Tell me you all saw Pirates of the Caribbean! It was amazing! It was astounding! I watched it twice and loved it both times! Ah, Orlando Bloom was awesome as Will and let's not forget about Johnny Depp! Thanks to Bianca for taking me! *tosses flowers to you* I had a wonderful time and God, Orlando and Johnny were sexy!!!!

Well Met Indeed

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Chapter 9 – Let the Day Pass On

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Let the rain fall down

Everywhere around you

Give into it now

Let the day surround you

You don't need a reason

Let the rain go on and on

-Wild Child by Enya

          "Where is your king, Thranduil?" Elrond asked that morning to an Elf-warrior. The Elf looked up, distraught, but answer respectfully, "I know naught, my lord." Elrond frowned and asked, concerned, "Tell me your name and of the business that troubles you."

"I am called Deryst, milord," the blond Elf said. His hair was much darker than Legolas's and it shone like summer wheat on a golden morning. "It is my sister, Vaginor, who troubles me. She has vanished… perhaps to find the Badingor." Elrond frowned again in disapproval and he clicked his tongue.

          "Find her," Elrond advised, "and speak to her of what you must." Deryst sighed wearily and nodded, "Aye, I thank you, my lord." Mirkwood Elves, Elrond mused as the warrior bowed and swept away, it is a wonder that they are so polite even when distressed. The Lord of Imladris shook his head and wandered down the corridor to where he thought Thranduil's chambers were. The dark haired Elf rapped lightly upon the door. There was a short silence inside until, "Yes?" Elrond's brow furrowed in concern as he heard Thranduil's tired voice. "It is Elrond," he called back. He stepped back as light footsteps approached the door.

          Slowly and hesitantly, the doors opened and Elrond found himself staring at a clean, bathed Thranduil. But his face was haunted as he let Elrond inside. The Rivendell Elf stepped into the vast, rich room and sat upon a chair Thranduil motioned him towards. The king sat across from him, sighing wearily.

          "What is it, my friend?" Elrond asked the distraught king, not bothering to relax. Thranduil rested his elbows upon the table and laced his fingers together, his gaze never leaving Elrond. "I awoke," Thranduil started quietly, "in the middle of the night. I stepped onto the balcony-" he swept his slender hand towards the now closed balcony doors "-for some fresh air."

          The silver-haired Elf paused, moistening his lips. "And then, as I stood there, the Badingor came." Elrond stared at the Elf before him in surprise, and he said nothing as Thranduil stood and walked towards the windows. "He-he was different, Elrond," Thranduil continued, his haunted gaze turning from the window to his friend. "He was not the hideous being I saw days before. He was different… beautiful, even."

          "If he was different," Elrond started slowly, choosing his words with care, "then how did you know that he was the one who he claimed to be?" Thranduil walked briskly towards the table again, restless, and sat. "If you were with me in the dungeons, or even last night," the king said darkly, "than you would know the evil aura that consumes him. It is hard to miss and very recognizable."

          Elrond nodded and motioned for Thranduil to proceed, which he did quietly, "We spoke. I told him I did not want to see him and to be gone with and he laughed-" Thranduil shuddered as he remembered the horrible laughter that chilled his soul "-He… told me his name."

          The Lord of Imladris leaned forward when the king did not continue, "Thranduil?" The king looked up at him, his eyes pained to no end. "He says… he says that he is Resulon." Silence hung in the air and Elrond stared at the king, dark eyes wide with shock. "R-Resulon?" he repeated, voice faltering. "But he fell, Thranduil. It is not possible."

          The Mirkwood King let out a cry and he flung himself up from his chair. "Yes! Yes!" he shouted in distress, "I know my son fell! I know… I know." He collapsed on the bed, weeping silently. Elrond stood and hurried over to Thranduil's side. "I need to know, did this new form of the Badingor look like Resulon?"

          "Nay," Thranduil said softly, wiping at his tears, "he was just the contrary of Resulon." Elrond stood, distressed, "Perhaps we should tell Mithrandir of this…" Thranduil said nothing, but instead he stood slowly from the bed, tears gone and eyes like stone. His fair was a mask of defiance. "Agreed," the king replied stiffly, "I know the Badingor is not my son and I will not let it best me!"

