Nilda walked along the beautiful underground corridors of Mirkwood, a place that she had the privilege of calling home. Elegant woodcarvings of elves and beasts crawled up the walls like ivy, telling the stories of handsome elven warriors slaying dastardly creatures. Their long hair swaying in the wind, swords drawn high above their heads, looks of defiance against their enemies; these images brought a smile to her face as she thought of the tales her father would tell her when she couldn't sleep; she could almost smell the lemon tea and fire wood.
With a final glace at the artwork she continued down the hallway to her room so she could prepare for bed; it was still early in the evening but she was still recovering from a spider bite that was acquired earlier in the week.
"Lady Nilda?" a voice called out from behind her.
She turned to see a servant with their head bowed and hands drawn behind them.
"Yes?" Nilda replied with a weary smile.
"My Lord requested to see you in the throne room." The servant said.
Nilda nodded. "Thank you, I will report there immediately."
The servant retreated back from where she came and Nilda made her way to the throne room, wondering what the King would want with her. Was he planning on sending her out on century duty already? She entered the large throne room which, in her opinion, had the most beautiful wood carvings of the kingdom. The way the wood arched and swirled around the throne truly made it fit for a king.
Thranduil sat with his cheek resting on his hand, looking down at her as she entered. Nilda bowed and stood up straight, making sure her aura remained respectful.
"You sent for me my Lord?" She asked, trying to keep her nerves out of her voice.
He stood from his seat in one fluid movement. "That I did, Lady Nilda…" The King of Mirkwood swaggered down the stairs towards her while speaking. "…I wished to see how your injury was healing. Though they would never admit it, the other men on century miss you being with them." A miniscule smile played on his lips as he stepped in front of her. The King was much taller than she; making it so Nilda was nearly straining her neck to look up at him.
The close proximity made her uneasy. "It's healing nicely my Lord. Thank you for asking. I should be back before we know it." She said trying to punctuate the sentence with a polite smile. King Thranduil eyed her for a moment and gently placed a hand on her cheek; his normal icy gaze melted and for a moment Nilda did not see him as the bored and apathetic ruler of Mirkwood, but as a compassionate friend. "You gave us all quite the scare, Nilda. I- we- thought you were lost…"
Nilda wasn't sure how to respond so she remained silent and tried not to make eye contact. Thranduil sensed her uneasiness and promptly removed his hand. "Well…" He said returning to his usual stoic tone. "…you are dismissed, go and get rested." The King turned his back to her as she bowed and exited the throne room. Maybe the King of Mirkwood wasn't as callous as everyone made him out to be.