Chapter Forty-One
Journey In Mind
I was taking no notice to where we were headed. All my thoughts and concerns were on Hetti herself. Seeing her like this was disturbing, to say the least. Now thanks to those Messengers, I was beginning to feel lightheaded myself, but I would never let anything happen to Hetti.
She meant so much to me. I had no idea what was wrong with her and that was worrying me. Loki was still holding her protectively and I could clearly see that he did indeed care for her. Glancing at Kili, I saw the sorrow in his eyes and my heart went out to him. I have never seen two men love the same woman before and yet, here it was.
Though my mind was on Hetti, from time to time I kept looking around this forest, waiting for any more spiders but so far, there were none. I did, however, notice the elf Tauriel give me filthy glances at me. Did I care? No, I didn't.
"If Hetti is anything like you," whispered Thorin, taking hold of my hand "she'll be just fine."
"What caused this?" I found myself asking, my eyes never leaving Hetti's pale face.
"I do not know. Perhaps those spiders have played a part in this."
"Perhaps," I replied "though I have a feeling it could be something else!"
I looked at Thorin, leaning closer to him a little.
'There are no puncture wounds on her,' I carried on, via telepathy 'I wouldn't be surprised if those Messengers had anything to do with this.'
'We will get some answers,' came Loki's voice in my mind 'you can count on that fact.'
From the sound of his voice, I could clearly feel the pain as he spoke. Just as I was about to reply to him, another voice which slightly startled me came in my mind.
'Your friend Hetti was in dire need of attention. The Messengers were closing in on her as she climbed tree after tree. As she was climbing, one of those brutes used their power on her which made her stumble and fall.'
My eyes went wide as this new information came to me, glancing at Loki, I could tell he too had listened to what was being said. His jaw clenched as he looked down at the unconscious Hetti.
'She landed in a black lake and this was when I came to her rescue,' carried on the voice 'that lake is mysterious and I knew if I had left her, she would never be your friend and sister again.'
'What do you mean?' I asked him, wanting to know what was going on here.
'There is magic in this water and seeing as Hetti landed face first in this murky dark lake, I knew that would not be good news. I did what I had to do, I had to remove all that was in her system but unfortunately, those Messengers were now trying to kill her once and for all.'
'Well, that failed,' snapped Loki 'to which I am thankful for.'
'Yes,' replied the voice 'I'll admit, she is a fighter. When we meet Star Princess, I'll hand over her remaining memories f-,'
'I'm sorry, what?' I butted in, clearly puzzled by this 'Her remaining memories, what are you talking about?'
'That black lake could have wiped all her memories, leaving her completely clueless as to what was happening around her. Thankfully, I managed to retrieve most of her memories before any more damage could take place. She is very ill though and needs urgent attention!'
I was brought out of my troubled thoughts when I discovered that the blonde elf had stopped walking and was now signalling to someone to do something. A loud noise could then be heard and I could see why.
If I hadn't of spotted the gate when it was opening, I would have surely whacked myself should I had continued walking. The gate had been camouflaged with many leaves and vines, making the gate part of the forest.
Looking around, I could now see several Elven guards pulling this very gate with what looked like a strong rope of some sort. The gate was slowly revealing what was clearly our new destination.
'I shall speak to you again Star Princess.' came the voice again.
'Wait!' I blurted out in my mind 'Just who are you?'
I could hear laughter in my head and judging from Loki's expression, he too, could hear it.
'Of course, where are my manners? I am your every loving uncle...Hades.'
Before I could say anything, I could actually feel him leave my mind, leaving me very unsettled. Glancing back at Thorin, I had to ask,
"Did you hear all of that?"
One solemn nod was all I got from him.
"Why didn't you say anything?" I whispered to him, now looking back at Tauriel.
Thankfully, she had moved to the front and it now appeared she was having a conversation with that blonde elf.
"Partly because I had nothing to say," admitted Thorin "and I wanted to know who this newcomer was...Another family member of yours my angel?"
"And he is not to be trusted!" snapped Loki.
"Whose not to be trusted brother?" asked Thor, walking back toward him.
"Hades." hissed Loki.
Looking at the Thor and Loki, I could see the colour drain from Thor's face from hearing that name.
"Apparently he is another uncle of mine." I replied, trying to understand what was going on here.
"Yes I know," Thor nodded his head once then continued "my brother is right, I would not trust him if I were you."
Before I had a chance to say anything, a noble-looking elf headed straight towards myself and Thorin. I could hear Thorin grunt in frustration causing me to look at him with alarm.
'What is it?' I asked.
'This is King Thranduil, the elf who refused to help me and my kin when Erebor was attacked by that dragon.' replied Thorin, his blue eyes now narrowing as the very elf stopped walking and was now looking back at him with mild amusement.
'Smaug had nothing to do with Erebor.' I said, though Thorin only frowned causing me to sigh.
Though I could understand how Thorin felt, my main concern was getting Hetti well again. My brown eyes darted between Thranduil, Thorin and Hetti, feeling the strange atmosphere getting worse by the second.
Thranduil finally stopped looking at Thorin but was now watching someone else. His thick. black brows knitted together as his blue eyes narrowed. Just what was his problem?
"You!"
I followed Thranduil's gaze and caught the small smirk on Loki's lips. I rolled my eyes, knowing whatever this was about, I was not going to like this, at all.
"Me." replied Loki, now grinning back at the Elven king.
"You do realise," began Thranduil, now looking directly at me "that you are travelling with a thief!"
Turning back to Loki who was holding Hetti protectively, I groaned.
"Look, my main priority is for my sister to get treatment. Not about your past."
