The History of Legolas - The Last Green Leaf

The History Of Legolas – Part III
The Last Green Leaf
By Vendie

Author’s Note: The Lord of the Rings and all associated characters belong to Tolkien and his estate. I am not making any profit off of this story, save the enjoyment I had making it.

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The Last Green Leaf
Chapter Fourteen – The Coming of Strider


Somehow, that night after the Battle of Five Armies, Thranduil found it impossible to demote his youngest son from his post. All of his warriors were loyal and proud to be under Legolas’ command, and he could find no reason to dismiss him – even if he was furious at his disobedience. So instead of risking political upheaval in his military, he allowed his son to continue on as the head captain of the Interior Guard.

Legolas, at first, was positively thrilled. But as the years wore on, he realized just how little time he had to himself, much less to watch over those dearest to him. He only made it to Anariel’s place in the Houses of Healing twice during her recovery and he barely saw her at all after she received her clean bill of health. In truth, Legolas was at some times glad to be busy to not see her often. After the battle, something changed in his regard for her, and he was afraid of what he felt. Anariel, on the other hand, he could not figure out. Whether or not she returned his feelings he could not discern, so he thought it was best to just leave things unsaid. He did not want to ruin their friendship.

Now, seventy-seven years after The Battle of Five Armies, things were sufficiently stirred up in Mirkwood. There were unconfirmed rumors of a Nazgul Lord inhabiting Dol Guldur in the south of Mirkwood, which made the spiders and goblins far more active than they had been in the past. Legolas’ job was made exceedingly more difficult with each day as the threat of fell creatures collapsed on his shoulders.

On this particular night, Legolas was looking forward to some much-deserved sleep. He had just come in from long week of patrols that during which, he had not slept. It was only hours from daylight when he entered his family’s dwelling. He smiled when he finally reached his room and collapsed on his bed without undressing. The young prince had a total of ten minutes’ peace before his door creaked open.

Legolas pretended he was sleeping. Hopefully whoever was there to drag him away to whatever duty needed attending to would leave him in peace.

Someone tugged at his plaited hair. No such luck.

“Uncle Leaf?” A small voice asked. Legolas groaned and kept his eyes shut.

“Uncle Leaf?” The voice repeated, this time a little louder.

Without opening his eyes, Legolas spoke; “What do you need, Erynion?”

“Are you sleeping?”

“Yes.” Legolas replied, sounding angry.

“But you are speaking. Are you speaking in your sleep?”

Legolas groaned, opened his eyes and sat up. He looked upon the ten-year-old elfling standing at his bedside and promptly hoisted him up on the bed next to him. The elfling looked up at him with piercing eyes. His dark hair was slightly askew, telling Legolas that his nephew had, at one time, been sleeping.

“I’m awake. What do you need?” He asked his nephew.

“When is Ada coming home?”

“A few days, dear one. You must be patient.” Legolas answered, feeling pity for is young nephew. Arthion had been gone for three weeks now, leaving Elaneth, who was now his wife, and his son and daughter home to worry over his safety. Erynion was the oldest of Arthion’s children at the age of ten. His sister, Titheniel, was behind him in age by five years.

“Will Uncle Hérion be back then too?” Erynion asked.

“Maybe. Erynion, why are you up so late? Did you wait all night to ask me these questions?”

“I…” Erynion’s young voice stopped and he looked away from his uncle, as if he were ashamed. “…I had a nightmare.” He finally said.

“Another one?” Legolas asked. Erynion nodded and sniffed a little and Legolas put his arm around his nephew, pulling the elfling to his body. “About spiders?” Erynion nodded again, this time his eyes tearing.

“Well, you have nothing to be afraid of. I’ve seen one, and I killed it.” Legolas said. “So I can protect you from them.” Erynion looked up at him with a skeptical look on his face.

“Ada told me that. But he said that the spider hurt you really badly!”

“But I’m still alive, am I not?” Legolas replied. Erynion looked away and furrowed his brow, as if calculating something in his head.

“Well… yes…”

“So you have nothing to be afraid of. No one is about to let any spider gobble you up.” Legolas said, patting Erynion on the back. The elfling smiled, and then yawned.

“Shall we put you back to bed?”

“I guess so…” Erynion said, yawning again. Legolas chuckled and took his nephew’s hand to lead him down the hallway.

