Of Roses and Thorns:
Chapter 3: The seeds of madness are sown
(Date: TA - 18th of April 3010 or in Shire Reckoning 1410)
(Locations: Minas Tirith and western side of Anduin)
The city was alive with activity.
News of the arrival of the steward's most prominent guests had reached the shinning city of Minas tirith and there was a great tsunami of preparation to be done. The cooks were frantically trying to organise a welcoming feasts as young maids rushed back and forth from the market with baskets of ingredients. The aroma of roast beef quickly filled the air along with the musty smell of wood smoke from the roaring fires of the kitchens. Fresh bread was hastily exposed the spring air in an effort to keep up with the demands of cooking the immense feast. Servants were dashing from one room to the next and great, white bed sheets soon were hastily dried under the heat of the blaring sun. Rags were used to clean windows and bushfalls of wood were added to the pile near various grand fireplaces. Streets were sweeped and brass fixtures were polished and made to shine.
Suddenly a great horn sounded to the south of the city announcing the arrival of the distinguished guests from the princedom of Dol Amroth.
The whole group of dignitaries were a marvel to behold. An array of colour and noise that excited all that looked apon them. The ladies were dressed in fine silks and furs that highlighter their fair beauty and shapely figures. Many had feathered fans of which to stir the air or parasol's to block out the april sun in hopes to keep a perfect milk-white skin. Each had a distinctive hairstyle that stood out from the rest; including various feathered hats, french hoods, Atifets, gable hoods, Chaplets and loose styles that dictated a woman's status.
The lords were richly dressed in fine velvets and fur that would of cost more then any peasant would make in two lifetimes. Many had polished armour that reflected sunlight apon their breasts and scabbards hung proudly waiting for the call of battle. They all had a aura of pride, wealth, wit, bravery and handsomeness that made many a young maid lose their hearts by mere sight.
They were met at the great gate of the city by a young and vigorous youth garbed in the green and brown uniform of the Ithilian rangers.
"My Lord Adrahil the second, prince of the fair land of Dol Amroth, I am honoured by your esteemed visit. My father, the lord Denethor the 2nd of the house of stewards, will be pleased by your presence. I regret that he at the moment occupied with the affairs of state but will join us for dinner if you do wish for sustenance in light of your travels. I, therefore, am sincerely grateful for the chance of welcoming you to the city of Minas Tirith!" The young man bowed slightly and looked very awkward. This was of course untraditional and slightly rude that the lord high steward did not automatically meet and welcome the esteemed guests himself, rather retreat into his work and ignore the pleads of his councillors who fully endorsed the traditional meet and greet system. Not to mention that the heir apparent to the steward role was at this time in the ruined city of Osgiliath commanding the men defending that defiled place.
Therefore, the young man of twenty-seven years was forced to do it in his father's and brother's place. "We thank your people's generosity, Faramir; daughter-son. It is a shame that your father could not greet us but if he is attending to Gondor's needs, then it is forgiven. We have traveled a long while on our way to Major Erchiron, who is commanding the defences of Cair Andros, and accommodation will be most pleasurable. I always found the white walls of Minas Tirith most glorious to look apon!" The elderly prince's voice was proud and growling in tone and made it clear that this man had been to many a battle in his lifetime.
"Of course, our gates are always open to our allies from the south! Faramir paused before adding; "Especially allies who find joy in our home's magnificence!" It was a cheeky remark but made the elderly prince chuckle. There was no doubt amongst any man who had met the young man that the young Faramir held a certain romance with the city; far more then any young man of his age. He loved the city more then any young maiden who tiptoed in order to reach his eye, and would gladly surrender any jewel or trinket for her well being and protection. He may of been old in terms of wisdom and learning but youth still kept his feet in such things as his home cities' appearance.
"You should know brother, for I know that if you could; you would swear your 'troph to her and elope without any hesitation!" A cheerful voice rang out behind him. "And what a scandal that would be!" She dramatically swooned while holding her hand before her forehead. The gentlemen of the party roared with laughter at the blushing lad as he turned to address the lady.