Thranduil's blue eyes bore into my brown orbs and he now had a small smile on his face.
"What's wrong with her?" He asked.
Turning a little, I looked at Hetti. She looked pale and was shaking uncontrollably. She was still unconscious and that was worrying me.
"I do not know," I admitted, "though apparently, my uncle knows more than I do."
I caught the sombre expression from Loki as I said that, before returning my attention to the elven king.
"And who is this uncle you speak off?" asked Thranduil.
"That is none of your business!" was Loki's curt reply, now glaring back at Thranduil.
"Loki!" snapped Thor "now is not the time."
"This is my realm thief," sneered Thranduil, "therefore everything in this forest is my business."
By now all of Thranduil's guards were now aiming their swords and bows at us, causing Thorin and his kin to do the same with their weapons. All except myself, Loki and Thor, as we just watched this drama unfold itself.
"You will all come with me." said Thranduil, who looked calm considering nearly everyone was aiming their weapons at one other.
"We will not." snapped Thorin, causing me to groan a little again.
My concern was getting Hetti well again, not have a battle between elves and dwarves. Turning a little, my eyes went back on Hetti, taking no notice of a clearly worried Kili.
Hetti was unconscious but now her face was contorted in pain and her forehead was soaked with sweat. Though she never uttered a sound, I knew at once she was suffering from something that was obviously inside of her.
Without thinking, I turned around and walked up to her. It was obvious that this Elven king was not going to be of any help. Taking out the flask my uncle Poseidon gave to me, I unclasped the lid and got ready to make Hetti well again.
Loki knowing what I was going to do, bent down while holding my sister and gently pried her mouth open. This was my cue, as I placed the flask against her open lips and poured the clear water into her mouth.
Loki then closed her mouth and made sure the water had been swallowed. I just prayed that this water would heal her. Her trembling only increased and I found myself, holding her hands, trying to control her.
"I will only repeat myself once more," I heard Thranduil say "you will all come with me."
"I would not trust, Thranduil, the great King, to only his word. Till the end of all days be upon us!" hissed Thorin.
"I only want the honour of helping the Star Princess." replied Thranduil, know looking at me.
"You, lack all honour! I have seen how you treat your friends! We came to you once, starving, homeless, seeking your help, but you turned your back! You, turned away from the suffering of my people and the inferno that destroyed us!" shouted Thorin, then said with a very bitter voice, "îsh kakhfê ai'd dur-rugnul!"
There were many gasps around me and when I turned my head, I could see Thranduil narrow his eyes at Thorin.
"What on earth did Thorin just say?" I whispered to Kili who now kneeled beside me.
"You really want to know?" He whispered back, though his brown eyes were on Hetti's pale features.
"Yes." was my reply.
"It means 'may my excrement be poured upon the naked-jawed ones'."
I watched Kili wide-eyed while Loki roared with laughter, I was even surprised to see Thor trying to hide in his own laughter. I didn't find this at all funny. We had to get out of this forest for a start, Hetti needed to get better and I was also concerned to the whereabouts of Bilbo. Just where was he?
"You dare insult me?"
Thranduil's voice was very calm considering but when I looked back at him, his blue eyes were blazing with fury. This was not good news.
"Want some more?" asked Thorin, causing me to get up and head towards Thorin and Thranduil.
"This is getting us nowhere," I said, looking at Thorin then at the Elven king "my sister needs help, we are in the middle of nowhere."
"Mirkwood." I heard Loki say.
"Not helping," I replied, now glaring at Loki "and it will only be a matter of time before those blasted Messengers reappear."
"Elaina-," began Thorin, but I cut him off.
"No, I told you from the beginning not to stray from the path, though did you listen? No, you did not! Instead, we are with a bunch of armed elves, a very angry looking Elven king and a very sick sister of mine."
I looked back at Thranduil with remorse in my eyes.
"I can only apologise for Thorin's disgusting-,"
"Elaina!" hissed Thorin, though I continued speaking.
"Behaviour. I had no idea he could be so rude and degarding."
"All dwarves are disgusting." I heard the blonde haired elf say, making me glare back at him.
"Once again, not helping!" I snapped.
We really needed to get out of this creepy forest. It would only be a matter of time before a Messenger would return and by the state of us all, we would not be able to defend ourselves.
I could understand why Thorin was like this, but he had to understand, Hetti needed urgent attention. I wanted Hetti to recover so if we had to follow Thranduil and his guards, so be it.
"What are we waiting for?" shouted Gloin suddenly "Attack them!"
Before I knew what was happening, dwarf and elf were now fighting among themselves. Loki, Thor and I watched on in horror as we watch this very petty fighting.
"Stop it!" I shouted, though no one was listening to me.
I caught sight of Thorin, fighting against that blonde hair elf from before. This particular elf was very agile. His fighting skills were nothing like I have ever witnessed before.
He carried grace as he nimbly dodged Thoron's sword by quickly deflecting his own weapon against Thorin's own. I was so caught up with watching this particular elf that I failed to realise there was now a deafening noise coming from the sky.
Coming to my senses, I looked up with wide eyes, as I saw several lighting bolts heading straight towards us. Without thinking, I kneeled down beside Hetti and shielded her with all of my body. I had no idea what was now happening, but I knew that my sister needed protection from these lighting bolts.
"Is this your doing brother?" I heard Loki shout out, as another bolt went other our heads.
"No," was Thor's reply "though I believe we are about to find out who is causing these bolts to appear."
Another bolt of lightning came from nowhere, then a voice I knew all too well followed soon after.
"You do well in not harming my daughter Thranduil!"
