Disclaimer: See Prologue and Chapter One


Chapter Seven: The Mirkwood Assassins


Elrond walked Legolas to his quarters. It seems as though he shocked the poor Prince into silence. He understood completely. His information was a bit too much but it did keep him from asking for Netasa.

"All will turn out well, Legolas" Elrond said, breaking the silence as they reached the doors to his visitor's quarters "Just give it time."

Legolas looked at Elrond like a lost puppy and forced a small smile. He nodded slightly and slid into his room shutting the door behind him. He fell to the floor with his back to the door and felt himself withdraw into his thoughts. There was so much he didn't know, so much he had to learn about his father and Netasa. It was all a bit too much to bear. All the things his father hadn't told him...his first love, the Mirkwood Assassins...all of it was hidden from him all this time.

He shook his head to try and clear some thoughts from it. Too much was in there as it was. 'What am I supposed to do now?' he thought 'I cannot just wait.' He stood up suddenly and paced his room for a few moments. 'I have to get out of here!' He opened the door and stormed out to the only place he felt he could find answers...the Library.

He ran as fast as he could, hoping not to stumble onto any she-elves that might need his hand to help them up or an apology for that matter. When he got there, surprisingly quickly, he found only a few elves present. It made this easier for him for some reason.

Legolas walked up to one of the elves and asked for his help.

"Of course, Prince Legolas" the elf replied.

"I need to find some information on the Mirkwood Assassins" he said as calm as possible.

The elf looked around and said "Wait here and I will see what I can find."

Legolas thanked him and watched as the elf disappeared into the huge shelves of handwritten books. He thought to himself about how long it would take to have a collection like this. Mirkwood had a smaller Library but he hardly ever visited it.

The elf came back not too long after and looked to be quite successful. He had many stacks of paper in his hand, almost fumbling to walk with them.

Legolas' eyes grew wide with all the information the elf was carrying.

"Here you go, my Lord" the elf said smiling "I hope this helps."

He nodded looking at the stack of papers with shock and said "Yes, it is of great help. Thank you."

The elf bowed and walked off.

Legolas sat in the chair next to the table the stack of papers was sitting on and stared at them for a second. He felt as if he were prying into his fathers and Netasa's life all at once. He reluctantly picked up the first sheet of paper and read to himself. He went through a couple of sheets that seemed to account battle tactics of the Assassins. He frowned when he didn't understand who he was reading about or which was his father or Netasa. They were crude nicknames.

He kept searching and then found a sheet that gave facts about the Mirkwood Assassins. It simply read...


The Mirkwood Assassins of the Second Age

A secret society of five elves who know of nothing but protecting their lands, their families, and each other. Thranduil, the leader of this society, is known to be the deadliest with his daggers. Menetasarëwen or Netasa, the right hand elf of Thranduil, is known to be the deadliest with a bow. These two elves protect their homeland along with three of there closest and truest friends; Silielsil or Sisi, Maluil, and Flordin.

For hundreds of years, Mirkwood was protected by these five elves. Whenever a threat was placed on their home, they were called to lead other elves in fighting. They are brave, wise, and loyal in their beliefs. An oath was sworn, by each, to always remain in Mirkwood to protect their home. It was signed in blood by their battle names...Thranduil as Gayaer[dreaded one], Netasa as Helkaer[icy one], Sisi as Dinaer[silent one], Maluil as Avarier[unwilling one], and Flordin as Taraer[lofty one].

Another sign of their union is in their weaponry. Each elf was given a dagger with a special symbol on its hilt and sheath that had their battle name engraved in the center of it. Truly special are these daggers. It is known that no being would want them pointed in their direction.


Legolas looked up from the writing and was deep in thought. It seemed as though he knew nothing of Netasa nor his own father. He fumbled through some more pages and found pictures. They were very delicately drawn pictures of daggers, the five daggers given to the five elves. One of them looked very familiar. He ran his fingers over the symbol with the name 'Helkaer' engraved on it. Legolas couldn't help but laugh slightly to himself. He had definitely seen that dagger pointed directly at him before.

"Find something interesting, Legolas?" he heard behind him. The voice was almost directly above him but he had no wish to speak to anyone at the moment.

"Yes" he replied not looking up from the picture of the dagger. It was as if the dagger represented Netasa herself and he didn't want to look away.

He heard the sound of someone sitting beside him but he still tried to ignore whoever it was. Legolas wanted to be alone so he could figure things out. He had no want in making pleasant conversation with a she-elf.

"Sometimes you ruin your life before you even get to live it" the sweet voice continued.

Confused at this comment, he turned his head and found Netasa staring at the page he was holding. He froze completely and held his breathe, not knowing what to do or what to say. He just looked at her. She didn't look well, not like he last saw her. She had been crying, that was for certain. It seemed as though the tear stains gave her a certain type of glow...a glow of pure pain.

Netasa brought her tired eyes up to Legolas and said "You should not have come here."

Legolas reacted to this and silently replied "How could I have not? You are the air I breathe, my every thought is consumed by your beautiful face..."

