Hello there, people. I hope you had a good month::grin: I hope this chapter is better then the last. Although after reading it again, it is better then I thought it was. Oh well. Sometimes, I just don't give myself enough credit. At least, that is what my friends tell me…

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Chapter 35- Hidden From Me, Hidden From You

"Where has she gone?"

"I don't know."

"Has she abandoned us?"

The companions were shocked and confused when they woke up to find Iaurtondariel missing. They all searched the area inside and out but found nothing. Only her pack was gone. They debated whether or not to stay there and wait or to continue on. She had said that they would keep moving in the morning but they had not anticipated her disappearance. Only Mithrandir knew the way to the city of the Muruien yet even his memory was vague of its exact location.

"We cannot waste time." Estel said, "I think it would be best if we kept going."

"But we are not sure of the way! It would take even more time if we were to go astray." Elladan argued.

"But we do not know how long Lady Iaurtondariel will be gone. Who knows, she could have gone back to her home with her sister!" The human retorted.

"And maybe she didn't! What then? What if she is just out looking for food and when she comes back, we are gone!"

They argued back and forth, no one coming to any conclusion. The only one not in the fray was Melyanna who stood away from everyone with her arms wrapped around herself. She sighed worriedly as a tear slipped down her cheek.

"If only Norui were here."

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Iaurtondariel hissed sharply as she slipped yet again on a moss covered rock. She caught her breath for a moment before pulled herself to her knees carefully. She spread her legs out in front of her and glared when she saw her leggings had a small tear by the knee and a purple bruise was steadily growing. Grunting, she pulled herself to her feet, careful to keep her weight off her injured leg, and continued forward.

The elleth had been walking without rest for hours and, despite her elven stamina, it was starting to wear on her. Every step felt like rocks were tied to her feet and every breath was labored. The air continued to thin and this did nothing but slow her down. Thoughts of turning back crossed her mind.

'No.' She told herself, 'I am stronger then that. Besides, I am the one at fault.' With this in mind, she gritted her teeth and continued trudging up the mountains.

When the sun was high in the sky, the rocky opening of the caves came into view. Iaurtondariel paused before it, glaring into its depth. A dark fear began to grip over her heart and she faltered. The idea of returning began to appeal to her but she shook the feeling off. The worst thing she could do now was go back and betray Norui again. With a resolute sigh, she took the last few steps into the cavern and darkness consumed her form.

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The companions walked in silence, no one aware of the time passing. Espenshade's shadow glided solemnly before them. Mithrandir walked in front of them, leaning heavily on his staff. Even the old wizard showed signs of sorrow and fear. The will of the company diminished when the Crown Prince left them and they lagged in their traveling. Even with the danger back in Mirkwood, no one could find the drive to continue forward.

Legolas looked up to the falcon soaring in the air and he could tell that even she mourned the loss. His mind wandered back to his life before all of this started; when he could wander his forest without worry and when he and his family could enjoy their immortal life. He missed his naneth and the way everything lit up when she smiled. How, when he was still an elfling, she would pick him up and toss him in the air, her laughter ringing throughout the room. But then she was taken away from him.

His frown deepened and he turned his gaze to the ground.

'Why am I burdening myself with more now? I have enough to think about.'

More time passed and, before they knew it, the moon came up to greet them. Faint hints of stars appeared in the sky and they came to a halt at Mithrandir's command. A small fire was built up and sleeping mats were laid out. All lay down immediately and drifted off to sleep except Mithrandir, Estel and Legolas. The wizard drew from within his pack his old map. The other two watched tiredly as he pondered over the parchment until he finally set it down before them.

"If my sense of direction is still as good as it used to be, I would say that we are about half a mile east of the river Ringlo. If we follow its course south, we will come to the fork between Ringlo and Kiril. From there, we will turn away from the rivers and eventually come to the forests of Edhellond." He explained slowly and carefully, as if making their route up as he spoke. The ellon and human looked over the parchment and nodded, then the Istar folded it up, "Good, get some sleep then." With that, Mithrandir stood up and went to his sleeping mat.

Estel and Legolas exchanged glances before following the wizard's example. They lay down upon their own bed rolls and gazed up at the sky. Stars twinkled more brightly now and the moon was concealed by dark clouds. The soft chirping of crickets was all they could hear and the occasional cry of a night bird. They sat in silence for a few moments before the human sighed tiredly, tucking his arms under his head, and looked to the elf.

