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The Last Wood Elf	By : Mel99Moe Category: +Third Age > AU - Alternate Universe Views: 4551 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 2
Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings or any characters or places. No money is being made from this story.

Chapter List
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Chapter 2 - Woodsmen of the North

It was morning of the third day since the siege on Mirkwood and Elhadron decided that today they should leave their shelter. He had only gone far enough to find what little food was around the mouth of the cave, mostly berries and some edible leaves. Elhadron was thankful that he remembered these survival skills from his days training as a scout in his youth. With no weapons, all he could do was forage the forest for their nourishment. He would need meat though, to keep up his strength. He would need to find a weapon before starting out and that meant going over the hill to where the carnage was. There would be something there he could use, but he would need to take it from some of the dead. Again, Elhadron explained his reason for leaving Legolas alone and promised that they would soon find better food and shelter. The boy was in a state of shock and despair, saying nothing in return and staring across the cave with empty eyes. It was obvious that Legolas missed his father and had come to the assumption that Thranduil was not coming.

Elhadron patted the child’s head and left to find what he needed. He reached the top of the hill again as he had done when he first saw the city burning. Everything was charred black. Smoke rose from the piles of burnt debris where it still smoldered. Elhadron sighed and carefully went on.

The first bodies he came upon were burnt beyond recognition. Their bows would have turned to ash. No weapons and so the counselor moved on. He could feel the heat emanating from the smoldering ground through the soles of his boots. In the distance, three black plumes of smoke steadily rose into the dark sky. Beneath that mound was Thranduil’s palace. It must have been burning underground and the smoke was escaping from vents that allowed fresh air to fill the caverns. He would not be going back there for anything. What he needed he would find out here in the destroyed forest.

Finally, a weapon, he said to himself as he found a small dagger lying on the ground. It wasn’t much, but it was something. Elhadron had always been better with a bow. Swordplay was never his strongpoint, but the fires were so intense that any wooden weapons were completely destroyed. The dagger was good, but he wanted a sword and that would mean examining each body he came upon. It was difficult to look at the bodies without regarding their faces. He had to know who they were and would say a silent prayer for safe passage into Mandos’ Hall. The counselor realized that this was taking longer than he had planned and he was getting further away from the cave. He was beginning to feel uneasy about his decision, but what else was he to do?

Just as he made the decision to take the dagger and return, a flash of silver caught his eye. Thank Eru, a long sword, he said to himself and ran to the place where he saw it. Elhadron gasped as he recognized the dead face of the soldier, Sadron, a young ellon just recently accepted into the army. The counselor had given him his official weapon at the ceremony, a long sword. Elhadron shook his head. “Such a waste,” he murmured as he retrieved the sword from the dead man’s grip. “When I handed this to him, I never thought I would be taking it from his corpse.”

The elf said one last prayer over the fallen soldier and turned to go back to the cave. Suddenly, he heard a high-pitched scream coming from that direction. “Legolas!” he yelled and ran as fast as he could towards the hill. He stood at the edge and looked down to find a very large black hairy spider trying to get into the cave, but the opening was too small. The creature’s front legs were reaching into the mouth of the cave, trying to grab the child within. The more the spider writhed, the more rocks broke away and soon the opening would be large enough for the beast to enter.

“Ai, you worthless piece of filth!” Elhadron yelled to divert the spider’s attention. His plan worked and the creature abandoned the cave, scrambling up the hill towards the elf. He held the sword in front of him, ready when the spider got close. Just before reaching Elhadron, the black nightmare reared up on its ugly legs, exposing shiny white fangs. Its fat abdomen curled and thrust forward, shooting a string of webbing at Elhadron. The sticky substance covered his leg. The elf swung the sword at the string to release his bonds, but the spider jerked backwards and Elhadron’s leg pulled from beneath him, dropping him to the ground. He started rolling down the hill towards the spider, which was ready to catch its prey, an easier meal than the one in the cave. The elf managed to keep hold of the sword and as he was about to crash into the spider, he sunk the blade into the black flesh between the fangs. The creature let out a scream and flipped onto its back, legs flailing wildly as its miserable life left its body. When Elhadron was sure the beast was dead, he retrieved the sword, wiping the black pungent blood on the leaf littered ground and wiped the sweat from his brow. His long honey colored hair was now darkened with a mixture of dirt and spider blood. His tunic and leggings were torn and soiled, but there was nothing for it now.

“Legolas!” the elf yelled as he ran the rest of the way to the cave. He burst through the opening and found the boy cowering at the back, whimpering. “Legolas, I am here. It is alright now. The spider is dead.”

