A Shadow of Hope

Chapter XIV

.::~**~::.

Laketown

"So, Yric son of Yngvar, now that you have all your provisions, you may go. Safe journey!" Alfrid called, with a snigger as Yric disappeared under the gates of Laketown.

Two of the Master's men were steering and guiding the boat around the glaciers on the lake. Yric scowled at Alfrid as his back was turned towards the town, ignoring the snide comments. Not long after, the town disappeared into the fog and there was nothing to steer them except their senses. Not long after they started their journey, the sun disappeared, leaving them in darkness. Fortunately, the boat had a lantern so they could see ahead. One of the men going with Yric had also brought another one.

"I tell you, that Bard is only causin' mischief, 'e is." One of the men spoke abruptly. "It don't do any good. Master says he'll hang Bard one of these days."

"Well, he does say a lot of things; doesn't he?" Yric muttered. "I asked him to arrest Bard for kidnapping my little girl but no, he delayed that. He delayed giving me my provisions until now. If it hadn't been for the delay, I could have been in Mirkwood by now!"

"Is it true the Master'll marry your daughter once we return?" the scruffier looking man asked.

"Yes, he will. He has agreed to the terms of matrimony." Yric replied. "We'll all get what we want in the end. Ylva will have spared her uncle's life, the Master will have a young wife and I will have one too."

"What about us then?" the man asked.

"I am sure that the Master will pay you generously for your devotion to our issue at hand." Yric answered. "Tell me your names again?"

"Wulfrid," said the first man.

"Björk," the other replied.

Wulfrid was steering the ship through the glacier covered lake and Björk retrieved his fiddle from its case.

"Really, did you have to bring your instrument along? It might get damaged along the way." Wulfrid scolded. "Shoulda left it with yer wife,"

"I though' we'd have a bit of music while we traveled across the river. It's a two days trip just across this bloody lake." Björk insisted.

"Once we reach the mainland, it's best you put it away. We don't want to make ourselves vulnerable to enemies or spies." Yric commented, dryly.

"What if we meet any of the Elves?" Björk asked.

"I don' think it's smart wanderin' off into Mirkwood. I've heard it's cursed…that the Elvenking cursed it himself." Wulfrid added.

"There's no reason to act like superstitious old women. If we do run into those tree shaggers, then I'll ask to be taken to their king. I have signed papers for him to return Ylva to me. If you are so frightened of the forest, you can stay and guard the boat from Orcs or goblins."

.::~**~::.

Mirkwood

Ylva decided to wander around the home of the Elves. There were all sorts of twists and turns within the walls. In a corridor that had been dimly lit, Ylva noticed paintings on the walls. Once she stepped further in, she realized it was a room. The paintings revealed the past, the stories she had read in the book Tauriel had given her. She spotted a faded image of a she-elf and a mortal man, Beren and Lúthien, Ylva thought. Lúthien was beautiful, one of the most beautiful Elves she had seen. Even though it was just a painting…Ylva let out a sigh. She wondered how many mortals had fallen in love with Elves and only to die within a few years of old age as the Elves lived on. Ylva frowned and dropped her hand from the wall.

Thranduil found her staring at the paintings in the abandoned corridors. He walked up to her and stood beside her as she stared at the wall lost in her thoughts.

"Beren and Lúthien are wandering the halls of Mandos. There is no use dwelling on the past, envisioning their life. They are nothing but words and tales cast into the wind." Thranduil said, still standing beside her.

"Stories give us imagination and hope for something better in the future. You know my uncle told me stories about Mirkwood when I was a little girl. Stories he'd heard from his father before the sickness fell. My cousin and I would often dream what it would be like to see the Woodland elves. Now I am here without her."

Thranduil studied her closely; she had not looked his way once since his arrival. Ylva had changed since her discovery on the borders. Her pale skin glowed in the firelight and she released a sigh.

"You and your cousin were close to one another?"

"In a way we are…but, I have always been most attached to my uncle. I was never afraid of telling him everything. He always understood me and protected me from my father. Bard is more of a father to me than Yric ever will be." Ylva responded.

Ylva glanced up at him. He stepped closer to her and brought his hand out to brush a loose strand of hair away. Quickly, Ylva stepped back again and looked at her feet. Thranduil's brows furrowed as he watched her in confusion but soon put the pieces together once he recognized her reactions.

