The Undecided of Earendil

By- Larien

Chapter 22

Loony Kay- I did have fun on my vacation, thanks! And it seems that Thranduil is making many people mad, so hopefully he'll show some quality soon, or he might be getting himself killed. Lol. Anyway, thanks for the review, as always! It means a lot.

Copperfang- I agree. Physicals are lame and I'm sorry you had to go through that. Lol, and it seems your hatred of Thranduil has caught on to everyone as more and more people are saying how much they dislike the, how did you say, Mr. Powerful-king.  And I'm glad your curiosity of Sírdhem is peaked, along with everyone else's. All will be explained in due time. So thanks for the review, as always, and I grant you dibs on killing Thranduil.

Elvnchic9- Did Sírdhem kill the kings? I dunno, you tell me! Lol. And huzzah for you, for putting together clues. Really, that's what this whole story is winding down to; piecing together a million little hints and clues throughout the entire thing. So kudos to you. And yes, I placed Aradhel in the dream since that is one of Legolas' fears. Originally it was going to be Elrond, just a kind of sad moment, but then I thought to make it more of a nightmare Aradhel would be more fitting. Oh, and to un-confuse you (that's not even a word, I'm sorry) I figured, and I could be wrong on this, that if Caniel is to choose mortality now, being already 1980 years old, she will in fact age rather quickly as a mortal since no man lives that long to begin with. And as Arwen and Bilbo both aged very quickly during the weeks/months of the LOTR, I'm just making assumptions. But I could be wrong. Hopefully that cleared it up a little. And thanks for the review and reading the poems. I'm glad they were satisfactory.

madrone- Lol, I think a lot of people are hoping for a choice of elf and a future with Legolas. And I'm glad the story is growing more interesting instead of dry. That's a worry of mine, so it meant a lot to hear it. Thank you.

Gemini969- Thanks for the review, and I'm glad you enjoyed that chapter! I look forward to hearing from you in the future!

Legolaslover77- I did have fun on my trip, thanks! And yes, a lot of people agree that Thranduil is a jerk and I believe someone has even called dibs on being the first to kill him. Lol. Anyway, thanks for the review and don't apologize for reading my mind. It makes me laugh!

A/N- Well, I'm back. And I'm already quoting Sam by accident. Oh well. Anyway, thanks to the many reviews. It was great fun to come home from vacation and see so many people had reviewed. So, since my last author's note was an entire novel in itself, I will make this short and sweet and as always leave with, REVIEW! Le hannon.
The bustle of the elves was not drowned by the weary sky, for most had just grown accustomed to its rather dull appearance. As the streets busied themselves with quiet gossip and cups of tea, and the musicians entertained the children throughout the parks, a maiden in peasant gowns of brown was digging through her garden. Voices echoed all around her, birds sang high from the branches over head that provided shade from the nonexistent sun. The humidity was unbearable as such, that even with her hair pulled back into a braid, sweat still found its way to the surface of her neck. But she couldn't look more beautiful.

With dirt paned across her cheeks and weeds sticking under her nails, Caniel filled basket upon basket with the ripe vegetables that begged to be picked. As little company often visited these days, Elrond being busy with the war in the north and Gandalf still coming and going, Caniel had found this chore to be one of great importance since it kept her busy. For when she was busy she was able to keep from thinking. Instead she devoted her attention to the stern roots, which were often as stubborn as she was, as she pulled and tugged with more effort now that her left arm had been fully healed. The tomatoes already sat in a basket, being the easiest to pick, and the bugs swarmed around Caniel without a second's hesitation, continuing their way onward towards the more colorful flowers further away in the garden. That's where the columns stood tall and proud amidst the vines and hedges that she and Legolas had raced through what seemed like eternity ago. It was under the steady gaze of that old statue that he had pinned her there against that column, both being too stubborn to admit anything, but both enjoying the closeness that had ensued…

A slight breeze cooled her face as Caniel turned from the columns to a stubborn carrot, which she had given up on earlier. As it absolutely refused to come free of the earth, Caniel found herself muttering under her breath, as if coaxing it to come out. But it did not and she eventually stood, her bottom high in the air as she clasped the carrot with both hands, tugging hard and grinding her teeth. With a snap of the roots, the carrot finally launched itself free, sending Caniel stumbling backward into a heap. Rolling a little way, then cursing quietly to herself, Caniel lay in a heap, breathing hard, the carrot successfully in her hand.

