Hello! Quick update because I finished it quicker than I thought I would...shorter more narrative chapter. WARNING Mature themes again, just references but I am paranoid, if you do not like it skip over it.

Thank you celticank for the review...the short answer is yes something reminiscent of the necklace will be found, but nothing is returned in the same way twice...also remember the Valar wish to keep it hidden until it can be reclaimed...just something to muse over.

Thank you followers and those that have sent me encouragements for the story I hope you continue to enjoy :)

Talking type chapters are slowly coming to an end as Ellenya fits the puzzle together...action is on its way I promise :)


15. All Good Things Come to an End

Elladan sat tensely on the edge of the settle, hunched over with his head in his hands, elbows rested on his knees. He had not spoken for a long time and Elrond worried that his revelations were too much for him. He stood over his son and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder but the gesture went unnoticed so the elder elf continued to wait.

When Elrond had confirmed that he too had seen a vision of Ellenya's death it was all Elladan could do from hitting the ground. The younger ellon had turned so pale and sickly looking that Elrond had contemplated sending for help, but he recovered quickly and had launched into a tirade of questions of how and when? Elrond had eventually pacified his eldest and got him to remain silent while he divulged what he knew;

Elrond had seen Ellenya's death twice, once many years ago just after her kidnapping and then again not but a few months ago after he had come into contact with Legolas. Both deaths were similar, as in it was the same image, only one had been of an elfling and the other the mature elleth. Elrond had puzzled greatly over the truth of the vision, his theory was simple; Ellenya should have died as an elfling just as Legolas should have died as a youth, this destiny was reversed when Lairiel made her sacrifice. With the cruel hand of evil taking away a divine strength from the wood elves it made sense that the Valar would protect the lives of Lairiel's children so that their lives and their purposes would be used for the progression of the greater good of Arda. Elrond believed that these purposes were now tied to the fate of middle earth.

He had included Legolas as the representation of elves in the fellowship, by what he could only describe as gut instinct and what he felt spiritually led to allow, even though the young's prince's death was practically confirmed. Now Elrond felt that Ellenya too had a part to play and the vision of her death meant that if she failed she too would fall. It was a sobering thought not least because his son's life was completely and irrevocably tied to hers, but if Ellenya died Elladan would give up and be slain in battle, almost like suicide. The visions were almost too much to comprehend and Elrond was incredibly shaken by the images, but this was an ability he had long been burdened with and there was always the chance that it would not come to pass.

There was a brighter and joyous outcome if good prevailed; Ellenya would live and continue to flourish from the love she received from Elladan, who also would find peace and blessings in his life. Though as the darkness grew the likelihood of this future grew dimmer every day and hope seemed like a fleeting memory. However Elrond was determined that if he could uncover Ellenya's path he could at least do all he was able to do to prevent such an outcome, and keep his son alive and preserve his family.

"Ada?" Elladan eventually questioned in a shaky voice; "What can I do to stop this?"

Elrond sighed and shook his head; "Nothing, Ellenya has a purpose just as you have, what you saw is a warning if that purpose should fail."

"I do not believe that!" Elladan roared anger in his usually gentle eyes, "I will not let some outside force decide when they take her from me."

"She is not yours to keep," Elrond reasoned softly, "Careful son do not bring the wrath of Valar upon yourself, it is by their blessing that Ellenya is with you."

"Do not speak to me of blessings or the Valar! What have they done for me or her?" Elladan continued to shout vehemently.

"Elladan!" Elrond chastised, "Do you forget who you are child? You are letting your anger and bitterness cloud your spirit. Stop blaming them for what happened to your Naneth, it was by their hand that she survived and could leave these shores by her own will. The enemy can disillusion your mind and turn you against what is good, you must not allow that to happen!"

Elladan opened his mouth to reply but found no words, his Adar was right his anger was so easily displaced; "I am sorry," he murmured and lowered his gaze again; "if I sent her away, if I made her take one of the ships to Valinor like nana she would be sa-"

"She will not go and you know that!" Elrond interjected quickly he could see the logic in son's plan but that was not the answer nor was it even feasible, Ellenya would die first rather than abandon her people.

