War must be, while we defend our lives against a destroyer who would devour all; but I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend."

― J.R.R. Tolkien

Gularzob bristled as he stood in front of the darkness, his anger held just barely in check as he snarled. "What again? I grow'e restless, you promise blood. My feet barely wet the ankles and you say enough?"

The Nazgûl's fathomless eyes narrowed as he observed the ugly creature before him, a putrid white, here and there blades of metal jutting out in the hands and legs. "You should be pleased to know that I have not forgotten." The chilling voice intoned darkly a thin smile forming on the shades fathomless lips, felt more than seen as he drew closer to the hulking orc, who though towering above the Nazgûl took a hasty step back as the potent creature inched closer.

The Orc hissed half in fright and half to establish his own superiority though such a thing was laughable at best. "Out wid it."

The dark rider chuckled. "Mirkwoods elves show great promise beast. I need more to my now dwindling stock."

The orc threw back his head and laughed lips twisting into a hideous smile on the brutish visage. "Doe's pretty things don't give enough sport."

"Well then you shall have no trouble in bringing me more elves still among the living."

"What ye do wid em? Eat em?" The brutes face lit up in a savage smile. Khamûl laughed an icy laugh causing the orc to stiffen. "That is no concern of yours maggot. Now go before you incur my great displeasure.

Gularzob was normally not one to be intimidated easily but the sheer darkness radiating from the now retreating darkness was more potent than he had ever felt it. A cruel smile lit his lips. Soon the Lord and Master of Darkness would rise again and with him the age of Orc. Slowly the hulking brute made his way to his twisted brethren. Soon they would feast on more elven flesh.

The council was called at midday early morning having been dedicated to more planning and moving of scouts. Here and their elves went and came. New orders were given to various patrols by Arrai counseled by Captain Orestor, who new far more then Galion on the whereabouts of all stations; as he was the primary war counselor, whereas Galion was more of an assistant to Thranduil over the more immediate areas in Mirkwood.

The Council consisted of Galion, Orek, Tauriel, Tulien, Lysanthir and several other Lieutenants. Each sat on a side of the long rectangular table now scattered with an even larger map and several smaller ones here and there a sheaf of paper with elven cursive scattered in between the cups of water by each elves elbow. Orek opened the council having been the most recent to return with a report.

"I was sent to scour the southern borders and though all is quite in the black tower darkness is at work. I have confirmed that the orcs are effected less by our light." There were shifts and murmurs among the Lieutenants.

Tulien frowned hand tracing a map idly. "Why has this been kept in secret till now? Surely all that has been said has been proven weeks ago."

Orek's keen eyes were on the younger elf disapprovingly. "There is no need to stir fear of danger where there is none, as I myself have taught you. Till now all has been but mere speculation."

"And now we're certain?" Lysanthir shifted in his seat eyes on the Captain.

Captain Orek was about to answer but it was Arrai who rose lips pressed into a thin frown hands resting on the map. "We are indeed certain." Dark blue eyes scrutinized the elven faces before him. "What I will say has been confirmed by riders from Rivendell…" He trailed off the room going from mildly comfortable to fearful as every elf took in the grave countenances of not just their acting regent but both Captain Galion and Captain Orek as well. Grave nods followed as if giving their digression on the matter. "We have reports that a shadow has awoken." Gasps followed, Tauriel herself paled.

"You are certain of this?" The red headed elleth asked emerald eyes full of disbelief.

A thin dark smile graced the prince's lips. "My sources are quite reliable."

"Of course they are." Tulien's fist clenched as he continued, the other elves cringing at his mocking tone. Captain Orek who had been pacing as well stiffened, while Galion's face was furious. "Tell how many orcs do you have amongst the enemy that serve you? Or more specifically serve both you and the darkness?"

Galion's livid eyes were on the younger elf. "How dare you suggest such a thing?"

"How dare I?" Tulien rose hand on the hilt of his sword. "His mother was their queen! His line is why the elves have suffered for centuries."

"He saved your life!" Lysanthir rose a hand on his bow his face livid. "Were I you I would show more respect to my King!"

