A/N - This chapter is longish, to make up for the shortness of the previous. Also, Chapters 10 and 11 are now slightly different to their original forms. Little changes, Tharel's hair colour, some battle scenes and thoughts rewritten, and Puter Patty, thank you very much for your review, you were so right and it has now been corrected. You don't need to reread to understand whats happening, however, so don't worry. Okay, on with this chapter. As usual, PLEASE review. It means a lot to me and really helps.

Chapter Twelve, Blindness.

She was no longer a child, this girl he held in his arms. Not a child by the standards of Men or Elves. And yet, there was such newness to her, so much that her eyes had not yet seen. It hurt him to see those eyes darkened in mourning for one who should not have been lost.

Legolas began to see Eldarion's reasons for keeping his songbird sister jailed for so long in the gilded cage of Gondor. Pain touches all lives, as does joy, but in that place she would never have been witness to such blackness as she had found in a cave by the banks of Limlight. It troubled the Prince that he was the one who had led them all to this fate.

Elrohir had taken his Brother's body deep into the forest, requesting privacy for the business of binding it in cloth. Later he would ride North, to Lorien, and there lay Elladan beside his sister where she slept on the mound of Cerin Amroth.

Then, and at last, Aewen had come to him, who had long yearned to hold her, and keep her in his embrace and soothe her hurts away with his words. She had curled up against him like a wounded animal, and he had realised that words and embraces were not enough, and never would be. So, wordlessly, he offered her his heart, and in his mind he called upon the sky and the earth and the water to bear witness to this, for he loved her, yes, in that moment that he knew it beyond all doubt.

The captives...' She whispered, the words breaking into the silent solace that they had found together, Were any hurt? Do you yet know the reason for their toil?

I said we would speak of it today. Legolas told her, For we could not have turned our minds to such things in the dusk of Yester-eve. It seems to me that all of them have seen much hardship, though some have bourn it better than others. The elf that Elladan brought from the cavern has certainly the poorest condition of all, but he still sleeps and I thought best not to wake him.

Legolas had conversed briefly with some of the slaves earlier that morning. There were sixteen men among them, and five elves, who spoke in the Silvan tongue of Lasgalen and Lorien, and knew little Westron, save Tharel, the tall, silver haired elf of East Lorien. Some of the group now bathed in the clear, cold waters of the Limlight, and those who were strong enough went to find food, for the supplies Legolas had carried were barely enough to last the night.

They seemed in fair spirits, though the stillness of ones who have not yet fully come to the realisation of their freedom was yet upon them, and they did not laugh together, or raise their voices, but talked seriously and quietly or stood in silence.

At Aewen's request, Legolas went to ask that any who wished to talk should come to the camp within an hour, and any who wished to listen, also, as plans would likely be made then. Meanwhile Aewen took a container of water and went to kneel beside the still slumbering elf whose condition Legolas had not incorrectly surmised as being the poorest of all.

He lay against a great fallen tree trunk, his head tilted back into the sunlight. His eyes held no colour, their irises turned to black no doubt by a combination of Orc poisons and lack of daylight. She wondered how any creature of light could have survived long in the darkness of that slave pit. His skin was marked all over with raised welts, some sore and bleeding. Whip wounds, they were. She winced and wished that she had Elrohir's skill at healing to ease this ones pain.

Grime lay in a thick mask over his features, and, as Aewen drew a wet cloth back through his roughly shorn hair, she found that its blackness too was but a crude covering and the water revealed its true colour to be of the palest silver hue.

The coolness of the water awakened the elf, and he whimpered and shied away from her touch with a terror that was wretched to witness.

Aewen dropped her cloth and took his face in her hands. There, shh, it's alright. I won't hurt you, I promise. You are safe now, with us.

The elf was silent for a time, then turned his blind eyes toward her. His voice was deep and lilting, but weak and rough from lack of use, I am dead, then. he said, For you speak with the voice of one who I know no longer draws breath. I am dead, or I have finally retreated beyond use of my wits.

I do not believe that you are either dead or crazed. Aewen told him, Though I do not know why my voice should be familiar to you. I am Aewen, a daughter of Gondor. You are no longer a captive of the orcs, but are safe in our camp under the eaves of Fangorn. Will you let me clean the grime away from your face and hair?

It would be a mercy. The elf said with a sigh that could have come from relief of sorrow, Do I speak, then, with my saviour? he asked, as she once again drew her wet cloth through his hair, turning black to gleaming silver silk, Did Gondor's daughter save me from my doom?

