Slightly important note: Some of the words, here are in Elvish.

"We did it Mellothiel!"Almiliel said as we started, to walk up this slant, which led to some massive doors."Heck yeah we did!"I shouted, as we high fived. Once, we arrived at the doors, there were two ellons guarding the doors. When, they saw us they smiled."I trust you had a successful trip"One of them said.I grinned, and said,"We really did Arandur!" The other ellon said,"King Thranduil will be thrilled". Almeliel shrugged and said,"I don't, think that he'll be that happy".

I shook, my head in disagreement."You don't know that"I said. Then she replied, to my comment by saying,"I guess, that's true". Then, I spun around, and said"King Thranduil, is full of surprises, you never know what he'll do next". By the time I had finished, talking and spinning around, everyone was laughing so hard."Well, you all can go in now"Arandur and Tanidil said in unison, as they opened the doors. Almiliel and I, thanked them both, as we walked in and heard the doors close behind us.

Then, we started to make, our way through the Elvenking's halls. The Mirkwood palace, is such a beautiful place, I thought as looked, at all the lights and nature around me."Mell, do you ever think, about beautiful Mirkwood is?"Almeliel asked, as we continued to walk, up and down some more stairs. I gasped and said,"I was just thinking, about how beautiful the Mirkwood palace is!". She turned to me, with looks of shock and disbelief. "Are you serious?!"She asked in loud whisper."Yes, I am being completely serious"I replied.

"That's so cool"Almeliel whispered, as we finally reached, the doors that would lead us to King Thranduil. I mouthed to her,"I know right?". An ellon stood at the door, and when he noticed, our presence he nodded."You can go right in"He said as he opened the doors. We thanked him, and then we entered into the room. As Almiliel and I, slowly walked forward, I started thinking about Thranduil. He always, has a stoic expression on his face, I thought. Then we, had stopped bowed."Hir vun"We said in unison.

"I dass carnen?"He asked us. I nodded and said,"Yes, Hir vun Almeliel and I, have killed any orcs, that have been caught near Mirkwood. He nodded, and said,"Good". He paused, for a brief moment, before asking,"Do have, any idea where they came from". I nodded, and replied,"Yes Hir vun. Then, I didn't say anything, more because I wanted, Almeliel to get her chance to say something. "When Melethiel and I, were hiding in the trees, we saw all of them, coming from the North. Then he turned to me and said,"Is this true?"."Of course, it is true Hir vun"I said. I continued, by asking"Do you, not trust her Hir vun?". He shook, his head and replied,"No, I trust her".

"I wanted, to be certain of their location"He added, for further explanation. He turned to Almeliel, and said,"I'm sorry Almeliel. She looked, so shocked but she didn't show it."It's alright King Thranduil"She said, with smile."Anything else, you need us to do?"She asked. He shook his head and said,"I don't have anything, more for you to do, so you may go". Yes, I thought, with an internal sigh of relief.

"Goodbye Hir vun"I said, as Alemiliel and I bowed. Then we turned around, and began to make our way out of the room. We were literally, right at the door, when Thranduil had to say,"Mellothiel, I would like to talk you". I sighed, and as I gently bopped, my best friend's shoulder with my head. She laughed and whispered, "I'll wait for you outside". Then she left, and I turned around, and I walked back to our former spot. I twirled, my brown curly hair, around my finger, before I finally stopped. I can't, wait to get out of here, I thought as I bowed.

"Hir vun, I am here"I said respectfully."What would, you like to talk about?"I asked. All of a sudden, he got up from his throne, and slowly made his way down the steps. Before, I knew it the king, was standing right, in front of me, and I was looking into his eyes, which were the lightest shade of blue. Nice, I thought as I internally, nodded my head."Will you, be doing anything this evening?"Thranduil asked. I wonder, why he ask me such a question, I thought."No, why do you ask"I asked, with a confused look on my face."Well Mellethiel, I'm asking you, because if you'd like, to dine with me tonight".

I was taken aback, but I quickly regained my composure."So, you're asking me, if I want to have dinner with you?"I asked. I'm just making sure, I thought."Yes, it is"He said."Oh, well then yeah"I said with a smile."Great, well I'll see you then"Thranduil said."I guess, you will see me then"I said, as I bowed. I turned around, and finally made my exit. Then, I saw my friend, and then we started, to make our exit."So, what happened?"She asked, as we continued, to walk through the halls."What did he say?"She asked me, which led her, to bombard me with more questions.