"Explain all this!" Orek who till now was confusedly and half angrily listening to the exchange snapped guarded eyes now on the younger elf who seemed to have frozen as well hands clenched on the table face inscrutable.

"There's nothing to explain," Tulien intoned lowly as his squared off with Galion. "Our current 'king's' mother was the last of the Vanyar line! The very same one that allowed itself to become corrupted by Sauron. Or have you forgotten the Cursed Queen of the Vanyar?"

Captain Orek's eyes were on the younger elf his voice slow and deliberate. "Is this true?"

Dark blue eyes flashes as the hands clenched harder if that were even possible. "It is indeed. My mother was not the one seduced however; if you had read the elven lore then you would know. She was never turned."

"You want us to believe that?" A lieutenant just back from a skirmish spoke up. "What is to say you are not in league with the enemy?" Galion was about to protest but the elf rose up to back Tulien continuing in an angered voice. "You may have defeated Shelob but what is to say that this wasn't all planned out? You claimed you've never fought the Umai before and suddenly you're an Umai slayer?"

"You know what I heard?" Another elf this one with auburn hair interrupted. "I heard that Ungoliant was the lost corrupted Queen of the Vanyar. Her own greed lust and ambition turned her into an abomination. What is to say you didn't arrange all that has occurred with this abomination of a sister of yours?"

Orek wanted to silence the now loud hall but Galion was faster. "Enough!" Galion slammed the table with a fist rising. "How dare you even suggest such a vile thing?"

"Suggest?" Tauriel interrupted. "With all due respect Captain all we know about this prince that you have brought to us is that he's the son of Thranduil." Her hand motioned to the still silent prince. "And that he has saved us from a dark creature." Her eyes softened fractionally. "However, beyond that we are given nothing." Her eyes hardened as she finished settling down in her chair an image of serenity contrasting greatly with most of the other Lieutenants whose countenances ranged from shock or incredulity to rebellious disdain.

"I am asking you to trust in my decision to let him lead." Galion snapped, causing several of the voices to silence whereas other voices rose.

"You know what…" A cold voice pierced the murmurs and arguments causing the temperature in the room to suddenly drop. Arrai's face was covered in contempt as he looked at the now divided war table. "I did not want to be king, I still don't. I was dragged here by Captain Galion to lead or do Valar knows what. Captain Tulien why don't you enlighten us? Who would you place as regent in my father's stead?" The question was hissed and more of a statement then a question the alien look in the younger elves eyes was too reminiscent of Thranduil in his rages to cross.

"Wait, I know! You would place Captain Galion as regent, a fine choice I may add. However might I remind you that it was he who placed me on the throne? Who else? Astaldar maybe He is the oldest after all you would say. Well what would happen if there was a battle and he was on the front lines and happened to receive a wound? Who then would heal him? The gap between his skills and that of the rest of our healers is quite distinct or have you forgotten? Captain Orek maybe? Surely he would make a fine replacement and you are right indeed he would. However as head of the various scouting divisions he has not the luxury to spare going out onto the front lines. Now why don't you offer up another? Maybe yourself? Why not? It does sound like you want my place so why my dear Captain don't you take it?" The hall was silent many unwilling to cross the one who was indeed placed upon the throne by Galion for their respect for him was great. Tulien's rage however was not satiated by this.

"I would were I of the royal line." He snapped. "As it stands Galion should take the throne not a traitorous dog of the enemy. Admit it you're not fit to rule you're an imposter a fraud your mother died of shame when she was found out by our King admit it. You're an orc you always were and you always will be.

There were several gasps and several frowns, many of the elven lieutenants were becoming uncomfortable with where all this was going. They bore little love for this foreign prince but they all had loved Thranduil dearly and for many this elf was their last connection to the now deceased prince. Not many were willing to give all this up on a whim of lore or brazen mistrust when all that this regent had done was ensure their safety.

"You are right I have done nothing to deserve my place but you know what neither have you. So instead of trying to bring about a civil war on the brink of the darkness crashing upon us I suggest you cooperate." An armored hand was on the sword another in a position to leap cold dark blue eyes glittering as they almost invited the red headed Lieutenant to take the bait.

