The golden rays of Sunlight brightened the clear blue summer's sky, washing down peacefully over the green leaves of the forests of Mirkwood, and reflecting especially beautifully on the many colors of the flowers that inundated the Palace Gardens. Overall, the day had proven to be a slow relaxing day for King Thranduil as he peacefully made his way through the intricate labyrinth of trees and flowers back to the Palace.

He wore a plain- for a King's standard- elegant light blue tunic, its delicate silver embroidery almost unnoticeable as they traced complex patterns of leaves. There had been no council to attend that day, nor had there been any meeting for negotiations of any kind, and thus he had gladly taken the opportunity to be freed of the long formal robes he usually wore. His long light blond hair fell loosely down his back and nearly to his waist, no crown resting on his head. He knew he would eventually need to have it properly braided and combed for dinner, but he decided that that could wait a couple of more hours.

Dinner. The sole thought of it made the golden sunrays of the bright summer's day turn to grey clouds in a stormy sky. The report form the patrols over the last two weeks had informed about an unusual increase in orcs roaming near the borders. His past two weeks had been spent on his study strategizing patrol routes and schedules and, as if the long sessions in his study were not enough, his two closest advisors had a special affinity for bringing up the topic at the dinner table. He was certainly tired of having his sacred joyful mealtime used as a council meeting. On the bright side, at least at dinner there was wine.

He shook his head lightly, forcing his thoughts in a different direction as he stepped into yet another garden. Unlike the other ones, this one already had an occupant, a Lady, he noticed, although he did not pay much attention to her.

"My Lady." He greeted her politely, nodding his head curtly in acknowledgement. His tone was short, his serene voice silently indicating that he wanted no conversation. He absently noticed that she looked up from the book that had been sitting on her lap, but he kept walking, heading back towards the Palace.

"Well, it was about time you came. I have been waiting here for almost an hour." He heard her voice saying just as he had taken the first steps into the garden.

At first he thought she must have been talking to someone else, but a quick scan around the garden told him that there was no one else but him. He turned on his heels to face her, a fair eyebrow raised questioningly. Waiting for what? No one had informed him he was expected to be somewhere at this moment. And yet, what puzzled him the most what the casual and informal tone with which she had addressed him. Did he know her from somewhere?

"Pardon me?" He replied politely, standing tall and royal, almost expecting her to realize that she had most certainly mistaken him for someone else.

The Lady however did not look at all confused. She was young, he noticed, and she was definitely beautiful. As he stared at her, paying her attention for the first time, he was completely sure that he had never met this Lady before. Large emerald eyes stared back at him, the color of the forest, soft and kind, and at the same time so impenetrable, her gaze steady. He could not make out what was going through her head, but she looked at him directly in the eyes, her head held high, shoulders back underneath her flawless strands of golden hair, which cascaded long down her back. She held an aura of authority that for a split second made him doubt his own. Where was her respect and humility in the presence of her King?

"Are you not the ellon my father said he would send to show me around the Palace?" Her voice was refined, musical, carrying the same authority as her posture. Nothing in her expression or in the tone of her voice sounded impolite or unkind. No. But it certainly implied a sense of superiority over him, the way a Lady gently asks a servant for a glass of wine.

His eyebrow arched further. The ellon her father had sent? Who was her father? He contained his lips from curving up in a mocking smile as he clearly realized that she had no idea who he was. She was in for a surprise. Addressing him in such manner, and in his gardens.

It did not take him long to guess that this stunning Lady must be the daughter of one of the respected retired warriors of old times that chose to reside within his borders but beyond the Mirkwood gates, in the tranquility of the forest. He had, in many occasions offered them to reside in his own Palace, but many of them had refused, choosing the peaceful company of the trees. They had come to the Palace to further discuss the safety of his lands.

"My apologies, my Lady, but you mistake me for someone else." He had to make an effort not to smirk at her ignorance, remaining polite and calmed. She had never seen him before, so why should she have known who he was. He was aware that he was not dressed like the King of Mirkwood.

The Lady's eyebrows shot up in response, her flawless face looking slightly embarrassed by her mistake, although not looking any less superior. "Forgive me, my Lord."

He nodded his head lightly, accepting her apology, and his attention was drawn back to her large green eyes, looking at him so steadily, directly in the eyes. He had to admit that she was probably the most beautiful maiden he had yet seen. He decided that he would introduce himself. It would be impolite not to do so, especially since she was staying in his Palace. It did not reflect well on a King to ignore his guests.

"I am Thranduil, King of the Greenwood." He said in the traditional elven greeting, offering her a king smile. "Can I be of any help?"

To his surprise, she raised a delicate eyebrow in disbelief, staring at him for a long moment, taking in his entire appearance. For the first time that day, the Elvenking wished he had worn his long formal robes. He tried his best to mask his obvious bewilderment from showing on his face as he felt her eyes carefully studying him. Then, her large green eyes lifted to meet his once more, a mocking smile present on her gorgeous lips as her emerald irises sparkled playfully.

"And I am Galadriel, Lady of Lothlorien. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, your Majesty." Her tone was light, openly mocking him, as if she though he had been playing a game on her. He could not contain a light laugh from escaping his lips. She had not believed him!

