A Shadow of Hope
Chapter Ten
.::~**~::.
Author's Note: I know! I know! I'm so sorry for not updating sooner. I've been insanely busy with school, work and family stuff. But I'm back and I will continue the regular updates, hopefully! Thank you all so much for your reviews! Wow, 74! You are all awesome — virtual hugs — and I just hope you enjoy this next chapter.
Also, if you haven't done so already, follow me on tumblr [ladylyannaoferebor . tumblr . com] I also have a blog for period romance drama under the name [regency-romance . tumblr . com] =) If anyone wants to, feel free to make banners, fan art, etc…let me know! That'd be awesome! You can submit it to me on my tumblr page : ) I'll post a link then on my fanfiction profile.
One last thing: I did some research for the human deities in Middle-earth and the only one sites mentioned was Melkor as their deity. If anyone else knows anything, let me know! I'll make the adjustments!
Enough ranting! Enjoy!
.::~**~::.
Yric stumbled about Laketown planning on exposing Bard and the kidnapping of his daughter. He hoped that the Master of Laketown would grant him permission to leave in search of Ylva. Before entering the house of the Master, Yric was stopped by the advisor — Alfrid.
"Well, if it isn't Yric the Drunkard. What brings you to the house of the Master?" Alfrid sneered.
"My daughter has been kidnapped by Bard. I do not know where he has taken her but she is no longer in Laketown." Yric yelled.
"Mm, very well, come in. But, do not speak unless the Master allows it. Do not look him in the eyes. You are not his equal."
Alfrid held up his hand towards Yric once they were inside to stop. He began ascending the stairs but stopped half way and peered down at Yric who'd been slumping about.
"Wait here, and do not touch anything. Guard, keep an eye on that one." Alfrid hissed.
Once Alfrid had disappeared, there was a heavy door slam and quiet whispering coming from upstairs. The wood creaked above Yric and he was about to leave until he heard footsteps descending down the stairs again.
"Ah, what a pleasure it is to see Yric the Drunkard in my humble abode. Welcome, sir. How 'bout a round of port, eh? It'll warm you up a bit. There's a draft no doubt. Blasted lake," The Master exclaimed, clapping his hand with Yric's. "Now, tell me of your plight."
"It is both my brother-in-law and my daughter. I fear he has kidnapped her under my nose and taken her out of Laketown."
"No one is permitted to leave Laketown unless if I or Master Alfrid has given instruction. Are you quite sure Bard would have kidnapped little Ylva?"
"Yes, Bard was not at his house when I went in search for my Ylva again. Ylva has no other relations here. It is simply myself and of course, my wife's brother. I know she would not hideaway anywhere else."
"Yes, we all seem to have dealings with Bard, don't we?" the Master drawled. "Well, I shall give you a offer. If I allow you a week's permission to go and search for your daughter with two of my best men, you bring her back here to my residence."
"I have a hint as to where my Ylva might have gone."
"And where might that be, Master Yric?"
"The Greenwood,"
The Master of Laketown's expression darkened and he poured himself a glass of brandy.
"What, in the name of Melkor, gave her the nerve to hide in that place?"
"The Elves would give her sanctuary no doubt. But, I will find her and bring her back to Laketown. I will give her to you if you allow me to venture there."
"You would voluntarily offer Ylva to me?"
"Yes,"
"She would make an impressive little wife wouldn't she?" the Master inquired, with a grin.
He glanced over at Alfrid.
"Do you think Ylva would do for a fine little wife?" he continued.
"Oh, quite so, Master. She is far prettier than most of the women here in Laketown. I have seen the girl myself once or twice. I think you should consent to the bargain." Alfrid said.
"Very well, it is settled then! When shall you leave for Mirkwood?"
"I will go in a few day's time. I have dealings with my brother-in-law."
"Good man," Master of Laketown exclaimed, slamming his fat hand on Yric's back before driving him out.
Once Yric was out, the Master of Laketown slammed the door shut and locked it.
"Damn drunkard, well, at least in no time I shall have a fit young wife to share my lonely bed with." The Master grumbled.
Alfrid grinned wickedly and followed the Master upstairs to discuss more business and whatever else the Master needed.
.::~**~::.
Ylva wasn't quite sure how many books she had gotten through after sitting in the library for so long. She had found a comfortable chair and soon had fallen asleep. She had been reading tales of the dwarves. She was surprised Thranduil had even kept the history of Dale and the Lonely Mountain — knowing full well of the rivalry between the two races. She had fallen asleep reading about the tale of Durin and the start of it all. Unbeknownst to Ylva, Thranduil had returned to the library to find her surrounded by books. Some were scattered along the floor around the chair she slept in and some were on the table beside her. It had been several hours since he had brought Ylva to the library, Thranduil remembered. He looked at the human girl. In fact, she was not really a girl after all. Ylva was more of a woman than a girl. Her figure showed otherwise. The dress she wore certainly showed off her figure more than Thranduil expected.
His attention was then averted to the book she was reading. Carefully, he picked it up out of her hand. It was the History of the Dwarves. Thranduil scowled at the book and was about to throw it into the hearth. He stopped himself, knowing it would no doubt arouse Ylva from her sleep. Instead, he set it aside on the table. Without thinking, he lifted Ylva into his arms and decided to return her to her chambers. She was light as a feather as he carried her from the library. Thranduil knew his halls well and avoided any contact with other Silvan elves. He wondered why he did this at all. Something about this human had, indeed, fascinated him. Thranduil would never admit it to anyone else, however. He looked down at her sleeping form again. Her breathing was quiet and gentle. Even as Ylva slept, she was quite beautiful.
Once Thranduil found her chambers, he set her down on the bed. Without much thought, his hand gently traced along the side of her face — her skin was soft and warm compared to his cold hand. Thranduil abruptly moved his hand away. Why was he allowing this human woman to bewitch him? Do not deceive yourself. He thought to himself. There was never even the slightest chance of hope for him. The ages that had passed had turned his heart from ice to stone. There was a time long ago when it was not but that was long past. It was nothing more but a dream to Thranduil now. That is all his desires ever would be.
.::~**~::.
You know what to do! : )