“I’m sorry Elhadron. The spider scared me and I yelled,” Legolas cried against the counselor’s chest.

“You did the right thing. I heard you scream and came as fast as I could. Now, we must go quickly. Where there is one, there will be others. Remember that, little one. They never travel alone,” Elhadron said, giving the boy his first lesson.

“Yes, Elhadron,” Legolas answered between heaving sighs.

“You know,” the elf started as an idea came to him. “We are very close, you and I. I was there the day you were born and I watched over you many a night when your father was busy. You are almost like my own kin. I know we are not blood related, but I would like it if you started calling me uncle.”

“I never had an uncle before,” Legolas stated. “I like that. Elhadron takes too long to say.”

The counselor laughed. “So it does for someone so small.”

“Is that why you call me Legolas now?” the boy asked noticing Elhadron did not call him by his proper name anymore.

“I guess so. Besides, Legolas is just as strong a name.”

From that moment on, the two had an understanding and Elhadron became known to Legolas as his uncle. The counselor was thinking in terms of when they came upon strangers. It would be easier for someone to believe they were related and too difficult to explain otherwise. This would definitely work to their advantage.

* * *

The pair traveled as quickly as they could, moving south towards the forest path. From there, the road would lead them west and towards the Enchanted River. Just beyond that, Elhadron hoped to find the colony of Woodsmen, if the orcs hadn’t invaded their home. If that were the case, the elf would have to come up with a new plan and with any luck, get out of the forest safely.

Legolas was walking alongside Elhadron, holding his hand when he tugged on the counselor’s slender fingers. The elf recognized this as the boy’s signal to pick him up and carry him so he stopped and reached for the child. Legolas’ arms encircled Elhadron’s neck, his little fingers intertwining together, and laid his golden head upon the elf’s shoulder.

“Why can’t we go home and find Ada?” Legolas asked with his small tired voice.

“I’m sorry, Legolas, but there is no home to return to,” Elhadron answered honestly.

“The monsters released Ada’s soul, didn’t they, just like they did with Nana,” the child stated. When Legolas was two, his mother was attacked and killed by orcs.

Elhadron stopped walking and put Legolas back on the ground. He got down on his knees and brushed the child’s hair from his face. “It is time you know the truth, Legolas. Your father has gone from this world. His soul has departed and now sits with Mandos. He was a mighty warrior, just as you said and he died protecting you, his only son, the pride of his life.” Elhadron captured the boys chin in his fingers. “Ai, you look just like them both, your mother’s eyes and your father’s strong jaw. They were beautiful together and so in love. You, Legolas . . . you are the product of that love and everything special about your parents, they bestowed upon you the night they willed your soul to come forth and grow within your mother’s womb. I have no doubt that you will be just like them when you grow up. You will have a kind and loving heart like your mother and the fierceness of a great warrior soul like your father.”

Legolas looked at Elhadron with his brilliant blue eyes. “I want to be just like Ada. I will be brave and I will kill all the monsters so that they won’t hurt anyone else ever again.”

“That you will, Legolas . . . you truly will.”

* * *

They approached the Enchanted River after their long journey, tired and hungry despite the many times they stopped to rest. Elhadron had managed to kill a rabbit or two along the way. Legolas helped him find firewood and together they built a fire to roast their catch. Everything they did, Elhadron made sure to turn it into a lesson. A wood elf was never too young to learn. Legolas absorbed everything the counselor showed him.

They stood at the edge of the river and glanced across to the other side. “This is the Enchanted River, Legolas. Should you step into the water, you will fall into a deep sleep that you won’t wake from for three days. But should you fall asleep and drop into the river, you will drown.”

“How do we cross?” Legolas asked.

“Well, there should be a rowboat close by. It would be hidden from plain sight. Will you help me look for it?” Elhadron asked, making a game of it.

“Yes,” Legolas smiled excitedly. He put his hands on his hips and looked around the area. “Now where would a boat hide?” he contemplated.

“I am going to look around over here,” Elhadron called. “You stay where you are and don’t wander too close to the river.” He searched a group of bushes where he thought the boat would be.

Legolas stayed where he was, but there was a frog sitting on a fallen tree that drew his attention. It seemed to taunt the boy, its throat ballooning out and then shrinking back again, then it gave a loud croak. Legolas looked over to Elhadron who was busy searching beneath the bushes. Boys being boys, Legolas could not resist the need to capture the frog and he went to the log. Just when he thought he would catch it, the amphibian hopped away into another cluster of bushes, this one much thicker than the one that Elhadron searched, disappearing into the thick growing leaves. Legolas moved the branches aside and peeked into the dark space. Ribbit, ribbit, the frog beckoned.

