Part three

The young Mirkwood prince had come as a messenger for his father. This trip was no doubt a punishment, for a prince was normally above such things as a carrier to another realm even if they were the youngest as Legolas was. If Elrond had to take a guess, though he had no facts, he wagered this young prince had something to do with the escape of the creature Gollum since Thranduil made him speak of the loss of the prisoner. Although, the elf-Lord also held no doubts that the loss of the creature was not solely on the prince's shoulders, he guessed that his father had placed the blame there, giving his son more responsibility than anyone would be able to handle. No doubt Legolas, if he was like Elrond's own sons who tried so hard to please the Lord of Rivendell, he felt much guilt over this assessment by his father and had begun to place the blame on himself also; taking this journey to Imladris as proper punishment.

Elrond knew little of Thranduil's youngest, only having the information that his own sons had told him. Many times over the years, Aragorn, Elrohir and Elladan had gone on hunting and scouting missions with Mirkwood Elves. More often than not the prince was with this group. They often spoke highly of the Thranduil's son's skills both as a warrior and a friend. His skills with the bow were of great value and not easily matched, although Elrond had also heard this from numerous other elves, coming from his own sons namely Elrohir and Elladan, meant something more. For them to actually admit to a younger elf being as skilled and perhaps better than themselves meant the prince of Mirkwood was a fine archer indeed.

And then, Aragorn often spoke of Legolas as a good friend. The Ranger and elf had met many years before through a small misunderstand that Aragorn had had with the spiders within Mirkwood's borders. To this day, the Lord of Imladris had never received the full tale, though he knew that Legolas had to have been a savior to his son, for Aragorn to still hold him in high praise. From what he gathered from his sons, the youngest prince tended to be a quiet sort upon first meeting, but did not lack any kindness. His father was well known for his greedy behavior and quick temper, but it had been made clear to Elrond that Legolas shared none of there traits. At times, Aragorn had said, the young elf tended to be too concerned with others well being even at the risk of his own. The son of Thranduil seemed to be an easy going elf and Elladan had added, possessed a cunning sense of humor and wit that rival Elrohir's.

It was odd that even though the prince was close to his sons, he never ventured to Imladris for a visit. Elrond wondered if this did not have something to do with his father. Thranduil and Elrond would never again be friends after the Last Alliance and it appeared like Legolas was a victim of such feelings of resentment. The fact that the prince had never been to Imladris before, but now suddenly came as a messenger, only added to Elrond's suspicions about Thranduil's the placement of atonement for Gollum's escape upon his youngest son.

But even under such circumstances, Elrond could not help the small smile that crossed his face as he laid eyes on the prince of Mirkwood while he song softly to himself beneath the light of the stars. The prince was laying on a stone bench with his eyes to the night sky. Pale blond hair fell off of the sides of his seat to touch the ground. His pale lips moved just barely although the words came out clear. Sharp gray eyes were nearly hidden beneath partially closed eyelids. The young elf's entire being spoke of one that was at peace with all that surrounded him. For a few more moments the song continued before ending with one long, soft note.

"I have not heard that song before." Elrond said while stepping out of the shadow of the trees.

The young prince, obviously not aware he had listener, started and instantly sat up. His head turned was a quick snap to the place where Elrond stood. Noticing it was the Lord of the realm he was in, Thranduil's son jumped to his feet and bowed.

"I am sorry, my Lord." He said while mentally berating himself for not being more aware of his surroundings.

The elder elf smiled at the blond archer, "And why is that?" He asked simply.

Legolas looked at the Lord of Rivendell for a moment and then adverted his eyes; his face gained a soft blush. "I do not know, sir."

Elrond stepped closer to the blond elf and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Come, my young prince, be at ease. I am not going to harm you," he removed his hand and took a seat on the bench where Legolas had been resting. "Sit down, Legolas. I have a need to speak with you."

Legolas instantly sat beside the elf-Lord taking cares not to invade his space. "You wish to speak to me?" The question was said with the air of someone who was wondering what trouble they had caused. In fact, Elrond noted that it sounded remarkably like how his sons would speak when they were summoned before him when no wrong had been done. They always entered with sheepish footsteps and the Lord of Imladris knew that their minds were racing, trying to remember any wrong deed they had done. It was time like those that the he loved being a father.

