Disclaimer: See previous chapters.

Warning!!! This chapter contains images (written) that are not appropriate for anyone under the age of at least 13. If you have a weak stomach I would not advise reading this. Sex is mentioned, and rape.

A/N: Hi! I'm not really happy with fanfiction.net right now. They banded me from updating because I put an essay on there, and somebody reported me, I was planning to take it down after I found out what people thought. Needless to say I am not really happy about this. So I plan to take quiet a few frustrations out on this story, and you will see what I mean when you read this. It is like nothing I have ever written before, so you are in for a big surprise.

Chapter Four

'Lathtobeth, wake up!' I had just drifted off to sleep and then there came an insistent tugging at my arm. I let my eyes focus on the room around me. Stanton was still pulling at my arm.

'What?' I snapped, immediately regretting my harsh tone. 'Yes....' I did not need to be told what was wrong, flames raced over the mats on the floor. I grabbed the child and made my way to the door, but on the way Stanton dropped something. I did not bother to notice what it was. We finally made our way though the flames and smoke to outside. Stanton jumped from my arms and ran to his mother, I smiled as they embraced. Elkton put his arm around his wife and smiled down at his small son.

'Momma, I dropped rabbit!' The little boy was in distress. 'I have to go get him, or he'll die.' Stanton started to running back towards the burning structure, but his father caught him before he was out of reach.

'Son, you will be killed if you go back in there. We will get you another rabbit soon, how does that sound?' Realization struck, that was what Stanton had dropped, and I could have prevented all this grief for the little boy. I took a quick glance around and saw that no one was watching me so I quickly dashed into the roaring the inferno to rescue an innocent rabbit I had let drop. Ash was swirling all-around; it made it hard for me to see clearly through the smoke and flames. I finally reached the door, which lead into the room where I had felt it drop. I was down on my hands and knees, trying to stay away from the intense heat that seemed to rise from around me. Somehow through the smoke, ash, and flames I saw the rabbit laying on the floor, untouched by the fire. I scooped it up into my arms and hugged it to my chest, tears slipped out of my eyes. On the floor I sat rocking back and fourth, nothing seemed to matter now that I had saved Stanton's rabbit for him, the Valar had blessed me indeed.

As I stood up I saw a beam start to fall right on top of me, I was paralyzed. I could not make myself move, soon I would be in the Halls of Mandos. It seemed like hours passed even though I know it was only a few minutes, but still the beam did not fall. When I looked up to see what was keeping it from falling I saw an angelic being. My mouth dropped open, but no smoke or debris entered, I was breathing clean fresh air. Who was this person?

'Go.' The creature said to me, but still I did not move.

'Who are you and why did you save me? It would have been easier to let me die and go to Mandos.' I stayed rooted to my stop, determined to get an answer.

'I am, I Am. You are a child of my father's, I was sent to save all. Now go, Lathtobeth, for there is much you still have yet to do.' With that I turned and ran for all I was worth. I'm still not sure if it was all a dream I had, or if there really was a person in there who saved me. All that I remember is running and dodging flaming pieces of wood and plaster falling down around me, but never once getting burned.

'Lathtobeth,' Elkton caught me as I stumbled out of the burning rumble. More men had gathered to help put out the fire. A tall flaxen haired man walked up to Elkton.

'Is this her? The one you got for me, Elkton.?' I quickly glanced over at Stanton and his mother, the lad was hiding behind his mothers skirt. In my convoluted way of figuring things out I reasoned that this must be Lord Algerian. 'Look at me, elf.' He forced my face to look at him. 'Stand up.' On shaky legs I managed to stand, I was just a few inches shorter than he. His eyes roved over my face, and a look of pure lust came over him, it scared me. 'She'll do, Elkton. Be ready to start rebuilding in the morning.'

'Milord, we will need some supplies and food first.'

'That is not my problem. You should have thought of that before you burned your house down. Come with me, elf. Oh, what is her name?'

'Lathtobeth, milord.'

'All right then, Lathtobeth, come with me. You shall soon see your new home.' He started off, 'Well, hurry up.' I started to walk forwards, but what I held in my grasped stopped me from going any farther. I raced back to Stanton and gave him his rabbit back.

'I don't want you to go!' Lamented the little boy, as he drew his sleeve across his runny nose. 'You saved my rabbit. Tank you.' His nose was stuffed up so it made him sound funny.

'Now you had better get better soon. I promise that I will come back and visit you very soon. That sounds like fun does not? Then you can show me all your friends and what you like to do. Do not worry, little one, I will not forget you.' With that I stood up and gave his a parting farewell wave of my hand. 'Namarië.' It was one of the hardest things I have even done was to say goodbye to that sweet little boy.

