Disclaimer: I own nothing except Marian Howard and my other character, the shopkeeper. The end.


The Elven King of Mirkwood sat at his throne, over looking his kingdom. He awaited reports from his guard on patrol in the forest. A dire need to protect his kingdom for all had overcome him and he trusted neither man nor beast. The guards were ordered to patrol the borders daily to keep out everyone and anyone. His grip on the arms of his throne tightened as he saw three guards approach him up the staircase carrying what looked like the lifeless body of a mortal woman.

"Why do you bring me a dead mortal?" his voice echoed towards the elven guard.

"My Lord, the woman is not dead. She appears to be in deep sleep", said the elf that held the woman in his arms.

The Elf King furrowed his brows. "Bring her closer", he ordered.

The King stood up and stepped down from his throne, his glimmering-silver brocade robe trailing behind him. The elf holding the woman approached the king and laid her down at the King's feet.

"She was found on the border, my Lord. She had nothing in her possession but a book." The elf signaled for the dark green book. A second elf approached and handed the book to the King.

Thranduil traced his fingers over the book and flipped to the first page.

"She entered his kingdom" it read.

He was puzzled. Had this woman written this before falling asleep? Thranduil quickly closed the book and looked down at the woman.

She looked striking amongst the silver-haired elves standing in the hall. Her long and dark hair laid out on the floor, going down her shoulder and white dress. She wore a green sash that clinched her waist, revealing her small and fragile figure. She was smaller than most mortals but as pale as the elves that looked down at her.

Thranduil huffed and turned around walking back up to his throne.

"Throw her in the dungeons. Bring her to me when she wakes" he coldly ordered as he reached his throne.

The elf that stood before him bowed and picked up the woman, carrying her down the steps and away to the dungeons below.

Thranduil sat furious at his throne. How did she get into the forest? Why is she sleeping? There will be no more trespassing into his kingdom. He'd make sure of it. Mortals…. they're all clueless, all the same.

He realized he was still holding her wretched book. He signaled a servant at his side. A young elf boy approached.

"Take this to my library" he ordered.

The elf bowed and was handed the book that he took away down the stairs and left to the king's personal rooms.


Marian's eyelashes fluttered as she slowly stirred from her slumber. She lay still as her eyes opened wide. There was a dark cavernous ceiling above her. Marian quickly sat upright in the elven cell.

I'm in jail. I'm in a jail! she thought as she looked around her. A jail….cave?

Marian slowly stood up taking in her surroundings. She was in a small cave behind iron bars. She looked out from where she stood. There were torches along the wall opposite her casting flickering shadows on the cavern walls. She slowly approached the iron bars and stopped when she noticed a shadow approaching.

A tall elf appeared in front of her on the other side of the bars.

"You are awake" he stated.

Marian gasped as she took in his form. He has long blonde hair…..he has….he has pointy ears….he's an elf!

Marian backed away slowly as her mind flooded with thoughts. She had just started reading The Hobbit on a bench and now she was in a cavernous jail, standing before and elf. Her cheeks turned red and her head started spinning. This is just a dream…I'm in a dream. She pinched herself.

Ow!...No, this was real.

"King Thranduil of Mirkwood orders your presence since you have awoken" the elf standing before her stated.

Marian placed her back against the cave wall as she took the elf's words in. Thranduil wanted to see her…the elf king…the golden haired elf king…..The Elf King…

She smiled. I'm in the Hobbit...I'm in the book. Oh Mr. James, you didn't. There was always something magical about the antique shop but never did she think there was such a thing as Magic. She continued smiling to herself, almost doubting her sanity when she realized she was not even the least bit concerned about returning home. I can have an adventure, can't I?

"Do not be afraid" the elf that stood before her said. She heard the dangling of keys and saw the iron gate of her cell slowly open.

Marian hesitated for a moment and then slowly made her way to the elf. She stopped right next to his hand. She looked at him. Legolas! It was the Elven king's son. His long blonde hair draped over his green tunic. His piercing blue eyes looked into her very soul. I'm standing in front of an elf...a fake, but completely real elf. I'm not dreaming.

