The Undecided of Earendil

By- Larien

Chapter 27

Copperfang- Okay, my logic behind Caniel fading versus Legoals remaining fine was this: Caniel didn't know what was to become of Legolas. In her mind he was wedded with a beautiful elf and had many years ahead of him without a second thought of her. Whereas Legolas knew he was going to go to any means to ensure he would not marry. So he knew that she would wait for him, but she didn't know he would wait for her. Make sense? That was the logic in my mind anyway; and I added a little bit of "fading" to him when he was seeing Caniel in a past chapter. But anyway; thanks for the review and I'm glad you liked the old man. I really enjoyed him too!

Legolaslover77- You DID know it was Legolas; I see there's no fooling you! Lol. Or maybe I've fooled you with Aradhel? Perhaps he really is innocent and we're all just a little biased towards our dear elf Legolas? Who can say. Thanks for patiently waiting nonetheless and I hope I don't disappoint!

101aether101- I hope by now you're feeling better- sorry about the long wait! I'm so glad you're enjoying it; it means a lot to hear it! So much thanks!

Elvnchic9- What is Aradhel up to? Not sure I have that entirely figured out yet either...sshh! Don't tell anyone! Lol. And you are right in saying I have more up my sleeve. In fact this chapter has many random and unseen happenings so I hope it does not disappoint. Enjoy and sorry for the wait!

Loony Kay- Aradhel has something up his sleeve you say? Perhaps it is his arm...Lol. I'm glad you enjoyed the last chapter and I'm sorry this one took so horribly long. So I hope you enjoy it and as always, thank you for the review!

Tubius- Yeah, I figured most people would asume it to be Legolas...in fact I was very much tempted to not have it be him, just to see the general reaction. But then I knew not who it could be so I gave in and had it be Legolas. Lol. And yes, the journey was mighty cruel and you and I are similiar in that I would've just gone head on with the orcs. Maybe it's just the elvish wisdom that saved him, lol. Anyway, thanks for the review and sorry for the wait. I hope it's still enjoyable!

Karone Evertree- Oh man! I have a lot of reviews to respond to for you! (thanks for the continous support by the by; it means a ton!) Okay first thing- I used to also believe that "Thank you" was hannon le until an elvish linguist told me otherwise. Her name is Navear Lalaith and if you are still curious check out her stuff; she has an entire sight dedicated to elvish for fanfics. You can find the addresses on my page. It's definatly worth checking out, but thanks for the concerns anyway! And staff members for my archive do very little; all I ask is if you see good stories/poems that you submit them. It's really low maintance. I just wanted some more people added things besides Navear and myself. If you're interested I'd be happy to accept you! Just take a look at some of the stories already archived to get a better feel for what my C2 is about. Thanks for the interest! And to keep this short; I too wish I lived in Middle Earth. In fact that's why I write for it is my means of getting there I guess. I dunno. I'm wierd like that I guess, I just love writing of the scenery and people; it fasinates me. But thanks for the reviews again, and I hope this didn't take too long!

ChirikoFan- Yeah! New reader! I'm so glad you enjoy it and thanks a ton for the review; it means the world to hear it! I hope this chapter didn't take too long. Normally I have them out sooner. But stuff happens I guess. Lol. Anyway, thanks again and I look forward to hearing from you in the future!

A/N- I feel so terrible about how long this dumb chapter took. Just understand; I've been busy with school and the latest musical I've auditioned for and my time has been very limited to type. Not to mention I had a major brain-leave for this particular chapter, no reason why really. I just couldn't decide where I needed to go now. So this may be a rough chapter; apologies. I also hope that the next chapter will be up quicker then this one, now that my schedule is a little more defined and I may have some set time to type now. But no promises. Just so long as I keep my readers and haven't lost anyone. Hopefully the ridiculouslength of this one, plus the added plot twists, will make up for the wait.Again, thanks for the reviews and keep them coming!

Some new names and here are their meanings:

Haloth- Hiding Flower

Goland- Long Study

Arad- Without a path

Aurel- Morning Star

A week's time had passed during which Caniel had made a full recovery. Though she tired sooner now then she normally would have, her strength had almost returned in its entirety and her features and coloring had returned to normal. Once again, her mornings were filled with the vigorous negotiations of the council, which still managed to bore her to tears and never decide anything useful. But a change from what her normal routine was; instead of spending the rest of the day fretting over Legolas, she spent her time with him, touring the city and visiting in the fields of the palace grounds. They had caught each other up on all that had happened since their last meeting, and at night they talked with Aragorn, discerning on their own what should be done with the war. Aragorn was still most untrusting of the city, whereas Legolas was just completely biased against Aradhel to begin with. Had they had it their way, the city would be left to ruin. But Caniel had found peace with the citizens and found herself rather attached to the city of Nenuial, despite the crummy political system.

