Legolas, unsurprisingly was awake and strapped with his gear two hours before the sun rose. He made his way to the great foyer where Elrond, Gandalf, and most of the party was already there. "Legolas, eat." Elrond instructed him firmly. "Eat plenty before you set out. You're going to need it." Legolas accepted the sandwiches given to him though he was anxious to get going.
"Is everything in order?" Legolas asked.
"Ai, Legolas. Everything has been seen to." Gandalf assured him.
"Excellent. Where is Fluffy?" Legolas frowned.
"He's here." Elladan replied from behind. Elrohir was at his side, carrying a half asleep Estel. Estel was dead tired, but he really wanted to see the rescue party before they left. Fluffy trotted straight to Legolas's side and sat down without being commanded.
"Is everyone ready?" Legolas asked.
"We've been ready." Dwalin said impatiently. "We had to wait for you to quit your primping. We could've been halfway into the mountains by now."
"On those short limbs you call legs? I doubt it." Legolas retorted.
"Where's Bofur?" Thorin growled.
"I thought he was dressing same as we were!" Dori huffed.
"If he does not wake, we leave him behind." Thorin shook his head.
"I will fetch him." Bilbo said.
"Thorin Oakenshield shall bear the map, while Fluffy and I shall lead the way." Gandalf told everyone. "Though we should let Elladan and Elrohir show us the proper way out of this valley, as they are more familiar with it."
"No problem." Elrohir smiled.
"Just so you know, I have crossed the Misty Mountains." Legolas told the dwarves emphatically. "However, I am probably not as familiar with the caves and inward secret passages as you are. I will be grateful for whatever guidance you have to offer." The dwarves said nothing.
"I found him!" Bilbo announced, as he reentered with a groggy Bofur who was struggling to put on his funny hat.
"Well, goodbye, Estel." He kissed his brother. Estel sleepily stood next to Elrond after Elrohir put him down.
"Don't worry, Legolas. When you return, Ada and I will take good care of your family! And, whoever else may need our services." Estel feebly smiled.
"Thank you, mellon." Legolas nodded, patting his head. "Have we the jewels?!" He asked almost frantically.
"Ai, laddie. They're here." Balin nodded. In his knapsack was the bundled 'Arkenstone', and Bilbo carried the necklace.
"We best be setting out." Thorin spoke up.
"Thorin is right. Thank you, my good friend, for your hospitality and help." Gandalf nodded to Elrond.
"I wish I could do more." Elrond said solemnly.
"Good luck, Legolas." Glorfindel whispered to the prince. "I am so sorry, for all of this! If it hadn't been for me, you wouldn't have to worry about your father and sister."
"I do not believe that." Legolas corrected him. "Seems to me that it would've happened had you been there or not."
"May the Valar be with you."
"Thank you."
"Everyone, be careful and return in one piece." Elrond fixed the party with a penetrating gaze.
"The only ones not coming back here in one piece will be the blackguards who did this!" Gloin huffed. The other dwarves agreed.
"Be safe, all of you." Elrond nodded.
"Fluffy, Alasse is in trouble. Find her!" Legolas whispered in Elvish to the wolf. The canine stood erect and fully alert. He bounded out of the front doors. Gandalf and Thorin followed. Then Legolas and the twins. The other dwarves and Bilbo were on their heels. Hope finally lifted Legolas's spirits as his friends led him up the familiar paths into the mountains. All he had to do now was follow Fluffy's direction and he would find his family!
Elladan and Elrohir led the procession after Fluffy till they were out of Rivendell's borders. From there, they let Gandalf and Fluffy lead the way. "Legolas?" Elrohir pulled him aside.
"Hmm?" Legolas tilted toward him.
"I do not know what shape your father and sister will be in when we arrive, or the dwarf princes. It could be ugly." Elrohir warned.
"I know that." Legolas glared. "I've known that ever since I saw Glorfindel lying there wounded!"
"Well, just letting you know that Ada packed us with everything we might possibly need." Elrohir promised. "So, we should not be short on anything, should we need it!"
"Good." Legolas mumbled.
"I understand what you're going through."
"No, you don't, 'Ro! You don't understand." Legolas snapped. "I am sorry, mellon. It's just that...I know your mother is gone. And I can't imagine living with her all those years and then she is suddenly no longer there. But all the same, you still have Arwen, your father, your brothers, Glorfindel, Erestor, Lindir and others! Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn.
'Ada and Alasse are all I have left! What shall I do, if...if I lose the both of them?'"
"You won't, Legolas. You won't. And you're not alone, mellon."
"I appreciate your friendship, Elrohir. But right now, I feel lonelier than I ever have! Even in the company of so many." Legolas said tearfully.
"It's alright." Elrohir wrapped his arms around his brotherly friend. Bilbo had heard the exchange and could not help but gaze on the prince with pity.
"So, they are somewhere deep inside the Misty Mountains." Dwalin stated.
"And Devlin mentioned underground in the ransom notes." Gandalf said.
"That means they could be held anywhere!" Thorin shook his head.
