A Lost Life, A Lost Soul

"There is a council to be held in Imladris, Haven of Lord Elrond Peredhil. Bring message to him that the prisoner Smeagol has escaped."

Legolas stood with his ear pressed to the great oak doors of his father's great hall. He listened intently as Thranduil gave orders to Celebfindel.

"Yes, Lord."

The great doors glided forward as Legolas leapt back in surprise and shrunk into the shadows. He wasn't quick enough.

"Good day, my Prince," greeted Celebfindel with a raised eyebrow.

"Yes, and to you as well. My father has sent you to Imladris then?" he asked.

"Yes, to-" Celebfindel trailed off uncertainly. How was he supposed to explain to the prince that he was to tell that Prince Legolas of Mirkwood had failed when Estel and Mithrandir had put such trust in him?

However, Legolas had overheard the conversation. "To tell Lord Elrond that Smeagol has escaped, that I've failed the trust of the great Lords of Arda, that I've murdered my sister, that I've murdered innumerable guards of Greenwood." and he ranted on and on.

His shouting soon led the King to have his guards to inspect the situation.

"What is the matter my Prince, does something displease you?" inquired one of the guards as he looked upon the mad prince as he ran in circles, naming all his sins committed.

Legolas was brought back to his senses. His cheeks the palest rose, he shook his head at the guard and walked off.

A dark figure stepped silently into the stables. He walked toward a chestnut colored steed and stooped down, whispering soothing words of Elvish in its ear.

The horse rose and the figure slung its pack upon the horse and mounted.

Suddenly, an outcry came from the Halls. "The Prince Legolas, the Prince Legolas is gone!"

"What?!" came the voice of the King, angered at being woken from his dreams at this hour to trouble from his youngest son, again.

"I passed his chamber door it was open, and I saw that nobody was in there," said the guard, whose voice was trembling slightly at the anger of the King.

"Search for him!" Thranduil bellowed.

"Yes Lord, right away Lord!" squeaked the guard and ran off.

"Lord!" came another cry, Celebfindel's, as horse hooves sounded in the distance.

Thranduil heard them as well and ran to the side door leading outside.

A figure swathed in a dark traveling cloak rode past them, the wind tossing his hood aside. Golden hair flowed from the figure's head past his shoulders.

"Legolas! Legolas! Come back!" yelled Thranduil.

The Prince took no heed and rode on.

"Where is he going?" asked the King, turning towards Celebfindel.

"I know not for certain, Lord. Perhaps to Imladris, I think he overheard your orders for me, Lord."

"Why?" Thranduil's voice shook with anger and sorrow.

"'Tis my guess to prove himself to you. He feels that he has failed the trust of Arda, mostly yours. He feels that he has lost his sister's life and his as well."

"A lost life, a lost soul," as tears trailed down his face.