Chapter 32
He thrummed his clear white nails on the polished wood of his desk, reading the parchment that had been handed to him as he listened to the warriors report. He smirked and the warrior grew grew pale at the sight as he quickly finished the report. The only indication of his anger was the hardening of his jaws as he grit his teeth. He personally did not care so much on what he had to say, not when there was another matter nesting so unpleasantly in his mind.
Echthelion had decided to make a move on Dale, one that he did not think was an option the steward could make. His motive was transparent enough, after all seeking an alliance with a city that had the presence of a witch was an action he would take in Echthelion's position.
Thranduil tossed the parchment on his desk and dismissed the young warrior. He could understand the steward's concerns and urgings to make said timely alliance but it left out one vital aspect of this aspiration. Leanna was not free to make such a decision. The elven King lifted his wine goblet to his lips, watching the wine slosh around as he closed his eyes to relish the taste. Perhaps he needed to remind her of this fact.
He allowed his thoughts drift as her face appeared in his mind again, an image he made constant efforts to ignore regardless of its insistence to remain burned into his mind.
His eyes fluttered open again, as questions began to form in the silence of his study and in his heart. What would he do if she was pledged to be with another? He felt the bile rise up at the thought and Thranduil sat up straight, tempering down on his disgust.
His mind could easily decide he did not care but his fea had already made its decision. There was no way to undo what had been done and so taking into account, his desperation, he was willing to bear the growing pain of being apart from her. For how much longer, he could not say.
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Leanna stared in the distance, as though she expected something to happen. It was morning and she was on the hills close to the city walls. She had spent most of her mornings there since her return and did not dwell much on her attachment to them. She wondered if he bothered about her at all, or was still watching her as he had been.
She had been relieved to return home safely and in peace but why could she not dispel him from her mind? Secretly in the depths of her heart, she knew what she was looking for, what she was hoping for. However, it is unlikely elven warriors would ever venture in this direction again, much more with a king in their company.
She turned round and headed towards the city gates to prepare for the day. The thought not so enjoyable as Dale would be receiving guests from Gondor. She sighed out, the autumn air forming cold puffs of mist around her breath. There was only the option of moving forward now and so was the best one to take.
"She's on the cliffs again Da" Sigrid said as she looked out of his study window, watching Dale come to life once more.
"Last I looked, there was no crime against doing so. You worry too much Sigrid" Bard said as his hands flittered from one scroll to another, reading reports on the progress of trade and arrival of new residents in the city.
"Yes but Da, she looks at her pendant, clutching as if it would disappear in the very moment" Sigrid said, beckoning her father to indulge her. Bard sighed, placing his scrolls down in defeat. He had too much to worry about and did not understand how news of this compared to the current situation he was facing.
"Alright Sigrid and why do you see this as a cause for concern?"
"What if she wants to go back?" Sigrid said, with concern etched on her face.
"Don't be absurd, Leanna does not intend to go back, besides she dislikes King Thranduil too much to want to reside anywhere near him" Bard said, picking up his scrolls again. His daughters worries were unfounded.
"Maybe before but I don't think so anymore Da" Sigrid said with a strong tone that indicated her conviction. She had noted the changes in Leanna some time after her arrival, one of them being her reaction each time Thranduil's name was mentioned. This first few times it happened, Sigrid thought to dismiss as her overactive imagination but now she was certain something was up.
Bard paused and looked at his eldest child. Her demeanor was firm which indicated her seriousness on the matter.
"Either way, she has no more business to do with King Thranduil or The Woodland Realm. She's home to stay Sig" Bard said softly.
"I hope so" She responded solemnly.
"Our guests are on their way here now as we speak, I suggest you find your sister and Bertha so preparations can be sorted out" Bard said, intent on dismissing his daughter. Sigrid rolled her eyes, sighing in exasperation.
"Yes yes, will all these preparations and feasts never end??" Sigrid cried out as she left her father's study room in a huff.
"This is our life now, so you best get used to it" Bard said, calling after her as she closed the door with heavy thud, indicating her annoyance.
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The entourage escorting Echthelion had arrived and all the members of court stood by the gates to welcome them as their lord received them.
Leanna had been forced to partake in the welcoming ceremony, not for anything but for the gifts that had been sent to Dale, many of which she was a recipient to.
An aged man with a strong bearing rode in through the gates on a white horse. Instantly, Leanna could tell this was him, the lord and steward of Gondor, Echthelion.
Echthelion had heard of the rumours, too irrational were they to be ignored. Especially the rumour revolving around Dale being the residence of a witch, a very powerful witch.
She was so much more than the rumours claimed, a real beauty with hair white as snow that some how managed to catch the glow of the sun, and eyes that held a sharp stunning blue hue, they could be mistaken for jewels. If her abilities were not the point of focus, her appearance certainly was.
He alighted from his horse with the rest of his entourage following suit. In that moment, Bard stepped forward to welcome them in open arms.
"My Lord Echthelion, Dale is most honoured by your presence" Bard said, his hand fisted hard on his chest in traditional Gondorian greeting.
