Disclaimer: I don't own a thing cept an insanely difficult plot that is
being stubborn and won't let me work with it.
A/N: well Here I am chapter 7 and still no action! I'm working hard at this story but its not turning out the way its suppose to! Rory has two personalities if you look (or read in this case) closely. She's more innocent (yeah right like she can be innocent) when she's around Legolas but when she's on her own she's a firecracker. Yes, stay tuned for some real drama when we meet Rory's past, present and future. (Author mutters to self* how am I going to do that??) A little romance flickers for a moment between Legolas and Rory but is quickly quashed because of. well I won't tell you that. ENJOY and REVIEW if you value your life!
Title: Gift of Eternity
Author: Under the Moon's Influence or my Elfish name Brillómwen
Summary: A young thief woman is caught red-handed stealing from a band of Elves in Mirkwood. She is taken to stand in front of the Royal Family and is sentenced to go on a quest with the prince of Mirkwood to retrieve and ancient bow from an island way out to sea near the Undying lands. On the way, she is thrown into a greater and more dangerous quest where she must trust the Elf prince who accompanies her and he must trust her. This is their voyage and their quest. Can it be done?
Rating: PG: 13 ½ cause Rory (full name is Roralenda) has a bad habit of swearing and talking about very gross things and there is fighting and maybe a tinge.ok a lot of romance but I won't do any smutty stuff. And Oh yeah the author uses "damn" a whole damn lot.
" " ~ Dialogue as usual ' ' ~ Rory's thoughts * * ~ Freaky unexplainable voices in the authors head.
Chapter Title: Redwood
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When Rory ambled out of her bed and into the inn's breakfast nook, it was still early morning and she was still buzzed slightly from the ale. She was appalled at her alcohol tolerance after only 4 months away from the pubs. Slumping in the nearest table, she looked around for the elf. He wasn't around and she was actually somewhat glad. She only imagined what he'd think if he saw her rubbing, her eyes and temples drinking warm milk with a dazed look plastered on her face. She started to hum a cheery song she learned as a child and didn't mind (or see) the nasty looks thrown at her from other people eating breakfast. (A/N just think John Jacob Jinglehymer Smith) An elderly man from behind the counter approached her cautiously (no doubt he heard of the attempted murder or so that's what Ryomir had said) asking what she would like from the kitchen.
"Four eggs scrambled, six pieces of toast with butter and jam and a half a pound of cheese please." She snickered at her little rhyme but the man was already gone once he got the order so not to offend the woman. She went back to humming loudly and off key this time with a leg-swinging act to match. Elbows on the table she looked around the room at the other guests. Most looked to be well off given that the ladies wore fine silks and exotic material, their hair was fair and their eyes bright blue as all nobles in Rohan. Fancy dishes with hard-boiled eggs and caviar from the sea. The men ate bacon that dripped heavily with fat and she could smell it at her table. 'Why didn't I order bacon?' she thought greedily as she gazed glassy eyed at a fat man ever so daintily eating the bacon. She observed the bacon from the plate to the gaping maw of a mouth, licking her lips. She was so into the bacon watching she didn't notice or hear the three elves slip into the table opposite of her. Or not until her foot kicked a shin of one and she heard a wince.
"Oh hi Greeny." She was in a playful mood and she wanted to push his patience.
"Trilla, I trust you slept well. These are our companions Neesa of Lesser Mirkwood" he gestured to the female elf. She had dark hair and green eyes and a wise boring look to her " and Maltaethir of Rivendall. They will be accompanying us on our quest."
Both elves extended their hands and Rory shook them quickly saying hello and went back to her bacon gazing. She even let her mouth go slack for effect. She wanted to see how far she could push him but he didn't seem to notice nor did Nilly or Malthazor or whatever there names were. Looking beyond the bacon for a moment, she saw the waiter approach her table with the large plate of food. She handed him three silver pieces (which covered the meal and provided a generous tip) she dug into the food.
The eggs were a bit tough but other then that it was heavenly. 'Finally something other then that wretched bread.' She thought as she tore a hunk of cheese of the literal block she ordered and offered it to Green Leaf.
