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Journey Of A Butterfly	By : Mel99Moe Category: -Fourth Age to Modern times and beyond > Het - Male/Female Views: 5714 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own any characters or places of Lord of the Rings/Tolkien. No money is being made. This is for personal enjoyment only.

Chapter List
- 9
- 10
- 11
Chapter 10 - Finding Home Again

The experience in the woods left Terrwyn shaken. She hardly said a word to Rosloch during the last stretch of their journey. If he asked her a question, she only gave quick one-word answers. She was avoiding him, knowing he would want to know more about the confession of what really happened to her family. Although Rosloch had been helpful and a good friend, she did not know him as well as she would like. Being wanted for the murder of a nobleman’s son made her cautious to everyone. Rosloch may not understand what she did and why she did it. If Bregmund’s family put a bounty on her head, it may mean the difference between friend and reward. Times were tough as many people and lands healed from recent wars. Suspicions ran high, especially in Gondor. At least this was what she had been told. Terrwyn would not put it past anyone to turn her into the authorities just to make their pockets a little fuller.

After riding single file for some time, Rosloch urged his horse forward and came up next to Terrwyn and Brannoss. He looked to her, but she only stared straight ahead at the long road. He made a noise as if to clear his throat, but still she gave him no heed.

“Are you going to continue to ignore me?” he asked with a smile.

“I am not ignoring you, Rosloch. I am still a bit unnerved from our mishap. Those men were going to . . .” She stopped, unable to continue with her thoughts.

“I know very well what they were going to do,” he said, his voice almost a whisper. “Terrwyn, you know I would not have let them hurt you.”

Terrwyn finally turned to him, looking him in the eye for the first time since the attack. “I know Rosloch, but we were outnumbered. You could have been killed.”

“I would die fighting for your honor before I’d let them harm you. I know we have only met recently, but I feel very protective of you. I would do for you the same things I would do for my sister,” he answered.

Terrwyn knew Rosloch was being honest, which is why she finally opened up to him, telling him about her life before moving to Edoras. She told him about growing up in the Westfold, her father dying while on duty, traveling to Helm’s Deep as a child and meeting the dark haired elf. She told him about the destruction of her village and losing her mother, her brother’s disappearance, and getting by on her own in Edoras. She mentioned Alric and how he became her family when all hope seemed to be gone. Then she stopped and rode silently for a while, Rosloch riding next to her.

“Why did you feel the need to make up your story of taking care of your mother? I don’t understand why you felt you had to hide your past,” he finally said, breaking the silence.

“Because, Rosloch . . .” She paused and thought about what she was doing. “I came into some misfortune, after Alric passed. It wasn’t my fault, honestly. I was protecting myself. But tales were told and the truth was twisted in such a way that I was no longer seen as the victim.”

“I’m afraid I don’t understand,” Rosloch said softly and full of concern. “What happened to you in Edoras, Terrwyn? Please tell me. Maybe I can help you.”

“You cannot. No one can.” Terrwyn pulled on Brannoss’ reins, bringing him to a stop. Rosloch turned his horse so they were facing each other. Terrwyn merely stared down at her horse’s mane. “I am a fugitive, an escapee under the laws of Rohan.”

Rosloch was silent for a moment. Somehow he found this hard to believe. “You? An outlaw? Impossible!” he said disbelievingly.

“I would not make something like this up.” Terrwyn lifted her eyes to look at Rosloch. “Maybe I am making a mistake. If I am followed and you are discovered helping me, you may be held accountable for aiding a criminal. Already I have endangered Taldred’s life. I do not want to bring anyone else into my troubled life.”

Rosloch couldn’t imagine her doing anything so horrid that she would be a wanted fugitive. Yet, the look on her face was one of desperation. He moved his horse as close to hers a possible and reached for her hand. “We have come this far. I will not abandon you now. I promised to help get you to the City and I mean to do just that. You will stay with my sister and I until you find employment. In the meantime, we must keep your secret, though I can’t believe that you could do anything that would bring such hardship into your life.”

Terrwyn felt some relief. She trusted Rosloch and heeded his words. “Thank you Rosloch. It is good to know there is at least one person I can trust.”

