The Wood of GreenLeaves was gilded by rays of dying sunlight. Long shadows were sharpening the shapes of bushes and trees and were giving them an amazing, mysterious aura. Colorful, fragrant herbs and flowers seemed to shout: ''Touch me, smell me...''. Somewhere in the distance you could hear the soothing sound of a brook. If a lost, thirsty wanderer deviated from the road leading to the stream and headed north, he would see a large, moss-covered cavern. Strange premonition and riot of color emanating from its depths would probably make the man come inside. And there, in the distance, he would see the beautiful palace carved into the dark, moist rock.
A ruler of this palace was Thranduil, the Elvenking.
Fidhail watched his master anxiously. ''How long has it been since he locked himself in his chambers? Two weeks? Yes, something like that.'' King didn't go out of his room and didn't talk to anyone except for Fidhail, his faithful servant. But even he wasn't allowed to know what exactly was troubling ruler of the Woodland Realm. He could only guess that the reason of his sadness was the lack of news from the east.
Thranduil looked at a white sheet of paper lying on the majestic oak desk, then he shook his head and sighed. His slender fingers tightened on the balcony railing; his penetrating azure eyes were fixed on the point in the distance. ''Every day the same situation.'', thought the servant. He couldn't bear to see sad Thranduil. Such a beautiful creature shouldn't suffer! It's against nature! Just look at this stunning face, long golden hair that shines in the sun, and majestic posture, which can embarrass many elves... Fidhail didn't want to believe that gods created something so perfect, just to make it suffer .
The Elvenking stood motionless for a few more minutes. Then he turned to his servant and said:
''You can go.''
Fidhail bowed. Then he quickly left the room. He didn't know why the king called him over to the chamber. Maybe he was afraid of being alone? Or maybe he was afraid of something much worse? Fidhail didn't ask about the reason. Etiquette and his innate shyness didn't let him do that.
Thranduil turned to the window. How long does his son want to keep him in suspense? He sent him a letter telling that he'll come back in a week but... he didn'keep his promise. Thranduil bit his lip. He wanted Legolas to show up smiling and unhurt. Some of the elves in the northern part of The Wood of GreenLeaves were convinced that Elvenking was extremely harsh and demanding. However, the truth was a little different. There was a loving father hid under the guise of unyielding, cool ruler.
Thranduil took a few steps forward. His long, silver robe rustled slightly. Silver gemstones, which covered his sleeves, shone like a scales of the most beautiful fish. He stopped right in front of large, ornate door. He should've gone outside and got some fresh air, but he couldn't do that. Some invisible force was holding him in place.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Elvenking raised his eyebrow.
''Come in!'', he said in a loud voice.
Breathless elf came into the room. He wore a green tunic tied around the waist with brown belt.
''My lord! Scout brought the news! He saw…'', he started.
He couldn't finish because Thranduil pushed him aside and quickly got out of the room. He didn't have to hear the entire sentence to know that his requests fulfilled. Legolas returned home.