Posted: October 2004
Title: I Alone
Author: Naresha
Type: FCS
Characters: Erestor, Thranduil.
Rating: R
Beta: Larien Elengasse
Warnings: Dark themes
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction, all characters were created by JRR Tolkien and it is not intended to cause insult or offence to the persons referred to herein.
Notation: This fic has been rated in accordance with the approved TTFF Rating System for Australian and New Zealand fiction.
Notes: Followed by companion fic - Angel Eyes.
Summary: Thranduil wants to be the one who can see inside Erestor.

*****

It was what hid behind those dark eyes that drew me in when I first saw him.

Pain, distrust and unhappiness…

Whilst he did not bear visible scars, his past wounds were etched in the black steeliness of his eyes.

Hard as I tried, I could find no entrance, no way inside them. I longed to hold the key, yet I could not find the courage to ask how I could own it.

It was not until I saw him bathe that I saw any glimpse inside his soul. His hair was knotted above his neck, a few damp tendrils having escaped. And there below lay the four white stripes, raggedly drawn on his back. It was chance that I saw, for he always took care to bathe and dress alone.

I made no noise, standing silently at the back of the hall. It was as if he knew I would be there, as if he had chosen this moment to hand me the key I so desperately searched for

"I alone survived."

The words came softly from the figure before me, guiding me to his soul's entrance. I alone now held the key to unlock those dark eyes.

****

THE END

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