The Undecided of Earendil
By- Larien
Chapter 18
madrone- Yes, I would like for Thranduil to wake up as well, for it's no good for him to loose his son. I mean, no one wants that! Thanks for the review, and I'm glad you approve of the romance.
Elvnchic9- I agree- It is a petty reason to banish someone, but we all have our reasons. Some just stupider then others. Thanks for the review and I'm sorry it took so long to get this one up. And it would be interesting to see Thranduil's reaction if Legolas went back to Caniel...interesting indeed. Lol.
dragonlore- Woo hoo! You saw the melleth! Well done, well done. And let's leave Thranduil alive for a little bit longer, after all, he hasn't banished him...yet...huzzah indeed. Thank you for all the wonderful comments, by the by. It means a lot to hear it.
Legolaslover77- You are right in saying I have something planned. So here we begin...
hungry hobbit- There will be more Legolas/Caniel in this chapter and next. So hold on. I can't promise what will happen later, though. If Legolas is forced to marry...lol. Thanks for the review!
Hypersquishy- Life's not fair is it? And yes, Thranduil is mean, but what can we do? Hope he makes better decisions, that's what. Thanks for the review!
A/N- Sorry this one took so long to get up, but I've been horribly busy and this was a difficult chapter. So there it is. Thanks for the many reviews, they all make me smile and I really try to hurry when I read them. So enjoy, review, and eat chocolate. It's wonderful stuff. Oh! Before I forget; this chapter has its cheesy moments. I apologize in advance, so kill me now, and spare the story. Just bear with me. Le hannon!
Upon hearing the heart wrenching news of Legolas' discussion with his father, Caniel had up and left the company for a brisk walk. To where it was she went, she cared not, for she only wanted a moment to clear the thoughts that now mingled with the great emotion stirring within her. After a great roundabout of Rivendell and after many long detours, she headed back home. Her heart felt heavier then a great Olivant and her feet weighed with each passing step. For some reason the thought of him returning home did not bother her half as much as what awaited him there. A new wife. A wife that would not be Caniel. Not that she had ever really thought about being his wife. It just aroused great conflict to think of him with another woman.
He would never again be there to catch her when her visions took hold. Never around to tease her or watch over her at night. No, instead he would be in the arms of some foreign elf, to live out eternity with her as though Caniel had never existed. Trying her very hardest to hold back the tears that fought their way out, Caniel wondered whether she would ever see him again. And if she were able to, would she want to? The thought of seeing him with his wife was unbearable and Caniel decided if nothing could be done, then she would not choose elf, but human. That way, her pain would be ended quickly and without any looking back. Perhaps it was a coward's way out, but what was coward about turning away from a love that would never again be rekindled within a dying heart?
Caniel stopped suddenly, facing her doorway that was slightly ajar. Had she just thought of her relationship with him as love? Surly it had been an over-exaggeration, but the more she pondered it the more she realized it was true. She did love him. No matter how hard she may play innocent out front for people, inside she could not lie to herself. She loved him with such a passion she was willing to spare his emotions and not say anything. There was no point in raising their hopes only to see them be crushed again. Not to mention, there was no telling how he was feeling and she had remained this quiet thus far; surly she could hold her tongue just a few days more.
Making her way into her dwelling, she discerned that the company had left. That is, all except Legolas who she could faintly see sitting on the patio, his back to her, still overlooking the setting sun. Letting her feet carry her slowly out to him, she felt as if her insides were swallowing themselves whole. Sweat started to form on the back of her neck and her fists were rolled up in tight balls at her side. As she approached, her composure waned with every step until she had to brace herself in the doorframe to keep from fainting.
"Avo 'osto nad." Legolas said quietly, not bothering to turn around. (Do not be afraid.)
"I am not afraid." She replied rather weakly.
"I wish I could say the same." Legolas responded.
Caniel took a deep breath as he stood; preparing herself for whatever it was he was about to say. For some reason, she had expected something that would make her cry, just loose it right there in front of him. Fall to the floor, clinging to his legs and pleading with him to stay. But instead, he only smiled meekly.
"Boe le anno nen?" He asked. (Do you need a drink of water?)
"Han aníron." She nodded. (I desire it.)
Pouring them both glasses of water, they stood awkwardly in the kitchen; Caniel gazing at the floor and Legolas studying her quietly.
"Mas bennil?" He asked after a moment, trying to break the silence. (Where did you go?)
"Around. Just for a walk." Caniel answered.
