XX

The trio found themselves surrounded by a mob of womenfolk and children, each one reaching out and trying to touch them, shouting and pushing at each other. Every face turned to them was pinched and strained, and their flesh seemed to have been sucked off their faces, leaving the skin hanging off their skulls. Elrohir looked uncomfortable, Esendri even more so, but Legolas just remained bemused.

"What are they saying?" Esendri whispered into Legolas's ear.

"I know not. It is some dialect of Westron I have yet to come across!"

There was a sudden commotion, and the crowd scattered as quickly as they had appeared.

"Mama!" Rhannîl cried, flinging herself at a strange woman.

"Strangers are rare in these lands," the woman said, shifting her staff from hand to hand. Her voice was low, and she was wearing a coat made up of feathers of different types, some large, others small; some brown, others brilliant shades of blue and green. A bone and tooth necklace was hung around her neck, and there were claws at the end of her staff.

"I am Elrohir, and these are Legolas and Esendri."

"You have travelled far."

"We hear your village has come under attack," Legolas said, stepping forward, only to be restrained by Elrohir grabbing his wrist.

"Tanpin sees all; you cannot run from him."

"Madam, we came across your daughter in the woods, and she implored us to help you."

The woman turned to Elrohir for the first time, and studied him before saying, "You seek answers to questions you should not be asking, young one. There is great evil stirring in these lands, a great power is about to be awoken."

"What power?" Legolas said.

"A power unlike any seen before. A power which will sweep through all four corners of the earth and destroy all that stands in its way."

"I am afraid we do not understand of what you speak," Elrohir said before Legolas could say anything.

"Of course you do! Travelling so far from home, you are weary. Yet you push on further. Your hearts are heavy, but you refuse to give up. Such purpose, such drive; pity it'll all come to naught."

"Mama, do not speak this way to them! They are nice and pretty, and we should bring them back to our house!"

"You forget we are lucky to even have the house!"

"I apologise, Mama. Where is Rhassel?"

"At home."

"Can we bring my new friends home? They want to help."

"You want to help? You want to help when you cannot even help yourselves?"

Esendri let out an impatient noise. "Listen, Madam, we should be leaving --"

"I am sorry, but we too were attacked by the dragons in the forest to the southwest of your village," Legolas said. "I was not aware they still existed."

"Ah, but they do. You were not even born when the last known dragon vanished from the Southern lands. What happened here was something you Southerners know nothing of. You think that you know everything, but you know not what has transpired here in the dark part of the world. Here, where the sun doesn't shine."

"I am afraid I do not understand."

"Of course you do not. How can you teach one who has walked in light what it means to hide in shadows?"

"And you know that we walk in light?"

Elrohir was perplexed. He could sense Legolas's agitation, but could not understand the source for it.

"Of course you do," Rhannîl said.

"Perhaps it is time I offered you shelter in my house," the woman said, ignoring her daughter.

Elrohir and Esendri exchanged sceptical glances. There too many riddles for their liking. Elrohir risked a glance at Legolas and noted how he was frowning hard.

"It would be very kind of you indeed," Legolas said, and the Elves followed mother and daughter away from the village square.

Legolas shrugged aside the concerned touch on the arm by Elrohir, although there was no mistaking the grateful look in his eyes as he turned to face him. Yet, he risked a small, tight smile, one that was returned with no less anxiety.

As the Elves walked through the village, windows cracked open and there were stirrings from within the dark abodes. At least half of the houses were little more than burnt out shells, timber roofs collapsed, leaving nothing but blackened stone walls amidst the ashes. Still, each of the buildings, intact or not, was occupied, their status betrayed by the soft rustling within and the faint glimmer of scared, curious eyes.

"What desolation," Esendri said, keeping his voice low, feeling as if he had to keep the atmosphere sombre.

"The people are in mourning," Legolas said.

They entered a house, having to stoop to get past its low door and crooked beams.

"It keeps the heat in during the long winter nights. A winter that is about to set in and never leave."

Rhannîl started throwing logs into the fireplace.

"You can stay for the night, and if you wish, we shall take you to the dragons tomorrow."

"Would you like a drink?" Rhannîl said, peering at Elrohir.

