Authors notes: - Thank you again for all the reviews. I implore everyone to
review, please make my day :-) Hope you enjoy!
* Legolas was furious as he strode out of the clearing. As soon as he was out of sight of the camps he lightly jumped into the nearest tree. Climbing higher and proceeding deeper into the forest Legolas's mood darkened. He loved his home and would do anything to protect it. As he reached the platforms that his people had set up his heart clenched in grief. How could anyone conceive of letting Mirkwood fall?
"Legolas!" A very familiar voice called and a blonde elf appeared before him.
"Azian." He said wearily.
"What's wrong little brother?" Azian teased lightly.
"I was just in council with Gandalf and Lord Elrond. They state that there is little chance in saving Mirkwood and they wish not to attempt it."
Azian's face fell. "Surely you jest?" he exclaimed in shock.
"I would not jest about something like this." He snapped angrily. Azian held up his hands.
"Calm down Las." Azian said using Legolas's childish nickname. Legolas sighed and sat gracefully down on the platform where Azian joined him. They sat in silence for a while, shoulders touching and legs dangling over the edge.
"How do I tell father?" Legolas questioned quietly.
Azian smiled slightly. "Out of range of weapons and any sharp objects."
Legolas smiled. "He will need to know before the council tomorrow or I fear the consequences."
"It must be the enemy's ploy. Get an enraged wood elf king to kill all the leaders in one go."
Legolas laughed. "I missed you so much. You are the only one who could find humour in a lose - lose situation."
"Ahh but it seems your friend have given me a run for my money. Gimli is fairly amusing!"
"Aye he is!"
The two laughed. After a few minutes of silence, they calmed themselves and Legolas rose.
With a sigh he spoke. "There is no use in putting off the inevitable. I will seek out father."
Azian rose as well and stated his intention to follow. "Someone has to protect you."
"You? Now I am truly afraid." Legolas laughed and jumped from the platform before the blow Azian aimed at his head got near him.
It took them only a few minutes to reach the place where their father had set up his command. Stepping past the veils that hid those within, but allowed the air to flow freely, they entered. Thranduil was present, as was Aeolian and Varnier, one of the warrior's captains who had been with Thranduil and Aeolian in the Haven.
"Legolas, Azian." Thranduil greeted. "Legolas I did not expect to see you this day. I thought you were with King Elessar?"
"I was but something arose that I felt you should know immediately." Legolas said moving forward and bowing respectfully.
"Then speak for I wish to know what has worried you."
"I was summoned to see Lord Elrond and Mithrandir with Kings Elessar and Eomer and Lord Gimli. The elves of Mirkwood were the topic of conversation, as were you. Lord Elrond and Mithrandir felt that Mirkwood could not be saved. They wished to bring up at the council their opinion that the defence of our home is neither worth the casualties or is actually achievable."
Instead of the expression of rage that Legolas had expected to appear on his fathers face it held a calm acceptance.
"So they have made their decision. I feared that I knew this was coming, although I am disappointed."
"Pardon?" Legolas said confused. Thranduil laughed a bitter laugh.
"Sometimes I forget how young you are."
Legolas's face became indignant.
"They came to our aid yes but they are not willing to lose all for us. You are blinded by your friendships, you gave your all to help them but as much as you want it from them in return, they will not give it."
"I am not blinded by my friendships. I will talk to them, tomorrow at the council we can work on a plan that can save Mirkwood, it is not impossible."
"Their decisions will not change before tomorrow Legolas. They told you because they thought they were being your friends. They thought to let you know so it wouldn't be a surprise tomorrow at the council when they announced their intentions." Thranduil said kindly.
"No Aragorn, Gimli even Eomer stated they were not leaving without fighting." Legolas protested.
"But Lord Elrond and Mithrandir have already made clear their opinions. How long before they persuade the others that we are not worth saving?"
"They will not abandon me!" Legolas stated fervently.
"Nay they do not intend to but circumstances will force their hand. We must rely on ourselves as always." Thranduil said as he gripped his son's shoulder in a comforting manner.
"We are sending out scouting parties." He said. "I wish you to lead one, Azian will lead another. Aeolian will remain here. Select your warriors and take horses. I need the reports quickly."
Legolas nodded. "Yes father." He replied with a sigh.
"Do not engage the enemy unless there is no other alternative. Be safe my sons."
Legolas and Azian left. At the bottom of the tall tree that they had been in stood two elves with two elvish horses. The brothers stood facing the horses that regarded them with equal expressions of curiosity. Legolas stepped forward to one of the horses, the tallest of the pair. The horse shook his snowy white head shaking his mane and then nudged Legolas with his muzzle.
"Hello" he said softly and the horse whinnied and butted him again.
"He likes you." Azian commented from his position stroking his horse's neck.
"It must be my winning personality." Legolas said. Azian snorted.
