AN: Thanks to everyone who has reviewed so far, your comments and suggestions have been helpful!
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters.
Haldir woke up the next morning feeling well refreshed from his trip. He got up, dressed, and went out his door, fallowing the hallway that led to the main exit. He bypassed the kitchen, but the cook only gave him a dirty look, telling him that breakfast would be served in an hour and he couldn't snitch anything before hand. Haldir glared, but the cook only shooed him away, so Haldir went outside into the nice morning sunshine. To his surprise he spotted Legolas in a tree not far away and made his way towards the little elf.
"Good morning, Legolas," Haldir called. Legolas grinned in response and jumped on Haldir, who caught him in a hug.
"I'm hungry!" Legolas said as Haldir set him down.
"Of course you are, all little elves are hungry," Haldir smiled, "in truth, I too would like a bite to eat, but I'm afraid the cook won't allow it."
"But breakfast is so far away! And at breakfast, you have to wait and wait for everyone," Legolas stressed that word, "else to finish eating."
"Why don't you show me your archery skills while we are waiting, hmm?" Haldir knew the best wait to distract the young prince, and Legolas readily agreed.
"Race you there," he cried and took off, heading for the archery grounds, Haldir sighed and chased after him.
They practiced for a little while, Haldir helping Legolas improve his shooting and showing him little tricks, before Legolas' sister came to call them to breakfast. It was a smaller company that ate together this morning and, despite Legolas' worries, didn't last long. Not long after, Haldir, Thranduil, and a few other elves met in the gardens to discuss more about the growing darkness in the forest. Legolas and some friends went off to play in the forest, but kept within the sight of other adult elves
Thranduil sat down on a bench, and motioned for the others to make themselves comfortable. "I am worried, for evil creatures have been coming in larger numbers from the southern forest, from Dol Guldur. The scouts report that even the trees there are dark and evil, as if the fell beasts are spreading their cruelty." Thranduil reported, his eyes troubled.
"Aye, that is why I have come," Haldir explained, "Mithrandir fears that it is more than just the evil of the Nazgûl. He has spoken to Galadriel of this, and it was she who sent me here. She bade me tell you that Mithrandir will soon travel to Dol Guldur and seek out this evil Sorcerer, or whoever abides there. My Lady, too, worries about the growing darkness."
"Mithrandir shall find out the truth, if any can." Another elf assured the king.
"Yes, let us hope the evil flees from him and leaves these woods. I dream of a time when this forest is called Greenwood the Great once again, and Mirkwood becomes a fleeting memory." Thranduil agreed, though his eyes betrayed some doubt.
"That is my wish also, and Galadriel feels that shall happen, if only for a time. She thinks that while Mithrandir shall be successful initially, but the Shadow will return at length. You must prepare for that, and not let a short peace make you forget your lessons from these hard years." Haldir cautioned, adding his own feelings and instincts to those imparted to him from the Lady of Light.
"Do not fear, we will be diligent in our work. Trees must fly and snakes must dance before elves lose their skill." Thranduil was a bit insulted that Galadriel felt the need to counsel him so, but he did not let it show for he knew her heart was in the right place. "What does Elrond think?"
The elves talked long about the shadows, but they also spoke of happier times, and the upcoming festival. Every once and awhile the various elves came together to celebrate nature, and one of these was to happen in a few years. Eventually all that was to be said, was said, and the elves went their seperate ways. Haldir grabbed his bow and went in search of Legolas.
AN: I have a better idea now where this is going, but suggestions are always welcome....