          Elrond smiled slightly at this and he was strongly reminded of Legolas. "Then come," he said placing a comforting hand on Thranduil's shoulder. The two Elf lords met gazes, for they were of equal height, and smiling wryly, they departed from the room.

          How ironic, Resulon thought to himself as he watched the two Elves leave the room. He stepped out of nowhere and seated himself comfortably on the chair which Elrond occupied moments before. Let me see, let me see. Just how is Legolas and that ranger doing?  

-

          As Aragorn and Legolas stepped into the bar, a few wary glances were thrown their way, but they went unnoticed. Scanning the room quickly, Aragorn found a small table secluded in the corner. "Perfect," he murmured to himself. Turning to Legolas, he said softly, "There is a table, there in the back. I will go get us some drinks."

          Legolas rolled his eyes and muttered under his breath as he started towards the table, "Always the drinks…" Like a shadow he made his way through the crowd of soldiers and sat at the table, careful to keep his face covered. The Elf leaned forward as he waited for Aragorn and a familiar voice nearby, slurred from the ale, cursed loudly:

          "I would have beaten the life out of him if Haethier hadn't come along!"

          The soldiers around him roared with laughter and one said, "You should have seen yourself scramble away, Keiner!"

          The man growled but said nothing more. Instead, he took a chug from his mug and let it drop from his hands, letting out a huge belch. Legolas winced at this repulsive manner and bit his lip in disgust. The Elf did not look up as Aragorn approached and when the ranger sat down, setting the two mugs on the table.

          "Strider," the Elf hissed. "Your old friend is here." Aragorn's eyes narrowed as he glanced behind Legolas's shoulder and caught a sight of a very drunk Keiner. Letting out an irritated sigh, Aragorn murmured, "We cannot draw attention to ourselves." Legolas nodded and the Elf spoke, "Did that man, the soldier, see your face?"

          Aragorn shrugged. "I do not think he did," the ranger replied.

          "Then remove your hood. He may recognize us if we are both clothed as before."

          Aragorn frowned but obeyed the Elf's psychology. Pulling down his hood, he ran a hand through his rugged hair and took a drink from the mug. Legolas waited patiently until the man had quenched his thirst, then he leaned forward and whispered words that blended with the noises, "Now what, my friend?" Aragorn frowned and sighed, answering wearily, "I am at a loss as well."

          Legolas laughed lightly at this, but as Aragorn began to speak, the Elf whispered under this breath, "Esgal." Like the Elf advised, Aragorn fell quiet, and sure enough, he heard two low voices talking near them.

          "The king is gathering troops."

          "You don't say!" this voice was gruffer and lower than the earlier voice.

          "He plans for war, I think, with some foreign lands."

          The other man grunted and he took a chug of mead. "Well," he grumbled afterwards, "I'd be happy if we ever came out to that! It's about time this damned world knows we exist! I don't even know why we waited this long."

          The first speaker contemplated on this and finally said slowly, "Hm. Anyway, word that's on the streets is that Haethier and Travington are lookin' for two men. Heard they were the ones Keiner picked a fight with. Saw Haethier and Travington heading into a house myself."

          "I heard one o' them's an Elf," Gruff spoke again. The first speaker, whom Aragorn mentally dubbed Nosy, said dubiously, "Yeh, heard that too, but don't know what to believe these days. For all we know, it could've been a Dwarf." Legolas made a small sound at the back of his throat and he clenched his jaw, annoyed, but listened as Gruff spoke again.

          "Well, you got to trust Haethier. He knows this stuff, if I say so myself. I'm starting to think that he's got some sixth sense or something!"

          It was Nosy again: "Nah, that's not it at all. The man has spent some serious time with Elves… maybe that's why he's the way he is…"

          Aragorn's eyes locked on Legolas's and they stood, leaving their nearly full glasses of ale upon the small table. Behind them, an old man looked up, his face flushed from mead. "Ah," he croaked, "you boys just going to leave them drinks there?" Aragorn exchanged a gaze with Legolas and without a word he pushed the mugs toward the old man who laughed gleefully.

          "Hehe!" the man crowed, chugging down Aragorn's half full mug, "Thanks!" Aragorn nodded and he and Legolas headed outside. Warm spring air greeted them and Aragorn drew in a deep breath. As if the two friends had the same thought, they both began walking down the streets towards what they believed was a small inn.

