23. THE MEMORY OF AN ANCIENT ANGER
On a beautiful sunny day the children sat comfortably in front of the Master who carefully explained the particular properties of each plant he picked up.
Aranel could hardly bear that lesson, yawning every five minutes, but perked up as soon as the archery tests began.
When the Teacher called them back, she decided not to go back to class, the Sindarin lessons were very interesting, but if the Teacher kept silencing her how could she know if she was wrong or not?
So he decided that archery lessons would be much more useful, especially since it was now the turn of the greats.
Just before entering the classroom, they intercepted the line of students heading into the garden and Aranel was quick to get behind the last one. His teacher had already entered the classroom and this lightness had worked in his favor.
Once outside he hid in a bush to attend the lesson.
Big kids had much more interesting lessons.
Their targets moved, or they had to hit them running, jumping, in short, no one was ever still!
Aranel remained hidden for a long time to observe and as soon as the opportunity arose, he stepped forward and once grabbed the bow and arrows he released the rope.
A huge smile broke on her face as she hit the moving target.
He hadn't hit the mark, indeed the arrow was stuck outside the outer ring, but it was still an excellent result, in his opinion!
"And who would you be?" Asked the boy whose place he had taken.
"Why do you want to know my name if you don't tell me yours ?!" Aranel asked back having heard the hostility in the boy's voice.
"This is not your place. Go back to class before forcing me to call the Teacher!" He threatened her.
"Go, in the meantime I'm training!" Aranel was not afraid of the masters.
"Didn't you hear me? You can't stay here!" He insisted.
"And who says that?" Aranel asked, who had decided that this boy was decidedly disliked by him.
"Me!" He replied crossing his arms over his chest and giving her a satisfied smile.
"Okay, then I don't listen to you!" Aranel said nocking another arrow.
"You're a little naughty!" The boy hissed, snatching the bow from her hands.
It was not difficult, thanks to the difference in height, and Aranel was able to take only the bow, to make it clear that he would not have satisfied him.
"You're not very nice either!" Aranel accused her of squirming when he grabbed her by the arm.
"Come and pray the Valar that the Professors be indulgent with your punishment!" Aranel hit the boy on the stomach with the tip of the bow causing him to bend in pain.
He leapt away and took a wooden sword.
"Do you want more?" He asked defiantly.
"Avoiding one's duties is never a smart choice!" The boy said with satisfaction, as if waiting for such a provocation.
He glared at her and she swung the weapon to show him that she was not joking, even if it almost escaped her grip.
He succeeded because his eyes widened in fear and he looked down.
Only after a moment did she realize they weren't facing her, their eyes terrified. He turned and saw his father, with several guards in tow.
He was very angry!
Fortunately, the King took it aside, letting the students resume practicing the exercises.
"Is it true what I have been told? Did you run away from the class?" Aranel tilted his head to the side in perplexity, fear replaced by surprise ... how did he manage to know in such a short time?
As angry as he was, Thranduil was curious to see if his daughter would tell him the truth or lie to him.
Until then she had never disobeyed him, she had always been reprimanded for futile reasons and perhaps he had even exaggerated in reproving her.
"I'm in a class, just not mine!" Aranel quietly replied swinging his torso back and forth.
"Aranel!" The girl trembled hearing the stern tone of her father "You are a Princess. You have to behave like one! This means following the rules and fulfilling your duties!" Said the authoritarian ruler.
"Back to class!" He ordered, to add as soon as he saw her jumping merrily "Tonight I will decide your punishment!".
Aranel began to shuffle, following the guard who escorted her reluctantly, trying to ignore the mocking phrases and unpleasant comments of the boys who whispered to each other.
Aranel rolled over and expanded the skirt of her dress.
She hadn't been able to go out and play for a week, luckily Lucilla had kept her company while she was confined to the palace.
And now, he would finally see his friends again, attending his first party! Thranduil smiled to see her.
She reminded him a lot of him as a young man, not only because he resembled her, but also because he remembered well the same enthusiasm he felt before big parties and banquets, when he was an inexperienced, naive and carefree young man.
As a King he had attended the ceremonies only out of duty and the presence of his wife made everything very pleasant.
After his untimely death he had avoided as much as possible any banquet, where for his liking people were too carefree and happy, or perhaps because they were a reminder of what he had lost.
Now, however, he clearly perceived the excitement of Hanna and Sara and the children and incredibly felt infected by it!
"Ruuu! R..un! " Elanor was encouraging a small grasshopper to get away from her brother who was unsuccessfully trying to grab her.
The girls picked them up, not caring at all about ruining the clothes.
Shortly thereafter the heavy doors that separated them from the rest of the people opened, revealing a magnificent sight in the eyes of the girls.
It was like living a dream!
It was all breathtaking: everywhere they looked there were flowers, the elves were perfect in elaborately sewn clothes, a perfect party was on the horizon!
Silence fell as soon as the King entered, although this time the attention was turned to the mysterious guests of whom there had been rumors for months, and to the half-elves who in their features removed any doubt about whether or not they were related to the sovereign.
The young human whose name was Hanna looked strong and confident. Her face expressed all the radiance, purity, and beauty of that white girl she was.
The slightly wavy brown hair was gathered according to their tradition, but the thing that most struck, blocked the breath and captured, were her eyes. Emerald color, like few elves in the kingdom.
She was the mother of the children and was said to have unrivaled determination, although the question of how she managed to melt the ruler's icy heart persisted.
In addition to those regarding how the meeting between the two took place! The other girl was very similar to her physically, only slightly thinner.
Her black hair framed her face where two blue eyes like the purest sea darted, scrutinizing every detail that attracted them.
Those irises full of reflections conveyed only joy and curiosity, lightening the mood to anyone who crossed his gaze.
But the change they all wanted and never hoped to see was their lord.
The smile had returned to illuminate his face, melting the ice mask he had worn for too long.
As she walked through the crowd the greetings were full of warmth, testifying how a mere human could have lightened her troubled soul.
Hanna stiffly replied to the many bows the elves gave her, trying to mask her nervousness with a relaxed, confident smile.
Galador stirred in his arms, perhaps sensing his mother's anxiety.
She began to play with the large brooch that adorned Hanna's chest and she was relieved to see that her son's attention had shifted from the crowd to her.
Elanor was more shy and buried her face in Sara's chest. Lucilla felt uncomfortable with so many eyes on her.
She tried to distract herself by following Aranel, who preceded her father looking around, enraptured by all this news.
The path was clear, outlined by the crowd and Aranel did not seem to notice, accustomed from a very young age to receiving curious glances and insistent glances.
Aranel could not have known, but if to the rebels he had represented hope, to the elves he was no less.
The birth of a child between two incompatible races was an important sign for immortal creatures.
