A/N - Hey Puter Patty, They none of them was not a typo, but is an old English style of phrasing, fully intended, But thank you for keeping your eagle eyes open, just in case!
This is quite a long chapter, with a lot packed into it, so lots of notes at the bottom. Also, at the end of this chapter is the beginning of something not all of you are fans of. You can try and read around it if you like, but to me it is an important part of the story the way it wants to be told. Anyway, you have had warnings in earlier chapters, so here goes.

Chapter Thirteen, Home and Hope.

A fire that had long been but glowing embers within the soul of Legolas Greenleaf burnt hot once more, and when he returned to the camp his violet eyes were bright with new purpose.

It seems a mirk has again settled upon my Kingdom. he said, as he and Aewen retook their places within the group. I have been absent from my duty for far too long, but I now return, and will not allow such a stain to endure. This, then is my proposal. Word must be sent to Rohan and Gondor, asking that an army be mustered from the forces of the Reunited Kingdoms. I beg that you who we have freed from slavery might undertake to return on foot to your former homes and carry with you my request. Elrohir, I will ride with you to Lorien, for you have business to attend to in that place, and then I go on to Eryn Lasgalen, to see for myself what evil has taken my realm.

Aragorn's daughter expected that she would be sent homeward with the men of her City, and had readied herself to resist any such suggestion, but she received no argument from Legolas or her Uncle. Indeed it was in their hearts to keep her close to them in these times, and none would have prevented her from seeing her Mother's grave in Lorien.

Thus it was that Aewen was not among the company of men and elves that set out that day on foot toward Rohan, though they carried with them missives in her hand to her Brother and to Theol of the Mark. Instead she rode to Lorien with Elrohir and Legolas. Haldir was also in their party, sharing a mount with Legolas, and Elladan's horse was ridden by Tharel.

The question of Haldir's fate had been a difficult one. He was in a fragile state and not fit to ride long or at speed. Neither was he able to accompany the walkers and Elrohir alone among them was skilled enough to continue the healing of his eyes. Thus it was decided that he should ride with Legolas, though the one time Guardian protested much and loudly at being forced to sit sidewards upon the horse as a maiden might. Nonetheless, he did wish to know what had become of the City of the Galadhrim. Even before he was lost to it, Lothlorien was changing, the silver barked Mallyrn trees that stood tall in the naith of Lorien had ceased to grow new leaves when they shed their old, and no more were the skies golden above their heads. Yet its people loved it still, and at it's borders Rumil and Orophin had fallen in it's defence.

Tharel, an elf little known to any of the party, Legolas asked to accompany them because he of all the others seemed the least affected by his time underground and held the clearest knowledge of the darkness in the wood. It was much to ask of him, newly freed, to ride towards that which had stolen many years of his life from him. He came willingly, however, and said he would have come unasked, for he much desired to face this evil, and perhaps see it's end. He and Legolas fell often into conversing in the quick Silvan tongue of their people, of which Aewen knew little or none and, as they travelled, Haldir would often lean toward the side on which she rode and whisper across mock translations to her that would raise a flush upon her cheeks and laughter from the lips of the wood elves.

Elrohir laughed not, nor conversed, and no one tried to engage him in such things. His gaze remained straight, looking to the woods of Lorien at all times, and not at the dear cargo he carried with him to lay there.

They rode for two nights and a day, resting only occasionally so Elrohir could tend to Haldir and ensure his comfort as much as was possible. The former Marchwarden would detract from his condition by insisting upon teaching the Princess some of the whistles and calls, made to sound like birdsong, that his people would use to signal to each other through the trees.

By first light on the second day they had reached the wood. With many of the trees now stark and bare it seemed as though they rode from July into December, yet Lorien still possessed the strange, ethereal beauty of a place set apart from the rest of the world, dreaming slowly in its own space and time. The memories of many songs lingered still on the air, and the trees sorrowed, sorrowed for their former beauty, and for the joy that they had once seen. Everything seemed pale, almost translucent, as if the artist's brush was loaded with too much water.

I fear to touch anything, lest it should melt away entirely. Legolas said, and his thoughts echoed those of the others.

Then Lorien fades indeed. Haldir murmured. I had feared it would be so. Much of the light faded when the Lady left her realm, but we clung to this place that was for so long our home, hoping to slow it's decay.

It was the same at Imladris. Elrohir said slowly, After Father departed West, it began to crumble. No repairs we made would hold for long. At last we abandoned it, unable to watch as it fell. His voice choked in his throat, and he suddenly spurred his horse ahead of them into the trees.

