Legolas grappled with his heavy armor as he slipped it on. His heart constricted and he felt his stomach tighten with excitement and anxiety. This was his first battle, after months of rigorous training and preparing.

"Hey, got your armor on?" his captain asked gruffly. Legolas nodded tersely, fingering his bow as he got up from the floor. "Well, let's head on out, boys."

Captain Brëzen grabbed his long sword and shuffled out, his squadron following behind him. Many faces were grim, excited, or anxious. Legolas bumped into an older elf, who glared but ignored him. Even the Prince was not treated specially for the oncoming battle. His rank was relatively low, but Legolas worried not for he promised to his father he would work hard to get promoted.

Ahead, Legolas could make out with his elven eyes a contingent of orcs, wielding their large, bulky weapons with deadly malice. Unfortunately, Legolas would not take part in close combat but instead was tasked with shooting down the enemy.

Captain Brëzen patted his shoulder and reassured him that everything would be alright. "You'll be fine, Legolas. I trust in you. Now shoot down those orcs. You are a warrior."

Adrenaline coursed through him as Legolas took his place hidden up in the trees of Mirkwood. Then, a war horn was blown and the sound echoed throughout the silent forest. Nothing stirred.

Then, with a mighty roar, the elves and the orcs clashed, swords clashing on swords and arrows soaring through the air like birds. Over and over, like he was a programmed robot, Legolas strung his bow, nocked an arrow, and shot the incoming enemies. And over and over, orcs fell to the ground, as if a giant had stepped on them. Arrows covered their bodies.

Blooded seeped into the earth, and Legolas couldn't help feeling a bit squeamish and sick. But he hardened his heart, repeating in his head that he was protecting his people.

Suddenly, there was a bone-chilling wail filled with anguish and with unbelieving eyes, he saw his captain fall. Captain Brëzen fell. His mentor, his leader, and his comrade fell.

Rage consumed the hearts of the elves and they fought even harder, renewed with vengeance for their fallen comrade. Legolas was frozen still, shocked with the death of his captain. His stomach was a cold pit and his muscles refused to move, his mind replaying what he had just witnessed. With a final scream of anger and sorrow, he nocked his arrow and rained down arrow upon arrow on the battlefield.

The battle was over quickly, the victory belonging to the elves but Legolas could not feel even a drop of exalting joy for winning. He sat down numbly on the castle steps away from the festivities of a battle won, holding his head in his arms.

Legolas had watched the other elves carefully carry Captain Brëzen back to prepare his funeral. His captain's eyes had been closed and his face tranquil and peaceful, but his clothes and armor stained with blood. Legolas had turned his head away. Now here he was, feeling the full impact of sadness, horror, anguish and anger all mixed together. Captain Brëzen was the substitute of his father whenever Thranduil was absent. He felt completely hollow inside.

A gentle warm hand patted his head and he looked up. It was Thranduil, his face sad and mournful. "My son, you have done well."

Legolas did not reply and the Elven king did not say anything either. They stayed that way for a long time, thinking deeply of today's events.

"I thought we were invincible, that none of us would fall," Legolas choked up eventually.

Thranduil answered, "No, Legolas. It is not that way. Even the elves die in battle, fighting to protect. Do not be sad forever. I know Captain Brëzen was important to you but his death is one of many that will happen in the future. We must continue on, carrying on our duties but always remembering."

Legolas's eyes began tearing up and his father murmured, "Go ahead and cry. It is not shameful. Cry your beautiful tears for those you care about."

Legolas sobbed while his father comforted him, a hand resting on his shoulder as the Elven king looked on, years of sorrow and sadness and knowing in that gaze.