The Prophecy Chapter Eleven

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Chapter Eleven: Turbulent Interactions

Calyna had taken leave of the others as soon as she could. There was something she needed to do now that she was back in Minas Tirith. She walked through the city until she reached the Hall of Kings.

The Hall of Kings was where all the Kings of Minas Tirith had been buried, as well as the Stewards when there had been no kings. Calyna wondered briefly why they didn't run out of room when there had been so many kings.

She entered the hall and stopped by the first coffin she came to. The coffin was made of glass and covered with gifts. A spell had been cast on it, so that the two buried there still appeared as they had when they died over thirty years before. Luthan and Elfarran, joined in death as they should have been in life. This coffin had a chamber all to itself, separated by a door from the rulers of Gondor. Luthan had been the ruler of all Arda.

A moment later, Calyna heard someone else enter the chamber. She turned to see Lia standing in the doorway. "You can come in."

"I'm sorry," Lia said. "I didn't know anyone would be here. I should have guessed you would come to see your sister. You don't need me here. I'm sorry." She turned to go.

"You are my sister also."

"No, I am not. I have no family. My mother was killed five years ago. My father and brother have been dead since I was a child. My aunt was murdered by her lover, and my cousin follows the path of his father. You are not my sister. You are my cousin's wife, that is all."

"Kristian once considered you his sister. By extension that makes you my sister as well . . . Are you okay?"

Lia did not answer that. Instead she looked at the coffin. "Your real sister was braver than me. She had the courage to die for her love."

"It takes more courage to live," Calyna said. "People like Luthan and Elfarran are called star-crossed lovers. They die for or because of their love, and usually the both commit suicide. People like to read or watch those stories, but no one would want to live one."

"It's so poetic, though. To die for love or a belief or ideals. It's better than being drawing to the Dark Side by a connection you can't break. I will become evil too. I had the same training that Kristian and Derek had. Both of them became evil."

"You are not them. You can still choose your own destiny."

"No one chooses their own destiny. We are all puppets to the will of prophecy. Kris followed Lothiniel to the Dark Side because of prophecy. Derek was a traitor because of prophecy. There is only one other option left to me. Only one way I can escape becoming evil. I just had to return the gift I wanted to give to Luthan." Lia walked to the coffin and left a rose-shaped pendent among the other gifts. Then she turned and ran out of the hall.

Calyna watched her go, then turned back to the coffin. She remembered finding Elfarran's body outside the city that morning. She had not been able to save her sister, but maybe she could save someone else. Calyna left the Hall of Kings and went in search of someone who could help Lia.

Calyna saw Kaelea down by the lake, humming and picking flowers.

"Can you talk to Lia? I saw her a few minutes ago, and she was acting really strange. I'm afraid her connection to Kris is going to be too strong for her to deal with," Calyna said.

Kaelea looks up. "Calyna, hi! What do you mean she is acting strangely? Where did she go? Do you know? And why would I be able to help her? Just out of curiosity. I mean, if she wont listen to you, I highly doubt that she will talk to me...but I will give it a try."

"I think she's by the wall of the city. She went there a lot during the War, before Kris took her back to Mithgar. When we were in the city, I mean. And if I couldn't save my sister, there is no way I will be able to save Lia."

"Don't start that. You couldn't save your sister. Nobody could. I will try, I promise you that." She hugged Calyna and went to find Lia.

Lia stood by the wall of the city, looking out over the plains. She was concentrating on her bond with Kris, trying to see if she could reach him, hoping to bring him back to the Light Side, even though she knew that he would inevitably draw her further to the Dark Side.

"Lia, hey, whets wrong-what are you doing?"

"Thinking," Lia said. "I was hoping I could reach him . . ."

She sat next to her. "Lia, why do you still try to reach out to him and bring him back? There is no hope for him. He is lost to us. I know you don't want to hear that, but it's the truth."

