Disclaimer: errr… I do not (I repeat: I do not) own LotR so don't sue me or kill me or threaten to suck the life out of me.

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R&R

A Brother's Safety

Chapter nine: One found, one lost

"Thranduil, you are right in time I have important news for you."

Thranduil frowned and eyed his friend suspiciously. "Important? Then what are you waiting for mellon-nin? Tell me immediately!"

"A messenger from Mirkwood arrived here earlier today, I sent him downstairs to eat something and I gave him a room to rest."

Thranduil locked eyes with the lord of Imladris, his eyes clearly urged Elrond to get to the point and fast.

"They found your wife."

This news was as much a shock as a relief. Thranduil needed some support for a moment and leaned against the wall of Elrond's study.

Elrond came a few steps closer and sighed. "Maybe I should've waited a bit longer before telling you."

Thranduil firmly shook his head, "No, I'm glad you did. It's...just a little much right now."

"I understand, whatever you need... just ask mellon-nin"

Theking of Mirkwoodlooked up, he hadn't even noticed he was looking at his feet.

"Hannon le," he said sincerely

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Erynion meanwhile found his way back to the stables. He would never be able to injure let alone kill Elrond. He had to figure out a way to stop all the madness around him. He knew only one way but he wasn't sure if that was the right one. He had to tell Elrond and protect him. He only hoped his decision wouldn't cause his wife's death. "I'm sorry," he whispered knowing his love wouldn't hear him.

He left the stables in search for Elrond but before he made it to Elrond's study a voice stopped him, a voice he had hoped never to hear again.

Erynion turned around with a swift movement.

"Where exactly are we going?"

For the first time Erynion could clearly see the elf's face. He frowned 'the elf's?'

The unknown elf seemed to understand Erynion's thoughts. "Surprised? I should've known it. You clearly don't deserve my trust."

"I do not want your trust, you're despicable and I will never betray my lord."

The other elf had a hard time holding his laughter. "You already have." After a short silence he continued, "I don't have time to chat."

Before Erynion could react the dark-haired elf had already taken out a blade and stabbed him in the throat.

Erynion clutched his throat and sank to the ground; he couldn't even bring out any last words.

The attacker crouched down beside Erynion before whispering in his ear: "Don't worry, your wife's fate is worse than yours."

He stood again and watched his victim die before pulling his blade out Erynion's throat.

'My plan will have to wait a bit longer then,' he thought while leaving.

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Erynion was killed not far from Elrond's study. Thranduil was the first to find Erynion's dead form on his way back to his two sons.

"Elrond!" he immediately called while checking for a pulse he didn't expect to find.

Elrond arrived before the king could blink. "Valar," he gasped as he took in the situation.

"I thought you said the human's dead."

Elrond looked up from his position beside Erynion. "He is."

"I'm going to check on my sons." Thranduil said.

"I will take care of everything here so stay with them and be careful mellon-nin, the person who did this may still be around," Elrond advised his best friend.

"Don't worry, I will."

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Thranduil breathed a sigh of relief when he entered his sons' room. Legolas and Eleiden were still in a deep slumber. He checked the room just to be certain and then seated himself in one of the chairs on the left side of the bed.

'Why do we attract these things,' the king thought frustrated as he tried to get more comfortable.

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Legolas sat on the side of his bed trying not to think about anything for as long as possible. It had taken him a little over a week to finally convince his father and Elrond he was feeling well enough for the trip back to Mirkwood.

"What are you doing penneth?" Elrond asked as he entered the room.

Legolas didn't bother to look up. "Getting out of bed."

"Do you really think that's a good idea?"

Probably not he wanted to answer but decided that wasn't the best reaction in his position so he just sighed in reply and finally met Elrond's stern gaze.

"Have they found Erynion's wife yet?" Legolas asked changing the subject.

"Not yet, I fear the worst," he said honestly.

The prince nodded grimly as he attempted to stand. The older elf immediately reached out to help him.

"I'm fine," Legolas tried to assure Elrond but he couldn't help closing his eyes for a rather long time.

He reopened his eyes and noticed the worry written all over the lord's face.

"I'm fine," he repeated but this time with a smile.

"Are you? I still have my doubts."

Legolas rolled his eyes and dared another smile. "Then let me convince you by joining you for breakfast downstairs."

"Alright," he agreed, "let's go to the dining hall then."

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The dark-haired elf decided to make his move the day the royal family of Mirkwood left Rivendell. He watched Elrond and Thranduil closely and could make out most of the things the two friends were saying.

"Have you seen Legolas?" Thranduil asked a little worried.

"No, but I'm sure he'll stay away longer if he sees the carriage you want to put him in," Elrond commented with a smirk.

"You're not helping, I'm worried."

"Give him some space, he needs to be alone for awhile."

"With a killer running around freely?"

"Not even the wind can find him if he wants to be alone mellon-nin," he said with a comforting smile, "he'll be fine."

Elrond was right, Legolas would be safe, but he on the other hand did not see the elf ready to shoot him.

TBC

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Translations:

penneth: young one

hannon le: thank you

mellon-nin: my friend

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Cliffie! I can't help myself…

I'll try to update as soon as possible. Honestly, I will!

Aurehen