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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
- 6
- 7
- 8
Chapter 7 - The Firien Wood

Taldred was correct. It did not take them but a few hours to reach the Firien Wood. The Mering Stream bordered the oak forest. Here they stopped to refill their water skins and cool themselves from the summer heat. As they did, Terrwyn took in the scenery. It was said that this forest was once a great source of timber for men from long ago. A road was cut right through the woods so travelers could avoid the wetlands to the north. The forest itself seemed to rise to a point. This hill was known as Halifirien and was the site of the seventh and last beacon of Gondor. This was the last one lit in which Rohan would see and respond. No one had ever been known to inhabit Firien until the warning beacon of Gondor was erected high upon Halifirien’s summit. Now, only the Beacon-wardens lived there in their wooden huts upon the hill.

After a brief stop, Taldred led the way on into the forest. They went on for some time before Taldred motioned for them to stop. He cupped his hands to his mouth and made a sound like a dove or an owl. Then he looked back to Terrwyn and gave her a wink. “It won’t be long now. Someone will come down and meet us.”

“And this someone is a friend of yours?” she questioned. She was rather nervous to meet any strangers, especially so close to Edoras. They were still in Rohan, this being a part of the Eastfold, and Terrwyn was worried about Taldred’s warning of being pursued.

“He is someone I trust if that is what you mean by a friend,” Taldred answered. He could see her concern as he helped Terrwyn from her horse. “Not to worry,” he said with a kind whisper. “I am sure word has not reached outside of the city just yet. We have a head start.”

“And by we, I’m sure you mean me,” she reminded him.

They left their horses to graze on some grass and started walking uphill through the trees. Terrwyn noticed Taldred was being unusually quiet and broke the silence. “So, who is this friend of yours and how did you meet?”

“His name is Rosloch, and he is a Gondorian. Does that say enough about him?” Taldred was unable to contain a small laugh. “At least that is what I tell him. Actually, we met quite a few years back. It was during the war and his family felt unsafe in Minas Tirith. Rosloch’s father was a Beacon-warden at the time. When he heard of the imposing war, he called upon Rosloch for him and his sister to come to Halfirien while he served his duty. By the end of his watch, Minas Tirith was under siege and so they came to Edoras. King Théoden and his company had already parted for the White City. Rosloch and his father joined those Rohirrim that stayed behind, just in case Edoras was attacked. That’s when I met Rosloch. He was quite a few years my elder, but we got along well enough. I guess you could say it was a clash of cultures at first, but we meant no harm. I was just a boy and could not fight, but Rosloch took me under his wing and taught me a thing or two about fighting. Eventually, he and his family went back to Minas Tirith and we lost touch for a while. Then I heard that he took his father’s place as Beacon-warden at Halfirien and came I here whenever I knew he was on duty. He is a good man and I trust him. Still, what he does not know will not hurt him, so I suggest you make no mention of your troubles.”

Terrwyn was intrigued by Taldred’s recollection of his friends’ journey. “If he is a friend of yours then he must be honorable, but I will promise not to tell my own story.”

As Terrwyn finished speaking, she heard the call of a strange bird. It didn’t register at first, but this was Taldred’s friend answering his original call. She knew that from the look of excitement on his face. “Is that him?” she asked.

“Indeed it is,” Taldred said excitedly and answered with his own strange birdcall.

Terrwyn looked around but could see Rosloch nowhere in sight. “Where is he then?”

“Look up, my lady,” Taldred answered, pointing to the trees that rose ever higher on the steep slope of the hill.

Up above, Terrwyn saw what looked like wooden houses in the trees. She had never seen anything like it before. They were small huts like those she’d seen in villages before, with walls and a roof. There were two clusters of houses, each with three adjoining huts. “He lives up there?” she said pointing to the house on the right.

Before Taldred could answer, a rope ladder unraveled and hung to the ground. “Aye, Taldred!” someone called.

Taldred looked up with a mischievous smile. “Are you going to come down, you old dog, or must we come up to find you?”

Terrwyn watched as a dark haired head popped over the side of the railing, looking down at them. She heard a muffled laugh and watched as a tall robust man flung himself over the edge of a platform and quickly climbed down the ladder. Taldred went to hold it and meet Rosloch when he reached the ground. The two men clasped arms, smiling and laughing, making jokes about how the other one looked.

“Rosloch, my friend, it has been a while. I must say, you look no different than our last meeting,” Taldred said then ruffled his friends hair. “Maybe a little older, but other than that . . .” He stopped and jumped back from a well-deserved punch in the arm by Rosloch.

“I might be able to say the same about you, but for the company you keep,” Rosloch said with a sidelong glance at Terrwyn who stood off to the side. “Don’t tell me you’ve gone off and gotten married.”

