AN: Thank you to: Mimosa Evans, KittyKawaii4, MissKitty, Windsongspringheart, Bella-Swan11, Moonlightkiss1515, Shaniice.d, Guest, Alessandra Cordeiro for your reviews. This is another chapter. Please read and review. Thank you!

Chapter 21: A Grey Cloud

Legolas reached the fortress as fast as he could. He wanted to attack the Orcs before they could cross Mirkwood forest. He couldn't allow those filthy creatures to take his Katherine further.

"Tauriel! Tauriel!" Legolas desperately called for the captain of the guard. Tauriel appeared in front of him right away. When the she elf looked at Legolas, she figured out immediately that something terrible has happened.

"Hir nin Legolas, mani marte? (my lord Legolas, what happened?)" Tauriel asked with anxiousness in her voice. Legolas felt his throat getting heavy but he answered Tauriel anyway.

"Katherine... she.. Orcs took her." Tauriel was shocked to hear that. Her eyes widened immediately.

"Orcs? How did they get inside?"

"I do not know Tauriel." Then Legolas told her what happened as quickly as he could. After hearing out everything, Tauriel took a decision right away.

"We must go after them right away. They couldn't have gone further" said Tauriel. She rushed towards the army quarters to give orders to the soldiers to prepare for attack. Legolas on the other hand went to the armory to collect weapons for himself. If he could he would have killed each and every one of those Orcs all by himself. But it wasn't possible.

While Legolas and Tauriel were getting ready, the words reached the king. He heard about what happened with Katherine which pleased him very much but he did not approve of Legolas going after Katherine to rescue her. Thranduil didn't want that girl back in his realm or in their lives. Therefore King Thranduil left his private chamber to go look for his son. When he found Legolas in the armory he saw that Legolas was almost ready to leave. He wasn't alone though. Tauriel was standing with him. And the soldiers were prepared for departure as well.

"What is going on here?" King Thranduil asked despite the fact that he already knew exactly what was going on.

"Adar." Legolas approached his father. "Orcs have taken Katherine." Legolas informed his father. He expected the king to get shocked and worried but nothing like that happened. The elven king remained completely calm.

"Yes, I've heard of that but I do not recall giving permission to rescue her" said King Thranduil with calm tone of voice.

"Father!" Legolas exclaimed with disbelieve in his voice. How could the king say that.

"My king! Katherine is a resident of your kingdom. It is our responsibility to rescue her and bring her to safety" said Tauriel. Daring to speak up to the king. Thranduil glared at her immediately which made the captain of the guard shiver from inside.

"Do not speak when you're not spoken to." The elven king snapped at her. Tauriel lowered her head out of embarrassment. The king hasn't humiliated her like that before.

"I was going to banish Katherine from my kingdom anyway. She is no longer my responsibility. And no one is going after the Orcs to rescue her." King Thranduil ordered with strong tone of voice. The soldiers looked at each other. They were confused about what to do. Whether to listen to the prince and go after the orcs or listen to the king and put down the weapons. Legolas on the other hand couldn't stay quiet after that announcement.

"Why father? Why do you hate Katherine so much? What did she ever do to you?" Legolas asked with pain in his voice. He hated the fact that his father hated the girl he so dearly loved. King Thranduil didn't hesitate to even glare at his son.

"Do no question me Legolas. I am your king." Legolas was silent for a moment. But then he said something that truly shocked the king.

"Yes father, you are my king but Katherine is my wife. And I shall die if I have to, to save her." King Thranduil couldn't help but gap at Legolas for a few moments.

"Tell me you didn't get married to that insolent human girl."

"n'uma atar, katherine ar' amin got married tella night. re naa amin verne' ar' i' tarien en' mirkwood whether lle accept ta ri' il-. (No father, Katherine and I got married last night. She is my wife and the princess of Mirkwood whether you accept it or not.)" King Thranduil was speechless after hearing that. But Legolas wasn't done talking. He stepped closer to his father. As if trying to show that he was strong enough to challenge the king.

"I am going after Katherine with or without your army. And when I get my Katherine back, we and our son will leave your kingdom forever. I won't live in a place where my wife has no place." Legolas walked away saying that. King Thranduil remained quiet. He was having a very hard time believing that his son has already made Katherine his life partner. Katherine is Legolas' wife now. And there is nothing he can do about it. Separating a married couple would be a sin in the eyes of Valar. And if King Thranduil didn't accept this marriage then he would loose his son forever. The elven king realized that for the sake of his son and the heir to his throne, he has to accept Katherine as the princess of Mirkwood. There was no other option. King Thranduil sighed out heavily. His soldiers were looking at him. Waiting for his final order.

