A/N: Thanks to those who reviewed. You all deserve a cookie of choice. Sorry for making you guys wait for an update. I had about half of this one done then came the dreaded (dramatic theme music) writes block! (Scream.) Someone really should invent a cure for this

Elven Kitten: Glad you liked, here's the next one.

Deep Sorrow: Yep, poor Curudae.

Beginning 'n' End: Thanks for all the wonderful reviews + help.

A/N: Sorry for the short Reviews

Chapter 8: A Witches Help

"My apologies good sir. My dog here ran away from me."

"It is fine no one was hurt." said Legolas. "But my lady you should not be out here alone.

There are dangerous creatures in these woods." Concern for the young woman's well-being dripping in his voice.

"Oh, don't worry about me. I can take care of anything that comes my way."

"My name is Krystal."

"I am Legolas."

Krystal smiled softly, "You have a kind voice Sir Elf."

Legolas stood in shock, "How…but… I thought."

Krystal laughed lightly, "You have a very distinct feel about you. I have run into Elves before. There is a way about them that sets them apart from men."

"How so my lady?" For Legolas have never heard from another human being of what they thought of Elves…except for Estel. He was almost a little worried for her answer; most humans wanted nothing to do with Elves and considered them a nuisance at the very least. There weren't many who thought differently aside from the rangers and Estel, but Estel was raised by Elves so he didn't have much of a negative opinion, and the Rangers worked with Elves on a regular basis. Others tended to be a little wary of the first born. Preferring to stay away or make any necessary encounters as short lived as possible.

Krystal seemed to consider this for a moment before speaking, "It's hard to explain, but there is a difference between you past physical appearance. Your voice for one. It's calmer, softer, with years of wisdom and knowledge hidden in their depths. The way you walk with care, not even trampling the dead leaves. The way nature itself seems calmer when your kind are near. It's like they know you will protect them without question. Oh, yes a definite difference between the two."

Legolas was amazed, very few thought of Elves in that manner.

The dog turned to his master and with a whimper and nudge of her hand he asked for attention.

Krystal smiled, "Well it seems Demon says it's time to go. So I must be off. Thank you again for catching my dog. I could only follow him because of the barks, I was afraid he would go too far ahead and I wouldn't be able to hear him anymore."

Legolas instantly felt the pangs of sympathy for the woman. She looked no older than mid maybe late twenties, far too young to be on her own and in the condition she was in. He was amazed she survived out here with only a dog, but that would only last so long, before something or someone would decide she was an easy target.

Legolas reached out to the woman, but a warning growl from the dog stopped him from getting too close.

"Demon, be sweet." said Krystal to the large dog.

"You named him Demon?" asked Legolas.

"I thought it was a fitting name for him. He's a good protector and is willing to take on almost anything that comes too close, but at the same time he can be gentle when it comes to helping me."

"What were you doing out here all alone?" said Legolas concerned.

"I was out picking up a few things from town."

After the animals had calmed down and seemed a little more at ease with each other Legolas walked back with the woman to her home. Demon walked ahead of his master on the long leash, but kept close enough that if he had to he could turn around and sink his teeth into the Elf if he dared to harm his master.

Coming around the bend Legolas saw a small horse tied to a cart. The cart was filled with various boxes and bags. Krystal walked along the side of the cart feeling her way along the side until she reached the horse. There she griped the reigns and started to move forward, but the horse refused to budge. She patted the animal's nose and tried again. Legolas's horse also stopped and began to pull back. Trying to get his own master away from the danger sitting very clearly in front of them.

The smaller horse whinnied in protest; he didn't want to move for some reason. Legolas looked down and there he saw the reason of the animals concern. A large snake was curled up along the path.

"Stop." he said softly. "Don't force him to move."

"But he's being stubborn like he always is. Sometimes he just needs a push to get going."

"That may be, but this time he has his reasons."

"Reasons?"

"There's a rather large snake in the pathway, and judging from the markings it's poisonous."

"A-A snake." Krystal's fear came through in her voice.

Legolas patted her shoulder to reassure her, "Don't worry I'll take care of it."