Tulien laughed. "What will you do? Fight me? Kill me? Showing your true colors already?"

"This is madness!" Galion hissed. "You're all traitors how can you stand by and do nothing when Thranduil's own flesh and blood is being thus accused. Were the king to awaken tomorrow from his fading what would he say? What would he do? Everyone sit now and pray to Valar I don't have you publicly executed for this treason. All of you look at yourselves! Speaking so openly against a son from the line of Orpherion in his own home!"

Galion's silver eyes arrested the room his demeanor suddenly growing in their eyes. This was the royal butler to the King, and he would not be crossed. Many of the elves settled down but Tulien remained standing ever passionate in his rage.

A sword flashing to the younger prince's neck eyes defiant, "No, I will not stand down Captain. Not when there is an orc in our midst."

Galion wanted to grab the sword but Orek was by his side intercepting his hand. Hard eyes on both young elves one's eyes full of cold danger the other's full of unquenchable fire. "No, they must end this, now."

Galion's eyes narrowed. "You are mad."

But Orestor shook his head. "Look." And as Galion looked around he saw it. The insecurity in the elven eyes, their need for a clear victor. An unquestionable leader, one who could hold his own, this is who they, no this is who all of Mirkwood needed.

Orek inclined his head. "Begin."

Tulien swiped his blade but nothing could match the speed of the dark haired elf. His hand seized the sword arm as he slammed the red haired elf into the wall with such force a crack resounded causing Galion to fear that Tulien's spine had been shattered. A sword glittered dangerously by the neck as unforgiven cold eyes gazed at the elf who for the second time had questioned his authority. Fearful and hateful emerald eyes met a dark blue as Tulien froze against the blade at his neck.

"Do it." A dry chuckle escaped the younger elves lips. "Oh I would were I an orc, as it stands I am not. How fortunate for you no, Captain?" Eyes narrowed. "I am being merciful, I think you know the difference between mercifull and forgiving. You will yield to my command or sweet Eru I will make you. Elves die every day, I would have your head roll at my feet over the heads that were to fall would you have started a rebellion."

"You're an orc, kill me now if you would I care not."

"Tulien enough!" Tauriel kneeled before the elves beseeching eyes on the prince. Please my King forgive him, he knows not what he speaks."

Arrai's eyes softened a fraction but then hardened when Tulien spoke once more.

"No gwethil I will not yield. Did you forget who it was that killed our Naneth who ate the flesh of our Adar? It was his poe-" But Tulien was cut off as he was once more slammed into the wall by Arrai eyes hard. "Gaurds, take him away." He shoved the struggling elf into the hands of two elven sentries that had stood by the door. A thin smile playing on his lips. "Make sure to feed him well, if the darkness comes to Mirkwood you will be in the front Captain. And I will have you know what it is like to face true suffering before your end."

"Tulien! Please my King let me speak with him, perhaps he will see reason." Arrai inclined his head at the fearful elleth and she ran off to speak with her wayward brother. Head held high Arrai gazed at each elf in turn as if daring them to attack him. But none did. It was clear that this King was not to be trifled with. Nor was he to be questioned where questions were but mere speculations. The entire hall was plunged into silence. The elven lieutenants looked at each other then back at the younger elf at the head of the table then to the commanders. Captain Orek coughed dispelling what he thought was a rather ridiculous dilemma in the first place. Dispelled quite quickly in a matter of seconds. His eyes raked the younger elf whose countenance was now paling as the hands playing with the hilt of his sword. He had severely underestimated this youth who he thought was merely playing as King. Though truth be told what else should he have expected? He was from Thranduil's line after all.

Galion was the first to rise quite angry at his own negligence; he should have foreseen this confrontation happening once more. Yet with all that had happened and with Arrai defeating Shelob he had thought it would placate the other elven lieutenants. "Now then, since it seems we're all on the same page perhaps we should return to the matter at hand." Arrai said walking back toward the war table.

The rest of the council passed in relative uneventfulness none wishing to cross this new King and most too burdened with the dark news to give second thought on rising up against that whom Galion himself brought to rule. But when the last Lieutenant left the war room Arrai sat heavily into a chair hands holding his head, façade crumbling as he looked between Orek and Galion. "This is a mistake, bringing me here was a mistake. Far better you had ruled not I."