"Garo bost." Legolas said, indicating her room. (Take a rest) "You appear worn and tired. It's no state to be in for the council tomorrow."
She waved her hand in the air. "Avo breston." (I don't care.)
"But I do."
Caniel looked up at him, and he gazed at her sternly. "Where are we then, Legolas?"
"I'm sorry?" He asked, baffled by these words.
"You and I. Just so I know where we stand." She said, her words coming out stronger then she actually felt. So much for her not saying anything.
Legolas looked at her for a moment, his thoughts racing and his eyes twittering uncertainly. "Caniel, I do care for you. I thought you would know that."
She nodded, agitated suddenly by his lack of words. "I thought I did, but nowI'm not certain. Is that all then?"
"Uir el vellon nîn, Caniel." He said lightly, hoping to get around the subject, which had been thrown so suddenly upon him. (Forever you are my friend.)
"Friend? All right then." She miffed, stalking past him into her room. "All right."
Legolas turned to watch her. "What more do you want?"
Caniel stopped in her tracks, both anger and immense sadness rushing through her. "Something. Anything!"
Legolas felt his heart lurch with agitation. "What does that even mean?"
"Pedin in naid i aníron, a nin ava cheniathal." She grumbled, continuing into her bedroom. (I can say what I want, but you won't understand me.)
"And just what wouldn't I understand?" Legolas asked, his voice raising considerably as he marched after her.
"Anything! You never have, have you?" She whirled on him, her face twisted in anger. "All those hints, all those little moves were just for show weren't they?"
Instead of taking this hint as an explanation, Legolas only clenched his teeth and retorted, "Little moves? Hints? Why I thought I might have been hitting you over the head with them!"
"Ha!" Caniel barked, taking a few steps away from him then marching right back to his face. "You know, when most people want something done, they speak or have others speak for them! Or has your subtle little game messed with your communication, because it's all static on this end!"
"I don't know what you're talking about!" Legolas threw his hands in the air. "I communicate just fine! And I stay loyal to the one I communicate to. At least I don't run off with other people, causing mixed messages between us!"
The anger the both of them felt now, not necessarily towards each other, but to the cruel changes and events of the past few days, was showing through with each passing accusation and shout.
"If you're referring to Aradhel it's business!" Caniel said. "And I've seen you with Rodwen, and the communication seems perfectly clear there! 'We were just discussing the difficulties of being royalty!' That's a bunch of cod swallow!"
"We were discussing the difficulties of being royalty! I can tell you now that it doesn't include playing hard to get!"
"Me play hard to get!" Caniel laughed hysterically. "It's you that turns down every perfect moment we have!"
"I try to make the perfect moment!" Legolas laughed right back.
"Well then you should check your definition of perfect, because you're sure ruining this one!" Caniel pointed an accusing finger in his face.
"Fine!" He yelled turning from her in exasperation. "You want perfect? Okay. What do you want me to do-"
Just then, there was a knock at the front and Legolas glared at the door, breathing erratically.
"I'll get it." Caniel said through clenched teeth, also breathing heavy and hurrying to the door.
Opening it, she was surprised to see non other then Elrond, holding a small stack of papers and looking extremely tired.
"Caniel! I'm glad your still awake…are you well?" He asked, noticing her ruffled appearance.
"I'm fine. What's this all about?" She asked, looking at the papers.
He loaded the papers into her hands. "These are some papers I have just finished. I have been working on stacks of them today because of the meeting I've called tomorrow. Basically it's some information I would like you to review before the meeting, just so you have a clear head on all the events, both present and past, that will help to further a decision tomorrow."
"I see." Caniel looked at her brother. "Do you think some action will be taken finally?"
"I don't know. We have many different views that will come into play. Aradhel who wishes us to jump in with two feet, and Thranduil who wants us to bury ourselves in the ground. I do not know what will come of the meeting tomorrow."
"What would you have done?" She asked slowly.
"I'm not sure, but I would like to take it step by step. See what we're getting ourselves into before we launch two feet into a war. But action is needed if orcs are attacking the humans like they attacked Thranduil's party."
"An ambassador then?"
"That is a likely option. Though, between you and me," He lowered his voice slightly. "I've just received news that my top ambassador, Celebas, has gone missing. And has been for a couple days."
Caniel's eyes widened at this news. "What happened to him?"
Elrond shook his head sadly. "We do not know. There is no evidence as to where he's wandered off to. You know he was quite slow sometimes and would often fall into a daze while walking to meetings and whatnot. But he was to be on his way back from Bree, actually, and he hasn't returned. By all accounts he should've arrived by now and the messengers from Bree can account for that."