"Sister, you are one to talk. I bet fifty gold pieces that any young lad of the city and realm would run away with you if you need ask along with some of the married ones too!" He spoke in good jest at the lady Luthien. It rang true, for even at eleven summers the lady was a sight to behold. Her alien hair was as black as Raven Feathers and fell just past her waist, and gave many the impression of a younger version of her mother. She was attired in a pale blue dress with sleeves that clung to her arms and left her shoulders bare. The dress had white underskirts and bodice, while the sleeves were long enough to elegantly hang on her arms. White thread embroided the shallow neckline that empathized her slender neck and growing body. She wore no jewelry except a golden locket containing the likeness of her mother, that hung around her neck. Apon her head lay a wreath of white roses entwined with lush leaves from the flowers that were thatched together hold the garland in position. All in all, the young girl was the very image of purity and grace.
"Therefore lies the greatest secret of the land; that my hand would be asked for and given if I did wish but yours lies empty like a beggar woman by the side of the road" The lady retorted in amist childish giggling. The roaring laughter exploded from the mouths of the court as they expressed their significant pleasure at seeing Faramir being out classed by a woman with wit to spare. "But enough of these childish prattles, we are entertaining guests" Luthien walked in a courtly fashion till she stood infront the guests and faced them next to her sibling. "You are our guests here as we are your hosts so I find no reason for keeping up our courtly ways in the presence of our kin. Welcome grandfather to our home, and welcome everyone to the proud city of Minas Tirith!" She dipped her head respectfully toward the gathering before catching sight of a familiar face.
"Luthien, it brings me great joy to see you again after all these months!" the lady Lothiriel came forward before hugging her cousin in all-earnist. The lady Lothiriel was born of fifteen summers and was of great humour and joy to match a child like her cousin. Therefore, the two girl's treated each other exactly like sisters rather then cousins whenever they crossed each other's paths. They were near inseparable from each other and neither held any envy other another's virtue. Lothiriel was by far the most beautiful of the pair with sea gray eyes and long, chocolate curls that were the envy of many other ladies of both courts. She wore a coral coloured dress with delicate embroidery detailing flowers in white, pink and green threads and held a fan that was near identical to her dress in colour and detail. Her lips were redder then her counter part and she was far more shapely then Luthien. However, Luthien was the more exotic of the two with dark black hair and rare green eyes like the fluorescent eyes of a wild cat. Both ladies had skill that was taught to them at birth by various teachers and mentors but Lothiriel was the holder of the more courtly talents such as embroidery, manners, dancing, childbearing skills and was a keen musical talent with the harp and the flute. Luthien instead had talent in languages, riding, archery and was able to play the violin with shocking flexibility.
"Lothiriel, your taller! By the Valor, your nearly the size of my brother!" the girl's exchanged a few rounds of passing remarks about height and the like before a middle aged man came forward and interrupted the welcoming. "Uncle Imrahil, I believe you have grown far more thinner then the last time I saw you. You really must eat more, or you will just fade away!" the heir to the princedom of Dol Amroth curtly nodded in amusement at his niece's concern.
"See father, Luthien is growing more like Finduilas every time we see her. Not only in looks but in wit too. I'm quite astounded at their likeness!" His words were well meant but as soon as they were spoke everyone grew quiet and nervous. The loss of the lady of Dol Amroth was still felt to all in both cities, and especially by the present prince of Dol Amroth who had fathered her. Awkward silence insured and was only broke by a few tensed movings to different positions.
"I see you are all tired and need rest from your journing. I would be honoured if you were to follow me to the sleeping quarters!" The lady Luthien finally spoke in order to break the unease. "Then after that you can dine with us and I'm sure you can remember our famous wine from days long ago!" The men cheered for the latter for that was the way of the menfolk; women, food and good wine could make any man the merrier. The lady herself took part in none of them but small portions of food if hunger was present.
