(A/N this chapter will have some brief mentions of certain sensitive subjects. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING RATED "M" AND ABSOLUTELY NO DETAILS. This subject will be mentioned briefly, but I know that I have some younger readers and just thought that'd I give you a heads up. Enough rambling, on with the story!)

/\\//\\/

Morwen's POV

She held her new sword tightly, adjusting herself to its weight. Faervel had made it especially for her; with a silver hilt and sharp steel, it was the most beautiful weapon she had ever laid eyes on. Morwen was alone in a clearing that Faervel had shown her, it was a few miles from his home but she wasn't worried about getting lost or forgetting the way back. In fact, she wasn't in a hurry to return to the others. She'd been longing for some time alone, away from all the madness she'd been swept up in, away from Amarth...

Morwen shivered and quickly banished the dark elf from her mind. After all of this was over (and if she wasn't killed) she planned to get as far away from him as possible. This time, there would be no going back to him. Twice she'd fallen for that elf, and both times her heart had been broken, why?

Why did this have to happen to her? All she'd ever wanted was to be loved, and to have someone to love as well.
And I thought that Amarth could give me that? No! I was a fool to believe that a monster like him could ever love anyone other than himself. He's heartless...

Was he?

Morwen sighed and looked down at her sword, her face reflecting in the smooth steel. She didn't know what to think about Amarth, and at this point she was done trying to figure him out. What was the point? Why waste her time and energy over an elf who never even glanced in her direction anymore?

So lost was she in her thoughts that she didn't hear the uneven footsteps approaching. It was only after Darovel cleared his throat that Morwen turned around.
"I thought I'd find you out here," he smiled at her as he always did. Although Morwen noticed that his eyes were not as bright as they used to be. She glanced briefly at his injured leg before meeting his gaze.

"What brings you here Darovel?" Morwen asked keeping her tone neutral.
"Faervel suggested that we practice fighting together. Since we are the only ones who cannot kill the shadows we might as well learn how to work with each other."
There was a sword hanging at Darovel's side, similar to Morwen's but with a dark brown hilt instead of silver.
"I thought swords were not your ideal weapons." She commented.
Darovel chuckled. "Well, they're not. But thanks to this-" he patted his right leg "-I won't be able to use throwing knives like I used to. In short I need someone to teach me how to use this thing."

"So you need a woman to teach you how to wield a sword?" A grin appeared on her face as she ran her fingers over the smooth side of her blade.
"Everyone else was busy, you were my only option."
Morwen's smile vanished, but quickly returned when she saw the mirth in Darovel's eyes. It was nice to jest with one another and forget about the enemy they would soon face. For now, Morwen was content to remain in this forest and not have a care in the world.

"I wanted to ask you Morwen, have you been feeling alright?" Darovel's question caught her off guard and it took her a moment to answer.
"What do you mean?"
"You've been avoiding everyone for the last few days, and you've been quiet. Is something wrong?"
She stiffened when she remembered Amarth kissing her, and what followed afterwards. She never wanted to think about that ever again, if only she could banish it from her mind altogether.

Darovel seemed to sense that the subject made her uncomfortable so he quickly moved on.
"How about teaching me how to use this thing without slicing my hand off?" He drew his sword and held it out to her. Morwen shook herself and tried to focus on the task at hand, even offering a small grin at his comment.
"Well first of all, when offering someone a sword you keep the hilt downwards."
Face red, Darovel quickly positioned his sword the right way.
"I knew that."

She chuckled and took the sword, inspecting it closely.
"A very fine blade," she handed the sword back to him, "Faervel certainly has a way with crafting swords."
"He can make just about anything. Did you see the bow he made for Legolas? I've never seen anything like it, beautiful! Then of course there's the sword he made for himself, if it wasn't for this limp I would have asked him to make me some new throwing knives. I'd much rather have those than a sword."

Darovel blinked once before clearing his throat.
"I mean, it's not as if I'm ungrateful. I appreciate the sword it's just that... oh never mind."
Morwen laughed and shook her head.
"Ai Darovel, you are just like a child."
"Child? I am thirty years old!"
"Exactly," Morwen quipped, "a child."

Darovel scoffed, "And how old are you Morwen? You can't be any older than I am."
Morwen smiled and motioned for him to lean closer. He hesitated for a moment, a bit confused, before doing as she asked. She whispered her age into his ear and he nearly sprang away from her.
"You cannot be that old!"
She laughed again, nodding.
"This is madness," Darovel muttered shaking his head.

