The Undecided of Earendil
By- Larien
Chapter 17
Loony Kay- I had to have Aragorn mess up something, so I'm glad you enjoyed it. Lol. Thanks for the review!
YeLLoSpRiNkOz- May I just say your name is really difficult to type! Lol. I'm glad you love the story. It means a lot to hear it. Thanks for the review and I look foreward to hearing from you in the future.
Elvnchic9- Yeah, the whole Aragorn and the twins was probably the most fun thing to type. I've actually been to family reunions where they've done that and it made me laugh then so I encorporated it. I'm glad you enjoyed it cause it made me laugh as well. As for Glorfindel's news, well, it will get more complicated. Not this chapter but in the next. Thanks for the review and I'm happy to be back to post another chapter! ( I went to a lake cabin for a while, good times.)
madrone- That was my hope, to make Thranduil appear to be an ass. It's always good when you can make a character appear a certain way to everyone. At least I'm doing my job as a writer. And don't worry; I think Thranduil will learn some hard lessons before the end. Let's just hope he doesn't do anything too stupid before then. Thanks for the review!
dragonlore- Yeah, Thranduil is kinda mean isn't he? If that isn't an understatement! Andeven though it appears that his kindgom isall he cares about, I think we'll learna lot more about our hot-headed king as the story progresses. Let's just hope he cools it for awhile.And I too feel sorry for Legoals forIcan relate. I think we all can really, which is whatI was hopingto portray. It's a feeling of being torn that everyone expiriences sometime in their life. We just all handle it differently. I just hope I can make Legoals as relatable as possible. But anyway, thanks for the reveiw!
A/N- Is it really already chapter 17? Gawl, it feels like I should be accomplishing more with these chapters for there's still a ton that needs to happen…oh well. I guess I'll just see where this goes. Hopefully I don't get too many chapters and start loosing readers; that would be horrible! Well, I hope I continue to please you with each chapter for I have some good twists and ideas, so keep the reviews alive and coming. They drive me to write more.
P.S. Wasn't that a horribly lame author's note? Oh well.
Once inside her room, and after lighting many candles in frustration (which proved difficult with one hand that was shaking with fury) Caniel fell to the floor with hysterical sobs. Her lungs hurt with each heaving breath and her left arm was beyond numb. It was as if every passing moment another orc twisted a blade back into the wound. The blood was showing visible through the dress sleeve now, but she didn't care. Her tears fell to the floor like heavy raindrops and her body shook violently. After a few moments of sobbing, she heard the door open and tried to wipe away some tears, which was pointless since her face was drenched and stained red.
Arwen hurried to her side, dabbing her face with a soft cloth and cradling her in her arms. This only caused more crying to ensue from Caniel, who felt so stupid to have broken down in front of Arwen. But Arwen didn't budge from her spot on the floor where she cradled Caniel, stroking her hair and mumbling softly to her in elvish. After a while, Caniel managed to calm the sobs, though the tears were still evident. Arwen helped her up, and changed her into her silk nightgown after carefully rewrapping her arm. She did not say anything out loud and Caniel was grateful- the last thing she wanted was pity or counsel. When the arm had been rewrapped and the nightgown on, Arwen sat them on the couch in Caniel's bedroom, where she looked at her sadly.
"Will you be all right?" She asked softly.
Caniel shrugged, trying her hardest to stop the tears. Her breath was short and quick, and her nose was running like a river. A quick look in the mirror showed her eyes were swollen and red, and she looked as though she had transformed into a wet, red balloon.
"I know you don't need to hear this," Arwen said softly. "But don't listen to Thranduil. He knows not of what he speaks."
Anger raced through her at the mention of his name and Caniel stood suddenly, frightening Arwen who raised her arms as if afraid Caniel would fall over. Instead, she began pacing, her breath heavy and quick and her nostrils flared.
"How dare he talk that way!" She said through clenched teeth. "I can't believe he would dare treat any woman in that manner! Scrubbing floors and bearing children. He talks as if we're slaves. Objects!"
"Under his rule, that is what he envisions for the perfect wife. He meant no offense." Arwen tried to believe it herself, but found it less then comforting.
