ELROHIR

Try as I might, I could not will myself to forget that kiss.

I pace outside my father's private council room, aware of the pair of eyes that have been following me since I got here. I stopped and turned to look at him. He was sitting lazily on one of the wooden chairs, draped across it was a soft fur cloth. His leg was crossed over the other and he leaned slightly to the left. What irked me most was the smirk on his face he had not even bothered to hide. My eyes narrow, "what?" I asked, although I knew what he was thinking about. Everyone in Imladris are probably thinking the same thing.

"You kissed her," he says and his smile broadens almost instantly as I turn to look away.

"We were both under a spell," I try to argue. Which was technically true, in a way. I had no control whatsoever of what had happened then. I just felt the sudden, strong urge to kiss her. To hold her close like she was being taken away from me and I tried my best to not let her go, even though it felt inevitable. My heart drops at the thought. Yes, it did feel like it was something I could not stop from happening. It was horrible. I felt trapped and desperate. I fumble with the ties below the collar of my shirt, frustrated at how they seem to just get tighter around my throat.

"Are you telling me you did not like it one bit?" He asked and I turn around to scold him. For thinking of such things in the middle of what could be a warning of an attack. Just then, the door opens and she comes out, her face ashen and tired like she had just been told that she would have to carry the weight of the world on her shoulders. A cloak, my cloak, was draped over her and she held it even tighter around her as Ari stepped out. She, too, looked pale.

Laralen does not look at me.

They both pass me and my brother quietly but I could hear the drumming in her chest and the way the air feels heavy around her. I watch her go not long before Elladan stands and nudges me on the shoulder. His teasing face was gone and had been replaced with something more serious as we enter our fathers study. Standing with our father was Haldir and a messenger of Mirkwood. An opened letter was on the table, the seal of the prince broken in the middle. We remain quiet for a moment before our father spoke.

"We will leave as soon as possible but I must send you," he gestures to the messenger, "ahead to ask if the queen may be moved out of the forest. Calaer, her home, is the nearest to that border. She must be brought there," he informs him to which the messenger nods to quietly. He turns to Haldir, who, from the looks of it, already knows what he is going to ask of him.

"You must send word back to Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn," he says quietly, although the worry in his voice was not something he could hide. He never could hide it. Haldir nods to this before departing, probably to leave immediately or to tell Lady Ari of what he was ordered to do. I watch him go moments before the messenger follows, off to prepare another 3-5 days of travelling.

"You two," he starts but does not continue as he turns away from us, his eyes outside. I knew where he was looking at. I knew he always looked at the spot in the whole realm when he felt sad or something close to hopeless. Outside, behind the thin long trees and silver arches was a statue of our mother. I felt a pang of pain at the memory of her but relieved she was in a safe place now. Just waiting. I watch my father, how much has he endured? He sighs and turns towards us again. "I want the two of you to go to Mirkwood, find the root of the problem. Something goes ill with Thranduil," his hand flicks over to the letter and Elladan takes it, reading it aloud.

Dearest Lord Elrond,

This may come as quite a shock to you for I have never written letters this urgent, nor sent my own horse to carry a messenger so that he may bring the letter to you as fast as possible. There is a dark malice lingering in our kingdom and it is affecting the people, especially Matheneniel. Thranduil, my father, seems to be unresponsive to the threats on his own wife's life. He is stubborn and detached, something stirs in the air. It refuses to be seen but shows itself when it wants to. Mantheniel has been confined in bed for the past few weeks. She is gravely ill.

I know that our people have had our share of differences but all of that changed when union was brought upon us through my father and Mantheniel's bond. I ask that you do not blame my father for this for he is not entirely himself and I hope that you would be willing to aid us in trying to solve this dark puzzle.

Turwaithiel is doing her best to find a cure but all the books mention nothing of the dark shadow or the black marks appearing on Mantheniel's skin. They seem to take the light out of her.

I hope that this letter finds you well and that you may come as soon as possible.

Legolas Thranduillion

The room is quiet for a moment as Elladan seemed to read the letter a second time, quietly. He places the letter on the table, his face hard.

