Another chapter, but here is where the story gets good. Hannah's claws are out, and Thranduil is pissed, and we all know what happens when he is pissed. Enjoy the chapter!
Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN THE HOBBIT! JUST MY OCs!
Interrogation and Revelation
Hannah's POV
Hannah woke up the next morning with a sore back yet a sense of peace. She had reveled who she was and there was no going back. She still felt guilty about the faces she saw on Emmy, Bella, and Amendra. However, she had to remind herself that if she had told them, they would have reported her to the King and/or put themselves in the line of the monsters. Hannah looked around her room or "cell" as it was now, and saw that it was pretty much the same, besides the fact that she could see the shadows of the guards under the door.
Hannah stood up from the bed and stretched, popping her back slightly. She sighed and sat back down since she really couldn't do anything.
She thought about what the older Elf had said to Thranduil that made him drop his blade. He had said, "We should question her about her intentions and what that creature meant."
Hannah smiled, grateful the Elf was willing to hear her story, but she would only tell him what legends have said, but with more detail. If they set her free, (highly unlikely) then Hannah would run back home, and tell her people what she had heard from the manticore. If they decided to imprison her, then she would break free, run back home, and tell her people what the manticore had said. If they decided to kill her, well Hannah would fight (but not kill) all of them to break out, run home, and tell her people what the manticore had said.
Whatever Thranduil and the other High Elves decided, Hannah would return to her people.
Hannah was brought out of her musings when her door opened. She stood to face…..Amendra, with a breakfast tray. Hannah looked in shock at the she-elf. She had expected the she-elf to hate her, ignore her, pretend she never existed. She did not expect her to bring her breakfast.
"Amendra, why?" Hannah asked in a quiet voice. Amendra, who had kept her face blank this entire time, came in, set the tray down on Hannah's dresser then faced her. Hannah wanted to tell Amendra that she didn't mean to hurt her, but before she could, the old elleth's eyes swarmed with tears, and she brought Hannah into an embrace. Hannah returned it with pleasure, grateful that Amendra didn't hate her completely.
Pulling apart, Amendra looked up at Hannah with glistening blue eyes and said, "I thought at first that you had attempted to kill the King, but when I learned that you had saved Arwen and everyone at the Ball, I knew that you were only trying to protect us in secret. Emmy, Bella and I all discussed it last night. We are your friends, Hannah. Even though we've known each other for two months, you have been nothing but kind, loyal, and helpful to us. Especially in keeping Izzy in her place."
Hannah smiled at the end of Amendra's speech and was relieved that Emmy and Bella also didn't hate her as well. If the other servants did, she didn't care.
Hannah looked at the food Amendra had brought and saw a piece of bread, water, and some berries. She nodded to Amendra, "Thank you for bringing me breakfast." Amendra looked sad about the amount she brought but said, "You're welcome. It was the best I could do…..for a prisoner." Amendra looked down at her feet at the mention of Hannah being a prisoner. Hannah raised Amendra's chin with a finger, "Amendra, I knew that this would happen eventually. I am not scared. I faced worse than this. Trust me." Amendra nodded, but still looked sad, eyes brimming with new tears.
Hannah drank some water and ate part of the toast when she realized, "Amendra, why are you not serving Thranduil his breakfast?" Amendra looked at her with a blank face, "I already did. He did not sleep well last night, so he ordered an early breakfast. I expect you will be called to see him-"
"The prisoner is summoned before the King." A guard called at the door.
Amendra looked at Hannah with worry. "Please, don't upset him. He could hurt you." she pleaded. Hannah smiled, and hugged Amendra, "I will be fine my friend. I will only speak truth." Amendra nodded and left, crossing the room and disappearing down the stairs to the kitchen.
Hannah quickly finished her breakfast, and then allowed the guards to lead her to the throne room.
Well, not exactly a "room" in Hannah's opinion, more like a platform raised in the middle of the palace. She had cleaned here once, so she knew it was very intimidating. The antler carved throne, the platform carved from stone and dark wood, and the openness made the King's voice (or anyone who was speaking) echo through the palace. When she and the two guards arrived, they gestured her to the center of the platform. Hannah nodded in understanding and moved to stand in the center of the platform.
When Hannah looked around, she saw that Lady Galadriel was there, the older elf from last night, Prince Legolas, and an old wizard that Hannah assumed was Gandalf the Grey. And of course, on the throne itself, with a mask devoid of all emotion, was Thranduil. He was wearing a red tunic today, along with his black pants and boots. Hannah had to admit he was attractive, but he also was the one deciding her fate. So that meant, she refused to flirt or even remark that he was good looking.
She looked up at him and with a smile and a bow, said, "Your Majesty." He continued to stare at her, showing no response to her remark.
Very well. I will address the others then.
She continued, with a smile, "Lady Galadriel, Elf Lord, Prince Legolas, Gandalf the Grey." As she said each name, she nodded to them. Only Lady Galadriel and Gandalf nodded back. The other two just stared at her.
Hannah returned her gaze to Thranduil who kept studying her. She waited. She was in no rush to know her fate. She could make up the time away from her country by running (or another fun way of traveling) at high speeds even the Elves wouldn't be able to keep up.