A sudden burst of lighting came and crashed into a tree, there was a lot of smoke but surprisingly no fire. The smoke evaporated and I was now staring at my father who was glaring at the Elven king.
"What is the meaning of this?" demanded Zeus, walking towards Thranduil.
I just looked on wide-eyed, seeing my father here on Middle-earth instead of being on a cloud. He was dressed all in gold armour and in his right hand, was a bolt of lighting, waiting to be used against anything that stood in his way.
"I'm waiting!" warned Zeus, now narrowing his blue eyes.
Thranduil I realised, didn't seem fazed that my father had appeared from nowhere. He just tilted his head slightly with a little smirk on his face, watching Zeus with amusement.
"Is that bolt of lighting supposed to scare me?" mocked Thranduil.
Zeus stepped forward and sighed.
"With you fighting in the middle of your forest, your royal highness, you have all attracted many spiders. They will arrive very shortly. This is the reason why I hold a bolt in my hand elf!"
My father then looked at me, then at Hetti. I could see the remorse in his eyes before he returned his attention to Thranduil.
"You will let my daughter and her friends enter your realm without question."
"You dare speak to me this way?"
"Thranduil," Zeus stepped even closer to the Elven king "even you will play a massive part in this plot. Elaina's sister needs attention, Thorin needs to calm down and the rest of them, need food and rest."
The air around the forest was very frosty, both Zeus and Thranduil were staring at one another. I could tell at once that Thranduil didn't like being told what to do.
Thranduil then surprised me by looking at me, then at the unconscious Hetti.
"Very well," He said, "guards, let's show our guests to my realm."
The sound of weapons being placed back to there original places was heard as I got up. Loki was quick in gathering Hetti back in his arms while we waited to travel to our next destination.
I could see the worried gaze from Kili and gently squeezed his shoulders, letting him know that I was there for him too. I did what I could for Hetti, it was her turn to do the rest, it wasn't too late.
After all, Hades did say that some of her memories had been wiped out of her mind and that he had them. I found myself narrowing my eyes at that. It was bad enough I had memory lapses, now Hetti was going to be in the same boat unless I do something about that.
There was no way I was letting Hades keep my sister's memories, especially as both Loki and Thor seem very distant from my uncle. That could not be good.
"Come, my angel," I heard Thorin say, bringing out of my thoughts "let's go in this...realm."
I felt Thorin's hand go to mine which he only tightened as we both began heading towards Thranduil's realm. It was strangely quiet now. All that was heard was the rustle of leaves as we walked further.
All I could think about however was Hetti and Bilbo. Just where was he? I found myself scanning the forest but all I saw were elf guards, our kin and my father.
It then dawned on me that perhaps Bilbo was wearing that evil ring. I sighed in frustration realising that could well be the case. I was very uncomfortable with that ring and I wished Bilbo never found it back in that cave.
"Are you alright, my angel?" asked Thorin, noticing my discomfort.
"Not really," I looked at the concerned look on Thorin's face and lowered my voice as I continued "Bilbo is missing."
"Are you sure?"
I nodded
"I think he's wearing," I emphasised what I meant by touching Thorin's own ring on his finger "you know-," I trailed off, hoping he knew what I was getting at.
"I do," replied Thorin, tightening his hold on my hand "he will be fine just as long as he wears that ring."
"That ring is evil," I whispered "he should not be-,"
"If it's keeping him safe," interrupted Thorin "that's all that matters for the moment."
I knew Thorin was right, but thinking of that ring really made me feel unsettled. I still remember the drawing of the tower I drew for Gandalf and knew that both the ring and that tower with the eye on top are definitely connected.
Without saying anything else, we all followed Thranduil and his elven guards towards his realm. I kept my eye on Hetti as we finally arrived at our destination. Though she now had some colour, Hetti was still shaking. I hated seeing her like this and wished she would wake up and sing one of her awful tunes.
"Bring your injured friend forward." I heard Thranduil say.
Loki stepped forward holding Hetti protectively. Even Kili stepped forward which the god of mischief noticed and frowned.
"Not you." Loki simply said.
"Loki!" I warned him "Kili care's for Hetti too, you can't-,"
"She belongs to me!" sneered Loki, his blue eyes blazing with fury "You have done nothing but be a complete idiot around her."
"I have not!" defended Kili, clearly hurt from Loki's outburst.
"Oh really? So Hetti slipping into the water after being stung by a jellyfish wasn't your doing?"
"Loki," I warned him again, looking at Kili who genuinely looked upset "stop this at once!"
"I agree," Thranduil said, "Loki will take the girl to the healing grounds, Legolas will take you. Tauriel, you will stay by the dwarves side in the dining area, while I speak to Thorin and the Star Princess in private."
Looking at Hetti, I frowned. I did not want to leave her either.
"My lady."
I turned my head, now looking directly at Thor.
"I will go with my brother and your sister. I'll keep an eye on her for you."
"Thank you."
"As will I," remarked Zeus, heading towards Hetti "your friend needs to get her memory back after all."
"I believe Hades has some of her memories." I replied, feeling defeated.
I wanted nothing more than being by my sister's side, yet I had to stay and see what Thranduil wanted. This felt very wrong and I hated that.
"Hmmmm, Interesting," said Zeus, "we shall see. Come Loki, let's bring Hetti back to the living."
With that, I watch my father leave with Loki, Hetti and Thor to the healing grounds. I just hoped that Hetti will remember everything when she finally came too.
o0o
~~Bilbo's POV~~
I was still in shock that my little blade Sting could have caused that to happen when I took the initiative by helping Elaina and the others get away from this strange black armoured person.