"All I'm good for, is it? Pity?" She bawled her fists, continuing to grumble as if she hadn't heard Arwen. "I'm sure it makes him joyous to know you ran after me no doubt to pity me. I'd like to see him put me in my place!" She said this harshly, spitting out the words as if they were poison. Arwen watched from the couch helplessly as she vented.
"What's so different about me anyway?" Caniel shrieked, the tears returning but this time out of anger. "Who does he think he is deciding who belongs and who doesn't? I've been raised by elves, trained by elves, lived like elves. As has Aragorn and I don't see him taunting the ranger! We are the same on the outside! Why is he so…. arrogant? And keeping a strong royal line? Who can tell one way or the other? Royal, noble, peasant, slave, there's no bloodline in any of it! Why the shame he lacks, I just can't…."
She whirled on Arwen. "What is so different!"
"I don't-"
"I'm not different!" She yelled pacing past her vanity whereon her elven blades glimmered in the candlelight. "If anything, I'm better for I do not have such horrible opinions of people! Nobility earns you the right to rule a city? There's nothing noble about ruling a city under a prejudice pretense! Argh, he makes me so angry! I just…how can he…how can one be so horrible!"
With this last sentence, Caniel had grabbed a blade off her vanity with her right arm, and in a swift, blurred motion had spun and chucked it across the room where it hit dead center of the door frame, where Legolas stood. His eyes grew in shock, as he looked down where the blade was perfectly imbedded into the crevice between the frame and the wall. Caniel upon seeing him standing there sank down next to Arwen in dismay.
"I could've killed you." Caniel grumbled with renewed tears as she buried her face in her hands. Arwen rubbed her back quietly, sharing an understanding smile with Legolas.
"Why don't you talk to her?" Arwen said after a moment and she stood leaving Legolas standing in the room quietly with Caniel still sitting on the couch. After a minute of silence, Arwen having shut the front door behind her to ensure they were alone, Legolas moved next to Caniel, feeling more horrible and guilty then he thought possible.
"Caniel…I'm, I'm so sorry."
To his surprise Caniel laughed in her hands. "Why? You didn't do anything."
"But…my father…"
"Yes, your father did a lot."
Legolas smiled despite himself. Though a wreck and in more pain then he could imagine her being in, Caniel still managed to remain sarcastic.
"What he did, what he said, wasn't right." Legolas said quietly. "And I think him horrible for saying anything of the sort."
Caniel looked up from her hands, her face once again red and wet. "But he's your father."
"Why do you think I have no remorse in traveling?" Legolas asked quietly.
"But, what's worse…" Caniel took a steadying breath. "What if he's right? What if everyone views us like outsiders? Like filth? What if-"
"Don't start on the what if's." Legolas warned. "That's what my father does and look what it does to him. It messes with his thinking until he becomes a horrible lunatic who's only worried about his future and his reputation with other people."
Caniel nodded vaguely, not entirely convinced.
"Caniel, believe me when I say I don't agree with my father. On anything he said." Legolas said firmly, trying to lock her eyes with his own. "You are not filth, and if you ever become one of those woman he's trying to force me into marrying…well then, you'll have to answer to me."
Caniel laughed despite herself and he wrapped his arm affectionately around her.
"Don't ever change, Caniel. It's people like him who will do away with all that is good and decent in this world. And it's people like you who will make sure it lives."
For some reason, and perhaps it was that the wine had finally caught up with her, these words struck a chord with her, bringing on a new flood of tears. Legolas smiled slightly, pulling her to him, letting her rest her head on his chest, where she sobbed quietly. He ran his fingers through her hair, resting his head on hers and kissing her forehead softly.
"I'm sorry, Caniel." He whispered, as he held her shaking body next to his own.
