"My father. Baineth," Legolas murmured, "Sirya."

"I know," Elrond said with a sigh. He had a glass of wine in his hand, but it remained untouched. Legolas had been asked to Elrond's quarters moments after the council had concluded. Legolas had never seen the other elf looked so exhausted. "There are no others."

Legolas' heart pound at the thought.

"Nearly all of my own warriors have gone. None left are as skilled as you are. Glorfindel..." Elrond paused, "his power is too great for this task. He will attract the enemy. You, Legolas, you have great strength, expertise of the wild, and combat experience. You lead a team of warriors regularly. Your instincts are unparalleled. You are made for a task like this." His tone was rimmed in desperation.

"I have barely left Mirkwood…" Legolas stammered.

"You will not lead the group. But you will be key to the survival of this fellowship."

"My father-"

"Thranduil is strong, Legolas. Your father and Baineth are from a different age. An age where valor in war was the highest form of responsibility, and risk of death was beyond imagining. It was reality." Elrond touched his forehead with the tip of his finger. "Your family will survive. Your father will understand, and will continue into this war. Although he feels as I do, his will shall not be diminished by your absence. Nor will Baineth." Elrond grinned, "Baineth is incredibly strong. She pulled many elves up out of the shadows when she was younger than you are now. She will be key in the war in Mirkwood, but you will not. You shall be key in the war for Middle Earth."

Baineth and Sirya were seated on the floor with a bowl of strawberries when Legolas returned late that night. Emarth had left Legolas alone with Elrond, and had not returned. Baineth and Sirya were giggling when he closed the door behind him, and Baineth turned, and her smile faded.

"What is wrong?" She asked quietly.

"I would like to speak to you both. About something that has happened."

Baineth set her strawberry down. Sirya already looked ready to cry, but pulled himself off of the floor and sat on the sofa.

"The one ring has been found."

Baineth put her hand over her mouth, "Where?"

"In the Shire, with a hobbit. He is here."

"What is to be done with it?"

Legolas stared at the ground. "After deliberation," he began, "it was decided that it must be destroyed."

"How is that done?" She asked quietly, knowing already what was coming.

"It must be returned to the fires of Mount Doom," Legolas murmured, "In Mordor."

She stared at him, "Who is to do that?" She asked under her breath.

"The hobbit," Legolas said quietly. "Along with a fellowship of companions and protectors. Nine, meant to mock the nazgul and deliver the ring to the mountain." He paused. "I was asked to go, and I agreed."

Baineth stood, her eyes were wide, and Legolas grew defensive at her gaze. "Why would you agree? Your own home is being attacked by Sauron; and you leave to walk a hobbit to the very heart of the land of darkness? You are needed in Mirkwood!"

"I am not," Legolas said forcefully. She would have to understand before he left, or he would not go. "I am not needed in Mirkwood. There are many warriors, many older and wiser than I. The only other of the eldar that could do this task as well as I is Glorfindel, and he cannot go due to his power. I have the tools to do well in this task, Baineth, and I only need go as far as I wish. I can stop in Rohan or Gondor."

"Rohan or Gondor," She spat bitterly. "You think you will go to Gondor and find shelter there? Those lands are under attack as well, and ending your journey in Gondor will leave you traveling alone across dangerous, war torn lands. Once you begin this, there will be no returning until the end."

He knew she was right.

"Baineth," he whispered, "I am needed."

"What of Emarth? Elrond's own sons?"

"Elrond's sons are helping," he forced, "why would you wish more pain on Emarth?"

"When Emarth returns he will be on the front line," She barked. "His sense of purpose, you, are going running off into the wilderness with eight strangers and no guard."

"Boromir of Gondor and Aragorn, heir to the throne of Gondor, are going with no guards as well. Emarth can choose his fate. My father will not make him fight."

"In war Legolas, many choices are torn from us. Emarth will fight, and when you return, Mirkwood will not be the land that you left. Many you know will be dead, land and homes lost. What of Sirya and myself? Your father?"

"My father will understand. You and Sirya are the only reasons I hesitate," Legolas admitted.

Sirya had been uncharacteristically quiet. "Sirya?" Legolas urged. He said nothing.

"I am not going to die, Baineth. It is no more dangerous than the war at home. Either way, as you said, I am due to fight."

Baineth fell silent. His words rang true. "When do you leave?"

"In two days."

She nodded, and Legolas turned to his silent son.

"Sirya," he said, and Sirya flinched from his tearful reverie. "Come with me."

Sirya stood, and his head reached slightly over Legolas'. He had grown incredibly tall, despite the odds stacked against him. Legolas took his arm gently and lead him into the hallway.