Looking around he spotted a long forked branch that had fallen from one of the trees. He picked it up and gently bent it around the middle, testing its strength. Nodding his approval, he cautiously approached the sleeping reptile. (!Important Note: Do Not try this at home. I don't think it would actually work in real life, and don't recommend it unless you're the Crocodile Hunter or an official expert in reptiles. Remember poking a snake has consequences.)

Pausing for a moment to locate the animals head and prepare for an angry snake. Its actions were swift and flowed smoothly from years of practice. He scooped the snake and flung into the woods away from them. He didn't want to hurt the animal, but there was no easy way to remove it without being bitten. Watching the now angry snake slither away he surmised that the animal was fine.

He turned back to see Krystal now standing in the back of her cart with Demon by her side. Fear and worry etched into her face.

"Its gone now." said Legolas easing the woman's fears.

"Oh, thank you."

"No, stay there. I take you home, where do you live?"

"Just stay straight on the path and it will lead you there." Krystal settled down in the back of the cart. "Why are you helping me?"

"I told you before, it's dangerous out here." Legolas said softly as he began to lead the horse and cart while his own followed behind.

"Thank you for your help Prince Legolas of Mirkwood." said Krystal

"How do you know who I am?" asked Legolas

Krystal giggled slightly, "So I'm right." Silence fell for a short time before she continued.

"Your voice is a lot like your mothers. Soft and gentle like the summer wind, but commanding respect at the same time."

Legolas's eyes softened, "You knew my mother?" he asked softly.

Krystal hesitated, "Our paths have crossed a few times in the past."

"My mother died a long time ago. I never knew her. My father says her and I are a lot alike."

"Of that I have no doubt; you sound so much alike that it wouldn't surprise me if you looked like her too."

Legolas looked stunned. "You've seen my mother? But looking at you I thought…"

"I've only been blind for a short while. I was practicing a spell to turn animals into people and vice-versa when I mixed a few wrong ingredients. You see, I'm a witch."

Legolas stiffened slightly at this omission.

"Does that frighten you?" asked Krystal a little worried the Elf would run off.

Legolas stalled in his steps. At first he considered leaving, but the more he thought he found that he could sense no danger emanating from the woman. She didn't act like she wanted to hurt him. If she did she had plenty of opportunities to do so earlier.

"No." Krystal smiled slightly and turned her head where she could hear him, "The way I see it if you wanted to curse me or something you would have done so sooner. So you can't be too evil."

Krystal smiled fully now and laughed lightly. "Truly? Thank you. Most find out what I am and run, you really are so much like your mother."

Coming around the bend where the trail ended he saw a quaint little cabin with a stone walkway leading up to the doorstep. The stones used to build the cabin shined in the afternoon sun. Bushes lined the house's sides while a little garden sat alongside the front porch. White laundry shifted quietly in the breeze.

Stopping the hose at the porch he helped the young witch out of the cart.

"Its past noon sir elf, have you eaten yet?" she asked

"No, but…"

"Oh well then I have some food left over if you'd like."

Before Legolas could answer he was dragged into the kitchen, pushed into a chair at the table where a plate filled with bread, cheese, and berries was in front of him.

"Please eat. I insist on it."

Legolas ate and afterwards helped load some of the heavier and bulkier things into the house setting them where Krystal told him. Some of the things he could recognize, others he couldn't, and some he probably didn't even want to know what it was used for. As he came out Krystal handed him a basket.

"If you don't mind can you do me one last favor?"

"Of course."

"Will you put the laundry on the line over there in this basket? I always have such a hard time finding them when they're hanging."

"Yes."

Legolas walked over to where the clean laundry was hung and carefully set them in the basket, before bringing them back to where Krystal sat wringing out some dirty laundry.

"You seem sad. Why so forlorn?" she asked concerned.

"Terrible things are happening in my home. All my friends are dying left and right and don't know how to stop it."

"I see. How tragic."

Legolas nodded sadly.

"So what are you going to do about it?" Krystal started to sort the laundry. Legolas watched as she held each cloth with care and slowly ran her fingers along the edges; feeling for the familiar designs that told her where the piece belonged. "Your silence says much, sir Elf. Surly you would not sit idly by and let this happen?"

