It had taken a number of hours but as bard set the quil down on the table he felt satisfied with the documents he held in his hands. Still, he hadn't expected their meeting to take so long, and he was sure his children would be in a state of worry. Bard looked up from the documents towards the large dome glass window. The stained glass, while still beautiful, was no longer glowing or casting beautiful colors about the room. The sun had set some time ago, replaced by the sound of rain thudding against the glass ceiling and wooden walls. Looking about the room Bard was greeted by the flickering warmth of candle light. The small flames filled the room warmth and a sweet smelling perfume Bard could not place.
"Is something wrong young lord?"
Bard turned his attention back towards the elvenking.
"I am sorry my lord. I just now realized how late it has become. My children were expecting me ages ago. If it is alright with you my lord, my I return tomorrow to continue our dealings?"
The elvenking paused and looked at the wine in his glass. Then, setting his cup down, began refilling it from a pitcher to his right.
"Indeed we have been sitting here for quite some time. Long enough for the day to end and to be half way through the night."
Thranduil placed the pitcher of wine back down on the table, picked up his now full glass, and took a sip.
"However I do not think it is wise to leave at this time. The roads out of my realm can be quite dangerous at night, even without the threat of a vicious storm. I am sure your children will understand. They would not want to risk your safety when you could simply leave when it is safer during the morning hours."
Bard thought on this a moment looking into the light of a nearby candle. He knew the elvenking was right, his children would most definitely scold him if he showed at this time of night soaking wet from the rain. Or worse if he showed up covered in wounds from some beast of the forest. And that's if he didn't get lost on the way. Bard turned his gaze back to the elvenking.
"I would not want to impose on you my lord."
Thranduil laughed softly.
"Do not think anything of it bowman. I would be happy to provide you with shelter for the night. It is not often I get to entertain guests and I must admit to being somewhat bored as of late. I have very much been enjoying the distraction that your company so kindly offers."
Bard blushed smiling softly as he began fiddling with his glass on the table. That was certainly not the response he had been expecting from the elvenking and he couldn't help the overwhelming feeling of happiness building in his chest. Never had a man, let alone an elf, given him praise in such a manor.
"I am happy my company pleases you my lord and I would stay as long as you would like."
Thranduil smiled a wide toothy grin,
"I am pleased to hear that bowman."
Bard's heart skipped a beat. He had not seen the elvenking smile so openly before and to say it was beautiful would have been an understatement. Bard would never say it outloud, but he was enchanted by the elvenking. Never had the bowman felt this way about another living soul other than his late wife. But Bard knew two things. One, the wine was definitely going to his head, and two, there was no way that the elvenking would ever be attracted to a human man.
"May I ask one thing of you my lord? I would like to write to my children and to my advisor so that they know I am to remain here until you grow tired of my company."
Thranduil bowed his head in agreement.
"Write your letters bowman. I will have them delivered by messenger at first light."
"Thank you my lord."
Bard turned back toward the table, picked up the quil, and began writing his first letter.