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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
- 15
- 16
- 17
Chapter 16 - Uncertain Prospects

She wasn’t sure how long it had been since Rhavaniel left the office, but it seemed to Terrwyn that many minutes ticked by as she waited anxiously. The elleth hadn’t said where she was going, what she was doing or when she would return. The candles on the desk seemed shorter than when the woman first arrived. The sun was probably up by now and the inhabitants of the city were busy getting their day started. Terrwyn was supposed to have been at work by now. She wondered what Camireth, the lady whom she worked for, would think about her absence. Terrwyn was never late and worked every day she was asked to. Would she ever see her again? Would she ever get a chance to explain why she never showed? Terrwyn figured she would never see Camireth again, or any of her friends for that matter. Hopefully they would not see her being escorted by High Guards while riding atop a horse wearing shackles. But if that were to happen it would be no less than she deserved, she thought.

The door to the office opened and Rhavaniel came in. Terrwyn noticed she carried with her a piece of folded up parchment and wondered if it had anything to do with her. Rhavaniel had a seat behind her desk, unfolded the paper, wrote on it with her feather quill and then slipped it into a drawer. Then she brought her attention to Terrwyn.

“Here is what will transpire,” Rhavaniel started. “You are to leave the city immediately. You will not be bound as a prisoner for I would like as little attention to this matter as possible. A horse and an escort will be waiting for you. There will be no time for you to go home. Besides, you will not be allowed to bring any personal belongings. Clothes and such will be provided for you once you reach Ithilien and settle into your new accommodations. You will have a limited amount of time to reach Ithilien. Your escort is aware of this. Should you not show, you will be breaking the laws of Gondor and then you will be in my jurisdiction. I have yet to lose a prisoner and I am not about to start now. I will personally hunt you down and drag you back to the city where you will be locked up with the general population and tried accordingly. Is this understood?”

“Yes, my lady. You have made everything very clear. I promise to do as I have been directed. You need not worry,” Terrwyn answered.

Rhavaniel raised an eyebrow. “That remains to be seen. I will wait for word of your arrival before I am sure I made the right decision here. I am taking a very big chance, Terrwyn. Do not go against my orders. Many have tried but only one succeeded. And do you know what happened to him?”

Terrwyn shook her head, afraid to find out. “He was never heard from again?” she guessed.

Rhavaniel smiled wickedly. “I married him,” she laughed. Then her features softened and she went to Terrwyn. “Now that I have gotten all the formalities out of the way, I can speak to you as one female to another. Stay strong Terrwyn. Life can be difficult for women sometimes. I myself have had many trials and tribulations to get to where I am now. There are still many things I must deal with. Your path will already be a difficult one, but I see something in you that I have not seen in a very long time. You have a fiery spirit and if you make it through these hard times, I think you will finally rise above and become whatever it is you are meant to be. Stay truthful and look your judges in the eye. If they are fair, they will see what I see. I am sorry your life had to take this turn. You are very beautiful and smart. You should be happy and carefree, not full of worry. May the Valar watch over you, Lady Terrwyn.”

Terrwyn smiled solemnly and bowed before Rhavaniel. “Thank you my lady.”

“You may go now. My guards will take you to your escort,” Rhavaniel said as she opened the door for the young girl. The guards were waiting in the hall and walked with her to the door that opened out into the courtyard.

The sun was indeed up and shining brightly. It had been dark when she first arrived, but now she could see the courtyard in all its glory. It was peaceful and serene. She breathed deep and took in her surroundings for this may be the last time she would experience this in a long while. Terrwyn glanced back one more time, just to see the Citadel, the royal home of the King and Queen. She may never be this way again.

The guards led her across the courtyard to the white stone road that led out from the highest level of the city. There was a horse already saddled and waiting for her. Beside him was another horse and rider, a guard by the looks of his uniform, but not one of the High Guard. This was her escort who would see that she made it to Ithilien in a timely manner. Terrwyn sighed as she thought about everything she was leaving behind and all those she would not be able to say farewell to. A part of her knew a day like this would come, or at least a day that she would set off on her own again.

A cold breeze blew across her face. It was mid-Autumn and winter would be here soon. So far, the weather had been very mild this season and she hoped that was a sign of good weather to come. She never cared much for the cold winds that blew across the plains of Rohan. The chilled air always seeped in through the thin walls of her childhood home. During those months, the fireplace never went cold. She remembered her and Hathmund sitting in front of the hearth many a night, too cold to sleep in their own beds. Now she wondered what winter would be like in Ithilien and if she would be traveling back to Rohan during this time.