As she gazed to the cloud laden sky, the mud on her face was smeared by rain. No, not rain. For the clouds had not yet released their fury on the elven dwellings. Instead, Caniel recognized it to be a tear. Not of frustration but of immense sorrow that had once again sprung without warning. How she ached to see the familiar face of the elf whom she loved more then her own life. Why was it that everything she set eyes on reminded her of him? Even a simple carrot, whose stubbornness to reveal itself reminded her of Legolas' stubbornness to reveal his feelings towards her. Yes, even a vegetable was bringing back memories of him. For it had been in this very garden he had helped her pick the vegetables for dinner. Only Legolas had realized her struggling with a hurt arm and had bothered to assist her...How she missed him so.

As more wind wiped at her frail, heaving body lying still on the thick grass, more tears continued to swim on her cheeks. Often she was caught without warning, as tears would flood her vision while she was immersed in her studies, or practicing her archery. And no longer she tried to fight them; for this was a battle she could not win. It was sorrow unlike she had ever experienced. Whilst around others, her smile was not etched, only hidden in a secret crevice, though she often forced a grin that looked more painful than warming. And her appearance, though still beautiful in nature, could not help but suffer that of a broken down girl, whose dreams and life were falling down before her very eyes. How the sky reflected her feelings to the core. So dark and damp. Slow moving and unpleasant to look at. How she wished she could just move on, emerge from this endless pit of despair and laugh and dine with her friends as she had done so often before. But it seemed that before was forever ago, and the only road back to it was through Legolas.

The elf, she figured, was probably already married. She originally would not have allowed herself to believe it, but after weeks of him never writing, and not hearing of any soon return, her inner heart told her it was over. He would not be coming back. He had Mirkwood to rule and suitors to choose from. Beautiful elves all suited to his every need. And once he chose, which she figured he already had, he would wed and she would bear him many sons. They would grow to be ambitious little fighters like their father, and aspire to be great travelers and warriors, with elven graces and looks, and acceptance wherever they went. Caniel felt her hand travel to her stomach, where it sat almost willing herself to feel the presence of a child, his child, within her. But all she felt was the slow up and down of her breathing, which had become considerably shallow.

"Caniel?"

The voice startled her out of her daydreams and the maiden hastened to wipe away the tears on the back of sleeve. Which, in turn, only placed more mud upon her face.

"Caniel, are you all right?" Aragorn had hastened to her side and was helping her up by the support of her elbow.

"Yes, I'm fine." She said quickly, brushing some dirt from her dress with little avail. "Just took a bit of a fall is all." She held up the carrot. "Stubborn carrot."

Aragorn smiled slightly, studying her carefully as if to see past the lousy lie. But she held firm her gaze and he was forced to accept it. "Are you sure?"

She nodded and tossed the carrot into its basket. "What brings you here? It has been a while since I have seen you."

"Ranger business." He replied dismissively. "And I return from that journey to prepare for the next journey. We leave tomorrow after all."

Caniel nodded and gestured inside. "Would you care for a drink?"

"A drink would be wonderful."

As they made their way inside, Caniel stopping momentarily to wash some dirt from her hands. Aragorn remarked on the fine state of her garden, and once she had retrieved them drinks, they settled into her living room couch.

Digging inside one of his cloaks, Aragorn protruded an elegantly sealed letter and handed it to Caniel before slouching back and taking a deep gulp of the sweet drink.

"What's this?" Caniel asked, scanning over the fine silk feel of the letter.

"A letter from Aradhel." Aragorn said, looking decisively at the girl, who rolled her eyes before peeling the crest and unrolling the piece of parchment.

