Building Ithilien [Legolas] LOTR

Trouble on the Anduim

Upon his return, Legolas informed the other elven warriors of the findings. In the briefest of councils, the prince decided to leave the road and give the piles of dead orcs a wide berth. Disquiet spread among all the elves. Even those who were not privy to Legolas' words sensed it, the uneasy dread settling among them. Legolas tried to keep his eyes bright and cheerful. There was little need to worry the innocent.

The warriors now took position along side of the company, sandwiching the unarmed. The prince's return and his grim face, along with the sudden summons of his archers, heightened every elf's senses to the possibility of danger. Even the youngest elf babe stirred restlessly in his mother's arms. The company rode quickly now, eyes scanning every shadow and every movement, down to each swaying blade of grass in the fields. Their ears caught the drop of each hoof against the earth and the beat of every wing in the sky as their ever-increasing anxiety amplified nature. The air grew still and thick as they neared the Anduin.

Ever since the elves' return, Miredhel knew that something foul had happened. She read it on her brother's solemn expression and saw it in Legolas' eyes. Let them pretend as if nothing was wrong. She knew better. She wanted to go to them and ask of their troubles, but she knew she could not. She was merely an elf maiden, just the sort they thought necessary to protect. She wished for courage, to go and offer up her bow and service to Legolas, but she knew what her brother would say. She hid behind that excuse, and she despised herself for it. So she rode quietly onward instead. The Anduin was near.

They reached the great river just as the sun fell into the shadows of the Misty Mountains. Through a ravine of slick rock, the river ran fast and deep, reflecting the last crimson rays of the sun. An ill omen, Legolas thought, as if blood pours from the wounds of the earth. Because they left the road, the elves did not meet the river at the bridge. They could not cross here. Legolas shaded his azure eyes with his long slender hands. The bridge was still a league further down the riverbanks. He knew he could easily summon the energy to meet the bridge before dusk and ride on into the night, but as he studied the careworn faces of his followers, he knew he should break camp for the evening. They were weary...and some were frightened.

Many had left the safety of the Lothlorien for the first time. The discovery of the orcs plagued his mind. He had seen death in many forms, but this, this was something new. The flesh had been shredded to ribbons. Swords, axes, and arrows left no such marks. He looked again at his followers. They depended on him and him alone. For the first time, Legolas felt the full weight of the enormous responsibilities of leadership. He had no one to turn to for guidance—not his father, brother, or even Aragorn. How could he keep his people safe against an enemy that rips through and devours the slain? Legolas clenched his fists in frustration. He wondered what his father would have done, what he would do right now. He would have to trust his own judgement.

"Make ready to camp for the night," Legolas announced. "We will cross the river at dawn."

Upon his orders, the elves lit no large fires; instead, a few small lanterns cast a merry glow across a morose campsite. As the night darkened, fingers of cold mist crawled forth from the river. Hazy, white curls snaked toward the camp, winding and twisting around the elves, squeezing all sight from them.

"Ai! We are blind in this soupy fog," cried Eledhel, his eyes darting toward the camp perimeters.

"I know. I cannot even see our night watch, although I know they are there," Belegil contended.

"If someone or something attacks the camp, we are ready and more than capable of fending off any advances. Our ranks boast the best archers and swordsmen of Lothlorien," Legolas said, attempting to make his voice match the confidence of his words. These were his friends to be sure, but he was also their leader. He must reflect strength and confidence. Eledhel and Belegil left to join the night watch, leaving the prince to his thoughts.