The Undecided of Earendil
By- Larien
Chapter 10
Elvnchic9- Hmmm, who is the man? Lol, you'll know soon. Probably the next chapter. It might not be exact, but you'll find out more about him. Glad I got you guessing though, that was my goal:) So thanks for the review!
Legolaslover77- Thanks for the review! I'm gladyou liked the horses, for that was a completely random occurence! Oh well, at least it wasn't a waste! Thanks again!
A/N- Hey all! I'd just like to say that I'm in a pickle, for I know where I want this to go, but it's just a matter of getting it there. So please let me know how I'm doing thus far, for I'm concerned that I'm loosing some people. The next few chapters, hopefully, will start heading in the direction I want them to. Also, I'm trying still to balance the Legolas romance, so if there are any thoughts, ideas, or comments, let me know. Every review is greatly appreciated, so thank you all for reading. You're input means the world to me. Le hannon!
The horses took off at an amazing pace, one that would rival the great horses of Rohan and smite their masters pride. Whether it was the unruly training and skill of the riders themselves, or the chance to show up the other horse that drove the horses so fast, was a toss up. Through the trees, swerving in and out and ducking the branches, they raced. The road was nothing to be kept to. Leaping over a log, Caniel laughed at her horses' aggression, feeling the presence of Legolas right behind her. His horse was snorting loudly, taunting Aníron as he too leapt the great log acting as a barrier to them going any faster. Legolas urged his horse faster, kicking his sides and smiling as the wind whipped behind him and feeling the adrenaline from his horse catch on to himself. He felt invigorated and energized as the branches combed his skin and left run marks on the horse fine fur. Bringing up the side of Caniel, he looked over to her and shared her competitive smile.
"I didn't know they could run this fast!" Caniel said, as her horse swerved another tree.
"I know!" Legolas laughed, being launched over a divot in the ground.
"Noro lím, Aníron," Caniel whispered in her horses ear. "Stick to the road."
Legolas watched her murmur in the horses ear and he smirked. If she wanted to play that way, then so would he.
Veering his horse deeper into the woods, much to the dislike of the horse, he probed him faster making the ducking of the trees more treacherous. He knew ahead the road veered and they would end up ahead of the turn. Birds scattered at the rugged horse plowing through their domain and small animals ran from their burrows to avoid being trampled. Legolas could almost scrape the trees with his legs as they dodged them, but both were invigorated and both found renewed energy when they finally emerged onto the road and no sight of Caniel could be spotted.
"Come on now," He breathed. "We're almost there."
The continued to race ahead on the road when Legolas noticed the marks of horses' hooves on the ground ahead. Then the thought struck him; had she already been through here? He contemplating taking another forest road, when he also realized that the tracks could be from their ride earlier. Slowing his horse, as to not be mistaken, he studied the tracks just to be sure. Indeed they were from earlier, for they were fitted the wrong direction. Then he strained his hearing for the sound of a horse ahead of him, but none could be heard. Not from ahead anyway…
Caniel saw the elf stopped in the middle of the road and nudged her horse even faster. They hadn't gone as fast as they should have, earlier on the road, but she was thankful at least that Legolas was still within reaching distance. Legolas suddenly realized that hooves were approaching and glanced behind to behold the sight of Caniel racing towards him. Giving a great yell and kick, his horse bucked then took off again. But too late. Caniel reached him within a couple of strides and they road side by side for many a yard.
"Nice short cut!" She said, as they turned a sharp corner.
Legolas only focused his attention on the road ahead.
"Seems to have done your horse in though," She observed.
At this Legolas looked to her. "What do you mean?"
"I mean he seems to be lacking," She smiled mischievously. "Noro lím!"
Legolas watched in amazement as she passed him once again, taking the lead by many yards. Trying to urge his horse faster, though the horse itself tried to bring back its' lead, the treacherous short cut had taken its toll and the carrier was tired and beat. Legolas rounded the corner and watched helplessly with a bemused smile as Caniel reached the barn and turned to watch him steadily make his way up to her.
