A/N- Happy (late) New Year!!! Oi, oi, can you guys review a bit more? I didn't get a lot of reviews for the last chapter….in response to some of the reviews I DID get: Hai, hai, I know that Thranduil did not have one of the three rings in the story. Don't worry, that gets resolved!! Uh, the guard that was killed? Haldir? That's NOT the Haldir from Lothlorien, just so you know…Trepadatio? The chapter was a bit off? Well, my chapters are all a bit 'off', but how so?

*CONTEST*

~Yep, I decided to hold a contest for this fic, The Coming of the Throne. As you know, I have introduced three new characters, Shiara, Linel, and Galier. I have also used a character that has not been mentioned often in Tolkien; Thranduil. So my challenge to you guys is to put either Legolas, Shiara, Linel, Galier, and Thranduil in an original drawing, painting, or whatever. (Lelendil if you wish)

*Rules* 1) Must be ORIGINAL!!! No tracings. 2) Can be colored or black and white. 3) ONLY those characters listed. May be drawn with the character alone, or with the others listed. 4) Please send the artwork in attachment to Dragonfire@sailormars.com 5) Ahem! *cough* NOTHING perverted, no nudity PUH-LEEZE!!! (You won't win if you do this!!)

*Prize* I will write whatever you want in the remainder of the story or will write a separate LOTR fic concerning whatever you wish!! Please email me for details.

I really doubt anyone will try this contest, but please do!! It would be fun! Partly to help you on the drawings, and partly to satisfy my wanting to further describe my characters…descriptions are below!

Shiara

Lady Shiara - whose name in Elvish means 'Dewfire' - was found by Prince Legolas when he was young. Her origin and parents remain unknown, as she remembers nothing of her past. She is around the same age as Legolas, Galier, and Linel. Shiara was adopted as a sister by Linel and affectionately calls him her brother, believing him to be her true one. She possesses the dark beauty that is rare amongst forest elves; her hair is waist-long and dark as the night sky, while her eyes are of a deep azure blue. She is slender and taller than most maidens, reaching a head below the prince. Her temper is shorter than most and she is frequently berating Legolas for his 'idiocy', but is mostly clever and kind. She was close to the late King and Queen of Mirkwood, as they were the ones who welcomed her to dwell within the great halls of the kingdom. During daily life, she wears a plain dark green gown with her hair down. Though Shiara is an excellent archer, being second to only Legolas, she does not participate in the king's guard, only fighting when there is great need. In battle or archery practice, she wears a leather tunic and dark green cloak with braided hair. Her bow is of rowan wood and gilded with tarnished copper; her arrows of the same and tipped with red feathers. She also carries one long knife and a short, silver, throwing knife given to her by Galier.

Linel

Captain of the King's guard, and an excellent bowman, Linel is a close friend of Legolas since their childhood. After taking Shiara under his care as his adoptive 'sister,' he loves her dearly and though not showing it, is extremely protective. Being of average height, he has platinum colored hair that hangs loosely around his shoulders and has very light blue eyes with a pale face. He carries a traditional elvish longbow and a dagger. He is normally calm and restrained, keeping very polite and aloof to strangers.

Galier

Also a member of the King's guard, he is the second captain. Galier is taller than Legolas and Linel by about two inches. He has long yellow hair that is tied in a ponytail. His eyes are of dark grey. Despite being an excellent archer with his crossbow, and skilled with his set of short throwing knives, Galier is more impulsive and hasty than his fellow captain, mostly acting on his instincts and not his brain.

Thranduil

The king of Mirkwood, he is a solemn, careful ruler, always thinking over every decision. He organized the council, but never says anything when presiding, only listens to his advisors for every view and opinion. His wife was Lelendil, a daughter of the Golden Wood. They were greatly in love and bore one child together, a son; Legolas, who was the heir to the throne. The son inherited Lelendil's pale hair, and Thranduil's grey eyes. Thranduil has dark gold hair and wears a crown of berries and red leaves in autumn; flowers in spring. He carries a carven staff of oak.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The twig snapped as he stepped over the forest floor and inwardly winced. Any sound in the woods could alert the sharp ears of a lone wolf or worse, a whole pack. Somewhere off, a bird sang a cheery song in the chilly morning air and the trees moved in the wind, welcoming the sweet notes. Sometime years ago, Legolas would have been comforted.

