A/N: Legolas is the same age in this as the previous chapter.

Chapter 5

It was a very wonderful day outside. The sun was shining brightly, and there wasn't a single cloud in the sky! Birds were chirping and a faint breeze was in the air. This pleased the elves of Mirkwood. Ever since the shadow had started spreading, it seemed the days weren't nearly as nice as this one. A young prince Legolas, in particular, was enjoying this.

"-Please Ada!" Legolas complained. "I'll go with a guard even.. It will just be a short walk through the woods!"

"I already gave you my answer. It's too dangerous to be wandering outside of the palace," Thranduil replied.

"But its such a nice day outside! Why can't I enjoy it? You never let me out of the palace," Legolas stated, pouting. "I swear I'll stick to the paths."

The elf king stood up from his throne and began to slowly pace the room. After giving his son's request a thought, he stopped with a faint smile on his lips. "Very well. You may go. But only with a two guard escort." Legolas was still very young, and though he was trained with a bow, he was not prepared to face the dangers that lurked in the shadow.

A huge grin came to the young prince's face. "Thanks Ada! I'll be back not long after noon!" And with that, Legolas swiftly left the palace with two guards trailing behind him.

OoOoO

Legolas and the guards had been walking through the forest for a few minutes now. They were careful of course, to not go in too far. As they walked, Legolas looked at the trees all around him. Usually they seemed a little dark and gloomy, but the sun brightened them up a little. He could tell without speaking to them, that they also were very fond of this good weather. Besides the trees, there were also many flowers of various colors. Every now and then, Legolas would stop in the walk and kneel down to examine a flower more closely. The guards didn't mind this frequent stopping. They adored the young Mirkwood prince, and would do anything to ensure his happiness. It was much the same with the rest of the kingdom.

Eventually, Legolas grew bored of the silence. Since the guards weren't usually permitted to speak unless first spoken to, they hadn't done so. Because they were his company though, Legolas started up a conversation with them. They were his personal guards, so this fairly often happened. Elflings usually had a tendency to talk a lot, and Legolas was proof of this. He told them many stories that he had shared before with others, and some new ones that he hadn't. The guards listened intently, occasionally chuckling when Legolas told of a funny moment.

The walk had so far been peaceful and troubleless, when suddenly, the two guards heard a noise. They motioned for Legolas to stop, as they did so themselves. "Wha?-" Legolas began to ask before they shushed him. There was a rustling in the trees above, and in some bushes on the ground.

"Spiders!" The first guard cried out in alarm as two came out. The guards quickly attacked, also being mindful to protect their prince. Once the two spiders were killed, dozens more appeared. The guards each wore a grim expression. With one guard focused on protecting Legolas, that really only left one to fight them off. Their chances weren't looking so good. The guard protecting Legolas swung his sword to kill a spider headed to the prince, but as he did so, another spider sneaked up to him from behind and bit him. The guard gave a cry of pain before falling to the ground. Legolas tried his best not to scream as two more spiders came towards him. Looking around, he found a large branch and grabbed it, trying to fend off the spiders. When he turned his head, he found both guards lying on the ground- dead or unconscious- he didn't know.

Knowing no one was left to protect him, the elfling held onto the large branch tight, and started running back to the palace. Tears were beginning to form in his eyes. This was just supposed to be a calm, and peaceful walk! No one was supposed to get hurt! He also felt bad, knowing the guards would have been okay if they weren't trying to protect him.

As Legolas ran, he became aware that he wasn't headed in the right direction. He couldn't see the palace, and tall trees were everywhere, clouding his view. He wasn't paying attention, when he tripped on a root and fell. He held his arms in front of him, and cried out in alarm, cradling his arm, which had been hurting the fall. It was only slightly sprained, but the young prince didn't know that, and to him, it was as good as broken. He sniffed as he wiped away some tears. What was he going to do? He had no idea where he was no,he was injured, and he was still very scared. Though the spiders were no longer in view, he was sure they were after him.

The elfling found a large tree and sat against the trunk. He trout back to words he'd heard many times: If you ever get lost, just stay where you are and wait for someone to find you.

Legolas just hoped someone would come find him soon before it was too late.

OoOoO

Tbc…

Ooh cliff hanger

I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! Sorry for the late posting. I started writing this days ago, but I've been busy with a move, and alongside that, school. Because of the move I've also been without wifi for a few days so I couldn't access this. I'll try to update myother stories soon! Please, PLEASE leave a comment! They are always very,I have appreciated!