Dinner was at midday, and most of the men were ravenous to the point of pleading for good food. They were all well received on the feast that was laid before them and the good atmosphere of the dinner. Due to the large size of the court, a team of thirteen serving girls tended to the needs of the celebrated guests. Of course, one or two of these girls were smitten with many of the lords and a few were asked secretly for a moonlight deliance in the men's private quarters but it was to be only expected. No doubt, a few hearts would be broken apon the parties's departure and a few threats would be delivered to the men by the father's of the unfortunate young girl's who did become with child after such a delance but these were resolved by amounts of coins that were handed secretly to the girl's in return for silence over such a scandal or a man would be pressured into marriage in order to preserve the family name but it was all to be natural.
The golden plates of the table were stacked high with roast beef, pork, fish and other delicacies of the region. Most of the goblets were full of good aged wine and many of the men were sedated into polite conversation. However, if each person spoke in reserved voices there was still a loud level of noise at any one time. Luthien and Lothiriel sat on the right of the long table and were opposite to the young Faramir and Imahil. At the front of the table were two comfortable chairs; one for the Steward - who was yet to arrive - and one for the prince. At the other end was an empty white chair that was kept empty in honor of the king should he ever return. In between was the many lords, ladys, dutchessess, dukes and other important people of the court. To the side of the long table was a group of players who entertained the guests with quiet music. Every moment it seemed that someone was obnoxiously laughing or another was gloating in a pompous manner as the meal went on.
"Lord Imrahil, where be your wife Eponine I hoped to have the opportunity to talk to her on the subject of a certain stitch I cannot seem to master. Although we have good tutors here in the city, I have yet to find a woman who has such a detailed knowledge on the subject!" The tone of the question was pleasant and light, and conveyed a sense of gentle .
"At home my dear lady, I fear she is quite uneasy with long amounts of travel on foot and finds the thrill of a horse better then a brisk walk. But the journey was too uneasy to go on horseback due to the amounts of plants and swamps that lay in our route. So she resolved to stay at Dol Amroth and reside there until we returned!" The response was controlled as always and carefully thought out, as was the way of noble speeches. Everyone who knew Eponine, could see a woman of particular fancy and everyone knew that unless the trip had horses that she would not go. She was very stubborn.
"That is a great shame. What of my cousin Erchirion? Has he succeeded in sending of those men from the south? He is very brave!" Each word was slathered in amusement as the young lady smiled and giggled at the statements.
"My son is doing very well, just last week he told me of defeating a great host of men about a hundred strong. Armoured too, and he told me that when they were victorious against them; that he took the chief's sword for his own. Just like his father I say!" The proud man was of course joking. It was well known to all Gondorian's that Erchirion was a ... imaginative boy in that he always has the most amazing stories of victory while most knew it was a proper disaster.
"And after that he went after the hoards of wild men from the west!" The lady Lothiriel chortled in a lady like manner.
"And after that he struck down a dragon and rescued a beautiful damsel!" Luthien added in the same way.
"But as they all do, the maiden left him for a life of virtue in worshiping the high father!" They both said identically at the same time, giving the illusion of a single person, before laughing merrily into a glass of non-alcholic refreshment. Around them, the men laughed in accordance due to the comedic wit and the fact that they had all consumed around two glasses of matured wine.
"It's a joy to see you again Lothiriel, and so grown up as well! I fear most of the single and a few married men in my realm has already lost their heart to such a fair young lady as yourself!" The joke was light and well taken by the ones nearby who smiled or laughed in amusement. Faramir of course had a way with words.
"I also fear that many a married and single woman has already waited patiently for your dear brother, to ask them for your favour!" The retort was of course referencing how Faramir and his brother, though at the peak of their youth was yet to pick a woman for their hand. The reason of course being that while one was in bliss with the libraries of the white city while the other was quite taken with the glory of the battlefield. She turned her attentions to her other present cousin Luthien before adding more. "It seems the like for you my darling Luthien. Eleven summers old and already such a prize for any man in the realm!"
