And I am back. Hopefully, you all liked the last chapter. :grins evilly: And yes, he is really dead. Not stunned, shocked, playing a trick, but DEAD. Ehem, anywho, on with the story!

Italics represent dream sequence.

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Chapter 34- Blaming the Innocent

The rocky valley echoed their cries but the companions did not care. If a horrible creature heard their sorrow, so be it. It was the least of their concerns now. For the first time, the companions let out all of their pain and fear for both the elves in Mirkwood and their fallen comrade. Even Mithrandir had a small trickle in his eye.

Iaurtondariel gazed around at the others with a guilty frown. She mentally blamed herself for the whole thing. If she had not have acted so rashly, Norui would still be alive and they would be half way to her other small home. But no! Her hate of darkness led her to act impulsively instead of trying to find another way out! She gritted her teeth with a growl and fought back a wave of tears.

Jaimea dragged her feet as she made her way over to a withered grey tree. She sat down a tangled roots ungracefully and threw her head in her palms, allowing her tears to fall freely. She had not known him very well and they were not on the best terms, perhaps, but what did that matter when it came to…this? She sniffed and rubbed her red eyes in her hands.

She jolted slightly when she felt something land upon her head and she reached up to take it. A dried, brown leaf, about the size of her palm, had fallen and she furrowed her brow. She looked up at the tree and saw that every other leaf was still its natural green color. She glanced back down to the leaf she twirled in her fingers, biting her lips.

"The first to fall." She whispered in a raspy voice. She le lip through her fingers and the crisp wind carried it away from her.

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The group trudged wearily down the mountain side and came to a grassy valley a few hours later. At the edge of a few trees, they could see a herd of deer grazing quietly in front of a shabby house. The sun as peeking at them over the distant horizon as night approached them. They looked upon its light, not realizing how long they had been in those dreadful caverns. A few birds flitted out of their roosts, squawking shrilly as they flew. Legolas made to stop Espenshade from chasing but them but found there was no need. The falcon sat obediently on his shoulder, her head hanging slightly as if she, too, felt the pain of their loss.

Without a word, Iaurtondariel continued down the foot of the mountain until her boot clad feet touched the springy grass. With a heavy sigh, she bent down and pulled off her boots, wriggling her toes in the grass. She turned to the others.

"Come, remove your shoes and feel the plush grass beneath your feet." She said softly and continued at a gentle jog to the house. Without a word, the companions followed her suggest and hurried after her.

The deer looked up sharply at their approach, their ears and tail erect. They bounded off as the elleth danced towards them, startled by the elf's strange behavior. She didn't hear the others come up behind her as she fished a small, silver key out of one of her many pouches. She thrust it in the lock and the door opened with a small creak. Cobwebs drifted down to the floor but she continued through. The others followed her in without question.

Light leapt up as Iaurtondariel wandered around the house, setting fire to candles and torches in dark corners. A small, wooden table was in the center of the room with two rickety chairs around it. A book shelf sat in a corner and a dusty chair was beside it. An opened book was tossed carelessly to the floor, its pages bent, as if someone had left quickly. Estel bent down to pick it up but the elleth's hand shot out from no where, grabbing his wrist.

"Do not touch it." She said softly yet firmly. The man's grey eyes locked with hers and he nodded once, stepping back.

Iaurtondariel sighed as she crossed her arms over her chest, shivering as if she were cold. Her once bright green eyes gazed around anxiously as she bit her lip.

"We can stay here for this night but then we must move on tomorrow. I suggest we get some sleep. I do not believe any of us are up to speaking." With that, she turned and left the room.

Everyone glanced between each other, not sure of what to do next. Hesitantly, they broke away from each and began further exploration of the house.

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Lothron and Elrohir walked hand in hand down the corridors silently. They spoke not a word to each other lest they disturb the dark tranquility. They both mourned for their friend and brother. The occasional squeeze from the ellon's hand brought the princess back to reality but she quickly fell into the empty void that was her mind.

She could not comprehend the idea of Norui dying. How is it possible? Elves do not die! Elves are meant to live on for eternity, dying only when Arda itself crumbled. True, she had gone through her mother dying but she had gotten something back in return. But Norui had left nothing except an aching pain in her heart.

A crystalline tear shimmered as it trickled down her pale cheek and she vaguely felt a soft touch brush it away. She looked up to meet the grey eyes of her beloved gazing into her own eyes. She struggled to give him a weak smile but found she could not. As her shoulders began to shake with sobs, Elrohir enveloped her in his arms, burying his face in her brown hair as he, too, tried to fight back his tears.