"No, I would never. It's just I can't…" Legolas paused unsure of how exactly to explain.

"I can't remember some things." The princes voice slightly above a whisper.

Krystal paused in her work, "What do you mean?"

"Not too long ago my friends and I were out roaming through Mirkwood." Legolas began his tale of all that had happened from the beginning and Krystal listened with heightened interest. To her this tale was very familiar.

When Legolas had finished he almost laughed at how strange and unlikely it sounded, but then again with all the things he had witnessed in his long life he could honestly say that it fell in line with several strange, and very trying, occurrences.

"If only I can remember what happened to me, then I might be able to fix this. I know I can."

"Hmm, you know this sounds familiar. There's a story that my grandmother once told me that sounds very similar to what you are experiencing."

"Really." said Legolas.

"Oh yes, would you like to hear it."

"As much as I would love nothing more my lady I fear I must decline." The blond prince started.

"Please, it might help you with what you're looking for."

Legolas sighed in defeat "If you insist."

"It starts out with a man, but he was no ordinary man, oh no. This man was different, this was a cursed man, a man with a monster bread inside, though he didn't know it. He never knew." Krystal set aside her unfinished laundry as she began to weave her tale. Her sightless eyes caught the Elf Prince's as she began.

"It was many years ago, in the years when Gondor had first been formed on the mountainside. One of the guards had gone to explore and map out the new territory when he first encountered them. His travels brought him deep into the forest and he soon became lost. Trying desperately he searched for a way back, but his efforts were in vain and darkness was soon upon him. Howls in the distance reminded him of the werewolves that hunted along the borders. Panicked he sent his horse to rundown a path he hoped would lead him home. At long last a light appeared in a small clearing in the woods where he found a cabin. The howls were coming closer as the werewolves closed in on their pray.

He reached the clearing to see a small cabin sitting near the back. He slowed his panicky horse and ran towards the door. Torches light the pathway to the front door. The werewolves are coming closer now; he can almost see them on the forest edge.

A little scared he quickly thought that this was as good a place as any to make a last stand. He was in the open where he could easily see all the dogs when they attacked.

Coming out from trees the werewolves prepared to pounce. Their fangs bared, a madding wild look in the dark depths of their eyes. Drool dripped from the glistening fangs, muscle coiled under the fur and skin as the wild animals prepared to strike. They seemed to be waiting for something, a signal of some sort to attack. These animals were smart they acted as if they were trying to decide on the best way to attack.

Finally they must have decided on some sort of attack plan, because suddenly all the werewolves charged. The man prepared for the worst as he waited to strike down the first dog that came close enough for him to strike. But he never had the chance. The werewolves had run at full force from all around, when suddenly they yelped and backed off a little.

The werewolves looked almost confused, not sure of what had happened. Some of the braver, or perhaps stupid, however you want to see it, charged again. This time the Knight saw it, streaks of light coming from the ground and electrocuting the animals that came to close. It was as if multiple bolts of lighting was coming from the ground. At last the animal managed to escape its torment only to die before it had gone too far.

The Knight inched closer to the dead wolf.

"Don't get too close or the same thing will happen to you." came a voice from behind him.

He turned around to find an elderly man, in which seconds later an elderly woman also emerged from behind the house.

"That barrier you stand in is the only thing keeping them from snapping at you. It keeps them out, but if you try to break through it will shock you too." said the old woman.

"Oh." said the Knight unable to think of any other way to reply.

The woman smiled, "It is some time until dawn, and we do not dare to take the barrier down. So please let us put you up for the night."

"Barrier?"

"Yes, we put it up to keep the werewolves out."

The Knight, not wishing to be left out to fight off the werewolves agreed to this. The Gondor man told them of his mission and asked of how they managed to live in a deserted forest like this. They replied they had a power unmatched by few, and they lived separate to keep from being bothered by those who feared those like them. He sympathized and told them that he'll come and visit as often as he can.