When next they came in sight of him, some hours later, he had dismounted, and stood upon a grassy mound in the centre of two tall circles of trees. Those of the outer circle were snowy white in hue, and bare of leaves, but the Mallyrn of the inner circle, alone in all of Lothlorien, retained the golden beauty of their foliage. Looking at these tall, ancient trees, Aewen had her only glimpse of the former glory of the Golden Wood.

I look upon Cerin Amroth? She asked quietly, and Legolas bowed his head in answer.

Soon Aewen too had dismounted from her horse, and followed her Uncle up the grassy slope. Fragile flowers of yellow and white twisted about her ankles as she walked. At the centre of the double circlet of trees that crowned the hill stood another that towered over all, there was a white platform nested high in it's branches, and at it's foot stood Elrohir. In his arms he bore the cloth wrapped body of his fallen twin. His face was hard and cold, and Aewen recalled that she had not yet seen him weep. When she joined him he looked upon her with alabaster eyes, and she perceived that he had set up walls within himself, that his grief should not overcome him. She had seen the same light die in the eyes of her Mother after her Father's passing.

On the crest of the hill lay a smaller raised mound and upon it the niphredil flowers bowed their snowy heads as though they too grieved at the last resting place of she who was named Undomiel. Aewen dropped to the earth beside the unmarked grave and the very air around her seemed to sigh as she trailed her fingers through the long grass that was it's only decoration. The unassuming beauty and wistfulness of the place seemed a fitting home for the lost star of Imladris, the fallen jewel of Gondor.

There lies Arwen, who kindled love in the hearts of all who knew her. Elrohir said, and turned his gaze past Aewen to look upon his Sister's grassy grave, And beside her shall rest Elladan, until such time as I may join them in sleep.

His words troubled Aewen, even as she knelt beside the grave of her Mother, and she looked up at her Uncle, who she loved. Look not forward to your own end, I beg you. Think you that Elladan will find peace while you carry such thoughts?

Elrohir answered not, but knelt beside her in the long grass and laid his Brother down. No others joined them upon Cerin Amroth in those sad hours as they raised a cairn above his body, and Aewen cried over his tomb and that of her Mother. In times afterwards, in those places where her tears had watered the earth, the tiny blue flowers of Maehortha blossomed among the Niphredil and Elanor.

I had thought, Aewen said to her Uncle as they walked back together toward where the others were setting camp for the night, That I might try and look again into the palantir I took from that cave. I have it with me. Perhaps the Lady may have wisdom for us yet.

Elrohir stopped her and turned her to face him. I will confess that I have already tried to use the stone for my own selfish purposes. I took it with me into the woods of Fangorn and attempted to bend it to my will. I hoped...I needed to see the face of my Father, but only my reflection gazed back at me. Perhaps in your hands it would show more...

But in Aewen's hands also, the dark clouds refused to lift from the stone, and nothing could be seen in it. It was placed back in her pack and the two kindred elves tried to conceal their disappointment.

When at last they rejoined the others, Tharel had left in search of kindling. Legolas kept guard over the camp, and talked with Haldir, who was making a valiant attempt to conceal his increasing discomfort. It had been some time since Elrohir last treated his wounds and the infected gashes had begun to throb and sting once more. The elf's restless shifting had not escaped Legolas' attention.

Hiding your pain will not make it heal any faster. He told his friend.

Indeed it will not. Elrohir agreed, pacing into the clearing. It may even serve to hinder your recovery, if things are left untreated that should not be.

It is merely a mild discomfort. Haldir protested.

Then let us strive to remove it, mild though it be. Elrohir dropped to the side of the silver haired elf, and began the removal of his dressings.

Haldir suppressed a hiss of pain, and turned his wince into a smile as he looked up to where he felt the Lady to be. In the darkness, he imagined expressions of pity on the faces of all, and it bothered him more than did any of his wounds. He was unused to playing the role of invalid.

What think you then of Lothlorien's true heart, my Lady? he asked, For that is where we rest this night.

I think that it is a beautiful, yet melancholy place. Time is strange here, and the past brushes by us like leaves on the wind. I am glad of the chance to have seen it, and yet sorry not to have witnessed it's golden years.

You have perceived well the conflicts that dwell here. Melancholy has this place always been, but many joys has it seen, and many songs does it have memory of, laments and celebrations. I do not know how many more days it will last. Did you climb to the high flet on Cerin Amroth?

