Following my none too pleasant encounter with a would be assassin, much of the stronghold was on alert. My warriors could be trusted to keep word of it quiet, but I was still none too happy with Forven's actions. The sentiment behind it—appreciated. The consequences, however, not nearly as much.

That night, many warriors had come to my study. Some had been nervous, others brash, but a single theme carried throughout every one of their visits: the desire to take my duty upon themselves until the threat had been squelched. Each offer I had respectfully declined, explaining that no real danger had presented itself.

Somehow, I felt that none of them believed me.

Regardless, before even that dilemma, Forven and I had visited the servant's quarters. Maids were the bearers of more knowledge than even myself may be aware. We had entertained a brief interrogation. None of them immediately offered any information, and from experience I knew that there was nothing that I would gain from the discussion. If a maid didn't speak up immediately, she wouldn't speak at all. Leaving, I did not tell them the reasoning behind my visit—sometimes it was best to allow their imaginations to run rampant.

Finally, after all the tedious and mind stretching conversations came to an end and the night passed in tiring lethargy, I prepared for patrol. I was thankful to be on the day patrol, for evil flourished under the cover of night and I wished to be as near my father as I could in that time.

Early rays of sun peeked over the horizon as we exited the stronghold. The grim mood of late had faded noticeably. It felt normal almost. If only I could convince myself that it actually was.

Forven stayed closer to my side than ever before. I sighed. I thought we had grown past this...

We completed our routine travelling along the stronghold's edge, making our way farther away and then back again. Strangely, we encountered nothing. The destruction of the spiders' nest night before last had fulfilled its purpose. We could rest easy for some peaceful amount of time—or as peaceful as we could manage. I was about to call an order to return when something rustled behind me. I immediately nocked an arrow, sighting down the shaft and searching for a threat. I whistled softly, a known warning among my warriors and I. They would be on alert.

Nothing immediately appeared—unsurprisingly. I waited... Just when I was to lower my weapon and step forward, a voice sounded. "Pardon, sirs, I seem to have ventured off the path." From amid the foliage, an elleth appeared. Her clothes bore the mark of Rivendell. Raven wisps of hair escaped from her hood and she slowly pushed it off her head.  "I am Iaewneth, courier from Imladris."

I eyed her. Lord Elrond had one or two elves he usually sent to bring my adar any sort of news—not that such an occasion arose often. Elladan and Elrohir would bring words at times as well. This elleth I had no memory of. "Where is Rûdhon? Or Alyan? Has some ill befallen them?"

Iaewneth seemed to flinch. Perhaps it was just my paranioa, but I could have sworn that her hand had twitched towards her belt. "Nay, my prince. They were simply indisposed at the time they were needed. I think there was something about injury gained in a spare or some such."

I nodded slowly. It made enough sense, although such had never occurred in the centuries Mirkwood and Imladris had corresponded.

"I apologize on Hir Elrond's behalf," Iaewneth continued, "but he wishes to assure you that I am as trustworthy as the elves of Imladris may be."

This statement drew forth a faint murmur of laughter from the trees. Or, more accurately, from my warriors who hid there. Abruptly, Forven was by my side. "And yet the same is said of his sons." A lilt of amusement entangled itself in his words. "The trustworthiness of a Noldor is a riddle, just like everything they speak. In any case, welcome, maiden. The path to the stronghold is winding and easy to wander off of. Fear not, for I have committed my life to saving damsels such as yourself."

I snorted, eyes turning heavenward. Forven's self dubbed chivalrous mannerisms had yet to fade in a millennium.

"Ignore him," Forven said, winking. "He's just jealous of the damsels besides him that I rescue."

Iaewneth, who had contained herself to raised eyebrows at Forven's antics, trilled a laugh. Her amusement was joined by the barks of my warriors.

Tolerating a smile, I said, "Truly, your humor knows no bounds. Since you know your way to the stronghold so well, perhaps you will start us on our way there?" My tone left no room for argument and Forven's expression faultered, glancing at Iaewneth before shifting back to me. I saw the moment understanding dawned within him.

He forced his façade to hold. "If we must, but Lady Iaewneth and I must meet again later, hm?" Bending at the waist, Forven moved back just behind my shoulder.