"I'm not the only one who wants to bring him back . . ." she said. "I know, I can't be the only one."

"You are.... he is lost to us. He chose this path, let him live it."

"There must still be good in him. He is only doing this because the prophecy said that he would."

"No . . .it is in the prophecy because it was foreseen that Kris would choose this path."

"But why do prophecy's dictate people's actions. Don't we get to make our own decisions? And maybe he's being forced to this, still. I mean, Dantor got you to spy on us ten years ago. I remember Dakkon talking about it."

"Yes, well.... He is no longer under the spell, as Dakkon and Kaje have seen. He is now going at this alone. He wants this...he wants Lothiniel...I know that that is hard to hear but it is the truth. I am sorry Lia."

"Do you think he loves Lothiniel? Is that why he is with her, because he and Calyna seemed so happy together."

"I don't know.... but they are together now, and they will remain that way."

Fairin had been helping to guard the walls, in anticipation of a possible attack, when he saw Kaelea. He noticed that she was talking to Lia, so he waited until a break in their conversation to approach them. "Hello," he greeted them.

Kaelea turned, "Hello Fairin."

"It is a pleasure seeing you again, Dara? Have you had a chance to see much of the city yet? I know Lia has been here before, so I surprised she's not looking up old acquaintances."

"There is no one here that I want to talk to," Lia said. "I mean, I spoke to Calyna already, but I didn't want to talk to her. She keeps saying I'm her sister, because Kris thought of me as a sister, but she isn't even trying to help Kris."

"I told you Lia, he chose his path and there is no helping him, we are trying to help you. You don't have to take his path, you can prevent that."

"But why didn't see try to stop him?"

"I don't think she had much of a choice, Lia," Fairin said. "By the time he left it may have already been too late. And we don't know what she did. Only the people were there know."

"I am sure she did. But you of all people should know that when he makes a decision, he sticks with it."

"I guess. He did try to order me around for about two years before finally admitting I was capable of making my own decisions and taking care of myself. It was here that I finally convinced him to let me have some freedom."

"So, then you can understand, that there was nothing any of us could have done."

"I guess, but I still wish he would come back."

"I know, I know." She leaned in and hugged Lia. "Will you be okay? If you need anything, just come and find me, okay?"

"Okay. Thanks. I think I'll leave you to alone now," Lia said. And she walked off.

Kaelea stood up, dusting off the back of her dress. "Hi."

"Hi. So, what do you think of Arda so far?"

"It . . .is quite beautiful...very different."

"Yes. Although in some ways it is remarkably similar to Mithgar. Have you had time to see much of city of Minas Tirith yet?"

"No, I am afraid I haven't had much leisure time."

"Oh. I guess there is a lot to be done. Especially as we don't know when the attack will come."

"Yes. But I just happen to have the rest of the day off. What about you?"

"I just got off. I've been helping the guards a little. Would you like to see some of the city?"

"I would love to." She answered as she walked up to him.

He took her arm and escorted her into the city.

~*~

Faedra was looking at some material, for a new dress when she spotted Kaelea and Fairin. She purchased the material and walked over. "Hey you two. Are you guys...oh you are. So the gossip is true. Wow!"

"I wasn't aware it had become gossip," Fairin said. "Would I be correct in guessing that Isethia told you?"

"Yes. As you know we are best friends."

"I figured she might see something. We've been trying to keep it somewhat quiet, because of everything that's going on now."

"Oh...well congratulations! You guys make a great couple. "

"Thank you. So, are you enjoying the city, so far? I don't know if you have been here before."

"Yes, I love this material.... Isn't this gorgeous."

Vanidor had been watching the three during their conversation, and kind of listening to them. When he overheard Faedra's question, he said, "It looks like it will look good on you."

She looked over her shoulder, "Thank you. Hi...how are you?"

"I'm fine. I've been looking around the city, hoping to run into you. Since I never see you alone anymore." Vanidor said. "You're always with him."

