Lanbriel felt herself fighting off the hope that she knew she had. It was either a tiny chance of life, or a longer while to live, or a useless and stupid death-punishment that she would have no chance to escape. She thought back to the time before she left her cabin. The overseer came in, and glared at her. The look obviously meant only that she would get chosen, and she would escape the punishment, but someday he would pay her back.
She snapped back to reality when she realized that Lord Ekatran was about to call the next quarry.
"Number 19204, section 5, Lanbriel."
At that moment, she didn't even hear that he said her name. While he had been talking, she had been focusing everything on one thought: I must get chosen.
She only opened her eyes after hearing the "ohs!" and "aahs" all around her. She only realized that she had been called when a guard kicked her in the shins and hollered at her to get going.
After what seemed like ages, she managed to get to the platform, and standing next to all the other slaves announced proudly:
"I am the sixth chosen, O Lord, and I shall be quarry for your hunt."
Lord Ekatran seemed to be a bit surprised by her bravery, and gave her a silent, 'Your bravery won't stay for long' look. Then he went on with the ritual.
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The world was young, the mountains green. No stain yet on the moon was seen. No words were laid on stream or stone, When Durin woke and walked alone...
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