One Friday, later in the afternoon (the council meetings being cancelled due to city festivities) Caniel was in her room with Legolas, laughing lightly and conversing amongst themselves. For the life of her, Caniel could not clasp a stubborn brooch to her blue robe and Legolas was being of no help, lounging on the couch in his brown tunic and watching with amusement as the girl struggled.

"The almighty Caniel has finally been defeated," He jested. "By a brooch no less."

Caniel looked wearily at him. "Are you just going to sit there and mock me?"

Legolas smiled. "Indeed."

"How very kind of you."

He only laughed at her annoyance when there was a light tap on the door. Caniel beckoned them in. It was Aradhel.

"Good morning Aradhel." Caniel nodded courteously as the king entered in extravagant robes of green. His long hair was tied back in a bow and his fingers were adorned with gems as large as his eyes. Legolas watched menacingly, but the king ignored him.

"Good morning." Aradhel strode forward to Caniel. "I bring an invitation."

"I do love invites." Caniel smiled, turning back towards her mirror to better see the brooch that remained unfastened. "What is it that you are inviting us to?"

As if to see what she meant by "us" Aradhel swept his eyes over the room and let them rest momentarily on Legolas, who watched with the same penetrating gaze. Then he looked back to Caniel with a half smile.

"You are aware, I'm sure, that today is our yearly city festival. Hence the council meetings were canceled?"
"I recall hearing something of the like."

He nodded. "There is a parade to happen in about an hours time. The royalty always attends; we have a reserved booth in the center of town and you are welcome to join us."

"It would be a pleasure." Caniel said with a grimace; she had just pinned her finger and a bubble of blood indicated where she had done so. Aradhel smiled sardonically and moved forward to pin it for her. As she sucked her finger she mumbled, "Thank you."

"Stubborn things, aren't they?" He asked, as he fastened it carefully. When he stepped back, he studied her casual dress that consisted of nothing more then a white dress tied at the waist with a belt and the light blue robe. "Are we taking on the appearance of a peasant today then?"

Caniel smiled sheepishly. "I don't like dressing so extravagant all the time. When I go into the city, I want to belong. I am just as any of the peasants on the street."

"Not so!" Aradhel protested. "You are from rich soil and noble blood. You are ambassador! Surly that counts far above the common peasant of the streets."

"It is only a title. Not who I am." Caniel replied simply. Legolas smiled from where he sat a bit more erectly since Aradhel's arrival.

Aradhel only shrugged before excusing himself and reminding them once more of the invite. Whence he had gone, Legolas snorted.

"That man could drown himself in arrogance." He said, rolling his eyes.

Caniel moved towards him. "And you, my dear archer, could hang yourself with bias."

Legolas smiled slyly as he stood to face her. "And what of you? What's your weakness?"

Caniel looked past him, out the window, which faced the large city filing with people already claiming spots on the street for the parade. "I care too much."

Legolas kissed her forehead softly. "Indeed."

She looked at him with a slight frown and he continued, pulling her closer to him. "But it is your caring that will save us all. You know that?"

Caniel sighed, resting her head on his shoulder. "I don't know anymore."

"Well know this then," Legolas assured. "You have the trust of many individuals who do not give their trust lightly."

"You?" She laughed into his shoulder.

"Mine, Elrond's, Gandalf's, Aragorn's, Sírdhem's…" He let the sentence hang. "Speaking of which, what of your visions lately? Any more from Sírdhem?"

Caniel looked around quickly; almost afraid somebody would be lurking in the corner. "Elrond told me not to speak openly about them, but I'm sure he meant it of Aradhel."

She lowered her voice. "There haven't been a lot lately. Sometimes at night I see bits and pieces of her life; none of it really makes sense though. And when I'm not dreaming of her, I still see the trip. It's all most strange."

"Do you think she is trying to tell you something?" Legolas asked.

"I don't know what." Caniel sighed. "If it was so important you think she would have said something while I was with her in Rivendell."

"I don't understand why she can't just kill Aradhel and be done with it."