"You don't think some fell beast got him? An orc maybe?"
"Perhaps. We have scouts out looking for him, but no trace. Anyway," Elrond backed up a couple steps, looking to the darkened sky. "Get some rest. Tomorrow should be an interesting, if not long, day. Good night."
"Good night."
Caniel shut the door behind her brother and flipped through the stack of about twenty pages, each embedded with the fine script of Elrond. As she made her way back into her room, she realized that the earlier rage she had felt had vanished and it was not until she saw Legolas, standing at her tall window staring out, that it actually dawned on her what had happened between them.
Approaching him quietly, she too looked out the window.
"What was that all about?" Legolas asked softly, seeming to have also calmed down a considerable amount.
"Elrond just dropped off some papers to review before tomorrow's meeting. Some good information on the present and past events." Caniel answered timidly. "Legolas, I'm sorry-"
"Let's just pretend that never happened." Legolas cut her off, turning to look down at her. She smiled appreciatively, a smile that made his insides melt and his stomach churn all over again.
"Let's."
He smiled back and nodded to the door. "I can leave if you want. I doubt you need me to stick around anymore. And with tomorrow being such a complicated day…"
"I would rest easier knowing you were here." Caniel answered truthfully.
Legolas smiled slyly, teasing with her emotions so that she flushed red.
"That is, if it's okay with you!" She stammered. "I mean, I know it's not overly comfortable…"
"I would be pleased to stay." Legolas laughed.
"Wonderful."
After agreeing to go through the papers tomorrow, it already being considerably late, the two of them retired. As Caniel settled herself deep under her comforter, she watched out of the corner of her eye as Legolas pulled off his tunic and shirt, revealing a very trimmed chest that she could not help but gawk at. Seemingly unaware of her penetrating eyes, Legolas shuffled some blankets around on the couch he was to sleep on, checked on the fire which burned bright in the corner, then settled himself down, gazing into its' dancing flames.
The night had been so peaceful for Legolas, who had been consumed by thoughts and dreams of Caniel again, that when he felt his mind jog at her presence, he almost refused to acknowledge it. But gaining control, his eyes came into focus and he glanced over to her bed. The covers had been thrown back and the room was silent except for the still cracking of the fire. Reaching his senses to find her, a little panic racing through him, he discerned her to be close. Relaxing a hair, he threw his legs over the couch and rubbed his cricked neck.
As he peered around the room, a faint flicker of light caught his attention not in this room, but in the kitchen. Walking wearily out into it, he found Caniel resting on a stool up to the counter, a glass of wine sitting in front of her and her face buried in her right hand. Legolas smiled at her ruffled appearance and sat next to her, to whom she looked up startled by his sudden appearance.
"I didn't hear you wake." She said quietly.
He took the glass and sipped a small amount. "You're up early. Or should I say, late?"
She smiled quietly. "I couldn't sleep."
"May I ask as to why?"
Caniel looked down at the counter, debating whether or not to tell him. But feeling guilty that she had once again awoken him, she decided he deserved to hear the truth.
"I had…dreams of you leaving." She admitted softly. Legolas smiled. "They were not pleasant, and they kept occurring after that fight we had earlier. You would leave being angry and I would go to Aradhel and…." She cut off there and Legolas didn't probe further.
"I still have one day." He offered.
"I know." She smiled sadly. "I guess I just can't seem to shake the thought of you leaving and it's now making its way into my dreams."
Legolas nodded, moving some hair out of her face and behind her ear. "Do you want to know what I dreamt about?"
Caniel actually laughed at this seemingly cheery question, but nodded anyway.
"I was dreaming that my father had changed his mind once he got to know you and I was allowed to stay as long as I wanted."
"I only wish it were so."
"As do I."
Caniel shared a smile with Legolas, who then stood rather abruptly and held his hand to her.
"Come. It is late and you really do need some sleep."
She sighed, taking his hand as he led her back into her room.
"I cannot sleep now. I'm too much awake and too fearful of dreams."
"All right then. Let us talk for a while, so that your mind will clear of unpleasant thoughts and you may hopefully find it fitting to rest."
Legolas gestured to the couch, which was considerably more comfortable with all his pillows and blankets scattering it. Seating himself next to her, and pulling up a footrest, Legolas wrapped a blanket around Caniel, who let him do as he will, then settled himself down comfortably, his head on a pillow and his feet propped up by the rather large, plush footrest.
"What to talk about then?" He smiled to her, pulling a blanket over his legs.
