Due to a suggestion from Queen000 on the layout of this story, I have decided that there will be several stories on this one alone. Each story will chronicle a different point of view on the same incidencesfrom a different character. The order will be determined as the story progresses; but as a rough it follows:

1) Laitheryn

2) Elrond

3) Elladan or Elrohir

4) Thranduil.

Hope you enjoy.

He and Galadriel had left the cold shimmering glade soon after, and he spent his last night mulling over her words as well as the tantalizing memory the mirror had revealed to him.

The repressed memory of his father's face and the laughter just held back in his voice. The older elf had said his name, his true name, and for just a second Laitheryn had heard it. But it now stayed locked in the vaults of his memory, and would not return no matter how hard he begged his subconscious to release his past. Laitheryn was no closer to the truth now, but for a stronger hope that he would recall when needed. The only thing Laitheryn gathered about that memory was that the elf he saw in the mirror could have easily been the one that Mithrandir and Celeborn were referring to when they compared him in appearance to someone else.

Laitheryn had not slept much that long night as he watched the slow dance of the stars. His mind was too full of questions that, when he tried to rest, more would flood his mind. That was not the only thing he thought of; when he relaxed enough to rest, the ring would return to his internal vision and haunt him with its evil. Galadriel had said not to dwell on that image, but he could not help but ponder its importance. He wondered how many times that same ring haunted the golden lady's thoughts deep at night when all was calm.

And what of that strange human, who had been present in the second vision? Laitheryn already felt drawn to the image of that man. So at some point in the far future he would befriend a man, a ranger if he deemed his apparel properly, and be in his and Mithrandir's company.

The vision also told him that this travel to Greenwood would be his last venture outside an elven realm, as it was obvious he stayed in the great wood as one of their warriors. Maybe he served under the Elvenking as an archer in the legendary army of Greenwood. He must not have a high position in his future, for him to be sent off to some kind of quest outside of the Great Forest's border; but at least he would have a home there too.

Serving in the army would not be such a difficult thing for Laitheryn to conceive. He had already served on some of the patrols that frequented the borders of Caras Galadhon and Lorien, being gone several weeks at a time. He had already proven a name for himself as a good archer; and with his strong connection with nature trees were practically yelling at him when even the slightest thing was amiss. It was on that thought that he began to doze, imaging himself in a patrol within the Great Forest.

He must have slept though, because he became aware once more when the sun flickered through his hut and onto his face, warming the cool air around him. Laitheryn awoke, feeling the warmth in the air around him matching with the warmth he now felt inside.

It was with a heavy heart that he rose to greet the last hours of his stay in Lorien. He walked slowly onto the edges of his hut and looked down to the forest floor beneath, watching the shadows reflecting on the ground as the trees waved in the breeze. It seemed less bright to him, somehow dulled by the knowledge that it may be many centuries until he saw this sight and his friends again. He closed his eyes against the biting sadness that was beginning to fill him, wanting suddenly to call the whole venture off. Here he was standing on the deck to his home, ready to throw it all away just to chase a memory.

But he would in a heart beat, for the chance of meeting the elf who he thought was his father was far greater than that of any nostalgic feelings that gripped his heart. Even if they only met once, even if that elf did not accept him for who he claimed to be; he at least would know and knowing sometimes made it easier to live life than living perpetually in doubt. If he backed out now he would never know his family or his past. He also had the worry of his father fading as well; if he did nothing and his father did fade to the halls of Mandros, he would be guilty of not trying to stop that descent.

And yet the future clearly stated he stayed in Greenwood. But that was just one of the many futures that could occur, maybe not the one that would. The future was always in motion, and the actions of one could change the course for all. Maybe the mirror showed him that future because of his resolve to leave Lorien for Greenwood. Perhaps it was this decision triggered that future. And if he changed his mind…who knew what else could occur?

