Hi! Another chapter just for you!
**Italic- Elvish**
"I hardly believe we made it thus far without running into a single spider."
Gregor stretched as he peered through the trees. He was right. It was strange how they had not come across a spider this whole time...well, a live one anyone.
The only thing we saw, nearing our destination, was quite a few dead spiders husks killed off weeks ago. It was incredibly convenient more scurrying about, ready to take their place.
"I don't like it." Liked the fact that they weren't attacking us. Did NOT like the dreadful feeling that came with them not attacking us. Like something unseen was charging up to take us on, letting us believe we're safe...
But to be honest, I was more surprised we hadn't been attacked by orcs. Something was going on...I could feel it. Every fiber of my being was saying there was a shift in their atmosphere. Whether it was good or bad, I hadn't decided.
The further north we went, the easier the darkness seemed to be.
"You don't like that we're safe? That's a new one..." Gregor leaned against a rotting tree and sighed heavily. He was tired. 3 days of running on all fours can do that to a person, or shape-shifter for this instance.
That was why we were taking it easy today. We'd made really good timing. I suggested we walk it from here on out. I didn't want Gregor giving away his secret to the elves or anyone else we may run into as we neared the territory of the Woodland Realm.
I shoved another piece of dried cheese into my mouth and chewed slowly. Today was a day to slow down. Take a look at the forest for what it was without getting pulled in by the evil. I was like a sponge; taking it all in. I just wanted to make sure I soaked up as much details as possible. It needed to be fresh in my mind. It would be useful somehow...especially with what was already in there.
Everything. Nothing. Just the fucking future of Middle Earth.
And it would all hinge on the decisions I made. Sauron wasn't going to win this...but I was going to make sure it hurt as much as possible.
Traveling with Gregor gave me plenty of time to think about what I was going to do. I set out at the beginning pretending to be a seer...knowing the future before something bad happened with the company. I hid who I was from people. From my new friends.
It was time to start being who I was. The wizards knew. The elves of Rivendell knew. Gregor knew...even Balin was aware. He'd guessed it, knowing more folklore than the others. So now...I just had to be me.
"Emi. It'll get dark soon...you think we should head for the border?"
My head swiveled to look over at Gregor. He was getting restless. The forest of Mirkwood could take a lot out of you. I could still feel the darkness crawling under my skin.
"Sure." I slowly pulled myself to my feet and brushed the dirt from my trousers. "How far off are we?"
"I'd say another hour or so and we'll be home free."
That was all I needed to hear. I smiled brightly and threw my bag over my shoulder. I was more than ready to be out of these woods and into a nice soft bed. Maybe when we arrived, I could talk Thranduil into giving us a nice hot meal.
We'll see what he'd grant us...considering he would be a difficult Elven King to deal with. He wasn't the hospitable type.
"Let's be on our way then. I'd prefer being under a roof tonight..."
"Aye, I couldn't agree more, lass. " Gregor marched forward, his own bag slung over a shoulder with his other hand tightly on his axe. He was ready to take down any opponent that came our way, but I knew we'd be all right.
Our journey to the border was without incident. I may have tripped over my feet a couple times, but that was minor compared to what could have happened.
Thankfully we made it into the Woodland Realm before nightfall. It was the late evening hours by the time we crossed the elven paths. I noted we were able to breathe. Now the only task at hand was getting into the actual fortified, inside a cave, Hall of the Great King Thranduil. The Elvenking's Halls.
I was hoping it would be an easy in and out job, but I wasn't holding my breath.
My thoughts were quickly interrupted when I slammed face first into what felt like a wall.
Gregor stopped short and was staring in front of us. I rubbed my nose, stepping around him with a peeved expression.
"Man, that fucking hurt. What's up with you?"
"We're being watched..."
I raised an eyebrow and looked around us. I couldn't see anything. Was he losing it? I gave him the benefit of the doubt and closed my eyes, concentrating a bit more on what I could hear rather than see.
