A/N: Sorry I took a while and sorry that this chapter is short, I was kinda out of idea how to start the next chapter but I had to make do with what I had. Thanks to the second trailer of the Hobbit (Desolation of Smaug), I got a few more insights of what could be in the future. I'm so excited for the movie! Besides that, I almost would like to make another announcement regarding to the rating of this story.
This will have a TW (Trigger Warning) for dark themes coming up ahead in the future chapters. The first few chapters will start innocent but they will change into something that I know most will be uncomfortable reading. I read some fics (I probably need someone to advise me how to take this) about certain themes that are no laughing matter. Hopefully, I can actually take those themes and turn it into something close to consensual. And that is my warning. I will continue to do so, so I won't get messages people upset the out-of-nowhere events that take place. Thank you and enjoy this chapter.
тнє ωуям вяιdε
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beasts be not twisted creatures,
for they hide within the flesh of men,
be wary young virgins who are privy of the world,
do not tread in the dark where men becomes beasts
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cнαρтєя 2
"This is quite nice, yes."
"Thank you, my lord. It was imported from within the white city of Gondor!"
I watched with unrestrained boredom as Lady Hilda and the Master drawled on and on about the different sort of fabrics that caught interest to the older man. It was disgusting how the Master believed himself to be some handsome man with flowing golden locks, the proof being he had a painting of himself hanging on his fireplace mantle. Something that was no doubt commission two decades ago... or more longer.
Alfrid, the Master's servant, looked like he was about to fall asleep on his feet. Though he wasn't that well thought of, considering the fact that he snooped around where his nose didn't belong and tattled back to the Master about something or otherwise, he too found this whole business as boring.
"Ingrid," I snapped to attention from the older woman's beckoning. "Give me the red satin sheet, would you?"
"Yes, Lady Hilda." I politely did as I was told, fishing through the folded fabrics for the silky sheet.
"It was dreadful this morning," the Master said as he waved for another servant to fill his goblet full of sweet wine. "That blasted thief made away with my new set of jewelry! Again!"
Since my back was turned to everyone, I couldn't help but crack a smile at the news. My heart soaring for Bard's cunning bravery against the snooty pig that disguised himself behind rich robes.
"Yes, that blasted brute made away with one of my lovely sheets as well! I would have given it to you, but, well..."
"The guards are getting soft on their feet! Useless!"
Hearing quite enough of the bitter name-calling of the people's local hero, I quickly produced the silky sheet my mistress asked for and brought it up for show. Their discussion was thankfully put to an end and would move on to the boring aspects about how the sheet would match some garb the Master already had somewhere in his wardrobe.
I continued to show the hand-picked garments and Aflrid went on sleeping away against a nearby wall, I won't admit but I was a bit jealous of him getting away with it when I know my mistress would have whipped me for my distasteful actions.
Finally, after what seemed nearly a whole day when it's only been an hour and a half, we parted ways with the Master with new coins settled in Lady Hilda's hidden purse. Most of the cloth were sold off but there was only few left when the Master showed no interest in them.
"Alright then," Lady Hilda said as we made way for our shop that also served as our housing. "It's time we continue on with your embroidery, yes?"
"Yes, Lady Hilda," I replied calmly but inside I was excited to continue with my lesson. I loved my mistress' embroidery, it was as if looking at a painter's artwork. All shapes and sizes, they took a lot of work but they were worth it when it gave people pause to look at them.
The streets were quite calmer now, the guards were back to their stations and looking mildly winded. A sure sign that Bard once again slipped through their fingers and had successfully made off with the master's jewelry to share to those in need. I quickly snapped out of my dreaming, wouldn't want to upset my mistress because I was caught in a world of my own that involved a grim-faced man—
I halted just in time when a body suddenly moved in front of me. Surprised and startled, I stumbled backwards but caught myself. I looked up just in time to see a tall figure brisk right by me without a word, and I could not stop myself gawking at their retreating back. How dare that person just brush by without warning or even offer an apology?
"Excuse me!" I snapped at that person before I could stop myself.
Surprisingly, the man stopped. And he looked over his shoulders.
'Oh, my...' I couldn't help but think as I stared at him.
He was... beautiful. If his ears were pointed I would have thought him an elf that came from within the depths of Mirkwood, but he was Man. His skin pale, almost near the shade of snow and it contrasted against his dark wild hair. And his eyes, oh dear, I couldn't tell if they were a bright shade of green or blue... and they looked like ice! His clothes were foreign, my inner-clothier noted, with the intimidating black leather coat with red fur and dark red armor tucked in, he was most likely some lord!
I snapped my mouth shut, suddenly nervous with the eyes glaring down at me. I didn't know if I should say something or try to run away, but I stood there and stared at him.
"Well?" I shivered, my goodness, his voice was deep and... and so firm.
What was I to do? "Uh, um, excuse me...!"
I ran off with my tail tucked between my legs, hoping to never see that beautiful stranger with his mesmerizing voice. When I had caught up to Lady Hilda, the mistress snapping at her when she saw I had lagged behind, I finally noticed my heart racing as if a rabbit was trapped inside the cage of my bones.
My heart had leaped for Bard... but it raced for that dark, cold man.