Reviewer responses to Chapter 20:

Deana: Yep, that darned Elf is just too selfless for his own good. Sorry bout the delay...

Moonyasha: EEEK...I know...me and cliffies right? Well, I hope this makes up for it. It isn't TOO bad a cliffhanger...I don't think...all right, maybe.

Karone Evertree: Oh... sometimes I hate those author alerts...glad you are still reading! Yeh, he is so stubborn...he needs to be taught a lesson...I think I do that later.

Alatariel Narmolanya: HEHE...the flashbacks ARE evil, aren't they. Well, Legolas will have to deal with things when they come! He's not doing too badly yet...I do mean...YET...

Lynn Lee/InsanePirate624: Hi there...glad you like chapter 20...Your compliments are so flattering! Thanks so much for reviewing!

Shadowfax2931: Yeh, Legolas is stuck between a rock and hard place...no good choices. Nope, if Legolas dies...no more savior Elves...Lol...anyway...Read on...

Barbara Kennedy: Thanks for your review. I am glad that you are enjoying it. I don't know if you have reached chapter 20 yet, since you reviewed for chapter 1, but I hope you continue to read and see this note!

Zammy: Updating!

Arayelle Lynn: Legolas is acting purely Legolas-like...self-sacrificing.

Mornflower: I heard it was your BIRTHDAY...funny no one told ME! I hope you see this and you can take it as a probably belated birthday present from ME. Thanks for that little skit for chap 20...it was great!

Crystalcave: Thank you for reviewing the chapters as you read them! I really appreciate that! Glad you like the story! Hope you make it to chapter 20.

Kelsey: Yeh, we added more Graelath insight thinking he needed to be developed a bit more. Yeh, too bad Frodo didn't get a chance to chat with him...perhaps it would have helped. The witness...you hit it on the head! Here's a cookie! Your first guess...not the Oliphant

Pirate Gyrl: Well...glad you liked! I wouldn't do that, he will NOT die...he will NOT die...starts to realize she is being stupid and rambling Okay, enjoy.


Chapter 21: Into the Hands of Fate

Aragorn's Company...

Night had fallen. The watch was set up and Aragorn had seen to it that his brothers would both be watching Legolas this night. He himself had taken up the task for the entire day, never once letting the Elf out of his sight.

Settling himself down to sleep, he rested as peacefully as his worries would allow, drifting into a light sleep.

Seeing that a majority of the company was asleep, Legolas set his plan into motion, calling on Gweluthand to fulfill her part of the deception. Slowly, and to the notice of no one, a heavy grey mist settled on the camp.

Legolas, shielded from the mist by Gweluthand, watched as all in the camp nodded into a dreamless sleep. He was momentarily worried that he was leaving his friends in jeopardy in the event that something should attack them, but he wouldn't need them to be out too long.

Taking a deep breath, the Elf began to inch his way out of the camp, not entirely sure that the others were fully shrouded in sleep. As he crept past Elrond, the Elf Lord stirred and Legolas froze, holding his breath.

Sensing that there was a problem, Gweluthand intervened. The mist turned a deeper, darker shade of grey around Elrond and Galadriel. Gandalf, who happened to be sleeping between the two Elves, was also shrouded more deeply.

Gweluthand was shielding the Ringbearers more heavily then the others, knowing the power of their rings. Now even the power of the Elven Rings was not enough to keep their bearers awake.

Sighing in relief that Elrond had not woken, Legolas began to slowly move again.

This time, he was able to get to the outskirts of the encampment and he hurried off under the waning moonlight, running nimbly through the trees and leaving his companions far behind. Gweluthand, when Legolas assured her he was far enough away, released the company from their sleep. Slowly, a half hour after Legolas had left, Elladan rubbed his eyes.

His first action was to gasp as he saw his brother was also sleeping. "El? Oh this is not good! El! Wake up!"

Unfortunately, Elrohir was not the only one to hear his whispered plea. Aragorn sat bolt upright. "Legolas!" Jumping to his feet, he saw Arod in the midst of the other horses and relaxed. But his tension remounted when he saw no sign of Legolas.

His cry had awoken most of the others, who were also looking around for the Elf. Lord Elrond appeared at Aragorn's side. "It is as we feared; he has left us to go on ahead."

Rounding on his brothers, Aragorn was angry beyond words. "I left you both in charge of his watch! How could you have fallen asleep? Do you realize you might have just let him run off to his death?!"

"We didn't mean to fall asleep...I don't know what happened," Elladan said defensively, his voice full of concern and confusion.