Nay, I had not thought to. she answered.

You must! He exclaimed, It is beyond all reason to pass here and not gaze across the land from that high platform!

Legolas smiled and rose. Come, Aewen, if you are not weary then I will take you there, lest our friend should do himself further injury in his outrage.

I am not so weary that I should wish to miss an experience that carries such high recommendation. Aewen said, and taking his hand they took the path she had just recently walked.

There go two whose hearts beat only for each other. Haldir observed, when he believed them to be gone. I catch the joy behind the Prince's voice, even when his words are dark. You have the far sight of your house, Lord, what see you in their future?

Elrohir raised his head but for a moment. I do not wish to look further than tomorrow, Haldir. But I have hope that their futures will be brighter than the darkness that shadows our present.

Aewen cried, as Legolas started up the mound. He looked round, startled, and then smiled as he saw that she removed her shoes. He did likewise, and together they walked unshod upon the undying grass of that place.

Legolas gave a deep bow to the noble siblings who rested at the foot of the tallest tree upon the slope, then stood back to give some thought as to how best to climb it, for no ladder now hung from the platform.

You are not an easy patient. Elrohir remarked, replacing a final dressing on Haldir's back. But your wounds heal well. I do not think you will have to suffer this cosseting much longer.

By the Lady's grace. said Haldir, I do not enjoy feeling so weak. Yet I am grateful for all your care, my Lord, I would not have you think otherwise.

You need not call me Lord, Haldir. Elrohir said softly, I am no more your Lord than you are mine.

The blind elf sat up sharply at these words, and shook his head. Nay sir, you are Lord of Imladris, and of Lorien, and are higher now than any of our people East of the sea. Do not shake off your ancestry so lightly, I have given many days in the service of your family.

Aye, Haldir, and what little of that family yet remains? Our time is past.

Legolas extended an arm and lifted Aewen lightly onto the flet. Once she had gained her feet, he slipped his arms about her waist and turned her to face the East.

She looked out over the land of Lorien as it lead down to the great river Anduin, and onward to where another great forest sprang up in the distance, a sea of dark green firs, their tips stretching up to stab the indigo dusk sky.

There lies Eryn Lasgalen. Mirkwood. My home. Legolas whispered, his warm breath lightly caressing the tip of her ear, That closest to us is now called East Lorien, but see where the mountains show their dark slopes against the horizon? There is the deep house of my Father.

It looks beautiful and wild. Aewen said, turning to look at him.

It can be beautiful. It can also be treacherous. Too often has shadow taken grip of my realm. He sighed. I wish that I could see the darkness that now commands it.

I fear you shall see it soon enough, and then wish to be back here, and safe. she said.

My safety does not concern me. said Legolas, his eyes distant, Why should it. I showed no concern for my people. My kin.

My kin lie buried neath the grass of this place, Haldir. Elrohir said bitterly, as the two elves stood together at the edge of the camp, Aewen has no true need of me. I will see Legolas regain his Kingdom, if it can be done, and then I have no further wish than to follow my Brother into death. There is nothing left for me here.

I may speak out of turn in this, but I would call your wish a selfish one. You would wilfully sunder your Father's last remaining child from him? Would it be the Lord Elladan's will that you joined him in his fate?

Elrohir stiffened. I do not wish to speak of this further.

Nay, and you would deny also that you have a heart beating within your breast if it would allow you a moments peace from this. But it will not, my Lord, your pain will not disappear if it is not spoken of, and you will find no peace until you can accept the sorrow that you carry. I speak as one who knows. Your Brother is dead, Lord, your Brother is dead and you are alone here.

The dark haired elf turned on his companion and took his shoulders in a cruelly tight grip, ignoring Haldir's sharp, pained intake of breath. You think I am not aware of this? That it does not plague my thoughts in every passing minute? You think I have not died beside him a thousand times in my dreams and mourned upon waking when I find that I still draw breath?

Haldir was not cowed by the storm of fury spat in his face. His voice was steady as he replied, You wish to hurt me? Scream at me? Then do so, I will accept your rage gladly. I ask only that you do not close your heart again, for it pains me more to feel that you are cold and empty, who should be passionate and free.

The rage in Elrohir's eyes was quenched at these words, and turned to sorrow. He loosed his grip on the injured elf and hung his head at his actions. Forgive me, friend, you offer wise counsel and I will not close my ears. I have known much grief in my time, Haldir, but never before now have I bourn it alone.

