Chapter 31
The next morning, the small group of elven warriors left for their homes with Leanna sending them off personally.
"I hope your journey back will be in peace" Leanna smiled as she said her final goodbyes to Tauriel.
"Yes, it was pleasure to have to in the Woodland Realm, I hope we meet again in the future..." Tauriel responded. She turned around and moved to her rose ready to get on when Feran approached Leanna.
"Master Feran...I never got the chance to say so but you have my most sincere gratitude. Thank you for keeping well in your care" Leanna bowed as she spoke, much to the ellon's surprise. Feran regained his composure quickly and spoke.
"It has been quite an adventure with you Lady Leanna, one that I shall not forget in a long time" Feran smiled and climbed his horse. He would not admit it openly but he admired her spirit, having survived under the scrutiny of his king and kin in a foreign land, Feran found his respect for her in these passing days.
"May the stars shine upon the hour of next meeting" Leanna said and watched them ride out of the city as the sun rose fully. She turned swiftly, trudging her way to one destination centered in her mind.
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"You did what?" Bard stared in astonishment as he listened to the words Gandalf uttered in his study room.
"She would have found out one way or another, I merely saved you the trouble" Gandalf said, sipping the tea a servant had brought in earlier.
"And of what urgent need is there for her to know of the events that's occured these past few weeks... Dragon's teeth she's going to be furious" Bard said sinking into his seat, he dragged his hands slowly over his face as he felt the throbbing of a headache coming on. He needed a moment of peace and this wizard, which he was quickly learning was trouble, did not bring any with him.
"There is more to this than you know, talk has spread across the lands..." Gandalf leaned forward, watching as Bard sat upright to listen. "...talk of a human witch, a woman of great power, you will have far more to deal with than attempted raids by orcs"
"What do you mean?" Bard narrowed his eyes. He did not like where this was going, of that he was certain.
"Now is the time to strengthen your forces and secure your city, seek out allies...true allies" Gandalf said.
"We have allies...the dwarves have proven themselves honourable in that accord"
"It was not they who sent help when it was needed" the heavy words hung in the air as Bard frowned. He looked at the wizard and wondered if old age was finally setting in.
"King Thranduil is not one to look beyond his borders for any reason"
"Yet somehow he's been involved too much in the affairs of Dale that it can no longer be considered a fleeting situation" Gandalf raised an eyebrow to drive home his point.
"Leanna..." Bard sighed in apprehension, looking away as the realization came
"Yes, Lady Leanna is a remarkable young woman whose managed to catch the eye of an elven King, along with every other kingdom seeking a way to use her as an advantage..." Gandalf rose from his seat having finished his tea and moved to the window "...she needs protection"
"She has protection, no matter how little we muster it" Bard knew immediately where Gandalf was headed and was not interested in speaking of it, let alone considering it
"There are greater forces in this world that exist far beyond what Dale can manage now, forces who desire more power than they should ever have. The discover of her powers are dangerous in itself and Dale is not ready for another challenge to face" Gandalf looked Bard. It was the hard truth he had spoken, they both knew it, as well as the point Gandalf was making.
"You're suggesting I release her to him" Bard said, not interested in beating around the bush anymore.
"I do not recall suggesting anything, only seeking a stronger alliance" Gandalf said but the twinkle in his eyes told Bard otherwise.
"Times are changing, too much and too soon my lord, there is no certainty the peace you fought hard for will last long enough to establish a firm standing, it would be best plan ahead as a means of preservation" Gandalf responded softly as a guardian would speak to an upset child. It was a hard decision to make, understanding quickly how much he and the people of Dale cherished their lady dearly.
"I will discuss this with her, since it concerns her fully" Bard breathed out, he could already feel the chill of ice down his back at the prospect of bringing this matter to her. She would not like it he that much, not one bit.
"Indeed, it would be foolish not to do so" Gandalf held the belt of his robes, indicating he was satisfied with the conclusion they had reached.