Once he had tucked Erynion back into his bed, Legolas was once again looking forward to his own rest when a noise stopped him. The door to his family’s house had just opened, and a messenger stood there.

“Pardon me, Prince Legolas, but there is a situation that needs your attention at the gates immediately.” He said.

“You jest.” Legolas groaned. The messenger elf looked confused, but Legolas waved his hand to send the elf away. “I’ll meet you there in fifteen minute’s time.” He said wearily.

~

The prince rubbed his eyes as he trudged to the main gates of the Elvenking’s halls. Angry thoughts buzzed through Legolas’ head, frustrated at being torn from his rest for yet another matter of “business”. At this point, all Legolas really cared to do was rest. However, when he rounded the corner of the last tunnel, his curiosity was so piqued that the thought of sleep left him. There, speaking in Sindarin to his guards, was a ragged looking man, holding a strange creature captive on a rope.

“Why doesn’t it lets us beeee!” Wailed the creature as it thrashed on the floor. “Nasty man wants it, yes he does!” it continued in an increasingly sinister voice.

“Would you just be quiet?” The man growled as he yanked the rope.

“It hurts us!” the creature wailed again.

“Ah! Prince Legolas!” One of the elven guards said, noticing Legolas’ approach. The creature continued to wail and thrash on the floor, but the man turned his attention to Legolas. He had dark hair and grey eyes and a shadow of a beard graced his face. His hair and clothes were dripping wet, telling Legolas that it had started to rain in Mirkwood again.

“Mae govannen.” Legolas said, nodding to the stranger. “I am Prince Legolas, son of Thranduil the Elvenking. Welcome to Mirkwood.”

“Hannon le,” the man replied. “I am Aragorn of the Dunedain, and I come to ask for your help.”

“Howt may we help you?” Legolas asked.

“I am a friend of Mithrandir, and he has shared with me that he fears the One Ring of Sauron has been discovered.” He started. Legolas twitched and suddenly looked distressed. “This creature, Gollum, was the last to have it and it is imperative that we question him. But I fear that I am not the only one that has been searching for him, and I need shelter for myself and him so that this information does not fall into the wrong hands.”

Legolas nodded, but the elves around him were suddenly in distress.

“You would bring a creature sought after by the Dark Lord himself to our home?! Prince, think of how much danger he has put us in!”

“I’m very aware of what the coming of this creature means.” Legolas said firmly. “However, if we send them out on their own, the nearest safe house is Lord Elrond’s in Imladris.” He said, looking at the guards. They quieted themselves quickly. Legolas turned to Aragorn.

“I cannot speak for my father on this matter, I’m afraid,” he started. Aragorn’s face suddenly looked angry and frustrated. Legolas held up his hand. “But I will not turn you away, not at this hour of the night, and not in such dangerous times. Guards, take this Gollum to a place where he may be held safely and securely. Lord Aragorn, I will show you to a place where you may get some rest.”

The gratefulness in Aragorn’s eyes was hardly unnoticeable as he thanked Legolas. He handed over Gollum’s rope to the guards, quick to tell them to beware of his bite and to guard him carefully, and then followed Legolas down a passageway.

“Mithrandir said you were a kind and wise elf,” Aragorn said as they walked together. “Now I know he does not always speak in riddles.” He joked.

“That I cannot believe.” Legolas chuckled. “Mithrandir has never said anything clearer than mud to me, though I have not had many dealings with him before in the past.”

“It is true that he often does not speak much plainer than a riddle book, but when the situation is dire, he will give quite clear directions. … so then, is your father stubborn and cross as Mithrandir says?”

Legolas laughed. “Indeed he is. But I doubt he will turn you away under the circumstances. But he will complain quite a bit, I’m sure. … Here,” Legolas said, finally reaching a neatly decorated wooden door. He turned the handle and showed Aragorn in and found a candle on a stand near the door to light.

“This is where we house our honored guests. You will find nightclothes in the dresser there. There is a bathing room attached with all you will need, I believe. I’m sure you are weary from your journey, but my father will wish to see you no later than noon, I’m afraid.” Legolas explained.

“I’ve survived on less sleep than this before, Prince Legolas. I will be fine. Thank you for your hospitality.” Aragorn said, bowing. Legolas smiled and left the room.