Finally, Thranduil said, "So, Hannah," he spoke her name with venom, but Hannah kept smiling, "what are you exactly?" Hannah smirked, "As you have heard from the manticore, the creature that attacked Arwen last night, I am a Shadowhunter. Or as some would call me, A Fairy of Old." Thranduil stood up from his throne and walked down the steps till he stood right in front of her. He leaned over her, "Prove it."
Hannah smiled, "If you wish it, Elven King." Hannah took off her cloak and showed him her Runes. Stepping back so she had more room, she drew a dagger and cut the palm of her hand. He just looked at her, "What does that prove?" he asked with a snap.
Hannah said, patiently, "I'm not finished." Returning the dagger and grabbing her steele, she drew the Healing Rune on her palm. The Rune glowed and when it died down, not a trace of the cut the knife made was visible, just the faded white outline of the Mark. She showed him her palm, which he stared at in awe, and touched the place where the cut had been gently with one finger.
Hannah smirked at his reaction and at the others who looked at her with awe and, in Legolas case, excitement.
Thranduil blinked and resumed his straight posture, the impassive mask on his face once again. "What do you say my guests? Lord Elrond?" The older elf looked at him, a slight smile on his face. Elrond, that is his name. Finally, I can stop calling him older elf. Hannah thought. Elrond said, "I believe her. I have read the Ancient texts many times and in all of the texts about the Fairies, they have many accounts of Runes and how they heal. It fits perfectly with what the past has said." Hannah was not sure whether to be glad about him believing her (because she was telling the truth) or be worried that the Elves still had texts on the Fairies.
Thranduil nodded, then he looked at Lady Galadriel. He asked her, "What do you say, my lady?" Lady Galadriel looked at Hannah, as if trying to see deeper into her, but Hannah was clever and had already put barriers around her mind to keep wandering minds out. She only allowed the Lady to see certain bits of her memory. Finally, Lady Galadriel said, "I can see no wish to harm any of us in her. She has taken oaths to keep secrets, if her blocked mind is any proof of that. Her Marks are those found in the ancient texts, and her skills show a style that was believed dead. I believe her. She is a Fairy, a Shadowhunter."
Hannah kept her smile, grateful that the great Lady of Lothlorien could see enough into her mind to see that Hannah was telling the truth. But Hannah had been raised to block her mind from the eyes such as Lady Galadriel. She gave herself a little victory in being able to keep Galadriel out of her mind.
Thranduil nodded, "Thank you, my lady." He then turned to Gandalf, "And what do you say, wizard?" Gandalf smiled at Hannah, and chuckled a little, "I agree with Lord Elrond and the Lady Galadriel. She is a Shadowhunter, my lord." Thranduil nodded then faced Hannah. Hannah stood proud and tall (or as tall as she could, granted her boots gave her two inches of height) with a smile in her face. He circled her saying, "My colleagues believe you to be a Shadowhunter. As you have just proven the use of Runes, a magic long thought dead through all of Middle-Earth, I believe you as well." Hannah let out a tiny breath that she was holding.
Maybe they'll just ask a couple questions, then I can go.
Thranduil stopped in front of her and with a smirk said, "However, I have questions that need to be answered." Hannah nodded to him, "I figured you would. But I will say this:" Hannah let her smile drop a mask of seriousness taking over her face, "I am bound by oath and honor to keep my people's most precious knowledge a secret. I can give you answers on the basic principles of what I do and why, but to tell you everything would be to betray my kin."
She saw Thranduil frown at her statement. His blue eyed became slightly darker, staring at her as if willing her to take back what she just said. Hannah stared right back at him, not backing down.
Finally, he said, "Very well. But know this, if your answers are in adequate, I will throw you in the dungeon until you are ready to give me a better answer." Hannah simply nodded.
Thranduil said, "First question: What was that creature from last night?"
Hannah answered, with a sigh since she hated talking about the manticore specifically, "That was a manticore. A monster born from the darkest pits on this earth. A servant and child of Chaos and Darkness itself. His spikes contain a poison that inflicts pain, not killing anyone. He is quick, clever, and a vengeful beast. He is a very powerful monster and he commands a small army of demons and monsters. We have clashed a few times before, and each time I have won, killing him so he could stay dead for a few centuries. But this last time," Hannah sighed, "I was too hasty, trying to get away from the patrol and didn't kill him correctly that would have made him stay dead for at least 50 years."
Thranduil said nothing, but Lord Elrond spoke, "You say that he has met you before, yet you also say you killed him. How was he still alive?" Hannah broke her gaze from Thranduil and looked at Elrond. She saw that he was nervous for her answer and he had every right to be. Hannah said, "Monsters and demons are never truly dead. They get banished back to the place where they came from. We Fairies call that place Tartarus. When we kill them in this world, depending on how severe we kill them and how powerful the monster is, it can take days, years, or centuries for the monster to be reborn in that cursed place. And they never forget how they die or who killed them."
Hannah saw Elrond pale slightly at her explanation, but before he could speak again, Legolas asked, "So that beast, the manticore, will be back again?" Hannah looked at the Prince with a sad smile, "Yes, eventually. But because I stabbed in the heart, he should stay dead for at least 50 to 100 years."
Legolas didn't look comforted but Hannah gave them facts, and the truth was: the truth isn't pretty.
