Valar Rising

Chapter Six: Hanna

Hanna woke in a cold sweat for the third time. Sleep was not peaceful, even in the homely house of the Elves, when nightmares that had plagued her for fifteen years were becoming a reality.

The Sun hung high in the sky, and Hanna knew it was futile to try to fall back asleep. Judging by the pangs of hunger in her stomach, it had to be past noon, though she reminded herself that her last decent meal had been in Lothlorien over a week ago. Remembering their sweet cakes made her mouth water enough to swing her legs over the side of the bed and stood up.

There was a green dress laid out along with a pair of soft slippers that must have found their way into the room during one of her brief bouts of sleep. Along with this, there was a large tub filled with water and various soaps, their smell reminding her of home during the spring.

Home felt far away as she washed off the dirt and grime from the past few weeks of travel. Mirkwood wasn't the most delightful place in Middle Earth, though she had always done her best to keep the small hut she shared with Radagast friendly and inviting. There was no way to compare it to the splendor of Rivendell's delicate archways and vaulted ceilings that stretched into hallways with tapestries of Middle Earth's history. She was amazed by the architecture, but also with the carefully tended gardens and fields. The view outside her window stretched on for leagues, showcasing flowers and grassy knolls dotted with elegantly trimmed trees and bushes. It was a mini paradise, but for the darkness haunting Hanna.

Before long, she had dressed and made her way to a large dining hall. A kind Elleth approached her and told her she would bring out lunch in a moment, and she could sit wherever she pleased. A few other Elves spread out between the three large tables. Rian was in the corner of the room, waiting for her food as well.

"May I join you?" Hanna walked over and gestured to the empty seats by Rian, who nodded and gave her a polite smile.

"Did you get some rest?" Rian asked after a moment, leaning forward in her chair and resting her elbows on the edge of the table.

Hanna nodded, trying to stifle a yawn,

"Not much, but some."

The two of them sat in solidarity, and Hanna was glad there wasn't a pressure to talk. They both thanked the Elleth who brought them a spread of food and utensils, and Hanna tried not to eat too fast as Rian picked at her food.

"Do you know if we are supposed to be anywhere this afternoon?" Hanna asked, wondering if they might meet to discuss leaving Rivendell to find Thuringwethil now that everyone had gotten some sleep.

Rian shrugged,

"If we were told, I do not remember, but Arien and Taelen went out to the archery range after they finished eating," she glanced around the room and lowered her voice, "Lord Elrond and Gandalf have been locked away since this morning. The last thing I heard from them was that we should plan on being in Rivendell a while still."

"What?" Hanna exclaimed, louder than she intended, and she blushed before lowering her voice to match Rian's, "Don't we need to go after Thuringwethil?"

Rian pushed her plate away,

"That is what I would have thought."

Hanna took a deep breath, fighting the brief urge to yell. She knew at that moment how sleep deprived she was - the last time Hanna had yelled was several years ago when a baby rabbit Radagast took in had gotten into the flour she was saving to make tea cakes. She had to wait another three months before Radagast came back with more.

"Why would they want us to wait? I don't understand," Hanna tried to keep her voice level despite her urge.

Rian shrugged again and leaned back in her chair, slumping down a little.