|
Post by Athena on Nov 23, 2003 22:18:12 GMT -5
"What is happening" asked Isotta
Estella took a quick look over her shoulder at the building that was starting to burn. Then she threw a cloak on "Bad news is all I can tell"
Isotta stared blankely ahead, then suddenly she clutched at the gondor brooch that she still wore on her right shoulder, she closed her eyes and whispered a prayer under her breathe. The sound of glass and the screams of people seemed to shake her and she looked fervantly around. Suddenly her eyes flew open and she whispered, "Where is Violet?"
Estella too began to look harried, but she could only concentrate at one thing at at time, "We will just have to hope that she got out okay. We don't have time for anything else"
"No!" cried Isotta, we can't leave them, "the fire, the people" and she began to lunge for the burning building
Suddenly a man came running up and spun into Isotta and Estella breaking them apart. Isotta was up and running before the hobbit women had a chance to react.
Why am I so concerned about a hobbit, a person who I briefly met wondered Isotta, but deep down she knew, she had just recently lost her family, the pain of it was to raw for her to want to lose her new friends.
She ran toward the burning building, choking on the smoke and blearily rubbing her eyes, her hair hung loose and the golden fire played off of her amber highlights. Frantically Isotta began searching the wreckage, looking for a sign of the hobbit lass. Dimly she heard shouts of a battle, and she caught sight of a warg, but no, it couldn't be. With a shake of her head, Isotta got back to searching.
There, trapped under a timber was the fallen hobbit. Her breathe came shallow and her skin was pale from the pain, she seemed uncounsious. Isotta bit her lip and wrung her hands, quickely she bravely tried to lift the fallen timber. However, the large block of wood was to heavy for her. The heat of the fire was starting to press upon Isotta's side, she could feel it and she knew that soon she would have to abandon her futile task.
|
|
|
Post by Lady Disdain on Nov 24, 2003 0:18:36 GMT -5
Katalyn sighed to herself as she braided her hair back. Things had been so much easier when she'd been able to dress as a boy. No one had paid her any attention; she had never felt the need to bar her door. But as soon as she'd gotten good enough at dicing to be able to eat regular, a few things had developed that had made her disguise rather useless.
She wished so much that she had stayed plain. That she had developed a figure like a sack of potatoes, and a face to match. But as it was, she couldn’t have stayed in her former haunts. Not if she’d wanted to be anything more than a bed warmer for all her company. The night Jamie had found out what she was and had… as usual her thoughts slid away from the trouble, from that night.
She had fled, taking her few belongings and making her way away as fast as she could. She moved from town to town, from inn to inn, quickly learning to distinguish those where her sex would cause men to underestimate her gaming ability from those where any female’s virtue would be considered a matter of the price. And she had taught herself to fight. She only wished she could get a hold of a decent sword, but they were way too expensive. So she made due with two double edged daggers in easy reach through the slit pockets of her skirt. Usually the sight of them was enough to warn off unwelcome attention. She had rarely had to use them.
She dressed quickly, knowing she had to leave as soon as possible. She had already pushed fate slightly in staying a full week. Men tended to resent losing badly to “mere” woman and some of her more serious encounters had been with men looking to share the shame of their loss. Now was the time to leave, while they slept off the intoxication of the night before. She left some coins for the innkeeper and made her way out into the predawn darkness.
|
|
|
Post by tancred on Nov 24, 2003 2:33:28 GMT -5
Investigating the fire at the Dragon soon revealed to Tancred that the village was being attacked by Orcs. "So soon," gasped the knight. "Even I could not have guessed with the swiftness of the attack. Angmar is relentless!" Having just woken up from sleep, Tancred had no armor or helm on, and most of his weapons were back in his room. He still had his trusty sword though, and weilding it two-handed, he rushed headlong into battle.
The number of the Orcs, he could not tell. But they were riding their Wargs or running through the town as they would, hacking, slashing, and burning as they went. Tancred took the first few Orcs by surprise, and slew them quickly. The others were able to put up more of a fight. Singly, the smaller Orcs were no match for the tall Dunedan. But now, four had gathered together and began to encircle him.
Suddenly, two arrows shot out, and two of the Orcs fell pierced. Surprised, the remaining two Orcs fell quickly to Tancred's blade. The knight looked into the gloom to see who had helped him. From out of the darkness stepped two figures. One was a Hobbit armed with a bow. The other was a man, clothed as a Ranger of the North. Both men looked at each other in disbelief. "Amrod, is that you!?"
