Disclaimer: All characters and events portrayed in this story are the property of Tolkien Estates. I make no profit from this endeavor, except my own entertainment and that of my readers.
Italics denote thoughts. Bold font denotes spoken or thought emphasis. Quotations marks denote spoken dialogue. There is a glossary of Elvish terms at the bottom of each chapter.
Legolas is born in 2460 of the Third Age. This would make him about 557 in this story, which takes place in 3017.
Thanks to Nilmandra and Nora for beta-reading this for me.
List of Characters:
Legolas: Come on
Thranduil: Legolas's father and King of the Wood land Realm
Girithron: Legolas's elder brother, the third child and second son of Thranduil. Is the heir to the kingdom as Thranduil's eldest, Celeguir, was killed at Dagorland.
Brethil: The warrior who saved Legolas from an orc.
Adwanoth: Captain of the Palace Guard
Aragorn: A Ranger, adopted son of Elrond, Heir of Isildur.
The Result of Failure
Chapter One- A Small Request
Legolas walked into the throne room with dread. He had just returned from his Patrol, and had been ordered to see the King as soon as he was able. Legolas did not plan on keeping his irate father waiting, but Thranduil never saw him in public unless it was to punish him. Legolas was perfectly aware that he was about to be punished.
He waited while the herald announced his presence.
"Prince Legolas." Legolas walked forward and knelt before the king. He waited nervously for permission to stand. Legolas heard the sounds of the herald retreating and closing the door behind him. He saw through the corner of his eyes the guards stationed at the doors, and a group of courtiers in the antechamber. He sighed. Why did Adar always have to punish his sons in front of the entire court?
"Legolas." With the barest hint of acknowledgement, Thranduil began. "What did you think you were doing?" Legolas's father tried to maintain an even tone. He was not doing a very good job.
Legolas winced, as he rose. I see someone has informed him about the incident with the orc. "Adar, I can only say how sorry I am to have pursued a lone orc. By my conduct, I deserve any punishment you see fit."
Thranduil was livid. His son was not going to sweet-talk his way out of this.
"Do you have any idea the danger you put yourself in? If Brethil had not been there, you would be dead! Do you understand me? You have no business breaking formation and wandering off to pursue an orc you thought was the leader!" Thranduil was standing and yelling now. What had this child been thinking?
Legolas quivered but did not back away.
"I am sorry. I..."
"Sorry? Do you think that's good enough?"
"No, I..."
"You what? Legolas, this is unacceptable! You could have been killed! Then what would we have done?" Thranduil's voice wavered dangerously on this last sentence. Before losing the rest of his composure, Thranduil descended the step separating his throne from the rest of the room, and embraced his son.
Suddenly Legolas realized. He's afraid. He's afraid that something should happen to me.
"Adar," he began, "I'm sorry to have frightened you. I would never willingly leave you."
Thranduil looked down and saw the determination in his son's eyes. His heart squeezed itself in his chest at the thought of losing this precious elfling. He snorted mentally. Elfling? He has been a warrior for five-hundred odd years. I should not be so protective. Thranduil quashed this thought. He would not lose his little Greenleaf.
"Iôn nín, I accept your apology and your promise to never do this again," at Legolas's confirming nod, Thranduil continued. "However, I cannot have you endangering your fellow warriors in this manner. This is the second time you have done this, Legolas."
Legolas flinched at the reminder. He had been much younger the first time he had followed a lone Orc. Legolas had been new to the Patrol, and he wanted to show his captain how brave he was. Thranduil had given him such a tongue-lashing that day. This time, Legolas had followed the Orc quite by accident. Accidents, however, were no excuse.
Thranduil continued. "You need to learn discipline and responsibility. You will be reassigned to the Palace Guards. Do you understand?" Thranduil flinched at the look in his son's eyes. It is for the best.
Defiance flared in Legolas's eyes, but for only the briefest of moments. He understood what he had done was wrong. He would face up to the responsibility entrusted to him. Besides, he had requested punishment.
