Amondorn found me during the late afternoon of the next day, belly down peering into the river as it sped under the bridge. Ereglin sat behind me going through the rocks we had already collected from the riverbed. He had no interest in going into the water, and my promise to my father kept me from going into the river. Still, we had managed to collect a good handful of interesting rocks. My goal was to find as many different colors as possible. We were so absorbed in our work that we didn't notice Amondorn's arrival for a span of minutes. Finally, he cleared his throat.

"Lord Amondorn!" exclaimed Ereglin. He jumped to his feet and bowed hastily. He kicked the bottom of my foot to get my attention, but I had already turned to look up at the councilor. I scrambled to my feet and happened to look down at my tunic. It was wet and dirty with mud.

Amondorn raised his eyebrows, "Are you ready for your lessons then, Legolas?"

"I'm sorry, Amondorn I was just looking for rocks. I'll run and change if that would help."

The councilor shook his head. "That's not necessary. We can work outside this afternoon." He turned to Ereglin, "Heledirn is looking for you, Ereglin. I think it has something to do with working with the kitchen for Midsummer."

Ereglin's face fell, and he turned and headed back to the caverns. Our pile of rocks lay abandoned on the shore.

"Well, Legolas, shall we head to the birches?" There was a small copse of birches in one corner of the upper terrace where the sandy gravel was just right for tracing tengwar into the sand. We often spent time there and I was becoming fairly proficient at building simple words and phrases.

As we crossed the practice field I took time to watch some of the warriors who were sparring. The practice blades clanged as they struck together and the feet of the soldiers moved constantly, grating the gravel as they stepped. It made a jarring melody that sent shivers up my spine.

When we got to the birches I sat down and got to work. Amondorn sat carefully beside me and watched me. I continued to be fascinated by the way in which a word could be captured for reading with just a few graceful lines. I longed for the day when my writing would be good enough to send word to my family that I was safe and counting the days until I could see them again.

"You are doing very well, Prince Legolas," said Amondorn after a time, "Would you like to stop for a bit and hear a story?"

"You've told me many stories about my family already, Amondorn. Tell me one about you."

"There is not much to tell. I grew up in the Halls of Menegroth in the land of Doriath with your grandfather and his best friend Amdir. They were both from fine families who were members of the court. I was chosen to be their meldir, much as Ereglin serves you now."

"Did they ever get into trouble?" I asked. I tried to imagine my father's father as a youngster.

Amondorn smiled, "They were both inquisitive and active, Legolas. More than once they found themselves in predicaments of their own making. They both had a fascination with the primitive cultures that could be found in the woods of Doriath. They even visited the settlement of Ephel Brandir, where the Men dwelt. Why they chose to wander when they could have been happily settled with the comforts of home I will never know, but it was ever my job to be with them and keep them from trouble."

"How did they come to these woods, Amondorn? What happened to Amdir?"

Amondorn brushed some invisible dust from his leggings and replied. "After the War of Wrath, Oropher and Amdir brought their households south. They became known as the Iathrem. Doriath had fallen by then and there really wasn't a home to return to. Amdir and his son settled in Lórinand, your grandfather settled south of here at Amon Lanc."

"And they met the Laegrim, then, right?"

"The Silvans were here to greet them, Legolas. Unfortunately, they were uncouth and uncivilized. They had no common sense, but would wander through the forests half naked, gathering food as they found it, singing and playing for most of their lives. They lived on what they could forage from the forest."

"That sounds like fun," I said.

"It may have been fun, but without farming, they had no way to store food for the winter. Without proper clothing they were more susceptible to the whims of the weather. They were too foolish to care properly for themselves, Little Prince, and some of them died from the elements or starvation.

"Thankfully for them, your grandfather was interested in working among them. He introduced them to the use of metal blades, the basics of farming and even how to dress with appropriate care. They were so grateful that they made him their king." Amondorn sighed. "Oropher always insisted that he became king out of compassion for the wood elves. I for one am glad that he took pity on them."

"I've heard Celthar say that he's only leader because he has to. I suppose it was that way for my grandfather, don't you think?" I asked.

"Let's just say that with proper handling the Silvans have become quite civilized, especially those that live near the Halls. I do like some of the Silvans quite well." He smiled and nodded knowingly.

A pair of squirrels chased across the yard and scrambled up the tree behind us chattering all the way. They disappeared into the crown of the tree. Without thinking I stood and shimmied up the trunk behind them. I had seen several squirrels in the birch before, but they usually didn't build their nests in the smaller trees. Perhaps there was a cache of nuts from the previous winter. I spent a moment or two looking around before swinging from a branch to drop lightly down from the tree.

