Hello everyone; it has been a long time since I've posted the last chapter of this story. The past two years have been tough on the entire world. I don't know if anyone still wants to read my story but here is finally an update. I hope you enjoy it and maybe give me some feedback.
NB; I don't own dearest Faramir, or any other original character from the books, they all belong to the lord of Middle Earth, JRR Tolkien!
Chapter 6
Laurelin
'Laurelin! Come child we shall be late' said Halsey urging the young girl to come in haste. Laurelin came down the stairs fastening the clasp of her cloak. 'Where are we going?' She asked pulling her hood over her head. 'Come now, you shall find out when we are there,' said Halsey smiling at her as she took her hand leading her outside.
Laurelin was uncomfortable leaving the safety of the inn, even if it was in the company of Halsey. Three month had passed since that fateful night, when she was brought here by the Lord Faramir. She smiled for the memory of him brought her joy. He was as noble and kind as he was when they first met. He was older and even better looking, yet he was the same in every way. She had not forgotten his face, even though it had been some ten years ago. It did bring her disappointment that he did not recognize her. Yet she thought she saw recognition in his grey eyes, when their eyes first met, that night. But it seemed that he did not recall her or their encounter. But it is unfair of her to hold it against him, she was only a child of almost five years, when they had met. She has grown much since.
She smiled thinking that even though he did not recognize her he was extremely kind and generous. She could not imagine what would have happened to her that night if she had not run into him. She sighed ruefully feeling sadness because of the way they met.
For years she would look for him among the faces of people that went by, but she never saw him. And when she had lost all hope in life, when she least expected, there he was, suddenly in front of her, appearing out of nowhere. She sighed a slight smile on her face. She pulled the cloak closer around her body, it was not the grey cloak he gave her but a brown one Halsey had lent her to wear. His cloak she covered herself with at night and it kept her warm, but more importantly; it made her feel safe and secure, she slept better as if he watched over her.
Laurelin snapped out of her thoughts gently when Halsey stopped at a shop in the third circle of the city. The young girl blinked and looked at the older woman who was smiling at her 'come now, we shall find you something nice' she said, but the young girl did not follow her 'what is the matter?' She asked, Laurelin turned her eyes from the shop to Halsey 'why are we here?' she asked. The older woman smiled softly 'to get you some clothes, my dear' she said 'But!' She began to argue, but Halsey cut her off 'come now, you need some new clothes' Laurelin was confused 'you are kind, but I can not accept it, it is too much' The older woman shook her head and held her hand gently 'it is not my dear girl' she said 'you have worked so hard, and we have gained many a new customers all because of your wonderful baking you are truly talented. You have been a blessing. You have earned more than your keep.' She said and dragged the young girl behind her 'Come now, we do not want to waste time'. The shop belonged to a nice lady called Yetta, she was a seamstress who most of the lower-class people went to. She had some colorful fabrics of good quality.
'Oh Halsey, it has been a long time since we last met' said Yetta as she hugged the older woman 'indeed it was, how fare you my friend?' Yetta smiled 'all is well my dear' she answered 'come sit and I will get you something to drink' she added before she noticed the young girl who was with Halsey, standing quietly hardly noticeable. 'And who is this lovely young lass' she asked gazing at Laurelin with curiosity, Halsey smiled and took the young girl's hand 'this is Laurelin, and she is very dear to me.' Yetta gave an appraising look to the young girl before smiling welcomingly. 'I wanted you to make her some new clothes' said Halsey cheerfully.
'Captain! How went your patrol' Mablung asked when Faramir returned with his company 'All is well' was Faramir's answer as he took off his hood 'we did not encounter any enemy troops, everything was calm today. It almost felt like the old days' he said sighing ruefully. He was very young, but he remembered when his grandfather took him on a stroll in these same woods. It was a few weeks after his mother's death. It was one of the few good memories he had of that year. His grandfather had always been caring and kind, he made him feel loved when he was at his most vulnerable. He was so young and lost. Though Boromir was always there for him, his grandfather gave him the paternal support he did not get from Denathor who became withdrawn and temperamental after his wife's death.
