Thranduil hissed in pain as he put too much weight on his leg as he walked through the entrance to the Halls. Feeling his leg wanting to collapse under his weight, he instinctively reached out for the closest thing to steady himself with. His fingers turned white as he tried to haul himself onto the small table-like surface that he had grabbed a hold over.

Damned Orcish filth- he muttered as he took a breath. Arataure had carried him back from where the Orcs had attacked, but the short steps he had had to take without his elk had been almost unbearably painful. It had felt like an age since he had seen the Orcs so far North in the forest and they had taken Thranduil's patrol by surprise.

It was a mistake that shouldn't have happened, but the Elvenking had paid the price for his lack of attention and thankfully nobody else had.

He slowly pulled down his boot to look at the damage done and grimaced as the Orcish arrowhead stuck out of his skin- tearing through the flesh with it's barbed edges. The Elvenking dared not pull it out but every slight movement he made only made the wound larger.

A couple of guardsmen soon came rushing towards him and both stared in horror at Thranduil's wound. "My king-" One of them started before the Elvenking stopped him.

"Don't mind me, it's just a scratch. Would you help me to my chambers and send-" Thranduil paused to take a sharp breath as he shifted position- "Send for someone to tend to the wound." He ordered and the two ellyn supported him as he limped to his quarters where they helped him onto his bed before disappearing off to find someone to help.

(Arienë Elunë this can be the part where you come in ^.^)

The news that the King had been wounded in an ambush had come to the kingdom. Quickly two members of the royal guard were quick to help the sovereign who had arrived limping, complaining about pain. Arataure was holding, grabbing well around the waist looking worried wound caused by an orcish arrow. Although King Thranduil gave no importance, the arrow was embedded in his thigh and was losing enough blood.

'The king has been injured !, King has been injured !' 

The guards shouted those words were heard by the only person whose reaction was dropping her hands a jar of water. The glass was in a thousand pieces on the floor and the lady's face became deathly pale. She was Ariene maiden king. She had recently had entered his service by her stepfather.  Ariene's reaction did not go unnoticed by the other elves who watched curiously. Ariene knelt to pick up the pieces of glass regardless of which might cut her delicate fingers. Her heart was beating a mile a minute and looked to fly from her mouth. But this was a normal reaction? No, it was not.

'Lady Ariene' 

She lifted her face to meet his personal guard. The elf's face was contorted with concern. 'My lady, the King has asked someone to care the wound and you have knowledge of elven healing, right? '

Ariene flushed made a settlement with his head.- "Yes, sir  . Lord Elrond taught me to heal wounds, but I've been learning in the great library " .- The maid's voice was sweet and soft.

The guard nodded and felt some relief .- 'Well, can go to the chambers of the King? He is waiting for you. Go fast please. The wound is bleeding heavily, my lady.

Arienë could only nod and disappear to the throne room to pick up some herbs from the apothecary to attend King's wound. Sometimes there she spent hours studying the manuscripts of the great library. She was not a great warrior and nor could fight as Tauriel. But Ariene had a desire to learn and illustrated in healing. She was not only a maid who served wine to the king though it was an honor. She was and wanted to be a healer.

Did not want to wait for the King so she came early to relieve his pain. She breathed several times before the guards who were guarding the doors opened before her. It was the first time she went there and found the most beautiful of all Mirkwood space; Beautiful and fine fabrics adorned the walls, beautiful wood carved furniture of the oldest trees that had reigned in the green forest. She gave a little gasp when guards closed the door behind her. The tray had came close to fall from her hands. "My King, I come to heal your wound. I am ... Arienë Elunë, your maid" With smooth and steady steps approached the bed. Then Ariene could admire her king with curious and shy eyes, those eyes that were endowed with that innocence that had not yet been stripped. Again her heart out of her chest seemed to meet the most beautiful elf of all realms.

The maid put the tray with herbal medicines, bandages and water on the wooden table that was next to the bed. She did not return to meet his eyes if not to the wound in his leg and the puddle of blood on the soft silk sheets. "Allow me, my king. I must attend to your injury"

Thranduil waited until the guardsmen had hurried out of the room before let out a sharp breath, finally allowing the pain to show on his face. He grimaced as he slowly stretched his leg out, trying his best to ignore the pain- but telling himself that he had felt worse in his lifetime did little to take any of the pain away and he let out another hiss as the arrow tore through his skin.

The only thing he could take comfort from was the fact that he had chosen not to let Tarthadir come back with him- for whilst the Elvenking was appreciative for his counselor's concern, dealing with Tarthadir's panic attacks probably wouldn't have done make the whole situation much easier.

