The drops of blood fell like pouring rain. She would never forget witnessing death for the very first time. Gwaedhiell had been eight winters. A child is but a child, why would one wish for anyone to die? Innocence and purity are often mixed in with the spirit of a young one. Although the world was already a cold and unforgiving place; she realized threats were not always so far away. It could be within one's very own homeland. Her heart was stained that day, for the man that had died was young himself. A knight sworn to protect a family that could care less for his life. Save the little one that witnessed it.
He had just recently achieved his knighthood and as his first task; he was to escort the girl into the market. He had an aura that displayed both kindness and hardened discipline. Many would still deem him a boy, but to an eight year old child he was a man worthy of respect. He had been but sixteen years, the very age in which she would later depart Gondor. He was possibly the youngest one to achieve his position at the time. Fresh in face and had soft blue eyes just like her's. He introduced himself as Ser Amfrid, he knelt down before the girl and smiled. "This day I am your sword and your shield young Lady. I promise no ill will come to you, so long as I still breathe. " Her little eyelashes lowered to the ground, intimidated by his height. The young knight seemed thoroughly amused at the girl's shyness, the irony was thick as she was a child of course. But her standing had still demanded that he call her Lady nevertheless and she was the one he would protect. "Tell me to rise and I will rise, your word is my command." She could not bring herself to speak; with the wave of her tiny hand. She motioned for him to rise and he did as she had commanded. Together the two left the courtyard of the estate, exiting through the main gate. She did not get to leave her family's halls often and with her studies done for the day, she had been grateful for the opportunity to browse in the marketplace. Like any child she had wondered at what toys and trinkets would await her. When they had arrived, in her glee she sprinted ahead to look at a display of trinkets. The child slipping quickly away from her protection in the midst of the crowded market.
Much to her terror she felt a hand clamp over her mouth as she went to look at the toys. The merchant at the display, fearing more for his own life than the safety of the child. Her little feet dragging against the ground as she resisted against her own free will, when the abductor carried her off. Soon the two arrived in what appeared to be an abandoned warehouse at the far end of the tier. In which there were six other men; broad shouldered were each of them and they had donned the sigil of House Landgrave. A crescent moon stitched into the sleeves of their armor. House Hestian's was a Sun. Light and Shadow always would collide after all. Her abductor dropped her to the ground. But he would not lay a hand on the girl, none of them would. But the men surrounded her in a circle, in the cobwebbed room. "Keep her unharmed. Until someone comes to collect her. This will be leverage no doubt." The first man stated. She knew none of their names and did not care to ask, lowering her head and curling her knees to her chest. She would not dare make a sound. Fear crept into her fragile heart; and no sooner than she had curled her knees to her chest. She heard the door fall to the ground, Ser Amfrid had arrived. His features panicked as he noted his charge in the darkened warehouse, cornered by six men. Drawing his sword he faced his adversaries "Release the child." Despite his proper form as he drew the blade, there was a tenseness in his eyes. He was but a boy himself, facing men of unknown skill. But he had to try, he earned this. It was time to prove himself once more for good or ill. The six parted and one planted a boot on top of the child's head "Another step and the girl dies." A great sword pointing downward at her neck as the foot kept her head in place. Gwaedhiell's eyes were filled with tears and she shrieked as the blade was pressed towards her neck. The knight looked calmly between the six opponents. He remained in his position and leaned down taking a knife from his plated boot. Throwing the knife between the first man's eyes, he collapsed to the ground dead and the great sword dropping just inches away from Gwaedhiell.
Her small body shaking in terror and she scrambled away from the five left standing. "Wait for me outside! Run Gwaedhiell!" Her ordered. Running outside she waited for what seemed to be hours. A city guard found her shaking body and inquired of her what had happened. They both returned to the abandoned wear house and stumbled across a grim sight. House Landgrave's men were dead, blood leaking in pools. A gaping wound in each of their chests and legs, it would seem the boy had disabled their legs first and sent a sharp stab to their chests. There he lie on his last knee, gasping for breath. The knight's wounds were grave, it appeared that they had been there before he cut down his enemies. Becoming equally dangerous with what adrenaline he had left. Smiling at Gwaedhiell as she entered "Don't cry for me, I did my duty and you're safe. Live on little one." After speaking those words he fell to the ground next to his adversaries. Several arrows had pierced his leg and one lie in his heart. That day will forever be engraved into her mind. All because of a single title, a good man had to die. She ran to his body and cried until taken back to her parents. In which didn't seem too surprised by the Endeavour. Lady Hestian briefly held her daughter "Men will die in our name. Learn this quickly, for this will not be the first. He was but a knight and he did his duty. You are safe now and be grateful for your life."
Her word's cold, the only comfort she would gain was a smile from her nanny at the time. The old woman holding her close after her Ladyship left. She wept bitterly into her apron and did not sleep well that evening.
