Tension filled the air as one Elf came to a skidding halt in front of Thorin, an arrow aimed between his eyes.
"Do not think I won't kill you, Dwarf. It would be my pleasure," the white-blonde-haired Elf spat, his voice dripping with disdain for the lesser being before him.
Another bow was swiftly drawn.
"You would die before your arrow is loose!"
The Ranger nocked her bow, her arrow trained on the forehead of her potential adversary.
Her voice rang with unwavering resolve, undeterred by the array of drawn bows aimed her way. Her eyes remained locked in a fierce standoff with the defiant blue gaze that challenged her. The young Elf's bow was still poised.
Thorin cast a commanding glance at Anaynah, silently urging her to stand down. While he appreciated her protective instinct, he recognised their unstable position. He gently guided her bow arm down, signalling her to stand down. Reluctantly, she lowered her bow, prompting the Elf before them to follow suit. Yet, her vigilant eyes never wavered, tracking his every move.
It was Fili's alarmed voice calling out his brother's name that broke her focus. Her stomach dropped as she spotted Kili scrambling away from an advancing spider. Before she could act, a fiery-haired Elleth descended swiftly, dispatching the spiders in her path to aid Kili. He would be alright.
"Search them!" The Elf leader commanded, exuding authority with his posture. Anaynah could practically smell the smugness off him. These Elves were not like her kin in Rivendell, which worried her. Guards efficiently disarmed them, confiscating her sword, daggers, and bow, which the Elf leader claimed.
"This bow is of Elven make. All your weapons are," he observed, scrutinising her. "A Ranger," he concluded. "How did a Ranger manage to stumble across these?"
Anaynah naught but glared at him, her lips a thin line. Realising he wasn't getting an answer, he walked away. He approached Gloin, who stood near Anaynah, now going through his pockets, finding a small metal clasp which he opened.
"Hey! Give it back! That's private!" The Elf looked bemused at a picture of a bearded Dwarf.
"Who is this? Your brother?" he taunted.
"That is my wife!" Gloin retorted. The Elf's gaze shifted to another drawing—a young Dwarf with a beard.
"And what is this horrid creature? Goblin mutant?" he mocked.
"That's my wee lad, Gimli," Gloin snapped. Anaynah's gaze remained unwavering, pondering whether this Elf's arrogance was typical of Mirkwood or an exception.
Surveying the group, she noticed Fili had his arsenal of weapons in his attire confiscated. The blonde Elf, presumably the captain, conversed in Elvish with the flame-haired Elleth. Their words sent shivers down her spine; the last thing she wanted was news of increasingly bold Giant Spiders.
An Elf guard that had taken Orcist from Thorin and handed it to the Elf in charge. He stared at it in awe
"Echannen I vegil hen vin Gondolin -magannen nan Gelydh [This is an ancient Elvish blade - forged by the Noldar.]"
Thorin stared him down.
"Where did you get this?" The Elf questioned.
"It was given to me." The Elf placed the blade of the sword against Thorin's throat.
"Not just a thief, but a liar as well. Enwenno hain! [Take them away!]"
The guards descended upon the Company, manhandling them towards where Anaynah presumed would be the Palace of the Woodland Realm. To worsen their predicament, Bofur voiced the recurring question that seemed to haunt them.
"Where's Bilbo?"
_______
Ascending a forested slope, a scene of breathtaking beauty unfolded: the Fortress of the Woodland Elves nestled deep within Mirkwood. Anaynah was no stranger to Elven architecture, but this was something very different. An ornate wooden bridge spanned a ravine, leading to a vast door set into a natural cavern, its architecture intertwined with the roots of towering trees.
The Company was led in single file out of the forest towards the bridge by the redhead Elf, and several Elf warriors. Thorin led the procession of bound Dwarves, connected by ropes, while Anaynah hung in the back.
The Company was quickly ushered across the bridge and through the massive doors.
"Holo in-annon! [Close the gate!]"
Legolas is the last to enter. Before stepping through, Anaynah stopped and looked over her shoulder, catching the last bits of the light for she did not know when she would see daylight again. The same Blonde Elf, urged her forward, grabbing her arm harshly.
