A/N: okay this is my very first attempt at a LoTR fic so please bear that in mind as you read through it. I am still figuring out the way I want to write the characters and I may have a few things off but I'm not one hundred percent sure. Please excuse any incorrect elvish, this is also my first attempt at writing/speaking the language in any form. Reviews and constructive criticism are of course welcomed. Please, no flaming. Let me know what ya'll think though, I really want to know if this is any good!

Disclaimer: Sadly, I do not own any of it. But how I wish I did!

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"Legolas hir vuin! (my lord)" the blond elf turned, his blue eyes landing on the dark haired elf rushing toward him. He gracefully dropped from the tree he was currently residing in and turned toward the elf as he hurried toward his Prince. The raven-haired elf gave a quick bow before meeting the fair-haired Prince's blue eyes with his own jade ones, "Your father has called for you, hir vuin. There is a visitor here."

Legolas' brow furrowed. Who could be coming to visit? The twins were not expected to visit for at least a month still. Last he heard Aragorn was still somewhere south hunting orcs. Who could be coming to his home? He waved the scout away with a small smile, "Hantanyel, Noruinir. I will be there shortly." (Thank you, Noruinir.)

The scout nodded and headed back toward the palace at a quick pace. Legolas followed somewhat slower, his mind wandering as he wondered who could be visiting. He couldn't remember the last visitor they had. With the winter ice and snow blocking the mountain passes the twins were unable to travel from Imladris. Winters were always quiet unless Aragorn managed to convince Thranduil it was a good idea for him to stay for the season. That rarely happened anymore after all the trouble they managed to get themselves into every time he showed up. Last time Aragorn visited they somehow managed to go on a hunting trip, run into a band of orcs and then get themselves captured. They escaped of course, they wouldn't have survived this long if they couldn't find their way out of bad situations. Of course there was that one time his father actually had to send a group of Warriors to fetch them. But that was one time and he still blamed Aragorn for that. Aragorn blamed him of course but everyone knew if Aragorn hadn't insisted on taking a short cut they never would have run into that particularly large band of orcs.

"Ion nin (my son), I was wondering where you were," Legolas looked up at his father as he entered the inner palace of his home. His father was seated in his throne, his crown resting elegantly on his head as he smiled at his son, "Our visitor was beginning to become very impatient and I did not know how much longer I could keep him here."

A man stepped forward into view, smiling as his silvery eyes lifted and caught the light in the room, "Mellon nin (my friend), what took you so long?"

Legolas felt a wide grin break over his face as he embraced his long-time friend, "Estel! What are you doing here? I thought you were hunting the yrch (orcs). Did it go well?"

Aragorn sighed and shook his head, raking a hand through his hair, "I killed quite a few but too many escaped for my liking. That is why I am here actually," he turned to Thranduil before continuing, "We tracked the orcs for many weeks before I realized where they were going. Dol Guldur. I believe evil is growing within the dark fortress once more, hir vuin."

Thranduil's face darkened at the words. Dol Guldur was not a place he ever trekked and he did not send his warriors there either. It was dark and dangerous and the birthplace of all things evil. If orcs were gathering within the darkness that was Dol Guldur nothing good would come of it. He knew he would need to send scouts to discover just how large this orc threat truly was but he never liked to willingly send his people into the depths of that place. But allowing darkness to grow within his own realm would be dangerous for his people and that was not something a King could do. He looked to his son, who would be the first to volunteer for a scouting mission as always. Legolas was still rather young for an elf and filled with an adventurous streak to rival his own at that age. He was also one of his best Warriors and he knew it. Everyone knew it. There was no reasonable excuse he could use to keep his son from going on this mission. But being the King meant he did not have to give excuses at all, "I will send Dúlindir and Calwen with you, Estel. You are to scout only, do not engage unless it is necessary."