          They stepped inside and a young lady at the counter looked up. "Good evening," she greeted pleasantly. "Welcome to the Green Dragon Inn." Aragorn nodded and stepping up to the counter, he said, "I'd like a room please." The lady nodded, her black hair glimmering like a dark flame in the dim lights. She stepped out from behind the counter and said cheerfully, "This way please!"

          Aragorn and Legolas followed, their feet making no sound on the wooden floors. The young lady stopped at a door and said, "Here you go, sirs." Aragorn smiled his thanks and the lady flushed. Giggling, she hurried away as Aragorn opened the door and stepped inside. Inside, there were two beds and a small table by the fireplace. A small but clean window overlooked the looming castle and as Aragorn lit the candle by the window, Legolas bolted the door.

          "Seems," the Elf laughed merrily as he pulled down his hood, "that she has taken quite a liking to you." Aragorn glared at the Elf but teased lightly, "What is wrong with her, Legolas? Fair face and she is quite nice! I wonder if she has a friend willing to court an Elf-Prince who will whisk her away into the romantic forests of Mirkwood!" He feigned a dreamy sigh and placed one hand on his forehead. 

          Legolas snorted and dropped his pack on one of the beds. "If you call giant spiders romantic, then so be it," he replied." Aragorn laughed softly and held the candle's flame towards the pile of wood in the fireplace. The flame flickered once before seeping into the logs and the ranger, satisfied, set the candle back in its place.

          "It is but evening, Legolas," he said, sitting at the table, "shall we go to the castle later on?" The Elf frowned slightly, "Many soldiers are out on the streets, so not many soldiers will be at the castle now, Aragorn. But I do not know… I will follow your lead." Aragorn rubbed his temples and Legolas suddenly said, "Actually, I will not follow your lead. Baurach seere, Estel. You need to rest."

          Aragorn scowled, though lightly. "I do not need to rest, Legolas!" The Elf crossed his arms, although the bored expression did not leave his fair face. "Ha!" he scoffed. "When was the last time you slept?" the man glared at the Legolas who had proved with point and was smiling triumphantly. "Sometimes…" Aragorn swore, though his grey eyes glimmered with mirth, "I hate you with a passion…" He pulled off his cloak and tossed in on a nearby chair.

          "Thank you," Legolas replied, pulling out something from his pack, "Now, sleep. I will not let your father have my hide for you stubbornness!" Aragorn snorted but lay at the bed, cupping two hands behind his head. "I'll do even better and give him your hide," he muttered to himself.

          "Ahem," Legolas said, annoyed. He glared at the man from over a small map. "It may seem like a shock, Strider," he informed sarcastically, "but I can hear you!" Aragorn grinned to himself and sitting up, he pulled off his muddy boots and chucked them at the Elf. He listened to one land on the Elf's lap and the other bouncing off his shoulder.

          The man turned his back to the Elf and drew up his blanket, his grin broadening. "Strider," Legolas said through gritted teeth from behind him. Aragorn pretended that he had not heard and when he did not answer, a boot came flying at him, hitting him square on the back and the other skimming his head. Aragorn dived under his pillow with a yelp and glowered at the beaming Elf.

          "Saurar," he muttered under his breath. "Foul one." Legolas made an impatient noise and it was moments after that Aragorn heard the Elf sniff and retort under a whisper, "Tarear."

          Aragorn shot up in bed, hearing the insult and he demanded, "Lofty one?" Legolas looked up with innocence and he said sternly, "Sleep." Aragorn glared at the Elf before flopping back onto his bed, grumbling, "Agaryulnaer."

          "A blood-sucker?" Legolas echoed blankly. Aragorn ignored him and buried deeper into his quilt, but he caught the Elf's words, "Ascarer!" Aragorn turned in his bed and glared at the Elf from over his quilt and he thought to himself, He calls me the impetuous one! HA! Aragorn sat up and shot back, "Lanner! Lanner!"

          "Wide one," Legolas repeated flatly, standing in disbelief. His eyes narrowed and he hissed through his teeth, "Take that back, childish one!" Somehow, to Aragorn this seemed a much worse insult than wide one.  He stuck his tongue out only to have Legolas grab his face so that his tongue could not retreat back into his mouth.