"More likely he recognises you are a soft touch and will spoil him rotten." As if to prove the point the horse started snuffling around looking for food. Legolas laughed.
"What's his name?" Legolas asked
"Astalder (Valiant one)" the elf who had led him said.
The horse snorted, raised his head and held it high as if to prove his name.
"Hmm mischievous one maybe." Astalder stamped his hoof.
Legolas laughed and swung onto his back. The horse had a soft linen bridle with no bit and a small blanket with the emblem of Mirkwood emblazoned on it. Astalder reared playfully and neighed joyously.
"I will be right back!" Legolas announced. Azian nodded. He knew where his brother was going.
*
Astalder cantered swiftly through the forest and into the clearings where the others were gathered. His arrival caught the attention of most present, but he ignored them. He dismounted quickly and headed for his tent, Astalder followed wearily watching everyone. Legolas entered and froze. Aragorn was sat on a chair facing the entrance waiting for him. Legolas sighed and walked past him and gathered his things.
"Going somewhere?" Aragorn enquired casually.
"My father is sending out scouting parties. I am leading one of them."
"Where?" Aragorn questioned.
"Where ever it takes me. Where the enemy is." Legolas muttered avoiding answering the question unwilling to get into a debate.
"Near Dol Guldur?"
"What with all the questions? Speak your mind Aragorn!" Legolas said exasperated.
"I fear for you."
Legolas whirled around angrily.
"Is that all you can say to me? You fear for me! We have already had this conversation Aragorn I will not repeat myself!"
"Then stop this and listen to me."
"Listen to what? You telling me that you feel that I am ill. That to save Mirkwood we need to have more discussion and debate on the issue! Is there anything you need to add?"
Aragorn grabbed Legolas and forced him closer.
"The closer to Dol Guldur you get the more chance Sauron has to invade your mind! Your mind is weak and unprotected!"
"Are you saying that I would give in? Surrender to him?" Legolas snarled.
"No!" Aragorn said resisting the urge to shake the elf. "Please let Gandalf help you!"
"So you have been discussing me?" Legolas demanded.
"What is wrong with you?" Aragorn said desperately.
"Look at this from my point of you and you may understand. Do not speak of this again!" Legolas pulled his arms free and gathered his things. He turned to leave.
"I will not abandon my people and if I have to sacrifice myself to protect my homeland I will do it. You are my friend please do not make me give that up. I will see you when I return."
"Be careful." Aragorn said softly. Legolas smiled.
"Always."
**
* Legolas was furious as he strode out of the clearing. As soon as he was out of sight of the camps he lightly jumped into the nearest tree. Climbing higher and proceeding deeper into the forest Legolas's mood darkened. He loved his home and would do anything to protect it. As he reached the platforms that his people had set up his heart clenched in grief. How could anyone conceive of letting Mirkwood fall?
"Legolas!" A very familiar voice called and a blonde elf appeared before him.
"Azian." He said wearily.
"What's wrong little brother?" Azian teased lightly.
"I was just in council with Gandalf and Lord Elrond. They state that there is little chance in saving Mirkwood and they wish not to attempt it."
Azian's face fell. "Surely you jest?" he exclaimed in shock.
"I would not jest about something like this." He snapped angrily. Azian held up his hands.
"Calm down Las." Azian said using Legolas's childish nickname. Legolas sighed and sat gracefully down on the platform where Azian joined him. They sat in silence for a while, shoulders touching and legs dangling over the edge.
"How do I tell father?" Legolas questioned quietly.
Azian smiled slightly. "Out of range of weapons and any sharp objects."
Legolas smiled. "He will need to know before the council tomorrow or I fear the consequences."
"It must be the enemy's ploy. Get an enraged wood elf king to kill all the leaders in one go."
Legolas laughed. "I missed you so much. You are the only one who could find humour in a lose - lose situation."
"Ahh but it seems your friend have given me a run for my money. Gimli is fairly amusing!"
"Aye he is!"
The two laughed. After a few minutes of silence, they calmed themselves and Legolas rose.
With a sigh he spoke. "There is no use in putting off the inevitable. I will seek out father."
Azian rose as well and stated his intention to follow. "Someone has to protect you."
"You? Now I am truly afraid." Legolas laughed and jumped from the platform before the blow Azian aimed at his head got near him.
It took them only a few minutes to reach the place where their father had set up his command. Stepping past the veils that hid those within, but allowed the air to flow freely, they entered. Thranduil was present, as was Aeolian and Varnier, one of the warrior's captains who had been with Thranduil and Aeolian in the Haven.
"Legolas, Azian." Thranduil greeted. "Legolas I did not expect to see you this day. I thought you were with King Elessar?"
"I was but something arose that I felt you should know immediately." Legolas said moving forward and bowing respectfully.
"Then speak for I wish to know what has worried you."