Laitheryn had not hesitated when leaving the sanctity of his home with the humans in an attempt to locate his past. He had walked away, trying to keep the pain of losing the only home he could remember at bay. He would not have a home there anymore; the ones that cared for him having past to wherever mortals dwell after death. The village may not even be there anymore, having vanished years ago without his knowledge. In Lorien he would always be welcome, but it was not where he belonged. So the situation was the same; his having to leave a place he viewed as home and leave those that he viewed as family to continue on his quest. Laitheryn would not forget those humans in the village that were so kind, and he knew he would not forget the kindness of his kin nor would he be forgotten when he left. 'I will go. It is my past, and I have to discover it…'

Laitheryn soon found himself on his way, just stopping long enough to grab what he had packed for this venture, along with the weapons he spent years mastering, including his bow and arrows along with the back up weapons. Climbing down the tree he had called home for the last two centuries, he laid an affectionate hand on the smooth golden bark and said goodbye to the dozing tree. It responded with well wishes. It was just after that, walking through the just waking city listening to the song of the trees and elves when he met Haldir, Orophin, and Rumil. The three brothers were standing there, waiting for him and it was without words that the three fell to his side and continued his quiet walk on.

The three were born in Lorien, and loved its gold tones. Their hearts longed for Caras Galadhon when they were away. And yet his heart longed for another forest, one where dark leaves fell and glistened green in the sun. He was home but his heart longed for another. It was without words that the four walked quietly onwards together, through the golden city. There were no words that needed speaking; their silence did justice to their emotions.

Laitheryn turned, just on the outskirts of the city to the forest, biding goodbye and wanting one last look. He paused, just about to turn back to his companions. There standing just barely within his elven sight, on their own balcony was the Lord and Lady of Lorien. Laitheryn inclined his head, in a measure of respect and they responded equally to him. He smiled at the pair before focusing on his three friends; their dark blue eyes on this face, wondering why he had paused so suddenly in his walk and why he had smiled to nothing. Laitheryn tried to explain why, but they had not seen what he had and it was several minutes of gentle teasing before the moment passed once more and the four fell into companionable silence.

There was no need to hurry here; he would make up for the slow pace of today in the days ahead, wasting no time by running over the intervening distance between Lorien and Greenwood. He would circle the forest to the south and then head straight North, upwards until he crossed paths with the River Celduin and follow that into the Great Forest. It was then that Laitheryn hoped that his presence would be noted by the elves that guarded the realm, and be escorted to the king, instead of him hopelessly searching for the Elvenking's halls. Laitheryn knew he had a great responsibility to the elf that could be his father, but he also did not want to be leave of his friends any sooner than he had to.

Laitheryn walked slowly, noting that as he did the trees still thinned too quickly for his tastes and the sounds of the Great River Anduin could just be heard over the quiet. The group stopped on the outskirts of the golden forest for the night, even though it was still several hours before the sun would set. In the morning three would be heading back to Lorien and Laitheryn would continue onwards on whatever path his future took him. It was gazing into the small fire that Haldir had constructed that Rumil chose to broach the subject that all had on their minds.

"Are you sure about this venture Laitheryn?"

"I am. I need to find who I am before I can be whole. There's a part of me missing, and I need to discover that part."

"We do understand that Laitheryn." Rumil assured.

"We just wish you to be careful. Arda seems to darken a little more each day." Orophin spoke up, feeding the fire a small branch he had found on the ground. "We wish not to hear you have been injured…or worse…"

"I will be careful."

"You will not have us to assist you out of trouble." Rumil started once more.

"You're assistance is what usually landed us in trouble, Mellon nin." Laitheryn answered, laughing as he did.

"Aye, he has a point there, Rumil." Orophin agreed with that.

"He most certainly does not!" the offended elf stated. "Our assistance is what kept him from becoming bored!"

"If you mean assistance as pranks, then Laitheryn and I certainly had no time for boredom; we were too busy hiding, especially if Elladan and Elrohir were a part of the scheme as well." Haldir answered for the pair. "I am never venturing near those two again, if I can possibly help it."

"Nor I." Laitheryn stated. "Especially if Orophin and Rumil are in vicinity too."

Haldir nodded, agreeing to that statement.

