Adult-FanFiction.org : Lord of the Rings

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
- 5
- 6
- 7
Chapter 6 - Into The Night

Terrwyn rode into the night, but she did not go too fast. She needed to get as far away as she could, but she was still weak from her recent ordeal. The bouncing and jarring from riding a horse made her head hurt more than it already did. Brannoss also, was not used to riding so far. They both needed a break from their long journey that night. She found an area not far from the road where there was a small pond, and led her horse to it. Then she slipped down, stretched her arms and legs and took off her boots to wade in the cool water. Of course, it would have made more sense to lead Brannoss to the opposite side of the pond where a line of bushes would help camouflage him better, but they were both desperate for rest and stopped where they may. Terrwyn felt confident that no one was around to bother them.

She patted Brannoss on the neck before removing her pack. The pack, she thought. She had not had a chance to look through it before she left Rohan. Taldred said he gathered what things he thought were important to her. Now she would see for herself as she undid the buckle of the leather strap and lifted the flap. The moon was high and almost full this night, making it easier for her to see. Feeling around with her hand, she pulled out some shirts and a pair of her riding pants. It was nice to know she had some of her own clothing to wear and not just the men’s clothes she wore now.

Underneath the clothes, she could feel a number of solid items. First, was her throwing knife that she usually kept strapped to her thigh. The last time she saw this, it was sticking out of the arm of the tall man that horrible night in the stable. Terrwyn was glad to have it back. Her hand dived into the leather bag again and this time she felt something like parchment. She pulled it out and unfolded it. It was the picture of the dusty rose from her childhood book that she stowed away for safekeeping. Looking at it, she noticed some writing in the bottom left corner. ‘More beautiful than any flower, she is.’ was written in a shaky handwriting. If anything, the people of Rohan were not scholars. Whoever wrote this must have learned to write to the best of their ability and took care to make it as legible as possible. Terrwyn smiled to herself. It could have been none other than Taldred. He had always been so kind to her. Often she wondered why she could not convince her heart to care for him more deeply. He would have made a wonderful husband, so warm and loving. He was true of heart and would love her until his dying day. Was this not what she sought for in her life? Could she not find a way to love such a generous man?

As she reached into the bag once more, her fingers came upon the thing that reminded her why Taldred could never capture her heart. Small, smooth and flat on one side, rough and carved on the other, it was none other than the wooden butterfly. At that moment, she knew her heart would not settle for the love of a man, even one as worthy as Taldred. The handsome elf she met as a child had carved a place in her very soul. She had always longed to see more of these magnificent creatures, so wise and fair. Terrwyn could not say that it was this very elf that she desired to meet again, but rather a call to meet more just like him. He touched her heart deeply that day on the stairs of the Keep. Now, she would not rest until she beheld the elves with her own eyes.

Flipping the small trinket over and over in her long slim fingers, Terrwyn sighed with relief. She had thought this was gone. It was the one thing she would miss most of all, but not worth the risk of being caught. It seemed that no one touched her belongings left behind in the stable. All of these were items she packed for her journey, besides a few extra shirts that Taldred must have gotten from her home.

The one thing that wasn’t in there that she truly would have loved to have was the elvish dagger. Of course, it was a murder weapon now. Surely, it was locked up as evidence for her trial. What a shame to lose such a beautiful piece of elf workmanship, and the only thing that reminded her of her brother Hathmund.

Terrwyn put down the pack and walked over to a large boulder not far from where Brannoss stood. She sat down and stared up at the white moon. She wondered where her brother was, if indeed he was still alive. Was he looking up at the same moon, wondering where she was too? A voice in the back of her mind told her not to hold out too much hope of ever seeing him again. It was very possible that he was dead now, another victim of the Southrons.

She took a deep breath, inhaling the sweet smelling summer night air, closed her eyes and choked back a tear. There was no time to ponder the whereabouts of Hathmund now. She was in no position to do anything about it. Right now, she just needed to concentrate on getting to Gondor, finding a job making an honest living and eventually finding a place to live. It all sounded easier said than done, but she was determined. It was the only way to follow through on her plans to find Hathmund. Unfortunately, it meant taking care of herself first, saving up her money and hopefully gathering enough information to know where to go in search of him first. But the main thing was to not give away much information about herself, as she was a criminal now. Life would definitely not be easy from here on out.

