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: The last chapter! Unfortunately, I didn't finish Severance in time, but you should get it as soon as I return… August 16th/17th.

Chapter Nineteen

Fortunately, for Thranduil's sanity and peace of mind, the opportunity never presented itself for Legolas to find himself in the company of the 'Lorien warrior. The Mirkwood party left early the next morning. Thranduil was eager to return to his kingdom which was still reeling from the betrayal of one of their own. The friends and family of Lord Elrond were sad to see the little prince go as he had grown close to their hearts during his brief stay in the hidden valley.

"Are you quite sure the palace is safe again?" Celebrían inquired of the blond king from her kneeling position on the smooth stone of the courtyard. In her protective arms was Legolas, diplomatically enduring her restraining hug. Despite her submissive position to Thranduil, the look in her eyes told him that he had better be sure all evil was vanquished from his halls before loosing the prince within them again.

"Cele, darling," Elrond pleaded, placing his hand on her shoulder. He knew his strong-willed wife cared nothing for tense accords between estranged nations when a child was at risk. Still, that did not change the fact that Thranduil was looking rather annoyed at having his parenting skills questioned by the daughter of Celeborn. "I am sure Thranduil has taken all measures to ensure peace in his halls."

"I have," Thranduil agreed tightly. He did not like how possessive these Noldo had become of his little Greenleaf. He especially didn't like that his precious child had been allowed to be influenced by the less-than-commendable Galadhrim.

Celebrían grudgingly released the little prince and stood, taking her husband's hand. Thranduil deftly lifted Legolas onto the back of the king's massive warhorse before any of the other gathered elves got any ideas about trying to keep his son in Imladris. He mounted gracefully behind his son and patted the horse's thick neck. There were no reins to grab hold of, as was the Mirkwood way to not harness their steeds with saddles or tack.

"Thank you for your hospitality, Eärendilion," Thranduil said formally.

"You will send a message when you reach your halls safely," Celebrían informed him. Thranduil complied with a sharp nod. He motioned for his escort to prepare to depart. The party, dressed in browns and greens, rode from the valley without a backward glance.

Rúmil and the remaining elves of Lothlórien who had accompanied Menelluin back to Imladris departed that afternoon. The Last Homely House felt empty now to Lindir. All of the guests were parted and Glorfindel had wasted no time returning to the training fields and his warriors.

Slowly, he made his way back to his small suite and dropped down unceremoniously onto chair before his golden harp. He plucked despondently at the perfectly tuned strings.

"May I sit, Lord Elrohir?" the little redhead questioned softly. She had finally tracked the elusive half-elf down in his mother's favorite garden, curled up beneath a flowering apple tree with a thick book.

"If you wish," Elrohir answered. He snapped his book shut and climbed to his feet, preparing to leave.

"No, please do not go," the elleth begged. "I wish to apologize!"

"I do not wish to hear an apology if it is borne by a chastisement from my father or brother," Elrohir informed her.

"It is not," she insisted.

"I find it difficult to believe anything that comes from your mouth. Lies flow more sweetly from your lips than songs of blessing."

"Then look at me and you shall see the truth in my eyes," she demanded.

"How are you so sure it is even I that you speak to. Perhaps I am truly Elladan," Elrohir sneered. The elleth pressed her lips together tightly. Regret ate at her, as well as guilt. He must let her explain!

"I have been able to tell you two apart for many weeks," the redhead declared. "I am not as uninspired as you would like to believe."

"No, you are not. Rather, you are cruel and heartless. You are venal."

"You dishonor me," she accused him, folding her arms across her chest.

"You have dishonored yourself," Elrohir replied darkly.

"Let me explain my actions, lest you think wrongly of me for all eternity," she pleaded, changing her tone in hopes of gaining some sympathy from the usually more passive twin. When Elrohir didn't look moved, she added, "Lest I think wrongly of you for the rest of my days." He had always appeared to her as a forgiving and caring individual who would place the needs of others above his own. That was why she had approached him initially. She refused to believe he would send her away so callously.

"Fine," Elrohir acquiesced.

"Please sit," she requested, kneeling herself and patting the soft grass beside her. Elrohir complied tensely. "You must understand," she started nervously, "what I did, I did not do out of maliciousness or want of power. You know my story. My father passed over the sea decades ago, leaving me in the care of my only my mother, who is weary of Middle-earth. Now we, too, travel to the undying lands. But Elrohir, I am not ready to depart. The song of the sea is not within me yet. I do not wish to leave Middle-earth. I told my mother this, but she refused to let me remain behind. She declared that only if I was bound to the heir of a king would she relent to my staying."

"You are your own person. She does not control you," Elrohir stated, glaring across the manicured plants of the garden. She could tell he was not moved by her tale.

"She is my only family in Middle-earth; I could not openly disobey her," she said defensively.

"Then answer me this: If it was Elladan who caught your eye all along, why bother dragging me into this charade of yours?"

"Because I was afraid of your brother," she admitted.

"Afraid of Elladan? You surely are muddled in the head."

"It may be hard for you to see Elrohir, being on the inside. It is obvious that Elladan cares greatly for you. To outsiders, he is often less than approachable. It is hard to explain, but he is so confident, so sure of himself, that he is intimidating. He does not love easily and I feared I would not be able to gain his attention."

"So you hoped to use me to grow close to Elladan," Elrohir concluded.

"No… yes," she admitted sadly. "And I hate myself for it, you must believe me. If you would, think of it as an indication of your fine character. Elves are drawn to you for your charisma and openness to others."

"You do realize that now I will be less than charismatic or open to ellyth seeking my attentions."

"Then I have done a great disservice to my fellow females," she sighed. "Well, there you have it. That is my reason for what I did. I am not proud of myself. I wish I could return to the past and undo all that has been done."

"Perhaps I understand your reasons, but I do not agree with them," Elrohir replied. "Your excuses do not change the fact that I feel dirty and used. I find it harder to trust strangers and I am less outgoing with my friends of old. One day, I hope I will feel whole once again. On that day, you will have my forgiveness." He stood quickly and left in such haste that he forgot his book. The elleth watched him leave forlornly until she could no longer see him. She glanced down at the book curiously and flipped it open to the page marked by the last reader. To her dismay, the words revealed the story of Beren and Lúthien, the greatest love story in the history of Middle-earth.

She vowed then that she would not leave the shores of Middle-earth until she had gained Elrohir's forgiveness. She would defy her mother and even the will of the Lord Elrond if it came to that, but she would see the younger twin whole again. Only by knowing unquestioningly of Elrohir's love for another could she ever forgive herself.

The End!

please review.

Thank You:
I will try to personally respond by email to any reviews I get for this last chapter while I'm overseas.

Seeing-spots – Haha, that's exactly how I see Rumil when I write him. Unfortunately, Elrond's confrontation was behind the scenes, but 'Ro tells her what's up.

Arian – I'm excited… nervous, but excited. Hopefully you got this in time!

Arialas – Thank you very much!

For those of you that are interested, I will be keeping an online journal of my trip at www-dot-geocities-dot-com/ourlilbj/europe-dot-html.