Kaydriella's POV:
I led Boromir to the dining hall. Merry and Pippin noticed us and immediately waved to signal to us where we should be sitting. Boromir and I walked towards them; it is funny how they chose the table closest to the food.
"They are in good spirits, are they not Boromir?"
"Aye, it seems so my lady. Such a shame if you ask me." I stopped walking and turned to look him in the eye. I had to look up because he was a great deal taller than myself.
"Prey tell me why"
"They are so small and fragile, full of optimism and hope"
"I was not aware that those qualities were a bad thing"
"In their case it is. They will be exposed to harsh terrain and battles unfit for their skill. They are unaware of the seriousness this quest entails"
"What would you suggest then? Would you have them return home to their hobbit holes where they will wait to see what becomes of their world?"
"I would have them safe and if the safest place for them be their hobbit holes, then yes"
"But sir, this is also their world which entitles them to the same amount of cause as we have to fight"
"What is your reason? I do not see the ties you have forcing you on this quest"
"Boromir, there is more to me than you can see; my ties run deep and strong. As to why I am fighting you can look towards Merry and Pippin. See, right there-" I nudge my head in their direction to see them laughing uncontrollably to where they might hit the floor.
"That is why I joined. I cannot think of a more noble reason to fight, can you?"
"But does it not scare you? The way they perceive this quest as some sort of hiking trip and then to have their fantasy brutally crushed along with their lives"
"I admit they take a great risk, but so do we. I would be the biggest hypocrite, in all of Middle Earth, to deny any person the right to fight for what they believe in"
"I guess we have hit a moot point with this subject"
"I guess so but let us not leave this conversation like this. I always believe that if you do not like something, you must change to like it or hold your tongue on the matter. If you do not like the risk they take, let us lessen it"
"What would you suggest?"
"Teach them, guide them, protect them, prepare them for what is to come. By doing so their risk would lessen. No?"
"Aye, that is not a bad idea. But still-"
"-No. No more 'buts'. You've used up all your 'buts' for today" we both were beginning to chuckle at what I said
"Alright, however, we shall both take part in this task. It was your idea after all"
"Deal. Now let us eat. I am quite famished"
We walked over to the table and sat down with the two hobbits. We all laughed and played. It reminded me of having dinner with my family. I noticed across the room that the dwarf, Gimli, was sitting alone. He seemed grumpy and uncomfortable here. I knew exactly how he felt. I wanted to go over and introduce myself but he might take offense to it.
After eating, Merry and Pippin wanted to see how skilled Boromir and I were. I told them I would meet them at the training field and left the hall. I wanted to speak with Elladan and Elrohir about a few things before the fellowship left Rivendell. I was walking towards the library when I was stopped by a fuming Aragorn. Oh dear.
"Aragorn" I bowed my head in respect even though it probably made no difference.
"Do not speak. Do not even think to speak in defense of your actions"
"Ara-"
"-NO! it is my turn to speak. How could you think to do this? Do you need to lie back down and rest? Are you unwell? Because there is no other proper explanation for the reckless decision you made."
"I am quite well, thank you-"
"-I am not finished. You are going to go to Lord Elrond and ask for an honorable discharge of from the fellowship. You will decline your offer to be a part of this and never again be so foolish"
I cannot believe what Aragorn just said. I am in utter shock. Who is he to tell me what to do? I am in charge of my life and my choices. He just made me very very angry.
"You will not tell me what to do. I made my choice and I never go back on my word. I will see this through to the end"
"I will not allow this"
"I do need you to. I can do this without your permission. You are neither my parent nor my guardian. I thought you were my friend, my mellon." My voice was getting louder, matching his in intensity and volume.
"I am. Do you think it brings me joy knowing what might happen to you? Do you think I take pleasure in seeing you hurt or worse die in battle? You think just because your family was killed by these creatures that you need to go out and hunt every last one of them down"
"How dare you. This has nothing to do with them"
"Then step down-" he grabbed my arms almost in a pleading like manner
"-NO! I WILL NOT!" I shook him off me and took a step closer.
"Listen very closely Aragorn because I will not repeat myself any more. I am not stepping down. I am going and there is nothing you can say or do to stop me. And since you want to make this personal, how do you expect to rule a kingdom, in fact an entire race, if you let fear cloud your judgment? That is not a strong leader but a coward"
I turned around and ran, leaving Aragorn and my painful words in the dust. I was so angry at him and my heart was beating fast. I know his words are out of concern for me but they still stung. I cannot believe he would go to the lengths of my family to try and explain my reasoning. He has surely lost mind not to mention trying to guilt me out of the quest. I just cannot believe Aragorn could be like this. I ran to the training field, I was in dire need to hit something. I saw Boromir was already teaching the hobbits a little bit of combat. Sam and Frodo were also with Boromir at the time. I looked past and saw Elladan and Elrohir sparing against one another. Well at least I found them. I walked over to them and they read me like a book. Elladan tossed me his two blunt short swords and he pulled out his long sword. They looked concerned at first but didn't bother asking. They just started and I followed.
