A/N: I would like to thank the people who have reviewed my recent chapters. I have received some of the most wonderful reviews/e-mails/comments that I can't believe they're really for me. They're so humbling and make me truly wish to write faster so I can see what wonderful things people can say next.  I must also credit some of my words to a great speech written so long ago that captured a nation and never let go.

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Chapter 20: Turning over a New Leaf

            The thunder rolled and lightning split the sky before the rain came down in sheets upon the path in front of one of the Princes of the Elves.  He was once again alone, having left the house of Elrond, but the words of the infinitely wise and ageless Elf-lord. 

            "Find your kingdom, find those you have left behind.  You must confront those who have done this evil alone, and stand tall as a leader should.  Once you have faced him, one on one, with honor, my armies shall be right behind you to help you confront his followers after you have defeated him."

            Legolas looked into Elrond's logical expression, "How can you be sure he will face me honorably?"

            "Because he was once a soldier, and if he defeated your father, he will be confident he will be able to defeat you without the need of any aid.  He has been the ruler of the forest realm for too many years, his ego will be his undoing, for even an Elf is not immune to such traps."

            The Prince broke eye contact and looked down, unsure of the words spoken to him.

            "Look at me, young one, we will be right behind you, but we cannot stand with you at the start.  This is a deadly matter which only you can begin, we can only support what is already started.  Remember, this is not our war to make, only our war to help wage.  Do not fear, for you shall not always stand alone, and once this is completed, you will never stand alone again."

            "I understand and I will await you in front of the stone foundations of my birth."

            Elrond smiled, something he rarely did, but was brought out by the inspiring spirit of the youth standing with him on the balcony overlooking his home.  Legolas bowed with great respect and took his leave of the great house and began alone on the paths, finally heading towards Mirkwood with nothing more blocking his path, and an army less than a day's travel behind him.

            Now rain pelted down from the heavens, as though some spirits from above were crying down upon him, for the drops of rain were large, and seemed to appear as tears before splashing down upon the unfortunate targets below. 

            He found himself, for the first time in as long as he could remember, thinking about the future in addition to the past.  His past always haunted him, and the faces of his human teachers and supporters were always in front of his eyes, but now he thought about what lies ahead.

            He never saw who it was that killed his father.  He had never looked him in the eye. He had never seen what may lie there, and thusly, did not know what to expect from this entity of his hated. 

            The thunder rolled.

            Legolas brought himself up, searching for the last full measure in his being so that those who died so long ago in flame shall not have died in vein. 

            The next morning brought a dawn with the power to burn off the mists from the night rains.  A dawn that brought fresh air and a cool crisp breeze. 

            This breeze blew his fine hair as Legolas stood atop a great hill and gazed out at the lands before him.

            He gazed upon Mirkwood.