The 'Life in Imladris' Arc – stories focused on the inhabitants of Rivendell.
Deception and Heartbreak

Disclaimer: This fictional story is completely made up for fun and no profit is made from it. Any similarities to real events or other writings is purely coincidental.

Please leave me a review or constructive criticism. I want to be a better writer. Thank yous are at the end of the chapter.

A/N: I hate to post two chapters at a time (though you guys probably don't mind ;) ) but due to my time constraints, it's the only way I can finish posting the whole story before I leave. Enjoy.

Chapter Sixteen

"Elrohir should return shortly with Legolas," Elrond informed the Mirkwood king as he closed the door to the library. Thranduil nodded shortly and wandered over to one of the towering shelves, peering at the books displayed proudly. Celebrían took a seat in one of the high-backed chairs near a stone fireplace. The embers glowed, but the library was warm enough so they didn't bother to stroke the fire back to life.

"Would you tell us of what transpired in Greenwood?" Elrond requested, taking a seat in the chair beside his wife's.

"It was an ill-attempted coup," Thranduil said tiredly. "One of my lieutenants, Dûridhren, fell under the influence of the Dark Lord during the war. When Sauron was defeated, he realized his mistake and his guilt plagued him. Slowly, it drove him mad. He began to believe he was destined to be the next powerful enemy of the Free Peoples."

"How did he come to have access to private rooms of the palace?" Celebrían questioned curiously.

"He had been close to my father," Thranduil admitted. "I never fully trusted him, yet others around me did, so I allowed his presence in the palace. I will not doubt my instincts again."

"I understand the pressure advisors can place on a leader," Elrond said carefully, not wanting Thranduil to take offense to anything he said. "On many occasions I have experienced overzealous advisors." Thranduil nodded in agreement and Elrond breathed a little easier.

"Tell us, Thranduil, why did the elf attack Legolas' nanny?" Celebrían wanted to know.

"She was an unfortunate casualty," Thranduil replied thickly. He cleared his throat before continuing. Merilië and he were of an age and had been friends as elflings. She was one of the few he had entrusted the care of his son to after the queen had died. "Being close to the palace staff, Dûridhren knew my one weakness." Elrond wisely refrained from raising an eyebrow at Thranduil's insinuation that he only had one weakness.

"Legolas," Celebrían guessed. She could sympathize.

"Yes," Thranduil confirmed. "His goal was not to kill Merilië but to take Legolas hostage. He wanted me to abdicate." Before he could continue a maiden knocked on the door, bearing a tray of tea and small biscuits. Celebrían thanked her and then looked to Thranduil to continue.

"Now he waits in the dungeons. I am hesitant to banish him. Nothing would prevent him from trying to re-enter Greenwood."

"I understand your concerns," Elrond spoke. "Have you considered having him escorted to Mithlond?"

"I had not," Thranduil replied. He looked as if he was seriously considering the idea. Elrond smirked to himself internally.

The sound of the thick wooden door to the library opening alerted all in the room to the arrival of more company. Celebrían looked up from where she was pouring cups of tea for herself, Elrond, and Thranduil while Thranduil told them of the developments in Mirkwood. To her delight, it was the two elves they were waiting for. However, her happiness turned cold quickly as she regarded the newcomers. She set the tea kettle down heavily on the tray, not minding the hot liquid that sloshed over the sides of the cups and onto her hands.

"Elrohir, sweetheart, what's wrong?" she exclaimed as she hurried to his side, gracefully sidestepping the prince as he raced for his father's outstretched arms. All Legolas' fears of finding out his father had been maimed by the murderer because he had told Celebrían his identity fled upon seeing the king whole and healthy.

Elrohir shook his head, not trusting his voice now that he was confronted with his mother's overwhelming concern. "Oh, precious," Celebrían whispered, recalling the conversation she had had with Elladan on the night of the feast and knowing what bothered her son. "Come with me." She ushered him from the room, not even bothering to excuse herself from the company of her husband and the king.

"I wonder what that is all about," Thranduil frowned. He could tell from Elrond's stiff posture that he wanted to follow his wife and find out what troubled his youngest but he restrained himself for his guest.

"That elleth," Legolas answered angrily. He proceeded to tell the two lords what had transpired in the garden not fifteen minutes prior.

tbc…

please review.

Thank you:
Arialas – Lol, it helps having the entire story written before I even begin posting, and also I'm leaving for a month in Europe on July 15th, and I want to have all the story posted before I go. I'd also like to post Severance, which is this close to being completed.

Seeing-spots – I know what you speak of. As I go back and read some earlier stories I started, I cringe to see the Grey Elvish all over. My favorite is mellonamin, which I see every where. :)

Coolio – Elrohir will be okay for the most part.

Arian – Lol, you responded to 13 right as I posted 14, so I was unable to thank you for your review promptly. I don't know what Elrohir would have thought it the red-head was a murderer!