The Replacement

Chapter 1 - The queens death

The horn sounded and people shopping in the market stopped to watch as the Kings army burst through the gates the king in the lead carrying his bloodied wife. Elves cried out on seeing their queen injured and many fell to their knees, lamenting. Arnarra stood alone and watched this occur, silently wondering if her brother Faelar was returning. She gripped the basket filled with fresh bread and meat, before quickly heading home, the knives on her hips bouncing uncomfortably.

Opening the door to her home she heard another horn sound and silently set the basket on the table. The queen had died. Her immortal life ending and the Woodland realm left without a queen. A silent tear rolled down her cheek as she started moving again, putting away her purchases and settled down to read for a while.

After two hours of reading she heard the door open. Thinking it was her brother she rushed to the door. A palace guard stood there looking around. He must not have noticed her as her skilfully silent feet kept her from being heard. She thought maybe he was here to bring news of her brother and was reluctant to show herself. She paused before shuffling forwards dreading news of her brothers death.

"May I help you, guard of Thranduil?" His eyes flicker to hers and he sees the elleth he came to look for, her white blonde hair falls down her back in a long complicated braid. Her green eyes shone with fear and curiosity and he quickly wondered what the cause was before realising. Stepping back he calls to someone.

"Oi! Faelar! I think she believes I'm here to tell her you're dead." Arnarra's eyes widen as her brother steps through the door shaking his head in disapproval at the other guard.

"Captain, she cannot honestly believe I am dead." Ignoring his use of Captain the she elf runs forward, throwing her arms around her brothers neck. "Or maybe she did."

He laughed as he wrapped his arms around her waist, it was narrower than when he last saw her. "Have you been eating properly?"

She looked away, suddenly feeling guilty. "I could not eat for worry you wouldn't return."

"That will not do, my lady, for the job you are sought for, you must keep up your strength." Arnarra looked at the Captain, her eyebrows scrunching together in confusion glancing between him and her brother.

"And... what is the job I am sought for? And who by?" She asked, looking at her brother, who obviously knew the answer. The Captain was the one to answer causing her to look at him.

"The King seeks you." Her eyes widen.

"Why?"

"You are to be his sons new mother, the replacement. Your brother says you are skilled with knives and a bow. Or does he tell lies?" Arnarra remained silent for another minute before stuttering.

"I-I am my lord." her eyes flicker to look accusingly at her brother who swore never to tell anyone of her secret.

"He needs your gifts to protect his son, and to raise him now that he has no mother." Faelar explained stepping towards her.

"What am I to do in my new position. What will my position be for that matter?" Arnarra asked getting extremely confused.

"You shall be held the same as any lady of the court, higher than a servant but lower than a princess or royal. You will be given rooms at the palace for easier access to your charge." Arnarra nods slowly before looking around. "Your house will be held for you and your bother to return to freely after you are released from your position."

"When will I begin and for how long shall I remain?" Arnarra asked looking the Captain her green eyes flashing.

"Today, until the king chooses to release you." The Captain answered all in one, before continuing. "Thranduil will not take kindly to us being late, or for you to displease him."