"Tauriel." He addressed his captain.

"Yes my lord?"

"Go with Legolas. Bring my son back home safely. Along with his wife" saying that King Thranduil walked away from there. Obviously it wasn't easy for the elven king to accept Katherine as his daughter in law. Only if he had accepted this sooner. Legolas must never find out that he was behind Katherine's abduction. Legolas would hate his father forever if he ever learns that.

During all the commotion, everyone forgot about little Liam who was sleeping peacefully in Katherine's chamber. When he woke up and didn't see his mother or father, Liam walked out of the chamber to look for them. When Liam noticed a troop of soldiers leaving with Tauriel, actually she was leading them, Legolas immediately got curious. Liam started to look for someone to ask what was going on. Unfortunately he came across none other than Elaine. The elleth smiled at Liam which was filled with fake sweetness. It was because of Liam that Katherine and Legolas got closer in the first place. Obviously Elaine disliked the little elfling.

"Have you seen my mom miss?" Liam asked Elaine politely. He didn't know her at all. Liam has only seen Elaine once or twice. But never spoken to her before. Elaine doubled over to reach Liam's face. She cupped Liam's cheek as if showing affection but it was not the case at all.

"Oww has no one told you yet?" Liam frowned at confusion hearing that.

"Tell me what?" Liam asked. Any other elf wouldn't have let Liam know what happened with his mother but not Elaine. She wanted the little elfling to suffer.

"Orcs entered Mirkwood somehow and took your mother."

"What?! NO." Liam was shocked beyond limit. He couldn't believe his own ears. Orcs took his mom. Why? And what they must be doing to her? They must be torturing her.

"Yes young one. It is true. Orcs have taken your mother. But do not worry. The king has sent soldiers to rescue her."

"Has my ada gone with them?" Liam asked already feeling miserable. He missed to see Legolas leaving because the prince had already left by the time Liam noticed the troop leaving. Elaine knew that Legolas has gone to rescue Katherine. Why would he not? But she decided not to tell Liam that. Just to make the elfling more worried about his mother.

"I don't think so young one. But do not worry. The king has sent his best soldiers to rescue your mother." Liam's face become paler than before. What if those soldiers failed to save his mother. After all Legolas was the best in archery and fighting. Even Tauriel was no match for the prince of Mirkwood. According to Liam only Legolas could save her. The little elfling started to fear for his mother's life. And he immediately started thinking of doing something to rescue Katherine.

"Thank you miss." Liam thanked Elaine and was about to leave but the elleth stopped him.

"There's something else I wish to tell you" said Elaine. Liam looked at her with confusion. "Don't call Legolas your ada."

"Why not? He is my father" said Liam not understanding why Elaine was telling him that.

"But he didn't marry your mother, did he? Therefore, you have no right to call him your father" said Elaine with strong tone of voice that was laced with bitterness. Elaine herself didn't know of the marriage that took place between Legolas and Katherine the previous night. Liam on the other hand got immediately upset hearing that. Not to mention he was already worried sick about his mother. Without saying anything, Liam ran away with tears in his eyes. Elaine scoffed to herself and walked away as well. Liam ran and ran, not realizing where he was going. When he stopped, the little one realized that he has almost reached the wine cellar of the fortress. Liam noticed a few elves sending some empty barrels back to Lake town. In the spur of the moment, Liam decided to go and search for his mother. Even though he wouldn't be able to rescue her but at least he would be with her. Liam just couldn't stay in the palace while his mother was out there in grave danger.

Liam was smart enough to know that no one would take him out of Mirkwood willingly and help him search his mother. That's why he sneaked into the wine cellar and hid inside one of the empty barrels. As expected the elves loaded the empty barrel on the barge. And coincidentally it was none other than Bard who was on that barge. Soon Bard started to bow and leave Mirkwood. Liam tried to stay very quiet. Even though he was in a very uncomfortable situation and he really wanted to start crying. But Liam kept reminding himself that he needed to stay strong for his mother. The barge crossed the borders of Mirkwood. Liam thought that no one knew he was hiding inside the barrel but he was wrong. Suddenly the lid of the barrel opened and the bargeman looked inside. A startled yelp escaped Liam's mouth.

