Legolas strode through the halls of the palace. It has been weeks since the wedding and the palace and its servants were still adjusting to the changes. The gossip revolving around Mantheniel, the new queen, was still going around.

People adored her not because she was soft or lady like, in fact it was the opposite. They seemed to revel on the fact that the King had finally found his match in almost everything. Including temper. Legolas lets out a chuckle as he turned towards the dining hall were they were serving breakfast.

As he walked, he glanced at the forest from the open arches. The trees did look greener and somehow the air around them was lighter. A smile played across his lips as he approached the dining hall. The guards posted by the door greeted him before opening the doors so the prince may enter.

He walked briskly inside to find Mantheniel seated by the table alone. He approached her slowly. When he neared her, she glanced up with a smile on her face.

"Legolas! Good morning. Will you join me? It is a bit sad to eat alone in such a huge table." Legolas gives her a smile before bowing slightly.

"I would love to." He walks around and takes a seat opposite of her. He could feel a slight tension in the air as Mantheniel fumbled with her food. He had no idea how they should address each other and by the looks of it, neither did she.

"Where is my father?" He began to ask as he poured himself a glass of water. Mantheniel turns to look at him as she purses her lips and shakes her head.

"Your father has been in the throne room the whole day. Discussing about who knows what since he does not allow me during the meetings." She says bitterly, Legolas could almost swear she was pouting. He fought a smile.

"Ah. Well, he has his duties and soon you will too. The palace is still adjusting. It has been long since they had a queen." He tells her and all of a sudden he wished he could take it back, something about her expression made him think so.

"I apologize. Upsetting you was not my intention." He suddenly says as Mantheniel kept folding a napkin in her hand. When her eyes met his again, she had a look as if she had known him all her life, and she was willing to die for him. Who knew one could convey so much with one look?

"You have not upset me. I apologize if it seemed that way. It is just that..." She bites her lip, averting her gaze from the prince. Mantheniel could hardly believe she was about to admit how nervous and afraid she was about being queen. She had no clue on it whatsoever.

"Never you mind. May we just enjoy the food? You must try this." She states as she grabs a tart from one of the silver plates and places it on Legolas' plate. Legolas looks at her for a moment, confusion in his face before he finally thought better of it and grabbed the tart, biting into it. Mantheniel beamed at him as he did so.

"Winter is almost upon us," he starts as Mantheniel continued to place different types of food on his plate. He was enjoying it far too much to stop her. When she finally showed signs of stopping, biting into a piece of bread, he started eating the mountain of food she had given him. She gives him a nod.

"Yes, but snow does not fall here. Does it?" She asks. Legolas shakes his head.

"No, it does not. Although nights get colder." He explains. Then there was silence between them. Mantheniel could not help but feel inadequate for a small task such as this. To actually have conversation with her husbands son. By gods, where was Thranduil?

Mantheniel glanced at Legolas from the corners of her eyes as he continued to eat. She had thought about doing activities with him, involving a trip outdoors. She was going insane just thinking about how she would get closer to him. It was something she was sure Thranduil would want for both of them. Then her thoughts travelled to Turwaithiel. She suddenly lost her appetite. She stated at the food on her plate. The last she had seen Turwaithiel was two days after their wedding. Now it was December. It had been two weeks ago, by her calculations. Mantheniel wondered if the prince still thought of her as it seemed impossible to get any answers about them from Turwaithiel. She had no desire to speak about it. Often though, Mantheniel could see the prince looking at Turwaithiel from the distance and once she had seen him emerge from the library. She later found out that Legolas was indeed looking for Turwaithiel. Mantheniel knew it was not her business to meddle in their private affairs but a part of her wanted to help them. Simply urge them on their way. How could she? When she had no idea about anything that involved the two of them. She felt quite useless at that moment, but her determination never wavered. It was something Thranduil had found to be such a tedious habit of hers. She fought a scoff, as if his stubbornness was something to shine a light upon.

"Mantheniel." he spoke, gaining back her attention. The prince looked at her oddly and she realized she had been staring at her plate. She felt the heat rise to her cheeks as she met his gaze. A smile formed on his lips. Legolas suspected Mantheniels ability to look vulnerable despite being quite dangerous was something that his father liked about her.

"I was going to ask you something, if I may." he asked politely, her eyes narrowed at him slightly but she gave him a nod.

"I am thinking about going with Aragorn as he travels north to look for the Dúnedain." he starts, the look of surprise on her face was evident although Legolas had know idea why she would be surprised.

"I know. Leaving the Kingdom when I had just told my father that I would stay..." he pauses, watching as she shook her head. A small laugh escaped her lips.

"It is your decision to make, not mine. If Thranduil had agreed and even if he did not," she whispered the end bit before she continued, "I would assume you would still go seeing as you have your fathers stuborness."she takes a swig from her cup, dapping her lips with a napkin after. Her eyes still held that bright glow in them as she faced him again.

