Fan Fiction ❯ The Sorrows of Tomorrow ❯ To Follow Ones Heart ( Chapter 17 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

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 17: To Follow Ones Heart

"Ada!"

"We have some information!"

The twins rushed towards there father and the others. Explain quickly they soon found out what was going on and where the enemy was.

"So it is true that they have a wizard then." Mithrandir stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Then my battle will be with him Elrond. I need to find out why he is helping the enemy and what his purpose is."

"Then that will leave the Orcs, humans, and the she-elf to the rest of us then." Telindel commented.

Elrond smiled grimly. "And the odds just evened out a bit. Now let's join Haldir and the others."

Legolas looked beseechingly at Selamant and he was finally allowed to stand. The boy had a firm grip on his arms and he knew he could not escape. He could only watch in anguish as Serutia and Feun tormented his father. The next words she spoke sent a horrible feeling through him and he wanted to cry out in denial. And he could only watch as they dragged his father over to the poles and attached his chains there. He began to struggle when Feun brought out the whip and knew what they were planning.

Turning his head he looked up at Selamant. "Please Estel let me go. I must help my Ada. You know what they are planning and I have to protect him."

Selamant gazed down at the elf and shook his head. Guilt was weighing down his soul and he knew his choice was coming soon. "I cannot let you do that Legolas. You are still injured and Serutia would punish you if you interfere."

"Better listen to the boy elf or otherwise you might just be joining your father up there. But then again I say go for it because the more the merrier." Groto let out a mocking laugh.

Legolas ignored the Orc and continued to look at his friend. He could see that he would not be released and looked back towards his father. The cracking of the whip, made him struggle harder and he heard it hit flesh. Yelling out angrily in elvish, he almost slipped free but Selamant grabbed him.

"Stop it Legolas. If you continue fighting then the Orcs will try and subdue you!"

"I do not care." Legolas spat angrily. "My ada is being beaten before my very eyes and I will not just stand here and do nothing!"

A knife suddenly appeared under Legolas's chin and the two of them froze. Groto grinned and moved the knife teasingly.

"Listen to Selamant elf or suffer the consequences."

Legolas eyes the Orc with hatred for a moment and sagged back against Selamant. He could feel the beady eyes glaring at him for a moment and then the knife was removed. Selamant helped him stand back up but he refused to look at the human.

Selamant gazed at his friend's back miserably. "Legolas I…"

Legolas shook his head angrily. "Do not speak to me. The Estel I know would have helped me save my father, perhaps the person you were in the past has truly died and only the cowardly Selamant remains."

Tears briefly flashed in the Selamant silver eyes and then they were gone. He knew he deserved what Legolas said but it was still hard to take. The cracking of the whip caught his attention again and he felt the prince tense. Each crack made the guilt weigh heavier and the trembling of the elf made it worse. Just when he knew Legolas could not take it anymore Serutia ordered it to stop. A horrible suspicion swept through him and he tightened his hold on Legolas.

"Bring me the elf prince." Serutia said smugly. "Perhaps the death of his son will have Thranduil break before our very eyes."

Selamant held Legolas to him closer and watched the guards come to them. So many thoughts swam through his mind and he wanted to scream. He didn't know what to do or which side to choose. To protect his friend or to let Serutia do as she pleased? He could feel the elf in his arms tremble in fear and the elf's hands tightened on his arms. The answer was soon taken away from him as the Orcs grabbed the elf by both arms and pulled him away. Selamant could only watch in despair and the elf was dragged away towards the others. Legolas made a desperate lunge and almost made it back to him before he was caught once more. Sad blue eyes met despaired silver and held for one moment in time.

In that moment Legolas knew that if he did not get his friend to help him then there friendship would be shattered for eternity. And not only that, his life and his fathers would be destroyed forever. Somehow he needed to reach his friend and make him choose now. Praying to Ilúvatar, he looked at his friend and yelled out, "Estel do not let our friendship be sundered like this! If you are truly my friend you will not let this happen! You must choose now!"

Yes Selamant. The elf is right which side will you choose? This elf or the one who saved you? Serutia wondered curiously. Either way she had won what she desired and could careless. But this did make things more interesting and she decided to see where it led.

The wizard stood next to the lady and watched the events unfold. He could see the indecision in the mortal's eyes and wondered as well. This was turning out to be one big drama but it was highly entertaining. A squawk nearby caught his attention and he glanced up. A black bird soon flew down and landed on his shoulder. Looking into its brown eyes, his own widened in resignation and he sighed. It looked like it was time to leave and things were getting interesting. Better to escape now and find entertainment another day, then to have to deal with an angry Ishtar. Shrugging his shoulders, he began to back up and using magic he slowly faded out of sight.

