A Shadow of Hope
Chapter Four
Disclaimer: I do not own the fantastical world of Middle-earth or Tolkien's characters, sadly. I only own my OCs and any other characters I add into M.E.
Thank you all so much for your reviews! I'm glad you all like it! =)
Translations:
.::~**~::.
The next morning — or at least, Ylva assumed it was morning; she was woken up by someone knocking on the other side of her chamber door. She groaned and got up, brushing out her messy hair while walking to the door. There was an elf with long, reddish brown hair — he stood several inches taller than Ylva and his expression was like stone.
"My lord Thranduil has asked for your presence in the library."
"What would the Elvenking want with me?"
"He wishes to ask you some questions, is all, my lady."
"Alright, I will get myself dressed. Just a moment, er—,"
"My name is Teren, my lady."
"Right, Teren, well you can call me Ylva. There is no need for formalities. I am just a common human. I have no titles or positions."
Teren had a faint smile on his face as Ylva spoke.
"Very well, Ylva." Teren said, with a bow. "I will wait until you are dressed."
Ylva closed the door and went to the wardrobe. There were several dresses to choose from but she chose the simplest gown she could find, but even that was still finer than all the other dresses she'd owned in Laketown. It was a simple dress, a pale green with a gold bodice and long, flared sleeves. Ylva slipped it on easily and tied the front of the bodice, thanking silently whoever had made this dress for not adding drawstrings into the back. She then braided her dirty blonde hair into a simple braid over her shoulder and left her chambers.
Ylva found Teren waiting for her by the winding stairwell.
"You look like an elleth, Ylva." Teren said, as she came nearer to him.
"An elleth?" Ylva questioned.
"A term we use for a young, female elf."
"Oh," replied Ylva.
The rest of the walk to the library was silent. Ylva walked a few steps behind Teren, so she could memorize the twists and turns going to the library. Once at the double doors, Teren stopped her and pushed open one of the doors. He returned a few moments later, opening the door for her.
"I will leave you here." Teren said, and hurried off around the corner.
"But—,"
He was gone before Ylva could protest. She sighed in frustration before entering the library. When she saw the Elvenking, he had his back turned towards her. Ylva could see him flipping through old parchments and books on a large desk.
"You asked for me?" Ylva inquired, with a small bow.
"I became aware last night that you are not at ease with male company. Am I correct?" Thranduil drawled. "I suppose it would have to do something with your father?"
Ylva bit her lower lip and lowered her gaze as Thranduil turned to look at her. Even now she was uncomfortable being here alone with the elf.
"Y-yes, my lord," she said, dimly. "Since my mother's death eleven years ago, my father has not been the same."
Thranduil raised a brow at her and circled slowly around the room, looking her way occasionally.
"What brought you to my realm? Why did you choose Mirkwood?"
"I really do not wish—,"
"Answer the question!" Thranduil ordered, with a sharp tone.
Ylva flinched. This did not go unnoticed by the Elvenking. She avoided Thranduil's stare. Ylva wanted to run and hide away in her rooms that she'd been given. She contemplated on what to say to the king and let out a breath.
"My uncle…he helped me escape Laketown. He delivers wine and empty barrels between Laketown and Mirkwood."
"Ah, yes, Bard…you are his niece? I thought I saw a resemblance." Thranduil said, nonchalantly.
"You've met my uncle?" Ylva asked.
"Once,"
Thranduil continued watching her movements, especially how she refused to even look at him. Ylva played with her braided hair and continued biting down on her lip. She closed her eyes when Thranduil walked up to her. He cupped her chin and lifted her head up slowly. Behind her messy braid, he saw a trail of black and blue bruises. Thranduil's assumptions were correct. She had been ill-treated by her father, which would explain her discomfort now and when she came to dine with Thranduil, Legolas and Tauriel.
"Your father did this?" he asked, impassively.
"Yes," she answered.
"He has all claims over you?"
"Yes," Ylva wanted to lie but couldn't. "Please, do not send me back to Laketown. I do not think I could bare his anger much longer. If you were to let me stay for only a small amount of time…I would be grateful. I will not be in your way. You will hardly know I am here."
Thranduil considered her plea as he released his hold of her.
"I give you a month. By the next full moon, you are to leave this place."
"But—,"
"Shall I make it less than that?"
Ylva gave in, no longer wishing to argue. She sighed and shook her head.
"I will take a month." Ylva answered.
"We are finished. You may leave…oh; inform Teren that he is to be your escort for your stay here."
Ylva nodded and quickly left the library, finally able to relax. She let out a deep breath and returned to her chambers. Remember, Ylva, do not despair. He will need you in the end. The same voice entered her thoughts as she went to lie down on her bed. Her brows furrowed as she rose up, utterly confused.
"What do you mean?" she whispered.
The voice was gone and she groaned in irritation before falling back down on the bed.
.::~**~::.
Author's Note: You guys are awesome! Thank you for all of your reviews again! Can anyone guess who's been speaking to Ylva? ;)