LOVE POTIONS, DRUIDS, AND A RUNAWAY PRINCE


Legolas, the only son of the King of Mirkwood, sat up late in his study. Sucking on the end of his favorite quill, he frowned at a blank piece of parchment. He had meant to write a letter to his friend Aragorn in Gondor, but realized he had nothing to say. Sighing, he gave up, rerolling the parchment and stashing it in a drawer. He set the quill down on his desk, which was cluttered with more parchment. Mentally choosing a book from one of the many shelves lining the walls, Legolas climbed the ladder affixed to the rail at the top of the shelf, gave a gentle push and sent it gliding. Reaching out with one hand to catch the book, he caught it and let go of the ladder, gracefully dropping to the ground. He slumped down into an upholstered chair and began to read. He sat absorbed in the tale of Turín Turambar when his father entered the room. Legolas started, and realized it was his father. He slammed the book shut and rose to his feet. Thranduil grinned.
"Ah. I thought you were writing a letter to Aragorn."
"I was," Legolas said sheepishly, flushing red. "But I gave up."
"Well, I have good news and bad news," Thranduil said.
"Bad news first." Legolas replaced the book.
"Your mother's determined to make you into a soldier."
"I already knew that," scoffed Legolas sarcastically. It was true. His mother was a renowned warrior and she expected her son to follow in her footsteps.
"And she wants you to actually become one and go to live in Lothlorien to help fight the war." Thranduil reluctantly continued his report.
"What?!" Legolas was astonished. "Away from Randir?" He sat back down, confused and angry. "But... Mother knows how much I love her! She knows I wouldn't go!"
"She's forcing you to go, lad. But the good news is, I found a way for you to get out of it." Thranduil's almond-shaped hazel eyes twinkled as Legolas looked up. "Come with me." He turned and left, descending down the spiral staircase that led to the main palace. Legolas did as his father bid him, seizing a torch from its bracket and following the hem of the king's forest-green cloak. The two passed a window, and Legolas felt the chill of a winter breeze bite the tips of his pointed ears. Thranduil talked as they went down, telling his son about what his plan was. The father of a young lady named Leanna arrived this morning. He is seeking a bodyguard to accompany her on a journey. Her husband, Haldir of Lórien, has been kidnapped and taken to Isengard.
inquired Legolas, curious about Haldir.
Thranduil shrugged absently. I don't have any answers, lad.
Legolas sighed as the stairs ended. Taking a shortcut through a corridor, the two arrived in the main hall of the palace. A blond-bearded man stood there, tapping his foot on the marble floor, looking impatient.
Ah, Thranduil, I thought you had gotten lost! The man spoke in a jolly voice, and Legolas immediately took a liking to the plump half-elf.
No, but I've found Leanna a bodyguard. He motioned for Legolas to step forward, which he did without hesitating.
The man inspected him, sizing him up, tugging his hair, and surveying his face. Well, he seems sturdy enough. What's your name, son?
he began. Thranduil shot Legolas a warning look, and he stopped, deciding on the first name that came to mind. My name is Turín, he lied, flushing yet again. Thranduil fought a grin, and instead sent a servant to fetch Legolas' weapons. The servant returned with many, including his bow, a fat quiver, two long knives, his sword Renátar, a pouch of small darts and a shooter, two daggers that could be strapped inside of his boots, and another dagger that Legolas recognized as one of Aragorn's. I must have accidentally taken it, he thought. Srapping everything on, Legolas turned to face the jolly half-elf.
Ah. Well, Turín, I'm sure Leanna will be delighted to meet you. Legolas nodded. Come. I've got a horse waiting, and Leanna is in Esgaroth, at the Kingfisher Inn. Meet her there, and good luck!
Legolas mounted the steed, spurring it on. With a final salute to his father, he disappeared into the cold winter night.