I'm not in love: a Legolas greenleaf story

CHAPTER 2: The Journal

When I woke up, it was already light outside. I must have slept through the night. I didn't know what time it is but it doesn't seem that early. I shower and change into my favorite hooded sweatshirt, a pair of skinny jeans, and my UGG boots. Even though it's sunny outside and warm and cozy in the castle, I want to be prepared for the chilly weather here since it wasn't the best time of the year. I'm also the type to get cold easily. I look outside my balcony window and see a lady planting some more flowers. Even she looks cold outside from the fog coming out with each open breath she takes and her rosy pink cheeks and nose.

Today I decided to start my exploration of the castle. It was a Sunday and I usually take Sundays as a break from homework. I can look at my lesson plan tomorrow. All work and no play makes me cranky. Many would consider me a nerd or a bookworm, but I also know how to have a good time and enjoy myself-take the time to stop and smell the roses you could say. And there were plenty of roses to smell in this place! I've never been here before because I was always busy with school and wanting to be with my friends during breaks. But a part of me felt like I know this place. There are already several things that feel familiar, yet vague. Nothing I can really put a finger on. I'm hoping today I can get to know this place better.

After Markus made me some strawberry pancakes I went looking for Thranduil. "Yes?" I hear him say from the other side of the door.

"It's me, kydaraes..." I wait to see what he would say, if he will let me in or not.

"Come on in, darling," he finally replies. I sigh and smile at his welcome. I don't like disturbing him but I feel like saying hello. I'm not so much curious as to what he's doing, which are probably important things-boring things-but nonetheless, I want to see what the inside looks like.

I walk in the dimly lit room and if my eyes could speak they would say "Wow!" as I keep my mouth shut. There's a rug tapestry that covers half a wall showing people with long hair, dark and light, and in small ships sailing somewhere. It looks like the people in the picture have pointy ears. I can't really tell very well because half of the tapestry is in the shadows, but it's just probably my imagination. My godfather remains seated at his table with a hint of a smile on his face as I continue to examine the room. He doesn't say anything so I let my eyes wander some more.

Every corner of the room reminds me of him. It's exactly his style. The theme in this room is brown and mahogany, dark colors. Some gold and other shades of purple are the only things that give it some contrast. There are framed pictures and paintings that cover the other walls and right in the middle are antique couches and chairs for people to sit on. None of the furniture looks comfortable. I suppose he doesn't expect many people to sit on them for long periods of time. The set up of his space is more for display than anything, something in an exhibit you would find in a museum.

"How do you like my study?"

My attention quickly focuses on him and his question, forgetting that he's also observing me observing the room. He's still at his desk wearing a smile on his face. I figure he was in the middle of writing something when I came in. There's a pen resting in his hand.

"It's nice...it looks very...elegant." These are the only words I could think of to describe the room. I don't want to offend him and say his study looks like he shops at an antique store or auction. It was his style and it suites him, like I said.

"Well, thank you. But, there are other parts of the castle that look more elegant than this stuffy old room," he laughs softly. He probably knew it wasn't my kind of decor. He puts his pen down and stands up. "It might be too dark in here for you." The next thing I know a burst of light blinds me, making me squint away for a brief moment. He opens almond color drapes to let more natural light into the room. The room appears more elegant than before, yet that old-fashioned feel to it remains. I can see dust particles floating in the air where the sunbeams enter.