Chapter 7

Thranduil walked along the battlement, staring in the forest. There hadn't been an attack from the orcs in weeks. It got him anxious. The spiders were still a problem. They haven't decreased in their numbers of attacks, but they haven't increased it either.

"My liege."

Thranduil turned. A messenger elf stood behind him. The elf bowed. "Yes?" he asked.

"There is a letter from Lord Elrond of Rivendell for you, my king." The elf held out a sealed letter.

Thranduil sighed inwardly as he took the letter. He gave a nod of gratitude to the elf before turning his back. He stared at the letter before opening it. He could already imagine what Lord Elrond wanted. This would be the third letter about this topic. He sighed as he read. The beginning was exactly what he expected, but, surprisingly, Lord Elrond shared a vision of the future with him, hoping it would make him decide to lead his people to the sea.

I believe you remember hearing of my adopted mortal son, Estel. You are already informed of his true heritage and would not bore you of it. In the near future he would lead the armies of Gondor and Rohan to the Black Gates. It would be the final battle of this dark war. If he succeeds, men would rule Middle Earth. If he fails, Middle Earth will fall into a darkness one could not fathom. It could be the beginning of the end. I urge you, King Thranduil of the Greenwood Realm to lead your people across the sea to Valinor before it is too late.

He stopped reading. He couldn't nor wouldn't leave Middle Earth until he knew the fate of his son. He had tried the first time to make Lord Elrond understand this, but the Lord of Rivendell knew not of his pain. He hadn't lost his son, growing up without his father. He didn't have to deal with the guilt that pained inside him for chasing his one and only child away. Lord Elrond was blessed with three children and an adopted child whereas Thranduil only had Legolas. Elrond had never lost one of his children.

"Hîr vuin," Captain Erynion said from behind him. (My Lord)

Thranduil turned. "Yes, captain?"

The captain caught sight of the letter in the king's hand as he approached. "From Lord Elrond, sire?" he asked. The look Thranduil sent him spoke volumes and Captain Erynion changed the subject. "I just came back from patrol. It is quiet."

Thranduil turned back to the still trees of the forest. "Do not lax your arms, Captain Erynion. It would not remain so for too much longer," he said glancing back down at the letter. Whether he was speaking of the Greenwood or of Middle Earth in general, he did not know.


The group of riders move through the forest, most were eyeing the trees warily. Legolas couldn't blame the men for their caution. They did just witness the violent nature of the trees against the orcs. He rode Arod at the rear, feeling more at ease then the men and dwarf. Gimli rode with Aragon in front of him, his eyes flicker uneasily at one tree to the other. Beside Aragorn was Éomer. The Rohan man kept his face clear of emotion, but his eyes twitched as he kept a wary eye out for danger. Gandalf rode at the front next to King Théoden.

Fog drifted through the trees, swirling as if in a dance. Legolas glanced up as the low sounds of lumbering trees were heard around them. His eyes narrowed as he tried to catch the words spoken from the trees, words only he, an elf, was able to hear. The trees were satisfied about something.

They reached the end of the forest and Isengard came into view. It was a gloomy sight that was broken by the sound of laughter.

Curious, the company moved forward into the sunlight. Legolas eyes slightly widened in surprise at the sight that greeted them. The Ents were walking all over the ruins of Isengard. The ground was flooded with water; smoke was rising from the fire that once resided there. Sitting on the wall by the entrance were two small familiar figures, smoking a pipe. They were laughing, their faces lit up with glee. Legolas mouth twitched into a smile.

Merry stood up and greeted them with his arms opened wide. "Welcome, my Lords…to Isengard!"

"You young rascals! A merry chase you've led us on, and now we find you feasting and…and smoking!" Gimli snapped.

"We are sitting on the field of victory," Pippin started to say, "enjoying a few well-earned comforts. The salted pork is particularly good."

There was a moment of silence before Gimli said, "Salted pork?"

Legolas shook his head in amusement upon hearing Gandalf mutter, "Hobbit's" in an impatient tone.

"Oh, look, Merry! It's that elf from the forest!" Pippin shouted gleefully when he caught sight of Legolas.

Legolas nod his head in recognition. "Young Pippin and Merry, it is refreshing to see you again. Treebeard took care of your needs, I hope."

Merry nodded. "He sure did, Master Legolas. We are actually under the orders from Treebeard, who's taken over management of Isengard."

"Come then," Gandalf said. "Let's go greet the new management. Come, Merry, Pippin."