"No, we do not mean to impose on you," Elrohir said.

"It'll be alright." Rhannîl disappeared after her mother, leaving the Elves.

A loud scream caused them to turn around, where they saw the woman holding her son, a misshapen little boy with the same soulful eyes as his sister. Those eyes were wide with horror as he pointed at Legolas and continued shouting in a language neither of the Elves understood.

Rhannîl came running, frightened. "What's the matter, Rhassel?"

The boy continued to point at Legolas. "It is him!"

Rhannîl turned pale, and looked at her mother for instruction.

"Are you sure?" Rhannîl said, doubt on her face.

"He is the one! I can feel the evil!"

Legolas took a step back, shocked, while Esendri and Elrohir continued to stare.

When the shouts did not abate, the woman took her daughter by the hand and dragged both children away.

"Legolas?" Esendri was the first to speak.

"Do you know of what she speaks?" Elrohir said.

"No."

The woman returned, and affixed Legolas with a long, piercing look. "So, it is true, then."

"Would you care to explain what is going on?" Esendri said, growing restless.

"Why are you here?"

"Sorry?" Elrohir felt a sudden suspicion rise in him. He saw no reason to trust the humans any more than they had. His father's words of caution came rushing back as he realised how indiscrete they had been thus far, and how much information they had given away. Perhaps it was better that they forget the dragons and leave.

Stay. Elrohir almost whipped around to face Legolas as he felt his thoughts. Legolas found it difficult to communicate in such a manner. It was only in dire times did Legolas resort to it, and Elrohir always felt compelled to acquiesce when he did so.

"You have travelled so far to claim to have no knowledge of the prophecy!" the woman said, and laughed, a shrill, uncomfortable crackle. "You are either lying or fools!"

"We know not of what you speak," Legolas said, placing a hand on Esendri's back to calm him down. "Please enlighten us."

The woman stared at him for a long time, and he held her gaze, almost defiant.

"It is said that to the North lies a source of great power, a power that is far greater than the one yielded by the Dark Lord. Only one can unlock or destroy it, and he will be descended of the purest, most exalted lineage. Born as a new hope arising, within his veins flows so powerful a force, so potent a magic, that it cries out to be one with this gem. He will be touched, tainted, and tempted, seduced by the magic that calls to him. Only he can unleash its full potential, and only he will be able to destroy it. There is also talk of another, a half-blood, whose fate is tied to his, and that of Arda itself. The link between them is strong, and they will stand and fall together."

The silence that greeted her tale was deafening. Legolas was pale, an unnatural calm on his face. Elrohir, however, looked as if he were about to be ill.

"And where did you hear this from?" Esendri said, still doubtful.

"This was written into the Hikarnawen scrolls, which kept a careful record of the gem's construction and subsequent banishment to the North. It is written in a language older than Old Westron, but parts of its contents have been known to my people since we came into being. It dates back to the First Age, where the first-born roamed the earth freely. My family swore an oath to protect the jewel, but we were forced to turn back and stop here, for the lands north of here are too evil, too desolate to sustain good life of any form. Even here, the people in my village struggle to put food on their plates, especially during the winters. We are hanging on by the skin of our teeth."

Seeing how his companions were too shocked to speak, Esendri said, "But how can you assume we are after this gem?"

"My son was born with a gift to see into a world where none know exist. He is able to see the truth associated with each and every one of you. He saw through you in particular!" she cried, and pointed an accusatory finger at Legolas.

"What nonsense!" Elrohir cried, finding his tongue. "Lass is not the next Dark Lord!"

"So you do know about this!" the woman said, triumphant.

Elrohir turned away, refusing to meet Legolas's imploring eyes.

"Roh, what do you know?"

"My family is also charged with destroying the one who carries in his veins the power," the woman said.

"You dare not!" Esendri cried, jumping in front of Legolas, who was still staring at Elrohir.

"No, I will not. Within him lies the chance of destroying the gem forever, and we must take that chance. We will help you to recover the gem."

"Eilwar," Elrohir said.

"And the dragons?" Legolas said, his voice still quiet and calm, although Elrohir saw him hide his trembling hand in the shadows.

