The Omen of the Night, Chapter 1

Disclaimer: I do not own these characters, although I sometimes wished that I did. Alas, I make no profit from this, other than to quiet the musing in my head.

Rating: T for possible violence and language in upcoming chapters.

Author's note: This is my first story, so bear with me as I go. This story takes place following the War of the Ring. As part of my own musing, there may be differences within my story that do not always follow that of the books/movies. In addition, all grammar and other mistakes are my own. Also as a side note, this chapter is a bit slow, but necessary to set up the story. Enjoy!

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Legolas sighed as he lay awake in his bed. One would think with times so peaceful now, an elf would be able to fine some rest, but he could not. He had awoken again from his sleep for the countless time since his return from the War of the Ring. As always, he was aware of the fact that his sleep had been filled with foreboding and dark images, but he could not remember the specific nature of the dream.

Still tired but knowing that sleep would not come, Legolas rose from his bed and wandered out onto the balcony. The wind was fairly strong this night and he could hear the leaves rustling in the trees. He looked to the skies and found some peace upon gazing at their beauty. The air was cool and felt soothing against his face. He closed his eyes and drew a deep breath, feeling at peace upon exhale.

His thoughts lingered on the dream. If only he were able to remember something of its content, perhaps he would be better able to understand its meaning. He wondered if it was merely his mind going back to the struggles endured while in the fellowship, but in his heart he knew this not to be true. He could not shake the feeling that he was missing something, that his tormented sleep held more secrets. As he continued to ponder the importance of this reoccurring dream, Legolas watched as the sun rose, beautifully illuminating the land. He was thankful that at least others would begin to wake and he could distract himself with other things.

He walked down the hallway and stepped out into the courtyard, where his father could almost always be found this time of the morning. The sun was shining brightly now and cast rays of light through the trees in a delicate pattern. Legolas could feel its warmth and it did well for his soul. He was beginning to dread the coming of the moon and stars.

Legolas took a seat next to his father and tried to clear his mind while he enjoyed the beauty and comfort of his surroundings.

"Good morning ada," Legolas said to his father.

Thranduil nodded his head and smiled, "That it is, my son."

Thranduil turned to look at his son, only to find Legolas' eyes surprisingly closed and his head resting against the back of his seat. As he gazed upon his son, a small frown began to appear on his face. Many times in the recent weeks, months even, he had seen this occur. In the beginning, he had figured it was lingering weariness following Legolas' journey with the Fellowship, but the occurrences only seemed to increase, as had other signs.

There were dark circles underneath Legolas' eyes and his long blond hair had lost its normal shine. He also appeared much paler than normal, as if his light were growing dimmer. None of the changes were drastic and would probably go unnoticed by many, but not by a father. It was as though his son was exhausted, but he had not the slightest idea what the cause could be from. His duties here had been slight, especially since his return. He had wanted to give Legolas that time to regain his strength as well as his own selfish motive to keep him safe.

"How do you fare this morning?" Thranduil questioned his son.

Legolas was somewhat shocked by the question. He could hear the mild concern in his father's voice immediately. "Surely I am better able to conceal my thoughts?" he wondered. He opened his eyes to see his father looking upon him.

"Very well ada," Legolas smiled to his father. "What causes you concern?"

Thranduil smiled, "I suppose it is nothing, but I cannot help but feel that your mind seems to be preoccupied." Apparently he had been unable to conceal his concerns, but then again, Legolas had done no better concealing whatever it was that was bothering him either.

"Well you are right," Legolas said smiling. "It is nothing. I was merely reflecting on more recent events and perhaps feeling as though there needs to be some excitement."

Thranduil could not help but smile and shake his head slightly in amusement. "And what type of excitement is it that you wish to have, my son?"

"Ah, well, I believe that true excitement will come only as the fates allow, do you not agree?" Legolas asked her father.

"Depends on your idea of excitement I would suppose. However, I believe that I would prefer the type which is a bit more planned."

"I can agree that not all types of unpredicted excitement are enjoyable," Legolas replied as he stood and went to his father, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I think that I will go and enjoy this lovely morning at the range. Would you care to join me father?"

"Perhaps another time, my son. Now, I have some very predictable and unexciting matters to attend to," Thranduil said jokingly to Legolas, knowing full well his son had predictably avoided the topic at hand.

Legolas smiled and took leave of his father. He went down to the practice range, obtaining his bow from his quarters along the way. He smiled to himself as he went along. Despite the lack of excitement and his reoccurring nightmares, it was very comforting to be home again. As he approached the range, the dream was gradually fleeing from his thoughts and soon, he had forgotten about it altogether. The forest can have wondrous effects on an elf.

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And just like that, the dreams had stopped. A few weeks had passed and as each night uneventfully transitioned into day the dreams drifted even further from the Elf's thoughts. In fact, with his mind finally rested and free, he had forgotten about them altogether. With Legolas returning to normal, the King also forgot about his worries over his young son. Thus, when Lord Elrond invited them to Rivendell for a grand celebration, he had no reservations about their attendance.

King Thranduil could see the excitement gleaming in Legolas' eyes. He even had to admit to himself that the trip and celebration sounded like a glorious distraction from the normalcy that was Mirkwood at the moment. He was also very fond of the idea of spending some private time with his youngest son.

"Well, I suppose that certain preparations will need to be made before our journey, do you not agree?" Thranduil asked Legolas.

"Yes, I suppose they will," Legolas replied, not even bothering to stifle the smile that was appearing. "It does my heart well to be in company with friend's ada, and even more so that you will be in attendance."

Legolas had been more than surprised at his father's quick acceptance of this invitation, but he dared not question his father lest he change his mind.

Over the few weeks, King Thranduil and Legolas made preparations for their journey. An acceptance note was sent to Lord Elrond telling of their expected arrival. Soon, the day of departure arrived and Legolas was so eager he felt as though he could run all the way to Rivendell. Legolas had the horses prepared and ready when his father came to join him.

"I believe I do not need to ask you if you are ready," Thranduil joked.

"Your assumption would be correct ada for I am ready and anxious to be on our way," Legolas stated, unable to contain his smile.

With that, the two of them said their goodbyes and were on their way. Neither one of them had a single fear in their minds as they took off into the forest, the wind flowing through their hair, responsibilities to their backs.

"Yes, this was a much needed rest," Thranduil thought contently to himself as he watched his son ride gracefully through the forest, "much needed indeed."

To Be Continued.

A/N: Please read and review. Constructive criticism welcomed!