"Who are you and what are you doing here?" Bard immediately asked with stern tone of voice. But then he noticed that it was only a little elf child. His demeanor immediately softened. But Liam couldn't stop feeling frightened. He could only stare at Bard and shake a little. Bard sighed out heavily. Regretting to scare the little elfling. He thought someone with unwell intention has aboard his barge.

"It's alright. I'm not going to hurt you. Come out." Bard spoke softly and tried to gain the elfling's trust. Liam was unsure about what to do. Bard obviously noticed the hesitation. He sighed out a little.

"It's alright if you wish to stay inside the barrel but I bet it's not very comfortable. Is it?" Bard asked. He was right. Liam had to agree with that. Bard reached out his hand towards Liam and waited for the elfling to take it on his own. Liam thought about it for a moment then gave his hand to Bard. He got Liam out of the barrel and put him down. Liam immediately started stretching his hands and legs.

"See it's much better outside" said Bard with a smile. Liam looked at him but didn't say anything.

"My name is Bard. What is yours?" asked Bard trying to make the elfling comfortable with him first before asking him the important questions.

"Liam" replied Liam. Bard smiled hearing the name.

"Never heard an elf having such a human name."

"You're from Mirkwood, aren't you?" Bard asked and Liam simply nodded his head.

"So, I have a feeling you didn't get inside the barrel accidentally. Why were you hiding little elf?" Liam decided to tell the stranger what happened.

"Orcs took away my mom. I have to find her. I can't live without her." Liam couldn't stop his eyes from getting teary. He really wanted to break down but didn't allow himself. Worries for his mother, kept Liam really strong. It was really amazing how Liam was handling himself. Because in all honesty he was just a kid after all. Bard knew the elfling was telling the truth and felt terrible for him.

"Liam, I'm sure your father and King Thranduil are doing everything to get her back. You shouldn't have left your home. It's not safe out here."

"I don't care. I want my mother." Bard sighed out heavily seeing the child's stubbornness.

"Liam I understand you're scared for your mother and want her back. But if Orcs have taken her then you won't find her easily. Do you even know where to start looking for them?"

Helplessly Liam shook his head. Bard was right. He didn't know the first thing about tracking down Orcs. Liam got more depressed and sad. Bard felt bad for the elfling. "I'm going to turn around the barge and take you back to Mirkwood." Bard announced. Liam remained quiet. He didn't exactly wish to go back but he didn't know what else to do either.

"Don't worry. I'm sure, your mother will be rescued soon. Elves do anything to protect their kin. Specially Mirkwood elves."

"But my mother isn't an elf" said Liam without thinking of anything but it shocked Bard.

"What?"

"My mother is a human. Her name is Katherine." The name Katherine shocked Bard more.

"Katherine? Your mother's name is Katherine?" Liam nodded his head not understanding why Bard was so shocked.

"Can you tell me how does she look like?" Bard asked sounding very serious.

"My mother is the most beautiful woman in the world." And Liam started describing his mother. After hearing out everything, Bard understood that his friend Katherine and Liam's mother Katherine were the same person. He hadn't met Katherine for months. Bard was actually wondering what happened to her. He realized Katherine was in Mirkwood all this time. Why Katherine never told Bard that she has a son? Not to mention a half elf. Bard couldn't help but wonder that. But he couldn't think much about it because Orcs has taken Katherine and he should do something to rescue her. She was a good friend of his after all.

"We are not going to Mirkwood" said Bard. Liam's face brightened up with hope hearing that. Bard didn't want to take Liam with him on this quest but going back to Mirkwood would take time. And for them time was running out. They must find Katherine before it's too late.

"We are going to search for your mother."

"Do you know how to track down Orcs?" Liam asked curiously. He was glad that Bard has decided to help him. Even though he didn't know yet that Katherine was friends with Bard and his kids.

"We shall find out" replied Bard because he himself didn't know whether he would be able to do it or not. Liam thought about it for a moment.

"I have a better idea. Take me to Beorn's farm" said Liam confusing Bard very much.

"The shape shifter?" Bard asked. He has heard quite a few stories about the shape shifter living near Mirkwood forest in a farm.