“What are you doing in there, Mr. Frog?” Legolas called in his little voice. He got on his knees and crawled into the bushes a little further. He reached out with his hand to pick up the frog.

A low growl came from the back of the bushes. Legolas froze and slowly looked up. The branches separated to reveal the large brown head of a warg, its crooked fangs gleaming in an evil grin. Drool dripped from the corners of its mouth. The warg slowly moved towards Legolas. He froze a moment, not knowing what to do, then started crawling backwards out of the shrubs. The warg followed, prowling maniacally towards the elfling and growling. When the boy was clear of the plants, he got to his feet and backed away. Suddenly the head of the ugly wolf-like creature emerged from the leaves, then a foot and then the other foot. It stalked the boy, who kept backing away and getting dangerously close to the river.

From across the way, Elhadron called out, unaware of what was happening. “I win, Legolas. I found the--.” He looked over to see the wolf beast moving towards the little prince. The elf scrambled to find his sword without taking his eyes from the warg or Legolas. Suddenly the wolf lunged. At the same moment, Legolas fell backwards, slipping on a moss covered rock.

“Legolas!” Elhadron yelled, watching in horror and unable to do anything quick enough.

When the boy fell, the warg misjudged the distance and leapt over the elfling, landing in the river. It struggled for only a moment and then slowly sank into the water. The spell had done its job, putting the warg to sleep. The beast would drown.

Elhadron ran to where Legolas lay on the muddy ground and picked him up. He frantically examined him from head to toe. The elfling had a scratch on his cheek that was bleeding slightly, nothing bad. The animal’s claw must have scratched him as he jumped over him.

“Are you alright, little leaf?” Elhadron asked desperately. Legolas nodded and rubbed the back of his head. “Does it hurt?” The elf asked. Tears welled up and spilled quickly down the child’s dirty face. “What were you doing in those bushes? Did I not tell you to stay put?”

“I . . . I’m . . . so-orr-ry, Uncle,” Legolas cried as his breath hitched.

This was the first time since they discussed their new names that the child called him uncle and Elhadron’s heart ached for the boy. He pulled him to his chest and held him tight. “I did not mean to get angry, Legolas. I’m sorry. I was just so frightened when that warg--.” Elhadron couldn’t speak anymore, his own tears running down his cheek. Legolas wrapped his little arms around the elf’s neck.

“I miss my ada,” the elfling cried. “I want to go home.”

“I miss him too, little one,” Elhadron answered. “But we can’t go back. We have to keep going.”

The child cried in Elhadron’s arms until he fell fast asleep. For a moment, the counselor thought Legolas had touched the water, but it was only fear, shock and exhaustion that affected the elfling. Elhadron picked Legolas up and cradled him in his arms as he walked to the boat. Carefully, he laid the child down and pulled the small boat out of the bushes sliding it to the edge of the river. He went back and picked him up, placing him in the boat ,then pushed it into the water. Elhadron jumped in and rowed across the river. Luckily, the waters were calm and it was not a difficult task. Once they were across, he removed Legolas from the boat, but didn’t pull the vessel from the river. There was no point now. There was nothing to go back to east of the Enchanted River. Now his only goal was to seek out the Woodsmen and find shelter for the two of them. Hopefully, all would be well.

* * *

Five days had passed since Elhadron and Legolas started their journey. The counselor had not much strength left. With nothing but a sword and a small dagger to hunt with, they had survived mostly on berries and other wild vegetation. The last animal the elf had killed was a snake, but unable to detect whether it was a forest animal or one of Sauron’s poisoned recruits, he decided it was best not to eat it. Legolas was his main concern and he gave any extra food to the small child. It was becoming difficult to travel with him. He wanted to be carried most of the time and Elhadron’s arms had all but given out. They must be getting close to the Woodsmen territory though. The forest in this area seemed cleansed of dead and fallen trees, a clear sign of inhabitants. Woodsmen lived off the land much like the elves, using resources from nature and trying not to destroy too many living things. They hunted for food, never for sport and they used wood from dead or dying trees to make their homes and especially their weapons. Woodsmen were expert bow makers as well as meticulous archers. Elhadron thought about this as they were approaching their realm. The men of the woods were quick to shoot, much more so than elves since their hearing and sight was not as sharp. The counselor hoped they would not be too quick to spend their arrows now.