“There is just one more thing I would like to know,” he said. Terrwyn nodded and he continued. “What of your brother? You said he was kidnapped by the Southrons. Do you know anything about his disappearance?”

“Everyone I have spoken to thinks he is dead by now, but I cannot believe that. If I were the one taken away, I know Hathmund would never stop looking for me. I intend to do the same, but I have no means of searching now. I will not give up. I will find him somehow. I have to. I must know the truth.”

Rosloch bowed his head. “You are quite determined, my lady, and I hope you find your brother so as to ease your mind.”

They turned towards their projected path once more and rode on to Minas Tirith. Rosloch developed a need to protect Terrwyn. Somehow, he knew she would need all the help she could get, and that included searching for her lost brother.

* * *

The White City was now coming into view. Terrwyn’s mouth hung open. It was as tall as the mountain itself, seven levels and at the top a spire that jetted out. The architecture was beautiful to behold. It was the biggest and mightiest fortress she had ever seen. It was a city that reached for the heavens instead of being spread out along the land. It was no wonder the enemy lost in the war. How could they ever think they could bring down such a stronghold as Minas Tirith? “Rosloch, I never could have imagined anything so immense,” she said, holding her hand over her eyes to shield the sun.

Rosloch just smiled. He was a proud Gondorian and loved his home. To see the awe on Terrwyn’s expression made his heart soar. “It was the most grand city of them all, save for the elven cities.”

To the left, she could see areas of the lower levels that still seemed war torn. “Is that from the Ring War?”

“Yes, my lady. Although most of the city has been renewed, there are still a few areas under maintenance. Soon, it will all be as good as new. Not only men, but dwarves and elves have leant their expertise in the rebuilding.”

Terrwyn gasped. “Will we see elves?” she said excitedly.

“I’m sure there will be a few, though not as many visit as they used to. Most have moved on to Ithilien,” Rosloch informed her.

“I have heard of Ithilien, but I didn’t know elves lived there.”

“Oh why yes, a colony from Mirkwood has established themselves in the Northern part, where the gardens once thrived. They are rebuilding the land to its former glory,” he answered. “You seem to have a curiosity for the elves. Have you ever seen them?”

“Only once, in Helm’s Deep. I will never forget him Rosloch. I was drawn to him. Well, not just him, but to his race. I don’t know, I can’t explain it,” she said, suddenly becoming shy. Then she remembered something. “Oh, let me show you. He gave me a gift,” she said grabbing her pack from behind her. Terrwyn dug through her bag, looking for her trinket. “I know it’s in here somewhere.”

Suddenly, she was struck with the memory of the campsite and what she had been doing just before the attack. “Oh no! I have lost it. Rosloch, I’ve lost it,” she said in a panicked tone.

“What have you lost, Terrwyn?” he said trying to calm her.

“The elf . . . he gave me a wooden butterfly carved in the most intricate detail. He made it himself and gave it to me that day on the steps of the Keep. I have treasured it ever since.” Terrwyn hung her head as a tear gathered in the corner of her eye. “I must have dropped it back at our camp. With the attack and all of the confusion, I must have lost it.”

“I am sorry, my dear. It seems like it was very important to you.”

“It was Rosloch, but it is gone now.” Terrwyn’s heart fell to think of losing it. She had held onto it for so many years. The little butterfly was a source of comfort to her in troubled times. It was irreplaceable and it was lost, probably for good. Still, it was something from a time long gone. It was part of her past and that was something she could not take with her either. Maybe this was a sign that she needed to move on and become someone different. Maybe she should put everything she once knew behind her and start anew. She turned to the towering city that was growing bigger with every step forward. “A new life, this is what I must concentrate on now. Good luck charms will not help me anymore. I am no longer a child holding onto dreams. I am a woman now and I have to make my own way. Yes, maybe it is for the better that I have lost it.” As she spoke these words, a part of her was not convinced. She loved that little butterfly and she would miss it dearly.