For now, she felt safe though. Terrwyn jumped down from the boulder, letting her bare feet sink into the pond water once more. Suddenly, Brannoss started whickering as if annoyed by something or someone.

“What is it Brannoss?” she said to her steed as she carefully made her way back to where she left her boots. She slipped them on and stood close to her horse, listening for the sound of something out of place. Brannoss stomped his front foot, a telltale sign that he sensed an intruder nearby. Terrwyn grabbed for her pack and quickly found her silver throwing knife with the horse engraving on the blade. She slipped it from its sheath and held it tight in her hand. If someone were out there, the sting of her knife would be felt before anyone knew she was here. Luckily, the moon was bright enough to cast shadows, which helped her to see movement up towards the road. Someone or something approached. Terrwyn stood next to Brannoss’ front legs and peered around his chest. A tall figure moved slowly towards the pond. She waited until the intruder was in her throwing range and then she made her move. She brought the knife up, raising her arm, bent at the elbow. The figured still moved closer. Then Brannoss snorted and the stranger stopped. This was her chance and she took it. Terrwyn released the knife, throwing it straight and true at whoever was coming towards her. Someone made a grunting noise and she thought she hit her target, but then the intruder came forward again. Brannoss was nodding his head up and down, very nervous about the situation. Terrwyn stepped out into the open and yelled to the stranger.

“I suggest you leave for I will not miss next time,” she said sternly, yet her voice was still quivering with fear. She had no other knife to throw and so this was an empty threat.

“And I suggest you make your mark the first time. You are not very good at bluffing,” said a familiar voice.

Relief washed over Terrwyn followed by confusion. “Taldred?”

He was finally close enough that she could see his handsome sun washed face. She smiled at first but then frowned just as quickly. “Are you hurt? Did I--?”

“No,” he laughed. “But there is a fallen tree now wearing your handiwork.”

“Why are you here? Did I not tell you to stay at Edoras? Taldred, if they find out that you are helping me--,” she complained.

Taldred was very tall like any of the Rohirrim soldiers. His long golden hair hung loosely, framing his face. His facial hair, which was well maintained, made him look very strong and handsome. His eyes were soft and looked down upon Terrwyn with such kindness and understanding. Here he was, risking everything that mattered to him, to see that she made it out safe. But who was she? She was a criminal, an escapee on the run. If she was caught now, she surely would be hung. Still, Taldred looked upon her with . . . well, as if with love for her. This saddened Terrwyn for she could not return these feelings.

“You should not be here,” she said angrily as he reached for her hands.

“I could not let you go on your own. It is such a long way to Gondor. Evil still lurks on the Great West Road,” Taldred said softly.

“Then you believe me? Do you believe me when I say I did not steal the jewels?” she said nearly choking back tears.

“Terrwyn, I have known you for some time now, and I do not believe you have a single corrupted bone in your body. I cannot say everything would turn out well though. With the evidence and the confession of these men, everything says you are at fault. Still, I could not, in my heart, believe a word of it.”

“But you are an accomplice now. How will you explain this?” she asked full of concern for his future.

“Not to worry, my lady. I convinced them that you escaped on my watch and that I should be the one to retrieve you.”

Terrwyn worried about this last comment. “Do you mean to bring me back to the city?”

“No,” he said in a whisper. Then he took her by the waist and pulled her to him, comforting her and reassuring her that his motives were sincere. “I am here to help you. I can take you as far as the Firien Wood. I know someone there who is a beacon-warden for Halfirien. Hopefully, he will be able to help you the rest of the way to Gondor, if that is where you wish to go.”

Terrwyn laid her head upon his armored chest. “You would do this for me? Why, Taldred? Why risk everything for me?”

Taldred touched his fingers lightly to her chin, tilting her head up to face him. “Because you are worth it and I--,” he said and paused. It was no secret that Taldred had always carried a torch for Terrwyn. Now he was not sure he would ever see her again. Did he dare tell her his true feelings?

“And I just want to help you. You are special, Terrwyn. I know you did nothing deliberately. I only wish I had gotten there before . . . well, you know.”

Terrwyn smiled as a tear ran down her cheek. “Do not blame yourself for any of this. You could not have known this would happen. I just worry for you and what will happen when you return home.”