"I want to hear what you have to say. Your opinion is important to me. It has been you and me for quite some time."

"I do not know," Sirya said quietly. "You either go off to war now, or when we get home. Either way, I will sit and wonder what is happening. I am always placed in the corner, and forced to listen. I will sit through the war, through pain and struggle, idly standing by."

"No," Legolas said. "Is that not how your Naneth must feel? How all of the families of soldiers must feel? You are not alone in feeling helpless." Legolas said, his hand firmly on Sirya's shoulder. "I too feel as if my future and the futures of those I love is being decided regardless of what I do."

"I cannot help. I am useless."

"No you are not." Legolas pressed. "You can help. You will. Your Daeradar has plans for you and you know that is true. You will be helping. I also need you to be there for your Daeradar and your Naneth."

Sirya laughed cynically, "that is the task for a child. A blind person."

"No," Legolas said. "Your Daeradar and your Naneth were raised in a time of violence and death. That you know." Sirya nodded. "On top of the work your Daeradar gives you, they will need you. They need you to be positive. To be their light. It is alright to have your own fears and doubts and to express them, but they need brightness to keep their fears at bay. They never thought this time would come again. Now that it has, hope escapes them."

"You think they will fade?" Sirya asked, his eyes pointed toward the floor.

"No, but I certainly think they will come very close. Especially with poor news."

Sirya's head shot up, "What if something happens to you-"

"We cannot think that way," Legolas said. "I am with others, I am a superior fighter. I can stop where I wish, I will be alright. But poor news can be any news when the heart is saddened, and worry plagues the imagination."

"I do not want to do this, I do not want you to go," Sirya whispered.

"I love you and your Naneth and your Daeradar more than anyone or anything under the valar. That is why I must go. If we succeed, this will all be over, forever. If this ring does not make it to the mountain, then war would continue until all middle earth is covered in darkness. This is important, meleth nin, and you are important to me. I will not go if you ask this of me."

Sirya flinched, and placed his hand on his chest in horror. "What?" He shook his head. "I cannot. As you said this is important, more important than any of us."

Legolas embraced him, and Sirya's trembling arms encircled him. "Please try to stay out of danger."

"You as well," Legolas said quietly. "Do not make any rash decisions."

Baineth and Legolas spent the night under the stars on the balcony of their suite. Dew covered vines reflected the gentle glow of the moon onto Baineth's hair. They didn't speak about the fellowship or the mission any more. They were at a mutual understanding. He knew his family was upset with him, but they understood, and respected his decision. Thranduil would be told by Baineth when she returned to Mirkwood.

"When I return," he said softly, her head resting on his chest. Her hand caressed his side. "We will have a grand wedding." She tightened her embrace, and he ran his hand through his hair. "And enough children to put Feanor to shame."

She laughed, "I do not know about that."

"You, Sirya, and I will live happily ever after for all days to come."

She looked up at him, tears framed in her gaze. "Oh Legolas-" he held her against his chest, tears in his own eyes. "It's a suicide mission. Everyone knows it."

Legolas sighed "No, I will be home. I promise. I will not leave you, Baineth." She got up on her elbows, and he pulled her toward him to kiss her. His heart pound before it slowed to a comfortable, steady rhythm. It was familiar, yet always exciting. She was home, and he would return to her.

Early the following morning, after a night plagued with nightmares and little sleep, Legolas found himself searching for Emarth. After he interrogated Lindir, he discovered him near the Bruinen. He was seated near the shore, his gaze focused on the rushing white caps over the rocks. Legolas sat next to him, and he didn't turn his head.

"Why are you angry with me?"

Emarth sighed, and pulled grass up in aggravation.

"I am not angry with you, Legolas."

"What is wrong then?"

"You came here to tell me bad news, so tell me what it is."

It was Legolas' turn to sigh. "I am going on the quest. Elrond asked me to and I agreed."

Emarth's eyes shot toward him, searching his face for signs of a joke. "Legolas-"

"I have heard every argument from Baineth and Sirya."

Emarth eyebrows furrowed, "what about your father? You would do this to your father?"

"It is not about him-"

"It is about him!" Emarth cried angrily, "your father is living through his worst nightmare as we speak. Thranduil is horrified with war. Now you decide to go running off with a fellowship that aims to walk directly into the home of the dark lord, and you did not even think of your father?"

"Of course I thought of him, Emarth, but-"

"But you assume he will simply accept it? He will go on with his life even with your absence? Thranduil will die if something happens to you."

