By CorvidQueen
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"Awake girl, awake."
I moaned, rolling over in my bed as I reluctantly released the safe black of sleep.
"They come child, wretched beast, will you not get up!"
I cried out as the sheets where torn away and I was hauled to my feet.
"Wash yourself demon spawn!"
I stumbled forward, blinded by sleep and sudden light. I flew to the washroom out of fear and routine, falling breathless and dazed to the floor, safe for a moment. A porcelain tub steamed with waters scented by soothing oils. I sighed as I slipped into the tub, knowing this would be the only peace I received in the house until I slept again. My serenity was shattered by the gentle click of the closing door, shutting my eyes to hold the tears at bay.
"I apologize for my haste, but important guests approach and will arrive within the hour. You must see him before you are to meet them."
A strong hand stroked my wet hair, fingers trailing down my neck. I nodded silently, enduring his inappropriate touch simply because I could not fight. I had learned I could not fight him a long time ago.
"You must see him within the half hour. Be swift."
He kissed my forehead and then was gone, the door clicking shut behind him once more. I shuddered, scrubbing my skin to the point of irritation. I found that my night garments had been removed, but not replaced with daily clothing when I climbed from the tub moments later. My stomach churned and I felt sick as I dried myself and then my hair as I gathered my wits. It was a game he played, I did not understand why he enjoyed tormenting me so. Clad in only the cotton towel, I strode quickly back to my room to find him waiting. My outfit had been laid out on the bed, a simple dress of auburn hue, the top close fitting and the neck squared. Diamond patterns where embroidered across the top, the skirt free flowing and to my knees. Along the hem was embroidered the same diamond pattern, as well as on the sleeves which cling close to the elbow and then floated free. Boots of shin length stood beside the bed and I was certain my hair would be done in some ornate fashion.
"You must look your best for our guests. Have you washed behind your ears?"
He came forward now and examined me, touching gently places he shouldn't and making my heart race. His lips pressed brushed mine in chaste kisses, his breaths soft sighs as his member stiffened. He finally sighed heavily, searching my eyes.
"I want you, but not now....I can't have you now. Later, I will send for you love."
With that, he left me to dress. I trembled with a seething rage and festering sorrow and despair. I dreaded the coming of that hour when I was so summoned unto him, as well as feared the black, unseeing night. Dirty and unmentionable deeds where done in the dark. I left my hair to fall long and air dry, already it began to curl of it's own accord. My mount was waiting, Islingdur, fastest of the swift for an urgent journey. And so we flew at best speed up hill and past dale, over bridge and through wood to the shadowed keep of the Monit. I left my mount and plunged into the shifting shadows with an assurance born of habit. I fell immediately to both hand and knee in his presence, breathing deeply. For a moment, my gasps where all that where to be heard.
You're late
The voice was so deep it seemed to come from deep within the dark, as if made of it.
"Forgive me, I will-"
There is no time for your groveling, you are forgiven your grievance. I would not be so kind if your lack of hast had not pressed the matter of what is to be done came the chilled response and I fell deathly silent, head bowed and listening intently.
Presently, a living shadow drew close, placing something about my forehead.
You will wear this at all times and at exactly the change of night to day you will go to the crest of Cypris Hill and recite the ancient script I will leave for thee there. I will tell you more later. Understand?
"Yes."
Take your leave of me then, I have much to do.
I left the black as quickly as I had entered, Islingdur waiting impatiently. He did not like the dark of this place any more than I did. Gray god had settled about in the early morning hour before the sun had mounted the mighty Dunes of Ragnarock. With the evil behind and only more evil before, I found I was in no hurry to return home, if it could be called such. Islingdur sensed this and meandered down paths that where at want for wear, tapered ears flickering forth and back with his content. I stroked his golden neck, mane like molten rock as I rested my hands upon powerful shoulders and felt the movement. I guided him with little more than my weight till we arrived at the Risken Ridge, the highest point to look down upon the small town. The road wound down the ridge and into the valley town, a snaking brown that turned eventually to cobble scales and disappearing amid the ally ways and other things. Sunlight burst suddenly forth over the Dunes of Ragnarock, highlighting the fog with a diffuse glow, catching Islingdur's coat and setting it afire. Brazen rays caught the surface of the Risken Flow, a minuscule river that flowed from the purest spring known to men, and made it dance. For a moment, the world seemed the most beautiful place I could think to dwell in, hope flying on wings of new wind. Then the fog burned away and left me at a loss, as horribly off as I had been but a few minutes before.
