Gandalf's POV:
"You were right Mithrandir, she does not know what has happened. She knows something has changed and is trying to discover what it is. All the signs seem to agree with your theory Mithrandir. "
I was in the study with Lord Elrond go over our next moves now that Saruman has paired himself with Sauron.
"Master Elrond, have you told her yet? Have you spoken with her?"
"Yes, I have spoken with her but I thought that you should tell her"
I nod in compliance. I really should be the one to tell her, however I do not know how she will take it. This sort of thing does not happen often and is rarely successful. I must think of a way to approach her in the right manner. As for the other matter at hand, I cannot believe Bilbo found the one ring. And now it is in Frodo's possession. This is all one big utter mess.
"If you do not mind Master Elrond, I will take my leave and go find Kaydriella. I believe she is up and well enough for the conversation we must have. As for the young Master Frodo, I thank you for saving him and will be in to talk with him soon. I will see you again before the council"
We nod our heads in agreement and then I make my way towards Kaydriella's chambers. I do not know how I'm going to explain this all to her. At least she survived. I do not know how Saruman managed to pull this off. Kaydriella will have to be strong, but if she can survive Saruman's wrath then I she can handle this.
I knock on her door and just prey now.
"Kaydriella , will you let this old, tired, wizard inside?"
I hear the door knob jiggle and turn. Kaydriella's face is the next thing I see. Hiding shyly behind the door, she opens the door to let me in.
Once in the room I get a full view of the damage done to her. It looks pretty serious. She had bandages all over her torso and a deep cut on her left shoulder. I didn't see her back but I could guess at what it might look like. Her face had only a few bruises but her eyes showed much more.
"Are you sure you're supposed to be up and about Kaydriella?"
"If I was not, who would have let the old, tired wizard in?"
She was mocking my tone. At least Saruman didn't take her sense of humor.
"Kaydriella we need to talk. I am sorry to dull out the mood but it is necessary for us to discuss what has just taken place. Now, while you were in Saruman's tower there were important events that took place. The one ring has been found Kay, and its presence is known by its maker as well. Saroun knows the ring is on the move, and is calling for it. He is breeding an army and with the help of Saruman on his side we must act quickly. Kaydriella, there is something you must know and I think you better sit down."
Kaydriella took a seat across from me and listened in with attentive ears.
"Although I don't know for certain, I believe Saurman has taken your powers. When you were in that dungeon, the pain and torture you said you were feeling came from the magic Saruman used. It is an ancient spell and rarely attempted. It has never had a successful trial until now. This type of magic is foreign to me and I don't know of the side effects, side effects for both parties involved. There are many unknown factors Kaydriella. I do not wish you to lose hope. All we know is that Saruman and Saruon are preparing for this war, and they pose a major threat to Middle Earth. I know this is a lot to take in so if you need some time-"
"It all makes sense Gandalf" she said it but so quietly. It almost sounded like a whisper.
Kaydriella gets up from her seat and walks towards the balcony of her room.
"It all makes sense. That's why he would never let me learn anything too powerful. That's why he kept me in that helpless state-" her voice was getting angrier "- that's why he picked on me. That's why he would beat me and hit me. He wanted my powers for himself, and was only staling time. He knew if I grew too powerful than I could defeat him."
She grasped the balcony bar with rage and anger. It would seem if she squeezed any harder than the bar would break. She looked outward and was trying to calm herself down. Now with her back to me I saw the full scale of Saruman's lessons. They were clearly reflected through the marks on her back.
"What else?"
She spoke again quietly, trying to calm herself down.
"What do you mean? There is nothing else Kaydriella"
"I know there will be a meeting, tell me about this meeting"
Oh dear, Lord Elrond does not want her present. He wants to keep her out of the lime-light.
"Gandalf, it's okay. I want to know about"
"It's not that I don't want to tell you more so that we do not want you to attended"
Kaydriella's face looked even more upset
"It is not because we think you not worthy enough but because we want to keep all of this under close watch. Saruman does not even know if you're alive, news as big as you would be subjected to gossip and danger. We do not want that for you"
Kay turned around to face me and she looked completely content.
"I understand." She looked me right dead in the eye. At least that was the end of that.
"But Gandalf, you need to understand that I am a big girl. I am not afraid of gossip or threats. I am not even afraid of death anymore. I have every right to be at that meeting, especially if it's for what I think it is."
"And what is that?"
"The fate of Middle Earth."
She said it like she already knew that was the answer.
"Well I must say your instincts are spot on my dear"
"Let me go. If you do not I will find my own way in"
"Kaydriella-"
"No, Gandalf. I will no longer hide. I am not afraid and I can protect myself if need be. But I will never again hide or try to conceal what I am. I may not have my powers, but I am still the last of my kin, and they deserve a seat at this meeting. I represent my entire race and I will not let the loss of my powers stop me from doing so."
My dear lord, she really has changed. She is absolutely right. I am quite shocked in how this turned out. I never thought she would become this brave.
"My dear, I couldn't agree more. It is funny, is it not, that a year ago we were in the same place discussing how to improve on your strengths. And now let me tell you something; you do not need those powers to be strong because the person I see before me is stronger than she ever was"
I couldn't help but feel proud of her. Since the day I found her, I never thought she would be able to get over her past. She has truly grown these past years.