"I'll tell you later"I said, as walked out of the castle."Why?"She asked." I sighed, as we made our way, to the horses.""I just, don't want to, talk about this now"I said as we got on, our horses and I looked away. She nodded and said,"Alright, but you better, tell me when we get home". I laughed, as I said,"That's the plan mellon". I whistled, and then the horses, started to gallop away from the castle. That's the plan, I thought as we got farther, and farther from the castle.

~A few moments later

"Now, that we're home, you have to tell me"She said, as she sat on our couch."I promised, that I would tell you"I said to her. First, I set down my weapons, next to the door, so that I could just grab them and go. Then, Almeliel patted, the left side, which was her signal for my to sit down.."Uh, well Thranduil-I mean King Thranduil, asked me if I'd like, to have dinner with him"I said looked, down into my lap. She was silent, for a moment probably, because she needed, to think for a bit. I wonder, what she's thinking about, I thought as I looked, at all of the items, that were in our house. Since, neither of us, had said anything, we were just sat on the couch in silence.

Almeliel broke it, by asking me,"And what did you say?". I looked, into her eyes and replied,"I said yes". As soon as I uttered that phrase, she jumped up, from her seat as if it were hot."You said yes?"Almeliel asked me again, as she tried to contain her excitement."Yeah, I did say yes"I said, as I nodded for further confirmation. Almeliel started, to squeal like a pig, and then started, jumping up and down.

Well, might as well join her, I thought as I shrugged, and got up from my seat. I walked, over to Almeliel, took her hands in mine, and soon enough, both of us were jumping up and down. By the time we stopped, we were laughing, so hard that we cried."I can't, believe that we just did that"She said, as she wiped away any stray tears. I did the same thing, and replied"Yeah, well we're both weird potatoes so".

She laughed and said,"That's true". "So, do you know, what you're going to wear?"She asked."I mean, I was planning, on wearing a dress"I said."This is, the perfect opportunity, for you to try on some dresses"Almeliel said, as she grabbed my arm, and dragged me to my room. Once we, had set set foot, into my room, Almeliel immediately rummaged, through my closet, and tossed six dress onto my bed."Is all, of this really necessary?"I asked, as looked at all, of my different dresses, and scratched the back of my neck.

"Yes, it is now go!"She yelled as she tossed, me a purple dress, and pushed me into the closet. I closed the door, and I asked myself,"Is it that serious?".

Finally I came, out wearing a sparkling, light blue dress."This one, is definitely my favorite"Almeliel said as she, clasped her hands together and sighed."I'm glad, you think so, because I refuse to go through that again"I said firmly, which made her laugh."Don't worry I won't"She replied, with a smile. I sat, down on my bed, and took off my work shoes."Don't forget these"Almeliel said, handing me a pair of small heels."How could, I forget mt favorite shoes?"I replied in sarcastic tone, as I took them from her and put them on. Then I stood up, and briefly spun around."Fashion"I said as I posed.

This caused, her to burst out laughing and me to grin."Well, it's been real, but I got to leave"I said as I exited, my bedroom and walked, toward the front door."Let me, see you leave at least"Almeliel said she finally caught up to me. After we linked arms, we exited our house, and walked towards the stables."So, on a scale, of one to ten, how excited are you?"Almeliel asked, me as pulled on the door, and led my horse out."I'd say, I am at a fifteen"I said as got on my horse.

She laughed, and said,"Make sure, to tell me everything when you get back". I replied,"Don't worry I will". I whistled, and Nionda neighed, and galloped out of the stables. And before I knew it, we were far away from my town. It's going to be lit, I thought as I grinned, while feeling the wind, go through my thick brown curls.

"I have arrived"I said, as I got off my horse. Thank you Nionda, I said softly, as I stroked her soft ebony muzzle. She proceeded, to nuzzle me, which caused me to giggle a bit. You the real mvp Nionda, I said wrapping, my arms around her neck. Nionda rested, her muzzle against, my back and then we just stood there, in the night holding each other. We both pulled away, and I looked into her eyes."Goodbye my friend"I said to her, as I turned around and walked away from her.

