Of Rings and Thieves Chapter 3

Tara walked back to Nia's room. How was she going to do this?

What if Elrond didn't give Mera what she wanted?

It was to horrible to think about. She didn't have many options. One, commit the evil deed and possibly end up killing the prince. Two, smash the vial and end up dead herself.

Nia's voice blurted into her thoughts

Yes Nia? she asked trying to remain calm

How did the meeting go with your mother? Nia asked

Oh, good! It went well. Tara replied a little to quickly

Are you okay? Nia asked

I'm fine. Did you decide what dress to wear? Tara asked

Nia smiled, I decided to go with the green one, like you said.

Tara smiled too, I told you I knew what I was talking about.

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Emmenna sat in the back corner of the Prancing Pony, twirling a dagger loosely in her hand.

A long black cloak concealed her identity from all except the two she sat with.

Emmenna had many talents, one of which was being able to lie with out shame or hesitation.

Is there any news from Mera? she asked

About that stupid girl? a man with sandy colored hair replied

Emmenna frowned and sighed, Yes Vocoyen, who else would I be talking about!?

Well, excuse me! Vocoyen hissed

Emmenna pointed the dagger at him, Yes. Excuse you for being an idiot! Now tell me!

I was trying to! Mera is taking the poison to her, I don't think she will do it though. Tara is to nice, Em. Vocoyen informed I wouldn't trust her.

I know, and I don't trust her. But, we do need her and if she doesn't complete the job, there are always ways to get rid of her. Emmenna sighed

So what's the party plan? asked the other she was sitting with

Well Telnar, since Vocoyen isn't an Elf, you get to take me. Emmenna said with a smile, But I'm sure that's not a problem.

No, of corse not. Telnar replied

How come you get to take her?! Vocoyen protested

Emmenna sighed loudly, I just said, because he's an Elf! I'm an Elf! It's an Elf party! By the Valar I swear, you are the stupidest man on Middle Earth! I don't know why I put up with you!

I knew ya loved me. Vocoyen joked

He and Telnar laughed loudly.

Emmenna growled and slammed the dagger into the table, Now is *not* the time for jokes! We have a job to do and I will see it done one way or another!

The two laughing buffoons shut up, instantly.

What the big deal Em? The plan is fine. Once we get the loot from Mera, we can have anything we want. Telnar said

Emmenna didn't answer. She knew is was slightly more complicated.

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Tara couldn't eat. All she could do was stare at Legolas.

She had finally decided that she would have to go through with the plan.

Mera assured her everything would work out fine. And it would.

Wouldn't it?

Tara, are your sure that you are okay? Nia asked from across the table

Tara snapped to attention, Huh? Oh yes Nia, I'm just not hungry tonight.

Nia was about to reply when Legolas came over and sat down next to her.

Tara thought she was going to be sick.

I..I, I'm going to go...for a walk. Tara gasped and quickly got up

I'll go with you then. Nia said

No!...No, thank you Nia. Stay here with Legolas. I just need to get some air. Tara said and quickly left the dining hall

Is it just me, or is she acting strange? Legolas asked after Tara left

No. She is acting strange. I wonder what's wrong. Nia replied

Legolas smiled, I wonder if she spilled soup on someone.

Nia rolled her eyes, You are not going to let me forget that, are you?

Legolas said and laughed

It's not like I wanted to do that! The cat got in the way. Nia protested

The cat you're not suppose to have? Legolas asked and laughed harder

Nia punched his arm, Yes! The cat I'm not suppose to have!

Then why do you have this cat?

Nia narrowed her eyes, Because. I wanted one!!

But Nia, cats are not aloud. Legolas informed

No really Legolas, I didn't know that! growled Nia

Well, now you know. Legolas said and kissed her cheek

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Tara was sitting on the edge of a small pond.

She took the vial that Mera gave her out of her pocket and stared at it.

I wonder what it is. she mumbled to herself as she looked at the clear liquid, I forget to ask Mera what is in it.

The moon was out now. It had crept into the sky like a big, silver, ghostly mouse. Ever silent and watching.

Tara looked up at it. Was she really going to do this?

Someone was going to die at Elrond's party. But, the question was still: Who?

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