DISCLAIMER: Yup, obviously I don't own ANYTHING of this!! I wrote this fic and that is all..so don't sue me. Besides...I'm broke!^__^

A DARK SUNRISE

Chapter 1- Beginnings

The Evenstar of the elven people stood, among the trees of Imladris, and felt more alone then she ever had before. She watched the moon arc across the twinkling sky and listened to the ancient song of the stars. Her love, Aragorn, was leaving. She had not known him for long, not in elven years, but in that time she had grown to love the mortal man immensely. So much so that she had decided to forsake her birthright...immortal life. And now she might never see him again.

She hadn't been at the council, when he had made the decision. But word whipped through like wildfire through the elven halls, words whispered of the company of Nine. Arwen lowered her eyes from the heavens and let warm tears wash over her ivory cheeks. The 'company' were staying only one week, before they set out on their journey to Mordor. She hadn't spoken to him. She doubted she had the strength. She knew his decision to go was the right one, the noble one...and she saw that this was his path. Yet she could hardly let her true love go.

A soft sigh sounded in the moonlight, and Arwen sharply brought her head up, searching the immense gardens. Her eyes finally found the culprit, though his lithe form blended easily into the willowy trees which stood around them. She did not recognize him- he was not of her fathers house, though clearly elven. Curiosity urged her to approach the figure and she did so, silently. But as she neared she heard the sharp intake of breath, as one startled out of deep thought. The elf groped for his weapons, and brought up a shining elven blade with frightening speed.

'Wait!' Her voice sounded hollow against the steady hum of night sounds. He did not lower his weapons, until he caught sight of her figure; he promptly set the knife down. Encouraged, she stepped forward until she stood no more than 2 feet from the tall elf. Even in the darkness she clearly made out his fine features, and she raised her eyebrow in surprise. She had seen many elves, but none had the beauty of the one standing before her. The moonlight struck his finely chiseled cheekbones and glinted off his white-blond hair. But none of it compared to his eyes, which seemed to draw the light to them, and they glowed slightly, the color and wildness of the ocean she had never seen. They stood, staring at each other for a moment, the males face unreadable. It seemed carved of stone. Suddenly he bent forward slightly, and she realized he was bowing.

'Undomiel.' The word was merely breathed, but still she reveled in the low melodious accent. She found her voice.

'How do you know me? I have never seen you before.'

The mans gaze intensified as he gazed on her, at last ripping his eyes away to look at the stars.

'No other could hold the beauty of the Evenstar, fair one.' He stated simply, and he sighed again and leaned against the silver-barked tree behind him. She waited for him to explain himself, yet he stayed silent, his eyes sad. Her curiosity persisted and she took a step closer to him.

'And who might you be?' She questioned, trying to be as polite as possible. The elf's eyes flickered in her direction and he spoke hastily.

'Forgive me for my rudeness, my lady. I am Legolas of the Woodland Realm of Mirkwood.' He looked sincerely apologetic. As an afterthought, he added, 'son of Thranduil.'

Arwen gasped at this. Thranduil's son? How could she never have met the King's son?

'I am not well around crowds, Evenstar,' he said, seeming to read her racing mind, 'and so I rarely attend celebrations and political meetings. I prefer the woodland.'

Arwen nodded. 'Ah yes, and I envy you, Legolas, for often I wish I could melt into the gardens myself and never greet another 'noble visitor.''

This prompted a chuckle from Legolas, who watched her with knowing eyes.

'I certainly don't know how my father does it, caged inside the confines of our home so often. And I wonder how beauty such as yours can bare the strain of it, as well.'

Arwen blushed at the compliment, but forced herself to look on the features of the elf. She was struck by how sad he looked. She caught much of the pain she herself had felt only moments before, deep within his fathomless eyes. She forgot her shyness, and laid a hand on the elfs forearm.

'What troubles you so?'

Legolas lowered his gaze, ashamed to have let his feelings play across his face so openly. His features instantly became unreadable again, and Arwen felt the doors in him close.

'I am fine, fair one. Do not bother yourself comforting a weak soul.' But this only served to intensify her worries.

'Please tell me.' The elf named Legolas turned to face her full on, and she nearly took a step back at the intensity burning in his eyes. So like the gaze of Galadriel...almost painful to endure. Yet she did not look away.

'Middle-Earth if falling, Undomiel. Even now it shudders and screams against the bonds that men and orcs and foul creatures throw upon it. It cries. And now I am part of a Fellowship that..that has the chance to heal this land. Should we fail...'Arwen was startled to see his eyes glisten, and she knew that he wasn't telling her the whole story, but he turned his back swiftly, and stepped away from her, gathering his knives. 'Forgive me, my lady.' He went to leave, but she caught his hand and asked him to stop. He obeyed immediately.

'My love also leaves with this fellowship.' The elf still did not look at her. 'He is Aragorn.'

His voice was quiet, when he replied. 'Yes of course. Yours shall be a story of great love and greater sacrifice.'

Arwen stiffened a bit. She went through the same argument routinely with her father. She dropped his hand, forgetting who she spoke to. 'It is my choice! I will willingly make such a sacrifice- who are you to judge?!' She piped angrily. Still the elf did not turn to face her, and it seemed his shoulders hunched.

'May we all find a love so pure.' And he was gone. The Evenstar blinked at where he had stood only a moment ago. She had misunderstood his words. Yours shall be a story of great love and greater sacrifice. He had been praising her, not accusing her as so many of her people had already done. She frowned. She would have to apologize for her harsh words.

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OK, all done[well, the first chapter anyways!!] LOL I apologize if this chapter was boring ect. ect., but this story may end up being rather long, and I need to lay the groundwork for..erm.. 'later developments'^__^ I would really, really appreciate reviews of all sorts..good and bad. PLEASE! Thanks a bunch. I promise to put up the next couple chapters shortly! --Red Dragon