"Alright, bring me the next," Thingol said, as one citizen left with mandatory hours of service for being an incredibly unruly, extremely drunken disturbance from the day before.

The guards silently brought in the next with two guards uncharacteristically remaining on either side of him. Thranduil took interest when he noticed the guard on the right had a black eye and a very swollen nose.

His interest increased when he realized he recognized the elf standing between them, too. He had seen him expertly steal several fruits and two loaves of bread in one of the city markets hardly a month ago.

Thranduil, out of boredom and mild interest had decided to follow him to see what elf in their city felt the need to steal. And if the reason was unworthy perhaps turn him in for it

He could still remember the shock when six young elflings had come spilling out the house. One of them pointed down the road to where Thranduil stood. That's when the thief noticed him too, and Thranduil had watched his face drain of all color and it looked like he might pass out.

So with a shrug and a waving gesture, Thranduil had just turned and walked away without a glance back. He became aware of Luthien's mind and soul push against his own, absently he pushed the memory towards her.

"What is his crime?" Thingol asked, giving Thranduil a brief inquisitorial glance.

"A string of thieves, my king." The guard with the black eye answered. "And he refuses to tell us his name or family."

Thingol waved mildly for the guards to release his arms, "I assume he was the one who did that to your eye as well?"

"Yes, my king."

This time Thingol spoke directly to the thief, "Why did you do it?"

"Didn't want to get arrested, sir."

"I wasn't asking about the black eye."

Thranduil had to admire him, not many could withstand such direct and unfaltering eye contact with Thingol. Especially when standing before him charged with a crime. "I was aware of that."

Before the situation could spiral in a way that would be unfavorable for the thief, Thranduil spoke for him. "Its food for six elflings, the things he stole. It was food."

On her father's right, Luthien nodded enthusiastically. And the thief leveled a look on Thranduil, the first time he had looked at him at all since he had been brought in, "It's eight elflings, actually."

"And what is an elf so young as you doing with eight elflings?" Thingol asked.

"They're my brothers and sisters and cousins."

"And you cannot provide for them in any other way than theft?"

"I have a job, my king. Two in fact. I work in a lumberyard as a porter or splitter in the day, and in the evening and nights, I help the fishermen haul in their catches and clean them for tomorrow's market. In my spare time, I sing in the streets. It's not enough."

Thingol gave this several moment of quiet contemplation, "Are there none other that can assist you with the family funds?"

"My Nana was taken from us during my youngest sister's birth, Ada hasn't gotten out of bed since. My Aunt does what she can, but my uncle never returned from the first battle against the agents of evil and my sister is but three years old so she has to stay at home with them. I am the only one left, my king, that's able to work."

Before he could even think, Thranduil found himself blurting out of turn, "There's a space on my patrol. It's a bit dangerous, but it pays well. Can you use a sword?"

"Even better than my fists."

Suddenly remembering where they were standing, Thranduil turned an apologetic look to King Thingol who was staring at him with a mildly surprised expression. "Apologies, my king."

Thingol snorted, "You're a worse liar than your father. He will need training, and the next group is not set to start for two months yet."

"I'll train him." Thranduil volunteered immediately, when Thinkgol looked unconvinced, Thranduil hastily added, "What better way to keep me out of trouble?" Thingol just continued to stare at him silently and so Thranduil added, "Please?"

Thingol turned once more back to the thief, "And what do you think of this? Would you accept daily training from Prince Thranduil?"

"Of course, my king, without hesitation." The other elfs eyes were wide as dinner plates, he clearly couldn't believe his luck. He had come for criminal charges and was leaving with a prestigious job offer.

Thingol looked back to Thranduil, "And you're ready to take full responsibility for him and his training?"

"Yes," Thranduil answered, adding a few vigorous nods to prove his point and enthusiasm.

"Very well, Thranduil." Again, Thingol turned his head to look at the thief, who appeared no less shocked by these turn of events. "You are pardoned of your charges, this time. I will arrange for a monetary value to be delivered to the merchants that brought complaints against you, and one delivered to your home to help your family until your first real payment."

"Thank you, my king, for your understanding and mercy."

"You will not find such things again if you are brought to my court for any further crimes."

The thief bowed, "Of course, I understand."

"Good. Your training starts today. Right now."

Taking his cue, Thranduil nearly leapt from his chair and quickly descended the steps that Thingol's throne rested upon. With a final and deep bow to Thingol, the thief scampered after Thranduil and out of the throne room.

"So what is your name, then?" Thranduil asked, "Seems fitting I know it if I am to train you every day."

"Ferdan."