In a wrinkle of Time. Death Reigns.

[Aizreal]

So this was to be our Ideal World?

She ignored the way her hair crept up the back of her neck as she walked down the walls that had seen its share of bloodshed.

It war was fought and lost there a war that she had seen won for the master in which she served. It would have been justified if the ghost of the past would rise and run her from the halls she had no right to venture in. However in this day mercy and fairness where cast to the wind where the dead remained as they were, dust and bones that littered the stone ground that lay beneath her feet.


No fear would grind her stomach as she silently strolled down the corridor of a place that would eventually be forgotten, as the only life that ventured from the desolate place was her own.

Though even in the wake of the battle that had seen the inhabitants of this once prized and noble country scattered to the wind she still felt their humane stain drench the walls that seem to enclose her there. Closing her eyes she focused her energy in blocking the sounds of there tortured screams that would haunt every step she made.

She knew the price for her power it lay in jumbled heaps at her feet. The skeletal re-mains of those that were just innocent, kneeling down she picked up a skull her hands grazed over the surface her eyes studying it just like they studied everything they came in contact with.

A quick study told me that the victim had suffered a rather nasty blow to the head it injury would have no doubt spread his brains along the stone on which I stood though as orc’s were always hungry there would be no evidence of that or any other injury that plagued those that died that day.

Turning the skull slightly I felt my lips pull into a tight frown as the bone crumbled to dust in my hands. But that was to be there fate they were to be little more than dust in the wind.. Their songs, Their light, their laughter would die with them and all the would bend to the will of Sauron.

After all it was the fate that was told in my masters Seeing Stone. The race of men was as they had always been plagued with fear and that was as it was fear would keep them at bay, fear would keep there numbers down to what was controllable and eventually Fear would see the race of man lost and they would be little more than what drifted threw the halls dust and soft whispers that traveled on the soft breeze that kicked my hair off my shoulder with a bitter chill that caught my gasp in my throat..

That was not there before.. What caused this where was that chilled wind fueled from?

And just like that the feeling crept over me that feeling that I was not alone.

[boromir]

I watched the female warrior with a grim smile on my face. Is she with Sauron's army? I wondered, unsheathing my sword. We annihilated them in the afternoon and during the victory celebration, Father had requested my immediate departure to Rivendell for tomorrow morning. It was my confusion that took me riding this evening back towards the empty city on the river. Osgiliath: city of music and lore and light... newly-returned to a ruin after the horrific battle against the Orc army that had come to desecrate her buildings and kill her people.

Never again will the lands of my people fall into enemy hands. This city of Osgiliath has been reclaimed... for Gondor! For Gondor! For Gondor! The words echoed in my brain even as I watched her move about, lifting the skulls and watching them crumble into dust. Far too long have I watched, have I fought for her freedom from Orc occupation... and now that we've reclaimed Gondor's city on the river, I will not risk another before my things are packed for my long journey to the Elven city of Rivendell. All that should happen during the time I am gone away is clearing away the debris and the gore, rebuilding... restoring Osgiliath to its former beauty and grace. If she is a scout, I will kill her where she stands, no matter how impressed I am that a female fancies herself a warrior. I am the more formidable. I am the more skilled. I will not let her take this city away from my people. Not again.

"I am Boromir, Captain of Gondor!" I call out, resting all my weight on the balls of my feet, ready for a fight should she give one. "Identify yourself!"

[Aizreal]

The ghost of the past faded into there respected spots in history leaving me where I stood the reality of here and now whispered against my neck with it’s cold chill that made my skin pull into classic goose bumps. The sensation was considered a reward of survival as it was wonderful to feel alive un-like those who laid at my feet there stories forgotten.

I quickly remembered why my heart was racing as the feeling’s name resurfaced from the back of my mind its memory long and forgotten till now it seemed lots of pleasure could be felt from fear as it was my childhood was ruled by fear so it seemed only fitting that now fear was replaced with addictive thrill. So it came as not a big shock that even as her pulse raced there was no emotion in her face that be told of it.

Even though I sensed his presence as he creped up on me like something made of fog, there was nothing there that could prepare me for the face I would turn to see. I didn’t move with the quickness of a startled rabbit all movements were fluid as if made of water my feet made no sound as I turned to face my attacker. I felt my eyes push over him quickly though I knew my eyes deceived me as I would no doubt wear that well suited look of one who was predator by nature though as I glanced at him I quickly took in his features his stance all of which told me it would be wise to take some caution of defense however I didn’t, just a disgusted glare rested in my hazel eyes as the face before me called forth some lost memory of the past.