Days soon turned into weeks, and weeks became months. Every chance he got he would visit the elderly couple and offered help fixing what needed fixed, as well as fetching supplies from nearby Gondor. Never once was the fact of their craft ever talked about or mentioned. They had helped him after all, and they had never done anything to harm anyone.

However as time passed the werewolves grew bolder in their actions. They had become difficult to capture and even harder to destroy. Hunters were called in from all over Arda, but sadly they either died or were reduced to babbling idiots. One day a wizard dressed in white approached the leader of Gondor, and to him he told what was bringing the dogs to his door.

"It is the witch and warlock in the forest commanding the wolfmen. They seek to bring down Gondor." The wizard cried to the council. "We must use the one who has gained the trust of the two. Only he can get close enough to destroy them."

The wizard was well known and greatly trusted and what was said was accepted without question. They brought the Knight that had been helping the old man and woman. There they told him the happenings with the werewolves and how the couple had been the cause. The man hated what he had to do, and wanted no part in it at first. Later the wizard caught up with him and told him what he knew, slowly the man was convinced, but still he did not like what had to be done.

"They are the tamers of the werewolves." he said.

"Tamers?" asked the Knight.

"Yes, the werewolves in this area are controlled solely by those two alone. They are evil witches and warlocks. They have plans to lay waste to this city and all who live in it."

"H-How can I stop them?"

"You can't on your own. I will help you. Give you the power you need to defeat them."

"The knight took the power offered to him. The next full moon he slaughtered the old man and his wife. The werewolves as he later found out had left not long after the wizard had first arrived. He had slaughtered the man and woman without reason. But that was not the end of his tale. He still held the demon inside him. The power given to him by the wizard turned out to be a curse.

"You see, his killing did not stop after the first two. No, that was only the beginning of a long and bloody path. Murders were showing up left and right around Gondor. It was thought that werewolf had made its home amongst the humans there. At least that's what all the marks on the corpses pointed to. He had been one of the ones who watched out for the people at night. He didn't realize who the true killer was until he slaughtered his own wife and child."

"He killed his own family." said Legolas in horror.

"Yes. Pity he didn't realize what he was doing until it was too late."

"What did he do to cure it? Surely he did not live out the rest of his life like this."

Krystal turned back to her unfinished laundry. "He found his cure not long after. The granddaughter of the couple in the woods came into town one day. Now most girls are normally sweet and kind, but this one had never learned kindness. Unlike most girls she was a bit of a tomboy, even her own parents would call her wild. She could be nice if she wanted to, but not that day. No, on that day she wanted revenge for what was done to her.

It wasn't long before word reached the now ex-knight in hiding, and the two met. The man explained his situation and swore that had he known what he knows now he would have never accepted the offer. Now the woman had been following in her grandmother's footsteps when it came to witchcraft and so knew countless spells and counter spells of her own. She had heard of the ancient magic being used and also knew of the way to counter it. So in secret she gave him instructions on what to do, with orders to burn it when he was done.

The instructions told of the moon turning blood red once every few years. It is on that night when the moon is at its highest could the curse be broken. But there is a great cost. He will not die unless it is of his own free will. He must find a way to kill himself before time is out. He could try for countless years if he wished, but each time the moon turns red the less control he has. His control over the demon inside him was already brittle and dieing. It wouldn't be long before he lost himself to the monster within. So before he could harm any others that were dear to him on the first blood moon he hung himself. But man say he did not die straight away, that somehow he managed to linger in this world a few more days before death claimed him."

"So he died in the end." said Legolas sadly.

"Yes. In the end death was all there was for him." Krystal stared solemnly at the laundry.

"It is the reason why witches and warlocks no longer offer spells and tricks to benefit man. We fear that one day what we know might be turned against us."

"What about the demon?"

Krystal thought for a moment, "Hmm, I believe he disappeared when the man died."

"Is it possible that it can return?"

"Anything's possible. The demon was created with a spell so I suppose it can return with one. But that was so long ago I doubt anyone would be able to now."

Krystal continued her washing when a thought came to her.

"Let me see your hand." said the woman.

Legolas hesitated, "What will you do?"