"Didn't mean to? You didn't mean to? Elladan, this is exactly why we left people to watch him. So he wouldn't get away! So he wouldn't get himself killed. How could you both fall asleep on watch...not one of you...both of you!?"

Elrohir looked between his brothers. "Aragorn, we did not mean to fall asleep. I do not even know how we did. I, for one, was not tired."

"Yes," Aragorn huffed, his face red from his anger. "I'll bet...so wide awake that you fell asleep!" He would have gone on, but something stopped him.

Galadriel placed a hand on the angered man's shoulder. When he spun, fully intending to ream out whoever had touched him, his eyes widened and he shrank back. "Milady, I'm sorry, I did not see it was you."

She didn't acknowledge his apology, instead she looked about her. "Something lingers in the air," unsure of what exactly it was, the Elf locked eyes with Aragorn. "Legolas did not act alone."

As if the very air around them sensed something was amiss, Aragorn shivered. The clearing had suddenly gotten colder. Looking around him, the king knew what was wrong. "Gweluthand? Is that you? Is there a way you can communicate with us?"

To his great surprise, Aragorn heard a feminine voice in his head. : You have great power in your blood, King of Gondor, son of Arathorn and heir of Isildur. I can speak to you. Why are you in such distress at the departure of Legolas? He only means to save your life. :

Aragorn stiffened. Save my life? But Gweluthand, Legolas can not beat Graelath on his own. Surely you remember what happened to Cellnen. It will befall him too; I can feel it in my heart.

For a moment, the wind picked up and there was an eerie, quavering whistle to it. : He will die? : She paused for a moment, and then continued. : I can not take back what is done, for I must do as the Silvan Elf asks. :

Aragorn's brows furrowed. "Gweluthand can not disobey Legolas, but didn't she threaten to not help the Hobbits because of their disrespect?" He had spoken aloud this time, contemplating what the air shroud had told him.

Galadriel looked at him closely. "Perhaps you should direct that same thought at Gweluthand, Estel."

Nodding in agreement, the man did just that. Gweluthand? How is it that you had to obey Legolas here, yet you said you would not shield the Hobbits when they were disrespectful in the Shire?

For a moment, there was no answer. Then, she responded. : I must do as the Silvan Elf commands. I was not happy with the way the Hobbits spoke and their disrespect irked me. But I would have had to comply with Legolas' wishes. I can, however, shield less heavily if I choose. :

The man nodded, than relayed the information to the others, who looked thoughtful. So Gweluthand had to listen to Legolas, but she did not have to shield everyone equally. She had a little say in the matter, but very little.

Realizing they were wasting time and caring for her liege, Gweluthand urged Aragorn into action. : Go swiftly; you may arrive not long after him. Pray you are not too late, he cannot fall, and he can only be reincarnated once. :

If he had been less distraught, Aragorn might have picked up that last bit, however his thoughts were locked on breaking camp and hurrying after the reckless Elf. After relaying orders to gather the supplies and mount up, Aragorn muttered under his breath, "That Elf is going to be the death of me."


Legolas ran swiftly through the woods, drawing ever closer to the Misty Mountains, fervently hoping he had not caused the downfall of his friends by asking Gweluthand to put them into a deep sleep. I mustn't let this distract me, the Elf thought, shaking the worry from his head. My friends are strong, they will not fall easily.

Feeling pain in his old wounds, Legolas had to slow his pace. But he knew that he had far outdistanced the others. They could not all run through the forest as uninhibited as the Wood-Elf could. Well, maybe some of them could, but not all together and with the Hobbits and Lowgala to think of. Not to mention some of them were wounded. No, Legolas need not worry they would catch up.

As he hurried along toward the Misty Mountains, his mind moved on to the next stage of his plan. The stage that, as of yet, he had not figured out. He had focused so hard on leaving his entourage behind that he had not yet devised what he was going to do when he reached Graelath's tower.

Gweluthand, are you there? It was a long shot, but perhaps he could ask the air shield for advice. After all, she had been with Cellnen when he had lived, surely there must be something she could offer him in knowledge.

There was a pause, but the air around him grew slightly colder and he heard her in his head. : Yes. Why did you leave your friends? :

Legolas was at a loss. Never before had the air shield really asked him a question. This was new. He had to wonder what had caused it. I had to, Gweluthand. I have had dreams of late...dreams of Aragorn's death. I can not allow that to happen. Graelath plans more then to just control Aragorn through Arwen, he wants the Elven rings as well.