"You win," He admitted, feeling his pride die slightly.
Caniel's generous smile, though, warmed his heart and lightened the situation. "You are a skilled rider. I thought I was beat."
Legolas nodded humbly at the compliment then held his hand to her. "You are a worthy opponent. We must race again."
"Is that a challenge?" She asked.
"It is a request."
Caniel nodded and took his hand which he shook reverently. But Caniel's smile faded shortly thereafter. Dropping the reins, she brought her hand to her forehead. A look of concern crossed her appealing features.
"Caniel?" Legolas edged his horse closer to her, concerned. "What is it?"
"I…I don't know," Her horse whinnied also sensing the trouble as Caniel closed her eyes, and her already pale skin whitening.
"I think-"
She didn't have time to finish the thought for her eyes rolled back into her head and with a sway, she leaned to fall off the horse. Legolas moved quickly to grab her, before she hit the ground and pulled her off the saddle onto his own horse. Her body was limp and her skin cold but she murmured ever so softly at intervals in elvish. Once he had her situated on his horse, sitting in front of him with her head back on his shoulder, he yelled for a stable boy, who took a frantic Aníron back to her stall, but not before he looked befuddled at Caniel.
Bringing his horse to a steady trot, Legolas made his way quickly through Rivendell back to his homestead. There he dismounted the horse who nudged an unconscious Caniel (whom, from what it appeared, he had suddenly taken a liken to) worriedly before heading back to the stables as his master commanded. Legolas carried Caniel into his home where he laid her on the nearest couch. Lighting the candles around the house, he took a damp cloth and set it on her head, kneeling next to her. Her eyes were closed and she still murmured, but a check of the pulse assured him that she was indeed just having another vision. He only hoped that her dreams were more pleasant than those of late.
As the minutes passed, he busied himself with changing into more appropriate dining clothes; a dark blue robe over silver leggings and button up shirt. Pulling his hair back, and shoving some loose artifacts into a closet, he then set to preparing a cozy dinner for the two of them. As a first priority, he started a comfy fire in the fireplace and replaced the dying flowers on his table with fresh roses he selected from the garden in back. Then he heated the wood burning stove and set boiling a pot of water. Taking to the cupboards, he realized the food he had was at a minimum. With a quick glance to a still very unconscious Caniel, he ran out the door. After some time, he had brought back Arwen who had her arm full of extra food and they readily prepared a meal including a wholesome salad, bowl of fruit (which he had cleverly placed in a carved out watermelon), bread that was just being warmed, and a thick chunk of meat sizzling next to a pot of a tomato vegetable soup. Taking pride in the dinner they had conjured with the unprepared items they had in their cupboards, Legolas and Arwen continued with their chore by setting an exquisite table.
As Arwen helped pull straight the silk tablecloth, she smiled to herself. "So tell me, why are you preparing a meal for Caniel?"
"It was a bet I lost," He admitted, reaching for the plates. "We raced horseback and the winner got to enjoy a home cooked meal by the looser."
"And you lost?" Arwen smiled, arranging the tossed about roses. "That's a first."
Legolas shook his head exasperated, continuing on with the silverware.
"And was the bet for such a cuisine dinner?" Arwen asked. "I haven't seen anyone put so much care into a meal before."
"I would like it to be perfect."
"A perfectionist are we?"
"I just want her to be impressed," Legolas sighed.
Arwen's smile only grew. "Impressed? Have you taken a liking to her?"
Legolas eyed the curious girl. "Impressed by the meal to replace the shameful race I exhibited."
"I'm sure she'd be flattered," Arwen continued, ignoring the elf.
"Arwen please."
"There's nothing wrong with it, after all," Arwen placed the wine on the table, while Legolas lighted the candles. "Have you considered telling her?"
"Have you lost your mind?" Legolas smirked. "Do you really think I'm so shallow as to admit my feelings to her? Especially when they are so irrational an unruly?"
"So you do feel something for her," Arwen nodded.
