Author's Note: I read many humor fics about why Elrond didn't push Isildur to Mount Doom instead. This is my version of the reason why he didn't take the Ring forcefully. Very canonical I think, since I read LOTR, Sillmarillion, and Unfinished Tale for reference, though I use mostly LOTR book 1. But if you find that it is not, don't hesitate to say it, and please include the reason. "Yet beneath the Sun all things must wear to an end at last"

----------Legolas ( FOTR, chap The Great River)

Chapter 1: Predicament

Few days had passed since I arrived in Rivendell, a place I had always cherished, but this time had failed to enlighten my soul. The fault was not upon her, however, for her beauty and splendor had not lessened in any way. But undoubtedly, it would take more than her naïve beauty to ease the realistic anxiety from my mind.

I walked around, searching Elrond, the ruler of this land, and one of the wisest beings in Middle Earth. I had to speak to him regarding the care that lingered heavily in my mind and soul, for it concerned not only myself, but all people of Middle Earth as well.

I found him standing on a balcony. He stood still whilst his deep thoughtful eyes were cast upon his land, which was silhouetted under the dim moonlight. He must know I was coming, for my heavy steps were definitely audible for his Elven ears even when I was miles away. But he did not seem to take heed. I stood beside him and observed him out of the corners of my eyes. His handsome courageous face was marred by deep worry and apprehension. These emotions were not unusual to be found in him, only this time they were severe and profound, perhaps to the point of fear. I could very well identify his emotions as my feelings were akin to his.

We said nothing, for no words were needed. We understood all too well what was troubling us. The fate of this land was in great peril. A peril, which had passed ages ago, yet arose again to darken the future of all beings in Middle Earth. Sauron had risen again and The One Ring had been found. Now it was in the hand of unconscious Hobbit laying helplessly inside the Last Homely House, struggling for his life.

"Frodo's life is no longer in danger. He will live," he said, breaking the deep silence between us. Vilya was glittering on his finger, singing softly to our minds. I knew he had used her power to heal Frodo. For Frodo's wound was soul killing, and would be impossible to heal without mystical power such as possessed by the Elven Rings. How he suited Vilya, and she suited him! He was the greatest warrior and healer of this land. A very unusual, if not impossible, combination of abilities. He had gone through unimaginable sorrow and pain since his childhood, yet his heart remained pure and kind. Many said that he was the greatest Elf in Middle Earth, surpassed even the Great Lady Galadriel. Of this, I did not object nor agreed.

I leaned against my staff and smiled at him, "Gilgalad was truly wise when choosing you as his heir." I did not mention Vilya. To speak of the Rings was forbidden, even to another bearers. But again, we did not have to. We, the Ring bearers, were connected so intensely in our minds and hearts.

"Thank you Mithrandir. I also believe that Cirdan had made equally wise choice," he replied modestly. Power, knowledge, gallantry, and wisdom, all he possessed, but no arrogance. He had no desire for power and dominion. Great warrior was he, but all he wished for was peace and wisdom.

Silence fell again. He was lost in his daydreaming; perhaps he was remembering the past, or pondering the future. I fixed my eyes at my Narya and my mind wandered to Galadriel, the most self willed and mightiest of all Being in Middle Earth. She was also the most predicant of all beings on Middle Earth, and by her the Light of Valinor was preserved in Middle Earth. She was the only one who originally bore her Elven Ring, and it was from her silent counsel we had learned about ours. Silent, for she spoke no words by her lips, but she gave counself by imposing her knowledge into our thought.

"Do you remember the lesson my mother in law taught us, Mithrandir?" Elrond broke the silence again.

"Which one, Elrond?"

"The power of the One is undefeatable. The Elven Rings are vain against it."

"I do. The only way to secure Middle Earth forever from its evil is to destroy the One. There is no choice." I said convincingly. Though my mind was doubtful. Was there any way to destroy the One now that the Dark Lord had risen once more and Mount Doom was unapproachable?

"It was one of our first lessons, wasn't it my friend? The One Ring must be destroyed. " He smiled ruefully.

"Yea," I answered, now certain about the presence of the other shadow that darkened his mind. Mind reading was a skill I had refused to learn for I did not want the burden it would bring. But the connection between us was so strong I would not mistaken in presuming such obvious matter. I put my right hand on his shoulder gently and said, "Is anything else troubling you, Elrond?"

Elrond nodded, but spoke none.

"You know you can always trust me, mellon," I said, encouraging him to speak.

"I never doubt that, Mithrandir. But…" he paused and looked away.

I did not respond since I thought it would be unwise to probe him when he did not willing to. Nevertheless, I wondered inside what he had been about to say, for it was very unusual for him to be hesitant to speak his mind to me. I kept my gaze fixed on his back . The slight movements gave me the hint of his effort to talk.

The struggle ceased. He turned to face me, but lacked in courage he usually showed. "My heart is heavy and I found no other way to lessen it save by confessing it. I'll need more time, Mithrandir, if it is fine with you."

I smiled at him comfortingly, "Please feel free to take your time, friend.."

Elrond was relieved at my answer and he too, smiled. "I will wait until Frodo healed, then I will speak to you more."

I nodded, contented to wait, as patience was always my virtue. Elrond did not speak further as he had immersed himself back into his thought. He did not ask me to leave, but he seemed in need of solitude, therefore I departed from him, bearing more thought than before.

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This fic is mostly inspired by Stardust by greenleaf-legolas. For fics about Elrond's childhood, I suggest As Little Might be Thought and When I am Wise by Deborah. The best fic about the Three Rings and their bearers, and reference I use in this fic, is Where the Shadows Lie by Robin. For the writers I mention here, I bow to you for your excellence in writing such meaningful and touching fics.

And last but not least, my sweet and gifted beta reader: Oboe wan. Her fics are excellent too. ;-).

Those who wait for Sins of Immortals continuation, don't worry, I'll update soon. I already wrote few chapters ahead. I just need to distance myself from it a while, and I want to try different kind of writing styles.