They reached a kind of honor stage where the King motioned her to sit beside him.
The girl noticed when she sat down that the elves did not seem scandalized, perhaps too curious to notice.
Sara was seated not far away, with the other nobles and did not seem to be alarmed by the sudden distance placed between her and Hanna.
Calien, popping up from who knows where, reached Hanna from behind, gently holding Elanor in her arms who, knowing her, was calm. With a nod from the King the music resumed playing.
Aranel was enraptured by the amount of food on a small table in front of the royal seat and Hanna had to call her back when she saw her about to put something in her pocket.
The Princess took some biscuits and went to her father who made her sit on his lap. Lucilla sat on her mother's lap. At that moment the music changed and the dances began.
The elves were amazing as they put their strength and agility into the dance movements, moving perfectly in rhythm with the music.
Hanna tensed as she saw Legolas bow to his father before taking a seat next to him, on the opposite side from her.
Of course, it was the Prince, it was his duty to attend such an event.
The girl noticed a hint of jealousy in Legolas when he barely turned his gaze, observing in amazement Aranel comfortably seated on the King's lap and let a satisfied smile paint on her face.
It was a few minutes before Hanna decided that this place was far too far from the festivities.
She turned to Thranduil feeling more like a daughter asking her parent's permission "Can I go over there? I want to fully enjoy the celebrations!" He asked trying not to appear too pleading, knowing that his companion did not like pleas.
Thranduil seemed to expect this, for she nodded in agreement before looking at Galion who was immediately beside her.
A glance was enough to make Sara get up, but being in different places, she joined the crowd in a different point from hers, luckily Luthien was with her even if she doubted that in that joyful atmosphere someone was wandering with bad intentions.
The guard reluctantly walked along his vantage point.
He could console himself at the thought that not even his wife, due to pregnancy, could participate in the sumptuous feast organized in honor of the King's guests.
Once his shift was over, he headed to the armory to put down the armor and head home.
The noise of the mechanism that discharged the barrels into the river made him turn and after a quick glance he turned to resume walking.
Not paying particular attention, he did not realize that the hatch mechanism had been locked before it could close again.
Small, squat figures passed through the opening not without some difficulty, but remaining as silent as possible so as not to attract unwanted attention.
Which is made difficult by their number.
Once inside, the intruders moved fast and restless, looking for a good hiding place.
The cloaks hid their features and allowed them to blend into the shadows of the caves.
"Shazara!" (Silence!) One whispered when an agitated murmur spread among the companions after dodging two guards by a whisker.
Had they been lucky, the border guards would have been mistaken as victims of the orcs, having used the weapons of those abominable creatures to kill them.
"Nê ikrid alfer!" (Never trust an Elf!) Their leader had said when it occurred to the younger ones to spare the surviving guards.
They had been working on the piano for months, planning every little step with meticulous care and careful precision.
They would not let newbies smash the mission with simple, harmful and useless pity.
The intruder lowered himself, returning behind the barrels where the others had taken refuge.
He placed the sword on the ground along with the other weapons stolen from a group of orcs massacred by them days before.
"Lomil ghelekh kevha!" (Good night elves!) He whispered with evil satisfaction, knowing full well that the blood shed that night would make them go down in history.
Songs about him and his companions would have been a singer for decades, narrating the heroic enterprise and the sacrifice necessary to make it possible.
Hanna moved quickly through the crowd.
At last the elves seemed to have stopped noticing her, or they didn't want to make her feel uncomfortable with bows and uncomfortable questions, letting her pass them without stopping her.
As she walked she looked up and her eyes met those of the King who, despite the distance, were still fixed on her.
He sat regal and despite the baby in his arms, his posture, his gaze, everything about him emanated an incredible strength and being at the top he seemed to be distant from everything and everyone.
Looking up in the air didn't help her and she cursed herself when she bumped into someone.
An elf with long brown hair and a smile that badly concealed his interest gave her a deep bow "It's no mystery how you managed to conquer our King!" His voice was elegant and light.
"Your beauty makes this night as bright as the sun has returned!" Hanna smiled, not for the compliment, but for the shamelessness of the elf.
Had Thranduil been there, he doubted he would ever speak to her.
"Forgive me, I am a villain, my name is Aduial, I am studying to become a healer. And who is this little one?" He asked giving the child a sweet smile.
Hanna refrained from rolling her eyes.
Surely he already knew the answer, like all elves in the kingdom, he just had a clumsy way of finding a good topic for discussion.
"He is Galador! The King's son!" She replied remaining cautious.
"Lord of the trees. It seems to me an appropriate name!" The elf showed himself able to hide his surprise. "Do you dare to contest a ruler's decision?" She teased him.
"I would never dare, I was expressing my opinion! I saw you at the training camp, you are very skilled with the sword!" He managed to save himself by having the foresight to change the subject.
"Thank you!" Receiving such a compliment from an elf was a source of pride.
The elves were exceptional fighters and rarely congratulated soldiers, perhaps to get the most?!
"And who is the other human? I saw it and heard about it, but you will agree with me that knowing it could be much more fruitful!" He asked looking for Sara with her eyes.
"Forgive my curiosity, but is yours simple courtesy?" Hanna couldn't help herself.
"Don't get me wrong my lady! But being a guest of the King it is my duty to be welcoming and I hope to find a friend like you in her!" It's okay that she was young, but Hanna had perfectly understood the elf's real intentions and just hoped that her friend wouldn't run away.
"If you want it!" His eyes full of hope pierced.
"Sure!" And Hanna couldn't resist "Are you sure you want to woo the King's mate?" On all fronts.
The elf blanched "H-how? I-I meant...no, I didn't want to woo her at all! It is my duty to be hospitable!" Aduial lost what little color he had on his face as well as his legendary elven control.
Hanna laughed "I was kidding! You're not mistaken, I'm the King's companion and I think Sara might find your company interesting, she studied medicine among our fellow men!" She said trying to compose himself.
Audial's eyes sparkled with intense curiosity.
"Feeling that your knowledge is vast makes me talk to you as soon as possible! Cultured people are always the most interesting!" recognized the elf.
"Follow me Audial, Sara will be thrilled to have a conversation about the passion of her life. I am sure that if we had stayed with the humans, she would have become a doctor!" Hanna said voicing the truth.
By letting Calien and Luthien put the children to bed, the girls had been able to stay late into the evening in the calm, serene and joyful atmosphere of the party.
They had met Audial, having spent most of the evening together, with whom a beautiful friendship was expected.
Hanna fell asleep happily as ever in her beloved's arms, feeling safe in what had now become her home. Despite the doubts instilled by Tauriel made her think, she kept hoping that no one would wake her up from that splendid dream she was living and in which she had settled ...