* * *

They entered the third level now. Rosloch led Terrwyn to the stables where they gave their horses over to a stable hand. She paused a moment before following Rosloch out. This place brought back many memories for her. “Not this time,” she said to herself. Working in a stable would not do now.

With her sword at her side, pack on her back, hair tied up in a ponytail, and the dust of her recent travels covering her face, Terrwyn entered the street and looked around her. People were busy going here and there. Mothers carried small children. Men dressed in guard uniforms hurried to somewhere important. Everyone seemed to go about their business. No one seemed the least bit curious about seeing a newcomer in their city. In Rohan, an outsider would be welcomed. It would be obvious that the new person was not from her city. Gondor was much bigger, and Minas Tirith was its heart. Actually, not having a lot of attention made Terrwyn feel slightly less anxious. She was afraid she would have stuck out amongst the citizens, but no one paid her any attention. She looked to Rosloch and smiled. “Where to now?”

“Now, you meet my sister. Oh, and pay no mind to the way she fusses about me. I have not been home in a long time and she will most likely make a big scene,” he said as he rolled his eyes.

Terrwyn giggled and followed Rosloch up the road. Every now and again, someone would stop and greet him, friends and acquaintances that hadn’t seen him in a while. They would look at Terrwyn and nod politely, no one asking who she was or making rude comments. This relieved her somewhat, especially after meeting Rosloch’s replacement back in Firien. Maybe she was wrong to assume all men of Gondor were so brash.

They walked up a cobblestone street that always went on a slight incline. Stores of all kinds lined the street. Above them were apartments where the residents lived. Every so often, there was an alleyway between the stores. Rosloch explained how they led to back areas behind the stores and that it was never a good idea to go there alone, especially at night. Minas Tirith was a mighty city and it was well patrolled, but there were still some that made illegal trades, whether for goods or services, and they used these alleys as their place of business.

“As long as you stick to the main roadway, you will be safe,” he said as they passed one such alley. It was between a butcher shop and a smithy.

“Don’t worry, Rosloch. I have no intension of wandering into such dark places,” Terrwyn answered, peering down the alley as they walked by. She filed that information away and continued with her escort.

Finally, they came to a very lovely shop, its windows filled with flowers of all kinds and colors. Rosloch pointed to the housing above. “Well, here we are. This is our home. My sister picked this place because of the flowers.” Rosloch stopped and chuckled. “She didn’t approve of the place I spotted when we first settled.”

Terrwyn smiled. “Let me guess, it was above a tavern.”

“You know me too well, my lady,” he laughed. “Come. Let’s get the introductions out of the way.”

Terrwyn looked up at the pretty windows of the apartment. There were three in all, and each one was decorated with light yellow curtains and a vase of fresh flowers. It looked very cozy from the outside and she was anxious to see the inside. To the side of the store was a door that opened to a set of stairs. Rosloch politely held the door open for Terrwyn and then followed her. At the top of the stairs was a standing area and another door that was painted yellow to match the curtains. An ivy design was etched around the border of the door and painted green. Rosloch noticed Terrwyn observing the carving with its colorful leaves.

“My sister is quite artistic. She cannot stand to see something dark or dull.”

“It is very pretty. She is talented,” Terrwyn answered.

Rosloch knocked three times in a certain rhythm, and then turned to Terrwyn. “That is our signal so she knows it is me.”

Suddenly, the door flew open and there stood a beautiful young woman with bright green eyes and long light brown hair that was braided and pulled back at the sides. She wore a lovely blue dress, cinched at the waist, long sleeves with white laces that went up from the cuff to her elbow. The same white ribbon laced up the front of the floor length dress. Instantly, Terrwyn took a few steps back to give them a chance to say their hellos. The biggest and most loving smile spread across her young face as she leapt into Rosloch’s arms. The two of them laughed and it was like music to Terrwyn’s ears. She thought of her mother just then, as their father came home from duty in the Westfold. She had very much the same reaction. Oh, how Terrwyn missed those days, but they were long passed now.

“Rosloch, I am so glad you are home. I have missed you, dear brother,” she sang.

“And you look just as beautiful as ever, dear sister,” Rosloch replied. Just as he said, she started checking him from head to toe, looking for injuries Terrwyn guessed.