'Captain!' The voice of his second in command Mardil brought him back to the present day 'Mardil' he acknowledged him with a nod 'you have not eaten much' the older man commented 'I believe I'm not hungry' he said 'perhaps we should have our meeting, before it is too dark'. Faramir wanted to be done with his lieutenants' reports, they went through the week's movements and events. After that they had gone through everything and Faramir had finalized his report to his father. Mardil would be traveling to Minas Tirith in the morning and would deliver it to the Lord Denethor Steward of Gondor. He also wrote a letter to Eraden his former Captain to inquire about the young girl he entrusted him with. He knew she would be well looked after there, but he needed to ask. When he finished his letter, he sat thinking for a moment before making up his mind. He wrote another letter to Laurelin and enclosed it with that one he was sending to Captain Eraden.
He smiled as he lay in his makeshift bed in the captain's quarters in Hennth Anion. The calm in Today's patrol brought back some cheerful memories. As he lay sleepless, his thoughts went back to that day in the woods remembering when Laurelin had curtsied to him like a young Lady. 'Farewell my Prince and Friend' she said a bright smile on her face. He grinned at her and bowed low 'Farewell my friend, fair maiden of the woods.'
He did not recall seeing her father that day, there were several wagons but he saw no one. He followed her with his eyes until she was safely in the wagon and stood there for a few more minutes before he left. That was the last time he saw her, but he often thought of her in the next few years before his duties took most of his time and thoughts.
It truly saddened him to see her in that state, she was so bright and full of life when he last saw her. Innocent and pure, yet carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders. What kind of a father would do such a thing, to such a sweet child? He wondered as he lay sleepless, it truly baffled him. Surely nothing could justify such a heinous crime.
Halsey watched silently as Yetta took Laurelin's measurements. A smile floating on her lips, she has grown so fond of this young girl in the short time she had known her. She was a kind and gentle soul and a hard worker. She knew little about her, yet she felt like she knew her all her life. There was something about her that was so familiar, so close to the heart.
She noticed that Laurelin was very uncomfortable, and it worried her. The young girl was trying her utmost best to appear calm, but every time the older woman touched her the young girl would slightly flinch. The sight of the wounds on her body came back to Halsey's mind. 'Halsey' she snapped out of her thoughts with the voice of Yetta 'forgive me,' she said 'I was lost in thought'
'I am done with taking measurements' she said 'now I would have you choose the fabrics' Halsey stood up and took Laurelin's hand and asked 'what would you like, my dear?' While they took a look at the fabrics in the shop, a young woman came in. She was a few years older than Laurelin and beautiful. She had dark hair, brown eyes and smooth milky skin.
'Good evening' said the girl politely, and Yetta smiled greeting the young woman 'Good evening Surin.' It seemed that the arrival of this newcomer made Halsey uncomfortable. Laurelin noticed that and when the older woman spoke, she didn't object or interrupt. Halsey gave Yetta the fabrics they chose 'these will be fine, we shall come in two days' time' She hugged the seamstress, then she took Laurelin's arm and left rather quickly.
It was clear that Halsey was not keen on conversing with this young woman for some reason. But Laurelin kept silent, it was not her place to ask.
As they walked side by side towards the fifth circle of the city, Halsey was quiet and somewhat distracted.
'Oh, lord!' said Halsey as she stopped abruptly, 'I'm growing old' she added as she looked around, 'would you be fine to continue on your own to the inn, for I have forgotten to pick up the meat from the butcher for tomorrow's luncheon.' She said to Laurelin, and the younger woman turned around and thought for a moment. She was not far away from the inn, surly she would be fine.
'Do not worry about me' she said with a re-assuring smile 'I can go ahead on my own.' Halsey nodded positively and went her way. The butcher's shop was in the second circle of the city.
Laurelin followed her with her eyes, a smile on her face until she could see her no more. The smile faded away instantly and she sight heavily before proceeding up to the fifth level of the city. Even though she tried to be calm, she was worried, what if those two men were still looking for her? She hid her face well under the hood, and quickened her pace. The quicker she reached the inn, the better! She thought.
When she finally reached the fifth level of the city, she noticed a man who was walking not far behind her. He looked familiar! Suddenly she remembered him. She saw him in that awful place, he worked for Mistress Toren.
She quelled her rising panic as she grew anxious. 'Was he following her?' She wondered worriedly. She felt the man quicken his pace as she hastened her steps. Her heart was racing madly in her chest, terrified of being captured and taken back to that horrid place. The inn was not far away, and safety was just around the corner.