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Melyanna was barely aware of Elladan stroking her mahogany hair behind her pointed ears. Tears flowed steadily down her alabaster cheeks and she did not try to stop them. The ellon's shirt had grown wet from her tears but he said nothing, content with just holding her and trying to comfort her. She had lost a lot in her past and he wished desperately that he could destroy all evil in the world just so he could see her smile again.

"And by the Valar, I will see it done." He said, not realizing he said it out loud. The younger princess looked up at him slowly with red eyes.

"What?" She rasped and he looked down at her eyes. He smiled softly and caressed her cheek with his finger.

"Long has it been since I have seen you happy. I wish you would smile and bring light to the world like you have done in the past." He answered. Melyanna bit her lip and looked back down to the floor.

"I am sorry, melleth-nín, but I fear those days will never come again."

That was not the answer he expected. He did not speak again.

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Iaurtondariel buried her face in her pillows. She clenched the blankets in her fist as she tried to rid her mind of the haunting images of the Crown Prince. Guilt weighed heavily over her and she felt suffocated. She dared not look anyone in the eye lest they see that it was her fault Norui was no longer with them. She feared this over everything else.

And she did not even allow them to rescue the ellon's body! She wanted to slap herself when she realized her selfishness. He was their family yet she could only think of getting out of the dark. Perhaps if they had have saved his body, they could have saved him.

But she doubted it.

She remembered the way his emerald eyes sparkled when he smiled and the way his mahogany hair blew wildly about his face in the crisp, mountain air. Her senses tingled every time he came near her and his woody scent engulfed her. She felt her heart flutter as she thought of him yet she knew she shouldn't. He was a Crown Prince, pure of blood and lineage, while she was only half elf. What would he want with her?

She rolled onto her back and stared up at her ceiling. She closed her eyes, inhaling deeply. A small smile flitted onto her lips as she recalled the times she and her sister played in this house. It seemed like so many years ago but she remembered it all clearly.

The now empty halls were filled with joyous laughter and the rooms were lit with cheerful light. Shadows danced along the walls and sweet smells wafted out of the kitchen. She could imagine Mithrandir coming in the door with his long pipe between his lips and Maladiel would shoo him out playfully.

A small chuckle escaped her mouth but she soon silenced. Now was not a time for laughter.

Though laughter would cure them all.

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Legolas looked up at the silhouette of Espenshade as she flew in the moon's light. Her eerie screech filled the night air and the prince sighed. He looked down to his hands with glazed eyes. He suddenly felt a great weight placed upon his shoulders and only one thought entered his mind.

He was the new Crown Prince.

If Norui was dead, then he was the only surviving male heir. But he inwardly cursed himself for thinking of such a thing. How could he only think of his status when his brother was dead? Had he no heart anymore? Though he felt as if his heart had been torn out bitterly and stomped upon. Why would the Valar curse him with such a fate?

"What have I done?" He whispered to himself as he clenched his fists tight and closed his eyes as bitter tears began to fall, "Why would you do this to me!" He cried out and gripped the railing tightly, his knuckles turning white from the pressure. He gritted his teeth together as he slumped over, his whole body quaking.

He sat there for the longest time, his mind blank. He should have listened to Norui; he was right. He was distracted in battle and it cost him his brother's life. How could he have betrayed his own flesh and blood?

"Legolas?"

The ellon did not turn, already recognizing the voice, and his back stiffened.

Jaimea.

"What do you want?" He asked through clenched teeth.

"I just wanted to see how you were faring." The prince suddenly spun around, eyes ablaze.

"How I am faring! How do you think I am faring! My Gwador has died and I am the new Crown Prince, for Valar's sake!" (brother) The elleth bit her lip and took a tentative step back. His eyes continued to burn in fury and she found herself looking away.

"I am sorry, my lord."

"Sorry will not bring Norui back." Legolas quickly turned back around, kneading his hands on the railing.

Though her mind told her not to, Jaimea took a few steps closer and put a gentle hand on his shoulder. She felt his muscles twitch and she stiffened, waiting for him to spin back around but he did not. Slowly, she moved beside him and waited anxiously for him to speak.

It finally dawned on her that with Norui gone, Legolas was now indeed the Crown Prince of Mirkwood. There was no other heir to the throne. She suddenly found herself looking at him with higher respect and as a completely different person. He would have to step up to the challenge of governing his people…or whatever was left of them.

She bit her lip at this idea.

The King was under the Muru's spell and could very well succumb to its evil. If this were to happen, Legolas would be crowned King! Her eyes widened and she shook her head, clearing those thoughts away. She couldn't imagine someone like him claiming such a high responsibility.