"Keep moving."
"And you keep your soft hands off me!" The Ranger snapped coldly as she continued forward.
The heavy doors closed with a resounding thud, and great bolts slid into place. The bridge swung away, sealing off the fortress in an impregnable embrace. The palace of Mirkwood was something to behold, but her mind was filled with questions and stress. Where was Bilbo, why had they taken Thorin away?
The Dwarves were meticulously searched by the Elves before being confined to small cells.
Anaynah huffed as she was dragged by the leader who had a firm grip on her upper arm, guiding her to a cell. However, he stopped before tossing her in.
"Why are you with with these Dwarves?" He spoke under his breath, "It is not common for a human to be seen travelling with these creatures. And you must be associated with our kind as I can tell from your attire and choice of weaponry. So, what are you doing with them? Have they imprisoned you?" He questioned as he drew her closer, urgency in his voice. Anaynah scoffed.
"Just throw me in the cell already." The Ranger spoke as she tried shoving his arm off her. Rolling his eyes, he let go as she walked into her cell, locking it behind her.
Now in her cell, she began scanning her surroundings, grabbing onto the rails, she did a headcount to make sure everyone except Bilbo and Thorin was accounted for. That's when she noticed Kili escorted to his cell by the fire-haired Elf. Before entering, he flashes her a sly smile.
"Aren't you going to search me? I could have anything down my trousers," Kili quipped in a low voice.
"Or nothing." The Elleth retorted. Anaynah rolled her eyes at Kili's flirty nature.
As she walked away from the cells, The blonde-haired Elf joined her.
"I nogoth, amman e tîr gin? Tauriel? [Why does the Dwarf stare at you so? Tauriel?]"
Tauriel.
Tauriel replied nonchalantly.
"Ú-dannada... e orchal be nogoth, pedithig? [Who can say... He is quite tall... for a Dwarf, do you not think?]" Anaynah watched their interaction. The Ellon appeared to be jealous while Tauriel seemed to be blushing.
"Orchal eb vui. Mal uvanui en. [Taller than some. But no less ugly.]"
As Tauriel nodded to Legolas and departed, his cruel gaze lingered on Kili.
Inside the Woodland Realm cells, a loud clang echoed as Fili's heavy boot struck the cell door bars. The Dwarves rallied, with Dwalin shoulder-barging the door and Gloin rattling the bars.
"Leave it! There is no way out," Balin shouted in defeat, "This is no Orc Dungeon. These are the Halls of the Woodland Realm!"
The Dwarves ceased their efforts.
Balin continues, "No one leaves here but by the King's consent."
And so, Anaynah sunk against the rock wall that scrapped her back, leaning her head against the wall, waiting to hear what Thorin had to say upon meeting the King. Then she could plan for a way out.
It seemed 5 minutes had passed before the same blonde-haired Elf reappeared at her cell door. She immediately jumped to her feet as he unlocked the cell.
"You are to come with me."
She furrowed her brows in confusion.
"Where are we going?"
"The King has asked for your presence."
Before she could argue, she was swiftly grabbed out of the cell, and forced to trudge up the rocky steps. The Company started in worry, wondering why the King of The Woodland realm wanted to see their Anaynah.
Anaynah was led through the labyrinthine dungeons of the Woodland Realm, her footsteps echoing off the cold, stone walls.
The Woodland Realm unfolded before her like an enchanted tapestry woven from nature's finest threads. Glowing lanterns suspended from ancient boughs cast a soft, ethereal light that danced across the verdant foliage and glistening pathways. The air was imbued with a delicate perfume of blooming flowers and fresh pine, carrying whispers of elven songs from distant glades.
Majestic trees with silvered leaves stretched skyward, their branches intertwined to form natural archways leading to unseen wonders. Luminescent fungi and delicate bioluminescent blossoms dotted the forest floor, creating a twinkling constellation beneath her feet. Ethereal melodies played by unseen musicians filled the air, their haunting tunes echoing the timeless beauty of the realm.