"I am surprised why you find the need to ask my opinion on the matter." She simply stated. There was a long pause between them before Legolas finally cracked a smile.

"Well, yes. Of course. However, I do need your agreement for I was thinking that you could maybe convince my father not to worry so much about it." Their was a hint of embarrassment in his voice and Mantheniel had understood why. Thranduil had no idea of his plans. At least not yet.

She opens her mouth to speak when the doors open to welcome an Elven guard, ones that usually stood outside the throne room. Mantheniel made a mental note to try and remember their names.

"Neldir, has something come up?" Legolas inquired before the elven guard could even speak.

"The King requests your presence, my lord. You as well, my lady." He states. Legolas noticed how Mantheniel tried to hide the cringe as he addressed her by her title. Legolas stood abruptly and moments later, Mantheniel does the same.

They walk side by side, although you could evidently place another person between them, as they followed the guard through the halls. There was tension in the air. Legolas pondered for a moment on the many reasons why they would be wanted in the throne room but he could come up with nothing as they entered the great doors and crossed the narrow path.

Thranduil was sitting on his throne, rubbing his temples as an argument ensued before him. They were men from Dale. They stopped suddenly as their eyes fell on Mantheniel, causing the tension to rise. Fear was one emotion Legolas could see in their eyes. Mantheniel averted her gaze, her hands smoothing out her skirt.

"Your son and the Queen, Lord Thranduil." The guard announced before stepping out of the room. Thranduil looked up from his sulking and his eyes swept over Legolas before landing on to Mantheniel, who met his gaze. The men remained quiet, trying to discreetly stare at the new Queen.

"I would advise you to stop staring at my wife." Thranduil's voice echoed through the room in a dark tone, causing one of the three men to flinch. To Legolas' surprise, Mantheniel shot him a look. Legolas could never understand married life. Mantheniel walked past the men, who nimbly stepped away to make way for her.

"You asked for us?" She started, stopping right where Thranduil could look directly at her. Legolas followed, stopping right behind her, his gaze still locked on the men. Thranduil waved his hand to signal the dismissal of the men.

"But my Lord-" one of them argues but stops when Thranduils eyes landed on him. They grumble and mutter as they exit the room, and then they were alone. Legolas wondered if Mantheniel would mention what he had spoken to her as they broke their fast.

"What was that about?" Mantheniel asked.

"Spiders. They are asking we keep the elven path safe for travellers. Like we do not do the best we can." He mutters under his breath, Legolas watched his father.

"Why is it you asked for us, again?" She asked him, staring at him with a look of inquiry.

"A message came from Rivendell, it was addressed to you." He stated as he gestured one of the elves, who both Legolas and Mantheniel had not noticed, walked towards them. A parchment in his hand. Mantheniel made a move to ascend the stairs but stops as the ellon begun to speak.

"Your graces," he addressed with a bow. Mantheniel stopped by the first stair.

"Message from Rivendell." He announces, showing them a folded parchment from his pocket. Thranduil lets out a deep breath before gesturing for the messenger to continue.

"Aragorn of Rivendell is leaving in 6 days. To travel to the north. He would like to see Mantheniel and Legolas see him off. If they can, as stated in the letter." The ellon read hesitantly, his eyes flicking briefly on the king and back to the letter. The silence stretched around them before Mantheniel decided to break it.

"Thranduil, Legolas wishes to ask something of you." She stated. Legolas stopped himself from staring too much at her as Thranduil's eyes fell on him with an arched brow.

Mantheniel had no idea why she had said that but she had different intentions for bringing Legolas to Rivendell. She hoped she was not too late.

"I wish to go with Aragorn." His voice was firm and strong, his gaze unwavering.

"To the north."

There was another silence.

"Very well."

All of them were surprised by his sudden agreement. Even Mantheniel looked at him a little bewildered. The ellon quickly excused himself, knowing fully well if he stayed longer he would be caught in something that summarized to 'family matters.'

"I shall go immediately." Mantheniel proclaims as soon as the messenger left the room. Thranduil stared at her from his throne. She matched his gaze as Legolas shifted from where he stood. If they were going to have an argument, which was highly possible, he did not want to be where they were.

"Immediately?" He asked, his tone rising. She shot him a glare before her expression changed completely. She looked at him sadly then, but with the tenderness, she had felt. He knew what she was doing, and he would no later allow her to go. This would be the first moment they would be separated since their wedding, and it did not abode well with him. However, he knew this was important to her and even if he wanted to come, he could not. He still had a responsibility to his Kingdom. Damn that letter. He gave a sigh with a reluctant nod of his head.

"Very well, but I shall have guards escort you." He ordered, Mantheniel gave a quick nod, flashing him a smile. It was enough to lift his heart, a little. Legolas stood watching them as Mantheniel turned to face him.