As the door opened, Thranduil forced himself to go back to his stoic self, refusing to let whomever it was who had arrived see that he was suffering as much as he was. After all, he was looked to by his people as a strong and steadfast leader- he would not let himself be seen squirming over an arrow wound like a Dwarven prince might.

A familiar face peered around the corner, her long gold hair was certainly a very identifiable feature amongst the Thranduil recognised her from the feasts- she was most often filling empty glassed, though much to the Elvenking's embarrassment he had never managed to catch her to thank her for her services or even ask her for her name.

"I thank you, Arienë. Please do what you must, the wound is but a small one though I would rather not let it fester or worsen." The King indicated for her to carry on with her duties, biting back a hiss as the arrow buried itself a little further into his leg.

"I believe I have seen at the feasts many times- though I have yet to see you partake in the festivities yourself. Perhaps one of these days you like to enjoy the drink and music for yourself?" Thranduil changed the topic at hand as he tried to take his mind of the arrowhead.

Thranduil was looking at her at the time when she peeked around the corner and approached his bed without daring to raise her eyes to look at him. She could control her eyes but could not control the pace of her heart was agitated and the cause was him. Her love had been quiet for a long time since she saw him for the first time and so should be. Arine Elune knew the pain that the king was grieving the loss of his beloved wife. The elves, according to legend, could only love once. Therefore, she had to shut up and serve him faithfully. This was one of the ways which she could express her love and loyalty.

When he gave permission to proceed. Ariene made a nod without showing signs of concern when he repressed a hiss of pain. With nimble fingers picked up her long hair in a silent ribbon and washed her hands in a basin of gold that were in the beautifully carved wooden table. "I will go as fast as possible, my lord," she said in a soft voice but slightly trembling before taking a dagger and rip the fabric trouser leg wound. Her hands were stained with blood,  but this did not stop her. Removed his boot showing more flesh and pushed aside to focus on the arrow stuck in the skin. "You now need to bear the pain, Your Majesty. It will be a fast time, I must tear off  the arrow that is being introduced gradually in your leg. Trust me"

Ariene looked at him and without warning ripped at one time the arrow from his leg and threw it to the ground showing disgust by touching something so dirty. The wound began to bleed more and plugged with rags she had brought. Made a quick bandage, a kind of tourniquet to stop the bleeding, this would give time to prepare the medicinal ointment herbs that would serve to prevent inflammation and promote healing. The pain that the King Thranduil  would be feeling terrible but she could do nothing but serve as fast as possible. Wiped her hands with a cloth, watched the wound, the tourniquet  seemed to have taken effect. She looked at Thranduil and stood beside him to start preparing the ointment as quickly as possible; In a small mortar crushed seeds of chamomile, aloe vera and mint with a little water. Ariene tried to stay calm and she knew her king spoke to be distracted from the pain. 

Majesty, I ... am your maid. I attended feasts that you have celebrated, but I am a little shy .

I'd rather be reading a book and enjoying the night and if it is full of stars. But I like to do my work and serve you " 

Thranduil imposed too but being in that bed, hurt and pain made him helpless and weak. Something that never should displayed in a King.

Ariene approached  with the bowl in her hands. She glanced at his leg was strong and  muscular. The blood had been cut, but the wound was still open. "My lord, the wound has stopped bleeding" left the bowl at the foot of the bed, took more rags and immersed in water to clean the affected area .- "This will hurt for a moment, I will be quick, I promise you " Untied the tourniquet with agile hands. The wound bled a little, but it was not serious. She cleaned the wound carefully and even his leg with dedication to preventing infection and then took the bowl with the right hand and rubbed two fingers with ointment to put on the wound to cover whole without pressing too hard to not increase pain. "I finish my lord, I know it hurts. Please,  hold Majesty"

Thranduil looked to his side as the maid rushed in with her supplies and equipment. The elleth seemed to know what she was doing, though as far as Thranduil was aware she was not counted amongst one of the healers- he made a brief note to be sure to call for her if they are ever in dire need of those with the ability to heal. He nodded as she confirmed that speed was of the essence- thankfully so, Thranduil was not keen on sitting around with that arrowhead in his leg any longer than necessary.   "My only wish is that this matter is dealt with as soon as possible, you may proceed how you feel appropr-"

Thranduil started though was unable to finish as he cried out in pain when Arienë tore the arrowhead from his leg without warning. He failed to hold back a hiss as well as the inital shock wore off and he was left with a gushing wound. It was certainly not the gentle hands of Aroreth that were treating him- but he supposed so long as she knew what she was doing, he would let her stay.

