The dark elf drew close to Anarya and the young wolf. He looked grimly at the white pup, reaching out to stroke Khelek. He glanced at the young elf maiden, who looked at the young wolf sympathetically.
"Take heart, Khelek, perhaps several of your family was able to escape," Rûdhchamion tried to comfort the white wolf. Then with a cold glint in his eyes he said, "but know that they will be avenged."
"It is but another piece of the puzzle. Khelek's encounter is but a duplicate of the fate of my kin," He sighed, his brows furrowed thoughtfully. He was once more in control of his emotion, and as before, did not allow himself to grieve until he fulfilled his oath. "Long ago when I was but a few summers old, in the great battle of what was called The Last Alliance, the Dark Lord was defeated. Alas, many great warriors paid with their lives. I witnessed from afar the banner of Gil-Galad held high by Master Elrond. I had seen the flash of Aeiglos until Gil-Galad had fallen, and his spear broken. Your own lord, Thranduil, too was there - and a few men considered steadfast friends to the elvenkind.
Before the great battle, a great shadow seemed to cover Greenwood. Even now it seems, the darkness still lingers. It is rumored in hushed whispers among my people that another has taken the Dark Lord's place. Some say he was not completely vanquished. How this is so - I cannot say."
Rûdhchamion fell silent. He was in deep thought, a dread filling his mind, but he did not voice it out. He was still unsure, and until he was certain, he decided not to worry his companions.
Khelek listened thoughtfully.
"There is but one way to truly find out the answers we seek. There is little doubt in my mind that we go towards the heart of the matter."
The dark elf found himself looking at the young maiden before him. He silently cursed himself for allowing her to be in harm's way. He should have never agreed with Legolas to have her come with him.
Without thinking, he reached out to brush a strand of the elf maiden's golden hair away from her face. It startled her and she looked at him and slightly blushed, sitting up straight.
"I did not mean to worry you so," the dark elf finally said, he caressed her cheek softly and pulled his hand away. "A dire task is before us. One I cannot shirk from. It is were my fate leads me. But my heart fills with dread that you would come to harm."
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