"Are we done, Amondorn?" I asked. I really wanted to get back to the river.

"One more point for today, Legolas, and then we are done." He stood and brushed off his clothes. "Midsummer is day after tomorrow and your father has not yet returned. In the past, Galion has served as host for the evening, but since he isn't here either, I am wondering if you would be willing? I know that it is a last minute request, but I think you would enjoy yourself. You would need to open the evening portion of the festivities with some kind of welcome, but for the rest of the time you could wander and enjoy yourself."

I thought for a moment. At home Celthar would open the evening with a single song with a simple melody. One by one we would add our voices to his until the clearing resonated with the harmony of the people. Celthar had a beautiful voice it was strong and clear, well suited to his role as leader. For Amondorn to select me for such a task was quite an honor.

"Do you really think I could do it?" I asked, "I am not sure that I am skilled enough."

"You would do fine, Legolas. I'm sure that Ereglin could fill you in on the details."

"Won't you be there?" I asked.

Amondorn looked at his hands for a moment and then looked at me and shrugged, "I know that Thranduil attends every year, but it really is a Silvan holiday and things can get a little too - wild for my taste. I usually observe the evening at the summit of the mountain we live in. I will have to take you there someday, Thranduilion."

"I'd like that, Amondorn." I grinned at him, "I am good at watching stars. Perhaps we can sing to them together."

Amondorn returned my smile. "Off with you now, Prince Legolas. I will see you in tomorrow afternoon in the library."

Quickly I stood and bowed to my teacher, then galloped across the wide yard, taking care to dodge the soldiers as they fought. I ran down the stairs and would have run without stopping through the yard, but I was caught short by the smell of fresh bread in the air. My stomach grumbled loudly and I turned my steps towards the ovens.

"Greetings Prince Legolas," called Selediel, extending her hands in welcome as I drew near. She looked at me and laughed, "Have you been sleeping in the mud?"

I shook my head and grasped her hands for a moment, "No, but I have found some beautiful rocks in the river. You could come with me if you would like to see them."

Selediel, grinned as she nodded, her eyes shining with delight. "I would like to see them!" she declared, "But I can't be spared just now. We are starting to bake for Midsummer's Eve. Would you like a sample?" She knew that I would not refuse her. Selediel disappeared and in a moment returned with two large rolls spread thickly with butter. "One is for you and one is for Ereglin. You will see him soon, won't you?"

"I don't know," I answered truthfully. "If I don't see him soon, I may need to eat his roll too."

Selediel laughed. "And you are welcome to come back for more, if you'd like."

I would have answered, but my mouth was already full of savory bread.

I could see Ereglin sitting on the stone wall of the bridge long before I got there.

"You are looking happy, Ereglin," I said as I approached, "I thought Heledirn was going to ask you to work in the kitchen at Midsummer's Eve."

"Heledirn did ask me to work on Midsummer's Eve," said Ereglin smugly, "But I declined because by the king's orders I'm to take care of you. I did offer to bring you with me, but Heledirn just growled at me and told me to get along. He wasn't too unhappy with me," he said, indicated a tidy bundle at his side, "He sent me back to you with a couple of meat pies."

I grinned, "Here's a roll to go with them," I said, handing him the remaining roll. I leaned against the wall of the bridge and quickly devoured the pie handed to me. When I was done I wiped my mouth with my sleeve.

"You are a sight, Prince Legolas." exclaimed Ereglin, "We should probably get you tidied up before someone important sees you. Come, let's get you some fresh clothing."

"Amondorn has already seen me," I said, as we turned to walk into the caverns, "and he said that I am to host the Midsummer Eve celebration."

Ereglin whistled low between his teeth, "That is quite an honor, Legolas. Will he help you with it?"

I shook my head. "He said that it is too wild for him."

Ereglin laughed and opened the door to my room. "Well, I don't think it is too wild, Legolas. There is singing and dancing and lots of merry making. I have had to work on midsummer for the past twelve years, but before that I was rather good at the knife throwing contest."

I entered the room and stripped off my dirty clothing. "We don't have knife throwing," I said, "but we do have races to run the canopy." I sighed. "This was going to be my first year to run the canopy. Brethilas and I have been practicing every day." I was silent for a moment, "Sometimes we get together with other villages and we have the dance of the fireflies, and the dance of the dawn."

"And the food?" he asked.

I smiled and looked up at Ereglin. "Nathel is the best at making the Midsummer treats. She lets Brethilas and I try them as she cooks!"

"Well, we have a few treats, too. Heledirn's kitchen has already begun cooking for the holiday. Those meat pies are just a sample."