He turned away from her, swinging his sword as he walked.
"How did I get to this point in life? Where I suddenly find myself caught up with beings from stories mother used to tell me before bed. Elves coming back from the dead, maiar from another world, of all the people in this world how did I end up here?"

"The maiar are not exactly from another world Darovel," Morwen stated after her laughter had ceased.
"What do you mean? I've never heard of the maiar before, or these Valar that Faervel mentioned."
"I thought that you wanted to learn how to use a sword?"

Darovel looked down at the weapon he held in his hand, he seemed to have forgotten it was there. To Morwen's surprise, he sheathed the sword.
"What's the hurry? It's a beautiful day, who knows when we'll have another one? How about for today we simply visit with each other? I hardly know anything about you, and I haven't exactly been very open either."
Morwen's smile faded. She looked down at her own sword and bit her lip.
"Is something wrong Morwen?" Darovel asked.
"I'm not, comfortable with talking about myself. I would much rather practice with our swords."

He considered it for a moment, tapping on the hilt of his sword.
"Alright then, here is what I propose: You teach me how to use my sword and I'll tell you a bit about myself in the process. Deal?"
Why not? I don't know almost anything about Darovel, and if we're going to be training together what harm would there be in getting to know him?
"Very well, let's get started shall we?"

Darovel smiled and drew his sword, remembering to keep the hilt facing downwards.
Morwen chuckled.
"See? You are already learning."

/\\//\\/

"So what exactly can I do with this thing besides wear it around my neck? Although I must admit it does bring out my eyes."

"Once you've learned how to use the amulet's power Amarth, there will be far more uses for it than that."
"Alright then, show me what to do."

I've been out here with Faervel almost all day and we haven't gotten anywhere with this amulet. The first thing he wanted to do was make sure I could still fight with my cloak on. Yes, I have to keep on the grey cloak in order to protect myself from the sun. I didn't bother asking Faervel why the sun burns me, I already know why.

I've been given two new swords handcrafted by Faervel. Apparently, he'd been making us all weapons ever since we arrived. I spin around and thrust both swords forward, crouching midstance, my hood covering my head. I've been given leather gloves for my hands, as well as a shirt with sleeves. Faervel suggested I wear a scarf to help cover my face but I refused. I already feel suffocated under all this grey.

My black clothes are done for, I feel so different in these clothes. When I wore black I always felt secure. I could hide whenever the need arose, vanish without a trace. It was like being cloaked with the night, I used to embody the darkness and move with the shadows.

And now...

I've seen darkness, I've seen shadows.
The very things I used to associate myself with, what I used to go to for shelter.
They have become my prison.
I want to break free from them, but how can I when I've known them for so long?

"Amarth?" Faervel's voice brings me back to reality. I should really stop getting so in-depth with my random thoughts. I cannot tell you how many times I start staring into space as all these thoughts run through my head.
"I think I'll be alright as far as avoiding having my flesh being burned off." I place both of my swords into the sheaths on my back. It feels good to have weapons again, at least those haven't been ruined for me.

"Good, now we can move on."
Faervel faces me and I follow his gaze towards the amulet. I no longer hide it under my shirt, Faervel said something about no longer needing to do that.
"I will teach you the basics of using the amulet. Once I am convinced that you have mastered it, and if you are willing, we will move on to the next step."
I nod and wait for him to begin. I'm actually very eager to use this, so I plan on holding back all of my usual comments.

"Already you can see the veiled world, the amulet allows anyone who wears it to do this. The veiled world is something no one on this earth can see, save those who search for it using dark powers."
I raise an eyebrow skeptically and Faervel puts his hand up.
"The amulet is not evil, nor is it good for that matter. Its purpose is to grant power to the one who wears it. If the person who wears it desires to do evil, then they will use its power for evil. If the person desires to do good, then they will use its power for good. Understand?"

"Yes," I nod my head slowly, "but one question: If that is the case then why on earth would you give it to me?! Do you have any idea what I've done? Or what I'm like for that matter? Not to mention the embodiment of pure evil is inside of my head and you want me to have the amulet?!"

