Chapter VII

                                    

                                          
Legolas's pov
                          
My eyes focus on my surroundings. My mind knew they were familiar, but yet, they changed so much over the time I have been gone. There was more trees where there would normally be trails. The ground was covered in more underbrush than what I felt was familiar.
                          
My crew continues behind me and my second in command, Cindor. I told Elrond before I left a couple weeks ago that I would need another in command. He sent me with Cindor, whom I already knew very well. He had been to Mirkwood many times and I had no doubts about him coming along.
                          
He was also a very strategic leader. We already decided he would be the one in command of the strategies that would be in place for the guard. I determined that I would focus on the training and recruiting as well as the guard itself.
                          
I found myself unready to face my father, but I already know that it would be necessary.
                          
We finally reach the line where the guards were. There was a group of about six elves that confronted us. None of them held their weapons at aim, and I guess that Thranduil must've gotten the notice.
                          
"Are you the guard from Rivendell?" A girl elf asks.
                          
"Yes." I answer. "We have come to join the guard of Mirkwood."
                          
She looks between me and Cindor. "Which one of you are the leader?"
                          
"I am." I answer. "I am Legolas and this is Cindor. Cindor is my second in command." I motion to the group behind us. "This is the rest of our company."
                          
The elf nods. "Alright. Follow us and we will lead you to the castle."
                          
She starts walking off, I realize a couple of the elves that had been with her were looking at me and whispering. I pretend not to notice and just motion to my comrades to follow. 
                          
We finally reach the wall, which still looked the same to me. Elves scattered the top and the base of it. I found many of them were armed with bows and a couple swords, which is expected of all elves here.
                          
We pass through the boarders and continue through the city. Elves move out of the way as we pass through, some of them giving us odd looks. I try to keep my focus straight, but it became harder the closer we got to the castle. 
                          
We reach the stables where a handful of guards were waiting. One of them dressed in different attire than the rest. He approached us.
                          
"If you will all give us your horses we will lead them to the stables. If you all will then wait for us at the front entrance, I will talk to the leaders." The man said.
                          
I get off my horse and lead it to one of the guards, who silently grabbed the reigns and pull the horse towards the big building nearby. 
                          
I then meet Cindor over by the front of the gates. He look at me with concern, then I realized I was nervous.
                          
"Are you alright?" He asks quietly.
                          
I nod. "I think so. I am just ready to get it over with."
                          
"Don't blame you." He says as the elf approached us.
                          
He scans us both then speaks in a deep tone.
                          
"You two are the leaders?" He half asks and half states.
                          
"Yes." I simply answer.
                          
He nods. "You are both from Rivendell, correct?"
                          
Me and Cindor exchange looks. "Something like that." I answer.
                          
He looks at us skeptically, then holds out a hand. "My name is Serion, I am leader of the Mirkwood army. I am happy to welcome you both to Mirkwood."
                          
Cindor answers his handshake first. "I am the co-leader, Cindor."
                          
Serion nods then faces me. I shake hands with him.
                          
"I am Legolas, leader of the Rivendell guard." 
                          
He nods. "I have heard about you traveling with the fellowship."
                          
I nod, smiling. Those were the best days of my life.
                          
"I am excited to work here." I say, pulling my smile to cover the lie.
                          
He waves his hand at us. "I will now escort you to Thranduil, the king of Mirkwood."
                          
I almost protest, but simply decide to follow Serion.