So, I recently had some inspiration on this story about how to move forward! Lucky for you guys, I was actually able to update a little this week, because I'm on spring break for university! Here's chapter 4!

Thanneth heard the steady footsteps of her father in the hallway of the royal chambers. When they stopped just outside the door, she waited to hear the knock, but it never came.

'All the better', she thought. She knew if something had happened with Legolas, it would have been Húrdir at her door, and his steps were light, almost fluttering. She settled back into her chair by the window- window being a relative term. The Elvenking's halls had no windows, but balconies overlooking indoor gardens lit by skylights, or open archways into fountains. Thanneth sighed, her eyes drooping closed, as she ignored her growling belly. How many meals had she skipped in the last week alone? At least one a day. Tuesday alone she had only drunk a small cup of tea, and yesterday she had only eaten some of her morning meal. She knew she should eat, but really why would she give up one of the few things she had control over? Her father seemed to think she was only good for needlework and meetings with the other ladies. She herself had declined weapons training beyond the basic sword and bow. She didn't love it. Fighting and traveling and being a warrior were Legolas's passions. Thanneth much preferred politics. But since Legolas was the male heir, he was to be trained in the ways of the kingdom, more so than his older sister. Thanneth would attend the occasional meeting here and there, and of course she had studied the maps and the trade agreements and such. But Thranduil would often shoo her from the room when his advisors were present-never mind that Thanneth was his firstborn and possessed a desire to learn about the inner workings of a kingdom.

All these thoughts ran through Thanneth's head as she allowed herself to daydream. Pulling herself from the bench she had settled on, she stretched her arms above her head, pulling off her nightgown and shuffling toward her closet. She paused as she saw her reflection in the large metal and glass mirror. Elves were lean, yes, but Thanneth was thin, and nearing gaunt. She noted the way her ribs stuck out, counting 12 pressing out from her chest. 'Elves have 24 ribs, and they should not be showing like this' she thought. 'But many also have normal families,' came the bitter reply. Turning away, she began sifting through her gowns. All beautiful, but some more suitable for how she felt. Empty. She tugged a plain dark green gown from the back. She'd had it for years, and yet it had always managed to remain through the spring and fall deep cleanings. She pulled it over her head, appreciating the comfort of the well-worn fabric. A knock pulled her from her thoughts. Running a hand through her hair to smooth it, she strode to the door, pulling it open to find Húrdir on the other side.

"My lady you look lovely. Your father wishes you to attend the council this morning, if you are well." Húrdir's words ended, he patiently waited for her answer.

Thanneth thought for a moment before answering, "Of course. I will attend."

Húrdir nodded, "We will meet at nine, but do not feel rushed to be ready. The council has other matters to discuss that only need your father's approval." Thanneth curtsied, a small smile appearing on Húrdir's face at the action. He turned, returning the way he had come from.

Thanneth closed the door. "Matters that only need your father's approval…" she scoffed under her breath. Of course, Húrdir had no control over those, but the tone with which he said it? She rolled her eyes. Would she really be useful? She doubted it, but then the thought came, 'what if she was being asked to attend because her father thought Legolas was going to die and she would need to know how to rule instead?' Her heart dropped. A life ruling was her dream, but without Legolas? She did not want it if that was the case. Thanneth shook her head, banishing the morbid thoughts. She would not read more into this than she already had.

She returned to her closet, pulling out one of her more formal sets of robes, changing quickly. At nine o'clock sharp, Thanneth entered the council room. Her father was seated at the head of the table, and looked up as she walked in.

"Ah. Thanneth, right on time."

Húrdir laughed. "Did you expect anything less, Thranduil?"

Rolling her eyes, Thanneth settled herself in the chair next to her father. Leaning over, she spoke quietly in his ear. "Ada, how is Legolas? I did not expect to see you here."

The king did not answer immediately. When did answer, he chose his words carefully. "Legolas is resting. He is no worse than when he returned."

"But he is no better." Thanneth finished. Thranduil nodded.

Worry began to creep into Thanneth's heart. But her father chose that moment to bring the council to order, effectively distracting Thanneth.

Thanneth watched her father, intrigued at his ability to push away his personal feelings. It was as though he wore a cold steel mask. The council discussed a few minor details concerning their trades with the men of Laketown, until the matter of border patrol was brought up. One young elf, who was quite new to the council, persistently advocated to push back, to extend the patrol to reclaim what had been lost. Húrdir argued that if they extended the border patrol, their armies would diminish so quickly they would perish before the end of the year.

"The darkness we fight would only grow more quickly."

Arguments between multiple council members erupted. Finally, Thranduil, who had been quietly sitting, stood. The room instantly quieted. Thranduil measured his steps as he slowly moved to stand next to the young elf, Galion, who had suggested expanding the border. Bending down to see him eye-to-eye, Thranduil stared hard at him. No one dared breath. Galion stared back.

Then Thranduil laughed, cold and cruel. Scoffing, he stood tall once again, his height towering over the elves seated at the table. "Galion, you are a fool. Get out of my council room. Do not return until you have seen my son and have read the reports of how many men he lost." Galion did not move.

"All due respect, My King- "

Thranduil bent low again, this time anger permeating the mask he had so carefully crafted.

"No." he said quietly, dangerously. "If you had respect, you would not have foolishly suggested wasting the lives of my people. I admire your audacity. But I do not council with fools. Now go." Thranduil's final word was spoken forcefully, but low and quiet. Seizing the back of Galion's robes, he pulled him from his chair. "Out. Now."

He thrust Galion toward the door, making him stumble. Galion found his feet, hold his head high as he left. There was silence. All eyes were on the elvenking. Thanneth hid a smirk. She knew Galion was a smart man, but his arrogance did not serve him well at times. Thranduil motioned to Thanneth to follow. He left the room, calling out to Húrdir, "I'm going. Do what you will." He held the door for Thanneth, letting her through into the corridor before he closed the door to the council room.

Also, I just wanted to say, thank you all for your patience with me, my life is really crazy right now working full time, and doing school, and a bunch of extracurriculars. So. I love you all. Really. I do. (I also like reviews, they help me know what you guys are looking for in the story and for this one, I'm a little more flexible on minor details!) Much love to you all!