"I am still a child Lothiriel, so I may enjoy the solidarity when I can. My father of course, by tradition will pick the prize winner and I shall be a wife to any a young or old man with the title to match mine" the young girl giggled in joined merriment. Of course there has been a few matches that were perfect but most betrothals were unhappy and very different in terms of age ranges. It was the ultimate fear of any a lady to be in this large number but tradition was not so easily changed to fit the wishes of it's subjects.
"And a fine prize to challenge I should say, 'twill be hard to find a worthy husband for such a Jem!" Lothiriel laughed in jester and hid her own fear in marriage behind the retort.
But before the lady Luthien could reply back with a witty retort, a plump herald signalled for quiet by banging a golden pole on the floor; that was decorated in a banner of the white tree, the seven stars of Elendil and the crown of the king.
"My lords and ladies, Lord Denethor the second of Gondor. High steward of the king's realm." The herald proclaimed in all manner of pomp and tradionality. Everyone, including the revered prince, rose from their seat and looked toward's their grand host. He was a proud man, with a tone of royalty and Valliance that was slowly slipping away as time went on. His furs and velvets were rich and his face still held the cusp of his youth. His whole apparel was a ebony black and everyone knew about his constant mourning for the dear late lady of the realm. He, by this time anyway, had been able to stem the tide of grief striken tears behind a wall of uncaring and despair. Time had done no favours in healing a broken heart it seemed.
"Prince Adrahil, it has been a long time since I last saw you and your court so far from your dominon at Dol Amroth, may I ask why?" He questioned in a monotonous way before sitting on the sombre chair next to the prince. It was quite an uncivil query to make to a man who was by all rights higher in position then he was. The lord steward was merely a keeper for the royal throne of Gondor and had no business in talking so directly to a man who by alrights had the station to match a lower king of the land. It would of been a great insult to dare speak this way had it been any other man but the shrewd old man was not at all questioned on this breach of courtly etiquette due to the kinmanship between the two men and the forgiving nature of the prince.
"My honorable host Denethor, can I not see my Grandchildren by your grace? My dear Grandaughter has certainly grown up since the last time I saw her. Already blooming with youth that has forsaken me. Look at that ebony hair I say? Have you ever seen the like in these fair lands, for though my eyes are old I have not. Exotic, I say, and utterly a mirror of her name-sakes in terms of beauty. I say that you will not find trouble in finding a suitable match for her when the time comes." The elderly man smiled pleasantly at the lady while she faintly blushed and smiled back in thanks. "Youth is a wondrous thing child, and I ask you to cherish every last moment of it when your a barmy old thing like myself!"
"You give me credit grandfather, yet accept none for yourself! I see your face and think of the noble men of the last alliance from our house of Hurin. You are a virtuous man grandfather, and I hold it that there is no fault in your soul nor bearing. Kindness is a virtue it seems that does not diminish with age, rather grows with it. It is an honnor to play host to such a gifted man as yourself!" Every word was slathered with sincerity and honesty. The compliment was well found and every word the truth in her eyes.
"Your a rare thing my dear, a very rare thing!" The old man replied in a wonderous voice. He took another sip of wine from his goblet before gesturing to one of the serving girls who refilled it with sweet wine. "And my delightful grandson? Of which I am sure to be as strong as the great Elendil of our colourful lore yet as learnered as the the Elven king Turgon of the First Age. I see a man who would have the compassion and wisdom of the Eldar race. He is most noble I think and a credit to his family's bloodline!" he nodded courtly towards Faramir and looked at him fondly before speaking again. "And then of course is my gallant Grandson Boromir who I hear is unable to attend due to duties at Osgiliath. I know him to be a great swordsman to match the skill of any apon the land and has many merits to his name already. He is as large as a brown bear and twice the cunning as a wolf of the Misty Mountains. Oh how I would desire to be as young as he is and to go to the battlefield with my sword drawn and my mail shinning ..." he drew of in an dreamy tone.