As she read it, her eyes moving back and froth rather quickly, her mouth seemed to drop open at the words she read.

My Fair Caniel-

I write to you with the greatest anticipation of your coming to my city in the next short time. My citizens are most anxious to meet you and the city has never been more alive. Your dealings, I shall have you know, have not gone unnoticed in the eyes of men. But that is beside the point. I am writing to you to help prepare your entry into my city and with a few words of wisdom that will make your stay here more relaxed and enjoyable.

In the common tradition of my people, visitors of high authority often make a grand entrance accompanied by a parade. Being of the most humble nature, I expect that you have not prepared any such grandeur; therefore I am writing to request that some thing will accompany you. Visitors often fashion the parade after the culture of whence they came, therefore enlightening my people and bringing together the different races of Middle Earth. Being of the elvish origin, your parade shall bring an abundance of elvish culture with it. It is long overdue in the Northern parts, as many of my people have forgotten the elves in their true splendor and I hope this enlightenment will bring about a sense of understanding between the two people's once again.

Enclosed I have a list of all the artifacts I would wish to see present in your parade along with the necessary payment for all. I have also sent the necessary means of transportation, with carriages and horses, waiting for your departure from Rivendell. Here are the necessities-

-10 gallons of elvish wine

-100 yards of elvish cloth, of the finest quality

-20 of Rivendell's finest breed horses (which will be returned afterwards)

-50 barrels of the fabled lembas bread to share with the street viewers

-80 satchels of elven jewels and

-Another 80 satchels of elvish jewelry

-50 grand elvish statues

-If it is at all possible, a stand of musicians is most encouraged

I hope these requests are not too bold, and I have sent enough payment for the required things. If there is a problem in retaining some of the items requested, I assure you we can make up for the loss of culture somehow.

So with no more ado, I grant you the fairest of evenings and a safe journey. My guards will be expecting your party at the front gates by evening, whereon the streets will be eagerly awaiting your entrance.

Until we meet-

Lord Aradhel

Aragorn watched as Caniel read and reread the letter over many times, a look of complete bafflement etched on her fine face. After many moments, she looked up to the ceiling with an exasperated laugh and then handed the letter to Aragorn who read it over, also succumbing to the baffled expression.

"A parade?" Aragorn asked, disbelieving.

Caniel nodded vaguely. "This is such a big to do about nothing!"

Aragorn couldn't agree more as he scanned again the lists of items Aradhel wished to purchase. "Eighty satchels of elvish jewels and another 80 satchels of jewelry? How is he going to pay for all this?" The ranger paused for a moment, the looked up at Caniel with the utmost of understanding.

"You must come with me. Quick!"

Caniel leapt up and ran after the ranger who had sprung to the door and began racing down the corridors of the busy Rivendell. Soon they approached the front gate, where there was nothing out of the ordinary except a rather large case, which Caniel thought for a moment to be a casket. But as they drew near, she saw on it writing of unfamiliar language and a crest of a snake on the brass cover.

"What is this?" She asked, running her fingers over it.

"It arrived shortly after the letter was delivered. Being in a hurry to give the letter to you, I didn't stay to see what it was." Aragorn answered, scanning the clearing as if awaiting an answer to spring out at him from the passing elves.

"Shall we open it?" Caniel asked.

"I think it may be payment for all the listings." Aragorn nodded and they both heaved the heavy brass lid of the case. Inside, shimmering up at them like thousands of fallen stars, was a case full of the finest silver and gold coins Caniel had ever seen.

Running his fingers over the fine engraved coins and picking up one to examine it, Aragorn nodded grimly to himself. So this was the payment, and in what abundance it was!

"He sure knows how to spend." Caniel breathed, unable to avert her eyes from the shimmering gold and silver that stared up at her.

"Indeed." Aragorn answered, flipping the coin back to join the others. "I think we should inform Elrond immediately. We'll need to see if any of this is even plausible."

