serious as of late. However, he couldn't help but be curious, especially when Elladan held up a small pouch.
"This is the exploding powder, my brother."
"That's all you managed to get?"
"No, but I know where we can get more, and I also know how to solve the problem of where to hide everything that we are going to need on Freedom Day."
Aragorn frowned at the eldest twin but remained silent.
"In plain sight."
The statement, like its meaning was unembellished but oh, so expressive. Aragorn found himself getting excited as he finally understood what Elladan was trying to tell him.
"Leave everything right where it is but on or just before Freedom Day those slaves still in the city will bring the supplies to a pre-appointed place where everything will be assembled and distributed - brilliant, my brothers."
"And we have other ideas as well, Estel!"
Elrohir was excited and his mood was infectious.
"Oil-soaked piles of straw on the field to frighten the Hoth cavalry and provide cover for our forces to be lit by flaming arrows. Explosions by devices akin to Gandalf's firework to frighten the foot soldiers and the horses pulling the chariots and rocks and pits randomly placed on the field to tip the chariots and cause horses to stumble and fall. So what do you think?"
"I think you two must have had a tragic childhood – or an unsupervised one!" Legolas shook his head ruefully.
"This just might work. We would have to put together exact timetables for getting supplies to the field and setting things up, but I believe your ideas have much merit."
Aragorn was nodding his head not only in acknowledgement of his brothers' ideas but also at the different scenarios that began to flash through his mind.
Anayah walked past where the group was standing with baby Tinu in her arms, on her way to put him with his doting parents who were sharing a meal with Elias. She paused a moment before moving on to complete her task.
"Have any of you sent Ostara a personalized invitation to your party yet? How do you plan on getting her to attend this little function of yours?"
She moved on while behind her, her brothers lapsed into silence.
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The three brothers and Legolas were still trying to find something to say when Anayah began to cough. She had just bent over and placed Tinu on the ground at his parent's sides when the attack began and falling to her knees, she grabbed her chest with both hands as she tried desperately to catch her breath. The three elves and human ran to her and when it seemed that her coughing was never going to end, Elladan picked her up and carried her to her sleeping pallet and set her down.
Aragorn knelt beside her and gently removed the hands she had placed over her mouth, then frowned at the dark, almost brown colored fluid that was on her palms. Taking the water flask Elladan handed him, he took a clean cloth and after wetting it, cleaned first her lips then the palms of both hands.
Rahan came to stand at the foot of her pallet but when the other three Guards followed, he signaled them away, indicating that he would stay with Anayah.
"She did this same thing earlier, Estel."
Anayah shot Greyfell a dark look but the elf ignored her and continued.
"The coughing was not this severe or prolonged but there was still the old blood."
Aragorn nodded and turned his attention back to Anayah.
"Anayah, this is old blood and is not from breaking blood vessels in your throat. You are a healer and should know this and should also know that this is an indication of something serious going on in your lungs."
Elrohir arrived with a cup of tea and handed it to his youngest brother. She shook her head, refusing the cup.
"This is only a tea with honey in it to soothe your throat and an herb to quiet the coughing. It will not put you to sleep."
She looked at her brother then at the twins and sensing no lie, took the cup and drained it. Within a few moments, her coughing ceased.
"I believe your coughing is caused by the blood in your damaged lung that is trying to work itself out and when you bent over to set Tinu on the ground it tickled your throat and triggered your cough. You probably have a slight lung infection which is causing irritation and additional bleeding."
He reached up, felt her forehead then frowned.
"If you stay in bed and do absolutely nothing but rest you may recover in time for the beginning of the rebellion. If you do not take care of yourself, you will continue to worsen and probably won't recover until we take you home and let Ada supervise your recovery."
She turned pleading eyes on her brother.
"Estel, I can still sit here and fletch arrows or sharpen swords and daggers, or braid ropes - something. If you give me even a small task it would make me feel better. Please?"
"Absolutely no activity – it will only tire you out and impede recovery. Besides, you must keep your left shoulder absolutely still as any movement will also irritate your lung."
Anayah lapsed into silence and looked away from those kneeling or standing around her pallet. When Aragorn reached for her to try and console her and get her to promise that she would rest, she stood and walked a few steps away then stood with her arms folded across her chest and with her back to everyone.
It was at this moment that Cyrano entered the sleeping area at a donkey-run. He had a small pack attached to his back with a water flask inside as well as cookies that were to be used to reward the small animal when he completed a task. Súrion came running after him and guided him out of the cavern, apologizing as he went. Anayah shot Aragorn a dark look.