"We will leave immediately," he states. I know that look on his face. That same look was there when we were told we had to go save our mother. Mantheniel had always been like a sister to us. When Arwen had been sent to Lothlorien, Elladan had been devastated. No one would bring him flowers in the morning anymore, he used to complain. Although it was rather a childish complaint for someone nearing a two thousand years old at that time. Then Mantheniel came into our lives, with her stubborn chin and flaming hair. We both woke up in the morning with knives thrown at us and an energetic fireball challenging us to a duel. Elladan enjoyed it immensely. Our father nods, softly, unsurely before Elladan briskly walks away. He was always so reckless. I turn to my father then, not really sure why I did not leave yet. I felt like he had something to say.

"Laralen is the only hope she has," he says quietly before his dark eyes find mine. "Laralen is afraid she cannot do it but she trusts you. Only you. You have a peculiar connection to her which was why you had been pulled under the vision she was experiencing."

"She must learn to trust herself," he states sadly. "Or all will be for naught." I give him a curt nod, vowing to do what I can. I turn to leave as he turns away, his eyes on that spot again. On that statue.

"It only took me three seconds," he started and I stopped by the door. "Three seconds of seeing your mother to know I was going to spend the rest of my life, loving her."

Confused as to why he told me that, I left with a slight frown on my face. Our father never talked about our mother and if he did, it is usually a tale unfinished for he cannot continue or refuses to do so. Somehow, his words were comforting in their own way.

I make my way to the wide hall after the entrance, finding Elladan there, talking to one of the servants. Lord Glorfindel stood beside him. He already knows. I stalked over to them as Elladan explained what was needed.

The very next night, we left. Our group composed of me and my brother. Andriél, who refused to be left behind, Raela, although she was a bit against the whole thing, Ari, Haldir, Laralen and my father. Plus four guards and five of the dunedaín rangers.

Laralen stood, awkwardly before the horse that was given to her. Lord Glorfindel's horse. She had changed into boys clothing, her hair tied in a braid behind her. She could easily be mistaken for an elf, even without the pointedness of ears. The horse bows down to her and she reaches up to let it nuzzle her hand. She was afraid.

Without meaning to, at least I did not think so, I walk over to her as everyone prepares for departure. I pass by Ari who now looked like one of the Imladris guards. The power of their kind was amazing. It rivals that of the skin changers. Her eyes follow me as I walk towards Laralen. Haldir was standing behind her. I give them both a curt nod before my eyes fix on Laralen, once again. She pulls on the sleeves of her tunic, the horse almost begging for her attention.

"He is eager to carry you," I say quietly, she jumps in surprise her green eyes catching me more off guard. There was a pause, as she stares at me and I stare back, feeling the heat rise up my neck. She averts her gaze, looks at her feet.

"I wish I was as eager to ride him," she says quietly and smiles slightly. There was another pause. "About what happened," she started, her hands pulling on the sleeves. "I am sorry I... I pulled you in the vision. I-I didn't realize... I wasn't aware... I am sorry."

"I am not," I say quietly. She does not hear. I smile instead. "It is okay," She wasn't aware. That makes one of us. "Do not worry so much about it. I believe you have another thing to worry more about." I say, gesturing to the horse who was still vying for her attention. She smiles, her teeth showing, and I feel light. The strong urge to trace the constellation on her face hits me before Elladan calls for everyone to get ready. Her smile vanishes, replaced by a slightly mortified expression.

I laugh quietly. Even my laugh sounded familiar around her. Natural. Even though I have not laughed in a long time. Not even when Elladan fell into a hole that one time. She rolls her shoulders, like she was preparing herself for her own death and walk to the side of the horse. I step aside, giving her room as she held on the reigns and pulled herself up on the saddle. Wrong way. Her feet slips off and she holds back a squeal, my arms were around her before I could even think. Why give her such a huge horse? She does not look at me as I help her up the horse, slowly. Like I was afraid and familiar with the feel of her warmth in my hands. When she is settled, her bright eyes find mine and I am slightly relieved that we shared the same expression and skin color. Although hers was a tad bit darker shade of pink.

"Thank you," she says almost breathlessly. I give her a nod before walking to my own horse. Her warmth still lingering on the palm of my hand. I glance up at my father who smiles at me, but it does not reach his eyes and it worries me. He knows something. Has seen something. I was sure of it. Getting on my horse, I look at her. She sat straight, almost stiff. Three seconds? I could laugh at the notion. But my father never lied. Was I?... I banish the thoughts in my head. I shall not be distracted with such thoughts. There is a time for everything.