"Good 'marrow!"
Islingdur started at the sudden cry, as surprised as I.
"Calm good friend." I whispered and he stilled, turning to face the source of the disturbance.
Four riders trod our way, an odd assortment. One was upon a monstrous steed like molten silver, bushy brow and curling beard as gray as the fog that had lifted upon the cloaked rider. Old beyond years and young as the spring, a knotted staff across his lap. Beside and on the right sat a man of noble carriage and lineage, cloaked in much the same fashion as the first. Finally, to the left sat what was no doubt and elf and what could only be dwarf and on the same horse no less, something quite unheard of.
"Good 'marrow young one, I did not mean to give your mount such a start." The gray bearded one called.
"He will get over it, his talent is flight." I responded after a moment, spurring him forward. "Yours is a tongue I have heard but twice and even then not clearly."
"And yet you speak as easily as if you where born doing so." Came his answer.
"Tis a gift." I answered ryely. "I take it you mean to travel through Risken?"
"Aye, and perhaps rest for a time. We have come far."
"I am certain. I will take you to the Thane of this town." I said simply, turning Islingdur and was swift to check his headlong flight. "Your grain will be there no matter whence you return."
The company chuckled at my scolding and came to ride about and behind so one was hard put to figure who was escorting who..
"And what is your name my dearest maiden and what pray tell where you doing about so early and on your own?" The noble man questioned me.
"I am Mathis, adopted daughter of the Thane of Risken." I spat, hard pressed to his my disgust.
"What good fortune had been bestowed upon us that we so happened upon you?" The elf called from behind as we following the winding road.
"None." I said so quietly I was sure not even elven ears could discern it, and yet I felt his questioning glance.
"If I may ask again, what was the lady doing about at so early an hour with no escort?"
"Peace Aragorn, does not the sun rise and spread across the sky every morning?" The gray rider smiled to me.
I smiled shyly, looking to the golden withers' of my mount.
"You have yet to allow me your names. How am I to present you properly?" I questioned as we entered the outer regions of the town.
"Well, I am Gandalf the Grey and my companion who is overly concerned for the well being of thee Is Aragorn the Dunedane. Behind are Legolas the Elf and Gimli the Dwarf." The gray rider responded.
"Your manner and titles ring of importance, for true, you will be received warmly in the halls of Risken." I nodded as Islingdur shied suddenly, eager to be home. "Islingdur, I swear, if you do not settle, I will have your mane clipped and tail roached!"
My cry of exasperation was met by curios glances of the company and I knew I had slipped back into my native tongue.
"If it is not to much trouble, might I ride ahead and quail my mounts discontent? To find the house is none to hard a task, all you have to do is follow this road. There are no forks, but if you feel the need for direction, simply ask a resident 'Andorlain sem osh yimtho.' That, or mention Mathis or Islingdur, and they will gladly set you right, if you have gone wrong at all."
"Go on ahead, I would feel better for it if our arrival is expected." Gandalf answered.
"Who said it wasn't?" I responded with a bow to him and then Aragorn before turning to solute Legolas and Gimli.
Turning forward once more, I loosed the reigns and gave a chirp. That was enough for Islingdur who leapt once for ho before whisking away down the path as swift as the wind.
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Ok, I'm too tired to type up the second of what I think will end up being 3 parts. Hope you liked this, if you didn't, tough noogies, go read something else. And dun forget about the disclaimer which I left an entire "page" for. R & R of course so hit that button down there.....