(Disclaimer: This work is purely fiction and I make absolutely no money off of this. This story is for entertainment purposes only. All of J.R.R. Tolkien's characters are his and his alone. Some of the names of the Elves I've taken from Elves in ME history, others I created. )
Author's note: This tells the tale of what happened in Mirkwood during the time of Gollum's imprisonment, an event mentioned in Fellowship of the Ring by Legolas at the Council of Elrond (but never fleshed out in the books). Some background history: Gandalf and Aragorn searched for Gollum on and off for about eight years. Aragorn finally found him in the Dead Marshes and brought him to Mirkwood. Gollum remained in Mirkwood for a year, and escaped when Mirkwood faced an attack by Sauron's forces. Osgiliath, the Gondorian city, also faced an attack at this time. My story focuses on the Woodland Prince Legolas and takes place in Mirkwood, but look for appearances by Aragorn and Boromir. Dialogue in Italics means Elvish is being spoken. I hope you all enjoy it, namárië.
-Rilwen
-=~**The Prodigal's Son**~=-
Chapter 1
"The good birds bring rumors of Mithrandir, Legolas. His journey has been delayed far too long and my heart grows heavy with fear. There is darkness in their message."
"I see you've been on the borders of Mirkwood then, dear Berdir...for the good birds no longer come through our canopies."
"Yes, just the other day as a matter of fact. All of the woods seem alive with chatter and I do not like what they say. The King says he has received messages from Lorien, the Threat is growing stronger. Let us hope we haven't already lost Mithrandir."
Legolas Greenleaf cast his shining eyes towards the treetops of Mirkwood as he strolled down a rocky path with his friend Berdir. The two Elves had been sent out from the Great Caverns of the Wood Elves to patrol the twisting vines and thorny brush that had polluted their once beautiful home. Long had it been since Legolas saw the warm sun pierce through the boughs of the deep-rooted trees, and long has it been since morning welcomed him with the merry chirping of birdsong. Only distant howling and the rustling of leaves as foul things of all sizes crept filled the forest. Berdir continued.
"One day we will see our home restored to it's former glory, my friend. We will no longer be looked down upon by our own kin at the mention of our home. 'Hail to the Elves of Greenwood!' they will say, whenever we meet them in our journeys.
Berdir smiled and gave his friend's shoulder a strong and reaffirming pat. He was a tall elf, and slightly clumsy despite his the grace of his kin. His hair was long and black as crows' feathers, braided here and there and secured with twine, but his eyes sparkled like the stars that seemed to be hidden in the eyes of all Elves. He, like Legolas, was garbed in green and brown, with cloaks on their backs under the quivers that held their bow and arrows. The fair-haired Prince smiled slightly at his friends' gesture, though his words gave him no comfort.
The Elves had traveled south of Thranduil's Caverns, the River Running never out of earshot. The Mountains of Mirkwood loomed behind them in the West, and both Elves felt the Earth and the Trees tense. Their conversation was cut short when Berdir's keen sense of hearing picked up a sound that made him draw his bow. Legolas had done the same. The two stood tall with unstrung arrows in their hands; they did not want to mistake an innocent, wayward creature for an orc. Their bodies tensed as the trees whispered loudly. Every step on the ground of the friend, or foe, was picked up by the Elven archers; yet they did not fire. Berdir looked sidelong at Legolas, his eyes darting ahead and back. He broke into their native tongue.
"The trees cry out in fear, Legolas! Take heed!"
Legolas ignored Berdir's warning and crept forward, no leaves crunching under his feet, no imprints left in the soil. The dark-haired elf kept watch as the blonde Prince went closer towards the sound. It had moved slightly to the left, then shuffled back, and Legolas could almost feel the intense beating of its heart. Then without warning the creature darted to the side, but Legolas did not shoot. It indeed had been some lost creature, only running from what was to come next.
Dirty, dark cries pierced the thick Mirkwood air as a band of orcs leapt from the trees. Legolas and Berdir were caught off guard, for most their worrying had been for Gandalf instead of the trouble at hand.
"Yrch! Yrch! "
Berdir leapt into action alongside the Prince of Mirkwood , crossing his arms to stab the orcs that flanked his side with arrows from his quiver. He quickly strung his bow and fired, taking down an orc that was after Legolas. Legolas was tackled from behind, the Elf's arrows spilling onto the ground. He kicked the orc off and drew his knife, plunging it into the foul creature's back as he stood, removing and hurling the same knife to impale another orc into a tree through its neck. Legolas stood, gathered his bow and arrows and let loose on the creatures of Mordor. Every time one fell Legolas could not help but glance briefly at its blood.
Orcs were Elves once, like Berdir and myself. Then the Lord of Mordor corrupted them, as he has corrupted my land.
The anger this thought brought on only fueled the battle. Berdir cried out to the guards of the forest, his clear voice echoing through all the trees. Soon enough his call was answered likewise, and the orcs could see beams of light piercing through the darkness as more Elves arrived, and let their arrows fly. The battle did not last much longer once reinforcements arrived, and now the soil of Mirkwood was wet with dark orc blood. Legolas ordered one of the guards to dispose of the bodies, then brought Berdir aside and whispered.
" The Eastern borders have grown as perilous as the borders of the South. The orcs hide in the mountain caves at day and spring forth in the night. But it is always night here. I want all posts guarded, with messengers at the ready. I must tell the King of this attack...let no Elf sleep without two to watch his back."
§…ˆ¤ˆ…§
"Posts on the North and Northeast have been busy as well. I fear the worst is yet to come."
Thranduil, King of Mirkwood, stood before his son and servants. A golden crown shone on his pale hair, and his green cloak was embroidered with leaves and beasts at its tail, clasped about his neck with a golden brooch. He let his kingly gaze fall on the light-haired Prince, a rarity in Mirkwood, for most of the Elves had raven hair like Berdir.
"Now we must focus on the posts along the Western borders. A favor has been asked of the Mirkwood Elves, and I will send you, Legolas, to take care of it. Your restlessness will be quenched for awhile."
Legolas stood and bowed to his father, despite the fact he did not like the hint of sarcasm in his tone. The servants of Thranduil stood by the walls of the chamber, torchlight shining off their dark hair.
"What favor has been asked of us, my Father and King?"
"Mithrandir has sent the Ranger, Aragorn, to Mirkwood with a rather unpleasant guest. He has entrusted us to keep the creature Gollum in our woods, until Mithrandir says otherwise."
The name Gollum brought gasps from the servant elves, but Thranduil's face did not register anything more than a look of annoyance. Legolas' heart soared at the mention of Gandalf.
"So Gandalf the Grey lives?"
"I have no knowledge of how long this message has taken in its travels to Mirkwood, Legolas. Keep your focus! It's either Mithrandir, or Dol Amroth or this or that. Then the sea, its always the sea with you Legolas. You got your undying need to see the blue waters from your mother."
This time Legolas bowed his head in shame. He had been embarrassed by his own father in front of the servants and guards. Thranduil could not keep his cold gaze this time, and his eyes turned distant and warm as thoughts of moments shared with people from long ago entered his mind and made his heart ache. He smiled sadly at his son then sighed. His tone softened.
"Go to the stables and take Gelebrin, await the Dúnedain at the Enchanted River. Mandil and Tirinvo will go with you. Berdir will remain here to guard us."
At this point two dark-haired Elven guards flanked the Elf. Legolas bowed to his father, as did Mandil and Tirinvo, and nodded in thanks to a servant elf who handed him his bloodstained cloak. Without a word he clasped it on and drew the hood over his fair hair. A final, critical gaze was thrown at the King before he departed for the stables.