"How are you doing?" He asked softly. Legolas didn't respond for a while, chewing on his bottom lip as if contemplating the answer.

"Fine, I guess." He replied just as quietly.

"Don't withdraw."

The elf furrowed his brow and looked over to his friend, confusion written on his face.

"What do you mean?" Estel smiled without humor and looked back up to the sky.

"I remember when I was still little, you and Norui and your sisters would come to Rivendell for a visit. Melyanna and Lothron would fuss over me, no matter how much I told them to stop, and Norui would teach me how to 'be a man', as he put it. But when I came to you, you would be cold. I never knew why and I always told myself that it was me that made you that way. My brothers told me that it was something that I wouldn't even remember but I couldn't help it. That is just what I thought." The man paused and looked to the ellon. His blue eyes glistened and watched him apprehensively, waiting for what he was going to say next.

"And now I am seeing it again. You hardly spoke today, not even to your sisters, and you blamed Lady Jaimea for something that we all know is not her fault. There is a dark part of your mind, Legolas, that you use for retreat and you lash out at everyone who tries to help. There are people who care for you, no matter what you think. We've all tried to help you free yourself of this dark place but you resist. Can you at least tell me what you are hiding from and we are fighting against?"

Legolas sighed heavily and turned away from Estel. His eyes wandered over the black sky, subconsciously picking out the constellations of stars. His heart beat slowly yet his mind raced. Should he tell him? Should he expose himself to this man, something that he would never even do for his family?

"I am afraid."

The human had to strain to hear the elf's whispered words. He furrowed his brow and rolled over to his side, propping his head up with elbow.

"What?"

"I am afraid." Legolas repeated a little louder.

"Of what?"

"Of being alone." The elf closed his eyes, his mind screaming at him to stop and go to sleep while his heart bade him to confess, "I am afraid that if I get too close to anyone, they will be taken away. Just like everyone else I've loved. First it was Naneth, then Norui, and-"

"But do you not understand what you are doing?" Estel cut in, "You are pushing people away and making this fear come true. The more you shut them out, the more alone you will be."

"I know but I cannot help it. Why should I become close to someone if I know that they will be taken away eventually?" The prince questioned softly. The human shot him a sidelong glance.

"Is that why you pushed Lady Jaimea away?" Legolas flinched and quickly rolled the other way.

"I don't want to talk about it anymore. I've said enough already."

"You cannot deny the fact that you lo-"

"I do not!" The ellon hissed, spinning back around to glare at his friend, "I never have and I never will!" And with that, he faced away from him with an aggravated huff. Estel smirked.

"You are certainly quick to deny it, mellon-nín. Perhaps you are trying to hide your true feelings." He grinned when he saw the elf tense and stiffen.

"I am ignoring you now." Legolas growled, clenching his eyes tight. Estel fought back a snicker.

"Then why did you answer?"

"Dain!" (Silence!) The human's grin widened and he followed the elf's command.

Moments passed and the two remained in silence. Legolas sighed softly in relief and let himself relax. He willed his mind to fall into elven slumber and let his limbs go limp. He was about to drift into sweet elven dreams when the man suddenly spoke out.

"Legolas?" He called and the elf growled, narrowing his eyes.

"What?"

"Look up there."

Furrowing his brow in curiosity and confusion, the elf rolled onto his back and looked up in the direction Estel was pointing in. All he saw were the bright stars dotted across the sky.

"What is it?" He questioned.

"Do you not see it?" The man asked, smiling slightly, and he nodded upwards, "You see those two stars that are separated from each other?" Legolas studied the sky closer and saw that two stars- one shining bright gold and the other a faint orange- were indeed placed away from any other star, as if they were outcasts in the heavens.

"What about them?"

"You say that you have lost your Naneth and your brother but they have not lost you. They are up there, watching you and me and everyone else. They go out of their way just to make sure you are safe, just like those stars are doing. Queen Ithilwen and Norui are watching us right now from those stars." He paused to make sure the prince was still listening, "So whenever you feel alone, or you cannot go on, look up to them. They will always be there with you."

Legolas frowned and looked down from the sky.

"No one is watching us, Estel." He breathed, "Hope is lost without Norui."

"Legolas." The elf looked back to the man. The smile had been wiped off the young man's face and was replaced by a small frown, "They are the wind that blows through your hair and the rain that quenches the Earth's land; the sun that warms your face and the calls of the world's creatures." He looked into the elf's eyes, "Just because you cannot see them doesn't mean that they are not there."