The rattle of metal on marble woke Hanna instantly.
That sudden noise followed by a dead silence alarmed her enough to get her out of bed, taking care to take the dagger that Thranduil hid on the head of the bed.
He hesitated just a moment before climbing back onto the mattress and shaking the King by the shoulder "Thranduil ... hey!" She was puzzled, not remembering that she had ever had such a heavy sleep "Earth calls Thranduil!" Hanna stroked his cheek insistently, but the elf didn't move.
She stopped insisting, getting up quickly.
If there was any danger, he had to think of his children.
For the King there were always guards.
This idea was shattered when, once out of the room, he saw that intruders had entered the royal apartments. What about the guards? Her senses had not deceived her there was a serious danger!
She shivered when she noticed that there were more strangers than she expected!
They were very short, but strong. And under the hoods he could see thick beards and huge noses.
For all the Valar! ... Now he cursed like the elves!
And those were the worst creatures anyone in Middle-earth would gladly fail to provoke: dwarves!
They spent the deadlock staring at each other, surprised to see beings of different races who shouldn't have been in the realm of the elves.
Even though the dwarves' swords were smaller than those of the elves, Hanna wisely decided to dodge rather than parry with her ridiculous blade.
Her small and slender stature allowed her to throw herself to the side and surprise the dwarf, taking advantage of the speed increased by the momentum.
She stabbed him in the side and as soon as she fell to the ground she found the others on him.
She avoided an ax and found herself blocked by one of them who grabbed her by the shoulders.
She gave a kick to the one in front of her, managing to fall on her back along with the cursed dwarf who did not let go.
Once on the ground, he raised his legs in the air, using his weight to make the body do a somersault, forcing the intruder to let go.
She immediately got up to slam her back against the wall and a blade was aimed at her neck.
The dwarves weren't bad at all!
The voice of one of them caught his eye, but he didn't understand what he was saying!
"What happens..." Sara gasped once she crossed the threshold.
It was his desire to meet the dwarves, but not under those circumstances! Behind her Legolas appeared and this made the dwarves react.
"Stop!" One said grabbing Hanna who could not do anything because of the blade pressed to her throat, quickly replaced by the one who had abruptly pulled her to himself.
"Stop!" Sara echoed by dropping the sword and raising her hands in surrender.
A big smile opened on the face of the dwarf and the girl realized that she had made them understand that they cared about her friend, a big mistake.
The dwarf holding Hanna motioned to the others and two of them broke away from the group to enter the King's chambers.
"Do something!" read Sara in Hanna's eyes, but for the moment she didn't know what to do.
The elf was not of the same opinion and with a magnificent leap he avoided the dwarves disappearing over the threshold to go to protect his father.
Three more of them followed the Prince shortly after and the remaining five walked out undisturbed leaving a confused girl behind them.
Sara wanted to run after her friend, but she knew it was more important to help Legolas.
Once inside the Prince threw a jug at the head of the dwarf who ran towards him and threw himself on the one about to stab his father.
They fell to the ground and the elf was unable to pilot the fall well, finding himself under the enemy.
The dwarf towered over the Prince who had managed to grab the handle of the ax preventing the other from inflicting a fatal blow.
They both pushed with all his might and Legolas, with his feet, pushed himself on the edge of the bed to destabilize the dwarf, managing then to hit him in the face with the ax.
With the blade facing him, it didn't kill him, but it stunned him enough to be able to take it off.
He stood up and his eyes were captured by those of his father who immediately sat up.
Three other dwarves entered and was joined by the first one hit by Legolas who had had time to recover. The Prince got into a fight with two of them, Thranduil lifted the blankets and threw them at the remaining two who were pierced by the spears of the guards who came along with Sara.
Legolas killed one of his opponents and approached his father as soon as he saw the other dwarf being grabbed by the guards.
"Where are your brothers?" At the King's question he made a face.
"Uuma dela. Im i Varna!" (Don't worry. I'm safe!) Replied the Prince watching him to see if they had managed to hurt him. "Las bedich?" (Where are you going?) He asked confused as he saw him steal the sword from a guard and run out of the rooms.
Hanna cursed herself. Some time ago, before finding himself in Batiatus' service, she had found the part of the damsel in distress intriguing.
Now she realized they were just the dreams of a little girl who still believed in the bedtime story.
She tried to escape from the dwarves by wriggling, insulting them, and even forcing them to drag her, but without success.
First because they were very strong, but probably because they understood that they could use it as a shield to get out of the kingdom of the elves alive. Deluded!
The elves of Mirkwood were the most dangerous of their kind.
And if Azrael had been a failed example to be treasured, then they would soon have another lesson.
A flash of genius caught her and she decided to go full throttle.
"Do you have at least one plan? Or do I have to put up with your crude ways just to see you die pierced by the elven arrows?" She asked pretending to be bored.
The youngest of them, with a clearly less thick beard than the others, blanched in the face of such an eventuality.
"Shut up! Or tell us how to get out of here!" Another replied that reminded her a lot of Dwalin in terms of kindness.
The one in the movie!
"And how do I know ?!" He protested, giving voice to the bitter truth.
Even if she managed to escape, she would surely get lost in that maze of corridors.
"You live here!" Hanna rolled her eyes. Wish it had been that easy!
"The fact that he lives there does not mean that he knows this place by heart!" She was sincere, but remained hostile.
"Then you are useless!" One said waving the big ax he held in his hand "It is more precious than you can believe!" An elderly man stopped him.
"Why on earth should it! He's a human!" Protested the one who seemed eager to kill her.
"What a moron!" Hanna commented, feigning exasperation.
She was, but she felt more well-disguised terror than anything else.
"Insult me again and I'll fix this pretty face you find yourself!" Dwalin, yes a relative of yours for sure.
"I didn't insult you, I described you!" Hanna had to make those warmongers understand that she was not a damsel in danger, but she would stand up to him in words and even with deeds, if they made the mistake of freeing her.
"He was in the King's chambers! We can use it as a guarantee to get out alive!" Said the smartest of the group.
"I don't want to run away like a coward, but to kill that damned King!" Dwalin's long tongue revealed their target and Hanna wondered why they wanted to kill a King who probably hadn't done anything to them since he was gone for a long time.
But then he remembered.
Like the elves, the dwarves were also capable of bearing grudges forever.
Only, not being immortal, it was handed down from generation to generation ...
"You won't be able to do it dead!" One of the elders tried to dissuade him.
"Better to die trying than hit from behind!" Dwarven pride.
"You… dear girl, could you persuade the King to spare us? We will give you anything!l Asked the youngest who seemed the only one who understood what their fate would be.