"Where do you celebrate Midsummer?" I asked as I worked my way into a lightweight tunic of deep green and gold.

"The upper clearing to the west of the keep is the only place large enough to hold the dance. We can go up there tomorrow morning and look around if you like. Everyone within a day's ride is welcome, and many of them will arrive tomorrow."

I nodded, "I would like that."

I stood patiently as Ereglin brushed out and rebraided my hair. I noticed that he took care to do it thoroughly. When I was presentable to Ereglin's satisfaction, we walked back out to the river, still discussing the Midsummer celebration.

The rocks were still piled where we had left them. I sorted through them carefully. There were several rocks of varying shades of gray, and an interesting brown one. There was a black rock with speckles that I knew must be quartz, and a very pretty rock that was a dirty red when dry, but turned into a brilliant shiny red when I held it under the water. I saved this last rock, and Ereglin and I took turns throwing the rest of them back into the river.

The next morning I was so eager to get to the upper clearing that I rushed through my singing lesson. "Be at peace, little master," admonished Talgand finally. "You are here to sing, not to dance."

"But I must finish soon," I replied, "because Ereglin is taking me to the upper clearing to see the people who have arrived for Midsummer. I am hosting this year, you know. Amondorn asked me to."

"He did, did he?" responded the harp master. "And do you know what you will be singing?"

"Celthar sings for our village. He listens to the stars, then he sings the Midsummer Song and leads us in harmonies. The song is different every year." I furrowed my brow. "I hope I can listen well enough to sing, Talagand. I have never sung for Midsummer before."

Talagand looked pensive for a minute. "You know your father usually works with me for about a month before Midsummer to get his song into order. He has a good singing voice, but he doesn't use it as regularly as you use yours. I'd like to say that I could train you to sing his songs in a couple of days, but I know that is impossible. Let me give you a few tips on projecting your voice, but then I suppose it will be up to you."

We worked together for another half hour before I was dismissed. I left Talagand's workroom calmly enough, but once the door was closed I ran as fast as I could to the bridge where Ereglin was waiting for me.

"I am ready, Ereglin!" I called. Ereglin laughed at my eagerness.

"The clearing we are going to is west of the keep," said Ereglin as we walked. "It has served to welcome Midsummer for over six hundred years. Before then, they held the festivities on a bluff overlooking the north valley, but lightening caused a fire there. They moved the celebration and never moved it back again."

We continued on a wide path that overlooked the river. The water had slowed with the summer heat; we had had few rains to keep it fed. The part of the river we were passing was wide with gentle banks lined with cattails and grasses. A white egret flew off as we approached, disgruntled that we had interrupted its hunting.

"It doesn't look like anybody has been on this path." I commented.

"They are coming through the woods, not from the keep," explained Ereglin. "Most travel lightly and come through the trees, but they will be there." We walked to the head of a small rise. "Look around you," said Ereglin. "We've arrived."

The clearing that came into view was huge and bare. It was surrounded with white pines interspersed with ancient oaks. The ground was thick with peat and covered with a soft green moss. "Step on it," prompted Ereglin. I stepped out into the clearing. My feet sank slightly into the soft earth, and came to rest on solid rock beneath. "We cultivate the dance surface," said Eregin proudly. "Every year we cover the field with pine needles. Over the winter they turn to mulch and by midsummer they are covered in turn by the moss. No one is allowed in the clearing until Midsummer, but you will find that everyone is here under the trees."

I could hear the low melody of many voices, with an occasional snatch of song. The smell of wood smoke was in the air. I looked more carefully at the oak trees. Many of them held impromptu talain. We carefully skirted the clearing and made our way to a grove of trees where a group of elves, dressed in the tunic and trousers of the village, were congregated. I paused at the edge of the grove and closed my eyes to allow my ears to drink in the lilting cadence of the villagers' voices. Almost immediately, the talking diminished, and I opened my eyes to find a dozen elves staring at me expectantly.

The silence stood between us for a long moment, then a small figure detached herself from the group and came to me, extending her hands to me in welcome. "My name is Lingalad, welcome to our circle."

I smiled and took her hands. "My name is Legolas, I'm honored by your welcome." There was a hushed murmur of "Prince," and "Laegrim Prince," among the others. I dropped my eyes for a moment, and then looked again at the welcoming faces before me. "I'm sorry for interrupting your talking," I said, "but it was so good to hear voices from the villages."

"Well, then, we must talk some more! I am Talfil," said a dark haired figure with gray eyes. He extended his hands in welcome.

"and I am Doronglas," said another.

One by one I was introduced to each member of the group. Most of them extended hands in welcome but one or two bowed with hands over their hearts. I finally remembered Ereglin and introduced him.