Her thoughts then traveled back to the other elves in Mirkwood. She wondered if any had escaped from the darkness as Norui had. Were any of her friends under the spell? She felt her breath hitch in her throat and she swallowed hard. She had never experienced death before until now. She wouldn't be able to carry on if she knew those back home waiting for her were dead.

"It is your fault."

Jaimea whipped her head around to face Legolas's emotionless one. He still stared out ahead, he eyes locked on nothing. The elleth swallowed hard.

"What?" She whispered.

"You heard me." He replied in a deadly tone.

"But my lord, I don't-"

"I said it was your fault!" He yelled, turning his angry glare on her. His once soft, cerulean eyes had hardened into a deep blue, almost black and she cowered under his gaze, "If it weren't for you, Norui would still be alive!"

"! How could I have stopped him from dying?"

"If you had have listened to me, everything would be alright!"

"But you told me to fight!"

"You should not have then! You remember what happened with the Wargs! You nearly caused me and yourself to die!" Legolas hissed, "If you were not so weak, you would not have been beaten down by a couple of mere goblins! I would not have been distracted and I could have saved Norui!"

"Why must you place the blame on me! It was your own choice to go after me instead of your own brother!" She argued, her face flushed from anger, "You could have left me to the torture and then you would have no guilt right now!"

"Trust me, I have already regretted my choice in saving you!"

That struck a nerve in the elleth's heart and she faltered. She found herself looking away from him to the ground. She could still feel his angry gaze on her and she wondered if he really meant his words. This was so unlike the Legolas she knew. But then again, she had not known him very long. Not everybody is who they give off the impression to be.

"What could I do to rid you of your regret?" She asked in a quaking voice, already guessing his answer.

"Leave."

Her heart spilt in two and her knees went limp underneath her. She leaned heavily on the railing and fought back impending tears. She swallowed back the lump in her throat.

"You do not mean that." She said, hoping he would turn to her with a smile and mirth in his eyes. But he did not.

"Why would I say it if I did not mean it?" He growled, "And do not come back unless Norui returns with you, unscathed."

Every breath seemed to echo in the elleth's ears as she took slow steps back. She could feel every heartbeat as it pulsated in her body. Her vision clouded- with tears or her own imagination, she did not know- and she only wished to be far away. But how could this once kind elf be so cruel?

"Legolas, please-"

"I said leave!" He cried, spinning around to face her. Anger and frustration emanated in his voice yet unshed tears glistened in her eyes. Jaimea stumbled at his sudden outburst but quickly darted off the porch, running as fast as her feet would carry her.

Her heart clenched in her chest as tears streamed down her cheeks. Her cloak billowed out behind her as she sprinted away. To where, she did not know. But she was running.

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Legolas watched the elleth's fleeting form as a single crystalline tear trickled down his cheek and hit the porch with a soft plop. Guilt now weighed even heavier on him but he shook it away. It was the right thing, he told himself. She was a burden to the mission. His mind would be freer now that there was no distraction.

"Gwador?" The prince turned around slowly, his face pale and eyes dimmed. Lothron stood behind him with her arms tucked around herself. Her once bright eyes now mirrored sadness and… disappointment? Legolas furrowed his brow. (Brother)

"Gwathel." He replied in greeting, then turned back around. The elleth's form had disappeared in the Sun's waning light. (Sister)

"Why did you do that?" She asked in a breathy voice. The ellon winced and he stiffened his back.

"Because I had to." He replied, "Norui would still be here if she not have come with us." He heard her soft footsteps coming up beside him and she cupped his chin in her hand, turning his head to look at her.

"Jaimea had nothing to do with Norui's death. It is only a happenstance that she was placed under danger at the same moment Norui was." Legolas stared into her shimmering eyes, not saying a word, "And you know this."

The prince swallowed hard and turned his gaze away from his sister's. Her emerald eyes seemed to pierce his soul, searching for any sign of weakness to use against him. Her could still feel her eyes on him, watching him expectantly, and he shuffled nervously.

"It was something that needed to be done." He answered quietly, "She should not have come with us anyway. She is no warrior." Lothron said nothing more but continued to watch her brother. She missed his carefree spirit and wondered if it would ever come back.

Her greatest fear now was that he would fade. Ever since they were elflings, he and Norui had been inseparable. They did everything together, including causing mayhem in the palace. Even as they grew older, mischief always followed them around. It used to annoy her to no end, having been the main target more times then not, but now that he was gone, she had a feeling that she was going to miss it.