The Elf knew that Gweluthand had heard him, but he was taken aback when she spoke next. : I should not have helped you, young one. But, alas, I have not the power to deny the demands of the Silvan Elf who possesses the power to control me. :

Why should you have stopped me? The Elf asked, slowing to a halt and glancing around, wishing, for once, that Gweluthand had a physical form he could speak directly to. I wish I could see you...

Almost immediately, the air around the Elf began to shimmer, particles of silver reflecting in the wan light that penetrated the forest foliage. And right before his eyes, a form began to appear. It was in the shape of a woman, slender and tall. She was entirely made up of the shimmering particles, but looked nearly solid.

Legolas gasped and stepped back in surprise. Gweluthand was an Elf, or at least, took the shape of an Elf maiden, long, flowing hair and delicate features, with eyes that almost appeared iridescent, the color of every shade of blue imaginable.. And of course, pointed ears. "Why have you not taken shape before?"

The apparition laughed lightly. : You have not asked, Legolas. :

"Were you at one time an Elf?"he asked, unable to hide his curiosity, momentarily forgetting that he had an agenda.

Gweluthand shook her head. : No. I have never been 'alive' as you would define the word. I take this form because it suits whom I am speaking to. Though I rarely do it, I can take any form I like. :

Legolas nodded, but quickly got back to business. "You still have not answered, why should you have stopped me from leaving the others behind? I only wish to save the life of my best friend and hopefully his wife in the process."

For a moment, Gweluthand regarded Legolas carefully, her shining eyes sparkling with some unexplained emotion. : Because, Aragorn told me you have not the power to defeat Graelath, as Cellnen himself did not. :

A frown crossed Legolas' face and he sighed. "Yes, I knew he had something to do with this..." the prince muttered aloud.

Gweluthand moved closer, not actually stepping, but floating toward him on the air. He tried not to move back, instead gazing into her mesmerizing eyes. : You have much to learn, young one. Including who you have inside you. Hear me now and take account. Cellnen died an ignorant death, a death that should have been prevented. Not by magic, or even Graelath's hand at all. Rather a servant of the wizard with a weapon akin to your own. :

Having made her case, the air began to swirl and the seemingly solid form of the air shield fluttered away in the wind. Legolas stood rooted to the spot. He had not thought to find out how Cellnen died, but when he thought about it, it was a pertinent piece of information.

Maybe I was a little hasty in my decision to go alone, but I must save Aragorn. I will take heed of your cautioning, Gweluthand, but I will go on. I only hope you will be with me to deal with Graelath. I will deal with all other threats alone. Please, can you relay a message to Aragorn?

She acknowledged him gently. : I should not, but I will. Taking a solid form drained me some; I will do this and leave you until you need me again. :

Legolas bit his lip, choosing his words carefully. Tell him this. I know how Cellnen died, I will be wary. He is my greatest friend and this world needs him, I will not stand by and see him die. And, Gweluthand...tell him I forgive him.

A short breeze picked up and Legolas knew his message was off. Somehow, he felt terribly alone.

Perhaps this wasn't one of my brightest ideas, the Elf thought to himself. Somehow, knowing that Cellnen had died because he had been alone and overconfident did not comfort Legolas.

Yes, he knew that he would have to watch out for that same scenario, but something was nagging in the back of his mind. Something was trying to tell him that maybe he needed his friends.

After all, Frodo had only been able to destroy the One Ring because of Gollum and Sam. He wouldn't have been able to do it alone. What if this is the same sort of situation? What if I really can't do this on my own? Have I escaped them only to go to my death for it? To let down all of Middle-Earth because I thought I was doing the right thing?

His thoughts continued to plague him as he headed onward toward Graelath's tower. Was he doing the right thing? Should he turn back now? Was he walking into a trap...to his death?


Aragorn's Company...

If Aragorn had been unwieldy before, he was impossible now. With his worry for both Arwen and Legolas, the king was inconsolable. Try as they might, Elladan and Elrohir could not break through his walls of anguish. He had asked them to forgive him for jumping at them after Legolas' disappearance but that was the last words he had spoken to anyone.

Elrond, riding beside Galadriel and Celeborn looked at his foster son with growing concern. He saw the twins' efforts, smiling wanly as they again tried to engage their little brother in conversation. It hurt his heart when they were shrugged away.

"Elrond, Aragorn will find his strength. You did not name him wrongly, he will find his hope," Galadriel gently laid a hand on the Elf Lord's arm. "It is difficult; Arwen is his wife and Legolas his best friend."