"Yeah, well I definitely needed the time alone."

"Oh. Is there some trouble between you and Kaje?"

"You could say that."

"Oh?"

"I would rather not get into it."

"Okay. Well, it was nice seeing you. And it was nice see you as well," he told Kaelea.

"Yes. Umm...Vanidor to you have a few minutes?" Faedra asked.

"Yes, for you."

She followed him away from the other two.

"What is it that you need, Dara?" Fairin asked, as the others left.

"I...I need some material for a dress. Would you like to help me pick it out?" Kaelea replied.

~*~

As Fairin and Kaelea left, Vanidor turned his full attention towards Faedra, although it had basically been on her all along. "So what do you think of Minas Tirith?" he asked.

"I love it. I wish I could come out here more often."

"Oh, had you been here before? I can't keep track of who from our group has."

"Yes, once before."

"Oh. I think Fairin came here before. He probably brought Isethia and that was how they carried on their affair."

"What?!"

"Well, it was obvious they were having an affair before Qiriel died. That was why I tried to stop Gildor from being involved with Isethia. And, I think Isethia just wanted to get Fairin and Kaelea together to cover up her own involvement with Fairin."

"Wow, talk about drama."

"Yeah. Anyone could tell that she was no good. I mean, that act she used to give of being to shy and withdrawn. Then, as soon as she became a Herald, she suddenly stops hiding in the Vale and goes to Caer Pendwyr with my brother, while he was advisor to the High King of Mithgar. I tried to warn him that she was probably just after power."

"Vanidor, she is my best friend, and she really is a nice person. She is good spirited. It just took a little while to get over everything, and when she finally did, she saw that Fairin really liked Kaelea so he hooked them up. Her intentions are good I assure you."

"I don't see what she had to get over, unless it was Resa's death, although she didn't seem to have too much trouble dealing with that. She just went off on a mission with Fairin. And supposedly she had a hard time dealing with her powers when she first developed them, but that was probably an act to hide how much power she had."

"Please don't talk bad about her. I need some advice and I figured since you were a guy, you could help me."

"What kind of advice do you need, Dara?"

"Well, Kaje...no . . .I am...I need space from Kaje and he is really overprotective. I don't know how to tell him. What...how do I tell him?"

"You should be honest with him, I guess. Tell him how you feel. That is the most you can do with anyone, and honesty is the most important thing in a relationship. That is something my future sister-in-law has never learned."

"Well...I . . . okay...I hope he takes it well, I really do."

"Okay."

"So, how have you been? Are you okay?" She asks as she turns and faces him, Concern in her voice.

"Yes, I am okay. Did someone give you reason to think otherwise."

"No, It is just that you don't seem yourself today, is all. I worry about you."

"I am fine," Vanidor repeated. He caught sight of someone he recognized entering the marketplace. Great, just who I wanted to see, he thought.

"What is it?"

"Oh. I just thought I saw someone."

At that moment, Isethia caught sight of them, and came over to them. "Hi. It's a surprise to see you here. I've met some other Heralds. There are more here than on Mithgar."

"How are you today my friend?" Faedra asked

"I'm fine. This city is so lovely. I've never been here before, and I'm enjoying seeing it," Isethia said.

"Good. What do you think of this material? Isn't it divine? "

"Yes. It's lovely. They have a wonderful marketplace here."

"Are you sure you have never been here, Isethia?" Vanidor asked. "I believed that you and Fairin had come here before. While you were having your affair."

"I never had an affair with Fairin, and I don't see why you persist in those accusations. Fairin is like a brother to me, and that is all he has ever been."

"Vanidor...why do you think that...if I know Fairin, I know that he is very faithful. "

"Well, that wasn't what his last girlfriend Qiriel said, to anyone who would listen. And Qiriel was a good judge of character." Vanidor said. "She was convinced that Fairin was having an affair with Isethia."

