Mask of Innocence


Disclaimer: I own nothing of Tolkien's works and never will, and I make no profit off this writing

Rating: T

Summary: The young Prince Legolas is captured and taken to Dol Guldar, and within days King Thranduil gives up all hope of finding his child. Little does he know that Sauron has terrible plans up his sleeve for conquering the Woodland Realm, and that those plans involve Legolas.

A/N: All right, here is the next chapter! Since this is quite short I think I might put the next chapter up either later today or tomorrow, so look for that soon. Thanks to everyone who reviewed!

Legolass Q - Of course it looks better posted! lol Again, thanks for all your help - this wouldn't have been posted otherwise.

RuByMoOn17 - Hope this was soon enough! Thanks for reviewing.

LazloTitan36 - If you thought THAT was a cliffhanger, wait 'till the later chapters. ; ) With what you said on how Legolas is a hyper elfling now and a calm, noble prince in the War of the Ring, Elves are somewhat like people - you don't excactly see adults running around acting like 4-year-olds now do you? lol So there is a certain amoutn of maturity you gain as you age, and that is extremely visible in the Elven race. But on a more serious note, I kind of want to address that issue in my story - not necessarily 'why is he so noble?' because Elves are like that, but more of a 'is there something in his past that made him more mature?' because I believe that Legolas was only about 1,000 years old or so in the War of the Ring- not the fabled 2,931 years that Orlando told us in an interview - so that would have made him a very young Elf compared to all others. If you want a more detailed reason for why Legolas was more than likely born after the year 1000 T.A., here's a link: http/ But anyways, thanks for reviewing, LazloTitan.

Moonyasha - I am glad you think my story is unique! It will probably become even more so in the later chapters when secrets and conspiracies are revealed...hehehehe Thanks for reading, and I hope you will stick around for the rest of the long journey this story will take.

Hannon le!

-ArcherGal2932


Chapter Three: Namárië

Morning's first light was just peeking over the horizon when Imrathon and Legolas mounted their horses. The prince, of course, was riding a smaller, young horse that had been a gift from his father a little over a year ago when he started riding. Legolas had fallen in love with the baby horse at first sight, and without anyone knowing he had tried to take the colt for a trip out in the forest. His father had been stunned to learn that his son had tamed a colt that was not supposed to be fit for riding, but he allowed his son to keep the horse. So Nimbaran became the prince's.

Legolas had named the colt because of his color – the top of the horse's face, from the forehead down to the muzzle, was a shimmering white, a sapphire-silver streak marking the perimeter of the unusually large blaze. Strangely enough, the rest of Nimbaran was chestnut-colored, and even his mane and tail were the warm burgundy color. Nimbaran's eyes were the same color as Legolas' – a light cerulean unlike any other color. Nimbaran was a smart colt and one with a temper at times. Only Legolas could control him.

Imrathon rode a tall stallion, pearly white with a shining coat. He was groomed perfectly, not a speck of dirt on the beautiful horse's coat. Tâlgalad was his name, for he was light of foot and swifter than a fleeing buck.

"Are you all ready, Legolas?" Imrathon asked as they prepared to leave. Legolas nodded eagerly. Thranduil, with his green robes swaying in the light breeze and his golden hair dancing in the sun's warm rays, stepped forward and embraced his child warmly. He planted a kiss upon the prince's forehead where a silver circlet symbolizing his status framed his golden head, and smiled at his son.

"Mára mesta, my child. I wish you luck in beating Imrathon in hunting," Thranduil said with a grin, stepping back and allowing them to leave. Legolas shot him a glare. Imrathon placed his hand over his heart and swept it out in acknowledgement of his king, bowing as he did.

"Namárië, and may the Valar watch over you both," Thranduil blessed them. Legolas smiled at his father, waving as the gates groaned open.

"Do not worry, Ada, I will bring back so much game you'll have to make a new storeroom for it all!" he called back. Thranduil laughed, his voice light and melodious, raising his hand in farewell.

"Of that I am sure, my son," he murmured to himself with a smile. Legolas spun around to face Imrathon, digging his heels into his horse's sides.

"Come on, Imrathon! I will race you!" Legolas cried challengingly, and spurred Nimbaran into the fastest gallop the young one could manage. Imrathon cried out in protest and set off immediately after him, and together they disappeared into the forest, leaving Thranduil standing at his palace doors with a smile that would last a week and memories that would last an eternity.

Mára mesta – "Goodbye" in Quenya

TBC


A/N: Yes, very short, but you will get more very soon. Instead of posting in one week periods, I think I will opt for 3-4 days between postings. I have not finished this piece yet, but I do have 24 chapters I believe so it is well underway and I do indeed wish to finish it, so once we get closer to brand-new chapters that do not have much written after them I believe I might slow up on posting and switch to 1-week periods in between postings. But that will be quite a while. Well, thanks for reading and I'll see you all soon!

Until then, namárië.

-ArcherGal2932