AN: Still don't own Lord of the Rings, or anything from The Hobbit.

It was mentioned in a review that Alyssa/Meluir seems to be getting a bit snobby, especially in the case of things associated with Thranduil.

I do admit that her being offended, mistakenly, about entry to Mirkwood proper was rather snobbish of her. But after being openly welcomed and met at the front gates of Erebor and Lothlorien, being ushered through what first appears to be a 'back way' seems to indicate that Thranduil doesn't believe Alyssa is important enough to go through the front gates of his realm. So, of course she's offended, until it's explained to her why they're going through that particular entryway.

There's also the way she's been greeted and welcomed by others in Middle Earth. Elrond has warmly and kindly taken her as a foster daughter. Gandalf treats her like a niece, and even though she found Galadriel and Celeborn intimidating, they welcomed her with genuine warmth. Any time Thranduil appears to be slighting her, Alyssa believes he's doing it on purpose, based on how she'd been treated by other important people and her impressions of him from before she arrived in Middle Earth, and after.

I will also flat-out say: she does have a dislike for the Elf King. I admit that because Thranduil has always rubbed me the wrong way, both in the books and in the films, and I've let that carry over into this story. To me, he is greedy, he is arrogant, and he is a bit snobby when it comes to Dwarves and Men, especially when he wants something. I mean, in the film, he did help Bard with feeding the people of Laketown, but only in exchange for the white gemstones back from Thorin.

(Which I guess is a good trade, but considering he's got a dragon, a couple Orc armies, and Wargs marching into his territory, Thranduil should probably have agreed to help stop all that, before things got much worse.)

Plus, Alyssa does have a fondness for Dwarves and Hobbits, so naturally, she'd always hold a bit of a grudge after what happened in The Hobbit.

Anyway, sorry about the lecture. I can honestly say that Alyssa will eventually warm up to Thranduil –it'll just take a while.

Please enjoy this chapter, and don't forget to review.

Chapter 38: The Realm of the Elf King:

After the first feast, things only became more extravagant.

I had expected to have breakfast in my room on a tray, but Ethelwen came bustling in, saying that Thranduil would like me to join him for a small, intimate meal with her and Lord Glorfindel, as well as Gandalf and Balin.

I was surprised that Balin had been invited, but guessed it was to keep on the Dwarves' good side.

The gown Ethelwen chose for me was a simple, but elegant pale lavender with dark purple designs embroidered along the hem. For jewelry, there was a woven silver wire headdress; a silver necklace with a trio of rosebuds in the center; and a pair of plain silver bracelets on each wrist. She had thought about adding rings, but I put my foot down against it.

As Hithil led us to the dining area, I admired the soft, pale green gown Ethelwen wore. It, too, was plain, with few embroidered designs, but it was still lovely. Her hair was pulled back with gold ribbons that wove through her braid, and atop her head was a thin chain of gold, interwoven with the ribbon, which I had given her from my jewelry box.

In the center of the King's private dining room was an oval table, loaded down with all kinds of food, drink, and centerpieces crafted of berries, flowers and scented branches. Fine dishes of gold and silver were set out, with matching utensils and goblets. It was a stunning display that left me blinking in surprise.

Balin, of course, was happy to be paid this level of respect from the Elf King. He knew that, by treating me right, Thranduil was only doing this to please Lord Elrond, and to make Thorin jealous when he heard how his royal neighbor kept his table. As such, Balin intended to take full advantage of being wined, dined, and pampered in the Realm where he had once been locked up as a prisoner.

He also probably thought it funny to irritate his own King. When Thorin heard how well I was being treated here in Mirkwood, I had a feeling that any events held in my honor were going to increase in number, if not extravagance.

'I just hope Thorin's managed to move on and find a girlfriend,' I silently wished, mentally crossing my fingers. If so, there was a very good chance she was going to curb his enthusiasm for the elaborate and the expensive.

Rising to his feet, Thranduil himself came to greet me. With a graceful bow, he offered his hand.