"I have no intentions of harming you, Ylva. You are under my protection…our guest." Thranduil said, gently.

"Sorry…I just—," she stopped and released the breath she'd been holding.

"I understand your worries. There is no need for an apology. In a week's time, there will be a celebration. The Feast of Starlight," Thranduil said. "I would like you to attend."

"I do not have anything appropriate to wear."

"I am sure Bellethiel can provide you with something. She is a clever seamstress after all."

"Right, I will let her know then. Excuse me,"

Ylva hurriedly brushed past him. His gaze followed her even after she left and Ylva was sure she felt something spark inside her. Why was he looking at her that way? She wondered as she glanced quickly back at him. She couldn't exactly place her finger on it, but there definitely was something there between them. Even Legolas had noticed it…and quite possibly Bellethiel and Talathiel. Perhaps the Elvenking was not as cold hearted as she assumed. Something was different about him and she just wanted to figure out what it was. Lost in her thoughts, Ylva did not even notice that she came to the archery range where she spotted Tauriel training younger elves.

"Ylva!" Tauriel called. "Come! It has been a little while since we saw each other!"

She smiled and walked down the steps and glanced at the elves training to be in service to the king. They all bowed as Ylva walked up to Tauriel.

"My lady," they said.

"Continue your rounds," Tauriel ordered.

She linked arms with Ylva and they walked around the courtyard.

"What are the elves saying about the Elvenking and me?" Ylva asked, softly.

Tauriel stopped and let out a sigh.

"I should not be the one to say anything of it, Ylva. I cannot. I am but a lowly Silvan Elf…"

"Yes, but you are the Captain of the Kingsguard and the Elvenking has you in his favour, surely he's said something to you."

"Ylva — I cannot. Everything will fall into place in due time. Some things may not seem logical now but they will."

"Can you at least answer this: why is Thranduil constantly changing his emotions? One minute he despises me and the next he is…well, I do not really know how to describe it."

Tauriel smiled.

"He is just as uncertain of his emotions as you are, Ylva. Give my lord time." Tauriel whispered. "That is all I can give you. For now, would you like to train with us? Teren told me you are quite skilled with a blade."

"Well, he is being too generous with his words. I am much more terrible than he thinks."

"Of course, you can improve with practice. I shan't be as hard on you as Teren."

"So kind," Ylva exclaimed, teasingly.

Tauriel laughed and handed a sword to Ylva. They spent the rest of the afternoon sparring once the younger Silvan elves finished their training. It was near sunset when Thranduil had hidden in the shadows of the courtyard, watching Tauriel and Ylva sparring. Legolas had come from the corridor, watching Tauriel fight the human as well. Once he spotted his father, he quietly made his way over.

"Ylva is quick to learn. She is far better with a sword than a bow." Thranduil said.

Thranduil could see Ylva straining and surprisingly with the last bit of strength, she disarmed Tauriel. Legolas raised a brow and watched Ylva. He would never admit it that he was quite impressed with her skills, despite the fact she hadn't practiced very long.

"What are your intentions with the human?" Legolas asked his father.

Ylva. Thranduil thought.

"Why do you assume there is purpose for her being here?"

"Something about her is changing you, adar. The other elves are beginning to…"Legolas began.

"Question my actions and reasons. I am well aware of the whispers that spread through my halls. Ylva is a guest. Nothing more, and you have my word."

"You have never allowed a mortal past our gates in centuries. Why is she any different?"

"She is quite a puzzling human. The air around her is unlike most humans. Have you not noticed?"

"I nearly presumed her for an elleth when she first wandered into the forest. But yes, she has brought a certain change here. Humans are devious in ways, be mindful of her; Adar, please."

"You need not fret over such nonsense. She is just a common girl, as she has told me herself. She hardly seems of the devious sort. You are dismissed."

"Very well," Legolas gave his father a curt nod and was off again.

.::~**~::.

Author's Note:

So I don't know much about the Feast of Starlight, let's just say it's once a year. Anyway, please, please, please leave reviews! They really do make me smile! I love all of your feedback! I'm sorry for the bad cliffhanger ending but there's more coming your way! Keep a look out for some drama! =) I can't believe there are over a hundred favorites and over 200 followers! You are amazing!