"I shall take you to them tomorrow should you wish."

"Why should we --" Esendri said, but was interrupted by Legolas.

"That is ideal, for we will need time to decide on our next step. The information you have given us is novel, and we will let you know of our decision the next morning."

"You do not have the luxury of making a choice -- you decided when you set off on your quest. Yet, if it eases your anxiety, discuss it, and I will see you tomorrow. My late husband's study lies empty, and you are free to use it should you wish."

The trio watched the woman exit the room, before Esendri and Elrohir turned to Legolas.

"That was interesting," Legolas said.

"Your breezy tone does not fool me, Lass," Elrohir said, taking a step towards him. "We do not know if she speaks the truth --"

"It matters not. We will still continue on this quest to destroy evil."

Esendri remained silent, as he recognised the fatalistic gleam in Legolas's eyes that Elrohir did not understand. A shiver ran down his spine. Legolas would have to be watched over and protected at all costs.

"I shall speak with Eilwar," Legolas said, heading for the door.

"He will sooner stick you on a spit than to speak to you!" Esendri said, trying to block his way.

"The time for old grudges has passed. I need to know what we are up against. Eilwar knows more than he is letting on, and I must speak with him! If I am to do this thing we set out to, I have to know."

The determined slant in his face told Esendri that the matter was closed to discussion.

"Why do you run from us?" Elrohir said, not bothering to mask his hurt.

Legolas turned, tried to say something, but gave up and left.

Esendri sank into a chair and let out a sigh, while Elrohir's eyes remained glued to where Legolas's retreating back had disappeared.

"I fear for him," Esendri said.

When Elrohir did not answer, Esendri said, "Master Elrohir? Please sit down."

Elrohir obeyed, sinking onto a hard wooden bench and burying his face in his hands.

"Why does he not trust us?" Elrohir said after a long while.

"He does not even trust himself."

"It is so painful to watch him go through this and not be able to help --"

"Do you know you are not helping?" Esendri's voice had risen to challenge his statement.

Elrohir thought for a long time before saying, "I would do anything to ease his pain."

"You are the only one who can help him. He wants you to help him, whether he knows it or not. I will gladly die for him, but he has chosen you instead."

Elrohir rose to his feet, his thoughts churning with the vehemence of a storm-whipped sea.

"I need a walk," he said, before disappearing outside, leaving Esendri staring at the flickering flames of the dying fire.

*

Elrohir came upon Legolas sitting by the fireplace, staring at the dancing flames. Legolas did not give any indication of having heard him come in, and Elrohir was worried by how tired he looked. It was a weariness that Legolas strove hard to hide, but he was not fooling Elrohir.

"Lass?"

Legolas jumped and there was confusion in his eyes, but it was replaced by warmth.

"The hour grows late; come sit with me."

"It is late, Lass."

"The stroke is about to fall. I can feel it."

"What are you talking about?"

"The dragons are only part of a much larger danger, Roh!"

Elrohir took a seat by Legolas and passed him a mug of steaming liquid.

"What is this?"

"Drink it!"

"Not until you vouch that it does not contain any sleeping herbs!"

The faintest of smiles played across Elrohir's lips.

"I am worried for you, Lass."

Legolas took in a deep breath.

"So am I." His words were almost imperceptible.

Elrohir inched closer.

"Is there anything I can do?"

"Stay close to me, Roh."

"I am, and I will."

There was a sudden movement at the door, and Rhassel appeared by the entrance to the room, startling them by his soundless movement.

"Do you have some food, sirs?"

Elrohir quickly picked the little boy up and set him on his knee. Accepting the lembas from Legolas, he passed it over to Rhassel, who wolfed it down with great speed.

"Do you have some more?" Rhassel asked.

"What, still hungry after the bread? I was told a small bite is enough for small people like you!" Elrohir said.

"I was just wondering!"

"Hush, Rhassel, it is late and look! When you close your eyes, such wonders will greet you! Flying houses, magical gardens! If you sleep quickly, I promise you a large bear with bells in his fur will come and bring you to this wondrous land!"

Rhassel looked doubtful.

"Really?"

"Really," Elrohir said, pressing the misshapen little boy to his chest.

