Greenwood The Great

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The Elvenking dropped himself on the elegant chair behind his large oak desk. He was tired, and definitely not in his best mood. His sixth meeting of the day had just ended only minutes ago. Yes, sixth. How he managed to go through six meetings and not go insane, only the Valar knew. And as if that was not enough, he had spent his entire morning hearing audiences from his people at the throne room.

Thranduil placed his elbows on the polished surface, holding his head in his hands. Oh, he would talk to Doronor in the morning. Scheduling six meetings in one day! Was his advisor trying to kill him? And to his further irritation, he had missed dinner. Nothing could make the King's mood any sourer than having to miss the evening meal because of a meeting or council. Lunch he could manage, but dinner!?

A timid knock sounded on the door of his study, and the Elvenking had to use nearly all of his self-control not to yell at the poor elf on the other side. What else could anyone else need from him today?! Was it not already late enough?! He had only just gotten to his study to drop some important papers on his desk and there was already someone knocking on his door. Thranduil closed his eyes for a second, searching to calm himself down before answering.

"Enter." He said in his usual strong yet perfectly calmed voice, sitting up straight on his chair. If it was Doronor, his friend and him would have a very very long talk.

The door opened almost immediately, only wide enough for an elf he did not recognize to slip inside the room, stopping only two steps from the door. The Elvenking looked at the elf expectantly, and to his amusement, the moment his eyes met the newcomer's, the latter lowered his to the carpet, bowing respectfully. Thranduil felt the edge of his lips twitching upwards at the elf's reaction. The newcomer was terrified of him. At least he would enjoy himself for a couple of seconds.

"Yes?" The King spoke expectantly, letting his ice blue eyes pierce through the poor young elf, who remained with his eyes fixed on the carpet.

"I have come to ask if my Lord will be having his meal sent to his chambers or here." The elf's eyes never lifted from the carpet, but at least his voice was loud enough and perfectly understandable. The Elvenking had to make an effort not to let his amusement show on his face, keeping his perfectly composed expression. Why was the young elf so terrified of him? Oh, this was going to be fun.

"My chambers will be fine." He answered in his usual authoritative and serene voice, sitting tall on his chair. The young elf bowed his head in understanding, turning to leave the room immediately but the King stopped him before he could even take one step.

"Have I dismissed you?"

The elf immediately turned around, his naïve hazel eyes giving away his surprise and nerves, bowing his head again quickly.

"No, my Lord." The elf answered, his voice panicky and once again Thranduil had to concentrate to maintain a straight face. It never ceased to amuse him how the young servants of his Palace acted so edgy and scared around him as if someone had told them that he would throw them in the dungeons if they did something that displeased him.

Holding back a chuckle, the King of Mirkwood turned his attention back to his desk, sorting out some papers into neat piles. Out of the corner of his eyes he could see the young scared elf standing awkwardly near the door, looking as if he had just been placed in the most uncomfortable position in his life. Oh, poor elf. It was not the elf's fault that he had had such a terrible day and was in such a sour mood, but then again he was enjoying the situation immensely. Finally deciding that the poor elf had had enough torturing he turned again to face him, letting his face look somewhat softer than before.

"You may be dismissed." He announced, his voice also sounding gentler. The young elf did not wait to be told a second time, quickly bowing his head and disappearing through the door.