Brace yourselves 'cos it's getting nasty!
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Forever Yours Chapter 8
The following day Arien sat in her chambers and awaited the arrival of Illadris. She had informed Legolas of their plans and he had agreed to them as he felt sure his sister would be safe as the Golden Wood was safe and she would be in the company of a warden. Shortly after the sun had reached its height Illadris presented herself. She insistent that Arien should take a cloak with her as the evenings beneath the trees could be quite chilly. Arien picked up her cloak and both departed on their journey. For a few hours both chatted amicably. Comparisons of both Lothlorien and Eryn Lasgalen kept the conversation alive until they reached a small glade. Tethered to one side were two horses. Illadris explained that they were required if they were to see all she had planned that day. Arien was surprised as she remembered her journey on foot on her arrival and Legolas' comment that horses were not allowed in the Golden Wood. However, Illadris explained that it was more through tradition than law that horses were not used. Arien still thought it a little odd but did not wish to antagonise any dormant feelings of animosity which might still lie within Illadris, so she mounted one of the horses. Once upon her own steed, Illadris set a steady pace through the forest. After some time, Arien was aware of the thinning of the trees and she questioned Illadris as to their location.
"We are at the border of Lothlorien", replied Illadris.
"Then we should turn back!" answered Arien, her alarm sounding plainly in her voice.
"Nonsense!" retorted Illadris. "There is much to see in the countryside surrounding Lothlorien. We are quite safe. None will travel so close to the woods. They fear the Lady as they perceive her to be a witch. They also know the wardens who guard her borders will deal severely with those who would trespass where they ought not to go. Trust me, Arien. I am a warden. I know where it is safe or not safe to go," said Illadris assuredly.
Arien was still uncertain. She had not seen any wardens as they passed by the borders, although she knew they kept their presence well hidden. She assured herself that they were probably in the clear view of the border guards and safe in that knowledge, proceeded to follow Illadris out into the plains.
Soon, Arien saw what appeared to be a small village in the distance. It seemed as though Illadris was heading toward it and Arien pulled her horse up sharply.
"Why are we going to the village?" asked Arien, her fear apparent in her tone.
"The people nearby are used to Elves. I thought it would be pleasant to partake in some refreshment before we make our journey back!" replied Illadris.
"I have never been to a place of Men!" stated Arien. "I have only ever seen them when they deliver wine for my father's cellars. Their manners and appearance seem coarse to me and although I cannot understand their words, their language sounds harsh".
"You do not speak Westron then?" inquired Illadris. "What a shame, but worry not. I speak their language fluently. We shall not encounter problems because of it."
Arien realised her hesitance was to no avail and meekly followed Illadris into the village.
They stopped outside a building Illadris knew to be the only inn in the village. She told Arien to dismount and Illadris led the wary elleth inside guiding her through the sparsely populated room. Immediately Arien's senses were overwhelmed. She thought she had never smelled or seen anything like she beheld at that moment. She had often heard Elves refer to 'filthy humans' but until that moment had not really understood the absolute truth of their statements. The air was redolent with the heavy smell of smoke and stale ale mingled with the overwhelming stench of unwashed bodies. Arien observed two men sitting close to the doorway. They wore many layers of coarse, badly soiled clothing and their faces and hair were filthy. They each had an arm around a woman seated between them and her appearance was little better than theirs. She was of ample build and her ragged gown barely contained her huge breasts. All three were enjoying a raucous conversation and appeared oblivious to onlookers.
Illadris caught Arien by her arm and pulled her to the far side of the room. Arien wanted nothing more than to leave the place and was about to convey her wishes to Illadris when the elleth halted before a table at which three men were seated. Arien thought they looked even worse than the others and could not understand why Illadris had stopped. To Arien's amazement, Illadris began speaking with the men. The language of Westron was offensive to her ears, used as she was to the melodious sounds of Elvish. Arien could understand nothing of what was being said and was surprised when Illadris smiled amicably at one of the men. He rose and seized Arien by her arm. Arien squealed in terror. Her head snapped to one side as a hand slapped sharply against her left cheek and she was horror-struck by the realisation that it was Illadris who had struck her. The elleth regarded Arien with a look of triumph on her face.
"You stupid, naïve child!" she spat at Arien. Do you truly believe I would trust to words alone to insure my claim to Haldir? Long years have I spent in an attempt to better my position in Lothlorien but to no avail. Now I see the only way to achieve my goal is through bedding one who already posses the influence I seek. They will all grieve your loss and Haldir will find his comfort in me. Soon you will pass the way of all things into distant memory."
"Who are these men and what do they want with me?" cried Arien.
"Why, they are merchants of course! replied Illadris, a sneer spreading across her face. "Though they do not deal in wine, my dear. They are slave traders from the north. I came across them a few days ago as they passed our borders. They were not very forthcoming with information regarding their occupation but it is amazing how informative they become when confronted by and Elf with a loaded bow! Last night I realised how I could use them to my advantage. I knew they would still be here, at the inn, because the next slave auction is not for another three days. What better way to rid myself of you than to have you taken far from here by others?"
"Someone will have seen us! They will look for me!" stammered Arien, scarce able to think for her rising terror.
"I think not!" retorted Illadris. "You see, I know well the patrols of the borders and where we passed through is sparsely guarded. Despite what you may believe, even the Galahadrim cannot be in all places at all times and our leaving went unseen. As for searching for you, they will have no cause once I have told them the tragic tale of your sad demise; so you see, there is no hope! Perhaps it would be better for you to surrender you hold on life now, rather than wait to see what my 'friends' have in store for you? Either way, I am certain you are not long for this world, Arien!"
Illadris regarded Arien with a triumphant look, spoke a few more words with the men and swiftly headed for the door.
Arien screamed after her, begging her to return but her cries went unheeded. She was grabbed roughly around her waist and dragged, still screaming, up a flight of stairs to a small room. On reaching it she was flung inside and turned to see the doorway blocked by the three men. One of the men walked slowly toward her, a length of rough flax taught between his outstretched hands.
Tbc.
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Told you it was getting darker. It's going to get worse! Oh, and have I mentioned there's character death in this story (though I'm not saying where, of course)? Yes I am evil – lol.
As usual please R&R (unless you don't want to know what happens next?) He-he!