"That's because she was the jealous sort. Vanidor, please...don't argue with her. Please?" She asked as she stepped between the two of them and looked to him.

"I would do most things for you, Dara, but I cannot put aside my suspicions. I do not wish to see my brother hurt, and if Isethia really loves another . . ."

She turned to Isethia, "Looked me in the eyes, and tell me the truth. Do you love Gildor?"

"Yes," Isethia said. "I have loved Gildor for years, before we got around to admitting our feelings."

"Thank you." She turned back to Vanidor. "Something that you don't know about me is I can tell if someone is deceiving another. She is telling us the truth. She loves your brother. She would do anything for him. I promise you her feelings are genuine...How can I prove it to you?"

"Her actions will prove it. However, I don't think she is that different than Lothiniel, in some ways. I think she could take actions as evil as those that Lothiniel took, especially with the powers she has. The spirits could possess her and draw her to someone else. I have studied the history of mediums. Her feelings would not matter in that case."

"Vanidor, I know that would not and will not happen, please stop thinking such things, please?"

"You cannot prove that will happen."

"I know a little about that possibility," Isethia said. "Sevayne has helped me to guard against it, that is why I have to shield myself. And Gildor knows it is possibility. I was honest with him."

"See.... he knows what he is getting into. They love each other...please let it run its course."

"I cannot trust her," Vanidor said. "That is all I have to say on the matter." He walked away from the marketplace.

Isethia turned to Faedra. "Sometimes I wish I had some real proof against his accusations. I get so tired of hearing that every time I see him."

"I will see you later." As she ran after him. "Wait."

"What do you want?"

"I don't like to see you mad...Are you mad at me? I'm sorry. Please tell me what is bugging you."

"You know what is bothering me. I don't trust her."

"It goes beyond that. Please talk to me, I thought I was your friend."

"Do you want me to be honest with you? Completely honest?" Vanidor asked. He had never told her of his feelings, but he knew that Kaje might have done so, in order to explain the prophecy.

"Yes, I do." She stated as she finally caught up with him and stood in front of him.

"Did you ever wonder why the prophecy called you the one with love harbored by the two?"

"No."

"Well, you know that Kaje had feelings for before then, although it took him time to say anything. He was not the only one to have feelings for you. I fell in love with you, many years ago. Before you and Kaje got together. I was going to speak to you when the right time came, but he spoke first and you chose him. I chose to never tell you, because I did not want to put you in the middle."

"I...I had no idea...You should have told me. I thought that...I...Wow!"

"That is why I did not tell you. I was afraid it would be more than you could deal with you. So, I let you become involved with my friend because I lacked the courage to tell you my true feelings. And I do not ask you to act on those feelings. If you want to forget this conversation ever happened, you can do so, because I do not want to force you to make that choice."

"I...the only reason I ever got involved with Kaje was because I thought he was the only one who would ever love me or care or me. I have grown fond of him but that is all it is...I..."

"You loved him. I could see it when we were all in Dantor's tower. I heard you say that you loved him, right before Dantor was defeated."

"I...I didn't know what else to say, I mean I do but I don't. I don't know anymore. I did, but I am starting to doubt that. I...just don't know anything anymore." She looked down at the floor.

"I am sorry, Dara. I did not mean to put you through this, either by keeping silent so long or by speaking now."

"It's not you Vanidor. This has been coming for a while. IT really has." She said as she looked back up at him.

He looked at her, wondering at what was between them now. "I love you, Dara," he said.

"I . . ." She embraced him. Not knowing what to say or do anymore.

He returned the embrace, enjoying the feel of having her in his arms. However, he did not want to force her into anything.

When she pulled back, she looked up at him. "Will you be around later?"

"Yes, of course. I think you know where I am staying, since we are all in the same Inn."

"Ok, then. I need to go but...I will stop by."

"Okay. I will look forward to seeing you."

"Bye." She turned slowly and walked away.

