Shame of Mirkwood
by Elfish Arrow

Chapter II

Legolas leaned back against the rough bark of a tall oak tree. He was perched high in the branches, safe from Mirkwood society, safe from the stares and comments of the other elves, and safe from Lomion.

He drew his knees up against his chest and let out a sigh. It was cold that morning, but it didn't bother him; the storm from last night had cleared only enough to leave trailing, grey clouds in its wake, enough to block out the glaring sun.

The tree in which the elf sat was not located in the centre of the forest, as was usual for him, but nearer to the main road into, and out of, the Kingdom of Mirkwood. Legolas was sometimes drawn to this tree, far enough away not to be spied by the guards, and close enough to daydream about leaving. He never could, though, he would only be tracked down, and probably killed.

He was shaken out of his reverie when his sharp elfish ears picked up the far-away sound of a horse's roofs on the trodden path. Curious, he climbed a little further up the tree, and caught sight of a single rider quickly approaching the guards. As he arrived, Legolas snuck as close as he dared to the guards.

Who is this stranger? I'm sure his business must be great... why else would King Thranduil allow him?

Legolas peered through the leaves at the visitor; he was tall, though not an elf... Legolas's breath caught in his throat at the realization that his stranger was a man. He had never seen one before, and his curiosity was heightened.

This human sat upright in the saddle of his horse; he wore a dark cloak that hid his frame and face. Rough material covered his legs, and was tucked into black traveling boots. A sword was sheathed on his side, and his saddlebags were full.

He must have traveled quite a way to get here… Legolas thought to himself, still coming ever closer.

The man was having trouble with the guards, and had now dismounted. They were arguing, and the man took down his hood and leaned in close to one of the guards; his voice was raised enough for Legolas to hear.

"I said, I'm on business from Lord Elrond, now either let me through, or suffer the consequences!" The man's hand traveled to the hilt of his sword, "Or perhaps, you'd like King Thranduil to know that because of his guards, Mirkwood will not be participating in the Gathering!"

Legolas could hear no more, but didn't need to; the man was permitted into Mirkwood, and the elf couldn't be more thrilled. As soon as he saw his face, his heart leapt, he never knew that men could be so... beautiful. And yet, here he was, a man who made Legolas envision kings of old, only now remembered in song, and he was here with news from Lord Elrond of Rivendell!

The Gathering of Elves... Legolas would never be permitted to attend, he'd only heard of it, but it was exactly that, a great elfish gathering. From everywhere, even across the sea. It was a celebration of sorts, an opportunity to learn new skills, and meet distant relatives; even the Western Elfish Kings would be in attendance. It happened once every five thousand years, and Legolas had been looking forward to seeing one; though, never before had a messanger, let alone a human messenger, been sent by Elrond.

Legolas crept along the tree line by the road, following, but keeping just behind the man. He was captivating, but Legolas couldn't work up the courage to speak to him.

---

That night, Legolas was to work in the kitchens again, they were short of servants, and wanted to impress their guest. It was there that he learnt why the messenger had been sent.

He was stirring an exotic soup, and listening quietly to the conversations of the elves, he had found that that was the best way to keep informed of what was going on in Mirkwood, and it was also the only thing he missed about the kitchens. With all sorts of servant elves working together, they often shared details, and information of their separate duties, which often blended nicely into news.

That night, those around him spoke of threats toward the Western Kings; they were wary of the Eastern lands as it was, and were not pleased to have the Gathering take place there again. The threats only made them less cooperative, so they had been promised the best Eastern archers the land held. These archers would meet them on the shore, and stay in the company until reaching Fangorn - this Gathering's location.

This messenger, Estel, they called him, brought word that Galadriel's archers, and Elrond's own were already waiting in Rivendell for the Mirkwood company. It was times like this that Legolas wished he had been allowed to learn archery. He wanted more than anything to accompany Estel back to Rivendell.