"But you must let me break it to her, hearing anything more from you would only dig me into a deeper grave" Bard said, casting a warning glance at the wizard who smiled sheepishly over his slip.
"Of course, I would not dream of it" Gandalf said, remembering how the air around them had quickly turned frosty after he had told her what was meant to be secret.
The door opened swiftly and the two men turned to see the very matter of their subject enter the room, her face cold and stony with the air cold around her, ultimately telling of her displeasure. At the sight Bard immediately cast a accusatory glare at Gandalf who cleared his throat in embarrassment.
"My Lords..." Leanna bowed, her posture stiff and tone even colder. Gandalf couldn't help but compare her to a certain elf capable of such expressions.
' they would certainly be well matched'
"My Lord I believe I must take my leave, there is much I must do in the coming days" Gandalf said, bowing before leaving swiftly. Bard did not have time respond as he watched the wizard escape the impending wrath he was about to face, bitterness blooming in his chest as he was left to deal with Leanna alone.
"It isn't what you think..." Bard said leaning back into his seat.
"And what do you think it is, that I think my lord" Bard cringed at her tone, she was definitely angry.
"I know what Gandalf told you must have been upsetting-"
"- So it is true, you requested more warriors from the Woodland realm!" Leanna stepped forward, her face twisting in anger. At her words, Bard jumped from his chair, eyes wide as he moved to clear the obvious misunderstanding.
"No! I did no such thing!"
"So the wizard lies then?" Leanna folded her hands and narrowed her eyes in scrutiny.
"No he does not-"
"So then you're not the one being honest-"
"Leanna will you let me speak please!" Bard cried out, his frustration mounting as he tried to get her to settle down. Leanna faced him quietly and waited.
"I'm listening"
"Some weeks after you left, there were attacks, which! We handled well, the men were trained well enough after all..." Bard quickly interjected when he saw her about to speak. "...but they did not cease, orcs raid became quite frequent especially on the northern borders of the city" at this news Leanna's face brightened with realization.
"The werewyrrm tunnels..." she whispered.
"Yes, we had covered most of them, thanks to Dain and his men but some orcs managed to get through still. The last raid came in a larger number than we usually expected and while we would've handle the matter, Warriors from the Woodland Realm interfered"
"And they wanted nothing in return? No bargains, no favours? Leanna frowned at the tale Bard had told her.
"Nothing, King Thranduil wished it to be considered a gesture of good will for which he expected nothing" Bard said frowning as he remembered the captain of their unit relaying his message.
"Surely he wanted something...he does not seem the type to offer the lives of his men so freely" Leanna began to pace the room.
"Or perhaps he already had all he needed..." Bard said as he observed his aide. She paced only when her thoughts were askew and then decided now was a better time than any to ask.
"What happened in Mirkwood?" Bard looked at her squarely.
"Why do you think something happened?" Leanna debated what was a wiser choice, telling him the truth or feigning ignorance.
"I speak of this" Bard reached into his drawer under the desk and slammed a letter on his desk. Leanna swallowed as she picked up the letter that so clearly had the elven insignia meant for the Woodland Realm.
After the reading the contents of the letter she looked up at Bard and sighed, sitting down, composing the words she would say to him. Bard picked up the letter from the table and read it out loud.
"As the benefactor of Lady Leanna's life..." Bard paused for effect as he stared hard at her before going on. "I require that she seek my approval for a Woodland escort in the event that she is to leave Dale under any circumstances"
"I can explain..."
"Oh you most certainly will, you'll start by telling me why King Thranduil suddenly feels so entitled to your life..." Bard said, evidently waiting for an explanation.
"Bard, this may not be news you're prepared to hear" Leanna looked at Bard with worry in her eyes and Bard grew alarmed, as she never called his name unless it was really serious.
"What did he do?!" Bard rose from his seat, looking as though he meant to storm out his door.
"He saved my life!" Leanna blurted out.