Today, the King of Mirkwood was a grand sight. Though it seemed that he'd tried to keep his outfit subtle, it clearly wasn't. The silken material was in a deep but vibrant golden brown, with silver embroidery covering much of it. Trees, vines, leaves, and birds shone all across the grand robe he wore. A crown of interwoven tree branches sat atop his brow, and several rings were scattered about his fingers.

"My lady," Thranduil greeted me. To my surprise, he pressed a delicate kiss to the back of my hand, which did not seem to please Glorfindel one bit. "You look lovely this morning. I hope you slept well last night?"

"Quite well, Sire," I assured him with a smile. "The rooms are wonderful, and the bed most comfortable."

He gave a gracious, but slight bow of the head in thanks. "I trust Hithil has been serving you in a satisfactory manner? Yes? I am glad to hear it. But I believe a tour of my Realm would be most beneficial for you, your guardian and your companions. Hithil will be able to arrange this, and even serve as your guide, for her knowledge is quite vast."

"I would be quite happy to receive a tour, my lord," I said as I was guided to a chair beside his. "I am very curious about Mirkwood, and would like to learn as much about it as I can before I depart."

As soon as everyone was settled, I sat back and watched my friends all help themselves to the great platters of food.

I tried not to laugh as Balin and Gandalf eagerly dug into eggs, bacon, cold beef and ham, and finely sliced potatoes. To my right, Ethelwen asked for a bowl of hot porridge, a bowl of fresh berries, and a small pitcher sweetened cream, though she, too, helped herself to some of the cold beef.

Thranduil sat to my left, slowly and daintily eating a helping of everything from the table. Each of his 'helpings' were no more than one or two spoonfuls, but given how much food there was, I wasn't surprised at his restraint. His appetite had been healthy the night before, but perhaps he wanted to show a bit more control this morning.

As the King and I chatted about my life in Rivendell, I noticed Glorfindel trying to focus on his own meal, but the slight scowl he wore worried me. He usually kept his temper or impatience under immense control when he traveled. Why did he seem so troubled?

Throughout the entire meal, Thranduil was surprisingly calm and polite to us all. Even Balin received some 'royal attention,' with Thranduil asking after Thorin's health, and how close Erebor's reconstruction was to completion. Balin gladly answered him, and asked questions of his own of Mirkwood's economy.

When we finished, Thranduil escorted me back to the hallway outside the dining room, where Hithil awaited. "I regret to say that I have business to attend to," he said, his voice cool and slightly apologetic. "Hithil, Lady Meluir wishes a tour of the realm. Please see to it."

She curtseyed deeply as the Elf King took his leave of us. When she rose, Hithil turned a friendly smile towards us. "If you wish to change your attire before departing, I will come and retrieve you in an hour."

We did so, and an hour later, I was being led into the great underground realm of Mirkwood.

At first, the tour sort of threw me for a loop. I was so used to Elven Kingdoms being under open sky, it was strange seeing stone walls rising high up above me.

Although I'm sure it was unintentional, Mirkwood perfectly blended two completely different cultures: Elves and Dwarves.

Anything that needed to be strong and bulky was certainly that, but they were also carved with an elegance only the Elves possessed. The walkways were sturdy, but with a delicate touch. Arches were heavy, to hold up under the weight of the mountain above us, and sometimes wider than three men, but they also had beautiful, graceful carvings to decorate them. Doorways were thick, for support, but decorated with Elvish script and designs so perfect, it was as if they'd been written there, rather than carved into stone.

Hithil proved quite good in the role of tour guide. Since reciting a history of the realm would probably take decades, she kept everything simple but interesting as she led us from eateries to markets, to small neighborhoods with lone houses, or shops with rooms for the owners above them.

Strangely, I didn't see many shops or market stalls selling fresh fruits or vegetables, or meat or fish. Mostly, it was material goods, such as cloth, metal wares, dishes, or jewelry. Foodstuffs were limited to baked items, or things that were dried or preserved in brine.

