Huntress' Heart

Halls Surrounded by Death

Tauriel lead the Elven company and their prisoners across the bridge spanning the river before the palace. The trees surrounding the palace were lush and thriving, a stark difference between the majority of the forest, the crystal waters of the stream shining like silver and the leaves glowing like emeralds.

'Hollen i fen (Close the gate),' Legolas ordered, striding towards the gate after the Elves had ushered the captured Dwarves inside. Makatza was walking by his side, before she turned suddenly, sensing something following on the bridge. Her eyes scanned the sides of the raised walk, before jumping to the trees on the far side of the path. 

'Makatza.'

She turned to find the Prince waiting at the gates, nodding to the palace. She moved slowly through the gates, Legolas following as she looked over her shoulder one last time, still sensing something on the bridge. The gates closed after them with a boom, blocking off the sunlight and throwing them into flickering torchlight.

'Take them to the dungeons,' Makatza ordered as she caught up to the Elven company, leading them down twisting walkways raised high in the caverns of the palace. The Woodland Realm was a majestic kingdom, crafted entirely of tree roots in the subterranean caverns of the mountainside.

Many twisting, descending walkways later, the Huntress lead the Dwarves into the dungeons, nodding to the prison guard as she passed. The Dwarves were shoved forcefully into cells, the doors slammed shut as they yelled in protest. Makatza stayed at the base of the spiralling stairwell, overseeing the imprisonment of the Dwarves with Legolas standing by her side.

Tauriel shoved Kili into an empty cell, stopping to say something to the Dwarf before slamming the bars shut and turning on her heel. She strode away, nodding to Legolas and Makatza as she made to take her leave, before she was stopped by the Prince.

'Whui ceri- i norn thír at cin, Tauriel (Why does the Dwarf stare at you, Tauriel)?' Legolas asked with curiosity, oblivious to the glare Tauriel threw him.

'Who tur- ped- (Who can say)?' She hissed, turning back to face Kili as he looked after her, a small smile on his face. 

'Ho's far tond an a Dwarf. Ceri- cin ú- nauth- (He's quite tall for a Dwarf. Do you not think)?'

Makatza had a knowing smile on her face, catching the blush that tinted Tauriel cheeks as she turned and walked away quickly, throwing one last look over her shoulder at the Dwarf.

'Tond i núr, but baw less uglui (Taller than some, but no less ugly),' the Prince muttered, turning to face Makatza as she scoffed.

'Im'll n- cin dú, Legolas. Im am na ped- na cín Ada (I'll join you later, Legolas. I am to report to your father),' Makatza shook her head in mirth, turning on her heel to climb the spiralling staircase away from the dark dungeons, starting her search for the King.

She found Tauriel as short while later, joining on with her friend as they walked the palace halls together. They moved in near silence, having no need to talk to hold a conversation. They rounded a corner in one of the halls, finding the King waiting for them.

'I know you're there. Why do you linger in the shadows?' He asked, staring into the darkness where the pair of women waited.

'I was coming to report to you,' Tauriel replied as she stepped from the shadows, tugging Makatza along with her. They drew to a stop before the King, Makatza standing stiffly before the ruler while Tauriel addressed him.

'I thought I ordered that nest to be destroyed not two moons past,' Thranduil said coldly, looking over his shoulder before facing the pair again. His eyes were piercing blue, hair white blonde, robes of silver and an aura of authority hanging over him.

'We cleared the forest as ordered, My Lord, but more spiders keep coming up from the south. They are spawning in the ruins of Dol Guldur; if we could kill them at their source-' Makatza started, before being cut off by the king.

'That fortress lies beyond our borders. Keep our lands clear of those foul creatures, that is your task,' Thranduil ordered, watching as Tauriel's face fell

'And when we drive them off, what then? Will they not spread to other lands?' The Captain of the guard asked firmly, pacing back and forth before the King. Makatza nudged her gently with her elbow, shaking her head subtly when her friend looked to her.

'Other lands are not my concern. The fortunes of the world will rise and fall, but here in this kingdom, we will endure,' the King dismissed, turning to stare down the far corridor as Tauriel and Makatza bowed timidly, turning to leave. 'Legolas said you fought well today, Makatza.'

Tauriel smiles as she continues walking, leaving Makatza to turn back to the King, nodding her head in recognition.

'He has grown very fond of you,' Thranduil stated, gazing at her with a pointed look. The Huntress turned away swiftly, her expression one of embarrassment and shock as she fumbled with her worlds, staring at the corridor on the far side of the hall, her escape route.

'I assure you, My Lord, Legolas thinks of me as no more than a Huntress,' Makatza replied, fighting to keep her voice devoid of emotion.

'Perhaps he did once. Now, I'm not so sure,' the King said without hurry, moving past the Huntress to a small table where a pitcher of wine and a crystal glass was set atop. Makatza stayed rooted to the spot, staring at the far corner as her eyes blinked shut slowly.

'I do not think you would allow your son to pledge himself to a lowly bastard Elf,' she murmured, keeping her eyes closed as the King poured a goblet of wine for himself.

'No, you are right. I would not,' Thranduil deadpanned, and Makatza's eyes flickered open, shining with sorrow and remorse. 'Still, he cares about you. Do not give him hope where there is none.'

'Of course, My Lord,' the Huntress all but whispered, straining to contain her emotions. 'I will take my leave.'

She did not turn back to the King, instead moved swiftly for the far corridor that lead towards the cellars. She flew down the hallways, pace quick and light as she forked onto a little-known path that would take her up to the gardens.