Morning stretched across Gondor as a rider flew across the path to the city; a crimson sunrise casting his shadow on the ground as it raced past. His white robes trailed behind him as the wind caught them. Gandalf urged his mount through the gates of Minas Tirith. The streets cleared as he sped through the city toward the palace. As he rode into the courtyard Aragorn walked out to greet him. "Gandalf, this is unexpected"

The wizard dismounted "I am afraid that I do not bring glad tidings with me Aragorn" he looked over the king's shoulder as Gimli and Legolas approached "There has been an attack outside of Mirkwood" Gandalf looked directly at Legolas "Two elves have gone missing. None others were left alive"

Legolas stared at him "what?"

Gandalf nodded "Taelan and Laslith"

"Who are they?" Gimli questioned as he watched as series of emotions play across the elf's face

"Gimli this is hardly the time for explanations" Gandalf said

"No" Legolas said "this is as go a time as any" he faced his friend "They are my sons"

Gimli blinked "Well" he coughed "That was not the answer I was expecting"

Aragorn placed a hand on the elfish prince's shoulder "We should not discuss this here" he said as he led the group into the palace. They made their way to the study; Aragorn paused only to ask Faramir to handle his duties for the day. Then he closed the door behind them "They could still be alive, Legolas" he said as he friend took a seat"

Legolas sighed "that does not comfort me Aragorn" the elf prince said "It merely increases my worry. You know the reasons behind orcs taking elves as prisoners"

"We will find them" Aragorn placed a hand on his shoulder "your sons are strong Legolas, they will look out for each other"

"How did this happen?" Legolas asked his voice getting quiet.

Gandalf shook his head "they specifically targeted your sons and left you this" he handed a cloth bundle to Legolas "It seems a friend of yours has returned"

Legolas took it and slowly unwrapped it "Well, what is it?" Gimli asked as he stepped over.

Legolas didn't answer as he stared at the contents of the package. Inside was a bloody dagger and the shattered remains of a bow. Legolas picked up the dagger; attached to the hilt was a braid of gold hair, lighter than his own, and a message. Legolas's fist tightened as he read the message "Anvari"

* *

Birds sang in the morning light of the forest of Mirkwood. Wind danced through the leaves and whispered warnings of the dangers that lived in and traveled among them. Legolas placed his hand against the trunk of an old oak; listening to it, asking what it had seen. His face was emotionless as he looked around. Gimli paced nervously as he looked at the trees; muttering something about forests and caves.

Aragorn studied the forest floor; a trail had been cut through the earth by the orcs that had forced their way through. Looking closer, he caught sight of something staining the ground. "Legolas" The Mirkwood prince walked to his friend's side, followed by Gimli. "The orc's came through here two nights ago" the Gondorian king said "they were both alive" he pointed to a dark trail "But one of them was injured"

Legolas' lip tightened "then we have no time to lose" he said as he started to take off down the trail; Aragorn and Gimli were quick to follow.

"Who is this Anvari?" Gimli asked between gasps

Aragorn looked at the Dwarf "a dark elf who has been attempting to take control of Mirkwood for centuries" he answered.

"Aragorn" Legolas called; Aragon ran to where his friend was standing "the river cut them off" the elf said "they were forced into the pass"

Aragorn nodded "we can catch them by nightfall" and with that the human and elf took off running again.

"Ah" Gimli growled "why does this seem so familiar?"

"Come on Gimli" Legolas called as he and Aragorn reached the crest of the next hill.

Gimli sighed "So much for a vacation"