"The girl still needs to learn the femine arts Adrahil! For she can hardly hold her tongue when told to nor keep a refrained mind!" the lord Denethor insinuated with enough venom to down a legendary Mumakil. It was true that at times the lady Luthien did not keep a refrained presence but it was all in good faith and the insult was mostly due to the amount of animosity that was between daughter and father.
"Prehaps my father wishes me to be as silent as an arrow for I find a decent conversation to be of great pleasure. How else would you find such great company yet not tell them so?" the young lady mused in a threatening tone. The argument was unseemly and broad, and was not to be seen in front of the guests but behind closed doors. The words were sound enough but allowed for the insistence of privacy for such a quarrel.
"Prehaps it is a woman's place to be silent in the matters of state Luthien!" the lord steward retorted in a stubborn fashion. Never did the lord steward call his daughter by the word nor by any fashion title that indicated their family connection such as child, issue or offspring. It was a underhanded blow to her not to be called by her connection and sometimes some of the courtiers mentioned that prehaps she was not his legal issue but of another's! The shame and the humiliation of this was evident of her face yet she held her tongue at it out of respect for her father's position.
"So you wish for a woman to be enlightened and uneducated? Do you wish for us to become your slaves then? To cower in the corner while you beat and scorn us! Is it not better to teach a woman that she is the same as a man? That we are equal in both title and status, for it seems that we are the holders of life and not men. Therefore we are more then you and we should rule you!" and with that she ended the conversation with a look of pure hatred. The talks around them had become silent as the argument escalated to a standing point till this moment when they all began to dare and talk again.
"Denethor, we will only be here for tonight while we rest. Tommorow we will head for the encampment at Cair Andros for my son Erchirion, as he is taking care of it's defence. I must ask however, if you would be prepared to part with your young daughter for I fear I have grown fond of her and wish for her company while journing to my grandson. It will be a weeks journey to Cair Andros on horseback and it would be a great comfort and privilege to be with my granddaughter!" The prince asked casually.
"Father, may I go with them to see Erchirion? 'Tis been near six summers since I looked apon him last and I would be full of mirth to see his gallant figure again. 'twill be only a few days visit and it would be a delight to accompany my kin on this journey!" The young lady begged in a excited tone towards her father in a voice that seemed full of life and joy.
"This is not a journey for a lady in your station! You must learn the feminine arts and must not go on long trips to places where you are not safe or required to be!" The roaring voice of the steward proclaimed in a angry tone.
"But father, surely it is my duty as a host to help them get to their destination? They are my family too and you cannot lock me away from them out of precaution and sheer ignorance. Please just let me go and see them! And then I'll do anything you ask and finish my studies with the dedication you ask of me. Please!" The pleas of the lady were sincere and full of anxiety and desperation.
"All of your studies?" The steward inquired.
"Of course father, I swear apon the great spirits that I would complete each one to the standard of your ideals!" The young girl answered while holding a hand over her breast in saying the oath so it would bind her to her word.
"I have your oath now, and you are bound to it. You may leave with the court of Dol Amroth but you must conduct yourself with humility and grace. But first you must apologise for your indiscretion towards me. Then and only then will you be able to go" The steward smiled in a way that looked like a smiling snake before swallowing it's prey.
The lady considered the request before swallowing her pride. "You were right father, no woman should rule a man. I forgot myself and my station. I will in the future respect and follow your orders as my king and master. Forgive me, for I was wrong." each word was sincere but everyone could see the great anger behind them and how she was not sorry for her actions and would do it again if she had need to.
"Then make ready your things, you are to leave tommorow. And Luthien, in the future you must learn to control your tongue. I may be a gracious man but others are not as forgiving as me. remember that!" the red faced young girl stood, nodded respectfully to the people and excused herself.