His heart constricted as he gazed into his friend's grey eyes. The realization hit him like a hammer and he suddenly felt foolish and selfish. He was not the only one who missed the people they had lost. And they were not the only ones who were gone.

By locking himself up for all this time, he slowly disappeared from the ones he loved and the ones who loved him. He was only hurting himself by hiding from his fears and one day, he would have to come to terms with that. And today was that day.

The elf opened his mouth to speak but quickly shut it again, lost on what to say. What could he say? The man was right, no matter how he looked at it.

"You have much wisdom, Estel, mellon-nín." He whispered, "You are becoming more and more like an elf everyday." A small smile graced the human's lips, "Thank you for that; it was what I needed. I am proud to call you my friend."

Estel could only grin.

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Iaurtondariel shivered as she brought her arms around her knees. Everything around her was black and rocky. The darkness had crep way into her heart and froze her body. Being stuck in a cavern with absolutely no light would grate on any elf's nerve but the elleth was beginning to loose her composure. Her wide, green eyes gazed around, unseeing, despite her keen senses.

"I will be alright." She told herself over and over, "There is nothing to fear. Except maybe a few goblins or an orc or maybe even a warg but that isn't much to fret about, right?" She forced herself to smile, "Yes, everything is fine. The dark won't get to me. Besides, I have to find Norui."

Taking a deep breath, she came to her feet and situated her pack on her shoulders. She closed her eyes for a brief moment, composing herself and seeking the right path at the same time. Once her mind was decided, she continued on into the dark.

As she walked, she found her resolve began to diminish once again. Every footstep echoed off the rock walls and rang tauntingly in her sensitive ears. She began to falter but she would always gather her courage and keep moving in the vast, empty halls of the mountain.

She did not know how much time had passed but she could feel the stress in her legs from walking on such uneven ground. Her eyelids began to droop and she slackened her pace. She was about to stop and lay down but a faint light coming from the end of the tunnel caught her eye. Her heart singing at the idea of having light, she hurried forward, ignoring the dangers the light could possibly hold.

The tunnel opened up into a large cavern where dozens of fires and candles lined the walls. Iaurtondariel dropped to her knees, grinning in relief, but her happiness was soon taken away from her. Memories came flashing back and she closed her eyes tightly to fight them away. She leaned back and brought her arms around her knees again, burying her face in her arms.

"Why did I come here?" She whispered to herself, "Why did I come here when I knew that I would come to this room where Norui was killed?"

The goblins had gone and the room was empty. The elleth strained her eyes to see Norui, even if he was tossed to the side, forgotten. At least she would be able to rescue him from mutilation by the horrible creatures. But she could not see him, not even a trace was left of what had happened. She stifled the tears that threatened to spill over and she stood up slowly, biting her lips.

"I'll find you, Norui. Don't worry."

As carefully and quietly as she could, she made her way down to the cavern's floor. As she dropped down, she immediately fell into a crouch, her eyes wide and alert. She took one more search of the area for any signs of Norui but found none. The only thing that caught her eye was a trail of blood leading from the room into yet another tunnel.

"And it's dark, too." She muttered, turning away from the blood, "But now I have an idea of where they have taken him. Perhaps I can just rest a bit." With a shaky sigh, she lay down on the cold floor, resting her head on her arms. Of course, it did not cross her mind that this was the one thing she had learned never to do from her trainers: rest out in the open where you knew your enemy could be or has been.

Her eyes glazed over and closed, despite the fact that she was elvish. Only when they were injured or exhausted did they sleep with their eyes closed. But Iaurtondariel welcomed the deep sleep that freed her from the suffocating darkness.

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Dawn had come again and the company was up in an instant. The last few hot embers were put out and the supplies gathered up. A meager breakfast was shared without a word and they continued on their route. Espenshade flew up above them, alerting them of her presence occasionally with her screech.

"Legolas?" Estel grinned slightly as he came up beside his friend. The elf looked to him.

"Yes?" He questioned.

"Are you going to do it?" The ellon's eyes narrowed.

"Do what?" The human's grin widened and he moved his gaze to another member of the group. Legolas followed his gaze and scowled.

"No." He answered stubbornly. Estel stifled a cackle and nudged the elf in the ribs.

"You know you want to." He urged.

"No, I don't." Legolas retorted, "If I did, I would have done so already." The man quirked an eyebrow.

"You know, I don't believe you when you say that."

"Well, you should. I'm not going to do it." His face softened, "Besides, I wouldn't know what to say."

