Black Moon

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What normally would have been a ten minute climb onto the balcony that overlooked the forest, Legolas made it in less than three. He marvelled at his newfound speed and agility, his senses so heightened that nothing escaped his sight, or hearing. Effortlessly, he pulled himself over the railing of his balcony and stopped. He could sense the lingering traces of his father and brothers, as well as a few scents he couldn't identify.

Feeling that it was safe, and finally succumbing to the ache of his limbs from being on the move all day, Legolas sought out his bed, not bothering to undress as he burrowed under the covers. Just before letting himself drift into slumber, the thought crossed his mind that he missed the heavy warmth of the furs, and of Draugaran's protective presence.

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"You've never seen these creatures?"

Nimelen shook his head at Elrond's question. He had ridded hard to get to Imladris within the second week of his leaving. "Nay, Lord Elrond. Only Legolas has, and he seems enthralled by them. I fear that he would not speak of them."

Elrond frowned, "You said your younger brother's wound was treated when he was returned to you?"

A nod in response and Glorfindel straightened from where he was leaning against a wall of the study. "And Legolas has been sneaking away from the palace since then?"

"I think so. He had been gone for at least two days when I left."

"With no word to your father?"

"A note was left on the gates, in my brother's writing."

"These are not the Wolves of Morgoth," Glorfindel stated. "Nor are they Wargs, or any other such beast. If they have the knowledge to not only heal the young Prince, but to also return him home, I do not think they pose a threat."

"But Legolas is enthralled!" Nimelen protestes. "He has eaten little to nothing, and slept even less, yet I have seen no fatigue. He keeps strange hours as well."

Elrond stood from his seat, "I will take all of this into consideration, Prince Nimelen. I have kept you late, please get some rest, we will continue this later."

Nimelen sighed, but bowed and left the study, following a servant maid to his given rooms. Once gone, Elrond turned to Glorfindel.

"You seem certain of what they are not."

The blonde smiled slightly, "I have seen and heard of the other creatures, these seem different. Other than taking the mind of the youngest of Thranduil's sons, I can see no harm caused. And Legolas was always the one that was more eager for adventure. Perhaps his 'enthrallment' will pass."

The Lore-Master thought about this, "If it does not pass. If the youngest Prince really is taken by these creatures...They may use him if they desire harm to Thranduil's Elves."

"What do you suggest than?"

"I will speak with the twins in the morrow," Elrond decided. "They are the best hunters we can muster, and if they cannot find these creatures, I doubt Legolas would keep the secret from them."

"The Lorien Elves, Haldir and Rumil are trackers as well," Glorfindel suggested. "I don't think it would be any harm to have them go as well."

Elrond nodded, promising to think on the matter as he dismissed his second in command.

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Rhiernil and Feinereg stopped their conversation and stared at their younger brother as Legolas entered the Dining Hall. The first thing they noticed was that their little brother, whom they had always thought of as meek and observant, had a strong presence. His hair was an almost silver colour, as were his eyes.

"Legolas? What has happened?" Feinereg asked softly. "You are so..."

"Different," Rhiernil finished.

"Legolas," Thranduil spoke from the head of the table; "I would speak with you once the meal is over."

Legolas nodded and the meal began. There was an uneasy silence around the room and Thranduil eventually stood, beconing for his three sons present to follow him. It wasn't until the four had reached Thranduil's study that they spoke. Thranduil looking over his youngest.

"By the Valar, what has happened to you, Legolas? Where have you gone and what has caused those changes?"

Legolas hesitated, but eventually told them everything. When he finished, he looked to his family, trying to judge their reactions.

Thranduil was the first to recover from his shock and he lifted a hand to Legolas' cheek, tg a g a good look into the silver eyes. "Are you really so discontent here? That you seek companionship with those...creatures?"

"Ada..."

Thranduil shook his head, retracting his hand. "Then go to them Legolas. Go to this WolfKing."

Legolas stiffened, "Ada, I-"

"What? You want to stay here? Even accepting...this?!" Thranduil made a guesture that encompassed Legolas' hair and eyes. "You are no longer an Elf, Legolas...."

Rhiernil placed a hand on his father's shoulder, trying to calm the King. "Adar, think about what you say. Legolas is your son."

Thranduil shook his head, "I am no longer so sure of that fact. And until I am, I want him out of this palace."

"Ada...Please..." Legolas was shocked to hear the words, just as his brothers were. When Thranduil looked away from him, Legolas forced himself from his shock and ran.

As soo as the door had clicked shut, Thranduil collapsed into his seat. "Valar, what have I done?"

Rhiernil glanced at Feinereg, "Go, fetch him. Try to keep him from leaving. This needs to be sorted out."

Feinereg nodded and left.

Thranduil placed his head in his hands, "I do not understand, how could he be so discontent to give himself to this? What has he been lacking?"

Rhiernil knelt and placed a hand on his father's knee. "I don't know, Adar."

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Feinereg found Legolas in the younger Elf's room, on the bed. Silver eyes turned to look at him and the elder Prince could easily see the unshed tears. Stitting next to his brother and folding his arms around him, Feinereg tried to soothe Legolas.

"Ada didn't mean it, Legolas. You know how he is, he is just upset."

"Are you?"

Feinereg thought, "A little, I suppose. But you are still my baby brother, and what choices you make are your own. I am here to protect you should you stumble."

Les les leaned against his brother, "I'm sorry."

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