The guards took her to her horse, helped her up and turned to leave without ever saying a word. She drew her cloak around her and lifted the hood over her head. “I guess we are leaving right away,” she said to her escort. He was dressed in full uniform, black and silver, and wore his silver helm upon his head, which covered a good deal of his face.

“Yes my lady, there is no time to spare,” he said and Terrwyn thought she recognized the voice. She turned her head to look at the man who was looking straight ahead. Finally, he cocked his head to the side and Terrwyn knew those shining brown eyes.

“Rosloch? But what . . . why--?”

“I am your escort to Ithilien,” he said allowing a slight smile.

“Rosloch, if you have done something to--.”

Rosloch smiled. “I have done no such thing. I was summoned by the Lady Rhavaniel and given the choice of being your escort.”

“But why you? I thought they would still be questioning you about our acquaintance,” she said curiously.

“Oh, they asked me plenty of questions, but I think they saw that I was being truthful. Rhavaniel knew of our relationship and felt you would be safest in my care. However, she has given us barely enough time to reach our destination. We cannot be late and we will have to ride hard without rest and only short breaks for our horses.”

“Then we better be off shouldn’t we. I do not want you getting in any more trouble because of me,” she said with a slight smile. If there was one person she would want to have a last few moments with before her departure, it was Rosloch. She felt she owed him that much. Terrwyn had kept her life a secret from him and she always worried about him getting in trouble for knowing her or helping her. That was why she never told him why she was really wanted in Rohan.

They rode down through the spiraling city streets at a moderate pace so as not to bring any attention to themselves. Once they passed through the main gates, they set their horses to a gallop and headed north towards Osgiliath. From there they would cross the River Anduin and enter into Ithilien. They would travel north following the river until they came to the northern most part of Ithilien, the newly refurbished Ithilien gardens where Prince Legolas was lord and ruler of that land.

Rosloch and Terrwyn rode silently and quickly to Osgiliath. They stopped briefly to replenish their water skins and give the horses a short break. Then they crossed the Great River and had come to the land of Ithilien. They moved at a slightly slower pace along the edge of the forest, but they did not stop often. Rosloch remained silent and Terrwyn felt his reserve. She was worried that he was upset with her. Surely, he knew the real reason she was wanted.

When the path opened wide, Terrwyn moved Brannoss up so that she was riding alongside Rosloch. “You are upset with me,” she stated. “But you must understand why I could not tell you my whole story.”

Rosloch sighed. “It’s not that I am upset, Terrwyn. It’s just . . . I did not expect to hear what I did.” He brought his horse to a stop. Terrwyn followed suit. He sat silent a moment, staring down at the reigns in his hands as if he would find the words he wanted to say on his horse’s neck.

Terrwyn could see his hurt. She was afraid this would happen. She should have been truthful from the beginning. Their relationship had grown to much more than just friends and she felt as if she had deceived him. “I am sorry Rosloch. I wanted to be honest but I just could not risk it.”

He finally looked her in her bright green eyes. “This is a serious matter. You will be put on trial in Rohan. The punishment could be death,” he said grimly. He stated the fact not just to make her aware of the situation, but to realize it himself.

Terrwyn hung her head low. “I know Rosloch, but do you understand why I had to do what I did? Do you believe me when I say it was in self-defense? I swear to you that I knew nothing of the jewels or even who these men were. The two remaining men set me up after the fact and made it look as though I was the guilty thief.” She went on to tell him about Bregmund using Alric to steal the jewels and the reason why Bregmund would steal from his own father to begin with. She told him about his plans to trade the jewels and her to the Southrons in exchange for land just outside of the realm of Rohan.

Rosloch was quite shocked to learn of her life. Most of what she told him was a lie. She did not take care of her ailing mother. She did not leave Rohan because she was alone and looking for a new life. Terrwyn was wanted for murder and running from the law. On the other hand, he could understand why she did not tell him about her past. She did not know him and even after they became intimate, she still could not risk telling him for his own safety. Had he known all of this when he was interrogated, he could have been charged with aiding in her escape. He was still unsure as to why he was allowed to escort her to Ithilien, but figured the Lady Rhavaniel had everything to do with the decision. Terrwyn trusted him and would not run while she was under his care. She would not bring any harm to him, further insuring her arrival at Ithilien.

“Is there no one, no other witness to what happened that night?” he asked.

“Taldred showed just after the situation turned for the worse, but he did not see what happened before that. He believed me though. He is a good man,” she said softly and with much sadness. “Anything he might say would only insure my hanging.”