Thranduil spoke again, forcing Hannah to look at him since his voice commanded the entire space, "How were you able to hide your Marks and avoid my patrols by disappearing so quickly?"
Hannah smirked, "I used the Runes. That is a subject I can't go into much detail. I swore an oath."
Thranduil frowned. He stared at her, and Hannah watched his conflicting emotions swirl around in his eyes: anger, frustration, curiosity, and …..was that pride? He breathed deeply, but said, "Very well."
Gandalf suddenly said, "If I may ask my dear," Hannah looked at him and nodded for him to continue, "what country did the manticore refer to? And what does Mirkwood have to do with it?"
"That is what I am curious about as well, Mithrandir." Thranduil said with a smirk. Hannah frowned at him.
Don't you start with me, buddy. I could beat all of you within two minutes.
Hannah took a breath and said, "My country, the Kingdom of Elborus, is hidden in Mirkwood. It is veiled by the power of the Runes, hiding it from the eyes of Elves, Men, Dwarves, and all creatures who are not a Shadowhunter, or those who lack the Sight."
Lady Galadriel looked at her with a small smile, "The Sight?" Hannah smiled back. "Yes, but capital S, lowercase i-g-h-t. It is the ability to see through the veil powerful Rune magic gives off, making those who come close to our borders think of something else they have to do, or making a monster or demon appear as something that makes sense to them." Galadriel nodded.
Thranduil was still smirking, which Hannah couldn't see why. That made her angry. What did this Elf King know about her people?
Thranduil said, "If it is in Mirkwood, then it can't be far away from my palace, correct?" Hannah answered, "I cannot reveal the location of my country's entrance, but I will say that it is no more than 2 days away by foot from the palace at human speed." He frowned a little at her indirect answer.
Legolas spoke, with a little hesitance, "What were your intentions when you came into the palace?" Hannah smiled at the Elven Prince. She said, "It was actually never my intention to be in the palace of Mirkwood." She saw Legolas raise an eyebrow, while Thranduil asked, "Then what was your intention?" Hannah continued to smile, and nearly smirked when Thranduil's frown deepened. She said, "My intention was to travel through Mirkwood and travel to Rohan. There I would stay at a small settlement of my kin." Lady Galadriel spoke up, "A settlement?" Hannah said, "Yes. We Shadowhunters have small settlements all over Middle Earth. They too are veiled with heavy Rune protection that conceals them from others sights." Elrond asked, "How would the Men of Rohan not notice an entire area that people stay away from and not investigate?" Hannah shook her head, "It is not a big of a settlement as you think, but if I tell you the actual name of the settlement or how large it is, I would be breaking my oath."
Elrond's eyes narrowed slightly, but he nodded and said nothing more. Thranduil had his impassive face mask on again and was simply staring at Hannah.
If you think you can scare me, Elf, you are dead wrong. I have seen and faced worse.
He came up to her again and began to circle her once more. Hannah wasn't frightened, if anything it just made her annoyed. Finally, he went to the others and they all closed together in a tight circle, conversing in whispers. 5 minutes went by before they broke apart, and Thranduil had a smirk on his face.
That's not good.
He went up to Hannah until they were 1 foot apart. He said, "We have decided that though we are satisfied with some answers, with others we are not." Hannah kept her face blank. She knew this would happen. He was going to imprison her until she told them all the secrets, but that was not going to happen.
I'll free myself before that ever happens.
Thranduil continued, "I will not lock you up, you would break free too easily. No, in order to get the answers we seek, we command you, if you wish to live, to take us to your country, to the King."
Hannah, whose annoyance had been fading, turned into anger at the request and she couldn't contain herself. "WHAT!? YOU THINK I WOULD BETRAY MY COUNTRY!? BREAK MY OATHS?! DISHONOR MYSELF TO SAVE MY OWN SKIN BY SHOWING YOU MY COUNTRY!? I WOULD RATHER DIE!" Hannah exclaimed. The Elves and Gandalf looked shocked at her shouting, but didn't seem surprised by her response.
Thranduil glared at her, "I admire your loyalty. But that creature spoke of a war that would bring itself over all of Middle Earth and especially bring war to my people. The Shadowhunters are supposed to protect all creatures of Middle Earth correct? Then why don't the Fairies ally themselves with the Elves to show power against the darkness."
Because we show NO FAVORITISM to any race! Hannah thought, desperately wanting to yell that at him. With no alliances with the outside world, we can protect the Earth in our own way, undetected and free.
Hannah was about to tell him that when she felt a presence in her mind: a very familiar and comforting presence. It made Hannah's eyes go visibly wide and her body to straighten, her face becoming relaxed and calm.
She heard Elrond say, "Huntress? Are you alright, child?" But it sounded distant as she focused on the presence in her mind.
A deep male voice spoke to her, Bring them, child.
Hannah instantly knew that it was her father and that he had finally found her using his magic and had opened a mental connection with the spell she used on Arwen. She replied back, But, Father, what of my oaths? Our Laws?
He answered, I think it is time we showed the Elves, the wisest race below us, why the Fairies have kept our presence a secret and that we have our own war to face. You forget one of your oaths: Do everything necessary and right in order to fight against the darkness of demons and monsters. You know as well as I that Elves are stubborn and strive to know everything. They will not let up till you bring them here. We will show them why Fairies stay out of their wars and why we do not make alliances with the outside kingdoms.
