[Arien]

"Alethea, see to it that you meet your friend today. I want word spread quickly of Rhir's death and I can think of no better pit of gossiping vipers than Pelien's household. Dryea, you are to remain here to receive any who come with their condolences. I want the lords and ladies of Minas Tirith gulled by nightfall."

Alethea turned swiftly and headed straight to the door, her mother had angered her a great deal; although she found that she could not argue with her. She could never win a fight with her mother. Her palm pushed the door open and she headed to the garden; she would take a walk and collect her thoughts. Alethea had left without biding farewell, however it was not to be expected; the heat between the three had grown fierce these past days.

And there were lots to be gathered. Either her mother or Dryea had killed Rhir. She desperately tried to think of which one as she swept out on to the garden path; not Dryea surely. She loved him, but one was never sure of what Dryea could do. Her mother would suit the killers profile better; she was ambitious, too ambitious at times but when Alethea thought of it. No her mother couldn’t of.

Ruiel had indeed taken advantage of his death and commanded Alethea to spread the rumours but she was hardly going to do such a thing. And the way he mother talked about Adrama like that! Alethea was not going to use her, she would never dream of doing that. But that trivial meeting seemed to have pushed Alethea to the edge.

She had promised herself if she could find one spark of even some integrity, decency in her family then she would not tell Adrama for all the riches in the world.

Alethea still loved them; but they had gone to the extreme. Her mother and sister showed none of their true warmth that she had yearned for them to reveal, they were as cold as ice and their hearts as solid as granite. She would enlighten Adrama to her predicament and she would see what her reactions would be. Alethea was at a loss of what to do and she dearly hoped that

Adrama might have at least some idea.

Alethea sat down on a bench along the path; the sun shone lightly on her face and warmed her a little. It was cold out side but the chill of the wind was a fire compared to the chill she felt from her mother. The sweet smell of flowers surrounded her, and bright colours danced across the flowerbeds. Chirping birds were busy across the garden and the soft hum of the life outside of the estate could be heard, just.

“Alethea!” Came a voice from the right, she turned round and was greeted by Meirelle.

She was still in her shawl and carried a basket in her hands. She had obviously just returned from her duties.

“Alethea,” she said again coming up to her. Alethea stood and greeted her. “I have sent it, she should get it soon….”

Meirelle paused momentarily looking upon Alethea’s face. “Have you been crying?” She inquired.

Alethea was shocked at what she said, but when she wiped her hand across her cheek damp salty tears met her fingers.

“Why yes I have,” she said solemnly, “Thank you Meirelle.” The girl nodded and made her way back to the manor without any more questions. Alethea was glad at this; she did not feel like answering any.

Alethea returned to her seat and sighed, “So now tears fall with no heed to my wishes, am I so broken, so hurt that this can happen?” she whispered to herself. And she was; she could not believe what was happening. Her whole world was collapsing around her. Her mother treated her a material position to be used when convenient. And all communication with her sister was lost.

Alethea longed to go back to happier days…but what happier days? Was it not true that it had always been this was, just she had never had the sense to argue against the dishonest nature of her kin. She had been too scared of them, too timid and too foolish to admit the ones she loved were wicked.

Her whole life had been wrong, she was forced to do these things; but she had never rebelled against them. Alethea was so frustrated with herself, tears started to flow again with out her knowledge till one fell onto her palm. Alethea unconsciously wiped it away on her dress and stared blankly ahead.

Tears she had shed over her plight, but what of the plight of Gondor if she did not tell someone? And could she even bring herself to tell someone? She hated them; but loved them and her heart could not bring itself to tell anyone. And Alethea hated herself for it.

She was so confused and now the tears blurred her eyes. And the small knife that lay beneath her dress looked incredibly welcoming. She pulled it from its tiny sheath. She had always carried it, but she had never been attacked; or had a chance to use it. Its steely point glimmered gently in the suns brilliance, its sharp edge catching sparkling light. Alethea toyed with knife for a few moments and the grasped it firmly by the handle. She drove it down, down into the wooden bench and released her hand almost instantly as if were on fire.

This was getting beyond horrid, she needed to talk to Adrama.

[ September 23, 2003: Message edited by: Arien ]