As they approached the cascading steps, her eyes were immediately drawn to the imposing figure seated upon the ornate throne.
Thranduil, the Elvenking of the Woodland Realm, commanded the space with an aura of regal authority and enigmatic grace. He was a vision of timeless elegance, his white-blonde hair cascading like liquid moonlight over his majestic silver robes, adorned with intricate patterns that shimmered with ethereal beauty. His piercing eyes, sharp as the keenest blade, would assesse her with an intensity that would pierce through her very soul. Upon his head was a crown of twigs and red berries, appropriate for the autumn months.
Thranduil's voice filled the air, resonating with a melodic yet commanding timbre as he addressed Thorin.
"A hundred years is a mere blink in a life of an Elf. I'm patient. I can wait."
As she listened, Anaynah couldn't shake the feeling that his words carried a deeper resonance, veiled meanings that eluded her grasp. She felt like a pawn in a grander game, uncertain of her role or Thranduil's intentions. At that moment, surrounded by the splendour of the throne room and the enigma of the Elvenking, Anaynah felt both humbled and vulnerable, her fate hanging precariously in the balance.
"Thorin!" Anaynah's voice echoed through the hall as he was forcefully dragged down the steps. Their eyes met, a fleeting connection filled with unspoken words before he was compelled to continue his descent. Anaynah's heart raced, a knot of anxiety tightening in her chest. She could only hope that Thorin had not betrayed her closely guarded secret.
It was now her turn to see the King.
With her hands bound behind her back, Anaynah felt the sharp twist of her wrist as the Elf ushered her forward. Each step she took seemed to reverberate with the weight of her uncertainty, the anticipation building as she ascended the seemingly endless staircase. Finally, she stood before the Elven King, his presence commanding the space with an aura of regality and enigmatic allure.
Raising her eyes to meet his intense gaze, she found herself enveloped in the depths of his scrutinising stare, a momentary silence hanging heavily between them.
Anaynah felt a mix of awe and apprehension wash over her. She couldn't decipher the intentions behind Thranduil's scrutinizing gaze. Did he suspect her secret? Was he aware of the hidden truths she carried? The uncertainty weighed upon her, filling the air with a palpable tension
"I must say," Thranduil began, his voice resonating with sophistication and authority, "I was certainly intrigued when told a dozen Dwarves were traversing my lands. My curiosity only deepened upon learning of a female Ranger accompanying them, bearing the crest of my kin in Imladris."
Anaynah's eyes instinctively darted down to her belt, where the emblem of her homeland was prominently displayed, a silent testament to her heritage and allegiance.
"Tell me," Thranduil continued, leaning forward slightly as if to perforate through her defences with his piercing gaze, "what is your interest in these Dwarves and their quest to Erebor?"
Caught in the intensity of his scrutiny, Anaynah searched for the right words, grappling with the weight of her secret and the potential consequences of her response.
"I was hired by the leader of the—"
"Yes, Oakenshield," Thranduil interjected, cutting her off with a knowing look, his eyes never leaving hers.
The subtle shift in his expression unnerved her, leaving her to wonder what Thorin might have revealed about their journey and her role in it.
"Yes, Thorin enlisted my skills to ensure their safe passage to Erebor," she finally managed, her voice steady despite the turmoil raging within.
"Ah, and does your father know of your contract?" Thranduil questioned, his words laden with implications that left Anaynah reeling. Caught off guard, she struggled to find her voice amidst the rising tide of uncertainty, "It is no secret in our council when an Elf Lord of high standing welcomes a child into the world," Thranduil continued, his tone softening slightly as he offered an unexpected insight into her past. "Lord Elrond celebrated the births of his first three children openly, so it was to be no secret when he embraced you as his own. I am well aware of your status and know who you are to Elrond."
Anaynah was at a loss for words, the revelation leaving her stunned and vulnerable.
"Legolas!" Thranduil beckoned his son over, who approached with a puzzled expression, for he did not know of her background. "Untie her."
As Legolas moved to free her. Rubbing her wrists where the bonds had chafed, she met Thranduil's gaze once more, finding a glimmer of understanding and respect in his eyes.
