Rise of the Dark Lords - an Elder Scrolls and Middle-earth tale

Chapter 3 - A Shadow Awakens

TAURIEL STARED OUT AT THE PLAINS FROM THE BATTLEMENTS.  She had forgotten the beauty of Middle-earth and took in its air, rivers and mountains.  Tauriel never intended to return - she was only making the journey as a favor to the Dragonborn.  He had saved her life when an elder dragon attacked Dragon Bridge.  She was astonished at his mastery of the Thu'um and it reminded her of  Gandalf and the other wizards.  Her thoughts were interrupted when she noticed Arwen approaching.  She started to lower her head, but Arwen raised her hand.

"Tauriel, there is no need for formalities.  We've been friends since we were children.  I'm not interrupting you am I?"

"No" Tauriel replied looking toward the night sky "I had forgotten the majesty of Arda.  It's been nearly a century since I've seen light of the Eldar from these shores" looking back at Arwen she continued "is it true you are the last of the Elves in Middle-earth?"

"Yes.  Ilmaldris, Lothlorien and the Woodland Realm were abandoned shortly after Aragorn and I were married.  They took the ships to the west."

"Pity.  I was hoping to see Legolas." Tauriel could see that Arwen had questions.  "What do you want to know?"

"Why did you chose to become a thief?  Surely the Aldmeri Dominion would have taken you in."

"I would never join those savages" Tauriel hissed.  "Sorry.  My opinion of the Thalmor is extremely low.  I became a Nightingale because Nocturnal gave me purpose.  It was a way to escape the pain.  Bolg robbed me of Kili and I couldn't deal with the anger that was burning inside me."

"I'm truly sorry Tauriel.  It pains me that you found someone you loved, but he was stolen from you.  But I can't believe that the Elves of Tamriel are all that bad."

"They began The Great War by beheading One Hundred Blades.  After thirty years of brutal war they emerged the victors.  Banned Talos worship and forced the White Gold Concordant on the Empire.  Used Ulfric as pawn to weaken Skyrim in his absurd Stormcloak Rebellion.  Even now they are actively looking for another fight."

"But you said the Aldmeri Dominion are the survivors of Gondolin and the Noldor.  Surely they would remember the Elder Days" Arwen countered.  "They would not have easily have forgotten their oath to Feanor!"

"Somehow their memories were altered and they have forgotten their oath to recover the Silmarils.  They don't even remember Valinor, Morgoth, Sauron or even the tale of Beren and Luthien.  They are obsessed with the destruction of men."

"How do you know this?"

"Because I fought in The Great War.  I saw their atrocities." Looking down she added "I'm guilty of kinslaying.  I fought in many battles across Tamriel - Hammerfell, Morrowind, Summerset Ilse and barely escaped with my life when the Imperial City fell.  I watched as they executed the Blades.  Fortunately they missed two of the Akaviri.  They even made an attempt on the Dragonborn's life by sending on of their most powerful Justiciar's to 'arrest' him.  Unfortunately for them they didn't understand the power of the Thu'um."

Arwen was shocked at Tauriel's revelation.  Her friend had led a troubled life since leaving Middle-earth's shores, but there was no need for harsh judgment.  Arwen imagined herself leading a similar life if her husband or any of her children were killed.

"Do you think we could find the answer to why the Thalmor are so violent?"

"The answers to that question old friend are in the Elder Scroll.  But you already rejected translating what is written."

Arwen turned and left leaving Tauriel alone with her thoughts.  The fact that her distant cousins were so violent and malicious troubled Arwen.  The impact the elder Elves had on Tauriel was lasting.  She could feel darkness that had surrounded her old friend.  Thirty years of brutal war, executing the Akaviri and trying to slay the Dragonborn?  Father would have had a better understanding but I can't ask for his help she thought to herself.  Grudgingly she came to the conclusion that she needed to translate what Sauron had written on the Elder Scroll.  In the morning she informed Aragorn, Brianna, Tauriel, Eldarion, Elboron, Faramir and Eowyn of her decision to translate what was written on the Elder Scroll.  Around noon they met in the citadel.  Aragorn wore Anduril and Brianna her Akaviri katana.  Brianna handed Arwen the Elder Scroll.  As Arwen began the translation the air seemed to grow thick and heavy and the temperature grew colder.