Mistress of the Fellowship (LOTR)

* 22 * Twisted

"Ryker!" Aragorn's voice shouted. "Ryker get up! We must go! We must run! Get on your feet and fly!"

It seemed effortless to arise and follow the ranger and even in her weakened state she found herself being tireless as she kept perfect pace with the man until suddenly he turned to her and took her hands in his and came close. He looked deep into her eyes and said, "I made an oath... a promise long ago. There was a prophesy telling of a shield maiden in this time emerging from the ashes... I made a vow to marry her... I made a vow to wed you... I will admit at first I was appalled and was angered with myself after I met you and the outcome of the kingdom but when I saw you again at the council I forgot everything for a moment. I only saw you and knew that I wanted to you. I want to be your husband. I want you to be my queen. Queen of Gondor."

This completely surprised Ryker as she stared at him not believing what she was hearing. Queen of the white city? A ruler of men? A wife? Mother? Things she had never dreamed or so much as thought about. Unlike most women she never thought of being a mother for she had so much death in her past that her trail was a river of blood that could only haunt and put a child in harm's way. Being a wife she knew she was not fit for the role of being in one place, dependent on someone, and honestly she was not sure she could allow herself to love anyone for her heart had been broken too many times by love.

Aragorn saw her confusion and made her look into his eyes which were full of reassurance, longing, and... love. A love so passionate she found herself hesitant. Aragorn took this opportunity and pulled her closer. She closed her eyes and ever so gently he kissed her eyelids and said, "Be mine forever my love. I will show you true happiness."

She looked up at him not sure what to say and somehow she heard her voice whisper, "I will."

Aragorn smiled at her and took her by the hand and lead her away.

Deep in the forest Aragorn wrapped her in his arms and held her close. A gesture she was a stranger to and was not sure as to how to react. He kissed the top of her head and then handed her a flower, an evening blossom, in which for some reason sent a pain through her shoulder where he wound was healing. "Stay right here. I have a surprise for you." He said and gracefully he let her go, leaving her there with odd sensations rampaging throughout her body.

Was she in love?

The thought seemed preposterous but yet she couldn't help but wonder if she was just denying it. Denying herself happiness.

She did not dwell on the thought long for before she knew it a party of Haradrim was upon her. Too many at once were there. How could she have let down her guard? Her eyes rapidly glanced every way possible, desperately looking for an escape until her eyes rested upon... Aragorn. The ranger was up a tree watching... he... he had lead her into a trap!

Through signs with his hands he told her that this was the only way he could defeat Sauron. The Haradrim wanted her for the death of their king and one of their sorcerers. This exchange or rather, handing over the murderer Ryker, was to sway the people onto the side of men to fight for middle earth.

As soon as he finished relaying his message she felt pile build up into her throat for she knew what was to come... ruthless rape, torture of every kind by hand and machine, lingering life without a soul, a body unable to die.

She looked up again and he was gone but in the next tree she saw an elf... Legolas watching her with saddened eyes as he witnessed the betrayal of the warrior woman. Her heart bled as she felt the pain in which he eyes radiated. In her mind she heard his voice say, "I will end your suffering now if you wish. I can make it end before a hand may be laid upon you."

In reply she said, "I have failed."

Legolas studied her for a moment before saying, "Your fate was never one of joy. Too much blood had been spilled by your hand, too many enemies to count nip at your heels for too long and they have now caught up to you. But you must make a choice now. Choose how legend will remember... A slow miserable death in which fills the with joy as they witness your gruesome suffering or the valiant death by the race of elves. A death that will be celebrated as the triumphant end to a blood lusting girl."

The words made her freeze. Legolas then smiled and twirled in his fingers... a green dragon leaf. "You should not have killed an elf my beauty."

She knew who he spoke. The elf in which she had killed had been a part of the ones which planned the massacre of her people.

She closed her eyes and prepared for the twisted end...