Shifting. The slightest movement. Fingers brushing against feathers. A taut string groaning as it pulled back.
"Elves."
Gregor nodded and swallowed. He looked nervous.
The Elves of the Woodland Realm, unlike others, were known to be less wise and more dangerous, but were nevertheless one of the most powerful elves in middle earth. Their strength was formidable.
Which is why I smiled and stepped forward into a ray of fading light that cast through the treeline. I put my hands up to signify I was not here to do any harm.
"Pardon the intrusion, Elves of the Woodland Realm. I come here seeking audience with King Thranduil."
There was no response. It was as though I was talking to the air...but I knew better. Elves were great at hiding in plain sight.
"I understand that the Great Elvenking is not allowing anyone into his halls right now, however, I was sent here by Gandalf the Grey. It's very important." Hopefully name dropping would do the trick...
"And why would Gandalf the Grey send a mortal covered in filth to speak to our King instead of coming himself?"
Oh, wow, that's an arrow to my neck. Okay.
The elf beside me, with a bow pulled back and an arrow pointing at my jugular, narrowed her eyes. Sizing up her prey. My eyes shifted to her and I sighed with relief. I recognized the red hair and green eyes of Tauriel, Captain of the Guard.
"Not going to lie, you had me a bit worried." I said as I set a finger against the arrow and pushed it away gingerly.
It did little to deter Tauriel, who took the moment to swiftly bring a dagger to my neck instead.
"You should be, mortal."
"Listen, you better stop calling me mortal. I'm waaaay older than you. And two, I really need to speak with your King. It's pretty important."
"I'd listen to her she-elf." Gregor had his axe firmly in his hands, ready to protect me if needed.
Unfortunately for him, a look from the Captain of the Guard had the rest of her crew stepping out from the trees to train their bows on Gregor.
Shit, this was getting dangerous now.
"Tauriel!" At the sound of her name, the red haired elf shifted her eyes back to me with slight bemusement.
"How do you-"
"Listen to me. You came across some dwarves recently, yes?"
Again, she was surprised, but didn't answer right away.
Okay so I may have to convince her...
"They were traveling with Gandalf the Grey and myself until recently. We became separated and I need to be reunited with them. Do you have them in your custody or not?"
"Who are you?" The red heads eyes furrowed. She was thoroughly confused and a bit concerned that I knew they had the dwarves.
I swallowed against the dagger and gave her a warm smile.
"My name is Emi, daughter of Aule and Yavanna."
"Ainur?" The word rolled off her tongue like fine silk, but it held a power that had the other elves looking at her with surprise.
"Yes. Please, I'm begging you...I need to see th-I mean, I need to see your King. There is a great evil coming this way and if we cannot stop it, there will be so much death and despair. You must know this by now..."
My words slowly began to turn wheels in her head as she looked into my eyes. Cautiously, the dagger left my throat and she motioned for the other elves to lower their bows. I let out a sigh and put a hand ot my chest. My heart was beating a million miles a minute.
"Thank you. You have no idea how grateful I am for this."
She gave a small nod and straightened her stance.
"King Thranduil has refused anyone passage into his Halls...but I believe he would be willing to see one of the Ainur if they wished it."
"So...you believe me? About being a Valar?"
Green eyes stayed on mine for a moment or two longer than necessary.
She gave me a small smile before looking a the rest of her guard and signaling their departure. I stayed in step with Gregor as we were led through the forest. As we traveled closer to the stronghold, I could see the darkness of the woods practically disappear. It was a night and day difference. The trees were turning white in color, looking healthy and full of life.
The intricate designs of elvish work was evident as the stronghold entrance came into view and I was starting to get nervous. It wasn't just the idea that King Thranduil was on the other side of those doors...but so were my friends. The dwarves I left behind in the Misty Mountains.
As we neared the gates, they opened effortlessly, revealing a tall silver haired elf. He swaggered his way passed the gate guards to stand in front of Tauriel. They must have sent someone ahead to inform the higher ups.
