***Authors Note: although in both the book and the film, Haldir and Legolas have never met, in this tale they have previously encountered each other, though they spend very little time together. Plus, the passage in italics and marked at either end with ** is a dream sequence***



The dark sky began to pale as dawn approached, bringing with it the promise of another dry day. As dim light began to spread across the land, Haldir saw great shadows rising into the brightening sky and silently he sighed, for he had reached the boarders of Mirkwood. Taking a small drink from the water pouch which hung at his waist, he looked at the forest looming before him and wondered what he would find once he entered. He had been travelling for four days and had taken little rest, such was the urgency in his heart to reach Thranduil and urge him to make the journey to Rivendell for the Council. Slowing his steed to a walk, they passed under the withered branches of a large, long dead oak and entered Mirkwood. Long had it been since he had walked that part of the world and much had changed since last he was there. His senses told him that his passage was watched but, feeling no malice or evil stemming from the watchers, he knew he did not yet risk an encounter with Wargs. Slipping from the bare back of his mount, he walked a while, allowing his trusted steed some small measure of rest without his weight being carried. Almost unconsciously his hand strayed to the hilt of the simple dagger he carried at his waist, its twin sheathed at his back, the only weapons he carried besides his bow. A full quiver was fastened firmly across his back, the intricately carved bow carefully nestled around it and within easy reach should it be required. Keeping his eyes and ears open for any threat of attack, he slowly ventured deeper into the land of Mirkwood.