"Then it is decided and it is all just a matter of time," Elladan's voice was thick with emotion and he battled with his pride to retain his dignity.

"There is nothing I can say for I do not wish to give you false hope," Elrond admitted.

"Then why did you even agree to this marriage?" The younger elf's voice was straining and Elrond was suddenly filled with compassion, crossing the room he clasped both his hands on his son's shoulders.

"Because it was the right thing to do, a little happiness if only fleeting is worth it," he spoke firmly and with great feeling, "Whether you wed or not it would not have changed the outcome, you have always been tied to Ellenya."

Elladan nodded slowly in acknowledgment of the truth of that statement, regardless of the situation he would have reacted the same way to the vision at least now he could find comfort in knowing she was with him. However another question came to his mind secondary to his immediate concerns but no less interesting; "If my happiness with Ellenya is worth the risk, then why do you deny Arwen the same thing?"

Elrond stepped back his expression hardening, he would not have this argument again with Elladan, an avid supporter of his sister's love affair with a mortal man; "It is not quite the same thing, the risk to your sister is far higher."

"Because her immortality is the cost?" Elladan pushed, unhappy with the response, love was love and it came with many risks and sacrifices but they never outweighed the reward.

"Elladan I cannot speak about this now, it is a matter between myself and my daughter," Elrond spoke authoritatively putting an end to the conversation, the sorrow in his countenance making Elladan accept defeat in the matter. The elder elf softened his features and placed a soothing hand on his son's shoulder once more; "A parent faces difficult decisions over their children, do not hate me for them I only try to do what is best for all of you."

"I understand," Elladan muttered feeling slightly guilty about forcing the tender subject, "Thank you for your guidance."

"It is always freely given," Elrond replied and smiled gently; "Do not waste your hours talking to a wizened old elf, go to her and be thankful for what time is given you."

Elladan nodded numbly and left the room making his way back to his quarters and back to Ellenya. The journey felt longer and more wearisome than before, his heart so heavy it felt like at any moment it would fall out of his chest. When he reached the bedchamber and spied the still dreaming silhouette of his wife he felt the pain intensify, how could he leave her now knowing he may never set eyes on her alive again? He came to sit on her side of the bed, he would not waste a moment sleeping if it meant being able to capture more memories of her alive and well. He needed to fill his mind with these images so as to drown out the grotesque and upsetting vision of her death.

Elladan was not sure how long he sat watching Ellenya, it could have been minutes or long hours, though the more he lingered over her the more determined he became. He would do everything in his power to keep her alive and he vowed he would not for one second stop believing that both of them could survive this war.

In the silence Ellenya stirred and blinked she had become aware that she was not alone in the room and smiled when Elladan's familiar features focused to her eyes;

"It is considered rude to stare," she yawned and rolled onto her back to get a better look at him. It was not until she actually took a moment to regard his features that she registered something was off; "What is it? Elladan what is wrong?" She propped herself up on her elbows panic setting in as her mind jumped to all sorts of wild conclusions.

"I wanted to keep you next to me forever," he answered cryptically, the shadows in his features confusing Ellenya.

"What are you talking about?" she frowned and then smirked "You will; you are unfortunately stuck with me forever! I think that was in the vows somewhere, I do not even think death can part us!"

The attempt at a joke was not well received and Elladan just grew more sorrowful dropping his gaze before Ellenya could catch the tears that threatened to spill over there, but she was incredibly observant. She quickly caught his chin with her hand and forced him to look at her, a question echoing in her eyes, but she did not have the opportunity to ask it. Elladan's lips bore down on hers, filling her senses and distracting her mind, the sheer strength and passion of the embrace left her undone and for several unrestrained minutes it was all she could comprehend.