Aewen answered softly, The one who you might name saviour did not live to hear your words. I would not speak of him now, but will tell you of him when the pain is less sharp.

The elf nodded, and remained silent as she gently cleansed his face with water, stripping away the dirt of years from his pale skin.

How fares he? Called Legolas, as he approached from behind the fallen tree where the Princess tended her patient. Need you any herbs, or fresh water?

To his surprise and Aewen's, a thin laugh came from the stricken elf. He tilted his head towards the woodland Prince. Now there speaks a voice I am certain I recognise. Mae govannen, Legolas Thranduilion, It is long since we have spoken, but I do not forget you.

With a look of wonder, Legolas ran the last few steps toward them, and leapt easily over the thick trunk to kneel beside the elf who addressed him. The mask of dirt now lifted, Legolas did not know how he had failed to recognised the one he had carried, unconscious in his arms, the night before.

Haldir of Lorien! Forgive me that I did not know you sooner!

I have reason to believe my identity was well hidden. The lady has kindly divested me of the layer of filth that clogged my skin and assured me that I have not taken leave of my wits. I am most grateful for both of these small mercies. The former Marchwarden's voice was almost jovial, and grew stronger with every word.

Haldir, do you know of whom you speak? Legolas asked, with a look to Aewen.

I have been told that I owe my thanks to Aewen, daughter of Gondor.

Legolas smiled, and laid his hand upon Haldir's arm. Aye, she is called that. And also Elaun Elessariell, Princess of the Reunited Kingdom.

Haldir murmured to himself, gazing into the darkness where he believed Aewen knelt. So I was not mistaken in hearing a voice from the past. Your Mother dwelt long at Lothlorien, under the care of the Lady, and was dear to all of us in that place, I am honoured to have your company, Elaun, and only wish I had still the use of my eyes. If you are the daughter of Undomiel, you must be uncommonly fair.

A rosy mist flushed Aewen's cheeks, and she reached to take Haldir's hand. I thank you, Haldir. My Mother spoke of your realm with great affection, and I too am honoured to meet one who knew her in her youth.

Haldir was chief Marchwarden of Caras Galadhon. Legolas explained to Aewen, I spent much time in that City, after the war was won, the spring season was most beautiful, when you walked on carpets of gold. Haldir is one of few who has ever matched me at the bow.

Haldir laughed bitterly at that, I doubt I shall have that honour again. he said darkly, and Legolas winced at his mistake, staring into the blind eyes of his friend.

Can you see at all? Aewen asked, Perhaps Elrohir may be able to do something for your vision, when he returns from the Forest.

The sons of Elrond ride with you? It is indeed a noble party I find myself a guest of. Haldir said, unaware of the pained looks passing between the other two elves. But alas, my world is black. I fear my sight is beyond saving.

He received no answer, for no one knew what best to say.

What, are you gone? Haldir asked at last, You are not, for I still feel you close. What troubles you?

Aewen drew breath. Elrohir, alone, rides with us now. She said.

A brief cloud of confusion crossed the face of Haldir, for the Twin Lords had never been known to ride separately. But, though he was weak in body, his mind was not slow, and Aewen's earlier words came back to him. He whispered, shaking his head. No. The fates would not be so cruel....

Legolas placed a hand upon his shoulder, a tear marking a silvery trail down his face.

Elrohir knelt before Haldir, administering a herbal wash to his eyes. Don't blink. White is the colour of natural blindness, Haldir. Your eyes have turned black, therefore I think there is some hope for your sight, with the correct treatment.

Haldir ignored the the sting as his eyes, newly baptised with tears, were again rinsed with Elrohir's medicine. Thank you, Lord. He said, I have so much to thank you for, not least a life that I do not deserve. I will ever be in your debt.

You owe me no thanks, Haldir of Lorien, Elrohir said, emotionlessly continuing with his task, And I ask no debt from you.

Compresses and salves had already been applied to the worst of Haldir's wounds, and fresh clothes given him. In time his hair would grow and the scars would fade. The memories, Legolas feared, may not be dealt with so easily.

I watched my brothers fall. the former Guard of Lorien said, his voice hoarse with ill concealed emotions. Rumil and Orophin both fell to Orc blades, and I could do nothing. Would that I had shared their doom, but I was taken and made a thrall. It shall be my eternal shame that I was not able to follow them into death. I could not protect my people.

