I gathered my weapons the next morning and I headed to the training grounds. Many years before, Saruman had given us a gift of a practice dummy that would stand and walk and perform as a real enemy. 

I had never really used it, having been taught that a lady staid away from the men's work and kept to the home. 

I pulled out my daggers and stared at their beauty. Lady Galadriel had certainly out done herself in gifting. I strode into the yard and halted in my tracks at the sight of Thranduil swinging his swords around  hitting everything with accuracy. 

I cleared my throat slightly as he pulled away and he looked up at me. "Spying were we?" He smirked. 

"No." I blushed. "I was merely looking around." 

"Uh huh." He nodded. "Are you ready to begin?" 

"Yes." I walked to where he was motioning for me to stand. 

"Now I want you to pull your double blades first." He stepped away from me. 

I closed my eyes and imagined a band of orcs racing after me. I pulled my blades from my back and began an attack. 

Thranduil stopped me and showed me how to better guard my blind points and then he told me to begin again. 

It was quite a bit of that. Stopping, correcting, and beginning again. At the end of the day I was ready to fall asleep. Thranduil pulled his sword from the practice dummy and then strode over to me. 

"Well Alavara, you did a great job. An Orc would not survive if attacked by your vigor." He smiled proudly. 

"Thank you Thranduil." I replied. 

He turned to me. "Alavara, you are a strong elleth. You will do things many will not understand." 

I ducked my head shyly and he tilted it up to look into his eyes. I pulled away and we walked back to the main court. 

We continued practice for the month and by the end of the time, I had become quite skilled, all thanks to Thranduil. 

We had become closer and he spent much of his time with me. I grew to love the fair haired king and I believe he came to love me as well. We would stay up till the early morning talking and whispering our dreams and hopes. He confided in me that once he was married an heir would become the center point of everyone's focus. 

I told him of my lost older brother. How he died in battle at the tender age of 15. My mother had wept herself almost to the grave. She was ready to pass any day now. My father had remained strong and had continued to rule fairly and justly. 

Then it was time for Thranduil to leave. I cried the night before. He had found me sobbing. 

"Alavara, what ever is the matter?" He tucked me into his arms. 

"I-I... You can't leave me." I whispered. 

"Come away with me, my darling." He whispered. 

I stared up at him with tears in my eyes. "You know why I can not." 

He sighed and looked at me disgruntled. "I know. If you ever change your mind, know that my kingdom, my heart will always have a spot for you. No matter what." 

I reached up and kissed his cheek. "Thank you." Then I broke away and fled, leaving Thranduil behind. 

I gathered myself the next morning and stood with my family as Thranduil bowed to them and they to him. He turned to me.

"Last chance." He traced my jaw with his strong finger tips. "Gi melin."

I shook my head and he sighed. "Thranduil," I grasped his hand," I love you too." His eyes lit slightly. 

Then he mounted his elk and rode away. I ran from the court yard into my room and sobbed. Thranduil, my love, was gone. For now, we were separated.