Legolas spent much of the next day thinking, he noticed he had been doing that lately. But this time his thoughts were on Tauriel, he had never wondered how she had come into their household. His ada had taken care of her since before he had been born. His own grandfather had orphaned her, seemingly on purpose. What could be worse than ending up in the undying lands, a place you never wanted to go, separated from your young child. And Mairon claimed not to know why they had been punished so severely. He wondered if Ada knew, he must have, to have taken her in. He had to have been young then, younger than he was himself now. As Tauriel had been five when he was born. He sighed, running a hand over his shaved hair. It felt nice, cool. Which he was grateful for in the heat of Mordor. He sighed and rolled off his bed. He was waiting for Mairon to come and take him to the arena, he was eager even though he knew there would likely be people watching him, and possibly people there to challenge his skill. Lady Galadriel herself had said that he was one of the best archers since the first age, he supposed now was his chance to prove it. He went to the sitting room to find Mairon already sitting there reading a book.

"Ready to go?" he asked casually. "I didn't want to interrupt your brooding." He grinned at Legolas teasingly.

"I don't brood…. Much." He laughed softly at the teasing, feeling a warm rush of affection for Mairon. He couldn't deny that he had begun to look up to the elder elf. He seemed so wise, and powerful. He commanded respect in a quiet way. A different way from his ada but… still endearing to him.

"Of course not my morningstar." Mairon said his voice soft with affection. "Come, Everything is set up, you even have some competition." he got up and laid a hand on Legolas' shoulder. "Come my boy. Let us show them you are superior, perfect…. Precious." he laid a kiss on Legolas' forehead sending another shock through him. But this time Legolas smiled through it, feeling uneffected.

"You think too much of me, Mairon." He laughed awkwardly. "...I don't know about being precious." He smiled at him though, Mairon made him feel as beloved as he was by all of Greenwood. "Let's get to the arena. I'm ready." He straightened feeling confident with Mairon there to watch over him.

Mairon sighed inwardly at his son, he did not understand yet. How perfect and wonderful he was. Perhaps today would help show him. Mairon would not be there, he would be suddenly called away urgently. Sauron would watch from his private box. Legolas would show everyone how worthy he was before the feast, and the feast would be held in his honor. He smiled and led Legolas out, his friends would be waiting to cheer him on and Uru, who he trusted and knew Legolas would not harm, would hand Legolas's arrows. He led him down a different corridor than the one that led to the stands.

"There's a lot of people here." Legolas commented, peaking out at the stands quickly.

"Well of course it's entertainment for them, Uru tells me you have met Calaer, He will be one of your challengers. He is good with the bow, but I am certain you are better." He said, indicating a set of ranger gear to Legolas. "Go ahead and get changed I-" He cut himself off as an orc approached. "Yes?"

"Trouble on the west border. From Gondor you are needed." the orc hissed. "Masters orders."

Mairon let out an irritated huff. "Legolas? Will you be alright to do this with just Uru? Your friends are here to support you."

"I'll be fine. Go." Legolas nodded in confirmation. "Uru is here with me." he smiled over at his nanny orc with a mix of determination and fondness. "And uh…maybe next time you can stay and watch."

"Next time." he confirmed, patting his shoulder and leaving quickly to go don his armor and get to his box. It didn't take long as his attendants were waiting. He approached the side of the box and announced the start of the competition and it's contenders. Everyone seemed to know however that the two most important were Legolas, the mysterious elf prince who now resided in Mordor. And Calaer, captain of the guard, a vain, prideful elf who had lived here for thousands of years. Fortunately for Calaer his pride was backed up by skill and his vanity by his looks. Of course as they walked into the arena, no one could deny that the Captain paled in comparison to Legolas. A shining gilded prince. His outfit was white trimmed with gold, his bow tailored perfectly for him. Uru followed with his quiver and he considered something for a moment before reaching out to her mind. 'give him the quiver.' was all he said and he watched as she obeyed his command. Legolas hesitated for only a moment before accepting and moved forward. He turned his head up for a moment and met Sauron's own gaze unflinchingly. He felt a surge of pride to see his son's confidence as Legolas turned away and the first challenge started.

Legolas had never felt more like himself in Mordor than he did now. Holding his bow a quiver on his back. The cheering crowd rather than the rustling of leaves or the rage of battle was the only off thing. He eyed the targets and watched as his competition took their shots, everyone had different colored arrows, his being white, standing out against the rest as he did already. He took a deep breath as it was his turn and stepped forward. For a moment as he drew back his bow he contemplated escape but quickly pushed the thought away letting loose his arrow at the target. As expected it found its mark. Just under the elf Calaer's a true bullseye. He moved onto the others in much the same manner most of the time his arrows hitting center or close thereof. He got to the last one across the range where Calaer's had found its mark in the center. But as he raised his bow his ears became aware of a low rumble quickly growing closer. His head swung around just in time to see a behemoth of a creature dragging men on ropes behind it break through the huge wooden doors of the arena. "... Oliphant." Legolas gasped out as the others yelled and ran for cover.

