Prequel to my version of The Lord of The Rings trilogy

The Beginning Part 3

Late one evening, Inazuma Japan was still practicing under the floodlights, the sound of cleats thudding against the grass filling the cool night air. The rest of the team was running drills on the field, but Liv, the captain of the team, was sitting on the bench with her youngest daughter, Gabby, cradled in her arms. Liv was breastfeeding her 2-month-old baby, rocking her gently to keep her calm as she kept an eye on her teammates.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed in her pocket. With one hand, she carefully fished it out, glancing at the screen. It was a message from Legolas.

Legolas: "Liv, meet me at the back of the cinema."

Frowning slightly, she typed back quickly.

Liv: "Why? What happened?"

His response was immediate.

Legolas: "I'll tell you everything when you get here. Come alone."

Liv's heart skipped a beat. She and Legolas shared a bond that went beyond the ordinary – not only was he her brother, but they had fought side by side through many battles. Still, something about the urgency in his message made her uneasy. She glanced up to see David, her boyfriend, jogging towards her from the field. His sharp eyes caught her worried expression instantly.

"You okay, babe?" he asked, wiping the sweat from his forehead with his forearm.

Liv hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah. Legolas just texted me. He wants to talk, says it's important."

David looked concerned. "Do you want me to go with you?"

Liv shook her head. "He said to come alone. It's probably nothing serious. I'll be quick."

David gave her a reassuring smile and reached out to take Gabby from her arms. "You go. I've got her." He cradled the baby close, bouncing her gently when she started to fuss. "Don't worry, little one. Mommy will be back soon."

Liv smiled softly, grateful for David's support. She pulled her hood over her head to conceal her face from any wandering eyes and slipped off into the night, the streetlights casting long shadows as she made her way towards the cinema. Her mind raced with a thousand possibilities – what could Legolas need? Why was it so urgent?

When she reached the back of the cinema, she felt a familiar presence before a hand gently landed on her shoulder. Startled, she spun around, coming face to face with Legolas. His piercing blue eyes met hers with a calm intensity, but she could see the tension behind them.

"Is this just an excuse for us to hang out?" Liv teased, though she couldn't shake the unease building inside her.

Legolas chuckled softly. "Are you telling me I can't see my sister?" He pulled her into a tight embrace, and for a moment, Liv forgot about her worries, feeling safe in the familiar warmth of her brother's arms.

Pulling away, Liv searched his face. "What's going on, Legolas?"

His expression grew serious. "Saruman is growing stronger. His power is spreading, and the Eye of Sauron is turning its gaze toward Frodo. The One Ring is at risk. We need your help again."

Liv blinked, taking a step back. "But I just helped you guys eight months ago, before Gabby was born. I... I have a family now. Two kids, Legolas." Her voice softened, eyes pleading with her brother to understand. "Do you really expect me to leave them?"

Legolas frowned, clearly troubled, but resolute. "I wouldn't ask if it weren't necessary. Can't you find someone to look after them?"

"Not on such short notice," Liv replied, crossing her arms. "And even if I could, I can't just leave them behind, especially not Gabby. She's only two months old. Legolas, I can't put them in danger."