However, hearing the tone in this elf's voice wasn't quite as satisfactory as hearing it in his own sons. Elrond knew that Legolas was ill at ease with him and only wanted to remove such discontentment.

"Have no fear, son of Thranduil, you have done no wrong. I simply wished to speak to you about the night sky."

Legolas looked at the Lord of the Last Homely House with an elegantly raised eyebrow. "The sky?" He questioned.

Elrond nodded, finding himself being drawn to this particular archer. Perhaps it was that Legolas was so much younger than any elf he had spoken to in many years; his own sons and daughter having at least two to three centuries on this prince. Or maybe he simply longed for reprieve from the constant worry of the One Ring. Whatever the reason, Elrond wanted to keep the company of this elf.

"Yes, young one, I am curious about what you see."

The blond elf smiled at the name he was granted by Elrond, it having been years since anyone had called him thus. He thought about what the elf-Lord had asked him. "I do not think you would care to know what I think, my Lord." He said while looking down to his hands. Legolas only left the confines of his room earlier to seek some peace under the night sky. He had no intentions of speaking with anyone especially not the Lord of Imladris.

"I think I would." Elrond countered. "Now, look up to the stars and tell me what it is you see." The tone of voice was not as commanding as the words seemed to be, but the son of Thranduil still felt it necessary to comply.

And so Legolas, thoroughly rebuked in his own way, tilted his head back to gaze up at the small pinpoints of light. The stars were his constant companions through the dark nights and many times when sadness would creep into his soul the young prince would find a sense of peace from them. They never left him and he knew they never would.

"I always see Eärendil first, maybe it is no small wonder that my eyes are drawn to the most precious star," he began.

Elrond broke in with a question. "And what do you see when you look upon it?"

Legolas smiled even though he was not aware of the act. "I see the star, older than myself, that has guided our people for ages beyond measure. I am remained of Eärendil and all that he did so long ago. And then I think of those that must look up that star with a mortal eye and understanding. I think of all that they are not seeing; how much it has to offer or what it represents. When I look at Eärendil I see, in its light, the beauty and strength that our people possess. Its brightness outshine all and because of that I have always gained a sense of peace."

Elrond turned and looked at Legolas even though the prince was unaware of his gaze. "And do you still see peace in it now with all that is plaguing our earth?" The Lord of Imladris questioned with curiosity.

As if forgetting whom he was speaking to, Legolas let off a small laugh. "Of course!" He exclaimed as if thinking such a question was obscene. "Now more than ever." Legolas said while keeping his eyes on the stars, and no longer just on Eärendil. His gray eyes darted from star to star while a look of wonder, one that seemed only possible on the face of young Elves, cross over his porcelain features. "When I look and see the brilliant light of all our stars I think of all that they has observed. They have watched as Elves battled evil many times over and yet never has any of their light faded. If anything I'd like to believe that their light has grown brighter. For as long as I can remember, the stars have been a beacon in the night. Reminders that they will continue to burn for us even in our darkest times. I believe they have faith in us of the Eldar race. They believe that we can overcome all and still remain as we have always been, even when our times as changing so. The stars not only put this faith in us to endure, but they shine just as brightly for Men. They appear to have just as much faith in them."

"And what does that mean?" Elrond interrupted.

Legolas lowered his eyes slightly to stare at the horizon. "If these stars believe in Men, as they seem to do, why should I be any different? Why should I not believe in the mortals of this world to watch over what we have done?" The young prince paused for a moment and then opened his mouth to speak again. However, he closed his jaw silently contemplating his words further. Finally, he spoke. "I know it is a silly notion to think of our stars as logical beings that can decide with whom they wish to place their faith in. And yet, there are so many things in this world and the next that speak of things far harder to believe. I honestly think that these stars, the ever-watchful, believe in Men enough that they will watch over them as they did the Elves." Legolas suddenly seemed to become aware of whom he was speaking to and instantly ceased.

"I am sorry. I forget my place." He admitted embarrassed.

For his part, Elrond only smiled. "No. Please continue. I fear it has been far too long since I have heard the wise words of a young elf."