One minute I was plunging Sting in one of these Messengers, the next I was knocked backwards trying to get both my bearings and my breath back. It was here that I discovered that I felt weird.
In fact, I felt very strange. My limbs felt as if they were on fire, yet when I checked myself over, there were no burn marks whatsoever. I came to the realisation, that this was the aftermath from one of those Messengers I attacked before. I only hoped it would not last.
Trying to muster up strength, I slowly pulled myself up using a branch to help me get back on my two feet. I momentarily closed my eyes, taking in deep breaths while the burning continued to hurt me.
'This is not good,' I thought to myself 'Is this how I die?'
I instantly snapped that last thought out of my mind, while opening my eyes, I was not going to die. I will be alright in time. I knew I was alone but the bolts of lighting up ahead told me that something else was happening.
Looking down at my palm, I looked at the ring. This is what had saved me, I realised. I knew that this very ring would help me get out of a tight pickle. Sighing, I placed the ring back on my finger and slowly walked towards the noise and the bolts flying over my head.
o0o
~~Loki's POV~~
We followed the very silent Legolas down a long corridor. I really wasn't paying any attention, however, as I was watching for any signs that Hetti would awaken.
"Why isn't she awake?" I muttered to myself "Elaina gave her that healing water."
"That will work in time," informed Zeus, opening the two massive oak doors leading to the healing grounds "the water is like a medicine, it will take time before you see results."
I wasn't entirely convinced by that. Something else was wrong with her, I could feel it.
"You clearly love her, don't you brother?"
I looked at Thor in shock, I couldn't be in love with Hetti. After all, she was a mere mortal and yet, every time I saw her speak to that idiot Kili, it made me angry that he was trying to get in her heart.
"You do Loki," carried on Thor, now with a small smile on his face "it's written all over your face."
"She is fragile, meaning a mortal, I can not be in love with a mortal." I reasoned with Thor.
Though I knew that was a lie, my brother was right, I was in love with her and it both repulsed me and scared me to love a mortal. We could spend the next sixty to seventy years together, though I knew she would die while I would still be the same as I am now.
"Loki, if you didn't love her, why are you even here?" asked Thor, walking through another open door that Legolas just opened.
"Place her on the bed." said Legolas, waiting for everyone to come through the door so he could shut the doors.
I never answered my brother, instead, I did as Legolas suggested and placed Hetti on the bed. Zeus was quick to touch her forehead. He closed his eyes and I wondered what he was doing. Zeus then reopened his eyes and looked directly at me.
"You need to go inside her mind."
o0o
~~Elaina's POV~~
It was just Thorin and me, we were now away from the others, which I did not like one bit. Glancing at Thorin, I could tell he felt the same. We were now alone with the Elven king Thranduil who at this second was watching the both of us with a frown on his face.
"Do you think I am a fool?" He began, now walking backwards and forth with his hands behind his back "I know what you are about to do and I think it a very foolish quest!"
"Is that so?" replied Thorin.
I could hear the sarcasm in Thorin's voice and I didn't like that at all. I did not want another vile curse word coming from his mouth. For one thing, I could tell Thranduil was very capable of doing something rash as well.
"That mountain is my home," sneered Thorin, causing me to sigh "this has nothing to do with you, elf!"
"Thorin!" I warned him, though all I got was a-,
"Pfft."
Thranduil stopped his pacing and watched Thorin, before stepping right in front of him. This elf was not to be trifled with, I knew that and yet Thorin seemed to keep pressing Thranduil's buttons. This had to stop, now.
"That is where you are very wrong. At this very second, there is a dragon slumbering in Erebor and you think this has nothing to do with me?"
"This has everything to do with you king Thranduil," I began, taking no notice of Thorin who actually told me to shut up "though you don't know the whole story."
"Please enlighten me Star Princess." replied Thranduil causing me to roll my eyes.
"Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit," I then turned and faced Thorin who had a smile on his face which I soon wiped off when I added, "tell me to shut up one more time and I won't be responsible for my actions."
By now I had my arms crossed over my chest not liking this elf's very bad attitude toward Thorin, though I didn't like the fact that Thorin was playing up to Thranduil either.
"There is something you should know."
Thranduil's gaze shifted back to me while I explained that Smaug the dragon was actually innocent in all of this. That The Messengers used to have complete control of his brain via mind control and that a little while ago, myself and Loki had shattered The Messengers little game and restored Smaug.
I knew Smaug was still weak, yet I knew he was going to be alright. After all, he was to help me later on with all those Messengers, though I still had no idea how.
"Are you suggesting that a dragon is actually innocent?" asked Thranduil, looking incredulous at me.
"That is correct," I replied "Smaug did not attack Erebor, it was The Messengers that did all that destruction by creating a copy of Smaug's body. When we reach Erebor and see him, you will soon know, I speak the truth."
'Show him!' came a female voice.
I looked around though could not see anyone other than Thorin, Thranduil and myself.
'The elf king will stay suspicious otherwise. Show him!' came the voice again.
I had no idea where this had come from but I stepped forward placing one hand on Thranduil's shoulder startling him a little until I whispered,
"Perhaps this will clear things up."
I still had no idea on what I was doing though I shut my eyes. It was when I did this, that everything around me grew quiet. I couldn't even hear Thorin's voice. All I could hear was myself and Thranduil's breathing.
"Oh good, you have returned," came a voice I was beginning to get used too "and it seems you have brought another of your friends."
I could then hear sniffing as I opened my eyes and looking directly at Smaug. I could tell he looked more alert and with it, which was a very good sign indeed.
