Shadows of the Soul
A/N: Oh my, look what finally got updated. I know it has been a year since this story was started. Many of you have emailed me asking me to finish it. I have never forgotten about it. I'm only sorry it's been such a long wait to those who really liked Choices. But as promised, now that Fading Light is over, this story is being continued. Thank you all for your patience and support. And definitely thanks for reading!
Chapter 4: Departure
Hope is a state of mind, not of the world. Hope, in this deep and powerful sense, is not the same as joy that things are going well, willingness to invest in enterprises that are obviously heading for success, but rather an ability to work for something because it is good.
- Vaclav Havel
By the time Legolas had reached the edge of the forest it was nighttime. Which he didn't mind at all after being in the relative blackness the canopy of trees had provided. The elf stepped out into the crisp spring air and for a moment a flicker of happiness to be out under the stars washed through his being. Legolas shrugged it off as excitement to be moving again. He took a deep breath of the fresh air and headed towards the mountains at a light run. Instead of going straight for the mountains the elf took a more northerly route. He figured the land would be wilder the farther north he went and the chill of the air bothered the elf not at all.
Legolas thought as he ran. Every once in a while it felt like someone was watching him. Not the ever-present whisper of his slain master, but something more fair. More light. A slight presence that hurt him with light and comforted him all at once. The blonde elf had no idea what it could be and he could not do anything about it anyway, so he tried not to let it bother him. If someone were watching him, they would come, and they would find he was not as easy prey has they had hoped for.
The elf traveled all night and as dawn approached he reached the base of the mountains. The peaks were tall and jagged and the wind howled fiercely around the base. The blonde elf barely squinted his eyes as the wind whipped through his hair and clothes. He decided to make camp right up near the rocky incline to take some shelter from the wind. With a slight sneer the elf realized nothing interesting would be out during the daylight, so he would rest during the day and start into the mountain come nightfall.
With Legolas' elven senses dulled he never knew that something was watching him approach the mountains. Two large and intelligent beastly eyes kept watch on the elf's movement in the plain. Those eyes knew this elf, oh yes, they remember him. The mountains were his home and he had seen how dangerous this elf could be. Though they did not depart as enemies so he took no immediate action against the elf. He did know the dark lord at Carn Dun was gone. Every evil creature near Agmar had felt that backlash. And with his departure foul things would again creep down from the mountains. Not that they hadn't before, but the ones too frightened by Valdamus' iron and icy grip would move once again.
Who knows, perhaps even his kin would finally be free to do as they pleased. He liked that thought. To not be under control of orcs. As the elf reached the base of the mountain a huge growl escaped from the darkness.
Morning of the third day had come and Thanduil could not stand the waiting any longer. Though it would be some time before Glorfindel could travel, he was improving a little each day and the sons of Elrond seemed to think he was out of danger now. That had been exactly the news he had been waiting for. Thanduil rose from his seated position and walked over to where the younger elves and Aragorn now stood.
"We are leaving shortly, prepare your things," the blonde elf said then walked away.
The twins had been expecting the announcement, but it still took them a little by surprise.
"Quite spontaneous, isn't he?" Elladan asked lightly.
Elrohir simply arched his fine brow and began gathering his things. Aragorn on the other hand, was becoming restless and could not wait for this news. He cared deeply for Glorfindel, but the elder elf seemed to be recovering at an amazing rate and his mind could not stop thinking about finding Legolas before serious harm came to him or others. The young ranger packed his things gladly.
Thranduil was once again making sure his elves knew about Glorfindel's care and what to do when one of his servants approached him.
"I am sorry to disturb you my king, but the Lord Glorfindel requests a word with your highness before you depart."
The blonde elf simply nodded and after he was done his preparations went to the golden elf's side. Glorfindel still looked pale, but he was sitting up with the support of someone's pack. He looked up at the fiery king as he approached.
"Come, sit a moment Thranduil."
Very few in Middle Earth, save Mithrandir, Galadriel, or Elrond would dare address Thranduil by his first name.