"I should have gone after Norui first." Legolas whispered to himself, "I could have saved him and then gone to Jaimea. They wouldn't have killed her but Norui was a threat to them. Had my mind not been clouded by her I would have made the better choice."

Lothron sighed and put her hands on his shoulders, forcing him to look at her. He could see the tears glistening in her eyes and he suddenly softened, cupping both of her cheeks in his palms.

"Do not cry, my sister." He said softly.

"How can I not? He was my brother as well."

"I should have-"

"Legolas, do not blame yourself! It is not your fault." Her hand ran up to caress his cheek in a sisterly way, "You can't save everyone, Gwador."

It felt as if a knife had plunged its way into his heart at those words. His senses came flooding back to him and he knew what she said was true. If he had have gone after Norui, it would be Jaimea who was dead. Either way, he would still be sitting here on the porch with an aching heart. He choked back the lump in his throat, fighting back the tears.

"Oh, Lothron, you are right. How could I have been so foolish? And poor Jaimea! I cannot fathom the pain that I have brought to her!" Quickly, he turned away from the elleth and nearly flew down the stairs. He began to dart off but not even after a few steps, he felt something tugging at his cloak. He turned back around with a wild look in his eye, "Lothron, I must find her! She cannot be out there alone!" He cried with desperation. The Crown Princess frowned slightly and nodded.

"I understand." She replied, "But I am coming with you."

A small smile crept up on the ellon's face at her words and he nodded.

"Thank you."

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Jaimea ran until she could no longer find the strength to move her legs. Her legs dropped out from underneath of her and she collapsed onto the dewy grass, moaning softly. She lay there under the stars for the longest time, her mind blank. All she could feel was the painful breaking of her heart. A great, throbbing ache resounded in her chest and she gritted her teeth, rolling over onto her back. She blinked when she found her vision a complete blur. Whether this was from exhaustion or heartbreak, she did not know. And neither did she care.

She could not believe that elf! How could he throw the blame on her when it was something she could not help? Could he not see that she was affected by Norui's death as well? He did not have the right to cast the blame on someone who was just as innocent as him in the matter. It could not be helped.

And yet her feelings were jumbled together. Part of her wanted to be angry with him but she found she could not be. She recollected everything he said to her but found no hate towards him. Pain twisted at her heart and she bit her lips to keep from crying out. What was happening to her? Her mind was just an entire sea of confusion.

The soft chirping of the crickets soon lured her to a deep sleep. The noise buzzed in her ears and she couldn't help but be relaxed. The wind brushed her golden-brown hair along her face but she paid no attention. Soon, her eyes closed and she drifted off into an uneasy dream.

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"Where am I?"

"Hush, be still."

Grass tickled her arms and bright sunlight pierced through her eyelids. She shielded her eyes with her hand and slowly opened them. All around her was long, green grass and tall trees. Birds chirped happily as they flitted from one tree to another. She looked to her side and nearly fainted from shock.

A tall, elven woman sat on her legs next to her, smiling softly down at her. Her cerulean eyes sparkled in mirth and her dew-colored gown seemed to fall down her and pool at her legs like a waterfall. Her golden hair shone in the sun's rays, wafting down her shoulders like a stream.

"My lady!" Jaimea cried, leaping up as well as she could but she soon found herself back on the ground, sputtering like a fish out of water, "My Queen!"

The woman chuckled, her voice sounding like silver bells ringing.

"Be calm, Jaimea. I wish only to speak with you."

"Where am I?" She asked. Suddenly, her eyes widened and her hands flew to her chest, "Have I faded?" She questioned when she found no pulse. Ithilwen smiled softly and shook her head.

"Nay, you have not, little one. As I said, I would like to speak to you as I have my son."

At the mentioning of him, Jaimea glared angrily but found no true hatred. Only confusion.

"What can I do for you, my lady?" The glowing elleth grinned cheekily.

"You have taken a liking to my youngest, my Greenleaf." The other elleth felt a blush rise up on her cheeks but she ignored it.

"There is nothing between us, my lady." She replied, looking away.

"Oh?" The Queen asked, still grinning, "You think about him. Even as you drifted off to sleep, you thought of him."

"Because he angers me, my lady! I wish to have no more contact with him!"

Ithilwen did not speak as she stared at the elleth beside her. Hurt radiated off of her form and she took pity on her. Deep in side, Jaimea knew that she still had feelings for the ellon no matter how much she denied. His words stung, yes, but they could be forgotten in time.

Jaimea looked over when she heard the Queen moving closer to her. She shifted nervously but stayed where she was.