After many moments of listening to her quiet sobs, she managed to bring them under control, but instead of releasing her, Legolas continued to hold her and she had no objections. In his embrace she found comfort that she had not felt since the discussion on who he was to be wed to. And soon enough, though her body was aching and tender, and though Legolas' robe showed spots of tears, they fell asleep on the couch, sitting with each other, each one as disturbed by the nights events as the other. Both dreams were unsettled, Legolas' of unhappy marriages while watching Caniel grow powerful within the politics of Rivendell and wedding a high politician. Caniel dreamt of Thranduil banning her from seeing his son, while being shunned to a remote island where fell beasts awaited blood traitors. Then she watched Legolas wed Rodwen, from a cage where she was bound for eternity, or until one of the fell beasts got hungry, Thranduil all the while telling her that she would receive no pity from beasts and that this was her place; in a cage.
Eventually Legolas was awoken by the disturbing images of his dreams, which had gotten pretty intimate. He was being tied to a chair, to be "entertained" by his new wife, who didn't speak, only said "yes master" and "no master" and "whatever pleases you master." And she had just removed much of her clothing, to which Legolas had closed his eyes, his father saying, "See! This is entertainment for a king," and that's when he had awoken.
Being slightly startled that he was holding a woman, his first thought was of the woman in the dream, but then he settled remembering that it was indeed only Caniel. Looking down at her, still fast asleep, he smiled to himself and debated whether to move or not. For it was still rather late and he thought they would both be better off if he moved her back to her bed. So, kissing her forehead once more, he carefully lifted her, avoiding her arm, and rested her on her bed where he wrapped a woven blanket around her. As he removed himself from her bedside, he stopped in his tracks hearing her mumble.
"Legolas?" She asked softly.
"Yes?" He moved to her side quickly.
"You are not married?"
He smiled. "No. It was a dream, Caniel. I'm here with you tonight."
"But Rodwen? Is she not waiting for you? You're supposed to…oh I don't remember."
"Rodwen?" Legolas asked incredulously. "I'm wedded to her?"
"Then you are married?"
"What? No!" Legolas laughed.
"You won't let your father take me will you?"
This startled him, despite the more amusing comments earlier. "Take you? Take you where?"
"A cage. It's my place. I should go there. He said so. And you should-"
"Stay with you." Legolas said quietly. She smiled, her eyes weighing heavily again. "Now rest, melleth nín. And let your dreams carry you to more pleasant places. I will be here to greet you when you awake. Now sleep."
Acting instinctively, he leaned over her and kissed her gently. And even though she did not return it, merely let him do it closing her eyes and falling back asleep, he could not get over that feeling. Making his way back to the couch, his spirits considerably lighter, he laid himself down and fell into a sleep with visions of Caniel, which were thankfully more pleasant.
The next morning came quickly for Legolas, who was rather dismayed that his dreams of Caniel had been cut so short. But it couldn't have been any longer for Caniel who continued to struggle with mixed dreams. It seemed as they progressed, they got worse. Mixed with Thranduil's taunting and caging, the visions of sailing from Valinor continued as well as the vision of the Orbelo game, which had gotten much clearer as of late. And during it all, her stomach ached for Legolas always seemed to appear, wedded to some woman. At first it was Rodwen, but then it slowly became many different people. Every time Caniel would try to talk to him, he would simply blow her off, saying that she never cared for him anyway. And of course, at one point she was mercilessly given to Aradhel in hopes that he would make her the perfect wife.
Those disturbing images were fresh in her mind as she awoke to Legolas laughing with someone outside her bedroom. Blinking a few times, she judged it to be early morning, so why someone would already be visiting her wascurious. Sitting up slightly and peering around the giant doorframe, she could vaguely make out the rather large figure of a man with dark hair and tattered clothing. As the ranger laughed again, a hearty sound that filled the house and echoed off the marble walls, Legolas turned abruptly. Seeing that Caniel had awoken, he said his farewells to Aragorn who nodded and left, and then Legolas sauntered back into the room, wearing a dark brown outfit that was embroidered in delicate designs and his hair was pulled back into a low ponytail again.
"How's your arm?" He smiled, standing next to her bed.
"Sore." She admitted. "How did you sleep?"
"Fair." Legolas picked up some fresh wraps and held them out to Caniel. "Arwen wants your arm to be rewrapped again. Just to be sure it's not being exposed and healing properly. And Elrond dropped this ointment off earlier to help ease the pain."
