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Of Light and Shadow	By : Avaloyuru Category: +Third Age > Slash - Male/Male Views: 2298 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own any copyright to the Tolkien/Middle-Earth Fandom, nor his canon characters or languages. I do not receive any form of compensation for this fanfiction. Original characters are my property.

Chapter List
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Elrond learns the secret of how the young prince managed to escape the palace. Legolas and his friends come upon a group of travelers, among them a half-elf claiming to be the sister of the dark elf who claims he has not been part of this world for centuries. Thranduil is reminded of long buried memories of his father, only to learn that his darkest nightmares are shared by the dark elf.
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“You seem uncommonly flustered Lord Elrond.” One of the guards said quietly as he came upon him in the solarium.
“You could say that.” Elrond replied, a frown touching his brow as he tried in vain to recall the guards’ name.
“I am Glaurhalbër, one of the Kings’ March Wardens.” He introduced himself, answering the unspoken question plainly displayed on the lords’ face. “How can I help you?”
“I have searched everywhere for Galion within this maze of a fortress, no one has seen him since yesterday.” Elrond explained, his expression eased only somewhat.
“I believe Rûingäraf has this watch on the Kings’ chambers.” Glaurhalbër told him. “He will let you in.”
“Why didn’t I think of that?” Elrond groaned with exasperation, his shoulders slumping as he shook his head. “Thank you!” He said as he grasped the guards’ hands tightly.
“I hope you will not be too hard him.” Glaurhalbër said quietly, his eyes searching the lords’ face for a moment. “Second only to the prince, this has been most difficult for him.”
“You needn’t worry about that.” Elrond sighed, smiling as he gave his hands a squeeze. “If anything I owe him an apology.” He stated and turned quickly away from him.
Berating himself angrily, Elrond nearly ran through the labyrinth of corridors that lead to the lower levels of the underground fortress. Recognizing the some of the tapestries and paintings, he knew he had reached the halls reserved for visiting nobles and dignitaries. Pausing briefly to get his bearings, he turned down the wider corridor leading to Thranduils’ audience chamber. He was familiar with this part of the palace and easily found his way down the stairs into the antechamber just outside of the royal chambers.
“Rûingäraf.” Elrond greeted him anxiously. “I’m looking for Galion, I was told he might have sought the solitude of the kings’ chambers.”
“He did.” The sentinel replied as he stepped closer to the door. “He has been in there since yesterday.” He added as he opened the door for him.
“Thank you.” Elrond stated as he hurried past him into the pubic sitting room, his gaze sweeping the spacious area for any sign of him.
“I am right here.” Galion said quietly as Elrond strode quickly past him, headed toward the bed chamber.
“Galion!” Elrond exclaimed as he swung around to see him curled in the tall wing backed chair Thranduil favored so much.
“Would you like some tea?” He asked as he unfolded his legs and started to get up.
“I am so sorry Galion.” Elrond exclaimed as he moved quickly toward him, dropping to his knees in front of the chair. “I have been so worried about Legolas...”
“Elrond stop.” He stated, shaking his head. “I do not need coddled. Now let me up, I have something to show you.”
“I know how Legolas got out of here without being seen.” Galion said quietly as he walked toward the private sitting room just outside of the bed chamber. “There are three secret passages into Thranduils’ rooms, one from the rooms reserved for the Queen, one from the old nursery and one from Legolas’s chambers. The first two have been magically sealed, they cannot be opened except by the king himself. Behind this tapestry there is a tunnel leading to an aquafer fed by the waters of the Enchanted River, only a Woodland elf would recognize it for what it is. It is an escape route for the royal family in the event the palace is breeched. On the other side of it there is a tunnel running several miles North West and opens up beneath a natural grotto in a pine grove.”
“The lower levels are riddled with such passages.” Galion continued as Elrond stared at him in amazement. “They all converge within the cavern of the aquafer with a single passage leading to the grotto. We may have burrowed ourselves underground like the dwarves, but Thranduil left no stone unturned in the planning of this fortress. No one outside of the Woodland Realm knows of this with the exception of you.”
“Well I have to say I am impressed.” Elrond stated as he sank down into a nearby chair. “I have often wondered. I understand tunneling into a mountain but I questioned the logic of elves living underground.”
“It’s not fool proof.” Galion sighed, folding his arms across his chest. “The goal is to reach the Grey Mountains which is still over a hundred miles north through the forest once the grotto is reached. Unfortunately it does nothing to help us with the situation at hand.”
“Galion...”
“Elrond don’t.” He stated as he turned away from him, returning to the public sitting room. “I have served, taken care of and yes I have loved Thranduil for over four thousand years. I have learned as much from him as he has from me.” He said quietly as he sank back down into the chair and picked up his teacup. “I will not give up hope until I see his body.”
“You are far stronger than I gave you credit.” Elrond said quietly, his heart breaking for the pain he knew the old elf would never reveal.
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“Aërasumé is very protective of the memory of her brother.” Thaddeus said quietly, directing them a little further away from the larger group at the far end of the cave. “She is not angry with you, sometimes she doesn’t think about how her words can hurt.”