The hands of Time have the power to change lots of things they do not however pull out simple truths of our lives. The hands of time might have made him grow stronger and taller and it certainly made a man out of boy but it didn’t release shame I felt as I looked upon the face of man who’s castle floors I was forced to scrub as a child. Though I knew my presence there would be forgotten, well I had hopped it would be last thing I wanted to be remember for was a sprout of a girl who used to scrub his floors and empty his chamber pots..

Hearing his demand the only reaction I gave was a arch of an eyebrow slowly I reached down and drew the discarded sword that was at my feet sliding my foot over the skeletal hand that still held it I pried it loose of it’s grip. Tilting my head a small smile crept on to my face as my free hand lifted and motioned him forward.. Finally my voice broke the silence that separated us.

“ You talk where only action is required.. No wonder your men are dying”

[boromir]

I blink at her accusation, unable to process her bold cut at my leadership of Gondor's armies. I level my sword at her, narrowing my green eyes as I make a quick assessment of her.

Small. Lithe. More than likely, the female warrior is fast. The wolfish glint in her hazel eyes tells me that she does not mind killing. This shield-maiden is not to be underestimated, I think to myself. Her eyes ice as she sizes me up, her lips spreading into the thin double line of a grimace. Angry. Tense. She could make a mistake if she lets her emotions rule her. I do not kill women and children. I lower my sword, but do not sheathe it.

"I do not kill women and children. I am not that kind of man, nor am I that kind of warrior. Gather your things, and I will have you escorted back to the White City, or to the border. Either way, this city has been cleared, and she waits now to be restored to her former beauty." I lift my chin, smiling at the Gondor flag flying high on the broken tower. "It is not safe yet, which means that citizens have no place inside her walls just yet."

[Aizreal]

I looked at him not even my breath changed so often the weight of pressure crumbled most but after all I wasn't like most. My birthright had been graced with different meaning I was no longer a commoner forced to do his bidding or follow his orders. I was sort of shocked that he thought differently.

Feeling my annoyance grow as he arrogantly reminded me of the station of life he thought I should be accepting. Little did he know that regardless of what you were in this world you had to fight by sword or you would indeed fall by it.

Auburn corkscrews pulling free from the braid that binded them giving her heart shaped face a look of innocence that was very deceptive of her nature. The hazel eyes of hers cold and malice as ever as softly with proper language reminded him that it was never wise to assume anything when your facing down an enemy.

"I'm not under protection of Gonder. NOR do I wish to serve it's mock king.." My words picked for the strength of it's venom looking for a fight with my insult I added quickly with hopes that he would be pressaded for a fight that would see him a traitor to his own oath.

[boromir]

I growl at the shieldmaiden's persistence in this game of hers, baiting me, son of Gondor, into a battle. What would she have if not her venom? What would she do without the snarl that curled up her lip? What would she look like in a gown? This last thought amuses me as I gaze upon her taut form, causing my lips to turn up towards my ears. Sheathing my sword, I keep my hand fixed on its hilt as I call out, "I do not ask you to stay under the protection of Gondor, shieldmaiden. I do not ask you to serve my father, the steward. I ask only that you leave Osgiliath. It is not safe here amidst her crumbling walls. Please, I will ask you this one last time to exit before I am left no other choice but to use force to remove you from here."

I know, instinctively, that she will not obey my indirect order. I know, instinctively, that she will attempt to force me to break my own code of honor. I also know, just from the sneer on her lips as she looks upon me, that she holds a hatred of me deep in her core, one I know not where it comes from or from where it was birthed. I hold her stare, a chill running up my spine as a face flashes through my memory. But I was only a child-- I had no knowledge of what it meant to-- those eyes! I could never forget those eyes!

"Aizreal?" I gasp, brow furrowed.

[Aizreal]

Which un-settled my nerves more the fact the he had taken to staring or the fact that he had that telling smirk plastered on his face. I don’t know when I had become so paranoid and it wasn’t really important as it just was the fact that I had at some point taken to that shroud of weakness.

My eyes narrowing as I felt the need to defend myself as I felt the blunt of his skeptical glance trace over my features the very feeling of his penetrating glance made me shudder as I didn’t like being on display particularly since I had just escaped from that fate of being a permeate fixture for ones amusement and it’s bounds did nothing but fuel my thirst to concur all in hopes that when I had I would find the one thing that had alluded me for the entirely of my life. My independence was it possible to be addicted to an idea or a dream. To thirst for something that was nonexistent? Regardless of its possibility I ached for it and it’s release.

Watching him as he sheathed his sword an insult as he obvious wouldn’t have done such a thing if he considered me a worthy opponent. My eyes fell to focus on that single act even locking on to the sheathed sword at his side as I felt his attempts to pull control of the situation from my hands it seemed his arrogance wouldn’t serve him well as it would be a rather nasty fight as I had tasted it and now I was willing to fight for it.

