Note: This is the final chapter in this fic! The sequel will have slash in it between Elrond/Legolas! Elvish speech is in ''. Implied slash in this chapter, but nothing graphic. Rated R for implied assault.

Glimpse of the Future

Part 4

Elrond Half-Elven narrowed his eyes slightly. 'So it is as I thought,' he said impassively, looking at the mother of his wife. 'Neither you nor Lord Celeborn will interfere on Legolas' behalf?'

'Tis not our place to tell King Thranduil how to treat his children,' Galadriel answered gravely. 'If the boy's life were in certain peril; yes, we would interfere. But it is not certain, Elrond.'

Celeborn added, 'We cannot interfere in this matter, Elrond. His wounds are treated, and in the morrow he will return with his father to Mirkwood.'

'And if Legolas should perish because of neglect and abuse, what will be said then? His injuries were severe for such a young one, and no doubt they will increase as he grows older.' Elrond met their gazes squarely.

Celeborn said, 'The only thing that we can do is arrange to have one of our Guides to go by Mirkwood and see that Legolas is not severely injured. No doubt when he gets older, Legolas will be able to defend himself.'

Elrond frowned. 'He will never be strong enough to defeat his brothers. He is centuries younger than them all.' He was also worried about the potentiality of the nature of the abuse changing. Legolas was very pretty right now, and would very likely be very beautiful by the time he reached his majority and stopped aging physically.

'I'm sorry, Elrond, but we truly can do no more. Thranduil dislikes you severely and only listens to us sometimes. We cannot do more than that,' Galadriel said, regret in her eyes. She looked at Celeborn.

'And if you find my claims to be true eventually, what will happen to the boy?' Elrond asked. He feared for the child.

Celeborn cleared his throat. 'We will foster him to another Elven king or lord. Maybe even you, Elrond, but that all depends on if what you say is true. We have a policy of no interference in other Elven kingdoms, unless lives depend on it.'

Elrond's heart was aching. He could not take Legolas away and be backed by the Lord and Lady of 'Lorien. And he could not merely steal the child away, for he would be caught eventually and Legolas would be returned. Elrond could do nothing to protect the child. He'd done the best that he could here, so maybe it was time for a more diplomatic solution.

Somehow, he must become a 'friend' to King Thranduil. It was the only way he could watch over Legolas and ensure the boy's safety. This urge and desire to protect Legolas surprised Elrond with its intensity. But it could not be denied, no more than the Lord and Lady of 'Lorien could be denied any request.

Celeborn departed, leaving Galadriel alone with Elrond.

'I'm sorry, Elrond, but we cannot sacrifice the temporary peace between Imaldris, Mirkwood, and Lothlorien. I have foreseen that you will meet Legolas again, Elrond,' Galadriel said neutrally, her face as impassive as always. 'Will you look into the mirror?'

'As you wish,' Elrond answered. To be offered a chance to glimpse into the future was not something that one could refuse, for it might be a message of hope or warning. Elrond Half-Elven had felt his heart lighten at Galadriel's words. Perhaps he would meet Legolas again.

Galadriel led the half Elf down a white, winding staircase. Her bare feet made no sound on the ground, and her shimmering gown sparkled in the natural light of the woods. Elrond followed silently as well, and gazed in wonder at the beauty around him. No matter how many times he had come here, the woods of 'Lorien never ceased to amaze him with its beautiful trees, flowers, and grass.

Galadriel used a long, silver pitcher to dip water from a small, trickling waterfall that emptied into a small well-like structure. She then went over to the 'mirror' and gently poured the water into it. Elrond stepped forward and looked into the water.

The water went cloudy, and then an image appeared. A pale and slender Elf knelt on a floor, wearing only a baggy and torn pair of leggings. Blond hair flowed to his shoulders, and a strange light surrounded him. The Elf dipped a cloth into a heavy-looking bucket, and scrubbed the floor, making it clean.

Even while working, there was a natural grace and beauty surrounding the male Elf, who wiped his brow with one hand. The movement caused the light to hit him at a certain angle, and it made his hair and skin glisten, causing him to look ethereal. His eyes looked up, as a shadow fell over him. Larger hands reached out and grabbed a hold of the slender wrists of the obviously younger Elf, yanking him to his feet and slamming him into the wall. The hands held the figure in place, as a rough kiss was given to the trapped Elf, who closed his eyes. When he opened them again, the blue-grey eyes held neutrality in their gaze. The image then swirled, and faded away.

Elrond gasped, 'Legolas!' He was stricken. His worst fears had been crystallized in what he had just seen. Legolas was truly going to be beautiful when he grew older, and someone was going to take advantage of that.

Galadriel looked at Elrond. 'Hope yet remains, Elrond, for you may be able to prevent that from occurring. That is Legolas' future.'

A new image formed in the mirror. Elrond's gaze returned to it, hoping it would be better than the last one. It was not.

Celebrian was on a ship, leaving for the West. She did not turn back once to look at them, feeling that they needed to move on without her. She hoped that Elrond would find someone to love him as he deserved.

Elrond felt grief. True, his and Celebrian's marriage had been arranged, but they were truly fond of one another and cared for each other. Though love had never entered the marriage.

The second image faded, and Galadriel spoke once more.

'That you cannot change, Elrond. Celebrian will sail West within a millennia, leaving you and your children behind.'

A third image appeared. Elrond was surprised to see himself there in his room, looking worried and afraid, as he waited for someone. A figure burst into the room, and the traces of worry and fear faded off of the Elven lord's face, replaced with relief. Elrond watched himself embrace the figure, but was not certain of who it was. As he continued watching, he was shocked at what he saw next.

The Elrond inside the 'mirror' kissed the smaller figure, holding him/her close. The two kissed for a few moments, before Elrond maneuvered the younger figure to the bed and pushed him- yes, it was definitely a him, for his chest was flat and smooth- onto the bed.  The light-haired Elf said something as Elrond climbed onto the bed and straddled him, kissing his young lover again.

The image then faded.

Elrond was too stunned to speak. These images troubled him. Legolas would become a slave in Mirkwood and be mistreated for his beauty; Celebrian would leave him and go West; and Elrond would take a male lover.

Though the only male Elrond was thinking of right now was asleep in his bed, blissfully unaware of the future which was in store for him.

Elrond Half-Elven vowed silently to do whatever he could to protect the child. He knew that he could trust Glorfindel to aid him in this matter.

Galadriel said, 'Have faith, Elrond. Do not attempt anything foolish, or you may alienate Thranduil completely.'

'I know, my lady.' Elrond bowed to Galadriel, and turned to walk away.

A glimpse into the future was not always pleasant. But had those all been the images of things that must be, or could they be changed? Celebrian's leaving could not be changed, according to Galadriel. At least Elrond knew that he would be happy again after Celebrian left. But Legolas' future could not be that dismal, with no hope or emotion in those beautiful blue-grey eyes.

Elrond would not allow it.

The End