"Even the ass has been put to work, Estel. If an ass has value then what exactly does that say about me?"
"Anayah, don't act like this." Aragorn said softly.
She whirled around angrily until she was facing her brother and the group that was watching everything closely.
"How do you want me to act, my Lord? Please tell me so that I may accommodate your wishes."
Rahan caught Aragorn's eye and shook his head. The young man sighed deeply as he turned to leave.
"If you need me, you have but to call." He walked away from her.
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Later in the afternoon, Halgar and Lothur returned with much to tell and after calling a meeting of all the Captains, the two gave their report.
"Somehow Ostara has gotten word that something big is going to happen in the near future." Lothur began.
"People are getting nervous and already several of the minor Chieftains have left Hoth as well as a few of the merchants. While she has talked, bribed or threatened the Chieftains and their retainers into returning, nobody has heard from nor has seen any of the merchants that left although there are rumors that they have journeyed to the spirit homes of their ancestors."
Lothur paused to drink his tea, letting Halgar continued with the report in his stead.
"She has stopped all wains and has confiscated anything she considers to be suspicious materiel. All her slaves are working double shifts and are so tired that when they do have rest time they have no strength to do anything other than sleep."
Halgar looked away as tears filled his eyes and Lothur put a comforting hand on the man's shoulder to try and ease his distress.
"She had a slave beat to death because he had a whetstone in the pocket of his tunic."
Everyone was silent as they tried to fathom a mind that seemed so devoid of compassion or caring. Though none expected the woman to be the most well liked ruler in Hoth's entire history, neither did they expect her to be so socially, politically and morally corrupt.
"Ostara thinks the threat is coming from Harad," Lothur said, "but she suspects internal unrest as well. Rumors have reached her of demons entering the barracks compounds and taking slaves and she is still worried because neither Anayah or Legolas has been found and she knows they could not have left Hoth considering the wound Anayah suffered the day of the race."
Halgar had regained his composure and took a deep breath for some of the things he and Lothur had discovered in their talks with the "independent" slaves of Hoth had brought back memories of others who had been willing to give their lives for him.
"Someone started a rumor that there is a large force on its way to Hoth from Harad. Apparently a Harad Chieftain has taken exception to having two of his slaves - elf slaves - being illegally held by Ostara."
Aragorn frowned.
"How did they get an idea like that, Halgar – do you know where this idea came from?"
The heads of the Guards and the twins turned toward Anayah who was sitting on her pallet, trying to pretend that she had not been listening to the conversation.
"Don't look at me – I didn't say anything!"
"Even though the Haradhrim are traditional allies of the Wainrider people, they feel this incident is a point of honor and that the challenge must be answered."
Aragorn looked at each of the faces in front of him.
"Does anybody know for sure if there is any chance that this is not a rumor?"
"It can only be a rumor, Estel."
Rahan had been silent up to this point but now pushed himself away from the wall he had been leaning against.
"It was only a story put together at the last moment to try and avert a conflict when we first encountered the chariots and their riders."
"Then how did this information reach Ostara's ears? Do we have a traitor in our midst?"
"Again this is but a rumor," Lothur said, "but apparently a bowman from a missing chariot unit lived through an attack on them. He later died from his wounds but before he died, told Ostara all that he knew. But that is not the worst of it, Estel."
All Aragorn could do was shake his head.
"How could there be more, Lothur. Halgar?"
Halgar cleared his throat then took a sip of his tea.
"The High Chieftain caught two old men on their way here with bags of supplies. They were too old to run fast enough to get away."
He looked down at his hands for a moment and when he finally raised his head, his eyes were filled with tears. His voice was barely a whisper although all those standing nearby could clearly hear his words.
"They used their daggers … They killed themselves before Ostara could force them to reveal any information."
Everyone was stunned silent by this new information.
"They and their personal sacrifice will be honored, Halgar. Let your heart know that they are at peace as should you be over their passing."
Halgar nodded his head.
"I know Estel – I just wished my heart could understand it as well."
The meeting was concluded soon after with everyone agreeing that they must step up their efforts in the acquisition of materials, supplies as well as in weapons training, for apparently they did not have all the time for preparations that they once thought they did.
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Rahan knew that Anayah had been deeply hurt when her brother had temporarily retired her from duty and when he saw her sitting on her pallet just staring off into space where she had been for most of the day, he took a late afternoon meal to her in the hopes that he could get her to eat something as well as talk to him. He was disappointed however and though she politely refused the meal, she spoke no more after that. When he reached his hand out to feel her forehead for fever she jerked her head out of his reach and looked away.
