Legolas had been taken to his father's dungeons.
He had been chained to the wall and locked in a cell.

Just like he had been all those years ago.

He strained against his chains but it was no use.

How could this be happening? Everyone he cared about was about to go to war against each other.

You have been abandoned Legolas. You might as well just give up now.

Legolas wanted to ignore the voice but it was true.

His father was beyond his reach, as well as Aragorn, he had no idea about Gimli, he was alone.

Or so he thought.

He heard soft footsteps approach his cell, he looked up and saw a familiar face.

"Haldir!"
The elf quickly unlocked the cell door and entered.
He removed Legolas' chains and helped him up.

"Are you alright?"
He asked.
"Yes, I'm fine. What is happening?"
Legolas followed Haldir out of the cell.

"Your father has ridden off to battle against Eomer and Aragorn."
He replied grimly.
"We have to stop this."
Legolas stated.

Haldir looked at him skeptically.
"How?"
Legolas shook his head.
"I do not know. But if we do nothing...."

Legolas looked desperately at Haldir.
The elf sighed.
"We have to hurry before we are spotted."

The two elves raced silently through the palace. Most of the elves were gone, making their escape much easier.

They entered the stables and grabbed whatever horses were left.

They mounted and raced off into the woods.
"How far do you think they have gotten?"
Legolas asked.
"I do not know," Haldir replied, "I fear that by the time we arrive we will be too late."

()()()

The moment Gimli had heard that Dain had declared war on Mirkwood, Rohan, and Gondor he had left.

He would have no part of this.

He had journeyed alone west, the whole way he had heard tidings of war.

He hadn't stopped in Mirkwood, he traveled all the way to Rivendell and rested.

Then he continued on to the Shire, if there was going to be a war and he knew that Alatar was behind it, he needed to make sure that his friends would be safe.

Once he entered the Shire he sought out Sam and Merry.
The two hobbits had been shocked by his unexpected arrival.

"What brings you here Gimli?"
Sam asked.
"It's not something bad is it?"
Merry added.

Gimli sighed.
"You both may want to sit
down."

Gimli told them everything.
Starting with when Amarth first appeared to Legolas.

The hobbits listened in absolute silence.
Had it been years ago and they would have interrupted with dozens of questions.

But they were older now. Hardened by things that other hobbits couldn't even dream about.

Gimli finished his account of what happened by telling them of the war that was about to happen.

Sam and Merry couldn't believe it.

"How can this be happening?"
Sam asked in disbelief.
"What do you want us to do Gimli?"
Merry asked.

"I want you to take all of your people to the Grey Havens. As far as I know Elrohir isn't involved in this blasted war."

"Alright."
Sam said.
"Then what do you want us to do?"
Merry asked.

"Stay there until this madness is over."
Gimli replied.

Sam and Merry's faces fell.
"You don't want us to help?"
Sam couldn't hide the hurt in his voice.
"I want you to stay safe."
Gimli replied.

"We've been in battle before Gimli."
Merry argued.
"You shouldn't have had to fight that battle!"

Gimli sighed.
"I know you two are brave, but this isn't a fight against orcs. It's a battle between men, elves, and dwarves. It's something you cannot fight in. Please, just go where it's safe for now."

Sam looked at Merry and nodded.
"Alright. We'll do it."

Merry looked at Gimli.
"Just promise us that you'll be careful Gimli."
Gimli nodded.
"Don't worry, I'll be fine."

()()()

Legolas and Haldir pushed their horses as hard as they could go.

They had to get to the battle before it started, and-

Legolas groaned in frustration.
He didn't know what to do!

They had left Mirkwood several days ago and had just entered Rohan.

Haldir stopped his horse and paused.
"Legolas..."
His voice was strained with fear.

They were too late, the battle had begun.

()()()

Thranduil struck down another enemy, no one could stand against him.

The battle had started as soon as Thranduil's army had arrived, for now, they were winning.

But once Gondor arrived they would be outnumbered.

A horn sounded in the distance, Gondor had come.

Aragorn led his men into battle without hesitation.
Just as Thranduil had predicted they were now outnumbered.

A voice sounded in his head.

Kill Aragorn. Kill him and the battle will be won.

Thranduil obeyed immediately.
He fought his way towards Aragorn.

When he reached him he saw him fighting against an elf, he quickly killed it and turned to face Thranduil.

The same voice was echoing in their heads.

Kill him.

The two kings attacked.

Thranduil brought his swords down on Aragorn who blocked them with his sword.

Thranduil stumbled backwards but quickly recovered, he went in for another blow, this time pushing Aragorn back.

Aragorn wasn't able to recover as quickly and Thranduil knocked him off his feet.

He landed on his back and his sword fell out of his hand.

Thranduil raised his swords and prepared to deal the killing blow.

Then he stopped, he heard Legolas' voice.

Open your eyes!

Thranduil blinked.
What was he doing?

He looked down at Aragorn.
The voice said to kill him.

You have to fight it!

Thranduil backed away from Aragorn. He couldn't kill him, he wouldn't kill him.

The cloud lifted from Thranduil's eyes. For the first time, he realized what was happening.

What had he done?
This was a mistake!

Something struck him hard in the back, he fell onto his stomach and dropped his swords.

Aragorn stood over him with his sword in his hands, about to strike him.

Thranduil rolled onto his side and dodged the blow.
He leaped to his feet and tried to wrestle the sword away from Aragorn.

Aragorn suddenly pulled back, he yanked the sword away from Thranduil and drove it forward.

Aragorn released the hilt of the sword.
Thranduil's eyes widened in shock and pain.

Thranduil clutched the hilt of the sword and fell to his knees.

Aragorn watched as he fell onto his side....

He saw the blood pouring from the wound....

He heard Legolas scream....