"Sure you would." Estel replied, clapping him on the shoulder, "With your charm and good looks, your confidence should be a mile high!" His grip tightened, "Now, get to it!" He shoved the elf forward, nearly causing him to loose his balance.

Legolas looked over his shoulder, glaring daggers at the man, but Estel only grinned and motioned for him to go on. But the grin was quickly wiped off his face when the elf only stormed to the front of the group, tension radiating off of his body.

The man sighed and looked down to his feet. Only a soft touch on his arm made him look up and he smiled slightly.

"Hello, Arwen." He said, giving her a kiss on the cheek. She smiled and slipped her hand in his.

"So I am assuming it didn't work?" She questioned quietly and he shook his head.

"No, it didn't. He is as stubborn as ever, it appears."

"Should I talk to him?"

"No, it is alright. He'll talk when he is ready."

"But Estel, he needs someone who will love him now. I think more then any of us, it is him who needs it more. You know better then I do how close he was to his Gwador." (Brother)

"I know but I don't want to push him." Estel said, looking back down to his feet.

"Then perhaps it would be best if we talked to her instead? She might be ready to accept him again." Arwen suggested. He shrugged.

"That is possible. He wouldn't have a choice then, would he?" The elleth smiled.

"No, he wouldn't."

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Voices. High-pitched and rough voices. That was all she heard as she slowly slipped from sleep. She furrowed her brow and willed herself to awaken. But as her eyes opened, she suddenly wished she was back at her home, safe and sound.

"What is this?" A voice sneered and Iaurtondariel's eyes widened, "A pretty one, ain't she?"

Ten goblins were huddled all around her, giving her no chance of escape. Their large eyes stared at her dangerously and hungrily. The elleth gulped, already reaching for a blade. One of them hissed and grabbed her tightly around the wrist.

"Don't go trying nothin', she-elf!" He spat, yanking her arm around. She gritted her teeth at the sharp pain and glared at the creature.

"Unhand me now!" She commanded. The goblins only snickered, displaying their pointed, yellow teeth. The hand on her arm tightened.

"What are we going to do with her?" Another asked as the group began to squirm with anticipation. They licked their teeth, chomping their teeth together, and the elleth gulped as her eyes widened.

'This cannot be happening…' She thought.

In an instant, the goblins were upon her. She screamed as she desperately tried to keep them at bay, kicking and punching. Her fist connected sharply with one's nose and it screeched, stepping back from the fight. This only seemed to anger the creatures more and they punched at her viciously.

A knock to the head set her back and they quickly took this to their advantage. A few pinned her down to the ground while the others searched out her weapons, tossing them aside carelessly.

"Get off of me!" She cried, struggling to gain her feet but a sharp blow to the temple sent her into oblivion.

Iaurtondariel sputtered as she was woken from her unwelcome 'sleep'. Water dripped from her hair and down her nose as she tried to clear her hazy vision. The ground was cold again and everything seemed dark except for a faint light behind. She struggled to sit up but froze when she heard the snickering of another goblin behind her.

"Good, you're awake." He grinned devilishly, fingering the hilt of his jagged sword, "Now, you just stay here like a good she-elf and wait to see what the boss is going to do with you." She tried desperately to get up but found herself too weak. Cackling, the goblin turned and slammed a door behind him.

Darkness engulfed her form and her heart tightened in her chest. Not only was she captured by a band of mere goblins, she was locked in a dark room. She willed herself to stay calm but found that her resolve had diminished. A tear slid down her cheek and then another. Her shoulders racked uncontrollably and she cursed herself for even leaving the safety of her home.

"I should have listened and stayed with Maladiel. None of this would have happened had I not been so stubborn. I barely even knew these people yet I betrayed my sister's trust to help them." She ran her hands over her face, "I am so stupid." She lay down on the hard floor, tears still flowing, "Why would Eru wish this on me? What wrong have I done to deserve this torture?"

She looked around her dark prison and, to her surprise, was able to make out a figure lying on the opposite side of the room. She tried to stop her tears and she sat up.

"Hello?" She called, hoping for whatever it was to help her even though they were prisoner as well, "Are you alright?" When the person didn't reply, she slowly inched forward, desperate for some civilized company. The elleth slowly slid across the floor, not finding the strength to stand up. She bit her lip as she approached, reaching tentatively out, "My-"

She stopped suddenly, her voice hitching in her throat and her heart racing. Her green eyes widened.

