This is the first story I have written on Fanfiction in two years. It's been a while, I know, so I am probably a bit rusty with writing about Lord of the Rings, so bear with me. I hope you guys enjoy this story despite the flaws it may have. Reviews are appreciated.

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The night was dark and cold. Most nights were, nowadays, he thought grimly. The path before him was a mess of fallen leaves and slosh left over from the recent snowstorm. For three lonely days, Legolas had waited out the storm in the shelter of a cave. He should've been in Rivendell two weeks ago, but Elrond really shouldn't have been surprised that his trip had been delayed.

Legolas shivered, clutching his cloak closer to his body. He was determined to reach Rivendell by morning. Rations were low and he had run out of water hours ago, leaving his mouth dry and his stomach empty. To keep his mind off of the hunger and thirst he felt, he thought of Aragorn, his best friend in the entire world, waiting for him when he reached his destination. The thought of his friend worrying about him, wondering if he had died during this length trip, not knowing if he still drew breath, made Legolas quicken his pace. The thought of the hug he would surely receive from Aragorn once he arrived warmed the chill in his body.

A snap of a twig made Legolas freeze. Maybe it was the wind, he thought. However, wind didn't make the sound of footsteps. Legolas, as tired as he was, drew an arrow from the quiver that rested on his back and pulled the string of his bow back, waiting in patient silence for whatever was following him to emerge from the bushes. "Who's there?" he asked, though it was foolish to expect a response, he knew. "Show yourself!"

Nothing. The night was still as it had been before. The puff of Legolas' heavy breathing formed into a small cloud and floated away. Lowering his weapon, he allowed himself to relax slightly. He was paranoid, that had to be the answer. He shook his head and set for Rivendell once more.

This time, his thoughts were no longer on his friend or on the warmth Rivendell would have to offer, but instead on the woods surrounding him. The wind had picked up and the moon, which had been full and lighting his way through the night before, had been hidden by thick, gray clouds. The smell of rain tinged the air, and Legolas sighed heavily. Rain was the last thing he needed. He would have to stop once more should a downpour be released mercilessly from the heavens.

Suddenly, Legolas had the distinct feeling that he was being watched. His skin crawled, and goosebumps formed on his arms that had nothing to do with the chill of the night. 'Don't turn around' his subconsciousness broke in, but Legolas found himself aware of a presence behind him. Still walking, he rested his hand on his bow, and then, with speed only an elf could possess, he quickly turned, loading an arrow onto his bow, and shot.

The arrow went sailing right into the bushes, as nothing stood behind him. Puzzled, Legolas tried to calm himself down. He was letting his mind play tricks with him, that was it, he was sure of it.

Legolas turned and went no further as he blacked out from a sudden pain that coursed through his entire body. He crumpled to the ground, calling out for Estel, Elrond, anyone to help him, but his cries went unheard. He could not feel the sting of an arrow or the slash of a blade, nor did he feel hands touch him, yet pain still managed to make its way through his body from some unknown source.

Legolas blacked out from the pain. The last thing he remembered was a voice cackling in the distance, his body unable to move from the cold, hard ground.

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Sorry that this chapter was so short, but it was midnight when I wrote this and I really should be getting to bed. More will come when I have the time, but when that will be is still undetermined. I hope that you readers enjoyed this first chapter, and stick around for the next! :)