They were too strong, Haldir. Tharel, the elf of East Lorien, spoke from behind them. A number of the former slaves were now gathering for the meeting. If the same Orcs took you that attacked my people, then you had not a hope against them. I have not seen such an army since the days of shadow.

Who sent them? Legolas asked. Whose forces were they? For what purpose did they take you into slavery?

Tharel looked at the Prince, and bowed his head. They were sent out of Lasgalen, Lord, that was North Mirkwood. There is a darkness there that commands them.

A cold fear grew within Legolas. The next question he feared to ask. What of my people?

Gone, my Lord. Many had gone West before it came, many fled there at it's coming. My people too, they ran from it. Those who stayed, Guardians and warriors, they were all taken or killed.

Aewen reached for Legolas' hand. His skin was ice against hers.

What is this, this darkness of which you speak? She asked, Was evil not defeated here when the ring was destroyed?

Nay, Lady. Haldir spoke. Sauron was but a servant of a greater evil. This creature is something baser, more primitive than he, yet a minion of Morgoth still. None have seen it, but the Orcs talked often of that which they served. They spoke of a great, all consuming emptiness. A true creature of the dark, steeped in shadow, with no discernible shape or form. It devours all in its path, but craves particularly things of light, and beauty. And it is ever hungry. They whisper that when it is grown great enough, it will consume the very stars.

The gemstones... Legolas said, his mind still trying to make sense of what he heard. Those are what it feeds on? Stones of beauty and light?

Tharel nodded. The jewels stave its hunger but for a short while, and so we must ceaselessly toil for them. But its true desire is not for rocks. It would feast upon beings who carry light within them.

Aewen whispered.

Yes, Lady. Haldir said, bitterly, We are set to work in it's slave pits, and there we are broken. When we can work no more, the creature has a new meal. It was shortly to be my own fate.

Why have we known nothing of this? Elrohir asked, and great pain was in his eyes. Why have we sat in ignorance for so long?

Those who learn of this do not live to tell of it. A man spoke up, gruffly, from within the group. Elves can labour many long years, and it is only now that their workers lessen in numbers, and they have been forced to take mortal men into their service. I imagine they wish to delay facing the armies of the Reunited Kingdom for as long as they may. Our forces are far greater in number than those of the dwindling Elven realms.

Aewen closed her eyes. A party of men from Gondor had been lost on a visit to the Iron Hills less than a year ago. No word was ever heard back from them, and scouts found no traces of the group. She did not like to think what might have become of them.

Haldir, how long have you laboured in that cave? Legolas asked.

The days become one in the darkness, friend. Haldir answered, But from the words of those newly captured, I would estimate that I have not walked free in the forests for some thirty years.

The blind elf did not see the Prince's face twist in something between pain and rage, but he heard him stand, and heard the whisper of leaves as he departed into the Forest.

Aewen found Legolas deep in the woods, his body pressed tight against the rough bark of a tree. She moved to take him in her arms, but he turned toward her and caught her wrists and pushed her away, not letting her touch him.

He hissed. Do not touch me. Do not comfort me. I am not deserving of it. Thirty years! Thirty years of men my people have been gone, fled or slaughtered, and I knew nothing of it. Elladan is dead, and he died in saving my friend, who has laboured thirty years in darkness and pain. I have taken your Uncle from you, by my neglect, by the abandonment of my duties, I have let this happen. Get you gone from me, now, lest I should be your downfall, also.

I would not leave you, even if what you spoke was truth. Aewen said, But Legolas, it is not. Were you in your Kingdom when it fell, what could you alone have done to save it? You would have fallen too, and made a fine thrall in some stinking pit, or died in your efforts. Legolas shook his head violently, but allowed her to go to him, to hold him.

Men were taken from my lands too, Legolas. She whispered, And we did nothing. We speak of the peace of these times, and do our best not to see aught that may disrupt that vision. Legolas, in this, we have all been blind.

Notes on this chapter:

Mae Govannen - Well met

Cerin Amroth is a mound crowned with two circles of trees, that used to be the center of Lorien when King Amroth ruled.

Caras Galadhon is the tree city of Lorien, where most of the elves there lived.

Morgoth is the original Dark Lord, a fallen Valar. Sauron was merely his Captain. The dark creature is my own creation, and not the Ungoliant (big spider that ate lots of things) The Ungoliant was not a creature of Morgoth, she did her own thing. More will be explained about the creature as the elves come to learn about it.