Legolas stopped in his tracks, closing his eyes in exasperation. She had done it again. How Arwen was always capable of prying things from him was a mystery. She was wonderful at understanding people's emotions and reading their every move. She truly possessed a gift that Legolas made sure never to underestimate again.
"It is only a curl in the wind," Legolas grumbled. "A ripple in the water. A rock on a cliff. It is nothing lasting or true."
Arwen studied him, realizing that he was indeed very confused on the way he was feeling. Pitying him, she let the matter drop and did one last scan of the meal. Everything was perfect and waiting, and not a moment too soon, Caniel began to stir where she lay.
"I'll best be on my way then." Arwen said quietly, hurrying to the door.
"Thank you Arwen. I am in debt to you," Legolas gave her a nod, opening the door.
"I will mention nothing to her about this," Arwen said.
With that she parted and Legolas made his way to Caniel's side as she rubbed her hand against her temples, her eyes squinting in the light. Kneeling next to her, he removed the cloth and smiled gently.
"Caniel? Caniel are you all right?" He asked.
"Legolas?" She asked, looking at him. A look of confusion and that of being scared was etched into the fine features of her face. "Where am I?"
"You are safe," He assured, taking her hand. "I have brought you to my house."
She looked around at what she could see then sat up slowly with the help of the elf. He moved to sit next to her, brushing the loose hair from her eyes and supporting her with his arm.
"Was it another vision?" He asked quietly, watching her intently.
It took a moment for her to respond, but eventually she nodded her head. "Yes."
He nodded. "I'm sorry these visions keep troubling you. Was is like the last one?"
She looked at him. "In a way. But there were happenings…new happenings mixed with the old. Some things didn't make sense…others were…I guess it was all very much confusing and a jumble…How long was I out?"
"A little more than an hour." Legolas noted.
"It went fast," Caniel explained. "But I feel like it's been eternity."
"Perhaps then you are up for a meal?" Legolas smiled. "For as we agreed I have prepared a meal for the two of us. That is if you are up for it."
It was then Caniel acknowledged the appealing scent that filled the air. Roses, and roast and soup. It made her mouth water as she took the moment to recognize the scent. It didn't take long for the idea of a meal to become very inviting.
"I would be delighted to join you," She said. "For by the smell alone, my mouth waters and insides turn."
"Excellent!" He smiled and helped her to her feet. When she turned she was greeted by a beautiful table crafted with candles, roses, and wine all waiting to be enjoyed.
"Legolas this is too much!" She breathed, stepping forward to view it all close up.
"I'm glad you like it."
"But I feel unprepared. As though perhaps I should be of a more dressed up nature." She sighed, looking to her casual gown.
"You look beautiful, no matter what the apparel."
This took her by surprise and she locked eyes with the elf for a moment, the red rushing to her cheeks. Legolas smiled slyly, and pulled out the chair for her, following her every move.
"You are too kind, master elf." She smiled taking the seat graciously and placing a napkin on her lap.
"I only speak the truth." He said as he brought her the bowl of soup placed on the plate filled with meat and bread. She poured their glasses with the wine as he sat himself and with a quiet cheers and clank of their glasses, they feasted.
The meal was finished pleasantly with gay laughter from the both of them. During it, they shared in each other company with stories of old and shared songs they grew up with. Caniel found his reckless terrorizing of his father most funny and he anxiously awaited to hear of the many pranks she pulled over on Aragorn. When all was said and wine ran low, they started to clear the table, almost reluctantly. Neither wanted the evening to end.
"Sit, enjoy yourself!" Legolas smiled. "I'll make some tea."
"I can help," Caniel said, filling the tub full of water.
"I insist," Legolas took the tub from her and nudged her towards the couch.
Caniel went without further ado, rather relieved to sit and enjoy the evening. She had not felt so stuffed in a while, and the dinner she and Arwen had prepared seemed miniscule to the dinner that she had just shared in. Her stomach sat satisfied, though reluctantly fuller and fatter then she would have liked. Making her way into the living space, she scanned the room for something to occupy herself with until Legolas would provide further company.
