So, I'm back and more in love with Middle Earth than ever.

This particular story is a look at Legolas from the eyes of the Fellowship...before the fellowship was formed. More of a gap-filler than anything else. Note while this is a story about how Legolas is seen by the rest of the Fellowship, it is just as importantly a look at their characters and why they see him the way that they do.

What Boromir Saw There

I am not often taken as a foolish man for my father raised me to be both wise in battle and in counsel, even as he himself was taught. Perhaps he could have taught more gently but the Steward of Gondor is not a gentle man and if he ever was that man died untimely with the passing of my mother.

Still I will hear no evil said of him for he is a fair and just ruler and if not the kindest of fathers he is at least a worthy one. Thus, when Mithrandir spoke of his less-than-enthusiastic welcome in the White City it took much of my self-control to not speak in his defense. Yet it is true that Gandalf is not fervently greeted these days, save perhaps by my more scholarly brother. Besides it is a wise man who can keep his peace least he reveal too much of his thinking and I therefore held my tongue.

Still once the creature Gollum had been spoken of and I perceived that he had for many years been possessed this weapon I broke my silence for it seemed to me that there was yet great evil in him.

Aragorn answered readily enough and with fair speech to rival the elves and the doughty old hobbit that had defended him. But here my tale grows strange for I was not the only son who sought council in his father's place.

One of the elves that had thus far remained mercifully silent (for elves are overfond of words and often use ten when but two would suffice) now rose and brought forward new tidings not at all to the liking of the council. Indeed, I might have felt sorry for him had I not recognized his name; for while the people of Gondor may have forgotten the names of the elf-lords of old, the sons of the Steward are allowed no such ignorance.

This elf clad in forest green and brown may have borne no crown but Legolas of Mirkwood was a messenger for his father even as I was and it will be a strange day indeed when a son of Denethor pities an elven prince, whatever tidings he might bring.

Strange to me was the elven prince for though his face was unlined by age and care though his eyes told otherwise. Such is the way of all elves though it was most striking in this elf of Mirkwood. Near a millennium has passed since the first of the stewards set his chair on the steps of the high throne but farther still reaches the memory of the Elvenking's son.

Let it not be said that Boromir of Gondor forget that those such as Lord Elrond remember even the elder days for it is well known to me that there are those far older than this elf of Mirkwood. But to see the age of the eldar reflected in one so like unto myself is a strange chance. I have but recently passed my own fortieth year and already I weary of the constant threat and ever-present watchfulness. Yet this elf has fought for centuries uncounted and the stain of it has not yet faded him. Fey and dangerous the woodelves may be but blessed by the Valar none the less, and still I do not envy them their grace. I at least shall someday rest from my labors while not even the elves can say whether Mirkwood may once again have peace.

In form and feature the elven prince seems near enough to his father or as near as I can gather from the rare likeness of him in our most ancient scrolls. He does not carry himself as gravely as many of the elves in this gathering and asked for no deference to his rank. Indeed, I yet doubt that the Halflings are aware of it.

This alone seemed odd to me for the Elvenking is reckoned as one of the more lordly elves that remain here in Arda. However, neither the king nor his son are of the arrogant Noldor and elves perhaps require less deference from their subjects then we men.

His hair is golden as Arien herself, a rare sight among those elves that remain here in Arda; no doubt a trait inherited from the Elvenking though from whence it was passed to him none might say. But enough of elves in general and the elven prince in particular, for though this other son intrigues me there is more to think upon than the lineage of the Eldar. A weapon has come to us from the enemy and my brother's dream grows ever more knotted.

Still I wonder if the Prince of Mirkwood might see the wisdom of driving back the Enemy by aid of his own weapon?

While I do believe that Faramir is the more thoughtful of the twain, I wanted to start with a look at Boromir as he is not often portrayed. A Boromir who strategically appraises those he meets, who honors his father for all that he has disagreed with him, a Boromir who doesn't just blurt out whatever he might feel at the drop of a hat.

Meddwl (Shire Rose)