I nodded my head and smiled.
"I must go check on another young creature so I must leave. I shall see you at the Council of Elrond Lady Kaydriella, the last of the Mages."
I gave her a noble title, she has earned it. Now I must go see Frodo. Thank goodness Aragorn found him at Bree. I do not know what would have happened if the young hobbits did not have him. This has all just been a complete mess of the world. And to top it all off, Frodo was stabbed with a morgul-blade. I walk out of Kaydriella's chambers and head towards Frodo's room. Hopefully he is still asleep.
Kay's POV:
I cannot believe this has happened. How could Saruman steal my powers? I didn't even know it was possible. He is a wizard, what could he possibly do with my powers? It will take readjusting for him to be able to control my sort of power. This cannot be permanent; I do hope it is not. Who is he to take what is my birth right? If there is any way, any way at all that I might regain what was stolen from me, let it be known that I will fight to my dying breath to get it back.
I need to change. The council will meet soon and I cannot go dressed as I am. It would not make a good impression on anyone's minds. I can wear my leggings with a vest and robe. That should be more than adequate for this type of meeting. Perhaps, is should also brush my hair out. It looks like one giant knot.
Elronds POV:
"Their strengths' return, Gandalf"
"Kaydriella's injuries should eventually heal. She has taken the news surprisingly well Frodo's wound will never fully heal. He will carry it for the rest of his life."
"And yet to have come so far, still bearing the ring, the hobbit has shown extraordinary resilience to its evil."
"It is a burden he should never have had to bear. We can ask no more of Frodo"
"Gandalf, the enemy is moving Sauron's forces are massing in the east; his eye is fixed on Rivendell, and Saruman has betrayed us. Our list of allies grows thin."
"His treachery runs deeper than you know. By fowl craft Saruman has crossed Orcs with Goblin-men. He's breeding an army that can move in sunlight and cover a great distance at speed. Saruman is coming for the ring."
"This evil cannot be concealed by the power of the Elves. We do not have the strength to fight both Mordor and Isengaurd. Gandalf, the ring cannot stay here."
Kaydriella's POV:
Oh I'm going to be late. I lost track of time and the council will begin shortly. Why can I just be on time for once? I asked Lindir where the meeting was but he wasn't invited. I must run around and see where everyone is massing in order to find the meeting point. I'll check the Court Yard first, that would seem like a typical place to hold a secret council. I ran past the banquet hall and straight down to the court yard. I noticed that I saw less familiar faces in Rivendell. It felt as if the population had decreased.
I reached the court yard but no one was there. This was awful, I already invited myself to a secret meeting and now I would arrive late, how much worse could it possibly get. Wait, is that Aragon he has to be invited. I will just follow him. There that problem is solved.
I followed Aragorn to the council, and managed to arrive a little early. I stopped to look at the pretty arranged chairs for everyone. There were all different types of races; the dwarves were easiest to depict. Then there were Silvan elves present, wait a moment, I knew one of them. It was the Prince from the Woodland Realms. I remember him, Legolas. He was here before I left for Isengaurd. Now I began to regret coming to the meeting. I did not like the way he made me feel. I just kept my head down and went to sit down on the opposite side of the arch. As soon as I sat down, Aragorn stood directly in front of me smiling. He presented his hand as if to help me up but I did not take it. I just stood up and hugged him right away. He turned me around and we laughed merrily. After spinning me around, he put me down and we began to talk.
"I've missed you Kay, it has been a total bore with just the twins around"
"Hahaha I would think their company would be far more formidable than mine"
"Without you around they do not get into as much trouble, making life quite drab if I must say. Plus your beautiful face wasn't here to lighten up the grey skies"
"Stop it Aragorn, you know how I feel about compliments."
"You know, you are the most beautiful creature at this council. And a certain Silvan elf keeps staring at you"
"Aragon please, you're going to make me embarrassed"
I lower my head
"Now don't go doing that. There is no reason why you should lower your head to a compliment"
The council was convening and about to start.
"Aragorn, please allow me to sit beside you. I do not know anyone else and would hate to be seated next to someone I am not acquainted with"
"Last time I checked you are acquainted with at least three other people at this council, but I will allow it, If-!"
"If?"
"If you promise to speak with Legolas after the council"
"Aragorn!?"
"Would you rather be put next to the loud dwarf?"
"Fine"
I wasn't too eager about that deal but I was not about to sit next to the obnoxious dwarf. He was very loud. Lord Elrond was walking up towards us so that was the sign to take out seats. Aragorn and I sat to the left of the arch. I glanced over all the faces and I saw Legolas was staring at me, right in the eyes. There was no way of avoiding him so I gave him a soft smile and bowed my head. He returned the gesture. Lord Elrond began to speak, and the council of Elrond began.
Author's Notes:
So this is a long chapter compared to the sort of chapters a I post. Please let me know if you'd prefer chapters this length or shorter or longer if you wish. Feed back is major important to me. My break is ending soon, so I will try to get one more chapter out before it's over. As always, read and review. Let me know what you think. Thanks to the new followers, be sure to leave a comment and like my story! Thanks so much!
