Fan Fiction ❯ The Sorrows of Tomorrow ❯ Secrets Revealed ( Chapter 9 )

Title: The Sorrows of Tomorrow

Summary: Trouble brews deep in the heart of Mirkwood and Rhun the darkness thickens. Friends will be pitted against each other and only hope can save them.

Chapter 9: Secrets Revealed

"Ada!" Elladan cried.

The elf lord looked over at his son and knew something was wrong. Elladan was looking past him and he knew he was in trouble. Someone slammed into him and he fell off his horse. A whoosh sounded over his head and followed by an enraged cry. They landed on the ground and Elrond quickly regained his feet. Blinking in surprise, he smiled warmly and extended a hand.

"Hello Haldir."

The blond elf grasped the hand and smirked. "Hello my lord. It's lucky for you that the lady sent us out here or otherwise you would be hurt."

"Yes lucky for us." Elrond echoed. He wondered if it was luck or more like she knew something would happen. Whatever the reason he was alive and had Haldir to thank. The elf was looking a wee bit to smug and would probably brag about saving his life. Wanting to roll his eyes, he knew that his stay in Lothlorien was going to be more taxing then he thought.

Haldir watched the varying emotions on the elf lord's face and smirked. "Now my lord perhaps we should return to battle?"

Elrond watched the March Warden rush into battle and with a shrug followed him. Other elves leaped into battle and he could see Haldir's brothers as well. Galadriel must have been worried to send the brothers and so many armed escorts. He wondered briefly if she had known he was coming and what she would say when they met.

Elrohir smiled in satisfaction when his sword bit into the Ors chest and watched it die. It was the Orc that had tried to kill his Ada and deserved to death. He was surprised to see the Lothlorien elves so soon but then again they did patrol the borders. He blocked another Orc's sword and shoved him away. Glancing around he noticed that the battle was over and many Orcs were fleeing. Re-sheathing his sword he walked over to his twin and gripped his shoulder.

"Tis good that the Lothlorien elves arrived or otherwise we might have truly gone there injured."

Elladan snorted in mock disgust and smirked. "Not I Elrohir, I bet you would have though.

"What?"

"Well, you are always the one who gets injured every time we went to battle the Orcs if I remembered."

"Hey that was only twice and it wouldn't have happened if I hadn't been saving your butt."

"Oh ho and who would get me in those situations in the first place?"

"You are the one who always had to be so impulsive and jump into battle"

"Why you…."

"Enough my sons." Elrond retorted. The twins had the grace to look sheepish and he smiled. Leave it to his sons to find something to fight about no matter if they were at home or in battle. He was relieved to see that both of them were fine and only had a cut or two. Two elves walking towards them caught his attention and everyone turned to face them.

Rumil stopped with Orophin and nodded to the twins and Elrond. "Haldir we have tended to those that were injured as well as making sure all the Orcs were dead."

"Any survivors?" Elladan asked curiously.

"Tis only a few who escaped us." Orophin replied and glanced by at his older brother. "Should we follow them Haldir?"

"No tis best we follow our orders and escort them to Galadriel. Leave a few of the guards to finish matters here and the rest of us will go on ahead." Haldir replied. The two brothers bowed and went to do as he requested. Turning to the other elves he gazed at them for a moment and smiled.

"It is good to see you Elladan and Elrohir. Lothlorien has been so quiet without the two of you around."

Elladan smiled good naturedly. "And good to see you as well my friend."

"Yes it is." Elrohir replied teasingly. "Have you and your brothers kept out of trouble as well?"

Haldir smirked at them. "Of course we only got into trouble when the two of you along with Arwen were together. I swear the three of you were the disasters of Lothlorien."

"If we were the disasters then surely you three were the terrors." Elladan said sarcastically.

Elrond knew this bickering would probably have continued if there horses had not been brought to them. He had been tempted to stop there bickering but then decided to leave it alone. They always greeted each other in the same manner and this had been going on since they were elflings. It really wasn't worth the time or the sad looks they would give him. Elrond swung up onto his mount and watched as the others did the same. Haldir motioned for them to move out and soon they left the battle seen. It would only be a few more hours until the arrived into the heart of Lothlorien and meet Galadriel. At long last things were finally in motion and he could finally confront the lady about Estel.

