It was not a pleasant day in Mirkwood the morning after the attack. The fields were ridden with the dirty corpses of countless orcs, many trees had been slashed and hurt by their evil weapons and all the air was filled with the nasty, wretched scent that orcs-goblins carry with them. For now, the enemy had been driven off, though doubtless they would return with renewed vengeance. The woodland elves had a few hours of daylight to regain strength and spirit. So it came that Iorkann returned from the battle down south as the morning grew old. He had spent many hours after the last troop had fled tending to the wounded and fallen and more than once, he had had to bury dear friends.

When he came to Thranduil's palace, he shed his dirty, bloodstained clothing and mail, had a bit to eat and then, after a splash of water on his tired face, he made his way to Ithildin's chamber. Now, Iorkann was a very wise elf, so he was not completely taken by surprise to find Ithildin's chamber empty. Still, his heart grieved and he worried at what had become of her. She had not given any indication that she knew where Rivendell was, though perhaps some good fortune would lead her on the right way. Still, not everything could be left to chance and Iorkann hastened to follow after her. He summoned a few other elves, all that could be spared, and they prepared to leave before nightfall.

At some point during the afternoon, Thranduil returned to the palace. His fair face was stained with dirt and his bright mail dented by blows of countless weapons. For the elvenking himself had journeyed to his son's side and fought alongside him. Now, the king returned to rest a bit; but his rest was short-lived when he learned of the evil tidings that had befallen Ithildin. With grievance, he accepted Iorkann's request to follow after her, though he knew the elf's help would have been great. When Iorkann inquired about Legolas, the king sighed. The assaults on the east had been much stronger and only now were the elves able to rest a bit. Legolas had decided to remain in the east for a few days, fearing the enemy would return soon and sent messengers back to the palace with the news. So it was that he did not learn about Ithildin for many days.

The next assault came sooner even than Iorkann had expected. Before the sun had left the horizon, battle cries were heard far off in the distance. This time, the orcs were not stealthy or quiet; for they had increased many fold in number and felt sure that victory as on their side. The elves had barely time to ready themselves when the first attack began. Iorkann forgot for a few hours about Ithildin, for the news of the orcs traveled quick and he did not have time to dally. This time, the battle did not end soon, but went on for many days. In between, the orcs would retreat for a few hours, only to return again in huge masses. Finally, after the fifth day, they were driven off by one last defense and did not return for many days.

It was after the fifth day that Iorkann was finally able to leave Mirkwood in search of Ithildin. Quickly, he and his men left the palace, riding as swiftly as their horses could carry them. They journeyed long, heading southwest, but as each day went by, they saw no sign of her and began to lose hope. A week went by and still nothing, when they found her lying peacefully by her horse, Rohkeleg. Her face was deathly pale and her skin cold. Rohkeleg stood by her and if ever a horse could cry, tears slid down his face. Seeing the elves, he gave a great cry and they hurried to his side. There, Iorkann picked up Ithildin and on they rode making for Rivendell. But in the end, it was Gandalf who helped them, for he sent Gwaihir, the mighty Eagle Lord in search of them. The grey wizard had sensed that there was trouble east of the Misty Mountains and the eagle arrived not a moment too soon. With heavy hearts, the elves gave up Ithildin, trusting in the strength and agility of the mighty bird of ancient legend.

Legolas returned home late afternoon on the seventh day. The battle had left him somewhat grim, but what had constantly tugged painfully in his heart was concern for Ithildin. For many days, he had heard nothing of her and he was eager for news. He met Thranduil in the great hall and so eager was he that he did not notice the king's sad expression. "Father, what news of the Lady? Where is she?" asked Legolas.

Thranduil turned to his son and spoke words that were hard on his tongue. "She was wounded in battle by a blade of the enemy whilst defending Iorkann. She is not dead, but the effect of the weapon is much worse. The last she was seen, she had slipped into a trance of a sort such as no elf here has ever known. The poison from the blade has seeped into her body and as we speak, is making its way to her heart. If she gives in to it, she will fall into the shadow world of the enemy. Iorkann took her and tried to heal her but to no avail. He prepared to take her to Lord Elrond in Rivendell the following morning, but that night, she slipped out silently and took our swiftest horse. The next day, her disappearance was discovered by Iorkann, but before they could follow after her, the enemy assaulted us again. So it has been for the past few days now and only a day and a half ago have Iorkann and his guards been able to leave. I hope that they shall find the Lady in time, though I fear the worse."

At this Legolas became quite shocked and was at a loss for words. When finally he spoke again, his voice shook with fury and confusion. "Why was I not informed of this?" he cried. "I would have taken her to Rivendell myself if I had to carry her upon my back. You knew of this for days and yet you did not tell me? Then, I shall have to make up for lost time. I will follow Iorkann and do what I can to ensure the safety of my friend."

But before he could move, he was stopped by his father. Sorrowful were Thranduil's eyes. "I would let you follow Ithildin to the edge of the world if that be your wish. But not now. Right now, son, I need your help to re-build our kingdom. So many of our people have fallen to the hands of the enemy, and the land is dirty with their evil. Would you forsake your people now, when we need you the most?" And Legolas knew he could not turn his back on his home, though it pained his heart. For months, he worked to restore the beauty of Mirkwood. With the help of his friends, trees that had been felled were replaced with young seeds, the bodies of the orcs were piled and burned, and the elves that had fallen in battle were buried and honored. Yet, not a day passed when he did not recall his friend Ithildin and he dreamed that he might one day hear her laughter again.