Hello everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! I had this ready to go a few days ago, but I have been busy with the holiday season and finals for school as I'm sure you all understand!

I saw Desolation of Smaug and it was AMAZING! I'm actually trying to go see it again! I must say Peter Jackson has out done himself once again! I loved seeing Leggy on the big screen again and I am in love with Kili once again! He is one sexy dwarf! (There are a couple references in her but nothing too spoiling if you haven't seen it.)

Without further a due. Here is a chapter of Mae's time in the palace… and a conversation with her future father-in-law.

Chapter 8: Palace Experiences

I sat in the healing room letting my thoughts wonder. About two hours later, Amaniel came over and said that King Thranduil had retired to his chambers for the night. She guided me through a side door and into the room where Legolas was being cared for.

I walked in slowly and saw him lying there, nearly motionless and pale. The only indication he was still alive was his chest moving in shallow breaths. His side was wrapped in bandages and cloth while other cuts and bruises painted his normally flawless face and body. My immortality necklace still lay around his neck, glowing dimly. I sighed, cemented in my place. What if he didn't pull through? He was far from out of danger.

Amaniel pushed me forward to the cot where he sat.

"I will be in the next room should you need anything; stay as long as you want."

I took his hand and finally felt some reassurance when it was warm. I put it to my lips and held it tight. My heart stopped when I felt him squeeze it back.

"Legolas," I smiled. His hand tightened around mine but his eyes stayed closed.

"I love you." I said brushing my free hand through his hair. The healers had long taken his warrior braids out. Although I loved his braids I have known since the first time I saw him, he seemed more Legolas and less the warrior when they were not in.

I was content with just sitting beside him watching him sleep and recover. I had not even noticed Moril come in and sit opposite of me.

"Mae, you should get some sleep. By the looks of things, he won't be waking up tonight."

"I can't leave him, he stayed by my side for four days." I said gripping his hand tighter.

"That was under different circumstances. If the King finds either of us were in here..."

"The King will understand once I explain to him..." He cut me off.

"Maethriel, you do not understand. Thranduil gave a direct order. Neither of us should be here. He wakes at strange hours of the night and it wouldn't surprise me if he comes to visit Legolas should he not sleep this night. I want to sit here all night as much as you want do but it would do you no good to defy a direct order from your future father-in-law. Not the best first impression." I looked at the guard and knew his reasoning was correct but I couldn't bring myself to leave him.

"Amaniel, would you mind reporting any changes to myself and Maethriel?"

"Not at all Captain Moril; I planned on doing so any ways." The healer responded.

"Maethriel, he is right. It will do no good to get caught by the King. All of us would suffer his wrath. Go, a long nights rest will do you well for your own healing." She continued, looking at me now. I sighed in defeat. I squeezed his hand one last time and kissed his lips softly.

"I will check on you as soon as I can, my prince." I said standing to return to my guest room.

"May I escort you to your room, my lady?" He asked as we left the room.

"Please." I whispered. I slipped into thought as my betrothed's best friend walked me the familiar path to the room given me.

"I go back on patrol tomorrow morn, but Tauriel will be here for a few days. She will help you should you need anything." He offered. I nodded knowing the pair are more than willing to help me. I walked into my room and sat on the bed. He followed to put a hand on my shoulder.

"He will pull through. Legolas will not give up so easily. He has made it this far has he not? He survived Helms Deep, the Battle of Pelennor Fields, and the March on the Black Gate. He will not fall to a mere pack of Orcs." I nodded my head praying that I could have his confidence over the next few days.

"Sleep Mae. Hopefully tomorrow he will wake and you will see those arrogant blue eyes of his again." I smiled thinking of all the stories the pair of Mirkwood elves had told me during their visit to Minas Tirith. One theme was constant, they all thought the others arrogant and unskilled in speak but held high regard and respect for their skills and abilities.

I knew I wouldn't sleep, but I had to try at some point. I stood at the window, if you would call it that. It over looked the cavern and paths of staircases that made up the palace of Mirkwood. In the center stood a platform that I could only assume was Thranduil's throne and the smaller platform to his right that I assumed is where Legolas sat during royal things… I heard a knock on my door and went quickly to open it. There stood Amaniel. Was this good or bad…it had barely been an hour since I left.