~

The trees of Rhun surrounded them from all sides and were quiet and grim. No birds sung here even though it was green and lush. Creatures were too afraid to be seen and only those bode enough ever where. Orcs and humans patrolled the forest, and it was hard to sneak in. Selamant walked a little ahead of the elf and looked at the ground. It was only a little while longer or so and then they would be at there encampment. He should have been happy that there mission was a success and he could finally escape Groto. But of course he wasn't and it was because of the elf. Selamant knew that once he handed the elf over to the lady then he could protect him no longer. The lady could do as she pleased with the captive and no one would question her. Of course it didn't sit well with him that the elf could be hurt or worse, and he couldn't do a thing. A conflict was brewing inside of him and he didn't understand why. He had helped capture a few others that the lady desired and he hadn't cared what happened to them. Somehow this elf set off his protective instincts and it was terribly confusing. What made this elf special out of all the other captives in the past? It made no sense why he cared for the elf in such a way and he fisted his hands in frustration. Memories flashed through his mind and he blinked in surprise.

~~

Laughter and singing filled the air. Many voices called to him and said they loved him. The voices called to him and he wanted to answer them. Somehow he knew that they were his family and cared for him more then anything in the entire world. The memory soon faded and new ones took its place.

Long blond hair tickled him as he laid his head on the shoulder. Warm arms encircled him and kept him safe. He knew that this person would never let him fall and always protect him. A song drifted to him and made him feel content

Another figure appeared and glowed brightly. The being shown with a brilliance and warmth, that could make anyone feel welcome. He quickly bowed to the being and felt a hand grasp his chin. Raising his head he looked up at the being and saw eternity.

Whispered words floated in the air filled with love and happiness. "Soon young one, soon it will be time for you to remember."

The words made him feel comforted and he closed his eyes. Hope flooded his being and for a moment he felt whole once more.

~~

Legolas watched the human tense up and wondered why. He was startled when the boy stumbled and rushed over to him. Grasping him by the arm, he steadied Selamant and gazed into his eyes. Silver had faded to almost black and he grew alarmed.

"Selamant." He whispered urgently. He knew that a few Orcs had seen what had happened and that wasn't good. Calling one more time, he was glad when awareness returned back to the boy.

The human shook his head and gazed around in a daze. Everything had blanked out for a just a second and he didn't know what happened. Selamant shook his head for a moment and stepped away from the elf. He could feel the others Orcs looking at him and quickly pulled himself together.

Looking at the elf, he smiled wanly at him. "Thank you Legolas."

He watched the concern fade into bafflement in the blue eyes. Selamant began to walk forward again and could hear the elf following him. The memories had confused him a bit and yet he knew they were real. A sense of joy flooded his whole being and he almost smiled. His memories were returning a bit slowly but they were coming back. Normally he never remembered the brief flashes of memory he got in the past but this time he did. The blond hair stuck out the most in his memory and he wondered about that. Who was the person who held him and why did he feel safe in those arms? The more he thought about it the more curious he became. Now that he was thinking about it, ever since they had captured the prince was when the memories had started to occur. Maybe Legolas was indeed the key to unlocking his memories but if so how to do it? His thoughts were interrupted by a shout up ahead and he felt a sense of dread. They had finally arrived at the encampment and would have to turn the elf over. He slowed his steps a bit and walked beside the elf.

Legolas was a bit bewildered by the human's behavior but then again the race of men was strange. He never did understand them and was only starting to when he had met Estel. It should have hurt to mention his friends name but it didn't. Perhaps it was because of Selamant and he felt like he was around his friend again? That was a confusing thought and he shook his head. Maybe he was loosing his mind or something? He was surprised when the human dropped back to walk next to him again. Looking into silver eyes, he was surprised to see fear and sadness.

"What is wrong Selamant?"

The human gazed at him for a moment and then looked ahead. "Beware of Feun, the cloaked one, and especially the lady."

He gazed at the human in confusion and suspicion. Just why was the human all of a sudden being so helpful and why the fear?

"Why are you telling me all this?" Legolas asked.

Selamant was quiet for a moment and then looked at the elf. "Because I truly do not wish to see you harmed by them."

Legolas was surprised by this comment and grew quiet. The boy kept surprising him every time and he would never understand him. The whole group halted and he watched as Groto stepped forward and bowed. For the first time he noticed three people standing before them and felt uneasy.

"My lady, we have finally brought the prince to you." Groto said triumphantly.

The lady stepped forward and pushed back her hood. Legolas almost let out a surprised gasp but held it in. It was an elf who wanted him and she command Orcs? He could feel Selamant's intense gaze but did not look at him. How was it possible for one of his own kind to even work with Orcs much less associate with them? The prince was not surprised when she looked there way and started walking towards them. Orcs moved out of her way quickly and her two companions followed her. Legolas watched as she stopped a few feet away and looked at him. Her brown eyes were cold and held no emotions. He did not like this and suddenly wished that he had tried to escape earlier no matter what the consequences might have been.

"It is good to finally meet you prince Legolas, I am known as lady Serutia." The she-elf spoke proudly.

Legolas regarded her for a moment and inclined his head. He didn't like this situation one bit but wouldn't let her know it.

