When the Red Snow Falls

Chapter 16: Questions Answered

Don't own.

-still snickering from the cliff hanger in the last chapter-

All heads snapped to Thranduil. His eyes were wide, red, and his cheeks were tear stained. No one spoke. All were waiting for Thranduil to say something.

"Go ahead! Tell them!" Eärendir said, crossing his arms over his chest. "Tell about how I should be the crowned prince and not my useless brother." Órelindë looked to Thranduil. He didn't look like he was going to say anything, so she did, since she was the only other person who knew.

"It's true." Gasps came from Celeborn and Galadriel. "The night that Aranel was born, there was a second baby born. Ireth named him Eärendir. She fought hard to keep both of the babies with her, but, it was soon decided that Eärendir should be sent away, because it would cause a fight to break out over the crown." Órelindë said.

"How did you find out?" Thranduil asked Eärendir. The elf looked up at the king.

"What do you mean how did I find out? I look exactly like him! Although, I thought it was just a coincidence. That was until a few months ago when I happened across he and Náessë at the river. I saw the same birthmark on his back as I have. I knew then that the rumors around my settlement must be true. That I was the brother of Aranel, Crowned Prince of Mirkwood." He said. "But, since you sent me away, I have come back to claim the throne. With Valandil on the verge of death, and Náessë dead, I will surely be victorious." He said with an evil laugh. Thranduil's eyes narrowed and he started to lunge at the elf, but Celeborn grabbed him and stopped him.

"What have you done with Aranel?" Thranduil shouted. Eärendir just smiled. Thranduil broke free from Celeborn and rushed at Eärendir, but because he was so blind with rage, he didn't see when Eärendir pulled out a dagger and held it up.

"Thranduil!" Both Galadriel and Celeborn shouted at the same time, but he could not act quick enough. The knife was plunged deep into his stomach. His eyes went wide and he clutched the dagger protruding from his stomach. Thranduil slumped to the ground.

"Now, to finish off Legolas." Eärendir said, and he turned and ran to the palace. Órelindë looked to Galadriel and Celeborn.

"I'll stay with Thranduil. Go find the captain of the guards and save Legolas!" She cried, dropping to the ground beside the king. The lord and lady of the wood nodded, and they ran off.

The heat of the flames was getting ever closer to Náessë and Haldir. Sweat was pouring down the princess's face. "N-Náessë?" Haldir said, lifting his eyes to her. She looked down at him, and she could see that he also had tears in his eyes.

"What is it?" She asked.

"I'm sorry I could not protect you." He said. She smiled a little, and brushed a stray lock of hair from his face.

"It is not your fault." She said. Haldir smiled.

"Princess Náessë!!" Náessë turned when she heard her name being called. She looked around. Through the flames, she could see four figures.

"In here!!" She called back. She watched as snow was being thrown on the fire in an attempt to stop the flames. It worked for a little bit, and one of the figures was able to jump through the flames. He had light brown hair and deep green eyes. He ran to Náessë and dropped down beside her.

"Your highness, my name is Dearon. I am... one of the guards that was demoted." He said. Náessë held her breath. She thought maybe he was going to kill her here and now.

"I am sorry." She said quietly. He shook his head.

"Think nothing of it. Come. We must get you out of here. Eärendir is getting out of control." He said.

"Who is.." She started to ask, but he cut her off.

"That's not important. Come on." He said. He lifted Haldir up off the ground. They moved a little closer to the flames, and on the other side, the other three were throwing snow on the flames. It went down a little.

"Jump through, princess." Dearon shouted to her over the roar of the fire. Náessë bit her lip. She closed her eyes, and jumped.

She felt the heat licking at her body as she flew through the flames. She thought she wasn't going to make it, and she was going to burn to death. But she felt hands on her arms and shoulders. She opened her eyes and saw three faces. The three elves pulled her away from the fire. She smiled and started to thank them, but her world went dark.

Saeros picked Náessë up in his arms, and they waited for Dearon to come through with Haldir. Finally, he jumped through the flames, and the four of them, carrying Náessë and Haldir, made their way back to the cave.

Alrighty. I know, short chapter. But let's recap.

-Thranduil was just stabbed and is now bleeding in the middle of the snow. Órelindë stayed with him while Galadriel and Celeborn went to find Finwë.

-Legolas is in the Hall of Healing with Uruviel.

-Lólindir is with Valandil on their way to Rivendell.

-Náessë and Haldir were rescued by the four guards and are being taken back to the cave.

-Eärendir is on his way to kill Legolas.

I think that's everyone. Haha. Well, except for one. -cough- Anyways, the next chapter will be longer and probably focus on just one of those things up there.. maybe two.

Tomorrow, September 5, is my birthday! Sixteen years old! Wee!

Later-

Blue September Rain