"I understand, Adar. I promise to serve faithfully and well."
"Very good. At the end of the year, I will review your behavior and perhaps reassign you." Thranduil's eyes twinkled at the sigh that escaped Legolas with this recent proclamation. He's just like Celeguir. "Don't worry, iôn nín, it is not as long as it seems."
"Yes, Adar."
Girithron had been waiting patiently in the antechamber, awaiting the judgment to be passed on his younger brother. When he heard that all was well between Legolas and Thranduil, he approached the throne, without waiting for an introduction.
"My lord." He knelt formally before Thranduil.
"Girithron, arise. What is amiss?"
"We have a guest, my lord. It is a Man, one of the Dúnedain by the looks of him. He says he brings a message from Mithrandir, and a prisoner." He waited patiently for Thranduil's response.
"One of the Dúnedain? Do they not make their home up North?" Thranduil pondered the dilemma. "Are you sure the message is from Mithrandir himself? Surely he can find someone better to carry out his errands."
"It is, my lord. The Man bears a letter with the seal of Mithrandir himself, or else I should not have believed him. He is a strange Man, despite claiming friendship with Mithrandir. He does not seem upset by us, as the Men of Esgaroth tend to be."
"Hmm...Well if Mithrandir has sent a sealed letter of approval, then we should hear him. But only for that, mind you. Girithron, summon him."
"My Lord. I believe he requested a more...private setting for our meeting."
Thranduil frowned. True enough, his throne room was not exactly discreet. Servants and guards were stationed at the doors, and in the corners. Courtiers and nobles adorned the lower chamber. He believed, however, that a public punishment was likely to remain with Legolas than if he were reprimanded in Thranduil's private study. However, if Mithrandir had sent this Man all the way from Valar knew where then it must be important.
Thranduil sighed. "Very well then. Show him to my study. Legolas, go see Adwanoth. He will station you somewhere in the palace where you cannot do any harm." With that Thranduil strode from the room with Girithron in his wake, leaving a disgruntled Legolas behind.
Legolas frowned. He wasn't some bumbling oaf who couldn't string a bow. He was one of the best archers in his patrol. Was. He sighed at the reminder of his new duty. He would now be serving in the Palace Guard. Legolas groaned. Although important, this position was mostly filled by older warriors who no longer fought, those who had families near the palace and did not wish to travel far, and the disorderly. He hated to fall into the latter category.
Well, he mused, a year isn't too long a time. He grimaced and began walking towards Adwanoth's office, all the while pondering what a strange Dúnedain would be doing in the Woodland Realm.
"You may rise." Thranduil frowned at the rugged man in his presence. By the smell of him, he hadn't bathed in quite a while. By the looks of him, he had just battled a contingent of orcs. Thranduil did not understand why men wouldn't take the trouble to clean themselves, especially this one.
"What is amiss?"
The Man smiled grimly. Wood elves were always so direct and to the point.
"My Lord. I beg of you a favor, on behalf of the Istar Mithrandir."
Thranduil frowned. "Yes, Mithrandir is known to us here. What is his message?"
The Man grimaced. This was not going to be easy. He motioned to the guard in the hall to come forward. The Elf hesitated, clearly not wanting to take orders from a Man. He came forward reluctantly when Thranduil beckoned, because he was struggling with the bound figure of a small creature. The guard finally succeeded in bringing the fighting creature forward, and presented him to his audience.
Thranduil started. "What is that creature doing in my realm?"
"My Lord, this is the favor you are requested to perform. This is the creature Gollum, which Mithrandir hunted for many years. He must be kept safe at all costs. Mithrandir believes the elves of the Woodland realm are quite capable of handling him. He cannot escape you."
"Mithrandir hunted him for many years, you say? Why should this creature prove so difficult to catch? Or so important?"
"He is devious, my lord."
"You know this how? I do not recall your mentioning that you were involved in the hunt at all."
