Sorry about the slight delay in posting this chapter. It is finals week. Fortunately that means the Christmas break is almost upon us and I will have much free time!
I woke with a start feeling icky and hot. This place was terribly warm for sleeping. I'm not opposed to sleeping in warmer temperatures so long as it is reasonably warm and not more then 35 degrees. I'm somewhat surprised I managed to fall asleep knowing he was observing me so closely. Perhaps I should not be surprised since it had been a brutal day.
I pushed myself up slowly and looked around. He wasn't anywhere in sight. I narrowed my eyes searching for any kind of movements in the shadow. Where was he? I slipped off the bed and fell down as my feet yelled in agony. How could I forget to be careful? I glanced around suspiciously cursing him out mentally as my feet burned. Was I alone? I don't think I've been alone like this for a long time. Being awake when Haldamire slept didn't really count even though I was along with my thoughts. It's a huge cavern, and quite shadowy aside from the areas of reddish gold light, but it is too open to really hide.
Why doesn't he have anything for me to look at or go through? My pained mind was still asking useless questions despite the torment of having landed on my feet. Who doesn't have things in their bedroom or office or wherever. Well maybe it is because he said he lived somewhere else normally, but somewhere hotter, so maybe all his stuff is there. That must be it. I reached upward grabbing the bedframe and pulling myself up to stand on my screaming feet. I leaned onto the furniture breathing hard. Sniffing, I gathered my strength mentally and shoved up back on to the bed gasping. That was an ill formed plan to move around.
I wanted to scream at the unfairness of everything here. Why did I have to be stuck here alone with nothing or with him and silence?! Where did Haldamire go and is she okay? I want to go home so badly. More badly then I've ever wanted anything. I touched that stupid piece of jewelry and dragged us here. Everything is my fault and Haldamire is suffering for it too. I can feel she still partially blames me even though she says she doesn't and can argue logically against blaming anyone. Why can't I scream at the absurdity and horror? I hate this and I hate him. He's not here to hear me anyway.
On my hands and knees on the bed, I screamed in anger at the top of my lungs and hit the bed as hard as I could with my fist. Feeling tears forming and blurring my vision only increased my agitation and I screamed again hitting the bed over and over as hard as I could. My back was on fire so I screamed more and then flung a cushion as far as I could before repeating the process with all of them in different directions. I coughed after my next scream and before I knew it I started laughing. Laughing, screaming, and crying at everything.
"That was quite interesting I must say" Tar-Mairon's smooth voice came flowing from nearby in a lilting tone. I jerked in shock and quickly rolled over to sit down. My expression must have been something because he laughed as my ragged breathing settled down. Oh no, Gothmog was here too next to him with his red eyes looking at me assessing. I swallowed painfully feeling both terrified and embarrassed. My eyes darted quickly between them until they landed on what Tar-Mairon was holding.
"No, wait. Don't." I stuck my hands out pleadingly my voice coming out broken and weak from sore vocal chords.
"Don't be afraid little one. This is for your benefit. That won't be hurting so much after just a couple more" Tar-Mairon said in a soothing type tone motioning to my feet and coming closer.
"I don't want it" I sobbed scooting back.
"Don't be difficult Airawende" Gothmog snapped his eyes burning into mine causing me to look down cowering "Didn't we just fix this obedience issue"
"Not like that. Can't you see it now? Fear is what's making her act out. Gentle tones. Gentle manner" Tar-Mairon said holding out a hand and beckoning me forward. I shook my head and trembled. He cocked his head sideways slightly peering at me. "Come now, little one, pain is only temporary and everything will happen whether you will it or not." I just looked at him trying to process what he said.
"I will do it" Gothmog said breaking the awkward moment and taking the needle from Tar-Mairon and waited for him to step back before attempting to mimic his posture and hold out a hand. It did not look right at all. I looked between him and Tar-Mairon again. "Now come here Airawende. I will not punish you for this…undignified willful moment." He leaned in closer.
I sniffed staring at him. Tar-Mairon was right that this was going to happen one way or another. I just had to decide if it would be the only bad thing to happen to me. Mind made up, I pushed myself into a straighter sitting position before leaning towards him holding my arm out.
I closed my eyes shaking my head in anger and fear at the flash of a triumphant smile Gothmog sent to Tar-Mairon. I held my breath waiting for the fire racing through my blood like last time. I yelped as the needle jabbed in way harder than when Tar-Mairon did it the first time and flopped down immediately convulsing and choking as a much worse agony poured through my veins.
I blinked dazed and wounded as my body continued to shake and felt no relief as cooler hands rested on either side my head stilling it.
"Sleep, Airawende, sleep" Tar-Mairon chanted to me in soothing tone sending me into nothing.