(Author's Note: I've gotten the hang of uploading, so I am glad to present my story to you all with the proper formatting. In this chapter Legolas encounters Elves from the Grey Havens, including a female elf named Meliriel. I know this is a bit of a dangerous move, but remember Legolas is a Prince and at some point would need to marry to have an heir, so at some point in his life women would have to factor in. I hoped to show all kinds of emotional ranges for the Elf, and I hope you find the story's focus does not revolve around them. Thank you and enjoy.)
-=~**The Prodigal's Son**~=-
Chapter 2
It had not taken the trio long before they reached the Enchanted River along the Elf Path. On horseback they had made good mileage before they even considered camping, and their Elven blood made them tire far later than Man, Hobbit or Dwarf. Legolas gracefully slid off his horse Gelebrin and stroked it's mane before allowing it to go drink from the river. Mandil and Tirinvo allowed their horses to do the same. The older of the two guards, Mandil, surveyed the surrounding area as Tirinvo set to building a fire. Legolas crouched down and cupped his hand to scoop some water to his mouth for a drink, but he said nothing to the others.
"My Lord, "said Tirinvo," the orc attack on the Eastern border has many of us worried. We fear an attack from Dol Goldur, or an ambush from the Mountains. King Thranduil's Caverns are far too close to them."
"We worry about that later, our mission now is to await Aragorn. My Father wished it, and so it will be done."
The Prince of Mirkwood glanced at his companions with a gleam of annoyance in his blue eyes. Legolas' focus was West down the Elf Path, where soon Aragorn would appear with the creature Gollum. Still his mind raced with thoughts on Gandalf's condition and whereabouts. The power of Mordor was growing, Elves all over Middle-Earth were plagued with unrest as they constantly heard whispers of warning from all the flora and fauna. Everyday the power of Mordor strengthened, and everyday Legolas heard more about it. With a bit of a sigh he released the clasp of his cloak and set it by his pack.
The power of the Elves fades as the power of the Lord of Mordor grows by the moment. What ill fate these events coincide, what ill fate we no longer have the great armies of old. The archers of Lorien alone could not defeat the Dark Army, and the Lady Galadriel does not strain her white arms with the weight of a sword or bow, nor does she stain her white skin with vile orc blood. Who will the Elves turn to in our time of diminished strength?
"Your highness, shall we set watch and rest? I pick up no sense of the Ranger or Gollum."
Legolas nodded his head at Mandil and sat by his pack, bringing his knees to his chest and his blue gaze towards the trickles of water over the smooth stones of the river. He was usually in higher spirits, and did not carry the attitude and pomp of his father Thranduil, but the memory of the orc attack was fresh in his mind. The many pressures of being heir to the throne, as well as thoughts of the Southern Threat would not let the Prince smile. His light had dimmed, nearly becoming as dark as the Forests in which he lived. Mandil volunteered for the first watch, and urged his Prince to get some rest, for it was obvious he was very troubled and distant.
§…ˆ¤ˆ…§
"Your highness...my lord? Legolas?"
It took a few shakes to wake Legolas from his slumber, but Tirinvo succeeded. The Elf knelt over Legolas and kept quiet, simply pointing ahead beyond the river, saying nothing more. As Legolas wiped the sleep from his eyes, he sat up and strained his senses of sight and sound. Amongst the rustling of leaves in Mirkwood, he heard the clear voices singing. All three of the Elves rose to their feet and grabbed their bows as a precaution, but soon a glow peeked through the path ahead. From the glowing light emerged four figures on white horses, garbed in gowns and cloaks of grey that shimmered all the shades of the moon and stars upon the water. Legolas raised his slender hand and Tirinvo and Mandil lowered their bows. He then approached the Enchanted River, the barrier between himself and the Elven newcomers. The leader of the group, a male elf with a circlet on his brow and a brooch of a ship clasping his cloak, broke into the Elvish tongue.
