The night has come, and a storm was forming.
The winds were cold and the sky was uncaring. Ninel was inside the tent, laying down in an improvised bed that Legolas has made for her using one of the Elven King long robes. She was protected against the coming storm.
However the wind began to roar as if it was mad at something. Rain gave place to snow. Falling from the sky slowly in big crystals. Her breath could be seen in the air as she inhaled and exhaled.
Suddenly, the howling of winds was as if the moaning of some orc in pain. The snow was no longer gently falling. No, the wind was forcing it down hard. It was blowing everywhere.
She was so little, and little things get scared easily.
Fortunately for her, safety was not far away.
Throwing the long robe aside, she managed to get off the improvised bed. Her bare feet on the cold floor. She walked all her way down to the opposite side of the tent, until she reached Thranduil's chair.
The Elven King was in an uncomfortable sitting position. His head resting on his right hand.
Ninel approached silently.
"Sir?"
With some difficulty she tried to climb on his sitting form.
"Sir? Are you awake?"
In an instant his lashes lifted and a pair of bright blue eyes opened to the darkness. His eyes focusing on Ninel.
"Now, I am. Why are you not sleeping?"
"Sorry… I…" Suddenly the girl was ashamed. Was she scared of a little wind and snow? She swallows. "The storm… it's snowing. It's so cold."
"Are you afraid of snow?" Thranduil asked with a hint of mockery in his voice.
"No! …But, and the orcs? And…" Before the child could say anything else, the Elven King took her into his arms, and settled her on his legs.
"Ninel, listen to me. You have nothing to fear from any orc, or storm."
"How do you know?" She asked suspicious.
"Because none of them would dare to cross between me and the one I vow to protect."
Saying that he leaned closer and pressed his lips against the child's forehead.
The child let out a soft, content sigh and cuddled against Thranduil. Her tiny fist took hold of a long strand of blonde hair. Just in case some orc appeared.
In the other side of the tent sitting in another chair, Legolas smiles before closing his eyes again.