"Tancred!?"
They both now recognized the other. Tancred sighed, turned on his heels, and went back in the direction he had come from.
Amrod followed close behind, and the little Hobbit caught him up alltogether. The Hobbit spoke, "Sir knight, my name is Andy. Andy Tunnely. I'm a friend of Violet's. Is she safe? I need to find her!"
"As do I," replied Tancred. "Let's hasten back to the Inn. I fear there are more Orcs about the village."
Before they reached the Inn, they noticed the stables were on fire. "My horse," wailed Tancred. He rushed in to find the stable empty...for the most part. In the middle stood Isotta, and she was tugging at something amidst a fallen pile of timber. While Amrod guarded the outside, Tancred and Andy ran in.
"Its Violet," screamed Isotta. True enough, a smallish hand was all that emerged from the wooden rubble. With Andy's help (not that he needed it, but Tancred understood his urgency and care in helping out his friend), Tancred heaved the wood off of the Hobbit lass, picked her up in his arms, and carried her outside. Isotta ran with them, choking on the smoke.
Tancred saw that the Inn was on fire, too. "Where have all the Hobbit families gone," he asked.
"They were hiding in that ditch over there," pointed out Isotta. "I hope they are still there."
Tancred turned to Amrod. "Ranger," he said. "Do your duty, and investigate that ditch. Make sure it isn't a trap, and come back to us to report. Andy, Isotta, stay here with Violet. Lay low and quiet. I have some things in my room I have to retrieve."
Tancred and Amrod ran off in opposite directions, leaving the woman and the two Hobbits alone. Minutes later, and Tancred emerged from the burning building pulling most of his gear with him. He returned to see a terrible sight.
An Orc had snuck up behind Isotta, and pushed her into a tree. The maiden fell to the ground stunned. Seeing the helpless Violet lying unconscious nearby, the Orc turned to fetch her as well. Andy was yelling at the Orc, his only weapon, his bow, drawn. There was a good fifty yards between Tancred and the Orc. He ran that distance as fast as he could. Too late.
The Orc snarled at Andy, and charged him with sword drawn. Andy managed to loose his arrow, but the shot was off the mark. It pierced the Orc in its lower leg, but it came on unphased. It tackled Andy, and stabbed him in the upper right shoulder, very close to his neck. Before the Orc could strike another blow, Tancred had arrived, and slashed the Orc in the head with all his might. The stinking thing fell lifeless to the side.
The Orcs were vanquished now. Any that were unslain fled east, deeper into the Trollshaws. Yet, as dawn approached, Tancred stood there less than happy at the victory. The village was burning, someone he didn't particularly care for was there, and his three newest friends all lay wounded about him.
|
|
Aladrien
Mate
"I love this guy. He's crazy!"
Posts: 47
|
Post by Aladrien on Nov 24, 2003 20:02:10 GMT -5
The sun shone through the gorgeous weaves of metal arches scattered throughout the property. Dapples of the sunlight were left to scatter themselves along the ground. Arratil, who lay sprawled upon the steps started to feel the heat. He unbuttoned his collar and top button of his shirt. “Do you feel the heat as much as I do?” Arratil was curious about the ways of the ent race.
“A little bit. Often I feel heat, but I enjoy it! It makes me feel satisfied. Cures the hunger!” Imthoron patted her stomach with a branch and let out a chuckle.
Arratil smiled and laid his head back against the step, careful not to hit it too hard. He closed his eyes for just a moment, enjoying the sunlight and soaking in his freedom. Soon enough, he opened them again and spoke, “Do you suppose we try to find some life around this place?”
“I do suppose,” the ent shook her leaves freely, smiled and hoomed.
Arratil groaned and sat up. So much sunlight and we have to go inside. He buttoned his shirt once more and straitened his collar. “Ready?”
“Aye,” Imp stretched and stood.
The two newly acquainted friends walked, Imthoron shading Arratil and Arratil chatting about the lovely weather. When they reached the door, they paused for a while.
“Imthoron,” Arratil began.
“Yes?”
“You’re stuck, aren’t you?” Arratil turned slowly, only to find Imp’s top branched caught in the archway.
Imthoron blushed and played with her roots. “Yes, I’m sorry. Backup, right?”