"Want a piece? You hardly eat, take a piece I haven't poisoned it." She pushed it into his hands. He didn't say anything to her just took a small bite and continued his conversation in Elvish with Nilly and Milly. 'Alright he won't talk to me by will I'll make him do it my force or necessity rather. Not now though. Later. Rory has an idea.' She thought as a mischievous smile graced her face. She quickly finished eating breakfast and stood up, told Legolas she was off to bye supplies nodded to the other elves 'What's their names again?' and was off into Market for a few supplies she need for the trip and for trouble making.
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"Two gold pieces should cover for those boots sir." Rory was engaged in an intense argument with a boot seller and she had at last found a pair that would fit her. It excited her greatly to think that she could finally wear boots like all the most feared thieves in Middle Earth but the price was outrageous. He wanted six gold pieces once he had seen Rory's money bag. Six gold pieces could by her two horses and a chicken with change left over and she most certainly not going to spend it on boots even if she wanted them.
"Dis is tough leather milady! Very rare in these parts now days. And de specialty boots cause dey much smaller den most men boots. " His voice was thick with an accent Rory couldn't place but one thing she was sure was that he was a crook. Even the two pieces of gold she offered was great plenty. Enough for a good colt or enough leather for 20 boots.
"I don't have six gold pieces to spend on boots sir. I'm sorry I can't buy them." Rory threw the bate. She knew that most likely if this man had any sense he would call her back and take the two pieces. Sure enough, as she walked away he called out to her.
"Alright, you seem to be a nice girl. I'll sell it to you for two golds and 10 silvers."
"Deal" it wasn't the price she wanted but at least she had lowered it considerable.
"Just remember I'm sacrificing for ya. Don't you forget dat milady. Have a good day now." He handed her the boots with a toothy smile that Rory did not return. She tucked them under one arm and continued on her way.
Rory stopped outside a garments shop that sold everything from fancy dresses that the Ladies of Rohan wore to armor. 'I think maybe I should have something a little nicer to wear incase I need to use my charm to get us out of a tight spot.' She snickered at the thought of 'her charm'. 'Maybe they'll have a new shirt for a good price.' Rory was usually accustomed to stealing such things and never thinking of buying things like clothes but she would still be here another day at least and it was to dangerous and she had experienced Rohan punishment and it wasn't fun.
Stepping inside she spotted a rather large woman with a shiny face, blonde hair large doe like eyes and was dressed in a gown of rich gold and scarlet trimming.
"Can I help you dear? Are you here for a dress?" her voice was high and annoying as she came around the desk to meet Rory.
"Yeah, nothing to fancy or spendy. Just something nice for emergencies." Rory put on an aloof face and looked at the woman.
"Well I think that mint green would accent your hair and eyes nicely. What's your name?" she went bustling into a back room digging though piles of dresses.
"Arianna, I come from north of Fangor but I'm on my way to South Gondor." This was the name and origin she had given to the boot seller. Fangor was at least a half months journey north and South Gondor was around three months of hard never ending traveling if you don't get lost of ambushed by orcs. If they wanted to talk to her or find out more about her they would have quite a journey and she'd be in the mountains day after tomorrow far from Helm's Deep.
"How delightful! Why are you going to South Gondor? Not for the weather I dare say." She snorted at her little joke, still digging through a mass of gowns.
"For an arranged marriage. My to-be husband lives there and I'm going to meet him." It seemed innocent enough and likely wouldn't draw much attention.
"Oh is he soldier? Good looking perhaps, have you met him? Those Gondorian soldiers are dreamy, aren't they? Oh here it is!" The plump woman came from the back room slightly out of breath; her face was red and shining even more brightly. She held out to Rory a pale minty green gown. It seemed relatively simple and nice.
"Go ahead! There's a changing room over there, try it on and let's see you in it Arianna." She had caught her breath some and was giggling like a teenage girl. Rory reluctantly sauntered over to the changing room but not with out and giggle just to please the lady and for measure, she slapped a goofy grin on her face.
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Rory gawked at herself in the mirror. The dress was beautiful on her! It was a simple cut but it hung on her body like it was made for only her. The material allowed an open neckline and it hung on her shoulders well without slipping. The material was something like satin, cool and slippery on her body and a gauzy covering. The moment she had slipped it on, she lost the rugged fighter girl image and became a symbol of beauty. Her hair was still disheveled and her skin was still obviously rough but still something that amazed Rory all the same. 'Fix my hair a bit, take a bath and give me some fancy perfume and I'm set to be a princess.'
Rory heard the door of the store open again, muffled talking and the lady reply that she would help them once she finished with her last costumer.