“Your trip home was a safe one I presume?”

“Of course, or I would not be standing here now,” Rosloch said. Then he took his sisters hands in his and gained her attention. “I have brought a guest,” he said stepping aside. “Terrwyn, this is my sister, Lindiel.” He released one of his sister’s hands and reached out to Terrwyn, who in turn took his offered hand. “Lindiel, this is the lady Terrwyn of Rohan. She has recently struck out on her own and has chosen Minas Tirith as her new home.”

Terrwyn curtsied politely. “It is nice to finally meet you Lindiel. Rosloch has had nothing but kind words to say about you.” At that moment, she realized she was still dirty from their long journey and felt embarrassed. “I am sorry for my appearance. I have not had a chance to change or clean up first.”

Lindiel smiled. “Well of course not, you have only just arrived. It must have been a very trying time coming all the way from Rohan. Please do come in and I’ll fix us some tea,” she said graciously.

Terrwyn nodded and looked at Rosloch. He smiled and gestured for her to follow his sister. The first thing Terrwyn noticed was how bright and cheerful their house was. The windows were bigger from inside than on the street and they let in an abundant amount of sunshine. To the left was a fireplace with a divan and two comfortable looking plush chairs, a sitting area. There was also an open doorway that must have led to the bedrooms. Terrwyn could see two doors, one facing the other. At the end of the short hall was a small window with a light green sheer curtain. The light coming in bathed the white walls in pale green. The window was opened slightly and a fragrant breeze blew in, scented with the smell of the fresh flowers from the shop below. Each of the doors was white and upon them were painted little groups of flowers running along the top.

To the right was another opening that clearly led into a small kitchen. Another small window with green curtains was in there, just over a washbasin. There was a black iron wood oven and a small table, probably where the meals were prepared. Outside of the kitchen doorway and to the right, there was a dining room table with four wooden chairs. A pretty yellow and green tablecloth covered the table and a fresh bouquet of colorful flowers decorated the center.

To the left of the doorway was a bookshelf that went from floor to ceiling. There were groups of books placed here and there, and among them were small jars, vases, and figurines placed thoughtfully on the shelves.

Along the back wall and between the three large windows were benches with padded seats and pillows resting against the wall. The seats were cream colored and sewn into them was a vining detail with swirling stems and small flowers of all colors. It looked like a cozy place to stretch out and read or just enjoy the summer breeze as it came in from the open windows. Between the benches and under each window was a potted plant.

Terrwyn smiled as she looked around the room. “What a beautiful home you have, much different from the thatched houses of my homeland.”

“Thank you, Terrwyn,” Lindiel said proudly. Terrwyn could see that Rosloch’s sister took pride in her home and how inviting she made it. “Now come in and have a seat,” she said pointing to the dining room table. “I have just made a fresh batch of biscuits, and the lady from the shop below brought by some wonderful blackberry jam. The tea won’t take too long.” She looked to her brother. “You can entertain our guest while I get everything ready can’t you?” she said jokingly.

Rosloch merely smiled and watched his sister head into the kitchen. He led Terrwyn to the table and they had a seat. Then he leaned in close and whispered. “You see, I told you she likes to fuss about.”

“I think it is quite sweet,” Terrwyn said.

After a bite to eat, a few cups of deliciously fragrant tea, and some wonderful conversation, Rosloch stood up from the table. “Well, this has been most enjoyable, but I’m afraid I must check in with the captain of the guard. He will be wanting to assign my post.”

Lindiel jumped up, walked her brother to the door and hugged him. “I’m glad you are home Rosloch.”

“It’s good to be home. Take care of Terrwyn. She has nowhere to go and I told her she could stay here until she was on her feet,” he whispered in her ear.

“Oh of course, I already planned to,” she answered.

Rosloch turned to Terrwyn. “My lady, it has been a pleasure escorting you. Lindiel will show you around the city. You are welcomed to stay as long as you like.”

“Thank you Rosloch. Thank you for everything,” she said and Rosloch bowed. Then he headed out.
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Journey Of A Butterfly