Quirking my head up a bit something that just made me look more like defiant I smiled sweetly though the thoughts that echoed in my mind where cruel and deadly.

“Never wise to lower your guard particularly when the other person means you no good. The innocent blood of the fallen women of your land should be evidence of what doing that causes” Rising my sword I went to strike him down however his timing couldn’t have been more perfected it seemed the clouds of time have evaporated to reveal a face of the past for the man that stood before me now.. Too bad it was a face that was content at hiding and didn’t want to be remember.. Try as I might I couldn’t hide the shock or the embarrassment that flushed my cheeks though hearing my own name on his lips did cause something of good this time when I raised my sword I was twice the strength as what was an annoying boy was transferred to Hated Man.

[boromir]

((I sort of power-played Aizreal a bit... had to... feel free to PP Boromir if you need to in your post! ))

As she came at me, swinging her sword down in a powerful arc, I barely had the time to bring my own up to redirect her blow. I used her own momentum against her, bringing my blade down and my shieldarm up to keep her from gashing my chest. She spun on her heel, putting her back to me as I followed her movement with my sword... smiling as it tickled the skin of her throat, causing her back to stiffen. I didn't pretend to think she was actually afraid; the Aizreal I remembered from my childhood had been transformed into a powerful shieldmaiden. I didn't give in to the pretense she threw up of being powerless, but I did cackle in her ear, whispering, "I know that is not all you have in you, Aizreal. It may have been for the servant girl in my father's house, but I know it is not for the shieldmaiden pretending to be helpless in my arms."

A growl erupted from her throat as she spun around in my arms, whipping a dagger out to slash it at my throat. I slam the face of my shield hard against her chest, throwing her back a few feet. I smile triumphantly when it also causes her to lose her purchase on her sword, which goes skittering across the ground. I cock my head to one side, murmuring, "Are you going to end this temper tantrum now? Or are you in possession of a death wish, Aizreal? I have no quarrel with you... all I wanted was to remove you from the ruins. They are not safe, lady."

I did not lower my sword or my shield this time as I waited for her answer.

[Aizreal]

I had tasted the reaction that I had hoped for. He was reduced to acting in violence knowing the truth that shield maiden or not it wasn’t in his blood to see me meet a grim fate. I knew that with him it would be considered a less than honorable kill seeing as I was just a weak worthless woman.

It was the way of that world it seemed, its festering slanted ways being the death of those who still clung to the old ways. As just with everything when you fight progression you tend to become extinct. It was with my own hatred and prejudices that I struck at him so severely which was not to my best judgment something I knew as I became winded with my own carelessness.

It seemed that somewhere in the mess of things I somehow managed to loose my sense of priorities, where getting threw the twisted ruins to the center dwelling to recover a personal article was pushed to side lines as a new priority took its place. That priority was to see the whites of his eyes as I strike him down. (oh the loss of control, that alone will shame her)

The feeling of loss of control as I lost my weapon. This was far to much for me to bare it was one thing to stumble and trip over something but it was just to much to be rendered weaponless. However he would have to be a fool to think I would settle to remain that way. However it was was with his cruel taunt that I really felt the sting of fury hit me as turned turned to look up at him my normally coal grey eyes flashed with a shimmer of blue as the dim light of a dying day hit them. Trying with all my might I pushed against him this time it was either by his will or by my strength that I won use of my hands which upon first ability disappeared into my clothes. It was a grievous oversight on his part but if he survived he would no doubt learn from it.

Looking at him and with a cold furious hiss I spat at him.. It wasn’t till the end of my little words did I allow my voice drip with mocking that was meant to be demeaning.

“The only way you will ever get me from here is if you Pry it from my cold dead hand. “ With that said I hurled the dagger at him with such power that when it did hit a target (granted it was the wrong one) it protruded out the shield meant to protect him. I stood glaring for several seconds annoyed at the fact that it was possible to miss someone’s eyes by only inches and they still have the ability to be harm free.

I stood before him completely weaponless and judging from the look on his face it was horrible position to be in as mounting on a pike was beginning to look more appealing with each step he took to close the gap between them. Doing what I had should have done instead of surveying his face for possible suggestions of weaknesses I scrambled in search of my sword. And the fight that erupted for the sword was a vicious one till he had my sword pinned beneath his foot and me just inches from it.. Being flipped over, will more like the feeling of steel ended boot forcing me to flip onto my back. Though if I was ever asked about what occured it would be that I flipped onto my back of my own free will and did it to set myself up some brilliant move. Feeling the blade of his sword tickle against my skin. I watched the look on his face the sheer arrogance that he held when he looked down at me his blade threatening my ribs I felt my blood run cold.