"We would welcome your company on our return, lady." I nodded respectfully, motioning for my warriors to be at ease and move on to the stronghold.

"Thank you, sir. I appreciate your kindness. Although, I do not believe I caught your name. Any of yours, actually."

"Just warriors of the realm, lady. No need to bother yourself with us all."

Iaewneth smiled, forehead creasing. "I am sure you are all of absolute consequence, regardless of my knowing each one of you." Apparently, finished with the conversation, Iaewneth moved to stand among my warriors as they turned towards the stronghold. We were close enough to its border that there was no cause to conceal ourselves in the trees. No spiders had ever been found this near unless we were under attack.

It was a short journey back, one that I intended to take advantage of. Forven and I hung back, taking up the rear guard. I doubted Iaewneth would notice and my warriors knew better than to disturb us.

Forven inclined his head near to mine as we walked. "Problem?"

"Several," I bit back. "Why are you welcoming this elleth so unquestioningly? She could be a threat begging to be accepted into the palace."

"Oh, come now," Forven said, gesturing to Iaewneth. "What could she possibly have against your father, you, or the entirety of Mirkwood?" The elleth in question laughed with the warriors, appearing to be speaking amiably.

"Think about her arrival," I said. "Do you not find it strange that she happened to arrive now of all times? When the kingdom is threatening turmoil?"

"Have a little faith, Legolas. Hir Elrond is gifted with some amount of foresight is he not?—oh please, I have heard you and your father speak of it often enough. Perhaps he saw that something was coming, whatever it may be."

I worked my jaw. There could be truth in his words, but was I willing to risk it all on a possibility? "Alright," I said. "But we'll have to keep a sharp eye on her."

Forven laughed. "She's next to harmless, Legolas. Believe me, while you held your discussion I checked. She had one knife on her belt. That's it. For Eru's sake, she got lost."

"It's not that hard to get lost on the Path."

"True," Forven said, "but for a courier? It takes some skill to get this far from the Path so near to the stronghold. I can agree that mayhap she is stretching the truth on being Elrond's second best, but she is still young. It's understandable."

"First impressions, Forven."

"Yes, she apparently didn't make a good one on you. I understand that."

"No, I'm not saying that I don't trust her, I just—"

"You don't. Arguing is futile and will only lead us in further circles than we are already going. Our assassin was an ellon."

"And she is an elleth, I know. But believe me, Forven. There is something about her that I do not trust."

Forven breathed deeply. "I trust you in everything, Legolas. That much I owe you. I'll watch her. Just... try to see reason, hm?"

I nodded my agreement. One lesson had that been taught to me when I was still young; one that had stayed near to my conscious for years: Darkness is not a thing, but an existence. It takes hold of whoever or whatever it can—whether its bearer knows or not.

Upon our return, Forven and I guided Iaewthen to to outside the council chamber. There, either she or her message would be received, depending on if the words fell on parchment or not. For reasons all too obvious, I doubted that she would be one to be entrusted with the more threatening news that must be brought by word of mouth. "You should be received soon, depending on how efficient Galion is feeling."

"Hannon-le for your help. It has been most helpful."

"My pleasure, Lady Iawethen."

"Iaewthen," she quickly replied. "Please, just Iaewthen."

"As you wish," I said. Just as I turned to leave, I felt a hand wrap around my upper arm. "Wait! I mean, um, are you leaving? Where are you going?"

I smiled in what I hoped was reassurement. Forven may have been right in his supposition. She could be a novice courier attempting to be perceived as professional. "I must write a report concerning the patrol. It should be quick and I can come back or send someone to guide you, if you'd prefer."

"Oh, no, truly it's fine. I just thought we might be able to spend more time together..."

Forven intervened, his charm as shining as ever. "Unfortunately, the life of a captain is rather busy. His lieutenant, on the other hand, does not have nearly so demanding of a schedule."

Iaewthen smiled, but did not answer, instead dipping her chin towards me. "I thank you again. The Valar only know how long I might have wandered should I not have come across you."

Just as Iaethwen finished speaking, Galion exited a side room that led into the council chamber. He motioned a greeting to me. "Legolas, glad to see you have returned as I am sure your father will be."