"Nothing that would bring you to harm."

Legolas held out a cautious hand the woman instantly took hold of it before he could change his mind and loose his nerve. Closing her sightless eyes she lightly traced the lines on his palm. A smile reached Legolas's lips as a finger repeatedly passed over a ticklish spot.

The woman smiled, "Are we ticklish young prince." a laugh hidden in her words.

"It appears so. I didn't realize."

"So it seems." She went back to following the lines of his palm one line she traced all the way to his wrist before it disappeared. She stopped and said "Be happy sir elf you have a long life line, though it is interrupted and troubled at times, but those are few and far between."

Eyeing his hand that she hand now released he said, "What does that mean?"

"That your life is a long and happy one but not without it's problems. Especially here." she pointed to a particular deep grove passing over his life line. "This is where you are most troubled."

"I see. What will happen?"

Krystal thought for a moment as she released his hand, "Unfortunately the lines never say what will happen or even when, only that it will. I am not a future sear."

"Then why call yourself a witch?"

Krystal finished pouring the water into the soppy washben. "My dear sweet prince, not all witchcraft revolves around being able to see the future, there are other characteristics."

"Prince Legolas!" yelled a distant voice. Legolas turned to see who it was that called him.

"You had better go; your friends are looking for you."

"Yes, Thank Y…" Legolas turned back around to see the woman had vanished along with her horse and dog.

"Legolas." said the familiar voice of Elladan.

From around the hidden path two familiar faces showed themselves.

Legolas ran up to great them.

From the distant shadows Krystal watched as the Elves met. Her sightless eyes closed as she listened. Her hand resting lightly on the arm of the one who stood beside her. He was a tall man with long dark hair and coal black eyes. He stood protectively beside his master watching and listening for any hidden dangers.

Krystal opened her eyes, "He has many hardships ahead before all said and done. This will prove how strong he is before the trials of the Ring make themselves known."

"But will they succeed is the question."

"That remains to be seen darling Demon."

"I still don't trust him."

Krystal smiled and laughed, "You never trust anyone."

Then the shadows disappeared to watch the Elves from afar. "I would have thought you two would be with Estel. Why are you here?"

The twins cast their eyes to the ground beneath their feet a universal sign of sorrow. Seeing this Legolas felt his heart stop before falling down to the pit of his stomach. His mouth went dry as his thoughts buzzed with the possible meaning of this gesture and at the mention of their foster brother's name. 'No!' his heart screamed, 'No, it can't be! Estel, he couldn't… it was impossible. For him to die now would shatter the world of not only those who new him well, but all of Arda too.'

The distressed prince grabbed the shoulders of the nearest twin, Elrohir. The ferocity in the shake brought the twins eyes up to meet his. "No! It can't be, tell me it is not so."

"It's not true." said Elrohir sadly knowing what thoughts traveled through his friends for they traveled through his as well.

Legolas released Elrohir, "Then why the looks of grief?"

"Ada has forbidden us from entering the healing chambers until he called." said Elladan.

"He said that we needed rest and if we didn't do so on our own then he would drug us to the point that we would sleep for weeks."

Elrohir picked up where his brother left off, "But that is not what bothers us. When we left for own chambers we overheard him speak to the chief healer." Elrohir began to choke in remembrance of what his Ada had said. Elladan gently gripped his brother's shoulder.

"He said that Estel was growing worse with each passing day. It was said he would not make past the week at most.

Estel was going to die. Has Lord Elrond already foreseen it and found no way to stop it from happening? Legolas stood glued to the spot his heart and mind arguing over trying to comprehend the fate of the man he had come to love as a brother. He felt his world shatter like glass and fall to millions of pieces at his feet. The twins' feelings were no different. They didn't think they could bear even sailing without there brother still living. For that had been the plan, they would all leave before the man died. None wanted to see Estel's final moments they didn't think it possible to withstand it. Actually Elrohir didn't really believe they would make it home if Estel died here. That they would all maybe last a few weeks at most.

The ride home was quiet none wanted to speak for fear of breaking down at the thought of loosing the one human they all held dear.

