"Eruan! Tavaro! Where have you been?"

"Eru Amil! God mother! I was just in the woods."

His mother narrowed her brown eyes, and her autumn hair bristled on her shoulders.

"You were at the castle again, weren't you?" She accused, managing to look graceful and angry at once. "You know by now not to take such risks! What if somebody saw you?" Annoyed by now, Eruan took the defensive. "And what if someone did mother? What would they do? I am no thief, no ulundo, monster. You may not remember, but we are still Eldar, like all other castle dwellers!" And with that he walked away, fuming. Indil sighed as her son stomped away. "No, but you are an etteseldo." She murmured. "Etteseldo? I thought we agreed not to use that word here." Said a gentle voice. Indil turned around to find her husband Heru approaching her. "Oh melnye, my love, but we are." She whispered. "Ssh," Her husband said, taking Indil into his arms. "Maybe it is time we told Eruan." Indil nodded. Heru weaved his way around the cave that had been his home for a long while now. Coming to a room that overlooked the waterfall, he paused and laid a hand on the cold stone. "It is no use hiding, I know where you tread." Heru called. Eruan suddenly appeared on his bed. He apparently had been hiding himself against the cave wall.

"What is it arda? Father?" He murmured. Heru sat down next to his son and took his hand.

"Your mother is stressed Eruan, you should not yell at her so." Eruan shot an angry glance at his father.

"But arda, why must we hide? What have we done?" Heru gave a sad sigh and gently brushed a strand of hair away from Eruan's face.

"Titta mine, we have done nothing wrong." Tears began to sprout from Eruan's eyes.

"Then why must we hide?"

"Aiya yondo,oh son, it is too much of a story for you yet to handle."

At this remark, Eruan jumped up.

"Why do you and mother treat me like such a child? I am not merely a seldo, why, I am older than Prince Legolas even. I think I have a right to know why I am forbidden to mingle with my own people!" Face red, he turned to look at Heru, who merely glanced away.

"You are right," Heru began, his voice barely above a whisper. "You do deserve to know. Do you really want to know though?" Eruan didn't hesitate. "Yes." Heru stood up, and walked to the hole in the cave wall, which served as a window.

"We didn't always live here, your mother and I." He began softly. "In fact, we both lived in the palace once, a while ago."

* * * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** * *** The Elves of Mirkwood were very different, indeed much different than any other race of Elves. They resided in the land of Mirkwood, of course, and most lived in or immediately around the large stone castle of King Thranduil. There were a few Elves who lived scattered throughout the heart of Mirkwood, hunters, though these were few and limited. For there were many dangers outside the realm of Thranduil, including the giant spiders that resided in the woods. But tonight was a night of rejoicing, for tonight King Thranduil was to wed Louanniel, and she was to become queen of Mirkwood. The best wines had been uncorked, the finest pick of the harvest lay out, and favorite stories circulated around the palace. There was much merrymaking in every corner. Yet not all were celebrating.

"Heru, what is it that ails you? You have not smiled since that young Dwarf spilled his wine on Onono's new robe."

Heru the elf turned to face his friend, his azure eyes troubled.

"It is Indil. She worries me. She's been ill lately, and has withdrawn from the palace."

"Oh mellon, do not be troubled. Indil is strong in body and spirit, and will soon enough be well. Now, get over there and tell us one of your stories! You're so good at them."

Despite himself, Heru let a small grin escape. He thanked his friend and began to weave his way through the throng of many races, but he did not head for the circle of Elves telling stories. Finally reaching a quiet hallway outside the main gallery, he sunk down against the wall, and sighed. Indil had never acted this way before. at least not since. No. That is certainly not it. There's no reason. Heru rubbed his temples, trying to clear his mind. However, the image of Indil's white, drawn face kept resurfacing. He needed to be outside, amongst the stars. He needed peace, and quickly walked towards the balcony. Checking around to be sure that no one was watching, he heaved himself over the railing and silently slid down the rock of the castle. Elves were not permitted to be outside the castle unless granted permission, but Heru desperately wanted solitude. Finding a gentle stream, he sat down along the bank and gazed into the water. He was an older elf; although being immortal he had no distinct age. His long, dark hair was braided and weaved into a complicated pattern that snaked behind his ears and down his back. He was a handsome elf, as all elves are, and his name meant leader, or one who leads. Being a border patrol captain only added to his stature. Shortly after he had returned from his first patrol 3 years ago had he met Indil. Her name, meaning Lily, described her perfectly. She was beautiful and full of grace, with deep brown eyes and hair the color of autumn. He had stumbled upon her sitting in a meadow, lilies in her hair, grooming her steed and singing with the birds. They fell in love, and only two weeks ago they were wed. However, Indil had been acting ill even before the wedding. And before, when they would laugh and talk for hours, there was now silence, a grim face and mournful eyes. Then recently, Indil had moved out of the palace all together, into a little dwelling in the trees deep in Mirkwood. Heru had never feared for her safety, she was a skilled warrior, able to best some of the most proud archers of Thranduil's court. Heru had however been upset by her move, but tried to hide it as best he could so he may support her. In fact, why doesn't he visit her now? His heart greatly uplifted, Heru sprang up. But he didn't go far as a figure dropped down on him from a tree. Caught completely off guard, Heru had no chance as he was slammed into a pile of rocks and knocked unconscious.