"But won't you hurt yourself by falling so low?" Hanna felt a tiny surge of pity for him, so young that she didn't fully believe what he was doing.
But tiny, because anger overwhelmed her almost immediately, making her disappear entirely.
"No! We are dwarves for Durin's beard! We do not beg! Even if it were necessary, we will mercilessly kill up to the last elf of this kingdom in order not to give up!" Dwalin seemed to really believe in what he was saying, too bad that pride had prevailed over common sense.
"I admire the consistency of you. Ugly outside and ugly inside!" The girl made herself heard.
"Shut up if you don't want me to force you!" Mister sympathy threatened him.
"Oh and what will become of me !?" Hanna pretended to be desperate, joining her hands in mock prayer with false despair in her voice.
"Do you really believe the elves will save you? Do you think your position can save you? If we die I'll make sure to take you with us!" The girl got nervous.
He had to do something!
But where were the elves? Had they already surrounded them ?!
A terrified whisper answered his questions "The elves are coming!" Here is the answer, brought by one who was spying on the situation while the others quarreled blissfully among themselves.
"Let's use it as a bargaining chip!" Dwalin was awake, but too foolish to believe it worked.
First, because she would fight to the last not to force Thranduil to endanger other elves, and second, because if they met the guards, she wasn't sure they would back down.
She was nobody to them! Why hesitate in the face of a sure victory?!
"Think of something, dying with an elven arrow is not the way I wish to leave this life!" Said a dwarf who shared Dwalin's ideas.
"Human, we would pay any amount..." "Speak for yourself!" Dwalin interrupted another young man who was beginning to panic "...if you convince the elves to spare us! Let us go back to our families! We were just following orders!" He tried to dissuade her.
"The more I look at you, the more self-esteem rises!" decided to say Hanna "If you followed orders it means you didn't really want to!" shr reasoned "So why obey?" She asked curious to hear the answer.
"They were orders!" What a cabbage justification!
"But you were free to say no! To be obeyed, kings must understand that fear is not the weapon with which to obtain loyalty!" He tried to make them think.
"It's not about loyalty, it's about what's right!" One answered without too much conviction, making it clear to Hanna that, at least with them, she was in control of the situation.
"Is what is it? What wrong did the King do you to earn an ax in the back ?!" She investigated trying not to show it.
"You do not know?" Asked one of the surprised young people.
"If you don't tell me I'll never know!" She feigned offense, feeling the interest grow, but forcing herself not to show it.
"Your King is only a means! The one we want to hit is the Prince!" Unveiled the young dwarf.
"Legolas?" Ok, now she was lost!
"He has abandoned us! Because of his cowardice I have seen many of my fellow men die of starvation!" Hanna's eyes widened, only then remembering the dragon sleeping in the mountain as they talked.
"So you want to punish him worse than death!" Had Legolas turned his back on them too?!
Had he been forced by the grave threat since he had never faced a dragon?!
Or was there some history between him and the dwarves?!
Why hadn't she and Sara ever wondered about this?
About everything but not about this !?
"Stop talking!" An elderly man silenced them "We have decided: let's go down!" Decree.
LHow?" The young dwarf was as confused as Hanna.
"If we reach the river we can escape through the opening we entered, the one they use to unload the barrels! Trust me, it will be as easy as riding a pig! Soon you will see your family again!l Dwalin encouraged them by setting off confidently towards the designated destination.
"Congratulations! I've never heard so much bullshit all at once!" Hanna made herself heard, but she had to acknowledge that it was a good plan!
"Now stop!" Dwalin screamed as he hurled himself against her having run out of patience and having to release the accumulated tension.
Hanna raised her fists to protect her face as the first punch hit her in the stomach.
The King stopped his pace abruptly.
The guards looked at each other confused, they could hear the heavy footsteps of the dwarves descending the steps in front of them, why hesitate?
Thranduil felt as confused as they were, not understanding why his body had reacted on its own.
He stood monolithic, struggling to understand his own actions.
And he perceived it, a strange sensation forced him to turn left, towards a corridor that led to a completely different direction.
Something told him to take that road and a strange urgency urged him not to waste time.
"Soorata" (Follow them!) He commanded imperiously.
"Heru en amin ..." (My lord ...) protested a guard to be silenced by the fiery gaze of the sovereign who removed all uncertainty leading him to obey.
The King understood their hesitation, but there were guards everywhere, he was by no means defenseless and those dwarves had to be captured or killed.
He followed his instincts, but soon regretted it wishing he never did!
Thranduil froze feeling a stab in the heart at the sight that appeared in front of him as soon as he turned a corner.
Hanna lay on the ground, covered in blood, motionless.
She let out a sob, holding back for any others, seeing her vision blur from the tears she couldn't stop. He hadn't cried for his wife, but he knew then that the risk was real.
In war, nothing is certain. He had concealed with all his strength the pain of seeing her fall, pierced by the swords of the orcs, hoping that ignoring him would stop him from suffering.
Instead, he had only managed to mask his feelings even from his son, as well as lie to himself.
With Hanna he understood where the fine line was between control and pretense.
He wouldn't lie anymore, he wouldn't pretend he was strong enough to bear it!
He fell to his knees beside the body, not remembering he had approached.
Hanna should have been perfectly safe by her side...and instead, precisely because she was there, they had used her as a shield...
He lifted her gently in his arms, rocking her as if she were sleeping.
Why hadn't he let her go? Why had his selfishness come at such a price?
Why was it only she who paid?
He did not feel the heat of his body or the breath on his neck, he saw only the blood on his robes and his eyes closed.
A shy spectator walked silently, seeing in the King an easy prey.
The elf would have felt it under normal circumstances, but now an unimaginable pain was slowly destroying him, not allowing him to perceive the external danger.
Hanna slowly returned to consciousness.
The first thing he felt was the pain.
The second the memories that stunned her for a moment. Dwalin who was wrong against her furious.
Her desperate attempt to protect herself, the first blow.
The two dwarves holding her looked more terrified than she was and left her almost immediately.
But Hanna hadn't been able to react because Dwalin hadn't given her time to even register the first punch! Hanna gasped as she felt her breath shorten from the blow to the stomach followed immediately by countless others.
She could not help but curl up on herself and try to protect herself as much as possible.
A shout had stopped the shots for a short time, enough to allow her to reorient herself.
Years lived in war and Thranduil's teachings had reduced her to this?!
Remain helpless on the ground, leaving that treacherous time to do his own thing?
She moved an arm and saw that some dwarves were trying to stop Dwalin's murderous rampage.
Not in words, it was no longer time to speak!
But he discarded them and Hanna reacted more instinctively than thinking clearly.
When the dwarf returned to the attack he gave himself a push dodging the powerful punches and crawled to the ground.
