The IRE of Winter

Chapter 17: THE NORTHMAN

The LOTR Qoute

"His knees shook, and he was wroth with himself. "Here is a thing unheard of," said he. "An Elf will go underground and a Dwarf dare not!" - Gimli to himself

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'You dare offer me a deal, child? How brave of you,' King Thranduil stood and stepped gracefully down his throne. I didn't flinch, instead, I simply tucked my chin down and waited. 'Very well, what would you want in return?' The silver robes gleamed under the slanting beams of sunlight and his autumn crown of twigs and leaves clung firmly behind his head.

'Teach me, Sire.'

'Teach you?' the King repeated with amusement. 'Are you insulting a king of being a lousy teacher!? Have you not learned enough of the dragons? Or you haven't been reading carefully as I instructed?'

'That is not the kind of knowledge I seek, my Lord.'

'Then, what is? Speak?' he said with a hint of irritation in his voice.

I'm not certain if he would agree but I don't have any other options. He's the only one who could help me. I felt it awkward to seek help from Aramis, after his... confession. I couldn't let Legolas see me this way as well, his mere presence weakens me. I'm on my own now. No one could protect me but myself. 'I need you to train me, train me so I could protect myself from harm. I thought it would be necessary for me to carry the task I had in mind. Five days is all I ask, another five days to get you what you want.'

The King motioned towards me, thinking. He circled round me as if finding something that would make him decide. Then, he finally gave me a faint smirk. 'You are one brave vaurg, do you really believe you could find this illusive Black Rider when you don't even know where to start looking? Will you risk your life trying to find this man in five days? I must say, your illiberal attitude is quite delightful.'

'I don't think anyone could find him faster than I can, my Lord. All I ask is five days of your time, and I will bring back what you seek.'

He stood silent for a moment, looking away. I waited but he didn't say a word. Perhaps he needed a little more convincing, I was bold enough to ask such favor from him, but he was the only choice I have. Noone will question my leave if he commands it, not even his son. Though I know Legolas wouldn't care much, I know he would be sending his guards to accompany me home. Aramis would surely ask (and I intend not to tell him). He's leaving tomorrow, and I would have a valid reason not to go with him. 'I'll wait for your answer, my Lord. If it pleases you, I'd like to take my leave.'

I slowly motioned for the door but before I could make another step, the King spoke looking over his shoulder, 'Dusk, not a minute late.'

I flashed a faint smile and quickly left. I thought he was too hard to convince, now it's going exactly how I have planned. There is no point staying in his realm, staying near Legolas. I couldn't keep hurting myself for I know there is no hope for us. I trotted back to the servant's quarters, dusk is just two hours away and I should prepare myself. Back in our room, I changed my clothes from a servant's dress to a ranger garb, forest green top and light leather boots. I spent the remaining hours reading the books, I will be returning them all today. I've learned so much about the firedrakes, no more less than what I've learned from the dragon itself.

'Safirah?' Armien opened the door and stepped in. 'I thought you went with Nuneth. The prince has been looking for you?'

'Who?'

'I mean our Prince, Legolas.'

'Why would he be looking for me?' I tossed the books to the table and stood.

'I don't know, Safirah. Stay here and I'll tell him you're here.' Armien quickly left before I could speak my mind. I don't want to see him but something restrained my lips to say so.

I gathered the books and went out the room, I have more reasons to avoid him (and I will). Just before Armien could tell him, I ran towards the palace. Returning the books I've borrowed will be a good alibi. At the palace, the library was empty, the King must be out for his duties or perhaps he was still sitting on his much beloved throne, listening to his retinues' rants. King Thranduil is a portrait of a powerful Elven king, his very move filled with elegance and grace, his lips speaks wisdom and discernment, though he is very impatient and featly rude.

I looked around to find the bookshelf where the King had taken the books from, but there were too many and I don't want to misplace them. Instead, I laid the books on the table, I think the King should place them back himself.

I sat at a corner, waiting for the time to pass until I decided to browse a few more books. One by one, I searched for something worthy of read. And before I could make a choice, there were footsteps approaching fast. I quickly hid behind the bookshelves, crouching at a corner.

'We do not know what's waiting for us in the North father, I say we must not make a hasty decision. It is true that enemies are growing in numbers, but Orcs are not the only threat we have to worry about. Rohan is in distress, the West has so much to be troubled with. We cannot afford to be divided and I cannot stand watching you make the same mistake again.'

'Mistake?' the King's angry voice echoed across the room. 'You call it a mistake? You have not seen the wrath of a dragon, my son, I have felt it, I could still feel the flames deep in my skin. Do not tell me it was a mistake.'

'And what? Kill everyone that has the Northman's blood? He maybe a threat but we must think of which will come first. Our scouts have seen Orcs plundering small towns in the East. Innocent lives are lost everyday.'

'The East is none of my concern.'

'Adar?'

'I have decided. I will not gamble when there is nothing much to win. Do you understand? Our soldiers will not die protecting those pitiful humans, hold our forces until I find that cursed creature and his beast, and kill every single soul like him.'

'There is one living in your halls, sweeping your kitchen, serving your wine, will you kill her as well?' Legolas raised his voice.

'I do what I intend to do to her, she is my concern. Her roots is undetermined, and if she, perchance, has the blood of that wretched Northman she will be in my pity.'

There was silence for a moment, I could feel the tension rising. Are they talking about me? Who was the Northman they were talking about? I covered my mouth to silence my breathing. I heard a deep sigh from the King as he walked slowly around the halls.

'There is something you are not telling me about that child, my son. The first time I gazed upon her eyes, old memories came forth. That child reminds me of someone, her spirit, her gift,' the King's voice suddenly shifted, steady and calm, there was sadness in his every word. 'I will not harm her. She is just a child but her heart is bold and strong much bolder to defy a King.'

'Thranduil,' another voice came, a familiar one. 'I thought I should have followed you here, after you left everyone pondering greatly about your unexpected decision.'

'Mithrandir...'

'And Legolas, where is the girl? I thought you went off to get her.'

'You shall see her Gandalf, someone is fetching her as we speak.'