That night was spent, instead of finishing her garden, which she had intended, talking with Elrond and preparing the necessary means of the parade. Elrond himself did not seem too keen on the idea, for he felt it reflected a rather bold nature and to flaunt the elvish riches in the human's faces, he did not consider bonding. But he complied anyway, seeing as though all was already paid for and there was really no way around it. After gathering the many horses and carriages and filling them with the great riches, Aragorn said his good night and left Caniel and Elrond to finish counting the coins in his study, where the only light that remained was from the many candles burning around them.

As Caniel checked off another pound of money on her piece of parchment, Elrond studied her carefully. Her complexion was worn and paler as of late, and he didn't miss how frail her movements had become. It was as if everything pained her, even if it was a small task, like writing. Setting his own quill down and moving aside some coins, he leaned back in his chair.

"How feel you, Caniel?" He asked.

"Tired."

"You look worse for wear really." He sighed. "Are you sure you are up to this?"

Caniel nodded, not wishing to divert her attention back to the troubles of her own life, but instead continue on counting the coins in front of her.

"Caniel, I know troubled times lie ahead of you now. As do decisions that no one else can even begin to fathom. But that does not mean they don't exist and will go away if you refuse to acknowledge them." When she didn't reply, he continued. "I know you are dying, Caniel. And it is for this reason I strongly encourage you to choose soon."

"Choose?" Caniel laughed half-heartedly, tossing some more coins to the side and starting on a different stack. "Choose to leave or die when already I am doing both?"

Elrond didn't respond immediately, feeling the immense anger and sorrow that welled inside the sister that sat in front of him. How he wished he could just tell her to choose elf. That the Valar was right in giving her the chance to leave as an elf, where she could live out her life in peace with her family. But his own self could not bring himself to pressure her. She already knew what he thought, Elrond assured himself. Caniel would know he would wish her to be elf. But he would not tell her. No. She had enough people telling her otherwise already.

"How are your visions as of late?" Elrond asked instead.

The reaction on Caniel's face was unmistakable. First flashed surprise, then anger, then calm, as if this was unimportant.

"Diminishing." Was all she said.

"You still are dreaming of the sail from Valinor then?"

"Perhaps." Caniel looked up finally from her parchment and gazed sternly into her brother's eyes. "Who told you?"

"Many people." Elrond replied just as smoothly.

"Legolas?"

Elrond didn't answer and Caniel clenched her teeth. "How many others have been retelling you all that I have seen? If you are indeed so interested, why did you not just come to me and ask?"

"You would not have told me."

Caniel couldn't argue this, and it didn't make her feel any better. Who was he to issue people to spy on her? That's what they were doing, spying. And why did Legolas not say anything about it? Was he shallow enough to play her like that just so he could discover her visions? Perhaps he was being paid and everything he did, everything he said was just one big cover to discover what visions she had been having.

"Do not think badly of Legolas, for he did not want to and was not being paid to do so." Elrond said at length, reading the anger that had billowed in her eyes. "He did it because he cared for you and knew that the visions were more then you were letting them on to be."

Caniel didn't know what to say and at the mention of Legolas' name, even though she had been thinking of him, her stomach churned and her eyes struggled to contain the tears that had begun to stir.

"You must fight theses visions Caniel." Elrond warned. "You must try to forget them."

"It is a little late for that."

"Then do not speak of them!" Elrond insisted. "Promise me that while you're away, you will not mention any dreams, any visions you have to anyone. Promise me!"

Caniel nodded vaguely, wondering why it was so desperate she kept her dreams to herself. Perhaps Elrond just wanted to figure them out and was jealous of the fact that she had been telling others of them and not him. Or perhaps he was worried of her revealing the location of Valinor to Aradhel, in which case she felt insulted. How he dare think her to betray the elves!

"Retire for the night Caniel. It is going to be a long day for you tomorrow." Elrond said quietly, standing from the coin littered table. I will finish counting tomorrow."

