AUTHOR'S NOTE:
I know I said that the action would intensify in this chapter, but I found that I had to add something else in. Something you have to understand about my writing is that half the time even I have no idea what is going to happen next. I just end up typing and whatever happens happens. In spite of this, I really truly believe that something is going to happen in the next chapter.whether it is good or bad, I do not know, and I guess that you will have to stick around to find out!

New People:

After Kika had assured Legolas several times that she could eat no more, the servants cleared the table. Legolas stood and Kika did the same, and they stood silently, neither knowing what to do next. Finally Legolas spoke.

"I thought that perhaps you would like for me to show you around the manor, so if you need anything while you are here, you will know where it is." Kika nodded. "Do you have any place you would like to see first?" When Kika did not respond, he asked, concerned, "Are you well? You have fallen silent since we arrived here."

"I am fine, it is just that I am a little overwhelmed by. this", she said, gesturing around her. "And," she added hesitantly, I am afraid that I will grow accustomed to your, and other elves' company, and when I leave I will be quite lonely."

Legolas was quiet for a while, and then replied, "But do you not think we should enjoy each other's company while you are here?"

Kika was silent, then said, "Yes, I suppose so. So where are we going?"

"Well, I could introduce you to my father." Kika's steps slowed.

"Your father? As in the king?" Kika said. Legolas smiled reassuringly.

"Yes, the king. But he is also my father, and he will welcome any guest of mine." He laughed. "If he accepted Gimli, then you have absolutely nothing to fear!" Kika smiled at this, and realized how foolish she was being.

"Of course I would like to meet your father. Only, it has been quite a while since I have been in a royal house and I am not sure I can remember all my manners!" Legolas shook his head.

"But I am a prince, and you have been nothing but well-mannered with me, so I am sure you will treat my father no differently." Kika accepted this and followed Legolas to his father's chamber. She tried to act sure of herself, but inwardly she was terrified. How does one act when presented to a king? she thought. The only royalty I have ever known was Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn, but they were different because I had known them for many years.

"Here we are", said Legolas as they reached a set of double doors with a sentry posted outside the door. "Please inform my father that I wish for him to meet a guest of mine", Legolas told him. Kika was amazed at how he seemed to change when addressing someone as a prince instead of as a friend, as he did her. He became an authority that was not to be challenged. The guard soon returned and opened the doors to them.

"Good day, Father. I hope this afternoon finds you well?" An elf that was sitting at a table with his back to them stood and turned to face them.

"Yes, I am quite well, thank you. Is there any word on the fugitive?"

"No, but I still have elves out looking for him. I was assisting them, but I met Kikania and brought her back with me." Kika was surprised that he had not used the 'old friend' story, but then she realized that this was the king and you do not deceive the king, no matter how slightly. She looked up as Legolas stepped aside, for she had been standing partially behind him. "Father, this is Kikania of Lothlorien, and Kikania, this is my father, King Thranduil." Kika curtsied low and stood, her eyes wide with apprehension.

"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Your Majesty," she said.

"Likewise," said the king. "Have you found Mirkwood to your liking?"

"Yes, it is very beautiful," said Kika truthfully. The king smiled warmly.

"That is high praise from one who has lived under the splendor of the golden leaves of Lorien! I am glad you think such of my home, Kikania." Kika bowed her head and remained taciturn as the prince and king discussed matters that did not concern her, such as how they planned to capture this fugitive. Kika found herself growing curious about this escapee. Who was he? What had he done that was so terrible that he was imprisoned by the elves? Before long, Legolas was saying goodbye, and after Kika and Thranduil exchanged some more formalities, they left. As soon as the guard closed the doors behind them, Kika nearly went limp with relief. Legolas instinctively placed his arm around her as she swayed on her feet. Before he could ask, Kika responded to his concern.

"Do not worry, I am fine. I suppose I was a little more worried about meeting your father than I let on. He was very kind, though." Legolas smiled.

"See? I told you that you had nothing to worry about. I know we only just finished luncheon, but dinner is soon. You will be attending?" Kika nodded.

"Of course. Is this dress suitable?"

"Yes, you look wonderful. We do have a small amount of time before dinner begins, though. Would you like to walk outside?"

"Of course", came her response. As they headed outside, she noticed that he was not carrying his bow or quiver.

"Do we not need to take some protection?" said Kika. She did not intend to be taken unawares by any foul creatures.

"I did not plan on going outside of the populated area of Mirkwood, but just in case." he showed Kika a dagger he had hidden under his tunic. "I see we think alike. I always carry some kind of weapon with me."

"I do, too, but I could not carry one inconspicuously while wearing this dress." They headed out into the cold air.

"Who is this fugitive that you are looking for?" Kika queried. "I do not mean to be meddlesome." Legolas shook his head.

"Of course not. Actually, you may have seen him before we met. He is a man who goes by the name of Deregond. He and some of his men tried to overthrow the throne of King Elessar, and once he was captured, the people did not want him to be imprisoned anywhere near their city. Elessar asked me to take him and keep him and the other men they had captured here in Mirkwood. His guards asked permission to allow him to walk, guarded, of course, outside, once a week. My father and I granted him this, since he had been in an underground prison for ten years. It worked out fine for several months, and evidently his sentries grew too trusting, and he simply disappeared one day during his walk. That was three days ago. We have been tracking him since then, but he is evidently excellent at covering his trail, for even I have found only bits and pieces. I have sent a messenger to inform King Elessar of his escape, and I expect he will not be pleased, at the least. He is very dangerous. He has many men supporting him, simply because he has promised them all high positions when he becomes king. They have attempted to kill the king and his son in attempts to destroy the line of succession. I will never understand how mortals can be so disloyal to their king!" He shook his head, obviously frustrated. "It is not only the thought of him escaping that worries me, it is what he plans to do now that he has escaped." He turned to face Kika. "I fear for Aragon's life. He is very determined, and with as many men as he has, he may be able to overthrow the king." Kika attempted to alleviate his fears.

"Since you have sent a messenger, though, surely he will take the necessary precautions to ensure his and his family's safety. He will be apprehended soon; he cannot run forever." Legolas did not respond to this, only smiled brightly and changed the subject.

"I am sure you are right. It has gotten colder, has it not? I suspect it may snow tonight." They continued to discuss the weather and such things until Legolas, after noting the sun's position in the sky, announced that it was nearly time for dinner.