"What?" Bard said as he watched her pull out a golden pendant from her neckline. He looked at the glowing pendant, then to her and sat down immediately.
"Tell me everything" he said, bracing himself for what he knew was a long story.
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"How could you keep this from this me??" Bard said pacing from one end of the room to another.
"I know this is hard to take in but I'm much better now" Leanna said softly, hoping to curb his anger.
"Hard to take in? You almost died Leanna! And to think I had no knowledge of this!"
"There was nothing you could've done, even then I couldn't tell you because you had too much to handle and I did wish to burden you!"
"I could've come to you! If I had known...for good sake, of all the reckless things you could've done!"
" I was dying, a second time at that. I did not wish to remember my last moments by drowning in your tears" she whispered, the memory of that week renewing the hurt she felt all over again.
" I do not regret telling you, I know you're angry but I'd rather have this than wonder what would've happened had you left Dale defense less" Leanna said calmly, the expression on her face instantly sobering Bard. He sat down in a heap of deflated anger and looked at the pendant still hung around her neckline.
"So the pendant is what's keeping you alive?"
"In a sense yes..."
"And you say King Thranduil was the one who gave it you"
"Yes" Bard paused, looking at Leanna's gladdened expresion, sighing once more.
"Leanna you cannot keep things of this nature secret from me" He took her hand in his and held it firmly.
"On my word, i will keep nothing from you" Leanna responded, squeezing his hands to give assurance. Thoughts of that night flashed in her mind once again and she quickly tucked it away in the farthest reaches of her memory. There was no need to for Bard to know more than he already had.
A knock on the door sounded and the two quickly composed themselves before Bard gave his consent to enter. Percy walked in with another man not dressed as the warriors of Dale were. The insignia of a white tree surrounded by stars, only one realm used this insignia.
"Percy" Bard said in greeting as he waited for Percy's introduction.
"My Lord, My lady" Percy greeted before turning to the man who had clearly turned his attention to Leanna.
"Forgive me for my intrusion, I am Baranor, I come with a message from Gondor" He stepped aside and let two more of his kinsmen bring in a small casket.
"And what is this?" Bard said looking over his desk before he looked the soldier in question.
"A gift from Lord Echthelion, he wishes to congratulate your victory over the dragon and..." the soldier zoned off as he once again looked to Leanna, who grew curious over his attention.
"And to extend his greetings to the Lady Leanna, the White Rose of Dale" the warrior finished, blushing as he ended his message. Leanna and Bard exchanged glances before Bard responded.
"Thank you master Baranor, please inform Lord Echthelion that we receive his goodwill in earnest. Percy see to it that these fine men of Gondor are well fed, their horses given water and hay"
"As you wish my Lord" Percy bowed as well as the other men before they left. Both parties kept their peace until the door was closed and all was silent.
"Why would Echthelion of Gondor extend such good will to a city like Dale?" Leanna opened the hood of the casket to reveal gold coins and a heap of valuable jewels and stones littered over them".
"That is yet to be determined..." Bard said as he looked over the contents of the casket again with Gandalf's warning echoing loudly in his mind. He glanced at Leanna and then to the letter still on his desk. He suspected Gandalf's words to be too timely and that in itself confirmed his feelings. Something was afoot.
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Leanna had left the study room after a full divulgence of events from both sides on the occurrences that had take place on their own ends. However, Leanna could not place the reason for Echthelion's gesture.
In the elven library, she had read as much as she could on the vast histories of both Beleriand, Arnor and subsequently the formation of Gondor. Gondor had no king currently, as the heir to the throne was lost, the line broken, which meant the stewards, caretakers of the throne and kingdom ruled in their place.
She had never met Echthelion, much less any person of Gondor since her awakening in this world which in turn made it certain her powers were the obvious point of interest in the matter..
Leanna moved through the busy levels of the city, interacting briefly with those who called and met with her on the way. She had decided to seek out more answers and she knew one who could give it to her.