Then, I walked up the path, that led to the castle, and stopped near the door, where the elleth guards stood. Once, they saw me, they did a double take."Mellethiel, is that you?"Laethiel asked, as her eyes widened."Yes, it's me Mellethiel"I said, in confused tone, as I tilted my head."Obviously, that's her Laethiel"Meltothima scoffed, as she rolled her eyes."I'm sorry"Laethiel apologized. I laughed, and replied,"It's okay. Just remember, that the next time, you see me in a dress, it's still going to be me."

She nodded, and smiled at me."So, what's the special occasion Mellethiel?"She asked."Well, the king asked me, if I would like, to join him, for dinner tonight and I said yes"I answered, as I started to remember, the moment when he, called me back and asked if I was free this evening. Suddenly, both of their eyes, became wider than saucers, and then they just gasped."He asked you out?"Laethiel asked."And you're, still outside talking to us?"Meltothima also inquired."Well, I wanted to talk to"I started, to say but was cut, off by both of them opening the doors.

"Have fun!"Melt shouted, with grin on her face. Lae was, silent the whole time, but then she mouthed to me, I hope, you have a wonderful time Mellethiel. I mouthed back to her,"I'll try my best girlie."Then, doors slammed shut, and I turned around, and walked down the same hallway. Except, this time I had, no idea where I was, supposed to be going. This is just great, I thought, while I gritted my teeth and sighed, as I continued to walk, down some hall, which seemed to go on forever.

I almost, started to cry, but luckily an ellon, saw me and ran towards me."Are you lost"He asked, me with concerned tone."Yeah, I'm looking for King Thranduil, because I'm supposed, to having dinner with him"I said, with a sigh of relief. He paused and asked,"Are you, Mellethiel?" I nodded and replied,"Yes I am her". "You can, follow me Mellethiel"He said to me."Okay cool"I said, as we started walking forward.

"You were, going the right way you know"He said."I was?"I asked."Yes, you were"He said as he nodded."Well, that wouldn't have, helped me much, because I still wouldn't, have found the place"I said honestly."Well, it's a good thing, that I was able to help you"He said, with a grin. What a lovely ellon, I thought, as we stopped walking, in front of these massive doors. Then, I turned to him, so I could ask him a quick question, before I entered the room.

"What's your name?"I asked."Oh, it's Faetolion"He replied."Thank you, for helping me find this place"I said gratefully."Oh it was no problem"He said with a smile.Then Faetolion, held the door open."Have a great time Mellethiel"Faetolion said with grin. I walked in, and I replied,"I mean, I'll see how things go." He stifled a laugh, as he closed the door. I turned, around and saw Thranduil, sitting at a table as he looked at the balcony. I tilted my head and I thought,"Did he, really not hear me come in?"

I decided, that there was, only one thing that I could do."Hello, is it me you're looking for?"I asked, which caused him to turn around. I continued,"I can see it in your eyes, I can see it in your smile. His facial expression, was a mixture of shock and confusion."Finally, you acknowledged my presence"I said with a smile."I'm so sorry, that I didn't notice, you come in Mellethiel"He said, to me."It's just, that I was thinking, about something so I didn't hear you"He continued.

I guess, it was because, he wanted to make sure, that I knew. "It's quite, alright hir vun"I said while I curtsied."Please, call me Thranduil"Thranduil said with a smile."Alright, Thranduil"I said, while I squinted my eyes. He laughed, which made grin internally. Got him, I thought to myself, as I walked forward, to the table where he resided. Once, I made my way, to him Thranduil stood up, and then we were both, looking into each others eyes.

"You look very beautiful Mellethiel"Thranduil whispered, with a smile his face."Thank you Thranduil"I said, with a smile."You don't, look to bad yourself"I continued."As the king of Mirkwood, I always try my best, to look and feel, amazing so thank you for your compliment"He said. I laughed and replied,"Your Welcome Thranduil."

After, we had our short, conversation there was, this awkward silence, with us just looking, at each other not knowing, what to say next. It was, making me a bit, uncomfortable so I decided to break it."So, were plans for this evening, only going to involve, us staring at each other, while we exchanged compliments?"I inquired, as I tilted my head to the left."If, we are not going, to having dinner together, then I strongly believe, that my presence is not required"I continued.

