Authors Note: PLEASE READ. IMPORTANT INFO BELOW.

Welcome! For those of you who have been around a few years, you may recognize this story. I started writing Without a Trace a couple of years ago but didn't finish it because I had to focus on college. My writing has improved since then, and I recently went to complete the story. After reading it, I decided to rewrite the entire story instead. Some things may or may not have changed. For the readers who remember the original story, please do not spoil anything for the new readers. Thank you.

Without further to do, I present the new and improved Without a Trace! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: Everything and all rights belong to J.R.R. Tolkien. I lay claim only to my OC's: Eriphael and Mithelen (and all the other ones you haven't met yet).

The sun's golden rays draped the blonde elf's proud shoulders. The few puffy white clouds that dotted the sky bore no promise of rain. Birds sang as they fluttered through the valley. A slight breeze caressed the travelers, and the air tasted sweet and soothing. Legolas brought his mare to a halt with a soft "cluck" at the top of a cliff.

He surveyed the scene below him with a smile. Lush, green life covered the Hidden Valley. The trees lazily rustled their new leaves back and forth. Blades of grass poked their heads out of the warm earth.

His keen ears registered the excited chatter of various creatures as they scampered around. A waterfall roared in the distance; a misty rainbow danced at the fall's bottom. Near the waterfall stood the heart of Imladris, the Last Homely House. He found himself drawn to its rustic beauty. Colorful flowers and trees adorned the house and its grounds. To the prince, its serenity promised much-needed peace and rest.

With a gentle nudge to the side of the mare, he eagerly maneuvered her towards the path into the valley. The escort of elves behind him followed their liege silently, for they did not wish to disturb the tranquility that surrounded them. Only the clip-clop from the horses' hooves echoed faintly on the rocks while the group made their way down.

Inhaling deeply, Legolas sniffed the nectarous aroma of the spring flowers. The scents of daisies, violets, buttercups, and tulips pleased his senses. He felt himself relax, as the pure warmth and touch of nature chased away the weary ache of travel from his bones. The bow, quiver, and knives strapped to his back didn't seem so heavy anymore. Tension from months of fighting and heartbreak slowly released its hold on him.

Glancing behind him, the prince observed his guard, all dressed in the same earthy green traveling garb, experience the same sensation. He watched the creases on their faces melt away.

The events in Mirkwood had pushed many hardened warriors to their limits; no more so than Legolas and his patrol. Hordes of spiders had become bolder, which caused them to attack more frequently than ever before. The beasts had captured and killed forest creatures, elves, and even several elflings.

Several Mirkwood patrols had set out to destroy the evil beasts before they could inflict more harm. The resulting battles were brutal. Two patrols did not return alive, and the spiders wounded numerous other elves.

It had been a grim day when they returned to the king's halls. He, Thranduil, and the other captains had put on brave faces when they informed the fallen elves' families of their loss, but Legolas remembered how on the inside he had just wanted to weep. The whole process left Legolas with a gut-wrenching feeling in the pit of his stomach.

There had been no rest for the weary. Orcs began ravaging the forest a little over a month after the fateful battle with the spiders. It took more than ten months to finish them all off. The elves finished off one legion of orcs only to be notified about a new orc pack in another part of the forest. The fights were bloody, gruesome, and lengthy. It seemed that for every orc they slew two more appeared. The elves had fought off orc raids in the past, but this year's attacks were just more savage and tougher to repel.

Despite the hardships, they continued to fight against the darkness as they always had. Three patrols saw the most action. Legolas' patrol was one of them. They paid dearly for it as the monsters gradually decimated them. Legolas helplessly watched friend after friend fall with each battle. When the fighting finally ended, half of the soldiers under the prince's command were dead, and Legolas was left weary in both heart and body.

It was evident to Mirkwood's king that his son needed time to heal. He quickly arranged for Legolas and the elves under his command to spend the summer in Imladris. Lord Elrond promised he would see to it that Legolas spent his time hunting, swimming, and relaxing. The prince's lips curled upward as he recalled how Thranduil had sent Legolas to Imladris with strict orders to have fun and not to get into too much trouble. He had proceeded to playfully ask his father to define trouble.

A voice broke off the firstborn's musings. "What are you smiling about?" questioned an elf as he pulled his horse up alongside Legolas' horse. A cheeky grin plastered his friend's face. Eriphael's facial features were fair to the eye, not sharp like those of some elves. Highlights of brownish gold streaked his braided, light brown hair. His green tunic contrasted with the bright green of his eyes.