Éomer offered to take Merry onto his horse with him and Pippin sat in front of Gandalf. As they approached Orthanc, the tower of Isengard, Treebeard met up with them. "Young master Gandalf, I'm glad you've come. Wood and water, stock and stone I can master, but there's a wizard to manage here, locked in his tower."

Gandalf nodded his understanding before moving towards the tower. Legolas stayed back as the rest of the group followed him. He glanced up at Treebeard, "Thank you, for watching the hobbits."

"It was my pleasure to help, young elf."

A soft, but clear voice interrupted their conversation. "You have fought many wars and slain many men Théoden King, and made peace afterwards!"

Legolas turned his attention to the top of the tower. With his elvish eyes he could clearly see an old man in white robes. He was holding a white staff. He had a white, gray beard and long white, gray hair.

"So that is Saruman," Legolas stated, staring up at the figure.

Treebeard nodded.

Saruman continued to speak, but Legolas turned away from the conversation. "Treebeard, I wanted to ask you something."

"Ask, my friend."

"I was wondering what you know of Mirkwood. Surely you've heard something of the trees in the forest of Mirkwood."

"Mirkwood…" Treebeard said slowly. "Yes, a dark place, filled with the dying and wounded trees. Fester from the black ink coming out of Mordor and Dol Guldur. Its poison is destroying life in the forest. A dangerous place."

Legolas frowned. That wasn't new information, but it was still very discouraging to hear of the darkness of the place that might be his home. "What of the elves there? Know anything of them?"

"Hmmm…" Treebeard paused in thought.

As the Treebeard worked around his slow thinking process, Legolas turned his attention brief to the happenings by the tower.

Gandalf was speaking, "….more are now at risk, but you could save them, Saruman. You were deep in the enemy's council."

Legolas turned his gaze up at Saruman as the other wizard began to speak. "So you have come here for information. I have some for you." The wizard reached into his robes and pulled out a smooth dark round object. Legolas' eyes widened. It was a glowing Palantir. "Something festers in the heart of Middle-Earth. Something that you have failed to see. But the Great Eye has seen it. Even now he presses his advantage. His attack will come soon!"

"I'm afraid I don't," Treebeard said, bringing back Legolas' attention. "It has been so very long since I last heard from the trees in the Greenwood. Last I heard the elves were pushed north when the darkness overcame the forest. They live beyond the Mountains of Mirkwood. They are a wary people. They once talked to the trees, but could no longer find the time with all the fight they are doing against the darkness. Why do you ask?"

Legolas sighed. "Mirkwood may be home," he answered softly. Saying that out loud gave Legolas a happy feeling. It made him want to smile. A home. He may have a place to call home. It was something he never had for as long as he could remember. His family, his people, his home. It would be a place he could belong.

Treebeard nodded. "That is good. A young sapling shouldn't be so far from his family for so long. He needs roots."

Legolas smiled. "I thank you, Treebeard."

"Save your pity and your mercy; I have no use for it!" Saruman suddenly sneered.

Legolas looked over just in time to see Saruman shoot a fireball from his staff and fling to straight at Gandalf. The flames engulf the other wizard and his horse, Shadowfax. Blistering heat radiate from the bright flames.

Legolas gasped and stumbled instinctively away from the flames. He raised his hands up to block his eyes from the heat and light. The flames died away and to Legolas' relief and astonishment, Gandalf stood there, unscathed and unfazed. Pippin eyes were wide, frightened by the attack, but otherwise unharmed. Gandalf magic had protected him as well.

Gandalf shook his head in disappointment and raised his hand. "Your staff is broken."

The staff in Saruman's hand shattered and he glared down at Gandalf. A figure appeared behind him and Legolas recognized him as Grima Wormtongue.

"Now that I think about it, young master elf." Legolas turned his attention back to Treebeard. "I do remember hearing of something in Mirkwood many years ago. What was it?" Legolas waited patiently.

"Get down, cur!" Saruman yelled.

Legolas looked over just as Saruman slapped Grima hard enough to send him to the ground and out of sight.

"Saruman, you were deep in the enemy's council. Tell us what you know," Gandalf demanded.

"You withdraw your guard, and I will tell you where you doom will be decided."

Legolas saw Grima approach Saruman's back. His sharp eyes noticed the knife in the man's hands and Legolas quickly reached for his arrows.

"I will not be held prisoner here," Saruman said, not realizing the danger behind him.

Grima stabbed Saruman in the back, twice. Saruman let out a gasping sounded.

Legolas shot his arrow and it hit Grima in the chest. He fell down and didn't get back up. The group of men below the tower glanced back at him, having forgotten that he was there.

Legolas watched Saruman's body fall off the tower and get impaled by the spoke of a large wheel.

