I anticipated to post this sooner, but I didn't get the chance really… But here it is…

RR

Too much darkness in a day…

Chapter 5: Hope?

"So this is adar's study, but I suppose you already knew that" Eleiden explained opening the wooden door.

"Great, go on, I've seen this room already…" Menenwen smiled, seemingly interested.

'Such a nice person' Eleiden thought sarcastically before leading her further down the hallway. "There's only one thing left to show you." He stated climbing the stairs, he didn't show the relief that went over him.

He indicated the first room they encountered "Our father retires to this chamber, if he doesn't fall asleep in his study that is!"

"And this is mine" Eleiden said showing the one next to his father's.

"And the last one down this hall is your brother's then?" she asked curiously.

"Yes, it is"

"So where's your father now?"

"He had to take care of some business in the city, I guess he'll be back soon." Eleiden pointed out watching her every move trying to figure out her intentions.

"That's good, I think I'll go to my room now, I could use some rest." She said still smiling.

Eleiden nodded 'At this time of day?' he thought confused. "very well." He remembered his brothers words 'I should keep an eye on her, she's up to something'. He didn't see Menenwen's smile fade as she left the hallway. His father and Menenwen wouldn't form the perfect couple, that was certain.

He didn't give it another thought.

Puzzled blue eyes met a white ceiling. When Legolas turned his head he saw a young boy sitting in a chair next to the bed he was apparently lying in. He frowned 'What happened?' he tried to focus his mind on the last events.

"You are awake!" the boy suddenly exclaimed making Legolas' ears ring. "Sorry" he apologised when he noticed his voice caused the elf pain. Before Legolas could reply the child stood up "I'm going to get ada, he told me to get him when you woke." He explained.

There was something strange with this child, his steps weren't as light as an elf's, he had a totally different posture, and the ears… he's human! Legolas was a little too dazed to notice it immediately. Legolas tried to recollect what had happened. His head didn't seem to agree tough. He tried to sit up but a voice stopped him.

"Lie still penneth."

'Penneth? Not many people call me that except for adar and…'

Legolas shifted his position again facing the door now. "Elrond? How did I get here?" Elrond sat on the bed. "What do you remember exactly?" he asked carefully.

"Wargs." Legolas stopped for a moment "Arandur, I sent him, did he make it here?"

"As a matter of fact, yes he did, he's the reason we managed to locate you"

"Where is he, is he alright?"

"Take it easy, he's fine, only a few scratches."

Legolas hesitated before asking a new question "And… the others?"

Elrond sighed and lowered his head for a moment before locking eyes with Legolas "You were the only one still alive."

Legolas wasn't sure how to react "Everyone?"

"I'm afraid so" Elrond nodded sincerely.

Elrond noticed Legolas needed some time to think and rest so he stood. "I think Arandur will be ready to come here and… what's the right word… amuse you? As soon as he learns your awake now, and so will Elladan and Elrohir, I'm keeping them at ease, in case you're wondering why they haven't ran over the door yet."

Elrond earned a small smile from Legolas "You should rest, we'll talk more tomorrow"

"Who's the young one that was sitting here earlier?" Legolas curiously asked.

"I think he'd be glad to introduce himself" Elrond smiled warmly "You can come in" he addressed someone out of sight.

A young boy, barely 7 in human years, his black hair in a mess quietly walked inside. "I'm Estel" he said offering his hand, Legolas did the same also saying his name. "I will let you sleep now." Estel said walking out the room again.

Legolas smiled "How…"

"I'll explain later." Elrond followed Estel out of the room and Legolas was left alone with his thoughts.

Elrond had sent word to Mirkwood to inform the king of this new change of events, and only a few days later a messenger arrived at the gates. As always Thranduil was in his study taking care of business when a loud knock interrupted his work.

"Come in." He called not even looking up.

One of his loyal servants walked in with a Noldor elf.

Thranduil finally eyed the pair suspiciously "A message from Rivendell I assume?" he guessed correctly.

"Indeed my lord." The Noldor elf started, the servant still standing at his side knew this was going to be a private conversation so he left the two to talk.

"Go on…"

"Prince Legolas is in Imladris at this moment, he was injured during a warg battle, but not too gravely…" the messenger took in a deep breath before continuing "The other warriors died during that same battle, only prince Legolas and commander Arandur survived my lord" he explained solemnly.

Thranduil didn't have the right words in his mouth to answer, he didn't even know if such words existed. He just sat there for a while, unmoving, not sure if he should give a sign or not. In the end he had to respond.

"I'm afraid I cannot leave Mirkwood, I have duties I have to oblige to, but I will definitely send someone with you and I think Eleiden will be more than willing to join you on your return." Thranduil stated, immediately coming to the point. "And more warriors…"

"That's not necessary my lord, lord Elrond took every possible precaution for this journey, and you cannot miss any of your warriors now."

"I suppose you have a point…" Thranduil sighed and gave in. "Very well, I want a report of some kind though"

"Of course my lord, I only hope our next encounter will be under more pleasant circumstances."

"So do I, … so do I…"

Don't forget to review (hint, hint!) on your way out ! Hope you all liked it. I'll try and update very soon…

Translations:

Penneth: Young one

Imladris: Rivendell

Ada: Daddy

Adar: Father