AN: Thanks to all my reviewers for their support!
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Unfortunately, there was little the elves could do to help Gandalf and the next couple of days were spent in agitated anticipation. The scouts' reports left much to be desired, for the land around Dol Guldur had turned even more dangerous as various creatures were fleeing Gandalf's wrath.
Three days after Gandalf's first traumatization of Dol Guldur, Gandalf left the city and headed towards Thranduil's home. Two scouts met him shortly after his departure and traveled with him, while two more went ahead to warn Thranduil. Everyone was excited for the arrival of the esteemed Mithrandir, eager for news.
Gandalf looked tired and worn when he arrived, but his eyes still had their twinkle. Gandalf insisted on a meeting before he rested, and so Thranduil, Haldir, and a few other elves were closeted once again. They talked long into the night, eating and drinking little of the food that was brought to them.
"The situation is only temporary, at length the evil will return to Dol Guldur, but you shall have some peace for a while, at least." Gandalf knew that only with the destruction of the One Ring would the world truly be purged of its darkness. "I must soon return to Lothlorien, and then to Rivendell, to talk with the other elves. We must prepare for the worst."
"I will go with you to Lothlorien, then, for my deeds here are done and I have much to do at home." Haldir was a bit reluctant to leave, but he knew it was time to return. Gandalf accepted his company and the two made plans to leave the next day, but Thranduil urged them to stay a bit longer.
"Gandalf, you must regain your strength, we have time to spare now, let us put it to good use. And Haldir, what will Legolas say if you don't spend a bit more time with him before you leave? I know he was hoping to go riding before you left." And so, Haldir and Gandalf were persuaded to leave a day later.
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"Must you leave so soon?" Legolas asked as he prepared his little horse for riding.
"You know I do, I'm sorry I can't stay longer, but atleast we have time for a little fun." Haldir watched Legolas slip gracefully onto the horse's back. So young, and already so sleek; he would be a magnificent creature in his prime. Haldir had no doubts that Legolas would rival all in skill as well as looks, his lithe little body held great promise.
Haldir swung up onto Tathar, and the two rode out into the forest. They didn't say anything for a while, Legolas was never a big talker and they were content to admire nature's beauty. At length, Legolas gathered up the courage to say what ever it was he had been debating all day. Haldir knew something was on Legolas' mind, and he knew it would come out eventually.
"Haldir, may I come with you?"
AN: I know this is short, but hopefully I'll have time to write another chapter this weekend. So, what do y'all think, should Legolas go to Lothlorien with Haldir? Or should I just skip ahead to the next time Haldir visits Mirkwood?