She used the shock of the young people to steal a knife from one of them, making sure to trip him up to confuse him.
She had not abandoned her children through the gap, it would not have happened because of the dwarves! When Dwalin turned determined not to give up, he hid the blade holding it facing upwards in his hand, hidden by his arm.
As those strong hands grabbed her, the knife pierced the dwarf's stood still for a moment, just enough to see the realization light up in the dwarf's eyes, before pulling out the blade and feeling the heat of the blood that, leaking like water from an open tap, soaked her dress as well as her face and hair.
She spat some blood, hers, which flooded her mouth, no doubt from Dwalin's blows.
Two more dwarves went off to attack and Hanna realized she wasn't going to make it!
When she fell to the ground hit by a stick in the forehead, she saw the remaining dwarves retreat.
She remained motionless to observe the body of one of the two who was attacking her, hit the marble without getting up.
She was weak!
She didn't have the strength to fight, not even for his children!
She barely heard the sound of the swords and the voices of the elves before she lost consciousness.
Hanna felt lifted and this time too it was instinct that made her move.
She ignored the pangs of pain that ran through her belly and head, giving her a hallucinating headache, and fought.
Perhaps as Thranduil had done during his early years of captivity, or as a wounded animal would have done, he began to wriggle and struggle.
But the enemy's grip hesitated for a moment, before strengthening and becoming formidable.
Hanna snapped her eyes open growling in frustration and anger and her gaze was captured by two eyes that instantly calmed her even if full of fear and disbelief.
"Hanna!" Thranduil's voice sounded strange to his ears.
She closed her eyes in the hope that the nausea would pass and sank back into oblivion.
The elf stared into space for a while, feeling stunned.
As soon as the confusion passed, he held her close again. Even his mind played with his feelings.
Hearing her move was what he wanted, seeing her beautiful eyes craved him, but it wasn't going to happen.
"Edro hin le! Shoot na nin!" (Open your eyes! Look at me!) He whispered knowing the pleas would go unheard. Thranduil decided to let go of all that pain and tears were joined by weak moans.
"Ù dartha estel! Mornie utulie!" (There is no hope left! The darkness has arrived!) He recognized as he felt his body begin to give way.
The force began to abandon him, hunched his back and closed his eyes.
He wondered if he would ever see her again.
Once he vanished, would they find themselves in the Mandos classrooms?
Would the Valar have done him the grace to bring them together?
Hanna's mind began to hear the sounds around her again and with her consciousness came the awareness of being in someone's arms.
But the voice, even if different from how he had always heard it, knew very well who it belonged to.
"They used me as a maracas!" Hanna complained mentally and having her head resting on his chest she heard him panting.
Trying hard he opened his eyes slightly asking "Thranduil are you okay?" worried.
She finally realized it.
The King trembled, held her tightly to him and looked desperate because he believed she had been hurt.
He was destroyed at the very thought of risking losing her!
Tauriel was wrong! And Hanna called herself an idiot for allowing Mephistopheles to arrest her with trivial doubts.
She saw that the beautiful nightgowns were soaked with dwarven blood, remembering the moment she had cut his throat and only realized in that moment that the elf did not believe she was wounded, but dead!
"Thranduil!" She screamed, now fully awake, taking his face with both hands forcing him to open his eyes and look at her "I'm fine! This blood is from the dead dwarf. We fought, that's why I'm in pain, but I'm fine!" The elf took a deep breath that tasted a lot of crying.
"It was my heart that chose you!" She whispered bringing her lips to his ears "Whatever difficulties they will try or divide us..." Thranduil held her as if he feared she might disappear at any moment "... I will always find the way to find us again!" She said before giving him a little kiss.
"Na min ôl?" (Is this a dream?) Hanna smiled at his question.
In his arms even the pain of the wounds seemed to disappear.
"Darthon mae?" (Are you okay?) The elf asked, seeming to have noticed the suffering that shone on his face. Through the eyes and the frown.
"Miqula amin!" (Kiss me!) She tried to calm him down, using the few words she had learned until then.
She succeeded, as after the second kiss he said "Melin le!" (I love you!) Making her heart beat faster.
"Im gelir le mae!" (I'm glad you're okay!) Hanna hadn't grasped all the words, but she understood the meaning.
She rested her head against his chest, comforted by his gentle but strong and sure grip, praying that nothing and no one would ever be able to divide them.
"Dartho na nin ...!" (Stay with me ...!) He begged her.
"Be iest lin ...!" (As you wish ...!) Hanna reassured him knowing she had almost run out of her elven vocabulary.
She heard footsteps and raised her head, looking over his shoulder, ready to rail against an inopportune Sara who had the power to ruin their moments even now that the elf had regained her title.
But it wasn't the friend she saw.
He was one of the young dwarves!
The frightened boy had disappeared, replaced by an adult full of fury, intent on pouring it on them.
And suddenly time slowed down, as if it were forced to grasp every little detail that would haunt her for the rest of her life.
She saw the ax blade shining menacingly and hugged Thranduil as if to want to defend him even if in their position, he would be the one to protect her with his body.
She tried to scream, but only managed to open his mouth ... no sound came out of his lips!
It was too late... She had often risked losing him, because that damned elf had a nasty habit of pushing himself to the limit in order to protect them!
But if the idea of being divided was devastating, it was nothing compared to the anguish due to the uncertainty that would overwhelm the future of their children.
What would have happened without him? Would Legolas have chased them away, or worse would he have separated them?!
A moment before the fatal blow hit, the blade of a sword got in the way, breaking the ax handle, making the blade fly somewhere else.
Thranduil spun around and with an almost animal-like growl hugged his companion to himself, stepping back alert.
Hanna smiled when she saw her friend who had just arrived.
Usually her timing had always been bad, and she could be satisfied that this time there had been the exception.
Sara and the dwarf stared at each other stunned.
The girl had come from another corridor that she had taken by chance after getting lost in that maze.
It was not at all the time to lose orientation, but in this case, she could say that it hadn't happened, even if she had to admit that she had only arrived there thanks to luck.
She felt a feeling of euphoria growing inside her, due to the strike that was added to the excitement born of the fear of having witnessed a very dangerous and almost lethal situation.
The dwarf stared more at the broken wood than at the human, as if he could not understand that his deadly weapon had been destroyed with a simple move.
It seemed like an eternity, but this moment of stalemate lasted only an instant before the young dwarf pulled out a hidden knife, attacking Sara, perhaps to soothe his wounded pride.
The girl stiffened in the face of the attack and the first saves were very clumsy.
As soon as she gained confidence she attempted a few lunges, without success since fear made her retreat at every parade.
She found it strange to feel so much terror in front of a dwarf when she had already come face to face against a multitude of orcs, managing to slaughter dozens of them.
