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Legolas walked onto into the room Taelan was staying in and looked around; it was empty. He walked out onto the balcony; Taelan was seated on the rail and was watching the sunrise. The younger elf had his knees drawn up and was resting his chin on them; he looked up as his father came to stand beside him. Sunlight reflected off his face, making his scar stand out slightly, as he turned back to the breaking dawn.

Legolas sat on the balcony beside his son "something in troubling you"

Taelan nodded, but kept his eyes on the rising sun.

Legolas raised an eyebrow "Do you wish to talk about it?"

Taelan looked up at his father "something is wrong" he said as he sat up "I feel as though I am changing" he placed his hand over his chest "everything is getting darker" he sighed "and the dreams…"

Legolas frowned "dreams?"

Taelan nodded "for the last three nights I have had dreams of becoming one with the dark. His voice is always there telling me that it is unstoppable and that I am more like him every moment that passes" he hesitated "Last night I watch myself lead a massacre of our people. I…I watched myself brutally murder you and Laslith without remorse or mercy"

Legolas shook his head "that is not you" he said placing a hand on his son's shoulder "he is trying to break your spirit by showing you these things"

"How can you be so sure, Ada" Taelan asked shaking his head "Whatever he did to me, it's getting worse."

Legolas nodded "You should have Gandalf examine you" he said gently "He will be able to tell you what is going on"

Taelan looked away; his attention back on the sunrise.

Legolas sighed "He is a friend, Taelan. He will not harm you"

"Forgive me if I don't share your trust in magic users" Taelan said not taking his eyes off the now lit horizon, his words thick with bitterness.

Legolas shook his head "Please Taelan, if not for yourself, then for me and your brother"

Taelan's lips tightened, but he nodded reluctantly

* *

Gandalf nodded as he listened to Aragorn "I knew Legolas once had an encounter with Anvari, but I never suspected this" he paused "how old did you say his son is?"

"560" Aragorn answered "He was 470 when he was taken"

"And he was rescued 30 years later?" Aragorn confirmed his question.

"I don't understand" Gimli said gruffly "what does his age have to do with what was done to him?"

Gandalf looked at the dwarf "despite his age in years, Taelan is barely more than a child"

"By human comparison, he is nearly 19" Aragorn said "and he was taken prisoner when he was 16"

Gimli swore in dwarfish "he seems older than that" he shook his head "poor lad"

Gandalf nodded "such an event will age you far past your years" he looked at the king "I see your concern Aragorn, and yes, I share the same" he paused "however I can do nothing unless he agrees to let me examine him"

Aragorn nodded "Legolas is speaking with him now" they all looked up as the door opened.

Legolas and Taelan walked into the room. Taelan's hands were shaking slightly as he took a breath; Legolas placed an encouraging hand on his son's shoulder. Taelan met Gandalf's eyes "I give my consent" he whispered.