"I am highly honoured," carried on Smaug "if I'm not mistaken, your new companion is an elf...Yes and a royal one too."
"Why have you brought me here?" hissed Thranduil, causing Smaug to laugh "It is must unwise. I demand you return me at once!"
"In a moment." I replied, my eyes never leaving Smaug as his head arches nearer to us.
"I should thank you I suppose, those vile things inside my head are no more."
He was now mere inches from my face, I swallowed hard, this was not supposed to happen.
"Can you-," I hesitated again, now feeling Thranduil's hand clasp into mine "Can you see us?"
I watch as Smaug snorted out a laugh blowing my hair out of the way in the process.
"Would you rather I close my eyes siren?" chuckled Smaug "Let you think I can't see you and your royal friend."
All I could do was look back at this massive red dragon with wide eyes.
"He has a sense of humour," muttered Thranduil, "is that even normal?"
"He is also a skin-changer." I admitted as I glanced at a clearly shocked Thranduil.
"I am?" came Smaug's response.
My brows raised up when I saw the expression on Smaug's face. He looked completely baffled.
"Yes, you are, though we shall worry about that later." I replied.
"Oh good, I'll look forward to that discussion."
All I did was roll my eyes, then glanced back at Thranduil.
"Do you believe me now?"
"Hmmm, Time will tell," was Thranduil's reply "could we leave now?"
I knew Thranduil was right, we did need to leave. I knew while I was last here, there was a Messenger lurking about.
"Yes, it's time to return," I said, now looking back at Smaug "I will see you again soon Smaug."
"I'm not going anywhere." I heard him say as I closed my eyes, holding onto Thranduil's hand tightly.
Once again everything was quiet, the smell of dragon was now gone.
"Elaina?" I faintly heard Thorin's voice "Elaina, are you alright?"
"She is fine dwarf," remarked Thranduil, snapping me fully back into reality once more "she just decided to show me your new pet!"
"Smaug is not a pet," I huffed, not liking the Elven king's attitude "as well you now know."
"As I said before, time will tell. Though never do that again Star Princess, that was must...uncomfortable."
I couldn't see Thranduil's reaction as Thorin was checking me over. I could, however, see Thorin's mouth twitch a little when the Elven king had spoken.
"I can not promise that," was my reply "I'm still getting used to my power."
I wasn't lying about that either, this power that I had was more of a hindrance than a blessing. I never knew when I would use it. I was also confused by that ladies voice, just who was she? Was it my mother Alasse or someone else? When my father Zeus was available, I would ask him, I decided.
~~Loki's POV~~
I just looked at Zeus like he was mad.
"You want me to what?"
"You heard me Loki," remarked Zeus, "in order for this young lady to awaken, you need to go inside her mind."
Looking down at Hetti I frowned, knowing that Hades had some of her memories. If I went inside her mind like she was, it would be like a jigsaw puzzle. A jigsaw puzzle with missing pieces.
"I can not," I began, shaking my head "her mind is not whole, it would be dangerous."
"Ahh yes, Hades has the rest of her memory!" said Zeus, now walking away from the bed "While you are inside her mind, I'll pay my dear brother a visit and retrieve-,"
Zeus looked back at Hetti and frowned.
"What is her name?"
"Hetti," I replied quietly "her name is Hetti as well you know."
"Yes Hetti, I'll retrieve the rest of her memories from Hades."
I watch Zeus with narrowed eyes. I know he was Elaina's father, but truth be told, I just did not like him. He caught me staring at him and motioned me to get on with it before disappearing from sight.
"I'll come with you brother," spoke up Thor, breaking me from my troubles "Legolas wasn't it?"
The elf prince nodded his head though when I caught him staring at Hetti and me, I could see he too was troubled.
"Actually brother dear," I began, still watching Legolas "I think it would be wise if our dear elf friend comes with me instead."
A smile appears on my face as I knew this very elf was agile and good with many weapons, including his bow and arrow.
"Me?" questioned Legolas, now narrowing his eyes at me.
All I did was nod once, my smile broadening.
"Brother, what are you up too?"
"Nothing," I admitted, turning my attention to Thor "it's just Legolas here is very good with his weapons. Plus," I tilted my head as my eyes went back on the royal prince "he's hearing is outstanding should we come to some difficult situations."
I could tell that Legolas was not happy with this so before he could object or run away, I quickly dashed to him, holding his forearm with my left hand while my right hand went on Hetti's forehead.
"This shouldn't take long," I shouted to Thor who I realised had a confused look on his face "let's delve into this fair maiden's mind."
"Brother if this elf doesn't wa-," began Thor, but it was too late.
Both Legolas and I were now inside Hetti's mind.
~~Thor's POV~~
I had to hand it to my brother, he had guts in dragging the elf prince Legolas with him. Loki certainly did what he wanted. I watched as both elf and Loki slumped onto the bed, knowing their souls were consciously inside of Lady Hetti's mind.
I should have been angry by my brother's little stunt but I knew this very elf was very capable of looking after himself. Sighing, I headed toward's the chair by the bed when I head a little 'oops' noise.
This caught my attention and I looked in the direction of the noise. I knew I was not alone and the feeling I was now being watched made me tense up. Looking at Lady Hetti, then back to the corner of the room where I heard the noise, I simply said,
"I know you are in here, so you might as well show yourself."
Once again I could hear some scuffling in the same corner from before then a sigh.
"I-I-I Is it safe?"
My tension all but disappeared and a smile formed on my lips. I knew who this was.
"Indeed it is Master Bilbo." I replied standing up, waiting for him to show himself to me.