I hurried to catch up with my new master, and walked a pace behind him. 'You are very pretty, you know that do you not?'

'No, sir, I am not at all pretty.' It was true, I am not at all pretty. My hair is a dark color and my eyes are the same. Someone who is pretty has golden or silver hair and clear blue eyes, that is most definitely not me.

'Oh, now do not play that game with me, for all women think they are beautiful.'

'No, I do not think that I am the least bit pretty, I know that I am not. And I do not play games with anyone, you least of all.' My voice took on an icy chill, that sent shivers down my spine.

He turned to face me, for a moment I thought he might hit me, but I still did not show fear. 'That is so, is it? We shall see, we shall see.' He turned and walked on. I followed silently behind him, wondering what this threat would bring for me. We approached a huge house, he entered and had a servant take me to my room.

When we entered the room it was more exquisite than anything I had imagined a slave would ever have. 'The master would like you to be dressed for dinner by seven, he will be waiting for you in his room. It is the one at the end of the hall. You shall find your clothes in the closet.' With that the young servant girl left me alone. I took a quick glance at the sun outside my window, judging that it was almost five, this left me two hours to do what I pleased. First things first. I thought, I just had to explore my room. There was a door on the northern side of the wall, I wonder where it leads. Doors were not common to me, for I had my own fleet I shared with Arwen. A bath, inside! This was more than I could have wished for, my heart leapt for joy. For the first time in many days I forgot about everything, and had pure enjoyment.

I quickly taught myself how to work the wonder inside bath, and climbed into it. I sat down and allowed my muscles to relax, the warm water soaked my poor back, and the scars that were forming. A giggle escaped me, I did not know why, but I had a sudden urge to splash. This made me giggle all the more, popping as many bubbles in the water as I could with one swipe of my hand became a game. My hair had to be washed three or four times to get all the smoke smell out of it. I grabbed a towel and dried off, and went in search of my new clothes.

When the closet was open I found many bright colors assaulting my eyes. There were so many dresses, how was I ever going to choose one? One light blue one caught my eye, I gently took it down, and held it against me, but something was dreadfully wrong. The dress barely had a top, and there was a slit almost all the way up the leg. Had I not been so naive I would have instantly realized what he meant by giving me these dresses, but as it was I was not well versed in the ways of men and their habits. One by one I looked at all the other dresses, they were basically the same, I finally came to the bottom of the shelf, hoping against all hope that this dress would be something suitable for me. I let out a heartfelt sigh, it was.

By the time I had finally found this rare dress it was a quarter till seven. I hurriedly slipped into it, and did my hair up in a casual style that looked attractive on me. I had somehow forgotten the look of lust that had passed over my master's face, these gifts and the bath had erased Stanton's fearful face from my memory. Now all I could remember was the nice way he had treated me, and that he thought I was pretty. By the Valar, I was a vain little thing back then.

Quietly I slid out my door, not making a sound as I neared the door at the end of the hall. I knocked on the door, and it opened silently. As I peered in the door he called me.

'Ah, Lathtobeth, you look lovely tonight, as usual.' My shyness dropped quickly after this, and my vanity was puffed up.

'Thank you, milord. You look well tonight, also. I hope you like my choice of dress.'

'Hum, yes, it is rather modest, is it not? Well, I cannot blame you, my dear girl, I would be a little shy too if I were you. But please, do not bother with formalities. Call me Emit.'

'Yes, mil- Emit. I shall like that very much.'

'Good, good, I see you are a quick learner. Here, sit down, sit down.' He pulled my chair out for me, and I sat. A manservant came in a served us each dinner. The entree was elegant little egg whites with the yoke beat up with red stuff mixed into it. I later learned that these were called deviled eggs. A light soup and salad were served next, then came the main course. It was roast venison, with spices and vegetables surrounding it. The first bite was heavily bliss. There was wine served with it, as there is with most meal. This was exceptionally good wine, I had never tasted such as it before. I had to rationalize myself so I did not look like a pig, or gorge myself on the wonderful tasting food, or get drunk off the wine.

'This is wonderful, who is the cook?'

'Oh, one of our oldest servants, he has been with us since I was a little boy. He does do an excellent job, does he not?' I looked back down, and gave a silly little half smile, then my head suddenly got extremely light, and the room seemed to go round and round. 'He does a good job at poisoning food too, does he not?'

I looked up, hatred in my eyes. 'What did you do to me?'

'My dear girl, you need to think of someone else beside yourself for once. Believe me, you will not regret what I did for you. You will thank me once you see what real love is like. Now, go get into something, more comfortable.'