Legolas' eyes flared up and Thranduil could already see the anger growing in their depths at being left out of this mission and he waited for the outburst he knew was about to follow. Legolas approached his throne and hardened his eyes and face, "Why are you keeping me from this mission? You know I am a better Warrior than both of them and if what Estel suspects is true this will not be a simple scouting mission. Orcs gathering in Dol Guldur will become more than a scouting mission and you know that."

Thranduil sighed, looking every bit his four thousand six hundred and seventy-two years in that moment. His son knew how to make him feel old beyond his years, "Legolas, you are the Crown Prince and sending you on a mission like this would be an irresponsible and unnecessary risk. You are not to leave these halls until the Dol Guldur threat is neutralized, am I understood?"

Legolas glared angrily at his father, "I will not sit here while you send my closest friend and our Warriors out to investigate a threat to the kingdom I am the Crown Prince of. I refuse to cower here. You know that if you do not send me I will simply go on my own and you know I am sure to find danger."

Thranduil stood and strode over to his son, glowering down at him. He knew Legolas was right but he also knew telling his son that would only make future arguments about such matters impossible. He glanced at Aragorn who looked like he was fighting back his amusement at the predicament he currently found himself in. He sighed out in exasperation and placed a hand on his son's shoulder, "If you are injured in any way or you happen to run into any sort of mishap you will never leave this palace again. You will not be permitted to go on hunting trips or scouting missions or even to Imladris if something happens. Am I understood?"

Legolas nodded and gave a small smile, knowing his father was completely serious but also knowing his father was trying to keep some semblance of control over the situation, "Of course. I will be careful. Gweston, Adar." (I promise, father.)

Thranduil closed his eyes and could not believe what he was about to say, "Very well. Gather your supplies and weapons. I will summon Dúlindir and Calwen and have them meet you at the front gates at nightfall."

Legolas and Aragorn gave a nod and headed toward the inner halls of the palace where their chambers were. Aragorn had his own chambers within the Mirkwood palace right across from Legolas' own. Aragorn was in Mirkwood more than any of the other visitors that frequented their halls and he was the closest friend of the Crown Prince. Every elf in Mirkwood knew who the human was. So the two friends walked in a comfortable silence together, lost in their own thoughts of the coming mission. It was rare for these kinds of silences to last long between them but with the coming trek into Dol Guldur both of them knew how dangerous this situation could become.

"Legolas, mellon nin, this is going to be very dangerous. Your father did speak sense when he tried to keep you from going with me. You are the Crown Prince and if something should happen to you it could be a hit your father does not recover from and if he slips into grief what will happen to your people?" Aragorn paused just outside his door and turned to his friend, true concern written across his face and shining in his silver eyes.

Legolas smiled slightly, "You know I cannot remain here if you are going into danger within my own kingdom. That would be cowardly and selfish. This is my home and I will protect it, that's the duty of the Crown Prince and every single Warrior within Mirkwood. You know this and you know there is no way I would let you go alone. A chance for danger and adventure is not something I can pass up."

Aragorn smiled and shook his head, knowing that was the answer he would receive from his longtime friend, "Very well, mellon nin. But if something happens do not blame me. Everyone knows you are a disaster magnet."

Legolas laughed, "Oh Estel, do not pass that title on to me. You are the one who always manages to find yourself in some sort of danger. The last time we were caught in a battle with orcs it was because you decided it would be a good idea to take a short cut through their territory because they don't like the sun. 'Don't worry mellon nin, we will be through before nightfall' you said."

"And we would have been if you did not decide you wanted to go hunting while we were trying to get through orc territory," Aragorn said with a raised eyebrow and a mischievous grin. He already knew what Legolas would say next.

Legolas scoffed and rolled his eyes, "We wouldn't have needed to hunt if you didn't lose all of our provisions in the river."

"The river we had to swim across because you got us lost and there was no other way home without backtracking for three days."

Legolas laughed, his head tipped back as his shoulders shook from the amusement of the entire conversation, "We really get each other into quite the situations don't we?"