The topic of the feasts was brought up again by Ariene and as she spoke, Thranduil tried to regulate his breathing and take his mind off the pain. "Come now Ariene," He half-chuckled as she politely declined his offer. "The feasts and celebrations are not solely reserved for the wilder inhabitants of the Woodland, why am I most certain that you would find many there who share a passion for literature and star gazing."  Thranduil said, trying to give a light smile but ended up grimacing as the maid began to work on his leg again.

As she announced it had stopped bleeding, Thranduil looked down to see that she was indeed correct about that. "Not bad for one as young as yourself. Was it your parents who taught you such skills? I am certain they'll prove useful many times before this Age is over." He complimented her skills.

When she warned him of the pain, he was perhaps a little more appreciative that he was given the time to brace himself and compose himself instead of crying out. And as she washed the wound, he gritted his teeth and occasionally let out a grunt of pain but he refrained from making too much noise. Once she finished, he let out a deeep breath. "I don't suppose you have duties you must attend now, do you?"

Her father had been hurt.

She had been sought out by one of the guardsmen as soon as her father had been taken to his room after returning home. Gilrien had dropped everything that she was doing and headed straighter for her fathers chambers with the guard by her side who she questioned intently,

"Who has been sent to tend to my father?"
"The Elven maid Ariene said she had training." The guard replied and Gilrien looked astounded,
"You sent a maid to tend to your King?! Get to the healers hall immediately and find somebody qualified to tend to my father!" Gilrien's demanding voice sent the guard running in the opposite direction for the healers.

Gilrien speed walks over the winding pathways that lead to Thranduil's private chambers. She shakes her head at the very idea of a serving girl taking care of her fathers wound. Any number of things could go wrong with such an unexperienced girl trying to help her father. Within a few moments Gilrien had arrived at her father's room, two guards who where at either side of the door quickly acknowledged her and opened to allow her to steam in, the door was quietly shut behind her,

"Ada," She moves straight to her fathers side, sitting on the edge of the bed and taking his free hand in both of her own "What happened?" She asks very softly.

"If the King of Mirkwood  wants me to attend one of his feasts, I will. But thanks to his good will, let me fill your glass of wine. Above all, I am your faithful maid" Muttered softly, without raising the head of his leg. Gently spread the ointment she had prepared. The wound had stopped bleeding and tomorrow would be better. She tried not to be nervous when her king Looked down to see she was doing but was inevitable could not control her blush when he praised her abilities.

Arienë's beautiful face changed to sadness and shook her head before answering with the same soft voice .- I do not remember any of my past life before coming to Mirkwood. I came here terrified and without knowing my name. I do not know if my real name is Arienë. But I do not want to bore you with my past life. There are matters which the king should not be interested  especially those of a maiden"

She continued her work, carefully bandaged his leg. Quietly washed her hands glancing at him seeing as he seemed calmer after falling pain. - My lord. I do not have duties to attend to. I would feel more comfortable if you let me stay here to watch if the fever rises. I have to prepare an infusion of sage and propolis to prevent infection. Now, sir, let me take off the belt and crown? It's to make you more comfortable "

At that very moment, the Princess Gilrien entered the room her father at a fast pace. Arienë looked down showing respect, two steps backward occupying her position and was the maid. She did not look up and kept away leaving privacy father and daughter. Sensed the concern in the voice of the Princess and when asked what had happened. Arienë does not answer because she did not dare.

"I'll warn you that my wineglass empties quickly at such feasts~" Thranduil laughed as she made attending the feast sound like more of a chore than working during it. "And you may be surprised how quickly your own is drained, and rest assured Mirkwood will not fail if I don't have my glass of wine. Promise me, you'll only worry about your own needs and pay no heed to mine the instance you attend that feast." Thranduil looked to her with a small smile- he couldn't remember ever having to instruct someone to be happy about attending a feast. But there was a first time for everything.

Thranduil listened intently as Arienë spoke of how she arrived- he seemed to have a vague recollection of the girl's discovery, and he half-regretted having not seen to the matter himself. He looked to her as she stopped- "Nonsense child, there is no person within these halls who doesn't concern me. And I shall tell you this now Arienë, do not worry about the past too much for the person you are now is more kind and gentle than many of the beings in this world." He assured her, hopefully laying her fears at rest.