Balin noticed this, too. "You seem to be lacking a great deal in the way of fresh food," he said, eying a stall that sold preserved jams and jellies.

Hithil tried not to look embarrassed. "Most of our fresh stuffs come from Dale," she admitted. "When a shipment arrives, the goods are then put out in the market. We have not yet received a delivery from Dale."

I felt rather sad by that. We always had fresh produce in Rivendell, for it was grown in the rich soil of the valley. There was always a salad of some kind, and roasted vegetables and potatoes.

"Is there not some sort of valley or area nearby that could be used as farmland?" I asked, watching a group of elleths buy earthen jars of pickles or preserved fruits.

There was a sad look on Hithil's face as she replied, "We dare not, when the great spiders are so boldly attacking the forest. Atop our hill, we grow many kinds of herbs, berries, and plants for medicines, but only because they do not need tending and are easy to reach. We cannot risk the lives of our people to serve as farmers and growers; it would leave them out in the open to attacks, and we cannot spare guards to protect them."

My eyes darted towards the ground, to hide my worry. What if the Men of Dale missed sending out a shipment? Would the Elves here be able to survive on only what hunters could bring in, especially during the winter?

A gentle hand squeezed my shoulder, causing me to look at Hithil's amused face. "Do not worry so, my lady," she said. "King Thranduil rules us well, and our alliances with Erebor and Dale are strong."

What she said about her King was true –even though I disliked his cool demeanor, I did feel that Thranduil cared a great deal about his people. While he clearly enjoyed the finer things, I firmly believed he would give it all up, if he had to, to keep his people fed.

For the most part, Hithil kept our tour to the quieter, less populated areas, so as not to overwhelm us. We walked along beautiful bridges, or paths carved into the solid floor of the caverns. Balin commented that the lights were quite lovely, and I casually mentioned that they looked remarkably like the silver lights of Lothlorien.

My Dwarf friend seemed rather impressed that I'd been to the Golden Wood. "Thorin told me what you wrote of it, in your letters," Balin said, hooking his thumbs into his belt. "It sounds like a lovely place, full of light."

I briefly wondered if I could talk Galadriel into letting a few Dwarves in, but realized it was far too early in the Middle Earth timeline. I would let Gimli have his moment, when it came.

Lunch was at a small building that could only be described as a coffee house back in my world. The food was simple –salads, soups, cold meat and bread, and hot or cold teas. I imagine that some people would object to such a simple meal, especially as a guest of a King, but I had no complaints –everything was delicious and well-prepared, the owners quite friendly and eager to chat.

After lunch, Hithil took us down to the stables, where I checked in on Shan. My stallion was happily chomping at a fresh mix of clover, grass, apples, and carrots, but he paused long enough to give me a 'kiss,' and a close once-over to see if I was alright.

I was also shown the King's personal mount: the huge stag I had seen earlier.

Hithil said it was too dangerous for us to approach, as he was not fully tame, so I merely gave it a curtsey as a show of respect before following her back up into the city.

The last stop for the day was the area for those crafting with fire, such as the blacksmiths, metalworkers, potters, and glassmakers. Balin was thrilled, eyes darting everywhere to watch the work being done. I could almost see him taking mental notes on the techniques the Elves used on their wares, so that he could compare them to the ways of the Dwarves.

We stayed for an hour, before the heat became too unbearable. Then we all followed Hithil up to the guest quarters, where she pointed the way to the wings we were staying in, before departing herself.

When Hithil had gone, Gandalf, who had been quiet for some time, came up beside me. "Will you allow us to visit your quarters, my dear? I haven't had the pleasure of a good talk with you for some time now."

Glorfindel and Balin joined us, and our group of five soon settled in my parlor.

The servants had clearly thought that there would be only two returning to my rooms, for a small tray of food and a pitcher of juice waited. It didn't seem to matter, though, because as soon as I was seated, Glorfindel began to pace the room.