Caniel held her fingers up to his lips, silencing him. "You must not speak so boldly of such things. The figures here are most unfriendly of elves and if someone were to hear you…"

"Then it's best that no one hears." Legolas kissed her fingers and smiled slyly at her.

"You enjoy living dangerously don't you?" Caniel asked, looking into his deep eyes.

"I'm with you aren't I?"

After much useless arguing with Aragorn, Caniel and Legolas left him in the palace while they ventured forth down the streets towards the reserved seating of the king. Children were running along side the streets, waving banners and flags while munching on candies and giggling within their clusters. Women were laying out blankets as they gossiped amidst each other and the men stood behind, filling their mugs with beer and laughing loudly at some joke. As the two neared the stand, after many curious glances that were tossed in Legolas' direction, Caniel wasn't at all surprised to see that the booth was more extravagant then anything any of the city folk had. Even the wealthy of the town adorned themselves in casual clothing and were seated on blankets and wicker furniture. But Aradhel had conjured up an entire platform with gold furniture decorated in many plush cushions and servants carrying trays of foods for him and the advisors to munch on. When he spotted Caniel, he raised his glass and smiled.

"Glad you could come!" He said loudly, and many of the others sitting around him nodded their respects. "There are seats here if you like!"

Caniel looked at the seats waiting for her but her attention was soon diverted to a young boy tugging at her robe, feverishly trying to get her attention. He was dressed in simple brown clothing, from a poorer home, but in his hand was a red rose in full bloom. He held it up to her with a smile full of crooked teeth. Smiling and glancing upward, Caniel saw his family, his mother and father both dressed in similar clothing and ratted hair seated with four other younglings all looking expectantly at her, the oldest daughter holding a basket of similar flowers.

Caniel looked back to the boy and knelt down to him, Aradhel and all the advisors watching curiously.

"What's this?" She asked softly, smiling at the child.

"For you." The boy responded, thrusting the flower in her face.

She took the flower from him and then reached into the pocket of her robe. "Thank you very much. And I have something for you too."

She handed him a handful of golden coins, which he looked at with wide brown eyes.

"No that's okay." He said, holding them back to her.

"I insist. As a gift." She closed his hand around the coins to which his smile spread wider across his face and he threw his arms around Caniel, causing her to fall back on her heels.

"Thank you!" He said again and again in an excited voice. Caniel only laughed and hugged the scrawny boy.

After watching him run across the street to his family, she looked up at Legolas whose smile reflected that of the child's. Aradhel, though, just looked amused.

"Ah, the tricks of the peasants." He said, indicating the chairs once again. Caniel let Legolas help her up and they made their way next to him, rather reluctantly.

"What do you mean?" She asked.

"Peasants are always coming up with new ways to get money. They target those they feel to be soft, and then pretend like they're doing a service when in fact, they know they will get something in return."

"I don't believe it." Caniel said sternly.

Aradhel shrugged. "Are you hungry? Thirsty?"
A tray of food was placed before Caniel, who was too disgusted to eat. Her attention was focused on the family, who was asking every passing person to purchase a rose. Moved by their pathetic appearance, Caniel grabbed the tray of food and made her way back into the streets. Aradhel called after her, but with no avail. Marching up to the family, she placed the tray in front of them and took a step back.

"Please enjoy this. For you need it more then I."

The children looked at her with amazement and the mother's frown was soon replaced with that of a smile. Nodding to her children, they rushed forward and began devouring the food as if they had not eaten in weeks. Watching as the mother helped the youngest ones get food, the father moved to Caniel and extended his bony hand.

"Thank you my lady," He said in a low voice. "No one has ever been this kind before."

"Please, call me Caniel." She said, shaking his hand. "And it is the least I can do."

"Caniel?" He asked, his eyes now widening in disbelieve. "You are the ambassador from Rivendell?"

She nodded.

"An honor." He said, shaking her hand more furiously. "A great honor."

He turned to his wife and beckoned, "Haloth! This is Caniel!"

"The ambassador from Rivendell?" She said looking up suddenly; almost dropping the bread she had been feeding the child in her arms. When her husband nodded, she held her hand to her mouth. "Oh my stars…"

"Pardon my lack of introduction." The man said suddenly. "I'm Goland and that's my wife Haloth. These are our children; the one who gave you the flower is Arad. "

"And I am most thankful for the flower. It is beautiful." Caniel smiled.