Aragorn gave a nod and a genuine smile, "Aye, mellon nin, we do. Hopefully we do not find ourselves in trouble again this time?"

Legolas chuckled and nodded, "Hopefully we are lucky for once this time. A journey with you that does not involve capture, torture or some sort of pain would be pleasant for once."

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Night was just beginning to fall over Mirkwood when Legolas arrived just outside the front gates. Aragorn was already waiting with his sword on his hip and a pack on his back. Legolas knew there would be food and of course athelas. The one time Aragorn went without athelas on one of their little adventures was of course the one time Legolas nearly died on the way home because of orc poison and other various wounds. Needless to say Aragorn was sure to pack twice as much athelas these days whenever they left the palace even if it was only for a short walk through the trees.

"Legolas, I was beginning to wonder when you would show up," Aragorn greeted with a grin and a pat on the shoulder.

Legolas shook his head with a grin, "Excuse me for ensuring my weapons are in working order before we venture into the hornet's nest. I did not think having a bow snap in the middle of the fight we will inevitably be thrown into would be very beneficial to my health. Or yours for that matter."

Aragorn chuckled, "I suppose I cannot begrudge you that."

Before Legolas could respond in any way Dúlindir and Calwen made their appearance. Calwen bowed slightly as she reached her Crown Prince, the edges of the black cloak around her shoulders brushing the ground as she did. All of them were dressed in the same dark clothing so they could blend into the night better. Even Legolas' pale hair was tucked into his cloak with the hood pulled low enough to keep any stray strands from slipping into view.

"Hir vuin, are you ready to go?" Legolas glanced toward the forest where the other three where already gathered. Aragorn's hood was now pulled over his own head casting most of his face in shadow but Legolas could still make out his strangely elvish eyes.

He adjusted his quiver on his back and glanced back at the palace once before joining the small group waiting for him. A strange feeling was settling over him as he left the palace behind him, a feeling he was not sure he was willing to acknowledge. Something told him he was never going to see this place ever again. A shiver ran down his spine and he forced the feeling away. He would be home within a few days and while he would more than likely be covered in injuries at least he would be back.

"Legolas pick up the pace. We need to make it to Dol Guldur within a few hours but at your pace it'll take us a few days!" Aragorn's voice carried easily through the silence of the night, his tone jovial and filled with amusement. Aragorn loved a good adventure.

Legolas jogged to catch up with his friend and the two Warriors who were waiting for him just inside the tree line. He pulled his hood a little lower just to be safe and followed them further into the shadows of the trees. The darkness around them was thick and Legolas knew their enemies would not be able to spot them coming. Even the moon and stars were blotted out by clouds and cloaked them completely in darkness. It was the first time Legolas could recall being thankful for a lack of stars in the sky.

"Does the darkness bother you, mellon nin?" Aragorn asked softly, keeping pace with the elf. Dúlindir and Calwen were a few paces ahead of them lost in their own conversation. Dúlindir and Calwen were brother and sister, twins actually, and their bond often reminded Legolas of Elrond's twins Elrohir and Elladan. As children they were nearly impossible to tell apart with their long blonde hair and pale blue eyes, the complete opposite of Elrond's own dark-haired twins.

"For once I am not bothered by the darkness. It is beneficial to our task," Legolas said with a small smile, "Though I would be lying if I said I did not miss the stars."

Aragorn gave a small nod, "I can understand that sentiment. It seems rather dark and cold without the stars and moon lighting the forest paths."

"Aye, Estel, that it does," Legolas said softly with a small hum of agreement. He glanced over at his friend with curious eyes, "What do you think the orcs are doing in Dol Guldur?"

Aragorn's eyes darkened as he thought over his friend's words. He was not entirely sure what the orcs were up to. They had not made any big moves recently and yet they were suddenly moving into Dol Guldur in large groups. It was strange, "I do not know. But it cannot be good whatever it is. Orcs gathering in large groups never turns out well for anyone."