"Come out Arianna! I'm simply dieing to see you in that gown, you know I've had that gown for twenty years now and I haven't sold it because I never thought it would look good on someone until I saw you walk in." she continued to ramble on about the dress's history but Rory took no notice. She braced herself and stepped out. The woman gasped and continued to yap but the new costumer was none other than Green Leaf. His eyes widened a bit when he saw her standing across the room. Rory felt her face go red and look away. Had he followed her or was he in her for some armor?
"Isn't she just beautiful master elf? Her name in Arianna and she is on her way to South Gondor for an arrange marriage to a soldier! Isn't that exciting?" she had notice the brief tension between the Elf and Rory.
"Yes, as beautiful as the stars that caress the twilight when they shine brightest." He approached her and kissed her hand gently. "Never have a seen such a vision of beauty in Middle Earth, Arianna. Many are the days I have trodden these hills and plains searching for one such as this." He looked sincere with his words and it was making the tension even worse.
"Dear lady," her voice was weak and shaky never leaving Green Leaf's eyes. " I think I'll come back tomorrow, I should think the dress through." She hurried to the changing room, threw the dress off, and pulled her normal clothes on transforming to her natural image. On her way out, she shoved the dress into the woman's arms, cast a glance at Green Leaf who was a cloak and literally ran out of the store and through the streets of Helm's Deep.
When she finally reached the sanctuary of her room, her head was pounding. Helm's Deep was too much for her. First of all her family was somewhere around her and then now Green Leaf. She was sure he was just playing but it drove her nuts and for a moment, memories of home came back to her. It wasn't that Green Leaf might have thought her to be beautiful in that dress, she was actually quite pleased, but it was how he had said it. He was very poetic and she recalled for a moment Ryas, Ben's friend to whom she had been taken with before she ran away. He had spouted all sorts of poetic lyrics to her on many evenings that he stood outside her window and for a fleeting moment, she had actually seen Ryas and that scared her. He was the other reason that she had taken off. They were set to be married as all in the village had said for years since they had meet but he was a inconsiderate jerk, bastered and wife beater beneath his dashing looks. When he had reached the age of 18 he had announced that he was going to Mins Tirith to study medicine in Gondor and he expressed his desire for Rory to join him. She was only 15 and she didn't want to give up her life even if she loved him. The night that she had told his that was the worst in her life.
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"Ryas, I don't want to move to Gondor and be a wife to an apprentice! I'm young and I have a life I want to live!" Her voice was strong but wavered when he approached her.
"You selfish little bitch, I ask only for your hand in marriage and you refuse me! I thought we had this planned years ago that we'd run off to where ever to get away from this hell hole." His words were harsh.
"People change Ryas, dreams change. I don't deny that I want to leave but not with you." Her voice was definitely weak this time. He slapped her, took her by the collar of her faded dress, and slammed her against the wall. He had taken out a knife and held it to her throat.
"I dare you to say that again Rory."
She didn't but instead quickly before he knew what she was doing she grabbed a dagger that she hid in her shoe pushed him away and attacked him with the jeweled blade. He had given her quite a few bruises and she had been stabbed in the arm but he was the one that faired worse. She had managed to knock the blade from his hand and with one mighty swing, her one pierced his heart.
"I loved you Rory," he had said.
"I know, and I do still love you but you asked for it. Good bye Ryas." She twisted the dagger that was in his chest. He gurgled up blood and died. She had wrapped his body up in a cloth and threw him in the river after she had cleaned up the mess. About three days after that when people noticed that he was gone and expected her she had ran away. She was a murderer and it still haunted her to this day.
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A/n there ya go! Is that a bit more exciting? Think I should write soap operas? Nah. Here we go onto the next part/
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"Trilla, I bought the dress for you." Green Leaf was standing at the door holding a package wrapped in cheap parchment. " You really did look beautiful. I am sorry if I have offended you." His eyes were soft and showed much grief.
"No, thank you Green Leaf. It wasn't you, just. Well it doesn't matter. I should go now to apologize to the lady. Then we should stock up on food don't you think? Where's Nelly and Milky?" She cracked a small smile.
"Who?"
"The elves I met this morning."
"You paid attention? I thought we had lost you to the bacon." He smiled at her raising an eyebrow " Or at any rate you were humming loud enough for the people upstairs to hear you."
"Oh really?" she laughed a little embarrassed by her actions that morning.