Caniel didn't argue, only nodded her good night and made her way to bed, where once again the night was haunted by dreams all the like. But this time, Elrond, warning her not to tell anyone and trying to stop the dreams all together, occasionally interrupted the dream. But she wouldn't let him. Just because he could control some aspects of her life, didn't mean he would rule her sleep either. So pushing him aside, she willed the dreams to go on and struggled with the night away with fresh dreams and distant lands of plenty.

The next day came all to soon and it wasn't before long that the horses and carriages were assembled and the procession was lined up at the front gate of Rivendell. As she said her good byes to Gandalf, who had returned early that morning, he again reminded her of all that he had said earlier that week. And Elrond too warned her not to share the visions and to report back every couple of days with news on the city. As she made to get on her horse, Caniel found herself unable to hoist herself onto Aníron, who whinnied at the pathetic appearance of Caniel. Aragorn too noticed and jumped off his to help her. Being dressed in the finest and most elaborate robes of Rivendell made riding a bit more difficult as well, but for the most part, it was just keeping her balance, which was proving to be the most difficult.

So did the morning progress and the afternoon, where they stopped to drink in the shade of old trees before heading off again towards the north. Aragorn and Caniel chatted the whole way, swapping ideas on the affairs of Aradhel and talking of Aragorn's duties of the last month. And before long, which was dismaying to all of the party, which consisted of at least 25 elves, they emerged over a hill to behold the city of Nenuil sitting on the large Lake Evendim. Right on the high shores of the lake, a beautiful mansion built of brick and with roofs that scrapped as tall as the magnificent trees grown there, caught the eye of Caniel who immediately recognized it from her dream. The city itself was also a sight to be marveled at, for the houses all stood close with high pillars and shimmering statues as if they had traveled into a city entirely of palaces. Trees unlike any Caniel had seen were grown everywhere throughout, their branches being long and thick. The streets were all done in patterns of brick and the shops all sat fine furniture outside under the silk canopies issuing from their doorways.

The women here were dressed in fine gowns of the most elegant natures. Bodices, chemises and long billowing skirts all embroidered with silk and velvet. And hairpieces of gems and flowers decorated the flowing, sun-streaked hair of the ladies visiting outside the shops. Baskets of fruits and flowers slung over the arms of ever maiden, and busty old woman, who were not at all afraid to expose themselves, drank heartedly with the men outside the bars. The men, who looked like ban of pirates, all decorated themselves in fine leather and fur. Their hair was long and dark and their features were rusty and chiseled to the bone. Many sailors in finer outfits of linen littered the many ports, where large ships of white sails and dark wood kept arriving and departing. In the alleyways and amidst the barrels of the ports, drunken town men would lie, strewn with the pigs or crushing the nests of wild chickens that roamed the streets freely. Their teeth were rotted too soon and their songs wailed with the whistles issuing from the commanders at port. Young girls lead children into song and dance outside the school yards, where banners and streamers were flung around, creating brilliant displays of color amidst the green fields found only in some parts of the city. Fishnets and hook, poles and ship parts decorated the fine lines of the city, making it feel as though you never actually left the side of the lake. And fountains and gardens made for a beautiful walkway up the entrance of the large palace that was Aradhel's.

"This is a surprise." Aragorn breathed as they neared the front entrance gate, where as the letter had promised, guards stood awaiting them.

Caniel nodded in agreement and lead the way to gate, where the guards wasted no time in preparing them in a grand parade. As if to surprise them more, Aradhel had prepared dancers of the most extreme kind to be intermingled through out and hundreds of palace workers were assembled to carry banners of the elvish material and toss lembas and jewels to the street watchers. Aragorn and Caniel were ushered to the back of the parade, where two thick rows of military men surrounded their horses in fine garments of silver and gold. Joking between themselves, Aragorn and Caniel waited patiently for the parade to start, and when it did, loud trumpets sounded and cheers could be heard from within the city as the procession started inward.