It was not long before the boy's eyes grew heavy, and try as he might, he could keep them open no longer.

All this Legolas watched with an unreadable expression, and he did not move even as Elrohir rose and brought the boy back into the adjacent room.

"The Ellyn you love is lucky, Roh. You will make such a fine father," Legolas said as Elrohir re-entered the room.

"I had lots of practice with you, tithen lass."

Legolas suddenly smiled at the use of the endearing term. "You will survive this, Roh, because you have the capacity to make so many happy, whether you are aware of it or not. Your future spouse and children will be blessed indeed."

"What is wrong, Legolas?"

"I wish I knew."

Seeing how vulnerable Legolas looked, Elrohir was compelled to stroke the furrowed brow away. Legolas's defences were crumbling by the day as Elrohir watched on, helpless.

"We do not know if the prophecy is true --"

"I know it is."

"How, Lass?" Elrohir reached forward and stroked his face, before lifting his chin, forcing their eyes to meet.

"Ada knew; that is why he sent us here."

"It also shows he has faith in you."

"Yet I cannot help but feel so afraid -- and alone."

"I am here."

"How will I know what to do once I have the stone in my hands?"

"We will know then, Lass. It is not worth worrying about it now." Elrohir did not say it, but he was petrified of the prophecy. He could not imagine how Legolas felt, knowing that he carried with him such a responsibility and power.

"Why does the thought of it turn my blood cold?" Legolas said.

"It is only to be expected."

"Promise me something, Roh!"

"Yes, Lass?"

"Promise me that you will kill me if I attempt to do anything apart from destroying the stone!"

Elrohir leapt to his feet. "No, I cannot!"

"Please, Roh, do this if you value me and our friendship!"

"I cannot kill you!"

"You must! I will not allow myself to become the next Dark Lord! If you do not do so, Shadow will cover all I love, and they will suffer!"

"Why me?"

"Because you have always watched over me, and I trust you. Esendri will never consent to do it --"

"And you think I will?" Elrohir cried, horror-stricken.

"You have to, Roh. You forget that Esendri too has my magic. Who is to say that he will not be tempted by the lure? The enemy knows about him, but not about you --"

"How do you know?"

"He has been speaking to me."

Elrohir felt as if a heavy fist just struck his chest.

"What?"

"Sit down, Roh."

Elrohir obeyed, noticing how Legolas looked calm and distraught at the same time. He swallowed hard and grabbed his cold hand.

"Legolas, what did you say?"

"Ada was right: my shoulder never fully healed. Stabs of pain would eat at me, and a voice would speak. It would speak of how it would come to get me, to make all those I love pay. It told me that it was not far behind us, that I was only to release my hatred and cry --"

"Why did you not say so earlier?" Elrohir cried, pulling Legolas closer such that their burning eyes met. "You gave Ada your word!"

Guilt surged through Legolas, but he held the gaze, and for the first time ever, opened himself up to another, casting away the masks, the fronts, the layers.

"Everyone is suffering too, Roh. This land is evil: it sucks at us, surely you feel that! I will not add to the cause for concern. Yet, at the same time, I lack the strength to deal with it on my own."

Elrohir closed his eyes, still shocked by the declaration, and how Legolas had chosen to remove all brave pretence, revealing the young, petrified Elf within.

"I have always believed in your strength, Lass. I hope you understand the severity of the situation, and allow the Dyrian to continue believing I am you."

"But you will suffer in my place!"

"A suffering I will gladly take any day, Lass!"

"I feel something terrible is about to happen!"

Legolas was trembling, and Elrohir took him into his arms. Elrohir knew the affinity Legolas had with the earth and her tapestries was one which he would never understand. The language of nature was only divulged to a select few, and it was always wise to follow the elemental instincts.

Elrohir tightened his grip, and espied a figure at the door. Still, he said nothing, and let Legolas continue to cling to him. His eyes locked with Rhannîl's, and she gave a small smile before disappearing, leaving the pair alone again.

"It is late -- you need to rest."

Legolas allowed Elrohir to lead him away, back to the tiny room they shared with Esendri, who did not rouse from his slumber as they entered.