“Good night to you, then,” he said, smiling. Aragorn smiled back and bid Legolas good night as well. The prince turned to go back to his own bed, quite sure that he would be too wound up to sleep at all at this point.

~

Legolas woke after five hours of rest feeling ready for anything. The hours of sleep he had taken in over the past week were far fewer than the hours of wakefulness, but Legolas found that he could work with very little sleep just as long as he got some.

After a late breakfast, Legolas went to the dwelling he had given to Aragorn and knocked on the door.

“Enter!” came the voice from within. Legolas pushed the door open to see the Dunedain man dressed in clean elven clothes and toweling off his damp hair. He looked very different when he was clean. The young prince was slightly confused over Aragorn’s clothing – he did not think that a wardrobe for guests was kept in this room, and he had never seen clothes like his before. Aragorn was clad in silver and black. Woodland clothing was brown and green. Dismissing this, he greeted his guest.

“Good morning. I hope you slept well,” He said.

“Far better than I have in many nights,” Aragorn replied, smiling gratefully. “When shall I meet with your king?”

“Sooner rather than later, I think.” Legolas said. “He has undoubtedly heard of your coming during his morning report. I left notice that you would come before him sometime before noon. We should go soon.”

“I am ready whenever you are. Will he want to meet Gollum?”

Legolas hesitated. “…I think it’s best to just describe the creature. Father has no need to meet him unless he wishes to.” Aragorn nodded.

“Then let us go and meet your king.” He said smiling.

Legolas took Aragorn to Thranduil’s throne room where they met two guards. Legolas explained their appointment and the guards opened the doors. Legolas and Aragorn walked in to the throne room together to see Thranduil sitting upon his wooden chair speaking with some of his advisors. The Elvenking, upon spotting his youngest son and his guest immediately turned his attention away from whatever business they may have been discussing.

“Legolas, it is good to see you after your many nights away. I look forward to your reports of the patrols of the Interior Guard. But tell me, who is this newcomer?”

Legolas stopped and bowed to his father and Aragorn, observing, did the same.

“This is Aragorn of the Dunedain. He comes with a request before the king.” Legolas said. He turned and nodded to Aragorn, bidding him to speak. Aragorn nodded back, and began to tell his tale.

Legolas was absolutely enthralled by Aragorn’s account of his travels and adventures in searching for the creature Gollum. The young prince’s imagination exploded to life with images of the vales of the Anduin, the Black Gate of Mordor, and the Morgul Vales and Dead Marshes, then back again through the plains of Rohan, and the trip through the south of Mirkwood.

“Your Majesty should be aware,” Aragorn said of southern Mirkwood, “That there is indeed a Nazgul Lord with a large army of Orcs in Dol Guldur. My only guess for it’s presence there is an eventual assault on the Elven lands of Lorien and Mirkwood. I know not when, but it is coming, My Lord.”

Thranduil scowled and Legolas felt his heart sink into the pit of his stomach. This was ill news.

“It was terribly difficult to remain unnoticed, for there were many Orc patrols throughout the forest. In the end I had to follow along the western edge of the forest to stay undiscovered. When I came upon your people’s path, I followed it until I found your halls.” Aragorn explained. “I humbly ask that you keep the creature Gollum safe in your people’s care, for the elves of Lorien will not allow such a being in their realm, and I cannot keep him safe through the pass of the Misty Mountains to take him to Imladris. But it is imperative that he is kept safe. The information he holds is too important to let him go.”

Thranduil regarded Aragorn for a moment before speaking.

“If Dol Guldur is infested as you say,” he began, “just how safe do you believe I will be able to keep this Gollum? I will not risk the lives of my people just for one not of my own.”

“I do not believe that the Nazgul knows that I have come with Gollum. Nor do I think he is yet powerful enough to assault your people and think himself capable of winning, otherwise he would have begun to do so.”

Thranduil again was silent some time before he spoke again. “How long do you wish to stay in Mirkwood to question the creature?” he asked.

“It will not be I who questions him, otherwise I would have started long ago. Mithrandir wishes to glean the information. If you allow him, Mithrandir will probably be here within a few days.”

Then, suddenly, Thranduil asked a question that Legolas thought totally irrelevant and was rather surprised by it.

“How did you come to live in the Last Homely House of Elrond?”