Leoglas could not help but agree with his statement. Orcs in large numbers always brought death and destruction with them. They were not creatures anyone wished to see in large numbers. Orcs were one of the few races hated by all and tended to bring together even the most hated of enemies. Elves fought them the hardest though, with sorrow clinging to their hearts. Orcs were elves twisted by dark magic and changed into foul, cruel creatures. More elves than Legolas could count alone were now twisted and monstrous beings. It hurt his soul every time he remembered the fallen.

"Legolas, hir vuin, we hear something ahead. It could be spiders," Calwen's voice pulled him from his thoughts and he too noticed the rustling just beyond where they walked. But he did not believe it to be spiders. The tread was too soft and they tended to keep to the trees when stalking their prey. The noises reaching his ears were too low to be within the trees and he could feel no distress from the neldor (beech tree) beside him.

He glanced to Aragorn who already had one hand on the hilt of his sword, his silver eyes sharp in the night. He placed one hand over Aragorn's, keeping the human from drawing his blade. He motioned to silence and pointed up, to the trees, "We can cloak ourselves within the branches of the trees. We do not know if it is any enemy or their number. It would be safest to see what we are dealing with first."

Aragorn nodded and moved to the closest tree, hauling himself up into the branches. Dúlindir and Calwen were already nestled in a tree just ahead of him and Legolas gracefully made his way into a tree between Aragorn's and the other two elves. Just as he ceased his movements and Aragorn all but lost sight of him four figures stepped onto the path below them. They moved gracefully and Aragorn recognized their gait as that of an elf but yet not. Something about it was off, he simply couldn't place his finger on what. He looked to Legolas, whom he could just faintly make out in the darkness. Blue eyes met silver and Aragorn could see his friend was also puzzled by the newcomers. None of them moved, simply watching as the travelers came to a stop in the place Aragorn stood only minutes before. They spoke quietly amongst themselves before one withdrew the hood on his head. Long ebony hair spilled out around his shoulders and when he looked up into the trees Aragorn noticed his eyes were inky black. A strange trait on a face that otherwise appeared elven.

"We know you are there, elda (elves). We could hear you as you have heard us," the voice was soft and persuading and Aragorn was once again reminded of an elf but not. None of them made any move to leave their hiding places. It was obvious this person did not know their exact location merely that they were within the trees somewhere. He smiled softly, and even in the darkness Aragorn could tell something about it was off, "Av-'osto, mellon. We mean no harm." (Don't be afraid, friends.)

There was a soft rustle of leaves as Legolas made his way to the ground. He saw Calwen move to follow him but his voice stopped her. He did not turn for fear of giving away their locations but his voice was strong and commanding, "Daro!"

Calwen's movements immediately ceased. Aragorn debated ignoring his friend and joining him on the forest floor but he knew Legolas could handle this situation and having a human could very well make matters worse for all of them. So instead he remained in his tree with a hand placed over the hilt of his sword in case these new travelers turned hostile.

"Iston i nîf lîn," the words were soft but Aragorn could still pick them up. He was not overly surprised by them. If these were indeed elves then they would know the face of their crown prince. He still did not feel they were elves though. At least, not entirely. Something about them felt sinister and dark. Nothing like the light he sensed when with Legolas or any of the other elves. (I know your face.)

Legolas frowned slightly, "Amin sinta lle?" (Do I know you?)

The stranger shook his head, that strange smile still in place, "No, but you shall Legolas Thranduilion."

Aragorn tensed slightly, something felt very wrong. Legolas seemed to sense it as well, his hand unconsciously brushing over the hilt of his own blade, "Man esselya ná?" (What is your name?)

"Nányë Thawon," Aragorn's frown deepened now. That name spoke of darkness. No elf would name their offspring a name that literally meant corrupt. (I am Thawon.)