"Yes really."
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The rest of the morning passed rather uneventfully except for her second visit to the clothes lady. Rory made up a lie of how Green Leaf was her true love, he would follow her over land and sea to show his love, and now how she decided not to go to South Gondor alone but with him to call off the wedding to the soldier and marry the elf instead. The woman broke out in tears blubbering of "How romantic that was" The woman was so 'moved' by the story that she returned the money he had paid for the dress when Rory explained how little money they had and wished them long happy lives and many children. Rory and Green Leaf had plenty money but Rory was a thief and they never had enough money. After an hour of Rory pulling the love story of her and Green Leaf (Of whom she had named Rollpa) out of her butt, the lady crying at the part when he was tortured by orcs for three months in her place and other event like that she finally made it out of the store and back to the inn.
She found Green Leaf and the other elves by the stables discussing something in hushed voices as she approached them.
"Green Leaf, if the lady asks, we're getting married in Gondor having 12 kids and your name is Rollpa. You were tortured in Mordor by Orcs because you loved me and you are ready to give up your immortality for me ok?" She said this all very non-chalantly and leaned up against the stable.
"Ok." He studied her face for a moment and nodded. "In the short time we have traveled together I have noticed you are a picky eater. Is there anything that you do like?"
"Bacon, properly prepared fish, conies and fired potatoes." She said promptly.
"Oh she makes it easy for us Legolas. Humans shouldn't be so picky with there short lives." Nelly or Nilly or whatever her name was scoffed.
"Who asked for your opinion fairy girl? Green Leaf asked me a question and I answered so back off or I dare say your heart shall meet my sword. I don't take kindly to beings like you."
"You weren't lying Legolas when you said she was a feisty one." She directed to Green Leaf " I am Neesa of Lesser Mirkwood." She extended her hand but Rory wasn't ready to lay aside her pride. She didn't shake it. Instead, she turned to Legolas with her chin up.
"What is it that you want me to do today?" She asked him not noticing the glare she got from Neesa.
"I would like you to find the houses of healing and acquire herbs, plants and other ointments that we may need on our journey. I trust you know about these things?" his voice was soft and Rory thought for a moment had laughter in it but she didn't think farther on this. And yes, of course she knew about herbs and healing. Her mother had worked in the houses of healing in her village and she had helped her mother for many long days stewing the nasty smelling herbs and plants to make mush.
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"How can I help you dear child?" It was a lady about her age, maybe a bit older but with a look of maddening superiority about her. Rory wasn't in the mood to argue with her so she went along with the whole child bit.
"I need two years supply of general healing herbs and pastes, dwarf berry antidote if you have it and some bone mender junk. That stuff up there on the shelf." Rory pointed to large bottle of yellow liquid. Balderdas was a plant that only grew in Mordor and it possessed great healing powers but was not used often because of the side effects and the lack of supply.
"Ahh the balderdas. Very potent that bottle is and I don't sell it to just anyone. How well versed are you in the ways of medicine?" the woman scrutinized Rory.
"My mother worked for many years in the houses of healing in my village in north Fangor. When I was younger I worked with her too and learned many things." Rory said honestly. The lady still didn't look like she trusted Rory but saw the sword on her hip and the daggers in her boots she didn't want to start a ruckus. She gathered general herbs and pastes placing them in a burlap bag carefully, wrapping the glass bottles first in black velvet. From the back room, she brought a bundle of dried twigs that had a few leaves hanging on, refusing to let go. Placing them too in the bag the lady finally and reverently placed the yellow colored bottled liquid in the velvet bag.
"12 pieces of gold please." She smiled her pasty smile. Twelve! Rory could by a plot of land for that much.
"Twelve? Isn't that a bit much? My father is going on a long journey, we don't have much money, and that kind of bill will harm us greatly." She put on a sad puppy dogface.
"Times are tough with all these new Gondor doctors striding around the streets of Helm's Deep practically giving herbs away the people have little need for the old houses of healing anymore. We have bills too you know." Rory tried a different tactic.
"How about this, were going east of here over the mountains and I would be willing to gather some very rare herbs for you if you would give me these for free. I will give you my gold chain as guarantee until I return." Rory slipped off her chain and handed it to the woman.
"Alright, that sounds good to me. Find me the best herbs you can." Rory nodded grabbed the bag of herbs and left the lady, the chain and the elf ring behind glinting in the sun.