"What feel you for your past?" Haldir asked, bringing the subject round again. "You have never spoken of it."

"There is not much to speak of." Laitheryn answered. "My memory has been locked away by some event that caused me much turmoil, and I cannot recall it, save for flickers in dreams and impressions, and even then they are few and far between. Yet I wish to know who I am, and know of my family. I wish my home."

"Why Greenwood? You easily could have descended from Imladris." Orophin questioned.

"Not exactly." Haldir started in. "There are few golden haired elves in Imladris. He does rather look more like a woodland elf. His best bet is Greenwood."

"We have all heard of how receptive the Greenwood elves, particularly their King, are to unannounced visitors. Laitheryn, you must have more to go on than just what is the best bet." Rumil appealed. "For I do not doubt the rumours…"

"Aye, I do. Another impression of being very young and watching the sun shining through a thick forest. If I recall properly, Imladris has no forest of great depth near it. But if I do not find what I am looking for in Greenwood I will head on to Imladris and search there."

"From your tone I would say that you assume that you will find the answers in the Great Forest." Haldir stated more than questioned.

"Yes." Laitheryn sighed.

He had not wanted to mention his visit with the golden lady to the glade in which he saw his future and a flicker of his past. For some reason that one memory he had was special; a secret. It was that one memory of his Father's face that would give him strength enough to travel on, despite the reception he was sure he would receive in Greenwood. The memory he had received late last night in the hidden grove was his, the only thing he had that tied him to his past and Laitheryn was not sure if he wanted it shared right away. But outright lying to his friends? 'They deserve more from me then to lie when stated lie is more convenient than truth.'

He had his answer and he would not lie to dear friends.

Taking a deep breath he started into the discoveries he had made last night; only mentioning the two visions that pertained to this topic and nothing of the Lady's words to him of his future. He would keep secret the haunting ring that spun in the darkness of the vision as well as in his mental eye when he became most distracted. At the moment Laitheryn had not known what the effects would be in viewing that evil; and his mind became more unsettled by just the thought. 'It had much maliciousness…'

"Laitheryn?" Rumil was questioning.

He started out of his thoughts and looked in askance towards the one that voiced his name.

"Something disturbs you?" Rumil continued.

"Just thoughts, Mellon – Nin. Do not be concerned."

"Dark thoughts should be expressed, lest they darken you." Orophin quoted. "Please Mellon. Will you not share what burdens you?"

"I am burdened by more than what I dare admit." Laitheryn sighed softly. "Lady Galadriel's words perhaps the most. She bade me, tarry not; lest the elf that is my Adar fade in my absence."

"Have faith Laitheryn. Have hope that he will wait. I am confident that you will succeed. For you have yet to fail at any task you have set your mind to." Haldir started.

"And I will not fail now." Laitheryn broke in.

"That is the Laitheryn I know as Gwador – Nin. You will be in our thoughts and our songs, we pray for your success."

"Hannon le."

"Tell me once more of your Ada."

"He was tall. But whether that was a child's perspective, I do not know. He was tall and slender, and seemed to possess the bearings of a great Lord."

"Alas!" Orophin stated. "That does describe many elves from our kin nation."

"…In face, his was similar to mine adorned, with the colour of living leaves as eyes and with gold hair in similar colour to mine." Laitheryn continued decidedly ignoring the interruption. "That is all. There was nothing around him I could use to deduce his identity. He wore no trace of rank, if he did have one."

Haldir nodded, gazing far away as if trying to match the basic description to someone he knew of. "At least we now know why there was no word of a lost Elfling to this point." The eldest of their group spoke finally. "They would have no reason to suspect your survival."

"Aye, tis true." Laitheryn agreed. "And I have no way of proving that I have been lost at some point from their realm."

"Your memories will guide you." Haldir counselled.

"…That was the same advice given to me by the Lady." Laitheryn stated, staring at his friend. "You sounded remarkably alike to her in that moment."

"I?"

"Yes."

"What Haldir speaks is true." Orophin dropped back into the conversation. "You will remember times and places that no one else would have been privy too. That states strongly for your defence."

