Fresh, damp leaves brush the hand of my outstretched left arm as I walk down a dirt path in the forest of Mirkwood. I have used this path many times over the years and a memory always passes into my mind. I remember myself a very long time ago, when I was only a small elfling walking down this path without a care or thought to the world. But now all these years later I have many cares, worries, and pressures on my heart, for I am now the head of Mirkwood's guard. I am the one to keep all of the soldiers, warriors, and guards in line, as to protect all of Mirkwood's forest. I know I am not alone. I have many supporters, including the King and his son, Prince Legolas.

I glance up from the leaves and see the familiar long blonde hair flying behind him, his bow and yellow-feathered arrows sticking out from his quiver on his back. We are walking to a secret part of the woods we found a long time ago- to do some target practice. My own carved bow and quiver set with red-feathered arrows ready on my back.

My hand brushes against something hard and smooth. I look back over and feel the trunk of an old twisted tree. Mirkwood does not change that much, even after many years of age. My finger runs along the curve of the trunk as I pass by and I am filled with the feeling of safety- of home. Even though Mirkwood lurks with giant spiders and many other dangers, I will always feel safe and where I belong.

As we get nearer to our destination, the forest gets thicker- trees grow closer together, some of their branches tangling into each other, and the ground becomes rockier. Legolas stops and pushes aside some thick branches and vines, so we could walk by. I thank him and step through, walking into a small clearing.

The clearing was a little smaller then the King's throne room and almost right in the middle was a large flat rock that came out of the ground. The rock was big enough for about four elves to stand comfortably on. I looked up and I could see the bright blue sky streaked with long thin clouds, with the trees framing the sky as if it were a beautiful painting. I always loved seeing the sky, Mirkwood's forest was dense, and so we could not see the sky that often through the branches.

Legolas and I took our bows off our backs and he took an arrow from his quiver. "What should be our first target today?" He asked as he looked around. We normally used a leaf that was angled at a difficult position or a dead tree that we marked a bull's-eye on. I looked around until a dead leaf caught my eye. It was only about half the size of my little finger and was shrived up. The brown leaf was high up and all the way across the clearing.

"That dead leaf hanging there." I said as I pointed to it.

Legolas looked and then he nodded. "Good choice." He said and notched his arrow, pulling the string back and aimed. In about the time it takes to blink, the arrow shot out and flew across the clearing straight for the leaf. The arrow's metal tip pierced the leaf and they both flew into the dark woods behind.

I felt my face move into a smile. Legolas never missed and this was no exception. Now it was my turn. I watched the blonde-haired elf look around for a perfect target. The way he gripped his bow, the thing dearest to him, as he searched. The way his light blue eyes made the sky look dull as they looked around the forest. His face showed that he was set on finding it, the way his dark eyebrows scrunched down toward his eyes and his lips pierced together in a straight line. I could see so much of the King in him, but I also see how different they were. The King was wise and caring, so was Legolas, but he was younger and stronger. He was quick on his feet and always ready for whatever came his way. His passion for his Mirkwood is very present in his eyes. Legolas was one of the best elves I have met.