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Does anyone else sense some trouble here too??? LOL I am evil
A/N: well Here I am chapter 7 and still no action! I'm working hard at this story but its not turning out the way its suppose to! Rory has two personalities if you look (or read in this case) closely. She's more innocent (yeah right like she can be innocent) when she's around Legolas but when she's on her own she's a firecracker. Yes, stay tuned for some real drama when we meet Rory's past, present and future. (Author mutters to self* how am I going to do that??) A little romance flickers for a moment between Legolas and Rory but is quickly quashed because of. well I won't tell you that. ENJOY and REVIEW if you value your life!
Title: Gift of Eternity
Author: Under the Moon's Influence or my Elfish name Brillómwen
Summary: A young thief woman is caught red-handed stealing from a band of Elves in Mirkwood. She is taken to stand in front of the Royal Family and is sentenced to go on a quest with the prince of Mirkwood to retrieve and ancient bow from an island way out to sea near the Undying lands. On the way, she is thrown into a greater and more dangerous quest where she must trust the Elf prince who accompanies her and he must trust her. This is their voyage and their quest. Can it be done?
Rating: PG: 13 ½ cause Rory (full name is Roralenda) has a bad habit of swearing and talking about very gross things and there is fighting and maybe a tinge.ok a lot of romance but I won't do any smutty stuff. And Oh yeah the author uses "damn" a whole damn lot.
" " ~ Dialogue as usual ' ' ~ Rory's thoughts * * ~ Freaky unexplainable voices in the authors head.
Chapter Title: Redwood
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When Rory ambled out of her bed and into the inn's breakfast nook, it was still early morning and she was still buzzed slightly from the ale. She was appalled at her alcohol tolerance after only 4 months away from the pubs. Slumping in the nearest table, she looked around for the elf. He wasn't around and she was actually somewhat glad. She only imagined what he'd think if he saw her rubbing, her eyes and temples drinking warm milk with a dazed look plastered on her face. She started to hum a cheery song she learned as a child and didn't mind (or see) the nasty looks thrown at her from other people eating breakfast. (A/N just think John Jacob Jinglehymer Smith) An elderly man from behind the counter approached her cautiously (no doubt he heard of the attempted murder or so that's what Ryomir had said) asking what she would like from the kitchen.
"Four eggs scrambled, six pieces of toast with butter and jam and a half a pound of cheese please." She snickered at her little rhyme but the man was already gone once he got the order so not to offend the woman. She went back to humming loudly and off key this time with a leg-swinging act to match. Elbows on the table she looked around the room at the other guests. Most looked to be well off given that the ladies wore fine silks and exotic material, their hair was fair and their eyes bright blue as all nobles in Rohan. Fancy dishes with hard-boiled eggs and caviar from the sea. The men ate bacon that dripped heavily with fat and she could smell it at her table. 'Why didn't I order bacon?' she thought greedily as she gazed glassy eyed at a fat man ever so daintily eating the bacon. She observed the bacon from the plate to the gaping maw of a mouth, licking her lips. She was so into the bacon watching she didn't notice or hear the three elves slip into the table opposite of her. Or not until her foot kicked a shin of one and she heard a wince.
"Oh hi Greeny." She was in a playful mood and she wanted to push his patience.
"Trilla, I trust you slept well. These are our companions Neesa of Lesser Mirkwood" he gestured to the female elf. She had dark hair and green eyes and a wise boring look to her " and Maltaethir of Rivendall. They will be accompanying us on our quest."
Both elves extended their hands and Rory shook them quickly saying hello and went back to her bacon gazing. She even let her mouth go slack for effect. She wanted to see how far she could push him but he didn't seem to notice nor did Nilly or Malthazor or whatever there names were. Looking beyond the bacon for a moment, she saw the waiter approach her table with the large plate of food. She handed him three silver pieces (which covered the meal and provided a generous tip) she dug into the food.
The eggs were a bit tough but other then that it was heavenly. 'Finally something other then that wretched bread.' She thought as she tore a hunk of cheese of the literal block she ordered and offered it to Green Leaf.
"Want a piece? You hardly eat, take a piece I haven't poisoned it." She pushed it into his hands. He didn't say anything to her just took a small bite and continued his conversation in Elvish with Nilly and Milly. 'Alright he won't talk to me by will I'll make him do it my force or necessity rather. Not now though. Later. Rory has an idea.' She thought as a mischievous smile graced her face. She quickly finished eating breakfast and stood up, told Legolas she was off to bye supplies nodded to the other elves 'What's their names again?' and was off into Market for a few supplies she need for the trip and for trouble making.