What happened next was almost a blur. He saw the monster heading towards the stands and he knew he couldn't let anyone else get hurt. He tumbled out of the way and let an arrow loose as it passed. The arrow hit above it's eye making it bellow in pain or irritation he wasn't sure. He jumped grabbing onto it's leg and climbing avoiding its tail as it turned trying to shake him off. He held on and climbed to it's back drawing more arrows and firing into its neck and head. A few arrows found their ways into the beast's spine and another found it's eye causing it to trip over the ropes it had been dragging. It went down bringing Legolas with it as he jumped, riding down it's outstretched trunk to safety. Everything was quiet until the dust settled and then there was cheering as Legolas stood in the middle of the arena trying to catch his breath as Uru rushed over to him. He heard the people in the stands chanting something. "... Uru.. What are they saying?" He gasped out feeling exhausted.

"They say behemoth slayer." Her voice disapproving as she pulled him with her back towards the exit. "Little master… are you alright?"

"Yeah I.. I think so." He inhaled sharply seeing that Sauron had descended down into the arena. He stood there on the other side of the oliphant watching him and Uru and after a moment walked over to them. Uru bowed and Legolas followed suit, he really didn't want to make this situation worse.

"Rise little prince." Sauron spoke, his voice sounded like the roaring of a fire, both threatening and a comfort. Legolas swore softly but obeyed him, getting to his feet and looking up at the armored figure in front of him. Sauron looked him over before turning to address the crowd. "I present to you, your champion! Who among you agree!" his voice boomed and Legolas steeled himself to not flinch from it. The roar of the crowd was actually a comfort and Sauron waited until it died down. "Then Mordor welcomes him!" He took Legolas by the wrist and lifted his arm up to another round of applause and cheering, he spotted his friends and couldn't help but grin. He barely noticed the jolt that Sauron's touch sent through him, he just felt powerful at the moment. Sauron released him as the cheers died down and the crowd began to disperse. Legolas did not mind and retreated with Uru, exhaustion quickly catching up with him.

"What are the chances that Mairon doesn't find out about this?" He said joking despite coming down from the adrenaline.

"None. I suspect the news will reach him before the day ends." Uru said with a tired smile herself.

"Morningstar!" Jaya called as she and the other two rushed over. "What were you thinking, blockhead! You could've died!"

"You are the luckiest elf alive I swear." Naveen added, shaking his head.

"... Didn't you say the other day that killing an oliphant was a right of passage or something." Legolas asked as he removed the pads from his outfit.

"No. No see the right of passage is finding one and realizing it's a stupid idea to try and kill one…. You are now certified dumb. But apparently Mordors kind of dumb, congratulations." He added.

"... Is that what that was about? Was I… accepted into Mordor by.." Legolas shifted uncomfortably.

"By Lord Sauron himself? Yeah. Congratulations. You also managed that faster than anyone else. Even Captain Calaer took two years to be accepted from what I understand, And that's fast." Jaya explained. "Come on, let's get you home, you look exhausted." she said, nodding at Uru.

"I can take the little master. You three should be helping out there." Uru said, getting a groan from his friends.

"Helping with what?" Legolas asked as Uru began to walk away.

"We get to help butcher the behemoth, that'll feed the fortress for months. And the pits will appreciate the stuff we can't use." Mina said, grabbing a basket. "Come on guys. See you later Morningstar, rest well." she waved and headed out with the other two following behind.

Legolas waved and followed Uru back to the house. He was dirty and dusty and just wanted to take a long warm bath. So he headed straight for his washroom, glad for the warm water and good smelling soaps. He found himself drifting off and jolted awake realizing it wasn't safe to stay in the water any longer. He quickly got out and dried himself off pulling on a set of clean clothes before going to lay down. He found himself thinking again, about being accepted into Mordor so readily. Why, though? Because he had risked himself to protect the spectators? He had confidence that he would have been alright, though even with his rather unnatural durability he imagined getting crushed under an Oliphant would have killed him. So maybe that was it. He had saved people's lives, but really he was just doing the right thing. It was almost weird to think that Sauron cared so much about his people, to give them entertainment, keep them well fed, to reward someone for saving them. He sighed and laid down on his bed enjoying the softness and the feeling of the silk. His eyes began to close and his breathing evened.