They began to converse in Sindarin, thinking to keep their discussion secret from their new arrivals.
"Taruiel, tell me you have not fallen for such a story? These mortals are hardly passable for their own kind."
"Don't be unkind Legolas. I know they do not look like much, but she was telling the truth. I could see it in her eyes."
The silver haired elf looked at me with a raised eyebrow, only for him to notice I was glaring at him.
"Why does she look at me so?"
"Maybe I'm just annoyed that I'm still standing outside instead of being welcomed with open arms. Aren't elves supposed to be kind?"
The elves all looked at me with shock. Legolas, with eyes widened and nose flared, stepped around Tauriel to peer down at me.
"You can speak Sindarin?"
"Yes. And Quenya, Silvan, Valarin, Telerin, Black Speech, and Khuzdul...Whatever. Are you going to let me into your father's Hall or am I going to have to take my hammer and knock down this mountain?"
"I was not aware she was so hostile. It would be unwise to bring her before my father like this..."
"You're not. First I'd like a bath and some clean clothes."
"Nor was I aware she'd be so demanding."
"Listen, Legolas, I've had a really long journey, My companion and I are incredibly exhausted. We've had little time to bathe or sleep. If you'd be so kind as to provide a place to bathe, a clean set of clothes, and maybe some warm food, I would be in your debt."
His eyes stayed on mine for a few moments before they shifted to Tauriel. She nodded with a small smile. He seemed to softened at that and turned to head back inside.
"Bring them to one of our guest rooms. I'll have someone send for clothing and a meal. Father wont be pleased about this..."
"Probably not, but I've got something he'll want to hear." I said with a smirk. I'd like to chalk this one up to a win for me.
"I hope for your sake you're right." Tauriel said softly as she led us down the winding halls of the Woodland Realm.
I thought my feet were going to fall off by the time she stopped in front of a set of doors...and not surprisingly, there were guards stationed outside on each side.
"Lady Emi, this will be your room. Your friend will be across the hall."
I nodded and gave Gregor a small thumbs up before I was led into my room.
"Emi."
"Pardon?"
I looked over my shoulder as I slipped my bag to the floor and began removing my belt.
"Just Emi. You don't need to call me a Lady or anything like that."
"I would prefer a title for the daughter of Ivon."
A soft smile graced my lips as I turned to face her. My mother was known by many names...to hear one of them was nostalgic. The elves looked to with something akin to idolization. Yavanna brought the trees and plants into Arda. Silvan Elves, or Wood Elves, would hold her in high regard.
"You do believe me."
"I see no reason for such an outlandish lie...and you don't seem like the type to spin tall tales."
A snort left my throat as I chuckled. "You don't know me very well."
"I hope that changes." Tauriel gave a curt nod before letting herself out the door.
As it closed behind her, I stood there briefly. She was nicer than I assumed.
She was perfect for Kili.
Humming in agreement to that thought, I turned back to my room. I gave it a once over, nodding in approval. Pretty damn nice. Clean and comfy. Just what I needed. Everything looked like it was carved by the finest craftsmen.
I was too busy roaming the room with my eyes to notice the fleet of female elves practically float in. How they entered without me hearing them was beyond my understanding. They brought in a large tub and one by one, a pail of hot water was poured into it.
It was all happening so fast. And then the door closed, effectively locking me inside with these maids. They descended upon me like vultures, stripping me of the grimy clothing I'd been wearing for weeks. The assault had me grumbling in annoyance.
This was worse than the forest...
_
"Oh gods, food!" A piping hot tray of what I assume was soup was placed on the table beside my bed. Fruit, cheese, and bread adorned the tray, pairing with the soup in a captivating display of perfection.
The maids had left nearly an hour ago, with all of my dirty clothes. They'd washed, dressed, and combed my hair. They must have wanted me presentable for their King because I looked like a damn princess. The dress they threw on me was a pale ivory. The sleeve were long, falling almost floor length with the dress, and the neck swooped low. It hung lightly from my shoulders, showing more skin than I would have preferred, but it was better than the dirt covered shirt I had on earlier. They placed an intricate headpiece against my brown hair. It was made of some sort of strong birch with small golden leaves. It warped around itself and perfectly encircled my pinned up hair.