Taldred turned a couple shades darker than his already sun kissed color. “Come, my friend. There is someone I would like you to meet.”

Terrwyn watched as the two men approached her. Rosloch was definitely of Gondorian blood. He was a hearty build of a man, groomed beard and mustache, dark brown shoulder length hair, and a gleam in his eye that said he was proud of his heritage. She thought Taldred was correct about the man’s age. He seemed quite a bit older, what with a touch of grey growing in on his sideburns. He stood very tall as he strode to where Terrwyn waited, as if trying to puff himself up even more than he already had. Terrwyn adjusted her stance and stood up straight, ready for anything this ornery looking man might say to her. Being a stable mate for many years, she had grown used to the vulgar language and suggestive remarks of men, and she could dish it out about as well as she could take it.

The two men stopped right in front of her. Taldred smiled sweetly, extended his hand, palm upwards and introduced her. “Rosloch, this is Lady Terrwyn of Rohan and a very close friend of mine.” Then he moved his hand, pointing it at his friend. “Terrwyn, this is Rosloch, Beacon-warden of Halfirien.”

Terrwyn smiled slightly, though she was on her guard, and extended her hand in friendship. “It is very nice to meet you Rosloch.” She waited for the Gondorian to shake her hand properly, but instead, Rosloch took her fingers, twisting her hand and bringing it to his lips. Right before he kissed her hand, he paused and looked upon Terrwyn with sultry eyes. “The pleasure is all mine, Lady Terrwyn.” With that said, his lips brushed across the back of her hand in a most seductive way. Then he kissed it gently, lingering longer than proper. Terrwyn pulled her hand away, hoping she was not insulting him by doing so. She was not used to such forwardness and it made her slightly uncomfortable.

Rosloch felt her reserve and stood straight again, glancing to Taldred with a crooked smile and a raised brow. “She is a bit feisty isn’t she?” he said as if it had already been discussed between the men. “Are you sure there is nothing going on between . . .,” he said, pausing and making a gesture between Taldred and Terrwyn.

Again, Taldred blushed, but he smiled warmly at Terrwyn, making her feel a bit relaxed around this new person. “Terrwyn is able to hold her own, make no mistake. But if you must know, we are only friends and we come seeking your help,” he said, trying to change the subject.

“Well now, what kind of help would a Rohirrim and a beautiful lady need from an ‘old dog’ like me?” Rosloch teased.

Taldred started to speak for her, but Terrwyn felt she needed to tell her version. Besides, if she was going to be taken seriously by this Gondorian, she needed to speak up and fend for herself. Taldred would not always be there to talk for her.

“I originally hailed from the Westfold, but moved to Edoras after my father died in the war. There I remained, taking care of my ailing mother. It was a dream of hers that I make my way to Gondor and seek a nobleman to wed. As she took her last breath of life, I swore to honor her dying wishes and hopefully find some adventures of my own along the way.” This of course was a complete lie, except for coming from the Westfold, but it was necessary. Taldred made that very clear and she knew she had to hide her identity as best she could. “Taldred told me you may be of some help at escorting me to Minas Tirith, or at least as far as the land of Gondor.” She looked at Taldred, who had an expression of surprise at how quickly she came up with this story. Actually, she thought it up as she traveled along the West Road that first night of her escape.

Rosloch smiled at Terrwyn, even bowing his head with respect. It seemed Terrwyn’s idea worked and the Gondorian accepted her story as well as finding a new respect for her. “You are very much in luck. My duty here is almost over and I have been given a reprieve. I hope you are not in too much of a hurry though. Only a week I have here before I can start for home,” he said and patted Taldred on the shoulder. “Unless my handsome friend here would care to take you himself.”

“Oh, I cannot stay, I’m afraid. I was only given leave to escort Lady Terrwyn as far as Firien. I must get back to Edoras before too long,” Taldred answered quickly.

“Very well then,” Rosloch agreed. “But please stay long enough for a meal before you go on your way.” He looked down to see Terrwyn reach for Taldred’s arm, searching for comfort. “Stay until morning if that would suit you,” he said with a gleam in his eye.

Taldred started to protest, but Terrwyn took the opportunity make things seem more than they really were. She pulled on Taldred’s arm bringing him closer to her, and then laid her head on his shoulder. “Please don’t go just yet,” she begged.

Taldred took a deep breath and released it slowly through his nose. “Very well, one last meal, but then you know I must go.” It seemed sincere enough, but Terrwyn noticed his hidden message. He had to leave soon or those back in the city would become suspicious.

She smiled up at Taldred, batting her eyelashes. “Thank you, Taldred.”