Arratil nodded and watched Imp untangle her limbs. “Well done! I shall knock…”
“And I’ll just sit here,” Imthoron laughed and watched Arratil pound his knuckles into the solid door, which seemed to make such a small sound for the power of Arratil’s knock.
Arratil stepped back politely and folded his youthful hands behind his back like a gentleman as the door swung open.
|
|
|
Post by Athena on Nov 24, 2003 21:01:16 GMT -5
Isotta drifted in a calmin sea of air. Curiously she felt herself sinking into the ground, and yet, at the same time, she enjoyed the sensation of flight. A riot of infused colors spun in her sight and she grew giddy with the intoxication of it. She looked down at her hands, they seemed clear, translucent. She could see the ground rushing beneath her, faster and faster. With a whooshing sound, Isotta could feel the wind pushing her farther and farther across the earth. She luxeriated in the feel of the elements at her command. With her long red hair streaming behind her, and her dress whipping in the wind of her own making, Isotta felt joy and peace for perhaps once in her life.
Dimly, from some other plane, she felt a voice calling to her. With a slight frown, she ignored the voice and concentrated on the dizzying joy she had felt earlier. But the voice was insistant and kept calling her name.
"Isotta, Isotta come on, wake up"
Louder and louder the voice came, until finally, with a rush of dismay Isotta felt herself returning to concoiusness. Blearily she blinked her eyes and Tancred's face swam into view. Instantly she was acutely aware of how she must look; all dirty from her long battle with the fire. But all her thoughts were forgotten at the sight of the hobbit lass Violet. With a rush, she propped herself up,
"Violet! Where is she? Is she okay?" Isotta asked in concern, swaying from the little strength that it took to prop herself up.
Tancred frowned for a moment but gently pushed Isotta down to the ground, "Nay Lady, don't harm the little healing that has started. Twas a brave deed you did resueing Voilet, but now you must relax and let nature take it's course. Violet, should, will, be alright soon, and so will Andy" said Tanc, still frowning a bit.
Reasured by Tancred's soothing words, Isotta snuggled down again, this time into a deep and dreamless sleep where she wouldn't awake from for quite a while.
|
|
|
Post by Niphredil on Nov 26, 2003 1:07:59 GMT -5
Violet's head throbbed with pain. She was lying on her side, where she could not tell, but she knew she was not in her room. She cracked one eye open but regreted it when she saw the light of a fire flicker not too far off. She winced and quickly closed her eye, causing the throbbing in her head to worsen. She groaned. She thought she could hear voices.
"She's awake!" Violet heard someone say; the voice was very familiar. "Violet?" Now the person was closer; Violet felt a hand brush her cheek. She opened her eyes a little.
"Andy?" she said, squinting.
"Yes, it's me. Are you all right? You took a nasty bump on the head," he said.
"I'll be all right," she said, opening her eyes further. It was then she noticed Andy's arm in a sling, his shirt was torn and stained with blood. "Andy, you're hurt. What happened to you?"
"Oh, that? That's nothing... it looks much worse then it is. Really," he assured her. Violet started to sit up. "But--" she said.
"No, no, lie back down," he said, "you need to rest." Violet did as he told her.
"Are my parents all right?" she asked.
"Yes, they're fine; they're sleeping," he answered. "Now rest." She smiled at him, and closing her eyes drifted off to sleep. Andy brushed a curl away from her face, and kissed her forhead before going over to sit closer by the fire.
|
|
Summer Sparrow
Captain Phoenix
"Pervy Pirate Fancier" Donut Count Today : 0 Glasses of Coke Today : 0
Posts: 805
|
Post by Summer Sparrow on Nov 26, 2003 3:25:03 GMT -5
Amrod went to inspect the ditch, funny running into Tancred in times like these, I wonder what errand is he on? Maybe an evacuation, alas, help came to late... wondered Amrod to himself, it was also quite odd to see him alone on this mission.
Amrod found a couple of families, about twenty hobbits and also humans all crouching inside the ditch.
"It's alright now, you can all come out, the orcs have fled." he announced, they cheered and scrambled out, only to gasp horrificly at the destruction. Some sobbed openly hugging one another. "Everything is gone!" someone cried out.
Amrod ran back to Tancred, "Tancred, it is important that we find shelter, Arthedain is too far, the closest shelter around here is Rivendell." informed Amrod.