"Lies are not befitting a Lady like you." He said in the same mocking tone, taking some few steps in her direction. He had never been more amused in his life. "I am King Thranduil, my Lady."

She rose from the elegant bench she had been sitting on, every single of her movements like a flawless dance. To his surprise, she walked in his direction, her green eyes now looking slightly bored. Yes. Bored. She showed no signs that she believed him. In fact, she looked as if she was not interested in his 'lie', slightly annoyed, although never once did she behave improperly or impolitely.

"Fine, my Lord." The sarcastic tone of her voice made his confusion grow larger. Her voice was kind, never rude, and yet it carried the slight tone with which one addresses a lying child, as if she was letting him believe whatever he wanted. He had never been more confused. More so, he had never looked more confused.

"Now, if you would excuse, Your Majesty, I will head back inside. And my apologies for the misunderstanding." She added, emphasizing his title, offering him another one of her flawless smiles. "I have been invited to dine at the real King's table tonight, and I would not want to be late."

His grin only grew larger on his face, a fine eyebrow raised in bewilderment. Who was the one lying now? A soft chuckle escaped his lips as he just stared at her. He knew for a fact that he had not invited anyone to dine at his table that night. The entire situation resulted simply too amusing for him. She was entirely unaware that her attempt to show off was failing miserably, for her lie had been easily caught without her having the slightest idea. She thought he was merely one of the many elves that resided and worked at the Palace.

As if things had not been entertaining enough, she gracefully waltzed in his direction, her head held high, even though he was nearly an entire head taller, and handed him the book she had been reading moments before. He was too confused to know what he was doing, and he found himself taking the book in his hands without even noticing.

"Would you be so kind as to take this back to the library for me?" She flashed another one of her perfect smiles, not waiting for an answer before she walked away form him, back in the direction of the majestic Palace.

He stood there for a moment, his mind trying to understand what had happened. He was very well aware that his face must have looked entirely stunned, speechless. He quickly shook his head, once again controlling his expression before deciding to head back into the Palace with as much dignity as he could muster. He walked tall, as royal and serene as always, although his mind remained entirely baffled.

He climbed the few steps into the ample terrace of the Private Quarters, his mind still pondering on the strange encounter. Two of his guards bowed politely as he passed, and he handed the book to one of them, without even turning to look. The guard immediately took it, his eyes betraying his puzzlement.

"Take this back to the library." He instructed absently, and saw the guard nod his head out of the corner of his eye.

The Elvenking silently made his way to his chambers, nearly oblivious to the bows and greetings he received from the elves that passed by him. As expected, a welcoming fire already danced in his large fireplace, vividly illuminating the overlay large and elegant chambers. Thranduil was not surprised to find a familiar figure already waiting for him inside his chambers, standing quietly in one corner.

"Did you have a nice walk, my Lord?" The elegant blond advisor inquired with a smile, only managing to receive a light chuckle in return. "A bath is ready for you, my Lord."

"Thank you, Doronor." He replied with a nod of his head, looking straight into the dark blue eyes of his closest friend and advisor.

Letting his ice blue eyes wonder about the familiar room, the Elvenking noticed that his dinner robes had already been laid out for him, as well as his crown and intricate hairpieces. He let out a light chuckle as he thought of the maiden in the gardens who had wanted him to believe that she would be sitting at the King's- his- table that night. If only she knew how amusing her lie had resulted to him.

"Doronor." He found himself saying calmly, unable co contain a smirk as a new idea popped into his mind. "The warriors have already arrived at the Palace, have they not? Do you know if any Ladies came with them?"

His friend raised an eyebrow at him, and Thranduil threw him a look that meant he was to answer his question without further comments.

"Yes, Agarben and his family arrived late this morning. His brother Lasgaer also came with him, as well as his wife and daughter." Doronor informed, and although he did not voice any questions, his gleaming dark blue eyes implied them silently.

So he had been right in his assumptions. The maiden must then be Lasgaer's daughter. He knew both elves briefly. He had met with them previously, but many years ago. He had also met all three sons of Agarben, as well as Lasgaer's firstborn son, who had died in battle some years ago, leaving him only with a daughter.

"I see." He said absently as he made his way towards the bathing chambers, eager to step into the warm soothing water. "Invite them to dine at my table tonight."

Oh, that Lady would be surprised when she found that she would be dining at his table after all. He heard Doronor chuckle, shaking his head lightly before answering him.

"As you wish, my Lord." The advisor's words were respectful, the way and advisor speaks to his King, and yet the gleam in his dark blue eyes and grin on his face were those of a friend, teasing him.

"Thranduil, may I ask what are you planning?" Doronor finally asked, transforming from his advisor to his friend. It was nothing unusual for the blond advisor to call his King casually by his first name in private settings. The Elvenking turned around to face his friend, an equal grin present in his fair ageless face.

"I am merely going to amuse myself tonight, my friend."

He heard Doronor letting out another light laugh, but he did not turn to look again, walking into the bathing chambers as he heard his friend leaving the room silently.

