Dabbles In Ink: Lord Of The Rings One-Shots

A Letter

An ellon, dirty and weary from travel burst into throne room of the woodland realm one evening.

"Hir nin Thranduil," The messenger addressed King Thranduil who sat speaking with several of his advisors. The king looked up at the sound of his name. "A letter has come from Lord Elrond of Imladris. He bid me give this to you immediately." The ellon held out a letter, marked with Lord Elrond's seal. Thranduil took the paper.

"Hannon le." He said and turning to a servant, he bid them take the messenger to a room to receive some hard earned rest, for traveling in those times was far from safe. Thranduil turned the letter over once, inspecting the designs that decorated the edge of the paper, wondering what it was that could be so urgent.

Fear suddenly went through the great Elven King. His only son, Legolas, had left as a messenger to inform Lord Elrond of Gollum's escape from their dungeons, and was due to return any day now. His fingers shook as he opened the letter, hoping this had nothing had befallen his son.

      King Thranduil,
I wish to inform you of the recent happenings regarding your son, Legolas. He has been chosen to be part of the fellowship, protecting the Ring Bearer with his skills in archery. By the time you receive this, they will be well on there way.
          Your Friend,
                 Lord Elrond.

The paper fell from the King's trembling hand and drifted onto the floor. Stares came from those present in the room, but the king ignored them. He stood from his place and without bothering to excuse himself, he walked out.

A thousand thoughts fell into the King's mind. Will he survive? Will I ever see him again? Thranduil did not doubt his son's skill on the battlefield, No. Legolas had trained all his life and helped to keep the evil that oppressed the Kingdom's borders at bay. But he always came home at the end of the day. Thranduil always knew where his son was. Now it was different. The great Elven King had no clue where in Arda his son was, and who knew how long it would be before he received word from him, or if he would receive any.

The King shut the door to his chambers. He prayed -begged- the Valar to protect his child. But worry still plagued him. And it would continue to do so for many months to come.