Orek shook his head and laughed. "Maybe, but after what you've displayed moments ago, I would not even waste the effort to neither reach for my sword nor fight for a crown that clearly belongs on your head.

It was dark and damp. He could feel cold stone under him. Wheezing he lifted his head slowly tilting it to see the fair haired elf, every movement only increasing the pounding behind his eyes. Something as wrong he could feel it. The wounds he sustained. They were draining him more than they should have been, more than they ever had. He was dying…he knew it now…knew it all too well…but the prince? He pushed himself up slowly hands half open palms straining a sharp pain in one indicating a fracture. He gasped at the pain, shuddering and lowering himself onto an elbow the cold floor only reminding him of his mostly torn tunic and armor.

"Legolas?" He rasped his voice hoarse from both lack of sustenance and water. His eyes strained at the darkness as he attempted to feel the prince's light. He flinched when he felt it. It was weak and flickering as if it could go out any moment. He shifted in the attempting to push himself back up, the prince, his duty, failure… only to fall hands grappling at the cold dank stone as he lowered himself heavily back cheek resting on the cold rock of the cell. He remained in this position for several minutes more blood oozing out of his various wounds…soon it would be his life's blood, then that would drain and he would be no more… He waited struggling against the waves of dark greens and blues that overtook his vision now and again. At length he could hear the younger elf stir.

"Orestor?" The voice was stronger than he had anticipated but confused as if not having realized he had been spoken to. The prince still had strength, he thanked Eru for small mercies.

"Legolas…How are…" But he could not finish the sentence; something warm was crawling up his throat, he struggled retching out blood in his fetal position pain wracking his empty frame.

"Orestor! Don't speak!" He shuddered, cold sweat running freely down his brow and spine as he struggled, it wouldn't be long now, only a few words... The prince's voice was barely audible now; the blood pounding behind his ears was overwhelming. Several more yells were wasted on him as he attempted to struggle against the darkness. It was suddenly very very cold. The pounding blood receded leaving him light headed and slightly disoriented.

"Strength! I swear we will get out of here!" He could make out Legolas's form in the now semi darkness struggling in his bonds grey eyes searching his own or where they blue? He couldn't quite tell. "There is no need…save your swears my prince…save...save your strength" He whispered gasping, he wouldn't make it, he knew it all too well now.

"No Orestor! Don't leave me! That's an order I swear I'll kill you myself if you die! Saes!"

"Saes you must survive this." he rasped. "You must live on…must…" A half sob escaped the prince's lips as he struggled now to even concentrate on his words.

"Don't leave me here alone! I should be their not you! I should be dying! Orestor! Eru!" Legolas was saying something but he couldn't hear it now. Everything was growing still his strength draining at an increasingly dangerous pace. His eyes began to close but the pain…he wasn't hurting anymore…there was light. A thin ray falling by his side as if inviting him back, home it whispered peace…cool waters licking at his hurts of the body…his hurts of the mind… it will be alright you are safe…safe…and suddenly death wasn't as frightening, wasn't as foreign as he had once thought. The ray moved onto his face and as his body stilled and his heart slowed. His soul reached for the ray of light the ray of hope in the overwhelming darkness and when he heaved his last breath... it was with the sun… finally emerging in its full splendor in the east.

Oi I think I'm going to cry!

Alrighty guys sorry for the delay my grade started sliding the second half so I started freaking out, lol. Omg I still can't believe I killed of Orestor. Alright well I hope you enjoyed read and review, I love reviews! I will try to get an update but I'm trying to be real here and say that real life comes first. Well laters, till the next ch!

Post Note: Someone left a very annoying review under guest so I have to respond. "But elves marry only once. It just doesn't work." Firstly theirs no rule that sais elves can't remarry, they just don't because of how strong their first love is and they never truly recover yada yada, yes its taboo but it doesn't say anywhere that elves can't or won't remarry. In fact I believe their are many love triangles in the Silmarillion so yes elves can fall in love again or with other elves. Seriously, get your facts straight.