Disclaimer: I don't own any of the character created by Tolkien. Did you actually think that I did?

A/N: Okay, I'm a day late. Sorry about that. Hope you enjoy this chapter. Things are really going to start heating up soon, so enjoy the peace while there is some. Also the end is in sight. I'm thinking about six more chapters or so. Enjoy and thank you for the nice reviews.

Chapter 30

The Eye of the Storm

'My intuition says something is wrong

I fear there is danger somewhere near by

We've been together through good times and bad

You've always been there for me

I'll always treasure the best friends I have

Eternally'

-Sailor Moon - Only A Memory Away

Netelth sat up in his bed, rubbing his temples wearily. He had been relieved three hours ago from his job of guarding the human prisoner in the cell. Yet, the elven guard could not rest. Too many thoughts clouded his mind. Three hours ago, he had been hiding in the shadows, listening to the conversation between the elf and the human. Now the things he had heard troubled him.

"What is it, meleth nin?" A voice asked from behind him.

Netelth turned to his wife and shook his head. "Just something I don't understand."

Tamar gave her husband an inquisitive look, so he began to explain.

"The human that I have been guarding in the cell had a visitor today. Princess Linriel's fiancé came by to see him."

Tamar stared at him, trying to see where her husband was going with this.

"Lord Elrohir treated the human like an equal." Netelth said, trying to get to his point quickly. "They greeted each other like they had known each other for years, then they began to laugh and joke. The human poured out his soul to the elf, telling him of all he had gone through and the fears in his heart. Elrohir listened and comforted him as if he wanted to protect the Edan and take away all his pain. The trust and friendship between the two was obvious and the bond they had was like nothing I have ever seen. Elrohir even called the human 'brother'."

Tamar raised an eyebrow. "That is very strange. How could a human have such a relationship with an elf?"

"That is the question I have been asking myself since I saw them. My view of humans has always been that they are arrogant, power-driven and bloodthirsty, but this one seems to be different. In fact, I know he is. Every time I bring him his meal, he thanks me and while he eats, he has started asking questions about who I am. I didn't answer much because I was afraid he was trying to learn all he could so he could escape, but I do not believe that is his intent at all. His only intent seems to be friendly and caring. It's something I have never seen before in a human. Even after the meal when I chain him back to the wall, he never resists and only tells me that he enjoyed talking with me."

Tamar placed her hand on Netelth's shoulders and began to rub gently. "Perhaps, this human was sent by Iluvatar to show you that not all humans are despicable. Maybe there is some good, even in them.

Netelth looked at her curiously, but said nothing.


Elrohir spent the next few days with either Elladan in the healing room or with Estel in the jail cell. He also spent some time with King Thranduil updating him on any news Elrohir had and helping the king and his advisors strategize their movements. Very little seemed to be happening around Mirkwood at this time. The woods seemed quiet, though the feeling of darkness and evil still lingered heavily. But for now, most battles had ceased and the woods were mostly quiet. Elrohir knew, however, that it would not last. This was only the calm before the storm. Battle would erupt again soon and when it did, it would be even more devastating than before.

Elrohir pushed those thoughts aside as he walked into the healing room to see his brother. Elladan smiled at him as he came in the room.

"I was beginning to think you weren't coming." Elladan teased.

Elrohir grinned. "I'm so sorry, your highness." He teased sarcastically. "I was talking with King Thranduil. Forgive me." He dramatized the last part with a bow.

Elladan couldn't help but snicker. "Your apology is not acceptable. I shall have to escort you to the dungeon."

Elrohir smiled. "And here I thought I would be the one escorting you to the dungeon today, gwador nin."

Elladan laughed and stood to his feet.

"Do you think you can make it there?" Elrohir asked concerned.

"I'm fine, El. I've been walking around this room and the hall for the past two days. My wounds are healing."

Elrohir nodded, but could not hide his concern. They had been there for less then a week and Elladan was already walking around and moving about. Elrohir was grateful for his brother's fast recovery, but he was worried that the stubborn elf might push himself too far. He kept his mouth shut, however, as the two walked towards the dungeon. The guard saw them coming and smiled slightly. He led the way down the stairs and opened the cell door.

