NEW LEAF (Legolas FF) | ✔️

Chapter 8: Welcome Home

3rd Person PoV

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Mantheniel was relieved when she saw the outlines of the palace. They had been delayed for quite a while due to unexpected circumstances. One of them being ambushed along the way, by a pack of orcs that seemed to be on a hunt for something. Fortunately, no one had gotten injured. Except for their queen, although Mantheniel kept it hidden well. She did not need them to worry and the wound was practically already healing itself. It was a careless accident on her part. She had tried to evade the blow but it simply made the sword sink deeper into her skin. She quickly concealed it before any of the royal guards found out. She did not want to them to fuss over her and she wanted very much to not worry Thranduil. She was sure he would lash out on the royal guards, even though none of it was their fault.

She wondered then if Thranduil was alright. She had been gone for almost three weeks. They rode on through the elven path and neared the Palace where the door was opened upon their arrival. She dismounted her horse and noticed a fine looking carriage in the stables. She eyed it curiously. It was obviously not theirs for it looked too grand, and gliterry.

"Welcome back, my lady." The stablehand bows before taking her horse from her. Upon entering the palace, maids quickly ran to her, almost shocking her as their abled hands helped her remove her gloves, wool cloak and shoes. Mantheniel tried to stop them but they were quite determined, eventually, she gave up.

"I have readied a bath for you, my lady." One of the older maids, who had dark hair, bowed to her. She was one of the maids that had been kind to her since she had become queen, all the rest seemed to either dislike her or feared her. She frowned at the thought as she walked through the halls, with a group of chattering maids following her. She stopped and they all halted, their eyes turning to her, awaiting a command. She smiled softly then before waving them off.

"Please, I have no need of this," she explains as the maids turned to each other, confused looks on their faces. "Go, I shall call upon you when I am needing assistance. For now, would any of you be able to tell me where I may find the King?" She asked and the girls expressions turned into a sort of panic as they seemed to argue amongst themselves.

"He- he is in the council room, my lady." One of them spurts out as the others seemed to grow suddenly nervous, making Mantheniel raise a curious brow.

"Which one?" Mantheniel asked, sternly. She had not meant to sound so but something about their reactions troubled her deeply. The elven maid that spoke up suddenly looked down on her feet as the rest averted their eyes.

"Are you sure you do not want a bath, my lady?" Her name was Meira, Mantheniel suddenly remembered and turned to her with a smile.

"Thank you, but I would really like to see my husband." She says, she is about to ask again when they were joined by Falasdir, who had also just gotten back days prior from their patrol.

"Mantheniel! It has been long, I am glad you are back," he exclaims, flashing her a grin as the maids seemed to grow more worried. Mantheniel gave them a curious glance as she turned to Falasdir.

"Falasdir, perfect timing. Do you know where I may find Thranduil?" She asked, she noticed the amused look he had on his face as he glanced over at the tittering elleths behind her.

"Yes, I shall take you to him. Right this way, my lady." He smirks as he turns around and Mantheniel follows him, dismissing the maids that were hesitantly following her.

"Has something happened? Why is everyone so nervous?" She asked when they were alone, Falasdir kept walking, sparing only a glance at her direction.