A/N Hey guys! I apologize again for the long delays in writing. Things have been super busy and it doesn't look like they'll let up any time soon. I will try to update once a week. I can picture it all in my head and am really excited to get these out to you :D. I also finished Hurin's character design as a child, there's a link on my profile. Just as a reminder, throughout this and previous chapters, Legolas and Hurin will look about the same. Elves reach maturity physically around 100 years, at 30ish, they will still look like children. Happy reading (:

Sindarin -

mellon - friend

mallorn - golden trees

elleth - she elf

imbas - flower bread

novaer - good-bye

le fael - thank you/you are generous

Na lû e-govaned vîn - until we meet next

Savo 'lass a lalaith - have joy and laughter

Guren glassui mellon roch. Im iest cin horth- a safetui - Run swiftly friend horse. May your journey be safe.

ada- father

nanneth - mother

Hantanyel órenyallo - I thank you from my heart.

Afoot and light-hearted I take to the open road,
Healthy, free, the world before me,
The long brown path before me leading wherever I choose.
The earth expanding right hand and left hand,
The picture alive, every part in its best light,
The music falling in where it is wanted, and stopping where it is not wanted,

-Walt Whitman (Song of the Open Road)

00

oo

00

1049 of the Third Age

"Faster Legolas! You are almost there!" Húrin threw back a cheeky smile and continued to streak through the trees, branches moving to aid her steps, carrying her faster through the canopy.

Legolas glared back defiantly as he huffed to keep up with Húrin. If these uncooperative trees were not aiding you mellon, I would have already caught you. He thought towards Húrin, for he did not have the breath to spare.

Húrin continued to dance effortlessly through the branches laughing, as Legolas, strode as quickly as he could, which was quite fast after 25 years of practice. He was now faster than any of the other elves in Greenwood with one exception. Húrin. He liked to pretend that it bothered him more than it actually did, it was a fun part of their banter. In the time where he had been learning to cruise through the trees, he had grown close to Húrin. Their minds were never far from one another, even if they were out of sight. They merely had to reach out with their minds and once again feel the comfort of the other's presence. Also quite strangely, it was much easier for Legolas to make the connection than Húrin. She still needed to concentrate fairly hard, and for her skin contact made it much easier. They had kept it a secret from Elrond, though at times he would look at the two of them as if he knew something. But he had long since returned to Rivendell and the two young elves had revelled in their close companionship. Legolas and Húrin had originally thought that this meant he may share Húrin's gift, but Legolas had failed to ever make contact or even see any other lights in his mind. This was a great mystery to the both of them, and Húrin had several theories about it that she often mused about. However, with some training from Húrin, he had learned how to project more specific thoughts, to the point that they could speak into the other's mind if they so chose. Húrin had said she had learned a little on how to project words, which were more difficult than feelings or pictures, from her time with Galadriel in Lothlorien.

Do not fool yourself Legolas, you could not beat me in a race if I had both my legs tied. Húrin thought back at him. He thought he caught a small smirk.

She vaulted over a branch and disappeared into the higher canopy, something only a young, light elf could do. Legolas smiled at the challenge and leaped up to continue the chase. Húrin for her part had greatly enjoyed her time in Greenwood. She finally had company other than the trees, though she now had spent more time in this forest than her home's trees. She greatly missed the mallorn, who grew with such vibrance that they almost hummed with life and sapience. These trees needed a little bit more coaxing. Though she had not returned to Lothlorien, her father, had traveled back and then again to Greenwood several times throughout the past 20 or so years. Húrin had not felt obligated to stay, though the solemn eyes of Elrond before he parted made her feel that it was the prudent thing to do. She could feel the shudder in the trees, she had already begun to feel the trees tense up, they were wary of something, and there were faint whispers of intruders. Whether because she was too afraid, or she honestly did not feel ready, Húrin had not asked any pressing questions of the trees. She knew that in time she was to become the keeper of the woods, so she merely conversed shallowly with the trees, allowing them to keep their secret fears to themselves.

Húrin broke through the last branches into the open air and landed nimbly on the ground. She spun around to shame Legolas with yet another victory.

"And the winner is, Húrin!" she shouted, sounding also a little smug as she raised her hands in victory.

Legolas soon shot out of the trees, and landed deftly beside her. He pretended to sulk but couldn't keep the smile off his lips for long. It was difficult to be angry after you have just flown.

"I believe that you owe me another imbas cake." Húrin said, leaning forward towards him.