          "Leh mweh dgo!" Aragorn shrieked. Legolas grinned and his grip on the man tightened. "Whatever did you say, Strider?" he asked sweetly. The man glowered and repeated, "Leh mweh dgo!!" Legolas let go and peeled over with laughter. The grumpy ranger glared at him and thought darkly to himself as he plopped back down upon the bed, I cannot believe Mirkwood's prince is HIM… I cannot believe I met HIM! I cannot believe I said it was a pleasure to meet HIM… He gave an agonized sigh which Legolas ignored easily.

          His eyes slipped shut and he lay there in silence, listening to the sounds of the soldiers outside. After a few minutes, he turned around to find Legolas sitting with his legs crossed on top of his own bed, arms crossed and in deep thought. As Aragorn ripped back the covers, Legolas looked up, glaring mildly at the man.

          "What must I do to get you to sleep?" Legolas demanded exasperated. Aragorn shrugged. "Perhaps some warm tea…" he suggested. Legolas's glare darkened slightly and he glowered, "And if that does not get you to sleep, I think I may have to drug you, but sadly, I have neither tea nor drugs!"

          Aragorn smiled at his luck and he sat up, seeing no threat now that the Elf admitted there was no chance of drugging him. "Well," Aragorn said pulling on his boots. "Let us make for the castle now. Neither of us sleep." Legolas sighed, but stood. The Elf slipped on his cloak and waited patiently as Aragorn did the same. Then blowing out the candle and burying the remaining flickers of the dying fire into the ashes, they started for the door.

          Suddenly, Legolas paused and frowning, he turned to the man. "The soldier, he said Haethier spent time with the Elves, but if he has, then should we not know?" Aragorn, recalling the conversation they had overheard, replied, "There are many rumors in this land. The soldiers we heard talking, they seemed to know all the rumors though I find it hard to believe. But it matters naught of Haethier's past at this time. There is no one we can trust."

          "Then perhaps we should question one we do not trust," Legolas suggested. Aragorn's brows furrowed, "But is it worth the risk, my friend?"

          Legolas was silent as he thought and looking up, he stated firmly, "I believe so." Aragorn raised an eyebrow and shook his head. "Then who?" he asked. Legolas gave the tiniest of shrugs. "Maybe that drunkard you gave the ale to, or some other; I know naught! If it is not a soldier, then let us take the risk!"

          Aragorn nodded and agreed, "Aye, then. Let us return to the bar and perhaps the old man shall be more than grateful to speak for a pint." Legolas's lips quirked into a thin smile and the two left the room as quietly as they had come in. 

          On their way out, Aragorn stopped at the counter and asked, "What is our fee?" The girl who had greeted them earlier blushed. Giggling, she said, "A peek at the two of you will be fine!" Aragorn's eyes widened with surprise and he turned to Legolas who shifted uncomfortably. "Ah," Aragorn started hesitantly, "um… I fear that is something we cannot do." The girl raised her dark eyebrows and gazed over Aragorn's shoulder at Legolas.

          Shrugging disappointedly she said, "Then how much do you have?" Aragorn reached into his pocket and pulled out three gold coins. "Will this cover it?" he asked. The girl nodded and took the coins from Aragorn's hand. "Have a nice night, sirs," she called as they headed towards the door. Aragorn smiled his thanks and the two slipped into the night.  

          The bar was just as full when the two arrived. Soldiers hung over the tables in dead faint and some slumped against the wall sleeping. The burly looking man at the counter did not seem to notice this and as Aragorn and Legolas stepped in, he asked gruffly, "What will it be for you?" Aragorn held up two fingers and the man nodded. In an instant two large mugs were placed in front of the ranger.

          Aragorn slipped the man a few coins and with Legolas, sat at a table near the old man. "Still here I see," Aragorn said in a low voice slipping of his hood. The old man opened his eyes. "Eh?" he asked, sitting up. "Why, if it isn't you!" Aragorn nodded and his leaned towards the man.

          "How would you like to drink with me?" He glanced over his shoulder at Legolas who sat at another empty table but was listening intently. "Sorry, ol' boy," the man laughed. He let out a hiccup and giggled. "Got's no money, yeh see?" Aragorn pushed the second mug towards the man, who took it.

          "Say, what's your name, boy?" he asked in-between gulps of ale. 