Legolas returned the smile, but a hint of a blush stained his cheeks. "I do not think I offer wisdom, only mindless prattle." He then lowered his gaze to stare at his hands rather than the stars. "I know that I am young for our race, as my words might rightly illustrate, but I am not naïve as many feel youth can be. I know what our fate one day will be. I know that our lives on Middle-earth are coming to an end and that, no matter how long or hard we try to fight, this would be unavoidable. I am also well aware of the pain and sorrow of the past ages, even though I did not lay my eyes upon such times."

Then, for the first time since he starting speaking to Lord Elrond, Legolas willingly met his eyes. "But, somehow, when I look to the stars I cannot comprehend this sorrow neither past nor present. They are things of beauty, a never fading beauty, much like the Elves. The mortals of this land have overlooked them, I fear. They are something that is so common they hold no more wonder for the Men or Dwarves. Yet, they still burn just as bright now as ever. Like the stars, Elves are being overlooked because Man has moved past our help. We hold no more wonder in this land, save by a few because mortals are releasing their own power. But, if the stars have faith enough in Men to burn for them, then the Elves can do no less. I have faith that this land will be well in Man's hand and we, like the stars, will watch from a distance one-day. Though my heart falters when I think of leaving these shores, I do not despair over leaving Middle-earth in the hands of mortals." He paused and then smiled. "The stars will see that Man is taken care of and so is the land."

Legolas then stopped speaking and looked again to the sky. The young elf now felt very self-conscious of the elf-Lord next to him who had ceased to say anything while he spoke so freely. The son of Thranduil wondered where exactly he had insulted the Lord of Imladris and if the damage could be repaired. But, he could not get himself to form the proper words to apologize. For his part, Elrond was far from insulted, but rather awed at this young elf beside him. Whether or not the prince realized it yet, he had just sealed his fate.

"I fear I must be leaving," the Lord of Imladris said while hastily standing. Legolas also stood, but said nothing as the elf-Lord had already retreated back in the direction of his room without a further word. The young elf wanted nothing more than to rush after the elder elf and apologize for his loose tongue and whatever he might have said that offended the Lord enough to leave so swiftly. He knew that his opinion of Men was higher than most Elves and wondered if Elrond felt that Legolas held them too high. Yet, neither his feet nor mouth would listen to the urgings of his brain and so Legolas sat back down on the bench with a sigh.

He idly wondered what his father would think of the prospect that his son had insulted the Lord in a realm he was visiting. Knowing Thranduil though and the fact it was Elrond, he'd probably be delighted. The youngest prince knew why his father disliked the Lord of Imladris so and yet, even with this knowledge, Legolas could not bring himself to share such feelings. It was just one of the many views that the father and son seemed to disagree on and argue over. As of late it seemed, there were more and more things that the two could not see eye to eye on. One day, Legolas feared, things would come to a head and the results could be most damaging. Yet, Legolas would not worry of such things that had yet come to pass on this fair night.

He spared one last look at the stars, before he stood and made for his chambers. Tomorrow those present in Imladris would hear the fate of the Ring and Ringbearer. After that, Legolas would head home to Mirkwood and await the fate, or doom, of Middle-earth like everyone else. It truly amazed the prince that the fate of such a glorious land would all weigh on the shoulders of a hobbit. The prince knew his father would have a thing or two to say about such happenings when he told him. Namely that an elf should be the one to have the responsibly.

Oh Father, Legolas thought, when will you realize that Elves are no longer a necessity on these shores and others are just as capable?

He knew that Thranduil would never share this outlook and would rather have Legolas himself go on the journey to destroy the Ring then allow a lowly halfling, as he would no doubt call Frodo, to do such a task.

Well, the elf prince reasoned, I am sorry to disappoint you, but I shall not be accompanying the Ring anywhere. With a smile all his own, the young elf entered his room, shut the door, and soon found himself lost in Elvish dreams.

Unlike his young conversationalist of earlier, Elrond did not return to his room to sleep. As a matter of fact, he did not return to his own quarters at all. Instead he found himself gently rapping on Glorfindel's door and awaiting the blond warrior. The door finally opened revealing a somewhat disheveled elf.

"Lord Elrond?" He asked without hiding the small surprise he felt at seeing the Lord of Imladris outside his room in the middle of the night after they had already parted company.

"Legolas Greenleaf," Elrond said simply.

