Ronan watched Xandarian blood flow into the pool – black like his own. It was strange how this had become his hobby, instead of the fighting and endurance sports that had defined his life from the time he could walk until he was old enough to join the military. Now, he killed Xandarians for fun, and to relax, he just watched the pool fill.

"Ronan?" Kothar walked in and dismissed the guards and priestesses. "We have found him."

"You are sure this time?"

"Yes. We have factored in every variable. If he's still alive, he could only be on one planet – an unexplored world just outside of the Nova Empire's borders."

Ronan stood and turned. "What is the name of this world?"

….oOo….

"Oh, great Arda!" Legolas yawned and stretched out the stiffness in his back and shoulders.

"Having trouble sleeping?" Thranduil asked, stirring the stew.

"Ha! Give me a decade or two and I'll own the woods!"

Thranduil smiled. "Fat chance of that happening. Few Elves ever become experts at forty."

"Who knows? I might just be a prodigy?"

"With the bow, certainly, hitting all those stationary targets. With your wilderness skills, not so much. And let's not even start discussing your studies!"

Legolas grinned sheepishly. "I admit, books aren't my strong suit," he said, packing up his bedroll.

Thranduil sighed. "No, like this." He reached over and made a slight adjustment.

"Does it have to be perfect?"

"When you're trying to kill something, does your shot have to be perfect?"

"It depends on where I'm aiming, how far away I am, and whether or not I'm using poison."

Thranduil rolled his eyes heavenward. "Elbereth! Are all young Elves like this?"

Legolas smirked. "I get your meaning, ada. 'Anything worth doing is worth doing well.' But I'm no soldier in any army."

"Yet, one day, you will be leading an army. And while my heart hopes against that day, it is nigh time I started preparing you for it. For it draw ever closer." Thranduil stared at the soup, frowning.

"Is war coming?" Legolas asked.

Thranduil turned. "We are no longer in the watchful peace. Orcs are gathering in the North in large numbers. They have been raiding and pillaging with much success."

Legolas frowned.

"That is why Elrond called me out of Greenwood."

"Wouldn't that warrant an envoy of our forces, or a discussion on paper, not just the two of us?"

Thranduil was silent.

"Ada? What's going on?"

"When I know, you will be the first to hear."