The messenger had left a day ahead of us and hopefully will get to Mirkwood early. We rode in silence for a while, with Elladan at the front in a conversation with Andriél who held a map. She was to accompany the rest of our group to Calaer as me and Elladan venture to Mirkwood to see what ails the King. Legolas had not been so informative in his letter, meaning he had written it fast. There is a time for everything, I repeat in my head although my stubborn mind could not help but be aware of what I felt for the strange golden haired maiden riding in front of me. She glances back, looks at me. One...two...three. Smiles and turns away.

---

TURWAITHIEL

"What do you mean he won't allow it?"

I turn to find Falasdir by the doorway of Mantheniel's temporary room. She sat on the bed, looking horrible. I crossed my arms over my chest as Lindethiel briskly walks in the room, carrying a bag full of provisions.

"I do not understand why you bothered to even ask him," she mutters under her breath as she takes a few of Mantheniel's clothes and shoves them in the pack. Falasdir shrugs.

"I was not the one who asked him," he pointed out. There was a conflict inside his head, watching Lindthiel. I wave my hand in front of him, getting his attention. I point at Mantheniel and step closer to whisper.

"Do you see what this forest is doing to her?" I ask. He winces at my tone. Purses his lips. "I have seen this before," he admits quietly. "I have seen kingdoms fall. I have seen this very same forest, die."

"Do you know why it is?" I ask, surprised at his sudden confession. He shakes his head and there is visible sadness in his eyes.

"I never found out..." He answered before sounds of footsteps fill our ears. Lindethiel quickly hides the bag behind a long velvet curtain as Mantheniel swings back to her bed. I was relieved to see Legolas approach the chamber, he did not look at ease at all.

"More bad news?" I ask as he steps into the room, steps closer to me. He sighs and nods, glancing at Mantheniel briefly.

"The guards over the borders have been doubled," he stated quietly. I nod. This would dim our chances of escaping without getting caught.

"Do you have to do this?" He asked, watching me with pleading eyes. I straighten my back.

"Yes," I answered without missing a beat. My eyes fall on Mantheniel's weak frame. "I have to."

He sighs again. Runs a hand through his unbraided hair before shaking his head. His eyes find mine and there is a mixture of sadness and admiration in them.

"Then I will do what I can," he says and Lindethiel pulls the pack from the curtain.

"What are we waiting for?" She asked as she helped Mantheniel up. "We surely cannot wait for the sun to come up."

Falasdir lets out a strangled sound. It must be difficult for him. What we were about to do went against everything he was here to do. Serve the King. He was loyal to Thranduil but... Thranduil is not exactly himself.

"I cannot believe I am doing this," he mutters under his breath. He shares a look with Lindethiel who appeared to look softer before he sighs and leaves us.

"Wait for the signal," he calls back as his footsteps disappear into the halls.

"Do you have to go with them?" Legolas asked me as Lindethiel helped Mantheniel dress for our travels. I give him a nod, pursing my lips for more emphasis.

"Lord Elrond might need me," I answered him, smiling for reassurance. He lets out a faint chuckle, a lazy smile on his face as he tucks a strand of my hair behind my ear. His fingers stay behind the ear as his eyes seem to melt into mine.

"When I was little," he began. "I used to walk around the forest and I would find strange things. There was this one time when I stumbled upon a couple. They were young, about Laralen's age. The man held a single flower and offered it to her. She was happy. I do not have a flower to offer you but I would give you a whole realm of them, just to see you smile. Just to see you happy."

His thumb traces my cheek bones, a slight touch enough to let me waver in my decision of leaving with Lindethiel and Mantheniel.

"Then he did this odd thing," he was referring to the tucking of hair strands behind the ear. "And she smiled even wider." He frowns and I keep my heart rate steady. "Then he made her a promise..." He says, almost whispering as he leaned closer to me.

"I will remember you for each flower I see. I will remember you every time the wind touches my skin," he kisses me on the forehead, on the bridge of my nose and I try hard not to cry. Somehow, it was like he was saying good bye. "I will remember you until I do not have to because you would be beside me, already." He places the softest kiss on my lips. Another promise he means to keep. He pulls away, his eyes closed.

"Just promise me one thing," he says and I nod, my forehead against his. "No more 'just in case'." I smile as Lindethiel emerges from the bathing room with an already dressed up Mantheniel.

"What is taking Falasdir so long?" She asked in annoyance as the sound of a horn filled the palace. It was the signal.