It was an odd thing indeed to have the elf-Lord in front of his chamber in the middle of evening, but to have said elf-Lord randomly naming Elves was a bit more peculiar. Glorfindel had known Elrond for more years that he could possible count and they had been through more than they cared to remember. In all those long years of turmoil and adventure, sorrow and joy, the Elven-warrior could never place a time that Elrond looked quite like he did in this moment. There was an air of barely contained excitement that was nearly palatable surrounding the Lord of Imladris. To say the least, Glorfindel was curious.

"My Lord, I fear I do not understand," he said carefully in response to the early proclamation of Legolas' name. Glorfindel, as he was speaking, turned his body slightly allowing Elrond entrance into his room. The Lord of the Last Homely House, understanding the unasked invitation, entered and then turned to face his companion.

"I have found the ninth Walker to go with Frodo and the others."

Glorfindel nodded and asked, "Legolas Greenleaf?"

"Yes. I met him for the first time this evening out in the eastern garden." Elrond paused for a moment and then added, "He is the last of the Fellowship."

The Elven-warrior knew when Elrond's mind was made up and this was one such time. He did not have the strength to attempt a contest of wills with the elf-Lord on his choice of representation for the First-Borns. Although, Glorfindel was hard pressed to steel his tongue. To him, Legolas was but a mere child, both in years and experience. He had hunted with Thranduil's son a few times since he had come of age and the prince did not lack the skills for a trying journey, but he was lacking the experience.

During the discussion earlier this evening, Elrond had made it clear that he wanted the ninth Walker to be someone that offered peace, hope and an inner strength to the Fellowship. The warrior wondered, how could an elf that was wet behind the ears at hard battle, offer this? Glorfindel did not doubt that Legolas would rise to any occasion, but still that young elf would be seeing just as many news things on this journey as the rest of the Fellowship save Mithrandir. Surely, there had to be someone who had more experience that could offer this comfort Elrond sought. Yet, Glorfindel voiced none of these worries, choosing to keep silent his doubt at the Elrond's choice.

Instead, he asked, "Why Legolas?" Opting not to voice the negative, but inquire what the reasons behind such a choice were. Although, he fully understood that it was because there was something that Elrond had been seeking inside this prince, Glorfindel was curious as to what these things were and what brought them about.

"It was how he looked to the stars," the Lord of Imladris answered. "He spoke of them as many of our age do not. He saw, in them, not the past or even present, but the future. Many of the older First-Borns view the stars as light for our past that speak of a time long ago when our race was the only race that mattered. Back when Men followed us and did not seek to overpass us. They look to them with longing to return to those such days. When Legolas looks at them he sees the future. He does not see how brightly they shone in the past, but how much brighter they'll be in the future even after Elves leave Middle-earth. He trusts Men and does not fault them for their ways or for their future and what it does to us." Elrond paused and looked pointedly at Glorfindel. "He has hope for a better tomorrow and that, my friend, is what will be needed on this journey."

Rarely did Glorfindel ever feel so moved by Elrond's words. Or, he wondered, perhaps it was not the Lord of Imladris' words, but rather the conviction behind them. He had faith in Legolas that was the truest kind there was. Elrond believed in the youngest prince of Thranduil without any prejudices. If his Lord believed this much in Legolas' strength then he would try to as well.

"I believe he is what they need, also."

Elrond nodded and without a word stepped past the Elven-warrior and into the hall. Dawn was now only a few hours away and a Fellowship that had only existed in the elf-Lord's head had to be forged. The dawn would break and the future, and fate, of Middle-earth would be one step closer to its destiny.

It was the soft knocking that arose him from his Elven dreams. Blinking to clear his vision, Legolas stifled a sigh and rose to answer his door. He did not mind being up just as dawn was breaking, but he rather enjoyed taking his own time removing himself from his dreams. The visitor had not allowed such a thing to happen and Legolas had to dampen down his annoyance. Grabbing his soft green robe, the prince opened his door. In the hallway he saw a small servant girl staring at him.

"Yes?" He inquired almost wincing at the dry sound of his voice.

The young elf held up a parchment and handed it to the prince. "Lord Elrond told me to give this to you as soon as the dawn broke," she offered as both an explanation and apology.

Legolas took the scroll and thanked the girl. "Please see that my riders and horses are prepared to leave for Mirkwood as soon as the future of the Ringbearer has come to pass." He added before turning and heading back into his room.