Slowly Ellenya became aware of something besides the intense desire radiating from Elladan, there was pain in his spirit and it cut deep. She struggled with him trying to distract him from his clear objective, though it proved difficult with the relentless kisses that only grew more demanding and his roaming hands that verged on aggressive as she heard clothing rip.

"Elladan, love stop," Ellenya requested firmly, she needed to know what was going on she was far too concerned now; "there is something wrong?"

"Don't Ellenya, not now," Elladan pleaded breathlessly and tried to ignore the genuine concern in Ellenya's eyes.

"You are frightening me!" Ellenya cried and pushed him hard on his chest, feeling suddenly trapped; "This is not like you, there is something wrong?"

"I am sorry, I do not know what came over me," Elladan withdrew and resumed his position on the edge of the bed, disgusted at himself! He had successfully managed to terrify his wife with his own fear and anger. As he silently berated himself he felt arms wrap around him and the feel of soft lips kiss jaw.

"Do not apologize," Ellenya murmured, "in any other circumstances I would not have protested, but there is something upsetting you and it is making me fearful."

"You never miss a thing do you?" Elladan chuckled darkly and turned his head to meet his wife's gaze.

"hmm not really," she grinned and rested her head on his shoulder, "So are you going to tell me or will I have to sit here and guess?"

"I had a bad feeling," Elladan muttered and dropped his head in his hands, "actually I had a few, but I really do not want to think about it or talk about it, or analyze it in any shape or form!"

"You sound more like me everyday!" Ellenya teased and frowned when he still did not laugh or attempt to deny it. Sighing she rolled back on the bed; "You think something is going to happen to me?"

Elladan turned to regard Ellenya his jaw clenching at the less than concerned expression on her face; "Why do you say that?"

"Is it not obvious? The possessiveness, the bickering, the worry in your eyes, and now when I kiss you all I can feel is your anger and hurt. I am not stupid Elladan the last time I got that feeling from you, you were in pieces over your Mother," Ellenya mused over her assessment and then turned to look Elladan in the eye; "You cannot let the past control your future, you taught me that! Whatever you think you saw or felt, forget about it, it will not happen."

"I cannot forget it," Elladan sighed angrily and went to leave but Ellenya had her hand clamped firmly around his forearm and pulled him back. Her strength always deceptive and in an instant she was eye level with him staring him down;

"Try!" her voice husky and suddenly serious; "I too had a vision of your death, do you think it does not haunt me too?" Ellenya felt the tears prick in her eyes but she kept them in check.

Shocked by the emotion Ellenya was reliving and the obvious pain his actions were causing Elladan quietened and nodded in understanding. After a few moments of contemplative silence he slouched into Ellenya and she caught him in a comforting embrace; "I am an idiot," he grumbled into her shoulder making her laugh softly.

"No, you just worry too much!" Ellenya replied and coaxed him to look at her, "Now will you please kiss me again, only properly and at least act like you enjoy it, because it is incredibly offpu-"

Elladan silenced his rambling wife with a kiss and he felt her lips move into a triumphant smile under his; "You talk too much," he mumbled.

"You think too much!" Ellenya countered and burst into a fit of giggles at the exasperated look Elladan gave her; "Okay! Okay! No more talking or worrying unnecessarily over bad feelings."

"Ellenya!"

"You are so sensitive!"

"Shut up!"

xXx

Elladan woke to an empty to bed and startled, the night before had helped him forget his anxieties and having Ellenya within reach made it easy to forget the revelations. Quickly he rolled out of the bed, wrapping a blanket around him to protect against the chill of early morning, and went in search of his wife. Common sense had him drifting to the balcony, Ellenya loved the fresh air and true enough there she was leaning on the wooden railing in her hastily made gown of sheets. The breeze caught her platinum locks and blew them from her face revealing a somber expression on her regal features.

"The clouds concealed the sunrise, I am not sure why but it made me feel sad," Ellenya murmured softly feeling her husband's approach; "The days must be growing darker."

