The Pain of a Man (Prophesied Departure)



Thendryt was now in the infirmary, with the healers. It had been a fairly long few days as she recalled her first glimpse of his internal battles...

...

Rays of light began to climb over the mountain ridges, illuminating the Vale at dawn.  The air was cold, a gloom had set this morning that she could not place. Adanmiel made her way to depart, whistling for her steed, Llamreth. After a few moments, a horse trotted slowly down the stone pathway, greeting her friend. Adanmiel smiled softly and leapt upon Llamreth, bading her forth.

She looked forward to her daily escape into the upland woods of the Trollshaws, as she much preferred the company of the trees and the woodland animals. As she followed the path towards the valley gates, the silence was broken by the faint sound of crashing in the distance, coming from a small section of homes. Strange, she thought. Whispering softly to her steed, Llamreth whipped around, hastening towards the commotion.

As she came closer, the sounds began to become more isolated, emanating from one home. Llamreth paused, allowing Adanmiel to dismount. There was a dread upon the house as she approached, passing by the shut windows. Adanmiel could hear from within, the sounds of crashing. It was then she realized, this home belongs to Thendryt Morson.

Adanmiel came upon the front door. It was unlocked. She opened the door slowly, as if to not interfere with the matter at hand. Only as she stepped into the home did she realize the breadth of destruction. Furniture had fallen on the floor, broken glass and splintered wood littered throughout. Among the wreckage a man continued to rummage among his belongings. He looked pale and unearthly, as if he had fallen into a dream of dark shadow. His eyes were dilated, black as the night and unfocused. The man continued to pace the room, tossing his possessions, seemingly unaware, or perhaps, unconcerned with her presence.

Almost in a soft whisper, Adanmiel murmured, '... Thendryt?'

There was no answer. A chair flew across towards the wall. Backward she sprang as he knocked a large bookshelf over, it then collapsing upon hitting the floor. His motions appeared automatic, as if it had been practiced, repeated.

Her voice increased in volume, "Thendryt!"

She watched his movements closely, stepping over the scattered pieces of the fallen bookshelf. He continued, without hesitation, then sending a bottle of wine to the wall. The wall was now covered in a deep red, almost bloodstained. Adanmiel pursed her lips, her hand moving towards her bow. She tried once again.

"Wake up, Thendryt! Wake up from this daze!" Her voice, almost shouting.

Thendryt instinctively reached for his dagger that was hidden in his boot.

In an instant, Adanmiel pulled back on her bow string. Amin hiraetha, mellonamin, she thought to herself as she released an arrow. It flew swiftly, striking its mark and pinning Thendryt's right sleeve to the wall. Not a moment later, another arrow flew towards the other sleeve. His body tensed, struggling but unable to break free. 

He hissed at her, attempting to fling his body violently towards her as she approached. His hand held tightly to his dagger, trying to attack her. She said nothing, walking towards the flailing man. With all the compassion she could muster, Adanmiel embraced him. 

Suddenly, his muscles relaxed as his body sunk into her arms. She could feel his heartbeat, his breath was heavy and uneven. Gently, she removed the blade from his grip.

"Are you awake now?" she whispered. She felt him nod and took a step back. 

"You're okay."  

He sank to the floor, his tunic ripping. Adanmiel smiled softly and pulled her arrows from the wall. Her gaze dipped towards him; his eyes were no longer dark and cold, but sorrowful, full of lament.

"You needn't say anyting, mellon. Let me... help you clean up" she said kindly.  Adanmiel began to walk over the fragmented wood, picking up small pieces.

"Leave it..." Thendryt said feebly. However, she ignored his plea and continued. He rose slowly and approached her, once again.

"Could you get me some water, Adanmiel? There's a well just outside."

She turned around and contemplated his request. "Don't lock me out," she noted, frowning.

He shook his head. She made her way to the exit, leaving the door barely open to ensure he would keep his word. Slowly she pulled the bucket from the well, pouring a small amount in the glass. Taking a deep breath, she returned to him once more.

"Thend..."

She glanced frantically around the room. He was gone.