Rosloch thought for a moment more. “Is there anyone who knows about Bregmund’s plans, you know, after he acquired this land you spoke of? It would show that he had evil intent.”

“The only ones who knew were the other two men, but they will never divulge the truth, least they end up in jail themselves. I’m afraid everything points to my guilt. I am caught now. I can no longer hide from my past and must stand tall and speak the truth. At least I know I did nothing wrong and when I die my judgment will be fair in my father’s halls.”

“You will not die, Terrwyn,” Rosloch said sternly. “They will be putting an innocent girl to death.” He remained silent a moment, trying to figure out an answer. Suddenly it came to him. “There is one way to insure that you will not be executed.”

Terrwyn looked at him curiously, as he pulled his horse close to hers so he could touch her. Rosloch reached out, putting a hand to the side of her face. He traced his fingers down the side of her breast and lower until it came to rest on her abdomen. He covered her with the palm of his hand and looked up meeting her green eyes. “I could give you a child and then we would have to marry. They will not put a mother and a wife to death.”

Tears came to her eyes. She had always dreamed of the day someone would ask for her hand, but this was not how she imagined it happening. She cared a great deal for Rosloch, maybe even loved him, but she never saw herself marrying him. He looked so hopeful and she didn’t know what to say. “Rosloch, I--.”

“If it is our age difference, do not worry. I do not care about that. I care about you. I make enough that I can support you and a child. I would give you everything you needed,” he went on. “I never saw myself as settling down, but with you it seems an decision.”

“Oh Rosloch, I am flattered, really. But this is not the way to start a marriage, let alone motherhood. What would we tell our child? ‘You were conceived so your mother wouldn’t be hung for murder.’ That is not a reason to have a child.” Terrwyn answered rather quickly, but she would not tell him that she had actually considered his offer. It would ensure her life would not be taken away from her, but it did not mean she would not be imprisoned after the baby was born. Rosloch would be left to care for the child on his own, and she could not see him being comfortable with that kind of a life. Rosloch had avoided marriage and children up to this point. He was comfortable with his life. To know he would completely change this just for her sake made her realize just how much he really did care for her. Terrwyn leaned forward and captured his lips. The kiss deepened and they seemed to forget about everything for a moment. Terrwyn pulled away first and took his hands in hers. “You have a very selfless soul. You are a bright shining gem among men, Rosloch, but I cannot allow you to make such a sacrifice for me. I do want to marry and have children one day, but not like this. No, I must face my future head on.”

Rosloch smiled. “And you are a very brave young woman, Terrwyn.” He sat back straight on his horse breaking their connection, and turned back to the direction they were headed. “Well then, I guess we better be on our way. We have a deadline and it will mean my job if I do not get you there on time.”

Terrwyn could not help but notice how quickly he changed from being so vulnerable and honest, to being the soldier that he was trained to be. “You know if the situation was different--.”

“I know,” Rosloch interrupted. He did not want to hear the rest of that statement. He had never considered marriage or a family up until now. Terrwyn was different. She was special. He could see himself with her, even with the wide amount of years between them. She was right, of course. They could not do this under these circumstances, but if it meant her life, he would have done it.

The rest of their journey to Ithilien was uneventful. They spoke no more of what was in store for Terrwyn, though the underlying anxiety was always there. The only time they stopped was to let the horses rest, in which they rested too. Rosloch held Terrwyn close during those times. He felt he could protect her now, though after she got to Ithilien, she would be out of his care. They both wished they had more time to find that peaceful oneness with each other, but time did not allow for such activities. By Rosloch’s calculations, taking the needed breaks for the horses would put them in Ithilien just when they were supposed to show. There was no extra time and Rosloch knew the Lady Rhavaniel planned it this way. So, on they went until finally they arrived in Ithilien where they were given permission to enter by the Lord Faramir, whose land was in the south and his home was amongst the hills at the center called Emyn Arnen. With a brief explanation for their visit, as instructed by Lady Rhavaniel, they traveled further on until they reached the gates of North Ithilien, which was colonized by the Woodelves and ruled by Prince Legolas of Mirkwood.

Rosloch had taken her as far as he was instructed. Now he would turn her over to the elves who would keep her until Rohan sent word as to what would happen next. They stopped just outside the gates at a guardhouse where Rosloch spoke to one of the gate guards. The tall elf nodded and took Terrwyn gently by her elbow. This was quite unexpected by Terrwyn who thought she would be cuffed and marched through the center of town to whatever destiny awaited her. It seemed the elves did not want to make a spectacle of her either, just as Rhavaniel had avoided in Gondor. The young girl began to understand why Rhavaniel sent her to Ithilien to wait out her sentence, and she started to feel a little at ease, but only a little.

