Summary: see chapter one
Disclaimer: see chapter one
A/N: Still AU I would like to take this time to say any reviews are welcome and thanks to all who took the time to review.
One chapter left in this fic, but I have another done, just have to type it up.
Now to the reviewers!
katie: Thanks for the review! I love them too I just love the angst! a little bit too much
crazyAZN kid : Sorry you are not really enjoying the fic
Riva van Dyk: hehehehehehe
Aranna Undomiel: Yes If only it were that easy.
Elven Kitten: Thanks for the review!
wolflover7: Sorry about that not updating fast enough. But here is an update for you!
A-black-winged-bird: Your welcome, I try to encompass all the charries
Kristen: Thanks! here is an update!
Mornflower: Thanks for the wonderful review. I have not written this story but I suppose I could!
spellingfreak: Thanks I think. I did have a proofreader aka spellchecker. It is the evilness of Sauron, and more than one elf is elves. Hope you enjoy this chapter more than the last.
Hiei-Rulez: YAY! thanks for the review! I did love this chapter the best as well.
Catmint: thank you for the compliment, it means a lot
Beling: WB! and thanks for the error check for me. I suppose I shall now have to write this ficlet about Haldir, and Estel.
sielge: Thanks! You shall see!
HarryEstel: heheheheh and ack! you give me!
Well I would love to thank ALL of you for your reviews! Only one chapter left after this one but another fic is almost complete!
Chapter 16
Elladan paced the floor on his crutch that was made for him, until Elrond's stern glare sent him to the chair again "Ada why does he not answer? Why do they both look as if they are not really here?"
Elrond and Galadriel gave each other knowing glances. Each of them had consulted for many hours, and drew only one conclusion. Estel and Legolas would not return to who they had been before. They would forever be in this catatonic state.
"I fear my son there is no help for your brother or Legolas. They cannot move past the horrors which they have seen. I wish I could have shielded them from this."
"Is there no way to take these memories from them., to make them whole again." Thranduil said his eyes pleading with them for some answer. "If Legolas will not get better here then I shall set off for the Grey Havens tomorrow. I will not let him suffer this way."
Each in the room would be saddened that Thranduil was leaving and taking Legolas, but they knew each would follow."
"I will not stay here and watch Estel slowly die Ada, I can't" Elrohir pleaded. "I saw Amme, I saw the haunted look in her eyes, I can't sit here and wait for him to die."
Elrond wrapped his arms around both his sons, and pulled them close to him. "I would not have you watch him suffer. Go with Thranduil, I will stay here with your brother."
The sobs in the room were heart wrenching, as they knew they would never see Estel again. He would die, and they would not get the chance to say goodbye. No one disturbed the little room, and Galadriel had sent word that they were to be brought food, and more blankets. The food still sat untouched, and for a brief moment Galadriel let the tears creep down her face. Middle Earth was without it's savior and she was without a member of her family. It was as if a chunk had been ripped from her heart, and could never be replaced. She had seen this same look on her own daughter's face, and now the look was mirrored in their eyes. The look of having seen to much, having the full force of evilness bring them to their knees, and crumble their spirit.
Haldir was quiet as he was lost in thought. Normally he wore a stern, somber look, but now his face showed only sorrow. He wondered how he had let those two rascals break down his demeanor and creep into his heart so quickly. They were two fine individuals, and he was glad he had met them. Hearing the rustle of leaves nearby, he drew his sword, and went to kill whatever dared to hinder their progress.
From the shadows of the tree jumped Rumil and Haldir was so startled he almost fell from his horse. "Where have you been? We have searched for hours for you. The news is grim. Thranduil and Legolas leave for the Havens tomorrow, and Elladan and Elrohir will be joining them."
"What of Elrond and Estel?" Mithrandir inquired. "What are there plans?"
Rumuil hung his head, and answered the wizard. "Elrond, says he will stay here with him until he is gone, and then follow his sons."
"We shall see about that" Mithrandir, said pushing past the stunned Rumuil and heading onward into Lothlorien. Within minutes he was in the Golden Wood, and dismounting from his horse. Haldir went to follow him in, but was deterred by Rumuil.
"What can he do that they Lady cannot? Do you know something that I don't?"
"I know nothing more than you, I however still hold hope in my heart." Haldir grabbed his brother by the arm and dragged him along as they made their way to the healing room. Haldir had run ahead as he passed Mithrandir in the hall to announce him. As he opened the door he was at once grabbed by Lord Celeborn.
"Where have you been, What is so important to have you leave your post at this most disturbing time?"
Haldir went to answer, but a hand came to rest upon his shoulder. "The elfling came to get me your Lordship. He felt I could be of some assistance." Mithrandir said entering the room. "This room feels cold like a veil of death already grips you all. Are you telling me that you have given up all hope so soon?"
"We have done everything within our grasp. We have tried to remove the mist that shrouds them, but they linger now on the verge of death. What would you have us do?"
Mithrandir did not answer he simply walked over to where Legolas laid. Placing his hands upon his head he gasped. He then went over to Estel and did the same. Turning around he motioned for them all to step out onto the balcony. When all had finally stepped out he turned to speak.
"They will not receiver from this on their own. None of us here have the power alone to heal them, but together we may have a chance."
"Tell us I will do anything, to bring my son back to me." Thranduil begged.
"Individually we can do nothing, but together we can take the memories from them. There is a drawback however. They will remember nothing from the past month, that would include them not knowing the have even seen Sauron. This could become an advantage to him at some time later."
"We are willing to take the risk." Elrond said, as they others nodded in agreement. Walking back into the room Legolas was placed on the bed beside Estel. They had all agreed that if this brought their sons back to them, that it would not be revealed to them the horrors they had faced. Encircling the bed were Elrond, Galadriel and Mithrandir. Thranduil stood at their side offering his help should they need it. Haldir and Rumuil stood at the door letting no one admittance into the room.
All three of them placed their hands upon each brow and Mithrandir began the chant. The chant was like nothing any of them had ever heard. They knew the Ishtari had been traveling all of Arda, and his knowledge was great, but none said anything as Estel and Legolas began to stir beneath their hands.
Within seconds Elrond's knees began to crumble beneath him, as he was pounded with the visions that plagued them both. Each of them were almost ready to fall, but the twins and Haldir rushed over to hold them up. After an hour Mithrandir stopped his chant and closed his eyes again, this time in exhaustion.
"We have done what we can. Now all we can do is rest and wait for them to waken."
Haldir rushed from the room, and came back with more chairs for them, and he brought blankets to place over them. Lord Celeborn went to give a direct order for no one to enter the room under severe penalty. As he walked back into the room he chuckled despite himself. Mithrandir was sitting in his chair, his eyes closed and drooling on Elrohir much to the elfling's disgust.
"Perhaps you should move to a drier spot young one." he said motioning to the chair vacated by Elrond. Celeborn saw that Elrond stood out on the balcony looking out over the Golden Wood, and went out to speak with him.
"Elrond, you need rest. There is nothing more we can do, and you will fail to help them if you are dead on your feet."
"How can I rest until he wakens?"
"Just try is all I ask. Sleep may come to you."
Elrond followed Lord Celeborn back into the room, and laid down on the bed next to his son. Thranduil had drifted off, in the chair next to the bed. Laying his head back on the pillows, Elrond's eyes glazed over in much needed sleep.
This was the quiet of the little room for many hour,. all sleeping and Haldir keeping watch over them, making sure they were not disturbed.
