Persuasion

Persuasion

Prologue - Chapter 1
Author: Frosty the Linebacker
Rated: NC-17
Codes: Elrond, Legolas, Haldir, Arwen, OC, NC, AU, Darkfic
Summary: Long ago, Sauron got ahold of the one ring. After a long war, and the subsequent falling of the Dark Lord, the Elves are all who live. They were not immune, though, to the darkness that spread during the long years of Sauron's reign. Instead of talking things out, they decide busting heads is the best solution to their differences. Can't argue with that!
Notes: Elvish translations are at the end of the story.


*

"Darkness passed over this land long ago. It matters not why or how, only that we succeed in eliminating that which stands in our way. Elves are the only ones left on this earth. It was not foreseen, but it came about regardless. The death of Men and Dwarves and Hobbits, and all others, reminded our kind that we are strong. We brought down the Dark Lord, and remain powerful. When you are older, you will be trained, as I have, in the art of battle. You will defend this land against those who would kill us. You should be proud of what lies ahead in your future."

Legolas crossed his arms and stood silently watched the Lord of Rivendell talk to the children of Imladris. The blonde elf smirked inwardly at the speech, having heard it many times over the long years of war they had expered. ed. These children would be taught to hate Lothlorien and all its brethren. It was a noble speech.

"Do you think often of those who have fallen?" asked the woman beside him. Legolas turned his head and eyed the dark princess speculatively as she watched her father. "Do you wonder why the elves did not fade, as they were meant to?"

"You ask these questions too often, Arwen. Our kind did not fade, because they were not meant to. And no, I do not think of those who have fallen." Legolas turned his attention back to Elrond, who was answering the childrens' inquiries. They were keen. That was a good sign.

"Not even Aragorn?"

Pursing his lips, Legolas met the dark gaze of the young elf. Having a slight gift of foresight herself, Arwen was sometimes prone to visualizing things that could have been. She was a sad soul, had been since the day of Aragorn's death. Legolas could appreciate her loss, but he found he liked her better when she took pleasure in the dark, rather than the light.

"Not even Aragorn." Arwen's eyes flickered and turned away. Sighing, Legolas leaned forward towards her. "He rests now. You should not despair over him any longer."

She shook her head softly, her dark hair spilling over her shoulders. "Sometimes I cannot help it. I feel trapped...in my memories."

"The darkness affects us all differy. Ry. Remember that your sorrow strengthens when you are weak. Gather your heart and courage, Arwen. If we are to outlast this, we need to be strong." Legolas placed a hand on her shoulder and squeezed, watching the girl. He knew she could be as terrible in strength as she could be as sad in thought. So like her grandmother.

"My father tells me that when we defeat Lothlorien, the Grey Havens will once again be a place of light. Do you believe that?"

His eyes darkened as he considered. The evil of Sauron had not only changed the elves, it had dirtied the haven where elves were once to roam free. Valinor had been blackened. Just thinking about it caused a disgusted and angry frown to take over Legolas' face.

"I do not know what to believe," he said finally, leaning back and moving his gaze to Elrond. "I only know we cannot rest until Lorien is destroyed."

"I yearn for rest," she said softly, crossing her arms against the gentle wind, "May it come quickly."

*

TBC