Just as she finished, Gandalf rode up to join them. "Pardon the intrusion, but do you not think it high time we took a short rest? Even if Aragorn does not see it, the men are tiring fast, even some of the elves are growing weary, they had little time to rest before setting out with us."

Elrond nodded. "I will speak to him." He urged his horse forward with a soft spoken word and soon gained on the forlorn human. "Ion nin?"

Aragorn slowed only slightly, acknowledging his foster father with a curt 'yes'. Frowning, Elrond drew himself up, refusing to give in to Aragorn's mood. "We must stop for a short respite. In your haste and grief you have neglected to see the plight of your warriors. Legolas can not have reached the tower even if he ran full speed since he left us."

He wondered if he had been wrong to mention the elf prince when he saw Aragorn's shoulders shudder. But then he caught the sniffle. Aragorn was weeping. Elrond, beside himself now, grabbed the king's reins and called loudly, "We will stop to rest and water the horses!"

Reining in Hasufel and his own mount, Elrond walked the horses a short distance from the main body, surprised that Aragorn wasn't fighting him. The man, for the most part sat in the saddle, hands lightly holding the saddle horn.

"Estel? Speak to me. You are beginning to frighten me, let out your feelings." Elrond dismounted, looking up into the tear-streaked face of the King of Gondor.

Looking down into his father's eyes, Aragorn slid from the horse, into the elf lord's waiting arms. He shuddered as sobs overtook him. Only when he had cried enough to leave a wet spot on Elrond's tunic did the man stop.

Pulling away, swiping at his eyes with a sleeve, the man stammered. "Forgive my weakness. I could not control myself, I will do better."

But Elrond stepped closer, clasping the man's shoulders. "Never be ashamed to cry in grief. You are in great pain, more so than any of us can comprehend. Since you were 20 years old, Legolas has been your best friend. You have come through many trying times together; I know you worry for his safety. And Arwen..." He wanted to say more, but found he had no voice when he tried to speak of his only daughter.

Aragorn, seeing the distress in the Elf's eyes, reached out and grabbed his father's shoulders now. "I know, you don't have to say anything, I know. We must hold onto hope. I must regain what little semblance of reason I had before."

The man risked a small smile and Elrond chuckled. "Yes, I seem to recall a time when you had some reason in that thick head of yours."

Both composed themselves and then moved to join the others. As they rounded the horses, Aragorn froze. Elrond's eyes twinkled in question. But he saw a smile cross his son's face. "Ah, mellon nin, always protecting me."

Seeing the looks in Elrond's eyes, Aragorn grinned lightly. "Legolas sent a message with Gweluthand. He knows of Cellnen's downfall, perhaps all will be well in the end."

They joined the others and for the first time, Aragorn noticed that Thranduil seemed unusually...dim. All Elves had a natural glow to them and it was only in times of great sorrow or great injury that their light dimmed. If it went out...they died.

Seeing the King of Eryn Lasgalen, sitting forlornly as far from the others as he could manage without seeming to be avoiding anyone, Aragorn realized how perilously close to losing it the Elf was.

Without drawing attention, Aragorn managed to extricate himself from the main group of travelers and he approached the king, wary that perhaps his intrusion would be resented.

When he managed to reach the Elf's side without Thranduil looking up, he knew something was very wrong. Of course something is very wrong, he thought to himself. His only relative on Middle-Earth, his only son, has gone off on a suicide mission to save, of all things, a man. Thranduil was never fond of men...this isn't helping matters.

"Hir nin My lord?" Aragorn lightly called out for the Elf, not wanting to startle him. Thranduil's gaze traveled from the ground in front of him, to Aragorn's chest, but he couldn't meet his eyes.

"Yes, Aragorn?"

He could hear a tremor in the voice. Uncertain of the cause of the tremor, he decided to tread lightly. "I was worried about you, hir nin. How this must be affecting you...you are surely distraught with worry and it is causing your light to dim."

Realizing that the direct approach might be the only way to get through to the King, Aragorn held his breath and waited for the response.

"Iston, I know" came the reply, whispered, but audible.

Thinking that Thranduil was ready to confide in someone, Aragorn sat down. He didn't notice that Thranduil still could not meet his gaze.

"Do you wish to speak of it?" the man continued, blissfully unaware of Thranduil's true feelings on the matter. At least for the moment.

"Not with you," the Elf replied, shifting uncomfortably. "Please, do not remain sitting here; you will not like what I have to say."