"Is she winning?" Hanna asked worriedly as she tried to sit up straighter, but failed due to the pain of her injuries.
"He is not losing, there is a clear difference!" The King answered her.
Thranduil gently leaned Hanna against a wall to come to Sara's aid. Her friend was doing well, but her emotions didn't allow her to fight one hundred percent and it was dangerous to have distractions against a dwarf.
The King retrieved the sword that had been left on the ground and blocked a blow that would have inflicted a bad wound if he landed.
Encouraged by the presence of the elf, Sara went from defense to attack, slashing with the intent of exhausting the opponent. But the dwarf, despite being sturdy, was agile and fast.
He parried each shot, trying to hit her several times, as soon as he found an opening.
They went on for a while, the dwarf was frightened by the elf and confused to see him intervene only when his blade got too close to the human, not understanding that alliance between the races that had always looked at each other with suspicion.
There was another moment of stasis and among all the decisions he could make, the dwarf chose the worst.
He feinted and Sara fell for it, blocking a blow that never came.
The dwarf turned, turning his attention to Hanna, drawing another knife and launching himself into a deadly attack. But he had overestimated himself, perhaps because of the euphoria given by the idea he considered brilliant or fear.
The elf was so quick to react that terror affected the features of the dwarf, only when the sword had already pierced him, only to fall to the ground dead as soon as the realization of what had happened came to the young fighter's mind.
"The presumption of knowing the opponent's moves can prove to be fatal!" Thranduil said as he pulled the sword from his body.
As he knelt next to Hanna he held her in a hug "Don't ever worry me like that again!" he said apprehensively.
"This is the pinnacle! Would it be my fault?" Hanna decided to calm her temper only because the King still looked shaken.
"Hanna..." Sara practically fell on them both and fell to her knees.
"I'm fine!" Her friend calmed her by throwing her a look to make her understand to give them space.
When Thranduil broke away from her he still looked shaken and did not react to Sara's scrutinizing gaze, allowing her to check that she was not injured.
"I saw some dwarves take a nice flight from the upstairs stairs! I'm sure they couldn't have survived a fall like that!" He told trying to hide the discomfort felt in hearing, rather than seeing, the sound of bodies crashing on the hard marble below.
The King smiled satisfied, but composed himself as soon as the guards arrived and Sara smiled at the thought that he was so open even in her presence.
Hanna let Thranduil pick her up and carry her to the healing rooms.
He felt so sore that he doubted he could stand on his own legs.
On the way Sara reassured her by telling her that she had thought of securing the children.
Remembering what had happened she could say she knew she had played with fire and even if she had felt terror in those good moments, she was proud of herself for the fake arrogant air she had managed to show to those rude and snooty dwarves!
Hanna woke up screaming.
She was breathing as if she had just run four kilometers and was wet with sweat.
Once she calmed down she didn't hold back and snorted in annoyance.
During the war against the Romans he had never had nightmares, not even after killing the first person ... perhaps, having done it out of necessity and not for pure pleasure, his conscience did not feel remorse, but he found it absurd that fear is manifested in his unconscious just when he was safest!
She pulled the blankets up to under her chin, enjoying the retained heat that managed to relax her.
Why did simple dwarves give her so much thought when Romans, ogres and werewolves had never upset her ?!
When Aranel was kidnapped she hadn't had time for nightmares.
On the one hand because worry kept her awake, on the other because Thranduil had been very quick to free her.
But maybe he was the answer he was looking for.
Faced with every danger that had come before her, there was Thranduil, ready to protect her.
While with the dwarves she had found herself alone, helpless as she had not felt since the years of slavery...She winced when the bedroom door was opened, but erected a facade of flat calm, learned right from the elf in front of her who was scrutinizing her worriedly.
His huge eyebrows were tight, the only sign of the discomfort he felt.
Hanna smiled, Thranduil always managed to show her his feelings through small body gestures or glances. He didn't know if he did it on purpose when he was with her, or if it was natural for him to lower some of the defenses in her presence, but she found that she didn't care.
He knew the real elf under the mask and that was enough!
He walked over to her, putting down the tray he was carrying. Although she was used to seeing him in that context, now, with the crown adorning his head, she found it strange to watch him serve himself.
"You shouldn't pretend you aren't afraid!" Thranduil said sitting gently on the bed beside him.
"Says the one who wears a mask twenty-four hours a day!" Hanna tried to retort.
"With you never!" He objected.
"Touché!" had to recognize her. "How do you feel?" The elf asked, studying her with his eyes.
"Bored!" Hanna answered sincerely.
"Hanna..." "Yes, I know I shouldn't move to heal broken ribs, lie down so as not to strain too much the bruises that make my complexion look like polka dots...but it's a full day I'm in bed! And you know very well that I'm not at all used to hanging around all the time...as comfortable and inviting as this bed is!" She complained.
"Now you say nonsense!" He protested. "Can I go to have breakfast with the others?" She asked who, even though she knew the answer, wanted to try it anyway.
"It's not time yet! The healer said you must rest!" Hanna rolled her eyes.
These two phrases had become a mantra!
"If you want I can bring the children..." "Yes and for what? To make them worry ?! Did you see how Aranel looked at me? She was frightened because she has never seen me in this condition, much less confined to a bed!l She protested trying all out.
Thranduil sighed.
He hated that she leveraged her daughter to convince him!
"I'll take you to breakfast..." "One point for me!" Hanna exulted "…..if you promise to stay the rest of the day in bed without trying to escape and getting up only for the necessary things!" He finished.
"And a point for you!" Hanna said flatly, dejected.
But it was better than nothing!
Once he sat down at the table, Thranduil set out to carry out his duties, but Hanna saw a warm smile appear on his face as she saw the joy and affection the children showed her.
"Then you have to tell me how you managed to convince him!" Her friend informed her, resuming eating. Hanna smiled satisfied but was forced to stop shortly after, when Sara spat out the entire contents of the glass
"Damn!" Hanna screamed at the spoiled and inedible donuts.
She could do anything, even haunt Galion to invite her for a stupid walk, but that was too much.
Breakfast was the most important meal of the day and even though she knew she could ask for more, throwing away all those donuts was a waste that made her blood boil!
All the anger was forgotten as soon as he noticed Legolas sitting at the head of the table. When had he arrived?
Damn the elves who managed to move without making the slightest noise.
But that wasn't what made her eyes widen, no, she was used to it.
Two big mustaches had been drawn with black paint on Legolas' face who, sulking and lost in who knows what thoughts, sat royally at the table!
Hanna tried to laugh silently, but her body was violently shaken and she was forced to lean on the table with her elbows when she felt her breath fail, her face burning and bruises joined to her ribs, protest the effort.
