The Leaf in the Hood.

Chapter One: The Prince, the town, and the problem.

Legolas Thranduilion was an Elf from the Woodland Realm. And not just any Elf mind you, he was the son of King Thranduil, heir to the throne of Mirkwood. Now our said Prince had duties has any other royalty would but when he wasn't doing his princely duties he loved to travel. And what he would soon discover on his next adventure would play a part in changing the lives of many. Both for the poor as well as the rich.

Now I know what you are probably thinking, what is this drastic event? And how could one Prince make such a big difference? Well, my dear readers, you will soon find out for I am going to tell you how it all came to pass.

It had been a regular day for the Young Prince of Mirkwood. Doing his duties and responsibilities, his schooling, and archery (in which he excelled mind you, "the best shot in the Realm" as his father boasted.) So to clear his head ( and to get away from the maidens who would but fain to be with him)
he decided to go on an adventure of his own for a while to get away from the chaos of everyday life.

The Prince Legolas, armed with naught but his bow and knifes walked through the gates and out into the forest. Clad in green as the leaves on the tree in which he was named. Though the trees as of late were no longer so. He walked further on the Mirkwood paths and decided to go across the borders of the Realm and to a small town just outside it.

The small town rest upon a lake, thus earning it's name Lake town and in the days of old before the dragon fire cursed it's lands and a tyrant master ruled had been part of a prosperous city in that of Dale. But alas those days were only legend now.

Not wanting to be known for only his title Legolas pulled his hood over his head, wishing to pass through without being noticed as only the Elf King's son but a mere traveler passing through.

"Halt strange traveler," the guard at the pass to the docks commanded. "State your name and purpose before I shall let you enter through. " The guard crossed his arms, demanding an answer with the look in his eyes as well as his voice.

"I am called Leif the Green," Legolas stated, not lying but not telling his full real name. "And I am a traveler who wishes to pass through this town to visit it. "

The guard eyed him warily before he spoke to him again. "I shall permit you to pass but I must warn you," he spoke in a hushed whisper. "Travelers have not been welcomed heartily as of late, but do no ill and all should go well."

Legolas nodded, thanking the man for his warning. "Safe travels my friend." The guard said with a small smile as the Elf went through the pass and to the small town on the lake.