Before Thranduil could open his mouth Glorfindel responded.
"Yes, I know you have need for haste, and any father in your position would feel the same way. But do not forget you go out in search of the young prince as a father, and not a king."
"I do not understand," Thranduil simply stated.
"The younger elves and young ranger will look to you for guidance. Do not let your temper or your duties cloud your judgment. Although you are both father and king, there comes a time when you must chose which is more important to you. Greenwood the Great has stood before Thranduil and will yet endure in his absence. Do not let that weigh your heart down. You go simply as a father in search of his stray son. I have faith you will find him. The Legolas you know may be changed, but the elf he once was is in his soul somewhere. The light of the eldar cannot be put out so easily. Just remember to hold faith in your own son and I do not believe he will let his father down. Remind him of whom he once was, who he is in his heart. Only you can perform that job, that duty. The bond between father and son is going to be tested on this task, but if you keep faith I believe you can bring Legolas back. Hope is the single strongest weapon we can wield against dark times. I know this may all not make sense to you now, but it will in time, it will."
"Ever has Glorfindel brought good council, I will take your words with me," Thranduil said as he stood.
"I pray for a swift recovery," the king said as he gave a nod of the head.
"And a safe return," Glorfindel finished repeating the gesture.
Celaviel looked up as someone entered the Hall of Fire to see her Lord Elrond. She noted he was not wearing the usual robes, but a tunic instead.
"You should return to bed my lord, Erestor will be back this mourn and I can handle things until his returns."
"I am glad to hear that. As I'll be leaving shortly."
"What?" the maid breathed rising from her seat.
"I understand you need to find out about all that has happened, but you suffered quite the shock and should not push yourself."
Elrond approached his old friend and smiled.
"I have slept for two days Celaviel. And as you said, Erestor will be back shortly. He is quite adept at handling the business of Imladris."
"But…"
"There will be no buts about it, there comes a time when one must chose between duty or family. My wife is gone from these shores, Arwen is safely in Lothlorien. My sons are all that I have left. And after much thought last night, I think I begin to sort out the images that I am seeing. If what I fear is true, they will need my help."
"You cannot travel alone my lord," the maid said matter-of-factly.
Elrond responded with a slight chuckle.
"I have survived many wars and walked all of this land many times, I am not so old as to have lost my wits for traveling."
"That's not what I meant, what I mean is…"
"Time runs short, my friend," Elrond cut her off, "I must not tarry."
With that the Lord of Rivendell turned from the maid and walked to his study. He threw a long dark cloak about his shoulders and grabbed a couple of things. Celaviel watched silently and said no more and Elrond passed her.
"Be careful," she said before her lord left the room.
Elrond paused at her words. He nodded and left without turning around.
The elf lord made it to the front doors and pushed them open, only to see another friend blocking his way.
"Good mourn Erestor, fine day is it not?" Elrond said warmly.
"It is indeed my friend. I did not expect to see you in travel gear so early on this fine day though," the elder elf said eying his lord suspiciously.
"Oh yes, that. I am heading out of Rivendell for a little while. I trust you will attend to matters while I am gone?"
"Of course my lord, but may I ask the reason for your departure?" Erestor asked curiously.
"Celaviel is in the Hall of Fire, she will no doubt tell you all about it. Farewell until we meet again," Elrond said kindly then walked around his friend and out of the Last Homely Home.
Elrond didn't exactly like not telling Erestor what was transpiring. But he knew if he did the elder elf would never let him out of Rivendell. The elf lord almost laughed at having the feeling that he was sneaking out of his own house. Instead he simply smiled at the look he knew Erestor would have once the maid filled him in on the situation and walked into the stables.
Yes, that was a lot shorter than my normal chapters, but it was a fairly good stopping point and I just wanted to get things rolling again. And I promise it definitely won't be that long for the next update. Thanks for everyone's patience with this story!