My blue eyes went wide when I finally saw the hobbit emerge from the area where all of this had started. I noticed his right palm was holding onto something and it all made sense, though I said nothing about that.
"Oh my dear sweet girl," said Bilbo, now heading towards Lady Hetti "what on earth has happened to her?"
I then explained what Zeus told me and that as we are speaking both Loki and Legolas are inside her mind, trying to bring her back.
"I should never have let her climb those trees! This is all my fault."
"It is not your fault Master Bilbo if anyone is at fault, it's those Messengers." I reasoned with him.
I placed a hand on his shoulder and gently squeezed it and then added,
"Have faith."
Nothing more was said as we waited for any signs that Lady Hetti was about to wake up.
~~Loki's POV~~
"You had no right in doing this to me thief!" hissed Legolas, while I just rolled my eyes and looked around.
"I had every right," I reasoned "my brother is not the sharpest of minds, I need a fellow ally while inside-,"
"Who are you?" came a voice behind me.
Turning around, I saw a small female child, staring back at me and Legolas.
"I don't remember seeing you in here before," carried on the little girl, now crossing her arms against her chest "in fact, I'm pretty sure I haven't."
This had to be a younger version of Hetti, though I really wasn't in the mood in speaking to a child who thinks they know everything. Legolas however, knelt down to her level causing me to sigh and roll my eyes at him.
"We mean you no harm little Miss, we are just looking for someone."
"Er, tree lover," I said, knowing this will take a while, "this child is the key here."
Legolas got up and walked back to me with a startled expression on his face.
"How can a child, this child in fact," He began, "be the key?"
My eyes stayed on the younger version of Hetti. Yes, it was definitely her alright. The way she was watching the pair of us with narrowed green eyes. I wondered if her anger was just as bad as a child.
"Yes, this is the younger Hetti," I replied, now grinning at the young girl "we have to work out how we can get the adult Hetti to wake up with help from this little girl."
"Hey! I'm not little," scorned Hetti "I've gotten taller."
A sudden noise made me very apprehensive.
"You need to leave now," Hetti said, now looking agitated "they don't like anything here."
"They?" asked Legolas, now drawing out two of his fighting knives.
"Yeah, The black shadow men." was Hetti's reply.
Glancing at Legolas I said,
"The Messengers are here."
"The what?" She asked, looking at Legolas and me with disdain "You need to leave!"
"No, not without getting what we are here for." I reasoned.
The little girl sighed shaking her head.
"They will kill you, leave while you can."
I had no time for this so I simply grabbed hold of Hetti and kicked open a door, taking no notice of the now struggling child.
"Get your bloody hands off me!" shouted Hetti, though acted like I never heard her.
"Nice language," remarked Legolas, slamming the door behind him "not what a child should say."
It was pointless in fighting those Messengers here. No, we had to find another way out of here. Letting go of Hetti who I realised what sulking, I used my magic and lifted a green wardrobe and aimed it to rest against the door frame. That would give us a few minutes at least.
Turning around, I looked at our new surroundings, it was a bedroom. There was a double bed which hadn't been made, the yellow blanket cover was nearly on the floor. Pillows were scattered on the floor and even one was under the bed as if someone would hide under with it.
Walking by the table, I spotted several letters that had Hetti's name on it. This caught my attention and I immediately picked them up, hoping for a clue to getting Hetti's memory back.
"Should you be reading that?" I heard Legolas say.
"I do want I want." was my reply as I began reading them.
The letter made no sense to me. There was something off about this letter. Glancing at Hetti, who was watching the door, then back at the letter, I re-read the letter, then looked at the others.
In one letter, it was explaining that Hetti would be safer in a foster home, though it would be advisable that she change her...
A sudden thump made me look up toward the door. It appears that the Messenger(s) were growing restless. Placing the letter in my armour and discarding the others, I knew we had to leave the room fast. Using my magic, I opened a wormhole.
"What is that?" asked Legolas, clearly shocked with this new development.
"Somewhere in the between worlds," I shouted, as the banging continued, grabbing hold of Hetti "we need to restore the adult version of Hetti's mind without problems."
"Won't they just follow through?" asked Legolas, looking at the gaping hole in the wall.
"Perhaps," I surmised, now placing my left hand over Hetti's screaming mouth "but it still gives us time."
Moving quickly with a very fidgety Hetti in my arms, I jumped into the hole, a little surprised to see that the elf prince had followed me in here. I had expected him to moan and go on about how strange this area was. Instead, he was just watching me with one raised eyebrow just as Hetti decided to bite my hand.
"Why you little...!" I fumed, as I let go of the spoilt little brat.
I would be so relieved to be back with the adult version of Hetti, this smaller version of her was really doing letting me down. Children and I do not mix at all. This had to end soon.
"You should have left me." said Hetti, now trying to get back into the hole.
I quickly shut the hole without saying a word, though I was taken aback by her next words.
"How am I supposed to see the angel man now?"
All I could do was stare back at her with a puzzled expression on my face. This was new, never had I heard the adult version Hetti mention an angel. Against my better judgement, I knelt down to her level and asked,
"Who is this angel man?"
At first, Hetti remained silent as she stared at the wall, tears now running down her cheeks. I'll admit it, I hated seeing her so sad and stressed. I found myself wiping her tears away with my thumb while repeating what I just said, moments ago.
"E-E-Every night, it's the same," began Hetti softly, now looking at the ground "it always starts with Mother Jane. The pounding on t-the window is her, trying to b-break the glass."
Hetti then looked directly at me, then continued.
"It is no use, the black shadow always gets her. The fire outside the door is only getting worse. I always cough when the fumes enter the room."
