Author's Note: For those of you who are tired of Strider, Derek, and Legolas, this chapter let's you get a little more familiar with the rest of the company.

Disclaimer: All lost kings of Gondor belong to Tolkien. Legolas, Thranduil, and Mirkwood belong to Tolkien. The beleaguered men of Esgaroth are my invention, but Esgaroth too belongs to Tolkien.

Thanks to everyone who was kind enough to review my story! If did not review my story, I encourage you to be kind and do so. I mean, really! It only takes about 30 seconds out of your busy life. TTFN.

Chapter Four

A Safe Haven

"In a great cave some miles within the edge of Mirkwood on its eastern side there lived at this time an elven king. Before his huge doors of stone, a river ran out of the heights of the forest and flowed on and out into the marshes at the feet of the high wooded lands. This great cave, from which countless smaller ones opened out on every side, wound far underground and had many passages and wide halls; but it was lighter and more wholesome than any goblin dwelling, and neither so deep nor so dangerous. In fact, the subjects of the king mostly lived and hunted in the open woods, and had houses or huts on the ground and in the branches. The beeches were their favorite trees. The king's cave was his palace, and the strong place of his treasure, and the fortress of his people against their enemies."

-The Hobbit

A wide, wooden bridge, lined with lanterns, spanned the dark river that flowed out from the palace gates. The yellow light danced on the surface of the water, like so many stars in the gathering night. All who lived in the palace were now safe within, while the others had returned to their forest homes. The area seemed virtually deserted.

Legolas sighed softly, waiting for the other men to catch up. He felt guilty for losing his temper, and for ignoring his friends. He stopped just at the end of the bridge, motioned for them to go ahead of him. But as Strider walked past, Legolas pulled him aside.

"Estel, I need to talk to you."

Strider raised an eyebrow. "The feeling is mutual," he retorted. "You acted rather strange back there, I was getting worried."

"I'm sorry. I was just a little caught off guard," he lowered his voice so none but Strider could hear. "That man, Derek, is he from Esgaroth?"

"That's what he told me."

"Are you sure?" Legolas insisted. "How do you know he is telling the truth?"

"Why should he lie?" Strider countered.

"Because," Legolas stared at him, and whispered softly. "He's wearing the ring of the Black Numenorians."

Nodding, Strider answered casually. "I know."

"Well?" Legolas prodded.

Measuring his words, Strider slowly replied, "I asked him about it myself. He said he stole it from a traveler's bag when he was a child."

Legolas snorted. "And you believed him?"

"Yes. I did. Besides, if he was really Numenorian, wouldn't he prefer to hide the ring, and therefore his identity?"

Legolas pondered this for a while, narrowing his eyes as if in deep thought. Suddenly he smiled.

"Alright. I accept your explanation," the smile grew wider. "I'm glad that's settled. Otherwise I'd be forced to deliver him to a fate worse than death."

Strider looked puzzled, and Legolas explained in two words.

"My father."

"Oh."

"As it is, however," Legolas continued, "You have me to intercede for you, and therefore, I believe that you are very well off."

Strider smiled sarcastically. "I feel so blessed."

Throwing him a look that would have frozen the slopes of Mount Doom, Legolas moved to join the men on the other side of the bridge. He stopped before the door, and turned to make sure everyone was accounted for.

"We haven't been through the formal introductions," he admitted, "But don't worry. I'm sure we'll have time for that later, assuming we survive the first confrontation."

At the word, confrontation, some of the men exchanged worried glances.

"Before we go in, I have a few instructions that will enable you to overcome any obstacles that may present themselves. As soon as we enter the throne room…"

King Thranduil, son of Oropher, glanced up from the book he was reading, as the messenger stepped forward and bowed low before the throne.

"Sire, Prince Legolas has returned."

Thranduil frowned slightly, wondering what had kept his only child out so late. Legolas was young for an elf, barely over 3000 years old, but he was no child either. The duties of a royal prince, Thranduil mentally quoted his favorite lecture, are to his people, his kingdom, and most importantly-

"Father!" The double doors burst open wide, and Legolas entered, breathless. "I'm sorry I'm late. I-"

He stopped, remembering the seven strangers that trailed nervously behind him. Thranduil was staring at him, his face like chiseled steel. Legolas opened his mouth to explain, but nothing came out.

"Legolas Greenleaf. If you don't explain yourself and that pack of peasants behind you in less than one minute-" Thranduil paused for effect.

Legolas took a deep breath. "They are not peasants, father. This," he indicated Strider, "Is-"

"I know very well who he is, we have met before." Thranduil said coldly, although it was not directed at Strider, but at his son. "What about the others?"

He scanned the motley group with suspicion.

Legolas looked at them blankly, suddenly realizing that he had no idea who they were. He couldn't even remember their names, well, there was one….

Inwardly crossing his fingers, Legolas motioned Derek forward.

"This is Derek of Esgaroth, Supreme Governor of the Village of  Windermere."

Derek bowed low to hide his confused face from Thranduil's piercing gaze. What was that crazy Elf doing? Supreme Governor?

"The man on the left with the red beard," Legolas continued slowly, emphasizing his words, "Is Darion, his General in Chief."

Thranduil nodded to Darion, who bowed low in response.

"These three, are members of his royal cabinet. This is his majesty's royal military advisor, Jinn Blanke, his majesty's political strategist, Token, and his Royal Ambassador."

The newly- appointed military advisor, strategist, and ambassador, nodded and bowed the king several times.

"This, man here, is Captain," Legolas blinked, and looked upward. *Name, name, name* "This is the Captain. Of his guard. The Captain of his guard. He is escorting the Supreme Governor and his cabinet who are returning from a diplomatic mission in a southern land."

Silence ensued. Legolas was finished. There was nothing else he could think of to say that wouldn't sound utterly ridiculous. Then Thranduil, for the first time that night, smiled at his guests. They all breathed a collective sigh of relief.

Rising from his chair, Thranduil smiled benevolently.

"Since my son speaks so highly of you, and as it is late, I ask if you would consider staying here tonight. My servants will attend to your needs."

The Supreme Governor Derek, bowed low again, and addressed the king for them all.

"Your Highness, that is an offer we would never dream of refusing. We are honored to be your guests."

As the servants led them out, Legolas fell in step beside Strider.

"That's wasn't so hard was it?"

Strider frowned dubiously. "I don't think-"

"Legolas?" the voice from the throne room was soft, but commanding.

Legolas froze, halfway out of the door.

"Yes?"

"Would you come here please?"

Legolas smiled weakly. "Of course, Father."

Once inside, Thranduil requested that he close the door. After doing so, Legolas turned slowly to face his father.

"Legolas, why did you make up that story about the Supreme Governor?"

"I-" his son protested.

"Legolas." Thranduil warned him.

"You told me to explain them, so I did."

"You made it up." Thranduil accused.

"You didn't say it had to be true!"

Thranduil sighed, rubbing a hand across his forehead.

"Go and call Aragorn. Both of you are going to tell me what is really going on."