"Why have you brought me here?"

She smiled at him and glanced at the human. "My dear Selamant you have made me proud in the capture of the prince and bring him to me in one piece."

"It was an honor my lady." Selamant replied quietly. He would speak to her later about the elf's treatment by Groto's hand and that the elf almost hadn't made it here in one piece.

Legolas was a bit angered that she hadn't answered him but knew why she did it. To make him mad for one or just to be irritating. He knew that she was making him understand that he was the captive and she could do whatever she wanted. The lady turned back to him once again and he didn't like the glee shining in her brown eyes.

"Why my prince to answer your question." Serutia paused for a moment and watched the blue eyes narrow in irritation. She was enjoying tormenting the prince and almost laughed. "It is because you are bait to lure in a much bigger catch."

"Catch?" Legolas asked in confusion. He glanced at Selamant and was surprised to see the boy looking at the lady in confusion. So the human didn't know as well and that didn't surprise him.

Serutia smiled cruelly. "Yes my prince. The catch is your father."

Surprise shown in the blue eyes. "I don't understand."

The she-elf smirked a moment and then narrowed her eyes in rage. "During the War of the Last Alliance your father Thranduil commanded many elves under the then king Oropher. King Oropher did not like the high king Gil-Galad very well and barely followed his orders."

Legolas watched the she-elf pace back and forth. He had heard of this from his father and how his grandfather hated the Noldor with a passion. Oropher especially resented Gil-Galad but not many knew why. He wondered why she was giving him a history lesson but decided to wait and see.

"In that time period my father lord Evalnor was one of the guard's under your father. The high king Gil-Galad was waiting for reinforcements to arrive and then would launch an attack on Sauron dark forces. My father advised your father and told him it was fool hardy and to tell his king thus. But your father wouldn't listen and told him that he didn't need his advice. What would a lowly guard know about tactics in battle and should only worry about protecting the royalty. And then because they didn't heed his advice my father was one of the elves who died in a meaningless battle!" Serutia cried passionately.

Legolas was speechless and didn't know what to say. It was truly sad that his father hadn't spoken of this advice to his grandfather but then again who was to say that Oropher would have listened? His grandfather was known for his quick temper and would rarely follow anyone's advice. Before he could voice any of this, the cloaked one stepped forward and the elf stiffened. Something felt foul about this one and yet strangely familiar.

"My lady. Perhaps it is best to allow our guest to rest now? I know that our patrol must be very fatigued."

Serutia seemed to shake herself and nodded. "Yes you are right my friend." Turning to the prince she smiled. "My guards will escort you to your quarters and please do not try and escape. If you do it will be very unpleasant when you are caught."

Legolas nodded and watched the lady and cloaked being leave. He wasn't too surprised when her Orcish companion glared at him and jerked his head. Letting out a resigned sigh, he followed the brute and his guards towards the mansion and thought over what she said. He needed to find a way to escape and warn his father. The she-elf was planning something and he didn't want to stay and find out.

Selamant watched as the elf was led away from him and let out a sigh. He was taken back by the tale and Serutia's emotions. It was the first time he had seen her even show any feelings since before the cloak one had arrived. He now understood why she wanted Legolas and would do anything to get him. The only thing that concerned him the most was how far was she willing to go to get king Thranduil to come? He wasn't to sure if he could stand on the side and do nothing. If push came to shove he might have to decide to either help the elf or stay with the lady. Neither situation boded well and he rolled his eyes. Sometimes it was truly better to never get to know the captive and not get emotionally involved. Feeling eyes glaring at him, he turned and regarded Groto for a moment. The Orc was looking at him in hatred again and he really wanted to kill him. Groto just wouldn't leave well enough alone and it was annoying. For now nothing would happen since they were back at home but that wouldn't last long. Sooner or later the idiot would try something when he was alone and he had better be prepared. Ignoring the Orc once more, he followed after Legolas and entered the mansion.

~

Galadriel stood amongst the elves and waited for her family to arrive. Haldir was the first to appear and the rest came as well. She watched as everyone dismounted and sighed. Elrond had a determined look on his face and do did the twins. Everything was finally coming out and yet it wouldn't be easy. How did you explain to someone that all that happened was for the best? A hand settled on her shoulder and she smiled at her friend.

"Do not worry Galadriel everything will work out fine, have faith." Mithrandir spoke calmly.

She returned the smile but wonder if it was true. What they were about to reveal could very well tear apart her family and even break there trust. Steeling herself, she hoped that they would listen and not judge to harshly. The twins followed by there father approached them and nodded.

"Hello grandmother, grandfather, and Mithrandir it is good to see you." Elladan said warmly.

Elrohir smiled as well. "Yes it has been to long since we have seen you."