He continued in his mock sulk, "Húrin, if you had not used the trees to aid you, you never would have won. It is nothing short of cheating."

"Aww, are you saying that using your natural abilities is cheating, Legolas? Perhaps we should have your limbs shortened so that they are equal to mine, as well as your wit sharpened?" she questioned in a lighthearted manner.

Legolas laughed, "Ha! You think that my stature is equal to your ability to tell the trees to spirit you along? A elfling who was asleep could accomplish victory with help from the trees."

"It does not matter whether you are right or not about that. I still have earned my prize." Húrin stood confidently as Legolas shook his head and chuckled.

"Very well, we shall go to the kitchens and I will ask the bakers to prepare some with dinner tonight."

Though, they were planning on making breads tonight regardless of this victory. I have already requested it since you are leaving Húrin. And with my mother as well. Legolas thought sadly. Though he didn't project the thought so that it touched her mind.

They both felt it was about time to head back towards the Halls of Greenwood, and though they laughed and talked the whole way back, their minds never touched.

oo00oo

The day passed in a blur and soon the sun was once again rising in the east. Húrin was standing next to her father, looking slightly sad, though her eyes still held a brightness. Legolas had suspected some time ago that she had a longing for home. He was sure that she must be bouncing up in down on the inside, the thoughts of her mind crashing in on one another creating a whirlwind of excitement. He wasn't sure though, they still had not touched minds since their last race in the woods the day before which was unusual for them.

Methedras was saying farewell to some elder elves, making his way down a line of elves which ended with King Thranduil, Queen Rian, and Legolas. Húrin felt excitement rise and fall within her as a tide takes and retreats from a shore. She could not wait to see the gold of the mallorn and be in the same city of Lady Galadriel again. However, she was going to miss Legolas, the closeness, and familiarity of his mind. She also was anxious to see if she could still sense his mind from so great a distance. She had trouble even locating him when he was out of sight. It would be nice if she could still have his company in Lothlorien. Though much to her surprise and joy, Queen Rian was also accompanying them to Lothlorien. It was not as good as Legolas coming, but it was a welcome surprise. Húrin wasn't quite sure why she was coming, but Queen Rian was a lovely elleth, gentle and kind. She was very much looking forward to spending time with Legolas' mother.

Mithrandil had also been one to come and go throughout the past two decades. When he came, he also brought news of other lands and peoples, though he often conversed with the elven king in a speech that she did not understand. She and Legolas both looked forward to his comings and also in equal parts to his goings. He also looked at the two young elves for just a moment too long, as though he also guess their connection. Another quality that made Húrin uneasy was just how brightly Mithrandil's light showed in her mind. She felt as though she may have been able to converse with him with less difficulty, but the sheer power and brilliance that came from his mind frightened her. She had only feared two others as she feared his, Lady Galadriel and Lord Elrond. But he was always kindly to both elflings, and she both revered and feared him. According to what she had been told, he would also be in Lorien when the company arrived there. Being in the same room with both Lady Galadriel and Mithrandil brought a mixture of nervous anticipation and excitement.

She was broken out of her musings by King Thranduil stooping down in from of her, "Novaer, young Húrin. I hope that not many days shall pass before we see one another again."

She bowed her head and curtsied. "Le fael, I also hope to return to your Kingdom soon."

Then Legolas stood before her, his eyes fixed on a small package in his hands.

"I," he started with uncertainty, "I, thought you might get hungry on the road…" he trailed off while proffering his package towards her, looking away.

She looked at it questioningly, and gently took it. She opened a medium sized cloth pouch to find what looked like a pile of leaves.

"It's imbas that I wrapped in leaves. I know that keeps lembas good for many days. I don't know if it works the same but…" He offered, nervously rubbing his arm, still looking down.

She smiled and with her free hand took his. This is perfect Legolas. Because it is from you, I may even not eat it to keep it as a reminder of my mellon from Greenwood.

He looked back at her and smiled as well, clasping his other hand over hers. Na lû e-govaned vîn Húrin.

Savo 'lass a lalaith. She thought back. In the thought she also tried to demonstrate her deep gratitude for his friendship and a small hint of the sadness she already felt at her leaving. He responded with similar emotions, and let go of her hand slowly.

She turned towards the horse that King Thranduil had provided. Being still a child, and much too short to climb up on the horse, she placed her hand gently on the body of the horse and closed her eyes. Legolas had no doubt that she was introducing herself to the horse and also getting acquainted with who he was. Though normally more intelligent beings were generally more difficult for her, all elves had a good relationship with horses and rode them bareback, using only their connection and songs to give direction. So it came as no surprise to anyone when the horse knelt down and allowed her to climb on his back.

