Searching
Desperate now, Thranduil searched further downstream. How could such a small elfling wander so far, in such a short time? He had turned his back for only a second, but his son had vanished.
His mind was filled with terrifying images and dread. There were so many dangers to befall a child; spiders, wolves – and the swift, cold river.
Then, the call he longed for and dreaded. "My Lord! Over here!"
Flaming torchlight revealed a muddy, tear-streaked elfling; peacefully asleep among the protective roots of a mighty oak. Thranduil bent; scooped him up with a kiss. "Legolas. Come home now."