When walking through the carved arched doors to the balcony where the council was to meet, he saw he was the last to arrive. The rest of the attending council watched him with a look of disapproval. Legolas paused at the doors then strode to the last empty seat in the half-circle and sat down, between Faunryn and Malthenaur, two brother elves who had an extreme dislike towards each other. The older of the two, being Malthenaur, disliked Faunryn's somewhat impatient and curious nature, while Faunryn disliked the merciless teasing he received from his older sibling. All in all, there was an obvious reason why the seat was the last taken.

"Prince Legolas of Mirkwood, at last, you join us!" Elrond's words are stern but with an undertone of understanding. The prince blushed slightly and remained silent.

Much was discussed of the south, for Boromir, son of Gondor, had arrived from there and told the council of the troubles his people had, fighting the darkness that threatened them all. Gandalf also informed them of the betrayal of Saruman. When the Istari was finished speaking there was a deafening silence throughout the balcony. It was then that Legolas felt he needed to tell what he was sent for.

"Alas! I must now tell the reason I was sent. The creature Smeagol, also called Gollum, has escaped!"

The faces of those attending grew grave, and after an even greater silence, Aragorn spoke.

"How did this happen? Surely escape was not easy."

Legolas gazed at Aragorn and paused before speaking. "It should have not been, but…not wanting to be cruel, we brought him to a lone standing tree, where he would climb as high as he could go and feel the cool breezes. One evening, he refused to come down, and none of those guarding had any mind to go up after him. Late into the night…one was left to keep watch while other slept…orcs attacked…and…" Legolas's voice broke. "Needless to say, Gollum was not found. We searched for many days, following the tracks of the orcs, but we could not catch up." He said, after regaining composure.

"This is dire news, indeed." said Gandalf.

The situation of the ring was then brought to attention.

"Bring forth the ring, Frodo." Frodo glanced at Gandalf and after receiving a nod walked to the circular stand and placed the golden band on it. Those present gasped, knowing full well what the ring meant. Only those who already knew about the ring's presence, being Frodo, Gandalf, and Elrond, remained composed.

"If the ring falls into Sauron's possession, then all of Middle-Earth is doomed." Proclaimed Elrond in a bold voice.

"No ring, magic or not, can withstand a weapon of dwarves!" Gimli, son of Gloin, said and giving a triumphant cry, brought the ax at his side down upon the ring. The weapon shattered and Gimli was thrown to the ground as a ripple of energy coursed through the air.

"The One Ring must be unmade in the fires of Mount Doom. It is the only way to be rid of its influence!"

"Then the ring must be destroyed! It must be brought to Mordor!" said Faunryn, standing and looking at each council member as he did so.

"And I suppose you think you are the one to do it! The ring put in the hands of an elf? Ha!" Shouted Gimli. With those words, both races stood and shouted. Legolas spread his arms wide, hoping to keep those of the elves back so to not let the fight get any worse, but his efforts helped little.