"Are you here for the Midsummer?" asked Doronglas when we were done. I nodded, "Then we must sing you a song of welcome." He thought for a moment and then grinned and began a lively song that spoke of the coming of Midsummer and the many features of the season. He was soon joined in harmony by the others and I simply had to add my voice to the chorus. The singing brought others to the clearing and soon I was being introduced to any number of eager Laegrem. I felt immersed in the goodwill of my people. I was content.

It was well after noon when Ereglin informed me that it was time to depart. After much chatter and fond farewells, Ereglin and I took our leave.

As headed back to the river path, we walked under the boughs of two of the largest oaks I had ever seen, each with a broad branch high over our heads reaching out to its neighbor with a span of about twenty five feet between them. Oddly enough, there was no undergrowth beneath the trees, just more of the moss that covered the clearing.

I turned to Ereglin and raised my eyebrows in question.

"Don't you celebrate with a Leaping?" asked Ereglin.

"No, what is that?"

"Well it can only be done after the malengalas has been sampled several times, and then by only the best dancers. They climb the taller of the two trees and then leap from one branch to the other."

I looked at him skeptically. "That is quite far for someone to leap. What if they don't jump far enough?"

"There is the net of the people waiting underneath to catch them."

I shook my head. The Silvans near the keep held some odd traditions.

Almost as soon as we were in the river path I caught sight of a odd but familiar form making his way towards us. He was dressed all in gray and carried a huge leather pack on his back. His bare feet were dirty, and the dust from the road covered the bottoms of his trousers. He carried a pouch at his belt and as we approached he gracefully scooped a handful of nuts from the pouch into his mouth. He caught sight of us just after filling his mouth. He chewed and swallowed as swiftly as he could.

I looked at him for a moment and then grinned. I hadn't seen the trader in almost a year. "Taenor!" I cried out as I ran to him. Taenor smiled. He did not bother to extend his hands, but swept me up in a welcoming hug.

"Ai, Legolas, I was hoping to find you here. Talk is all over the woods that you have returned to your father's care. How are you, little one?" He released me and stepped back. "You are looking quite different, that's to be sure."

"I am fine," I said dismissively, "but how are you? Have you been to my village yet? Have you seen my aunt and uncle and Brethilas?"

Taenor shook his head. "Slow down, Legolas. I was going to go there before Midsummer, but I got waylaid. I had an interesting encounter with a small village of Men who have absolutely perfected the art of crafting elderberry wine. Now, it's not Dorwinion, that's to be sure, but it's not half bad. I've brought a few bottles with me. We'll see what the king thinks of it, eh?"

I shrugged. I had no interest in such things. "Will you be going to my family's village soon?" I asked.

Taenor pursed his lips and looked at the sky. Then he looked at me and smiled. "Well, it's like this, Legolas. I'm here for the Midsummer, that's for sure. I usually pick up some nice hand carving when I'm here. Not to say that your uncle doesn't do fine carving, but his work is usually in larger pieces. The items I get here are always easy to sell to Men, or at least trade for things that the eldar want. But as for going to visit your family, well, I suppose that might be a good place to head when the celebrations are done. Do you have anything for me to give to them? I'd be honored to be your messenger, Legolas. I'd be happy to do it."

Frantically I tried to think of something that I could send to my family to let them know I was well. All I could think of was the little red stone that I had fished out of the river. "Can I bring you something tomorrow to give to them?" I asked.

Taenor nodded and with a flourish he bowed quickly to Ereglin. "'Till later then, Legolas," he said. He moved onward, "I'm sure I'll be easy to find."

"He's an odd one," commented Ereglin, after Taenor had disappeared around a bend.

I laughed. "Nador says that he has spent too much time among Men. He has always been welcome in our village, even though he is a little different. I don't know how he gets through the paths of the woods with that pack, but he always comes to visit us near Midsummer."

As we continued back to the keep, Ereglin kept up a constant stream of chatter about the Midsummer's Eve celebration.

"What will I do as host?" I asked finally. "Is it different here at the Halls?"

"I don't know if it's different," replied Ereglin, "but I can tell you that the contests start early in the morning and run all day. When they are over you will receive the crown of Midsummer and as Aran Nelyar, you will open the ceremonies with the first partaking of the malengalas and the Song of Silence."

"Then it will be time for my song?"

Ereglin nodded. "As soon as the stars begin to shine, you will sing the Song of Awakening. After that is the second partaking of the malengalas and the dances of the night. The third partaking is at midnight followed by the dances of the dawn. Running the canopy and the Leaping happen just before dawn."

"I was quite good at running the canopy at home," I sighed. "Perhaps I will be able to do it next year?"