She made a quick decision and hastened her steps dashing for the safety of the inn. And as she turned the corner, she bumped into a wall or at least that was what she thought. She fell hard on the ground, but more than pain she was frightened.
'You should look where you're going lass,' said a firm heavy voice 'you might hurt someone.' The fall pulled back the hood from her face and when she raised her eyes, they met a pair of sharp cold eyes studying her prudently. He was a tall, strong and well-dressed man. A noble man, she thought, but then it was only a glance. His gaze felt as if it was piercing through her soul. She quickly turned away as she felt a shiver run down her spine. A moment later, the man following her came around the corner, and he quickly caught the attention of the noble man.
'ohi, you!' he shouted 'are you pursuing this lass?' he asked with a firm voice and a hand on the hilt of his sword. It appeared that he understood the situation instantly. The man was caught off guard, and he quickly turned back and fled the scene like a frightened rabbit being hunted by a fox. For a moment it seemed that the noble man will pursue him, but he simply murmured 'I believe he will not bother you again lass.' He turned around to assure her, that she was safe, but to his surprise there was no one. She was long gone.
Laurelin escaped the moment he turned his back. She did not wish to know what would happen next. She stood up quickly and vanished behind the inn's door. Her chest rose and fell with rapid breaths as she leaned her back on the door. 'Laurelin!' she heard Terana's worried voice among other noises, and she opened her eyes to realize that she was in the tap room. Everyone was staring at her in a cloud of smoke and babble of voices, she quickly pulled her hood over her head hiding her face and ran to the kitchen.
'Are you well, child!' asked Gorwen the old cook, but Laurelin did not answer her at once. She was still shaken by her encounter with that man, she wondered if he had seen her enter the inn. 'I'm well!' she answered finally just as Terana came in from the Tap room. 'You had us worried!'said the young maid, 'you were pale, Laurelin!' and before she could answer Captain Eraden came in limping, 'what happened, are you well lass?' he asked worriedly. She forced a smile on her face and shook her head, 'forgive me! I did not mean to worry you; I am well… truly!' she added the last part as they all stared at her unconvinced. The Captain gave her a thorough look, but said nothing. He nodded his head and went back to the tap room, and Terana followed him.
Laurelin took off her cloak and went on helping Gorwen with cleaning the dishes. The older woman accepted her help quietly, which the young girl truly appreciated. She did not have the strength to speak of what she had experienced.
She spent the entire night thinking about what happened and how close she was to be captured and taken back to that awful place. She was worried that he saw her enter the inn. What if he comes here looking for her? What if her presence brings about trouble to the Captain and his wife? 'Perhaps it would be for the best if she left.' she thought sighing heavily. Overwhelmed with sadness; she lay in bed unable to fall asleep.
It was still very dark outside when Captain Eraden woke up. Even though he was a light sleeper, he usually slept through the night without any problems. It was thirst that brought him downstairs, when he heard footsteps in the tap room. He moved quickly but quietly and he saw a hooded figure trying to open the front door. 'Halt there!' he said in a commanding voice, he moved forward to face this stranger 'show your face!' he commanded.
The hooded figure turned around slowly and took off the hood. 'Laurelin!' he said astonished 'why are you out of bed at this hour?' she did not reply 'Laurelin! What is wrong lass?' she finally raised her eyes to meet his 'let me leave.' She said anxiously, 'I cannot stay here.' Silence fell over the room for few moments before Captain Eraden took her arm and led her to a nearby table 'sit down.' He told her and she sat down quietly and he pulled a chair for himself and sat in front of her 'What troubles you, child?' he asked in a kind caring voice.
She kept quiet not knowing what to say. 'You are safe here,' Captain Eraden spoke calmly 'no one will harm you, I promise you that.' He was sincere and she truly appreciated it. 'I do not doubt it Captain,' she finally spoke 'you and your wife have been kind to me, maybe more than I even deserve,' he listened silently and did not interrupt her 'I'm truly grateful to you both, but I cannot stay here any longer, I must leave!'