Legolas paused, as if considering whether or not he was serious before nodding slightly, "Thawon, what brings you here? And where is it you are from?"

Thawon dipped his head slightly, "I come to see you of course. The Crown Prince of the elves and valiant Warrior of Mirkwood. There are many tales of your bravery and your ability to lead. My master wishes to meet you."

"Your master?" Legolas' voice was cautious now, his hand fully grapsing his sword now. Aragorn saw Calwen draw back her bow, ready to strike should any of the four below threaten her Prince. Thawon was the only one to speak so far. His companions remained hooded and stood back a few feet from him. None of them uttered a sound. That made Aragorn nervous. Silence never bode well.

Thawon's smile returned now, and Aragorn could see a sinister edge to it now, "Yes, my master is very interested in you. He is building an army you see and he needs someone capable of leading. You are perfect for the position."

"I serve only Mirkwood," Legolas said, his tone allowing for no argument.

A chuckle drifted from Thawon, ghostly and dancing around the night eerily, "He said you may be of that opinion. I do hate getting blood on my clothes but sometimes sacrifices must be made."

Aragorn was out of the tree and beside Legolas the moment he heard the word blood. He would not stand by any longer while his oldest friend was being threatened. It appeared he was not alone in this decision because when he looked to Legolas he could see Calwen standing on the other side of the Prince. Her bow was now pointed directly at Thawon's forehead. He knew Dúlindir was still in the trees, his own bow ready to fell their enemies.

"I believe it is time for you to leave," Legolas' voice was cold and commanding. He was a Warrior in that moment and he would not take a threat lightly.

"No, Legolas, it is time for you to leave. You are to return with us. Your friends are more than welcome to come as well. The master could use more soldiers and he does not have any humans yet," Thawon's eyes were on Aragorn now. They remained there for many moment, glued to his silver eyes and Aragorn saw recognition dawning, "Aragorn, son of Arathorn. My master will be very pleased to add you to his ranks. Two Princes in one outing, splendid."

Aragorn's heart slammed to a halt. Only a trusted few knew of his true lineage. How could this stranger know who he was within moments of seeing him? He drew his own blade, holding it to Thawon's throat, "What did you call me?"

"Oh our master knows all about you. The heir to Gondor. You're quite the catch I must say. We could have Gondor and Mirkwood within our grasp with you two alone," Thawon's voice was almost giddy now as his eyes darted between the two of them. A shiver ran down Aragorn's spine and he saw Legolas' jaw clench.

"We are not meeting you master, Thawon. I do not know what manner of being you are but you hold no authority here," Aragorn let his sword press into Thawon's neck slightly, "You need to leave."

Thawon laughed now, the sound twisted and evil even as a smiel broke over his face, "Why, we are elves. Just as your dear friends here are. Well, not just like them I suppose. You see, we are much faster and much stronger."

As if his words were a cue the three beings behind Thawon moved faster than Aragorn could see. He heard a startled cry as Calwen's bowstring snapped and whipped across her cheek. Legolas' arm was yanked up and back before he could react and Aragorn heard the pop of his shoulder coming free of its socket. The gasp of pain came as Aragorn's wrist was grasped in a vise-like grip and twisted until his sword fell to the ground. He grunted as a blow landed on his chest and doubled over, trying to remember how to breathe. Legolas fell beside him, his dislocated arm cradled to his chest as he gasped for air around the pain. His eyes were closed tightly and Aragorn felt his anger rising. Calwen was on the forest floor, completely knocked out by a blow Aragorn didn't even see. It seemed Dúlindir was the only one still standing. Aragorn prayed he would not reveal himself. Someone would have to fetch help if this ended badly.

"Legolas Thranduilion and Aragorn son of Arathorn you are both coming with us. Our master will be very pleased," Thawon's voice was smug as he stood over the pair. Aragorn lifted his head and saw the slight nod he gave the other three before everything went black…