He dreamed of a memory as he, in a ten year old body hid in some bushes watching a patrol getting ready to leave. He grinned at the idea of following them that was firmly planted in his brain. He followed hidden off the path as they set out, going slowly and quietly. He was not sure how long he had been following, distracted by the sounds of the birds and the buzzing of insects before he realized that he could no longer hear the patrol or its horses. He turned his head and looked around swallowing at the sight of unfamiliar surroundings and turned towards what he hoped was the path but finding none, only thick foliage and suddenly a drop. He couldn't stop himself from tumbling down the hidden incline and lay whimpering at the bottom when he finally stopped. He laid there curled up as the forest around him darkened. Either from nightfall or the storm moving in, possibly both. Legolas shivered, getting to his feet and continuing to walk, somehow he had come out of the fall unscathed. Rain started to fall around him and lightning flashed above the canopy. Soon enough he was soaked and looking for shelter. He walked in the freezing rain for what felt like days, it probably was, before the looming shape of castle ruins formed in front of him. He stumbled up broken steps and into the shadowy interior of what was left of Orophers first home. He regretted it quickly as he found himself running from shadows on the walls, and whisperings as they reached out to grab him. Finally he collapsed in a large chamber that must have once been the throne room. He curled up sobbing for his Ada to come rescue him, feeling like no one would. Then soft footsteps approached placing a hand on his shoulder that sent an all too familiar sense of calmness flooding his senses. He looked up eager to see mairon, only to be met by a cloaked figure and two glowing orange eyes.

Legolas woke with a start drenched in sweat. The room was dark, clearly night had fallen, but now with lingering memories he found it hard to sleep. He got out of bed and headed to the sitting room and kitchenette where he knew snacks were kept. And sat down with a bowl of fruit in a chair. Part of him wished Mairon was here, the rest hoped he was wrong to cast doubt on the strange elf's identity, that his memories were wrong and he was just…. Wrong. Uru peaked in apparently having heard him moving around.

"Little master is awake? It is late." She said entering and sitting down in another chair.

"... Bad dreams." he answered and looked away. "...or memories… I think I met Sauron in Dol Guldur." He explained. "I was younger, stupid…I snuck out…" Uru nodded at him to continue. "... the next memory is.. Of my Ada. he was holding me, we were on his elk heading home… I was fine.. I didn't remember back then…." Legolas knew that Uru likely knew nothing of this.

"Mm.. ask Master Mairon, when he returns?" she suggested shifting in her seat frowning hard.

"That's just it I…. Nevermind, that's a good idea. Do you know when he'll be back?"

Uru shook her head. "After the feast, a few days." She shrugged.

"Right, the feast… what is that again?" Legolas groaned softly.

"Tomorrow night, so you should sleep. I will go with you." she promised getting up to urge him back to bed

"I'm not tired anymore Uru… can we just go to the garden for a bit?" he asked. "... and when did you sleep?" he asked.

"While you did, get changed and we will go." She sighed at him with a fond look on her face.

Legolas laughed softly; he was glad to know that after dealing with him all day, Uru did at least get to rest. Though he found himself wondering if she had her own room or if she just slept among her fellow orcs, that idea bothered him. He went off to get changed considering Uru and his strange memories.

The next day was as hectic as he had ever seen Mordor. The Residents of Mordor, servants, and arriving guests were all moving about. Legolas watched them from the window. His friends were nowhere in sight and the thought of doing this alone without Mairon wore on him. But looking to his side he smiled at Uru, always attentive and there for him, making him feel safe. "What am I supposed to wear?" He asked. The day had gone by too fast for his liking and it was almost time to get ready. He'd already bathed and done his hair and the circlet sat on his desk ready to be worn.

"Master left out robes. He said they wouldn't be to your liking in color." She looked apologetic.

"... Let me guess black? I suppose I don't want to stand out too much…" he sighed as Uru pulled out some long robes for him. They were of course black with delicate silver trimming and matching boots. "Oh… they look nice." He offered as he touched the fabric. Silk, he was unsurprised. Mairon it seemed wanted to flaunt his wealth for such an occasion. "Are you sure he won't be here?" Legolas sighed.

"Yes, little master. Go get ready." she urged, messing with his hair in an affectionate way.

"Yes Uru." He sighed a little, feeling like a child again, when Ada would make him wear crowns and robes to his own feasts when he was showing off for Lothlorian. He took the robes and went to change into them. Once dressed he looked himself over in a mirror. He didn't look much like his Ada. In fact, he almost looked more like Mairon dressed like this. He gathered himself and went back to Uru. she had changed into nicer clothes herself. It was almost a dress and looked surprisingly nice on her. "Alright, I uh, I think I'm ready to go." Uru nodded and they left heading to a part of the fortress Legolas had not been before. He was glad to enter with a group of other guests but found himself feeling lost in the massive dining hall. He looked to Uru for help and she smiled, leading him towards the head of the table where the twins and Mina sat with their families.