His name is Edegil. The horse shook its mane in indignation. Though he wishes you to know that he achieved that name by his swiftness and far travels. He has been to all 7 ruined cities of men that the ringwraiths came from.. Húrin projected to Legolas. He promises that we will both ride safely and swiftly to Lothlorien. He feels that you are concerned.

Legolas chuckled slightly and laid his head slowly against the long forehead of the horse, whispering softly. "Guren glassui mellon roch. Im iest cin horth- a safetui."

He drew back gazing still at his mother and Húrin. His eyes, though tainted by sadness, were bright and Húrin had to turn away to keep from shedding tears. Soon the whole company was ready to leave, and Legolas found himself waving goodbye, desperately trying to keep track of Húrin's mind. The flame was still bright, burning just outside his mind, he knew that he need only reach out to touch it.

He turned towards his father, "When do you think they will return ada?"

King Thranduil remained quiet for a time and then replied slowly. "They will be safe...for a time." He then turned to Legolas, "And when they return, our work must begin in earnest. For our forest grows darker with each setting of the sun. The nights grow colder, and the shadows, longer."

Legolas shivered internally, but tried to maintain a brave face for his father. Amongst elves, he knew that royalty did not mean the same as it did in the stories of men. He was not better than any other elf, and thus was not made out to be as such. However, in times of war and unrest, where the natural inclination of elves to create, to love, and to satisfy their curious minds was thrown aside, a commander was necessary. He would not show weakness, not even here in front of his father. If dark times were coming, he would make himself ready to meet them. He thought of the quiver and bow that his father had given him and clenched his fists.

We will be strong, for our people. Do you not agree Hurin? He thought out into the space outside his mind. But all was dark, and Legolas was again, truly alone.

oo00oo

The road to Lothlorien was long, but mainly wound through Greenwood which allowed Húrin to often dismount and follow from above in the trees whenever riding became tiresome for her. They passed without event mainly, aside from seeing small tree woven villages of elves where they would tarry for a night. King Thranduil had sent messengers ahead of them and thus, they were welcomed at each stop and often given provisions as they parted. Húrin could barely contain her excitement of being in Lorien again. Though as her excitement grew, she also felt a growing fear creep into her mind as they rode farther and farther south.

As they passed over the Mountains of Mirkwood, even the horses began to stir slightly in a nervous jumpy fashion. The company took to singing in turns to keep them calm whenever they became unnerved. Húrin greatly enjoyed these times as many of the forest creatures would peek out from under bush and birds would flock in the trees, almost creating a hall of living creatures who looked on the party in greeting. It was during one of these times that Queen Rian leaned over to Húrin.

"Húrin, do you not sing to the trees, and understand their speech of reply? Perhaps you could turn the malice of this forest away from us. Though I enjoy the songs of our kin, I believe that we shall run out of songs before we reach the Lothlorien." She said gently and with a smile in her words.

"My Lady, I ask your pardon, I had not been conversing with the trees much on this journey. I can feel their foreboding, and though I would readily take away malice, I do not believe it stems from them. They are in fear and the evil is from another source. Would you like me to question the trees in this matter me lady?"

Queen Rian quickly shook her head, "If there is an enemy that is able to threaten even the trees, longstanding in the forest, than I do not believe it is the duty of the youngest and most vulnerable in our party to go in search of it." She paused as the guard in their party finished her song. "I have noticed that you have not sung yet Húrin. I would love to hear a conversation between you and the trees. I have known a few tree singers of Greenwood, but they all passed long ago in the Battle of Dagorlad. None have been amongst us long enough to attain their level of skill, and it has been many years since I have heard the songs of the trees."

Húrin paused and then gave a small bashful smile, "If my Lady asks, then I do not see how I could not."

She lifted up her voice and began to sing. To all elves of the company, it seemed as though there were no words, only long lingering notes, so bright and real that energy was moving between Húrin and everything around her. Some notes were extended and other smaller bright notes would trill in between. Somehow every note seemed to perfectly describe the forest they were traveling in and brighten it as Húrin passed through. No one could say for sure, but for a brief moment, an elf's keen senses would catch a chorus in return, but the moment they came to focus on it, it vanished from hearing. To any who asked afterwards, if they were asked to describe her song in one word, it was this: life. The only elf who did not seem to be lightened by the melody was Methedras, who kept his face carefully impassive, though Queen Rian noticed his eyes seemed to shine, like they were wet with unshed tears.