"This is for the good of Middle Earth. Of Mirkwood," Legolas barked. "If that ring is not destroyed Sauron will kill us all. If I can help that hobbit get closer to Mount Doom, I will do so. Even if it is merely a few feet. I have the ability to get the ring to Mordor, Emarth, and nothing is going to stop me from ending Sauron and bringing peace to Mirkwood. I will die if I must, if it means protecting my family and Mirkwood. Sauron is the cause of my father's pain, and I will end him if I can."

Emarth stared at Legolas, and his gaze floated to the river. Legolas' chest heaved, his heart pounding with adrenaline.

"Who will tell him?"

"My father?"

Emarth nodded.

"Baineth will tell him."

Emarth laughed, and Legolas cocked his head in confusion.

"It is the first time you go where I cannot follow. Who shall I follow now, Legolas?"

"Your heart."

The following morning Legolas was due to leave he dressed in silence, Baineth and Sirya on the bed. He wore his patrol uniform, and braided his hair away from his face. He dressed for purpose. He didn't know when he would get a change of clothing. The thought stirred his stomach. He didn't know when he'd eat again. He agreed to go without if necessary, he was an elf, and didn't have to eat. But he would grow weak and delirious. He tried not to think about it. He had to take problems one at a time. He fastened his quiver and twin knives to his back. He put his bow carefully next to them, and fastened his wrist guards with hyper precision. He didn't want to leave.

Baineth rose and put her arms around him from behind, her head peeking over his shoulder to look at him in the mirror.

"I need you to return home like this," she murmured. Exactly as you are now."

He looked at himself, his own form foreign to him.

"I need you be home when I return," he said, his voice hoarse, "Exactly as you are now."

He turned and embraced her, his gear clanked in the heavy silence.

"Send word if you can."

He nodded, and glanced at Sirya, who was silent on the bed.

"Come," he said quietly, "it is time."

Baineth nodded, and Sirya rose and took Legolas' hand. Sirya's hand was shaking, and Legolas squeezed it with a weak attempt at comfort. In the courtyard, Boromir, Gimli, and the hobbits were waiting. Aragorn was speaking to Arwen on the steps, her face distraught. Legolas stopped on the stairs just out of earshot from the rest of the fellowship. Elrond put his hand on Legolas' shoulder.

"Be safe. May the blessings of the Valar aid you."

Legolas gave him a tight lipped nod, and Elrond moved to speak to the hobbits. Aragorn hurried down the steps toward them, and Legolas embraced Baineth one last time.

"I love you," she whispered, tears in her voice.

"I love you," he returned, and pulled Sirya into his arms. Sirya sobbed against him, and Legolas pressed him against his chest.

"Do not go," he whispered, his chest heaving.

"I must, we spoke of this, I must," Legolas hurried, the group was waiting for him. "I love you, Sirya, don't worry. I will be home soon."

Sirya's tears sparked Baineth's, and she silently wiped them away as she watched.

"You cannot leave, please," he cried, and Legolas took his face in his hands.

"I will be home to you. I will not leave you, Sirya. I refuse to leave you. Be strong for me, and for your Nana and Daeradar. Help them be strong, for me."

"I am not strong-"

"You are. You are the strongest elf I have ever met. When I return you can fall apart, but now you must be strong. This is not easy for me to do, but I must."

"I love you," he whispered.

"I love you." He kissed his head and walked toward the stairs. He skipped down them effortlessly, and watched Sirya and Baineth from his postion before Lord Elrond, until it was time to leave.

"Which way is Mordor, Gandalf?" Frodo whispered.

Gandalf pointed, and Legolas followed the hobbit and the wizard out of the gate, and into the wilds.

Thanks so much for reading! All of your reviews absolutely brighten my day, and you all inspire me to be a better writer, so I thank you all so much for that! Next chapter will be mainly Sirya, Thranduil, Baineth, and Emarth and their time in Mirkwood during the war.

I was thinking of stretching the story into Legolas' time in Ithilien after the war of the ring, let me know your thoughts!

Spriggan- Thank you! Sirya and Baineth will have much larger parts coming up, especially next chapter :)

aficionada-de-libros- Thank you so so much! Your reviews always make my day. The upcoming chapters will be exciting, so hold on!

Me-And-Not-You-1001- Thank you! I'm going to try to put her in there

ShadowhuntingDauntles14- Thank you so much! It means so much you're so kind! I'm going to have a twist of non canon hidden by canon so it totally could have happened behind the scenes! I'm majoring in Social Work in school, and its my junior year so the workload continues to grow and my time doesn't!