LEGOLAS

I did not know what to feel about the news. It has been long since I had even spoken to Turwaithiel. Of course, I had no idea she would leave. It seemed unreal for the most part, my mind seemed to be refusing to accept it. I glanced over at Mantheniel who did not seem as surprised or worried as I expected her to be. In fact, she seemed calm about it.

"It was bound to happen sooner or later, Lord Elrond." She said sympathetically as she approached him and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Out of the entrance emerged Aragorn, looking more mature than his age.

"Mantheniel! Legolas! You had come!" He exclaims as he ran down the stairs to give Mantheniel a hug. Following him was Arwen, she smiled upon our arrival as she descended the stairs to clasp hands with Mantheniel in greeting. I merely gave them a short bow.

"She could have done it in broad daylight!" Lord Elrond seemed frustrated as we entered his house.

"Instead, she left during the night. Like a thief in the shadows." Wrinkles had formed on  his forehead as we stopped inside the circular room where he usually held feast were people would just sing and tell stories. A fire was burning in the hearth and I stared at it, feeling like an intruder to such a private affair. Arwen had not entered with us as I noticed her slip away with a long look at Aragorn, who had looked at her like how father would look at Mantheniel. I had often wondered what that look meant but it seemed to carry something heavy.

"She had planned it well, I suppose. It just goes to show how determined she is." Mantheniel explains. She seemed completely unaffected by all of it, it was rather suspicious. Elrond lets out a sigh before falling into his chair. Lindir stood by the door, his expression seemed to be bordering a nervous breakdown.

"Ah. Now is not the time, I suppose. Today is for Aragorn. Today is for your return as well, tell me how is Mirkwood? Is Thranduil alright? Do not get me wrong but I had not expected him to let you out of his sight," his eyes travel over to Mantheniel, his features soft before they landed on me, "more so you." He raised an eyebrow as if suspecting something but quickly dismissed his thoughts as he focuses on a pile of parchment paper before him.

"There will be a feast tonight, it would be great if both of you attend. It is for Aragorn after all." He gets up from the chair, walking to the hearth. His eyes reflected the burning embers as he lost himself in his thoughts, dismissing us. When we left and found ourselves in the halls I notice a shift in Mantheniel's behaviour. Her shoulders sunk in relief as she walked beside me.

"Well, that went well." There was a note of disinterest in her voice as we ventured the many halls with Aragorn trailing behind us.

"I saw her leave." His voice was barely there as Mantheniel seemed to stop and look at him with confusion. I stopped too, although I had no clue on why or what I should do if ever I get information of her whereabouts. Something inside me was urging me to follow her, while a voice in the back of my head said 'she does not want you to.' I sighed inwardly as Aragorn looked about our surroundings.

"Where? When?" The urgency in Mantheniel's voice surprised me since she had not seemed so caring about it when we were with Lord Elrond. Aragorn seemed to hesitate a moment, his eyes refusing to focus on us.

"Lord Elrond does not know you saw her?" Mantheniel asked softly, a kind expression on her face. I found myself glancing at corners too. Aragorn shook his head slightly before finally meeting her gaze.

"I had not known, if I had I would have alerted the guards or Lord Elrond." He explains and I actually felt a little sad for him. For one so young, he was quite determined to prove his nobility in all things. My father had been right, of course and he would be right to say Aragorn would grow up to be a noble man. I could not help but smile at him then as he confessed to our open ears. Mantheniel seemed to digest the news quickly with occasional nods of understanding as her brows furrowed.

"She used a secret tunnel, one that would lead her to the mountains. I have used it before." Aragorn explains, he was about to tell us where it was when voices joined our gathering. From the looks of it, they were heading our way and Lindir was one of them. We were quick to depart and separating at one hall that spread to other halls. I made my way to the library without a thought as Mantheniel announced she was going to take a look at the training grounds, hoping to find Flanir. I had no clue where Aragorn was off to as I walked softly across the familiar way to the library.

The world seemed silent, as if it was trying its hardest not to get noticed. The arched entry way of the Library greets me and I hesitate in front of it. I still remember the first time I had met her, it was nothing like I had ever felt before. That peculiar strong pull. She had been reading then, engrossed with a book she had not realized who had come in. I had come to the library that day to have something distract my mind, I was thinking of a book but had gotten her, instead. She was muttering about some new discovery, not looking up and I found myself not disrupting her. The way she talked about it, so filled with passion, I really could not have stopped her even if I wanted to. Then she looked up, her blue eyes registering shock. We had stared at each other then, her, surprised to find that I was, in fact, not Mantheniel and me, feeling like I had been caught. She had quickly placed the book down and glanced up with a smile. After that, I found myself spending time with her and looking forward to anything that came out of her mouth. Once, I had even convinced her to sing for me. I feel my heart heavy at the memory, we had been so happy then. So close. Then suddenly, everything changed. A thief had stolen our friendship during the night. Something I had not anticipated. Although, I had not anticipated a lot of things recently.

"Err, are you going to go inside?"