The elves slowly slid into position and disposed of any guards nearby. Blending into the forest was the elves specialty and they looked at the encampment, Elrond looked at the crowd and wondered at the tension.

Esendal stood next to Elrond and reported. "One of the Uruk-hai was beating on Thranduil earlier when the she-elf decided to start on Legolas. What is in even odder is that they are waiting for a human to decide which side he is on."

"What?" Elrond was confused and gazed at the scout in puzzlement. Looking down below, he narrowed his eyes and gasped.

Elrohir hearing this turned and looked at his father. "What is wrong Ada?"

Elrond gestured below and smiled brilliantly. "It is Estel."

The twins both looked down and looked at the human in puzzlement. Elladan looked at his twin and then his father.

"That's Estel?"

Elrond grinned. "The soul is still the same Elladan and it is indeed your brother. It is probably the white hair and the pale complexion that is throwing you two off."

"He is right Elladan and Elrohir that is indeed your brother." Mithrandir commented sagely. Turning to Elrond he looked at him and sighed. "I could not find the false wizard so I fear he had made an escape."

Esendal asked. "Then perhaps now is the time to attack?"

"No Estel has to make his choice first before any of us may interfere." Elrond replied quietly.

"But…"

Mithrandir raised his staff and pointed it at Esendal. "The Valorian decreed this and we must obey. Do not worry young one everything will work out fine."

Elrond took a few steps forward and concentrated on his son. He could feel the dilemma and confusion running through his son's thoughts. It felt good to be able to feel his youngest son's mind and soul again. Since Estel was human and young it was much harder for him to mind speak his son. But now that he was close it was possible and just required concentration.

"Are you going to try mind speaking to Estel ada?" Elladan question curiously.

Elrohir grinned at his twin. "It would be the logical choice at this moment."

"Yes I am going to try and hopefully your gwador will listen to me."

Elladan placed a comforting hand on his father's shoulder. "Do not worry Estel will, for he loves you very much."

"Tell the other's to be ready. Once Estel makes his choice we move."

Mithrandir winked at him. "We will Elrond now go help your son."

Elrond smiled at his sons and then looked at his youngest. Taking a deep breath, he began to concentrate and established contact with his son's mind.

Choose.

But which side did he choose.

The past or the present?

Estel or Selamant?

Legolas or Serutia?

If he didn't choose right then all would be lost and someone would suffer.

But what was the right choice?

Why did Mandos and the other Valorian send him back?

It was just too much and Selamant wanted to scream.

<Estel you must follow your heart ion nin. It will never lead you wrong and it will help you find the right path> Elrond's voice whispered in his mind.

<Ada?> Selamant's eyes widened in surprise and he looked at Legolas. The elf was being dragged away but continued to look at him. The pleading in those blue eyes nearly broke his heart and he took a few steps forward.

"Legolas!" Estel screamed and rushed forward. He pulled his sword free and slashed at his enemies. For the first time in awhile he knew who he was and what side he wanted. He wanted the side who loved him unconditionally, who accepted him for who he is, and who would risk everything to have him back.

Elrond's eyes regained there focus and he smiled grimly. "Attack!"

The elves let out a cry and arrows rained down on there enemies. Mithrandir blinded them with light and slashed with his sword. Confusion erupted and many Orcs and humans died in seconds. Telindel led the charge in and the elves engaged the enemy. The twins along with Elrond and the Lorien elves made there way towards were Estel stood. There mission was to free the king, prince, and be reunited with their brother.

"Estel!" Legolas slammed his foot into one Orc's knee and kicked out at the other. Finally free, he ran towards his friend and wanted to shout with joy. Estel finally remembered who he was and a rescue party had arrived. His joy was cut short when a fist slammed into his stomach and he fell to the ground. Looking up, he almost groaned out loud and cursed.

Groto grinned down at him. "Where do you think you are going elf?"

"He was coming to me until you so rudely interrupted." Estel snarled angrily. "And if I remember correctly we have some unfinished business."

"That we do boy and I can't wait to kill you. There is no Feun or lady to stop me this time." Groto grinned evilly.

Ignoring the Orc for a second, Estel looked at Legolas and smiled. "Go and find your Ada Legolas. I promise we will meet later."