As they walked along, a rustling in the trees above warned Elhadron to the presence of the Woodsmen. They were being watched. He was glad, but at the same time fearful for his life. The elf stopped walking and lowered Legolas to the ground. “Stay close,” he whispered and Legolas grasped the material of Elhadron’s leggings, clutching to his leg.

Very slowly, the counselor laid his shiny sword on the ground in front of him, shoving it away with his foot. Then he tossed the dagger, making himself vulnerable to the Woodsmen. He stood up tall placing his arms at his sides and a hand at the back of Legolas’ head, cradling him against his leg.

“We mean no harm,” he yelled out into the seemingly empty forest. “These are my only weapons.” He gestured to Legolas. “I have an elfling with me. We are only seeking help.”

There was a loud and heavy thump on the ground behind where they stood. One of the Woodsmen had jumped down from his tree and observed the pair. No words were spoken for a time and no one moved. Finally, Elhadron broke the silence. “Please, we have been traveling for five days now. The child is beyond exhaustion. He needs nourishment and rest. We come to you, knowing you are our closest allies.”

“How do we know you are not spies of the Dark Lord?” asked the man from behind them. “There are many in these woods and all are disguised. One was said to look like an old man, lost and in need of help. I would not put it past his evil mind to use a child such as you have with you.”

Elhadron answered in a strong and insistent voice. “I promise you that we are not lost nor are we spies. We came to you for help. Perhaps you have not heard what has happened to Mirkwood yet. Our home was attacked not quite a week ago. It has . . .” Elhadron paused and swallowed. “It has been destroyed.”

“Are there others?” the man asked as he walked cautiously around Elhadron to face him. “And what of your King?” The elf only shook his head.

The man approached Elhadron, one slow step after another, never dropping his sight. When he was close, he picked up the two weapons. He searched the elf’s face for any sign of deceit then he looked down to the boy. Big round blue eyes met the man’s dark brown ones before Legolas quickly buried his tiny face on Elhadron’s leg, frightened of the man.

The elfling had every right to be scared. Woodsmen were among some of the tallest and most muscular of all men. They were descendants of the Northmen of Rhovanion, a hearty race who were governed by no single lord. They had divided into many tribes, spreading throughout the lands. Beornings, Lake Men of Esgaroth, Bardings of Dale and most well-known, Eothéod — better known as Rohirrim— were all descendants of the Northmen. One thing they all had in common was their hate for Sauron. Through the ages, these men never faltered to the Dark Lord, which made them good allies of Mirkwood and Lothlórien. They were some of the most trustworthy people to live in Middle-earth.

The man in charge studied Legolas a moment, and then glanced back to Elhadron. “Is this your son?”

“No, my name is Elhadron. His father gave the boy to me to keep safe while he stayed behind and fought the enemy. I managed to escape through the hidden tunnels with the child. The city was burned, nothing left but charred remains of trees and homes. I did not find any survivors.”

The tall man regarded Elhadron a moment and when he seemed satisfied with the elf’s story, he dropped to one knee to address the elfling. Legolas felt the man’s attention on him and kept his face buried.

“What is your name, young one?” the Woodsman asked with his baritone voice.

Legolas peeked with one eye. The Woodsman was a giant compared to him. He had long shoulder length reddish blond hair and a long beard to match. Bushy red eyebrows sat above dark brown eyes that shown with kindness, but could turn to anger with the snap of a twig.

“M -- My name i -- is Legolas,” the elfling stuttered.

“That is a fine name,” the man replied. “Are you hungry, Legolas?”

“Yes sir,” the little elf answered quietly.

The man stood up again and Legolas watched, as he seemed to touch the sky with is red head. He turned towards the trees behind him and gave a very loud whistle. Suddenly, three other Woodsmen dropped down from the trees they were hiding in, each one armed with a full quiver and a bow. Legolas noticed that they were all dressed very much the same. They wore fur vests with no undershirt, bare muscular arms showing off their strength. Two men wore dark brown leggings and one had on green, like the leader. They all wore black leather boots that came up to the bottom of their knees. As they came together, they looked like a wall of fur and flesh, their legs looking like sturdy tree trunks anchored to the ground. Legolas didn’t know whether to be afraid of them or to feel safe in their presence.

The man who spoke first looked to one of his companions and made a grunting sound, obviously understood by the others. Someone produced a shiny red apple and tossed it to the man. He caught it with one giant hand, fingers wrapping completely around the fruit, then turned to Legolas and handed it to him. The child reached out and took it, needing to hold it with two hands. “Thank you,” he said politely and began devouring it.

