Through The Veil- A Different World

The Council

Later That Evening- Main Dining Hall

"Let's catch up," Elrohir grinned as the two threw their arms around us and dragged us off towards the informal meeting hall for what was sure to be a very long night. In the distance I could hear the hooves of horses as they left the city towards Gondor, Rohan, Mirkwood, The Golden Wood, and the Dwarf cities. They were sent to deliver the call of the Lord of Rivendell, calling them to a meeting to determine the fate of Middle Earth. I knew that my life was only just beginning to change.

"...and I look over, and just about die laughing at what I see," Elladan laughs. "Estel had managed to get his foot stuck in the saddle of his horse and was being dragged along the ground. Glorfindel was running along behind the horse trying to calm it down while Estel had a panic attack."

I laugh softly at the story while Aragorn looked ready to murder the Elf. Elladan and Elrohir had been telling stories about Estel's most embarrassing moments. I tried to think of something that would placate the poor ranger.

"That's not as bad as the time I nearly swallowed a ball in a game we played at my school," I admitted. "Did my Uncles explain Quidditch?"

When I received three nods I continued, "Good, then you will understand this story. It was my first year at Hogwarts and I had made the Gryffindor team as the starting seeker. The youngest in a century they had said. It was during the first match of the season, against Slytherin. One of the teachers, who ended up being a servant of the Dark Lord, cursed my broom about thirty minutes in. My broom was trying to buck me off like a horse. I managed to hold on long enough for Hermione to create a distraction so the teacher lost his concentration and the curse broke. After the broom stopped trying to buck me off I was able to get back on and search for the snitch again. It was less than a minute later when I spotted it and dove after it, as I reached out to grab it I slipped of my broom and the snitch ended up in my mouth. I won the game but nearly swallowed the wining ball."

"A teacher cursed your broom!?" The three brothers chimed in astonishment and anger. 'Uh oh' I thought, 'I shouldn't have mentioned that.'

"Yes?" I say sheepishly.

"Why?" Aragorn demanded, concerned.

I sigh and began to reiterate my life to the three of them. Starting from that Halloween night and ending at this moment in time. (I know that this is AU from after 5th year but I will explain everything in time. It is just too much to type at one time, it's the same until the ministry battle though) I had not met any of their eyes during the shortened version of my life and they hadn't stopped to ask questions. "... and that brings me to here and now."

I jump slightly as I feel a hand set over my own. I look up to see a pair of worried blue eyes watching me.

"Your life has been hard and full of misery Calen," Aragorn says softly. "You have a chance at a new life here in Middle Earth. Why do you wish to fight so soon?"

"If a war is coming I will fight. This place is my home now; I will not see it fall if I have the ability to help keep it strong. I am still accustomed to the life of war; I fear if I settle into a peaceful life now, I will not be able to change back if it came to it, If I was forced to fight later," I say quietly but strongly. The twins and Estel exchange a look before Aragorn speaks again.

"You are a brave and strong young man to have just lost everything in one war, just to volunteer for another not a week later."

Aragorn then glanced outside and cursed in several different languages. I raised an eyebrow at his obvious profanity. He looks at me apologetically.