"Yes, Beorn is one of my best friends. He would help us. Beorn can track Orcs like no one else. And he would be able to rescue my mother as well."

"Very well" said Bard and he started rowing the barge towards the farm.

Since the flow in the river was good, it didn't take very long for Bard and Liam to reach Beorn's farm. If Liam's mother wasn't in grave dangerous he would be feeling very excited about seeing Beorn again. It has been a while. Once Bard and Liam got there, the little elfling started looking for the shape shifter. Bard however felt a little nervous. The stories he heard about Beorn, didn't exactly describe him as a friendly person.

"Beorn! Beorn!" Liam called for his friend. Bard felt relieved for a moment thinking that the shape shifter wasn't there. But he was proven wrong immediately. Suddenly a growl filled in the air. Bard turned around and saw a huge black bear standing only a few feet away from him. Bard gulped down his fear. Liam on the other hand ran to Beorn and hugged the beast. The bear made noises that sounded as if he was happy to see Liam which was actually the truth. Bard was fascinated to see their interaction to say the least.

Beorn went away for a moment and returned in his human form. "Liam, I was hoping to see you around here again. How are you little one?"

"Beorn mom's in danger. I don't know what happened but she was taken by Orcs."

"Orcs?" Beorn was shocked to hear that. But his shock turned into anger very soon. He truly hated those abominations of nature.

"Please, we need your help to find her" said Bard, speaking up for the first time. Beorn looked at him.

"Who are you?"

"He's mom's friend" replied Liam. Bard has informed him of that on their journey to the farm.

"When was she taken?" asked Beorn dismissing his attention on Bard.

"Early in the morning maybe" replied Liam with unsure tone of voice. He didn't exactly know when it happened as he was sleeping at that time. Beorn nodded his head.

"I will go look for Katherine but Liam you must stay here. Your mother wouldn't want you anywhere near the Orcs" said Beorn.

"But Beorn-" Liam tried to argue.

"And neither do I." Beorn deadpanned. He looked at Bard.

"Look after him" saying that Beorn left hurriedly. Little did he know that Liam wasn't in the mood to listen to him?

On another side of Mirkwood forest, the Orcs were moving as fast as they could. They knew that the elf they let go would come after them with an army of elves. They had to reach their master before the elves could attack them. A pale looking Orc was carrying Katherine. It reminded her of the time when she went with the Uruk-hai pack in order to save Boromir. However the situation was very different. Back then Katherine knew what was about to happen. She had a plan to escape even though it didn't exactly worked. However this time, Katherine was blank. She didn't know what to do to escape from these Orcs. Katherine knew that Legolas would come for her. A part of her wanted Legolas to rescue her so that she could go back in his arms and be with their son. Liam must be wondering about his mother. He must be thinking where his mother went. That thought alone made Katherine very anxious and worried. However another part of Katherine feared for Legolas. What if he comes to save her but gets in trouble himself. Katherine won't be able to live without Legolas anymore.

"Ukavop! (Stop!)"

The leader of the pack yelled at others. He was second in command to Azog the defiler. The Orcs stopped and tried to listen to something. Katherine also tried but she heard nothing. Of course the Orcs have sensitive hearing power. "Ukomeone ku comaumn. (Someone is coming.)"

"Elves?" asked one of the Orcs worried.

"Nai khe'uk ij staz. (No, it's a beast.)" said the leader Orc. Other orcs started looking around.

"khe'uk comaumn shapit (It's coming fast.)"

While the Orcs were waiting for a beast but suddenly an arrow came out of nowhere and hit an Orc. It dropped dead on the ground. Katherine saw the arrow and a smile immediately appeared on her face. "Legolas."

And as expected the prince of Mirkwood appeared there. Katherine's smile faltered when she saw no one else with Legolas. She feared that Legolas has come all alone. But her fear vanished when Tauriel appeared beside him after a moment. And soon more elves appeared with bows and arrows in hand. The elves started attacking the Orcs. They obviously fought back. By then the beast appeared as well. Katherine was surprised to see Beorn there. She wanted to run to Legolas but two Orcs were holding her tightly. She struggled against them but it was futile. Legolas was killing every Orc that was coming in his way. He was trying hard to reach Katherine. Even though the Orcs were outnumbered but still they weren't going down easily. They were even putting up a good fight with Beorn.

Everyone was busy slaughtering each other. No one noticed, when Azog the defiler came there riding his white warg. Not to mention he didn't come alone. He had someone with him. "MOM!"