"I'm not in pain," She laughed. "Only mild discomfort. But so would you be, if you had an orc blade dug into your arm."
"No doubt." Legolas laughed along. "Arwen left just a while ago, though, to talk to Elrond. So either I can help you wrap it, or you can wait for her arrival."
Caniel shrugged. "I don't mind one way or the other. Why don't you do it, and just get it over with."
Legolas nodded and opened a bottle of the cream colored ointment. Caniel watched for a moment before she threw her legs over the side of the bed and stood to face him.
"You'll need to help me with this," She said quietly, turning her back to him. "Unbutton the first few buttons so I can slip my arm out."
Legolas hesitated a moment, but then set to work carefully undoing each of the small buttons until half her slender back was exposed to him. Then he helped her delicately pull out her arm, while her right hand held the rest of the dress over herself. Once her arm was out, they sat on the bed and began to unwrap the old bandages.
"Aradhel stopped by." Legolas said softly, not removing his eyes from the focused work in front of him.
"Really? What for?"
"He wants to meet with you later today." Legolas said in a much harsher tone.
"I see." Caniel mused, starring out her window. "I supposed he didn't say as to what we were meeting about?"
"No." Legolas started to rub the cool ointment onto the wound that looked cruelly scabbed.
"Interesting. What time did he want to meet?"
"After lunch. At his dwelling." Legolas set aside the bottle and began to rewrap the arm.
"You do not approve?" Caniel looked at Legolas, whose lips were pursed and eyes were narrowed.
"I do not." He said shortly. "I don't trust him."
"But what could he possibly do?" Caniel thought out loud. "Perhaps he really just wants to discuss something. Perhaps politics since he seems so interested in them."
"Or perhaps just you." Legolas grumbled again.
"Perhaps." Caniel jested, watching Legolas grind his teeth. "I hope it's nothing formal, anyway. For I do not feel up for dressing nice."
"You are going then?" Legolas asked, looking up for a moment.
"I don't see why not."
"I wouldn't."
"Why not?"
"I told you. I just don't trust him." Legolas harrumphed.
"What if he actually has something to say that's worth while?"
"I don't care."
Caniel actually laughed. "You out of all people don't care! I thought you to be greatly involved with other races? He may have some more information on this war that he has yet to disclose."
"If he's saving it for you, then I wouldn't trust it. Whatever he has to say that's important should have been said in front of Elrond." Legolas stated firmly.
"Oh lighten up Legolas." Caniel said. "I'm sure he's just wanting to visit. It could easily be an innocent tea time."
"Or a not so innocent entertainment time." Legolas let the words slip before he could catch himself. It seemed ever since his father brought up the prospect of being "entertained," it had been weighing heavily on his mind. For what reason wasn't clear. But now with Caniel going to be alone with the weasel Aradhel, Legolas found the words back and strong on his mind.
Caniel smiled despite herself, looking at Legolas slyly as he tied the wrap. "Are you jealous?"
"No." Legolas grunted.
"Really? So you're not bothered that I'll be alone with Aradhel? All afternoon?"
"You can do what you want."
"So can Aradhel." Caniel teased, sensing the disturbance within Legolas. "And with my hurt arm, I won't be able to fend off any approaches…"
"If he so much as breathes on you, I'll tear his insides out and feed them to the very horse he sits upon."
Caniel laughed and Legolas looked at her slyly, having finished the wrap.
"What?" He asked.
"You're so jealous, and it's only your pride that will not let you admit it." Caniel smiled softly, and Legolas could not hide his smile.
But instead of giving in to her pressure he said, "Let's get your arm back into that sleeve."
Caniel's smiled faded only slightly as she stood to allow him help her back into her nightdress, and after he had finished her buttons, which he did with a heavy heart, she turned back around to look at him.
"Thank you." She smiled softly. From where she stood, a soft gleam of light from the windows struck him and illuminating his handsome features, which she found herself disturbingly attracted to.
"Caniel, if you go," He hesitated. "When you go, just be careful. I don't think any of us trust him and with you being hurt, I don't want him to take advantage of you."
"You don't have to worry about me." She said seriously.