In the darkness that was his world, Haldir reached for one who dwelt in another kind of dark, resting his arm about Elrohir's shoulder. Out of love for your Brother must you learn to be without him.

Haldir did not see the tear that made its slow trail down the Elf Lord's face.

Legolas bent to kiss away the tears of the Princess. Tears of her own loss, tears shed out of fear for him and of the coming days, and happier tears shed in place of the words she could not yet find.

The future is uncertain. she whispered, Would you not wait until the path ahead is clearer, to ask me such a thing?

Little is ever certain, Aewen. The wood elf said, The years have taught me that much. Yet I am certain of my heart. I am certain of my love. The future is uncertain, yes, and that is why I ask this now in case no other chance is given me.You chastised me that I did not fear for myself in battle, I say that I might be more fearful had I something precious to lose.

The Lady was silent at this, though tears once again threatened at her eyes, and she blinked them away.

Shall I have an answer? Legolas asked teasingly, Or need I ask daily until you are won?

Aewen offered a small smile at this. You will have your answer, I promise. she looked down at her hands, held so tightly in his, and then out into the twilight sky. Did you know that it was here that my parents were betrothed? Here my Mother renounced the twilight and gave her life to him.

I request not that you give your life to me, it is your own. I do not ask you to give up the stars. I simply ask that I might be granted a share in your life, and that we may look upon the stars together. Dark times lie ahead of us, Elaun Elessariell, I would face them with a light in my heart.

Aewen turned toward him then with eyes that were a mirror of the heavens, I would share the stars with you, then, Legolas Thranduilion, until the end of my days. She cried out happily as she found herself lifted off the ground in a sudden embrace.

Haldir's gentle fingers traced the lines of Elrohir's face, the steep arch of a brow, the soft curve of an eye and swell of a slanted cheekbone, contrasting touch with memory to form a new picture in his mind. Ai, so there are ways to see in the dark. He said.

There is no change in your vision? Elrohir asked quietly, submitting to the other elf's touch, No trace of colour, or light?

Nothing, but I shall continue to hope, as long as you do.

Hope is a fragile thing, Haldir, that you have held it so tight for such a length of time says much of your strength, do not let go now. Those creatures broke your body, but they could not reach your soul. Keep hope for both of us, friend. Elrohir leant forward and brushed his lips delicately against each of Haldir's closed eyes. If it is in my power, Haldir, I will see your sight returned to you. You have my word.

Above them high amid the whispering leaves, a golden Prince took the hand of a Princess and placed upon it the silver ring of his house that he had worn, as was the custom in elvish betrothal.

In the clearing below a Lord and a Guardian walked together to join the elf Tharel in the firelight of the camp. Unseen beneath his tunic, a stone set in the shape of an eagle shone brightly against Elrohir's breast. The Elessar, gift of Eldarion to his Uncle, set about it's work.

Notes on this chapter:

They are betrothed, not married, although it is possible for elves to wed without witnesses in times of war or peril. It is customary among the Eldar to exchange silver rings at betrothal. They are usually betrothed for one year, and at the marriage ceremony the silver rings are exchanged for gold, and it is a Noldor custom to also exchange gems on chains to wear about their necks. I believe this is where Peter Jackson got the idea for Arwen giving Aragorn her pendant in the film.

If you need to remind yourself of the story behind the Elessar, it's in chapter 6, Namarie.

If you have not already, or recently done so, read the chapter Lothlorien' from The Fellowship. Its description of Cerin Amroth is one of the most beautiful and haunting things ever written, and I cannot hope to do it justice.

The naith of Lorien is the part of the wood that lies like a spearhead between the arms of Silverlode and Anduin the Great.

From Appendix A , of Arwen after the passing of Aragorn. - But Arwen went forth from the house, and the light of her eyes was quenched, and it seemed to her people that she was become as cold and grey as nightfall in winter that comes without a star.

From the chapter Lothlorien' - Haldir looked at them, and he seemed indeed to take the meaning of both thought and word. - it seems to me that Haldir , and perhaps other Lorien elves, have a slightly more advanced ability to read hearts and minds. Elrond was also mentioned to have this capability as, I think,do all elves, to differing degrees.

A flet is a talan or platform in the treetops. The Galadhrim of Lorien lived on these. The flet Legolas and Aewen climb to is the same that Haldir takes Frodo and Sam up to in LOTR.
Niphredil - snowdrop
Elanor - sunstar
Maehortha - speedwell