I realise that somehow Hetti is always reliving the exact same memory over and over.
"A loop memory." I said out loud, though still, my blue eyes were on Hetti.
"The black shadow is in our bedroom."
"Our?" asked Legolas, clearly confused as to what is being said here.
"Elaina." both Hetti and myself replied together, causing Hetti to gasp out in surprise.
"How do you Elaina?" asked the little girl, her brows knitted together as she watched me with suspicion.
Never taking my eyes off her, I simply said,
"I know Elaina but as an adult."
Hetti's green eyes went wide and I could clearly see the cogworks going into overdrive as she took on board as to what I have just said.
"You mean, she manages to escape this," Hetti looks around at the wormhole and sighed "I mean the foster home?"
I gave her a curt nod.
"But how? I tried waking her up but she was sound asleep. Unless-,"
Once more, Hetti looked around working something out.
"Angel man does save us." whispered Hetti more to herself though I heard her.
It then dawned on me on who this angel person was and I rolled my eyes in disdain at not realising sooner.
"Angel man has a name, pet," I began, "Gandalf, Gandalf the Grey."
As soon as those words left my lips, a massive light enveloped around Hetti, myself and Legolas. This was new and I wasn't certain if this was a good thing.
"Is this your doing?" shouted Legolas.
"This is not my doing elf," I replied, shifting a little as I held onto Hetti "this is out of my control."
The light was growing brighter by the second and I tried to shield Hetti the best I could who I could tell, was getting agitated and I who could blame her. Though this light wasn't hurting us, the brightness was now getting on my nerves.
"Can't you do something?" asked Legolas.
"What do you suggest I do?" I fumed, not liking this stupid elf's questions "Look for a light switch?"
"I don't like this." whimpered Hetti and I found myself holding tight against me.
She may be an annoying child, but she was still Hetti. I was a little taken aback, however, when the younger version of Hetti now placed her arms around my middle. I found myself gently stroking her ruby hair trying to calm her down. A low rumble could now be heard and before I could do anything, the light around us was moving, with us inside of it.
"What trickery is this?" I hissed, as the noise was now getting louder as we all moved to wherever.
"You should know," shouted Legolas "you are the god of mischief after all!"
"I may play mischief on others, though I assure you elf prince, this is not my work...Someone else is pulling the strings here."
Just as I had said that everything stopped. The bright light went as quickly as it had came.
"You yourself said we would be safe in this place you have created," I heard Legolas say "clearly this is not the case at all!"
I never said a word, though I really did think that we would be safe in the wormhole. Something was very wrong here.
"You have not changed at all." carried on Legolas, while I held onto a weeping Hetti.
She was now shaking and being as I had no idea what to do, all I did was continue to stroke her hair.
"On the contrary prince Legolas," came a voice to our right "Loki here has done just what I was hoping he would do."
My head turned to the voice and my eyes went wide. For standing there was none other than Gandalf.
o0o
~~Thor's POV~~
I watch Master Bilbo as he gently held onto Lady Hetti's hand. I could tell that he cared deeply for her. He looked troubled though as if he had seen something no one else had.
"What is on your mind?" I asked him, breaking the quiet around us.
Bilbo looked a little startled that I had spoken but quickly recovered. He sighed as his eyes stayed on Hetti's sleeping form.
"I did something," whispered the hobbit "back in the forest."
"What did you do?"
Bilbo sighed once again, then looked at me.
"I thought spiders were something, but seeing a Messenger was another thing entirely."
Bilbo looked at me with sad eyes and shook his head.
"I had to do something to give you and Elaina and everyone else time to escape. Using Sting here," Bilbo then took out his little knife out "I was the one that made that Messenger get hurt."
Looking down at his weapon, my brows knitted together. How could this little letter opener be the cause of how that Messenger got hurt?
"May I look at your weapon?" I asked him.
"Of course."
Bilbo then handed me over his weapon and I then examined it. I felt the tip of the dagger with my finger, it was sharp, though there was no inscription on it, there was something very unique about this weapon.
"How did you find this?" I asked him, handing over the dagger back to him.
"I didn't find Sting," admitted Bilbo "Gandalf found this in a troll cave and then decided to give this to me."
"Sting?"
I found myself smiling at the name of his weapon.
"T-T-The name came to me after I er um killed a few spiders." explained Bilbo, nervously twiddling with his jacket pocket now.
While looking at the pocket, I asked,
"And you did this without being seen? Very crafty."
"I-I-I, well-," mumbled Bilbo.
"It's almost like you were invisible," I carried on, now seeing Bilbo looking flustered "but that can't be right, can it Master Bilbo? After all, you are too small for spiders and those Messengers to see you."
"I- Huh?"
I watch this amazing hobbit look back at me with wide grey eyes, then he looked away sighing.
"You know don't you?"
A smile came to me as I said yes to him, then added,
"Did my brother give this trick to be invisible to you?"
Bilbo's head shot up with a look of disdain.
"No, I found this magic ring in a cave."
Again I watch him as his right hand went in his pocket retrieving something from in there. Bilbo then opened up his hand revealing a gold ring in the middle of his palm. Just looking at it, I suddenly felt very uneasy, though I had no idea why.
"I used this ring to kill those spiders and um to hurt that Messenger." I heard Bilbo say, while I continue staring at the gold band.
"I would be careful of this ring Master Bilbo. Not all rings are worthy to be made."
A sudden wailing noise brought my attention to Lady Hetti. She looked to be in pain and was now jerking her body.
"What's happening?" Bilbo asked, racing to her left side.
"I have no idea," I admitted "though we should be having answers soon."