All too soon, the song was over, and the forest, through still richly trilling with the last notes of Húrin's song, fell into silence again. No one spoke a word, not wanting to break the spell that Húrin had put over the trees. Húrin seemed not to notice that any were looking at her, she sat straight in her saddle and seemed to be listening, her eyes glassy and unseeing.

When she finally seemed to return from the trance, Queen Rian reached over and placed her hand softly on Húrin's hand.

"That was truly wondrous Húrin. I have naught heard a song more full of the vibrance of life from an elf ten times your age. The song called out to my own mind as well, though I could not understand what you were conveying."

"I am honored that my song brought such joy to you, my Lady." Húrin said with a slight bow. "I was telling the trees of my friendships, with the mallorn and with those I will miss in Greenwood."

Queen Rian nodded, "I could feel tinges of sadness in parts. Though Húrin, the vitality that you carry in your song also makes me believe you could be a great healer. You understand beings from within and call to life those things that should be revealed. This is a great skill which can mend hearts and bodies if you learn to control it."

"You say this knowingly, are you a healer my Lady?" Húrin asked with slight awe.

Rian nodded again. "I have been with Lord Elrond and with Lady Galadriel learning many of the arts of healing from such great wielders of power. I have also had much practice when many of our kin fell at the end of the Second Age. I am want to say that I was able to save too few of them. However, through that tragedy I became very skilled and learned much about the art. I fear that I may not be able to help you very much in your use of your special talents for the sake of healing others, but I may be able to guide it as I understand the nature of healing."

Húrin rode on thoughtfully for a time and then, "You honor me again my Lady to offer me much of your time and knowledge, but if I am to be a protector of this forest one day, I must devote myself wholly to the art of the warrior. I would not want to dampen my ability to slay our enemies by mixing it with the art of preserving life."

Sorrow crept into the eyes of Queen Rian, but not disappointment. It was an old sorrow, the kind that had already been present in one who has resigned themselves to an unwanted future.

"I understand that a great burden has been placed on you Húrin. But you would be no less a warrior for saving the lives of those you are to protect, instead of cutting down those who would oppose the good."

Húrin fell into silence, partially because she was worried of making Queen Rian sadder, and also because she was confused about her own feelings on the subject.

Sensing that the discussion was drawing to a close, Methedras' horse sped up to be near Queen Rian's.

"Isn't it true, my Lady that we will pass through the old capital of Greenwood, Amon Lanc?" Methedras commented, trying to subtly change the subject. Húrin shot him a grateful glance.

"It is. The woods are still formed to our dwellings, though no Eldar live there now. We will be there within a day's time. Oh, there are great wonders there that were grown and sung by the old tree singers. You can see the mark of Oropher, father of Thranduil throughout the whole of the city. I believe that you, young Húrin, would be in great wonder to see it."

"I-is that the abandoned elven city to the southwest?" Húrin asked nervously.

"Yes. Though it seems as though something troubles you?" Queen Rian asked, cocking her head in confusion.

Húrin looked away and spoke carefully. "I-I have heard whisperings in trembling tones from the trees. They fear something in what they call, the abandoned city of the elves. I am not sure we should venture into such a place. Could we not skirt around its edges?" Húrin managed to squeak out. True to her own fears she had not pointedly asked the trees what was going on in those parts. She allowed their terror to enlarge her own, and she could not bring herself to put names to her growing fright.

"The trees were not specific as to the danger?" Rian asked gently, though there was marks of slight skepticism in her voice.

Húrin hung her head in shame. Feeling a coward, "I…" she started, "I had not the heart to ask."

Methedras looked over at Húrin knowingly and with sympathy, though she did not find comfort in his gaze, only shame. How was she to be protector of the woods when all of the responsibility merely made her crumple? She felt like she was suffocating under the weight. There were things that only she could find out, only she could do, and by that logic, only things she would be to blame for if she failed. A burden that had grown a little in her mind every night since the council had told her of the growing darkness and her part to play in it. Now it threatened to crush her, knowing just how close the danger was.

The Queen, sensing the turmoil in the young elf brought her horse right up next to Húrin's and said softly into her hair as her arms wound around her waist. "Young Húrin, you are braver than you know. We have asked for you to carry a heavy burden much sooner than any child should have to. I know you feel the gazes of the Eldar looking in hope to you, but that is all they will look. Hope. We do not wish to shame you. Bravery comes from protecting those you love, not shaming into battle, or duty to slay enemies. We are all proud of you Húrin, truly."