~*~

"So what did you need to see me about Gildor?"

"I was just wondering what we need to do in order to prepare for the attack that will be coming. Since you are our leader, and know most of the prophecy, I thought you might have some idea of how we go about doing our roles in defeating this evil."

"That will come in dear time. Be patient."

"I was just wondering if you had any plans. Isethia is out talking to the other Heralds, I think. She's really excited to have found other Heralds, although none of them have her Gift."

"Yes, it will all come together. I promise you."

"That is good to know, although things always have a way of doing that."

He chuckled. Faedra came into the room. "I need to talk to you."

"It can wait."

"No, it can't."

"I am busy right now."

"You are always to busy for me, and I am tired of being pushed aside."

"Do you want me to leave so you can talk?" Gildor asked.

"Faedra!"

"No."

"Yes"

Faedra turned on Kaje. "Why do you treat my like this? I do not feel like an equal. All you care about is your job.

"Well...I am sorry but I do have priorities."

"Priorities? Priorities?! Nothing is.... I don't believe you. You are obsessed with your job! What does this job have that I don't?"

"I do not have the time to discuss this with you right now."

"That is exactly my point. You never make time for me, never! You care more for this office and this piece of paper then you do about me." She replied as tears streamed down her face.

"I...don't...don't you start."

"Why? Can you not deal with it?"

"Don't start, I told you I was busy."

"I should go," Gildor said,

"You are always to busy."

"You are not going anywhere."

"Fine, then I will, since you obviously don't care enough about me anyway." She ran out of the office and down the hall.

"You should go after her," Gildor said.

"Let her go, she needs to blow off some steam. I will catch up to her. I know exactly where she is going."

"Oh. If you don't mind some advice, you should try to make more time for her, if she is that upset. I knew her a little before you two became involved . . . since she and Isethia are friends . . . and she does not get upset that easily."

"Well...to tell you the truth my feelings for her aren't the same anymore. I don't know why but they just aren't and I don't know how to tell her."

"What you two need to do is talk, or you might lose her," Gildor said.

"Yeah, your right." He sighed. "Let me go find her."

"Okay. I should go find Isethia."

~*~

Faedra decided to head back and started the journey back.

Vanidor saw her, and thought she looked upset, so he approached her. "Is something wrong, Dara? My brother told me that you were upset earlier."

"Upset isn't the word."

"Are you okay?"

"No."

"What happened, if you want to talk about it?"

"He...he doesn't even care about me anymore, he makes no time for me anymore, and cares more for his job, than me. I...I am not going to deal with this anymore. He shouldn't be able to run over people like this."

"I'm sorry, for the way he treated you. It may just be all that is going on now. He may care about you still."

"No . . .he didn't even come after me when I ran off. I..." she stopped and dropped to her knees, tears streaming down her face again.

Vanidor knelt, and embraced her, attempting to offer some comfort.

She leaned into his embrace, dropping into a sitting position.

Kaje approached. "What the hell is going on here?!"

"She was upset. I was just trying to comfort her," Vanidor said.

Faedra pulled back tears in her eyes.

"You could have treated her a little better."

"Well...I can see that you don't need me anymore Faedra. You are welcome to him. My feelings for you have changed, they have faded . . . I think it is better if we aren't together." And with that he walked off.

She collapsed into his arms and just stayed there, no tears no nothing. She just sat there, emotionless.

"I'm sorry you had to be objected to that." She told him s she wiped her eyes and looked up at him.

"You have nothing to be sorry for. He should not have treated you that way."

"At least I know that I have you to lean on."

"Yes, and I will be here for you if you need me."

"I need you now."

~*~

"You had no right to treat her that way," Vanidor said, entering Kaje's office a few hours later.

He looked up. "Excuse me?"

"What you said to Faedra. You could have been a little more tactful."

"Oh, well I am sorry...it was kind of hard to do when I saw you holding her." He said icily.