Lost in his daydreams, Legolas nearly missed the serving-call. He lifted a platter of breads and wines, and took his place in the line. The doors were opened, and he walked out with the other servers, trying to blend in as much as possible.

The hall was crowded, those at the long table were talking quietly amongst themselves, laughing, or waving to other elves. Legolas spotted him immediately; Estel was sitting on the opposite side of the table, by the king. Their eyes locked. Legolas forced a shy smile. Estel nodded to him and smiled back. He leaned toward the king and whispered a question. King Thranduil turned to glare at Legolas with disgust. The servant-elf quickly set his platter down in front of two elfish maidens who giggled as he did. Wanting to escape as swiftly as possible, he turned and started back for the kitchen doors... but Lomion saw him.

As he past his ex-lover, Legolas suddenly found his arm in the other's grip. He turned back and flashed Lomion a questioning glance, but Lomion only smiled. Legolas tried to twist away, but Lomiom simply tightened his grip on his wrist.

"By Elbereth, Lomion, what do you think you're doing?" Legolas hissed.

Lomion stood, still firmly holding Legolas in place and whispered harshly, "You embarrassed me, should I not return in kind?"

He cleared his throat loudly, and the noise in the hall died down enough for all to hear him, "It comes to my attention," he began, "that our esteemed Rivendell visitor has not been properly warned against... the shame of Mirkwood."

Legolas was shocked, if Lomion was trying to gain favor with the king, this was no way to go about it. He felt the blood rushing to face, and tears to his eyes; he again attempted to break free, only to be yanked closer. Maybe... maybe Lomion had seen the way he was looking at Estel?

The hall remained silent; all were looking toward the two elves, wondering what was going on, and what Lomion would do next. They wouldn't have to wonder for long.

Lomion dug his nails into Legolas's wrist, making the elf cry out in pain as he twisted him around to face Estel, "You see, Estel, I only do this for your own benefit; were this... thing, to assault you, as it did me, why, we could never face Lord Elrond again, now could we?"

Lomion's lips twisted into a sickening smile, and he was about to say something else when Estel stood up at the table. His eyes again locked with Legolas's, but the elf turned away, still struggling to get free.

"I don't think, elf, that Lord Elrond would be very pleased to know that the elves of Mirkwood have nothing better to do than to embarrass and harass each other in public, do you? Why, I believe he'd lose all respect for you, and your king." Estel spoke with a calm and steady voice, it betrayed no emotion that the owner didn't intend, and naturally commanded attention. Legolas was captivated.

Lomion, apparently, was as shocked at Estel's words, as King Thranduil was at Lomion's. As he struggled for a reply, he relaxed his grip on Legolas. Before he could even realize his mistake, Legolas was gone.

---

The overcast day had turned again into another rainy night. Legolas climbed carefully into his favourite tree, leaning against the trunk, and letting the rain wash away the blood from his wrist. His unbraided hair clung to his face and neck, but he didn't care. He lay down on the wide branch and cried silently, listening to the sound of rain hitting tree, leaf, and grass.

In fact, the encompassing noise almost blocked out the soft footstep completely. Were he not an elf, he would never had heard it. Legolas sat, and peered down at the ground. It was Estel. He had his cloak drawn over him, but there was no mistaking his walk, the way he held himself, it was definitely Estel. Legolas wanted to call out to him, to climb down and thank the man for sticking up for him - no one had ever done that before. He wanted to, but he couldn't. It was as if he was frozen in place, watching the vision of beauty down below.

"Legolas?"

The elf startled. Has he seen me? How.. he is but a human, he could not see me from up here, not in the rain… Legolas pressed himself against the trunk, not wanting to be caught staring - just incase.

"Legolas, where are you?"

Legolas sighed in relief, he didn't know he was there... but... how did he know his name?

On the ground, the man also sighed. It was no use, everyone he asked told him the same thing - when Legolas did want to be found, no one could find him. Not even his mother. He pulled his cloak closer about him, and started back to the guest quarters.

TBC…

Feedback is appreciated.