“I will tell them that I followed you, but lost your trail and returned,” he reassured her. “The Firien Wood is not far from here. The length of time I am away should not draw suspicion, but you should not linger there long. I fear that Bregmund’s family, especially his father, will not stop searching for you.”

Terrwyn gently pushed away from Taldred and turned from him. She began to shiver at the mention of the dead man’s name. Taldred felt her change from her relaxed state. “I’m sorry, Terrwyn. I do not mean to mention him again.”

“It’s not that,” she whispered. “I never knew his name is all. Now it seems all the more real to me.”

Taldred placed his large hands on her shoulders and pulled her into him. He lowered his head, kissing the top of hers and gently nuzzling his cheek against her soft hair. “This has all been like a nightmare to you and I am sorry it happened. I know you would never have done this unless it was in self-defense. This is why I am here now. You must understand that this is a noble family. They have the money and the power to pursue this until they find you.”

“I understand,” Terrwyn said with sadness and fear. “I can never go back now. I will have to make my home elsewhere, but I cannot give up the search for my brother. I know he is out there somewhere, though I know not who or what he has become.”

Taldred released her, tilted his head up and gave a high-pitched whistle. Instantly, his horse came down from the road to join them by the pond. He walked to his deep brown equine and retrieved something from the saddle. Terrwyn watched him handle whatever it was with care as he came back to where she stood. It was rolled up in a white cloth, which he carefully unwrapped. Soon it was no longer a secret with its wooden handle, silver blade and elvish runes. It was indeed her brother’s elvish blade. Taldred smiled sincerely as he handed it to her, as if presenting it to her for the first time.

“Taldred, I . . .,” she said stunned. “I never thought I would see it again.”

“It was not easy to get, but I knew you would want it back.” He took something else out from his saddle. “I believe you will want this also.” He handed her her sword, the one Alric gifted her. Taldred looked it over before giving it to her. “This is a very fine weapon, beautifully crafted and designed for a woman. Did you know this is in the same league as the weapons of the Shieldmaidens?”

“Like the Lady Éowyn?” Terrwyn said surprised. She had always wished to meet the fair White Lady, but by the time she came to Rohan, Éowyn had gone to Osgiliath to marry the Lord Faramir. “But this couldn’t be like one of theirs. It was a gift from Alric and he--”

“Alric loved you as if you were his own flesh and blood. He wanted you to have the best and this sword proves that. Besides, a lady should never travel alone without her weapons.”

Terrwyn smiled to Taldred, who watched her every move. “You are a good man, Taldred, and I pray that you will one day meet the lady of your dreams.”

He handed her the sword and as he did, his fingers brushed along her arm. “I already have, but unfortunately, her dreams are of a different kind.”

Terrwyn knew he spoke of her, but she could not bring herself to look at him for fear of disappointing him again. Taldred sensed this and pulled away from touching her. His demeanor changed as to switch the subject. “Well, there is not much more of this night. I say we rest for an hour and then be on our way.”

“Is it much further to the woods from here?” she asked.

“Not far at all,” he said and turned back to his horse. “Oh, I almost forgot. I brought you some extra blankets too. Sometimes the nights can get rather chilly, even during the summer.”

Terrwyn smiled and accepted the rolled up blankets. “You have truly thought of everything.”

They made a quick camp by the pond, spreading out their blankets and sat down to rest until it was time to leave. Terrwyn searched through her pack once more, taking inventory of all her supplies. She came upon the rose drawing again and remembered the writing on it. “I noticed something written here. Do you know anything about it?” she asked, with a sly smile spread across her lips.

Taldred could not bring himself to look at her, but smiled mischievously. “I might know something about it, but I cannot say for sure. All I do know is that someone admires you very much and hopes you will not forget him.”

Terrwyn carefully tucked the parchment back into her bag. She looked at where Taldred’s hand rested on the ground and covered it with her own. “Well, he can be sure that I will never in my life forget him. He has been my friend, my strength and my support for a very long time.”

With that, Terrwyn and Taldred settled into a comfortable silence and remained that way until it was time to go. Time was wasting away and soon Taldred would need to get back to the city so as not to raise suspicions. When the time came, they rolled up their blankets, secured their packs to their saddles and headed off to Firien Wood.
- 5
- 6
- 7
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Journey Of A Butterfly