Tithen Min – Oh my, it's been too long hasn't little one? I'm so sorry for the wait. I do hope you are out there reading somewhere. Heh, I'll try not to get mad and try to kill them all. But it makes for fun reading, ne? P
Nilbrethiliel – I can't say how much I miss chatting with you. Where are you?! I do hope everything is okay with you. Its been such a long time since you've been around. I was looking forward to Melkor's twins becoming such an evil couple together. The evil and crazy one. What a team.
Tapetem lucidum – Yes! I love Stephen King! Heh, yeah, that last book wasn't, um… the best. Heh, you know me, I like sending elf lords to the floor. And yeah, I guess that would be a cliffhanger. snickers Glorfindel is not out of the story yet.
White Wolf - Heh, yeah, Thranduil is a bit intimidating, no? They definitely deserved it. I find I like writing about everyone. Heh, honestly, I don't know how his friends will find him either. P
Tineryn – I do agree. And after all, this is the squeal to Choices, and we couldn't let this go without that choice, now could we. Hehe, that would be awesome to get a teddy for Thranduil. It would also give him something to strangle when he gets mad. P I have noticed the name change also. I must say, I like it.
Karri – Te he he, I'm not nice to anyone. And thank you for the review, you have always been one of my most faithful reviewers, and I thank you muchly. I just hope you haven't given up on my yet.
Starfire Greenleaf – Heh, I would be, yes! I loves them! Hehe, all my chapters are long. There usually isn't this much of a wait though. And for that I am sorry.
Alivyan – I'm glad you enjoyed Choices and now it's sequel. Sorry for the wait on this one. I had never intended it to be this long. Thanks for the review and I do hope you haven't given up on this one.
Elfmage – I'm glad you liked Choices. I will try to not disappoint anyone with it's sequel!
Estelle1 – Heh, Legolas' fate isn't decided quite yet! I am glad you liked Choices! Heh, yeah poor Elrond and Glorfindell. I'm afraid I wasn't too nice to the poor elf lords. Heh, they need a little kick now and then.
Red Tigress – Oh my holy damn… look what I finally updated. I bet you were beginning to lose hope. It's a shorter chapter, but here it is! Maybe we can get things rolling again! The Mad Maiden of Angst is feeling a bit evil now a days and I need some targets to take it out on!
NeptuneHelena – Wow, Beckles…. you've been holding your breath a long time. oO I'm so used to calling you Beck now, that I think back to when I used to call you Helena all the time, and it seems sort of weird. P Hehe.
Mystic Girl – I'm so sorry this update took forever. And I know I haven't been around for chatting in a while either. But I am finally starting to update again! I have even updated All That is Gold, just so I could torture our favorite elfsie some more. Poor Elladan, nowhere is safe for him now! Muah ah ah!
Elven Kitten – Yeah, it's been a long time since I've updated anything. But I am starting to once again. So the next wait won't suck so much. Glad you are liking the story!
NightShadow – Well, I am a believer in happy endings. Though I do like to make it difficult to get there, kya ha ha! Glad you are enjoying it!
Rei Hoshi Kage - Heh, yeah, I like to give owies to everyone. P Especially rangers and elves!
Mystical Panther – Wow, so many questions! Heh, I guess I have a lot to explain yet, don't I? As for your quick update, well I guess that didn't happen. But I think I'm back from my little sojourn now and ready to write!
Deana – It has been over a year, and I'm sorry about that. But here finally is an update. I know that took way too long, but I have my reasons. But finally I think I am back to writing now.
KissTheRainGirl12489 – I'm glad you like the sarcasm. Heh, who says elves cant have a sense of humor! Heh, I think I'd agree that Thranduil is probably one pretty hot daddy. And I think Elrond is the hanging in type. P
Soul of the Evenstar – Well, the answer is yes. P It's taken a whole lot longer than I had expected, but this story has finally come off hold. And I promise the updates won't take as long as that ungodly year wait.
Carolbailey – Well, I had always intended to finish this story. I'm just sorry it took so freakin long. I am glad you liked Choices though. Hope you enjoy its sequel!