A/N: This is the last chapter of Part 1(Flee of the Fallen). Enjoy~

Part 1: Flee of the Fallen

Chapter 20: Dawn of His Path

Washing off the grape juice from his hands, Legolas stood in the clearing, a bow in his grasp as the hobbits gathered around him. The danger of their journey had compelled him to spend the last few hours trying to teach the four archery. He had to admit, this was far more challenging than training his well-selected guards.

"Try to aim a bit higher, Pippin. Keep your balance on both feet," Legolas instructed patiently, watching as the hobbit struggled to pull back the bowstring.

Pippin let out a frustrated sigh, their patience clearly draining along with their strength. "I'm trying, but the bow is too heavy!"

Legolas chuckled, handing his own bow to the hobbit. The poor lad almost toppled over just from holding it. Still, he gave the hobbits an encouraging smile: "You'll get better in time. It's just a matter of practice."

"But we don't have much time to practice anymore," Merry pointed out.

"We're leaving in three months' time," Frodo recalled.

Legolas did his best to encourage the hobbits for a few more rounds, but the problem was obvious. One, hobbits clearly lacked the height to carry a bow large enough to cause harm. In fact, the four bows they were struggling with were initially for elflings as beginner's teaching tools. Two, the hobbits did not have the strength required to pull the string. Three, they were running out of time.

The lunch bell finally provided the perfect excuse to dismiss them.

"Are you not coming with us, Master Legolas?" Sam asked.

Legolas shook his head: "No, Sam. I'm not hungry. Enjoy your meal."

Watching the hobbits sprint to the dining hall, Legolas made his way back to his chamber. He wasn't lying when he told Sam he wasn't hungry, though his breakfast— a large bowl of grapes—was not in his stomach. The letter from his father sat on the desk like an explosive firework, but he couldn't avoid reading it forever. Sitting down, he took a deep breath and ripped the letter open:

To my wayward son,

I have received word of your decision to join this so-called Fellowship on a perilous journey to Mordor. It is with great dismay and profound disappointment that I write this letter. You have chosen to abandon your duties as my heir, forsaking the responsibilities that come with your lineage. Your reckless actions put not only your life at risk but also the future of our family's legacy.

Have you forgotten your place, Legolas? Have you forgotten the trust and expectations placed upon you as the prince of Mirkwood? You have a duty to protect our realm and our people, a duty that you have cast aside for a fool's errand. Your decision to venture into the heart of darkness jeopardizes everything we have worked for, everything we have fought to preserve.

You are no longer an elfling, Legolas. It is time you understand the weight of your actions and the consequences they bring. You have brought shame upon our house, and I fear for what may come if you do not return. The fate of our line rests on your shoulders, and yet you willingly cast it aside for what? Glory? Adventure? Or pure madness?

Your place is here, by my side, ensuring the continued strength and prosperity of our kingdom. I cannot fathom why you would choose to abandon us in our time of need. You have a duty to your people, to your family, and to your heritage.

Consider this letter as a final warning from your king. Return to Mirkwood, fulfill your obligations, and abandon this madness before it is too late. Do not let your foolishness be the end of our line.

Thranduil, King of Mirkwood

The chair went flying across the room, crashing into the wall.

Legolas had long accepted that he was the heir of the kingdom and had certain responsibilities to fulfill. He had accepted his father's cold and indifferent demeanor for the past thousand years. But selfish? How could his father be so blind as to not see that the entire future of Middle-Earth depended on the success of this quest?

A tool.

That was all he had ever been in his father's life.

A mere pawn in his games to rule the kingdom.

But what of Tauriel? Was she a pawn as well? Had his father rejected her marriage to Kili the dwarf just because he planned to marry her off to another for political advantage?

What would mother think of that? Did the former queen of Mirkwood even know that her husband was the most irresponsible father and the most selfish being that ever walked on Middle-Earth?

"Legolas? Are you well, mellon?" Came Estel's concerned voice. "I heard a loud bang coming from your room. Is everything well?"

When Legolas did not answer, his friend pushed open the door and discovered a very discouraged Legolas sulking on the floor, with a letter beside him. Wordlessly, the ranger read through it quickly: "Legolas, this is nonsense! Your father's words are unfair and hurtful. He has no right to belittle your choices or question your loyalty."

Legolas sighed. "Is that all I am to him, a tool to rule his kingdom?"

"Tis' not-"

"Don't tell me that he ever cared for me, Estel! Has he ever loved me or Tauriel? I believe not! He treated us like prisoners after mother was gone! Has he ever cared for us for one single second? He even loved his jewels more! Dôl gûr, thangail o ndor, anirion haeron le fael farad! Le nadorhuan a brenin orchath, a gurth goth nin anghen an nín. (Dark-hearted fool, shield of treachery, I wish you the deep shadow of betrayal! You are a coward and a vile king, and death to enemies be my curse upon you.)"

Estel placed a hand on his shoulder. "You are more than just an heir to a throne, Legolas. You know it; you're more than that."

"You don't understand, Estel," Legolas muttered, looking away. "My father has always seen me as an extension of his will. Any deviation is seen as betrayal."

His friend let his hands fall back to his sides. "I understand more than you think, mellon, though I have never had a father like that. Your actions are driven by honor and courage, not rebellion."

Legolas nodded, the tension easing slightly. "I know, but his words still cut deep. It's as if nothing I do will ever be enough for him."

"I don't think having Elrond as my father is any better. For once, I thought all he loved were his books." Estel smirked.

"You did not!" Legolas gasped in shock.

"Come on, mellon, eat something. You'll get nowhere with an empty stomach." His friend pushed a tray into his hands.

"I'm afraid my appetite has failed me." Legolas shook his head.

Estel smirked, glancing at the tray. "And remember, if all else fails, at least we won't go hungry. We can always count on hobbit leftovers to keep us going."

He would need hobbit leftovers to flee from what has fallen.