The cool water was a welcome refreshment to his parched tongue, and after refilling his flask, the young prince decided to enjoy a bath in the clear brook. He laughed to himself as he sat on the rocky floor, allowing the water to push against him as it struggled to maintain its course. It had been several days since he had last paused to take any prolonged enjoyment from his crusade, and he felt deliciously mischievous about his impromptu stop.
The trees chuckled with amusement as they beheld the antics of their young guest, and the waters themselves joined in their humor, occasionally causing a particularly large gush of water to attack the small body, playfully knocking him over. In the trees around the stream, small creatures watched with interest as the strange being frolicked in the spring, enjoying the spray of waves as they lapped against his body.
This area was in a remote part of southern Mirkwood, and scarcely saw the presence of its elven neighbors. In fact, the visits of the elves had been so rare that most of the animals had only encountered them a single time during their lifetime, if they had at all. The great trees sensed their intrigue, and hastened to inform them that their small visitor was an elf, as well as a friend of nature, for they were old and well remembered those who had gifted them with speech.
After relaxing in the shallow creek for some time, the blonde youth became aware of his attentive audience. With a deep breath he closed his eyes, and worked to regain his connection with the many spirits around him. A broad grin spread across his face as he suddenly was able to catch parts of the conversations going on in the treetops. As he listened, he took a moment to thank the Valar for granting his kind this wonderful gift. Still beaming, he quietly observed the trees recounting past experiences with elves, and several birds debating the reason for his current presence. Unable to passively eavesdrop any longer, Legolas let out a shrill whistle, capturing their collective attention. He was rather startled by the intense silence that immediately fell over the forest, for even the winds appeared to cease. He took a deep breath, and in the tongue of the birds, thanked the trees for their kind support. In gratitude for their acceptance of his uninvited presence, he explained that it was only fair that he personally introduce himself to all within the vicinity.
The animals erupted in excited chatter at their discovery of the ability to communicate with this new creature. Within a few moments, several birds had flown out of the boughs to get closer to this curious being, some choosing to use his shoulders as their perch. Squirrels and chipmunks scurried down the long trunks, coming to rest on the shores of the stream nearest the boy.
Legolas laughed merrily as he observed his new friends, engaging them in conversation about the weather, and eventually telling them about his quest. For nearly an hour they chatted, the creatures telling him all about the area, and he in turn telling them a little about his own home.
Regretfully, he was forced to bid farewell to them so he could continue his bath, as he did not have much time to spare. As they departed, he retrieved his soap from his supplies, and washed the remaining dirt from his skin and hair. Clean for the first time in many days, a very satisfied and refreshed elfling returned to the bank to redress, choosing his spare set of apparel over his well-traveled in clothing he'd been wearing earlier. With a muffled chuckle he assessed the clothes he'd been wearing, and after ascertaining the position of the sun, he decided to camp near the stream that night. This decision allotted him several hours of valuable daylight, with which he first decided to wash his dirt-encrusted garments.
Once he completed his task, which nearly served as a second bath, the young prince hung his clothes from high branches, along with his bedroll, where fewer animals could access them, and any passers-by would not notice them. He then decided to hunt for a fresh meal, which he'd also been long without.
Almost without thinking, he attached his quiver and silvery long-bladed knives to his back, before slinging his pack over a shoulder, and slipping daggers into his calf-high boots. After assuring everything was in its place, he quickly took inventory of his supply of arrows and carefully inspected his bow, adjusting the fine threads to the correct tautness. It was a system he'd been regularly practicing for over a fortnight - sometimes several times a day – and he knew that it would be one he would not be breaking for some time to come.
Finally satisfied with his preparations, he set off into the dense foliage, moving so silently that he scarcely stirred the air about his lithe form. No trace of the young hunter was left as he wound his way through the brush, sliding from one sheltered vantage point to another, careful to ensure that his presence went unnoticed. Though his feet left no print, he found it precariously challenging to prevent himself from disturbing the leaves and twigs that adorned the ground – objects which were sure to alert any potential prey to his position.
A deep concentration fell over him as he stretched his senses to their full alertness, stilling his body until even his breathing was imperceptible. A slight smile marred his otherwise stern countenance as he realized the extent he'd improved his stealth since the start of his journey. His moment of pride was cut short, however, as his sharp hearing detected the subtle crunch of leaves some distance from him, jolting his body into readiness as he waited for the noise to materialize into a veritable target.
A few moments of anxious patience rewarded him with a clear view of a magnificent stag unabashedly grazing in the small clearing the trees afforded it. Legolas stared at the mighty creature in awe for a few seconds, watching the graceful movements that caused light to reflect off the tawny pelt like glittering golden armor, illuminating the deep soulful eyes that unhurriedly surveyed the locality. Entirely forgetting his intention to slay the beautiful beast, the young hunter sat mesmerized, breath caught in his throat at the ethereal vision. Unaware of being watched, the buck bent his head to graze, giving his admirer a full view of his equally magnificent pair of antlers, which spanned several feet. A moment later a sound caught the keen ears of the deer and its awestruck predator – the rustle of leaves in a nearby dell, harmlessly stirred by the slight wind - and it snapped its head upright to gaze cautiously in the direction it had come. The abrupt movement caused the elfling to register his whereabouts, and recalling his hunting expedition, he realized that he was mere seconds from losing the opportunity that had so generously presented itself.
