Persuasion

Persuasion

Chapter 2
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 r dir differences. Can't argue with that!
Notes: Elvish translations are at the end of the story.


*

Frowning up at the sky, Ellaire silently cursed the dark clouds obscuring the stars. Even the moon was taken from her by the storm that was fast approaching. "We should go inside," said the elf next to her as he followed her irritated gaze, "There is no use in practicing tonight."

Huffing a sigh, she looked over to Haldir. "The world is against me," she said, "I was obviously not meant to wield a sword."

He smiled as he gathered the weapons they had brought from Lorien's arsenal. "Perhaps we should try during day day sometime."

"I am busy during the day." Regardless of her irritation at the impending rain, Ellaire was still happy to be outside. Too many days had been spent indoors, looking over the battle plans that had been written up by Celeborn. They had discussed attacking Imladris and Mirkwood by foot, hence the swords.

Haldir shook his head softly, and offered her an expression devoid of sympathy. "Yre nre no more busy than the rest of us. If you are to learn, you should learn it by the light of day." He paused, then narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "I think you do this on purpose to avoid it."

Raising an eyebrow, Ellaire turned and started back towards the centre of Lorien. They took to practicing near the edges of the wood, so as not to bother the others during nig night. "I do not avoid," she replied, shooting a dirty look to her companion. Still, it did bother her some. "I should not have to learn this. I'm an archer, not a shieldmaiden."

"This coming battle is paramount to our survival. If you want to be a part of it, you need to do as all the others have. You are not so important as to be exempt."

She sighed heavily, making sure Haldir heard her annoyance. She knew he was right, though. After a few moments silence, she relented. "Fine. Can we do this tomorrow afternoon?"

He seemed pleased by her cooperation. "Yes. Tomorrow afternoon it is."

The forest was peaceful at night. Ellaire stole a glance at Haldir. She was grateful for his help, and he had always given it. She knew she was a little too headstrong for her own good, and felt relieved that there was someone who would hold her back if need be. Or tell her when she was acting like a spoiled child.

"Do you think our mission will succeed?" Usually she did not worry too much going into battle, for it was often unannounced and fleetiLothLothlorien had long been at odds with the combined forces of Mirkwood and Rivendell, but rarely had there been any pre-emptive strikes. It was only recently that things started becoming more tense. Ellaire knew that was attributed to the length of time their people had been under the influence of the dark. Sauron may have been destroyed, but his lust for power lived on.

Haldir shrugged half-heartedly. "There is still some planning to do. It will be a while before we have to think seriously about invading. The important thing is that we strike first."

The trees nearly shielded them completely from the light rain as they began up the stairs to the area that held the living quarters. Most of the flats were darkened, out for the night, but the occasional dwelling flickered with the spark of a lit candle. Ellaire titled her head and looked up towards the Lady's residence. It was light there, as it almost always was.

"We should kidnap several of Imladris' people. We need to find out what their plans are, or we may not be the ones striking first."

Haldir's eyes flashed in the dim. "That would be foolhardy and dangerous. They would retaliate immediately."

"No, I don't think they would," she replied thoughtfully, "They would most likely think it a trap, and await our next move. It would give us time. Not that Celeborn would ever consider such a thing."

The Marchwarden grunted as he set the swords upon a canopy-covered table in the stronghold of the living quarters. "No, he would not, so rid your head of the fool idea."

"It was only a suggestion," she said irritably as they continued on their way to her apartment. When they arrived, she grasped the handle and pushed open the door, then stopped and looked back. "Shall I meet you on the south edge tomorrow afternoon?"

"I will be there. Bring your own sword this time." He smirked and bowed his head slightly before continuing down the corridor.

Ellaire pursed her lips and entered her apartment. The room was small, but cozy, and she revelled in its comforting atmosphere while removing the quiver from her back. Setting it upon a table, she quickly changed into nightwear and collapsed upon the bed in the centre of the room.