"Thank you." Haloth said. "Unfortunately normally more of our flowers turn out as good as that one there, but it's been a rough season these past few months…"

"Perhaps I can be of assistance?" Caniel said. "I've been trained in the way of elvish gardening and I would be pleased to help you in any way I could."

Goland threw his head back suddenly and raised his voice to the heavens. "Today is truly a day worth celebrating, for we have finally been sent an angel."

"I'm flattered, sir." Caniel said, blushing. "But I'm no angel."

"If you only knew." Haloth said.

Then the sound of trumpets filled the air and Caniel along with the rest of the crowd turned their heads down to the beginning of the street. The trumpets were soon then joined with cheers and laughs of the audience as the parade started its slow procession towards them. While it did, Caniel nodded her good-byes and hurried back across the street to Legolas who sat in the booth, looking utterly perturbed and annoyed by the royalty seated around him.

"I was worried you would never return." He said through clenched teeth when she had finally sat.

"I wanted to speak with that family."

"I can see why, " He said flatly. "This group is a bunch of snobbish-"

"You could've come with." She said defensively, but their conversation was cut short by the first of the parade to come by. A large cage of birds pulled by silver plated rhinoceroses sang out loudly as they were soon followed by a group of bird dancers who flapped their extravagant wings to the drums and bells being played by the small band that walked alongside of them.

Following the bird display were many other animal displays, the reptiles being the audiences favorite for the many men walking down the street with snakes wrapped around them. There were some horses, which rode famous sailors of the city who tossed candy and coins to the audience, sending the children scrambling in fits of snatching and giggling. At one point a brigade of about three oliphants started up the street, one following the next; stomping up dirt with each thundering step they took. Caniel wondered how they had ever gotten them through the narrow strips of the city streets.

But her wondrous gaze at the large animals was soon distracted, for a familiar laugh had drawn her eyes back to the streets where a young boy was still floundering to get the last of the coins and candy dropped by the previous scribes. Caniel watched in horror as Haloth and Goland screamed for Arad to come back to them; the child being completely oblivious of the giant Oliphant that closed all gaps between them. Many crowds' people started shouting, a noise only mingled with that of the drums and trumpets of the parade so that the boy was not even bothering to look upward.

What happened next was a blur; at one point, Caniel had stood and was shouting at the boy to move when Legolas had jumped the rail of the booth and had moved into the street to the boy. Scooping him up swiftly with the yells of the crowd rising, Legolas moved the child to the side, but not before spooking the Oliphant who reared with a thundered noise and came crashing back down, splitting the road and jumbling everyone in their seats. This caused new screams to ensue, as the driver of the beast tried calming the animal down, which was now backing up into the other Oliphants. Legolas then grabbed hold of a reign, which had been dangling from the animal's ear and with one arm (the other being occupied with Arad) hoisted himself up the side of the Oliphant until he swung dangerously next to its ear. Watching with her heart skipping beats and her hand over her mouth, Caniel saw him whispering elvish to the creature, who suddenly stopped moving as if something had frozen it in it's spot. Once he had reached the top, the rider hoisting the elf and the child up, Legolas took the reigns, and patted the head of the confused beast, still murmuring words of elvish to it.

Like the animal, the crowd was frozen, watching in amazement as the Oliphant suddenly moved forward a step and then another and another, until it was again walking peacefully down the road as if nothing had happened. Legolas, satisfied that the beast was once again under control with the rider, grabbed the child and swung them down the side of the beast, landing in front of the family who ran towards him to retrieve their son in embraces of hugs and tears. Caniel moved from the booth down to the crowd, which had assembled around Legolas, all inspecting the child who was clinging tightly to his mother. But what's more, the crowd was all gazing in wonder at the elf, whom they couldn't decide was a hero or enemy.

Shoving her way through, Caniel was fully aware of the penetrating glares Legolas was receiving, despite his heroic feat. When she finally reached him, she immediately sensed his discomfort at the fact that many people, including the family had backed away from him.

"He's an elf." Someone in the crowd murmured.

"What is an elf doing here?" Came another voice.

"He was controlling the Oliphant's mind." Another voice murmured and was soon followed by many other rude speculations. Legolas looked at Caniel with a frown and she raised her eyebrows, helplessly.

"Thank you." Haloth said suddenly, setting down her son and approaching Legolas. "Thank you for saving my son. I owe a great deal to you, my elven friend."