I turned away from the entrance and find Mantheniel standing beside me, her eyes searching. I turned away from her, almost embarrassed to be caught staring blankly at an archway. The library was empty, from where I stood. Maybe, in my heart I had expected - no, wanted to see Turwaithiel there. Her nose buried in some book she would later tell me all about. To find that she had not left. I shook my head slightly, offering Mantheniel a smile before turning away from the library. I cannot have doubts about my decisions now. She had gone to find her own way, and I shall too. In hopes that we would cross paths, I walked to find Aragorn, to tell him of my plans. I could feel Mantheniel's eyes follow me but whatever she had in mind, she had decided not to speak it out.

Even here, the air remained warm. I glanced over the view out the open windows. The distant shoreless sea. What lay beyond it? I wondered. Maybe Tauriel would be there. Wherever she was, I hoped she was happy. My eyes fall on two lone figures over the stone bridge. The faces were covered with the trees but it was clear enough for me. It was Aragorn, with Lady Arwen. He seemed like the young man he was actually born to be, I stayed to look at them. Aragorn hands her something, their hands clasping for a moment before he walks away. Arwen stares at his retreating figure, with an expression I could not decipher.

"Young love. Some would deem it foolish, but no one but the Valar could tell us of outcomes that are influenced by the heart." Elrond stood beside me, his expression blank. I wondered how long he had been standing there. If he approved of what he saw. Somehow, something told me he was not all alone talking about Arwen and Aragorn. I remain quiet, would he be able to read me easily?

"It is quite odd to see you here, Legolas. Had your father sent you to accompany Mantheniel? Or you seek another purpose for your visit?" His eyes do not travel to me but stays where Arwen had been. She had left moments ago, her hands grasping Aragorn's present.

"I wish to travel with Aragorn. I find that staying in Mirkwood is not something I can do. At least, not yet." I admit. I knew in my heart that I did not want to be king. It was not something I could do. My heart longed for adventures, for the trees and danger. Turwaithiel had been the only thing that made staying in one place seem bearable. Now that she is gone, I had to rediscover my love for adventure again.

"Does Thranduil know?" He asked after some length. I gave him a nod without speaking a word. He seems to accept this answer as he gives a nod of his own before his dark eyes find mine. The corners of his lips were curved slightly, although the smile did not reach his eyes.

"May you find what you are seeking, Legolas," he states as he turns to leave me, "her as well."

The last part came out as a whisper. A silent prayer. I watched him go. I watched the sun set. Then I stared at the empty stone bridge where Aragorn had possibly left a promise in Arwen's hands.

My last thoughts were of the leaf necklace I had given Turwaithiel on her birthday. It had been a great night, and I had lost a bet I had with her.

"Before the end of this night, I shall get you on the dance floor, dear prince."

She had said it with so much determination then, she did not even need to force me. By the end of the night, I found myself dancing with her through every song until she had called for a break. I had given her my gift then and missed a chance to kiss her.

I banish the thoughts away. Now was not the time. When will it be time, then? I had no clue but I sent a prayer to the Valar, a hope to cross paths with her again and maybe take that chance I had missed that night.

---

The party was not extravagant, just simple and peaceful. Most of the people were nobles who thought highly of Aragorn. I had found him in the stables before the party began, talking to his horse. I had told him then of my plans to accompany him, he had jumped for joy and the happiness I had seen in his eyes were enough to push me further with my decision.

I stood far from the crowd, not really enticed to mingle, a drink in my hand.

"Your thoughts seem to be so heavy, Legolas. I only hope you would allow me to help you carry such a burden." I was surprised to find Mantheniel beside me. She wore an elegant gown in the color of emerald green with golden laces. Her hair was braided in a simple fashion, her eyes scanning the crowd as she drank.

"It is not something you should concern yourself about, Mantheniel." Saying her name felt awkward in my lips. I had a quiet urge to address her by her title. What would she think if I called her mother? I do not think our bond is strong enough for that.

"See, there you are again. Hiding behind those thoughts of yours. Do not think I have not noticed. You can trust me." She says hesitantly, as if I did not. I find myself smiling at her before downing all the contents from my cup.

"I shall tell you, but you must answer my questions as well," I state, "I am not the only one who cannot seem to hide my emotions, it seems."

She seems to be taken aback by my request but nods after a moment with a small smile.

"Very well." She tips the contents of her own cup and looks at the empty container for a moment.

"It makes me miss the wine in Mirkwood." she sighs as she hands her cup to one of the passing servant maids who were taking them. I give mine as well and allowed a chuckle to escape my lips.

"You might as well call it 'home', Mantheniel." I offer her a glance as she stared at me and then her features softened as a laugh escaped her own lips.

"Right, might as well." We stood silent for a moment before she hesitantly linked her arms on mine.

"Shall we take a walk then? I do not think this is the place to actually have a conversation of deep thoughts." She says lightheartedly and I nod in agreement. We walked through the silent halls, with her complaining about the changes needed in Mirkwood filling the silence with welcomed noise. I listened to her as we reached the path towards the place where Lord Elrond had council. Where my father and her had reunited. The smell of the sea was carried to us by the breeze of cold night air. The leaves singing along. I found myself staring at the ocean as she stared quietly beside me.