'Just what are you up to now dear brother?' I thought to myself as Master Bilbo and myself tried to calm Lady Hetti down.
Should anything happen to this lady, I knew The Star Princess would not be pleased and neither would I for that matter.
o0o
~~Loki's POV~~
I got up from the ground, realising for the first time that we were now stepping on grass, I quickly brushed myself off and reached for Hetti's hand. I was a little surprised when she took hold of it, though said nothing.
"How?" was all I could say, as I watched Gandalf leaning on his staff, paying more attention to Hetti then anyone else.
In fact, Hetti was now hiding away from Gandalf and was shielding her face and body against me.
"That does not matter, what does matter is that this young lady regains her memory."
I narrowed my eyes at this wizard not liking this answer. How did he know that Hetti had lost some of her memories?
"Is this some sort of trick?" asked Legolas, suspiciously.
"Trick?" mused the wizard "I do not do tricks, unlike someone I know."
"I don't trust you," I spat out "you could be anyone."
"Is that so?"
Gandalf now looked at me with an amazed look on his face.
"If I am not who I am supposed to be then tell me, who came to your aid when you did all those horrible things"
I never said a word, knowing that my past was well known outside Middle-earth.
"Who came to you when you were disguised as your adopted father Odin who I might add, was under a spell which you created and had him exiled to earth. In an old people's home of all places!"
Now my eyes were wide, I had never told Gandalf that little piece of information regarding Odin. I swallowed hard, now knowing this wizard before us was the real Gandalf.
"You exiled your own father?" I heard Legolas say, but my eyes stayed on the wizard "Why doesn't this surprise me!"
"Cat got your tongue Loki?"
"How did-," I began, but Gandalf stopped me as I glanced at the young Hetti.
"I know everything Loki Laufeyson, never underestimate a wizard...They are safe now." was all Gandalf added, when I looked back at him with concern.
"Her memories-," I began but Gandalf stopped me.
"Will be sorted out. This young and remarkable young child here will regain them when she enters Bilbo's house."
"Do we follow?" asked Legolas, clearly lost with this information.
"Not unless you want to spend the next twenty odd years with two children and the inhabitants of the Shire."
"The what?" I found myself saying, before looking at my surroundings.
Sure enough, we were right back to where when this quest started, although I was not too sure where how far back we were. Looking straight at a hobbit door which I knew resided Bilbo Baggins inside, I realised, there was no blue dwarven mark on the door.
This must be the timeline where Elaina and Hetti were placed in Bilbo's care. Though I was relieved to know that, I was still worried. The grown-up Hetti still needed her memories back.
"Now let's return you back to reality. You can't stay in the Shire, it is not safe for you and Legolas here."
"Because of the Messenger."
"Precisely Loki. This is not your timeline, this is our young friend Hetti's timeline. You being here is not good news."
Gandalf glanced up at the dark sky and frowned.
"You need to leave now, the Messengers have now sensed your presence."
I knew the wizard spoke the truth, I could also sense trouble nearby. Crouching down to Hetti's level, I gently lifted her head, wiping a stray tear from her right green eye.
"You will be safe with this wizard," I whispered, "when you go to sleep tonight then wake up in the morning, you will always feel my presence watching over you."
This was not me at all and I blamed the dream for placing ideas inside my head but my words to her, I realised I had meant them with my heart. I watch her look back at me with a shocked expression on her face before she did something I was not expecting.
Hetti wrapped her arms around my neck and in my stunned state, I found myself placing my own arms go around her small frame, knowing my words to her were indeed sincere.
"Ahem!"
Looking up to an amused wizard and an elf prince, I reluctantly pulled away from young Hetti. Gandalf then walked up to her and held out his hand for her to take. She looked at me with worry etched on her face, I nodded for her to take Gandalf's hand which she did.
As I stood back up, I noticed the smile on Legolas's face and glared back at him before pulling him back into the real world with my magic.
o0o
~~Thor's POV~~
The jerking of Lady Hetti's body was slowing down. Though looking at her face, it was pale. A noise coming from Loki's direction alerted me immediately and at the corner of my eye, I saw Bilbo use that strange ring, making him go invisible once more.
"You could have warned me!" snapped Legolas, getting up and straightening his attire.
"Yeah, whatever!" replied Loki, now looking at Lady Hetti.
The jerking was not as bad as it was though I was surprised with Loki. He quickly grabbed hold of her hand and 'shhh' her. With his free hand, my brother gently stroked her hair whispering words to her.
'What has happened?' I wondered to myself, completely mystified as to what was now happening.
~~Loki's POV~~
"I know you are in there pet," I whispered in Hetti's ear "I know deep down in your self-consciousness that you know who I am. I said you would always feel my presence, well I am right here, waiting for you to wake up."
Moving a little away from her, I watched for any movement. The shaking of her body had stopped which I was thankful for, though the only thing moving was her closed eyes.
Sighing out in frustration, I heard something fall on the floor. With great reluctance, I tore my eyes away from Hetti and looked to the source of the noise. On the wooden floor was the letter that had clearly fallen out of my armour. Bending down, I quickly retrieved it and re-read the contents.
"What is that?" asked Thor, though at first, I don't answer.
My mind was now trying to work out what was written in this letter. When Thor repeated his question, I finally looked up and my eyes instantly went back on Hetti.
"According to this letter, Hetti is not her real name."
"Oh, then what is her name?"
Turning my attention to Thor with a sombre expression on my face, I replied,
"Sigyn."
A/N: I am so sorry for the lack of updates. There has been a lot of upheavals in my life this year, though I am slowy getting back on track. There won't be a two year gap for the next chapter either.