Now, the woods did nothing to comfort his fears.

Legolas Greenleaf, long under tree

In joy thou hast lived. Beware of the Sea!

If thou hearest the cry of the gull on the shore,

Thy heart shall then rest in the forest no more

He leaned against a tree crying, 'Alas! Father, help me now! How shall I rule your kingdom, when I cannot rest?' Legolas slumped down, clutching his bow as he held his head in his hands. 'It is true,' he said softly. 'My heart longs for the sea…ai! But, nonetheless…' his grip tightened. 'More so, it will not until you have been avenged.'

He rose quickly, walking south. Where the killers were, Legolas did not know, but decided to follow the path that Thranduil set and hope that they would turn up on the way.

The king of Eryn Laeglass did not know that above him, someone was watching.

~~~~

The dark figure sat high on the treetops, an evil smirk covering his shadowed face. 'Fool...' he hissed. 'An elf, he is, yet he does not even sense me. Pathetic creature. Soon...' He admired the shining gem-set ring on his index finger. 'Soon, you will meet the same fate as your father. But, how? Stabbing gets slightly boring, do you not agree Griswald?'

The orc perched precariously on the branch beside him was blue with fear. 'Y-yes, Master,' it croaked.

'Then how... how shall we kill thee, Legolas of Mirkwood...?'

He suddenly noticed something at he corner of his eye. Glancing quickly down, he spotted another elf below him; this time, a female. 'Now...' he breathed. 'Who do we have here? Wait!' Holding out a hand, he blocked the knife that the orc was about to hurl down. 'Leave her. I want to know who she is.'

~~~~

Shiara stepped lightly over the bark and cedar chips on the ground as the breeze softly swirled her cloak around her body. The scent of rain and leaves floated down to her nose from above and the trees seemed to be singing. She had been following Legolas, since he had left, quietly slipping into the forest behind him after learning from Linel that he was traveling to Rivendell and recieving Arod's reins, plus food baskets and other items from Galier.

'Thank you, my friends,' she cried softly throwing her arms around Linel and Galier. Linel returned the hug to his sister and gave her a quick kiss on the forehead but Galier backed out, instead tousling her hair.

'Go on now Lady,' he said quietly. 'Keep safe. Cuio mae mellon!'

She nodded. 'Cuio mae, mellon.'

Linel looked back solemnly at her. 'If you get hurt, Legolas will find 10 arrows in his thick head.'

In spite of herself, Shiara smiled. It was good to know that Galier and Linel were always on her side. 'Tch. Come, Arod.' She clicked her tongue softly as she lead the great ebony horse behind her. Why Legolas had not taken the horse with him was not to her knowing, as Arod was very obedient and strong. But he hadn't seemed to be himself...

She had been walking just yards behind the elf, always behind the cover of trees, careful so that he would not spot her. It was not that difficult for her, for when they were young, she had always been skilled at hiding from the three male elves as she was lighter than them. But when he came to a halt, she had too, watching in amazement a couple trees away from him, as he slumped on the ground.

Shiara could not hear what Legolas was saying, but she had distinctly heard him say 'Father,' and longing for the sea. Confused, she shook her head as he got up again, clearly anguished and depressed. Slowly, she stepped from behind her hiding place. It was as she passed under the tree Legolas was sitting under when she felt it.

