Elrohir was shocked, unable to do or say anything as he saw the sword descending. He watched as Estel, then Legolas went down. A black cloud then rolled over the scene, blocking it. He watched, sickened, as the cloud enveloped the whole of Middle-Earth. He could hear the screams and cries as free beings were taken into slavery. He knew in his heart the dark lord had won.

He slowly turned to Yaaraen. “Is this a true vision?” he whispered hoping he was wrong, but knew he was not.

“It is only one of many possibilities. The future is always in flux. There are endless possibilities, mellon nin,” said Yaaraen. “This is, however, the future that may happen if you decide you do not want to be born. One life can, indeed, make a difference. We never know when a word at the right time will make a difference. Perhaps a simple ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ will change the direction of thoughts and bring someone back from the brink of despair. We all have times of darkness, when all seems to go wrong. It is part of living.

For every time of dark, there is a time of light. A time for laughing, and a time for crying. A time of love, and a time for hate. A time for living, and a time for dying. A time of war and a time of peace. It is for you to decide what to do with the time you are given.”

Yaaraen watched as Elrohir looked down at the water with a thoughtful look. He knew the elf was digesting what was said. He would give Elrohir all the time that was needed to reach a conclusion.

Elrohir whispered to himself, “I wish I could go back and have that day to do over. I can not, but I will not give into the blackness of despair again.” He looked at Yaaraen, and cried out “I want to live! I want to live! Saes!” He was crying, and begging, but did not care. All he wanted was to be the son of Elrond, and brother to Elladan and Estel and Arwen. He also knew he would never again go through such darkness and despair, for he now knew he had the love of his family.

Yaaraen raised his hand, and Elrohir collapsed as darkness claimed him.