The lady hurried towards her maidservants and gave orders for her departure while her ladies packed her clothes, jewelry and equipment that was needed for such a trip before getting the young lady ready for bed. At sunrise, the maids awakened her and dressed her in a green dress made of velvet and gold thread that had a modest rounded neckline. The dress had pale green underskirts and short, puffed sleeves that stopped half the amount above her elbow. Around her neck was the golden locket of before and apon her wrist was a bracelet of emeralds from the mines of the Dwarves. Around her waist was a golden sash, and the ribbon trailed down her back for a few inches before stopping. The final piece to the dress was a ebony flat cap with a black feather on the side.
The maids carried her bags towards a chestnut mare that was already saddled, cleaned and brushed into pristine shape. One groom helped her onto the horse and the other fixed the bag to the saddle. Wishing goodby to the group, the lady steadied the horse and took off in a trot while side-saddled. The citizens bowed deeply towards her as she passed and Luthien nodded respectfully to them or smiled or waved in accord. Finally reaching the lower level and the company of noble men and women that were all horsed on wonderful steeds of brilliant virtues. Apon a black stallion was the prince himself with a saddle embrued with gold and fine fabrics, while the lady Lothiriel was sat on a sandy coloured mare and her father Imrahil was sat on a brown stallion of wild temperaments. Together they spoke of their goodbyes before leaving the city in an orderlly fashion with a guard of men on each side of the party for safety.
"My lord Adrahil, grandfather, may I ride in a masculine fashion? For speed and safety in this rocky, wild terrain" the lady Lothiriel asked with a tone of ache as they crossed the plains of Gondor towards a forested area on the eastern side of the Anduin river.
"Of course daughter, any woman who wishes may ride the like. We are at the moment in territory that may provoke attack and if that were to happen, speed will be needed to out run them!" a gush of relief splashed over the ladies as they adjusted their positions. The lady Lothiriel fell back to her cousin as they talked in light exchanges over small subjects that seemed to fit the occasion. They continued like this for a while before the lady Lothiriel gave a meaningful look towards her cousin before looking back towards the prince. Taking the meaning of the look, the lady Luthien urged her horse on towards the prince till they were opposite one and other before setting a pace.
"Uncle may we ride ahead? 'Twill be a delight to feel a horse at full gallop and it is only a few more leagues before we meet our destination?" The young lady asked with wanting looks.
"You may but stay close and do not stray in dangerous territory such as this! And stay with the guards!" Adrahil signaled to the men who were ridding along side the party and on his command, four guards approached the girls on horseback. They took off their black hats and dipped in respect. The ladies smiled before increasing their speed to a gallop and surged far ahead of the party while being flanked by the four guards on grey mounts.
"Cold weather is it not?" the lady Luthien asked in order to install conversation into the ride.
"As bitter as a winter's night yet the great sun looks apon us still. 'Tis very curious I think" Lothiriel replied in a high courtly voice. It was obvious that the ladies wished to talk in private and quickly and so the guards created a guard that was not close enough to overhear but not far away so to be at hand if there was to be an attack.
"Luthien, I have news that you must keep secret. I don't care if you are tortured within an inch of your life but this must be kept quiet. If only for my sake but for a great few, for dearest cousin I must have your allegiance!" the pompous voice of Lothiriel faded in that instant and was replaced by a stern and powerful lady of great power and influence. Luthien's eyes flashed silently at her cousin and in an instant the laughing and giggling child was replaced by a sober, older lady knew not by anyone.
"You have it cousin!" she spoke quietly while in a almost frightened way. Secrets have been known to kill before, especially if they are kept by those in high status.
"Lately I have found comfort in the presence of Sir Adair, he is a good gentleman with perfect features and virtues. However we have taken to meeting in private due to his low position at court and meagre fortune. And as a result of these meetings; I have conceived a child!" Luthien gasped in scandalous shock. "I have yet to tell him but I will and then he and I will elope and set up a home in a far away village somewhere. Prehaps we shall go to Rohan, or laketown or bree like in those stories that Brúnith used to tell us when we were young!" the lady mused. This was scandalous news that could dishonor the Dol Amroth noble family or worse.