Faervel doesn't even blink. "Yes."
"But why? Every single person in this forest is more worthy to have it than I am. I'm the worst one here by far!"
"I chose you Amarth, plain and simple."
"You should have just let Legolas keep this thing, he's the epitome of goodness."
"I did not want Legolas to have the amulet." Faervel's replies sharply. "As for him being more worthy than you, on what basis can you make that claim? Has he never done any wrong? Does everyone adore him? Has evil never tainted him before?"

I lower my gaze, deciding to remain quiet.
"Despite what you may think Amarth; no one here is perfect. Every single one of us has made a mistake. We were tempted by the evil of this world and we fell into it. What makes us different from each other? Some of us have been forgiven, and have turned our backs on the darkness. While some of us refuse to allow ourselves to be forgiven because we do not think ourselves worthy of it. We turn our backs on forgiveness and repentance because we cannot believe that we can receive it. That is why I chose you Amarth."

He places his hand under my chin and lifts my head up. His eyes are soft, but his tone is still stern.
"There is good in you Amarth, more than you know. Once you have allowed yourself to be forgiven you will be able to see it." He smiles and lowers his hand. I remain standing still, trying to take his words and believe them, but I can't.

I just...
Can't.

"It is getting late, and I have matters to discuss with Pallando. Get some rest Amarth, we will continue this tomorrow."
I don't watch him as he walks away. I don't turn my head until I hear him greet someone and say, "Yes, he's outside."
I look over and see Legolas approaching. Great, just what I needed right now.

I search for any sign of hostility and find none. With Legolas though, it's best to always be on your guard.
"Do you need something Greenleaf?" I ask keeping my tone casual.
"I wanted to ask you about something, you might be able to guess what it is." He keeps his hands clasped together behind his back and his shoulders are relaxed. I am not fooled by his calm demeanor, and his words have made me angry.

"I thought we already discussed this," I growl.
"I don't believe we ever finished," Legolas' eyes burn into mine, "I know that Anna is Tauriel, and there's a reason why you wanted to know about her."
"Your point?"
"You and I both know that she wasn't killed by men, and I'm beginning to doubt that orcs were responsible for her appearance in Mirkwood. I want the truth Amarth, and nothing but the truth."

Unconsciously we start to circle each other, both of us like wolves, preparing to attack.
"Who are you to give me orders? Especially when it's my sister who is involved? You have no right to know anything about her, just because she reminds you of this Tauriel doesn't mean anything!"

"I know what I am talking about Amarth!" Legolas snaps. His body is no longer relaxed. I quickly search him for weapons and see a dagger hanging around his waist.
"How Legolas?" I continue, keeping my voice irritatingly calm. "How can you be sure of anything? Your mind is swamped with memories, you have relieved your entire life in a matter of days, and if I recall correctly you still have memories surfacing from time to time even without the amulet. When you consider all of that it's quite possible that you are mistaking Anna for your lost friend."

"You're a liar!" Legolas screams. I stop in my tracks and take in the tears in his eyes. His entire body is shaking. Why is he getting so upset over this? I don't understand.
He was banished from the Halls of Mandos because of Tauriel, every time she's mentioned he goes...

Insane.

"You say that you've become known as the Grieving Elf," I say noticing the flash of confusion that crosses his face, "tell me Legolas why do you grieve for Tauriel so much? She was just a Silvan elf, why should she be of any worth to a prince?"

Something snaps inside of Legolas. I don't know what it was, or what I said that triggered it, but suddenly he's running towards me, enraged.

I brace myself instead of moving out of the way. When he reaches me I grab him, my intent being to stop him and talk some sense into him, but that doesn't happen. The moment I touch him it feels like I've been flung backwards, but I haven't moved. Neither of us has moved.

I'm unable to let go of him as we're thrown into a forest, not just any forest either. I see myself running under the trees, carrying a limp body in my arms. I stop beside the trunk of a tree and lower her gently to the ground, whispering quietly to her as she stirs. I watch as I take her head into my hands, and take her memories from her. I move into the shadows that forest provides, watching.

It isn't long before a group of elves arrive and find her. Their captain kneels in front of her, asking for her name. I know what the answer will be.
Tauriel.
That isn't the end of it as suddenly we're both thrown forward. Again, we are not actually moving, but it certainly feels like it.

I see Anna, now Tauriel, training herself in the forest with Legolas. I see every moment they spent together. Walking through the forest, climbing trees, practicing archery.
All of it flies past me in a blur, I barely have time to take in one moment before another one takes its place.

I watch Tauriel hunt spiders with Legolas, convince him to go with her to Laketown, the dragon's attack, her fear that Legolas was killed.