"Indeed Lord Bard, the pleasure is ours. We've heard much of Dale..." Echthelion responded in kind. "...Included the beauty it holds". He looked at the city around him to emphasize his words. A part of Bard swelled with pride at the words of his guest, Dale had certainly come from beyond the ashes of death.
"And much beauty it holds indeed" another man from Gondor's entourage spoke, his gaze fixed on the woman he had failed to take his eyes from since their arrival. His grin, charming and captivating.
"This is my son Denethor... Captain to Gondor's citadel" Echthelion smiled and wrapped his arm around the man who had spoken up earlier.
"Lord Denethor, a pleasure...these are my children, Sigrid, Bain and Tilda. My aide as well, Lady Leanna, who all welcome you to our home" Bard said gesturing to his children as they bowed and curtseyed respectively. Leanna stepped forward to do the same, well aware of the eyes glued to her.
"So this is the famed White Rose I've heard so much of, a pleasure my lady" Denethor spoke, smiling ruely as he looked her over. The action left a sour taste in her mouth as there was much to be desired to look at from her own end.
"Indeed, I trust you will receive us well Lord Bard" Echthelion said as he fell in step with Bard.
"Rest assured my Lord, we have prepared well enough for your arrival"
"Good, there is much we must discuss"
Leanna walked behind, content to be out of sight for the meantime. She noted Denethor had been sneaking glances as they walked to their quarters and decided it was in her best interest to avoid any unnecessary meetings with him.
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"I see you've managed to handle matters on your front, not many could survive the horrors you and your people have faced" Echthelion said as they looked over the feast from the view of their seats.
"I consider it a great deal of fortune on our part. If anyone should be praised it should be all the people of Dale who worked together" Bard understood flattery was a subtle weapon to nobles, however dealing with someone like Thranduil taught you a thing or two about the battle of words and wit.
"Of course, the collective effort of a people cannot be overstated, which is why I have come with a proposition" Bard set down his wine cup, his interest piqued as he waited for Echthelion to speak.
"Hard times have set upon us, in the dark corners of Middle Earth darkness spreads like a festering lesion, creeping unto the unsuspecting"
"There will always be darkness Lord Echthelion, the stain of Sauron's evil may never be washed away from these lands" Bard murmured. He may have faced death more times than he would like to but it was no cause to feel unsettled.
"I do not speak of a mere stain Lord Bard" Echthelion's gaze was hard and telling, the sight of it made Bard uncomfortable, there was something more brewing.
"Gondor has well over the years protected the Westfold by its own accord, however the threat grows ever more. A shadow has emerged in the east of our borders, it's presence ever piercing, ever reaching"
"You don't mean to say..." Bard looked around him, ducking his head to speak quietly "...you cannot possibly mean what I think you're saying" Bard whispered fiercely.
"There has been no confirmation yet, but my scouts have reported fires rising in the lands of Mordor" Echthelion said.
The implications were as clear as day, there's was no certainty Sauron had returned and by the chill filling his blood, Bard prayed to high heavens it was just the strong wine speaking for Echthelion.
"Even so, coming to me for an alliance would hardly bring you protection, we are but a small force still in comparison to Gondor's might"
"Rumours tell me that while you fell the dragon with your arrow, your aide had a large part to play in its death"
"I admit her contributions, yes" Bard nodded his head, waiting to confirm his own suspicions.
"In light of this, I propose an alliance of marriage with my son Denethor who inherits the title of steward after me"
"And in exchange?" Bard continued.
"A troop of Gondorian warriors will be sent here as a gesture of goodwill, as well as other richly benefits befitting a Lord"
Gondorian warriors were well seasoned with generations of training. To say this was not a decent offer would be a lie. More wealth meant an expansion in trade routes, an opportunity any Lord would readily invest in.
"A fine offer, were it mine to consider"
"I see no reason for a refusal, Denethor is fine young man, one of great bearing. She would be treated like a queen in Gondor, having nothing to want for" Echthelion pushed on.
An alliance with Gondor would be a far greater blessing than Bard anticipated as he had expected to be overlooked by a such a kingdom. However the choice of a partner for his aide was never his to make, even now more than ever.
"Indeed, however there is more to this than you realize, I don't not have claim over Lady Leanna and as such..." The doors of the grand hall opened as Percy ushered in elves garbed in forest green cloaks with a golden leaf on the noose. "...I don't have the right to give her away.
Leanna had chosen to remain inconspicuous at the feast that evening, but even that was an impossible feat. Try as she may, she could not avoid Denethor forever. The young Gondorian man had made it his mission to seek her out all through the evening and while there was no mention of what he wanted from her, his intentions were outspoken enough to give her an idea.
She composed herself and waited for Denethor to approach her yet again as the doors of the hall opened. A small sigh of relief left her body as the interruption came on a timely manner. Denethor stopped in his tracks and turned his attention to the doors, waiting just like all the others to see what came through them.
Leanna swallowed as she made her way past Denethor to Bard, the sight they watched unfolding before them with questions filling their expressions.
"Greetings to the Lord of Dale" Feran spoke calmly, well aware all attention was currently fixed on his small group. "I come with glad tidings from King Thranduil who wishes to present his gifts"
"Gifts? how lovely...whatever are they for?" Bard said, his eyebrow raising in suspicion. Yet again, Thranduil had done something unprecedented, which put him in a tight spot.