Gandalf pushed his horse forward and shook his head. He turned to them. "Send word to all our allies, and to every corner of Middle-Earth that still stands free. The enemy moves against us. We need to know where he will strike." They all turned back to the wheel as it turned, sliding Saruman's body under the water to his grave.

"Something about the prince dying, I believe," Treebeard said, watching the wheel turn. Legolas turned his attention back to him. "Dying or missing, I cannot remember."

Legolas smiled grimly. "Thank you, my friend," he said, discarding the information about the prince, knowing it was of no importance to him.

They both turned back to the scene, watching Saruman's feet disappear into the water.

"The filth of Saruman is washing away," Treebeard said. "Trees will come back to live here. Young trees, wild trees."

Legolas glanced around and tried to picture the desolate area filled with young and strong tress. The land needed it and he would love to see the land filled with green once again.

"Pippin!" he heard Gandalf yell.

Legolas glanced back over and saw Pippin standing the knee deep water. He was reaching down and picked something up.

"Bless my bark!" Treebeard said, saying the orb in Pippin's hands. It was the Palantír Saruman was holding before he fell to his death.

"Peregrin Took, I'll take that, my lad," Gandalf said. "Quickly now."

Legolas watched as Pippin reluctantly handed over the orb to Gandalf. The White Wizard quickly covered it up in his robes, daring not to touch. "Ride with Legolas, Pippin," he said.

Legolas urged his horse forward and helped Pippin get settled in front of him.

"Let's return to Edoras," King Théoden said. "There is nothing else we can do here."

Gandalf nodded his approval and, with a last goodbye to Treebeard, they headed back to Edoras.


Legolas sat against the wall of the Golden Halls. Night had fallen long ago and those inside were still partying over their victory at Helm's Deep. He could hear the music and laughter from where he sat. He was facing northeast, the direction he knew Mirkwood stood. He felt a pull in that direction, but he couldn't tell if it was a good time to leave. The Battle of Helm's Deep was over and they were celebrating the victory. Was this the end? Could he leave for Mirkwood? Or was there more to come? Of course there was more to come. Saruman had told them that much. They just don't know where. His quest with Aragorn, Gimli, and Gandalf was not yet completed.

When he did return to Mirkwood, would there be any one waiting for him? Parents? Grandparents? An aunt or uncle? He sighed as he realized that there might not be anyone waiting for him. He was just an elfing and elf children was viewed as precious and treasured gifts. The price of immortality was the lack of children. Something terrible must have happened for him to end up alone in the wilderness.

"You weren't inside," a voice interrupted his solemn thought.

Legolas remained silent as Aragorn sat down next to him. They sat in comfortable silence, each in their own thoughts.

"There were eight of us," Aragorn suddenly said quietly.

Legolas glanced over at him. "Pardon?"

"We set off from Rivendell with a single purpose. Protect the Ringbarer and make sure he gets to Mordor alive."

Ringbarer? He wanted to ask, but Aragorn kept talking.

"We lost Gandalf in the mines of Moria. We lost another, Boromir son of Denethor II, the Steward of Gondor, on our way down the Anduin. During that time, two of our hobbits, the Ringbarer and his friend, went their own way to Mordor and Merry and Pippin were capture by Uruk-Hai. Gimli and I decided to save Merry and Pippin instead following the Ringbarer."

"The Ringbarer?" Legolas finally asked even though he had a feeling he knew what ring the Ringbarer held.

Aragorn nodded and pulled out his pipe. Legolas waited patiently as Aragorn lit it. "The One Ring. Sauron's ring."

Legolas closed his eyes and sighed. "So it has been found," he stated. Rumor had circulated of its discovery, but Legolas hadn't known any more about it than that.

Aragorn nodded. "And the Ringbarer was sent to destroy it in the fires of Mount Doom."

It didn't escape Legolas' notice that Aragorn withheld the name of the Ringbarer from him, but he was hardly surprise. He was surprise that Aragorn was telling him anything about their original quest. "Why tell me this?" he asked.

"I believe you have proven yourself trustworthy and Gandalf agreed. You have been traveling with us and continue to travel with us since. It was time for you to know why."

Legolas nodded his gratitude. "Thank you, my friend." He glanced away and stared in the direction of Mirkwood again.

"What weighs heavily on your mind, Legolas?" Aragorn asked softly.

Legolas glanced sideways at him, debating if he should confide in the man. "You grew up in Rivendell?" Aragorn nodded. "Then you know the value of an elfing." Aragorn nodded again. Legolas paused to gather his thoughts. "Why do you believe I was left alone?" he asked.