"Forgive, my lord. I did catch Gollum. Mithrandir enlisted my aid, and it was by chance that I happened upon him. Indeed, I was ready to despair before I found him."
"Where did you find him?"
"In the outskirts of the Dead Marshes."
"The Dead Marshes? Any who go there are dangerous. It is too close to Mordor." Thranduil frowned, but snapped back to attention. "I do not understand why Mithrandir cannot keep the creature." he gestured at Gollum. "Or why he needs your aid to ensnare creatures or deliver messages. Who are you?"
"A Ranger from the North, one of the Dúnedain. I am called Strider, or Longshanks by others."
"That does not tell me who you are. Others may call me a Man, but that does not make me one." Thranduil leveled his Elven gaze at the Man, who did not flinch, or even blink.
The Man did not speak.
"I see you do not wish to reveal your identity. This does not sit well with me, messenger of Mithrandir."
"My lord, does the messenger affect the message? Mithrandir trusts me, and wishes you would as well. He needs this creature kept safe. Will you help him?"
Thranduil scowled. He did not like the way the Man had changed the topic of conversation. One would think he had conversed with Elves before. He looked sidelong at Girithron, who, although he had not spoken, appeared interested.
"Again, I would know why the Woodland Realm? I do not like the looks of this creature, and the fact that he came from the Dead Marshes only increases my dislike of him. Why should my woods be poisoned with him?"
The creature in question hissed. Thranduil frowned at it, but his gaze continued to bore into the Man's.
"My Lord, may I speak plainly? This creature is a danger to Middle Earth and its free peoples. It might be a spy of the enemy. Surely this small request is feasible?"
"My lord. I believe that Strider's request can come to no harm." Girithron voiced his opinion for the first time.
Thranduil frowned. He had not asked Girithron's opinion. Of course, his third child was never one to withhold it. Girithron sympathized with these men; and felt compassion for them. I do not know what danger that creature may bring here. I would be wary of any spy of the Enemy, if that is indeed what it is. I do not like this Man, nor are all his looks in truth. But if Mithrandir said...he has always been kind to us....
"Very well. Guard, take this prisoner to the dungeons. Girithron will escort you." Thranduil motioned to the guard and his son, lastly turning his attention to the Man. "This is where we shall keep him. He will not escape us."
"Thank you, my Lord." The Man bowed low. He knew he was grinning from ear to ear like a drunken fool, but he did not care. He had not traveled to the outskirts of Mordor to catch Gollum, to be refused by an Elven king.
"Mithrandir will be most pleased to learn of your acceptance. I would like to thank you for myself as well, catching it was no easy task." The Man lowered his eyes in submission, but could not help beaming at the success of his venture.
Thranduil raised an eyebrow at the joyful Man before him. Must humans always be so obvious in their feelings?
"My lord?" Thranduil's musings were cut short as the Man spoke once again.
"Speak."
"I have another small request to make. I would accompany the creature to the dungeons. Mithrandir's orders." He hastily added at the frown upon Thranduil's face. "And," he continued quickly, "If I could have a place for the night?"
Thranduil regarded him. "You may accompany the prisoner to the dungeons. I would normally allot a place in the barracks for someone of your....station. However, you are representing Mithrandir, and he, nor any of his friends, shall be mistreated in my house, when they have done nothing to deserve it. You may tell him I spoke thus."
"Yes, my lord." The Man made to leave, but Thranduil stopped him.
"I do not know what you hide from me, messenger, but let me warn you: I will not hesitate to strike should it be needed. Keep in mind: you are not Mithrandir."
The Man did not flinch. "Yes, my lord. I shall see to it that you will not need to strike."
Thranduil narrowed his eyes, but did not pursue the subject. He motioned to a servant, who stood in the corner of his study.
"Take him to the dungeons, and then to one of the second level guest chambers."
"Very good, my lord." The Man bowed and turned to accompany Girithron, the prisoner, the guard and the servant. Thranduil regarded the creature as it was dragged from the room.