The servant girl watched him leave and looked as if she would open her mouth to say something, but then quickly closed her lips. Lord Elrond had told her that she had to deliver the message to the prince of Mirkwood without delay for in it held decree that spoke of Legolas heading out with the Nine Walkers. The young girl thought it odd that the prince would ask for his horse to be ready to travel home, since he himself would not be heading that direction. But, it was not her place to question or speak out of turn and so with a curtsy, that she knew he would not see, but perhaps expected nonetheless, she left the son of Thranduil to Elrond's news that would certainly be cause for a change in his supposed plans.

The young elf took a seat on the edge of his bed and slowly began to untie the simple red ribbon that held the parchment close. He truly did not want to open this for fear of the contents. He was certain that he had done something wrong last night when he spoke so freely in front of the Lord of Imladris. Obviously, this had to be a sort of reprimand from him and Legolas did not look forward to reading the harsh words. With a sigh, knowing that things would get no better the longer he waited, Legolas unrolled the paper and found himself reading over the elegant script of the Lord of the Last Homely House.

He read the scroll three times before his mind could even comprehend the words. With numb fingers, and an equally numb brain, the parchment fell to the floor and Legolas jumped to his feet. Not even being mindful of his dress, the son of Thranduil flew out of his door as if Sauron himself was directly behind him. It was only when the elf prince realized he was almost sprinting down the halls, that Legolas slow his running to a mere quick stride. He needed to speak to Elrond now before things got too far out of hand. While his feet tore him off towards the elf-Lord's chamber, the young prince's mind was wandering elsewhere namely on the information in the scroll and on what the Lord of Imladris could possibly be thinking.

Elrond actually heard the hurried steps of the elf long before his eyes laid upon the prince. He was expecting Legolas and so was not the least surprised when his door was opened and a much panic looking young elf stood in his doorway. He offered no greeting or bow and Elrond knew that Legolas' mind was not on pleasantries.

"Good morning, son of Thranduil." The elf-Lord said while raising a cup of tea to his lips and taking a small drink of the honey-sweet drink.

The archer stepped into the room, his eyes wide with both confusion and shock while his mouth hung just slightly open expressing even further the clear inability to comprehend the message he had received earlier. Elrond thought that Legolas suddenly looked much younger than his years. His hair that had been mused from sleep and the swift trip through Imladris' hall, laid half down his back and half, it appeared, in his eyes. The prince wore a light green sleep robe that was open to reveal his white sleeping tunic and trousers. Elrond was certain that once the young elf realized his attire he would be mortified, but apparently such a thought had not yet crossed the prince's mind.

"You sent me a message," Legolas said with no small amount of disbelief coloring his voice. "A message that I think you need to reconsider."

Elrond placed his drink on the nearby table and arched an eyebrow to the young elf. "Reconsider? Are you saying I have made an error in judgment?"

The son of Thranduil stepped forward and without being asked took the seat that was open next to the elf-Lord. "Yes. I am." He shook his head and then focused his gaze to the floor. "I fear you have made a terrible mistake." His voice lowered slightly. "I am not worthy to be among those with the Ringbearer, my Lord."

Elrond looked at the young elf with a fond smile. The archer looked utterly forlorn and lost, unable to believe that he was the one that the Lord of Imladris had chosen to be among the Walkers. The elf-Lord reached out and gently grabbed one of Legolas' pale hands.

"I have chosen you, young one, and you will be with the Ringbearer."

"But," Legolas interrupted, "there are so many others that are more worthy. Glorfindel has slew a Balrog and seen more of Middle-earth than anyone, I dare say. Your own sons have fought for many long years here and have much more experience than I." He sighed as if realizing even more reasons why he should not belong to this Fellowship. "I have rarely seen life outside of the forests of my father. I have hunted, yes, but merely orcs, wargs, and spiders. I am far too young to hold such responsibility and hope of our race."

The prince looked up to Elrond's eyes with an almost pleading expression. "You must choose another, my Lord. You simply must."

The Lord of the Last Homely House removed his hand from Legolas' and stood. He moved away from the chairs where he had been sitting and the young elf still sat. Elrond had been expecting this reaction from Legolas and had a small idea of how to deal with it.

Standing close to the open balcony, he spoke. "Do you remember what we talked about last night?"