But Aragorn did not move. "Even if I do not like what you must say, I feel you must say it. So please, tell me what is troubling you."

And tell him Thranduil did.

Finally locking eyes with Aragorn, the King paused, giving the man time to see what was about to come. There was anger in Thranduil's eyes. Anger directed at Aragorn. Before Aragorn could react to this, the elf king spoke, his words clipped as he tried to maintain a reasonable tone of voice.

"My son is out there on this...this...mission to save you, King of Gondor, and I despise you for it. He is my only son, my only relative still on these shores, he is my life, and I have never told him thus. Now I may never have a chance to tell him, he may go to Mandos' Halls and I will never be able to tell him all that I have wished to since this began. All because of his undying love for you, a human, a love that I can not fathom nor comprehend. I despise you for what you have done to me...for what you may make me lose."

For a moment, Aragorn was speechless. He had expected anger from the King, but he had never expected this much, nor that it was directed solely at him. "Forgive me, Thranduil, but I think that your anger is somewhat misplaced. Yes it is my fault he is gone, Legolas loves me like a brother and will not leave me to a fate of death. That is his reason for going. However, it is also his own fault, for going on alone despite the misgivings we all have about the outcome. And it is also the fault of Gweluthand for helping him."

He hadn't really meant to vent like that, but he had and now he had to face the consequences. Namely, an irate Elf King. "You mean to blame my son for this? When he is out there risking his life to save your precious neck, King of Gondor? How could you blame him for that? Are you so selfish that you think he is right in doing this?" Thranduil's voice was beginning to rise despite his efforts to keep their conversation from the rest of the party.

That set off Aragorn's rarely seen, but not insignificant, temper. "Have you not seen how distraught I have been, Thranduil? Did you not see me blow up at my own brothers for letting him get away? Did you not hear nor see my tears as we finally stopped for this rest? I can not fathom a father losing a son, as I have no children, but I can fathom a husband who may lose a wife and best friend all because of ME. And even more than that, if Arwen is lost, my unborn child will also be lost. You don't know what that does to someone... the guilt I feel is tearing me apart inside and there is nothing I can do about it! I wish that Legolas had not gone, that he had not had the visions he must have had, that he had left me to my fate, even if it meant I would die!"

Thranduil was silent. Contemplating. Then, he looked up and in his eyes Aragorn saw only remorse and regret. "I am sorry for my words, Aragorn. I was letting my grief speak for me. I should not allow my ages' old dislike of the human race to taint what friendship I have with you, the best friend of my son. You are not your ancestors and you have been a great friend to Legolas. I did not take into account how you too are suffering. Please forgive my harsh words."

Aragorn, calmed slightly, but could not answer right away. His mind was still reeling with what he had just confessed. But, in a way, he was glad that the tirade had come out because he felt better with this knowledge of his feelings out in the open. "I forgive you, Thranduil. None of us are in our right minds. Let us change the subject; perhaps you can relay that tale of Legolas in the spider web for me."

"Ah yes, that I can do!" Thranduil laughed, than launched into the tale.


Across the camp, Gimli and the Hobbits had been watching the faces of Aragorn and Thranduil with some trepidation. Now, they let out sighs of relief.

"I thought they were about to unsheath their swords and begin to fight," Gimli grumbled. He didn't much like Legolas' father, he found the Elf King hardheaded and overly judgmental. Could be he just dislikes dwarves and I see the brunt of it, he thought for a moment, but quickly decided it was likely just the way the Elf was.

"Do you think Legolas will be all right?" Pippin asked from the fireside where he was munching a bit of lembas bread. "I know he is a strong warrior and all, he escaped the War of the Ring without a wound, but he is alone."

Merry looked at his cousin, but did not respond. Nor did Gimli. Finally, it was Frodo who spoke up. "Legolas is strong, Pip. If I was able to cast the Ring in the fires of Mount Doom with only the help of dear Sam here, I am certain Legolas, a finer warrior than I, will be all right."

His words were strong and soothing to the others. But Frodo, in his heart, did not heed his own sentiments. He was worried about Legolas. Worried far more then he would let on. Sam, he knew, would see right through his false façade of hope.

Gimli was eying the curly-haired Hobbit as he smoked his pipe. He too seemed to notice that the encouragement Frodo had given was only to ease the worries of his younger friend.

Pippin, for the most part, seemed to believe Frodo and relaxed a bit. "Do you think he has a plan?"