"No," Elladan replied shaking his head and coming to stand at her side; "It is just a promise of rain, the earth needs it."

"You are a terrible liar," Ellenya commented and turned so she could face Elladan, "We need to talk."

"That sounds ominous?" Elladan arched an eyebrow and smiled when Ellenya rolled her eyes playfully.

"I need you to pretend for a little while that I am just the young elleth that was your good friend and companion in battle, can you do that?" Ellenya questioned.

"Erm…that is kind of difficult, I never engaged in any of last night's activities with that Ellenya and I doubt she would ever be so under dressed in my presence…oh no wait she did I think that is what got her into this mess in the first place!" Elladan teased which only received a warning look; "Alright I can try, carry on."

"What is the plan? Why do you prepare for battle?" Ellenya asked as impassively as she could.

"I knew this was coming," Elladan sighed and crossed his arms across his chest a dark look crossing his features; "The fellowship has failed Ellenya, it has broken. The ring bearer and his companion have broken away from the company in an attempt to spare them. Aragorn leads Legolas and the dwarf toward Rohan in search of two hobbits who were captured by the enemy, and the man of Gondor is dead."

"And you kept this from me!" Ellenya started and then shook her head, "Never mind! What has this got to do with you?"

"Saruman's strength grows and he will strike the people of Rohan, we have to help them," Elladan answered evenly.

"Why? What have men done for us, what is the race of men to you?" Ellenya was aware her voice was growing colder.

"Are you actually asking me that?" Elladan met his wife's cold stare with an astonished look, "I am one of the Peredhil, the fate of men and their sufferings are of great concern to me."

"I am so sorry," Ellenya cried realizing her massive error, "I spoke without thought, Ada's distrust rubs off on me."

"Ellenya you need to recognize that men are not a threat, and that whatever Thranduil's fears are, they are unfounded. If we do not assist men then we leave middle earth to her doom, and to me, that is worse than serving Sauron himself. " Elladan replied determinedly, for as long as he knew Ellenya this had been one of their ongoing disagreements. He had hoped her sudden interest in the welfare of the human children of the woods had helped dispel some of her prejudices, but maybe that was asking too much.

"Yes I know!" Ellenya groaned, "you sound like my brother!"

"Good, at least one of us does," he grouched in reply, Legolas was far more understanding and sympathetic to the pleas of others, so much so Elladan often wondered how it was possible he came from the same family!

"If I follow correctly, you will be going to war and I guess there is nothing I can do to persuade you otherwise?" Ellenya continued, ignoring the insinuation her brother was the better sibling, because in honesty he was.

"It is what I do," Elladan attempted a smile to make light of the comment, "you knew it would come to this."

Ellenya sighed and nodded in one sharp movement; "Yes I did, unfortunately it does not make it any easier. I shall just have to count you and Elrohir out of the numbers that can assist my home."

Not fooled by the stony and indifferent expression on Ellenya's face, Elladan pulled her to him and buried his face into her hair and whispered; "We will get you the help you need, I will not leave you or your home so unprotected."

"I know, I know you will do what you can, but I am afraid it is going to take something a little stronger than numbers to dispel the evil of Mirkwood," Ellenya sighed and returned the embrace, "but do not worry about me I can handle it!"

"That is the problem," Elladan groaned and held her tighter still, "I will not be able to protect you myself."

Ellenya laughed and shoved herself away from her husband; "Ha! I taught you all you know, you just focus on keeping yourself alive!"

"Oh of course," he scoffed, amused by the comment, "I was slaying orcs before you could hold a knife little princess."

Ellenya smirked and in a movement so quick unsheathed a dagger from the leather band at her hip, concealed by the sheet dress and pressed it against Elladan's throat. Grinning at shock on his face, she lent in close and purred; "Elladan, love, I was born a warrior brandishing a sword is second nature to me."

"Duly noted!" Elladan held his hands up in surrender and Ellenya grinned and retreated with her knife heading back towards the bedchamber in search of more suitable clothing. "Did you have that blade last night?" Elladan couldn't help but ask the question, as he tried to work it out for himself.