What an absurd question! Thought the prince. Though, after seconds of confusion Legolas suddenly realized that Aragorn’s elven clothing had provoked the inquiry.

Aragorn looked slightly caught off-guard, but he answered. “My mother took me there, after my father died. She thought I was safest there. Lord Elrond raised me as his son.”

“What name did Lord Elrond give you?”

“He called me ‘Estel’, My Lord.”

Thranduil’s eyes widened slightly and he was silent again for a time. Legolas had a sneaking suspicion that his father knew something that was not common knowledge and was not being disclosed during this meeting. Finally, after some time of consideration, Thranduil spoke.

“We will keep the creature Gollum safe.” He said. “Lord Aragorn, please instruct Captain Legolas, how best to care for it. The Interior Guard will be left in charge of the creature.”

“Aye, My Lord. It will be done.” Aragorn replied, bowing deeply. Legolas bowed to his father as well, and then gestured to the Dunedain man to escort him out of the throne room. They were almost to the door when Legolas heard his name.

“Legolas?” His father’s voice called. Legolas turned, eyebrows raised in attentiveness. “Please try to make it to dinner tonight. I… … your niece and nephew miss you.” Thranduil said. Legolas had to try his hardest not to laugh at his father’s feeble attempt to cover his slip.

“I will be there, Adar.” He assured Thranduil as he left with Aragorn. After the throne room door was closed behind them, Legolas turned to the Lord of the Dunedain.

“Gollum does not require much, but he cannot eat food as you or I do, it is best to feed him raw fish. It is what he is accustomed to.” He said almost immediately. “He must be guarded at all times, for he is a sneaky creature and he will find any way he can to escape. He seems to have two personalities, and he talks to himself. It’s best to just guard him and let him be.”

“We will see it done, then.” Legolas said. “I’m sure we can speak more on this soon…”

“Nay, I leave within the hour, there is much to be done.” Aragorn cut him off. Legolas nodded, trying to hide his disappointment.

“Then I will see to it that your horse is ready at your earliest convenience, and I wish you safe travels” He said.

“I thank you. I’m sure this will not be the last we see of each other.” Aragorn replied, grinning at the prince before turning to go and pack his things, leaving a very frustrated Legolas behind. How he wanted to hear of the lands that Aragorn had seen!

The prince was contemplating going back to his home to be with his niece and nephew when suddenly, two hands slid over his eyes. With a warrior’s instinct and speed he whirled around, nearly throwing his assailant to the ground. But when he saw who it was, he quickly prevented her fall by grabbing her around her waist.

“Anariel!” He gasped.

“Good heavens, Legolas! I’ll surely never do that again!” She said, bewildered. For a moment, Legolas held her in her half-tipped-over position and they locked eyes, and then, the prince regained his composure and helped Anariel back to her feet and cleared his throat.

“I am sorry, I didn’t mean to react in that way,” He said.

“No, it is all right. I should know better, now that you’ve been in the Guard so long.” She replied, a sadness in her tone. “How have you been doing, Legolas?” she asked sheepishly.

“I fare well, for the most part, yourself?” Legolas asked with a bit of a sigh. He was trying to hide his nervousness from her. He had no clue what had possessed him to be so nervous around his closest friend in such a short time, but nonetheless, he felt completely out of control.

“Lonely.” Anariel said it so bluntly that Legolas took a tiny step backwards in regret. Seeing this, Anariel quickly spoke again. “It is not your fault, Legolas, do not take my words as being directed only towards you. It’s just… I do not see you as often anymore. I miss you.” She said.

Legolas was sure that his pounding heart could be heard from a mile away at this point. He swallowed and stepped forward, undoing some of the distance he had put between himself and Anariel.

“Lady, I…”

But before Legolas could get another word in, someone interrupted him.

“Captain Legolas,” one of the Interior Guard approached them. “The morning reports are in and ready for you to hear,” Legolas nodded at the guard.

“I believe it can wait for a while, I have some business with a friend here that needs attending to.” He said.

“No, Legolas,” Anariel said. “Go, tend to your duties. I should get back to mine.” She looked as though she were trying to hide something, but Legolas nodded.

“I shall see you at a later time, then.” He said.

“I hope so!” Anariel replied, trying to sound cheerful.

As Legolas left with the guard, the feeling of anger and frustration that welled up inside him was overwhelming. Things were not going well.