"And what about me?" Arwen asked sweetly.

"Why little sister I didn't notice you standing there." Elladan replied jokingly. He laughed as she raised a hand threateningly and pulled her into a hug.

Elrohir joined the hug and patted her on the head. "Tis good to see you Arwen."

The three sibling stepped apart and looked at there father. He wasn't looking at them but glaring at there grandmother. Arwen stepped forward and looked at her father.

"Do I get no greeting Ada?"

Elrond snapped out of his anger and smiled sheepishly at his daughter. "I am sorry Arwen I was distracted."

She just shook her head and hugged him. Elrond returned the hug and smiled happily. He was holding his daughter once again and realized how much he missed her. It had indeed been a while since had last seen her and he would remember to visit her more often. Letting go of his daughter, he turned and confronted Galadriel and the Mithrandir.

"I see that you two are together. So will you tell me the truth now or will you deny me again?" Elrond asked calmly. He watched as Galadriel sighed and looked at him sadly.

"No Elrond I will not deny you again. Come follow me to the mirror."

Elrond motioned to his children and they followed the trio. They soon entered another glade and Galadriel paused by a trickling fountain. Grasping a pitcher she filled it with fresh water and walked to a basin. Pouring the water into it, she set the pitcher down and looked at her companions.

"This mirror as you know reveals many things to me that has come, that will come, and that has not yet to be."

She watched as everyone nodded and took a deep breath. Mithrandir was regarding her calmly and she drew strength from this.

"After Estel died I gazed into the mirror and saw something there that hadn't happened yet." She paused and looked at Elrond. "Your mortal son was to be resurrected by someone only if his body was stolen away."

Gasps filled the clearing and all was silent. Elrond mind was in a whirl and he couldn't believe it. How was that even possible? Resurrection was just a myth wasn't it? And even if it was true it was a horrible thing to do to someone.

"How is that possible grandmother?" Elladan asked.

Mithrandir took a step forward. "Only by using dark and foul magic elfling. Magic older then many of you elves here except for Celeborn and Galadriel."

"Are you trying to tell me that my son's body was snatched away, resurrected, and you allowed this?" Elrond asked angrily.

Galadriel was quiet for a moment and gazed at him sadly. "Yes."

Elrond grey eyes darkened in rage and he glared at them. "How could you let this happen to my son? Resurrections were forbidden for a reason because either the soul didn't always come to the body whole or the being went insane from being snatched from Mandos."

Galadriel seemed to shrink under Elrond's wraith and only stopped when she felt Celeborn grasp her hand. Mithrandir waited for Elrond to stop and looked at him sympathetically.

"Do not blame Galadriel for all of this Elrond, it was by the will of Valar that this was done."

"The Valar?" Arwen asked in surprise. "Why would they want this done?"

"Because young one. It was not Estel's time to die and he still has many important things he must do in life." Mithrandir replied quietly.

Elrond mind was in a whirl and he glared at Galadriel. It made him wonder just what else she was hiding and was it even possible that she knew that Estel was going to die in Mirkwood all those years ago?

"And yet why didn't you tell me this when I tried to mind speech you before?"

"It was thought that it was better for you to come in person and here it from both of us." Galadriel spoke softly.

The clearing was quiet for a moment and then Elrond turned and stalked away. Elladan watched his father leave and then glanced at his grandparents. It was a horrible realization to find out that Estel had been brought back this way and yet he was happy. His little brother was alive and they just needed to find him. Only one thing darkened his thoughts and it was not good.

"Will Estel even remember us or be the same?"

Galadriel looked at him sorrowfully for a moment and then glanced down at the mirror. It glowed for a moment and then was dark. It would not show her anything since she couldn't concentrate and was in distress.

"I don't know Elladan. Neither the mirror nor the Valar would tell me this."

Elrohir looked at everyone and then his twin. Conviction shown in his grey eyes and he smiled. "Then we just need to find him and remind him of who he once was then."

"I agree with you Elrohir. We will knock some sense into our gwador's head if he doesn't remember." Elladan smirked.

Mithrandir watched the twins but didn't have the heart to tell them. Estel might have been reborn but at what cost? Even if he got back all his memories he would never be the same person they had once known. This was why Elrond was so angry and why he might not be able to ever forgive them. His youngest had suffered so much and had been forced to endure even more. Was it wise to mess with those who had died and then force them to life once again? And not for the first time he wondered if he was indeed wise of the Valar to have sent the poor boy back.

~

TBC

Oh yea I reread the other chapters and jeez mistakes everywhere sigh. Maybe typing late at night when you are sleepy is not a good idea but thats when I like to do it hehe. So far everything out well most of the secrets and man is Elrond angry. Things are not going to get any happier....well maybe later much later lol. Aw well review for me please!