I rose from the table, yet I did not wish to. My feet moved on their own accord, propelling me towards the door. When I reached my room I went to the closet and pulled out a slinky dress, and slipped it on. My heart was beating so fast I could hear it.

'Much better, my love.' He whispered as I drew near. 'You look gorgeous.' He kissed the top of my ear, and his lips trailed softly down my neck. 'You will bear me a heir tonight.' His hands went to my waist.

I searched to kiss him. Passion over road my common sense. I did not really want to do this, but my body did not listen to my mind. 'I love you, Emit, my love.' I pulled his head up with my hands, tracing the outline of his face with my finger, finally landing on his lips. I gently bent down and gave him a small kiss.

'As do I, as do I.' He forced me down onto the bed. 'You are mine for tonight, Lathtobeth, you are all mine.'

'No, no, Emit, don't you be naughty. You are wrong about one thing.'

'What would that be, my love?'

'You are mine.' I pulled him down on the bed with me. Letting his hands rove all over my body, touching me where I had never been touched before by any man. He began to untie the back of my dress, and slipped it from my shoulders, then started off with his own clothes.

Lathtobeth! I jumped. Someone had called out to me.

'Come here my love.' Emit tried to pull me down, but I resisted.

'No, someone called to me.'

'There's no one,' slurred Emit, who had gotten himself drunk.

Lathtobeth, do not bind yourself to this man. Keep yourself for another. I looked down, I was naked, as was Emit. My face and ears turned bright red, I did not want this. I grabbed my clothes to my breast.

'Where do you think you're gonna go, pretty?' Emit grabbed onto my arm.

'Away from you.' I spat in his face, and tried to get free from his grip, but he held on like iron.

'You ain't gonna go nowhere, but here.' He patted the bed beside him, and gave me a lopsided grin that sent shivers up my arms.

'No, will never sleep with you.'

'You crazy elf! Of course you're gonna, you gonna right now.' My arm was twist behind me, and he forced me to look at him. 'You give me a baby tonight, or die.' I was throw down on the bed, and he sat on top of me.

I must have blacked out, because I don't remember anymore of that night. I awoke in my own bed, drenched in sweat. I sat up, my head spun for I was still suffering the after affects of the poison from last night. As soon as my head cleared I saw a pair of ragged trousers and a ratty old blouse sitting on the end of my bed, yet it was not my bed. I was somewhere dark and dreary, cold and damp. Loneliness invaded my soul, my body shook because of the coldness.

'I think was have lost her, sir.'

'So, she is replaceable, only an elf. No good as a mistress anyways, to free willed. If she lives, let me know. I will put her to work in the kitchen or someplace like that.' I heard voices though the darkness. Lost her? Who is she, only an elf, hum. Where are they, maybe... No, it is him.

'There is always a possibility that she could survive...'

'Let me know in the morning. If she does move her to a more suitable room for her kind.' After a little while I felt them moving me, was I her? Am I going to die? I tried to force myself to become conscious, but I could not get anything to work.

'It is all right, I can tell you are trying to wake up. Do not stress yourself about this, just stay calm, you are very sick.'

By now my eyes were open, and my mind was running full force. 'Elves do not become sick.'

'You are an exception then are you not? Just lay back down and we will be at your new room very soon.' I took the man's advice and relaxed, but that night just kept coming back to me. We finally reached my new room, and he helped me get set up in bed.

'Am I going to die?'

'Don't talk, it takes up to much of your energy. I shall tell you briefly what is the matter so that you will be at peace.' The man sighed, and wiped his forehead with a cloth. 'Last night you were feed poison, and you body did not react well to it, on top of that you foolishly had sex with your master, and he is not happy that you forced yourself upon him.'

I started to complain that it had been him and not me who had done the forcing. 'But,' he gave me a stern stare, 'by my examination of you. I believe that it was him who raped you, not the other way around. It is very doubtful that anything will come of this union, but is anything does I advise you to abort the baby quickly. Emit Algerian is not a forgiving man, and he would not take kindly to having you bear him an heir without his consent.'

I nodded my head. Just calm down, nothing is going to come of it. The doctor says that it is very unlikely. You cannot tell in one days time if you are with child or not. My thoughts battled within my head. You know you are. Just tell him now.

'I am with child.'

'I thought I told you not to.... How can you know this? No, do not talk. As soon as you are well you may tell me. Now get some sleep.' He turned down the light, and I slowly drifted into a healing slumber.

When I awoke I found the healer stilling sitting by my side, yet light poured through the window by my side. 'So, you are finally awake I see. Four days, four days you have slept.'