The Elvenking was about to give the maid permission to stay with him before Gilrien walked in.

"Gilrien please, I am fine. I paid the price for not paying attention whilst on patrol and an Orc managed to shoot my leg." Thranduil explained to his daughter . "There's little need to make a fuss, Arienë was kind enough to see to my wound." He gestured to the maid who had fallen silent in Gilrien's presence.

"Ada! You are not fine you have been hurt! Your blood has left your body in an unnatural way that does not constitute as fine!" she scolds her father but only lightly, he is the King after all. She squeezes his hand again softly and moves a little of his platinum blonde hair out of his face and eyes and to the side of his head so that he would not be made uncomfortable by it. When her father spoke again, his youngest daughter turned to glare at the maid who stood behind the two of them, keeping quiet for now,

"She is a maid father. She shouldn't be doing anything other than changing your sheet and waiting on you! A trained healer has already been sent for." The healer who arrived would make sure that everything was well, gods forbid what the uneducated, untrained Elf could have missed, this was the King they where talking about after all, they couldn't risk him being tended to by a female that just wanted to make a good impression on him without having any ideas of what she was really doing.

The blonde haired woman turned directly to face the maid, who's name had slipped her memory with a dark glare, she was clearly very distraught and angered by the Elfs actions "The next time you decide that you are going to practice a skill you know nothing about I suggest you do not do so on the King you silly little girl."

Ariene could not control her blush by the words of King. She even had to promise that in the next feast to be held, she would enjoy and leave aside her maiden tasks unfilled him the wineglass. "I promise I'll take care of my own needs in the next feast to be held. But now my duty to take care and ensure that your leg to heal completely. Tomorrow will be better, my lord. And when you prepared infusion you can rest and relax "

She ever had more freedom in movement and fear that had to enter had already disappeared. Her king had the gift to make her feel good and feel very safe at his side, safe. How often she had seen him during the long, hard training every day he was undergoing. She saw the warrior and a mastery of the art of sword making him a lethal warrior. He took her breath away and his words made her heart beat faster. He called her girl and it was true. She only had 725 years and he had more than 6000 years.

"My lord, I ..." She was going to answer his last positive words toward her, but his daughter appeared in the chamber causing her back several steps behind the bed and hear the harsh words, reality. She was only a maid, educated only to serve and be just his servant. Princess accused her of being an unfit inexperienced healing. Ariene thought the Princess was right that she had no experience, but she was not an inept. If she did not have any respect towards Gilrien, she would show her true character and would not let anyone humiliate her. But her role was to serve.

When the healer came in to make sure the leg king had been attended properly Ariene took another two steps back without lifting the face listening to the Princess. She could only nod and say- "Yes, my lady".  She looked up her eyes only for her King to hear him come to her defense. A relief and a little reward in knowing that her lord had appreciated her work. "Now, if you allow me, Your Majesty. I will retire. Your healer can serve you better than I have done" She looked into his eyes, hers were red with the treatment received, but she would not give pleasure King's daughter to be weak.

"Gilrien! Enough!" Thranduil stopped his daughter as she scolded Ariene. He was surprised at Gilrien, having always been a young elf who had striven to make the best of every situation that she had found herself in- he had certainly not expected her to lash out at Ariene as she had done so. 

"I would expect more from you Gilrien. Ariene has treated my wound as well as any healer, I am in no further need of attention. As my daughter and a representative of the people of Mirkwood, I would hope to see more respect towards others." Thranduil spoke sharply, making sure his words were heeded by his daughter. Gilrien knew these words well and Thranduil had always believed her to take them to heart- after all, she was well-beloved by many of the Mirkwood Elves and in turn, Gilrien had always treated them with the same kindness.

The Elvenking assumed that it was stress gnawing at his daughter's usual mindful composure. Of course, Thranduil likely would not have been in a much better state had he heard of any of his own children being wounded out in the forest. With a deep breath out, Thranduil calmed himself and cleared his mind.

"As I said earlier, this is hardly a scratch. I've lived through far worse- I will be fine, I can promise you that dear." Thranduil said, in a softer voice to Gilrien. Though his attention was soon drawn away from his daughter as Ariene began to make her way out of the room.

"Ariene, please," Thranduil called out before she had the chance to go, "You must forgive us for this misunderstanding, I am certain that you and Gilrien would get on quite well had you met under different circumstances. Perhaps Gilrien might be kind enough to walk you along the riverside, whilst I get some rest? It would give the two of you a chance to start over and correct the mistakes that have been made." Thranduil suggested to the two of them.