A Shadow of Hope – Alternate/Deleted Scenes

So as a few of you have requested to see an alternate 'feast of starlight' – this is one of the VERY early drafts I created – it's really cheesy (I think it is after reading it again) and I am SO glad I didn't use this version. =P I would have chosen another one I'd written when Ylva follows two elves down to the wine cellars and finds Bard there but that one was just as bad (Thranduil would have written to Bard in this version and asked him to come visit Ylva.) _

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Feast of Starlight – (very first attempt)

Ylva found herself lingering outside the grand hall, away from the music, laughter and the merriment of elves. She relaxed against the wall, taking in deep breaths. Thranduil hardly noticed her when she was amongst the elves. The only ones who had even greeted her or spoke to Ylva were Teren and Tauriel.

She made her decision when she looked back at the great hall, she would not be going back to the celebrations. As she turned to walk down the corridor, a voice stopped her.

"Ylva, why did you leave the celebrations?" Thranduil asked.

"I am tired," she answered. "I wish to go and rest."

Thranduil grabbed her arm before she could walk away.

"You cannot run from everything," he said, with his brows furrowing. "Tell me what is troubling you."

"I would rather not. Please, let me go. I wish to go and rest…" Ylva exclaimed, looking at the ground.

"Ylva, look at me." Thranduil demanded.

"Why can you not just let me go? Please?"

"What are you frightened of?"

"You!" Ylva snapped. "Well…just what you could do to me."

Thranduil took her hand into his and led her away from the great hall. He brought to an empty veranda. The lights were dimly lit and Ylva looked up. There were billions of stars over head. It was a beautiful sight to behold.

"You are under my protection. No harm is to come to you, Ylva." Thranduil told her. "I am aware that you have little faith in me but you have given me the chance to trust and to hope again. Even the slightest,"

Thranduil turned away from her for a moment.

"But what I see in me is repulsive, and I will show you why."

He turned around, revealing the part of his youthful face that had been ruined by dragon fire and dragon wrath. Ylva, however, did not flinch or gasp or even cringe at the sight. Instead of cowering back, she walked up to him.

"We all have battle scars and wounds. We all wear them…like I wore the bruises my father left me. I do not see anything repulsive. I see an elf king standing before me. I am just a simple, common human who was fortunate enough to be rescued by the great Elvenking of Mirkwood."

Though Thranduil did not show it, her words baffled and stunned him. How had she not found his scars awful to look at? Thranduil remained silent as he watched Ylva. She gave him a small smile and turned to leave.

"Wait," he said, taking hold of her arms and pulling her back. "How can you look upon me the same way?"

"I told you why, hîr-nín."

There was a pause between them. Ylva found herself fighting the urge to kiss Thranduil but her body told her otherwise. She leaned up and pressed her lips softly against his. He made no response at the start but when she began to pull her lips away, he placed his hand on the back of her neck and pulled her into a deeper kiss. His wounds and scars shrank away under his fair skin as they kissed. Ylva suppressed a moan as he wrapped his other hand around her waist and pulled her closer to him. She had never felt more alive when Thranduil kissed her. Ylva pulled away abruptly, slightly short of breath.

"Forgive me—,"

"There is nothing to forgive." Thranduil interrupted Ylva. "Gerich veleth nín — gi melin,"

"How many times have I asked you not to speak Elvish to me? I cannot understand it!"

"I would have assumed that Teren and Tauriel have been teaching you."

"Not that much,"

"Mm, pity then," Thranduil said, a small grin forming.

"But I think I have an idea of what you said." Ylva added, quickly as Thranduil slipped his arms around her waist.