Legolas smiled and stroked her cheek gently with his finger. "I know." He smiled, clasping her head and bringing her closer to him.
Caniel smiled slightly, allowing herself to be pulled to him when the front door open and a voice called,
"Legolas?"
They broke apart immediately, Legolas rushing out of the bedroom to the beckoning voice. Caniel followed him out into the living room where Arwen, who was looking pale and a little disheveled, greeted them.
"Your father wants to speak with you." She said quickly. "He doesn't seem in too good a mood. For he almost attacked me when I said I didn't know where you were."
"Thank you." Legolas said hurriedly, moving to the door. As a brief after thought he turned back to Caniel. "Remember what I said."
With that he moved out the door and Arwen looked to Caniel.
"I feel bad for him. Thranduil is not going to be pleasant."
Caniel nodded wondering what on earth had disturbed the King so much. Perhaps he had caught wind of Legolas staying with Caniel. Or perhaps he had run into another half blood, Caniel thought sarcastically as Arwen helped her slip into a cream colored dress and dark blue robes.
After a brief lunch with her niece, Caniel brushed through her hair then made her way to the Lord of the North's dwelling. It was rather large for one man, for Caniel had visited this particular guesthouse once before when Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel had come to stay at Rivendell. Walking up the familiar stone pathway, the door opened before she reached it and Aradhel greeted her with a friendly smile wearing a simply white tunic and black pants. As he led her inside, she noticed there to be many books splattered on and around the furniture, as well as maps and many pieces of parchment and half empty ink bottles littering the tables. On the patio, two chairs sat around a larger table that was decorated with fresh flowers and a try of tea and biscuits. Indicating a chair, Aradhel sat across from the rather fragile girl and poured them a cup of tea.
"Thank you." Caniel said softly, taking the hot cup.
"How's you arm?" He smiled, studying her carefully.
"Fine."
"Good." He sipped the drink. "I'll have you know that what the king said yesterday, I feel was cod swallow."
Caniel smiled.
"I mean it." He said. "I think that women should be just as involved as men are, and are more powerful in some aspects then we like to give them credit for."
"I would agree." Caniel nodded.
"And I also think it very rude of him to comment on the half bloods and humans as he did." Aradhel continued. "I myself, have no trouble embracing other races. Even the elves, who my people have grown to be wary of."
Caniel nodded. "What is your city like?"
Aradhel smiled and leaned back as if hoping to be asked that question. "It is a very friendly city. Full of people from all over- dwarves, half bloods, humans, the like. There aren't any "poor" people so to speak, for we, the politicians, make sure everyone has enough money to provide. And the houses are all relatively the same; the streets being more alleyways once the carts have lined them every morning. People spend a lot of their days shopping the streets, eating at cafes, and watching the Orbelo games in our arena." He closed his eyes as if to picture it all. "It's a wonderful place really."
"I see." Caniel smiled politely.
"But I suppose that's all very irrelevant to you." He sighed, opening his eyes. "And I suppose you're more curious as to why I've asked you here."
"It's crossed my mind."
"The fact of the matter is your brother has called for a council meeting, to take place tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?" Caniel asked incredulously. "Why was I not informed?"
"You were to be, but I'm not sure by whom." Aradhel replied. "Anyway, he is summoning a representative from the realm of Lorien as well King Thranduil, myself and my sister, and some other people from Rivendell. I believe Legolas is to accompany his father and you and Aragorn are to attend as well. Aragorn to represent the men of the realm."
"What is the meeting about? To discuss the matter of the orcs?" Caniel asked.
"Indeed. At last we are to make our decision on what should be done and hopefully take some action."
"You are impatient on the matter then?"
"I'm tired of watching my people killed at the hands of the orcs, yes."
Caniel nodded. "Understandable. But what does that have to do with now?"
Aradhel sighed. "What I'm going off of is entirely assumption, mind you. But I have long since studied the ways of your brother and I feel I can make some wise guesses as to what will happen tomorrow."