'Four days? I have been asleep for that long?'

'Yes, you drifted in and out of consciousness. I think you are almost fully healed.' He grinned at me. 'Now you may tell me your secrete of how you knew.'

'It is true then. I know, I just know.' The room seemed to be spinning again. 'I do not believe the poison has all worn-'I lay back on my bed, my head was light, and many different color swirled around and around.

'I thought that elves did not become ill?'

I gave the healer an evil stare. 'When they are poisoned this is not always the case.' My head was growing heavy, and nothing seemed stable.

'Please, lay down do not stress yourself over this growth inside you.'

'My baby.'

'Do not worry, it will not be there in a few days from now. The abortion process will not take long, though it may cause temporary pain...'

'No, I am not going to kill my baby.'

'Lord Algerian will kill you if he knows you are carrying an heir that could take his place. This will make him feel threatened, he will kill you and the growth. One life or two, it is your choice.'

'None.' I was firm in my answer. The healer could call it a "growth" if he wished, but it was part of me, my child. He could try to kill me, but I would never purposely kill an innocent being, the child of my body. 'You will make sure he never finds out.'

'You cannot hide it from him forever. He will find out sooner or later, now would be an opportune time to get-'

'No, you will not kill my child.' This was the end of our conversation, for the first mouth it was not very noticeable that I was with child, and the women in the kitchen were very polite to me. As the second and third months rolled around you could discern a slight bulge forming.

One winter day in early Solmath I arose from my bed as I did everyday, and made myself a meager breakfast and was about to head for my kitchen duty when a wave of nausea hit me. I ran to the back of my compound and emptied the contents of my stomach. My clothes were now soiled so I turned and just as I was about to enter my house the nausea over came me again, and I barely had time to turn before it all came out in a rush. I finally got myself under control and changed my clothes. I knew that they would not be happy with me for being late, but I was sure that they would be understanding.

'You're late, Beth,' called Krissy over her shoulder as she picked up a basket of laundry.

'I know, but I had a few problems this morning before I came. What is on the list for me today, Melathdai?'

'Bread, you've got to bake around twenty-four loaves of bread for the master today. Beth, you look pale, deary, are you quiet all right? Maybe you should sit down for a spell.'

'No, I am just a bit weak that is all. Twenty-four loaves! Why so many?'

'There's going to be a big banquet tonight and the master has invited the King to come also. Who'd imagine, the King here! Ha, must be a foolish man to want to be friends with the master. Are you getting sick, dear? I don't believe I've ever heard of an elf getting sick before. Is it the child?'

'What?' I gave her a smile which was meant to say I did not know what she was talking about. I had not told anyone about the child. 'Which child are you talking about, Melathdai? There are many running around here.'

'Why, yours, dear heart, you cannot hide it forever. You have been showing for a few weeks now. I was beginning to wonder when the sickness would start in.'

'What sickness?' I had my hands stuffed into the dough, and I was kneading it with all I had, taking my frustrations out on it.

'Oh, the terrible sickness that comes upon you with little or no warning at all. First you began to get light headed, then you feel nauseated, and then you become sick. It is a terrible thing to go through. Some women have it worse than others. Yours started today, did it not?'

'Yes,' I replied quietly, 'Yes, it started today. I shall no longer be able to hide it.'

'Hide it from whom, my child?' I had finally gotten use to the fact that even though I was many years older than anyone here, my young appearance gave them the right to call me a child. I smiled at the remark of me being a child, and kept on with my work, ignoring her question or whom I must hide from. For it would not do for anyone to know about that horrible night which I had suffered through. Melathdai, the poor soul, could not keep her mouth shut worth anything, it would never do to have the whole castle aware of my condition.

My time was close coming, and it seemed to grow everyday. My back protested when I tried to get out of bed, being this big made it almost impossible for me to do anything but waddle around and look motherly. Do not let anyone convince you that being with child is romantic or anything of that sort, for it is playing misery.

I finally got myself untangled from all my covers. Even now that the heat of the summer had reached it high point I was still in need of covers during the night. Every once in a while I would awake in a cold sweat, then become too hot again. After I got out of bed and made my way to the table I felt a strange pain in my stomach. It lasted a few minutes then left me feeling breathless. I recovered and my way slowly to work, and did not have any further trouble till about one in the afternoon.

A/N: This is about two time longer than I originally meant for it to be. As I said, I was going to take a lot of my anger out on this chapter, you haven't seen anything yet. This is a side of Jo March you have never seen before. I really want to post this now, but I have to wait till we get home from our vacation till I can. This the longest I have ever had a chapter be before. Okay, I have to go now, bye!