Author's Note: Here is the newest chapter to my long story, there is more influence from The Hobbit in this chapter than anywhere else in any of my writings. I had to give this chapter more thought than any other I have written as well. So, I really hope you enjoy it and will take a moment to review this labor-intensive piece of work!
Thank you!!
Chapter 19: Questions with no Answers
"Ah, the wayward Prince of Mirkwood has returned to his own kind. Greetings, as you no doubt by now have guessed, I am Elrond."
"My Lord, you recognize me?"
The dark-haired Elf laughed in response to the younger one's confusion.
"Of course! I saw you when you were but days old. When word came that the King of Mirkwood had been blessed with yet another son, I had to come and see the miracle for myself."
"But, sir, how could you possibly know it was me now, after all these years."
"How could I forget the glow from that tremendous light I saw within in from the first days of your life? I knew when I first laid eyes on you that you would do wonderful things for our people. It will only begin with the rising of Mirkwood from darkness. Pity. So much you need to learn about your own kind, Legolas."
Legolas lowered his head; he knew having been raised all these long years by humans he was ignorant of many of their mysterious and magical ways.
"Come, you shall follow me to your room, you need rest from your long travels in the forests alone."
The home of Elrond could not be compared to any other place Legolas has ever seen in all his travels. The greatest creations of man could not even begin to explore the spectacular landscape that lay all around him. The room to which he was led sparkled and glowed with the light of the sun caught in its ornate windows. The sight of a nice place to sleep made him happier than he had originally expected.
Later that night, Arwen came to her father's study where he sat over books that had no age. She was used to seeing him hunched over document late at night, his affairs in Middle-Earth never leaving him be.
Her noticed her in the doorway; she was often interested in what was occurring in places far away from Elven lands.
"My daughter, come, join me in my readings, for these are passages that have been well worn by eye."
"Father, I also remember the time of Legolas' birth, but you did not tell me all you saw in the young Elf's future. Why?"
"As much as possible, one should find their own path without any feel of expectation. Do you think I could handle knowing all that awaited me when I was but his age? He shall discover his own path eventually, however I might have top rush his along, for we cannot keep going with one of our fair realms in such peril."
The light from the candles burned brightly in Arwen's eyes. She noticed an old, torn scrap of paper in his hands.
"What is that you're reading?"
"A prophecy, not too old, but long awaited. Come, my child, read."
Once there stood a forest realm, where elves sang out beneath the elms
Their power great, to war they'd make
Against the shadows cast from light of sun and moon
A warrior seeking to rule above all, shed blood to run upon the halls
Upon the throne, rung out a violent tone
To the King death came swiftly on gilded wings
Through all the evils of the night, would survive one glorious right
One young yet bold, with hair of gold
Revenge he's seek upon those that seek to rule the wood
This child would learn to survive, with the help of mortal eyes
His strength would swell, and time would tell
The stars would wait for one more battle to be waged
The elves grew weary of their plight, and hurried to find one to fight
Their struggle grim, their hope grew dim
"The rest of the parchment is long since forgotten, and there are none who remember its conclusion." Elrond answered Arwen's questioning glance as she ran into the end of the words.
"What do you think it all means?"
"Even I, who have seen many things, cannot tell. It is something of a mystery, however there may be more to this struggle and upcoming fight than simply one Prince and one usurper." He rolled up the old and worn paper to return it to his giant collection of old relics. "Rarely do things occur and are dealt with so clearly."
Elrond stared into the candle's flame and whispered almost to himself; "There will be great deeds done and great battles fought before our people can fade evermore."
Together they sat, until the candles burnt themselves to the base.
The sun grew bright in the morning sky as yet another dawn shown down upon the hidden valley of the elves. Song rose with the sun, to sing of another day, another hope, another beginning. For the immortals, each day was like their first and all was new, save their wisdom built up over time.
Legolas stood upon the wondrous balconies that were plentiful in Elrond's house. The master of the house himself came up behind him.
"I am glad you've been able to see the beauty of this valley, Legolas. It is something every Elf should witness if only for one moment."
Legolas turned and gave the lord a slight nod in appreciation.
"I am thankful to you for this moment of peace, but I fear to tally here too long. I am now getting closer to the answers I have been searching all my life for. I cannot stop now, even to observe the beauty of your house, Lord Elrond."
Elrond smiled, as long as there were some elves with such strong goals on this realm of Middle-Earth, his kind were not vanquished yet.
"I understand, young one. However, how do you think you shall be able to wage a war upon the realm of Mirkwood alone?"
Legolas stood proud, "I have been well trained for any occurrence, and it is my kingdom by blood. There must be some there loyal to my family."
"If there are not?"
"I will fight all the same. What happened that terrible night can not go unanswered."
The older Elf stared right into eyes of the color of trees and knew there would be no argument.
"I understand."
Legolas turned to stare out upon the morning, greeting it with hope for a new life ahead.
Before Elrond turned to leave him to his thoughts, he spoke once more.
"Then I shall help you."