          "Thorongil," Aragorn replied, his mind working quickly. The man looked up from his drink and letting out a burp, he commented, "Funny name, eh? I'm Brinks." Aragorn nodded and taking a sip of his drink, he said, "Have you heard of the two men Haethier is trying to catch?"

          Brinks laughed and he replied, "If ol' Haethier wanted to catch 'em, he would have a long time ago! And don't be so sure that they're men. People saying that they Elves. I even heard one o' them's a Dwarf."

          Legolas who was taking a sip of water he ordered choked. Coughing and sputtering, he sent a murderous glare at Brinks's back. Aragorn caught sight of this and struggled to keep a straight face. Pinching himself to contain the laughter, he asked in a strained voice, "What proof led you to believe they were Elves?"

          Brinks grinned and drank the rest of his ale. Eyeing Aragorn's, he said, "Don't need no proof. We got Haethier. That man spent some time around the world. His brother helps out a lot too. Even tracked some Elves in their time!"

          "Brother?" Aragorn echoed frowning. Brinks nodded, his glazed eyes never leaving Aragorn's mug, "Yeep. Trulyn, ever heard of him? He's a bounty hunter, and mighty good too!"

          "Trulyn?" Aragorn repeated, shocked. He pushed the mug hastily over to the old man and asked, "But how can he tell if one is an Elf?"

          The man took a drink of the ale and wiped the dripping liquid with the back of his hand. Leaning forward, he said in a low voice, "Since you bought me them drinks, I'll tell you sonny. You see, I was with Haethier when he saw one o' them. I was with him and his brother when they were after these two Elves. I dun think Healthier ever forgot that Elf that got away."

          "What did this Elf look like?" Aragorn questioned, shooting a glance at Legolas while the man drank.

          "It was hard for me to forget him. He was the first Elf I saw, you hear? He had golden hair and blue eyes. Not tall, but about your height. Mighty good archer and swordsman if you ask me."

          "Did you catch his name?"

          "Naw, he didn't speak to any of us. Him and the other Elf were speaking in some other language."

          Aragorn sat back and nodded. "Is that all about Haethier you know?" By this time, Brinks was too drunk to care what Aragorn asked him. "Yep! Watch out for him, Thorongil! He can be frightening sometimes."

          Aragorn nodded and stood but Brinks was too drunk to care, or even notice. His eyes swept across the room one final time and he turned. Legolas was already standing and waiting, but as the ranger started towards him, Legolas stiffened and motioned for him to stop. Aragorn instantly froze and he sighed when he heard a familiar voice.       

          "Where do yuh think yur goin?"

          Aragorn turned to find himself face to face with Keiner. The ranger tipped his head to the side and thankful that he had his hood up, asked, "What?"

          "Jus what again, is it?" the soldier's words were slurred from drinking and Aragorn rolled his eyes. Legolas stood and took his place besides Aragorn and he said under his breath, "Strider, let us leave." Aragorn gave a stiff nod and he turned to leave, but suddenly Keiner grabbed his shoulder and spun him around.

          A meaty hand flew at Aragorn's face, but the ranger ducked easily. Falling close to the ground, the ranger kicked the man's legs out from beneath him, and the burly soldier fell heavily. This had drawn the attention of the others at the bar and Brinks gave a high pitched laugh. "There goes Thorongil!" he exclaimed draining the rest of the mug.

          Aragorn nodded at Legolas and the two drew their weapons. The soldiers in the bar all rushed at them, swords drawn and the two friends met them with their own blades. With most of their adversaries drunk, it was a fair fight. Keiner lay prone where Aragorn had tripped him and occasionally a soldier would trip over him.

          The ranger parried the blade of a sword with his own and he pushed the soldier away from him and sent him tumbling over some tables. Besides him, Legolas ducked in and out of the blades, tripping the men. With a final cry, a wave of soldiers leapt at them and Legolas, exchanging a look with Aragorn, stepped out of the way. The soldiers landed on the tables and chairs, sliding to the floor with groans and grunts.

          "Go!" Aragorn yelled over the commotion. Legolas sheathed his blade and leapt lightly over the soldiers, Aragorn following. The two ran out of the bar and into the night. They slipped into a small, deserted alley and lay flat along the wall as some conscious soldiers ran passed them. Aragorn turned his face skyward only to discover a light blanket of rain was falling from the sky.