"Nasty elfses. Very bad." It muttered. "We shall not let them keep us, shall we, precious? Gollum. Gollum. Nasty and tricksy, they are, yes."
Gollum continued muttering to himself as he was taken along the halls. They received many an odd glance from passerby. Girithron shrugged it off with his stoic expression that forbade questioning. The Man walked placidly behind the Prince, ignoring the stares directed his way.
As they rounded the corridor that led to the dungeons, they encountered Legolas. He was just leaving Adwanoth's office, coincidentally with a frown upon his face. He stopped short at the sight of this frog-like creature in the company of his brother.
"Girithron. What's that?"
"A prisoner." Girithron noticed as his brother's gaze slid from Gollum to the Man, and as his eyes widened. Legolas opened his mouth to speak, but shut it again immediately. He paused and then apparently chose something better to say.
"Pray, Girithron, who is this Man?" Girithron introduced Strider, noticing Legolas's questioning gaze and the Man's warning expression.
"Strider, will you be staying in the Woodland Realm tonight?"
"I shall." Girithron frowned as the Man omitted Legolas's title from his answer. Although his brother was a younger Prince, he was still Royalty.
The Man obviously noted Girithron's disapproval and hastily amended. "I would be honored, my lord, if you would accompany me to my quarters. I am most interested in how Gollum," Strider gestured at the creature, "shall be kept here, and I know Mithrandir enjoys particulars."
"Of course." Legolas nodded to Girithron and dismissed the servant. He gestured to Strider, and then turned around and continued walking.
Girithron frowned after them, wondering if there was some connection between his brother and this strange Dúnedain. He resolved to question Legolas about it later, then motioned the guard forward and continued towards the dungeons.
Legolas turned quickly to make sure there was no one in sight, before stopping and staring at Strider.
"Aragorn! I heard that a Dúnedain had come, but I did not think it would be you. What in all the Valar are you doing here?"
"Keep your voice down. I am here to deliver Gollum into the keeping of your people, on behalf of Mithrandir. I have just successfully accomplished my mission."
"Gollum? This name is not known to me."
"He was found near Mordor, and Mithrandir and I think him to be some sort of spy. More than this, I cannot tell you."
"Why ever not? I shall not reveal this to anyone."
"Nay, Legolas. Peace, my friend," Aragorn added at Legolas's frown. "I do not mean any offense towards you, but I do not know very much myself. Mithrandir knows more, and by his bidding I will not tell you."
Legolas regarded Aragorn, his mouth turned down in displeasure. "Very well, Aragorn. If this is what you think it best, I will not press you. My mind is spinning with possibilities, for although you will not tell me, I can still guess."
"Guess away, Legolas. But do not reveal to any your suspicious, it could prove disastrous."
"Why?" Legolas asked innocently.
"Legolas," Aragorn sighed in exasperation. "I am not going to tell you. The time will come when it is right for you to know, and then I will tell you everything. Until then, be patient. And, do not let Gollum escape."
"Ai, Aragorn.!" Legolas opened his mouth to continue speaking, but was interrupted by Aragorn.
"Legolas, speak softly. It is also not the time for any to know who I am."
"Very well, then, Strider. I shall not reveal your identity. I will also make sure this creature does not escape us."
"Thank you, Legolas. I am sorry, mellon nín, for all that I wish to say, but cannot."
"Think nothing of it, Strider. Come, tell me of your travels since the last time I saw you. For I wager you have not been idle."
"That would reveal too much, Legolas, and you know it."
"Alright, then. I desist." Legolas raised his hands in mock innocence.
Aragorn shook his head at his friend's antics, and resolved to change the topic of conversation. "Tell me of yourself. What goes on in the Woodland Realm?"
Legolas answered, and they entered the hallway where the guest quarters were located. As they passed the threshold, a cloud covered the sun, leaving the land below in sudden darkness.
Adar- "Father"
Iôn nín- "My son"
Mellon nín- "My friend."