I'd only seen him this upset twice. The first was when he'd discovered Thorin had proposed to me; the second was after the encounter with the Orcs outside Lothlorien. I had no idea what had him so troubled today, but I had a feeling I'd find out soon.

"I am not sure what game Thranduil is playing here, dear one," Glorfindel said, a deep scowl on his handsome face. "But I do not like it. For him to be so openly welcome and warm in his attitude towards you is very unusual."

I blinked in surprise. I wouldn't call him 'warm,' but in all fairness, the King had been quite welcoming.

Gandalf smiled a little at me, probably as reassurance. "You doubt Lord Glorfindel's choice of words, but he is right. Thranduil was, for him, quite warm towards you. For the King of Mirkwood to act in such a way means that he must desire a great deal from your father, or from Erebor."

Balin gave a sniff of distain. "He could try winning Thorin over by being kind to Alyssa, but it won't work. Thorin still holds a small grudge against the Mirkwood King, and is always suspicious of him, especially with any display of warmth or kindness."

Shifting a little in his seat, Gandalf poured a glass of juice and took a sip. "Do you think it might be from a desire for an alliance of some kind?" he asked, looking between his friends. "Either with Rivendell or Erebor?"

Glorfindel scowled even harder. "There is nothing he could truly gain from an alliance of any kind with Lord Elrond," he stated. "We are too far away to provide much aid against the spiders that plague the forest. Trade is impossible for anything except materials, and he receives those from Dale. So perhaps it is Erebor he wishes to ally himself with?"

Now it was Balin's turn to scowl, his eyes crinkling in the corners as he squinted in thought. "That's not necessarily true," he slowly drawled. "Thranduil's already forged several treaties with us, and with Dale –most of them having to do with trade. Thorin doesn't trust him much, but it has so far kept peace between Men, Dwarves and Elves."

He turned towards me. "But Rivendell has two things that Dale and Erebor doesn't. Lord Elrond has two daughters…and Thranduil has a son."

My brain quickly connected the dots on that unsaid thought, and I immediately burst out laughing. "You think Thranduil wants me or Arwen to marry the Prince? I doubt that, Balin. I am of the race of Men, and given his contempt of any race other than the Eldar, there is no possible way the King of Mirkwood would ever allow his only son to wed someone like me."

I accepted a full glass from Gandalf, who had poured it for me. "And I doubt my father would allow Arwen to marry for anything but love. I don't know if she has ever met Prince Legolas," I said, looking at Glorfindel, "But even if she has, I think she would have told me if she was in love, either with him or with someone else."

"Lady Arwen has met Prince Legolas," Glorfindel admitted, "But it was very long ago. I can say that they liked each other well enough, but I know the only emotions they felt for each other was simply friendship. I do not believe they have even exchanged letters more than a handful of times over the centuries."

Well, that boded well for Estel, though he wouldn't be meeting Arwen for some time yet.

"So, the chance of an alliance through marriage is very slim, at best," I assured Balin. "Has anyone thought that Thranduil is being kind just because he wants to be? That there might not be any hidden agenda behind it?"

The others looked doubtful, and I didn't blame them. But I decided it would be best to give Thranduil the benefit of the doubt. I didn't think there would be much 'business talk,' but if there was, I felt confident that Glorfindel, Gandalf and Balin would be able to handle it.

A knock on the door interrupted us. Ethelwen went to answer it, and admitted Hithil, who had an envelope in her hands. She curtseyed and offered the parchment to Ethelwen, who brought it to me to open.

Inside was an invitation from Thranduil, requesting our attendance at a grand ball tomorrow. I was happy to attend, but then Hithil offered a list of events scheduled during my stay.

"Oh, my," I breathed, going over the document. "Isn't this a bit much?"

There were feasts, balls, plays, even a tournament, all held throughout the weeks I was staying. Maybe Glorfindel was right about Thranduil trying to get on our good side for other reasons?

Well, I was still going to give the King a chance to prove me right about his intentions, even if I was going to be exhausted for most of my stay here.