She looked down at his outreached hand, waiting for her to take it.

"Do not be afraid, my lady" the elf said in a kind voice.

M'day...this was nice she thought.

Marian nodded and placed her hand on his. It was warm, so very warm. She looked up at him again.

"What is your name?" She asked, already knowing the answer. She hoped he would confirm her suspicion.

"Legolas" he replied as they slowly made their way out of the prison. "And what is yours?" he asked her.

"Marian" she replied, blushing as they continued up a set of stairs. She was talking to an Elf...and holding his hand.

Marian's eyes widened. It was him, and this was real. She could feel his warm palm, his pulse, and his skin. This was completely real.

After a minute of so on a winding staircase they reached a landing. Soft light from torches and starlight filled her surroundings. Winding staircases were everywhere. Platforms where everywhere, amongst carved out trees. Elves stood in their golden armor, watching her from above and below.

Marian had almost slipped as they ascended another set of steps. Legolas had caught her at the moment. She gave him a small smile, blushing at her graceless step. They continued up the stairs until they reached a large landing. Two rows of guards flanked both sides of the landing leading up to the throne in which sat a certain Elven King.

She looked towards the man in the center, who attracted attention like no other. The Elven King, Thranduil sat before her on his magnificent throne. Utterly magnificent she thought as she continued looking at this Elven King in awe. His piercing stare went through her, like a bolt of lightening. She shuttered as she felt his gaze upon her. Thranduil remained at his throne as he addressed her, his regal voice booming throughout the hall.

"My guards tell me you were found on my borders. What business do you have in my forest?"

Marian remained silent, too stunned to speak or move. She was still admiring his majestic presence, his air of grace and stoicness.

"Well, mortal woman? What have you to say?" he asked again.

Marian stuttered. "I…I…I don't have..any business in the forest, your forest, your Majesty."

She was tense. I have to act natural, like i belong here. Her body stiffened as his gaze still pierced through her. He gave her such a fright….such a fright to speak and to be spoken to. She started to have chills. What is going on?


I'm frightening her he thought. Good. She needs to be frightened enough to go back to her people. Let her feel the might and force of the elven kingdom, never to return back.

"If you have no business in my forest, why were you found there?" he asked.

The woman stayed silent for a moment.

"I…don't know how I got there. I was asleep in another forest…" Marian stopped herself. She couldn't tell anyone about what happened. They would not understand. They would execute her. Although this was a fictional book and had fictional characters she did not know the extent of this magical world.

She often wondered what it would be like to be dropped into another world and experience adventures. Marian never imagined it would go like this. She could not risk upsetting anyone, she had to fit in. i wish there was a guide to this...wait...i studied some medieval subjects, i know how to address a king.

"I am from a far off land, my lord. I fell asleep and must have been taken to your forest. I cannot reach my home from here." Marian bowed her head a little, trying to show the Elven King she meant no trouble. Perhaps being humble would help.

Lies Thranduil thought. She must be lying.

"What is your name, mortal?" he asked as he stood up from his throne. He slowly made his way towards the captive woman who stood next to his son.

He's coming towards me. Oh my, he's so….regal. Marian blushed as he slowly approached. He started slowly circling her. She still felt his intense gaze upon her. Marian looked down at the marble floor, hiding her excitement on being in front of the elven king, standing next to Legolas, and being in this magical world. She thought back to the book. That sure was some book.

"Marian, your Grace. My name is Marian" she replied almost in a whisper. Her voice was starting to break from nervousness.

"Marian, you say? I have never heard of such a name. You are indeed from a far off land. What is it called?" His voice echoed again, beaming from the walls of the hall they stood in.

Marian stiffened once more. Should she say where? She gulped.

"Earth, my lord" she replied.

What is she talking about? There is no such land. Lies, again. Those mortals lie. Thranduil furrowed his eyebrows again. He despised any mortals or men in his kingdom.

Thranduil quickly stepped in front of her and stared down at her.

"You lie" Thranduil snared. His eyes met hers, searching for the truth.

"No, no your Majesty, I swear. I am from Earth. It is far from here, there are no records of it." Marian spoke rapidly, pleading to the Elven King towering over her.