Legolas shrugged nonchalantly, "Nothing."

"Nothing?" echoed the brown-haired elf. He quirked an eyebrow in disbelief.

"I'm...just thinking of ways to get back at the twins for that prank they pulled the last time they were in Mirkwood."

Eriphael volunteered, "The one where they got all the captains drunk and blamed you for it?"

The prince groaned, "I forgot about that. No, I'm talking about the one where they dyed all of my clothes pink."

The archer snickered. "Pink is a good color on you. It certainly impressed the ellyn." Legolas shot him a withering glare, which caused Eriphael to let out another a laugh. "Well, don't expect me to assist you in your prank war. I would like to keep my dignity intact, thank you."

"So much for your oath to protect Mirkwood's royals," scoffed the blonde elf. "Well, at least Aragorn will aid me. He won't abandon me like some elves I know."

"Aragorn is here in Imladris?"

Legolas nodded with a grin, "Aye. He wrote me of his plans a couple of months ago. He is staying for two months."

"See," Eriphael pointed out, "the sides will be even. The two of you against Elladan and Elrohir. You don't need me."

"Don't think you're getting out of this so easily…" Suddenly, a frown appeared on Legolas' face. By this time, the group of elves was less than half an hour from arriving at Lord Elrond's doorstep. Perplexed, the prince glanced around.

"What do you sense, Legolas? What's the matter?" asked Eriphael, his hand hovered above the knives on his back, just in case.

The elf's frown deepened, "It is what I do not sense that troubles me. We should have been met by sentries by now." Legolas paused and closed his eyes. "Mellon, do you hear faint calls?"

The warrior focused his senses on the sounds in the valley. After a few seconds, he reported, "Aye, but I cannot make out the words. They sound distressed. It sounds like they are searching for someone."

Nodding his head in agreement, the prince called to the elves behind them, "Something is amiss. Be ready for anything."

Turning back to Eriphael, his countenance was no longer carefree, instead, it was vigilant. Unease clouded his blue eyes slightly. "Come, the sooner we reach Lord Elrond's, the sooner we can learn what's wrong and help." His second in command nodded grimly. With a sharp cluck of his tongue, Legolas urged his mare into a canter. The rest of the elves followed suit.

Within minutes, the group brought their horses to a halt in the courtyard of the Last Homely House. An elf wearing a scarlet tunic rushed out to meet them. He hastily adjusted his circlet and bowed low. "Mae govannen, Prince Legolas Thranduilion of Mirkwood. It is an honor to host you and your company."

The blonde elf dismounted and returned the bow, "Hannon le, Erestor. The Elvenking of Mirkwood sends his greetings to Lord Elrond of Imladris."

He shrewdly noted Erestor's disheveled appearance, along with the bags under the elf's eyes. The nervous twitch of the advisor's fingers caught his attention as well. These further confirmed his suspicions that all was not well. Legolas glanced around. "Where is Lord Elrond? I wish to speak with him immediately."

Erestor cleared his throat. "He sends his regrets, but unfortunately he is not here at the present moment," apologized the advisor.

"What about Elladan or Elrohir? Can I speak with them?"

"I'm afraid they aren't here either. But, Lord Elrond has instructed me to welcome you and show you to your guest chambers..."

"Erestor, what's wrong?"

The advisor plastered on a smile. "It's nothing you need concern yourself with, Legolas. You came here to rest. Now, if you'll follow me..."

The prince reached out and stopped the brunette elf before he could take another step. He had spent enough time in his father's court to know when he was being put off. He made no effort to mask the concern that showed on his face. "Mellon, my company and I would assist where needed. We will not sit idly by when we can help. But, first, you must tell me what's happened."

"Yes, we heard search calls in the valley. Who is missing?" inquired Eriphael as he dismounted and came up behind his liege. "It must be someone important if you have the entire valley searching for them."

Legolas' stomach knotted at the truth of Eriphael's words. He had not thought about Lord Elrond or his sons missing. Impatiently, he waited for the advisor's answer.

Erestor paused as if he were trying to figure out what to reveal to them, which only fueled the prince's ire. He leveled Erestor with an icy look that showed he would not be deterred. The brunette firstborn thought he looked very much like Thranduil at the moment.