'Ethelwen had better be willing to let me sleep in, or else.' My friend knew how grumpy I could be if I didn't get enough sleep.

Hithil took my acceptance of the schedule back to her King, while the rest of us separated to ready for dinner. I didn't think this would be a grand meal, but a little effort to look nice would probably go a long way.

Dinner passed uneventfully that night, but the whole next day was given over to preparing for the ball.

As always, Ethelwen was in her element when dressing me up for such a night. Caring for me was her chosen profession, but being able to clad me in a gown and jewels gave her pure joy. If she ever married and had a daughter, that little girl was going to be quite spoiled with all the finery she'd be wearing all her young life.

From the moment I rose from my bed (after sleeping in, of course), there was Ethelwen, waiting. Her title was 'handmaiden' or 'lady-in-waiting,' but she almost seemed to take it literally –whether it was with a breakfast tray, a robe after my bath, or the gown and jewelry I would be donning that night, Ethelwen was always there, waiting with something in her hands.

And of course, she'd chosen my outfit perfectly.

This night, I would wear a brand new gown. This one was very special, because according to Ethelwen, it had been specially commissioned for me by Lord Elrond, who had overseen some of its creation himself.

Made of iridescent silver that changed colors in the light, it was a garment truly fit for a princess. If I moved one way, part of it turned blue; another spin, and it shimmered an emerald green, teal, or pale turquoise. When I bent over to straighten the skirt a little, I saw red and pink swirl into maroon. I never knew what color it would change to when I moved, which only made the gown more fascinating to look at. Clearly, Lord Elrond had spared no expense with it.

My only pieces of jewelry were to be a silver headdress with diamonds, and a necklace I wore as a signature piece: a silver pendant, with a flower crafted of small seed pearls, entwined with a flower bud of a single pearl. It had been Lord Elrond's gift to me years ago, during my first journey to Erebor, and I had decided, after my trip to Lothlorien, to wear it nearly every day since.

"You look lovely, dear one," Ethelwen said, smiling at me as I slipped my feet into a pair of silvery slippers. "Your father would be proud to see you dressed thus."

I blushed and looked down, watching the gown change colors as I shifted uncomfortably from one foot to the other. "I'm glad you think so," I murmured. "I am no Evenstar, but I hope I do not shame my father while trying to represent him and his realm."

My friend, guard, and handmaiden reached out to gently lifted my chin, forcing me to look into her green eyes. "You are too hard on yourself," she softly chided me. "True, you are not Arwen Undomiel, but you possess your own beauty. It shines from inside your very heart, which is pure and gentle. That is why we love you. Do not think that we value beauty alone, for it is only the very shallow who do so."

A small tear trickled down my cheek, to be softly swept away by Ethelwen's delicate touch. "Now, shall we go? Though I believe you will wish you had stayed here, for Lord Glorfindel will want to keep all of the ellon away from you. For your own good, of course."

I chuckled. "Of course."

Ethelwen was right. Even though Glorfindel approved of my outfit, I could see him mentally getting ready to fight off the potential dance partners I might have as the night went on.

It probably didn't help that I no longer had the excuse of being untutored in Elvish dances. Over the years, Ethelwen had kept me busy with dance lessons at least three times a week, with Estel as my dance partner, and other Elves joining in to help make the dance scene more realistic.

Tonight, the grand ballroom of the Palace was wide open, and elaborately decorated. Great tapestries hung down the walls, some depicting stories of the past, others of animals in various natural settings. Each looked so real, I could almost imagine the deer popping out of the fabric to run around the room, or the heroic figures to begin swinging swords or launching arrows.

The room was lit with many candles set in gold and silver candelabras, and a huge fire burned in a fireplace in a far wall. I had expected the room to be boiling hot, since we were in a closed space, but it was actually quite pleasant. The ceiling was very high, with a ventilation shaft I could barely see, but I had a feeling there were more vents allowing fresh air in, as the smoke went out.