Hannah thought about it, and realized that he was right. The Elves would not rest until they knew why the Fairies would refuse to help. She knew she had to get the news of the manticore to her people as well in person or no one would truly take it seriously. Also the connection was being strained so Hannah knew she had only a few moments before it cut off. But Hannah was also very stubborn when it came to promises she made. She sighed, Very well. I have to bring you news that I have learned from the manticore I faced as well. But, if they try to force us to show ourselves….I am standing by my oath, to protect the secrets of the Fairies.
He chuckled, Very well, my child. Make haste.
The connection ended.
Hannah refocused back on the Elves and was not surprised that they were all looking at her with confused and, in Gandalf and Elrond's case, worry. "What happened, child?" asked Lady Galadriel, but Hannah could see on her face that Galadriel already had a good guess as to what took place. Hannah said, "My apologizes for scaring you. I had felt a presence in my mind of a Fairy opening a mental connection with me." Hannah smirked as all of their eyes widened to the size of gold coins. "Mental connection?" said Legolas in a whisper. "Yes." Hannah replied with a small smile, "Very powerful Fairies, such as those in the Royal Court, have the ability to open mental connections with their family members or close friends. There is a simple spell that can open a mental connection to anyone, but those are just to communicate." Hannah could have said more, but that would be reveling a well kept secret, one that was kept only by a few.
Thranduil asked, in his deep commanding tone, "And who did you communicate with?" Hannah didn't want to say, but she had a feeling that if she didn't, they would not trust her or listen to her. "My father." Hannah finally answered, keeping her face calm even though she felt the pang in her heart at mentioning his name.
I will not feel guilty about leaving. I was left no choice, since he didn't listen.
Hannah silently tried to convince herself of that when Thranduil spoke up. "I take it your father is in the Royal Court?" he asked with a smirk. Hannah narrowed her eyes, Does he really think so little of me that he doubts my family's rank? Wait. Of course he thinks little of me, after all it's not like I saved his life or anything. Oh, wait. I did!
Hannah kept her composure (with great difficulty trying not to snap) and said, with a slight hiss, "Yes, he is." She prayed slightly that he wouldn't ask what position because Hannah was not ready to revel that. It would probably make her position all the more awkward and stressful.
Thranduil kept his smirk, "And what did he say to you?" Hannah wanted to slap that smirk off his face but just decided to take a deep breath, and with a voice that was devoid of any emotion, she answered, "He had obviously heard from my mind of your request to come to Elborus, and after talking to the King, he has received orders to pass on to me that I am to bring you into Elborus and to the capital, where that King will receive you." Hannah had to control herself when a grin of pure delight and triumph crossed over Thranduil's face. If she had her way, she would have left this place already and be halfway to the capital by now. But no, apparently the gods wanted her to bring King Arrogant Ass and his companions to her sacred city.
Gandalf stepped forward, as if he could read her thoughts (especially the ones beating Thranduil to a pulp) and said, "So you will take us to the Country of the Fairies?" Hannah tore her gaze from Thranduil and dropped the intensity of her glare slightly to look at the wizard. She nodded and said, "I have no choice, but yes I will. But don't expect me to be merry the entire way." Gandalf smiled, "I think anyone in your situation would be anything but merry my dear." Hannah didn't smile but turned back towards Thranduil who was still smirking at her. Crossing her arms she said, "I would suggest we leave soon, tomorrow at the latest. The quicker we travel to Elborus, the faster I can alert my country and have you get your answers, and leave." Thranduil just kept smirking, (he was seriously pushing Hannah's tolerance for arrogant asses) and said, "True enough, Hannah." He said her name in a mocking tone, but Hannah did her best to but on a 'I-really-don't –care' face.
Thranduil turned and the Elves and Wizard all gathered again to talk. She just stood waiting, trying to resist the urge to tap her foot.
It's not that hard a question. Today or tomorrow or I leave you here. It's not that hard!
The group soon broke apart and Thranduil walked up back to his throne and gazed down a her from it, a slight smirk on his face. "We have decided that we will leave tomorrow morning. It shall give us plenty of time to get our things packed and our weapons assembled."He waved his hand and two guards came up behind her but didn't touch her. Hannah looked up at him with an eyebrow raised, "And what would you have me do until then?" His smirk widened, "You will help prepare the horses and tell us what weapons we must bring. Then you will be escorted back to the servants' quarters to rest for the night." Hannah nodded but then smiled up at him, slightly enjoying the way his smirk faltered a little. The reason: she said, "With all due respect your Majesty, the manticore was not lying when he said your weapons would be ineffective against him. Elvish blades are the best when dealing with Orcs and Goblins, but a demons hide is not only tougher, but can only be penetrated by weapons made by white crystal, enchanted silver, and imperial gold. If you are going to get to Elborus alive, you'll need those type of weapons."
They looked at her with slight panic and annoyance. Thranduil sighed, "And where will be able to get weapons of that nature?" Hannah smirked at him, "A day's journey from here is a small outpost for Shadowhunters, with weapons, supplies, and a place to rest. There, you can get suitable weapons."