Legolas nodded and grinned. "And I will hold you to it."

Watching them for a moment, Legolas turned around and raced towards his father. His injuries still pained him some and the punch from Groto hadn't helped matters. It took him a moment to get to his father and he had to dodge battles.

"Ada!"

Thranduil's head snapped up at the shout and he tried to turn his head. He knew it was Legolas and wanted to cry for joy.

"Legolas?"

"Do not worry Ada I will get you down from there."

Legolas ran towards the chains and looked at them. It appeared that they were attached to the ground by metal spikes. Jerking them free, he carefully lowered his father to the ground and rushed to his side. Thranduil was grinning up at him and the two embraced.

"Oh Ada I am so sorry." Legolas whispered into his father's shoulder. "

Thranduil shook his head and petted his son's hair. "Hush ion nin everything is alight."

"Aw what a touching reunion to bad it won't last." Serutia hissed angrily.

Legolas stiffened and looked over his father's shoulder. Serutia stood a few feet away and had a bow and arrow aimed at them. If she shot it then it would pierce his father's back and kill him.

"My plans have all been ruined but I can at least kill you Thranduil. Now say goodbye to your son because you are going to die." She shouted triumphantly.

"No!"

"Ada!"

Legolas could only watch helplessly as the she-elf was about to fire when an arrow slammed into her shoulder. Serutia let a shriek of pain before dropping her bow to the ground. Turning in his father's arms, he was surprised to see Elrond standing a few feet away with a bow.

Elrond smiled warmly at the prince and walked over to them. Glaring at the she-elf, he cocked an eyebrow at her and smirked.

"Sorry Serutia but I could not let you kill my friends."

"You will pay for that Elrond. All of you will pay." Serutia glared them and turning around raced off into the forest.

The Orcs and humans seeing there leader run away, looked at each other and began to flee.

Elrond watched her run away and motioned for some of the elves to follow her. Turning back to the king and prince, he glanced around.

"Where is my son Legolas?"

Legolas helped his father stand and looked at Elrond. "He is battling an Orc my lord."

Groto rushed forward and lashed out with his sword. The two blades clashed together with a shriek of metal and they glared at each other. Separating once more the two of them began to fight and engage to a battle of death.

Estel lunged backwards and barely missed from being slashed in half by Groto. The Orc was decent at sword fighting but made up for it by shear will power. He parried with his own attack and slashed into the Orc's thigh. Groto let out an enraged cry and swung his sword at the boy. Estel moved backwards but ended up tripping over a dead body.

"Well it looks like this is the end boy!" Groto yelled triumphantly.

Estel watched calmly as Groto lunged down for the killing blow and waited until the last second. Using his sword as a shield he blocked the blow and stabbed the Orc in the heart with a knife. Luckily he always kept a knife or two to hidden somewhere on his body. Groto blinked stupidly at the knife and looked at the boy in confusion.

"The one thing you never learned is why I had such a bad reputation with the others Groto." Estel smirked sinisterly. "I never fight fair."

He watched as the Orc let out one more breath and died. Shoving the body off of him, he stood up and looked around. Most of Serutia's army lay dead or dying, and the rest were fleeing for there lives.

"Ion nin?"

Estel froze for a moment and then turned around. His father and brothers stood looking at him and he smiled hesitantly. The warmth in there eyes made a few tears slip free and with a happy shout he ran towards them. Arms went around each other and the family hugged. Estel closed his eyes and sighed. He knew that he had indeed made the right choice and all would be well.

"I am glad that you made this choice Estel." Elrond whispered into his ear and held him tighter.

Estel nodded against his father's chest and closed his eyes. "So am I Ada."

"Estel?"

Pulling free from his family, Estel turned around and saw Legolas. The elf was standing next to his father but was regarding him cautiously. Taking a few steps closer to the elf, he dropped to his knees and bowed his head.

"Can you ever forgive me Legolas?" Estel whispered. "I have betrayed your trust and nearly lost our friendship."

Legolas grabbed his friend and hugged him. "There is nothing to forgive. I am just glad that you are here with us now."

Estel tightened the hug and closed his eyes. He felt a hand stroke his hair and looked up at the king. Compassion glowed in the green eyes and Thranduil smiled. Estel smiled back and rested his head on Legolas shoulder.

"I just have one question."

All eyes turned to Esendal who was looking around curiously.

"What happened to Serutia?"