This caused many of the crowd to gasp and a whole new series of whispers ensued as she embraced the elf in a hug. Legolas froze for a moment, before accepting the hug, to which then her family joined him, Goland shaking his hand and the children all clamoring at his feet .As the crowd watched this, someone started applauding, which was soon followed by more until the concerned men and women were all offering their thanks to the elf, who was utterly baffled by this change in attitude towards him.

Aragorn wandered the palace, almost in a pace like manner, wondering what had become of the elves. No word had been sent in reply to his earlier request of them, and no sightings of the troops had been reported either. Were they perhaps delayed by more orcs? And if that was the case, this war was a much grander operation then the ranger had originally envisioned. Or perhaps, on a lighter note, the elves had simply chosen not to come. Perhaps they felt they still didn't have sufficient evidence to send aid to the city. If that were the case with Thranduil, Aragorn wouldn't be surprised. But why would Elrond hold back? Had he not trusted everything Caniel had said thus far? Why would he now start to doubt, when their need was dire?

The elves all had their reasons, Strider assured himself as he started down a long hallway, they would make the moves that were necessary. As he continued down the dimly lit hallway, great paintings staring back at him under the abstract and thick frames, a man emerged suddenly from his left, nearly colliding with Aragorn who was rudely awakened from his thoughts. Turning to apologize, as well as accepting the apology from the man who was hurriedly saying sorry, Aragorn was stunned to recognize the thick face that now looked at him with wide eyes.

"You!" Aragorn said in a louder tone then he had meant. The face had just caught him off guard so.

Without a word, only a sharp intake of breath, the heavyset man started running back the way the ranger had come. Taking after him, Aragorn raced through the palace in pursuit of the man, who seemed to know the grounds well, for he found many passages that Aragorn didn't even know existed. Until at last, Aragorn was sure he knew not where they were, but continued on pursuing anyway. Up a hallway, down a flight of stairs, through a back door, out into the open, then back up more stairs and down another hallway. The chase subsided momentarily when Aragorn glanced up a corridor that was rather narrow with many doors lining it's walls, but the man was no where to be seen. Holding his breath and stepping lightly, the ranger strained to hear the sound of breath, and was relieved to hear the raspy intake of a man inside one of the doors.

Swinging it open, causing the man who was behind it to stumble to the ground, Aragorn was soon towering over him, dagger drawn, and looking into the familiar rough eyes which he had only glimpsed once before.

"What are you doing here?" The man asked in forced calm. His hands were held up in defeat.

"I was about to ask the same question. Balrant, is it not?" Aragorn asked.

The man nodded.

"This is my city." Balrant said hesitantly, his eyes still fixed on the dagger.

"I am aware of that." The ranger sighed. "My question would be better worded if I asked how did you get here? You were to be held in Rivendell until proven innocent of your conviction."

"Which would have proven to be never." Balrant huffed.

"That may be, but somehow you escaped. How?"

Balrant eyed him in a manner that suggested nothing was being said until he was allowed off the floor. Straightening, Aragorn gestured the man to a seat; only now did Aragorn notice that they were in a rather plain room with a small table in the middle and two chairs on either side of it. On the back wall was a large window over looking the lake, and wide bookshelves on either side, occupied with old books and worn plaques.

Balrant stood but did not bother to take a chair; instead he straightened his fur clothing and swung his tangled hair out of his eyes, which now glared at the ranger with renewed vigor.

"I didn't do it on my own. Aradhel's guards set me free when the king came to visit. It wasn't planned."

Aragorn nodded. "The place was in disarray. Was it to throw us off the trail?"

Balrant almost looked sheepish at this remark, and averted his eyes to the ground. "I said it wasn't planned." He grumbled. "I didn't want to go."

"Why?"

Balrant raised his eyebrows in amusement. "Think long and hard about it, strider. The elves and I haven't exactly been on good ground, now have we? If I actually tried to set foot outside of their little haven, my head would be gone before you could say 'the Shire.' Had it been up to me, I would've waited for a conviction, even if it had taken forever. I would rather have an assured right to leave with my head, then risking the loss of it."

"But why did Aradhel force you to leave?"

Balrant shrugged indignantly and looked out the window, running his fingers over the table. "He thought I knew too much of his palace life. He was afraid I would spill something in exchange for a right out."

Aragorn's curiosity peeked now. "And what do you know?"

"Nothing I'm going to repeat to you." He spat.

Aragorn eyed the dagger in his hand and held it up so that Balrant could see it too. "You're disposal would be easily carried out right now if I so wished."