"Don't hold to anger, hurt or pain. They steal your energy and keep you from love."

The elleth found nothing to say as she took in Ithilwen's words. She glanced up to meet her eyes but soon looked back down to her open palms. She knew she was right but how could she tell Legolas? He was angry with her and blamed her for Norui's death.

"Child, fret not over my son's death. It was not your own doing, no matter what anyone else tells you. It was his time to go." The Queen said as if she were reading her thoughts. Jaimea blinked in surprise and looked up at her.

"Is…is he here?" She questioned. A small smile came upon Ithilwen's pink lips.

"Yes, he is here." She responded.

"May I see him?"

"No." The elleth replied, though the smile remained, "He is occupied at the moment but he does send you and your companions greetings." She made to continue but she stopped in her action, her smile turning into a grin, "I believe someone is looking for you. Can you hear him calling?" Jaimea furrowed her brow and concentrated her acute hearing but heard nothing.

"Nay, I do not."

"Listen closely. Close your eyes, concentrate." The young elleth did as she was told and soon lost herself in her own mind. The calling of her name became more clear and she nodded.

"I hear it, my lady." She waited for a moment but the Queen never replied. Furrowing her brow again, she opened her eyes but found it was dark once more. She was in the same spot in the grass, staring out into the distance.

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Two people were calling her name and she recognized one of them as Lothron. The other, she dreaded, was Legolas. Her heart pounded in her chest as they drew nearer, unsure of what they wanted. Why would they come after her after she was sent away?

Legolas felt a tear spill out as he ran, degrading himself to no end. How could he have done such a heartless thing? She would never forgive him now!

"Legolas, stop!" Lothron called but the prince was too lost in his thoughts. He turned to look back at his sister but soon found himself face first to the ground. He heard a muffled groan underneath of him and he opened his eyes, coming face to face with the one he was seeking.

He could feel himself go red with embarrassment, his sister's calls not reaching his ears. Jaimea stared up at him with wide eyes and a quivering breath. The tips of his ears went warm and he quickly rolled off of her.

"Sorry." He muttered quickly, keeping his eyes away. The elleth hurried to sit up and she backed away from him, anxiousness radiating off her body. More calls came from the Crown Princess but neither heard them.

"You oaf!" Lothron cried as she gave her brother a nice wallop on the back of his head, "Watch where you are going next time!" Jaimea stood up quickly and the spell was broken. After a few more moments of ranting, the elleth turned back to Jaimea with a small smile, "Please, Jaimea, you must come back with us. Whatever Legolas said, it isn't true. We all know it. You should not blame yourself."

"I know." Was her answer. The two looked between each other in surprise, then turned back to her.

"So you will come with us?" The princess asked.

"Yes."

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Iaurtondariel hurried around her room with an old knapsack in her hand. She tossed a few items inside then slung it over her back. She grabbed her blade from the corner and shoved it in the sheath at her hip. She opened the door, taking one last look at her room, then hurried away.

She tiptoed past the sleeping elves, man and wizard scattered around her home. She noticed that they all slept with their eyes closed. Also, three of them were missing. Normally, she would have worried but for now, she would use it to her advantage.

She went out onto the porch and sighed in content as the breeze brushed against her skin. She would have been happy to just stand there and feel the wind but she had a mission to do.

To return Norui to the living.

She was not sure how she was to do this but if one tried hard enough, anything is possible. And, with that, she leapt off the porch and ran as fast as she could back to the mountains.

XX

Well, there you have it. Once again, I don't really like this chapter very much. I hope you guys liked it though. Oh, and here are my excuses for being late. One, homework. Two, my muses left me. And three, PSATs at school. Not fun. Anywho.

Endarine- Speechless, eh? Hehe, good! I like driving people insane! Muahaha! Ehem, right. I'm sorry if this chapter isn't much to look forward to but I tried. Like I said, I have my reasons. Hopefully the next one will be better. But thanks for reading and reviewing!

Gemini969- Yes, poor Norui::hugs his grave: I'll miss you! I hope this chapter was okay. Not as good as last one, but it is something. :sigh: Thanks for reading and reviewing!

Sabre- How dare I? Hehe. Hey, you never know! She may have been but I just didn't say anything! Muahaha! But yea, she is gonna be the heroine now. :grin: I hope you are liking how she is turning out, by the way. Thanks for reading and reviewing, mellon-nín!

Okay, that is all. Oh, go read my other story I just posted! Please! Thanks! Now… REVIEW! Five reviews gets you another chapter!

Until Next Time,

Manwathiel