Katherine's heart literary stopped beating. She looked up and her inside turned cold. Katherine couldn't believe her eyes. Azog had Liam. He was holding onto the little elfling. Liam was crying and shaking with fear. When Legolas saw his son in that monster's clutches, he almost lost it. Legolas wanted to rip him apart into pieces. Tauriel, Beorn and others noticed what was going on as well. The elves had no choice but to stop fighting and surrender. Beorn was growling angrily but even he turned helpless. How did Azog get to Liam?

Flash Back

Beorn has just left. Liam was being very restless. Bard watched the little elfling quietly. He understood his worries about his mother but Beorn was right. He shouldn't be anywhere near any Orc.

"Bard, I want to go. I want to see mom." Bard sighed out heavily.

"Liam, it's too risky for you to go after Orcs. I'm sure Beorn will be able to rescue Katherine."

"But what if he couldn't rescue her. At least if I go there, I'll get to be with her. I can't stay away from mum" said Liam with sad tone of voice.

"Liam you know your mother wouldn't want you to get into any danger. Please be patient. She will be back soon." Bard tried to comfort Liam but it didn't really change his mind. Liam against started pacing. After sometime Liam spoke up again.

"I'm hungry. Can you get me something to eat? There should be some cookies in the storage room" said Liam. Bard frowned in confusion a little. Because it seemed that eating was the last thing Liam wanted to do. But since he asked, Bard went into the storeroom to get something to eat for Liam. Just as Bard entered the storeroom, Liam closed the door and locked it from outside.

"Liam! Liam! What are you doing?"

"I'm sorry Bard but I have to go to my mum."

Liam knew Beorn's scent very well. He was following Beorn's scent when suddenly a warg jumped out of nowhere and landed in front of Liam. It scared the life out of Liam and he started to scream and cry. As if that wasn't enough, an Orc appeared there as well. It was none other than Azog. He smirked seeing the frightened elfling.

"Hmm what do we have here?" Azog picked up Liam with one hand. By then Liam was shaking in his own skin.

"You are the time traveler's son" said Azog with pleased tone of voice.

"Lets go meet your mother."

End Of Flashback

Katherine used all her strength and pushed herself out of the Orcs' grips on her. They also let her go. Katherine slowly started to approach Azog. Her heart was beating crazily but she tried to remain calm outside. "Azog, whatever it is that you want, I will give it to you. Let go of my son."

"I'll tell you anything that you want to know about the future. Please, just give me my son. I will do anything for you." Desperation was evident in Katherine's voice. Seeing her plead and beg gave Azog a sick kind of pleasure. He kept smirking at Katherine evilly. And made no move to let go of Liam.

"Please. I'm begging of you. Don't hurt him. Don't hurt my son." Legolas watched this with helpless eyes. He wanted to kill everyone of those filthy creatures but he couldn't make any move. He couldn't risk Liam's life. But one scratch on Liam and Legolas would surely unleash his wrath upon Azog. The orc felt very victorious. It wasn't everyday that the elves accepted defeat from Orcs.

"If so then ask the elves to leave. NOW!" Before Katherine could say anything, Legolas spoke up.

"I'm not going anywhere as long as you have my son. Let him go." Legolas spoke with commanding tone of voice unlike Katherine who was pleading with Azog.

"If you don't leave elfling, your son will die." Azog said in a very calm tone of voice. But he meant every word. Katherine's heart cringed in her chest at the thought of Liam dying. No, that can never happen. She won't let it happen. Legolas was about to threaten Azog some more but Katherine interrupted him.

"Legolas. Please do what he says."

"Katherine-"

"Please Legolas. For Liam. Just do what he says." Katherine pleaded with Legolas. That's when Tauriel also stepped in.

"Katherine what if he hurts both of you after we leave. You shouldn't trust that filth." Katherine knew what Tauriel was saying was true. Trusting Azog's words would be foolish. There was no guarantee that the vicious pale orcs wouldn't harm the mother and son after the elves are gone. Katherine glanced at Legolas. He was asking her to trust him with his eyes. After a moment, Katherine sighed out heavily and nodded her head. She decided to trust Legolas. She decided to believe that Legolas would make everything fine. That he would not let anything bad happen to Liam. Little did Katherine know what fate has planned for her, Legolas and the innocent Liam?