I smelled like flowers too.
I can't say I was angry about it. It'd been uncomfortable having those women scrub my skin red, but in the end, I was happy to be clean.
And even more happy about this soup I was devouring. It seeped down my throat before warming my belly. This was probably the best thing I've had in months. It was delicious.
"I see the meal was to your liking."
It was Legolas standing just inside the doorway, his hands tucked behind his back.
I glanced over at him and smiled, hiding the fact that he scared the ever living shit out of me. I nearly chocked on my supper.
"Yes, thank you. It's been some time since I've had something this good." I turned back to the tray and shoved a piece of cheese into my mouth, chewing loudly without a care. This was positively orgasmic at this point.
He shifted uncomfortably. Maybe he wasn't used to my mannerism yet. Well, he better buckle up. He was in for a whole lot more of it.
Clearing his throat, Legolas stepped further into the room.
"When you're ready, my father insisted he see you at your earliest convenience.."
"You mean at his earliest convenience, which means now?"
He didn't skip a beat. A smirk graced his perfect lips and I could hear the swooning of every female from here to the Blue Mountains.
I groaned as I placed my utensil down onto the tray. I had to leave it all behind? Right now? I must have looked like I was about to give up my hammer.
"I'll make sure it's still here when you return."
"You mean, IF, I return."
"You will. You have my word."
I gave another sigh before I turned toward him, following his lead out the door. It was an awkward walk from the room to the main halls. Obediently I trailed behind the Prince, with a few guards behind us. Every few moments, Legolas looked over his shoulder at me.
After the fourth time, I raised an eyebrow.
"What? Do I have something on my face?"
"No, no. I just didn't realize there was beauty beneath all that grime."
Was he teasing me? Please don't. I'm up to my shoulders in the male species...and I've more than had enough. Would it be rude if I threw a slipper at him? He was lucky the floors looked cold.
Saved by the cold floors. For now.
"Right. Thanks, I suppose...Are we almost there?"
"Yes. Just a bit further now."
The winding tree branches served as paths between rooms. It was fascinating to observe how they all intertwined with the cave. Waterfalls fell below the paths, cascading down the rocks and in between tree roots. It was peaceful and full of life. A beautiful display of how well nature could provide. It reminded me of mother and father. Yavanna, the trees and moss that covered the rocks. Aule, the sturdy mountain cave that sheltered their vast halls. A perfect coupling.
It wasn't long before the beauty gave way to large open chamber. We stepped over carved bridges and smoothed out paths, each moment bringing me closer to the center of it all. The ceiling came down to cradle the throne of the King. Pillars hewn out of living stone. I was awestruck and intimidated all at the same time.
This wasn't like meeting Elrond. More like coming face to face with mortal Kings. Thranduil was known to be egocentric, arrogant, cold, and severe. I could tell it was going to be an unpleasant encounter.
Thranduil sat upon his throne of carved wood, intricate and purposeful. One his head was a crown of red berries and leaves twisted between molded twigs, a theme which announced the coming autumn. His piercing blue eyes were focused on me the moment I stepped before him. I wish I could say I was brave as he stared me down, but my eyes turned away and I pretended to take in the hall around us.
"Thank you for bringing her to me. You may go." His voice was cool and sophisticated, but I could hear the hint of intrigue behind it.
"Of course, father." Legolas gave a bow before he turned and left. No pat on my shoulder. No 'Good Luck." Just left me there.
After the shuffling of feet began to soften as Legolas and his entourage distanced themselves, I forced my eyes to look upon the Elevnking once more. His intense gaze was still on me, his hand coming up to sit beneath his chin. There was this arrogant smirk trying to push its way onto his lips, but he held back only to make me squirm a bit longer. His guards stood there motionless, like statues, which made it seem like we were alone.