"Ada taught me to always be within momentary reach of a weapon," she spun to answer him a mischievous look in her eyes; "And you are surprisingly unobservant when otherwise preoccupied."

"This love is going to be the death of me!" Elladan exclaimed more to himself than Ellenya, only he would have the level of stupidity required to love someone as dangerously unpredictable as Ellenya.

xXx

Being left for another afternoon to occupy herself, while Elladan and his brother engaged in further talks with their Adar and whatever else it was they found to talk about, Ellenya decided to take a stroll around the rooms of Imladris. It really was a beautiful place and she adored the peacefulness of it, something she hoped she could restore for her homeland. What surprised her more was that she was beginning to dream about living here with Elladan, in the future, if by some miracle any of them survived this war? Never before had Ellenya ever thought of living anywhere other than her home, she had spent so long away from it as a youth that it seemed strange to want to be anywhere else. Now here she was dreaming of peaceful future in this historic place, maybe home was not a physical dwelling but wherever her heart was, such a strange notion for one so loyal to her wild home.

As the Princess observed several exquisite pieces of art, depictions of Valinor, and wondered would she ever feel the need to make that final journey, she heard light footsteps across the marble floor. Ellenya turned to the sound with mild curiosity, just in time to catch the obviously distressed figure of Arwen making her way towards her. The other elleth stopped dead in her tracks and muttered apologies to Ellenya before making for the exit.

"Arwen!" Ellenya called out in concern and ran to the upset beauty and gripped her shoulder; "Are you alright?"

"I am sorry I did not realize you would be here, I just came to think," Arwen murmured, but there were tears in her eyes and the excuse was not going to wash with Ellenya.

"You are upset?" Ellenya commented brows knit together in concern.

"Very observant Princess," the usually demure elleth bit and quickly attempted to wipe away the tears.

"I am getting very tired of these cryptic insults Arwen, if you were any other elleth I would simply ignore it but this is very out of character for you?" Ellenya answered dryly and crossed her arms about her chest. To Ellenya's shock the other elleth collapsed in her arms in floods of tears, the extreme reaction not something the Princess was expecting. Moving uncomfortably at the unwanted and entirely unanticipated touch, Ellenya did her best to comfort the clearly devastated elleth.

"I am leaving Ellenya," Arwen cried, meeting Ellenya's confused gaze with distressed eyes that seemed to beg for a solution that she did not have to offer.

"Where?" Ellenya questioned not entirely following the conversation, as she gently eased herself and Arwen to a seated position.

"West, I am to take the ships and leave middle earth," Arwen replied more brokenly this time as if resigned to her fate.

"Is this not meant to be a happy affair?" Ellenya queried, any elves she had met that were about to embark on the journey were filled with peace and joy at the prospect. None treated it like a prison sentence and this led the Princess to connect together some puzzle pieces; "Estel, this about Estel?" she gasped eventually caught up to the implied comments from the night before.

"Ellenya do not appear so shocked, you must have known?" the dark haired elleth dropped her gaze, "It is not like it is a secret, in fact sometimes I feel like I have done something shameful."

Ellenya stared at the famed beauty and felt instantly grieved for her, several weeks ago she would have told her she was a fool. Throwing her life away for love and more disturbingly the love of a mortal had been unthinkable for Ellenya, but now she could almost grasp the torment that was etched in Arwen's features;

"Shameful?" Ellenya smirked; "Shameful is throwing caution to the wind and marrying within a week, unless you are telling me you have done that then I am afraid I win this round."

The comment had the desired effect and Arwen laughed softly; "No I have not done that, and what you did it was not shameful, it was beautiful. It is not like we were not expecting it and truly it thrills me"

"Yes apparently the entire elven world was awaiting this union," Ellenya exclaimed and rolled her eyes; "but why do you leave? If the rumours of your love for the mortal are true surely you would stay."