Gandalf had managed to slip away from the crowd of merry voices crying for a spectacular display of fireworks. With his mission complete, he planned an appropriate excuse to slip away from Dale before the lord of the city took it upon himself to occupy him with unnecessary tasks. He brushed out the dirt from his long pipe and tapped it on the ground he sat on, facing the grand scene of the sun setting in-between Erebor and Raven Hill.
"I do not think it is such a good idea for a man your age to meddle with such things, master Gandalf"
"A necessary venture to endure the arduous challenges we face daily my Lady, besides my age is hardly a matter of consequence in my line of work" Gandalf replied smiling as he lifted his pipe in greeting.
Leanna sat beside him on the edge the wall and contemplated what she would ask him. There was no guarantee he would give her what she wanted but she would try regardless.
"Gondorian messengers arrived earlier today"
"So I saw, quite magnificent those gifts they brought" Gandalf said nodding as he puffed from his pipe again.
"I did not think Gondor concerned itself with other kingdoms extending so far north, except the current steward sees a good enough reason to make his interest known"
"Indeed, however Gondor is still a revered kingdom. It should not be so strange to desire a relationship with a city such as this, after all no harm comes from seeking alliances"
"You do not suspect there is more to this than only the prospect of alliances to be made?"
"Of course not, your presence in this world has created hope, amongst other ambitions but rest assured, Gondor, Rohan even lands beyond the rule of men may seek you"
"And that is why you came here, to determine if I would be easily swayed, to know where my heart lay"
" I'm glad to see that is not to be the case my Lady" Gandalf smiled, the gladness of his heart filling his eyes. Leanna blinked in surprise at the sight, unused to the open display of such emotions. It was the first time she'd heard someone derive joy from her firmness and strong will.
"Regardless it seems Echthelion is attempting to change this fact"
"Echthelion is a good man, with a cunning truly of worthy of a king"
"But he's not king"
"No, neither could he be, his time is ending and will pass his duties unto his son Denethor once his reign comes to an end"
"..." Leanna said nothing as she listened to the words the wizard had spoken. By any indication, Echthelion was moving to ensure Gondor's survival and prosperity as any honourable ruler would.
"While alliances are indeed useful, I would suggest a bit of caution. Echthelion may have the right intentions, However Lord Denethor is not his father" Gandalf looked at Leanna squarely, his message clear as the grey on his beard. She nodded in understanding.
"I take it you won't be staying long?"
"Ah, my time here must come to an end, I'm afraid. My services are required elsewhere...quite urgently" Gandalf said as he quickly stood up, tucking his pipe into robes as he did so.
"Of course" Leanna said bowing as she watched him go.
Over the course of the week, more gifts, caskets and precious items came into Dale, with a good number of it gifted to Leanna.
Bard had finished clearing his study out and
ordered the servants receiving gifts to place them in the store room. With his study finally empty of clutter, he sat down and proceeded to carry with his tasks for the day when a knock sounded on the door.
He sighed in irritation, giving his consent and watched in prediction as another Gondorian messenger entered, along with a wearied Percy.
The warrior presented a sealed letter to him, which he received in curiosity. The steward of Gondor had very little to say regarding the generous gifts he was pouring into Dale. Once he opened the letter, he looked in disbelief briefly before schooling his face into a blank expression.
"Thank you, that would be all. Percy" Bard called out, having no need to say anymore. He watched as his head warden escorted the warrior of his study and sank into his seat. The door had not yet closed when slender fingers held it in place, opening it wider to reveal Leanna coming in, the look of confusion etched on her face.
"That was a Gondorian warrior" she pointed out.
"Yes, but this time with a message from Lord Echthelion" Bard said and looked grimly at Leanna. His expression told her this was not pleasant news.
"What's wrong?" She asked, bracing herself.
"Echthelion... he's coming here, with his son Denethor" Bard muttered, looking back at the letter he had just received that evening.