(Author's note: This chapter builds on Legolas and Berdir's friendship as we draw closer to the end of the story, and Legolas gains more determination to do something about Mirkwood's predicament. Thank you all for your reviews, keep them coming, they encourage me to keep writing J -Rilwen.)

-=~**The Prodigal's Son**~=-

Chapter 8

June had arrived without further attacks, much to the relief of the Mirkwood Elves. The slight breeze that made its way through the tangled mass of Mirkwood trees stirred the Forest River, causing ripples in the clear water. On the river's shore, not far from the bridge that lead from Thranduil's Caverns to the Elf-Path, Legolas and Berdir sat sharing a meager lunch. The day was quite warm, and the Elves had lightened their clothing layers, sticking to light brown trousers and a lightweight tunic of a cream color. Here and there Legolas' clothing was accented with dark green and gold details of leaves and creatures. Both of the Elves' weapons lay beside them. Between sips of míruvor and lembas, Berdir spoke with his friend.

"I guess the Valar's graces have come to Mirkwood this month, not an orc in sight, so say the scouts."

Legolas wondered why Berdir had resorted to using the Common Speech. Perhaps he had a bit too much míruvor?

"Since when did you use the Westron?"

"I'm practicing!"

"Keep going."

They both laughed at that. Legolas picked at some dried fruit.

"So tell me, Legolas; why did you bring me out here when we could have eaten in the Upper Halls?"

"You wanted to know why there is so much talk about the latest message to come to my father, did you not?"

Berdir nodded and set his food and drink aside.

"The message came from Rivendell."

Berdir's face paled and his lips parted with a breath of shock.

"Imladris has been attacked?!"

"No, thank the Valar. The Lord Elrond has called a council. It will take place October the twenty-fifth, and he has requested Mirkwood be represented on this day. The message said little else save for a request the envoys make haste."

"And of course you are one of those envoys." Berdir regarded his friend with suspicious, yet concerned eyes." Legolas, do you not find this a bit strange? Or the least bit dangerous. All these messages have come: Make haste, do this or that! Yet none clearly state why."

"Sometimes, dear Berdir, it is better not to ask why. It could be for our own good."

Legolas quieted at his last statement. He thought back to the feast and his conversation with Aragorn, who had given him similar advice to the one he had just given Berdir. Legolas remembered how it had angered him to be kept in the dark on matters concerning his great friends Aragorn and Mithrandir. He now realized the purpose to Aragorn's caution.

" So shall it be. I have spoken with the others guards, Tirinvo being one of them…we cannot continue to defend our realm much longer without aid. Something must be done, and soon. While the King may be able to hide we cannot, and in the heat of the moment we would be the first to be thrown into the line of fire to allow Thranduil time to flee." He frowned and bowed his head, too ashamed to look at his Prince eye-to-eye for what he was about to say. " The Elves of the Guard question why they still carry the weight of a bow quiver on their back for a King who does not care to defend his own land. I dare speak this to you because you are my friend, and I am sorry such words had to be said. However it is truth, my lord, a bitter truth but nonetheless the thoughts of the soldiers you have fought alongside with for so many years."

The Prince rose to his feet and stepped with force, his white hand in a fist as if ready to strike. He had lost his temper, something he hated doing but had done quite frequently as of late. Berdir grew uneasy.

"I-I am sorry my lord, I did not mean to anger you…"

"But anger me you have and rightfully so, Berdir! Why is my father so blind to the needs of his people?"

Berdir stood and walked over to Legolas, his hands firmly at his sides and his shoulders square.

"It is because the nobility of this land hides alongside their King, my Prince. What should they fear? We, the soldiers, are the ones who bleed and die for Mirkwood…not they. They have no idea what has been at stake for so long now, and therefore they live in an ignorant bliss."

The dark-haired Elf shook his head and sighed, his shoulders slouching. All his strength and pride had left his body with that very sigh, and what remained behind was a being that desired peace, not a soldier. Legolas kept his gaze down the Elf Path, the same road he might take in his journey to Rivendell.

"What has become of us? We are fading away, retreating to our forests as Men multiply and our own kin are slain in these wars. The Sea calls to me Berdir as it has since we were but children in the Elder's eyes, taking our first arrows to the strings of our bows. I too will leave this land and sail, but there is a difference between answering that call and abandoning your people. I would not desert my people, whether they be Mirkwood, Lorien or Imladris Elves. We are all in the same despite the variances in our tongues and dress. If indeed our time on this land is over, then we will leave it behind of free will…we will leave in victory. Sauron will no longer poison these woods, he will not make us flee to Valinor like the cowards he has bred to use for mindless slaves."

Despite Legolas' speech, Berdir's tone was still one of hopelessness.

"And the King, my lord? You cannot dispatch an army or lead Mirkwood to war."

"Forget the King! We will look to Men, to Gondor and follow in their example."

"Gondor?"

"Yes! How many years have they defended their cities and stayed united without a King? They have a Steward and he has served Gondor's people well enough."

Legolas slid his quiver onto his back and grabbed his bow, a mischievous glint came to his blue eyes.

"Think of me as the Steward of Mirkwood."

"The soldiers of Mirkwood are behind you, my lord."

Berdir bowed deeply.

"I know Berdir…I know. Now you know what I must do, and I do not know what Lord Elrond has in store. I do know, that he is very wise, and he will know what to do about this mess. I won't be setting out for Rivendell for a while, but I have preparations to begin."

"Legolas? Thank you. From all of us…"

"No need for thanks, none at all."

"Then I will excuse myself, I was ordered to be one of that Gollum's watchguards."

"Good luck and farewell, Berdir."

Berdir bowed, picked up his belongings and headed off towards the tree where Gollum was being held. Legolas began his walk back to his room. His ears perked up a moment when he thought he heard a noise behind him. Drawing a knife he turned, but saw nothing. Leaves rolled along the soil being carried by a breeze that seemed to carry a dark chuckling. Chills ran down his spine, and his instincts begged him to face the South. Suddenly he felt thousands of dark eyes on his back, but no one was there. Legolas sheathed his knife and continued on his way. Something foul was amiss.