"Hail fellow Elves, I am Failon of the Grey Havens, we have been invited to the halls of Thranduil, King of Mirkwood. I ride alongside Firiel my wife, and Meliriel my daughter. Also with us is Fingol our guard."
Legolas' eyes looked on each elf as they were named, but they lingered longer on Meliriel, the daughter. She was taller than most female Elves, and her hair was so pale it rivaled the white of the moon. Her bright eyes met his, and the Prince of Mirkwood was smitten. Legolas' companions took notice of the staring silence, but said nothing. At length, Legolas spoke.
"Hail Failon of the Grey Havens, I am Legolas Greenleaf, son of Thranduil the Golden Haired. I am Prince of the Forests of Mirkwood."
The Elves of the Grey Havens bowed respectfully to Legolas from their horses, and a look of confusion struck their faces. Failon spoke.
"Strange to encounter the Prince of Mirkwood here along our road. Thranduil is kind indeed, more kind than often rumored."
The Prince's jaw clenched at the mention of his father and his "kindness". Nonetheless, he would welcome the guests to his Kingdom as all Royalty rightfully should. Legolas bowed his head and crossed his palm to his heart.
"On behalf of my father I welcome you to Mirkwood. Thranduil's Caverns are not further than the journey you have already had, and now you will be accompanied by my loyal companions Mandil and Tirinvo. They are strong warriors, and will assure no harm comes your way."
Failon took his horse forward and crossed the river. The hooves of his mount seemed to float over the water, not a drop of it coming to the equine's strong legs. Meliriel crossed over last, and she allowed a shy twist of the corners of her lips for the Prince who watched her. She spoke, and her voice was like the song of the breeze traveling the forest, quiet, whispered...yet beautiful.
"My family thanks you, your Highness. The Elves of the Grey Havens will hear much of the kindness and generosity of the Elves of Mirkwood, and their Prince Legolas."
His features softened, but he did not smile nor bow his head.
"Thank you, Lady Meriliel. Go now with your family and my guards, Elves so polite and wonderous as ye are always welcomed here."
Mandil and Tirinvo looked to Legolas with concern. They had been told to escort him and await Aragorn by Thranduil himself. They bowed to excuse themselves from their guests and came up to their Prince. Mandil spoke in a hushed voice.
"My lord, we were specifically told to guard you and await the Dúnadan. Have them camp here and await their arrival, then we will all travel to your father's Hall. Guilt would heavy our hearts if something were to happen to you, and your father would have our heads! Do you not remember the orc attack?"
Legolas glared at Mandil, his jaw set tight.
"You will not argue with me and have me show anger in front of our guests, Mandil. Thranduil said to accompany me here, and you have done so. Now I command you to go with our guests to my father's halls and welcome them properly to my home. My father underestimates my skills as a warrior," he frowned slightly, anger still hinted in his voice, "but I am capable of defending myself and riding for many leagues to distant lands without any guards."
Mandil and Tirinvo stepped back, appearing hurt by Legolas' dismissal of them. Tirinvo looked at Legolas and shook his head slightly, answering reluctantly.
"As you wish, your highness."
As his companions turned and mounted their horses to escort the Elf guests, Legolas called out to Failon.
"Mandil and Tirinvo are amongst the highest ranks of Mirkwood warriors, fear not for your safety, Lord Failon."
Failon smiled and continued on, his wife and daughter behind him, his guard riding ahead. Meliriel snuck a glance at the Prince then shyly turned away, but the thoughts of the orc attack, his fathers attitude and the overall state of what would one day be his realm, did not allow him to smile in return. Legolas watched until the group disappeared out of sight, then turned his watch Westward and waited. He wished he had not snapped at Mandil and Tirinvo because the guards had truly been concerned for his safety. But Legolas was still on edge, and wanted to speed them to the Caverns in hopes Aragorn would arrive just as fast.
I hope no evil has come to you, Aragorn my friend.