"Is Legolas okay?" I asked not expecting her so soon.

"He is still sleeping. I brought this for you. You left before it was finished brewing." She held out a cup of steaming liquid.

"What is it?" I smelled it. It had a minty sent with a mixture of some herbs I didn't recognize.

"It is a sleeping draft. It isn't a very powerful one, but should help you sleep tonight. I know you won't do so easily on your own."

"Thank you." I nodded to the elleth. I could tell we would be very good friends in the future. I sat on my bed and took a long drink of the draft. I forgot to ask how long it took for its effects to sta…rt…

There was a short series of knocks on my door, rousing me from my sleep. I rose straightening my dress, having slept in it. The draft took effect almost immediately but I was thankful. I needed the rest to heal myself. I opened the door and raised an eyebrow of curiosity. A dark haired ellon stood before me looking unsure.

"Lady Maethriel?"

"Yes?" He looked relieved.

"King Thranduil requests your company for breakfast in his study."

"Okay, I must change. I just woke for the morn it is hard to distinguish time down here."

"It would be hard for those who do not live here. You will adjust of you intend to spend any time here. I will wait here to show you the way." Well then… I changed quickly into a dress that I had brought with me. I ran a brush through my hair and braided it quickly. I walked out and saw the ellon waiting. He lead me down a series of hallways until we came to a single door with a maple leaf engraved on it, the same leaf that was on Legolas' ring: the royal crest of Mirkwood.

The ellon left quickly and as I reached to knock there was a booming voice from inside.

"Enter." I slowly opened the large oak doors and froze as I saw the room it opened to. It was large and open, much like the rest of the caverns. There were candles lighting the room and several chairs and tables spotted the room. Each wall was covered with either maps, portraits, or books. Along the far wall, he stood. Staring at a particularly large map of Mirkwood, he didn't turn to face me.

"Maethriel, daughter of Lindor of the woods of Lorien. The daughter of battle, and holder of my son's heart. I knew the name when you first spoke yesterday, but in the chaos of yesterday's events, I failed to remember the significance from his letters. Had I known you were the one he has chosen, I would not have been as...harsh." He said holding a letter in his hand.

"It is understandable; we were strangers in your land. You knew only your son was injured."

"We do not take well to outsiders. The woodland realm is set in its ways as it has been for over an age. The last time we had unwelcome visitors...well." He trailed off.

"Legolas and Gimli both spoke of the tale of Erebor and the Battle of the Five Armies, having very different stories as you can imagine."

"Very different indeed, then Tauriel with that dwarf child," he scoffed.

"Her fascination with him disturbed me. It crushed both Legolas and Moril. But we know it worked out for the best." He continued as if lost in memory.

"On different note, I believe should my son wake, we will not only be celebrating his return, but his betrothal as well."

"We planned on formally announcing it upon our arrival here but please know I love your son very much."

"I know this; I can see it in your eyes. You looked sick when you first arrived, much like I know I myself did when my wife was attacked by spiders. Worry for your other half is unlike any illness in Middle Earth for the elves. However, you defied a direct order from me." I swallowed, eyes widening. He knew despite Moril's caution. What will he do to me? Moril seemed very fearful of his actions should he find out.

"Do not be frightened little one. I hold no punishment for you, this time, just warning." He said turning to me. His bright blue eyes were cold with authority and anger.

"I do not take well to defiance or disobedience in my palace. I am not your King until you bond with my son; however do not test my patience or mercy. For no wedding takes place without the King's consent in my Realm." I swallowed once more and I could not hold the hard stare of the King. I have seen Legolas' cold glare before but even he did not compare to his father. Millennia of ruling I'm sure he's had more than enough time to instill fear and demand respect in his subjects. I recall Legolas telling me of his father's changes with each loss. If he loses Legolas, there may be no turning back.

"Of course, my King. I understand completely. I am sincerely sorry for not following orders. But I had to see him if it was only for a few moments before Amaniel had me escorted back to my room."

"I shall overlook this incident given my Captains testimonies. Moril and Tauriel have both given me their reports. They both credit you with saving his life."