Her voice was breaking, she was not used to such a demanding presence. Her eyes met his. The blue-grey eyes started right through her. She could tell he was trying to see if she was telling the truth. She gathered her courage and looked into his eyes, firm in her stare.

Thranduil backed away and turned around. She's telling the truth. Her eyes do not lie...still...she might have malicious intent.

He pondered a moment, still facing the other way. What shall I do with her? I have no need for her here...she might be a spy.

"How will you get back to your Earth?" He asked.

"I don't know how. I don't know where my home is" Marian replied.

She cringed at the thought of it. I don't want to go back. This is the time for adventure. I might be dead back on earth for all i know...I need to live in the now and here.

Marian looked around her. Legolas looked to his father and the flanks of elves stood proud facing forward and fully armored. Everyone looked so tall, so stoic. It was a sight that made her weak in the knees. The one that made her the weakest was the Elven King. His voice was serene, his stature was regal, and his eyes were powerful. The grace about him made Marian stand in awe. Every time there was a moment of silence she studied him, and every time he spoke to her she flushed. Marian studied him now, his back still turned to her. His long blonde hair flowed down his silver and gold robe. His crown of leaves and berries glimmered in the torchlight. He was handsome and she was overwhelmed. I'm crushing on the elven king...I'm crushing on him and i have no idea why I'm here.

He continued to speak with his back still turned. His voice echoed once more throughout the hall.

"You were found with a book, you wrote about entering my kingdom. Why?"

Marian was puzzled. She remembered falling asleep with the book, but it was just The Hobbit. i never wrote anything in it.

"I don't recall writing in it, your grace" she replied.

Thranduil moved towards his throne. Your Grace… she was well mannered for a mortal. But she does not fool me. She wrote about entering his kingdom. He saw it written on the first page.

"If you did not write it, who did? There is nothing more written there." Thranduil now sat on his throne with his arms outreach and grasping the ends of the chair. His gaze traveled back to the woman who stood in the center of his hall.

"Well?" he asked impatiently and he watched her remain silent.

"I don't know" she spoke quietly, truly confused by what he meant.

There was nothing said for a while. He continued to watch her as she looked down on his marble floor. Legolas approached his father and kept his voice low and he spoke to him.

"Father, what shall we do with her?" He glanced back to look at Marian, who now looked at the both of them and wondered what would become of her.

"Send her away, back to the edge of the forest. I do not need her here" Thranduil snarled as he continued watching the mortal woman. That's enough with these men and creatures entering my kingdom. There shall be no more of it.

"I do not think it is wise father, reports of orcs..." Legolas was cut off my his father

"Do not advise me, Legolas!" Thranduil quickly glared to his son. "I have no sympathy for men. Let the orcs attack them."

"Take her away!" he commanded in Elvish.

Marian felt the grasp of two elf soldiers, one on each side of her grabbing her arms and dragging her away. She struggled

"Wait! Wait!" she yelled back at the King. "Please! My lord, please!" Marian cried as she tried squirming her way out of the grasps of the Elves. Marian looked around. She needed to stay in the kingdom, she needed to adventure here for a while. She wanted to be with the elves, amongst the trees, watching them and learning their ways. I have to stay here.

In a quick moment of thinking she kicked each elf in the knee and wiggled her way free from their grips as they sank to the ground crutching their legs. Marian picked up her dress and ran to the steps of the King on his throne. She sank before him, bowing in a plead of mercy.

"Please don't send me away. I want to stay here. I do not know how to get back to Earth. I'll do anything. Please…" Marian looked up to the Elf. She hoped her act of pleading with change the mind of this Elven king. She looked into his eyes, smiling with hers, hoping he would be flattered. If you can't fight em, join them she thought.

That was the fault with Marian, she hoped too much. She believed there was good in all. Little did she know just how cruel this king was said to be throughout the lands. Thranduil was selfish and overly concerned about protecting his kingdom, so much so that he often refused entry into it.


His once enraged expression faded to a small smirk. He found her mercy charming. Look at this lonely and miserable mortal. She begs me to let her stay. She showed him humbleness, pleading mercy to his majesty. A king found this sort of attention endearing, especially a selfish king like Thranduil. He signaled his guards to stop as they quickly approached Marian to take her away.