"But I do not remember anything."

"You will in time. I have faith that your memories will return when you are around familiar places and elves. Will you be able to recognize your Adar by sight alone?" Orophin continued.

"Yes. I hope so. And sometimes, hope is all we have."

The conversation seemed to end there, as all four drifted eventually into silence, watching the flickering flames eat slowly at the dead wood that was placed to encourage its growth. It had grown dark at some point during their conversation, and he could clearly see the stars in the evening sky. There was no need for words; the silence spoke for them.

Behind them, in the city of Lorien, the elves sang into the night. Just drifting loud enough to be heard was the voice of Galadriel, singing calmly to the ones she protected by her own powers, against the hidden agents of darkness that slipped with more certainty across the plains in the cover of darkness. No one touched with the hand of Sauron, or with evil intent, was allowed near this realm, and all the elves prospered under the seeming peace that Caras Galadhon lived under. And yet evil existed, and something was coming that would cause great pain and suffering in all that encountered that fatal ring. Laitheryn did not know when this event would occur, only that he would somehow play a part in it. And because, he decided watching the flames dance in harmony with the song around them, he could do nothing to stop the will of the Valar he would merely watch with alertness for this event to occur. He would not let the future rule his existence.

The Golden Lady's song continued, becoming more soothing as moments passed and without even knowing it he drifted away with her voice following him into the untouched realms of sleep. The night drifted on without his awareness, and he awoke in the early morning with the sun just beginning to rise, in his eternal race to catch his beloved's light.

He laid there for a moment, enjoying the protective peace around him, the glinting golds of the Mallorn trees and the voices of the elves and of nature that lived in harmony with one another.

Laitheryn then slowly helped the three break camp, each knowing what the other was doing and where their individual tasks would lead. It was slow as none wanted to bereft of the others company; but soon it was done. And Laitheryn stood facing the three brothers on opposite side of the small clearing they had set up camp in. To their backs stood the ancient city of Caras Galadhon and the golden trees; to his, the unknown wilds of the land. Laitheryn did not wish to bid his friends farewell, but knew in order to discover his past that was what had to occur.

"I cannot think of words…" he started but trailed off. "You will all be in my thoughts and prayers. Even if we are separate, our hearts bind us together."

"I would say much the same as you, Laitheryn." Haldir started. "We all have gone through much together, and there will always be a place here for you."

"But you must be off to find your home." Rumil started. "My heart longs for Lorien, even when I am not far from home. Your heart belongs, already, to green leaves and deep forests. I wish you luck, Gwador – Nin."

"Aye." Laitheryn answered.

"Long have you been our friend." Orophin began. "And yet it feels as if no time has passed since that day when you were introduced to us. The years have slipped away without note of passing."

"Mellon – Nin. The years have slipped past, but not away or in vain. We have the memories of our time together, and I value those moments above all. Hannon le." Laitheryn spoke once more.

He stepped forward, as the three came to him. Holding out his arm, expecting it to be gripped in the form of a traditional warrior farewell, Laitheryn instead found himself involved in a deep hug by the three brothers, and he realized he was hugging back. A moment later they all pulled back.

"We cannot keep you…" Haldir started.

"As much as we may wish to." Orophin broke in.

"We will not keep you, caged here, when your heart longs for your home, Laitheryn." Haldir continued, sending a reproving look down to his younger brother. "We all wish you well."

And with that, no more words would come from his lips, so he silently nodded his thanks and turned to leave. Laitheryn walked away, steeling his heart so he would not look back and see the three watching him, steeling his emotions so he would not give in to the grief that bound him and return with the three to their home. It was time he move on and, for his Adar's sake, he hoped he had not waited too long.

When he could bare it no longer, he broke into a run, heading towards the gentle river that Lorien was situated next to. He could feel the three brothers' eyes on him the whole time and was almost grateful when the covering trees broke his knowledge of their gaze. There was no time for looking back.

Finally. This chapter took awhile to write; and I apologize for the delay. Next chapter should be up soon.

Please review and tell me what you think.