          "To think they were brothers," he murmured, thinking of the subject he had not dismissed from his mind. Legolas said nothing but sigh. Turning to Aragorn he said, "It is not surprising, Strider, though unexpected." Aragorn nodded slowly. "Then Haethier knows of you and your brother, does he not?"

          "Aye, he would," came the reply. The Elf frowned and gazed at the floor in deep thought. "But what that man, Brinks was his name if I recall correctly, said does not make sense with what I remember," he told Aragorn. The man raised a brow and queried, "What do you mean?"

          "I believe I would remember if Haethier was one who was with Trulyn," the Elf explained, "but yet, I do not recall any memory of him. Aye, Trulyn had his men, but Haethier was not among them. How could he have known me?"

          Aragorn opened his mouth. "Perhaps you have forgotten," he said gently, "it was many a year ago since that incident…" Legolas threw him a sharp look. "I do not think I would forget anything that concerned my younger brother's death!" he replied, his face a stone mask. Aragorn sighed and nodded wearily.

          "I apologize, my friend," he replied quietly and Legolas's face softened. "Nay, if there is anyone who should be forgiven, it is I. I meant naught to snap at you," Legolas retorted. Aragorn smiled briefly. "You said Trulyn hunted you for a bounty, did you not?"

          Seeing Legolas's slow nod, Aragorn continued, "Why was a bounty placed on your heads?" Legolas's face darkened. "It was nothing, just a petty reason. As I told you, Resulon and I were in the Blue Mountains, which is not near Byrium at all. We went as scouts, or rather explorers was what my brother always called it, but we were discovered when we came across Trulyn and his men," Legolas paused and seemed to gather up his memories before continuing.

          "He saw us, yes, and why he hunted us down, it was obvious. What my brother and I did not know was that there was a small village within the forests that a rogue Elf had been stealing from… Trulyn was hired to capture the Elf…"

          Aragorn nodded slowly and he gave a sad smile. "When I was but a babe," he said quietly, "my mother and father were killed, as you know. I was brought to Rivendell where I was raised. Elladan and Elrohir were the siblings I never had and I… I can understand how you felt when your brother died."

          Legolas said nothing but gaze at the cloudy sky. "Thank you, my friend," he said quietly after a while. "Let us just hope we will return alive and well." Aragorn grinned slightly. "There is always hope, mellonin, always."

          Legolas smiled at him. "Lord Elrond named you well… Estel."

-

          Deryst had wandered throughout Mirkwood in hopes of finding his sister, but it proved to be futile. The great kingdom of the Woodland Elves sat in silence. No one spoke, for it was a time of mourning for the lost ones. A lament rose every evening, and the fair voices of the Mirkwood Elves rose into the dimming sky, awakening the stars.

          As evening began to fall, a clear voice that sang softly was joined by many others.

          How beautiful the day and night;

          The earth is singing in the wind,

          The voices rise and touch the sky

          Telling all the earth's believing,

          And in the night sighs fall down,

          And from the skies sighs fall down on me.

          And when I move away from view

          My voice is singing in the wind,

          It rises up to touch the sky

          Telling all that I believe in,

          And from the night earth shall sing,

          And from the night earth shall sing,

          And from the night earth shall sing again.*

          Thranduil looked up from his papers as he heard the song. Walking over to the open balcony, he gazed down at the gathering Elves. He stepped out to the balcony and lifted his face to the sky as a soft breeze ran through his hair, causing his robes to flow back.

          How beautiful the day and night;

          The earth is singing in the wind,

          The voices rise and touch the sky

          Telling all the earth's believing,

          And in the night sighs fall down,

          And from the skies sighs fall down on me.

         

          Elrond looked up from his book, gaze turning towards the open window. The soft melody of the lament drifted in and he closed his eyes, letting the song embrace him and run throughout his body. As the song melted away and the night air was echoing softly with the song of the Elves, a peace settled over the kingdom.

          A lone voice arose from the depths of the silence and sang a song of pain, loss, blame, and forgiveness. The last note set tranquility upon the people of Mirkwood, and it was at these times, Elrond found himself awed by the fierce love between his kindred. He found himself standing and heading outside.

          As the guards at the castle doors let him pass, the Lord of Imladris walked slowly throughout the courtyard, adoring the line of Elves walking slowly the other direction. In their hands, a small silver lantern for the ones who fell. They walked, singing a lament and as they neared the small gardens that decorated Mirkwood, they set the lanterns in a small stream.

