Thranduil left the great palace. He walked over stone bridges and fallen leaves until he came to a sunny grove in which grew a single great oak tree. Thranduil bowed to the tree and sat down at its base.

"My wife," he said. "Today I have decided to become a father. But I am not sure I can be a good father. I need your wisdom."

The oak tree's great limbs twisted apart and bowed to the ground. From the center of the tree sprang the Queen of Mirkwood, whose undying love of the forest kept Mirkwood alive forever. She fluttered toward Thranduil and hovered near his head. When she spoke, her voice came from everywhere at once. "My husband, my joy is great to know you have opened your heart to your son. I saw him enter the forest, poor child. He staggered on until he collapsed. Those that pursued him were too afraid to enter the forest. I guided the scouts to Legolas. I am glad indeed to know he is recovering."

"I too am very grateful to have my son back. But I must know how to be a good father! I have no experience in such matters, my wife!"

"My husband, your pleas are foolish. If I tell you to love Legolas, you will spoil and pamper him. But if I tell you to let Legolas be free, you will neglect him horribly. So you see, I can say nothing but follow your heart."

Thranduil sighed. "I am following my heart! But my heart tells to me to repeatedly hug Legolas and shower him with kisses."

"Then do it. Why do you hold back?"

Thranduil flushed.

"Is it possible you are afraid of showing love, my dear old tree?"

"No!" Thranduil protested. "But it does make me feel awkward. And if I do it in private, Legolas will not understand why I do not hug him in public and it could become difficult to explain. Besides, what will the people think of me of I start loving my son more then I love them?"

"Really, my husband, we are elves. The wood elves will understand," the Queen said reasonably. "It is not as if we are petty humans, all vying for attention! You have nothing to fear. You can cover a flower with many leaves but it will still grow. It is the same with love, my husband. Everything will work out. Such is nature's will. Do bring Legolas to see me sometime."

The Queen of Mirkwood returned to her tree and branches twisted themselves back up around her.

Thranduil stood up. He walked slowly back to the palace. Harune came to greet him immediately. "My lord, the room has been prepared as you requested and Legolas is asleep in it. Do you wish to send a letter to Lord Katar?"

"No," said Thranduil bitterly. "Let him come. But he is not taking Legolas from me. I reclaimed my blood. Dismissed."

"Yes, my lord."