Rating: PG-13 to R (Angst... proceed with caution)

Summary: When Legolas is forced to make a decision that could very
well determine the fate of all Middle Earth, what will he do? And
what consequences will his choice have?

// = elvish translations
# = flashbacks
* = thought

Disclaimer and Acknowledgements: As in Chapter 1

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Chapter 13 - The Truth Revealed

Upon hearing the confession, Elrond dropped down beside the bed and brushed the tears away from the prince's face. "My poor child," he whispered sadly, stroking the elf's face gently and finally planting a soft kiss on his forehead. "We will help you through this, I promise. Rest now and regain your strength for you have gone through a great ordeal."

Legolas relaxed into the softness of the bed as Elrond eased him down and pulled the blanket around his shoulders. His eyes soon became glazed and unfocused as he fell into a peaceful slumber.

After making sure that Legolas was resting comfortably, Elrond moved silently towards the window, staring out from it with unseeing eyes. Three pairs of eyes watched him curiously from behind as he leaned against the window and sighed, his mind trapped in some long-ago memories. "Father? Father? Are you well?" It took Elladan two tries to snap Elrond out of his reverie. Turning his head to face his three sons, the elf lord sank into a large chair beside the window and motioned them to join him. The three gathered around their father, settled on the floor and waited silently. "He was my brother," his voice so soft that the twins and Aragorn could barely hear him. Sharp gasps came from his children as the truth was revealed to them.

"Delund? Your brother? But... How can that be?! You have never told us of another brother," the words rushed out of the younger twin, still shocked by the revelation made by his father.

"His name was not mentioned in this house for he had brought disgrace to the family. But I think it is time for you to know the truth." Looking at his sons, his eyes soft and sad, he continued the tale.

Delund was an orphan. His parents were killed along with many faithful warriors while guarding Lindon against a band of invading orcs. He was still a young elfling then, barely a hundred years old. Earendil and Elwing, parents of Elrond, had taken him into their family out of compassion. He was much loved by them and brought great joy to their lives for many centuries. But things started to change after the birth of Elrond and Elros. Delund became more aggressive and demanded more attention, and his behavioural change worried both Earendil and Elwing. Jealousy of his younger brothers began to set in and as the years passed, he became more and more withdrawn. The spark in his eyes had begun to fade and the once beautiful voice was hardly heard anymore. The twins never got along with him and would make themselves scarce whenever he was around. Things were stressful in the house for many millennium and finally, Elros chose the life of humans and left Lindon for he did not find the peace that he wanted in his home anymore. Then came the fateful day when Gil-Galad presented the ring to Elrond. Delund was furious. He was the eldest child in the family and yet the ring was passed on to his younger brother. Things went from bad to worse soon after. An unsuccessful attempt to take the ring by force was made and a second attempt almost ended Elrond’s life. Finally, it was decided by the advisors that Delund should leave Lindon, never to be allowed into his home again. The name was never mentioned again... until today.

"This was also the reason why concerns were raised by the advisors when I took Estel into the family for they fear that history might repeat itself. But I have faith in you, my son," Elrond placed his hand on Aragorn’s shoulder and gave him an assuring squeeze, "I know you will not become like him," a gentle smile broke across his stern face. "But we have more pressing matters to deal with at this time." He stole a glance at the sleeping elf. "We will need to find out more about this poison, how it works and how we can counter it. We have four days before his next attack and we must work fast. Elladan, Elrohir, you will help me with this task. Estel, I know you would want to stay so I will leave you be," and with that the three elves left the room quickly.

Aragorn settled himself onto the floor beside the bed, drawing his knees up against his chest and wrapping his arms tightly around his legs. Guilt welled up inside him as he thought of the reason that brought Legolas to Rivendell. If it was not for the letter he sent... if it wasn’t for him... Legolas would still be in Mirkwood, safe in the realm of his father’s kingdom, and none of this would have happened. It was entirely his fault. He should have paid more attention and confronted his friend when he started acting strange instead of dismissing it so carelessly until now. And because of his carelessness, his friend had suffered silently, with no one by his side during his most vulnerable moments. No one but he himself was to be blamed and worst of all, there was nothing he could do to help his friend. What if Legolas could not withstand the torture any longer? What if they could not find the cure in time? What if they had no other choice but to give in to Delund’s demand? What if Legolas tried to take his own life to relieve them from this predicament? The last thought scared him immensely and it sent a cold shiver down his back. Why it had come to his mind he had no idea. His chest constricted tightly, making each breath difficult and painful. Agony ripped through his heart as he thought of all the sufferings the elf had to endure. He would have given up his life in exchange for his friend’s deliverance if the choice were his. His breath hitched slightly as a strangled sob escaped his lips. The day’s events replayed themselves in his head and he kicked himself mentally for not noticing the distress in his friend for the past month. He desperately hoped that the friendship that they had built up throughout the years would not be cut short due to this incident and with that last thought lingering in his mind, he dropped his head onto his knees. Sobs racking through his body and tears streaming down his pain-filled face.

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To Be Continued...

Very short chapter, sorry about it :)