Aragorn stared at him, the realization in his eyes told Legolas that he finally understood where he was going with this. "Just because you found yourself alone doesn't mean there isn't anyone waiting for your return, Legolas."

Legolas shook his head, having a hard time believing him. "I must have been with my parents, traveling between elven kingdoms when something happened. They must have died and I lived. It makes sense."

"Don't assume anything, my friend. Maybe you were told to run for safety and gotten lost. Your parents may have survived and tried to find you. Or maybe your parents weren't even with you. The point is, Legolas, you don't know. Don't assume. When we are done here, I'll travel with you to Mirkwood. We'll find out what really happened. Together."

Legolas stared at him and discovered Aragorn's sincerity. He nodded. "Thank you, friend." Aragorn returned the smile.

Legolas suddenly tilted his head to the side and his ears perked at a noise.

"What do you hear?" Aragorn asked.

Legolas glanced back at him and smiled. "I hear men going to bed, sounding very drunk and a dwarf asking, very loudly, for more ale."

Aragorn chuckled. "Yes. I suppose I should go help the very drunk dwarf get to his bed, before he keeps everyone up all night." He stood. He glanced down at Legolas. "Are you coming inside?" he asked.

Legolas shook his head. "I am content right here for the moment."

Aragorn nodded without question and headed inside, once again leaving Legolas in his thoughts.


Legolas stayed there for the rest of the night, not moving. Those of Rohan who stumbled home very late would have sworn Legolas was a statue. It unnerved them. Legolas knew none of the talk nor would he care. He sat as the hours went by. It was nearing dawn when he finally moved. Something stirred within him. He sensed an evil veil. He stood and faced Mordor. His eyes narrowed as his senses grew disturbed. A darkness seemed to cover the stars, a movement. The movement was quick, restless in his mind's eye. There was such anger in the heart of the movement.

He heard footsteps behind him, but didn't need to look to know it was Aragorn. "Did you stay out here all night, Legolas?" the man asked as he stood beside him.

Legolas ignored his question. "The stars are veiled. Something stirs in the East. A sleepless malice. The Eye of the enemy is moving."

"Moving to where?" Aragorn asked quietly.

Legolas shook his head as he tried to sense the answer to the question. "He is…." He paused, struggling to pin point where the Eye was going. His eyes widened and he turned to face Aragorn. "He is here!"

Just then they heard a scream coming from inside.

"That was one of the hobbits!" Legolas said as the two of them rushed into the Golden Hall. Aragorn was in front, but Legolas was close behind.

"Somebody help him!"

"That was Merry!" Aragorn noted.

They quickly came upon the door and rushed inside. Pippin was holding on the Palantir, writhing in pain on the ground, screaming as the orb glowed. Merry was kneeling by him, but was afraid to touch him. His eyes were wide with his panic as he stared at his thrashing cousin.

Aragorn didn't waste a second as he knelt next to him and took the orb. He began yelling in pain and Legolas rushed forward. "Aragorn!" He took the man's shoulders to steady him and Aragorn threw the Palantir away from him. The man leaned his weight against Legolas' legs and breathed heavily in exhaustion.

"Pippin!" Merry yelled rushing as his shaking and frightened cousin.

Gandalf quickly threw a cloth over the orb, having woken up by the screaming. And turned to Pippin. "Fool of a Took!" he scowled.

While Gandalf was tending to Pippin, Legolas turned his attention to a shaky Aragorn. "Are you alright?" he asked.

Aragorn sat up and nodded. "Yes. I will be. Thank you." Legolas helped him stand up before they turned their attention to Gandalf, who was asking Pippin questions.

"What did you see?" he asked urgently, his hands on Pippin's face to keep the hobbit focused on him.

"A tree…" the hobbit said shakily. "…there was a white tree in a courtyard of stone…it was dead. The city was burning."

Legolas heard Aragorn sharp intake.

"Minas Tirith?" Gandalf asked. "Is that what you saw?"

"I saw…" Pippin began crying. "…I saw Him! I could hear His voice in my head!"

"What did you tell Him? Speak!"

"He asked me my name. I didn't answer." Pippin he kept his frightened eyes on Gandalf. "He hurt me!"

"What did you tell Him about Frodo and the Ring?" Gandalf asked.

Aragorn may not have told him the name of the Ringbarer, but it didn't take a lot of thought to figure out who Frodo was.

Pippin shook his head. "Noth…nothing," he whispered. "I…I told him nothing."


I would like to take this time to thank someone who helped move this story along; my beta, JediVana!

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