Of Rings and Thieves Chapter: 2

Tara looked up at the red and yellow leaves that were still clinging to the trees. A first reminder that winter was on its way.

A soft breeze blew up and made most of those leaves come floating to the ground.

She frowned and pulled her cloak around her, but it wasn't just the wind making Tara uneasy.

She didn't want to be part of this, but now she had no choice. Tara knew too much. She sighed and sat down on a stone bench.

That was always her problem. If she wasn't caught eavesdropping none of this would have happened to her.

A soft rustling of leaves alerted her of someone's presence.

Tara turned quickly to see a hooded and cloaked figure approach.

Well you are late as usual! they hissed

I'm sorry! Tara wined, I couldn't help it! Nia wouldn't let me leave.

I don't care. next time do *not* be late!

all right. Tara said sadly, What am I suppose to do?

The mysterious figure pushed a vial into Tara's hand and closed her fingers around it.

You know.

Tara's eyes went wide, I can't-

You can and you will.

But I-

Remember what I told you?

Tara nodded, Its just...I really don't want to.

The cloaked person sighed, Tara, listen to me. Things will be better for all of us if you just do this one little thing.

Tara wasn't convinced, How can this help anything?! she said and waved the vial

It will. Trust me Tara, it will...and be careful with that! We don't need you dying too.

Die! You didn't tell me that! I will not kill-

Listen to me! Why do you care? There is no way to trace the crime back to you.

Then why don't you do it? Tara questioned

I have other things that I need to take care of.

Tara asked knowing better that to ask what else could need doing

When what?

When should I...kill him?

At Lord Elrond's party. It won't kill him instantly, and if Elrond gives me what I want, he won't die. I have the only antidote for that poison for miles.

Tara blinked back tears, Don't loose it Mera. I couldn't live with myself if he died.

And he won't have to *if* Lord Elrond gives me what I want.

What will Nia think? Tara sighed

Why do you care what that air headed twit thinks? Mera asked annoyed

Nia is going with him to the party. Tara informed quietly

Mera growled, This doesn't change anything!

She gave Tara another vile, This will take care of Nia... Permanently.

Tara gasped and shoved the vile back in Mera's hand, I cannot kill my best friend! Mera, I can't do this, any of this! I want out!

You can't get out of this! Its your fault anyway! Don't even try to tell someone about this. Unless you would like a taste of the poison yourself! Mera hissed, You're lucky Emmenna isn't around to hear you!

Tara looked down and didn't answer.

Fine. It's going to make your job harder, but I'll let Nia live. This if a favor to you, so it would be best if you didn't fail.

I won't. Tara whispered

Good. Now hurry back! You don't need to be caught talking to me. Mera hissed and quickly walked off

Tara sighed and headed back to the palace. Mera thought it was just a simple task, but the attempted murder of the prince was nothing to be taken lightly.

Someone at Lord Elrond's party would die. The question is, Who?

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Oohh, what's going to happen? Only I know... I feel all powerful and stuff...