A Shadow of Hope
Chapter Seven
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Author's Note: Thank you for your reviews again! =) Okay, I know Thranduil and Legolas are both behaving like jerks, but I'm trying to keep their characters canon to The Hobbit. I promise, promise, promise that once they start getting to know Ylva and appreciate her, they won't be such asses! : )
Disclaimer: I don't own The Hobbit, or the lyrics in this chapter. I only own Ylva, Brynja, Yric and Teren.
The Song of Exile is used in the 2004 movie King Arthur. It is also an Old Norse song (I did some research and the original lyrics are written in Old Norse). I thought it'd be perfect for the scene it's in. I'll post a link to the music on my profile page too! : )
Translations:
Navaer: Farewell
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Ylva had been in her chambers for some time now, her eyes red from crying and tear streaks going down her cheeks. She had been there thinking for several hours about what Thranduil had said. She knew Thranduil was right about her emotions…she was terrified of showing them, fearing what she might feel. Ylva wished now that she had never come to Mirkwood. The king was an arse and she hated him just as much as she hated her father. Why did the voice in her thoughts even consider saying that Thranduil needed Ylva? He seemed to be just fine on his own. It was obvious he wanted nothing to do with her, but why had he allowed her to stay? This whole situation was so damn confusion to Ylva. None of it made sense. And the Elvenking's son was just as bad as his father, callous and supercilious.
She was thankful that she had only run into Legolas once after the dinner. He was often out with the forest scout and Tauriel. Once her sobs quieted down, she wiped away the remaining tears with the sleeve of her shirt and sighed.
"I need help." Ylva whispered. "Please, tell me what I need to do."
There was silence. After waiting a few moments, there was the soft gentle voice. Go to him, Ylva.
"That's not helpful. I do not even — ugh, I am sure I am the last person Thranduil wants to see." Ylva continued whispering.
He wants to see you, despite his coldness. Look at his soul, Ylva. He is wounded like you…and breaking.
"Where is he?"
In his solar, he is there waiting. Go, Ylva. Do not be frightened. The voice was gone, leaving Ylva to decide whether or not she should go see Thranduil. Finally, Ylva decided and got up off the ground. She changed out of her trousers, vest and shirt to a simple but elegant dress. Ylva let out a little huff, knowing it was meaningless to go to Thranduil, but something else told her otherwise. Her feet took her up the spiral stairs to the solar. Quietly, she entered, seeing Thranduil leaning against the rail. Ylva did not know what to say to him.
"What brings you here again tonight?" Thranduil asked.
"I wished to…erm," Ylva paused and took a breath. "I…you were right. I am terrified of my emotions. I am so comfortable with keeping them concealed; my emotions generally are not a problem for me. And, I should not have tried to strike you. I acted out of impulse. I—,"
Thranduil stopped her after he turned around. He remembered the bruises he had seen down her neck not too long ago and brushed aside her wavy, dirty blonde hair to reveal the bruises. Ylva's breathing hitched as he stood this close to her.
"When did your father hit you?"
"It…it, um, was some time ago. He drinks too often and lets his anger get the best of him. He oftentimes cannot restrain himself because his mind has been so clouded."
Thranduil raised a brow and gently touched the side of her neck, examining the bruises once more.
"It appears the healers did not notice these bruises. I shall have them look at you once more."
"No, let them heal on their own. I'll be well enough."
Thranduil dropped his hand and sent her a critical look.
"Your headstrong attitude will never cease, will it?" Thranduil drawled.
"No, it won't." Ylva answered.
Thranduil noticed as Ylva raised her brow, trying to hide her amused smile. Two could definitely play the game of stubbornness, she thought.
"You are just as stubborn as I am, my lord. If you do not wish to have me here, just say it and I will leave Mirkwood." Ylva continued.
"What gives you the notion that I am 'just as stubborn as you'?" Thranduil drawled.
"I do not need to answer that. You know the answer well enough."
Thranduil felt a smirk coming along as the human girl argued back with him.
"So be it," Thranduil finished. "Navaer,"
"I do not speak Elvish…mind you."
Ylva turned to walk out of the solar but Thranduil took hold of her arm, holding her back.
"Will you stay the month I gave you?"
"Are you, in fact, requesting that I stay?" Ylva inquired, with the smallest hint of irony.
Thranduil's eyes flashed at her in irritation for a moment. Ylva looked at her feet when she saw his expression. He released his hold of her and watched her as she left the solar.
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Flashback
"Mama! When is the storm going to be over?" Ylva asked, as thunder rolled over in the clouds.
Her mother was sitting by the warm hearth in the upstairs bedroom. She was knitting Ylva a new wool sweater for the colder weather. Ylva climbed into her mother's lap and huddled close to her.
"All is well, my darling Ylva, 'tis but a storm. The thunder cannot hurt us."
"Could you sing to me again, Mama?"
"What would you like me to sing, my love?" Brynja inquired, brushing her hand through Ylva's ash blonde hair.
"The one about the bears and eagles and the mountains," Ylva exclaimed.
She squealed when the thunder clapped loudly again. Brynja chuckled and smiled at her six year old daughter.
"Land of bear and land of eagle
Land that gave us birth and blessing
Land that called us ever homewards
We will go home across the mountains
We will go home; we will go home
We will go home across the mountains
We will go home, we will go home
We will go home across the mountains
Land of freedom land of heroes
Land that gave us hope and memories
Hear our singing hear our longing
We will go home across the mountains."
By the time Brynja had finished singing the melancholy tune of home; Ylva had been fast asleep in her mother's arms. Brynja smiled and lifted Ylva to her little bed in the corner and gently placing her in it.
"Sleep well, my beautiful Ylva." Brynja whispered and kissed her forehead.
Brynja quietly left the upstairs bedroom. She glanced back once at Ylva before gently shutting the door. Even if she hadn't been blessed with a happy marriage like her brother, Bard, she was blessed with a wonderful daughter. She walked down to the small kitchen. The house was awfully silent, Brynja noticed. Yric must have been at the tavern again. Brynja folded her arms around herself, sighing as she paced a little. A knock on the door startled her and immediately she went to open it.
"Bard! It's you! What brings you here?"
"I came to see you and Ylva are doing."
"We are well. I just put Ylva to sleep."
"Where's Yric?"
Brynja's smile faded and looked at her feet. Bard sighed and wrapped his arm around his little sister and embraced her.
"He has been spending more money at the tavern again. We can hardly afford to pay what we owe to the Master." Brynja said, quietly.
"How much does Yric owe?"
"I do not know."
"Let me help you, sis."
"No, Bard…I could not ask that of you. You have your own family."
"You are my family as well, Brynja."
"Please, do not worry over that."
Bard sent her a look before finally giving in. She truly was the more headstrong one in the family.
"Promise me one thing, Bard."
"Anything,"
"If something should happen to me—,"
"It won't!" Bard cut in.
"But if something does, promise me you will look after Ylva. Promise me you will protect her from Yric."
"I promise."
"Thank you, Bard."
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You know what to do now! ; ) : )