Looking up into his victorious glance I did the most un-honorable thing imaginable but it was something he should have seen coming as my fingers wraped around the blade of his sword and with a sharp thrust drove the hilt of his sword up and racked him very hard with his own sword. Watching him sway , I felt my first taste of victory against this personal enemy that I had allowed to creep in and steal my focus so it was with a victorious smirk I shoved his foot off my sword and with great effort as the heavy hilt seemed to slide in the crimson blood that fell from my finger the open wounds ignored for the time being as all that mattered to me was that I get to do what was laborious for my body as pointed my blade at his chest..

“like I said you talk when only action is required.. Was a slow learn then, is a slow learner now.. Shocked you lived this long..”

[sorsha]

My eyes narrowed as i glanced apon this scene. Why waste time fighting men while orcs were still at large? I questioned myself. I drew myself up to my full (considerably small) size, which gave me a fair impression of the size and allegiance of one man. This, i think, was Boromir, whom i both admired and scorned. I believed that Boromir would have recieved my full praise if he had not been of noble blood. His duty was to fight, and i hated that. This other woman was dishonourable, but i felt my heart wrench as i remembered how i had been the same before Bradvaak had taught me. This was ridiculous! The woman was not in proportion of Sauron!

I slowly drew my sword, and tenderly walked over. My fire red hair caught the early morning rays of that ever beautiful sun. "How long till the Sun grows dark?" I murmured to myself. I took my helmet from my Stallions saddlepouch, and jammed it on my head.

Men were to arrogant, too assuming. I thought immediatly. Yet as i am indeed of thier blood, i am not of thier nature or spirit. I could feel a cruel breeze playing with my curls, and instinctivly brushed thin air away.

I was now a few metres away from the battle, my heart slamming mercilessly into my armoured chest. A glimmering sword of my mentor was grasped in my hand. "What is the meaning of this battle?" I asked, mouth set in a defenite scowl. "I know you my lord, i have heard of your valour." My legs bent in a bow. "But it seems victory is sweet, but short lived?" I mocked. You could see that i was a freind, sadistic and unfaithful, but still a friend. "Seems you found finally an equal opponant!" I said, and turned to the woman. My sword was raised, but then i did a strange action, which was running my finger against the obviously sharp blade. A blossom of red blood spread across my hand, which at the sight of i did not flinch. "Damned idiot" I mutttered to myself. A whistle pealed across the field, and my horse trotted from the forest.

I took a shirt from his saddlebag, and tore a bit off to serve as a bandage.

[boromir]

I utilize this moment of interruption to my advantage, though pain still flares white-hot in my loins, whipping the pommel of my sword across Aizreal's temple hard. When she slumps, I growl to myself, hating that she forced my hand but not knowing what else to do. The city must empty. Her walls are not safe. Osgiliath will return to her former beauty, but her streets will not be safe until her walls can be rebuilt. Lifting the shieldmaiden to my shoulder, I carry her to my horse and toss her over the saddle before tying her wrists and ankles. Mounting my steed, I ride back towards the White City's first level gates, shaking my head in utter confusion of what all just occured.

The guards open the gates, calling loudly, "The Lord of Gondor has returned! The Lord of Gondor has returned!"

I sigh, the familiar sounds of my horse's shoes on the cobblestones almost relaxing me. Aizreal... she was so quiet, kept her own confidence. She never once caused even a single disturbance while in Father's employ. Now she is this... bitter... jaded... hateful... shieldmaiden with nary a care towards honor? I shake my head at my musings, realizing that I am nearing the seventh level.

"Boromir!"

I smile, hearing my little brother's voice call out my name. "Faramir! I have need of you before I take my leave. This girl-- she needs be jailed and questioned. I have questions as to whether or not she is in league with the enemy. I found her within the walls of Osgiliath."

As Faramir's men take Aizreal from my saddle, I focus my emerald eyes on her slight form. "Never take your eyes off of her. She has become wily... and wicked. Also, Faramir... there is some sort of female just within Osgiliath's walls. I do not believe she is of her own mind."

[sorsha]

I gasped at this evedent breach of honour, my heart screaming for me to smite this pretender, he could not be the Lord that was known for his mercy! I swung my saddlebag over the slight form of my shoulder, and walked to the city gates. *hmmm* I thought. "Aizreal. I have heard the name, in a dream perhaps?" But then i snorted. Since when was i the poetic type?
My amber eyes swirled as my ears danced with the music of trumpets. "Oh no! No you don't!" I cried. "NO!" Every muscle in my body screamed in fear, music! But the silver trumpets, so soothing. I crumpled, helpless in a dead faint.