* * *

Rosloch led them up the ladder to his home in the trees. He gave them each a glass of Gondorian wine, the best from his home he mentioned. Then he excused himself to head back to the ground and get their meal prepared. Terrwyn offered to help, but he insisted that the two friends spend this time with each other. “There is not much left to do, my lady. The rabbits have already been cleaned and the fire is stoked. It won’t take too long to get them roasted.”

With Rosloch gone, it left time for Terrwyn and Taldred to enjoy some nice conversation and the warmth of each other’s company. After some small talk about weather and stars, Terrwyn got up and walked to the railing, looking out over the forest. “I can’t explain it Taldred, but it is so relaxing being among the trees, especially up high like this. It is so freeing, it almost makes me forget my troubles.”

Taldred got up and went to her, standing by her side. He took in the sight of her long reddish blonde hair as a slight breeze lifted it. He caught a loose tendril in his fingers and ran them along the length of her waves. She looked so beautiful to him in this moment and he knew he would never forget the site of her as she closed her eyes and breathed in the refreshing forest air. To see her now, one would never know all the sadness and despair she had experienced lately. Unable to help himself, Taldred released her hair and brought his hand to rest upon the small of her back. Terrwyn turned her head and slowly raised her eyes to him, a shy smile upon her lips.

“What will you do first when you get to the White City?” he asked.

“I don’t know, find employment I suppose,” she answered. “I think I could manage a position as maid for a nice family. That would take care of my living quarters too.” Then she laughed. “No more nights in a stable for me.”

Taldred laughed quietly along with her. “Your story of survival has always intrigued me. Your will is undeniably strong. Never forget that. Your Rohirric blood is what makes you this way. You would have made a great Shieldmaiden.”

Terrwyn smiled to think of joining the ranks of the Shieldmaidens. They were among the most respected women in Rohan. As she pondered this, her smile faded. She would never find that respect in Rohan now. She was a wanted murderer. The thought made her stomach twist in knots again.

Taldred felt her tense and very gently, pulled her against his side. He reveled in the feel of her sleek warm body touching him. This was something he knew he would never experience again, at least with Terrwyn. And she felt very protected with him. She tried once more to reach deep into her heart, but there wasn’t anything more than friendship. It saddened her that he would have these feeling for her, which she could not return.

“Taldred, I just want to tell you how nice it has been having you as a friend. You are so wonderful to me, but I feel I don’t deserve it,” she said sadly.

“You deserve the best of everything. Listen, I know things seem desolate right now, but you will be alright. I cannot help but feel you will find everything you look for. You are so special . . . especially to me,” he said, whispering this last part.

Terrwyn turned to face him. “Taldred, you are a most handsome man, and I just know you will meet the one who deserves all of your love. It would be so easy to fall in love with you, yet . . .” She stopped herself from saying anything more.

Taldred cupped his hand over her cheek, noticing how cool her skin felt against his palm. The night air had the slightest chill to it. “It’s alright. I know you don’t feel for me the same way. I just needed you to know that you have touched my heart. A part of me will never forget you and will always . . . will always love you.”

* * *

They all sat down for their meal, which Rosloch worked hard to prepare. He watched these two from the corner of his eye. It seemed that there was some secret that they shared and he wondered what it might be. The girl mentioned marrying a noble. He thought she might already be promised to another, but fell in love with his Rohirric friend. It was a likely scenario. Now days, there were many arranged marriages, especially in Minas Tirith. The city was on the mend from centuries of decay and a kingless throne. People came from all over to live amongst the white stones under the rule of the new High King of the Reunited Kingdoms, Elessar. It would have been easy for someone as beautiful as this girl to find a husband, well off and able to give her a good life. It would also be tragic if she were in love with another. Rosloch decided that this was very likely the reason Taldred came to Firien with her. One last romance before she was gone, he thought to himself.

After some interesting conversation and an enjoyable dinner, Taldred announced that it was time for him to part. Terrwyn’s heart leapt to her throat. She really wished he didn’t have to go, but understood what it meant if he did not. Already, he jeopardized his position in the army as well as his life. The times were still dangerous, especially traveling alone. In addition, if he made it back to Edoras, he may very well be questioned and brought under suspicion after returning empty handed without her. She would forever be grateful and in debt to him for his selfless act of kindness.

Rosloch said his goodbyes to his friend. The two men clasped arms, sharing a look of understanding between them. Taldred let his eyes drop to the ground then turn to where Terrwyn stood. Rosloch knew he loved this girl and that it was breaking his heart to leave her behind.

“Take comfort knowing she is in good hands,” Rosloch said. “By the grace of the gods, I will protect her and get her to Minas Tirith.”

“I know you will,” Taldred answered. He felt deceitful by not telling Rosloch the real reason for her journey. Hopefully, they had a well enough head start and that Bregmund’s family would not search for her all the way to Gondor. “Is it possible you can leave before a week’s time has ended?”

