wowzers, I got reviews..got a question for people reading my story at the bottom...

My Story That STILL Does Not Yet Have A Name As I Don't

Know Where I'm Going With It

I'll Let You Know When I Figure It Out Myself

The party set out as soon as they could. They were heading to Lake Town as they did every Harvest to exchange goods, ideas, and so forth with the men of the city. It was mainly a visit to re-affirmative the good relationship between Thranduil's elves and the men of Lake Town. It was more a chore to him by now, but he enjoyed the excursion as he was almost certain to receive the best wine that Lake Town could offer. It made the whole journey worth it. He was quite enjoying his leisurely ride through the forest when he remember his son. He looked behind him to where Galenel was leading Legolas's pony. The boy looked deep in thought. He'd not said a word since the journey had begun. Not complaining once. He felt sure that Legolas would've said something when he insisted he rode old Mithroch, the tamest animal in the whole stable. But the boy was silent. Not a squeak was heard when he told Galenel to actually lead the pony rather than letting Legolas guide it himself. Thranduil sighed shaking his head. It could only mean one thing. He was up to something. Thranduil turned back around, resisting the urge to ask Legolas if he was well-he did not want to disturb this rather rare moment of peace and silence. Perhaps he was being too harsh on the boy. He was, after all, the most darling creature. Never had there been a more adorable boy, Thranduil had thought when he had first seen his son. And although Legolas had proved at a very early age, to be more of a 'challenge' than Thranduil's other children, he did indeed favor him. For what reason, he could not decide. Perhaps it was because he was youngest, perhaps it was the fair eyes and hair that mirrored his own, perhaps it was Legolas's ability to always find mischief- no it wasn't that. Whatever the reason, Legolas was his father's favorite and the pride in his eyes was unmistakable when he looked at his son.

"Yes, perhaps Legolas is simply being a good little elf, like I told him." Thranduil thought. "Bless him. Perhaps I shall let him guide his own horse after all and ride alongside me."

Thanduil turned around to address his darling son. For a moment he thought he was mistaken at the sight which was before him. Galenel, staring off into the trees peacefully, leading a rider-less pony. What good father wouldn't panic?

"Galenel!" He shouted. "Where is Legolas?!"

Galenel had been so taken with the beauty of the wood that he'd not even noticed the boy had gone. Fear overtook him. How Legolas had been able to dismount the animal without him noticing, he had not a clue. Quickly he looked around, scanning the area around them. . He began contemplating how he wanted to be put to death...arrow through the heart or beheaded by a sharp blade. Blade it was, he decided, as he did not see Legolas anywhere. He had lost the Prince

"He was-"

"Yes, he was just here a second ago. I realize that." He bellowed and began giving out commands to the other members of the group to search for the boy.

***

Legolas had been daydreaming again, not deep in thought. He had just fought a fierce battle against an evil witch and had come out victoriously. He was just being appointed King and Lord of all Arda when he saw ripe blackberries and began postulating a way to get them. He knew that he would not be allowed to stop, had he asked, so now, he was judging whether he could get off his horse, run to the blackberries, pick enough to fill his belly, and remount without anyone noticing. He glanced at Galenel.

"This is too easy." He thought watching the advisor stare contently at the Autumn colors of the leaves. His father however, had just looked back at him. He did not want to get into trouble and what was more; he didn't want to let his father down by being naughty.

"Legolas, you're a good little elf...deep down inside. Please, try to behave like it." His father had told him helping little Legolas onto his pony earlier that day.. It seemed like a reasonable request to Legolas. He supposed there were a few times when his actions may have been...less than prince-like.

"Perhaps father had thought of the incident with the wine." He thought. Legolas had been dared to drink it, so of course, it was not his fault. "Or maybe he is not amused by my disappearing lembas trick." He thought. For he had assumed, for the most part, he ALWAYS behaved like a "good little elf" but, he was determined not to let his father down.

But...

He had seen the berries. And though he had filled his belly with as much lembas as he could (not to mention stealing a few portions off others' plates to stick in his pockets), berries were sweet and juicy. He looked at Galenel and one last time at his father. Neither was paying attention to him.

"Here goes." He said to himself swinging a leg over his pony's back and dropping silently to the ground. He ran to the bush, which was a little ways off the path and low to the ground and started picking. He was quite happily stuffing a handful of blackberries in his mouth and picking another handful when he heard his father yelling at Galenel.

"Uh oh." He said to himself. No sooner did he say the words than he was heard by the keen ears of about twelve different elves. First to reach him was Galenel.

"My Lord, I have found him." He called out then turning back to address Legolas. "You are going to get me killed! Do NOT run off like that again." He said pulling the elf-prince by the arm back toward the group. "Had I known that my job as an Advisor entailed minding the King's youngest most undisciplined son, I'd have taken up carpentry."

"Master Galenel, I do not really believe that you do not enjoy my company. Would you not be bored if you were stuck inside all day long, nit-picking over the state of affairs of the Woodland Elves with the other advisors? Minding me, you get the privilege of being outside in the warm sunshine, crisp air, and...and would you like a blackberry, Master Galenel?" Legolas asked him smiling as innocently as possible.

"Legolas, that look may fool your father but it does not work with me. I do not find you games amusing or cute." He began but paused when he noticed how disheartened the young elf looked. He began again, this time in a more caring voice. "It's dangerous for a young elf to just disappear like that on his own. You must be more sensible Legolas. Your father cares for you very much, we all do. And we do not want to see you harmed. Now come on, let's go face the wrath of King Thranduil as I fear we are both in for it."

**************

ok, this chapter is mainly a waste of space. Just another little prelude I suppose. Something to write until I figure out where this story is going. I'd actually planned this chapter to take place in Lake Town...but alas, we are still in the woods. I have some ideas about what's going to happen when "our" Legolas gets to Lake Town and at the risk of people thinking I'm going all Mary Sue on them, I may add a little girl to the picture...of course, you know how little girls and little boys act toward each other when they're 8 (or the Elvish equivalent of 8 mortal human years). But I may turn this whole thing around and make it a story about the relationship between Legolas and his father...cause well, everyone seems to be out to get Thranduil in their fictions these days. Same with Boromir...and I quite like the character of Boromir...he's more....human than say, Aragorn...but that is a whole other story in itself.

I think I need to find myself a beta...but don't be offended if you offer me your services and I say no...cause if I can get a hold of my sister (who's in the US, I'm in England) I'm going to have her do it. But, if you're interested anyway, you know...

Does anyone know if the "warrior braids" that so many authors make reference are a Tolkien made idea or a fanfic-author made idea? And either way, does anyone mind me using that idea?

And last but certainly not least***

my dahling (dahling to be said in the way that Eddie from Ab Fab says it) reviewers

J.C. Rocket: Thanks so much for the Mary Sue definition. I'm hoping I'm not too Mary Sue-esque if I add a girl...I have read the book, although, truthfully, I prefer the Hobbit and the Simarillion to the Lord of the Rings. I know, that makes me EVIL...or something. Thanks for reviewing...and reading for that matter.

Susan: Well, I tried to hurry. I apologize if this chapter is sucky though, I was sorta....'tipsy' earlier. But I think the effects have worn off. Thanks for reading and reviewing.

By the way everyone, I may rename this story after I add the next chapter. "I take no prisoners" was just the tentative title...well..just the title of the first chapter really. so....we'll see....

Thanks again everyone who reads, has read, or will ever read my story.

Ta :)