"This was your idea, not mine."
"Very well. Let us play a game then."
"What kind of game?"
"A game Aragorn and I used to drink to." Legolas laughed, looking at the ceiling.
"This should be interesting."
Legolas laughed. "First you need to raise five fingers." She did so following his lead. "And then I'll start by saying something I've never done. If you have done it, you put a finger down. If you haven't, then leave them up. Then you'll say something you've never done and I'll have to either put one finger down or leave them up. Simple?"
"I think so." Caniel folded her legs under her and watched him in anticipation.
"So, to begin…" He thought for a moment before saying, "I have never gotten drunk."
"Not fair." She smiled as she put one down.
Legolas eyed her. "Can you get drunk? I know it's difficult for elves, we rarely actually feel the affects unless we've had a ton. But since you have some human blood…"
"If I try." She smiled slyly. "Okay, then. My turn. I have never traveled outside the boarders of Rivendell."
Legolas grumbled and put a finger down.
"All right Caniel. I have never had a niece."
Putting one down she shot back, "I've never met my father."
They laughed at the situation until Legolas silenced to think of another one. "I have never been in a relationship with someone."
To his surprise Caniel put one down.
"Really?"
She nodded grimly. "To a man named Celebas. He's an ambassador now; very much into politics."
"Sounds perfect."
"Also into elves. He spent our entire week together trying to convince me to choose the life of an elf."
"Short term then, huh?" Legolas smiled.
After many more minutes of the game, Caniel eventually winning, they both began to feel the lack of sleep. Yawning and stretching his arms over the couch, Legolas looked to Caniel who had burrowed into the blanket he had given her earlier and was trying to keep her eyes from drooping.
"We should retire." He said quietly.
She nodded, but didn't move.
"I don't think my legs will move." She laughed, shifting lazily in her position.
"Then don't. You can lie here, there's enough room." Legolas offered.
Sighing and studying the couch, Caniel moved closer to Legolas, resting her legs on the footrest next to his and laying her head on his warm chest. He smiled to himself, pulling a different blanket over the both of them and smelling the warm vanilla fragrance from her hair before wrapping his arms around her and letting his mind drift. As she closed her eyes, her cheek warmed with the feel of his skin and her body sharing his heat, she smiled quietly and listened to the sound of his shallow breathing along with the fire crackling away. Feeling protected, yet horribly sad that this is what she would never have, Caniel let her eyes weigh down and eventually sleep overtook the both of them.
"Caniel! Caniel! Legolas, you git, will you get up already?"
Caniel's eyes snapped open at the abrupt shaking that had ensued. Looking wearily up at an exasperated Arwen, she smiled sarcastically.
"Monsters under the bed again?" She asked, yawning.
"No. Council meeting in ten minutes." Arwen said stiffly. "Honestly. Get up!" She hit Legolas over the head startling him.
"What was that for?" He asked, rubbing his head.
"You two better up and move, for you now have less time to get to the meeting." Arwen scolded, moving to Caniel's closet and grabbing some purple robes for her. "You can wear these. They're formal enough. I'll make a quick breakfast while you dress."
When she had scurried out the door, Caniel felt Legolas laugh low in his throat.
"I can't believe we slept this late." He said, running his fingers through Caniel's hair. "We should really get ready, though. And you should scan those papers Elrond left."
"Oh yes!" Caniel said hurriedly, as she jumped up and ran to the dress robes that Arwen had laid out for her.
After Legolas had left and Caniel had dressed, she dined quickly with Arwen then scurried out the door, the papers shuffling in her hands as she read them hastily. Upon reaching the council area, she was relieved to see she was not the last one there. Legolas had already arrived and was seated next to his father who looked more grim and proper then the last time she had seen him.
Caniel quickly averted her gaze from the elf that stirred so much anger within her, to the elves sitting next to him. Looking regal and enchanting in shimmering robes of white and silver sat the Lord and Lady of Lorien. Celeborn was talking quietly to Haldir, who sat next to him, holding a stern look on his fine face. Galadriel sat on the other side of him, smiling quietly to Caniel who nodded to acknowledge her.
Next to Caniel a seat was reserved for Aragorn who had yet to arrive and next to his chair was Legolas. To Caniel's other side was seats for Aradhel and Rodwen, who were just arriving in outstanding robes of gold and black. Aradhel looking his usual calm and content, while Rodwen looked rather nervous. In front of them all was Elrond in robes of stunning gold, watching Caniel as she read through the papers, his head rested on his hand, and his eyes rather blank as he meditated.