"You wouldn't. You're too noble."

"You hope."

Balrant watched the dagger reflect the afternoon rays off its slender body before again shrugging. "Go on then. Use it."

Aragorn sighed wearily and lowered the weapon. "So what are you doing now? Here back at the palace anyway?"

"Trying to get to Caniel." Balrant conversed. "I had heard rumors she was here; I figured it was only a matter of time after Aradhel went to Rivendell anyway. But I digress. Since she is here, and from what I've heard, very involved with the council and war efforts, I thought it would be a good time to warn her."

"Warn her of what?" Aragorn's voice had become low and Balrant looked slightly startled by his seriousness.

"What concern is it to you?"

"Please, Balrant," The ranger said softly. "I must know if there is any danger to befall Caniel. That is why I am here, to watch over her. And if you are to warn her, it will find it's way back to me eventually anyway."

"Caniel will not be hurt. At least, not anytime soon that I know of." Balrant said. "It's concerning the war actually. I was just going to tell her not to send for the elves."

This caught Aragorn off guard and he fumbled for his next words. "The elves? What do you mean?"

"I mean I know why Aradhel has her here. He wants the elves to come aid in the war effort. And I knew that after speaking to Caniel and after hearing what the king of Mirkwood had to say about the whole affair that some sort of ambassador would be sent here to confirm the war. And I figured it would be Caniel."

"You spoke to Caniel?" Aragorn asked and the man nodded. "How did you receive all your information?"

"Elves spend the whole of their day talking amongst each other to sort out issues. It isn't difficult to pick up what is happening in Rivendell." Balrant rolled his eyes. "But that's beside the point. I'm here only to warn her not to send for the elves."

"You know something of this war effort then?"

"I know that the orcs aren't acting entirely on their own." Balrant looked semi triumphant with his news. "And I know that Aradhel is a rotten man if I ever did see one. He killed that one ambassador of Elrond's, Celebas I think was his name, simply because he wanted Caniel to come. All of his forefathers would have done likewise. A bunch of murderous, raging lunatics the lot of them. They're not to be trusted."

Aragorn's stomach was churning with this news and his head had started spinning with new ideas.

"So Aradhel is responsible for Celebas' disappearance!" Aragorn said, thinking out loud. "Where did he do it at?"

"The Trollshaws." Balrant said wearily, finally resting in a chair. "And that's the path through which they had me escape as well."

"Convenient." Aragorn said. "Why did Aradhel want Caniel to come so badly I wonder?"
"I don't know." Balrant answered. "I haven't figured that out yet. But I do know that his main objective was to get the elves involved. Which I desperately need to warn Caniel of."

"I don't understand." Aragorn said, sitting next to the man but teetering dangerously on the edge of his seat. "Why can't the elves come?"

Balrant looked at him with piercing eyes. Aragorn sensed that there was some great secret, a clue to the whole war that was being thought about behind those brown eyes, but nothing was said. Instead of quenching the gnawing feeling in the ranger's stomach and instead of answering thousands of unanswered questions, the man shrugged after a moment and said, "They just can't. I don't think it would be a good idea. It is Aradhel requesting it after all."

Aragorn nodded sadly and looked back to the ground wondering what it would take to get the man to spill what he knew. Instead of prying further though, he heaved a great sigh and rubbed his head, a sudden thought striking him with great despair.

"What is it?" Balrant asked, noticing the distressed look that had befallen the man next to him.

Jumping up in a pace again, Aragorn grumbled under his breath. " It is too late! We have already sent for the elves! Many days ago! They should be here anytime now…"

"Actually, the letter never got to them."

"What?" Aragorn had wheeled on the man in a blink of an eye.

Digging in one of his deep pockets the man protruded a crumpled letter and handing it back to Aragorn, it was most certainly the letter he had written telling the elves to come aid.

"Where did you get this?" Aragorn asked with new hope pulsating through his entire body. His fingers were almost trembling as he gazed at the letter.

"I have been checking the palace mail every day since I heard of Caniel's arrival in fear that something like that would happen." Balrant replied.

For a brief moment, Aragorn felt angered by this fact, for what would have become of Legolas if he had not been able to bypass the orcs and no letter had ever reached the elves? But this anger was again soon replaced with hope that it wasn't too late to find a large chunk of the unraveling mystery of Aradhel.