Húrin listened with her face still forward, trying desperately to cling to the voice and allow it to drown out the nay-sayers in her mind. To hide her shame, she turned her face into the chest of the queen and allowed one too many tears to spill over and down her cheek.

They rode like that for a little while, the queen muttering hushed Sindarin to the horses every now and then to keep them together so the embrace could continue. After a time, and the road had now darkened, Húrin sat back up straight in her own saddle and wiped her eyes.

"Hantanyel órenyallo." Húrin whispered to the Queen. It had been long years since she had been embraced by an elleth, or even allowed herself to be.

Suddenly Húrin's demeanor changed, and she hissed "Stop!" She then lowered her head and scanned to her right and her left, like she was listening for something. "I believe there is something in the woods."

Swiftly, she stood on top of her horse and vaulted into the trees. The party looked on in confusion, as Húrin normally gave more clear notice before dashing into the treetops and she had never ordered them to stop. The riding elves halted, scanning the dark forest with their keen eyesight. Some of the guard dropped back so that all sides of Methedras, Rian, and Húrin's abandoned horse were covered. All either had an arrow loosely notched on the string or hand tightly gripping the pommel of their swords.

Impossibly long moments passed before Húrin returned, still balancing on a branch. Her voice was a fierce and urgent whisper. "There is a party of orcs and a small group of goblins heading our direction for the the east. I do not believe that they know we are here or are marching in look of assault. They are traveling somewhere. We must move directly south now! Perhaps they will not notice we have been here. I will stay aloft to see if I can learn more."

The guards nodded and all elves moved silently and swiftly forward so fluid, that it was like wind moving through the tree trunks.

Húrin stayed aloft, listening for footsteps, listening to the reports of the trees, and with her eyes closed, trying to sense hostile minds using the network of the trees. She could see them just barely lit about 100 meters to directly east, though they were swiftly moving towards them, pinning them against the clearing that opened to Amon Lanc. When she saw through the eyes of the trees, minds were much easier to find and name, though she had never before sensed an orc or goblin mind. She found them to be in utter contrast to Legolas's. If his was like the clear running of water, theirs was a muddy sludge pit filled with unspeakable horrors, no clarity or movement. She could count, there were 26 orcs and a band of 12 goblins close to them. She could not tell if they were traveling together or not. Concentrating hard, she urged the trees around her to ask the trees around the intruders to slow their progress.

All at once, the lights of the minds of the trees around the party of orcs glowed like stars aflame in Húrin's mind. In the distance, she could hear the yells and confusion of some grotesque creatures who had been caught by surprise. She imagined that they had never dreamed of being drowned in dirt by a tree root or encircled by a low hanging branch. A few of the hostile lights faded from the view of her mind, and none moved that stayed lit. She sang a short song of thank you in her mind to the trees, letting it reverberate through the network. The lights of the trees dimmed from their starlike status though the orcs and goblins seemed to still be trapped in their immobile sleeping grasp.

Just as she took a sigh of relief, a yell erupted from her southern side, along with the sound of flying arrows. In a panic, she realized that she had been concentrating so hard on the orc and goblin forces that she had first detected, that she had not been properly scanning the surrounding area. She sprang up from her crouched position and flew through the trees faster than she ever had before. Frantically, she tried to scan through the network of trees where her father and the other elves were, as well as how many enemies were about them.

In her mind, she saw the bright lights of the elves minds 300 meters south of her, the horses had moved them with great speed. She also saw the slow, sluggish lights of some 40 or 50 hostile lights around them. In her haste, she could not afford to break concentration from her haste in asking the trees to help bear her along. It was too many to ask the trees through her mental powers, she would need to beckon them in song in their presence. The plan sounded stupid even to her in her own head. Find the battle, sing a song, try not to get killed while continuing to sing the song.

She had almost reached the heat of the battle, passing over the tops of many orcs who had not glanced up to realize her presence. She began warming a song in her throat, starting softly, saving her breath for the strength of her limbs. When she was over her companions, she immediately began weaving her song in earnest, calling to the life in the trees and begging for their aid. As she sang, she took stock of the elves below her, and saw that one guard had fallen, but it seemed that the advantage of horseback as well as the training in war of the elves had preserved the rest of the company. Relieved, Húrin closed her eyes to concentrate the power of her song on the trees closest to her fighting kin, reminding them of their friendship with the elves, the ravaging of the orcs, and the strength in their sap.