A sudden shock ran through Shiara, chilling her to the bone and rooting her to the spot. Beside her, Arod made no noise, but brushed against her restlessly, disturbed. Glancing warily around, she felt a weight on her heart and she strode quickly forward, wishing to be out of the area.

~~~~~~~

Flashback mode

'Concentrate, Your Highness!'

Legolas gritted his teeth and wiping his grubby hands on his tunic, he picked up the arrow and notched it to the bow. Pulling the string back as far as his young arms could, he aimed and prayed, {Please hit true.} The little prince fired. *Thud* The arrow-point embedded itself far away from the target, in the bark of a tree.

'Where were you aiming? Legolas, were you even aiming? You cannot learn to EVER shoot a bow if you continue like this! As prince, you must learn these skills and many others if you wish to become ruler--'

He stood, trying to block out the critical voice. Far off, the evening bell sounded. Sighing in relief, he rose, intent on eating something and going to sleep.

'Where do you think you are going?' the voice snapped. 'You are not to leave this field until you can hit the mark. As prince, you must also learn discipline and--'

Despair sinking through him, Legolas gazed dismally at the target he was supposed to hit, and his own arrows, that were spread from the nearby trees to the grass around him. Arrow after arrow, he shot, none reaching his target as by now he had given up on aiming, sure that he would never hit it. Cold, tired and hungry, he stood shivering in the dark as night fell around him. His arms ached, his eyes threatened to close, and tears fell down his cheeks slowly.

'Legolas? Legolas, what are you doing out there?' A voice cut through his misery and Legolas looked up warily into the face of Shiara. 'Are you mad? You shall freeze out here! Get up!' Snapping, she hauled him up roughly. 'Linel and Galier have been looking for you, and your mother's worried! What are you doing out here?' The young elven girl ended quietly when she saw the tear streaks on the prince's cheeks and the stray arrows littered around him.

'He said I could not leave, till I hit the mark…' Legolas mumbled, leaning on Shiara's arm, numb with the cold. Normally, elves could not feel the cold, but he was young and inadequately dressed.

He faintly heard Linel and Galier's voices once they entered inside, and he blindly chewed as Linel handed him a loaf of bread with cheese, and he dimly heard Galier exclaiming at his state and Shiara softly saying something. The prince was escorted to the doors leading to the King and Queen's chamber by the three, then was left.

Knocking timidly, the young elf entered as his mother looked up and immediately hurried over to him. 'Laeglass!' Lelendil cried. 'Where have you been?' Brushing the snow off his head and taking him by the fire, she set about straightening his tousled hair, the light glinting off her own golden hair.

'He said I must not leave…until my arrow could hit the mark…' Legolas repeated softly.

'Who?' A quiet voice, emanating with power, sounded out from behind mother and son. Thranduil was sitting regarding his son with dark eyes. 'Who kept you?'

'Ratham.'

His face a mask of cold fury, Thranduil silently stood, and stalked out the door. Lelendil took Legolas into her arms and sat him on her lap. Absently stroking his head, she said in her musical voice, 'Worry not, my son. He will not bother you anymore.'

The little elf gazed into the fire, lulled by his mother's voice. {I cannot hit it…I cannot hit the mark…}

~~

'Ratham is gone?' Linel asked, looking troubled. 'Well then, who is to teach you?'

'I do not know…' Legolas said. Then he grinned impishly. 'Since I do not have an instructor, that means there is no one to teach me, isn't that so?'

Catching on immediately, Galier and Shiara chorused, 'Yes!'

'So,' the prince continued. 'That means, there are no lessons this afternoon!'

'Yes!' Galier and Shiara yelled. Taking off after Legolas, they giggled and capered madly in childish delight as Linel raced behind them calling, 'Legolas, you should go to make sure? What if they got a new instructor?'

Of course, the prince in question paid no attention. Nor did Galier and Shiara. The adult elves present, shook their heads and smiled behind their hands at the sight of the future heir to the throne acting uncivilized. How Lelendil would scold if she saw him!