"Glad to have returned, Galion. Has my adar been enjoying his day?"

"Between angry gardeners and bothered cooks I'd say he is having a rather splendid time. Tell me, might you request a glass of Dorwinion be brought up when you next pass by the kitchens? It might appease your father's temper."

I couldn't help the laugh that rose out of me. "Think nothing more of it, Galion."

"Hannon-le," Galion sighed, turning to Iaewthen. Deciding the Imladris courier was in capable hands and in a well enough guarded area, I made my way to my study, dreading the report I would need to compose. Did anyone actually read them? To give a detailed summary of near no excitement was more taxing than scrawling an account of a night that boiled over with excitement. I stayed true to my word when passing the kitchens, telling the staff Galion's request. A glass of wine might do me some good as well. I was broken from my thoughts by Forven's voice. I had nearly forgotten that he was shadowing me.

"For once you seem to have done the impossible."

"Confused, I cocked my head. "In what way, mellon-nin?"

"Iaewneth. You have some fantasy that she is out to murder you and yet she finds you to be a more likely companion then me." Satiric ire drenched Forven's voice.

"Well you can't please them all, now, can you?"

"Except for you, I would say. You could tell them that you're the dark lord himself and yet the ellyth would still fawn over the air you breathe."

"For one, we both know how untrue that is. For another—" I cut myself short. Rushed, heavy footsteps were nearing. "Forven..."

"Yes, I hear. No rest for the weary, I suppose."

We both flipped a small knife off our belt. In no rush to greet what trouble drew near, we continued our leisurely, calm pace. What would come would come.

What finally did come around the corner was not quite expected, yet somehow I didn't find it surprising. Taking step after step--stumbling every other footfall--Earandur huffed closer and closer. "Legolas! Forven! Legolas, I--I've," he bent over holding up a finger. He mumbled something that sounded akin to 'just-second-sorry' before straightening back to normal height. "I've been looking for you. We have a problem."

I couldn't decide whether to sigh or laugh, silence remaining my best option. "What's happened?"

"It's the archery master. He's dead."

Simultaneously, a sigh turned to laugh which turned to an incredulous cry. "What?!"

"They--they just found him. Thought you should know."

Arthion had been the archery master for longer than I had been alive. He had taught me the craft of the bow, how to wield it, know it, be one with it. So had he with all the King's archers. Suddenly, everything sank in and I ran, Earandur and Forven alongside me. We must have made quite the spectacle, a trio of crazed elves, but all that mattered was finding the elf that was so dear but said to be so dead. 

In a flash of time, I arrived where Earandur had directed. Just inside, by the door that led to the training fields, Arthion lay upon the floor, face down. One arm lay underneath him, the other twisted above his head. I ran beside him, crouching. Turning him over on his side exposed blue and green tinged lips. My fingers traced his neck, dread to confirm what I had already been told welling inside.

The time that ten heartbeats could have passed in, elapsed with not so much as a flutter.

"Is he...?" Earandur questioned, stepping forward. Forven gripped his arm, pulling him back.

"Dead?" I finished, lips pursed and throat closing. "Y--" I stopped short as the impossible happened. I was just about to lift my hand when a strange pounding greeted my touch.

"The healers are on their way, although I suppose that's inconsequential now--"

"No, no, quiet," I hissed. I waited. And waited. And waited--and suddenly I felt it again. "He's alive! He's still here! Call for the healers to hurry, there may still be hope!"

I heard the sound of my orders being carried out confusedly, but my eyes remained focused on the scene before me. What had caused this? No natural event could have reduced an elf to this state. That could only mean...

My eyes caught on something just a fingertip's length from Arthion's hand. A cup. The remnants of wine dripped from its rim.

Wine.

Cup.

Death.

The pieces wove together in a heart stopping realization. "Get my father!" I exclaimed, jumping to my feet. "Now, come on!" The shout was unnecessary as I moved to retrace my steps back to where my adar had last been.

"Legolas?" Forven questioned. "What's happened now?"

"The King has been poisoned--" I couldn't even finish the thought. Long enough had passed.... My footsteps were the only sound louder than my racing heart.
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