She had just started to feel them start to waken beneath her voice, when a sharp pain tore through her shoulder. Her song died in her throat and instead let loose a gutteral yell of pain. She slowly opened her eyes and glancing over, she saw a crude spear had cleanly pierced through her shoulder, fresh blood spilling freely from the wound,. The pain blinded her, and made time seem to move slowly, her vision swimming. The beginning of her song had done some good, and the trees were sluggishly winding around some orcs' legs, and if an unfortunate orc happened to lean against a tree, it found itself slowly swallowed. But there were many who fought unhindered and the elven company below was greatly outnumbered.

As Húrin sank down, the dark of night becoming black before her eyes, she tried to rally her internal strength and called out as hard as she could with her mind to aid her kin. Lights were slowly dimming around her, whether because they were being snuffed out by the fighting below or because she couldn't concentrate, she couldn't tell. She started panicking, she could feel herself slipping, losing consciousness. In one last ditch effort, she threw out a last forceful beacon for help, to the trees, the animals, anything that could aid them. She flung it out as far as she could with as much raw strength as she could muster. Her body fully collapsed onto the branch, as her mind recoiled from the strain of the effort, surrendering to the darkness.

oo00oo

Legolas was growing frustrated. He had been working with Cúthalion, the keeper of the archery grounds, for hours now and he had yet to hit anywhere inside of the target.

"Patience, Legolas. I can see from your face that you are growing wary, but I believe your aim is only off today because you have been working so much on your hand-to hand. You are not used to your added strength, and it is affecting your aim. Breathe deeply and try again." Cúthalion instructed, pacing next to his impatient pupil.

Legolas furrowed his brow, breathing deeply, working to calm himself.

Every shot is new he told himself, Do not carry mistakes of the last shot to this one.

He notched an arrow and lifted his bow.

Legolas! A shout of anguish cried in his mind. His eyes widened and body went slack as a child that has been stricken. He knew beyond the shadow of a doubt, it was the voice of Húrin.

Legolas, suddenly saw only blackness before his eyes, though they were still open. Emotions that were not his own rolled over him, overwhelming him and replacing his surroundings. His fingers went numb and his bow and arrow clattered to the ground. In his ears, he could hear the clash of swords and whiz of arrows below him as well as the sickening smell of blood. He dropped to his knees, though it did not break him out of the trance. All he could feel was Húrin's terror and growing despair, he was drowning in it.

Cúthalion during this time, had rushed over to Legolas's side and caught him before he fell completely. He had no idea what had happened, and was white with fear. He rushed with Legolas in his arms into the Halls of the Elven king, thankful that Legolas was still a small child and carrying him didn't hinder his speed. He raced down the hallways of the outer battlements, winding closer to the heart of the halls. Legolas lay limp, eyes open and glassy, Cúthalion's smooth gait keeping him from being jostled.

As Cúthalion turned a sharp corner, Legolas suddenly shot up, gasping for breath, as though he had been submerged underwater. Cúthalion immediately stopped, startled.

"Legolas! Are you well? What ails you?" He asked in gentle tones, veiling his inner panic. Panic added to panic he had learned, does not aid a situation but rather is adding fuel to chaos.

"Húrin." He breathed out, his eyes still unseeing. "I fear that great harm has befallen the company." He shook his head and seemed to return himself to the present, struggling to get out of Cúthalion's arms. "Cúthalion! We must assemble a force to depart immediately. I know that Húrin is in great peril."

He paused for a moment as Cúthalion slowly let him out of his grasp. A realization dawned on Legolas as he swung his head back to Cúthalion, eyes wide. "And nanneth! We must go now!"

Cúthalion tried to halt Legolas who was already struggling to run towards the chambers of Thranduil. "My prince! Please cease your struggling for a moment. I do not understand. How do you know this, that the party is in great peril? We have received no word or messengers. Even if you are speaking truly, they are more than 3 days' ride of our swiftest riders. We would not reach them in time."

The fire in Legolas's eyes did not die, he continued to strive against Cúthalion's grip.

"We must try!" He grunted out.

"Alas, young prince, though I do not understand, we will go to see your father. He will decide how to handle this strange piece of news that you bring. A word though Legolas, those who advise with a clear head are often better received than those who could be perceived as hasty."

Legolas halted for a moment, thinking the words of Cúthalion over, before accepting the wisdom. Legolas dropped his arms and ceased his effort to push through. He looked defiantly at the toes of his shoes before raising his eyes again to Cúthalion.

"I am ready. Let us go."

oo00oo

Thanks for reading guys! Let me know if you have any input :D