"Balrant, you must tell me all you know." Aragorn said more urgently. "If Aradhel is plotting against the elves, they must be warned. If the elves are in danger then so is Caniel, Legolas, and myself…"

"Legolas is here!" The man cried out suddenly. Aragorn nodded. "He must leave immediately! He cannot be here!"

"Why?" Aragorn asked frantically as the man started to pace around the room, pulling at his hair. "Why must he leave?"

"I can't tell-"

His sentence was cut short for at this moment the door was flung open with a thunderous clap and a baton of about ten guards came rushing in, two of them seizing Balrant by the arms, another hitting him hard over the head and rendering him unconscious. His weight nearly drug the two other guards down and Aragorn watched in amazement as his faded eyes dropped along with his head and the guards heavily drug him from the room. It wasn't until Aragorn tried to move that he realized he too was caught by the arms of two guards, while the many others had their swords raised. Dropping his dagger to the ground, he felt his sword being removed from its' shaft and his insides squirmed at the thought of not having the faithful sword at his side. But instead of showing his discomfort, he raised his fingers in defeat and no sooner had he done so that he was faced with a bald, thin old man who's sharp features penetrated him with a steady gaze.

"It was only a matter of time before that mans' mouth got the better of him." Dirum, the king's advisor said in a drawing voice. "But no matter; there was little harm done. Just a peek of curiosity, isn't that right Aragorn?"

"Unhand me. I have done nothing wrong." Aragorn said sternly.

"On the contrary, you've said something quite wrong." Dirum smiled at the baffled expression issuing from the ranger. "Oh yes, mighty Strider. We've been keeping a good eye on you; always poking your nose in places they don't belong. Curiosity can be a man's greatest weakness. Just wanted to be informed didn't you? Just had to be sure there was evidence, right? Well now I have evidence against you, ranger, which is more then enough reason to cast you into the prison cells where you belong."

"Evidence against me?" Aragorn asked, genuinely confused. "What is it that I have been convicted of?"

"Acts against the king of course." Dirum yawned, waving his hand. "We all knew the elves wanted to get the better of us. And when they sent you as a little donkey for Caniel we had no doubts that your little wanderings were just covers for your secret communications with dear old Elrond; the elves are plotting against us aren't they? And you're their little spy. Informing them of our moves, giving them more reason to turn on us. And now we find you seducing a worker at the palace to reveal the king's confidential information. Tiss, tiss. Bad ranger."

With a laugh and another wave of his hand, Dirum watched as the guards pulled a struggling Aragorn from the room and down to the damp and weary prison cells…

Caniel and Legolas were headed back to the palace; it was almost dinner time after all and their stomachs were rumbling quite obnoxiously after spending the whole of the day wandering the city and visiting with it's folk. Many still remained weary of Legolas, though there was a good number who were told through gossip of his heroic act and were most eager to offer him their praises. Having just stopped by a small café and munching on a slice of roasted bread, they were making their way through the rougher portion of town, where beggars and sailors sat and chatted nonchalantly, glancing only briefly in the direction of the couple who stood out in their finer garments and cleaner features.

Passing a taller house, Caniel's attention was caught by that of a young woman sobbing bitterly into her shawl as she sat on her front step. From behind her, Caniel could hear the distinct cry of many children, all who were probably hungry and unchanged from the day. Stopping momentarily, Caniel studied the woman in pity- her hair was ratted and thick brown, and her olive skin was smeared with dirt and grease and her clothes were nothing more then faded gray rags. Grabbing Legolas' arm, she nodded towards the sad sight.

"What is it?" Legolas asked quietly, also studying the woman.

"I wonder what has got her so distraught?" Caniel asked.

Legolas only shrugged, his guess being as good as hers. Being moved with compassion though, Caniel started forward and soon seated herself next to the woman who looked up in mild surprise at the stranger sitting next to her.

"Yes?" She asked in between her sobs, dabbing at her eyes.

"You seem most saddened." Caniel said soothingly. "I was wondering if there was anything I could do to help?"
The girl actually laughed; spit spewing from between her crooked teeth and her eyes slanting between her messy bangs. "Not unless you're interested in adopting a child."

"I'm sorry?" Caniel asked, surprised by this request.

"I run an orphanage." The girl responded, standing and beckoning them inside. "The many woman in this part of town don't seem to understand that when they have children, something has to happen to them. Unfortunately, most of them end up here."