"Ranger, I shall take this matter into my own hands, if you please." the knight replied quite haughtily.
Amrod, somewhat annoyed at being called a ranger, frowned "I am no longer a Ranger, I serve no one, and although you seem to have the higher authority among us right now, I believe you should take this matter into your hands, but please hurry in doing so, I shall be here if you need me" he replied and went off towards the families, leading them towards a house which wasn't completely burnt down.
|
|
Aladrien
Mate
"I love this guy. He's crazy!"
Posts: 47
|
Post by Aladrien on Nov 26, 2003 16:24:00 GMT -5
The door opened a crack, just enough to allow sound out freely. "Who is there?" a loud voice boomed. It sounded muffled, like from under a cloak or mask.
"It is I, Arratil and the ent, Imthoron. May we enter?" Arratil hated speaking to a door, but was afraid if he offered to enter, he would be threatened.
"Who are you? Where do you come from?" the voice spoke a bit quieter, but was testing Arratil.
He could sense this. Arratil knew something wasn't right. "I am Arratil. I have no home, I simply wander. I stumbled upon Rivendell, where I met the lovely Imthoron..."
She blushed.
"She spoke of two riders hurrying this way. We were wondering if they bear news of some sort?"
"Wait a minute," the guard seemed to be whispering to another. "How did you get past the guards?"
"Guards?" Arratil smiled in confusion, but was knocked over. A guard had sneaked up behind him. Before Arratil knew, they were surrounded, Imthoron too.
|
|
|
Post by Daughter of Almost-Evil on Nov 27, 2003 2:40:50 GMT -5
From the tree Aspen saw everything, the burning, the orcs, and the hobbits fleeing to the ditch. Swiftly, she jumped down and rushed to the stable, she mounted her horse, and rode off to assist the traumatized hobbits.
Aspen rode fast, and soon got to the scene, she rode up to a knight, "I am Aspen, of Rivendell, I saw the attack, I have come to help. There is shelter in Rivendell for the famillies that have lost their homes."
"I am Tancred. Thank you for your help, there are many families near the ditch, please assist them first"
The elf rode to the ditch to find a few hobbit families.
"I think I can fit a small family on my horse, but I will come back with more elves, they will have carts for the rest of you to ride on."
A hobbit family of about six wandered up to Aspen, she pulled them up on to her horse, one by one. She then alerted Tancred that she was going back to Rivendell, and she would return with carts.
|
|
Aladrien
Mate
"I love this guy. He's crazy!"
Posts: 47
|
Post by Aladrien on Nov 27, 2003 15:18:42 GMT -5
"I demand that you let me go," Arratil shouted in an attempt to sound powerful, but no one could make out what he said. His face was shoved into the ground as the guard binding him stood. Arratil would not stand for this. He shoved back and stood, wobbling on weak legs. He turned, slightly wondering why the elven warrior had not tried to recapture him, but he found out. Several larger elven guards stood near, arrows knocked and drawn, ready to fire at any moment. "Whoa," he said to himself and held both hands up in defeat.
Imthoron was still a bit dazed. She tried to act like a normal tree again, but they noticed and forced her to stand.
"What business brings an ent and a man to Rivendell?" a slow, deep voice spoke from behind them. The voice was full of understanding and patience, but Arratil knew he wouldn't be lenient this time. “Show yourself.”
Arratil turned to the speaker slowly, fearing for his life, but Imp’s life more. His eyes widened slightly and he clenched his hands. It was Elrond himself. It had been Arratil’s lifelong dream to meet the gentleman, who knew it would be for such a cause? “Elrond, sir…”
Elrond raised his hand for silence. “You have invaded our property, physically harassed our guard and put nearly the entire area on standby. Explain yourselves.”
“We were wandering and stumbled upon here. We meant no harm and didn’t try to pass the guards. Imthoron saw riders and we were curious…”
“I’ve heard enough.”
Imthoron sighed. Arratil had just got them both out of being humiliated and perhaps even sentenced to death. “Thank you, sir!” she smiled.