No banquet had been held, but Thranduil had not skimped on the refreshments. There was a great hunch of beef on one table, steaming hot with juices dribbling down it. Piles of raw and cooked vegetables, roasted potatoes, fresh fruit, pastries, and sugar confections were all about, ready for consumption. Great bowls of punch and bottles of wine were scattered about, closely attended by well-dressed servants who stood ready to pour beverages out liberally.

To one side sat the orchestra, playing soft, gentle songs to fill the air while their King sat waiting for us to approach.

As Glorfindel escorted me down the aisle towards our host, I knew he was trying hard to keep his face expressionless. He and I had both seen the searching gaze of Thranduil on me, and we both knew he was up to something.

Upon reaching the dais where the King sat, I curtseyed and accepted the polite invitation to sit at the monarch's right hand. Glorfindel would sit on the left side, while Gandalf took a chair to my right. Even Balin had a chair, though Ethelwen decided to stand behind me, rather than sit.

"And now," Thranduil called to the room, "Let the ball begin!"

The musicians struck up a livelier tune, and the floor immediately filled with dancers. A few male Elves threw looks my way, but they must have seen Glorfindel's face, for they quickly decided on other partners.

I heard quiet chuckling from my right, and threw Gandalf a look that was half-glare, half amusement. "Something funny?" I whispered, leaning closer to him. "You know how I like a laugh, as long as it is not at my expense."

Blue eyes twinkled at me as Gandalf reached to gently pat me on the arm. "In a way, it is a little at your expense," he softly admitted, his voice barely sounding above the music. "Would you like a dance, little one? I feel a little spry at the moment."

I was shocked. Never had I ever imagined Gandalf the Grey dancing! But I didn't want to refuse such a kind gesture, particularly from someone I adored, so I accepted.

Now, I had no idea how old Gandalf was. With the long grey hair and beard, he appeared every inch an old man. Add the wooden staff he always carried, and anyone would assume he moved like one, too.

Of course, I was extremely wrong about that.

Not only was Gandalf 'spry,' he was actually very good at dancing. Even better, he was fun to chat with during the dance, instead of stoically silent like the others. I found myself laughing quite a bit as he whirled me around the floor, and could not remember having a better time on the dance floor.

When our dance finished, he led me off to the side for a drink and a plate of something to eat, easily fending off anyone who tried to 'cozy up' to me for a dance. I glanced over at Glorfindel, and saw him relax slightly as one ellon after another was turned away by a single look from the wizard.

We did a few more dances together, until I felt too tired for another. We had kept to the quick dances, of which there were many, but some of them tended to last a while, and their steps could be rather intricate. Others were swift and fun, involving swinging around, clapping our hands and twirling. I really did enjoy myself, but after so many in a row, I was ready for a break.

Ethelwen was waiting at my seat, of course, ready with a plate of refreshments and a glass of sparkling fruit juice. I polished these off quickly, while Gandalf went to fetch his own plate and cup. Balin praised my dancing, and asked if I wouldn't mind learning a few Dwarf dances, so I could participates in the balls and parties Thorin likely had planned for my visit to Erebor.

I rather liked the idea, though the height difference might make things difficult. I didn't say that aloud, though; instead, I smiled and simply mentioned that it sounded interesting. Balin accepted that, though Gandalf seemed to sense my unease. He gave me a discreet wink, and I had to fight to hold back a giggle.

Thranduil had earlier left to 'mingle' with his courtiers, though I use that term loosely. Mostly, he simply walked around the room, clearing a path around him, with everyone bowing and offering their greetings. A few servants came to him with a tray bearing wine or a little something for him to nibble, but that was it.

Eventually, the Elf King returned to his chair, and it was then that Glorfindel decided to escort me onto the dancefloor. I figured it was to keep any possible dance partners away, but I knew it had to be something else. It was possible he and Gandalf had cooked up something between themselves to find out what Thranduil had up his sleeve, and getting me away was the best move.

After three dances, Glorfindel returned me to my seat, where Thranduil motioned for me to sit beside him. Glorfindel scowled as he returned to his chair, and I knew he was going to keep an eye and ear open.