"Cousin, this is grave news! An un-married woman who is with babe is surely a matter of scandal. Can you not somehow ... prevent the birth or at least find another gentleman to claim the child as their own. I know you say that the man is good in looks and behavior but his station and wealth will make you into a beggar surely. You will become penniless and dishonored, while your father will have no choice but to disown you. I beg you cousin to try and bring your courses but by a little so the child be not born!" The lady Lothiriel stared at the child before her and wondered at her age for a moment.
"No cousin, I have lay in my bed and I shall not be rid of it for all the world. When I and the court return to Dol Amroth, I shall tell my father the news on my knees and beg for his forgiveness. I will not murder my child!" The lady was adamant, stubborn and as unrelenting as a winter blizzard in icy December.
"Then you have my promice that you will always find shelter in my home no matter what cousin for you are the closest thing to a sister I have. And if I have to beg my father for your keep, I would do it more so. In my eyes it seems, you are my sister!" the lady Luthien smilled at her cousin weakly.
The company had entered by this time a small ravine in the middle of a small, though thick, wood. The air seemed stilled, and there was no melodies from the black ravens in the leafless trees above them. The ground was soft with mud and the summer light was fragmented by the unnaturally bare branches of the old, gnarled willows. It was quiet, too quiet.
Then suddenly the horses panicked and jolted, flinging the guards of their steeds as well as the two ladies. They landed ungracefully on the ground as the horses bolted from the places as fast as their legs could carry them. There was a small rustle before a company of savage, lusty, lawless men came charging towards them like a sandstorm. The ladies threw off their shoes and began to run while the guards drew their weapons.
"Run cousin, RUN!" the lady Lothiriel shouted in terror as she grabbed her cousin's hand and fled the scene. The clanging sounds of metal screamed in their ears and the sickening sounds of injured or murdered men savaged their ears so much the lady Luthien made a moment in order to cling to her ears and block out the noise but her hand was captured by her cousin who urged her forward. There was a wrenching feeling as the lady Lothiriel tripped and fell onto the ground. "Don't worry about me, just run!" she cried as Luthien stopped and hesitated before running quickly towards safety however it was not to be as a group of four men seemed to materialise before her from the shadows to block her path. Almost instantly she ran back in hysterical fashion, not even caring for the men who would were back there.
"LUTHIEN!" A female cry screamed like a angry spirit. "DON'T YOU DARE HURT HER! LUTHI..." the tirade of frantic screaming was suddenly halted by a vulgar shout and what sounded like a fist hitting the speaker's skin.
"Loth! Where are you Loth? LOTH!" Luthien screeched at the top of her vocal range. She started to struggle and babble nonsense as her attackers closed in on their terrified prey. Hands reached out and roughly pulled her as Luthien's animal instincts set in as she tried to fight of anyone within her reach. But she was only a child and these men were stronger then her.
The leader of the company stepped forth in annoyance at the terrified girl. In the light, Luthien could see why he was the leader for he near radiated cruelty and slyness. His skin was swarthy and his black hair was swept behind and hidden by a brown turban of significant quality. He wore a scarlet tunic, as did the other warriors, but the embroidery was drenched in wealth. His sword lay in his scabbard and his eyes were as black as a crows.
He raised a fist and punched into the body of the young girl before turning to look for his more valuable prize, Lothiriel, who was on the floor and completely unconscious. She was more valuable as a prize due to her age and beauty that would bring a high sum if any man wanted to buy her for 'entertainment'. But no, his orders were to capture the girls alive and unspoilt for later.
Luthien was badly dazzled by the blow but not unconscious. She meekly moved her head to see in front of her but all she found was another punch that worked it's purpose and made the young girl crumple and stagger in result.
Another punch.
And then it all went black.
R&S if you liked this chapter and thanks for all the helpful reviews.
Adieu.
Katherine2701