“What makes you think I’m letting you off without punishment? I hereby sentence you BOTH to the dungeon until I make up my mind on how long down there you will stay. Guards?” Elrond turned on a heel and headed back inside. On his command, the guards struggled to get Arratil and Imthoron into the dungeon.
|
|
Summer Sparrow
Captain Phoenix
"Pervy Pirate Fancier" Donut Count Today : 0 Glasses of Coke Today : 0
Posts: 805
|
Post by Summer Sparrow on Nov 27, 2003 20:40:38 GMT -5
Aranel wandered up to the House to start her day as the Library caretaker, and as she was going up the steps she heard a commotion coming from the Gates of the House. She rushed to the balcony and saw a few guards and Master Elrond himself, surrounding a peculiar man and an Ent.
They talked for a few moments, but then suddenly the strangers were taken away; but Aranel heard the words 'dungeon' being said; she gasped in shock, an Ent couldn't hurt anyone! Master Elrond should have know better! She rushed out of the Lbrary to find him.
Aranel found Master Elrond sitting in his room, his brows knitted together as he was pondering over some books, and she also found Arwen sitting quietly by his side.
"Master Elrond, Lady Arwen, I have come to inquire." she said slowly.
"Aranel! Come sit here beside me!" gestured the young Arwen, her eyes were shining brightly, making them even more beautiful. Aranel smiled and sat beside the young elf on the bed; Arwen immediately laid her head on her lap.
Arwen how young and full of life this young elven maiden is; Aranel has always been by her side, watching her blossom into the graceful princess so much loved by her people.
"Master Elrond, I should very much be pleased if you would, explain, your actions, I know this is not my place but; I saw the Ent-"
"Ent? What Ent?" asked Arwen to Aranel; Aranel remained silent but nodded towards her father.
"What Ent Father?" she asked again.
Master Elrond sighed, "Tresspassers! Who knows they might be spies! To be here on a day like this! And where is everybody? We should start the Council as soon as possible!" he replied, noticebly changing the subject.
"Elrond, you know for a fact Ents can hardly be corrupted, they have been our allies for centuries, it would indeed be a very sad thing if news of this travelled to Fangorn" Aranel countered quietly.
Elrond sat still, and sighed again, "Very well, you can release the Ent, but I do not trust the human companion travelling with it!" he replied.
Aranel and Arwen smiled at each other and left the room. As they neared the Dungeon, Arwen instructed the Guards to let them in.
"Poor Ent!" she said under her breath as they made their way into the cold stone cells. They found the Ent standing towards the end of the long corridor, it couldn't fit into any of the cells; and so was left there.
"Aww it's just a young Entling!" said Arwen in a hushed whisper. Aranel went up to it, and gently shook one of its branches, it appeared to be dozing.
"Hoom! Who dares to pick on my fruits!" it said suddenly, Aranel and Arwen jumped a little.
"I am Aranel Vilanya, I wasn't trying to pick your fruits little Ent, rather, I am here to release you!"
The Ent kept quiet, after a few moments it resumed talking in the slow Entish way, "I... I am Imthoron, I mean no harm Aranel, and I was rather sad that Elves would treat fellow Ents this way! But no matter, I see you all have come to your senses, but what about my friend?" asked the Ent, gesturing towards a human lying inside one of the cells.
Aranel thought about this for a moment, "We shall have to ask Master Elrond for that, besides, we shouldn't rush into things." Aranel replied and led the Ent out from the Dungeon.
|
|
Aladrien
Mate
"I love this guy. He's crazy!"
Posts: 47
|
Post by Aladrien on Nov 27, 2003 22:15:30 GMT -5
Imthoron's heart broke for her new friend. She hated to see him in a prison. When she was finally back out in the sunlight, her leaves sighed in relief. "It was pretty nasty down there. My leaves were ever so angry!" Imp stated quickly, trying to hide her sadness.
Aranel sighed. "I'm terribly sorry. I wish Elrond would free your friend. I will try to convince him again, but he holds a grudge against your friend."
"But Arratil is a nice man! He wouldn't hurt a soul!"
"I know," Aranel bowed her head and headed back inside.
"May I sleep here?" Imthoron shifted her roots.
"Of course. I will reply with news soon."
|
|
Summer Sparrow
Captain Phoenix
"Pervy Pirate Fancier" Donut Count Today : 0 Glasses of Coke Today : 0
Posts: 805
|
Post by Summer Sparrow on Nov 28, 2003 4:30:09 GMT -5
Amrod remained with the hobbits waiting patiently for help to arrive from Rivendell, he hoped the elf Aspen would hurry, as it was getting rather cold.
|
|
|
Post by Niphredil on Nov 28, 2003 18:10:35 GMT -5
It had been a few hours since the attack was over. Aspen, an Elf who seemed to have arrived practically out of thin air, rode to Rivendell to get help for the injured townsfolk. But Rivendell was just over 100 miles away so it would be awhile until she got back, particularly since she was carrying so many Hobbits with her.
