So then where were they? The palace itself was vast, but there were
limited places that would hold any interest for their young son and
when Oropher and Thranduil spent time together, fun was all-
important.

Rhovallos continued her walk through the palace, asking those she
passed if they had seen the King and Prince, but none had. She was
about to give up and trust that they'd return to their rooms later,
when a wonderful smell reached her nose. A wide smile spread over
her face, now she knew where they were hiding.

Turning on her heel she walked swiftly to the kitchens and pushed
open the door. As expected, there before her was her elusive family.
Oropher and Thranduil were seated on opposite sides of a wide table,
glasses of milk and a plate of freshly baked cookies between them.

"I should have known I'd find you here," she said, catching their
attention.

Oropher's head shot up and he blushed, seeing the amused look on his
wife's face. Luckily he was saved from having to make a response by
Thranduil, who jumped down from his chair and ran to his mother,
throwing his sticky arms around her.

She picked him up and brushed away crumbs from around his mouth.

"You are both of hopeless!" she said, holding her son tightly as she
leaned down to kiss her husband.

"I am not!" Oropher protested mildly as he kissed her back.

She straightened, looking down at him with a raised eyebrow, her
gaze focusing on the treat in his hand.

He grinned sheepishly, picking up the plate and offering it to
her, "cookie?"

The Queen of the Greenwood rolled her eyes and Thranduil giggled.

THE END