          Elrond watched as the silver water carried the lanterns away. The songs of the Elves ceased and slowly, they began to make their way back to their homes. The Elf Lord was not the last to remain. A Elf maiden stood nearby, her like honey, and hazel eyes. He walked slowly towards her, though he appeared to be gliding.

          The Elf maiden's long hair was loosened around her shoulders and a single mint green leaf was in her fair hands. She gave no indication as Elrond stood besides her. "My lady," he greeted quietly, his eyes never leaving the stream that looked like crystal in the dying sunlight. The Elf maiden turned towards him, her warrior sharp eyes piercing into his own.

          "Lord Elrond," she said softly, her voice sweet and sorrowful. Elrond smiled at her gently. "It is beautiful," he acknowledged with a graceful sweep of his hand. The She-Elf nodded, but said nothing. Instead, she released the leaf in her hand. Slowly, it drifted to the water and landed with the smallest ripple.

          "What is your name, fair one?" Elrond asked softly. The Elf maiden turned her eyes to Elrond and replied, "I am called Vaginor, lord." Aye, she is a warrior, Elrond thought. He smiled slightly at her. "Your brother, Deryst, is looking for you," he murmured, recalling his earlier conversation. Vaginor turned away bitterly and muttered, "Let him search. It is fruitless! I shall not speak to him!"

          "And what, fair Vaginor, led you to such a decision?" Elrond questioned, surprised. The warrior clenched her hands together, trembling. "He is a coward, my lord! A foolish coward!" Elrond reached out with a gentle hand and caught her chin with two fingers.

          "Look at me, sorrowed one," he ordered softly. The Elf turned her tear-filled eyes towards him and she blinked furiously, trying to clear the tears away. "Why is your brother a coward, Arwen en amin, My lady?"

          "I lie," she choked out. "He is not the coward… I am." Elrond frowned. "How so? Lle naa belegohtar," the Elf-Lord said quietly, "You are a mighty warrior. I do not believe you to be a coward."

          "My sister fell because of me!" she screamed suddenly, trembling. "I watched her laughing and then that murderous beast killed her! I watched as it-it…" She broke down and sobbed. The Lord of Imladris took her trembling body into his arms and he said softly, "Ea na gwiil. Estel uuye morn na naeg. Be at peace. Hope is not darkened by pain."

          The Elf wept softly against the Lord's chest and finally, when she quieted, Elrond said softly, "It is not of your fault, Lady Vaginor. Mourn for her, but for awhile. Grief should not eat away at the bright light that lives within you." The light haired Elf nodded and Elrond planted a small kiss on her forehead.

          "Be at peace," he repeated, standing. Suddenly, an Elf emerged from the bushes. His dark eyes widened and he rushed to the Elf maiden's side. "Vaginor!" he cried, sinking to his knees. Vaginor's eyes whelmed with tears and she let her older brother envelop her in his slender arms. "Forgive me! Forgive me, my brother!" she cried. Deryst rocked back and forth, whispering words of comfort to her. Elrond stood and smiling slightly, departed without another word.   

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*The lament the Elves sing is actually a song by Enya! ^_____^ Sorry, but I was way too lazy to rhyme some words!

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Sorry so short, guys! This was just like a thing to keep you guys going while I coax my ferrets to help me with the plot, which by the way, was unsuccessful! Anyway, to Lady of Middle Earth: So close! Your realization wasn't all that off, but then again my ingenious mind can have its twists and turns! *evil grin* I'm glad you enjoyed the last chapter and I hope you won't give up on guessing the plot! *winks*

A message to Bianca: Golly, gee! Thanks for taking me to see Pirates! You were so wonderful! *grins and copies Johnny's accent* Well, till next time, love! HEHE! Man, Orlando and Johnny were so hot in that movie! *grins*

I can't believe I managed to post this chapter up so quickly! It's a miracle! *glares at Alida-Fruit* I checked everyday for your chapter, but noOoOo! Darn ff.net! *sobs and kicks the computer*

Well, *sniff* I'm done here… Hope you enjoyed!

Until the next time you open up my story and read my chapters which – (I'm talking too much -__-)

Until next time,

Elfling