Inside the crooked house, cobwebs coated each corner and dim candles dangled from hooks and chains from the ceiling. In the first left and right rooms, the doors being removed from their hinges, the small rooms were packed with wooden cradles; most were broken and supported by old cans, and some were rotted through. Children of every age and size were sleeping or sitting in them looking like nothing more then ghosts of former children. Their eyes were dark and their skulls were carved in and thin. Wisps of what appeared to be hair dangled long and messy around their eyes, while the few lucky ones who wore clothes appeared to be wearing nothing more then dish rags. The bodies of the children were thin and scarred, many being crippled or malnourished. Some had scrapes of paper Caniel assumed to be books, while others sipped from cans dirty water that was their lunch.

Caniel heard Legolas gasp quietly behind her at the horrid sight, and she felt him tense in anger and pity. As they made their way further in, a small girl, not much older then sixteen, was seated on broken chair, nursing a child Caniel could have been sure was not her own. The girl though only starred at the visitors with large blank eyes, and they were steered away from where she was seated in a poor excuse for a kitchen (a table and chair and pile of logs in the center probably used for cooking) to yet another room full of cradles. These children looked even worse then the first; obviously skinnier and younger, they resembled nothing more then a beat-up old rag doll.

"This child," The girl was saying, indicating a little girl in the corner, sleeping in her cradle. "She is very malnourished and is not getting healthier. And I found out today that our space is full so we cannot accept new children, which means I will have to disposes of someone here."

"Dispose?" Caniel asked in a voice so heavy with disgust that new tears returned to the girl's eyes. "You mean you kill them when they are too weak?"

"What else am I to do?" She wailed, falling to her knees. "They would have died long before now! I cannot deny the healthy children a place to rest!"

Caniel felt herself trembling at the thought. What kind of messed up society was this? Legolas moved behind her and placed a steadying arm around her waist, though she could tell that the pale in his cheeks was not because of his usual coloring. His eyes were fixed on the young girl whose very life was on the line. Looking too at her, Caniel studied the frail body, which had curled up into a crescent position and felt her stomach do about twenty flips. This was just sick. A child should not be killed because it could not survive off a lack of food!

"This child, how old is she?" Caniel asked the still sobbing girl on the floor.

"Almost eight months." She answered, looking up with renewed interest, but tears still cascading her cheeks.

"How much for her?"

"You are serious?" Legolas asked suddenly.

"Yes."

"You have so much to consider, Caniel." Legolas said firmly. "I do not deny that this is horrible and this child must be saved. But to take her as your own under the certain conditions…"

"Only as my own for a spell." Caniel said, locking eyes with the elf. "I will not leave her here." Turning back to the girl she repeated, "How much?"
"Free. If I can save one child, I will do so."

Caniel nodded and moved to the cradle where she unclasped her robe and laid it over the child who stirred at this new touch of fabric to its exposed skin. Picking it up carefully, Caniel almost felt sick at how light the child was. But the babe did not stir or make any noise at this movement, only watched with dull blue eyes as the woman cradled her in her arms. Legolas watched as the child watched Caniel with wonder, but with no sound. He hid a smile when the child started smacking its lips, obviously waiting to be nursed, but Caniel shook her head sadly.

"I cannot feed you, little one." She said in a soft voice. "But you will have your fill soon enough."

Untying a sack from her belt loop, she tossed the rest of her coins to the girl who was rearranging the sheets of the cradle.

"Feed the children who need it most." Caniel said sternly. "And buy yourself some clothes."

With that Legolas and Caniel left the girl sobbing more thanks in the house of death, and graciously invited the cool evening air to consume them when they again emerged into the streets. Walking alongside of her to the looming palace that was growing in size from down the street, Legolas looked on sweetly as she talked quietly to the child in her arms, who was still fixing her with a wondrous gaze.

"That was a very noble thing you did." Legolas said, moving closer to Caniel who looked up to him with a smile.

"Noble. Or foolish." Caniel said sadly. "I don't know what came over me. I can't take care of a child. Not with a war, and a decision to be dealt with…I just didn't want to leave her."

"I don't blame you." Legolas said truthfully. "And I don't think anyone else will either. And you have me for help if you need it…what's her name?"

Caniel thought for a moment while gazing into the child's eyes. Those dull blue eyes that may have long since been closed and lifeless had she not been there to save this one life.

"Aurel." Caniel said at last after they had rounded the bend and were making their way up the long path to the front gate where the guards stood waiting to let them in. "Morning star."