Greenwood The Great

Storm

A strong gush of wind flew from the open balcony, a couple of the elves in the room moving quickly enough to place their hands on the papers and maps before they were sent flying through the study. Letting out a silent sigh, the Elvenking rose from his seat at the large rounded table, absently waving a hand for the rest of the elves, who had risen when he did, to sit back down. Making his way towards the overly large balcony, the King of Mirkwood pulled the various pairs of doors that led to it closed, the crystals in them protesting in loud cries against the abusive handling from the raging wind outside.

"It is getting bad outside." He heard his advisor, Doronor, comment just as he made his way back to the table holding the meeting.

The sky outside was packed with heavy black clouds, blocking the light of the day to a point in which they had needed to light the fireplaces and candles against the dull grey light. The wild cries of the wind announced a storm approaching, and by the forceful way in which the trees swayed, it was going to be a violent one.

"It will get worse." The Elvenking added as he lowered himself to his seat letting his eyes study detailed maps laid out of the table in front of him for what seemed like the hundredth time that afternoon. He could sense the trees' warning, could sense the strength of the storm that would be upon the m within short minutes.

The meeting had started a couple of hours ago, and still they had not reached a solution on the repositioning of patrol routes. It was going to be a long meeting, he could tell, but it not that what had him wanting to run out of the elegant study. Oh, no. It was a particular Lord he had hopelessly wishing he could avoid for at least a couple of more days. Yes, Lord Lasgaer, who so happened to be Alarya's father was currently sitting two spots to his right.

Only thinking about the last time he had seen the respected warrior –two days ago- made him feel overly uncomfortable. That had by far been the most awkward situation he had yet been, and the Valar knew he had been in many awkward situations before. He could still perfectly remember the look on Lord Lasgaer's face when he had asked him to court his daughter. The warrior had looked so perplexed that he had honestly thought he had not believed his words were true. But then again, neither of them had known how to act at the moment. He had never felt as clueless and small as he had done that afternoon. And much to his further despair, Lord Lasgaer had seemed as lost as him. It was as if for a second neither of them knew which should show respect to which. He was the King after all, but then again Lasgaer was Alarya's father.

Oh, Valar, he did not want to think about that meeting, but it had been more than necessary. He knew the rumors about him and Alarya would not take long to start travelling through the intricate walls of his Palace, and it would be overly disrespectful, not to mention humiliating, to permit Lasgaer finding out that way. Still, it felt just too strange for his comfort to be sitting in this meeting with that specific elf. Did the warrior even know that as soon as the meeting was over he would be most probably kissing and hugging his daughter? And yet, he managed to remain as composed and regal as he always did, not an inch less of the mighty King he was.

He had not spoken to Alary about whether or not her father had said something to her about their meeting. He was sure he had, although Alarya had not yet commented on it. But truth was, he did not really want to know. Part of him felt scared of what the renown warrior might do to him. Oh, but why was he scared? No he was not scared, he could not be. He was King! ...But he was Alarya's father.

The wind hit threateningly once more against the crystals of the windows, causing many heads to turn in that direction. It had finally started to rain, the heavy drops of water drumming loudly against the windows, slow at first but quickly picking up until it seemed they would shatter the crystals from the force. King Thranduil was about to continue with the meeting when a fallen branch suddenly smashed against one of the windows, cracking the crystal as it did.