"It would be unjust to treat a daughter of Elrond as a criminal. You are no prisoner here, Anaynah of Rivendell," Thranduil declared, his words echoing with a promise of acceptance and a newfound alliance.
Anaynah's eyes darted toward the dungeons, concern deepening as she thought of Thorin and the company locked away in the cold, dark cells below. Gathering her courage, she posed her question.
"And what fate awaits my Company in the dungeons?" Anaynah asked her voice firm yet tinged with apprehension. Thranduil reclined slightly on his throne, his expression unreadable as he regarded her.
"They will remain where they are. Oakenshield's refusal of my offer has sealed their fate."
Frustration surged through Anaynah, but she bit back her initial words, realizing the delicate balance she was treading.
"Keeping them imprisoned merely because Thorin declined your offer is unjust," Anaynah stated, her tone even but resolute. "They seek only to reclaim their homeland, nothing more." Thranduil's gaze hardened, his eyes piercing through her.
"It is not a matter of justice, but of strategy. I cannot allow Oakenshield to reach Erebor. You of all people should understand the stakes at play."
Anaynah felt a chill run down her spine at Thranduil's implication. The weight of the Elvenking's words hung heavy in the air, hinting at a deeper game being played—one that she was now entangled in. Drawing a deep breath to steady herself, Anaynah responded.
"I may understand the stakes, but that does not mean I have to agree with your methods. You are imprisoning the King of the Dwarves, that is not something to be taken lightly."
Their eyes locked, a silent battle of wills unfolding between them. Anaynah knew she was walking a dangerous line, but her determination to help Thorin and the Company was unwavering. She would find a way to navigate the intricate web of politics and power, even if it meant challenging the formidable Elven King himself
Thranduil's gaze held Anaynah's, a calculating glint shimmering in his eyes as he considered her.
"I am willing to consider an alternative path," he began, his voice dripping with intrigue. "Such matters, however, are best discussed in more... congenial surroundings."
Anaynah's brows furrowed slightly, sensing the undercurrent of Thranduil's words.
"What exactly do you have in mind?"
A sly smile curled Thranduil's lips as he leaned forward, his voice lowering to a conspiratorial whisper.
"Tonight is the Feast of Starlight, a time of celebration and renewed hope. Join my son, Legolas, and me for a glass of wine and a meal. Perhaps we can find a way to see our goals align."
Wait... SON?! Anaynah's thoughts raced, realising the gravity of her earlier death threats against the prince.
"Legolas will see to it that you are settled in your guest chambers," Thranduil continued, his eyes shifting to his son whose demeanour was composed, yet there was a subtle intensity in his gaze that left her uneasy. "We can delve deeper into our discussions this evening."
Anaynah met Legolas' gaze, sensing the intricate web of politics and power she was about to navigate.
"While the Feast of Starlight may be a time of joy and I appreciate what it stands for, it is difficult for me to partake in festivities knowing my Company is rotting in a cell."
Thranduil's smile remained, but his eyes hardened, devoid of any empathy.
"Consider tonight an opportunity, a chance to find a mutually beneficial path forward. Your employer was too stubborn to see reason. Perhaps you may. "
After a moment's consideration, Anaynah nodded, her resolve solidifying.
"Very well, I will join you this evening."
A satisfied smirk played on Thranduil's lips.
"Excellent. Legolas will escort you to your chambers, where you may refresh yourself for tonight's celebration. However," he added, his tone turning stern, "I must insist you remain within the palace confines and refrain from engaging with the Dwarves. While you are my guest, they remain my prisoners, aiding prisoners is against the law, which, let me stress, applies to all."
As Legolas stepped forward to lead her away, Anaynah couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Thranduil's invitation than met the eye. Her mind buzzed with questions and suspicions, yet she knew she had little choice but to play along for now. With a final glance back at Thranduil, she followed Legolas, steeling herself for the challenges and intrigues that lay ahead.
________
It's been a hot minute since a chapter but here we are! Please let me know what you think! Vote and comment!
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