Netasa stood interrupting him "Your words are filled with empty passion, Legolas. You did not come here for me."

"Then why!?" Legolas countered standing up as well "Tell me why, Netasa. I have asked myself the same question over and over again and I cannot answer it. Maybe you can!"

The small amount of elves in the Library gathered to see what all the noise was about. Everyone joining in all of a sudden, they looked to Netasa for her answer.

"Now this is my fault!?" she responded in disbelief "I told you to stay away!" She turned and ran out of the Library, furious at Legolas and his thick-headedness. Her attempt did not work and cursed at herself for trying.

He watched as she nearly broke down and dashed out of the Library. 'Valar! What have I done!?' he thought. He ran after her not wanting it to end like this. "Netasa!" he yelled as he followed "Netasa! Please!"

As Netasa cornered into the garden, she heard Legolas yelling her name for her to stop but for some reason, she didn't want to face him...not with so much weakness within her. She felt him catching up to her and knew then she couldn't win. Almost like she was giving up, Netasa slowed down to a walk and as Legolas came up to her, she let herself go. Falling to her knees, he caught her before she hit the ground hard.

Legolas couldn't believe what was happening. As he held Netasa in his arms, feeling her every sob, he tried to calm her down. He apologized for everything he did wrong and whispered soothing words in her ear. He stroked her hair as her sobs started to decrease and almost become non-existant.

When Netasa stopped her harsh cries, she snuggled closer to Legolas for support and felt the warmth of his body. She knew the feel of it before, in her dream but reality was so much better. She closed her eyes and breathed him in. He had that fresh scent of the forest she once loved and made her feel at ease. She opened her eyes slowly and quietly said "You smell nice."

He smiled widely knowing what Netasa just said was totally out of the ordinary. He felt important she would share such a thought with him. "Thank you" he responded and kissed her hair.

Netasa turned to face him and said "I did not mean to...I...I only wanted to..." She was finding it hard to choose words. Legolas stopped her before she could get any more out.

"I know you did not intend for this to happen. The only reason I found myself coming...I believe...is because I knew you needed me" Legolas admitted "I would never leave you when you need me."

She felt a smile coming and was not going to force it back. She let it spread across her face with the relief she was feeling. Taken by his words, she hugged him and never let go.

Legolas held her tightly as she embraced him. It felt perfect. He closed his eyes hard trying to imprint the feel of her against him. They sat there in the garden, for long moments, this way without even saying a word. It was all either of them needed.

After some time passed, Netasa slowly spoke against his shoulder "I do not know what to do. How can I face him now...after so many years?"

Legolas sighed pensively. "Let me handle my father. He will not touch you, I can promise that much" he declared. Netasa looked up at him shocked at his protective behavior to someone he hardly knew. He continued "But you must promise me something."

She nodded waiting for him to ask of something she could not give.

"You must tell me everything. Everything about you, everything about the Assassins...everything about my father that I do not know."

Netasa backed away from him a bit. 'I cannot turn Thranduil's own son against him. That is not a way to repay him for the kindness he showed so many years ago' she thought. She made her decision, slowly stood and looked down at Legolas. "I cannot. This is my problem, Legolas...not yours" she replied. Seeing that he was getting up to counter she stopped him.

He sat back down and looked away. "I cannot believe you will not let me help you" he said quickly "You are unlike any she-elf I know."

"I can handle this. I have for this long. Let him come for me and if it is his will that I return, I will fight to the death" she resolved.

Legolas stood this time "I will not let that happen!" he exclaimed.

She looked into his eyes and spoke calmly "You must. I ran from love and life...and the people who cared for me most paid dearly. It is time for my judgment day."

He stared at her blankly thinking she was making a huge mistake. "There is no reason why all should suffer" he replied.

"No, not all...just me" she responded. Netasa cupped Legolas' face with a hand to make sure he was paying attention and said "I removed myself from an oath and now I shall pay."

Legolas looked away. He couldn't stand looking at someone who had given up so easily. 'She is so much stronger than this' he thought 'let her fight.' The last thought shocked him. How could he have thought such a thing? He moved his gaze back to Netasa and pulled her into his arms. "Whatever you do, I am here. Though, I wish you would be confident in me. It breaks my heart you cannot tell me of your past nor feel for your future" he said sadly "but I will not sit and watch my father destroy the one thing I ever really cared about."

She smiled and said "What makes you think I would lose?" 'Oh Valar, is it too late to take that back!?' she thought suddenly.

Legolas slightly laughed. "Well, I at least hope for a draw" he replied "What if he just asks you to take your duties again instead of fighting?"

This time, Netasa looked away and said "It would not be the same. Come..." She came out of his embrace and took his hand. "I will explain...everything" she calmly said, leading him to her quarters. 'Well almost everything' she thought to herself.

It only took a few minutes to reach her quarters and as they arrived, she said "Do not expect to be coming to these chambers often, my Prince." She winked at him.