With reflexes too fast for the eye to perceive, he snatched an arrow from his full quiver, notching it into his bow. A moment later he had aligned the shot, and in the same breath, released the arrow with accuracy that spoke of skill far beyond that befitting one of his young age. The stag fell with a pitiful moan - more a strained breath than any vocalic sound - for an arrow protruded from its trachea, and its body lay still and lifeless shortly after meeting the ground.
Legolas slowly emerged from his crouched position, cautiously approaching the fell creature. As he approached it side, he knew with certainty it was dead, for its eyes were clouded and its chest failed to rise. The young archer drew a shuddering breath, and sank to his knees beside the buck. Still unaccustomed to taking lives, he sorrowfully scanned the corpse with a mixture of guilt and pity, a hesitant hand coming to rest on the pelt that was yet warm. A small portion of relief was awarded him as he noted that his aim had been true, and the creature had not suffered unduly.
Grateful for this small mercy, the small blonde head bowed, eyes closed, and silently thanked the Valar for their clemency. After taking a few moments to assuage his guilt and clear his mind, he slowly opened his eyes to behold his prey. He knew the death had been a necessary one, but he never found it easy to shed life, regardless of the need. Despite the logic of his mind, his heart still weighed heavily with the burden of the responsibility for the deed. Through a trembling voice that strived to appear brave, a prayer was whispered for the departed spirit.
"Thank you, my noble friend, for your sacrifice this day. May the Valar embrace you in their arms, and guard your spirit in its eternal rest."
He was silent for several minutes, paying his respects to the deer, and mourning its passing. Finally, he unsheathed a knife from his back, and set to work harvesting the fresh venison. Once he had as much as he could carry, he removed the impressive rack of antlers from the noble creature's head. He admired them for several minutes, realizing how fortunate he'd been. With a piercing whistle he called to the trees, summoning the largest of the area's hawks.
Moments later, a beautiful bird with honey-color wings descended from the clouds, coming to rest on a branch just above the grim scene. Legolas smiled up at the bird in greeting, and thanked it for its cooperation. He quickly explained what he required of the bird, and after some discussion, which involved assuring the bird of a handsome reward for his hardship, the creature acquiesced.
The prince grinned appreciatively at the bird as he moved to help it grasp the large cargo, and gave a slight wave of farewell as it took flight seconds later, carrying the rack with it on a long flight to the heart of the Greenwood. Once the hawk had disappeared from sight, he gathered his butchered pieces and stood, immediately making his way back to the tree that still held the remainder of his belongings.
In a relatively short time he found what he had earlier deemed as his campsite for the night, and quickly unburdened himself of the meat and excess gear. From the stream he collected several large stones, and built himself a fire pit. Minutes later he had kindled a fire, and was busy spearing the meat with sticks to cook it. Much of the meat was designated for later use, and thus he prepared it to be cooked and then dried. The remainder he cooked to be tender and moist, for a more pleasurable and immediate consumption.
With the time allowed by the roasting of the meat, he stole away to search for berries. By inquiring of the birds, he was directed to a large bushel of berries, and eagerly took as much as he was able. Arms heavily laden, he returned to monitor his meat, pleased that he'd been so successful. Only after he had feasted on the plentiful meal did he allow himself to feel pride for his masterful kill.
Contented and full, he extinguished the flames, and primed the meat to be dried. He laid the fruit out beside it, so that they too might be saved for travel. By the time he finished his preparations, the sun had dipped below the horizon, and the stars were beginning to show themselves.
Legolas gazed up at the sparkling lights and smiled at their splendor. A song swelled within his chest at the serene sight, and he was loath to stop it as it flowed across his tongue. As far as the sound reach, creatures of all type paused to hear the sweet melody, so beautifully delivered by the high, clear tones of the young voice.
The song ended with a soft, resounding pitch, which lingered in the peaceful night before gently fading on the breast of the stream's waters. Moments past, magically charged with a silence so potently tranquil that none dared to break it, before, at last, the forest reawakened. Calls of appreciation sounded from all corners of the wood, causing the wood elf to blush at the sudden attention he'd unknowingly drawn.
With a soft sigh he rose to his feet, and began dismantling the ring he'd built, effectively erasing all evidence of his presence. Once finished, he moved his drying morsels into the tree, where he would sleep. He exchanged hushed words with the tree as he worked, thanking it for its generous hospitality in sheltering him for the evening. As he listened to an account of a family of sparrows that had once taken residence in the tree's limbs, a yawn reminded him of the long day he'd had, and he spread his bedroll on a large branch.
The tree chuckled as it witnessed the fatigue of its young charge, and it dutifully bid the prince goodnight, assuring him that it would stand guard. Legolas smirked at the protective gesture, but was too tired to argue. Instead, he again offered his thanks, and sank into blissful reverie.