"Don't try coddling me, Erestor. You know I cannot rest if one of my friends is in danger." He gave the elf's shoulder an encouraging squeeze, "Now who is it? Lord Elrond? One of the twins? Estel?"

Erestor cringed almost imperceptibly at the sound of Estel's name. Legolas' heart plunged. "Aragorn is missing?"

"I'm afraid so," sighed the advisor wearily while he massaged his temple.

"How long has he been missing?" Eriphael asked.

"A week and a half."

Legolas' arm dropped to his side, and his brows knotted in confusion, "But, he told me in his letter he was supposed to arrive over three weeks ago."

"He sent us word last month that he would be delayed for two weeks and wanted to check on something. We've heard nothing since then."

"Nothing at all?" the prince questioned shakily, his head spun with worry. "What about the nearby towns? Or the rangers? Did he leave word or a clue with them?"

Erestor shook his head sadly. "None at all. Elladan and Elrohir rode out in search of him a few days ago. So far, they've found no trace of Aragorn. The rangers know as much as we do. He left no word with them either. When they last they saw him, he was headed in the direction of Imladris."

Legolas wanted to pull out his braids or kick something. If Aragorn wasn't dead, then he was going to kill him himself. Surely that thickheaded ranger knew better than to dive headfirst into danger and leave no hints about his whereabouts.

The elf clenched his fists and took a breath. Giving in to his anger and fear would not help the human. Instead, he needed to focus his efforts on forming a plan. "Where have you searched for him, Erestor?"

"Elladan and Elrohir, along with a few others, are searching the villages closest to Imladris. Both Lord Elrond and Glorfindel are leading search parties in the valley. We also sent word to the rangers and asked them to look near the Shire."

"All right, where have you not looked? My escort and I shall start there immediately."

Erestor held up a hand. He pinned the blonde elf with a glare of his own. "Pardon me, Legolas, but you will do no such thing."

The prince opened his mouth in protest, and Eriphael moved forward to challenge the advisor before Legolas stilled him. Erestor continued with a tone that held no room for argument, "You and your company will come with me and freshen up. Then you will dine and rest tonight. Tomorrow you can join the search."

Legolas and Erestor glowered at each other for several moments in a battle of wills. Finally, the archer lowered his gaze and sighed, "Erestor, I will find no rest until I know Estel is safe. I may as well use my time looking for him."

"I know you want to help, but you are no good to anyone exhausted," the advisor countered.

"I'm fine," Legolas argued. He knew the other elf was correct. The prince could feel weariness pull at his muscles, but his mind was clear. He was trained to handle this. Fatigue's weight could be ignored as long as his mind could function sharply.

Erestor eyed him skeptically. "As many times as I've heard those words from your mouth in the healing ward, I must say I don't believe you. There will be plenty of time to look for Aragorn tomorrow after you've rested."

The blonde firstborn growled, "That's just it! Estel doesn't have time! Something terrible must have happened to him. If he is not dead, he is probably out there dying somewhere. We need to find him, and we need to find him now! Ai!"

Legolas broke off his outburst and dragged a hand over his face. Eriphael grasped his shoulder in silent support, while Erestor waited patiently as Legolas regained control of his emotions. "I'm sorry, that was uncalled for," he apologized.

Erestor's eyes shone with understanding. "I know it's hard. We all care for Estel, but I care about your well-being as well. Please, if you will not rest for your own sake, then at least rest for theirs." He gestured to the elves behind Legolas.

He turned his head and surveyed his escort. The elves appeared stoic, ready to do their prince's bidding. Legolas knew better than to be fooled by their facade of tirelessness. The minute slump of their shoulders and the glassy sheen and pink specks in their eyes told him they were tired. They needed rest, though they would never say so.

The prince felt torn. His gaze unconsciously traveled to the horizon. Aragorn needed help, yet Legolas could not in good conscience ask his company to join the search as exhausted as they were. Erestor was right. He would have to find another way.

"Very well. We will rest tonight and begin searching at dawn," Legolas agreed.

Erestor exhaled with relief, "Good."

"Do you mind showing us to our quarters?"

"Of course," smiled the advisor. Approval radiated from his countenance. Legolas returned it with a weak smile of his own. Erestor beckoned towards the large steps, "This way."

The group dismounted, took their reins, and began to direct their horses towards the stable. The brunette elf stopped them with a chuckle, "Leave them. You are our guests. The stable hands will care for your horses." Almost like magic, several elves appeared and led the horses away. The Mirkwood elves readily followed Erestor into the majestic house. Legolas fell back behind the others though.