"I did what I could to stop the bleeding until we reached your gates."

"Indeed and by doing so saved his life. You love my son. I see this by your actions. Any other elleth would have frozen if they saw their betrothed lying before them dying. You saved the Prince of Mirkwood. For this I pardon your actions. I also grant you visitation of my son, a day wait tis long enough."

"Thank you." I said nodding with a great smile.

"Let us eat while the food is warm."

It was silent as I ate the strawberry pastry I had chosen from the platter laid before me. As I took a bite, he smiled softly. I looked up unsure his odd reaction. He was so cold just moments ago.

"Those were Legolas' favorites as well. He loved going out with the chefs and picking fresh strawberries as a elfling. He would bring his mother and I a whole basket of fresh picked ones just for us when he ventured out. His mother loved them and he often used them to get out of punishment. He would interrupt court rulings to do so..." He trailed off lost in thought. This upset me. It was nice to know something about Legolas' past but he spoke as if he was no longer with us.

"My Lord, please do not speak as if he is dead." I whispered.

"I am sorry. I did not mean to upset you so. After seeing as much death as I have, one easily loses hope. Memories easily flow back of better, more peaceful times."

"It is understandable."

"It has been a good conversation. Maethriel daughter of Lindor, now if you would please excuse me. I must attend to some paperwork that I have been pushing back. It will keep my mind occupied."

"Of course my Lord." He disappeared through another door and I stood to leave. I walked out int the hallway and followed the path back to my room and then to the healing wing from there. I was proud of myself for not getting lost although, I did have a few wrong turns but made it eventually.

I knocked on the door but received no answer. I opened the door slowly to see Legolas right we're he was yesterday but looking better. Some color had returned to his cheeks and my necklace glows brighter.

"There you are Lady Mae. I am glad you have finally awoke." Amaniel suddenly appeared at my side.

"I had breakfast with the King. He speaks as if his son is already dead. When I see improvement over just a few hours."

"It has been a day my dear. The draft I gave you along with exhaustion and your injuries made you sleep over a day and a half." My jaw hit the ground.

"Why did no one wake me until this morning?"

"There was no need. Legolas' status has improved but he has not awoke. I hope he will either today or tomorrow for his wound is healing very well."

"A day is long enough..."

"What my dear?"

"It makes sense. Something the King said. But I am permitted to stay with him. I was granted visitation by Thranduil."

"That is good. Perhaps a familiar presence will help him wake sooner." I pulled up a chair once more and took his hand in mine once more.

"Legolas you can wake up any time now." I said laughing as I brushed my hand through his hair once again. I sat there all day and was happy to see the King allowed Gimli to visit under the supervision of Tauriel. I was glad to see both faces. They left just after dinner but it was enjoyable company and I hope our lightened spirits helped Legolas.

I was about to leave for the night when I felt his hand grip mine. His eyes winced closed for a few moments before I met the bright blue eyes I feared I wouldn't see again.

"Legolas!" I said pulling his hand to my lips.

"Mae..." It was nothing but a whisper. He looked worried and very alert. Typical warrior. He tried to sit up but I gently but a hand to his shoulder pinning him back to his bed.

"It's okay! We're in Mirkwood, in your father's palace!" I said as tears came pouring down my face. His eyes widened but I felt the tension leave his body once more.

"Amaniel! He is awake! Come quickly!" I shouted towards the herb room she had disappeared into.

"By the Valar, he is finally awake. The King will be much relieved." She said with a smile. She fetched some water and pain relieving herbs for him to chew on.

"Here my prince, drink." She said holding the cup to his chapped lips. He took in the whole cup without stopping and then asked for another. Very little food and water for four days would do that too you. We slowly sat him up against the headboard and Amaniel checked his bandages for tears or blood. To my relief there was none.

"I will send word to the King in a little while. I will leave you two some time alone." She smiled and winked before leaving us alone.

*Sighs* Wow that was a long one. I have a good bit of the next chapter done so I hope to get the next one up before the end of the year!

What did you think of the conversation with Thranduil? I see him as a multiple personality the king and then a different kind of guy in personal quarters... anyways.

Hope you liked it! Review, follow, and favorite! They make the best Christmas Presents!

Until next time!

-B