Elrohir stepped inside first, leaving Elladan standing in the shadows. Aragorn had been wanting to see his brother since they arrived, but the guard had orders that the prisoner was to stay in the cell. Impatiently, Aragorn had to wait until his brother was strong enough to come to him. He was hoping it would be soon, but knowing how dangerous a sword wound, especially by a morgul blade, could be, he knew it would take time for the elf to heal.

Aragorn smiled at seeing Elrohir, but was not able to see the other twin standing in the shadows. He stood as his chains were loosened and stared at Elrohir. The elf had a devious smile on his face, one the human had come to know quite well.

Aragorn grinned. "All right, El. Speak up. What are you hiding?"

The younger twin sighed. "You read me too well, gwador nin. I was going to surprise you by telling you that Thranduil has allowed for you to visit Elladan in the healing room tomorrow, but you spoiled that."

Aragorn smiled. "Uh-huh and what little trick was going to be put into it?"

Elrohir shrugged innocently. "I have no tricks today." His grin returned. "The one standing behind me doesn't count."

Aragorn looked behind to see Elladan step out from the shadows. "You devious little elves." He accused, smiling brightly.

Elladan smiled and reached to embrace his little brother. Aragorn held him tightly for a minute, and then glared at Elrohir. The elf grinned.

Aragorn shook his head and sat down. The twins sat down beside him. The next three hours flew by as the three sat talking about anything and everything. They were overjoyed to be together again and for a time, the war, the troubles facing them, everything was forgotten. For now, they were brothers, reliving old times and past adventures. It felt like old times again, when they would sit near the hearth of the fire in their home in Rivendell and share stories and tales. It brought back memories and it calmed and soothed them all. It was something they all needed.


Elrond jerked awake and looked around the area. He didn't even remember falling asleep, but only remembered sitting against a tree, eating a small meal. He rubbed his eyes tiredly and stretched his legs. His muscles were sore and he knew it was an after effect of the poison from the spiders. With a small sigh, the elf looked around the camp. Most of the other elves were talking quietly amongst themselves and some were resting just like he had been.

Elrond stood and looked around for Gandalf. A few seconds later, he found the old wizard talking with Kalen and Celeborn while looking over a map.

"They're scheming something. It's been quiet for two days now. They must be up to something." Celeborn was saying.

Elrond walked near them.

"We were discussing our next move." Gandalf stated as he saw the elf.

"The orcs had this area secured, but now we haven't seen an orc for two days." Kalen added.

Elrond nodded. "Then perhaps now is the time to strike. We are a two-day gallop from Dol Guldur. We can take it by force."

"Unless it is a trap." Celeborn said.

"Elrond is right; this may be our only chance to strike. But we must consider the fact that it very well could be a trap. They might be trying to draw our attention towards Dol Guldur so we miss what happens in the very halls of the palace." Gandalf said.

"But how would they even get close enough to the palace? That area is secure." Kalen stated.

Gandalf looked at him and simply replied. "Nothing is certain."

Celeborn and Elrond looked at him, but said nothing. They were used to his mysterious ways.

Kalen shifted uneasily. The words of the wizard troubled him. He didn't like the idea of evil in the palace or the possibility of his king's life in danger. Like most warriors in Mirkwood, he would do whatever it took to protect Thranduil.

The young elf also felt uncomfortable near Elrond, Celeborn and Gandalf. Compared to their knowledge and wisdom, he felt like a mere child. He knew the most, however, about the forest of Mirkwood and the way these creatures worked, or at least how they used to before the Nazgul were involved. The spiders and orcs were deceptive creatures, but under the Nazgul's control, they were more than just cunning, they were brutal killers.

Kalen was disturbed from his thoughts, however, as he realized Gandalf was talking again.

"We will continue to scout the area for anything amiss. We should continue to stay together just in case of any traps. If the odds stay in our favor, then we may attack Dol Guldur in a few days."

Elrond and Celeborn nodded. Kalen looked troubled, but nodded his consent as well. He just hoped that they would be able to keep Mirkwood protected and that the life of the king was not in danger.