"Atar, (Father), Renastray said your need of me was great", said Prince Thranduil as he entered the king's throne room.

"Indeed", replied King Oropher as he turned to greet his son. "I will be gone for some time, and will need you to make sure Mirkwood doesn't topple over while I'm gone!" The amusement that was in the king's eyes was unmistakable, but the prince had no such reaction. Not that the king was bad at his job, but Thranduil, unlike his father, took the roll of ruling almost as serious as death. In fact, there was even a rumor that the crowned prince of Mirkwood only smiled once in his whole life. "But, honestly", continued Oropher, "Watch our kingdom while I am away."

"May I ask why you will departing my lord, and when?"

"I shall leave at break of day. As for the first question, well…"

"Well?" Thranduil asked uneasily. He didn't like where this was going.

"Well, I can tell you it will be have extreme danger."

Thranduil narrowed his eyes and took a step closer to the king. "This is about Gondor, isn't it?" Thranduil's father merely stared off into the distance. He knew his son thought that helping the other realms was useless and weakened their armies. But, most of all, he knew that the prince would not have his father risk his life for the city of men. "Atar, think this trough! You realize how flawed this plan is? Not only is the path through the mountains long and dangerous, but if the king is injured, our people would be thrown into a frenzy! On top of that…"

"Enough! Do you not think that I have thought of that? I have planned this through, Thranduil. There is no need to worry."

"There is all the need to worry! So many things could go wrong! Your life, along with our people's, is not worth some other realm, and a city of men at that! Are you sure that you've thought this through?"

Oropher couldn't take it anymore. Who was Thranduil to challenge his father and king! "I thought I said enough! If Mirkwood assists other realms, then in our time of need, they will come and aide us! Use your brain Thranduil! It's there for a reason!"

"Then let me go in your place, Atar! I'm far more expendable."

"NO! My decision is final. I am going to Gondor. You will remain here. There is no more to it. Go now. I have preparations to make."

"But…"

"Now!"

With one last glare, Prince Thranduil bowed and walked away. As soon as the echo of the Prince's footsteps could no longer be heard, the king fell back into his throne. He stayed like that for hours, pondering what to do about his troublesome son. Soon, the serving girl Renastray walked in, carrying a try of food.

"My lord", she said, "You didn't arrive for dinner, my lord."

"Hum? Oh! I didn't? Oh, well, ah, hantanyel Renastray, (Thank You Renastray)."

Renastray lifted one brown eyebrow. "Is something troubling you, my lord?" She, like the other elves of Mirkwood, had a good sense as to when her king had something on his mind.

He sighed. "Nothing gets past you, does it?" He sighed again. "I don't know what to do with him."

"Do with who, my lord?" she asked, though she already had a pretty good idea who he was talking about.

"Thranduil. I know he means well, but honestly! He can be so pig headed sometimes! He has the nerve to question me. I value his opinion, but he has to realize that when I say something, that's what's going to happen."

"Well, maybe he speaks out of turn because he cares about you. I mean, you are his king, but you are also his father. Thranduil doesn't want any harm to be fall you, my lord. He wants to help in any way he can. You said yourself that you value his opinion."

Oropher stared wide eyed at Renastray. She bite her lip then said, "Sorry my lord, I didn't mean….. I mean…. Ah….. Well…sorry, sorry, I didn't mean to speak out of turn, I mean th-th-that's just my opinion, not that it matter's….I'll just be going now."

"RENASTRAY!" She froze. Renastray turned back to the king. "Renastray, when did you get so wise?" She blinked and replied, "Oh, well, I, well, um…. I guess I just know a lot about your son." At this Oropher raised an eyebrow. "I mean, I've known him sense he was an elfling."

"Hum….well, any way thank you for your wisdom", the king said, "and for the food."

"No problem, my lord." With that, she turned, and as Thranduil had did, bowed and walked done the stair case. The king chewed thoughtfully on his elven bread. Not only was Renastray's little outburst wise, but spot on too! He would have to come to her with his Thranduil problem's more often. She obviously knew how to handle this. Oropher yawned. Tomorrow was going to be a long day. He needed rest. And so, the king made his way to his soft bed, and fell into a deep sleep.