As she stared up at the ceiling, she wondered exactly what end this would all lead to. Both Elrond and Galadriel were terribly strong, both so much Ellaire could see the war leading to the destruction of all elves. And if Valinor was no longer an option, then they were no better than the mortals who had lived before. Middle-earth would be empty and desolate, lifeless except for the few trees and animals that would survive. She saw that as a distinct possibility.

Closing her eyes, Ellaire exhaled a deep, long breath and settled against her pillow. Even if the elves managed to completely annihilate each other, she at least found comfort in knowing that Lorien's enemy would not have found victory.

*

Elrond stood on the balcony overlooking Imladris. The blonde elf behind him watched silently. Even after all these years of darkness, the city still sparkled like id aid a millenia ago. He smiled at that, knowing the trees and flowers of Lothlorien would burn so much easier than the rock and stone of Rivendell.

"The time is growing near. The Lady feels it as well, I know. We must strike soon."

Legolas clasped his hands behind his back and looked up at the elder elf. "The horses are ready. I can send them out immediately."

The Lord nodded softly, and without speaking Legolas bowed his head and left Elrond's presence. It was barely daybreak, but the city was alive with activity as he headed towards the front gates. "Elroh" he" he called, approaching two young elves, "Your father has confirmed you are to leave immediately."

Elrohir's twin, Elladan, mounted his dark horse. "Understood. We will not be long."

Swiftly, the two left by the gates of Rivendell and headed out into the open wood. Narrowing his eyes, Legolas watched until they disappeared into the shaded grove. Their mission was one of great importance, and his hope hinged on if they succeeded. If they did not, Imladris would be in immediate peril.

As he turned and headed back towards the inner city, he noticed Arwen watching him from the top of the stone steps to the citadel. "My lady," he said as he approached. She joined him in his walk to the small buildings on the far end of Rivendell. "Are you well?"

"Yes, thank you," she replied. Legolas noticed she seemed a little happier now, not quite as dour as the evening before. Extreme moods were not unusual for the princess. "Where have my brothers gone?"

"They have gone on a mission of great importance." Arwen frowned at the evasive answer. "You will find out when they return. Until then, your father has requested that it be kept secret."

She blinked softly. "He fears I will not be able to handle the stress of knowledge. He does not know my strength." When she looked up at Legolas, he averted his eyes from her hard expression. "Nor do you."

"I do not doubt your strength. Far from it. I will not, however, disobey the Lord of Rivendell. If you wish to know where your brothers have gone, I suggest you speak with your father directly." He smiled softly, eyeing her and hoping she would not be offended. Happily, she was not.

"Perhaps I will do that," she replied, tilting her chin up. That was the last they spoke of her brothers, as Arwen turned her attention to the building they approached. "These are the dungeons of old. Why are we here?"

Legolas stopped a ways from the door and turned to the princess. "I am here because I have things to prepare. You are here because you followed me. This is where we part, my lady. I should do this alone."

Her dark blue eyes moved from the gray stone building up to the blonde elf. He was steady under her gaze as she stood in silence for several moments before relenting. "I will not keep you, then." Bowing slightly, she turned on her heel and made her way back towards the inner city.

The young prince knit his brow as Arwen walked away without looking back. He worried for her sometimes, wondered what went on in her mind. Before the dark, she was one of the brightest and most sensitive souls he had ever met. After, though, something changed.

Exhaling a breath, he turned and headed into the stone building. Dim light filtered in through the dirty windows as he walked down a narrow corridor, exiting into a large room with several cells, kept separate by steel bars. It was dirty here, having not been used in nearly an age. A wooden table lied in the centre of the room, and upon it were tools of various shapes and sizes. Slipping a ring of keys from a hook in the crumbling wall, he opened all four of the cells. After examining them and making sure they were solid, Legolas made his way to the far end of the room. The tapered candles were lit, providing a dusky glow that only made the building appear older and dirtier. Pursing his lips, he pulled on the two sets of manacles that were bolted into the wall. They were firm in their hold, he decided, and let them drop with a heavy bang. The room was prepared.

Now all he had to do was wait.

*

TBC