Her eyes fell on the books lining the fireplace and she quickly did a brief and grabbed one that looked most interesting.
"You like books then?" Legolas asked, setting some dishes in the tub.
"That is an understatement," She sat and flipped through its many pages. "Wisdom within the politics; Regulations and rules of Rivendell." She read the title out loud.
"Fascinating," Legolas said with a hint of sarcasm.
Caniel laughed. "Actually, I've already read many parts of it. One of Elrond's favorites."
"You have too much time on your hands," Legolas jested. "And your brother has poor taste."
"He just can't stand anything interesting. Or funny. Or normal."
"Absurd, that one."
"Indeed." Caniel flipped to a chapter she had not read, scanning the pictures of the different buildings. "Ah, here it is! Chapter nine: Homestead policy and building restrictions."
"Do tell," Legolas continued the sarcasm.
"Actually, I've had to read it as part of my studies. Thankfully, for the time, they've resided and I've been able to set aside the pages of this book."
"How could you ever set it down?"
"You'd be surprised."
"You are a politician then, theoretically speaking?" He asked.
"I hate politics," She admitted. "Perhaps that is why I find them so fascinating. I find them to be so messed up, so crumbling and misplaced…Elves fortunately have seemed to figure it out better then most races…Or so the books say."
Legolas smiled himself as he scrubbed the dishes, his back turned to Caniel who continued to poor over the pages of the book. When he had finished, he adorned his robe (which he had taken off to avoid getting it wet) and walked over to Caniel who still sat unmoved from her positionwith the book. He sat down next to her, looking over her shoulders at the pictures of the structures and layout of the houses in Rivendell. It had never occurred to him how precise they would have to be, building them on the walls of cliffs and heightened slopes. And apparently, there was a plethora of rules to go along with how low they could be, how big, who could live where and when. With so much he was ignorant of, his thoughts turned to Mirkwood. Were there equal amount of restrictions on those houses as well?
"Incredible." Caniel said, at last acknowledging his presence.
"Hmm?" He asked, snapping out of the thoughts he was immersed in.
"You think you've heard everything…"
He nodded. He didn't need it to be explained any further. The prospect of housing rules was pretty obscure. Especially ones so strict.
"That's the elves for you, though." She sighed.
Legolas leaned back, looking very relaxed in his shimmering robe and his hair pulled back. "What troubles you about the elves?"
"I'm sorry?"
"When you speak of us, of the elves, I sense a disturbance within you. Why is it?"
She shrugged. " I don't know. I guess I just think there are some things…some rules and expectations that are, well, just plain ridiculous and, in a manner of speaking, incorrect."
"I think everyone has things that they disagree with," Legolas said.
"I suppose," She agreed. "I just sometimes find the elves rather overbearing and stuck up in the ways they think. Their views and expectations of others." Caniel mulled it over some more. "I guess what it comes down to; I think the elves think too much of themselves. Everyone should strive to be more like them, and if you're not an elf, you're not good enough. They view difference with a frown, and freedom is as they choose. Their rules are your freedom. Do you know I have never to leave Rivendell, in all my life?"
"That's a shame," Legolas said sadly, and he looked it. "There are wonderful things to be explored outside these borders."
"I wouldn't know."
Legolas chose his next words carefully. "Does this have anything to do with you being a half blood? An un-chosen?"
Caniel looked at him. Admittedly, that's exactly what this was all about. But she didn't know if she felt like shamefully saying so.
So instead she shrugged. "Maybe. I don't know. I guess that's just how I see things. But everyone's entitled to their own opinion."
Legolas said nothing more, and the matter died. Getting to his feet, he fetched a more childish book off the fireplace (he actually hadn't even known it was there, for the books stayed in the homestead for whatever visitor were to use it.). Sitting again and sliding the other book from Caniel's grasp, they began to flip through the pages laughing and enjoying the brightly colored pictures and big elvish lettering. It was a marvelous children's book. One that, unsurprisingly, Caniel had read long ago. They enjoyed it, long as it was, for they couldn't get over the cartoonish pictures of the elves, the frighteningly intensified cave trolls, and extreme quests the book told tale of. About have way through, the laughter had died and Legolas, after flipping another page, looked to Caniel who's eyes were shut and head was rested on the backrest of the couch.