The four had just reached the gate to the forest when a voice made the young elf in the lead to halt.

'Legolas.'

Legolas skidded to a stop, causing Shiara, Galier, and Linel to collide with him, all four of them falling to the ground in an undignified heap, the young prince at the bottom of the pile. Looking up Legolas found himself looking into the amused face of King Thranduil.

'Come, nin ion. You are late, you should have been at the field at past noon.'

Feeling triumphant that he had a legitimate excuse, Legolas said, 'Yes Adar, but I have no teacher, so I cannot practice.'

Thranduil frowned. 'Who said you had no teacher? I shall teach you today.'

Legolas choked.

~~

Minutes later, the young prince stood on the grass, fidgeting as his father stood to the side, watching him string his bow. Legolas was more nervous and scared than he was with Ratham, cruel and mean as his old teacher had been. He barely knew Thranduil, the only word exchanges he had with his father was at night when he dutifully told him what he had learned that day.

Trembling, Legolas carefully drew back his string and aimed praying, please, please strike! He shot. It thudded to the tree beside the mark.

Instead of the rebuke he had been bracing himself for, a quiet voice said, 'Try once more.'

Choking with fear, Legolas notched the arrow again and shot. The arrow landed on the grass near the target.

Thranduil came over and plucked the bow from his son's trembling grip. 'Watch closely,' he said gently. Kneeling down, he positioned the bow then said softly, 'Nin ion, in this earth, who do you love the most?'

Legolas had not been expecting a question such as that and it threw him off guard. 'I love naneth…' he replied startled. 'And Shiara, and Galier, and Linel…and you, Adar…' He said the last part a bit hesitantly.

Staring straight ahead, the king aimed and shot. The arrow embedded itself straight into the very center of the target. With a slight hiss, the string slackened as he let go. Legolas started in open awe at his father's skilled, not even noticing when the bow was passed back into his hands. His head snapped up as the king then said, 'Now you.'

'But,' he uncertainly held up the bow. 'I cannot…'

Coming beside him Thranduil placed the young one's hands in the correct positions, holding the bow up to his height. 'Legolas, you are my heir. There is nothing you cannot do if you try. In archery, there are 5 simple steps. Notch-' Thranduil pulled an arrow out from the quiver and did so. 'Pull-' The string went taut. 'Aim-' The arrow tip moved as it searched the target. 'Fly.' It did so and landed in the center.

'But the most important thing,' said Thranduil. 'Is to aim with your will and strength. Fly with your love for this earth, for the ones you care about.' He turned and looked Legolas in the eye. 'Fight with your heart, for that is what will keep to you in your darkest days. Fight with your heart.'

He abruptly straightened. 'That is all.' And the king strode off.

Legolas stood for a while, his young mind trying to fathom what his father had said. Being little, he could not understand most of it. Then he took an arrow from his quiver.

Notch.

Carefully, he balanced the end of the slim wood onto the string, the barbed tip resting on his bunched fist.

Pull.

Slowly, the string hummed as he pulled the twisted threads towards the corner of his mouth.

Aim.

"Aim with your love," Thranduil had said. The prince was not sure what that would mean, but he assumed that he must think hard of his loved ones. Pointing the arrow towards the center, he concentrated on the faces of his mother, and friends.

Fly.

Taking a deep breath, Legolas let go, and the arrow shot from his grasp. He closed his eyes as he heard the thud. Then, one at a time, he opened them again. He stared.

It had landed in the center.

End Flashback

~~~~

As Shiara left, the figure's lips drew up in a sinister smile. 'Ah...so this is the Lady Dewfire,' he murmured. 'Well then, my "King," we shall see how you like it when your love is killed...' His dull, pale eyes flashed with vengeance. 'Before your very eyes...'

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A/N- Finally! *falls over* I'm done!!! So sorry it took so long…I hope you guys will like it…*sweatdrop* Oi, please try the contest, it'd be nice to see some pics…and REVIEW!!!!!

Adar – father naneth – mother nin oin – my son cuio mae mellon – live long, friend Laeglass – the real elvish version of Legolas