"If what I think will happen, Elrond will allege for an ambassador to be sent to the North, to verify that all I say is true and to study my city and it's inhabitants. It is upon this information that he will base his decision upon." Aradhel smiled quietly. "Now I know that all ambassadors are wise and fair but let's face it Caniel. The way Thranduil acted towards you last night is the way many higher elves are towards the half bloods and different races of these lands. Therefore I fear that with an unknown and possibly prejudice ambassador being sent to my lands, they may deem it unfit to help."
"And you want me to be the ambassador, my lord?" Caniel asked, stunned.
"You catch on quick, which is another reason I want to move for a vote in your favor." Aradhel nodded. "You are wise with the Istari and knowledgeable with the elves. Not to mention you know what it is like being a half-blood and will not be prejudice against those people in my city."
"Do you have many then? Half-bloods?" Caniel asked hopefully, setting down her cup.
He nodded. "And not just of human and elves either. That's what makes my city so unique. Anyone is allowed, no matter what the blood or appearance. Granted, there is a majority of men, but that is simply because their numbers have risen. Many originally came from realms such as Gondor and Rohan where they were either banned or were not pleased with the rulers."
"Banned? So there are criminals?"
"Oh no, Caniel! No." Aradhel laughed. "Our justice system is such that criminals dare not try any such thing. No, many of them have actually improved in their ways, putting their aggressive natures towards things such as Orbelo."
"I see." Caniel chewed her lip thoughtfully. "But back to the ambassador notion. How do you intend to move for a vote in my favor to begin with? I'm not exactly an elected politician and Rivendell has already too many ambassadors."
"I have faith that the majority of the people will see my way. All except Thranduil who only has one vote anyway." He sipped more tea. "Anyway, I happened to notice that you have much say when it comes to decisions with your brother. And he is very keen on listening to your opinion, as is the wizard. Which only shows that they have confidence in your abilities as a politician, even though you are not an elected one." He looked sternly at Caniel. "Believe me when I say you have more power then they let you know."
Caniel didn't respond to this right away, only watched a content butterfly flitter past. If she was voted ambassador, she would for once in her life leave the confides of Rivendell and be able to see the outside world. Her stomach lurched at the thought, and excitement filtered through her.
After another couple hours of simple chatter, Caniel said her farewells and made her way back to her house. The sun was already low in the sky and her stomach rumbled for dinner. Passing a group of elflings, who waved frantically and shoved one another to see better, Caniel found her dwelling and made her way inside where all the candles had already been lit and on the patio, Aragorn, Legolas, and Arwen sat chattering and laughing quietly. From the smell of it, and from the looks of the pot on the table, Caniel guessed dinner had already been served as well.
"There's a bowel on the table for you, Caniel." Arwen called over her shoulder.
Caniel wasted no time in helping herself to some of the delicious stew and then made her way out to a chair, which sat empty next to Legolas. As she ate and they continued on their conversation about Aragorn's trouble in the stables, Caniel noticed that Legolas was not laughing quite as hard, nor smiling quite as long. Remembering back to Arwen's message earlier from his father, she felt her heart sink at what might have been said. It made her feel even guiltier to think it might have been about her.
"Legolas? What troubles you?" She asked quietly.
Legolas turned away from the conversation and looked sadly at her feet. "You have already been informed of the meeting tomorrow?"
"Yes."
"The following day I am to return to Mirkwood." He said sadly.
Caniel almost dropped her bowel upon hearing this. "Why?"
"My father demanded it."
Her thoughts scrambled for possible ways to keep him there in Rivendell. "But what can your father do about it? You travel don't you? Just tell him you'll return after your visit here."
"I tried." He said. "But I face banishment if I don't return with him."
"Isn't it disgusting?" Aragorn said sharply, apparently done with his story. "First Thranduil's get-up on you. And now this!"
"It isn't fair." Arwen said simply, patting Legolas' shoulder. "You should choose whenever you're ready."
"Choose?" Caniel asked timidly, almost afraid to hear what was next.
"When I return to Mirkwood, I have within a week to…" Legolas swallowed, his face ashen white and his hands trembling. "To choose from the women my father presents to be my wife. From then on I will begin training to become King. If I choose not to comply, I will be banished forthwith from Mirkwood."