Gandalf's POV:
"I told you not to confront her Aragorn"
"I know ,but Gandalf-"
"-there is no but, we must accept her choice. How is she ever to trust in you if her choices are to be undermined constantly?"
"Mithrandir, is there really no other way?"
"I'm afraid not Legolas. She has made her choice and it is now concrete thanks to Aragorn's assistance"
"What have I done?" Aragorn lowered his head in shame. Poor fellow; He was just trying to protect her but showed it in the wrong way. I wonder what she said back to him. It probably was not pretty at all.
"I must go and apologize"
"That would be your best option"
"Oy!" oh dear, Gimli was approaching and I do not think Legolas or Aragorn were in any mood to deal with his attitude. I must warn him.
"Gimli, how nice of you to come by. We were just heading out in the direction of-"
"-I am not here to interrupt your tea party Gandalf, I'm here to say that your lass is fighting two elves and things are getting intense. She is beating them like a dirty rug! HAHAHAHA!"
Oh dear. I think I have to see that to believe it.
"Thank you Gimli. We will head there directly"
All four of us quickly made ourselves present to watch Kaydriella. When we got there we noticed that a small crowd had formed around them watching the fight. Boromir and the hobbits were amongst those in the crowd. I must say, Gimli was not exaggerating when he said she was wining. They couldn't land a single hit on her. She, however, was hitting every opening she got on them. I've never seen her fight this well before. She disarmed Elrohir and had Elladan on the ground with her sword at his neck. Elrohir thought to run up behind her and knock her down but she heard him coming. She swung under him and flipped him over to his back. They both tried to move but she quickly put her swords at their chests. She had won. Amazing, I must say. The crowd cheered and clapped in awe of the fight. She moved the swords away from the twins and helped them up. She did not even notice the crowd around them until the fight was over. I thought it appropriate to congratulate
"My dear Kaydriella that was some fine fighting"
"Thanks Gandalf" she smiled up at me, at least she was still smiling. It did not last for long. It slowly turned into a frown as I saw her gaze turn towards Aragorn standing behind me. She quickly turned and began to exit the field. Aragon was impatiently waiting for a chance to speak with her and went after her. Legolas stopped him from following her because he could see she needed more time. I could see that Merry and Pippin were amazed at her skill. They were running over to me to tellme all about the fight.
"Oh Gandalf, you missed the best fight ever"
"I doubt it was the best fight ever Pippin"
"She was amazing. They didn't even touch her"
"I know Merry, I saw the last bit of it"
"Did you happen to see which way she went; we want to go tell her ourselves"
"She went back in the direction of the falls"
"Thanks Gandalf"
"Boromir, you look after them"
"Aye Gandalf"
Kaydriella's POV:
I hope I didn't cause any serious damage to Elladan or Elrohir. I was fighting extremely hard on them to manage my anger. I probably should not have said that last part to Aragorn. It made me a jerk too. I should apologize to him but he cannot think that he can tell me what to do. In fact he has never done that until now. How odd.
"Kaydriella!"
"Kaydriella!"
Merry and Pippin were running while the rest of the group was trailing behind. Those two were always excited no matter what.
"Oh sorry I did not really practice with you guys. I-"
"You were amazing"
"Thank you Merry"
"You were like . pow. And then you were like .pow"
"Where did you learn to fight like that?"
It was Frodo asking this time
"Yes, where did you learn to fight like that?"
Boromir added himself to the conversation.
"Well I've trained for many years; Longer than your ages combine. It came with practice"
They all looked at me like I had a third arm or something.
"I have to finish packing for the journey but I will see you later at dinner, alright?"
"Alright Kaydriella"
I quickly turn and head back to my room. I really did have to finish packing. I wasn't sure when we were leaving but I knew it was soon; also I didn't want them to accidently leave me behind. I made my way back to my room and grabbed the biggest pack I had. Let's see, what should I pack? Definitely some clothes and rags in case I need to tie off a wound. A blanket and pillow may come in handy. Oh I completely forgot about my father's short swords. Those will defiantly be coming along.
Knock knock knock
That's odd.
"Who is it?" I walk towards the door to hear a response but no one answers. I walk close and put my ear to the door to hear if someone is just trying to pull a prank on me.
"It is Aragorn. Please, will you let me in"
I pull my head back immediately and begin to back away from the door. I felt bad about the words I shared earlier with him. The door knob began to turn and I continued to back away. I didn't stop him from opening the door. Aragorn was in the door way about to step inside.
"Kaydriella, ever since our last meeting I've been most anxious to speak with you"
"Aragorn please"
"No you must hear me. I was wrong to say what I did. I said it out of nothing more than fear and it was wrong of me"
"You weren't the only one to say regretful things Aragorn" I looked at him in the eyes. I wanted him to know that I was sorry too.