Lady Galadriel asked, "What shall we do until then?" Hannah smiled, and held put her hand gesturing towards Elrond's sword, "May I?" He looked suspicious but eventually handed her his sword. Hannah held the blade horizontally in front of her by the hilt and waved her hand over the blade, allowing tiny blue dust specks to land on the blade until a blue light streaked across. The light flashed only a second before it died, but the blade was made clean and gleamed brighter than before.
Hannah handed the blade back to Elrond, who took it gingerly. He examined the blade and said, "What did you do?" Hannah smiled, "I simply put a spell on the blade that would make it possible for you to kill demons and monsters for a 3 days. It will keep your blade sharp and clean, but when the third day ends, the spell will break and the sword will dim, but by that time, you will have Fairy weapons."
He nodded, "Thank you."
Hannah smiled. Thranduil's voice rang out again suddenly, "How kind. But I think it best if you go help prepare the horses now, and then repeat the spell on the rest of our weapons after." Hannah bowed and said in a sarcastic tone, "Of course, Your Majesty." Hannah smirked as Thranduil frowned and waved his hand. Hannah felt one of the guards tug slightly on her left arm, a signal that her audience was over.
Hannah nodded to the others and then left for the stables.
On her way down, she couldn't help but think:
What have I gotten myself into?
Thranduil's POV
Thranduil sat on his throne and watched Hannah leave, not quite satisfied that she had left with a smirk on her face.
He came down from his throne and went to the others, who were admiring Elrond's sword. "Does it feel any different?" he asked. Elrond, who swung the blade back and forth, answered, "The weight is the same but I can feel an aura of power, as if an ancient piece of the blade has awoken." Thranduil extended his hand, "May I?" Elrond nodded and handed him the sword. Thranduil examined the blade. It certainly weighed similar to that of Elvish blades that were similar to Elrond's. But Thranduil could feel what he meant by a power awakening in the blade. The sword felt alive, as if it were silently humming and giving off an ancient aura that had lingered in the blade from ages past.
He handed the sword back to Elrond, "Yes, I can feel it as well." Lady Galadriel passed her hand over the blade, muttering words. She finally spoke, "Even I cannot say how it came to be. The Fairy Hannah has made the sword stronger, but also made it radiate with an aura that speaks. I cannot make out the words, it is too soft and it sounds like it is spoken in a language that is not known any Elf, Dwarf, or Man." Thranduil nodded, a little shocked that the little Huntress had shown that power. She may be a Lady of sorts, since she said her father was in the Royal Court, but he didn't really believe her. She had lied about her identity from the beginning, why should he believe her?
She did save everyone's life at the Ball.
Thranduil pushed the thought to the back of his mind. He hated that he had to admit that to himself every time he wanted to threaten her, but he wouldn't be here if she hadn't intervened.
He interlaced his fingers in front of him and said to the group, "An interesting case, her spell may be. But I don't think she will give us the answers until we arrive at this capital of hers." They all nodded. Gandalf spoke, "We should all prepare for the journey for tomorrow morning. I suspect she will want to leave as quickly as possible."
Galadriel nodded, "You are right, Mithrandir." She turned to Thranduil, who looked calmly back at her as she said with a critical stare, "We must fulfill our promise to her, even if she did deceive us in the beginning, she speaks the truth. She wants to return to warn her country as quickly as possible, which is just what we would do if we were her." Everyone nodded. Thranduil instantly knew that Lady Galadriel had seen in his mind that he did not fully trust the girl. He narrowed his eyes slightly, telling her through his glare: You may trust who you wish, and I will trust who I trust. With that, Lady Galadriel, Elrond, and Gandalf left the throne room, leaving Thranduil alone with his son.
Thranduil turned to Legolas, and was about to tell Legolas that he would remain behind but Legolas said, "I am going, Ada." Thranduil shook his head, "I will need you here to run the kingdom while I go. You are staying." Thranduil turned to leave when he heard Legolas say, "No."
Thranduil looked back at his son, who was looking determined. "No?"
Legolas nodded, "No. I will not stay behind."
Thranduil came up to his son, trying not to show too mush annoyance with the disobedience he was getting from his son. Legolas continued, "I want to see that place where the great stories take place. The place of dreams." Thranduil tried not to roll his eyes when he said in a deadpan voice, "This is not a simple trip, where you can fulfill an elfling dream. This is a country with warriors known to be stronger and faster than any being alive and who fight beasts of an ancient evil. Plus the kingdom-"
Legolas cut him off, "-will be fine. The Council and the captains of the guard know what to do. This is not the first time you have been away from Mirkwood. And I can handle myself, Ada. You know that I am the best archer in Middle Earth. Plus it will be good to have a young Elf with you. It might appeal to them."
Thranduil was angry. His own son was disobeying him. But he saw his son's point. The Council and Guard could handle themselves, and they would only be gone for a few days. He sighed, "Very well. But be on your guard." Legolas smiled, which made Thranduil less angry. It reminded him of his wife's smile. "Thank you, Ada." Legolas bowed and left.
Thranduil watched his son leave, his anger being replaced with worry. He knew his son wasn't an elfling anymore, but he never stopped worrying. Legolas was all he had left of his wife. Thranduil sighed again before leaving for his chambers, where he would have Emmy and Amendra pack his clothes.
On his way, he realized that the stables were near.
He smirked, think of how Hannah, a mighty Shadowhunter would look, struggling to keep the horses in check and his Elk under control.