"Do you worry for her?" she asked suddenly. There it was again, that soothing tone of her voice. The way she concerned for my well being. One would not think to find such kindness in such a strong person. From someone who had seen so much evil. Yet, here she was. I found a new sense of admiration for her. Taking in a little pride at how she was somewhat my mother.

"Yes, but not as much as you I reckon." I answer and I hear her laugh, making me turn to her in confusion. She had not sounded the least bit worried. She turned to me then, a glint in her eyes before unlocking arms with mine. She starts to walk slowly around the circular tower. I watched her. I knew she was keeping something.

"I find myself worrying about your father more." She admits as she continues to walk in a slow pace.

"There is no reason to worry about my father, he has been here far longer than any of us. He knows the world more than Turwaithiel." Her name on my lips seemed strange. Has it really been that long? That my lips themselves seem to not remember. Mantheniel stops then, her features sympathetic. Had she seen through me? I had never been good at hiding my emotion but I cannot be that readable.

"You care for her." She sighs, although it was an exclamation and not a question. She averts her gaze before speaking again, "which is why, I am going to tell you something but answer something for me, will you?"

I find myself nodding.

"What do you see when you look at her? What do you think? Where do your thoughts lead you?"

"I had expected one question." I reply happily when she does not smile back I drew out a breath and faced the sea again. What do I see?

"I see her. Her smile, her soft eyes. I see her passion, her strength and determination." I explain, picturing the moment she had told me about her favorite stories.

"I see her many different worlds. Ones that she talked about endlessly. The adventures she would take me on." I turned to face Mantheniel, trying to see if I was answering right and found a smile on her face. It was a different kind of smile, it held happiness and sadness in them. Then she gives a nod.

"She had told me about her plan. To depart Rivendell unseen." She starts. I was not surprised, somehow, I knew.

"She was driven by something other than her determination to forget what had happened in Gundabad," she pauses, her eyes falling shut. It must be such a horrible memory for her to go back to, "there is also her fear, her need for independence and..." she let out a sigh, her hands fumbling with her dress.

"...her guilt." She whispered and I stared at her for a moment before my mind registered what she had meant.

"You could not mean that she-"

"- blames herself for Tauriel's death, yes." She finishes my sentence for me and suddenly everything made sense. Why Turwaithiel had avoided me, why she had closed herself off. Why she felt like she could not be near me anymore. She thought I saw her as the reason for Tauriel's death. By the Valar, how foolish I have been.

"And countless of others," Mantheniel continued, her tone growing closer to a whisper. "I had tried to explain to her that none of it was her fault. I was partly, if not fully, to blame." she was lost in thought for a moment before a sad smile was drawn across her lips.

"She is plagued by so many nightmares. I cannot even begin to imagine what she had seen or what she keeps seeing." I continued to stare at her, not really knowing what else to do. Mantheniel seems to take my silence as an understandable reaction.

"Do you know where she had gone?" I find myself asking and her expression turns solemn before she shook her head.

"She had not told me because she knew I would probably go after her, even if I made a vow I would not."

I leaned on one of the stone pillar, my mind trying to process what I had just discovered.

"I am sorry. I would tell you if I knew." She says as she walked towards me. I wanted to hit myself. So foolish!

"Legolas-"

"Do not apologize. It is okay." I attempt a smile, although her expression does not change. It was too late to try and go after her now. If Mantheniel had trained her, she would have been long gone, leaving different tracks behind so no one could follow her. This was the moment where I had to leave everything in the hands of fate. Mantheniel took one of my hands, and placed her other hand over it.

"I knew you did not blame her. Maybe in time she would come to realize it too." I stared at her hand and nodded. Yes, she would because I would tell her that. I would tell her I did not blame her, not even a bit. In truth, I blamed myself.

I looked up to find Mantheniel's eyes on me. Her, now familiar, concerned look on her face. I smiled to her then, grateful for her coming into my life, especially my fathers.

"Thank you, Mantheniel." I say and she seems surprised by this reaction as she lets my hand go.

"I am forever grateful to the Valar for bringing you to my father." I noticed her expression change from one to another.

"I will be off to the north tomorrow, in hopes of finding myself again and crossing paths with Turwaithiel to make things right. I believe it is not our time yet." I say, turning to face the ocean once more. She stood beside me again, her eyes on the ocean as well.

"Do you think I will see her again?" I ask and there was a pause before she had answered.

"Yes." We exchanged smiles before I offer my arm to her, she stares at it for a moment before hooking her hand over.

We walked back to the party, our thoughts lighter. Before we separate, I had stopped her. Her eyes searching mine for an explanation.

"There is something else I wish to ask of you." I stated and she waits for it patiently.

"I wish to form a strong bond with you, like I have with Ada." I register the surprise in her face again as her features softened with a small smile.

"Maybe, you would later allow me to call you 'naneth.'" I whisper the last part, losing my confidence for a moment but by the look on her face she would have it no other way.

"Yes, that would be most wonderful." We found ourselves laughing at the notion as Aragorn joined us, pulling me into a conversation about our trip tomorrow and occasionally asking for Mantheniel's opinion on which road to take.