Leaves poured down from their branches, and bright flowers withered, giving way to autumn season whilst the summer ends. Elves, hobbits, humans, even dwarves, were looking forward to this season. New fruits to be grown, new crops to be ploughed, as well as new friends.

While the people of Middle-earth welcomed the new season, the elves of Eryn Lasgalen however, did not feel the joy like the others had. Although it was the harvest season for the famous wine of the forest, the Elvenking wore his favourite crown and parties held frequently, it was also the time when their beloved queen and princess disappeared.

It was when the Elvenking Thranduil wiped out the foul creatures from his land, with the help of his cousin Celeborn, lord of Lothlòrien. He wanted to celebrate with his people not only for their victory, but also for his son's return.

Suddenly, as he set his foot down at his realm, the maids cried and kneeled down before him, begging for his forgiveness. He was shocked to see this sight and asked them what had made them like this.

"The Queen, my Lord! And our princess – they are not in your room!" said one of the maids, as she broke down into tears again.

"We have searched for them everywhere, my Lord – every corner of the forest," said a soldier, who remained in the Elven realm by the King's order. "We have sent a message to the remaining soldiers at the south to search, but – my Lord!"

Before the guard could finish, Thranduil was already at the back of his horse and was already out of their sight, as his horse, Dûrion, galloped with his remaining strength. Even the black beast was desperate to find his master's most beloved wife and daughter.

As he reached the outskirts of the great forest, he could see a glimpse of his son – who was shocked to see his father riding to his direction.

"Father, didn't I tell you not to see me when I come back?" said Legolas, who did not have the slightest idea of his mother and sister's disappearance.

"That is not why I am here!" growled Thranduil. Then, he saw his son's eyes widened by his sudden tone of voice. "Forgive me, Las. But I must search for them."

"Search for who?" said Legolas, blocking his father's way with his horse, Arod. "Tell me!"

"Your mother and Lothiel – I must search for them."

Before Legolas could open his mouth to ask again, his father was already out of his sight.

Valar – Iluvatàr, please protect them and have them safe, thought Thranduil, as he could hear himself gasping. Then, he could hear someone else riding behind him. He was not surprised. He had guess that the guards back in his realm had already told his son of it, thus the prince pursued him.

They did not talk – not even a single word – for a long time. Legolas did not know where his father was going. Not even he knew which path they were taking – he was too deep in thoughts of his mother and sister, who he had fell in love with by just a glance.

Mother…Lothiel…where are you?

Thus, Eryn Lasgalen was safer – but darker than Mirkwood.

Note: Eryn Lasgalen is actually the new name of Mirkwood (Legolas' home) after Thranduil and Celeborn eliminate the remaining orcs in the forest. And even though there's no proof that both Thranduil and Celeborn are related, I just want to assume that they are. :)

Translations:

Lothiel - Loth means flower, whereas iel means daughter of... The name of Legolas' sister.
Las - leaf; Also short for Legolas (from my point of view).
Valar - gods, Powers, Lords of the West; the Great ones who dwelled in Aman aka the west. Also referred to the male ones, since the female ones are called Valier. There are fourteen of them in total.
Iluvatàr - God , the One; not the same as the Valar. Referred as Eru as well.