"Shall we leave? I would like to start before the sun sets." She informs him. Legolas glances up to his father, then to her. He never did understand Mantheniel's power to tame his father's temper. Sometimes, he often thought Thranduil was actually fearful of getting her angry. He could almost laugh. His father argued no further, which was an improvement since he would argue for two days with Legolas when he had just asked to patrol the borders. He gave Mantheniel a nod; she never did fail to amuse him, before excusing himself to prepare for their departure.

Thranduil remained silent on his throne as Mantheniel ascended the steps towards him, to place a kiss on his frown.

"I will be back before you know it." She assured him, placing an arm over his.

"I know, meleth nin. I just worry about you, endlessly, whenever you are not within my sight or reach."

She placed a kiss on his forehead, a soft smile on her lips.

"I shall be fine; I am no queen that cannot defend herself." She pointed out. A soft chuckle escapes his lips before he pulled her in for a kiss. Hoping it would change her mind. It did little help however, for he knew the determination in his wife was something he never could wane. She pulled away from him, a frown on her face.

"Stop making me change my mind." She scolds but there was laughter in her voice before she started descending the steps.

"Where are you going?" He called out, watching her walk towards the entrance to their chambers. She had a half smile, her eyes narrowed.

"I am going to change. You cannot expect me to travel in this ridiculous thing." She gestured to her dress, which was in the color of deep ivory, with too many ruffles, as she might have liked. Thranduil stared at her for a moment, wanting to join her as she changed. She entered the room before her voice echoed through.

"You are welcome to join me." With that, Thranduil shot up to his feet, a smirk on his face. He left his outer robe draped along the arm of his throne before he followed her back to their chambers.

---

They left with four royal guards, much to Mantheniel's complaints of not needing too much. They rode quietly through the forest. Lindethiel and Falasdir have been on patrol for three days now, along with the rest of the forest guard, trying to drive out the spiders. Mantheniel worried for her friend, since she was not immortal like the rest of her company. In her heart, the only reassurance she ever did have was Falasdir was with her. She knew he would never let anything happen to Lindethiel.

At night, they camped and the soldiers often went out to patrol the borders, wanting to keep the royal family out of harm's way. Therefore, Legolas and Mantheniel were often left alone. The trip to Rivendell would be five days if they did not ride swiftly, and because of the size of their company, they did not move swiftly as they would have liked. They sat near the fire, with her huddled around a cloak. Winter had come, painting the ground white. Legolas seemed unfazed by the cold fingers of the night as he poked on the fire with a stick.

"What troubles you, Legolas?" She asked after some length. His blue eyes glanced at her, his expression unreadable but there was something hidden on those eyes. It always surprised Legolas how much Mantheniel concerned for him. He was grateful for that, although he suspected Mantheniel did still feel a bit awkward around him since she married her father. It was rather a curious thing for him as well, but he did hope to one-day form a bond with her, even if it meant revealing things he did not take so lightly of.

"Turwaithiel." He answered, his eyes going back to the fire. Mantheniel gave a soft nod, since the incident in Gunabad, Turwaithiel and the prince's relationship had a rift. She did not get the whole reason for it for both of them refused to talk about it. Maybe she could get her answers now.

"What happened?" She asked hesitantly. He drew out a breath, focusing on the fire before him.

"I was a fool. I do not understand it yet, but something happened between us and I do not know how to fix it." He admitted. Mantheniel smiled at him, wanting to comfort him. Right now, Turwaithiel was trying to make a new path. She was determined to make a destiny of her own. She just wished they would fix whatever this was between them for Turwaithiel never did seem the same after that dreadful day. All of them, including herself, was changed that day. Her heart constricted painfully at the memory, but now was not the time to go back lingering in the past.

"It is alright. You are young; you do not need to understand it immediately. Besides, I believe you and Turwaithiel will figure it out." She said cheerfully. Legolas could not help but smile at her attempt. At least she was trying, he thought. It seemed to make her all the happier, to see him smile.

The next few days were a routine, they would talk and discuss about the forest and Thranduil's temper. Even the guards would join in some time and the journey would be filled with laughter. They arrive at Rivendell at dawn, when the birds had just started their song.

They had just gotten off their horses, after they had argued about the King's crown when Lindir had met them at the entrance, his expression grave.

"I would have expected a more cheerful expression, Lindir." Mantheniel said, attempting a smile. Lindir's expression did not change however as Elrond came into view with the same graveness etched upon his features.

"What is it? What is wrong?" She asked, feeling dread clawing their way around her heart. Legolas remained quiet as Elrond's eyes travelled to him briefly, before he uttered the words that made him feel like his heart had sank.

"She left." He stated solemnly.

"Turwaithiel is gone."

---

Authors note: Hey you guys!!! :) So here is chapter 1. Sorry if its a bit confusing but its all part of my plot. lol Well, I'll update every two days and when I'll announce if I can't.

I promise, more ThrandxManthe coming your way. ;)

So who's with me for another adventure in middle earth?

(I noticed the first part of the story was not published. The 'prologue' which I am sorry for. Its up now so just go back and read it, xD sorry for the confusion.)