At last, the rest of the people arrived, Aragorn and Gandalf, just in time for Caniel to finish skimming the pages. Standing to acknowledge them all, Elrond said firmly,
"Rivendell welcomes you all. As you know, I have called this meeting to discuss the threat of the orcs in the North. As a review, sources claim that orcs have been massing in the north in the Carn Dûm. From there, there have been reports of attacks on the city of Nenuial on Lake Evendim. And just recently a baton of orcs passing through the eastern boarders of Rivendell did attack the elves of Mirkwood who were also passing through. Because of these reports, I have called you together to decide what should be done about these orcs."
Turning his attention to Aradhel and sitting slowly, Elrond nodded to him. "Representing the folk of Nenuial, Lord Aradhel has volunteered to present his case to us."
"Thank you Lord Elrond." Aradhel stood and started to walk slowly in front of him. After he had recounted the tale, just as he had for Elrond not to long ago, he sat again and nodded to conclude. Celeborn looked slightly troubled by the news, while Galadriel only held the same slight smile she had bore since Caniel had first seen her. Thranduil huffed.
"I find it rather ironic, if not offensive, my Lord Aradhel, that you have not come to us for aid quicker. It was not until your situation became grave that you crawled back here, begging for alliances." Thranduil stated.
"Indeed, it was wrong of me to wait so long. But again, my dear Thranduil, you make it sound as if the elves have wanted this alliance and I have turned it down! If that is what you think, then may I remind you that due to past conflicts, the elves have not made contact for many years. Therefore," He smiled sardonically. "I'm not clear on why you expected me to come back on two knees the minute a conflict arose in my city when the elves had long since turned their backs on us."
"We turn our backs on no one!" Thranduil barked. "It is your city which caused the conflict and we did not turn our backs! We simply backed out when things were not going right!"
"That may be. But the conflict was not with us, but with the elves. It was the elves that didn't like what it was that was happening. Everyone else seemed perfectly fine with it, didn't they?"
This greeted by a silence that proved that indeed only the elves had had any conflict with the actions of the north. Caniel silently wished she had read the papers more carefully and she could tell so did Legolas.
"The question is then," Gandalf said shortly. "What to do?"
"If we form an alliance, does this make it so we must fight this war?" Celeborn asked, his voice as firm as the old willow tree.
"Not fight. Only aid."
"Which would end in fighting." Thranduil finished flatly. "This is not our war. This is humans battling with nature."
"From what it appears, these orcs are not free travelers." Aragorn interceded. "We've discerned the possibility that they may be working for someone. In which case it is everyone's concern."
"Not to mention it's just not right to let anyone be obliterated by orcs." Caniel added. Aragorn nodded in agreement.
"It appears then we are split." Elrond said at last. "We must choose then to either engage in an alliance and aid in the war, or stay out of the northern affairs."
"Have we seen this war in the North?" Celeborn asked.
"We have only the attack on my party to go by." Thranduil answered. "And that is not evidence. That could be coincidence."
"Perhaps then, should we engage in an alliance, we should pace our aid in this war." Gandalf offered.
"What do you mean?" Aradhel asked.
"I mean, perhaps we should get some evidence before jumping in with two feet." Gandalf said.
"I would agree!" Thranduil said loudly. "Let us see if what this human says is true!"
"An ambassador, perhaps?" Elrond asked quietly. This was greeted by murmurs of agreement.
"No!" Aradhel opposed. "It will take too long! By the time you inspect my word, there will be nothing left of my people! My city is dying, don't you understand? My men are out there sacrificing themselves why we sit and decide whether arrogant elves will see that those men will ever see their families again."
This was followed by an eerie silence, in which many curious glances were exchanged. It was a low, compromising voice that broke the silence at last.
"Time is running low and this issue is not on whether or not to believe this man's word." Galadriel said, looking firmly at Thranduil who didn't respond. She continued. "We are forgetting that the issue at hand is whether to help in a fight against something that could, and has, spread to our boarders. This is to decide whether we again ally ourselves with others who face the same dangers we do, in hopes of reaching harmony and safety in the end."
"I still-"
Galadriel cut Thranduil off again, "If you do not trust that the orcs are attacking his city because of his word, then trust the word of an elf, Thranduil. His city is under attack and his men are dying. This I have seen."
A smirk crossed Aradhel's lips as Thranduil looked sulkily to the ground, being corrected by the elf. But to remove the smirk, Galadriel added,
"But to ally ourselves with him and send troops there, I know not whether to trust." Aradhel looked like he was going to spew off some harsh words, but Celeborn stopped him.