Pausing at the doorway, he looked cryptically out towards the valley and beyond. A concerned frown marred his face and his blue orbs flickered. The elf remained lost in thought for several moments until a hand clamped down on his shoulder.

He spun around to meet Eriphael. "Are you all right, mellon nin?" asked the archer.

The prince shrugged. "I will be better when Aragorn is found."

"I know," he nodded sympathetically. Eriphael tightened his grip in comfort. "We'll find him, Legolas. Aragorn is tough. He will come through whatever has happened. Don't give up hope just yet."

The blonde elf grasped the forearm of his companion. "I won't," he promised with his first sincere smile since they had arrived at the Last Homely House.

Eriphael urged, "Come on, we need to get ready or we're going to be late for the evening meal."

The prince waved him on. "You go on ahead. There's something I need to take care of before dinner." Legolas watched the archer's murky green silhouette fade down the hallway before he shifted his eyes towards the sunny horizon one last time. "Hold on, Estel, I'm coming," he murmured as he trotted up the last couple of stairs.

The crickets' chirping muted the booted footsteps that treaded along the hardwood floor. Sounds of deep breathing and soft snores filled the spacious, ornate room. The elf crept down the aisle between two long rows of beds. He had impatiently waited hours for the last elf in his escort to falls asleep.

Finally, he came to a stop next to a bed on the end. A brunette elf laid in the bed twisted in the sheets, with one arm under his pillow where a knife lay hidden. Noiselessly, Legolas placed a small note on Eriphael's bedside table and crossed to an open window on the other side of the room.

The firstborn vaulted onto the sill with ease. Taking one last look at his friend, the elf slid out the window. He is going to kill me for this when he wakes up, he mused silently.

The prince carefully climbed down the house. His nimble fingers and feet skillfully maneuvered the network of vines wrapped along the wall. The thick, silky vines held his weight easily.

Within the span of a minute, he reached the ground. Legolas jumped the last few feet and landed smoothly. He immediately melted into the shadows. The last thing he wanted was to get noticed and alert the sleeping elves above him to his escape.

Several moments passed while he scanned the area. Ensuring himself there was no one to see him, he broke out in a sprint towards the stables. His bow, arrows, and pack lightly slapped his back as he ran.

No one noticed the shadow reach the stables. The wooden door gave a yawning creak when he opened it but fell silent as he slid inside. Blue eyes adjusted to the gloomy blackness that greeted him. The hay's musty smell tickled his nose. Resisting the urge to sneeze, Legolas strode down the long line of stalls.

His blonde head peeped over each stall in search of his mare. The horses barely acknowledged him pass, and contentedly munched on the grass in their large troughs. In the middle of the row, he tossed his plan aside with a huff. "Mithelen, where are you?"

A gray horse peeked her head out of an end stall. Legolas grinned, "There you are!" She whinnied in response. The elf's grin flopped into an anxious frown, and he rapidly tapped his finger against his lips. "Shhhh! Mellon nin," he hushed, "We don't want to wake the stable hands."

The horse gave him a questioning look but quieted down obediently. In a flash, he swung open the stall's door and entered. She greeted him with a playful nudge. After patting her head in return, Legolas removed her saddle from the wall.

"I hope you're rested." Mithelen wagged her head. "Good, because we've got a long journey ahead. Aragorn is in trouble, I can sense it." He placed the saddle on her back. "We need to find him fast. I fear it may already be too late." He secured the straps and caressed her neck, "Can I count on you, mellon?"

She nuzzled him, and the prince smiled into her mane. "Hannon le, Mithelen." The conversation fell silent as he readied her for travel.

Minutes later, Legolas strapped his pack on the back of the saddle. He hastily checked his supplies and weapons one final time out of habit. "Everything's here and ready," he whispered, pleased. Taking the mare's reins, the elf led her from the stall.

Upon leaving the stable, Legolas effortlessly swung into the saddle. With a cluck of his tongue, they were off. Soon the inky night swallowed him and the mare as they headed up the path that exited Imladris. Little did Legolas realize that the darkness of the night was nothing compared to the evil darkness he would soon discover.

Author's Note: And so it begins...

Feel free to share your thoughts in a review (as long as they're NOT spoilers or flames)! Thanks!

~M.B.