"Please don't leave"Thranduil begged, as he looked at me, with the most sorrowful look, in all of Middle Earth. I have, never seen this side of him, I thought as I remembered, all of the times, when King Thranduil, had the same stoic expression, on his face as he sat on his throne. Now, he stands before me, asking me not leave. This was, the sweetest thing, that I've seen.

"Don't worry, I won't leave you, it's just that I thought, we would be having dinner"I said. Once, I had said that, my words reassured, and then he sighed."We will, be having dinner, soon so don't run off just yet"He said."I'm glad, to hear it"I replied."Please, have a seat"Thranduil said to me."Okay, I will do just that"I said, as I smiled at him, walked over to my sit. Once, I sat down, he pushed in my seat, and then he walked over, to his seat and sat down."Are you, comfortable Mellethiel?"He asked."I'm fine, so you don't need to worry to much"I answered.

"That's good"He said, nervously as he rubbed, the back of his neck, and eventually looked away. I tilted my head, as I thought,"I wonder, what's wrong with him?"Suddenly, I heard the doors, open the most, pleasing aroma had reached my nostrils. That smell, is giving me life personally, I thought, while watching the elleth and the ellon, set our plates, and everything on the table."We are sorry, that we took so long hir vun"An ellon said as he slightly bowed.

"We were, really busy prepping, for the dinner tonight, and we didn't realize, that everything would, take so long to do"The elleth added."Perhaps, I shouldn't say anything, but I'm going to say something anyway"I said as spoke up, which made them, turn their heads in my direction."I just want to say, it's not your fault, that everything took so long"I said, as looked at the elleth and the ellon.

"Things can take a bit longer, to prepare but I believe, that it's much better, because for me it means that lots, of hard work and care, went into whatever task had to be completed"I continued, as I looked right at them."You-you, really think so?"She asked quietly, with a look of hope in her eyes. I whispered back,"Yes, I mean it."She laughed, as she responded with,"Le fael, that means a lot." "Thank you, for your kind words"The ellon said shyly."You're most welcome"I replied, with soft smile."But is it, really your place, to say anything?"He inquired.

That part, just took me aback. Did he really say that?, I thought as I internally, pondered if he wanted, to catch these hands."I mean, I'm not the king, of Mirkwood so I can't really decide anything"I answered."I'm just, a simple guard so maybe you're right"But, if I know, that in my heart, that my small words, can help someone in any way, then I'd be filled with pure joy"I added, with a gentle smile."Wow, that's so deep"The elleth, said as she smiled."I try my best"I remarked, with a small wink, which made her laugh.

"Listen, I just want to, say that I'm sorry, for what I said earlier"He apologized."I was honestly, not trying to hurt you, but I realize that, my words were problematic, and I'm really sorry. Please forgive me"He begged."I forgive you, but don't do, or say anything, of nature ever again"I said firmly."Are we clear on this"I asked him."Yes, my lady"He replied, as he nodded vigorously."Remember, that the best, apology is changed behavior"I declared."Also, I'm Mellethiel by the way"I said as held out my hand. He shook it and responded,"Nice to meet you. I'm Arathtan"

"Likewise Arathtan"I replied."Oh, my name is Mirwen, and it's an honor to meet you"Mirwen gushed, as she shook, my hand with vigor. I laughed and responded with,"Oh, I don't know about that."

"Arathtan, I want you to know, that if there are any, problems feel free to speak up"Thranduil said."If you have something, to say then say it"He added."Le fael, hir vuin"Arathtan stuttered."We'll just, let you all get started, on your dinner"Mirwen said, before they were about to leave."I hope, that we can, see each other again"Arathtan said."Me too, and if meet up, then perhaps you all, can meet my best friend"I replied with excitement. They laughed in unison, as Mirwen commented,"We won't, keep you all from your dinner."

"Goodbye Mirwen and Arathtan, and thank you for bringing us dinner"I remarked, as I waved goodbye."Goodbye Mellethiel, see you soon"Arathtan said, with a smile, as they turned around and exited room."Let us, have dinner because, I am really hungry"I said, while my stomach silently growled. He laughed and remarked,"Alright, Mellethiel we shall eat." I smiled as i thought,"It's about time."