"Hey morningstar, looking sharp there." Jaya said. She was wearing a beautiful green robe of some kind and a veil over her hair matching in color with gold trim. Naveen also wore a head covering and sharp looking robes, he was sitting next to a stern looking man who gave Legolas a nod in greeting, their mother wore matching robes to Jaya only they were purple.

"Thanks Jaya." He gladly took his seat next to them glancing down at the empty chair where he knew Sauron would sit.

"Relax, it'll be fine. Even if the feast is in your honor, behemoth slayer." Naveen spoke up grinning as he pulled down the cloth covering his mouth. "General Mairon not here?" he added.

"No, he uh… was called away." Legolas groaned at the title. "I just did what I had to… I didn't need a feast." He sighed and the twins' father spoke up.

"Nonsense, you did a mighty deed in defense of a people that were not your own, seeking nothing from it." The man said not unkindly. "And the feast was for you in the first place."

"...I suppose Mairon said something about that…." Legolas frowned and was about to continue when Uru pulled him up from his seat as everyone else stood up. Sauron had arrived. He was dressed in black robes with red trim, wearing a crown of pointed black iron set upon blood red hair. It was exactly like his dream and he dropped his gaze so he wouldn't be noticed his attention was called again when Sauron spoke. It was about him he could gather but spoken in black speech and responded to by both applause and whispering.

"What did he say?" Legolas whispered, glancing over to see Naveen looking him over with a shocked expression.

"He calls you the prince of Mordor." Naveen replied softly. "And the official title of the behemoth slayer."

Legolas felt a pit form in his stomach. "I… why would he." He didn't want an answer and fell silent instead as they were finally able to sit as dinner began. Legolas found himself glad for the distraction from his own growing suspicions. Though Guests and Nobles kept coming over to speak or rather gawk at him. Finally he had enough and turned to Uru. "I need some air…" He whispered getting up and not checking if she followed him as he slipped out of the dinning room and into a corridor. Legolas felt like his head was spinning. There was no reason to name him the prince of Mordor unless… and no one had ever seen Mairon around so much until he came. Everything was fitting together in ways he didn't want them to, and it left the lingering question of how. He leaned against the wall before a noise caught his attention. He opened his eyes to find four elves weapons drawn holding Uru against the opposite wall. Before he had a chance to yell a blade was placed against his own neck.

"Hello, princeling… Let's have a talk shall we?" Calaer cooed with a sly smile on his lips. "Thought you could humiliate me? After how hard I fought for everything I have here?"

"Let Uru go." Legolas couldn't help but snarl at the older elf.

"I'm afraid I can't do that… my welcome in Mordor is over it seems, but Arda is a big place. Plenty of places to go, prey to hunt. Orcus, keep ahold of the Orc." he said looking to a dirty blonde elf who nodded and pulled up uru's head to expose her neck more. "Do as I say little one and I'll let your pet live." Calarer shoved Legolas forward towards a door in the hallway. He did not get far before they heard yelling behind them, his friends and their fathers were rushing down the hall, swords drawn and they blocked the hallway.

"Mina! Go!" The twins father said shoving Mina back who darted quickly back down the hall, one of the elves holding Uru let go pushing past the new arrivals as they were attacked. Legolas turned to struggle with Calaer hoping more help would arrive soon.

Sauron had watched as his son left the dining hall with Uru. now that an official announcement had been made he could do a proper introduction and explanation in private. The council seemed satisfied seeing Legolas, many of them had seen his actions the previous day as well. Those were the thoughts he had when a shrill scream caught his attention. He shot out of his seat and down the hall where he found Legolas' friend Mina struggling with an elf. The elf froze a look of horror on his face and in a swift movement slammed the poor girl into the wall and ran the other way.

Mina whimpered in pain but turned her face up to him. "Legolas is in trouble. It's Captain Calaer!"

Sauron rushed down the hall his armor materializing around his as he saw red. His guards followed swiftly as they reached the fight. Several elves had been restrained and Legolas was further down struggling with Calaer who held a bloody knife, The fighting seemed to stop as Legolas caught sight of him. "ADA!" His voice was pained and desperate, spurring Sauron on as he rushed over pulling Calaer off by the neck. Legolas leaned against the wall, a hand pressed to his side as red blood seeped through his fingers. "Uru…."

Sauron looked back to where Uru also sat against the wall, a pool of black blood forming around her. "Tend to the orc." He snapped at his free guards as the twins' father helped Legolas up while pressing a scarf to the apparently shallow wound. "And take the rest of these scum to the dungeons." he hissed, motioning for the rest to follow him back to the dining hall. A crowd had begun to gather and parted as Sauron returned, dragging Calaer by the hair. "...Let this be a lesson!" He snarled at Calaer, hoisting him up by the hair. "No harm is to come to my son!" In a swift movement he used his sword to cut off the terrified elf's head. Everyone was silent. And when he looked in his sons face, he saw it was pale with horror.