The Thief

by RedMoonBear

Lieth was born in a farm community in Dorwinion. She steals from Orcs and Men, but what will happen when she must return something that was stolen to the Elves? Charged with the protection of another, she must make her way through traitorous territory to Mirkwood, and face the Elf King. Afraid of the Elves, but with little choice, she will embark on the quest of a lifetime.

1. Chapter 1: Prologue

Lieth was born in Dorwinion, and there she worked with her father on the farm to make fine wines. It was a slow life, and she had had to work hard for most of it to make up for the lack of sons her father, Bondi, could put to labour. She had a keen mind and sharp senses, which she liked to make use of by pilfering relics from Orcs and thieves. Her father would often admonish her for stealing from them, but they could not live on the menial wage that the wine bought in, so he allowed Lieth to steal from them now and then.

Bondi sat in his old, worn leather chair and thought on the eve of Mabon of his eldest daughter Lieth. Lieth would soon reach an acceptable age to chose a suitor, and her father both feared and welcomed the day when she would be married, knowing that while he would be able to take a dowry for her and be rid of the strange girl, she would no longer be able to work on the farm. Already he had heard men in the village speak of her, and he could see that soon they would descend upon her like vultures, for she was somewhat fair and very kindly. He would have to speak with her soon about choosing a suitable man, and what the implications of being married would bring, but for now he concentrated his efforts on bringing in his crops.

Lieth came to him that day to tell him of an encroaching Orc pack, and cautioned him that she planned to steal from them. She did not request his consent, merely informing him as though she was telling him she was going on a hunt, which in a way, he supposed, was accurate enough. He had little personal attachment to his eldest child, finding her to be a little too interested in reading books and playing with younger children, rather than working with him to ensure the crops yielded a good harvest. She also had a penchant for trouble, and often got into situations that cost him dearly to escape from. However, she was a good worker, when she truly put her mind to it. He did not like her going into the camps and stealing, but if she didn't then they might not have enough money to last them through the summer. She was quick and agile, and had more sense than most, he reasoned, and she had never been caught before. Little did he know that he would not see his daughter after that night.