Thankfully Gwin was rescued from her captures, but she still has some recovering to do. Read on!

Chapter 11

Fire. There was fire all around me, and I was burning. Orcs were chasing Elves through the streets, and screams filled the air. "Help me!" I choked, trying to put out the flames on my skin. Suddenly hands were grabbing me, and the cruel face of the uruk was before me. "I want to hear you beg," he growled, laughing as I struggled. "No one is coming to help you she-elf." His hands were strong and felt so reaI. I heard someone calling my name. "Gwin! Wake up!" I continued thrashing, as the uruk was still laughing in my face. "It is a foul trick!" I gasped, "Please, let me go, please!" Hands continued to hold me, but I focused more closely on them. They were calloused but much softer than the hands of the uruk. It was confusing. "Gwinthilnel, you are safe. This is not real; it is just a dream."

My eyes flew open and I gasped, barely able to catch my breath. Above me I saw Candaith and Saeradan looking down at me with worried expressions, and Candaith's face was white with fear. My skin still felt like it was on fire, and I was dripping with sweat. "Wh-what?" My voice sounded weak and my throat felt like sandpaper. I was shaking. I noted I had grasped the front of Candaith's shirt with my hands tightly, as if meaning to shove him away, and I let go of him and sank back into the pillows.

Saeradan had his hands on my shoulders and gently released me, "You are safe here. We were riding for the Forsaken Inn, as you need a healer, but you were moving about too much to keep going. We were afraid you would fall off the horse."

I sighed, "I am sorry; I feel miserable." I truly did. I could tell I had a fever, and my injuries hurt terribly.

"Candaith mentioned that the last time he visited, Techeryn was staying at the Inn. She had mentioned she would be there for several weeks, and I hope she can help us."

"Then we should get there as soon as possible," I murmured, feeling my strength wain. "Could you…possibly help me stay awake? I fear my dreams will be dark."

Saeradan nodded and smiled. "I would be happy to tell you some stories, if you would like."

We continued towards the Forsaken Inn. I was riding tandem with Saeradan, while Candaith was riding ahead and scouting to make sure we were safe to keep going. I realized I had not spoken with Candaith since before my capture, and wondered if I had done something to upset him. "Is he all right?" I asked, gesturing in Candaith's direction. I also noticed I was wearing clothes, and felt embarrassed, knowing they had put them on for me.

It was a while before Saeradan responded, "Your capture was hard for him, and he feels guilty, as do I."

"There is no need to feel guilty; it was bad luck, and I survived, at least for now." I joked, but it sounded feeble to my ears.

Soon we were approaching the stable, and Saeradan helped me down off of his horse. I was determined to walk, but found I could not keep my footing. "I am sorry, this is embarrassing." I muttered, frustrated at my weakness.

Saeradan looked sad. "There is nothing to apologize for. You have been through much, and have to give your body a chance to heal. Techeryn will be able to help, I am sure of it." He picked me up gently and walked the short distance to the Inn, Candaith ahead of us.

Techeryn was an Elleth from Imladris, and learned in the ways of healing. She liked to travel and offer aid where she could, and found the Lone Lands to be a place where much help was needed. She was standing outside on the porch, and once she spotted Saeradan carrying a clearly injured person in his arms, rushed over. "Hail travelers. It looks as if one of your party is injured." Techeryn quickly assessed me, determined I was quite unwell, and hustled us inside.

Ignoring the stares of the patrons and Anlaf the owner's protests, Techeryn brought us to her room and had Saeradan place me gently on the bed. "Mae Govannen. What is your name?" she asked kindly.

"Gwinthilnel," I gasped, feeling somewhat short of breath.

Techeryn smiled, "Ah, the renowned adventurer." She paused briefly, thinking. "Will you be able to tell me what happened, or should I ask your companions?"

I grimaced, "As…difficult as it will be, I think I should be the one to tell you the story."

Techeryn turned to Saeradan, silently asking him to leave. "If you need anything, let us know," he said softly, closing the door.

With a calming smile, Techeryn asked if she could examine me. Shrugging off my discomfort, I helped her remove my clothes. I watched her closely and saw a flicker of understanding in her eyes before she said, "Start from the beginning."

Haltingly I told her what happened, trying to stay calm. When I got to the part where the uruk started sexually assaulting me, it became more difficult. "I…well, he tied me to a tree. I'm sure you can guess what happened."

The healer looked at me with compassion, "I can guess, but I need to know the specifics so I can determine what is causing your fever and other symptoms."

I took a few deep breaths and steeled myself. "The uruk scratched me with his claws all over my body, and he…he licked my neck. I am not sure if he bit me or not. I was trying to think of other things…" I paused for a moment, trying not to get lost in the memories.

"I know this is difficult, but I must ask: did he penetrate you? In any way?" She made it sound so medical, but kindness was in her eyes.

I shuddered, trying to recall what happened. "He did not rape me, if that is what you are referring to. Candaith and Saeradan arrived just in time. If they had come even a few moments later…" I felt tears start to roll down my face. "I just barely escaped it."

Techeryn grasped my hand tightly in comfort. After a few moments, she asked, "Did he use his hand to enter you?" The questioning was painful. I did not want to think about what had happened.

"I…I am not certain. I was casting my mind to happier memories, trying to separate myself from what was happening." I looked down at my hands "I think it helped some, at the time."

She handed me a glass of water, "Drink this. I can tell you are dehydrated. May I examine you?"

I nodded. After several minutes of assessing my skin, she said, "These cuts are infected; your companions did well to apply athelas salve, but it will take more targeted potions to cure you. I will also give you some blood replenishing potions." She patted my hand. "Our people heal quickly, so you should be back on your feet soon." Techeryn hesitated, looking at me seriously. "I would like to do an internal examination to assess if any damage has been done. Do I have your permission?"

A spike of fear coursed through me. The thought of anyone touching me in such an intimate place so soon after my assault made my stomach turn. As if sensing my thoughts, she said, "I will be gentle and it will not take long."

I steeled myself and nodded my permission. I listened to her as she asked me to take slow, deep breaths, and it went smoothly and quickly. After washing her hands, she sat next to me on the bed and took my hand. "After examining you, I do not see any indication that there is internal injury. If they did touch you there, it caused no significant abrasions." She paused, "I am truly sorry you had to experience this." I was surprised to see tears in her eyes.

"Thank you for your help, and for listening to my story. It was…hard to retell." I whispered, squeezing her hand before releasing it and sitting up a bit.

Techeryn carefully rubbed a salve over my injuries but left them open to air. "They will heal faster without the bandages." She made me drink a few potions, helped me into clean garments, and had me lie back down. "Rest now tithen pen. I gave you a sleeping potion, which should help keep bad dreams far from you."

My eyes shut in a healing sleep a few moments later, and sure enough, no dreams followed me as I rested.

Finally Gwin is in a safe place, albeit the Forsaken Inn. I'd like to think Candaith gave Anlaf the owner a piece of his mind when he protested to Gwin's presence.

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