The night was far too quiet. Silence was beautiful in its own way. No corruption, deceit. Just the way of things, as they were supposed to be. He didn't start a fire that night, afraid of the hunters in the forest finding him. His call to the sea was too strong to stay by the shore as he always had, so he fled to the forest. He did not know the name of this forest, or any forest or land in Middle earth, nor did he care.

He heard footsteps and voices and saw a torch in the distance. He got low, and crawled slowly toward the large bush nearby. Thorns pierced his face and arms, and he ignored the pain in his hands as he crawled on them. These wood elves were far more clever than he originally gave them credit for. He steadied and slowed his breathing, closing his eyes and entered a meditative state. They could sense nervousness, fear. They stopped in the clearing, and he opened one eye and watched them. They looked around carefully, and their eyes stopped on the thorn bush he was sitting in. He sighed silently. He would definitely tear up his skin rushing from this infernal foliage that seemed to coat every inch of the forest floor. He tore from it, and the elves plunged their hands inside at the exact moment he fell out of the back of it. He moved around the tree carefully, and the elves cursed the thorns and the mysterious figure that evaded them. His eyebrows rose. They knew where he was. Why would they not confront him? He could see the fearful glint in their eyes. They were afraid. Superstitions drove these elves of the forest, and this time, it saved him from a sticky situation. Strange.

But Maglor was grateful for their ignorance.

He would have let them kill him before touching a hair on their heads.

Legolas couldn't stop thinking of what his father would say. Thranduil was devastated when he went on the quest with the fellowship. This one was very different. As he approached their cottage in the field, his father was in the garden. Legolas sat on the ground beside him.

"How was it?" Thranduil asked with a smile.

"Have you ever met Maglor?"

Thranduil looked up at him slowly, his eyes concerned. "Maglor? As in the son of Feanor?" Legolas nodded. "No," He said softly. "But your mother has." Legolas nodded again, and Thranduil took his chin. "What is it?"

"A quest." Legolas said softly. "To retrieve Maglor from the forests of Middle Earth."

Thranduil froze, fear registered on his face, his eyes wide. He then stood, his fists clenched at his sides. "Why would you do such a thing?"

"They needed someone who knew the forest-"

"He murdered-"

"I know, Ada." Legolas protested.

"No, you do not! You were not there! You did not see the frozen faces of the dead, of your kin strewn along the marble floors of your homeland! You never saw the fall of your beloved land at the hands of less than a dozen evil elves! You have not walked through the blood-soaked halls of your kingdom, wondering who had survived the slaughter. To find your King-" he stopped, turning away from him.

"Father. He will answer for his crimes once he returns," Legolas said softly.

"How do you know he will return? Will you tie him up, bring him back yourself? Did you ever think perhaps he has not returned or shown himself because he does not want to? Do you truly think he will come willingly? He and a few of his brothers took down entire kingdoms, Legolas. Do you truly believe you could match him in combat?"

Legolas staggered, his eyes falling. He hadn't thought of that. "Voronwe and Glorfindel-"

"They are of his kin. Not that that matters to them. Talk to lord Elrond. He knows Maglor well. None of the Feanorians have left Mandos halls, so he is your best source."

Legolas approached his father, touching his arm. "I am sorry, Ada. I did not mean to hurt you with my actions again." Thranduil turned, and Legolas embraced him. "I love you, Ada. And I will return."

Legolas' mother came outside, her face grim. "The window is open," She said quietly.

"I'm sorry. Nana." Legolas whispered.

"You've always been eager for adventure." She smiled sadly. "He is clever. Very clever, but of the Feanorians, he is the kindest. Just be smart."

"What does he look like?"

"Let's see," She said, searching her memory. "Last I saw him, which was a very long time ago, he had long dark brown hair, very light blue eyes. He has a cruel face, as they all did. Beautifully cruel. But there is kindness as well in his face like none of his brothers. You will know him, he has seen the light of he two trees."

Legolas nodded and embraced his mother. "I shall return."

"I know, my love."

"Elrond."

"Elrond was a small child last he saw them. He will not remember much regarding their personalities. But they loved him and his brother very, very much and treated them well. They aren't all evil." Legolas nodded, and his mother kissed his head. "I love you, ion nin."

His father embraced him again, doing the same. "Please be safe," Thranduil whispered, his voice wavering.

Legolas packed and left without another word. He didn't intend to see Elrond. Voronwe and Glorfindel agreed to meet him at the docks after noon, and it was nearing that time. But Elrond was there when he arrived. His face was troubled, and he approached Legolas as he neared the dock.

"He's dangerous, Legolas. So strong and intelligent it seems impossible. But he is caring, sensitive. If you do this right I believe he will return without trouble. But if you approach him combatively he shall slaughter all three of you before you even see him. He is disgusted with himself, he will believe you wish to kill him." Legolas nodded, and Elrond dug around in his bag. "Here." He said and handed Legolas a small box. Legolas opened it, and it contained a gold brooch of knots. "He gave it to me, tell him I kept it all this time and I wish to see him again. He will certainly believe you then."

Legolas nodded and put it in his bag. "I'll keep it safe. Thank you."

Elrond nodded, and said goodbye to Glorfindel before the three boarded their ship.

Thanks so much for reading! please review! The reference to Legolas' mother meeting Maglor is from my story Son of Stars, When Maglor and Maedhros surrender Elrond. Lots of Voronwe and Glorfindel in the next chapter!