"I was summoned to see Lord Elrond and Mithrandir with Kings Elessar and Eomer and Lord Gimli. The elves of Mirkwood were the topic of conversation, as were you. Lord Elrond and Mithrandir felt that Mirkwood could not be saved. They wished to bring up at the council their opinion that the defence of our home is neither worth the casualties or is actually achievable."
Instead of the expression of rage that Legolas had expected to appear on his fathers face it held a calm acceptance.
"So they have made their decision. I feared that I knew this was coming, although I am disappointed."
"Pardon?" Legolas said confused. Thranduil laughed a bitter laugh.
"Sometimes I forget how young you are."
Legolas's face became indignant.
"They came to our aid yes but they are not willing to lose all for us. You are blinded by your friendships, you gave your all to help them but as much as you want it from them in return, they will not give it."
"I am not blinded by my friendships. I will talk to them, tomorrow at the council we can work on a plan that can save Mirkwood, it is not impossible."
"Their decisions will not change before tomorrow Legolas. They told you because they thought they were being your friends. They thought to let you know so it wouldn't be a surprise tomorrow at the council when they announced their intentions." Thranduil said kindly.
"No Aragorn, Gimli even Eomer stated they were not leaving without fighting." Legolas protested.
"But Lord Elrond and Mithrandir have already made clear their opinions. How long before they persuade the others that we are not worth saving?"
"They will not abandon me!" Legolas stated fervently.
"Nay they do not intend to but circumstances will force their hand. We must rely on ourselves as always." Thranduil said as he gripped his son's shoulder in a comforting manner.
"We are sending out scouting parties." He said. "I wish you to lead one, Azian will lead another. Aeolian will remain here. Select your warriors and take horses. I need the reports quickly."
Legolas nodded. "Yes father." He replied with a sigh.
"Do not engage the enemy unless there is no other alternative. Be safe my sons."
Legolas and Azian left. At the bottom of the tall tree that they had been in stood two elves with two elvish horses. The brothers stood facing the horses that regarded them with equal expressions of curiosity. Legolas stepped forward to one of the horses, the tallest of the pair. The horse shook his snowy white head shaking his mane and then nudged Legolas with his muzzle.
"Hello" he said softly and the horse whinnied and butted him again.
"He likes you." Azian commented from his position stroking his horse's neck.
"It must be my winning personality." Legolas said. Azian snorted.
"More likely he recognises you are a soft touch and will spoil him rotten." As if to prove the point the horse started snuffling around looking for food. Legolas laughed.
"What's his name?" Legolas asked
"Astalder (Valiant one)" the elf who had led him said.
The horse snorted, raised his head and held it high as if to prove his name.
"Hmm mischievous one maybe." Astalder stamped his hoof.
Legolas laughed and swung onto his back. The horse had a soft linen bridle with no bit and a small blanket with the emblem of Mirkwood emblazoned on it. Astalder reared playfully and neighed joyously.
"I will be right back!" Legolas announced. Azian nodded. He knew where his brother was going.
*
Astalder cantered swiftly through the forest and into the clearings where the others were gathered. His arrival caught the attention of most present, but he ignored them. He dismounted quickly and headed for his tent, Astalder followed wearily watching everyone. Legolas entered and froze. Aragorn was sat on a chair facing the entrance waiting for him. Legolas sighed and walked past him and gathered his things.
"Going somewhere?" Aragorn enquired casually.
"My father is sending out scouting parties. I am leading one of them."
"Where?" Aragorn questioned.
"Where ever it takes me. Where the enemy is." Legolas muttered avoiding answering the question unwilling to get into a debate.
"Near Dol Guldur?"
"What with all the questions? Speak your mind Aragorn!" Legolas said exasperated.
"I fear for you."
Legolas whirled around angrily.
"Is that all you can say to me? You fear for me! We have already had this conversation Aragorn I will not repeat myself!"
"Then stop this and listen to me."
"Listen to what? You telling me that you feel that I am ill. That to save Mirkwood we need to have more discussion and debate on the issue! Is there anything you need to add?"
Aragorn grabbed Legolas and forced him closer.
"The closer to Dol Guldur you get the more chance Sauron has to invade your mind! Your mind is weak and unprotected!"
"Are you saying that I would give in? Surrender to him?" Legolas snarled.
"No!" Aragorn said resisting the urge to shake the elf. "Please let Gandalf help you!"
"So you have been discussing me?" Legolas demanded.
"What is wrong with you?" Aragorn said desperately.
"Look at this from my point of you and you may understand. Do not speak of this again!" Legolas pulled his arms free and gathered his things. He turned to leave.
"I will not abandon my people and if I have to sacrifice myself to protect my homeland I will do it. You are my friend please do not make me give that up. I will see you when I return."
"Be careful." Aragorn said softly. Legolas smiled.
"Always."
**