Elladan caught her rocking back and forth holding her chest but when he brought her an analgesic tea she would neither drink the tea nor acknowledge his presence. Even Greyfell was not exempt from her despair for when he had tried to apologize for telling Estel about the incident earlier in the day; she had ignored him as well. The elf had walked away but at the door of the sleeping area, a spark of the old elf – the one who did not let others intimidate him – flared to life. He turned to Rahan who was standing at the door watching his Charge.
"Captain Rahan, if you would be so kind as to keep everybody away from the sleeping area and from the door I would greatly appreciate it."
"What are your plans, Captain?"
"I'm going to pick a fight."
Nodding his assent, Rahan turned away.
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Seeing a colorful scarf, one that belonged to the outfit Anayah had worn the night she had danced at the Palace, Greyfell tied it around his neck then walked to his sleeping pallet. Seeing how painful it still was to just have to sit, Anayah helped him then sat back down. She had seen the scarf he wore around his neck and raised an eyebrow.
"What's that for?"
He smiled.
"So you can talk."
"Only because I want to know why a male elf would be wearing a she-elf's scarf around his neck."
"You told me once that if you needed to talk to me when you were at the Palace that you would put a colorful scarf around your neck."
"So I take it that you want to talk to me?"
"That is correct."
"What about, Greyfell?"
"Life. Donkeys. The consistency of squirrel droppings. Take your pick."
Anayah looked at the elf sharply.
"Do you by any chance have the gift of foresight?"
He shrugged.
"In a way – but not really."
"Hm." Was all she said before looking away once more.
Greyfell was thoughtful for a moment.
"Many of the beings I've met over the millennia have been quite unremarkable and I thought I had seen a fair representation – up until I met you."
Anayah snorted sarcastically but remained silent and Greyfell glanced at her to see if he still had her attention.
"You are one of the few beings I have met who could irritate me beyond reason, make me laugh, give me hope and beat me up – and in the same afternoon no less."
He paused and sighed.
"You are a good elf, Anayah Dúnedhel, but in this case you are not thinking clearly. If you think closely and carefully about this, you must see that the greatest service you can give to your brother's cause is to take care of yourself so that you are around to serve him militarily when the time comes."
He reached out and wiped a tear off her cheek.
"Estel needs to maintain his focus – you and I both know this – and he cannot do that if he has to watch your back as well as his own because you are too ill to do it on your own."
Greyfell could sense her sorrow.
"Talk to me Anayah."
She sighed deeply and her breath hitched.
"I know you're right, Greyfell. It's just … it's just that this whole thing has made me doubt my abilities – my self-doubts are killing my spirit. If I could have removed Legolas from the Palace sooner … if I would have had one of my Guards make first contact with Estel instead of the twins …"
Anayah looked at the elf sitting beside her with a look of tragedy in her eyes.
"Maybe they wouldn't have suffered through what they did!"
Greyfell shook his head.
"But you didn't take the alternate route – didn't do things differently, Anayah, and things didn't turn out exactly like you intended them to or wanted them to - that is how life is – no guarantees attached. That doesn't mean that you have to endure an extra portion of pain and suffering just to make up for not achieving the results you wanted in the way you wanted to achieve them – you don't have to punish yourself."
He reached out and gently touched her cheek.
"Estel doesn't blame you for what happened to him, Legolas doesn't blame you for what happened to him, Elladan and Elrohir don't blame you for what happened to them and above all you shouldn't blame yourself for what happened. It was not your fault."
Anayah wiped the tears off her face with the sleeve of her tunic.
"I hear you and understand what you are trying to tell me, but I think it might take my heart a little longer to understand."
Greyfell smiled and nodded his head toward the door.
"I think somebody needs a friend."
Anayah didn't even get her body halfway turned around before a tiny, wobbly-legged Tinu shoved his nose into Anayah's hand, begging for attention. The she-elf caught the baby just before he fell and pulled him into her lap where she spent some silent moments caressing his downy head and body. The miracle of unconditional trust and love worked their magic and soon Anayah began to smile – and relax.
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The small group of elves and humans clustered in the shadows just beyond the doorway turned when they heard a sniff. They knew that Súrion had guessed correctly that the innocent trust of a baby would help break down the wall Anayah had built around herself.
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After a time, she looked up at Greyfell.
"I have a question for you."
"And what's that?"
"Why is Ostara like she is … or was she born being a bitch."
The elf laughed quietly then petted a sleeping Tinu.