Legolas rode his horse with new vigor. It wasn't because he was racing, or being chased, or even in a hurry. All his new anger, his frustration which had until this moment been pent up inside him, was exhibited as he pushed his horse faster and faster through the ever billowing trees around him. News of his wedding day had been set and all because he had left when Gailrin had come for lunch. Had she too not been so afraid of telling the truth, she would have told Thranduil that Legolas had not been there and she had spent the afternoon with a different elf. But instead she had also lied in saying that she had had a wonderful time with the elf and that was the last piece Thranduil needed. After hearing from his son how Gailrin had been pleasant enough the king had hurried to prepare for a wedding. Little did he know that both already had interests in others elsewhere and they had both lied to keep away from his fury.

But now Legolas' own fury was predominant as he raced through the woods of Mirkwood, eager to forget all that had happened in the past few hours and leave the wedding behind him. He would not let himself be wed to a maiden who in turn had no interest in him and especially when he was still obsessing over Caniel. This wasn't right, he thought. Why was it that when trying to be pleasant with his father, everything goes askew? Had he told the truth, his father would have vented and forced more women upon him. So by lying, Legolas had figured his father would smile, comment on how things were looking up, and leave him to visit with whomever he wished whenever he wished.

Wrong.

Now Legolas was stuck with a wedding that wasn't even supposed to be happening for a few months time. Not to mention, with the wrong girl. Jumping over a log, Legolas lurched forward on the horse, releasing him from the venting inside his head. They swerved and dodged boulders and trees as they made their way further into the dark woods, where little light was visible and creature's unblinking eyes stared out at them from the dead stumps everywhere.

The wind whipped behind them as Legolas kicked the horse faster, not caring that the horse was clearly becoming exhausted. But it obliged and they ran harder, into unfamiliar woods where Legolas was sure he was forbidden to be alone. But he didn't care. So much of his life was out of his control that being here made him feel like a rebel. At least his father couldn't find him here, where strange creatures abound and trees cast shadows perfect for hiding in should anyone be looking for the lone elf.

Without warning, the horse upon which he rode, veered from the road with a horrendous screech, and Legolas held tight to the reigns scanning the ground for the reason of this panic. But there was nothing to be found. As the horse continued to panic, bucking up and down and spinning in circles, Legolas patted its head, murmuring soothing words to it to calm the frenzy. But with a sudden cry, Legolas was pulled from the horse to the ground as a vicious spider wrapped its legs around the elf. Struggling to retrieve his blades, Legolas squirmed from underneath the spider and stood quickly, looking at the hairy fiend. Around, though, more spiders began to advance and his horse was nowhere to be found. Swiping at the nearest spider that had lunged at him, Legolas whirled and made a mad dash in the direction they had come.

The spiders were not easy to lose; for they followed climbing high the trees overhead and falling down around him like a shower of rain. Dodging low branches and leaping over pits, the elf ran as fast as he could, which was a good speed, back to the more familiar parts of the woods, whereon the spiders gave up and headed back into their coves. As his run slowed to a walk, Legolas held his hand up to above his eyebrow, where a gash was allowing blood to run down his cheek. Cringing at its sting when he touched it, he replaced his blades and called out for his horse. After many moments of yelling and whistling, the horse return, still looking panicked. Patting it gently, Legolas mounted it and raced back to his dwelling where he was greeted by none other then the man he had tried to escape.

"Legolas what happened?" Thranduil asked, rushing towards his son, who only rolled his eyes and walked past.

"I was attacked by some spiders." Legolas answered dryly, making his way inside the dwelling whereon he set to cleaning it with a damp rag.

"What were you doing in those parts of the wood?" Thranduil demanded, not noticing the cold shoulder issuing from his son.

"It is none of your concern." Was all Legolas willed himself to say. Had he not held his tongue, he worried that a whole spew of words he would regret would have escaped.

"It is certainly my business when the prince wanders off into the dangerous parts of our woods!" Thranduil exclaimed, marching after his son who had moved to retrieve some ointment.

"I didn't wander. I went there on purpose." Legolas said through gritted teeth.

"Why? To get yourself killed?"

"That would've been a blessing."

