(Author's note: Legolas departs for Rivendell.This chapter was a bit difficult for me because I could not find travel details of Legolas' journey from Mirkwood to Rivendell. I was only detailed in making up a route, and I referred to The Atlas of Middle-Earth by Karen Wynn Fonstad to pretty much have Legolas take the same road as Bilbo Baggins but backwards. Go easy on me with this little journey problem ;). Keep the reviews coming, I really appreciate that! I have also turned on the 'anonymous review' function. I didn't know that a) it existed and b) I had it turned off. (Woops) Enjoy! –Rilwen)

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

Chapter 10

The day had come for Legolas to depart for Imladris. The time that passed between this day and Berdir's death had healed no grief or pain. Legolas had later discovered that Osgiliath, one of Gondor's main cities, had been attacked the same day by forces of the Dark Lord. Doom seemed too sure now for the remainder of the free lands.

"Farewell, my son. Represent us as well as you have served us. Mirkwood will not forget your courage or love for it. Yet do not forget my love for you, Legolas. May we meet again in happier times."

Thranduil placed his hands on his son's shoulders and kissed his forehead. For a moment Legolas' locked his gaze with his father's. He wished he could be given just a few more hours to speak with him, to close wounds that should have never been opened, and ask questions that had never been answered; alas this could not be. When Legolas turned to face his people he was met solemn bows. Legolas' heart was pounding, and he took a deep breath. This is what he wanted; the chance to take action for his people and his land, to make sure Mirkwood would not fall to the Dark Lord. His time had come and his wish had been granted, it was time to take action.

Straightening his posture and lifting his chin, fearless and proud, Legolas began his walk to the doors. Maidens wept, the few young ones present stared in awe, and the males watched their comrade with respect and sadness. Legolas understood the reasons behind their expressions; he knew some believed this would be the last time the Prince of Mirkwood was seen alive.

Guards moved before the doors of Thranduil's hall and bowed to their Prince. Legolas returned the bow then slowly turned to see his father. He, like the other Elves in the King's hall, watched in silence. Many hearts pounded with anxiety in that room and he heard them all in their varying rhythms through the great hearing of his Elven ears. Many spirits were burdened with dread at the sight of their departing Prince. Legolas felt the creeping dread, it crawled over his skin like a caterpillar, slowly creeping and tickling with every insect leg. Again he took a deep breath to calm himself, and gave his father a silent farewell using only the glint of love in his eyes.

"My Prince?"

Legolas turned to see the guards had opened the doors for him. In his mind he sang for Mirkwood and wished it farewell as the doors to his father's hall closed behind him. He had been told all of his belongings were sent to the stables were Gelebrin awaited. Many Elves still stood by watching him, but Legolas did not mind them and continued on his way. He could not stop to hear farewells and blessings from the other Elves who milled about; his mind was set and a newfound energy now coursed through his veins. It was as if the Valar had come down and touched his soul, causing a spark that ignited the new flame within.

At the stables he quickly took control of Gelebrin and checked his provisions and gear once more. The horse had just been groomed and its gray coat had a beautiful sheen. The white main was neatly braided and the tail freshly combed. Gelebrin was truly a beautiful horse to behold, and loyal nonetheless. Legolas pet the horse's neck and whispered a quiet Elvish command before hopping up onto his back. With no need for reigns, Legolas simply balanced himself on Gelebrin and urged the horse onwards and down the Elf Path.

The Path lead West and out of the woods. On and on it stretched for many leagues, passing many dangers that hid in the thickets beside it. Mirkwood spiders and orcs made their homes there; just a thought back to Gollum's tree made him remember that all too well. His face turned sour and he clenched his jaw in anger as he remembered the site of the attack: mangled bodies, blood, shattered bows and broken arrows.

"Let us hope we do not meet the same end on our journey to Imladris, Gelebrin."

§…ˆ¤ˆ…§

Legolas rose up from his resting spot on the ground. A few bites of lembas and a brief bout of rest was all the Elf needed before he was ready to continue. He had decided to travel mostly at night and rest during the day, but anticipation and nerves did not allow him a steady pattern. It was now late into the night, only ten leagues or so from the edge of the forest and now he rode with his bow in one hand, ready to notch an arrow at the slightest sound. For the most part the road had been safe, only a few wayward orcs had met his arrows, but Legolas wondered what the situation would be once he left Mirkwood and ventured out into the open. His course would follow the Anduin south for many miles until he passed the house of Beorn and crossed the ford. From there he would risk the path through the mountains until he reached the realm of Elrond Half-Elven, Lord of Rivendell. Legolas hoped he would not be presented with any inescapable obstacles along the way.

At last the opening approached. Before his bright blue eyes Legolas saw hints of moonlight and starlight beam through the dark trees to meet him. Gelebrin quickened his pace for he was just as anxious as Legolas to bask in the light of the moon. They had traveled too many days down the Elf-Path in darkness and fear to not be filled with great joy at the sight of the moon. As they left Mirkwood behind them Legolas turned his face towards the sky and smiled. There was the moon, full and shining, a comfort to his weary heart and troubled mind. The stars sprinkled the sky with light, glimmering like dots of mithril in the heavens.

You have seen so much yet you smile and shine from dusk 'till dawn to lighten the hearts of all those who see you. I hope you do not fail me on this lonely night.

Legolas turned Gelebrin south. To his right the Anduin roared and to his left lay the darkness of his Mirkwood forest. For a few leagues he kept the horse's pace at a normal trot, he found no need to rush now since his senses had not picked up anything unusual. Sometimes he would hear howls and cries of fell creatures lurking in the woods, and Gelebrin would circle and neigh, trying to turn back. Sometimes it took more than a few soothing words in Elvish to calm the beast, and Legolas feared the horse would abandon him and leave him stranded.

"Stay with me Gelebrin and do not fear. If any foul creature dared to cause you harm they die before they could unsheathe their foul weapons, I promise. Now onwards! The Old Ford is not far away, and the quicker we make it to the Mountain Pass…the better."

§…ˆ¤ˆ…§

The ford had been crossed, Anduin left behind and the midpoint of Legolas' journey had been conquered. Ahead of him lay the Misty Mountains, looming high above the clouds with its snowcapped peaks, the sharp rocks giving Legolas a sense of foreboding. He kept his eyes on the Mountains as he searched his packs for warmer clothing.

This may be more difficult than it looks.

Legolas layered up with a longer tunic and a heavier cloak under the one he wore for travel. This one was more like a robe than a cloak because it wrapped around his torso and over the other shoulder. Gelebrin was also covered up with a beautifully woven cloth of a dark gray and embroidery depicting the crest of Thranduil.

"Well now that suits you very well, Gelebrin."

The horse nuzzled Legolas' face and made the Prince laugh. It had been a very long time since that merry sound escaped his lips, yet even now it was kissed with sorrow. For the longest time he had believed the immortality of the Elves to be something sure and steadfast; yet Berdir died in his arms, surrounded by fellow slain Elves. It was then that Legolas realized those Elves who lived forever simply avoided the factors of life that affected all other races save their own.

War will smite us if all we do is run from it. It will follow us, galloping on its war-horse with bow and spear and weapons of murder, leaving nothing in its path save for death and sorrow until at last we too are gone and all that is left are ashes.

A blast of cold air came down from the mountains, chilling Legolas to the bone. With one fluid movement he was mounted on Gelebrin once more. The horse trotted along, heading on his way towards the mountain pass that awaited the duo with its menacing snow paths and chills. Legolas drew the hood of his cloak onto his head and sheathed the dagger he kept in his boot into a scabbard on his belt. There would be no mercy for any being that would dare attack him now.