Sara was still too shocked to enjoy herself.
Apparently seeing an idol of his own in such pitiful conditions had been too much.
"What do you have to fix?" He asked gruffly.
Hanna felt an internal annoyance but it didn't stop her laughing.
Anger and resentment were the only emotions she had seen him manifest, or was it what he reserved for them!
When Sara began to laugh too, her gaze fell on Aranel.
Maybe it was her mother's instinct that made her move her eyes, whatever it was she didn't betray her. The smirk her daughter had on her face had to reluctantly acknowledge that it was identical to hers and she hated it because it meant it was her!
Observing Aranel, Hanna lost the lightning movement of Legolas who was mirrored in an empty tray, her eyes widening as soon as she realized the reason for the hilarity of the two humans.
"It was you!" He growled as he felt the shame burn like a red-hot ember on his chest.
"It's not my doing!" Hanna said.
"Nor mine!" Sara defended herself, who had stopped laughing because of the sudden discomfort she felt. He was still the Prince after all and he couldn't laugh at him so openly! ...or did she ?!
"You lie! But if you believe that it takes so little to make me commit actions or say something that would demean me in the eyes of my father and my people, you are very wrong!" Did he really think they were so mean?
And why would they have taken action if it hadn't hindered their relationship with Thranduil at all?!
Not yet at least.
In royal kitchens, large enough to be lost, the elves were immersed in daily activities.
Who cleaned, who cooked, who had the task of coordinating each specific job.
The guards also patrolled that wing of the castle, alert for any attacks or intrusions.
Aranel looked out into the corridor that led to the kitchens, managing to avoid the patrol by a whisker.
He gestured to Lucilla, who was much less stealthy than she, forcing her to go ahead to make sure she wasn't caught.
They entered the kitchen sniffing the air greedily.
On the large table in the center of the room there were freshly baked cookies!
The small but expert thieves slipped under the table as soon as rumors announced the arrival of witnesses. The long tablecloth gave them a distinct advantage.
Three elves entered, who immediately went to work, cleaning and cutting greens and vegetables.
The rhythmic beat of the knives on the cutting boards gave the green light to Aranel, who, standing on the opposite side from the cooks, came out of his hiding place grabbing and passing as many biscuits as possible to Lucilla.
Taking care to arrange the rest so as not to point out that some were missing.
"Aranel! Lucilla!" Sara's voice made them tremble.
She must have noticed that they had left the room without warning her.
But the surprised sighs of the girls had not gone unnoticed by the elves who were in the room with them and when Sara looked out the door, one of them pointed to the table.
The girl immediately understood that simple gesture, even if it annoyed her that many of the elves only gave her life when the Princess was involved.
Aranel heard his aunt's heavy step getting closer and closer and with the booty still in his hands, she slipped out of her hiding place, running away from danger, followed by her faithful friend.
"If I catch you!" Sara hissed as she resumed her run.
She would have caught up with them immediately, were it not for the large skirt to limit his movements, threatening to drop it if he had kept too fast a pace.
At an intersection he had a moment of uncertainty before remembering that the place deemed safest by those pests was their rooms. But turning a corner too quickly, he bumped into someone.
"And today's fool is made too!" She thought before looking up.
"I'm s..." the words died in her throat as soon as she saw the King watching her smiling.
He had got into the bad habit of having fun with his misfortunes!
"If you can't stop those thieves, I highly doubt I'll ever let you take part in a patrol in the woods!" The sovereign commented before starting to walk again.
A smile lit up Sara's face "The challenge has been accepted!" She said emulating one of her favorite characters from the most beloved sitcom during his teens.
Hanna thanked Calien when the latter handed her the arrows recovered from the various targets.
Now healed, she never missed an opportunity to practice.
By talking to Thranduil they had learned of the facts of Erebor.
Events had unfolded as they knew, and Legolas had wisely backed away once he arrived too late on the battlefield.
The Prince seethed with rage at the thought that the dwarves had returned the aid sent by the elves of Mirkwood in the years to come with the cold iron of the blades.
It had been a fool to show himself so weak in the face of this honorless race.
Thranduil had praised his efforts, reassuring him that he did not hold him responsible.
The girls, talking to each other, had increased the pace of training aware that soon other dwarves would show up on the borders of the kingdom.
Hanna put down the bow, deciding to strengthen her sword skills.
Like Milo, she had always been very good with arrows, from the very beginning, when they had defended the walls of the temple from the attack of the Romans.
With the sword, he still had a lot to learn.
He concentrated on reviewing the basic technique, eager for Feren to arrive to begin the lesson.
"Human!" She had to try hard to remain impassive in the face of that epithet that only a certain impertinent elf still used with her.
Tauriel was furious. Hanna could have sworn she had never seen her like that.
"I appeal to your honor! I challenge you!" revealed the girl even more amazing as she drew her sword. "Why?" Hanna didn't understand where she was headed with that absurd show of strength.
And then, what an honor there is in challenging someone clearly inferior like her.
Against the Romans she was an excellent warrior, but with centenarian warriors she had no escape!
"You admitted that you never took advantage of your position. Prove what you say and accept the challenge!" Tauriel provoked her with a knowing smile.
"It depends on your point of view, but since I have been in the kingdom, I give you my word that I have never dared to offend the King with such an abject deed!" Hanna agreed by reaffirming what she had said earlier.
"Do you prefer an archery challenge or..." "Daggers! I think the sword is too much for a fragile human!" The elf laughed at her whispering those perfidious words as she passed her.
"I'm treating you without the slightest regard, I invite you to do the same. I am a skilled warrior, do not hold back or you would risk disrespecting me!" Tauriel kept poking at her as she pulled out the blades. Hanna was surprised when she saw Feren hand her two splendid daggers.
"Remember, sight is not essential. Fixing the blades would only put you in trouble. The eyes often anticipate attacks!" encourage her with a welcoming smile.
The confidence acquired by Hanna went out like a flame in the middle of a storm when she noticed that the entire training camps had stopped, all focused on that fight.
"Well, now I'm at the cinema! Let's say more theater, but I hate being the protagonist!" Hanna regretted her decision, but she couldn't hold back now.
Tauriel left her open for the opening attack. The girl did not excel with daggers, but she learned quickly.
For this he decided to start with great style.
I advance as fast as possible, delivering a cutting blow that was immediately deflected.
The handle of their weapons revealed in advance the moves they could use, for this reason, when Tauriel lowered an arm, she realized that she was needing a deadly uppercut and opted to create a defense by raising both daggers, dodging at the same time, for safety.
The next was a straight redouble that is a diagonal shot from the bottom that closes from the outside inwards, on the same side of the arm that holds the weapon.