I was ready to cave in, ready to spill every last secret I had. Anything to be away from this moment. Just when the breaking point came to it's boiling conclusion, he spoke once more.
"My son tells me you claim to be a descendant of the Valar." It was like he was laughing at me.
Okay. I can do this. I just had to open my mouth and say something smart and witty.
"Yep."
I could die right now. Why was this happening? What in the world was wrong with me?
"Yep?" The Elvenking let the word slip out of his mouth as he raised a thick eyebrow. I could see the annoyance shift into his features.
"I mean- Yes. However, it is not a claim, Your Highness." Slowly, without looking like a complete fool, I dropped my head and gave the best curtsy I could muster. Nothing fancy, just and dip of my body, my knees bending out, and my eyes to the ground.
"My name is Emi. Daughter of Yavanna and Aule." I let myself straighten my stance and brought my hands to connect in front, but I didn't raise my head. "I owe you a debt of gratitude for allowing my companion and myself a place to rest."
Silence filled the hall as I tried my best to stand still and allow this King of Elves to judge me. I didn't remember him from my days before the Great War, but I do recall his father. They had similar features, however, Oropher was not nearly as trembling.
A softest of sounds roused my eyes from the ground, only for them to meet the face of the Thranduil. He'd descended from his perch to stand before me, leaning down to get into my face. It startled me, but I stopped myself from stepping back. Showing weakness in the face of a dangerous creature was not always the best choice.
A gentle hand caressed my jaw before light fingers lifted my chin to firmly look into his eyes.
"Emi, The Lady of frost, was slain by The Lord of Mordor." His voice touched the very soul of my being, causing a a soft intake of air at his words. The statement was only truth. I had died, but it still felt fresh in my mind. It was the last thing I could remember before I was born again.
"I'm quite aware of my demise...Many fell against The Dark One." Comparatively, my voice was weak and trembling.
"Then how, if I may ask, do you expect me to believe such a dubious declaration?"
I couldn't make him believe me. There was nothing I could say that would convince him, right? Anyone could hold knowledge of the past and use it to their advantage.
"My Lord."
The sound of another being approaching us went entirely unnoticed until the elf's voice interrupted. The King, however, looked over my head only to smirk. His eyes returned to mine and he stood back, upright and gracefully so.
Thranduil stepped back, almost floating, to put space between himself and I.
"Perhaps it is the weapon you have that persuades fools."
Huh? Weapon? What was he-
A guard stepped from behind me and came into view. As he neared Thranduil, I could see he was carrying something wrapped in cloth.
It was familiar...
"Is that- Did you have your guard go through my belongings? That's MY hammer."
"Weapons of travelers and guests are to be removed for the safety of MY Kingdom. Willingly or not."
Heat rushed to my face from the fire burning inside. The King of Mirkwood had every right to take my hammer, but asking was better than just stealing it like an asshole.
Figuring he made his point, he smirked and put his hand out for the guard to place the cloth covered weapon upon them. The moment he had my hammer, he motioned for the guard to leave. Once more, we were left alone...save for the stone guards he kept at his disposal.
He examined the cloth carefully, not opening it just yet. It was as though he was savoring this moment, enjoying the unwrapping of something beautiful.
"It is said the great-hammer, Nambalos," The name rolled off his tongue almost seductively, "was something to behold...shattering any opponent that dared face it." The Elvenking unceremoniously removed the cloth, letting it pool around his hand to protect himself. He held up my hammer to witness its glory. Breathless, he was, for a moment. His features turned to awe while taking in the bright white hue of my hammer. It glowed with power and held him entranced by the shining light. Like starlight gracing his presence.
"But The Breaker bestowed its gifts only to the rightful wielder...All others would burn."
And this idiot used his other naked hand to grasp the handle, letting the frost burn his skin. He shook and let out a moan of pain before releasing his grip on it. He examined his hand as it trembled. The normally pale skin was now blackened with a cold burn, but in moments it began to shift back, seemingly unscathed. His magic was powerful.
