Author's Note: Here is chapter 12! I appreciate every single review!! I'm working right now to form a new story, waiting for the notorious plot bunnies to visit me!!
Chapter 12: Finding the Truth
Legolas knew the man waited for him. He knew that once he confronted him, he would probably be doomed to the fate of his kin. After he would be taken, there would be no more Elves in the world. Nothing would ever be the same. Immortals would only be legend and the scribbling of fantasy in some old book.
Still, Legolas walked silently. He was using all his stealth to try and feel out his opponent.
He remembered Gandalf's words of advise before he left.
"This man is more than he seems. Be careful for even I might not be able to aide you against him. I cannot tell you anymore."
The Elf arrived at the throne room and stood in the doorway for a moment.
The man stood in front of an enormous fireplace. The flames stretched up to the top of his head. The Lord of the castle finally spoke.
"I could not hear your approach, but I feel your eyes gazing upon me."
He slowly turned around and stared at Legolas with awe.
"You are spectacular. Your light is amazing, and you must always be near me."
"You wish to have me taken like the rest of my kind then?"
"No, Legolas. I could not bear to see you doomed to the fate of the rest of your beautiful people. I would have you live here, immune from the threat of the Phoenix. I wish you to be within sight of my always. Your beauty is beyond any Elf I have ever seen."
"I cannot stay here with you! I cannot submit to the creature that has imprisoned my people, my family! You are a monster and I stand before you in order to try and free them from your spell."
The man laughed a dark laugh belonging to a being of shadow.
"You cannot free them. You don't understand what you're up against, Legolas! One Elf cannot defeat me."
"I must try. I will not hide any longer. I will defeat you of join my kindred, either way it must be decided."
He frowned at the Elf standing before him. He did not wish for it to end this way. However, if there was no other way, then this would be the finale.
"So be it, Legolas. If you refuse my offer, then you must be condemned to the fate of all of your kind."
The flame in the fireplace began to grow and dance and morph into shapes.
"I did not wish it to end this way, but if that is your wish."
"Why are you doing this to us?"
"Why does a spider kill a butterfly? In the destruction of beauty, the hunter grows stronger. Beauty and magic is not eternal, and your kind was always destined to fade."
"This is not the will of nature. This is the will of a demented old man!"
"Stay your tongue, Legolas!" When he shouted the flames jumped higher, almost appearing angry themselves.
"I am not demented, I am a harbinger, fair Elf. Destiny cannot have Elves in it forever. Other must advance and your time is over. Now you must face that cold fact by joining your people in the cold."
The flames emerged from the fireplace. Spreading out and soon Legolas could see the form of the bird in the flames.
"I will not submit, you will not triumph over the magic of the Elves!"
"Legolas, you fool! It is the power of the Elves I use against you."
The Elf's shock invaded every part of his body. Was this true? Was it their own magic and power holding them? It could not be so! For is it was then there could be no way he could triumph. Why hadn't Gandalf told him? Surly he had to have known.
The shock was too much to bear. He finally knew what he fate was always meant to be, he knew there was no escape. The Elf knew that even his friends could not fight this evil, he should allow himself to be taken. He could not risk the friends he cared about most in the world.
At least he would finally see his friends and family again.