Night had already fallen in the vast forests of Mirkwook, and the Elvenking found himself in his rich formal robes, the color of the golden earth, embroidered in gold thread and emeralds. The crown of silver leaves rested neatly over his head, his long light blond hair had been perfectly combed and braided. He looked royal, walking tall and graceful through the hallways of his Palace, his long robes flowing behind him as he made his way to the large dining room where his guest already waited. But he did not dread the meal this particular night. No. Dinner tonight would be most entertaining.

Two guards bowed respectfully at him as he reached the large pair of wooden doors that led into the dinning room, and he nodded his head curtly. He heard his arrival being announced as one of the guards carefully opened one of the doors for him to step into the large room.

He walked patiently, as he always did, to the throne-like chair placed specifically him at the head of the long table. His guests had risen to their feet, as was customary, bowing their heads respectfully. But it was none of this what made a wide smile appear on his lips. No. He was used to this kind of treatment.

On this particular night, the victorious smile on his face was ignited by one particular elf inside the room. He had no trouble in finding her, sitting only a couple of spaces to his right. Her stunning green eyes widened as they fell on his, immediately recognizing him, and for a split second she looked mortified, lowering her gaze to her plate. She looked so embarrassed it was endearing.

"Thank you for joining me tonight." He greeted his guests with a smile, motioning elegantly with a hand for them to sit just as he lowered himself to his chair. The moment he was sitting down, wine was served on every glass of cut crystal, and a gentle conversation started to flow along the long table.

He discretely directed his gaze in the direction of the golden haired Lady, only to find her staring deeply into her wine, as if it was the most interesting thing she had seen in a long time. She had not dared to lift her gaze, looking small in the crowd of finely dressed elves at his table. His advisors and other high elves that resided at the Palace had also joined him for dinner, as they customarily did. And yet, even as she tried to make herself small, her pure beauty called the attention of any looking eye. She was dressed elegantly, but plainly, and for a moment he was overly glad that she was not wearing any of the fine jewelry the Ladies in Mirkwood usually wore, otherwise he would not have been able to take his eyes from her. Oh, she would make the jewels look plain.

"Thank you for such a kind invitation, my Lord." Lasgaer said to his right, and he directed his serene ice blue eyes in his direction. The golden haired elf was older than him, and he knew that the respected warrior had fought next to his own father, Oropher, in battle.

"The pleasure is mine." He added politely with a smile, taking a sip of his wine. "Tell me, Lord Lasgaer, how do you fare?"

The golden haired elf proceeded to talk about his life and his family, and Thranduil took advantage of the situation to spare one more discrete glance in the direction of the beautiful Lady. He had to make an effort to appear interested in Lasager's words as he tried not to laugh at the stunning daughter of the warrior who still remained with her eyes fixed on her wine. She had had not trouble whatsoever in looking at him directly in the eye some hours ago, standing tall and proud. It seemed that her bravery had suddenly disappeared.

For the first time in his life, the Elvenking felt very well aware and thankful for the grandeur and richness of his dinning room. From the thin delicate columns that opened up like golden branches high above their heads to support the roof, to the many silver plates replete with fruits, pastries and exquisite dishes on his table. Everything about the place seemed to impress the gorgeous Lady, whose eyes kept trying to take in every detail while avoiding looking in his direction, fixing on her plate every two seconds.

He returned his ice blue eyes in the direction of Lasgaer, easily pretending that he had been listening to all that he had said. The King of Mirkwood took yet another sip of his wine as the warrior's wife added something to her husband's tale, although he did not quite hear what.

"Is this your wife?" Thranduil inquired casually, motioning with a graceful movement of the hand to the Lady he very well knew was the warrior's wife.

"Yes, my Lord" Lasgaer answered with a wide smile on his face. "This is my wife, Laessel. And have you met my daughter?"

The gorgeous green-eyed Lady lifted her eyes in his direction for the time, unable to make her presence ignored any longer. Her emerald eyes met his as he nodded his head politely, not able to help another wide smile form showing on his face at her mortified and embarrassed expression.

"Oh, yes. I met her briefly in the gardens this afternoon." He commented casually, allowing his gaze to once again fall on the stunning Lady's face. She met his eyes out of obligation, looking scared of what he might say. "Although, I did not catch your name, my Lady."

He addressed her formally, just as he would address any of the other elves sitting at the long elegant table, humoring himself with this proper conversation after the radically informal way in which she had addressed him in the gardens.

"I am Alarya, my Lord. And forgive me, but I also did not catch your name. Would you remind me?" She introduced herself, the way one respectfully introduces himself to a stranger, only her forest green eyes making fun of all the elves at the table, ignorant of their pretention. And it was at that moment, when she said her name, that the Lady allowed her eyes to meet his directly once more, holding his gaze with the same steadiness and pride she had stared at him in the gardens. A beautiful smile lightened her face, contrary to what he had expected her reaction would be. To his surprise, she no longer looked embarrassed or angered, as he had anticipated. No. She looked amused. And in that split second he understood that she was humoring him in the same way he was humoring her. Oh, yes. Dinner tonight would be most entertaining.

So this is a new story I am trying on. Please let me know what you think, or if you think I should continue it.

Love,

Elena