Might as well enjoy the show.
Feeling much happier, he went towards the stables, becoming curious when he heard shouting coming from them. He opened the doors a crack to see how Hannah was doing with the horses and to see what the shouting was about.
He was not prepared for seeing her standing her ground in an argument against Izzy with his Elk calmly standing next to her, allowing her to pet him.
How in the name of the Valar did she get MY Elk to let her pet him?
He stood by the door until he saw Hannah pull out a knife at Izzy and said in a cool tone, "I have saved you and this kingdom hundreds of times from attacks. You do not know what danger lies beyond these walls. You insult my people and my family, with your ungrateful cowardice, unfaithfulness towards the men in this castle, and your lies to those above you. Believe me, Izendrel, I will always be above you. Never forget that."
Thranduil saw that Hannah was losing her patience as Izzy froze with fear, with good reason. Hannah's hazel eyes shone bright with anger, and her attire only amplified the anger that poured from her eyes and the air around her seemed to burn with her anger. He couldn't allow Hannah to hurt Izzy, so without a second thought, he stepped into the stables.
Hannah's POV
Hannah was not afraid about taking care of the horses or Thranduil's Elk. She had always felt calm around animals.
Guess I get it from Mother.
That thought made Hannah smile. When the guards had escorted her to the stables, she thanked them and they were polite when they told her that the horses would just need saddles ready, along with placing certain belts for cargo. So Hannah set to work, coaxing the horses to come to her and allowing her to put the saddles on them. Finally, she came to Thranduil's Elk. It was a magnificent animal, with giant antlers, a long and thick brown fur coat, and warm dark eyes.
She bowed to the Elk, "Great Elk. It is an honor." The Elk tilted his head, then bowed back to her. She approached him cautiously. Finally she patted him on the nose. "I am just going to put the saddle and cargo belts on you. May I?" The Elk nodded in response.
Hannah set to work. She brought the saddle over and managed to fasten it to the Elk before a voice said, "So you really are a Shadowhunter." Hannah frowned and let out a deep breath.
It was Izzy.
She turned and saw her carrying a bunch of food for the horses and the Elk no doubt, with her hair up in a ponytail and a dirty look on her face. Hannah simply said, "Yes, I am." She was set to ignore Izzy as she had no patience left to deal with her. Thranduil had left her with no tolerance for anyone who wanted to take a jab at her. Sure, she had left with a smirk, but he had insulted her again, finding it ridiculous that she could come from a wealthy family.
But Izzy was Izzy, so she would poke until somebody shut her up.
"You. The Shadowhunter. I had thought it was a joke at first. You are too weak to be such a thing. When I saw you this morning, I knew it was true, but let's face it. Even by Shadowhunter standards you are probably the lowest of the low."
Hannah said nothing but kept checking the saddle and started adding the cargo belts. She has no idea how wrong she is.
Izzy continued, and out of the corner of her eye, Hannah saw Izzy just throw the food into the bucket where the horses' food would be. Inconsiderate. They will eat it, but now you have lost their respect. Izzy continued, "Your family is probably the lowest peasant. They are probably thankful you are gone, you're so ugly. No elf would want you and I'm sure no Fairy would either. Guess there is a black sheep in every race." At this, Hannah had finished with the belts and faced Izzy. She kept her face at a dead calm. In a cool tone, she said, "My family is one of the Highest in the Kingdom of Fairies. My beauty is far greater than any human or she-elf's when I show it. Do not insult my family, Izzy, you will regret it."
Hannah had to keep the smirk off her face when she saw the blond she-elf's eyes widen and her small smirk drop into a look of fear. But Izzy soon recovered and said, "At least I have the King's Elk's trust." Hannah watched as Izzy approached the Elk and almost shoved the food up into his mouth. Hannah said, "Are you blind?" as the Elk reared on its hind legs and let grunt of displeasure.
Izzy fell to the ground and backed up. Hannah, horrified at what she had done, grabbed the reins and said, "Whoa! Easy, Great one! Easy!" The Elf stopped bucking but still twitched his front legs form side to side. Hannah made the Elk's eye become level with hers and said the spell to connect their two minds.
Easy, Great One. Relax. I will not let her hurt you again. she said to the Elk. The Elk's eyes widened as he said, You spoke to me kindly before, now you are in my head. Hannah smiled, Yes. But only to calm you. Please relax. I will feed you from my hand if you allow it. I am a Fairy, a guardian of the Wild. I will not let this she-elf harm you. The Elk visibly relaxed and stood still as it said, Very well. I trust you, daughter of the Wild. The elleth has tried to feed me like that before. She has no honor or reverence to me or any animal here. She does not understand that we are more than just beasts.
Hannah smiled and ended the connection. Picking up the carrots that Izzy dropped, she fed them to the Elk slowly and gently. It took a while but the Elk eventually ate them all.
