He notices it. As soon as the King of Dale is brought before him… it has only been a year, but the human’s face has changed. Subtly of course, as a year is not enough for one to look old, but it’s only one more sign of Bard’s mortality and something darkens in the Elvenking’s heart.
He raises however, and dismisses his guards so they are left alone. A small smile then stretches his lips and he bows his head slightly, his hand resting upon his heart and then extended to his guest.
"King Bard." He greets back, finally at the other’s level and not towering above him from his throne. “Winter seems to worry you deeply and I once promised we would meet again. Why then delaying what seems to be of great need.”
He observed Bard’s features now that he was closer and his lips formed a thin line.
Mortal men….
"Surely this can be discussed somewhere more comfortable for you. Follow me.”
He nodded to him and headed towards the footbridges, guiding his guest to a larger alcove. Like most of his realm, it was open and the forest could be seem along with paths and doors. The King offered the other a seat, though himself did not sit, pacing slowly around the room.
"What would you ask of the elves?"
And there is perhaps a stutter in his chest to be before the majesty of the Elvenking again, to be greeted as both friend and ally. This is the first Bard has truly seen of the Elven Halls-- and he is lost beneath their beauty. He tries to imagine what it must be beneath the light of stars and waxing moons. He surmises that any image he could conjure in his head cannot bear a candle to the beauty of these halls-- he follows Thranduil's step in silent awe. When they reach their destination, he takes the offered seat with delight. "No more than has been asked before; I wish to strike trade with the Eryn Lasgalen once more. The Winter concerns me, given that the land is not fertile yet-- we have had little luck growing our own crop; I would like to arrange a trade for whatever you can spare. I have little I may offer in return, but I will give gladly whatever you will have." And he means it; He will give whatever he can to ensure the safety of his people. "We have fish aplenty still, as some fisherman have continued their trade in the repairs of laketown. But I know not whether this bares interest to you. I have a hard time imagining you eating fish..."