Looking around Legolas noted how the woods had changed. They no longer held the same protective comfort they had when he came through sooner. In fact they had the same since of foreboding that the rest of his home was wrapped in. Why is that? He wondered.

"How did you find me?" he asked breaking the silence.

"What do you mean?" asked Elladan his tone sounding horse and a little sharp.

Legolas ignored it, "I mean this place was not like this when I came through earlier." Both twins stopped their horses and shared confused glances.

"We didn't see anything different than what we normally do." Said Elrohir.

"We came out here when we couldn't find you on the palace grounds." Said Elladan.

"So we came out to look for you."

"I see." Answered Legolas.

They started riding and again the silence fell on them, like a winter chill that refused to leave them no matter what they did to shake it off.

This time it was Elrohir who broke the silence, "Curudae died this morning." Legolas stiffened

Elrohir's voice wavered slightly, Curudae had been his friend since as far back as he could remember. "Estel will be sad when he wakes."

"I know." Legolas said sadly.

"What's going on? Who's doing this?" Tears threatened to over flow the Nolder Elf's eyes. The constant worry, fear, and anger at who was doing this, was starting to take its toll on the younger twin. Elrohir sniffled slightly and wiped the tears from his eyes before they could fall.

"Do you know why I was out here?" said Legolas, "I was following the murderer."

Both twins turned to look at him there expressions a mix of shock and surprise.

"You saw him!" the both said.

"Well not exactly. You see I had come across Curudae this morning when I decided to go out for a morning ride, when I saw someone running away in the bushes. Thinking it was the murderer I chased after him." Both Elladan and Elrohir listened close to the prince's tale hanging on every word. "But unfortunately I lost track of him. I was about to turn around and head back home when this wolf jumped out."

"A Wolf!" again the simultaneous talk. Both pairs of gray eyes began looking him over for any sign of injures or blood.

"But don't worry." Legolas said quickly before they could question him. "It turned out to be just a very large dog that belonged to this blind woman."

"What woman?" asked Elladan.

"The one I was talking with before you came along."

"Legolas there was no one there."

"Yes, there was. I talked to her and…" Elrohir put a hand to Legolas's forehead, "What are you doing?"

"Trying to see if you're somehow sick." Legolas swatted the hand away.

"Of course I'm not." He huffed.

"Well no matter. If you didn't catch the one who's doing these terrible things then we should head back." Said Elladan.

'I know its ridicules, but I know what I saw.' Legolas sighed, 'Maybe I am going insane.'

Legolas watched the older twins back as he rode. Was it him or was Elladan a little meaner today? The older twin seemed to loose all happiness since his brother had been brought home. The only time Legolas could remember seeing this side of him was back when he took on an almost a sick pleasure in hunting Orcs after what they had done to his mother. It was then he knew once this killer was caught Elladan, first born son of Elrond, would have no mercy on him or any one who sided himself with the criminal.

…Elsewhere…

An Orc waddled up to his master's throne. Its course boots the only thing keeping his mutilated, ugly feet from sliding around on the smooth black marble.

"The preparations are complete." Its horse, grating voice echoed off the walls.

"Excellent. The monster, he has been fed as well?" Came a deep voice from the shadows.

"Oh coarse, and the spider bodies have been spread around as ordered."

"Good. Soon the Elves will turn on themselves accusations will be made and soon they will start to kill each other off. And when it's all said and done my slave will soon spread this madness everywhere. He'll go to the mountains, the other Elven cities, Gondor, Lake Town. Until hope is lost and all is in ruin. At last the Dark Lord will come again." he cried in triumph.

A/N: Uh oh, Elladan's mad and who is this mysterious stranger. (Audience rolls eyes.) Yeah I thought so.

Ever had one of those times when you completely forgot what you were writing about, and somewhere along the line lost interest? Please tell me there's a cure. I'll give twenty dozen cookies to anyone with a cure. (As soon as I can buy enough stuff to bake with.) Poor college student: little money and tight budget.

Please make nice

Review me please.

So I can feed my Muse tonight. (Yep, poetry is not my strong point.)