Gimli grunted at that. "That Elf never has a plan. I remember when we were traveling Middle-Earth together, seeing the sites, and it was his turn to lead, he had no direction in mind, just began to wander toward trees. I don't think he had a plan, but he doesn't need one. It's best to go with what is thrown your way then to have a set plan that might backfire on you."

The Hobbits were nodding in agreement with Gimli's sentiments. He did have a point. They were about to continue their conversation when there was a loud snorting laugh from Thranduil and Aragorn's location.

Exchanging glances, they too chuckled. "Must have gotten to the part with Legolas hanging upside down from that spider's nest, cursing in dwarfish of all languages!" Gimli laughed.

As much as he still didn't like Elves, he was really worried for Legolas. That one, he would always call a friend, and a brother-in-arms.


Legolas kept low, shimmying across the rough face of the cliff toward the edge where he caught his first glimpse of a dark tower tucked against the mountainside. He was at a loss for how this fortress could go unnoticed for so long. But looking down, he saw the ground was covered in a thick layer of fog.

No wonder they call these the 'Misty Mountains', the Elf snickered to himself. You could walk right past it and never know. If Graelath hadn't been speaking when Lowgala passed... He stopped that train of thought. That was not going to happen now that Legolas and the others knew where this tower was. They would rid the world of this wizard, one way or another.

Pushing himself backward when he realized he would see nothing from this vantage point, Legolas waited until he was sure that no one in the tower could see him before he stood again. Checking his weapons, finding them securely attached to his back, he continued toward the fortress.

A cool breeze streaked to his side and he smiled lightly, somehow knowing without asking that Gweluthand was with him. It warmed his heart knowing he would not be going into battle entirely alone. He only hoped he would not meet an end here because an air shield was one thing; his friends were another. He did not want to die alone.

The mist thickened with every step he took toward the tower, making it difficult even for an Elf to see where he was going. It wouldn't surprise him if this mist was unnatural. It felt wrong, not necessarily evil, but out of place. There was not reason for it to be so heavy; no reason besides providing cover for Graelath's tower.

He hadn't realized he had been walking so fast, but when a dark hulk began to materialize out of the mist, Legolas' step faltered. Now that he was here, he had no idea how he planned to rescue Arwen and defeat Graelath. He doubted the tower was unguarded so he couldn't just waltz in there.

I'll have to surrender myself. Surely Graelath will want to see me, he won't just order me killed; he seems too full of himself for that. Legolas hated to do it, hated to be in captivity after all the times he and Aragorn had the misfortune of falling into enemy hands, but he could think of no other alternative.

: Be careful, young one; that is what Cellnen did. :

Legolas sighed deeply, hearing the warning. Thank you, Gweluthand, but unless you have a better idea...

When he received no answer, Legolas took another step toward the tower, knowing that once he was spotted there was no turning back. This was it; any further and he was committed.

And he took another step forward.


Graelath's Fortress...

"You should eat, Queen Arwen. You only endanger the life of your unborn child the longer you refuse nourishment," Graelath stood in the door to Arwen's tower prison. In his right hand he held a bowl of stew, in the other a glass of water. "I promise the Orcs have not touched it. I do not have time to for a formal, sit-down meal with you at the moment. I have preparations to make. And I'm fairly certain your dear Aragorn would be most upset if you died of starvation before he got here."

Arwen's head snapped up at that. Aragorn? Coming here...was it true? Figuring she had nothing to lose, Arwen spoke. "How do you know he is coming, Estel is not one to walk into a trap."

Graelath laughed. "No, perhaps not, but he is doing it. He cares so much for you and no doubt your father does as well. Surely they would not leave you to torment here, love can make people do the most unwise things."

Father? Then he is alive! Hearing that Elrond lived warmed her heart. She could only assume that the twins had found the Elf Lord. All hope was not lost if they were coming to her aide. She didn't know if Graelath knew these things for certain or if he was only guessing, but she needed some hope in this dismal place.

Reaching forward tentatively, she accepted the food. It was breakfast time and she was rather hungry. There was no way of knowing whether or not it was drugged or poisoned, she knew that she had likely angered the wizard with her outburst at the end of their last meal. But her pregnancy made her need more sustenance then normal and her strength was nearly gone as it was.

The darkness was taking its toll on the Evenstar. She could feel it encroaching on her...feel it begin to take its hold on her and drain her of strength. She wasn't even sure the food would be enough.

Graelath watched as she ate, smiling lightly. He was about to speak again when an Orc crept up behind him and 'ahem'd'. "My Lord, we have caught an Elf."

Hearing him, Arwen's eyes widened and she looked up in terror. Who did they catch?