An iceling in mirkwood ~ thranduil love story

Chapter 5 ~ the kitchen

When helke next woke the king had already left and she was relieved to find no ice around the room. She looked around in the corner of the room was a beautiful ice blue dress. She got up and slowly ran her hand over the material of the dress. It felt smooth and soft, like silk or velvet. Once she slipped it on it felt perfect, she could not think of anything that could fit more perfectly. It came to floor, with open sleeves and was white and ice blue. She smiled as she admired herself in the mirror, in her mind the elves were defiantly skilled at making clothes. She ran out barefoot down the stairs and to the stables from last night, only to frown in disappointment when she found the large brown doors were locked.

What could she do now? Not stay in that room all day! She headed back upstairs to the kings room and decided to be adventurous. She slipped out of the kings's chambers silently and walked timidly down the hall, peeping round the corners all the time.

It was after walking round for 20 minutes that she realised she did not know where the kings throne room was! She heard noises and clanging coming from down some stone steps and decided to investigate, hoping someone could help her. When she reached the bottom she realised she was in a kitchen. Everyone turned to look at her and the room fell silent.

"Hello dear, are you alright?" A slim elf with ginger hair asked. Helke was lost for words. She was embarrassed and slightly frightened. She opened her mouth but no words came out. Everyone in the kitchen looked at each other. Helke felt cold tears running down her cheek. She was frightened.

"It's alright dear" said the lady, guiding her to the side, through a door. In the room was a small table, old clay oven and a store room of ingredients. The lady sat helke down at the table and said " now, what's this fluster about then sweetie?" She asked curiously.

"I'm sorry" helke chocked, now knowing no harm would come to her here. "I was trying to find the throne room" she sniffed.

"Well, I'm going there now with some food for his majesty" at the word food helke's stomach rumbled as she realised she had not eaten anything since yesterday afternoon. The she-elf laughed heartily and said "I'll get you something to eat" she left helke briefly but returned with some fresh bread, cheese and greens.

After the food helke and the she-elf walked slowly to the throne room, the she- elf carrying a tray of fruits, breads and other assortments. The came to large doors with beautiful vines and flowers. Helke went to touch the delicate vines when they door opened gracefully causing her to stepped back quickly. She entered the room slowly and saw thranduil upon his throne. He had a sense of power there with his crown set proudly on his head.

"Your food m'lord" said the she-elf, curtseying. He nodded to her silently and looked at helke. She was too Engrossed in looking upon the beautiful room to be polite. The kitchen elleth nudged her in the side and helke bowed suddenly and felt embarrassed. The she-elf set the food on a table near by, bowed again and left. There were no guards in the room, just helke and the elf king.

"I am glad to see the dress fits you" he said after the silence.

"It's beautiful" she had, looking down at the grand silk dress.

"I take it you are enjoying your stay in my land?" He asked as he leaned lazily in his throne.

"Yes, although I would like to see the outside" she said bravely but stopped when she saw a strange look in his eye. A cross between jealousy and overprotectiveness.

"I can only protect you if you stay within my lands, I cannot guarantee your safety if you go elsewhere" he said smoothly as he sat up.

"Yes your highness" she replied reluctantly.

"Come here" he said as he gestured for her to come to him. She timidly walked up the steps and stopped in front of him. She shivered as he placed a Hand in her waist and traced it down to her hip.

"There will be a ball 3 days from now. You will attend with me" he said shortly. It was more like a demand than an enquiry. She just nodded but her main worry was her power. What if she got nervous and hurt someone?!

"I can tell what you are worried about" he said, a small smirk of his face and his hand still on her hip. "You need not worry about your powers. I am sure with the right training you will be able to keep them under control soon enough" he said. She just nodded.

"M'lord, I will have nothing to wear to the ball" she said suddenly and began to feel nervous when she saw his grin.

"Do not worry yourself over that. I will...personally see to it that your clothes are satisfactory" he said and nodded. She began to turn away before he said "it is customary to bow when leaving royalty" arrogantly.

She stumbled down the steps a little and bowed messily once she had reached the floor. He chuckled and said "you do look beautiful" sincerely as he smiled. She tried to contain her grin as she bowed again and hurried out nimbly. It was only then did the king realise she had been barefoot the entire time.

'I will have to get her shoes made as well' he thought tiredly as he sunk into his throne, trying to relax...