"You want to stay in my Kingdom?" He asked coldly not taking his sight away from her.

Marian nodded with pleading eyes. i need to stay here. My adventure starts here, otherwise the book would have dropped me somewhere else she thought.

"Very well" Thranduil shocked his guard and his son, who turned to look at him, confused in the change of his father. "Get up" he ordered.

Murmurs filled the hall as elves looked to one another and then their king with his chin raised high and crown glimmering in the torch did not expect their king to be this merciful to a mere mortal. All quickly stood silent as they awaited to hear what he would say next. Perhaps this is a ruse of sorts to be played on the mortal woman.

Marian scrambled to her feet and bowed her head. "Thank you, my lord." She smiled. I get to start here...with elves. Thank you Mr. James.

"There are rules with your stay here" he stated. Marian listened intently giving the elf king a nod and a small smile.

Why is she smiling at me? the elven king thought. Surely she must know she is to be a prisoner in my kingdom.

"You will receive chambers. I see you are just a mere woman with no malicious intentions. You will sit with us for all meals and any meetings I so choose. You will wear the clothes of my people and not the ratty thing you have now."

Marian looked down at her dress. It was still fairly white but she noticed a number of rips and seams that have been ripped apart. There was dried mud at the end of her dress near her ankles and leaves that had attached to the bottom, coiled up in the threads that were loose. She looked at his robes. If the clothes of his people were anything like his robes, she would gladly wear them. Marian continued to listen to the Elven King.

"You will be free to roam the chambers, the springs, and the gardens" Marian smiled at this statement.

Her smile soon disappeared when she heard Thranduil say: "You are a prisoner here, do not forget that."

Well that was a bit harsh. I'm under house arrest by the elven king…that doesn't sound so bad, right? I'm free to roam around. Surely that is not the will of a prisoner.

Marian looked at Thranduil, his icy gaze finding her soft glance at him. He had just ordered her and called her a prisoner and she was still completely entranced by his presence. She could not be mad at him.


With a wave of his hand she was escorted away to her new chambers, a few halls down from the King's personal chambers. The halls were gloriously lit and hollow. One could hear every step, every pin drop. The elf that escorted her turned left and she followed. A large wooden door stood before them. He opened the door for her and turned to face her.

"You are to report to breakfast tomorrow in the great hall"

Marian nodded. "Thank you" she said softly.

The elf looked over her. He was the one that found her in the forest, lying in stillness and deep sleep. She was delicate, a small and frail woman. Marian was however like none of the other mortal women he had seen. She was as pale as an elf and her hair curled down her back in a thick frenzy. She reminded him of his mother, a kind elf. This woman appeared very delicate, so pure, so innocent looking. Although not an elf, she was a great beauty. In an action of surprise to himself and Marian, he bowed. The king had shown a kindness to her for some reason and he wished to do the same. Perhaps his King had noticed her fragility, perhaps she was the one who could change his cold demeanor.

"My Lady" he straightened back up and turned away to walk down the hall.

Marian smiled to her self as she watched him walk away. It's like I'm in a fairytale...a real fairytale. The thought of being in the kingdom of Mirkwood made her giddy. She took a deep breath before turning to the door and walking through the threshold. Her lips curled into a smile when she saw the interiors of her new chambers.

A beautifully carved bed sat at her right, glistening in the torchlight next to her. The orange dark wood frames rose to the ceiling, holding a canopy of a sheer-silver fabric that draped down to the floor. On the bed lay a beautiful black velvet blanket with two silver pillows propped up next to the wall. Marian entered deeper into her chamber. A small desk sat to her left, beautifully carved, like the bed. A large balcony was ahead with a small table, adorned with a water basin and fruit. The shimmering moonlight peered through the sheer silver sheets that lined the ceiling above the balcony.

It was a beautiful sight. Are all elven rooms this beautiful? she thought.

Marian traced her hands across the velvet bed and without hesitation jumped right into its softness where she quickly fell asleep.


More to come!