"Though Ostara never knew this, I knew her father and it was he that told me what happened. The woman grew up in a small village some distance from here where her father ran the Village Inn. Ostara helped him by cleaning, cooking and showing guests to their accommodations. She was always big – big boned as some have said over the years – although I've always personally believed that she carries two fëas within her, that of a woman and that of a man. How else could you explain …"
When he saw Anayah looking at him with a raised eyebrow, he blushed.
"Sorry. I know that was ungracious of me but like you and others before you, I have always wondered. Anyway – I digress. Ostara was always self-conscious about her appearance and has known that she was not pretty or petite like the other girls she grew up with. Children can be cruel and what Ostara had to endure during that time did much to shape her future character.
One day an elf came through town looking for lodging for the night. Her father was busy tending to other guests and asked his daughter to escort the elf to his room along with his belongings. The elf was eating dinner when she approached him and politely called out to him. When the elf turned to her he gasped and took a step backwards and even though he apologized for his rude manners and tried to make amends, it was too late. Two of the prettiest girls in the village had been sitting at a nearby table with their families and had witnessed Ostara's humiliation. The two started giggling and talking behind their hands and even though Ostara didn't know what they were saying, she knew for a fact that they were talking about her. It was an experience that Ostara could never get passed, and it left her bitter and angry.
That is one reason why Ostara strips her new slaves naked then parades them through the palace. She wants them to feel just as naked and as humiliated as she felt that day in the Inn. She wants the experience to break their spirit just as it broke hers.
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The afternoon wore on and even after Greyfell finally left to go help the others, Anayah still sat holding a tiny sleeping Tinu in her arms until Irildë finally arrived to take the young one away for his dinner and yet another nap.
It was when Elladan was taking dinner to Anayah that he noticed she was gone. He called to the others then everyone began a thorough search of the tunnels adjacent to the sleeping cavern, the middle cavern and the outer cavern where the horses were kept. The groups soon discovered that Elias was just as missing as his lady.
Something caught Súrion's eye and sitting on his heels for a moment, he picked the object up and handed it to Rahan. For a moment, the big Captain stood staring at the apple he held in his hand – the apple as well as the small ceremonial dagger that had been buried in the fruit. He closed his eyes and hung his head but after a few moments turned to where his three elves stood watching him expectantly. Finally he sighed.
"We leave in ten. Now move it!"
The three turned and sprinted away while the other elves and humans stood waiting for him to explain. It was finally Aragorn who asked the question on everybody's mind.
"Captain Rahan? Do you know where Anayah has gone?"
The Captain swallowed hard before he finally turned to the man and explained.
"Mortal combat."
"I'm sorry – I don't understand."
"Mortal combat, Estel. Anayah has gone to challenge Ostara."
TBC
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CapriceAnn Hedican-Kocur: Yeah, then we just might have something to do that would keep us both out of trouble! LOL! I'm glad you liked the chapter.
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esyll: I hope I was able to answer your questions and concerns. It was truly a privilege to cyber-speak with you. Don't ever change.
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Karone Evertree: Jennifer and Brukus were a treat to have around – the little bums. Every 4:00 pm – you could set your watch by them – they would always walk up to the house and stand in the driveway and start braying for their cookies.
I'm glad you liked the chapter.
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Pestiset: Don't worry about not reviewing the last chapter. Sometimes the real world intrudes into our reality – I fully understand! I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed both chapters AND survived your English assignment. Brings back memories. Didn't study for my final exam in Spanish. On my way to college – I walked – I was reading through my flashcards and almost got hit by a car. I learned my lesson – no more studying "on the way to school."
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kukumalu: I'm glad you liked Cyrano. Don't be telling anybody this but when I'm trying to put a picture of him in my mind, I see Donkey (from Shrek). I'm glad someone else thought of that as well.
(Súrion gave a slight bow then motioned toward the door after which, with much pride and bearing, the donkey exited the room...") … and holding his little head up high! I learned from Mom and Dad's burros that even though they are small, they still have giant size pride – truly.
(I can just see it doing that Donkey trot with that Donkey smile plastered on his face.) While I don't think Cyrano was actually showing the teeth like Donkey from Shrek, I still laugh when I read you suggesting it.
(being stung by jellyfish instead!) I've heard that jellyfish stings can be really painful.
Being a Silvan elf, Súrion is naturally empathic and sympathetic toward all wild creatures as well as the very young and has a way with those that cannot speak in a language we can understand.
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nanahalfelven: It is truly amazing how you can know all my secrets and get away with it. Well the wait is over for you and you will now know the new baby'' name. Tell me what you think. Thanks for the review.