The question seemed to take Legolas by surprise and he did not answer right away. When he did speak his voice was somewhat hesitant. "The night sky, if I remember correctly."

"Yes," Elrond confirmed, "that is what I am speaking of. We spoke of the stars and what you thought that they represented."

"My Lord," the archer broke in, "I do not see how-"

The Lord of Imladris held up a hand silencing Legolas without a word. "Peace, my prince. Let me speak." The young elf bowed his head accepting the elf-Lord's words and Elrond began again. "You spoke of what the stars meant to you. You said that they had faith in Elves and Men alike. How they spoke of hope for the future regardless of things of the past. You told of how, if they will watch over Men, Elves can be no different even if it means we must watch from the Gray Havens." He turned to face the elf who was still sitting. "Is that correct?"

"Yes." Legolas answered and continued, "I still do not understand how this made you believe I should go with the Ringbearer." He admitted not certain what had truly transpired last night between himself and this elf-Lord. Obviously, he had said things that had some sort of effect on the elder elf. However, Legolas did not know what. He had simply answered what the elf-Lord had asked.

Elrond smiled to the prince. "I knew you would not. When you spoke of the stars I could see that you had hope in tomorrow even with the fading of our people and the danger of Mordor. You seem to possess this unwavering optimism that is rare among the Eldar these days. Many have seen too much and that has tainted them."

"Tainted?" Legolas questioned still trying to comprehend what the Lord of Imladris was saying.

"Yes. They do not have hope any more in Middle-earth. They look to the sea now as a way to find answers and to Valinor as they final place of rest. Their view of Middle-earth is that of distaste. The Men are gaining control and many feel as if they have been abandoned and, if that is true, then they cease to see why they should have faith in a brighter morrow."

The elf-Lord stared directly into Legolas' sharp gray eyes. "You are young but, as someone once said, not naïve as many feel the youth can be. I do not doubt that you fully understand the severity of this threat of the One Ring and yet, there is still hope within you. You are not only a possibility to walk with the Frodo, but a necessity." The young prince broke the contact, but Elrond continued. "You will bring hope to this Fellowship, I know. Your skills, no matter how you try to claim are unworthy, will be of greater help than you may realize. You, Legolas Greenleaf, are the ninth Walker." The Lord of Imladris smiled. "And that, young prince, is an order."

Legolas looked up with a smile of his own. "Yes, my Lord." He paused for a moment and then added, "I thank you for your belief in myself and your decision no matter how much fault I find in it. I will try not to disappoint you or our people."

Elrond nodded. "I do not think you will. I will not lie and say this journey will be easy, but I have faith in you and your company."

Legolas said nothing, but slowly lowered his eyes to his feet. And then the young elf suddenly stood and looked down to his outfit. A small sound of dismay escaped from his lips before he could quell the noise. "Forgive my dress. I did not think to properly ready myself before I came here."

The Lord of Imladris only shook his head. "It is quite all right. Why don't you go back to your chambers and dress. I am going to inform the other Walkers and will hold a small Council within the hour. I fear that after this is announced you will find little time for yourself."

Legolas nodded and gave Elrond a small bowed before quickly turning to exit the room.

"Oh, Legolas." Elrond called and the young elf turned.

"Yes?"

"I will send word to your father. No doubt you will have more things to worry about than making certain Thranduil understands what you are doing."

The prince smiled. "Thank you," he simply said before turning and leaving.

The elf-Lord watched the form retreat and then turned to look at the morning sun. It shone brightly against the landscape and with the soft light, it gave Imladris the majestic beauty that was spoken of in wonder. A swift breeze blew from the east catching a few loose leaves. One leaf blew into the window and landed at the feet of the Elrond. Bending down and picking up the small gift of nature, he held it in his pale hand. The leaf, bright green in color, sat in his palm and Elrond smiled down at it. Such a small thing, he mused, and yet-

He walked to the window and felt another breeze stirring. Holding up his hand he allowed the wind to catch the leaf and it took off in the breeze to lands unknown.

-and yet, such potential.

The End.

I hope you enjoyed this story as much as I loved writing it. It was quite a treat to dive into the world of Tolkien and I have found the experience interesting and very fun..

I also want to thank everyone who viewed this story the first time it was posted. Your kind words mean so very much to me.