Thread: Life's Journey (The_Gladiator & darkangel76)

Rhonwhyn tossed and turned in her lumpy bedso different from what she was used to back at the Trine Temple of Gomgorothdesperately trying to get a restful night's sleep... for once. But it was of no use. Not once since leaving the temple had she managed to sleep well. She supposed part of that was due to the excitement of embarking on her long anticipated pilgrimage while another part, a larger part, was due to all the fears she harbored inside. To say she was frightened to be outside the safety of the walls of her keep was an understatement. Terrified was a better word. As she sat up in the darkened room, she pushed her platinum hair out of her face, her pale eyes straining in the dim light to find the door across the way. Just then, a shiver ran along Rhonwhyn's spine. Her body shuddering, she brought her hands up and ran them along her arms as if trying to warm herself. But it was of no use. She couldn't get rid of the goose bumps forming on her alabaster flesh, stark against the darkness of the room. Looking back over at the door, she knew that Torth stood on the other side guarding where she slept. The man had volunteered to accompany her on this potentially perilous journey of self-realization and discovery as she traveled the many towns of the kingdom of Ersheath. Belbarren, the tiny town Rhonwhyn found herself in at the moment was nestled deeply within the woods, almost isolated from the hustle and bustle of civilized life. She supposed there was some charm to such a lifethe peace, the solitude and quiet. But, she couldn't help but feel the hairs on the back of her neck rise as jolts of adrenaline coursed throughout her body as she'd traversed through the main roads of the town, with Torth by her side, as they'd sought to find shelter for the duration of their stay. The people had looked at them both, their eyes lingering a bit longer than she'd have liked. She recalled how she'd reached for Torth's hand for reassurance, but the man had brushed her aside, bringing his hand to his hip and settling it upon the handle of his sword resting there. A part of Rhonwhyn felt hurt by Torth's gesture. But he'd alleviated that by pulling her close, understanding her need for touch and reassurance that he was there for her no matter what. She'd appreciated the bold and blatant act, something that would speak volumes to those watching them as they moved through the crowd of onlookers. Smiling, she'd looked up at him, her expression one of gratitude. Sitting in her bed, Rhonwhyn, pushed her blankets off her tiny body and swung her legs over the side and let them dangle for a moment. The filmy blue material of her gown flowed over her curves like a gentle waterfall, hugging and flattering, accentuating every feature that was her. Finally, she slid off the bed and stood barefoot on the wooden floor. Shivering, she quietly padded toward the door and placed her hand on the handle. Slowly, she opened the door and peeked outside. Arching a brow, she felt her breath catch in her throat as her heart skipped a beat. Torth was gone. He wasn't there. He'd left his post without warning. Swallowing hard, Rhonwhyn felt her mouth suddenly go as dry as a desert. Licking her lips in vain, she wondered where he might have gone without informing her first and foremost. But nothing came to mind. That, in turn, made her worry. Troubled, she slipped further out into the hallway. Everything seemed so dark, so quiet. As she peered up the one way toward where she knew the stairs were she suddenly went stock-still. Just then, a large hand moved over Rhonwhyn's mouth while another came around her body, pulling her close toward something hardclearly the one standing behind her. Don't move or even try to scream, milady, or I'll slit your throat. She could feel his breath against her ear, her cheek as he spoke and then the sound of him sniffing as he took in her scent. Mmm, like lavender. Tell me, priestess, just how worldly are you? Rhonwhyn could feel her entire body shaking as she quaked in the grasp of her captor. She dared not speak, but she twisted her head slightly so as to look into the eyes of the one holding onto her body. Already tears were flowing as her heart pounded hard beneath her breast. She just hoped Torth was all right, that he hadn't been hurt. Meanwhile, in another room off the hallway, Torth received a small purse of gold. He smiled as it was placed in his greedy hands. She'll satisfy, I'm sure, he replied coolly. Clean and perfect for what you'll want of her. You couldn't ask for anything more pure. The likes of her don't come often or cheap. He nodded at the man, his smile broadening as he clutched his gold, making it jingle as he held onto it. Back outside in the hall, Rhonwhyn just wished she would faint, that somehow she could wake up from this nightmare and be back in her bed in Gomgoroth. But, that wasn't going to happen and now she had no idea what fate had in store for her, what her goddess, Brigantia, had in store for her... Now, you come with me and you're real education in life and the world can begin, the man said to Rhonwhyn, his hands grabbing at her body and hair as he began to drag her away down the hall and away from where Torth received his gold.