Serutia fled through the forest and cursed her luck. All her plans had fallen apart but she could always plan some new ones. Thranduil would still pay if it was the last thing she did. Stumbling to a halt, she blinked and looked around. This place was very familiar to her and she shivered. Coldness was invading this place and something chuckled behind her. Turning around, she let out a shocked gasp and began to back away. A ghost began to materialize before her very eyes and brown eyes glowed down at her in hate.

"Hello Serutia remember me? I am Lossëdil and I will enjoy my revenge!"

An evil laugh echoed throughout the clearing and Serutia began to scream. Anyone who heard that cringed in fear and fled in the opposite direction.

A song echoed throughout Mirkwood forest and the night birds replied. The moon glowed overhead and a few stars shown brightly in the sky. Estel stood in the gardens and titled his head back. His white hair tumbled down his back and he threaded his right hand through it. Many thoughts ran through his mind but the most important one was that he was whole again. His family was with him and also his friends. All his memories had been restored and he should have been happy. A sad sigh escaped him and he closed his eyes in pain. The problem was he wasn't and he didn't know if he ever would be. He should be grateful that the Valar had sent him back and yet he wasn't. It had been so peaceful and serenity had filled his soul when he had been dead. There had been no worries, responsibilities, or anything. He could just relax and bask in it all. Now though he had to deal with everything that he had done while serving under Serutia. The guilt of was tearing him apart and he didn't know what to do. A few tears slipped free and he sobbed. Warm arms encircled him and he leaned into the embrace. He clutched frantically at the others tunic and sobbed harder.

"That's it let it all out my friend."

Legolas stroked Estel's back and felt the boy tremble. He was glad that his friend was alive and with them again.

"Do you hate me for remembering everything Legolas and yet not helping you until the last minute." Estel whispered quietly.

Legolas broke there embrace and gripped his friends shoulders. "No I do not because I understand that it was so confusing for you. And in the end you made your choice and I am glad that you choose us."

Estel took a step back and watched the elf's hands release him. Wiping the tears away from his cheeks, he sniffed and refused to meet the elf's eyes.

"You should hate me Legolas. All of you should. I deserve it and should be banished from here!"

"No you should not ion nin."

Elrond stepped from out of the shadows and walked towards them. Smiling a greeting at Legolas, he went over to his son and grasped his chin. Grey eyes met silver for a long time.

"Estel your mind was confused during that time and to regain your memory is no easy task. To reconcile past and present would have not been an easy thing. And you did owe that woman your life am I right?"

"Yes Ada, but I…."

"No." Elrond smiled warmly down at his son. "Let go of your guilt Estel and accept the gift the Valorian have given you. Not many mortals are given a second chance at life and I for one am grateful to have you back."

"And I as well Estel." Legolas said warmly.

Estel looked at his friend and father. He smiled tentively and sighed. "I will try and do as you say but it will take time."

"And that is all we ask."

Elrond hugged his son close and felt him return the embrace. He truly did hope that time would heal his son's wounds but it would always leave a scar on his soul.

Legolas watched the two of them hug and smiled. It was indeed good to have his friend alive and whole again. Warm arms settled on his shoulders and he glanced at his father. The two of them smiled and continued to watch the other pair happily.

The cloaked wizard kneeled before his master. "I have done the task as you asked but I fear Serutia has failed."

The man sat on his throne and gazed down at him. "That is fine. You have passed the test Grima now rise and remove that cloak."

Grima smiled and pushed the cloak off. Oily black hair spilled down his shoulders and he grinned.

"I did bring you a present though Saruman."

"Oh?"

Saruman watched in interest as the Uruk-hai entered the room and bowed to him.

"This is Feun, once captain of Serutia's army and he is a loyal servant."

Saruman stood up and smiled cruelly. "Hmm it looked like my experiment worked then."

Grima nodded. "Yes and he turned out just fine. Very intelligent and adapts quickly to situations."

"Then I must make some more of theses Uruk-hai in the future." Saruman chuckled cruelly and watched Feun cringe. Yes more of them would go well with his plans and he would need that army later.

The End

A/N: Yes I am finished praise the gods and all that stuff. Ahem hope the last 2 chapters are not confusing but wrote them let at nite at thats what came out. And yep finally revealed the cloaked wizard and wonder if anyone noticed I never said his name aw well. So glad to finally be finished with this story and hope no one is disappointed with the end of it. Oh and might be a sequel someday but don't know when that will be, so keep checking. Thanks for all the wonderful reviews and support you people are the best!