Ereglin looked at me and grinned, "There are any number of young ones who would be honored to race you in the canopy, Legloas. Have you run them for long?"

I smiled and shrugged. "I've walked them for many years, but I've only been allowed to run them for two summers." We walked in silence for a time. I found myself wondering how Brethilas would do with running the canopy come Midsummer. My thoughts wandered as we walked. I closed my eyes for a moment trying to recall the pleasant features of Gwilither and his kind admonitions when teaching us how to run on the ropes.

Gwilither was our cerediraph. It was his charge to oversee the weaving of the camraph or hand woven ropes that the Silvans stretch between the branches of the canopy. The true camraphs are made from hithlain, a mixture of hemp and different plant matters which are woven to make a triangular rope the width of a man's thigh. The rope is strung with the flat side up, which provides secure footing for the elf. The trick comes in staying atop the rope as it sways in the wind, or bounces with the traffic of several individuals using the rope at the same time. Learning this skill takes time and patience. If training is not begun very early, when the body is still forming its sense of balance, it can never be learned well enough to assure safety in the canopy.

Brethilas and I were fortunate Gwilither had a kind and generous heart. When we were still clinging to Nathel's skirts to help us to walk he wove for us our first set of ropes and secured them within a few inches of the ground. Nathel would spend an hour or two with us every morning teaching us the child songs and walking us along the course of the ropes. As our confidence improved, she would encourage us to stand on one foot, run and even jump on the narrow ledge of the camraph. Nador would often stop by and teach us little games to play during our rope time. Gwilither took great delight in crafting new places to set the camraph to challenge our sense of balance. He had great confidence in our ability to learn, and we would do anything to hear his joyful, "Well done!" when we finished a course without falling.

With such intensive and loving tutelage, Brethilas and I became quite comfortable at running the low ropes, and eventually came the day when we were granted permission to tread alone the camraph path between our maple tree and a nearby oak. The whole community turned out to watch us make our first solo crossing. Nador stood at the edge of our talan holding our hands. We stared in wide-eyed wonder as our friends and family stood beneath the rope grasping one another's shoulders to create a human net that would catch us if we should fall. I looked along the path of the rope and could see Nathel waiting at the far end. Even from the distance I could tell that she was eagerly awaiting our arrival. She had no doubt that we would do well.

Nador did not speak, but bent and kissed Brethilas on the brow. Brethilas let go of his father's hand and took a deep breath. He sobered for a moment, then caught sight of his mother's face and smiled shyly. Slowly he set his foot upon the width of the camraph. He closed his eyes, took another deep breath, then opened his eyes and began to traverse the distance.

I did not breathe the whole time that Brethilas was walking. He stepped lightly along the rope. It barely moved beneath his feet. Swiftly he covered the distance to his mother and at the very last minute sped from the end of the rope into her warm embrace. She hugged him tightly and the elves of the community cheered and laughed at his success.

Then it was my turn. I was not as bold as my cousin, and I must confess I had some reservations about my ability to cross the rope without falling. I held onto my uncle's hand tightly and could feel the first tendrils of fear wind around my heart. He knelt in front of me and I clung to him tightly. He embraced me then, and began to sing. It was a simple child song, one of my favorites. It was not the words but the music that calmed my heart. The melody was soon picked up by the elves that waited beneath the ropes. They sang for me sweetly and joyfully. It was a song of confidence and strength. The tendrils of fear pressed upon me and then began to vanish, as if smoke from a fire. My uncle kissed me on the brow and turned me to face the rope.

I took a deep breath and raised my hands to the sky, trying to go of the last wisps anxiety and fear. I looked down upon my family and friends and tried to smile. The music was strong and sure. I tried to hold fast to it.

Timidly, I took that first step, and then another. The rope began to tremble beneath my steps. I closed my eyes for a moment and let another cleansing breath leave my body. Suddenly, into the space where the tension had been, slid an almost indescribable feeling of joy and wonder. The song upheld me. I could feel the love of those beneath me as strong arms. They would not let me fail. I smiled and opened my eyes, realizing with unexpected delight that the thought of crossing the rope would be fun, not frightening. I danced along the woven path, then. Each step was sure and strong. I would not fall, I could not fall. I laughed as Nathel reached for me and embraced me. Such is the way of the wood elves. I never feared the ropes again.

"Eh, Legolas, what are you dreaming of?" said Ereglin, interrupting my reverie with amused tolerance. I looked at him and smiled.

"Just remembering my home, Ereglin. Never mind. I'll race you to the bridge!"

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Well, there it is. Your thoughts, comments and critiques are always most welcome. Thank you for reading.