'You will do no such thing.' It was Halsey who stood at the doorway to the kitchen. She walked to where they sat and asked in a worried voice 'have we done something to offend you?' the young girl quickly replied 'No, you have been more than kind, it is not that,' 'then what is the problem?' asked the Captain 'whatever the matter is, we shall resolve it, child,' said Halsey.
'You do not understand,' said Laurelin almost in tears 'I simply must go.' They shared a look of worry 'where would you go?' asked the Captain calmly, she turned to him and she had no answer 'do you have relatives to go to in the city?' She realized she did not think about where she would go. All she wanted was to take her problems away from them. 'I will manage.' She muttered unconvincingly.
'Nonsense!' said Halsey 'you will go nowhere.' 'I beg of you, please let me leave,!' she pleaded with them 'I no longer can stay here.'
'Is it because of the man?' The Captain asked and she raised her eyes in astonishment, she was speechless.
'Which man do you speak of my dear?' asked Halsey.
He did not answer; his eyes were examining Laurelin's face. He could see fear more than surprise in her eyes. 'Is he one of the men who attacked you, that night?' He asked carefully weighing his words.
Halsey gasped and instinctively held the young girl protectively. Laurelin unable to face his eyes anymore looked away.
'You do not know my past, or what trouble I might bring,' she said and paused for a moment, before speaking in a sad tone 'Perhaps it's time for you to know.' She kept her eyes away from both of them. 'Perhaps it will convince you, why I should leave!'
'You need not tell us anything.' Said Eraden 'and you need not leave either, for I give you my word, you shall be safe here.'
'Yes dear you need not tell us anything, it shall not change what we think of you' she said cupping the young girls face in her hands.
She shook her head 'No you must know, it's only fare!' She said without meeting their eyes and before they could object, she started telling her tale. She could feel Halsey's grip tighten on her arm, as if to protect her from some danger laying ahead.
Captain Eraden listened to her. His face did not convey the volcano of emotion erupting inside of him. How cruel has this world been to this young girl? Now he understood why young lord Faramir wanted to protect her. He heard of terrible stories of how young girls are forced into a life in a brothel, but he never imagined that it could be true.
In the past months he had kept his distance from her, trying to be the rational one since his wife was in love with the young girl. She was so happy to have her with them, happier than he had ever seen her in years.
She had finished her story and a sad silence fell over them. Tears were rolling down Halsey's face her arm still firmly around Laurelin. She wanted to shield her from this cruel world.
'That man,' she said in a weak voice, 'I saw him in the… the…. that place. He works for the mistress'
Captain Eraden stood up and sat next to Laurelin and he took her hands in his own 'you will not leave' he said firmly, and Halsey nodded agreeing with her husband.
'you do not understand,' she pleaded with them, 'They will come looking for me, now that they know where I am.' Eraden shook his head, 'Nay,' he said in a calm voice, 'they won't, for they do not know where you are.' She raised questioning eyes towards him and so did Halsey. 'That lad, he is no servant of Mistress Toren, he is an errand boy, he works for the Lord Glamher.' 'Cidinnor!' said Halsey surprised, Eraden nodded and continued 'he came to see me about some fine wine bottles his lord had ordered from the North.' He looked at her and continued 'When you saw him, he was not pursuing you, the fool lad he is he forgot to take the wine bottles and remembered midway, he was coming to see me,' she looked at him doubtingly surely that was him 'but I saw him, he was there!' She protested 'It was him.' 'I do not doubt that you saw him, for I know the Lord Glamher often goes there' said Eraden still holding her hands 'Cidinnor must have been there with him' she met his eyes not sure what to say or think. 'I've known Cidinnor since he was a child, and I knew his father, we served together, he is a good lad' he gave her a comforting smile 'Trust me he has nothing to do with Mistress Tören' Laurelin felt at ease after his words 'Here you shall be safe, I will not let anyone hurt you, not as long as I live,' tears welled up in her eyes and threatened to fall. She was unable to speak, she could only nod, and he nodded back understandingly.
'Come now child, you should get some rest' said Halsey and helped her up, she gladly accepted and went with her. Halsey took her to her room, Laurelin was still shaken a bit of doubt in her heart. Halsey insisted on tucking her in. 'Thank you!' She whispered and the older woman kissed her forehead lovingly and said; 'Good night child, be at peace,' and she left as the young girl drifted into sleep.