You are King Thranduils' daughter, the princess of Mirkwood, and Tauriel, along with being the captain of the royal guard, has also been tasked as your personal guard since you were little. When she’s not on duty during the day she is watching over you, sometimes near and sometimes out of your line of sight, but she’s always there. At night, while she’s on duty, other guards are stationed outside your room, but in the morning she’s back by your side. You’ve grown up under her care, more so hers than your own father’s, so you and her are like 2 peas in a pod. But with your growing age has come your need and desire for independence, something Tauriel is hesitant to let you have even though she knows you are feisty and can handle yourself to an extent.

Today is your 50th birthday, which in human years means your 18th. You’re legally an elf who has come of age. Finally, you think, you won’t have to be followed around like a child anymore, right? Wrong? Tauriel is waiting right outside your door like she is every morning in her green tunic, brown tights, knee-high boots and her bow and arrow placed on her back. “Happy Birthday little princess,” she smiles when she sees you and looks down at you. She’s quite a bit taller than you, as most warrior elves are. That’s it! You’ve had it! You storm away down the hall with your fists clenched, confusing Tauriel, but she shakes her head and quickly follows. She catches up to you in just a few strides because of her long legs and smooth, nimble movements. “Little princess, if I may…”