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"Two gold pieces should cover for those boots sir." Rory was engaged in an intense argument with a boot seller and she had at last found a pair that would fit her. It excited her greatly to think that she could finally wear boots like all the most feared thieves in Middle Earth but the price was outrageous. He wanted six gold pieces once he had seen Rory's money bag. Six gold pieces could by her two horses and a chicken with change left over and she most certainly not going to spend it on boots even if she wanted them.
"Dis is tough leather milady! Very rare in these parts now days. And de specialty boots cause dey much smaller den most men boots. " His voice was thick with an accent Rory couldn't place but one thing she was sure was that he was a crook. Even the two pieces of gold she offered was great plenty. Enough for a good colt or enough leather for 20 boots.
"I don't have six gold pieces to spend on boots sir. I'm sorry I can't buy them." Rory threw the bate. She knew that most likely if this man had any sense he would call her back and take the two pieces. Sure enough, as she walked away he called out to her.
"Alright, you seem to be a nice girl. I'll sell it to you for two golds and 10 silvers."
"Deal" it wasn't the price she wanted but at least she had lowered it considerable.
"Just remember I'm sacrificing for ya. Don't you forget dat milady. Have a good day now." He handed her the boots with a toothy smile that Rory did not return. She tucked them under one arm and continued on her way.
Rory stopped outside a garments shop that sold everything from fancy dresses that the Ladies of Rohan wore to armor. 'I think maybe I should have something a little nicer to wear incase I need to use my charm to get us out of a tight spot.' She snickered at the thought of 'her charm'. 'Maybe they'll have a new shirt for a good price.' Rory was usually accustomed to stealing such things and never thinking of buying things like clothes but she would still be here another day at least and it was to dangerous and she had experienced Rohan punishment and it wasn't fun.
Stepping inside she spotted a rather large woman with a shiny face, blonde hair large doe like eyes and was dressed in a gown of rich gold and scarlet trimming.
"Can I help you dear? Are you here for a dress?" her voice was high and annoying as she came around the desk to meet Rory.
"Yeah, nothing to fancy or spendy. Just something nice for emergencies." Rory put on an aloof face and looked at the woman.
"Well I think that mint green would accent your hair and eyes nicely. What's your name?" she went bustling into a back room digging though piles of dresses.
"Arianna, I come from north of Fangor but I'm on my way to South Gondor." This was the name and origin she had given to the boot seller. Fangor was at least a half months journey north and South Gondor was around three months of hard never ending traveling if you don't get lost of ambushed by orcs. If they wanted to talk to her or find out more about her they would have quite a journey and she'd be in the mountains day after tomorrow far from Helm's Deep.
"How delightful! Why are you going to South Gondor? Not for the weather I dare say." She snorted at her little joke, still digging through a mass of gowns.
"For an arranged marriage. My to-be husband lives there and I'm going to meet him." It seemed innocent enough and likely wouldn't draw much attention.
"Oh is he soldier? Good looking perhaps, have you met him? Those Gondorian soldiers are dreamy, aren't they? Oh here it is!" The plump woman came from the back room slightly out of breath; her face was red and shining even more brightly. She held out to Rory a pale minty green gown. It seemed relatively simple and nice.
"Go ahead! There's a changing room over there, try it on and let's see you in it Arianna." She had caught her breath some and was giggling like a teenage girl. Rory reluctantly sauntered over to the changing room but not with out and giggle just to please the lady and for measure, she slapped a goofy grin on her face.
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Rory gawked at herself in the mirror. The dress was beautiful on her! It was a simple cut but it hung on her body like it was made for only her. The material allowed an open neckline and it hung on her shoulders well without slipping. The material was something like satin, cool and slippery on her body and a gauzy covering. The moment she had slipped it on, she lost the rugged fighter girl image and became a symbol of beauty. Her hair was still disheveled and her skin was still obviously rough but still something that amazed Rory all the same. 'Fix my hair a bit, take a bath and give me some fancy perfume and I'm set to be a princess.'
Rory heard the door of the store open again, muffled talking and the lady reply that she would help them once she finished with her last costumer.