Hannah turned back to face Izzy, who was now standing, pale with shock, but eyes swimming with jealousy and rage. "How did you do that?" she asked Hannah. Hannah began to pet the Elk's nose to keep him calm. She answered Izzy, "I do not need to tell you. Just know that he does not hold any respect to those who treat him or any of these creatures like a beast." Izzy frowned and shouted, "They are beasts! They smell like them and eat like them! They do not feel as we do!" Hannah let the rage fill her eyes slightly and answered, "You shallow girl. They eat how they eat because it is their way. They smell how they are because it is how they have always been. I have seen you eat and you are no Royal when you do so, nor do you smell like one. And they have more heart than you could possibly have. You fail to see past what lies on top of their fur." Izzy shouted back, "You are making up nonsense! You do not know what you speak of! You are merely trying to act wise when you are as empty headed as they come! I am above you! You are merely a prisoner in this Kingdom! I have served this Kingdom for 700 years! You only 'served' for 2 months and you act like you are above me! I have been faithful to everyone in this castle! You have done nothing for us and you and your people are nothing but filthy myths made up to make children sleep at night! You know nothing!"
At this point, Hannah was out of patience. This whore had done nothing but lie to get what she wanted, to her superiors to get out of chores and to men to share their beds. She knew nothing of battle or loss. She knew nothing about losing those closest to you. She knew nothing about her family's status, how many times her people ventured to Mirkwood to protect it from attacks unseen by the elves. And she definitely knew nothing about bravery in face of danger, as she ran from every dangerous situation, most recently, the Elk.
Hannah drew her dagger, and held it up to Izzy, letting the rage fill her eyes and felt her magic aura grow with her anger. She continued to pet the Elk (it was the only thing keeping her from pinning Izzy to the wall, dagger at throat) and said in a deadly cool voice, "I have saved you and this kingdom hundreds of times from attacks. You do not know what danger lies beyond these walls. You insult my people and my family, with your ungrateful cowardice, unfaithfulness towards the men in this castle, and your lies to those above you. Believe me, Izendrel, I will always be above you. Never forget that." She knew Izzy was paralyzed with fear, her skin now white. Hannah continued, "I have seen horrors that would make you go insane and have risen to be one of the most respected Shadowhunters ever known."
She looked towards the doors and saw Thranduil striding in with a calm expression but annoyance shone in his eyes and ….amusement. Hannah put her dagger back on her belt and bowed to him, "Your Majesty." He nodded in her direction and said, "Huntress. What is the problem?" Hannah was about to answer when Izzy dropped into a curtsy and said, "My Lord. This woman is outrageous! She said that I will never earn this Elk's respect and that she is above me. She claims to have seen things that I will never see and called me unfaithful and a coward, and a liar to those above me. I am not, my lord. I know you know this. Do you believe she is a Shadowhunter?"
Hannah watched as Thranduil looked at Izzy with indifference and said, "I do believe she is a Shadowhunter and she has proven it. I also know of your attraction towards my men, Izendrel, and of the lies you tell to get out of your duties." He looked back at Hannah, who still petted the Elk (at this point it was because she was doing it subconsciously). He asked her, "What did she do to my Elk to not have his respect?"
Hannah answered honestly, "She tried to force feed him by shoving the carrots into his mouth." She was surprised when Thranduil whipped his head toward Izzy who knelt in fear. "You dare handle my Elk in such a manner?!" he shouted. Izzy whimpered, "But he is just a beast of the forest….." "He is more than a beast!" Thranduil shouted. Hannah was shocked at his protectiveness. She did not think he would be so understanding, but she was glad that he did understand that the Elk was more than a beast. Thranduil continued, "You are no longer allowed to care for any animal, Izendrel, or anyone in this palace for that matter."
Izzy looked up, horrified, "No, my lord! Please don't-"
Thranduil stood proud and tall and spoke in a commanding tone that rang throughout the stables, "Izendrel, I relive you of your duties here and banish you to the outmost town in Mirkwood. Maybe there you can learn how to be truly faithful and see past the top layer of a person. Guards!"
Hannah stood in awe, but kept her face neutral. She did not expect him to believe her, but when she looked at the Elk, He was staring deeply into the King.
Guess there is a deeper connection than I thought. Reminds me of….
Hannah felt a another pang in her heart at the thought. I'll see her soon. I'm going home.
She watched a shocked Izzy be escorted away with a tiny smile. At least the animals and the men she played would get justice. Looking at Thranduil, she saw him looking at her in confusion. She tilted her head to the side slightly to show her own confusion, "What is it, Your Majesty?" He made his face become a mask of calm, devoid of emotion as he said, "How did you get my Elk to be calm and earn his trust to feed him?" Hannah smiled, "I addressed him as he should be, as Great One, and I also connected my mind to his so that I could calm him after Izzy mishandled him."
She continued to pet him even after Thranduil raised an eyebrow at her answer. He approached her and started to stroke the Elk's neck. Hannah smiled a little more when the Elk leaned into his hand. Hannah stopped her petting and let rider and steed bond a moment.
Hannah was going to bow out when Thranduil said, "You use mental connection quite a bit. Does it not hurt you?" Hannah shook her head, "I only use it to connect to the animals or to warn others of dangers without alerting my enemies." Thranduil gave a small nod but said nothing.
The two stood in silence as Thranduil led the Elk pack into his stable and Hannah led back the horses, feeding them a little from her hand before refilling their pails in a more considerate manner.
Once all the horses and the Elk were secure, Hannah and Thranduil left the stables. She looked at the King and said, "I guess I am needed at the armory now, Your Majesty." He looked at her with a smirk, "Indeed. That spell you put on Lord Elrond's sword is quite amazing. It seemed to almost awaken something within the sword. Perhaps it will do the same on all the rest of the weapons, if you have the energy of course." Hannah's eye narrowed slightly. And good moment gone. He really thinks I don't have the energy for it. Back to Arrogant Ass already? Fine.