Smiling to himself, Legolas set the book down and grabbed a blanket from a nearby chair. After placing it on her, and moving her ever so slightly so that she lay more comfortably, he blew out some of the candles and left her to rest.
Not long thereafter, she awoke due to the sudden rain that had started to pat gently on the roof. For a moment, she could not remember where she was, but then the surroundings became familiar and she smiled, noticing the blanket wrapped around her. Standing quietly, she replaced the blanket and made her way to the door where she meant to open it quietly. But a voice from behind startled her.
"You're free to stay," Legolas said sleepily. His hair was down now, and he had apparently just awaken andthrown a long black, thin robe over his bare chest and silver leggings he still wore from earlier. "The rain is hard, and if you don't wish to get wet…"
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to awaken you." Caniel apologized, noting his sleepy appearance.
"You didn't wake me, per say," He corrected. "I just sensed you when you awoke."
Caniel smiled, feeling her insides turn at him being so keen to her movements. But then she noticed him and stood silenced for a moment by the sight before her eyes. A voice in the back of her mind was arguing with the movement of her eyes as they lingered on his chest which, typical of most elven combatants, was chisled and muscular..
Do you realize what you're doing? The voice told her. You're starring! He has eyes, he can see you!
But her eyes remained. That is, until he laughed quietly, bringing her back to her senses. "Are you still awake?"
Her eyes immediately worked their way back up to his, and the pink rose to her cheeks. "Yes…I mean, I'm awake. Sorry."
Sorry? What are you saying? Her mind continued to scramble. Why now? Why did the pink have to happen now?
"I really don't want to be an inconvenience," She said at last, looking to the door. "And it's not that far of a walk."
"Suite yourself. But you're no inconvenience," He yawned again. "I can get you some pillows and blankets if it makes you more comfortable."
She debated the idea of staying. Yes it was easier just to stay, but she really felt like she was being extra weight. Then the thunder clapped and she jumped slightly, all to the amused humor of the elf.
"Not too found of rain?" He smiled.
"Not too found of storms, really." She admitted, more pink rising.
Legolas only continued to smile as he gestured to the couch, knowing full well that now she would stay. It bothered him none, the prospect of her staying. In fact, he had rather hoped that she would, for he found the idea of her staying there rather soothing.
Caniel smiled sheepishly, not bothering to argue with the elf further and walking to her new bed; the couch. Grabbing some fine silk sheets from a closet, and giving up one of his own pillows, Legolas made sure to make a bed fit for a queen. When he was done, Caniel beheld a bed more appealing then her own. She was just about to lie and enjoy the new comfort when she realized the elf still stood there. So this was the awkward part- saying good night.
Both stood there rather awkwardly for a moment, looking at one another. Neither knew what to do, what was appropriate for the situation. Somehow, Legolas' mind told him what to do; a simple good night was all that was needed. But there was much more that he found himself desiring again. The same desire that had penetrated him the night earlier. But it was foolish. He knew he could not have it. Would not have it. Tonight, whether it was because he was already half asleep or just more comfortable with the situation he knew what he was to do.
AsCaniel moved to give him a hug, she found a look in his eyes unlike the night before. A look of complete coolness and control. So he hadn't been expecting more. This caught Caniel off guard as he accepted her hug graciously. What was this sudden change? It was nice in a way; that was how she had wanted it. To be friends, and nothing more. So why was she feeling a hint of disappointment?
Legolas smiled sweetly when she whispered a thanks in his ear. When they parted, he locked eyes with her and brought her hand to his lips where he kissed it tenderly. Then he parted, leaving her to lie comfortably, starring at the ceiling, pondering the night. As the fire died out and the rain continued to pound a soothing melody, Caniel fell asleep clinging to Legolas' scent, which she breathed in from his pillow.