"Ah but that is the problem," Arwen sighed heavily and smiled when Ellenya took her hand in hers; "Adar has seen his death, if not in this war then when his life here is spent and without him I shall dwell alone without kin and without hope. Ada does not want that for me."

"But the boy, he is to be King, if the war is won he will be King it is written, surely Elrond would agree that this is a fine match," Ellenya attempted to reason but was met with a sad look from Arwen which silenced her.

"If the war is won and if he survives it he will become King and Adar would have allowed the union, but I do not have the same hope now that Estel will survive not now Ada has seen it," she whispered brokenly and dropped her head unto Ellenya's shoulders.

"I cannot tell you what the best decision is," Ellenya eventually responded after some moments of silence, "Love is a difficult thing, I decided to risk the pain and join with Elladan but I too have little hope that he will survive this war, and maybe a wiser decision would have been to deny the love there, for now I will suffer everyday we are apart and if he dies I shall too. Yes Arwen I can see how much safer and wiser it would be to go west with your kin and live happily without the burden of heartache, but then I would be hypocrite to insist you went. All I can advise you is too go with your instincts."

The two ellith embraced warmly and stayed like this for a while, not speaking as Arwen cried quietly to herself and Ellenya silently offered comfort without judgement. The rooms were dark when Ellenya felt the approach of her husband, his spirit unsettled and she knew that he had learnt of his sister's fate. It did not take long for him to find them and his expression darkened at the sad sight.

"Arwen?" he questioned, voice thick with emotion.

The beautiful elleth moved away from Ellenya and smiled sadly up at her brother; "Now do not make a scene brother you know how I hate goodbyes."

"Don't you even say it!" Elladan warned and knelt down beside his sister clasping her hands in his, "Are you sure about this, I can talk to Ada, make him understand."

"Hush Elladan," Arwen soothed and turned to give Ellenya a small smile; "I have made my decision, it is wise to leave now before anymore damage is done."

"I will miss you," he pleaded in vain as he stood from the ground and shook his head, dislodging old memories of his Naneth leaving.

Arwen quickly stood to her feet and embraced him, aware of the thoughts that were running through his mind; "You will be fine, you have Ellenya now and she needs you to return from the war alive so that you both can come home to me."

Elladan nodded once in acknowledgment of his little sisters decision, as he fought the tears and hugged her tighter. Ellenya stood up and quietly left the emotional farewell and as she glided through the doors she was greeted by an equally distressed Elrohir;

"Have you seen my sister?" he asked quickly.

"She is with Elladan through there," Ellenya replied sadly and pointed out the way, her husband's twin paled slightly at her tone and hurried off, the same grief darkening his eyes.

Ellenya watched him disappear from view and let a few of her own tears escape her eyes, for some reason the departure of Arwen seemed like the wrong decision, like hope was slowly fading from the world. The evenstar was the light of her people and for the first time in her life Ellenya truly understood the cold reality that the time of the elves had come to an end. With this thought came the resounding question came; what had she done to make the world a better place, what had she gave of herself to ensure good endured?

Ellenya was starting to understand her brother, she was starting to grasp Elladan's heart and at last she was beginning to see the need to act while they still could. She resolved to support her husband completely in his endeavors and if that meant losing him, so be it, but she would not give up on the hope that he would survive. Nor would she give up on Legolas, whatever direction he was pulled in now it would no doubt lead him down more perilous paths. Paths that could lead her too answers!

Ellenya froze as the idea began to take form in her mind, until now Legolas had been engaged in the fellowship, now that it had failed he was set on another road that led him to Rohan. This in turn led him to Isengard and to the forest of Fangorn, the last known dwelling of Onodrim. Her eyes widened as the images of her dreams flashed in her mind's eye, realization setting in. Her heart raced as she connected the dots, though she could not be certain this was what her Naneth had meant her to figure out, it certainly rang with a certain amount of clarity and truth. She needed to find Elrond and seek out his wisdom in this matter; she still had holes of knowledge to fill.


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