“I still do not understand.” Legolas said, watching the woman walk back toward the other side of the cave.
“There are many stories about the dark elf.” Thaddeus commented, studying the young elf’s face. “But it is as she says, the evil has returned. You know this to be true, the necromancer in Dol Guldur grows stronger and there are others who now look toward Carn Dûm. The elves of the Realm of Arnor have mostly fled either south to the Grey Havens or the Blue Mountains. People like us are making our way across the Misty Mountains.”
“There are already so many that flock into Erebor.” Legolas commented as he continued to watch the milling group of people on the other side of the cave. “What will you do there?”
“We are simple farmers with no trades to offer.” Thaddeus sighed heavily, shrugging in resignation. “We have heard of lands on the other side of your Woodland Realm, between two rivers. Perhaps we can settle there and raise our families in peace now that the dragon is no longer in the mountain.”
“You are still a long way from there.” Träëliôrn said quietly, glancing between the man and the others. “You are few, with women and children, no wagons or supplies to continue such a journey across the mountains.”
“We managed to scavenge some of the supplies from the two wagons we brought with us.” The man replied, eyeing the other elf. “We are the second group to leave the Downs, there are others from Fornost coming. We will join with them when they arrive. You can continue your journey, but Aërasumé is right, you will not find what you seek and you are also far from your home.” He stated, his gaze flickered between the three elves.
“Thank you.” Legolas said, smiling although it did not reach his eyes. “We will see to our mounts and discuss this amongst ourselves. We will speak of this again in the morning.”
“I do not like any of this.” Träëliôrn said quietly once they were some distance away from the man. “What that half-elf said about the Tower of Amon Sûl, it’s true, Angmar destroyed the city in search of the palantir when the city was called Annúminas and ruled by the Dúnedain.”
“Maybe the dark elf they speak of is the one in Dol Guldur.” Ivósaar said as they stepped back out into the chilly winds. “If he wants to go back to Carn Dûm then I say good riddance.”
“I would agree with you if it were not for the darkness surrounding Mordor.” Legolas sighed as they scanned the grassy area for their mounts.
“We don’t even know what that evil is in Dol Guldur and I do not believe anything that fool Radagast claims.” Träëliôrn growled as they walked toward their mounts a short distance away. “Nevertheless, it will take us at least a week to reach Fornost and we may find nothing just as the half-elf said.”
“We will sleep on this and decide in the morning.” Legolas stated as he unbuckled the small pouch from the saddle.
~*~     ~*~     ~*~     ~*~     ~*~
“Gareth, I wish you would reconsider.” Cerályië sighed heavily, waving his hand over the small cup when the mans’ wife offered to refill it with tea. “The power building in Mordor is rumored to be that of Sauron. The necromancer in Dol Guldur is still yet unknown. However, there are other eyes that look to Carn Dûm and they will come. I think you and the others would be safer away from here.”
“Cerá.” Gareth said quietly as he reached across the table to pat the elf’s hand, his smile only seemed to accent the many wrinkles in his elderly face. “I am old.” He sighed, his once strong broad shoulders slumped slightly. “As are most of those who have chosen to remain. We are not up to such a journey. The chest you have left us is far more than we will ever need and we cannot thank you enough. You have delayed too long as it is.”
“We will depart at first light in the morning.” Cerályië said as he pushed himself up from the small table in their tiny kitchen. “Unfortunately, if people are to believe the rumors Aërasumé has created, the Keep must be magically destroyed, no trace of me can be left behind. There is a tunnel leading to the dungeons that will be left open where you can seek refuge if the village is threatened.”
“You and your sister have done enough for us.” Gareth told him as he rose to his feet, walking with the Lord of the Keep as he stepped out onto the small covered area just beyond the kitchen. “We are grateful for everything and only wish for you a safe journey.”
“Well.” Cerályië said quietly as he leaned down to embrace the elderly man. “I pray that all is for naught.” He told him as his hugged him tightly before turning away from him.
Glancing around as he strolled down the path toward the Keep, Cerályië sighed heavily, feeling the enormous weight of what tomorrow would bring. The last of the caravans had left two days ago, the larger one would head southeast to Eregion and take the Hollin Pass while the other would head northeast the same way as the others, travelling just below the Ettenmoors toward Erebor then south along the Celduin River. The final wagons had been packed and stood ready, he would be in the last small group that departed Fornost in the morning.
Entering the Keep, his bone heeled boots made a loud clicking sound as he strode purposefully across the now empty foyer. Emptied of all his personal belongings, there was a haunted feel about the Keep as he and the remaining guards had moved to the dungeons themselves for the final days within the Keep. Striding through the empty sitting room, he lifted the small lever in the empty bookcase, he descended into the narrow passage that led to the spacious dungeon area deep below the Keep.
“He will not change his mind.” Cerályië sighed heavily as he entered the dungeon room he now shared with the remaining guards. “I will never understand Eru’s (God’s) reasoning for their frailty.” He added, frowning deeply as he sank down into a nearby chair.
