( Author's Note: This chapter marks the end of The Prodigal's Son. The intent of the story was to tell what happens during Gollum's capture in Mirkwood, and as the rest of Fellowship continued, that story was long forgotten. I hope you have enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it. Please review! Thank you and namárië. )

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

Chapter 14

Merry Brandybuck and Pippin Took chased after eachother on one of Rivendell's glorious balconies. They giggled and laughed as they each ran after the prize of a large, shining apple. Nearby, Frodo sat with Sam and Bilbo in silence as the hobbits looked up at the sky above. What words had they to say? How could they console eachother when each hobbit's fear was as bad as the next. Frodo feared to speak to Bilbo, for he did not want to exchange sad words that would surely come with tears. He wondered how, even at a time like this, Merry and Pippin could be playing games.

At that time Gandalf appeared and led the Hobbits down to the main gates of Rivendell. There the rest of the Fellowship awaited their companions and the cover of dusk which had already begun to fall. From the shadows, one by one, Elven voices could be heard beginning to sing. Frodo approached the others carefully, and bowed his head in greetings.

Aragorn smiled to Frodo and gestured to Legolas.

"Master Frodo, this is Legolas Greenleaf, Prince of Mirkwood. He is familiar to you from the Council, but also know we have been friends for many years. He is quicker than lightning to string a bow, and has even deadlier aim when shooting it."

Legolas smiled and brought his hand to his chest and bowed his head. "I serve and protect you in the name of the elves of Greenwood, now so sorrowfully called Mirkwood. "

Gandalf smiled and put his hands on Frodo's shoulders as Aragorn also introduced Gimli. The hobbits all blinked curiously as they saw the cold look exchanged between the Elf and the Dwarf. Aragorn then turned to the other man standing there.

"And this is Boromir of Gondor, son of the Steward Denethor. With his sword and shield he will defend you."

"On behalf of the people of Gondor and the White City, I will aid you in this quest Frodo Baggins."

Frodo cleared his throat and spoke in a small voice.

"I thank you all, but let us pray Legolas need not use his bow, nor Gimli his ax, or Strider and Boromir their mighty swords."

"Nor this wizard his staff." Gandalf said gently as he rested his body weight on the arm holding the staff firmly on the ground.

-=-

As the nine made their way towards the gates of Rivendell, the farewell hymn of the Elves grew louder, and one by one the magnificent creatures emerged from the shadows, illuminating the pathway with their natural light. Each of the walkers left the gates with bowed heads, an feeling of emptiness and a somber shadow looming over their heads.

Legolas trailed behind for a moment, collecting his thoughts before the final step forward. In his mind, all the events of the past months replayed in his head, but his facial gestures only mirrored the memories full of sadness. Thoughts of Berdir's death, thoughts about his father, and even Meriliel, the Elf Maiden from the Grey Havens. She had given him a moment of escape from the darkness around him, a chance to think of things other than death and battle. Yet she too was taken away.

Legolas was pulled away from his thoughts by the touch of a pale hand. He was surprised to see Lady Arwen Undomiel before him, clad in a dress of silver and blue. Dark hair ran down her shoulders, dotted with jewels that looked like stars in the night sky. Legolas was speechless for a moment, taken aback by her beauty. Arwen smiled.

"It has been a very long time since we have spoken, Legolas."

He awoke from his stupor and genuflected before her, a hand to his heart.

"My lady…"

"I am sad we come to speak again in such dark times, Prince Legolas. But I feel your troubled heart, and my mind senses your troubled soul."

Legolas closed his blue eyes and bowed his head.

"So much has happened my lady, that to feel any bit of joy would feel like I betray those I have lost."

"You cannot be sad forever, for those who pass on pass on into beauty and peace, especially those of our kind."

Her white hand came up to raise his chin.

"You represent not only Greenwood in this quest, but Lothlorien and Imladris as well. You represent all of your kin, and I have faith in the fact you will represent us well. Let that fear be lifted from your heart. You will see your father again, and the glory of your forests restored."

Legolas felt the urge to cry, and he could not hide the glaze in his eyes from the elf princess. Her words gave him a comfort he so desperately needed, so gentle and caring they were.

"I have failed many times before, too many, and yet the quest has just begun."

"We all have the capability to err, just as we have the capability to persevere…the capability to love, and forgive, and be victorious. Do not forget this, Legolas…and do not forget the grace you have been given by the Vala. You over all in the Nine have the longest time to make things right. All will fall into place."

"My lady, I am ever grateful for your words, for they have truly soothed the wounds in my heart."

Arwen smiled again, ever a vision of ethereal beauty.

The elf prince went down to one knee and bowed his head before the Lady Undómiel once more. And when he rose, he brought his hand to her face and smiled.

"No harm will come to him. As long as I draw breath, Aragorn will be protected. He will return to you, Evenstar."

It was Arwen's turn now to display her gratitude, as she curtseyed to the Prince of Mirkwood in thanks for his promise to protect her beloved.

"May the Vala be with you all on this quest."

"Namárië, my lady."

And with his final farewell Legolas Greenleaf turned and sprinted off into the night to catch up with the rest of the Fellowship, as they took the Ring south.

-The End-