Hannah answered, "I have plenty of energy, your Majesty. I best not delay, the quicker I finish, the sooner we can leave." Hannah almost smirked as his face went back to neutral unemotional mask, "Yes." he said, and nodded to the two guards that escorted Hannah to the armory. She turned and left with the guards down the hall. She looked over her shoulder to see Thranduil walking in the opposite direction, and smiled because she knew she had reminded him that even though she agreed to take them to Elborus, she had not said how long they would be able to stay.
Once they reached the armory, Hannah saw Elrond, Gandalf, and Galadriel waiting for her with all the weapons laid out on a table. She bowed to them, "Your Excellencies." They nodded in return.
Hannah moved to the table and saw an array of knifes, bows and arrows, two samurai swords that looked similar to her katanas, a double bladed long sword, and a shorter double bladed broad sword that Hannah recognized as Elrond's. Hannah stepped in front of the weapons and said to the group, "I can give the rest of the weapons the same protection all at once but I will be slightly woozy for a bit afterwards. It is the quickest way." Galadriel nodded, "If that is what you feel is best."
Hannah stood in front of the weapons and raised her hands over them. She felt her power inside of her and allowed her blue dust to cover the weapons minus the broad sword. She chanted in her Faie language, "Awaken, blades of the Elves. Let the dust of my people awaken the spirits of my ancestors' blades in you. You come from the Earth were the White Crystals were mined and their shards now reside in you. Let the shards come forth and defeat the creatures of the dark. Let the shards be free for 3 sunrises and sunsets. Awaken."
Hannah, as she chanted, saw her dust settle over all the weapons. The reason this spell took longer and needed to be spoken was because at the time when she did Elrond's blade, it was one weapon and Hannah could say the chant in her head. For more weapons, Hannah needed to speak the words carefully and slowly. The moment she finished chanting, like before, a blue light flashed across the weapons and all of them gleamed brighter than before and were cleaner.
Hannah turned and looked at the Elves and Wizard with a smile. They looked at her with awe. She knew they did not understand Faie, so it must have sounded very odd to them. Very slowly, Hannah saw her vision become slightly blurry, and clutched the table to hold herself up. She heard Gandalf say, "Easy, my Lady. You did well." Hannah nodded, focusing more on clearing her vision. "Let us get her to her room. Come, child. You need rest." Galadriel said.
Hannah could somewhat make out Gandalf and Elrond leading her toward her room. Halfway there, Hannah got her vision back and she could walk by herself again. "Thank you. I am well now." She said to the two men.
I am not a defenseless child. I just needed a few moments to collect myself. I could defeat demons in that state and I have.
When they reached her room, Hannah turned to the Elves and Wizard, "Thank you, Your Excellencies." Galadriel smiled, "You are welcome child. Rest now for the journey." Hannah nodded, "You as well, Lady Galadriel. I will wake at dawns first light. I hope to leave soon after." They all nodded and Galadriel and Elrond left with a "Goodnight, Huntress." Gandalf stayed behind. Hannah raised an eyebrow, "What is it, Gandalf?" He smiled at her, "I was thinking about how well you and Thranduil will get along on this trip. It will be most amusing for the rest of us." Hannah shook her head, "I will be polite if he is to me. Once we enter my Kingdom, however, he may find that he is the one who is below me, regardless that he is a King." Gandalf chuckled, "Like I said, my Lady, amusing."
Hannah smiled at his humor, "Goodnight, Gandalf." He bowed and left. The guards that had followed them from the armory opened her door and nudged her inside, locking the door behind her. She just shrugged and looked at the dinner she was given: a salad, an apple, and a glass of water. She ate it quickly and then checked her weapons. All were accounted for. Using her steele, she put new Protection, Sight, and Warning Runes on her arms and legs.
She didn't remove any of her weapons from her belt or her person as she laid down to sleep. As she fell asleep she thought I'm glad that they don't speak Faie. Too many questions. Please let the journey go smooth. I hope they are ready for the journey.
Thranduil's POV
Thranduil watched as Emmy and Amendra filled his trunk with travel clothes and royal robes, his armor cleaned and ready for him to wear tomorrow. He was wary of traveling with the Shadowhunter. She had attracted that manticore, as she called it, who knows what else she could attract.
When he went to bed that evening, his thoughts were of Hannah and her gifts of mental connection.
How can she do it so easily? She is young. No doubt she has wisdom and power, but how is her magic that strong that she can easily entered my Elk's mind? She must have spoke true when she said that she was a woman of the Court. But she seems stronger. Infuriating woman.
Eventually he fell asleep, and dreamed of the Country of Fairies and of Hannah's role in the Court.
Ok! Done!
Sorry this took so long but my brain was dull due to the fact that it is summer. Summer = no need to think.
Let me know what you think of this chapter and Hannah's chant is spoken in Latin but it will be called Faie in this story. If anything seems weird to you, please review and tell me because sometimes things fly right under my nose.
But please review and favorite and follow! The journey to Elborus begins next chapter and Hannah gets to be even more sassy!
White Huntress, out.