Terrwyn felt the elf pull her, signaling for her to follow him. She looked back to Rosloch, fear plainly visible on her fair face. Rosloch put his hand up to stop the elf. “May I have just a moment with the lady before you take her?” The elf nodded and stepped away to give them privacy. However, he stayed within view of Terrwyn.

Rosloch stood in front of her and gazed into her eyes. “Do not be scared. You are in good hands with the elves. It will not seem like a prison at all, though you will have to work long hours each day. They will not hesitate to keep you busy. The best thing you can do is learn from them, whatever job they give you. The elves know much and it may be of use to you again someday.”

“I will try to do as you say. I don’t want to cause any more trouble than I already am in.” She paused. Trying to be brave was harder than she thought. The fact was, she did not want to leave Rosloch. He had been her protector since she met him. “I wish you could be here with me,” she whispered, her voice cracking as the lump in her throat rose ever higher.

“Believe me Terrwyn, I do not want this either, but we have no choice. Do not worry.” Rosloch did his best to cut his tie with Terrwyn, but it was not easy. He cared for her a great deal, maybe more than any woman he had ever met. If she had accepted his proposal, he would have married her and been happy. There was no one else he could have said that about. Still, she was right. This was not the way to start off such an important decision. It would have been a marriage of convenience not of love, though love was not far off from the truth.

Rosloch pulled Terrwyn into his strong chest and wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight and kissing the top of her head. Terrwyn responded by silently sobbing onto the white tree embroidered upon his breast. How she wished they could just leave and go back to their quiet little apartment above the flower shop, but even that had not been real. She knew there was always a chance it would all come to an end, whether she was finally captured or leaving by her own free will. ‘I stayed in one place for far too long,’ she thought to herself. But she could not have left him.

When her breathing became regular again, Rosloch lifted her chin and met her swollen tear stained eyes. “Whatever happens, you must stay strong. Stick to your story and the truth. You are a smart girl. If your judges have any intelligence, they will look you in the eyes and see your honesty.” He released her chin and lightly brushed her lips with his thumb. “I will miss those warm summer nights with you by my side.”

Terrwyn reached her hand up behind his neck and drew him down for a kiss. His lips were so warm, comforting and familiar. This was the last time she would feel this way and she knew it. She was stepping into the unknown, not a good feeling in the least. Not wanting the moment to end, Terrwyn deepened the kiss as tongues entwined. Hearts beat rapidly and they savored every last moment between them.

There was the sound of someone clearing their throat and the spell was broken. Rosloch reluctantly released Terrwyn and looked over her shoulder. The gate guard stood there, arms crossed, eyebrow raised and a finger tapping his arm. Their time was up. The handsome Gondorian cupped her face in his hands and kissed the tip of her nose. “It is time, Terrwyn. You must go.”

She could have broken into a fit of hysterical crying and pleaded for him not to leave. She could have said a thousand curses to the elf for interrupting her last moments with Rosloch. However, Terrwyn knew none of these things would do her any good. She silently nodded and released Rosloch from her hold. Terrwyn would stay strong as Rosloch told her to, but it would require her not to speak to him again for fear of crying uncontrollably. Instead, she smiled one last time, her lips a thin line as she tried not to sob aloud. Tears escaped the corners of her eyes and she turned from him so he would not have to bear witness to her sorrow. She walked to the tall elf guard, who had extended is elbow for her to take. She accepted with no resistance and let him lead her through the main gates of North Ithilien. When they were far enough away from the gate, Terrwyn turned her head, looking back over her shoulder. Rosloch was still there, but bowed, turned and walked away. A new set of tears escaped her eyes. The elf she was with said nothing, but kept leading her to their destination, where ever that might be. She only raised her head once, to see who might be watching her. No one paid her any attention except for one. Standing off to the side of the cobblestone street was a tall, broad shouldered, black-haired ellon. He seemed to be studying her every move. He watched her through his furrowed eyebrows. Terrwyn could not help but notice him as she passed. His appearance was quite striking, as he seemed to stand out from the other platinum lithe elves around him. Terrwyn passed him, but still felt his eyes upon her. It gave her an uneasy feeling; as if he did not want her there, though she did not know why. She had never seen him before. She turned once more expecting to see him still watching her, but he was gone. She filed his face away in her memory and went on through the streets of Ithilien.
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Journey Of A Butterfly