"Come out Arianna! I'm simply dieing to see you in that gown, you know I've had that gown for twenty years now and I haven't sold it because I never thought it would look good on someone until I saw you walk in." she continued to ramble on about the dress's history but Rory took no notice. She braced herself and stepped out. The woman gasped and continued to yap but the new costumer was none other than Green Leaf. His eyes widened a bit when he saw her standing across the room. Rory felt her face go red and look away. Had he followed her or was he in her for some armor?
"Isn't she just beautiful master elf? Her name in Arianna and she is on her way to South Gondor for an arrange marriage to a soldier! Isn't that exciting?" she had notice the brief tension between the Elf and Rory.
"Yes, as beautiful as the stars that caress the twilight when they shine brightest." He approached her and kissed her hand gently. "Never have a seen such a vision of beauty in Middle Earth, Arianna. Many are the days I have trodden these hills and plains searching for one such as this." He looked sincere with his words and it was making the tension even worse.
"Dear lady," her voice was weak and shaky never leaving Green Leaf's eyes. " I think I'll come back tomorrow, I should think the dress through." She hurried to the changing room, threw the dress off, and pulled her normal clothes on transforming to her natural image. On her way out, she shoved the dress into the woman's arms, cast a glance at Green Leaf who was a cloak and literally ran out of the store and through the streets of Helm's Deep.
When she finally reached the sanctuary of her room, her head was pounding. Helm's Deep was too much for her. First of all her family was somewhere around her and then now Green Leaf. She was sure he was just playing but it drove her nuts and for a moment, memories of home came back to her. It wasn't that Green Leaf might have thought her to be beautiful in that dress, she was actually quite pleased, but it was how he had said it. He was very poetic and she recalled for a moment Ryas, Ben's friend to whom she had been taken with before she ran away. He had spouted all sorts of poetic lyrics to her on many evenings that he stood outside her window and for a fleeting moment, she had actually seen Ryas and that scared her. He was the other reason that she had taken off. They were set to be married as all in the village had said for years since they had meet but he was a inconsiderate jerk, bastered and wife beater beneath his dashing looks. When he had reached the age of 18 he had announced that he was going to Mins Tirith to study medicine in Gondor and he expressed his desire for Rory to join him. She was only 15 and she didn't want to give up her life even if she loved him. The night that she had told his that was the worst in her life.
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"Ryas, I don't want to move to Gondor and be a wife to an apprentice! I'm young and I have a life I want to live!" Her voice was strong but wavered when he approached her.
"You selfish little bitch, I ask only for your hand in marriage and you refuse me! I thought we had this planned years ago that we'd run off to where ever to get away from this hell hole." His words were harsh.
"People change Ryas, dreams change. I don't deny that I want to leave but not with you." Her voice was definitely weak this time. He slapped her, took her by the collar of her faded dress, and slammed her against the wall. He had taken out a knife and held it to her throat.
"I dare you to say that again Rory."
She didn't but instead quickly before he knew what she was doing she grabbed a dagger that she hid in her shoe pushed him away and attacked him with the jeweled blade. He had given her quite a few bruises and she had been stabbed in the arm but he was the one that faired worse. She had managed to knock the blade from his hand and with one mighty swing, her one pierced his heart.
"I loved you Rory," he had said.
"I know, and I do still love you but you asked for it. Good bye Ryas." She twisted the dagger that was in his chest. He gurgled up blood and died. She had wrapped his body up in a cloth and threw him in the river after she had cleaned up the mess. About three days after that when people noticed that he was gone and expected her she had ran away. She was a murderer and it still haunted her to this day.
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A/n there ya go! Is that a bit more exciting? Think I should write soap operas? Nah. Here we go onto the next part/
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"Trilla, I bought the dress for you." Green Leaf was standing at the door holding a package wrapped in cheap parchment. " You really did look beautiful. I am sorry if I have offended you." His eyes were soft and showed much grief.
"No, thank you Green Leaf. It wasn't you, just. Well it doesn't matter. I should go now to apologize to the lady. Then we should stock up on food don't you think? Where's Nelly and Milky?" She cracked a small smile.
"Who?"
"The elves I met this morning."
"You paid attention? I thought we had lost you to the bacon." He smiled at her raising an eyebrow " Or at any rate you were humming loud enough for the people upstairs to hear you."
"Oh really?" she laughed a little embarrassed by her actions that morning.
"Yes really."