"And what did you say that I did not deserve? I deserved it all. I'm ashamed of what I said and should have never confronted you about it. I just, I just don't want to see anything bad happen to you. You mean so much to me and I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if you got hurt, or worse. I am your Mellon do not ever doubt that."
"Aragorn, I understand and I'm sorry too. I know this is scary for both of us, but if we let that stop us, we would never go out and explore what the world has to offer. I'll take it all; the good and the bad. I won't neither hide nor shy away from what is to come. I accept all the consequences which means you are not responsible for anything that happens to me. I've grown up and can take care of myself"
"So we may part as friends? You truly have forgiven me?"
"I do Mellon"
We stood there enraptured in each other's arms. He held on so tight I thought I would never breathe again. He was scared for me but I couldn't let that get in the way of his judgment. He cannot be worried about me anymore. He gave his allegiance to Frodo, as did I so Frodo must always come first, no matter what.
Once Aragron left I finished my packing. When I was done I went to go find Gandalf and ask him when we would be leaving. I have been here since Saruman decided to turn dark and against me. It feels like I have been here forever.
"Gandalf!" I spotted him over by the terrace.
"Ah, Kaydriella what can I do for you this fine evening?"
"I was wondering when we will be departing, it would be nice to know when we are leaving"
"We are leaving tomorrow morning. Early, when the sun rises. Best you spread the word and make ready. I believe the hobbits are all packed so no need worrying about them"
"I actually just finished my packing"
"Did you know? I hoped you packed everything you need. We won't be coming back any time soon."
"I did. I will miss this place. When I first woke up after Saruman, it felt like I was home again. I never did adapt to Saruman's tower and would often find myself painting Rivendell in my free time. I thought of you often and how proud you would be of me when Saruman was finished. It is funny is it not, how the very man we both looked up to turned on both of us and tried to recruit us for his dark deeds."
"Yes. I am glad you are out of there. I made a bad choice in leaving you there with him. He hurt you and I shall never forgive myself for letting him do it"
"Mithrandir, you did not inflict the wounds yourself. You cannot blame yourself for Sarumna's actions"
"No, but if I never should have left you there in the first place, you would not have had to go through that abuse. I left you in his care under the impression that he would help you not hurt you-"
"-Exactly, you did not know. It isn't your fault. In fact I did learn a great amount of defensive spells and moves that I may yet be able to use. Just because I am disabled now, doesn't mean I will be forever. It is like you said; we do not know enough to make any assumptions. Maybe my powers will return and maybe I will be just as strong without them. Only time will tell if I get them back but I am okay with waiting"
It's true, what I said. I do not mind waiting to find out. My mother use to always tell me that there are magical rules and laws that always play a role in fate. We may not know them all but she always believed in the inner power. Saruman cannot completely take everything from me. The powers were given into my care and if they are meant to be with me, they will come back. I couldn't stay with Gandalf much longer, since we were leaving tomorrow morning I only had this night to say good bye to my friends. I went to go find Elladan and Elrohir but I found Legolas instead.
"Quel undome my lady Kaydriella" (Good Evening)
"Mae govannen my Lord Legolas" (Well met) we both bow our heads in respect to one another.
"Sut naa lle umien sina re Kaydriella?" (How are you doing today?)
"I am well Lord Legolas. Never better"
"I can see that. You nearly destroyed the sons of Elrond on the training fields today"
"You saw that?"
"Indeed. Lle naa belegohtar" (You are a mighty Warrior)Legolas continued to give me compliments even though he knows how uncomfortable they made me.
"Legolas, I do not mean to be short with you but I was headed to the dining hall and would like to eat a hearty last meal before we depart tomorrow morning"
"Forgive me; I have kept you from your meal. May I escort you to the dining hall?"
"That won't be necessary Legolas. I can get there by myself"
"I insist my lady"
"Very well then"
We walked in utter silence towards the dining hall. It wasn't until we almost reached the hall until we spoke again.
"Are you scared, Legolas? Are you afraid?"
"Why? Are you?"
"You would have to be a complete fool not to be a little afraid"
"Yes, I agree. I am a little shaken myself. Did you speak with Aragorn?"
"Yes, he found me after the fight and we spoke"
"Good. You two should not depart here unless it is in friendship."
"I agree"
"Shall we eat?"
He held out his hand waiting for my response and I complied. We walked into the dining hall together and sat down to eat. We were soon joined by other members of the fellowship and even the dwarf sat with us. This was going to be one interesting quest.
Author's Notes:
Another day, another chapter! I'm trying to get these ideas out as fast as I can type them. Please Read and Review. Share the story with your friends. Let me know what you think and any suggestions will always be heard. Thank you for reading and liking. Can't wait till my next post!