~After dinner

"Did you enjoy dinner?"An elleth asked, while she picked up, my plate among other things."Oh, I loved it!"I gushed."Give my compliments to the chef"I added."I will, don't worry"She replied with a laugh."So, what might your name be?"I asked.?"Oh, it's Melthea, and the ellon's name is Neurion"She responded."That's

"And what, about you my king?"An ellon, asked while held the plate, which held a plethora, of items on it. I mean, it only had, utensils, a napkin, and a cup but still."I enjoyed, dinner a great deal"Thranduil answered.

"Glad to hear it hir vuin"The ellon replied."The musicians, should be here, as soon as we leave"The elleth, said while she looked at Thranduil. He nodded,"Alright, thank you. Both of you, may leave now." They bowed, and then left room."There's going, to be musicians?!"I asked, as tried to hide my excitement."I love music!"I continued. Thranduil nodded, with a smile as he replied,"I can see that."

After, Thranduil said that, I heard the doors, open so I turned around, to see a group, of ellons and elleths carrying their instruments. I'm so ready for this, I thought while I scooted, my chair back so I could get up. I turned my chair, around and sat down, so that way I could see them preform. Once, they finished setting, up an elleth slowly, walked up the steps, that would lead her to the stage. Then, she turned around, so she was facing all of us.

"Uh, my name Raina Vandhen, and tonight I'll be singing, a song called Long and Lost"Raina said nervously. The elves, played their instruments, softly in the background, and then Raina opened, her mouth and started to sing. She has a beautiful voice, I thought while I listened to her.

Long and Lost, by Florence and Machine, from their album How big, how blue, how beautiful. (I do not own this song.)

Lost in the fog, these hollow hills
Blood running hot, night chills
Without your love I'll be
So long and lost, are you missing me?

Is it too late to come on home?
Are all those bridges now old stone?
Is it too late to come on home?
Can the city forgive? I hear its sad song

I need the clouds to cover me
Pulling them down, surround me
Without your love I'll be
So long and lost, are you missing me?

Is it too late to come on home?
Are all those bridges now old stone?
Is it too late to come on home?
Can the city forgive? I hear its sad song

It's been so long between the words we spoke
Will you be there up on the shore, I hope
You wonder why it is that I came home
I figured out where I belong

But it's too late to come on home
Are all those bridges now old stone?
But it's too late to come on home
Can the city forgive? I hear its sad song

As soon as the music stopped, I stood up and started clapping, as I walked towards them."That was an amazing performance!"I said as looked,at all of them, including Raina who had, just come down from the stage. An ellon laughed softly and said,"You really liked it?"I nodded, my head and answered,"Of course, I loved your performance!" "We have, Raina over here singing, with the most beautiful voice, in all of Middle earth"I continued, as I motioned my left, hand towards Raina, who currently blushing.

"Thank-thank you"Raina stuttered, as she looked at me."You are welcome Raina"I replied, with a huge grin, on my face."I'm Mellethiel, by the way"I added, while I held out, my hand to her and waited; patiently for her to shake it. Raina took my hand, in hers and shook it."It's very, nice to meet you Mellethiel"She added, with a smile."It's very, nice to meet you as well"I said, with a smile, while our hands, returned to our sides. Then, I turned around to face the group.

"Hey y'all, I'm Mellethiel Mithvanar but I'm pretty, sure you were, already aware of that"I said, to them which made them all laugh. I got jokes, I thought as I, grinned at all of them."None of us, knew your last name"The ellon in blue said."Well, you know now so"I replied, as ."So, what all of your names?"I asked, while I pointed my finger, at them and squinted my eyes. They all laughed, which made me smile."I'm Megilion Havandal"The ellon, in blue said. "Cool name"I commented, with a smile. "I mean I guess so"Megilion responded, as he shrugged his shoulders.

"Im Nessilla Weryaelln"The elleth, in the black dress, with the yellow flowers said softly."Nesilla, is a lovely name"I said to her, with a soft smile."Ni lassui Mellethiel"She replied, while she smiled. She's the world's most, precious cinnamon roll, I thought."My name is Eribeniel Tallyndal"The other elleth, in the black dress said."Erebeniel is a lovely name"I remarked."Thanks!"She replied, with such excitement, which made laugh a little."And last but not least"I said as I turned the other ellon. I have, no idea what color his clothes, I thought while looked at him.

