Note: Sorry for the long wait guys my life is going pretty crappy right now

Athrana (Wandering Shadow)

Chapter 60- Embracing the Darkness

TA 3019 March 9th

In the Darkness, Athriel's eyes adjusted easily. So much so that when Elladan and Elrohir lit the torches she flinched away from the light. After everything else that had been happening it took these little reminders before she remembered how different she was from those around her. Being out in the wild with her friends had almost been like old times, nightmares and orc massacres notwithstanding. But when she got these little reminders she was catapulted right back into the darkness and her despair.

Athriel's reaction did not go unnoticed. Elladan watched her closely as his brother lit the other torch from the one he held. The light had hurt her, actually physically hurt her. And although she had quickly adjusted, in the split second before she ducked away from the harmful light, he had seen that if only for a moment her eyes were entirely black.

Elrohir, who had been facing away from Athriel in his attempt to light the torch, turned when he heard his brother's thoughts. And although he was too late to see her reaction he saw the aftermath, as she started to draw into herself. It was an action that contrasted so much with the Athriel they remembered from their childhood, but something they were becoming used to seeing with this 'new' Athriel. It was a sign that she was being drawn back into the darkness yet again. Worrying over what she would become.

There was not time to dwell on the situation however as one by one the others stepped through the doorway to join them in the gloom. Elrohir passed his torch to Estel who led the way forward, while he and Elladan hung back to take the rear and Athriel without thought took up her place between them as the group moved further into the darkness.

As they moved steadily forward Athriel caught the whisper of voices behind them. A quick glance told her not only that the others had heard the same but also that there were shapes following them. Vague dark shapes with no physical form that flickered in and out of existence. As she concentrated once again on their path Elladan looked at her questioningly and she knew without turning to look that the same expression was mirrored on Elrohir's face. "We are being followed" She said "They are dark creatures, damned by their betrayal, but they are not evil. They will not harm us, at least not until they have heard what Estel has to say."

They walked on, all of them, further through the darkness and the twins wondered if she had heard her own words or understood their meaning. She of all people had stated that darkness and evil were not the same thing but they could see on her face every day that she thought differently of herself. Was it just fear that made her reluctant to see herself as anything other than a monster? Or did she really think that deep down she was evil.

Athriel was also contemplating the words that she had uttered only moments ago. It was true, the beings that followed them were not evil, they were tinged with a darkness that tormented them, but they were not evil. They would never work alongside the Dark Lord as they deeply regretted the betrayal they had participated in when they broke their oath. Was this what Nariel had meant as she encouraged her to accept the darkness that dwelled inside her. To use it against her enemies rather than fearing that it would take control. She had to believe in herself, In Athriel. She was still Athriel of Imladris. All she had to do was keep sight of her priorities and what was important to her. All she had to do was concentrate on those she loved, her family and friends. She had to think about Erestor and Glorfindel and all those safe in the valley. She had to think about Elladan and Elrohir walking silently beside her. Unconsciously she grabbed a hand in each of hers and pulled them closer on either side as she had often done when they were children.

Elladan and Elrohir managed not to flinch as they felt the hands grab them in the darkness. The contact did not last long as she released them when they were walking close enough on each side, but the brief contact was enough to make them look down in surprise as memories overwhelmed them.

TA 138

Three elflings walked slowly side by side through the dark corridors. Everyone else was asleep but this was the only time they could explore without fear of being caught. They snuck silently to the ominous door that they had been denied access to earlier that same day. Together they pulled the heavy door open and stared into the gloom.

As they stepped into the darkness Athriel reached out and pulled the twins closer on either side. She didn't pull them to walk in front of her, or behind, as her hands dropped and the three walked on they were still equals. Now however they had the added security of walking closer together so their arms touched.

They were all however brought back to the present as the passage opened up into a large cavern. It was still dark but amongst the gloom they could clearly see a slumped object that glittered like gold in the torchlight. Estel moved forward to inspect it. Athriel smiled slightly as she heard the dwarf muttering to himself. "Does he feel no fear? In any other cave Gimli Gloin's son would be the first to run to the gleam of gold. But not here, let it be." Estel had apparently run out of patience and was done with fear. He had decided to claim the throne that was his birthright, and to do that he need the army of the dead so that he could defeat Sauron once and for all. As one the group moved towards the ranger, even Gimli. Estel crouched down to inspect the shape while Elladan held both torches. It was a man in full chain mail and rich golden decoration. Estel however did not want to waste time with the body or what he had been seeking in life. He turned towards the shapes that had been following them and voiced his frustration. "Keep your hoards, and your secrets hidden in the accursed years! Speed only we ask. Let us pass and then come! I summon you to the stone of Erech!"

The silence that followed was deafening. The whispering had stopped suddenly leaving nothing in its place. Then there was a great blast of cold air that blew out both of their torches. Elladan and Elrohir tried to light them again but Athriel knew that it would be useless. This was a test. If they were going to get through this they would have to do without the light and embrace the darkness, whatever that meant for them all.