I would like to Honor Cheysuli for being my first reviewer and for allowing me to use the name she gave Thranduils wife. Thank you!!!!!

Note: For this story alone, lets just say that Nuiâthiel (moonriver), Thranduil's wife is Elronds sister.OK!

CHAPTER 1: The Tale Begins

...As the rays of the rising sun gently fell upon the concealed city of the Silven elves of Thranduil, it made it look more beautiful and magical to anyone who may have the chance to lay eyes upon it. It is so serene and lovely, but the stillness was suddenly broken. An elven rider came, riding his horse at full gallop. He showed no signs of slowing even as he approached the city gates. He knows that the gates would be open for him, elves have very keen eyesight, they would already have recognized him as a messenger of Lord Elrond. And true enough the gates were opened when he reached it.

It seemed to be another wonderful day for King Thranduil as he gazed up to the mountains from his study. To him the sun always look beautiful at this time of day. Sitting down to start his work when a knock was heard

' Enter '

' My Lord! A messenger from Lord Elrond has just arrived and requests to see you immediately for he brings an urgent letter '

' Bring him to me '

'As you wish my Lord ' bowing the elven guard left the study to fetch the messenger.

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Two hours have passed since the messenger handed to him the letter. Two hours since he last moved from his position. The threat of the Dark Lord was once again rising. The One ring has been found. Lord Elrond has called for a council, he requests a representative from Mirkwood.

' Legolas, he would be the best choice. But, he is till young. Yet, he is one of the best marksman, no one can surpass his ability with the bow in the whole of Mirkwood. But, his life would be in danger, he could possible die.' These thoughts plagued Thranduils mind after reading the letter.

He knows he has to decide quickly.

' Maybe, just maybe there is another more worthy.. yes. maybe there is another. ' And with those thoughts, Thranduil quickly began making a list of people.

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It was almost noon, Queen Nuiâthiel found Thranduil still bent over the list of names. Worry etched on his face.

' What ails you my Lord? ' she asked softly

Looking up Thranduil gave the best smile he could make, he thought that if he gave his best Nuiâthiel would not worry about him. But she saw right through him. Now she knew that something was really bothering him.

' Lle tyava quel? ' (Do you feel well?) she asked again, slowly approaching the seated king.

' You usually try to give me your best smiles when there is a problem ' she then added.

' Why did I try to even hide it from her ' he asked himself

' She knows me inside and out ' he added . Nodding he then looked her straight in the eye, revealing to her his sadness and confusion.

' The messenger from Lord Elrond brought bad news didn't he? ' placing her hand on Thranduil's shoulder. Giving it a little squeeze, she gave him assurance that whatever his response maybe she will be there right beside him, to give him support. But even though he knew of this, he can only give her a nod, for no words came out of his mouth. Looking down on the list, she gave a small smile.

' Legolas, he is the best choice ' speaking after she read the list

' But! . . . . ' Thranduil cried out

' Yes! There is no doubt about it. ' she added

' It worries me too, but he is still the best choice. No one can defeat him with the bow and the use of a sword or should I say two long knives ' she said smiling

' He can take care of himself and others. He would be a valuable companion. I will have a guard fetch him from the practice court. ' She then kissed his brow and turned to leave.

Thranduil was thankful for his wife's support, now he is sure that his first choice was right. All that he has to do now is to wait and tell Legolas.

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' I bid you farewell mother, father ' said Legolas.

Bowing he turned to leave, two others were already mounted on their horses. Waiting of the prince to mount his own stead. The setting sun added to the sorrow filled atmosphere out on the main courtyard. News of the prince's departure quickly spread through out the day. All were sad to see their beloved prince go, for they all know of the dangers he would have to face. But everyone believed he would come back. Mounting his horse, Legolas gave a nod to his parents and family and began to leave.

' Legolas! ' Nuiâthiel called out.

Stopping Legolas turned to face his mother. She ran up to him and whispered ' Cormamin niuve tenna ta elea lle au ' (My heart shall weep until it sees thee again)

Smiling, Legolas gave his mother a kiss on her forehead. After stepping back, Nuiâthiel watched her son leave with great haste. Time was precious, they needed to be in Rivendell as soon as possible. Thranduil stepped up to Nuiâthiel and held her hand.

' Amin dele ten ho ' (I'm worried about him) she said in her softest voice.

Giving her hand a squeeze, Thranduil reassured her that everything will be alright. No words were in need to be spoken out for it was understood.

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The moon was full that night, casting its beautiful light down the equally beautiful city. It witnessed Nuiâthiel silently leaving the palace and run to the cover of the trees in the garden. Using the trees as cover the queen made her way to a tiny clearing in the middle of the forest. Clutching to her chest a small jeweled box. Upon reaching the clearing, she gave a sigh of relief. It is dangerous attempting to do this alone, last time she did this was with her mother. The consequences of doing the ritual wrong, was death. But it did not matter to her. This is for her son, and she will gladly give her life just to make sure he will be safe. Looking up to the moon, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Now is the right time, the moon is at its zenith. Placing the box at the center, she then began to pray

From the land to the sea and sky
By the light of the moon and stars
By the spirits all around
Send this prayer
Carry my prayer to the gates of Valinor
Carry it to Fuin (darkness)
Fuin, Lord of the shadows
Hear my plea
Your protection I seek
A loved one to be protected
Once again I call upon thee
Thy Ancestors of long before have called upon you
Now it is I

Bringing out a dagger hidden in her robes, its hilt matched the jewel on the box, she slashed her arm. Letting three drops on her blood to fall upon the box. As the third drop fell unto the box, darkness suddenly filled the land. The moon and stars were gone, cold wind started to blow. It was very dark and very cold.

' Its too dark, I cannot see..Its too cold, I'm freezing ' and those were the last thoughts before total darkness enveloped her.