Tauriel being banished and Legolas refusing to leave her, they go to Dale with the survivors, Thranduil arrives, Legolas is forced to leave, Tauriel runs away, Legolas goes after her.

They are in a forest, the moon shining down on them. Legolas is holding Tauriel's hands, he tells her that he loves her.
She says that he loves him.

He pulls her close and she leans against him.
She lifts her head and he lowers his.

No...
No this can't be happening.
I can't believe this!

It flies past me so fast, yet I'm able to take in everything.
I watch as they disappear into the forest, riding far from Dale. They sleep together under the trees, wrapped in each other's arms.
An orc army arrives, they ride back to warn Thranduil.

They go onto the mountain.

Legolas is pinned by a monstrous orc.

Tauriel goes to save him...

I watch my sister die.

Nothing else that happens after matters to me.
All I can see is Anna, not Tauriel, laying on the cold ground.
Blood coating her stomach, staining the white snow beneath her red.

It's too much...
All of it is too much...
I-I can't do this...
No more!

I tear myself away from Legolas, both of falling onto the ground, each one of us gasping for breath.
I'm on my knees tearing at the grass with my hands. I know what I just saw, what both of us just saw.
He saw my memories, and I saw his.
I look at Legolas who's struggling to stand up, his trembling body hindering him from doing so. I know that look.
He's going to run.

I spring to my feet just as he rises and run to intercept him. I cut off his only way out, we're surrounded on all sides by walls, if he wants to escape he'll have to risk going past me. He blinks once, his breath coming out in shaky gasps.
"Amarth-"
"She was just a friend eh? Tell me Legolas do friends spend every waking moment together? Do they run away from home together? Kiss one another? That doesn't sound like being friends to me."

I take a step forward, he doesn't move.
"No Legolas, none of that sounds like simple friendship to me. Correct me if I'm wrong but those seem to be things that lovers do. Now answer this: if you knew all along that Anna was Tauriel, why didn't you tell the truth about her? Why didn't you tell anyone that you were in love with her?"

My hands shake as I clench them into fists. On top of everything else I'm already being forced to deal with, this comes up! I learn that my little sister was in love with Legolas of all people! And he was in love with her too!

"Yes Amarth, we were in love." Legolas is much calmer than I am, but I can see the storm raging in his eyes. "I wanted nothing more than to live my life with her by my side, I would have given everything I had for it."
"That doesn't explain why you kept the truth from me," I snap.
"I didn't know what to do Amarth! The woman I loved, whom I have longed to be with for more than a thousand years, suddenly appeared in front of me! But did she know me? No! Even now she refuses to believe me, when you came to question me I was doubting myself, fearing that I was mistaken. That is why I did not tell you the full truth."

His voice goes soft again, the storm fading from his eyes. I stare at him, trying to make sense of all these emotions coursing through me. Before either of us can speak again we turn around, sensing someone behind us.
"Caran? What's going on?" Anna steps outside, glancing at me then at Legolas. The moment their eyes meet it's as if they've frozen. The light around Legolas begins to glow brighter. When I look at Anna I see that the same thing is happening.

What is this?

I step in front of them forcing the two to break eye contact. Anna immediately lowers her head, wringing her hands nervously. Though they are no longer looking at each other the light surrounding their feä is still glowing. Wearing the amulet I'm used to both of them glowing regularly, but never this bright!

"What are you doing out here Anna?" I fail to hide the anger in my voice and she notices it immediately. Her green eyes meet mine, fear and worry are all I can see in them.
"I heard shouting. I wanted to make sure that you were alright..."
She's distracted by the glow surrounding her, and even I have to admit it's becoming a nuisance.
All three of us have noticed by now and I turn to glare accusingly at Legolas.

"Our souls are bound to each other, they have been separated for too long." Legolas hesitates and looks down at his feet. I place my hand on Anna's shoulder, my eyes narrowing.
"Go on Legolas, what else were you going to say?"
He takes a deep breath and lifts his head.
There is no fear in his eyes.
"The night we confessed our love, we bonded and our hearts became one."

I blink once, twice. I feel Anna stiffen under my touch and hear her sharp intake of breath. Every elf, no matter what race they may be, knows what bonding between two elves means. In Avari culture when two elves wish to marry they go to the chief of the village, I won't bother with details, but in the end both elves must wait until the wedding ceremony before they are allowed to be alone with each other. After the ceremony and they have received the people's blessing, they go off, alone, and become bonded.