"We still do not know your intentions, Aradhel. I have heard of your dealings, both present and past, and I must admit to being wary with allying my services to you. Agree do I to fighting these orcs. But do I wish to ally with you and leave my elves to your orders in the north?" He sighed, looking wearily at the ground. "I do not think I do."
Aradhel looked furious, and some of Thranduil's cockiness had returned. Elrond studied the elves, trying to read into their words. Indeed the amount they knew troubled everyone there, except perhaps Gandalf who nodded understandingly. For many years Caniel had admired the tales of the Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn. But to see them in their full splendor and to hear their wise words was truly a blessing.
"Then what is decided?" Elrond asked at last, after receiving a nod from Galadriel. Caniel wondered if they had been exchanging thoughts, but didn't dare ask out loud.
"I think it wise to send an ambassador." Gandalf said. "That way we make fair the intentions of the north."
"And what of my people? What of the orcs?" Aradhel asked, trying to contain his anger behind clenched teeth.
"We will fight them on our own front." Celeborn said. "I will not hesitate to bring my troops, under Haldir, to the northern boarders and rid of any filth that is up to no good."
"I give you the support of my troops as well." Elrond nodded. "Glorfindel will be back tomorrow and can lead with Haldir. This way," He turned to Aradhel. "Your men will have less to deal with and you can wage war with the comfort of knowing that you have elves backing you up on other boarders."
Aradhel glared at Elrond for a moment before nodding. "Very well."
Thranduil cleared his throat obnoxiously, and Caniel almost slipped an aggressive spew of words in his directions, but luckily she held her tongue. Elrond, too, seemed dismayed by his distraction and turned a heavy look on him.
"Yes?"
"I want to make it clear that I do not intend to fight anything until I know what we're fighting. Send your ambassador, return the news to me, and based on that, I will determine my course of action.
"Very well." Elrond replied coolly. "Now, we must decide on whom to send. My first choice is currently unavailable." Caniel cast a glance to Elrond who winked slightly. "Therefore I will find-"
"May I suggest someone?" Aradhel said, raising his hand slightly. This was greeted by curious glances and Caniel felt her stomach churn.
"Who?" Elrond asked incredulously.
"From what I have observed, Caniel has taken a considerable interest in the subject at hand and is well suited in the politics of Rivendell. Therefore, I vote for a move in her favor."
"Caniel?" Thranduil laughed.
"Are you serious?" Aragorn asked quietly. Caniel shrugged.
"She is involved, and she knows quite a lot." Gandalf mused quietly, starring at the ground contently.
"I don't think that's a wise suggestion." Elrond said firmly, casting a worried look at Gandalf.
"Why not?" Caniel blurted. "Why am I not suited to go? I'm just as involved and just as trained as the other ambassadors!"
"Because, Caniel. Though you are involved, you are not an ambassador. And we have others who do it for a living." Elrond replied.
"I would not trust the news brought back from an unauthorized personnel anyway!" Thranduil said, waving his hand. "What a ridiculous idea!"
"I could do it. In fact, I want to!" Caniel said firmly.
"Caniel, given your circumstances as of late, I don't think it's a great idea for you to be away." Elrond said, trying to contain his calm.
Caniel figured he was referring to her decision, or perhaps even her visions even though she hadn't told him any of the recent ones.
"What if I don't trust one of your authorized ambassadors?" Aradhel asked accusingly. "I could choose not to allow scum like that into my city, you know!"
"Then you would be no better off then you are now." Legolas replied.
"Please, my lord!" Caniel said quietly. "I would be honored to go, and this is something I feel needs to be done. And with your high ambassador gone, you might as well send someone who knows what's going on."
"I will not have a woman of the court doing the work of a high politician!" Thranduil barked.
"Caniel, I know you can do it. I have no doubts. But…" Elrond looked to Gandalf.
"You need to be here." The wizard answered. "Where you would be of more help to us."
"Caniel is well suited for the job." Galadriel said at length. The whole council turned their attention back to her. "I think it would be wise to send her. She is not prejudice. She knows the situation and she knows the opposing views. I second the notion in Caniel's favor." She concluded, arousing many more curious glances.
Elrond looked completely baffled as to her comments, as did Gandalf who Caniel had never seen look so baffled before. Surly the Lady had some reason behind this conclusion. But as to what it was, she did not share and Caniel did not question for Celeborn did third the notion and it was agreed upon. She was to be ambassador of Rivendell.