"A show of appreciation and honour my Lord" Feran answered, gesturing to the large caskets as the elven warriors began opening them. The crowd around them gasped at the sight of silver and gold, jewels of all sorts filling the caskets to the brim.
"Well...I do not know what the cause of this generosity is but I will relay my gratitude to King Thranduil, his gifts are well received"
"Pardon me my Lord, however these gifts are intended for the Lady Leanna and no one else" Feran's sharp gaze fleeted over to the woman in question. Her expression grew in disbelief as she heard the words fall from his mouth.
The murmuring grew louder and Leanna well aware of the situation she had been forced in, moved to clear the air.
"Please inform King Thranduil that-"
"-That we are most glad still receive such wonderful gifts" Bard cut in quickly, his look telling her to stay calm.
"I did not know of this arrangement between King Thranduil and the Lady Leanna, I hope I have made no offence by coming here"
"No my Lord, this is merely a misunderstanding and nothing more" Leanna responded. Her eyes hard and cold as she stared at the elf captain acting as Thranduil's representative.
Bard gestured to the guards nearby and ordered the caskets sent to Leanna's chambers, then beckoned the festivities to continue. He turned to the elven emissaries and invited them to join the feast for rest of the evening, to which they obliged.
"If I may, I would like to have a word with Lord Feran" Leanna asked Bard stiffly, relaying the restraint in her.
"Of course, I see no reason not to" Bard smiled at her and watched them leave to have some privacy.
"An interesting turn of events this evening has brought upon us..." Echthelion noted as he observed the situation before them. His fingers still wrapped around the cup half filled with wine.
" A matter of little consequence My Lord" Bard responded, giving his empty cup to a servant nearby.
"My son and I will return to Gondor a day from now, it seems our visit has come far too late for our intentions"
"You need not leave so soon My Lord, stay a while, I'm certain things can be resolved to both our benefits" Bard said, understanding the reasons for the stewards desire to leave quickly. Echthelion smirked and looked at Bard as he spoke.
"When you mentioned you had no right to give your aides hand away in marriage, I presumed it was she who had that honour alone. However, tonight proved that someone else already has their claim on her"
" I can assure you, it is not as it seems" Echthelion chuckled at Bards attempt revive hope on the matter.
"No man or in this case, Elf let alone one who is king places this much attention to woman if he has no interest in her. You may deny it all you like, but King Thranduil has given a clear message for all to witness tonight and it would be unwise to make an unnecessary enemy out of him" Echthelion tapped Bards shoulder in consolation, a show of understanding and acceptance.
Bard remained silent, accepting Echthelion's words as reality he called for a wine cup. He would need it, if only to ease the apprehension that had seized him. Whatever Thranduil's intentions were, he did not know if he could take it in good fortune. This was Thranduil afterall, nothing he ever up did was without motive.
"My Lord..." He heard a call from across the hall and sighted Lady Merywen making her way towards him. He groaned behind his cup and proceeded to look for an escape from the persistent woman. Where was his aide when she was needed.
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" The boy stares at you with wanting eyes" Feran glanced at Denethor who was watching the two of them from a distance.
"He's of no concern to me, besides... thanks to your stunt tonight, I suspect I will not worry about him ever again" She said as she cast a glance back into the hall. Denethor was hovering nearby pretending to immerse himself in some interesting conversation with Lady Merywen.
"He means well" Feran in response.
"Even so, is he intending to interfere in my matters as he pleases or is this just another means to entertain himself?" Leanna turned back to look at the tall elf next to her. She had noted a few young girls also peeking in their direction to watch the elf captain, the flush of red on their faces proof that they were already enamored with the captain.
"It was mainly for your own benefit my lady, forging an alliance in this manner especially considering your circumstances was cutting too close to home to take such risks"
"I have yet to see how this benefits him in any way, that is his way of doing things isn't it? What does he stand to gain from this really?" She had suspicion that even if Feran knew, he would not tell her, his loyalty was still to Thranduil.
You...
Feran had deduced the answer a while ago. The only thing of real value his king could obtain from all of this, was her. He kept his peace on the matter, following orders strictly as Thranduil was quite particular about her.
He wondered, watching the oblivious woman as she bit her cheek, how long he would wait before Thranduil would find a permanent way to drag her back to the palace halls. He did not usually questions his choices or method, but on this even he could the futility of their relationship. He hoped to Valar that this was just a passing fancy on his part.
"Perhaps time will tell us both what he is truly after" He said to quell her questions for the night. It would do him no good to be prodded by her inquisitive mind.
"I suppose it will" Leanna moved towards the hall and paused before looking back at the elf. "It was good to see you again Feran" Leanna gave a small smile and returned into the hall.
Feran bowed with his palm placed on his chest in response. When he looked up, he noted she had already entered the swarm of women and men chattering within the hall. He would return to the GreenWood come morning, with a report on the status of his task in Dale. However, there was still a question Feran had yet to answer. How did King Thranduil know of Gondors plans?