An iceling in mirkwood ~ thranduil love story

Chapter 4 ~ midnight adventures

Whilst the moon still hung in the sky and the sky was dark helke awoke from a nightmare. She sat up quickly and looked around the room slowly. The whole room, every object inside, the walls and Floors were covered in thick ice. She breathed unsteadily as she attempted to calm herself. She closed her eyes as she remembered the dream. The king had been executing that terrible ritual, causing pain she did not know existed. She sat up slowly and walked gracefully to the doorknob, Turning it reluctantly. She poked her out of the door, the only sources of light were lit torches upon the wall. She sighed and decided not to venture out at night as she did not know her way around and was likely to get lost. She shut the door and attempted to calm herself. She never knew that dreams could feel so....real. She stepped out onto the balcony and breathed deeply. The air was so pure, untouched by any pollutions. Then she noticed something she had not before. Steps leading down to a large, wooden brown hut. She looked around and timidly followed the steps down, Checking behind her all the time so she could find her way back.

There was a sort of sweet smell near the barn as she reached the large door. She timidly opened it and peered in. There was a single lantern lit inside the large barn, giving off a comforting, surrounding glow She was about to leave when she saw something large move in the shadows and heard something stir. She waited, breathing shallowly and silently. When nothing appeared she stepped forwards to investigate. As she got nearer she made out the shape of half a door and behind it a very large horse. But no...it had very large, proud antlers on top it's head. She closed her eyes tightly as she tried to remember the name of the animal as she had read about in the book....el....el...it began with an el she knew that much...ELK!

"Hello" she said timidly as she stepped forwards slowly to admire the grand creature. It looked up from chomping on some hay and locked eyes with the iceling. It walked over, its hooves making clacking noises on the stone flooring and stuck it's head out of the door. The elk was tall, with sandy coloured antlers and chocolate brown fur. it's eyes held a prideful but kind look. She gently pressed her hands to it's giant nose and it snorted affectionately. She smiled and stroked it's strong neck.

"You must belong to the king, or at least his son" said helke as she admired the creature's muscular build.

"She is mine" rang out a clear voice behind her. She jumped and turned around quickly to see the king standing in the door way, but something looked different about him. She concentrated hard until she realised...his crown was gone, giving his face a much more relaxed look.

"She's beautiful" said helke as she continued to stroke her neck.

"A loyal and wise creature. She is to have a calf in a few days" the king said as he stepped over to helke.

"Calf?" Helke questioned as she continued to stroke through the elk's fur.

"A baby elk" the king explained and she smiled. "I must enquire why you are at my stables, and not asleep?" Questioned the king and he watched helke press her forehead to the elk's nose.

"I had a....strange dream" she said slowly.

"I see" said the king shortly.

There was a strange silence between the two of them as helke closed her eyes, leaning her head on the elk's nose.

"You should return to my chambers now" said the king as he began to notice helke becoming sleepy. Helke nodded and kissed the elk's nose goodbye and secretly hoped she would be able to see him tomorrow. With that the king blew out the single lantern and followed behind the iceling, shutting the stable door behind them.

The steps were dark as the two headed back up to the kings's room. Suddenly helke's footing slipped and she felt herself falling backwards until two warm hands caught her hips and steadied her. She looked round to see the king looking up at her, a small smile playing on his lips. His hands lingered on her hips for a second longer than was necessary before he removed them helke practically ran the rest of the way.

"I do not wish to appear strict but I am afraid I must ask you to stay within my chambers or with any of my maids during nighttime" explained the king once helke was settled back in his bed. Helke nodded in understanding obediently as the king talked.

"Good. Now I hope you have not forgotten this is my chambers as well" he said as he slipped into the other side of the bed. Helke lay perfectly still as the king lay back to back with her in the large bed, one thought on her mind. 'What if she accidentally froze him?'

"Goodnight helke, I hope you sleep better" said the king sincerely. Helke could not find any words so squeaked quietly in response and all fell silent. Before long she felt her eyelids droop and she fell asleep thinking about visiting the gorgeous elk in the stables the next day..