Legolas laughed and said "No...I expect nothing."

"Do you now?..." Netasa replied as they walked in the door. Before he had any time to answer, she swung the door closed, grabbed him and gave him a desperate kiss.

He was definitely caught off guard by this but he wasn't going to complain. He moved to deepen the kiss but then it was over. He growled a bit at the fact it was over before he could truly enjoy it.

"Do you still expect nothing?" she asked with a sly grin.

Legolas smiled wickedly himself and said "If I say 'No,' will you do that again?"

Netasa laughed. "Truly, Legolas, if we did that again, I do not believe either of us would survive" she replied saucily.

"Fair enough" he responded moving to kiss her again.

She stopped him short a couple of inches from her lips and said "I think we came here for me to explain...everything. I thought that was what you wanted."

He stopped his game and sighed. Nodding his head he said "Of course."

Seeing how he was very disappointed, she took him to the bed and they sat down next to each other. She looked him in the eye and said "Time grows short for me and I need you to know that I do trust you."

Legolas gazed deeply at Netasa a bit confused but still smiled at the comment. 'She trusts me' he thought. "Thank you, my Lady."

She continued "The reason I cannot return back to Mirkwood is because I would go mad. It would be too different. Thranduil was my lover. I knew of nothing but my love for him and how to protect Mirkwood. Hundreds of years went by much the same as the last. It seemed as though nothing ever changed. He was always there for me but I had no problems...no life-threatening debts of the such and it made me feel unimportant. Yes, I know it sounds strange. But not having such trouble in my life, I felt incomplete and stuck in one place...like I wasn't living to my full potential. I hid these feelings from everyone, even Thranduil" she paused for a second remembering back "and then one day, a scout came running into the city and told us that an orc group of about seven hundred was advancing on Mirkwood. I had never fought in a battle with so much enemy. We were called by the King to lead groups of elves who volunteered. Thranduil and I led one, Silielsil and Maluil led one, and Flordin led his own small group. I remember I was excited. A new type of battle would be needed and different techniques were encouraged. My parents..." she swallowed hard at the thought of them. "My parents..." she tried to continue but it was becoming too hard. She felt tears coming.

"It is all right" Legolas said putting his arms around her.

Netasa shook her head "No, I must finish." She took a deep breath and started again "My parents were assigned to my group. They had the techniques for such a battle. They were part of the 1st Alliance. None of the Assassins had that honor. During battle, everything seemed to be leading towards our victory. Thranduil had slain the last orc in proximity of us and I looked for my parents. I watched as my mother was being attacked by two and my father came in to take down one while my mother took the other. I wanted to go and help them...but more came to both Thranduil and myself. And when I had slain my last, I looked in their direction again and saw my father kicked to the ground...then stabbed. As my mother tried to prevent it, she was taken too." She held her head down, afraid for Legolas to see her tears.

Legolas held onto her tightly. He had seen her cry so much that day, he wanted badly to make her pain stop.

She continued right before Legolas started to speak "Then, I had a reason to leave. Some orcs fled from the battle and I was going to kill them all." Legolas noticed the change in her voice turned to hate. "I told Thranduil I had to leave and have revenge for my parents. Of course, he did not want me to go and he tried everything to keep me at Mirkwood. He told me that if I left...I would die" she said hastily "and he was right. I have."

"Valar" Legolas whispered to himself. He was shocked beyond belief. "Uuma dela, Mela en'coiamin[Don't worry, Love of my life]" he said silently "All will turn out well...in time."

"Time, Legolas, is what has put me here...in this situation" she replied. Sighing her relief to be in the company of such an honorable elf, she composed herself by sitting up straight and wiping away stray tears and said "Thank you for your kind and gentle ear. It has helped me...think more clearly."

He traced his fingers along her shoulder and said "I also see things clearly now."

Suddenly there was a knock at the door. Netasa lazily stood up not wanting to be out of Legolas' embrace. She walked to her door and opened it slowly to find Elrond standing in front of her with news.

"My lady, have I interrupted something?" he asked peering behind her at Legolas. "It seems the Prince has already found you" he said laughing slightly.

Legolas stood and said "I was just leaving."

"Nonsense" Elrond responded "Since there is no real problem here at the moment, I just wanted to invite you both to a banquet tonight in your honor, Legolas...for your return to Rivendell."

Netasa glared at Elrond "Have many banquets, do you?"

Elrond laughed. "You should know I give banquets to those with honorable intentions" he replied with a sly smile.

"These honorable intentions you speak of...it does not also concern the beauty of a creature?" Legolas asked, putting his arms around Netasa.

"In the Lady Netasa's case, yes...in your case, no" Elrond replied "It is best that you have your honorable intentions, Legolas. Otherwise, you will find yourself without a banquet."

Legolas smirked "No, we cannot have that."

Elrond took in the view of the two elves in front of him with Legolas' arms around Netasa. They looked like they belonged together.


A/N: Beware of long chaps from here on out;) Remember to review and tell me how ya like it(or dislike it).

To be continued...