Thread: LoTR Second Age: The Downfall of Men (darkangel76/BennyQ)

Her breath heaved as she watched the carriage make its way along the path toward their mansion. Her blue eyes narrowing slightly as she took in the sight of the entourage, counting the number of guards and horses. A light laugh rolled over her pink lips and she pushed at her dark hair that had been pulled back with some twine, intricately braided as she'd known the Elves did so as to keep their hair from hindering their vision that saw into what had been thought to be forever. She brushed her palms over her leather-clad thighs and stealthily made her way from atop the roof and down into the chamber where she knew others would be waiting. Quickly and quietly, she climbed through an open window, her feet touching the stone the stone floor without so much as a sound. Her hands clutched the strap that held her quiver upon her back. If not for her ears, she almost might be mistaken for being one of the sacred Elves. Almost. Though she knew better and would never think herself to be one. For she held the Elves in such high esteem, regarding them well for all the gifts they'd bestowed upon her kind and the island of Nmenor. For the land had truly been blessed, granted many things by the Valar, the Eldar. Every day she and her sister looked upon the trees her family was so fortunate to have so that they could make their living. With flushed cheeks, she moved along the stony corridor of the mansion, the walls dimly lit by candles every few feet as she swiftly made her way along it. Finally, she came upon a wooden door. Without hesitation, she pushed it open. Fallloth! came a startled voice. A beautiful woman with golden hair like the sun was sitting on a blue velvet chair. Next to her was a girl with wavy, dark tresses, her eyes like sparkling sapphires as she looked upon Fallloth. Sorry, mother, Fallloth spoke softly. I didn't mean to intrude so abruptly. She turned to look at the dark-haired girl who was clearly preparing for something, another younger woman assisting in dressing and accessorizing her. It's quite all right, Fall, the dark-haired girl then said. Nothing will ruin this day. Her pale face lit up and she began to hum the very familiar Lay of Hrin. Mriel, their mother spoke, the corners of her lips turning upward in a small smile. It's true! Soon he'll be here! Mriel exclaimed all too happily. And life will be wonderful! Sooner than you think, Fall interrupted. I was on top... You weren't on the roof again... their mother said with a sigh, though the smile she bore was still present. She shook her golden head and clasped her hands in her lap. Whatever are your father and I going to do with you? she asked, half to herself and half to her daughters. Maybe some time in Lothloren would do you some good. Fall's face lit up at the thought of spending time in the Elven haven. But she knew the time for that would have to wait. Now was Miri's time. Her older sister was about to wed and leave her home on Hyarrostar. Many changes were to come her way and who knew what married life would bring. Though, Miri had been ecstatic about this union for quite some time now, all songs and smiles ever since the agreement had been made. Mriel looked over at her handmaiden, Lossquet. The finishing touch will be those flowers I asked you to bring me. The raven-haired woman nodded and smiled. Loss had a way with plants, especially flowers and Miri had asked the woman to gather some off the Larunique trees. They were special trees to those who resided in Hyarrostar. At one time they were even thought to be trees of the Valar. Despite the fact that they were not, the beauty of their flowers were considered a true blessing, a most precious gift to bestow upon the island of Nmenor. The fragrance was especially sweet and their petals unusually soft to the touch. Nothing compared. And Miri wanted them to be a part of her outfit when she met her new family... her new husband. Of course, milady. I have gathered them just as you asked. Loss retrieved the flowers and placed them in Miri's hair. The flowers were a pale yellow, a nice contrast to the pale blue of her gown. Just then the door burst open and a large man thundered in. I heard you ladies chattering and knew it would be all right to enter, he stated plainly, though his cheeks bore the barest hint of a blush. Orod, the golden-haired woman said with a smile, her attempt at scolding him lost as her cheeks blushed. Slowly, she stood up and made her way to stand next to him. Orod took the golden-haired woman's hand in his own. Though she stood at a generous five foot nine, he still towered over her at his six foot five. The man embraced the golden woman tightly. Elanor, my lovely wife, he said. The large man stepped back, giving his wife a loving look before turning his blue gaze upon his two daughters. He gave a wink at Fall who just giggled and then he let out a sigh when his gaze fell upon Miri. You are a vision, he stated, a large hand moving to rake his fingers through dark hair barely touched with the signs of age. Thank you, father, Miri said softly. Fall's giggles got louder. She is a vision, though they'll soon be here! I was just atop the roof and... Again?! Orod exclaimed causing everyone to laugh. Elanor gave her youngest a knowing look. Fall just rolled her eyes. Yes. And they are coming. I saw them coming up the road. Miri smoothed out her skirts. I think I'll take a little walk before I go meet everyone. One last look out upon the sea to help calm my nerves, she said as her tummy began to flutter nervously. It'll do me some good. Elanor pursed her lips and Orod placed his hands firmly on Fall's shoulders. Oh, very well. Though don't be long. If Fall saw them, they it won't be long before they are here. A few moments to collect yourself at the very least, she said sternly. Miri nodded and excused herself. She walked out into the hallway and stared out one of the windows upon the sea. It was so calm and beautiful this time of year. Though she knew it wasn't something to take lightly or underestimate. The sea held beauty and treasures, but it also held horrors. She was very much aware of such things and hardly nave about the respect it deserved. Perhaps it was why she found it so beautiful, so beckoning. Maybe she longed for the dangers, the surprises... Once again, Miri started to hum the Lay of Hrin and with that the hums turned into soft singing. Slowly, her nervousness ebbed. She was about to meet the man she was betrothed to, the one she would love forever. The things he'd seen and done, the things he knew and could share. Truly this was a blessing and she would embrace the union with her heart, body, mind and soul.