Legolas' Role in The Hobbit. (Part One of the Legolas Saga.)

Legolas then prepaired to depart, but first, Mirthrandir sought to speak with him.
"Master Legolas, I need thee to take a message to your father, Thranduil, king of the elves of northern Mirkwood. Tell him that the council is planning an attack on Dol Guldur. We will rendevous in Lorien, on the seventeenth of April." "I will do as you ask, and a message I have, also for thee." Legolas said. "And what may that message be?" Gandalf asked. "That, if ever you come again to the halls of my father, leave your pipe at the door." Legolas informed him. As Legolas rode out the gate the next morning, he saw, sitting on a rock outside the gates of Imladris, the creature referred to as 'Burglar Baggins' After a talk, they became friends. Then, Legolas eventually came to the high pass, down into Rhovannion, and eventually to Mirkwood, where, after passing Gandalf's message, thought his troubles were over. But they were just beginning.