"I was comforting her, because of her attempt to talk to you earlier, when you basically make it clear that your work was more important to you than she was."

"Well when someone barges in when there is someone else in the room and demands to speak with me, yes, I think I was busy at the time."

"You weren't that busy."

"I am sorry but she could have gone about it a better way."

"And you could have gone about what you did a better way as well. You didn't have to hurt her that much."

"Yeah, well...I am not going to discuss this with you."

"Fine. I just wanted to tell you what I thought of you."

"Good it is noted."

~*~

After exploring the city, Isethia went out into the plains to see here Companion. Unlike ordinary horses, Companions would not consent to stay in stables. There were four Companions out in the field, and they had all congregated together.

When Isethia left the city walls, Sevayne immediately came up to her. "Let me guess, you've been socializing," Isethia said.

:Yes, Chosen. Although I assume you have been doing the same.:

"We all have, I think I saw Vanidor and Faedra in the market a few hours ago, and I know Fairin and Kaelea have been exploring the city."

:Did Vanidor say something to you again, Chosen?:

"Yes. He accused me of having come here before with Fairin. I wish he would trust me."

:Is he the reason you have delayed your decision?:

Isethia did not answer that. Instead, she glanced back toward the city, and saw someone approaching. When she recognized Gildor, she smiled and ran to meet him.

"So, how was your talk with Kaje?" she asked him.

"He doesn't have a plan for sure. He just said things would work out. Then, he went in search of Faedra because she got really upset with him."

"I hope those two will finally talk. He has been neglecting her for a while now."

"I am not sure they are the only ones who need to talk. So, what did you think of the city?"

"It's a nice city. It reminds me of Caer Pendwyr. Do you remember when we were there?"

"Yes, and I remember your abrupt departure. You never did explain why you left at that time."

Isethia sighed. "I did not want to come between you and your brother. I know how close you two are, and I don't want to be the one to ruin that."

"Thia, we have talked about this. I love you. I know what Vanidor thinks, but I chose to believe that you told me the truth about your past with Fairin, and the fact that you only think of him as a brother. I know what might happen because of your Gift."

"You can say you know that, but you don't really. Not until it happens, will we really know about it. You're right, though. We do need to talk. And whatever happens, Gil, I do love you. I just need a little more time to make the decision, to decide if I'm ready to make a commitment, when we don't know what will happen. And, I know your brother wouldn't approve."

"He would, if he would just give you a chance."

"If that was going to happen by now, it would have. I cannot agree to join with you, yet. I want to say yes, but I can't. There's just so much going on right now."

:He won't wait for you forever, Chosen,: Sevayne said.

"Just for a moment, let's pretend we don't have all this stuff going on right now," Gildor said. "Pretend we are on the plains outside Caer Pendwyr, because we have gone back to the place where we first fell in love."

Isethia looked at the city in the background. "That's not to difficult to pretend." She looked up at him, brushing her blond hair back from where it covered the scar on the right side of her face.

Gildor took her hand, and brought it to his lips. He looked into her blue eyes, for a long moment, before speaking. The silence between them spoke almost as much as words could. At last, Gildor broke the silence. "I love you, Isethia." Still holding onto her hand, he knelt in front of her. "Would you do me the honor of joining with me, of becoming my wife."

She looked at him, and this time, answered from her heart, the answer she had wanted to give before. "Yes, I will."

He stood up, and they embraced. After a few moments, she drew back slightly, and smiled. "So, how are we going to tell the others?"



Well, today is February 1st, if that still means anything. After twelve years, I'm not really sure it does anymore. The main reason I'm noting the fact at all is that it was two years ago today that I made what was almost the last post in my journal. And today's entry should push that one back to the second page. So, I just thought it was kind of interesting that it basically took two years to move an entry to the second page of my journal.

Oh, also I changed my mind about putting the Prophecy on fanfiction.net, and I will also be removing the Crusaders stories.