"Distracting an army of elven soldiers is not an easy task," I stated as I grab my own pack. We were ready. Ready to run away. The messenger had arrived this morning, he was sworn to secrecy by the prince. Falasdir risked himself for this. We cannot fail.

I run with Lindethiel and Mantheniel, glancing back at the shrinking figure of the prince who held my heart. He smiled and gave a small wave. He believed in me. In what I can do and it was enough. He mouths the words "I'll see you soon." And I mouth something back to him as we turn a corner and he is gone from my sight.

I hope he got my message. If he didn't, then I shall tell him when we meet again.

We sneak into the back kitchens, it was deserted. Falasdir did a good job. Our horses waited for us outside, a young stable boy waits and watched us with wide eyes. Lindethiel hands him a bag of coins and food.

"Thank you," she states. It was a boy, much like Bleon. A human boy. Not from this kingdom but from the wild men that lived near the borders. "May the Valar bless you and your family."

Lindethiel shares a horse with Mantheniel for she cannot ride anymore. She was that weak. I fight the urge to cry for her as I rode my own horse. We were leaving. Without the Kings consent. I pray that Falasdir does not get into too much trouble and that Legolas would be safe.

We rode off into the darkness and silence of the night. Even our horses seemed to fly over the land, making no sound.

We were journeying to Calaer and hopefully meet Lord Elrond along the way. I notice Lindethiel kept glancing back and I knew she was worried for the Captain.

"He will be alright," I assure her, although I worried about the same thing. She shrugs, holding Mantheniel closer to her.

We rode fast, quietly, along the dark forest. Moments passed, I do not know how long, and we reach the border. We travel non stop, eager to get away and eager to get to safety. Open spaces and fields did nothing to ease the anxiety I felt. Something was following us. On the second day of our travel, Mantheniel seemed a bit better. Maybe it had just been the forest after all. We rode fast, again. This time something was bothering me.

From the corner of my eye, I notice something moving. Following us with great pace. I glance and find nothing there. I am thrown off my horse as it started whining and jumping, kicking something in front of it. The ground is cold when I hit it, grunting under the pain. Lindethiel stops and watches me before her eyes fell on what scared my horse.

A cloaked figure in black. Taller than anything I have seen before. Its hands were grayish under the long cloak. It looked... Female. It stands there, watching me as my horse tries to fight the urge to run away. It tilts its head sideways before a soft melody filled my ears. It-she, was humming.

I stood frozen in place. Watching her. Lindethiel calls to me but she is far away. I step closer to the figure, wanting to know what lay underneath. There was a sound of an arrow flying, darting pass me and right through her. An ear piercing scream hits me hard and I am pulled back to the present. I turn, half wishing it was Legolas, and found no one.

The cloaked figure disappears as dusk settled around us. A haze seemed to wrap itself around me and one by one, figures become clear to my eyes. Then a face I had missed so much comes into view.

I hold back a scream as the air fell silent around me. Impossible. She stood a few meters away, her hair loose and wild around her. Her eyes a deep shade of blue. Much like my own.

"Quickly," she says in urgency. "Get on your horse, I can only hold her back for so long."

"But you're..." I start and she shakes her head, stepping towards me.

"There is a time for everything, for explanations." She says as her eyes land on Lindethiel who stares at her like she was some kind of... Miracle.

"Mantheniel does not have much time," she states solemnly. "The child inside her must live."

As if called, my horse runs next to me, bowing low. Urging me to ride. I glance at the elleth who saved me one last time before we rode out again, faster. There were no questions between me and Lindethiel. Both of us were probably unsure of what to say.

I glance behind me and found nothing but a thick mist. The elleth was nowhere to be found. The elleth I presumed was long gone from this world and had already travelled to the next.

What was going on?

---

Authors note: Hey. I am so sorry this came out late. Haha! I have gotten so busy lately. Huhu classes are gonna start next week. Eek!!

Anywho, I dedicate this chapter to Tammyt70 and elvenmystery ! You guys are so adorable!! Haha

Hope you guys liked it. :)

Questions, so, who do you guys think that elleth was? Will Falasdir be okay? What did he do exactly? And what did that 'one two three' thing Elrohir did, mean?

So many questions!! Hahahaha! Ill be updating Brewed Chances and Battle scars tomorrow, who's excited for that? Hoho

Happy Halloween! :3

Vote, comment, feel! ❤️