The Woodsman smiled, satisfied to see the boy eating and brought his attention back to Elhadron. “I am Folvar. These are my men, Hafdan, Kular and Torlek. We patrol this area of our land and spotted you a while back. I believe your story, for we came upon a small group of orcs a few nights ago, about the time you say Mirkwood was attacked. Evil in the forest has grown wide in recent days and we have been on full alert. If what you say is true, about Mirkwood being destroyed, then this is devastating news.”

“I’m afraid it is true, Folvar. My only concern for now is the child. His father entrusted him to me and I mean to respect his last wishes by taking him far from here. Our home is gone and it is up to me now, to see that he is raised properly. We may very well be the last of our wood elven kin and if so, the boy may be our only hope.”

“You speak as though he is of great importance,” Folvar stated curiously.

“Uh, well--.” Elhadron looked down at Legolas who was in deep concentration over his apple.

Folvar noticed the elf’s hesitation and called out. “Hafdan, come take the boy and give us a moment to speak privately.”

Hafdan was the same height and build as the others, but his hair was more yellow than red. The fur vest he wore was black like that of a bear and his arms seemed slightly leaner than Folvar’s arms. At a closer look, even with all the yellow facial hair, Elhadron could see that he was a bit younger than the other men. He approached the travelers and held a hand out to Legolas. “Come with me and I’ll show you were there are more apples.” His voice was quiet and sympathetic for someone so large and burly.

Legolas did not move, but looked up at Elhadron first. The elf smiled. “It is alright, Legolas. They are friends.” Legolas did as he was told, but would not look at Hafdan. He was still unsure of these men and rather shy around them.

With the child removed, Folvar and Elhadron spoke freely. “As I said, his father left him in my care. The boy is . . . he is the last wood elf, besides myself. I was the King’s chief counselor. We were in the throne room when the orcs invaded. Somehow, they compromised the river and its enchantment, making their way into the palace at different points along the river. There were too many and Mirkwood was taken over. I begged Thranduil to leave, but he stayed and fought off the enemy, giving me a chance to escape through the hidden tunnels, taking the boy with me. Just before we disappeared, I saw the orcs swarm the King.” Elhadron paused as the vision of Thranduil filled his mind. He regained his composure and continued. “We have been traveling for days now, fighting off spiders and wargs. The father’s last wish was for me to get his son as far from the Rhovanion as possible. He knew it was Legolas’ only hope for survival. Now I see it as our only hope to rebuild the wood elven colony.”

Folvar put his hand to his beard, playing with the coarse hairs as he thought about his choice. “Ever has King Thranduil been a great friend and ally to the Woodsmen of the north. When we have called upon Mirkwood for help, they have always responded. My heart breaks to hear this news and it is out of respect for the King that we accept you and Legolas into our colony.” He crossed his arms and spread his massive legs apart in a more relaxed stance. “However, I think travel through the forest would be folly at this time. There are too many assassins hiding in the dark recesses. In order to see you safely to the edge of the woods, it would take a decent amount of my men to accompany you. Unfortunately, half of them have been sent south to join Lothlórien in a siege upon Dol Guldur. I have not the men to spare and still be able to protect my own borders.”

Anger rose within Elhadron. “Lothlórien marches to Dol Guldur, you say?” His hands balled into tight fists. “That is just like the Noldor, always acting when it is too late.”

“Of what do you speak?” Folvar asked.

“Mirkwood has known of the filth that pours from the rotten mouth of Dol Guldur. We have called upon Lothlórien repeatedly, asking them to go in and access that land, but they refused saying that without good cause there was no point aggravating a hornet’s nest. Meanwhile, Mirkwood filled with spiders and other evil creatures, all working for the Dark Lord. Yet Lórien remains well protected in their Golden Woods. Sauron would not step foot into Lady Galadriel’s realm. He fears her since she is one of the ring bearers. Mirkwood had no such advantage and now it is destroyed. It took an attack upon our home and the killing of a race to bring those pretentious Noldor out from the protection of their woods . . . and my King is dead!” This last part Elhadron spat through clenched teeth.

Folvar was taken aback. He had not been aware of the rift between Lothlórien and Mirkwood, but he could see the hate and anger within Elhadron’s eyes. He laid a sturdy hand on the elf’s shoulder. “Come, let us get back to our city. The sun will be setting soon, and this is the last place you want to be when the night creatures slither from their holes.”

Elhadron sighed deep, shaking these feelings from his shoulders. “Thank you, Folvar, for taking us in. I am forever in your debt.”

“You will stay with us until we can come up with a plan,” Folvar answered and they all made their way to the Woodsmen city.
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The Last Wood Elf