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The rest of the morning passed rather uneventfully except for her second visit to the clothes lady. Rory made up a lie of how Green Leaf was her true love, he would follow her over land and sea to show his love, and now how she decided not to go to South Gondor alone but with him to call off the wedding to the soldier and marry the elf instead. The woman broke out in tears blubbering of "How romantic that was" The woman was so 'moved' by the story that she returned the money he had paid for the dress when Rory explained how little money they had and wished them long happy lives and many children. Rory and Green Leaf had plenty money but Rory was a thief and they never had enough money. After an hour of Rory pulling the love story of her and Green Leaf (Of whom she had named Rollpa) out of her butt, the lady crying at the part when he was tortured by orcs for three months in her place and other event like that she finally made it out of the store and back to the inn.
She found Green Leaf and the other elves by the stables discussing something in hushed voices as she approached them.
"Green Leaf, if the lady asks, we're getting married in Gondor having 12 kids and your name is Rollpa. You were tortured in Mordor by Orcs because you loved me and you are ready to give up your immortality for me ok?" She said this all very non-chalantly and leaned up against the stable.
"Ok." He studied her face for a moment and nodded. "In the short time we have traveled together I have noticed you are a picky eater. Is there anything that you do like?"
"Bacon, properly prepared fish, conies and fired potatoes." She said promptly.
"Oh she makes it easy for us Legolas. Humans shouldn't be so picky with there short lives." Nelly or Nilly or whatever her name was scoffed.
"Who asked for your opinion fairy girl? Green Leaf asked me a question and I answered so back off or I dare say your heart shall meet my sword. I don't take kindly to beings like you."
"You weren't lying Legolas when you said she was a feisty one." She directed to Green Leaf " I am Neesa of Lesser Mirkwood." She extended her hand but Rory wasn't ready to lay aside her pride. She didn't shake it. Instead, she turned to Legolas with her chin up.
"What is it that you want me to do today?" She asked him not noticing the glare she got from Neesa.
"I would like you to find the houses of healing and acquire herbs, plants and other ointments that we may need on our journey. I trust you know about these things?" his voice was soft and Rory thought for a moment had laughter in it but she didn't think farther on this. And yes, of course she knew about herbs and healing. Her mother had worked in the houses of healing in her village and she had helped her mother for many long days stewing the nasty smelling herbs and plants to make mush.
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"How can I help you dear child?" It was a lady about her age, maybe a bit older but with a look of maddening superiority about her. Rory wasn't in the mood to argue with her so she went along with the whole child bit.
"I need two years supply of general healing herbs and pastes, dwarf berry antidote if you have it and some bone mender junk. That stuff up there on the shelf." Rory pointed to large bottle of yellow liquid. Balderdas was a plant that only grew in Mordor and it possessed great healing powers but was not used often because of the side effects and the lack of supply.
"Ahh the balderdas. Very potent that bottle is and I don't sell it to just anyone. How well versed are you in the ways of medicine?" the woman scrutinized Rory.
"My mother worked for many years in the houses of healing in my village in north Fangor. When I was younger I worked with her too and learned many things." Rory said honestly. The lady still didn't look like she trusted Rory but saw the sword on her hip and the daggers in her boots she didn't want to start a ruckus. She gathered general herbs and pastes placing them in a burlap bag carefully, wrapping the glass bottles first in black velvet. From the back room, she brought a bundle of dried twigs that had a few leaves hanging on, refusing to let go. Placing them too in the bag the lady finally and reverently placed the yellow colored bottled liquid in the velvet bag.
"12 pieces of gold please." She smiled her pasty smile. Twelve! Rory could by a plot of land for that much.
"Twelve? Isn't that a bit much? My father is going on a long journey, we don't have much money, and that kind of bill will harm us greatly." She put on a sad puppy dogface.
"Times are tough with all these new Gondor doctors striding around the streets of Helm's Deep practically giving herbs away the people have little need for the old houses of healing anymore. We have bills too you know." Rory tried a different tactic.
"How about this, were going east of here over the mountains and I would be willing to gather some very rare herbs for you if you would give me these for free. I will give you my gold chain as guarantee until I return." Rory slipped off her chain and handed it to the woman.
"Alright, that sounds good to me. Find me the best herbs you can." Rory nodded grabbed the bag of herbs and left the lady, the chain and the elf ring behind glinting in the sun.
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Does anyone else sense some trouble here too??? LOL I am evil