The fellowship stood at the gates of the dreaded forest. Each member was fearful. Legolas stood facing us and calmly said, "Let's get going."

"You can't expect us to walk through that cursed forest!" Gimli exclaimed.

"Certainly not. You would be lost within seconds and you would never find your way out. " Legolas said with a serious expression.

Gimli frowned, not sure if that was an insult or just a fact.

"So, lead the way." Boromir said. More than ready to be done with this part.

Legolas hesitated a bit, "There is a secret way inside. No man, dwarf, wizard, or hobbit know about. Its whereabouts are a sworn secret."

"So how are we supposed to get through then?" Pippin asked.

The elf sighed. "You are not going to like it. My father's orders are for no outsiders to see the secret entrance, so you all must enter blindfolded."

"WHAT?!" Yelled the dwarf.

Gandalf stepped in and said, "So be it."

Aragorn tore strips of fabric from an extra blanket and handed one strip to each member. Gimli grumbled the entire time. Legolas took some rope and handed a section to each of us so we would be sure to stay together.

"I'm trusting each of you to be honest." Legolas then led us on. We followed, over what felt to be a smooth path. In less than five minuets the elf announced, "Welcome to the Woodland Realm!"

We scrambled to look around, pulling off our blindfolds. Behind us were trees and more trees and before us, the gates to the Elven king's home.

"How on Middle Earth did we get here so quickly?" Boromir asked in awe.

We walked up to the gate and there stood a beautiful red haired lady she-elf. Legolas greeted her, then gestured to us while speaking Elvish.

"Must they always show off with their language?" Growled Gimli who felt insecure not knowing what was being said.

The elves walked toward us and the she-elf said to us in a kind voice, "My name is Taruiel. You all are welcome to enter."

To describe only the entry hall would take more time than I could spare. Walls made from beautiful tree trunks and branches twain together, trees where elves and sprits had been delicately craved in. All around in the enormous celling, I swear were real stars. Twinkling's of thousands of far off lights that made a hobbit feel very small indeed.

We were brought to the great hall where king Thranduil, Legolas' father, sat upon a high throne.

"I've been informed of recent burglaries." The king began.

Legolas stepped up and did most of the talking. "Yes, it is all true Father."

"Then you shall be greatly pleased to hear that my Ring is still safely here. " Thranduil said as he waved his hand to show off his majestic ring.

Legolas smiled. "Yes, I knew Bilbo had no knowledge of the secret entrance."

Thranduil raised his eyebrows. "You brought," here he gestured to us, "Them through the secret entrance?"

"Blindfolded of course!" Assured Legolas.

Thranduil glanced slightly at the dwarf and continued, "I see. While you are here what are you plans?"

Here Gandalf spoke up. "We hope to be here when Bilbo arrives and catch him in the act."

"If he arrives you mean." The king countered.

"If?" I asked.

"Surely you know of the powers of Mirkwood forest? He shall never make it here."

"He has the one Ring! As well as Elrond's, and Galadriel's rings. Doesn't that count for something?" Aragon pointed out.

Thranduil sighed as if tiring of us. "Rings or no Rings. He has no chance."

Frodo had a dangerous look in his eye that Gandalf noted and hurried to say, "Very well. With your permission we shall stay here to rest then be on our way."

Thranduil smiled like a child who had just won an argument and nodded. "Very well."

We hurried out of the room and were led to the gathering hall for lunch. No one dared complain of the King's manner while his son was with us.

Only Frodo said, "Bilbo could make it here. I know it!"

"How long shall we stay here?" Boromir asked.

"Until the time is right." answered Gandalf.

The group looked at Gandalf but said nothing. We ate a delicious meal of spring green salad, rainbow trout and forbidden berry bread. (no one took much notice at the name "forbidden berry") It was rather good actually.

A/N 

So what did you all think of Thranduil? And yes Taruiel is in this story. Please comment about what you thought. Thanks!