A Shadow of Hope
Chapter XI
.::~**~::.
Disclaimer: Sadly, I don't own The Hobbit. I only own Ylva, Yric, Brynja, Teren, Bellethiel, Talathiel and any other original characters I might throw in later on! =)
By the way, I changed Idríla to Bellethiel — she's the same person, I went back and reread the chapter she was in and I didn't like the original name I'd come up with so I looked up some Elvish names. HAHA! =)
One last thing, this is still up in the air – I know I'm not anywhere NEAR done with this story but once I do finish it, who would like to see a sequel? Just a thought. Let me know! =)
Translations ~
Híril-nín – my lady
Buoin na 'el – I serve you with joy
Tolo – Come
Hannon-le – I thank you (general: Thanks)
Ylva had no recollection of how she returned to her chambers that night. The last thing she had been doing was reading a book about dwarves. She woke up slightly dazed and weary. A sigh escaped her lips as she pushed the silk covers off her. Once the realization dawned n her, Ylva let out a small groan of aggravation. It had been Thranduil who brought her to her chambers! She thought it had just been a dream…and the way he touched her cheek last night – Ylva gnawed on her bottom lip as she lightly brushed her hand over her cheek where the Elvenking had. Just for a small fraction of a second, Ylva felt a sensation flutter in her chest. She caught herself smiling as she remembered the feeling of his hand against the side of her face.
"No, Ylva," she said, shaking the thoughts out of her head and back to reality. "He is a king and he is immortal. I'm just a ordinary mortal human."
She slipped on a silk robe over her night chemise and untangled her long plaited mess of hair. Once she had finished combing it out and fixed it into a neat braid, two maids had come around. She remembered one of them as Bellethiel but the other was unfamiliar to her.
"Good morning, my lady," Bellethiel said, "My lord king has requested that we are of service to you. Anything you request or need, my sister and I will help."
"Oh well, thank you. What is your sister's name?' Ylva inquired.
"Talathiel, híril-nín," the other responded, "Buoin na 'ell."
"My sister says she serves you with joy"
Ylva smiled and gave a small nod of thanks. The two maids went to the wardrobe to find Ylva suitable to wear for the rest of the day.
"Bellethiel, I was hoping – before I dress…if you could draw a bath for me." Ylva continued, a little anxious.
"Of course! Talathiel, tolo – if you would, my lady, the baths are in a separate wing."
Ylva followed her maids to the baths. Hot water was drawn out into a deep marble pool in one of the bath houses. Once there, she untied her braid and slid off her robe and night chemise before wading into the bath. Talathiel poured scented oil into the water around Ylva and muttered something in Elvish.
"My sister says this will help with any pains or wounds. It will help you relax."
"How do you say 'thank you' in Elvish?" Ylva inquired, sinking almost completely in.
"Hannon-le,"
After Ylva repeated the thanks in Elvish to Talathiel, the elleth smiled at her timidly. The sisters left Ylva in peace so she could bathe and stepped out into the corridor.
"I can see how our lord Thranduil admires her. Though she is human, she is quite beautiful. I say it shan't be long until he finally admits it to her." Talathiel spoke quietly.
She glanced at her elder sister.
"Oh hush, Talathiel, you know better than to speak of such things aloud. But yes, I must agree – our lord does admire her a great deal, considering the fact he did not send her away after healing her wounds. It is possible we may yet have another queen again one day. Enough chatter. Do not speak of this to anyone, Talathiel, especially not to Lady Ylva." Bellethiel responded.
Thranduil lingered in his solar again that morning, his thoughts swarming and invading his internal peace. A mortal cannot be with an immortal elf…the torment it does to the feelings of others is vexing. The tale of Beren and Lúthien proved this to be valid. Besides which, Ylva had not a drop of royal bloodline in her, at least as far as Thranduil was concerned. She was a common mortal woman with a common past. Thranduil saw her face in his thoughts. The only time she had ever smiled at him was when he brought her to the library. In all honesty, Thranduil admitted he would like to see her smile more often. It suited her well – and when he did see Ylva smile for the first time, there was a certain glow around her. He left the solar and with a quickened stride, Thranduil came upon Ylva's bedchambers. Her ladies maids had been there straightening the beds and to receive a dress for Ylva.
"Where is the human, Bellethiel?" Thranduil asked, his brows furrowing.
Both of the young elleths jumped in surprise.
"Forgive me, my lord, she is in the bath house. We have left her temporarily in peace."
"Inform the human I wish to see her in the courtyard once she is dressed and prepared."
"Of course, my lord," Bellethiel responded.
"The human?" Talathiel questioned, once the Elvenking left Ylva's chambers. "I thought he addressed her as Lady Ylva."
"Oh, he does…I assume he simply calls her the human when he is irritated with her." Bellethiel said, with a short laugh. "Come; let us return to Lady Ylva. I'm quite certain she will be expecting us."
.::~**~::.
I know it's shorter than my usual chapters! Please leave a review and response. What could Thranduil possibly want Ylva for? ; ) Find out next time!