Legolas glanced around the village wondering what to do now. He had left in haste from the palace and had no money nor shelter.
He stumbled haphazardly into an inn that stood nearby and cautiously walked over to the bar trying his best to blend in. The barkeeper stopped wiping the glass he had just washed to glance down at Legolas.
"Um, excuse me sir," whispered Legolas, "but may I have a word with you?"
He trembled saying this. He had heard of the sport full grown men can make of elves and he didn't want to alert anyone to himself that he didn't deem necessary.
Without a word, the barkeeper came out from behind the bar and drew Legolas into an adjoining room. He stood before the 'boy' and looked at him. Legolas had covered himself in a dark green cloak that hid his face and most of his lean body.
"What is it, son?" asked the barkeeper.
Legolas tensed at the word "son" reminding him of the family had had had but was now gone forever. He would get his revenge on the elves that had taken his whole life away from him sometime.
"Umm. I was wondering if you had any work available. I really need some money and am a hard worker."
The barkeeper, a kind man who took pity on children, swept his glance across Legolas' face and moved towards him. In one quick move, he had pulled the hood back to reveal two perfectly pointed ears and long golden hair.
"Bejesus! So you'll be an elf then?"
"Please sir," whispered Legolas urgently, "no- one can know of my heritage, yet. I just need somewhere to stay. Please help me."
He had been frightened when his ears had been revealed and was worried that the barkeeper would throw him out and tell the whole village about the elf. His fears were not needed.
The barkeeper knelt down on one knee and calmly said, "You're hired. Me name's Calrus, my wife is Beltha. We'll help you and give you a place to stay for as long as you wish it. But what be your name, I wonder?" His eyes twinkling with amusement.
"My name's . . . Caldran." Legolas replied. He took that name from his two elder brother. Even thinking about them hurt terribly.
"I know that ain't your true name right now," replied Calrus," but I'll accept it and hopefully later you'll be able to tell me what yer real name is and where yer from," he said.
Legolas breathed a sigh of relief and waited for Calrus to take him to his new place of residence. It could never be his home.
That was only Mirkwood with her beautiful trees and the palace and his brothers and father, but until he could revenge his familie's murder, he was contented to wait here.