The Black Queen of The North (A Thranduil Story)

Chapter One: Upon Meeting.

Thranduil's POV

"My King" A guard called as he stepped through the now opened doors and into the throne room. "What is it?" I questioned coldly. "The riders that you spoke of, they have arrived at the gates and seek passage as promised, to discuss further trade." The guard finished. "Then escort them to the palace and bring our guests to the throne room."

I too was rather nervous to meet these people, I knew that they were allies of my people, a race that many today believe to be nothing more then legend, the Sirisses. They looked just like mortal men only they were winged creatures, gifted with both flight as well as immortality. It is said that they were the guardians of this world in a time before that of the First Age, even in times to come after that age. They had fought alongside my forefathers, but for a long time they had served their duties from behind the walls of the Lost City, their home in the Perdidit Realm. I had never truly encountered one of their kind.

The opening of doors pulled me away from my thoughts. I looked up to see the guards had arrived with our guests. I stood from my throne and walked down the stairs till I reached the floor of the throne room. "Welcome Prince Kerrinos, of house Alledraggo, to the Woodland Realm." I spoke meeting my guests on the platform before my throne. "Thank you King Thranduil, we are truly grateful for your hospitality." The blonde haired man spoke bowing his head. There was a woman standing beside him. She was breathe-taking, she had dark reddish black hair down to her waist, her skin was pale as alabaster, her eyes were a dark shade of steel grey and she too was dressed in fine clothing just like the man standing beside her. She was enchanting.

"My Lady do you not believe it to be rude to not thank your host for entrance into the Woodland Realm?" I questioned. "I believe my brother thanked you already my lord." The creature answered bluntly as she gazed off into the distance. She would not meet my eyes. "You have a sister my lord?" I asked the blonde man. "Yes my lord, forgive her response, she is very tired from our journey." Kerrinos replied. "I have traveled far longer in far worse conditions then these brother. I do not believe my actions are a result of a few days travel." She spoke sternly. "Then apologize for your rudeness, for we are guests in King Thranduil's home." Kerrinos demanded. She raised her eyes to mine and spoke coldly. "My brother summoned me from the East, I have travelled six days and six nights to attend this meeting as my brothers personal mercenary incase he is in need of one throughout this journey, forgive me if I do not engage in such politics as I do not believe I was brought here to do so." She looked from me to her brother and back, "Katterina!" Kerrinos hissed but he was interrupted before he could finish. "That is far from home is it not prin-"
"Queen Katterina." She corrected. I looked at her confused, she was his sister was she not ? "Our mother has passed on and therefore the title of Lady of the Lost City falls to me." She offered as explanation. "Our mother and our people passed that title forward to you." Kerrinos said sincerely. "Well then Queen Katterina why were you so far from home?" I asked intently. "Home is wherever my duty takes me." She replied simply. "Well then... Make yourself at home your grace." I said with a smirk.