"And, my name is Rieurion Mithdiliniel"He said."Yay now, we all know, each others names!"I exclaimed, in an excited voice, which made everyone giggle."You all did a wonderful job"I said."You really mean that?"Erebeniel asked, in a surprised tone."I do mean it, from the bottom of my heart"I said."Besides, it's not everyday, you get to meet, such talented musicians like yourselves"I added, with a wink. They all awkwardly smiled, and looked down, while they shuffled their feet.

"I enjoyed, your performance as well"A voice said behind me. I quickly, clutched my necklace, and turned around to see who it was."Thranduil, you can't just, come up behind people like that!"I said scolding him."I apologize Mellethiel, I didn't mean to scare you"Thranduil said, as his light blue irises bore into my green ones."Oh, uh it's fine"I replied nervously, as I turned around, so he wouldn't see me blush.

"Thank you, for the compliment hir vuin"Megilion said, as he bowed."It was, an honor to be here hir vuin"Raina said as she curtsied."Well, now we'll leave, so you all can enjoy, the rest of your evening"Nessila said, as she gave a me look. I see you Nessila, I thought as I squinted, my eyes at her."We won't, keep you all any longer"Rieurion said as he bowed. Then, one by one they, left the room, and one of the group, closed the door, and then I was alone with Thranduil again.

~Thranduil's point of view

"So, did you enjoy yourself?"I asked."I'd say, that this evening was pleasant"She replied thoughtfully."Ah, that's good"I said, as sighed."What about you?"Mellethiel asked."Did you, have a nice evening?"She asked me."I had a delightful time tonight"I answered."Nice"She replied. After, Mellethiel and I, stopped talking there, was this silence, and it was incredibly awkward.

Who's going, to talk first, me or Mellethiel?, I thought, while having an internal debate on whether I should talk or not. You know, what I think that, I am going to say something, I thought as I made, my final decision to talk to her. I almost, opened my mouth, to start a small conversation, but I quickly shut it. Why, is it so hard, for me to talk to her? "So, what should we do now?"Mellethiel asked. I shrugged and responded,"I honestly have no idea."

"I know, what we could do right now!"Mellethiel exclaimed, which made me shake a bit."We could, look at the stars!"She added, with the same amount of enthusiasm."Okay"I said with a grin. Then, the next thing I knew, she grabbed my hand, and led me outside to balcony."Isn't this, just the most marvelous thing, you have ever seen?"She asked, while she looked, up at the night sky."Yes, the stars are magnificent"I admitted, while I looked, up at the night sky, that was illuminated with brightest stars.

"But, it's not the most marvelous, thing that I've seen"I commented. The second, I uttered those words, she gasped as she turned, around to look at me."What, could be more, breathtaking taking than this?"She asked, as she tilted her head one side."You, Mellethiel"I answered, as I held my hands in hers. Mellethiel blushed, and proceeded to look at the ground."You're just saying that"Mellethiel said softly."Mellethiel, look at me"I said to her. Then, she slowly looked, into my eyes, with the most, beautiful green irises, I have ever seen.

"I am, saying it because it is true"I continued."Mellethiel, you are the most, intelligent, strong, compassionate, and beautiful elleth in all of Middle Earth"I added, which made her smile."You really mean that?"She asked softly, as she looked into my eyes."I do mean it"I said, as I kissed her small hands. She giggled a bit, which made me grin. I love seeing her happy."What are you giggling about?"I asked, with a serious expression on face."Oh nothing"Mellethiel replied, innocently with a sly grin on her face.

"Mellethiel, how would you, react if I kissed you?"I inquired, because I'm that ellon."I don't know, why don't you find out"She whispered. Then, I softly kissed her, and it was the most, breathtaking experience ever. Then we, both pulled away, and our noses softly, brushed against each other."That was a marvelous experience"Mellethiel said, which me made laugh."Same here"I commented. Suddenly, she wrapped her arms, around my neck, which caught me, off guard but not for long

"Oh Mellethiel meleth nin"I whispered, as I wrapped, my arms around her waist.

~Mellethiel

As I, was hugging him I thought to myself,"Wow, the king really is full of surprises."

Elvish Translations.(My source, for these phrases, came from Arwen Undomiel.com, so you can check out that website, if you feel inclined to do so.

Hir vuin:My lord

Im:I am

Ni lassui:Thank you(This one, is a different, way to say thank you.)

Le fael:Thank you

Elleth: Female elf

Ellon: Male elf