Tancred, Amrod, and any Hobbits who were strong enough to help, gathered up all the dead Orcs and Wargs into a pile and burned them; they also gathered up the bodies of fallen Hobbits and buried them.
Tancred announced to everyone that they would be preparing to leave for Rivendell very soon, and that they could meet up with the Elves along the Great East Road. He was anxious to get going for fear that more Orcs may attack.
Violet had been resting comfortably all the while, Andy watching over her, holding her hand in his. Andy was tired and needed to rest himself, but he would not leave Violet's side. Andy's oldest brother, Will, walked over to him.
"Andy, you should rest," said Will.
"I want to stay with Violet," Andy said.
"But you've been stabbed, for goodness' sake! And we'll be leaving for Rivendell soon, you need your strength," Will yelled. Andy looked at him sternly, warning him that he should keep quiet so as not to wake Violet.
"Will, I'm fine," Andy insisted. "Would you keep an eye on her for a moment? I'm going to find some water and something to eat." Will nodded his head. Andy stood up, but after only a few paces, he slumped down to his knees. He groaned in pain; perspiration began to form on his brow and his breathing became heavy. Will took his brother by the arm, supporting him.
"Andy? What's wrong?" Will asked, but Andy did not give an answer. His eyes rolled back in his head. "Someone! Anyone, help!" Will yelled. The sound of his yelling stirred Violet from her sleep. She rubbed her eyes, trying to get them to adjust to the light in the room better. When they did, she was horrified to see Will cradling his younger brother in his arms.
"Will?" she asked. "What's wrong with Andy?" she jumped up from where she lay and went over to Andy and Will.
"I don't know, he just keeled over," Will said. Just then Amrod came running in.
Violet felt Andy's forhead. "He's burning up," she said.
"I heard shouting," Amrod said, "What's the matter?"
"He's sick," Violet said, "Please, you must do something for him!" Amrod walked over to the sick Hobbit.
"He was stabbed?" said Amrod.
"Yes, by an Orc blade," said Will. Amrod paled.
"It may have been poisoned. I'll do what I can for him, but I fear he may need more care then I can give him," Amrod said solemnly.
|
|
Aladrien
Mate
"I love this guy. He's crazy!"
Posts: 47
|
Post by Aladrien on Nov 29, 2003 13:45:21 GMT -5
Imthoron sat humbly in the sunlight. She heard man guards whispering and it made her sad. She wished she could fit in. If she didn't fit in with people of her own kind, she couldn't fit in anywhere. She worried of her friend. What were they doing to him?
*****
Meanwhile, down in the damp dungeons of Rivendell, Arratil was in pain. His head throbbed from tripping onto the floor and his shoulder ached. "Just a scratch," he whispered to himself when he saw his shoulder. There was a long gash on it, where he had gotten it, he didn't know. Perhaps when he fell or even when he attempted to fight the guards. Either way he was in pain and it wasn't subsiding. The murky smell of the prison hovered close to the ground. Arratil soon learned that to escape the smell that would cloud his mind and lift him to unconsciousness meant that he had to stand. This seemed almost impossible right now. He was weak, from both a lack of sleep and his wound bled. Instead, he didn't force his body to leave his collapsed posture, leaning against the far wall of his cell. Humming calmed him usually. He began to humm a song he made himself:
Lost in the weight of sorrow, heavy is the heart of love, such a time brings much pain, no one cares...my love is lost.
Arratil wasn't sure exactly who his love was, but in this case he was referring to Imthoron. She was a new member of his small family and he loved her in that way. "Please help," he whispered to the guard outside of his cell. "I can't stand. I need a healer...please..."
The guard heard and opened the door. He rested his hand on his hilt and peered in. He saw the man--once large was now looking rather small--lying on the floor. His shirt was red, but not from the dyes of the land, rather from the heart's tears. The guard helped Arratil to his feet.
Gratefully, Arratil smiled and tried to laugh, but it came out more as a sob. "Bless you, sir. Bless your soul!"
*****
In the light, Imthoron waited...
|
|