Adunabel lay on the floor, coughing and trying to stand up weakly before another smack from a staff struck his face once more, dropping him to the cold stone floor once more. He shook slightly as he wept, tears flowing from his face as he lay upon the floor unable to move, her laughter filling the room.
"Such a pity, you have lasted longer than the others, my fun with you is nearing its end I am afraid. Their hearts were not as strong as they thought, such shame. None have lasted long as their hearts have been torn from their bodies, they twitch here and writh there, never more to roam..."
She laughed wildly and spun around in the room, the dim light barely shining upon the glistening upon the walls, what seemed like crimson trailing down slowly. The bodies of the three rangers sprawled in a corner, their ribs crudely gashed open. She tilted his head and looked down at Adunabel with hiss.
"WHERE IS THE HUNTER?! WHERE!"
She smacked him furiously with the staff, kicking him and laughing as he muttered under his breath.
"Ni-bêthi zâir anNi, kâ bâ ki-sâphdi ya!"
The woman seemed to infuriated at the language, kicking him over and leaning down to grip his chest and hisses at his face.
"Do not tempt me dunadain, I have killed your brothers, I will kill you to. We do not need you to find him, we can find him in time. Speaking now will bring your suffering to an end and finally releasing you from your wretched body.."
Adunabel offered a faint smile, shaking his head slowly 'no'.
Cynraede wondered through bree, irritated as he had just finished arguing with one of the hunters that was looking for fur. To him, these people knew nothing of good furs, strong hides or savoury meats. He just needed coin and wanted to get back to Duramarth's house. Though in his heart he missed the wilds, wondering where Adunabel and the others were now. Could they be feasting with the one who they call chieftain? Dining under the stars and shadowy night, the breeze running through the trees, it almost put him to sleep at the thought. Waking up as he was staggered back by some one shoving his shoulder, scoffing and turning around to see the man laughing at him, stopping and tilting his head.
"Aw, looky 'ere. Teensy lil' pup with a satchel oer shoulder just fer mum!"
Cynraede tilted his head, which at first was trying to decide how he could kill the man in the crowd, wondering how long it would take him to get to the exit before the guards arrived. He tilted his head, a faint grin upon his lips as he discarded the thought, looking about the mans trappings and laughed, forcing a smile as he adjusted the pack.
"Forgive me my friend, I am new here. I do not wish to make enemies, go, have a drink and settle your nerves."
The man laughed and shoved his friend, nodding his head firmly and walked to the tavern upon the hill, muttering to his friend.
"See, them strange folk think they can come in 'ere! I'll show em who's boss!"
The hunter sighed and shook his head, turning to walk back to Arrowhaven. He thought to himself as he walked, hoping to maybe see her out and about, unconsciously smiling as he did so. He could feel the stone upon his chest, closing his eyes softly as he whispered to himself.
"Ant gîn vîr mi 'ûr nîn"
He continued to walk to Arrowhaven, his head lowered as he watched the ground. Wondering what Adunabel would say if he could see him, cleaned up and neatly shorn, smiling at the mere thought.