It is a disgrace for elves to bond before a ceremony takes place, no Avari would ever dream of doing so.
Yet, when I saw Legolas' memories...
"You did not even ask for anyone's blessing?" I demand. "No courting? No ceremony? You just ran off into the woods and did as you desired?!"
"My father would not have given us his blessing! Marriage between a prince and an orphaned Silvan would have been looked down upon by our people. I'd hoped that in time my father would change his mind, and we could have had his blessing. We would've courted for a year, exchanged rings, then be wed with a ceremony before we became one. That's what I wanted Amarth, not just for my sake but for hers."

"But then my father banished her, and I followed her into exile. At that time I believed he would never allow her to come back to Mirkwood, the life we'd wanted in the forest would never be ours. When we confessed our love for each other, we married according to the ancient customs. When there were no ceremonies, no blessings, just two elves who were in love. So yes, while shameful among our people, we were married. There was nothing anyone could have done to change it."

Legolas turns his gaze towards Anna, she avoids looking at him.
"I know you feel the same longing that I do Anna. We were together for too short a time, for less than a day we got to live together as bound souls. You were torn away from me, and it left me broken. For a thousand years I walked the earth without you, both my body and spirit in constant pain. The longings never went away, I only learned how to live with them. Ever since you arrived here they have grown stronger, I cannot ignore the pain."

"That's enough Legolas," I warn pushing Anna back. Legolas ignores me and continues to hold Anna's gaze.
"You are in pain too, you suffer the same way I do. How do I know? Because I am bound to you Anna, whatever you feel I feel, the same is happening to you now."
"Legolas," He's blatantly ignoring me now. His tone now sounds pleading, desperate. I can sense the longing of his feä, I can see the light trying to pull him towards Anna.

"Why do you refuse to believe me? Even after everything I've told you? Everything you have been feeling?! You know the truth Anna yet over and over again you tell yourself that it isn't real, why? Why are you doing this to us?"

"Legolas!" He flinches and steps back, his eyes widening in fear. I turn to Anna, her eyes reflecting the same horror as Legolas. She opens her mouth, but no words come out. A single tear falls from her eye. Without warning she flees back into the house, Legolas immediately starting after her.

I draw both of my swords and spread them out at my sides. Legolas stops and looks up, staring over my shoulder and watching as Anna vanishes from sight.
"Stay away from her Legolas, do you understand?" I shift the swords in my hands, my threat hangs heavy over the air. Legolas backs away slightly, there are no tears in his eyes. No anger, no sorrow.

Just emptiness.

He turns his back to me and suddenly he's running towards one of the walls. Like a cat he springs onto the wall and climbs up and over it, disappearing from view. I sheath my swords and run after him. The amulet allows me to sense his feä, he's running away from the house, deeper into the forest.

I debate going after him but decide against it. If he wants to isolate himself then I won't get in his way. I turn around and head back to the house. I'm tired, angry, and frustrated. There's too much going on inside of my head, I need some time to think all of this over. Just before entering the house I glance over my shoulder.

He'll come back, he can't stay out in those woods forever.

I step inside, pausing one more time.

He'll be alright, it won't be long before he comes around.

I close the door behind me and head for my room.

/\\//\\/

Oroth's POV

The forest was near.

He could sense Faervel's presence, though it was not as strong as it used to be. He smiled and turned to the shadows that waited behind him. Their excitement was catching, a shudder coursed throughout his body, his hands twitched eagerly.

"It won't be long my pets, you shall get to have your fun soon."
The shadows trembled. The desire to destroy and kill had awakened in them stronger than ever before. Oroth turned back to the land ahead. Just a few more days and they would be there.

He would slay Faervel, and spill his blood upon the earth.

Then he would claim Daeris' prize.

That weakling of an elf would be back in his Queen's clutches, and there would be nothing he could do to stop him.

With a roar he leapt forward, his shadows following behind him.

I am coming for you Faervel, are you ready?

/\\//\\/

So yeah, that was that. Hope ya'll enjoyed the chapter, and be ready for some long-anticipated action in the next chapter! Before I end this I wanted to give a quick shout out to PilindielTheElf
She's really sweet and has recently started writing her own LOTR fic called Lost and Found which I am really enjoying. It would be awesome if you guys could check it out and follow her, she deserves more followers!

Alright I'm out.