"Legolas!" Thranduil shrieked. "What has gotten into you?"

Legolas whirled on his father, dropping the glass container, which shattered on the floor, spilling ointment onto both of their feet.

"Father, this is ridiculous! I don't want to marry Gailrin, don't you understand? I will not marry her and you cannot force me to marry any of the other maidens either! If I marry, it will be to only one and that is Caniel. Nothing you can do will change that!"
Thranduil's face flushed red with anger, and he stood to his full height, which was easily as tall as Legolas. "I still have the power to banish you and don't think I won't just because you're my son!"

"Banish me then! For I am already banished from the one I love." Legolas growled, locking eyes with his father who did not reply for many moments.

"The wedding is arranged." Thranduil said finally, his fists bawled and his eyes bulging. "And I've received news that Aragorn and Caniel arrived yesterday in Nenuial. So you can stop thinking on her, now that she is with her own kind. She's probably forgotten you by now anyway. And you can instead focus your attention on the wedding that is to be held in one week's time. You will marry Gailrin and become king. And that's final."

"I won't. I choose banishment." Legolas remarked storming past his father.

Thranduil grabbed his son's arm and whirled him around. "I had hoped it wouldn't come to this but you leave me no choice. If you decide to back out of this wedding, so help me Legolas I will jail you. And not just for the time being, but for many years to follow until Caniel has surly moved on and you have become nothing more then a lesser son of great sires." Releasing Legolas' arm rather roughly the king marched past him to the door where he paused only momentarily. "Your choice."

With that he slammed the door behind him and Legolas stood silently in his room, anger pulsating through him like a raging river, and thoughts all a mess in his head. After many moments of simply watching the door, breathing hard and keeping himself from digging a knife into him fathers back, Legolas retrieved a cloth and began picking up the shards of glass. As he was doing so, he lost his footing, stumbling slighting and falling into the post of his bed. Grumbling to himself and deciding instead to mop up the slippery ointment, he tossed aside his rag and began soaking it up.

As he did so, he couldn't help but notice the intoxicating smell it left, filling the room and making his head swim. It was very strong and it tickled his nose with each breath of air he took. Eventually, his eyes watering and his head dizzy with the perfume, Legolas made to open a window, but as he approached he looked outside of it to see a maiden standing with her back to him. She wore a beautiful gown of blue that glittered like fish scales and etched every fine curve of her small body. Her golden hair lay shimmering down her back as she looked to the trees. Watching with renewed interest, Legolas moved closer so that his nose was pressed against the window as he stared at the familiar silhouette of the girl. When she turned, even though he should not have been surprised, Legolas felt his heart stop and his breath seize. Caniel smiled slyly at him, her eyes twinkling that deep silver smile and her skin smooth as the very silk she wore. After a moment of smiling at him, she turned at started towards the trees.

"No!" Legolas breathed, backing up and pulling at his window. "No, don't go." He struggled with the window but it would not budge. Slamming a fist against it he continued to yell, "Caniel, wait! Come back!"

But she did not and he ran to the door and out in back where he meant to follow her. But as he emerged, a gust of wind enveloped him and he breathed deep the fresh air, cleansing his lungs of the intoxicating fumes that had swallowed him earlier. Looking around frantically, he felt his head clearing and his senses sharpening, but there was no one to be found. Looking around more carefully he saw that there weren't new footprints on the grass below, nor was there any blue amidst the trees in the distance.

"Caniel?" Legolas yelled out, his voice bouncing off the trees and coming back to only himself. "Caniel please…"

The elf sank onto the ground where he buried his face in his hands and began sobbing quietly. His tears fell to the ground like heavy pools weighed with immense grief, and his sobs were heavy and full of anguish. Then, as if to taunt him, actual rain began to fall lightly around him in a soft mist and Legolas swore that someone had just wrapped their arms around him in comfort. But he did not bother to look up. Instead, he let his sobs subdue and his eyes focused on the ground below. It was all just a dream, he told himself. If only everything else was too.