“They still refuse to leave?” Taráthiël asked, exchanging glances with the other guards seated around the table.
“Aye.” Cerályië replied, his gaze taking on a distant look as he turned toward the hearth.
“Tomorrow I will need to summon powers I have dared not touch in ages.” He said after long moments as he watched the flames in the hearth. “You will need to make haste in our departure as I will have nothing left to spare to protect us until I have rested.” He continued, turning his attention back to them.
“We should reach Amon Sol by nightfall.” Edicûve stated, his expression filled with concern as he studied his friend and Lord of Keep.
“Good.” Cerályië said quietly, nodding as he pushed himself up from the chair. “We will have our midday meal now.” He smiled weakly, meeting Edicûves’ gaze briefly before turning away from them.
There had been no need to post a guard at Thranduils’ door as they were all mere steps away in the dungeon room across from him. Schooling his expression as he reached for the handle, he smiled as he entered the room.
“Tula sinome.” (Come here) He said softly, holding out his arms as Thranduil rose from the furs in front of the hearth. Chuckling softly as he noted the odd expression on his face as his gaze flickered over his unusual attire. Pulling him into his arms, he kissed him softly before guiding him toward the settee.
“Time for me to relax now and enjoy pirá celebmîr nîn.” (My little silver treasure) Cerályië said quietly, gently smoothing his hair as Thranduil laid his head in his lap. “My heart still wants to keep you forever.” He told him silently, yet he knew it was something that could never be.
Usually dressed in fine robes, Thranduil found it odd to see the dark elf dressed in a plain dark blue silk tunic and leggings with high boots as if he had been out riding. Yet there was no scent of a horse or other animal about him, only the customary Sandalwood and Sólanäceae mingled with the fresh scent of pine as if he had been in a forest.
Lifting his head as Edicûve arrived within moments with their midday meal, Thranduil could feel the tension between them as he set the tray on the table by the settee. The dark elf had told him their time together was short and wondered if that time had come. It would explain the elf’s odd mood over the past few days and his strange attire.
“I would like to be alone now.” Cerályië said as he poured the tea, feeling Thranduils’ gaze nearly burning into him as he lowered himself onto the floor yet leaned heavily into his lap.
“You will be happy to know that we will be leaving in the morning.” He told him as he picked up a piece of the cheese and held it down to his lips. “You will soon be reunited with your son.” He added, his smile trembling slightly as he opened his mouth to accept it.
Thranduil felt his body run hot then cold, a myriad of emotions washed over him as he turned his cheek into the gentle touch of the elf’s fingers. It was what he had wanted since the day he had first awakened within the walls of the room that had become his prison for what now seem like an eternity. Yet he knew too that his time with the dark elf had changed him in ways he could not explain even to himself.
“Why will you not at least tell me your name?” He asked, his voice was unsteady as he stared up at him.
“You must learn to hold me only as a memory as I will you.” Cerályië said softly as he caressed his cheek, knowing he was lying to him. “Our worlds can never cross again.” He added quietly, as he watched the strange play of emotions chase themselves within the depths of those beautiful eyes.
“There must be...”
“No Thranduil.” He told him firmly, his shoulders slumping slightly as he shook his head. “You cannot serve two masters and I am far too selfish, I cannot share you. It is better that you return to your world just as I remain in mine.” He told him as he traced his fingertip across his lower lip.
“Stop.” He insisted, frowning deeply as he covered Thranduils’ mouth with his hand, his heart aching as he stared down at the face that looked more like that of a child being told he could not have something he desperately wanted. “Do not make this any more difficult than it already is.” He told him as he cupped his chin, lifting his face upward slightly.
“You asked me once who it was that hurt me.” Cerályië told him, staring into the depths if those sapphire eyes as his grip on Thranduils’ chin tightened. “For a millennia I suffered the depraved tortures of Annûmëä within the bowels of the mountain Carn Dûm, only my desire for revenge upon the one who sold me to him gave me the strength to survive. When I learned of his death I thought I would find peace, instead I was filled with hate for having been cheated of my revenge. Blinded by my hate and the need for revenge, I turned my eyes toward his son as my reward.”
“You think I do not know what he did to you? Did you think you were the only one?” He continued, watching Thranduils’ eyes widen as the color drained from his face. “I am not the one who broke you Thranduil, he did. When I learned of what he had done to you, my revenge died but my hatred for him remained. We were both only children seeking nothing more than approval of a father, but he perverted that love to his own ends.”
Ignoring the pain caused by the dark elf’s grip on his chin, Thranduil stretched his hand upward toward his face. Gently wiping away the tears that streamed unheeded down the elf’s cheeks, yet he was unaware of the ones that soaked his own. Unbidden, the long buried memories of the abuse he suffered at the hands of his father came flooding back like a tidal wave.
~*~     ~*~     ~*~     ~*~     ~*~
End Notes:
Palantir – Seeing Stones, like the one found by Pippin where the Eye of Sauron was able to look at him.
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Of Light and Shadow