Rosloch tilted his head, confused. “Well, only if my replacement arrives early. Why the hurry Taldred? Is there something you are not telling me?”

Taldred recollected his thoughts. “No, no. I would just like it if she got to her destination as soon as possible. She has never traveled so far and the journey will be a long one.” He did his best to sound convincing.

“If I can leave sooner then I will,” Rosloch said to ease his friend’s worried mind. He glanced over to Terrwyn. “She must be very special to you. I have never seen you in such a state before.”

Taldred’s eyes smiled before the corner of his mouth upturned. “She may never know just how special she is to me, but it was not meant to be. Her heart lies somewhere else. I do not think even Terrwyn knows where that is, but I hope Gondor will be the place where she will find it.”

Rosloch patted Taldred on the shoulder. “You are a good man.” He paused and let his eyes turn to slits as a mischievous look came upon his face. “For a Rohirrim,” he laughed. Taldred shared in his laughter, even if it was at his expense. Then Rosloch gestured for Taldred to go to her. “I think it is time you said your goodbyes.”

Taldred nodded. “Thank you, my friend. I owe you a favor now.”

“One in which I will most certainly collect on,” Rosloch said as he turned to walk away and give these two their privacy.

Taldred slowly strode over to where Terrwyn was, standing by a very tall oak and looking down the hill towards the road. He came up and stood next to her. “It will be a long ride to Minas Tirith, but I think you are prepared. Always have your weapons handy. Those who travel upon the road leave themselves open to attack.”

“I will, I promise,” Terrwyn said smiling. She turned to him, taking his hands in hers. “Thank you again, Taldred. I will pray that you get back safely and that no one suspects anything.”

“I do not think they will question me except to report on the reason you got away from me.” He laughed and lowered his head. “I may have to endure some ridicule from my fellow companions for letting a woman escape me, but it will be well worth it to know you are far from here. I will do all I can to convince them that you are gone and may not be found, but you will always have to look over your shoulder from here on out.”

“I know and I have accepted this fact. I just have no choice now. If I stayed, I would surely have been hung. At least now I will have a chance to find my lost brother.” Terrwyn lifted his hands to her face, rubbing her cheek against them. “Take care Taldred. Promise me you will not stop looking for the one you are meant to be with.”

Taldred merely nodded. He felt he could not make that promise right now. His heart was breaking to know he would never see Terrwyn again. It was a difficult thing, unrequited love, but she had been very gentle with his heart.

“You had better be on your way,” Terrwyn said, worried for him. She released his hands and watched as he picked up his pack.

Taldred stopped and looked her deep in the eyes. “If I could ask but for one thing before we part . . .,” he paused, unable to go on.

“You have been so kind to me, I feel that I could not turn down anything you ask for,” she said with her most sincere and lovely voice.

“If I may . . . I would only ask for one kiss from you,” he whispered.

Terrwyn felt herself blush. “I have never shared in a kiss before,” she said nervously. “But I would very much like for my first kiss to be with you, Taldred.”

He moved to Terrwyn so that they felt the heat of each other’s bodies. His hands cupped her cheeks, tilting her face so that she was looking up into his brown eyes. He slowly lowered his head and watched as she closed hers, waiting for him to touch her lips. He was only a hairs width away from kissing her when he paused and spoke. “I love you, Terrwyn,” he whispered then captured her lips. It was very sweet and innocent at first. He pulled away, but only for a moment before kissing her again. This time Terrwyn responded by moving her lips with his. Taldred could not resist. He brushed his tongue across her lips asking for entry to her mouth. Terrwyn allowed him this as she parted her lips. His tongue was soft and warm in her mouth. Instinctively, she copied his movements and swirled her own tongue around his. She had always wondered what this felt like, and now she knew. It was a most wonderful sensation, but just as soon as it started, it was over. Taldred pulled away, letting his eyes focus on hers once more. Neither one spoke another word. Taldred merely smiled with a warmth that Terrwyn would never forget. He touched the side of her face again, tucking a strand of reddish blond hair behind her ear. Then he nodded and turned to walk downhill to the road. Terrwyn did not move, but watched him until he mounted his horse and started back towards Edoras. Just before he was out of her line of sight, he paused, looking back to where she stood, and then he was gone.

Terrwyn never felt as alone as she did that moment. Her last sense of security was gone. She was truly on her own now. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly while turning to go back to Rosloch’s hut. This was it. This was the first step into her new life, one she was completely unsure of. It was a rough start and where she would end up could not be determined. Terrwyn would always be on her guard with a murder charge hanging over her head, and unrested without the knowledge of her brothers’ whereabouts. There was a lot to learn about the world outside of Rohan, but she was ready for it. Now started the real journey for Terrwyn.
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Journey Of A Butterfly