Chapter 1 – The Letter

Several years after the War of the Ring, Aragorn sits in Minas Tirith, content with his country, his kingdom and his earth living in a wonderful world of peace. His beautiful Elven wife, Arwen, being the mother of his child, Eldarion, his beautiful son, and his home and his men all being as content as one another. Aragorn relaxes in his throne and looks back on the hard years of his life. Even when his heart mourns at the long years he spent in exile, he is always joyful when he thinks of his friends in the Fellowship: the four hobbits, Merry, Pippin, Sam and, of course, Frodo, who saved Middle-Earth by his heroic deeds. Brave Boromir of Gondor, whom Aragorn missed greatly and wished he was by his side during his reign of Gondor. Gandalf, his wise counsellor and helper, Gimli the Dwarf, whom Aragorn formed a strong bond with, and, of course, his greatest friend of all, Legolas the Elf. Legolas has been there for him throughout his entire ordeal, from the Council of Elrond in Rivendell, even through the Paths of the Dead to their hopeless final attack against Sauron outside the Black Gates. Out of the entire Fellowship, Aragorn relied on and trusted Legolas the most.

It is just after midday, and the weather was cloudy, yet with a bright, warm sun. Aragorn sat in his throne, deep in thought, when suddenly, a servant walked in.

"My Lord Aragorn, we have just received a letter from Mirkwood. We believe it's from King Thranduil, my lord."

Aragorn sat up. A letter from Mirkwood? Very rarely did the Sindar Elves of Mirkwood send word to realms such as Gondor, and very rarely did the Elves want anything to do with the Gondorian people, but Aragorn had long desired in his heart to hear word from Greenwood the Great, as that was the home of his friend, Legolas. Legolas was Aragorn's greatest living friend, and he long wished to see him again. However, Aragorn lived leagues away from Legolas's home in Mirkwood, and he could only really visit him if it was for an important occasion.

"Give it to me" said Aragorn.

The man walked across the hall, knelt down at Aragorn's feet and gave him the letter. Aragorn thanked the man, dismissed him and quickly opened the letter. The writing was flowing ink, the traditional way of the Elves. Aragorn was greatly excited by this letter, yet as he read it, his heart began to wonder and was filled with concern.

Hail Aragorn, High King of Gondor and the Lost Kingdom of Arnor. I beg, your highness, for your presence in my halls. You know my son, Legolas, and I believe he is a good friend of yours. He is in great need of help, for he is not himself, and I am hoping that you can help. I know it is a long journey for you, but Legolas needs you. I do not know how much longer he can last like this. Please heed my pleading and come as quickly as possible. If you can help me, you and your people will forever be welcome in my halls.

Greatest thanks, King Thranduil of Mirkwood

Aragorn's heart froze.

"Legolas… not himself… do not know how much longer he can last ... Like this…" Aragorn thought.

He was worried. Something was wrong with Legolas, his best friend. He had to do something. What if his friend was hurt? What if his friend was dying? What would he do? What could he do? He was a descendant of Numenor, but this is an Elf. Elves shouldn't get hurt. Elves shouldn't die… Aragorn began to panic, but at that moment, Arwen came in.

"Aragorn?" she said. "Aragorn, what is it? What's wrong?"

Aragorn handed her the letter. She read it, and a look of exactly the same fear spread over her face.

"What's happened to him?" she asked, after a short period of silence.

"I don't know" said Aragorn, "but he's my friend, and I must help him!"

"Let me come, for he is a friend of mine also" pleaded Arwen.

But Aragorn said no. Someone had to look after their child. Arwen knew how much Aragorn loved his boy, and she loved him just as much, so she agreed and understood. "I must leave as soon as possible. I will go with just a small number of men to accompany me. I will leave tomorrow morning. Arwen, ask my chamber servant to bring me a sheet of parchment, a quill and a pot of ink."

Arwen bowed her head, slipped a small kiss on his forehead and cheek and did as she was told. Aragorn sat in his throne, thinking about Legolas and what great need he may have. He was still worried, but he knew he had to go. Besides, he wanted to go; he wanted to see Legolas again. But not like this. Not like this at all.

What's wrong with Legolas? Will Aragorn be able to save him?

Read on…