This she parried, failing to avoid it. Se complained mentally scolding herself.
It was better to deflect or dodge such a blow!
"How did you do it?" The elf asked, forcing her on the defensive thanks to her agility. In order not to be caught off guard and in an attempt to disorient the opponent, Hanna decided to stop continuing to defend herself.
She began to move constantly.
The knife, instead of keeping it next to his side, placed it as a barrier between the two of them. As if there had been a magnet that kept the blade pointed at the opponent.
"I don't know what you are talking about, but I inform you...that not everything happens...because of me!" Hanna had never found it difficult to speak while she was fighting, but in this case the concentration had to be high.
He knew he would never hurt her, he wouldn't dare to go that far, but it was best not to rely too heavily on his position. He didn't want to look bad.
She was the companion of the King and Mephistopheles was giving her the opportunity to show that she was worthy of it.
"You turned the King against me!" Tauriel hissed beating a blow "Now the Prince too!" Another "You took away everything I had!" On the third the elf made the two blades collide and with a twist of the wrist made the girl lose her grip.
Hanna forced herself to calm down.
Finding himself with a blade was a disadvantage that he doubted he could get away with.
But he had to resist, he couldn't give her the satisfaction of making her feel strong by displaying her fear. She found herself forced to change the handle several times and very quickly, having to parry both blows of the blades.
The next blow was from the bottom up.
Hanna moved simultaneously with the elf and took a step back and immediately to the side ready to hit the forearm or the wrist area with the intent of making the challenger lose his grip.
Depriving her of a blade, he wanted to bring them back to the same level.
Tauriel destabilized her with an unexpected and powerful thrust, allowing her to strike a decisive blow.
The weapon was torn from Hanna's grip and after a few vaulting in the air, it collided with the marble floor causing a deafening noise in the silence that had fallen among those present.
"Congratulations!" Tauriel said making a lopsided, disrespectful, impertinent bow ... in short, Hanna understood that it was the final touch of the perfidious plan put in place to humiliate her.
Once the elf disappeared from his sight, he decided that the best thing to do was to pretend that nothing had happened and resumed training. It worked, as the training continued smoothly until Feren accompanied her to his rooms.
But Hanna could say with certainty that she had not yet won the respect of the elves and wondered if marrying the King would be the right thing to do if they didn't think she was worthy ...
That day the King's anger had overwhelmed anyone who had the misfortune to meet him.
Word of what had happened spread like wildfire and soon one thing became clear: Tauriel had disappeared! She had been seen leaving shortly after the challenge with the human, had entered the forest and had not returned.
Thranduil had sent a patrol to find her, not to worry about her safety, but to lock her up in prisons and probably throw away the key until the anger of such an ignoble action passed.
In his speech at the training camp the next day, he reaffirmed all the values of an elf of the woods, specifying that there was no glory in challenging someone less able to soothe the wounded pride or any outrage received.
In a nutshell, the elves understood that the human might not be of noble blood, but her position had to be recognized and respected.
Furthermore, many had admired the courage shown in accepting a lost challenge at the start and numerous cadets found themselves stopping once training was over, to marvel at Hanna's dedication to training and her progress.
One morning Hanna and Sara were emulating a fight to the death.
A few months had passed since that unfortunate event and now, the daggers, had become like an extension of their limbs.
They were moving agile and fast, intent on disarming and ending that confrontation as soon as possible. Thranduil watched quietly sitting on a majestic chair at the edge of the field, with Galador in his arms. Elanor must have changed and Calien had taken care to meet the baby's needs, as her mother was busy and not to disturb the King from that short break from royal duties.
"It's lucky that nothing has changed in our world!" Sara stated that she had to take a few steps back to avoid two successive lunges from Hanna "We can say that we are ready for what is about to happen!" She boasted, deciding to return this courtesy with two opposing blows, one behind the other.
"Don't rely too much on what you know!" Hanna scolded her who treasured past experiences "If you let yourself be guided by presumption you will inevitably end up regretting it!" She said blocking both Sara's daggers with his own, starting a competition of strength with the aim of pushing her backwards.
"Now you are also a philosopher!" Sara teased her with the considerable effort that transpired from her tone "While I patrol the forest you are learning the famous art of argumentation! It will be very useful to you!" recognized Sara, unable to hold back a little laugh even though she was forced to give ground to her opponent, being pushed backwards.
"Only one exit and do you consider yourself a full member?!" Hanna said teasing her.
As if wanting to emphasize her own sentence, she began to strike opposing blows in succession, trying to embarrass her friend.
"You should improve your skills before throwing yourself on suicide missions don't you think?" She took it back when he saw her forced to back away.
"You should have told me before the rebellion. I've got used to it now!" Answers Sara starting to play skillful footwork, trying to use agility to her advantage. "Now pretend disinterest when you first died of worry!" The two pairs of blades collided with each other.
The girls lowered them and found themselves face to face "I hadn't been Aranel!" Sara laughed before suddenly walking away to regain control of the situation.
"You wouldn't believe it, but I want you to come back in one piece!" Hanna said even though the horizontal shot from outside to inside on the same side of the arm holding the weapon gave a different message.
"In fact, I don't believe it!" Sara said, stepping back and standing in a defensive position for greater safety "Where is the only one?" She asked deciding it was his turn to attack.
"Who would I spend my days with? Who would translate the thousands of lines I am missing to finish the book on ancient battles?" Hanna blocked the blow with a blade and with a twist changed her attack position, but Sara, knowing that move, managed not to let her guard down by remaining on the defensive. "Found it!" Sara said trying two lunges with little success "I think I have to start getting paid!" She reasoned as she resumed moving around her opponent, concentrating on identifying any openings to exploit.
"You have finally found your calling! You will become an interpreter!" pretended to cheer Hanna by assuming an attacking stance.
"But go..." Sara did not finish the insult when she caught her eye on a guard running alongside the King with some excitement.
The news he brought made even Hanna immobilized "My lord, a group of dwarves has crossed the borders of the kingdom!".
Finally, the subjects of the Wooded Realm have been able to see those mysterious humans that have been talked about for some time!
Audial is a healer apprentice, who knows what will happen between him and Sara!
The Battle of the Five Armies is upon us now!
Thranduil having witnessed the destruction of Doriath and the assassination of King Thingol by the dwarves feels a strong resentment towards them, but having been absent during the fall of Erebor, I decided to put something unexpected that would awaken that anger that never disappeared!
This misfortune opens Hanna's eyes allowing her to destroy the doubts that have arisen because of Tauriel.
Aranel has got used to court life and combines one after the other!
Tauriel is gone, Legolas is more and more lost ... In the midst of this confusion, Thorin Oakenshield finally arrives!
Let me know what you think!
See you soon,
X-98