"Sweet Eru…" She breathed, "Norui…"

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The company had stopped to take a short rest on the outskirts of a small patch of trees. Food was served cold and, once again, everyone at in silence. Even those that sat beside each other said nothing…except one.

"How are you feeling?" Arwen whispered, taking a small bite of food.

"Alright." Jaimea answered, bringing her legs underneath of her, "What about you?"

"Oh, I am…managing." The other elleth answered, smiling slightly. The blonde haired elf smiled half-heartedly and looked to her hands with a sigh. They sat in silence for a while longer before the dark haired elleth moved closer to the other, "Have you been thinking about him?" Jaimea glanced at her out of the corner of her eye.

"Who? Norui?" She questioned and Arwen shook her head.

"No, I mean him." She motioned towards the blonde haired ellon sitting on a fallen log, stroking his falcon slowly. Jaimea glared and looked away.

"No." She replied sharply, "I haven't."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes." Arwen's face lit up as a new plan came to her mind. She smiled.

"He has been thinking of you." She whispered behind her food. The other elleth's eyes widened and she looked at her sharply.

"He has?" She breathed. Arwen nodded.

"All of the time. He has spoken to me of you before, wishing to the Gods that he could take back everything he said to you that night." The blonde haired elf frowned slightly, biting her lip.

"Nothing he does can make me forget." The other elleth sighed and nodded.

"I know it is hard but you cannot be mad at him forever. He knows he was wrong in what he said. He was only blinded by his grief." She said, "You should talk to him."

"Why should I approach him? He is the one who is at fault, not me." Jaimea retorted, "He has to talk to me if he wants any chance of forgiveness." She sat silent for a moment, then looked at the other elf out of the corner of her eye, "But what has he said about me?" Arwen grinned.

"He says you are the most beautiful elleth he has ever seen and is glad that he ever met you. He doesn't know where he'd be now if you weren't there beside him." She smiled, "He loves you, Jaimea. Just give him a chance." The dark haired beauty then stood gracefully and strode away, leaving Jaimea alone with her thoughts.

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A harsh screech echoed through the dense forest. Fog wafted just above the ground and vines hung down from the trees like nets. Frogs croaked in stagnant pools and lizards skittered through the undergrowth. The air was thick and muggy and the whole place seemed unsuitable for life.

Except for one cloaked figure. It leaned against a tree, panting heavily and favoring one leg over the other. Its face was concealed by the cloak and only two strangely shaped legs were visible. It glanced from side to side, grunting occasionally. Only when the sound of an approaching horse reached its ears did it perk up.

It watched as the rider dismounted and its lips curled up into a smirk. The rider patted her steed on the neck, brushing her long, brown hair out of her dark blue eyes. She gazed into the forest and sighed tiredly. Suddenly, the horse was engulfed by a blinding, white light and when it cleared, a tall man stood in its place. His face was framed by messy, brown hair and was clad in a brown tunic. His brown eyes followed the lady as she went into the forest.

"How do ya know he will be here?" The man asked roughly, smoothing out his clothes.

"Because I can sense his presence here somewhere." She replied, pushing a few vines out of the way. The man rolled his eyes and followed her.

The cloaked being grinned and stealthily made his way towards the two companions. Its grin widened as he came up behind the woman but was nearly knocked on its back when she swirled around, knife in hand. She glared at it for a moment, ignoring the man behind her, then rolled her eyes.

"I told you he'd be here." She grunted, sheathing the knife.

"Suspicious, as usual, I see." The cloaked man said, taking a few steps back. His voice was deep yet smooth and it rang throughout the area. The other man came up beside the woman, glaring at the other, "It is a pleasure to see you again, Turwaithiel, Uhako." The two exchanged glances before bowing to the hooded one.

"And it is a pleasure to see you again as well, Lord Eruko."

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What can I say about my lateness? No excuse will change the fact that it has been over a month since I updated so I'll just skip them. I hope you guys are still hanging with me though! No matter what, I'll continue writing and finish this story. As long as I know even one person is reading, I'll keep posting. All I can say is I'm sorry and I give you person to beat me up with random objects.

Also, I'm not going to respond to reviews here anymore because of the new feature that has been added. I think I already sent out responses to last chapter's review and if I didn't, thank you for reading!

Last thing. If you don't remember who Eruko is, go reread chapter thirty three: Farewell to the Sun. Okay, now I'm done. See you later! And Happy Thanksgiving to my fellow American readers!

Until Next Time,

Manwathiel