His eyes were back on me. Bright blue eyes disabled my annoyance, but his arrogance had me tipping my chin up in a small measure of rebellion.
"If you are who you claim, you wouldn't wrap such a beautiful possession. The Emi my father spoke so fondly of proudly displayed it. Always at her side, he'd say. Not concealed away as though you were a burglar."
I expected him to lash out and lock me away, assuming I was exactly that. A thief who stole this precious weapon to parade around the countryside claiming to be someone I was not.
What I didn't expect, was for him to throw the hammer, using the clothed hand to propel it at me. It soared through the space between us, twirling from the momentum.
I wasn't sure what he imagined would happen. Did he suspect I'd shrink away from it to shield myself from it's unbearable burn?
He was taking a gamble. One that he would lose.
A pregnant pause elapsed between the Mighty Elvenking...and Emi. The Ainur produced from Yavanna and Aule. Created by the Queen of the Earth and The Smith.
Nambalos was firmly in my grasp as the handle shifted and elongated enough for me to slam the end against the floor. It's loud clank sang in the hall, breaking the silence and wiping the smug look off Thranduil's face.
Slowly, Thranduil let his hand drop to his side, the cloth I used to cover Nambalos once was now floating to the floor. The look of surprise began to face into indifference and he turned to approach his throne. His long legs carried the King up the stairs, hands clasped firmly behind his back. Once he was seated upon his throne, he glanced down at me with a respectful nod.
"You have my attention, Lady Emi. Forgive my prudence."
I guess if I was in his shoes, I'd be doubtful as well.
"There's nothing to forgive." I let myself relax, holding Nambalos limply beside me.
"How can I be of service to The Valar?"
"I'd like to negotiate the release of my companions." It was indeed what I needed. They were trapped in here somewhere. I just had to convince him to just...let them go.
"The skin-changer you came with is comfortably in our guest chambers. He's free to leave any time, My Lady."
"Not him."
Thranduils eyebrows rose slowly and he leaned back into the throne.
"I see..."
"I assume Thorin stubbornly refused any help you'd give him."
"You'd assume correctly." The Elven King didn't look pleased with where this was going.
I knew I couldn't just ask for them to be free...though I'm sure there was something he'd want in return for this favor.
"My Lord," I stepped forward, smiling kindly at the elf sitting high on his throne, "You know what they are trying to do. Let them. Allow them to leave with me...allow the dwarves to take back their home."
Contemplation was evident on his face. That and something akin to frustration. He didn't want to release Thorin Oakenshield. Not after their conversation.
"And why would I allow such a blighted endeavor?"
I closed my eyes for a moment and sighed before shifting to turn away from him. Opening my eyes to the open hall, I saw the beauty that surrounded them. While it was not like Lorien, it was indeed just as alluring.
"I understand the anger you feel towards Thorin. He can be...obdurate and selfish. He doesn't see the world as you and I do. He doesn't see the danger in front of him, even when it's obvious to everyone else."
The Elven King didn't interrupt me as I walked around the platform. It was a small comfort for my part. Walking eased the nerves and gave me something to concentrate on while I took in the Great Halls of Thranduil.
"Because of that, he seems fearless. Running into battle without thinking or saying stupid things without realizing the consequences. A habit of dwarves, I'm afraid."
I paused in walking to let my fingers run across a piece of carve stone.
"Immortal beings like us; we know fear. We've seen the worst the world has to offer and persevered through sheer determination."
"I remember a time when darkness covered much of Arda."
I switched to Sindarin as I glanced to my staff. It's light kept the dark thoughts from clouding my mind.
"If those dwarves do not take back Erebor, I'm afraid darkness will grow ever closer to the Woodland Realm." Blue eyes clashed with my own as I turned to face the King.
"Give them to me...and I will give you whatever you desire. Jewels of starlight and more. I will be in your debt ten fold."
Thranduil smirked. It was exactly the kind of reaction I was hoping for.
Bingo.