"How like you my Kingdom thus far, my lady?" the King asked as a servant brought him a goblet of wine. The rings on his fingers glittered like miniature stars and suns as his hands moved. "I trust my people have treated you well?"

"Very well, sire," I said, bowing my head in respect and thanks. "I thank you for your generous hospitality. I have seen the list of events you have planned, and am very impressed. I am sure my father will be, too, when I write and tell him how kindly I have been treated."

Thranduil seemed very pleased with my choice of words. "I hope you enjoy the entertainments I have chosen. My people look forward to showing you're their skills, particularly during the tournament."

I'd been to a Renaissance Faire back in my world, and found the tournament event fascinating. Perhaps it would be just as fun to watch here, as it had been there.

"I also have a few gifts for you, my lady," Thranduil continued, motioning towards three elleths who approached from nearby. "Pray accept these as a symbol of friendship between our Realms."

The first elleth came forward, a small box in her hands. She quickly opened it and offered the box to me. Inside was a blue stone the size of my thumb. It looked like a sapphire, only it had what seemed to be a star in the center. It wasn't in any kind of setting, but it was very beautiful.

"Pray give this to your fair sister, the Evenstar," Thranduil said with a nod of his head.

I accepted the box, and carefully passed it into Ethelwen's hands. Then, a second elleth came forward. Inside this box was a bracelet of shining silver, with a single, tiny teardrop stone set in it.

But it wasn't any ordinary stone. This one seemed to be made of pure starlight, and it was the loveliest, most delicate thing I'd ever seen. It literally took my breath away.

"Had it not been for you, Thorin Oakenshield would not have returned my late beloved wife's gems to me," Thranduil whispered. "For that, I would like to express my gratitude by giving you one of those gems."

Glorfindel's gasp was soft, but I could still hear it. I, too, gasped, for I knew the significance of this gift. Thranduil had longed for these sparkling gemstones for decades; they had been in the grasp of a Dwarf King, the lair of a dragon, and in Thorin's possession until the friction between Men, Dwarves and Elves had been smoothed over. For him to give even a tiny one away so soon after getting them back was beyond what anyone could imagine.

I swallowed hard, thinking carefully. "Sire, I know how much these mean to you," I softly answered him. "I do not think that this is a gift that I can be worthy of. Should it not go to your son, to give to his future bride, if they belonged to his mother?"

Carefully, I turned to look at my host, expecting him to be offended or angry. Instead, he simply gave me a look of understanding, which I did not anticipate.

"This is true, my lady," he admitted, "But I know that your words to Thorin during his quest caused his heart to change. He returned these gems without much hesitation, as a token of peace and friendship. For preventing future conflicts between myself and the King Under-the-Mountain, I bestow this upon you."

"Then I humbly accept," I said, reaching out to take the box. "Thank you, Sire."

The third elleth came forward after Ethelwen had taken the bracelet from me. This box was a larger one, containing a headdress for Lord Elrond crafted from some of the finest gems in Mirkwood. I didn't think my father would ever wear it, but I accepted it with polite words of gratitude.

Afterwards, the ball went on rather pleasantly. Thranduil occasionally engaged me in conversation, asking how I like one elleth's gown, or about my lessons in Rivendell. I spoke to him about all that, as well as answered his inquiries about Lady Galadriel, Arwen, and even the Twins.

For some reason, the topic of Estel and Gilraen never came up. I tried not to feel offended, and very much hoped that it wasn't an intentional slight on Thranduil's part.

I was up quite late, eating, dancing, and even indulging in a glass or two of wine. Thranduil really did have very good taste in wine.

When I fell into bed, I was slightly tipsy, and in a wonderful mood. It had been one of the best evenings I'd had in quite some time.

AN: I hope that everyone had a very happy holiday –and if I don't post before then, Happy New Year!

Many thanks to those who have stuck with me throughout this long story (which will get longer still), and a warm welcome to those who have recently joined us.

2020 should be an interesting ride!