Cataclysmic noises skimmed over the patter of their feet as they slipped between the knotted trees. While moonlight gingerly nestled her pale fingertips underneath the folds of cloth covering their faces. With silent hearts and ghostly silhouettes they marched over the bramble of their home; the smell of fire lingering in their nostrils and creating a picture of ash.

Tides of sadness overcame them, their hearts beating rapidly in apprehension of what was to come. The soft fwap of wings could be heard overhead and soft cries directing their movements fell form the sky. Twilight turned towards the slight rise of color, bleak colors morphing into a lively, sunrise blue.

"Do you think they're all right?" her voice sparked with compassion as she looked overhead; her eyes catching the glint of the morning sun.
"I do not know, my lady."

Silence enraptured both figures again as they passed through the arches of trees, entwined tightly against one another; creating a doorway. The sing-song voices of birds wove through the air as dawn gripped the ground, awakening from slumber and pulling herself into the sky. Teardrops from morning fairies, mourning over lost lovers, coated the grass with forlorn memories.

The hiss of fire scratched a requiem with deaf melodies, singing, without ears, to those within range of it's song. Shivers ran up unprotected spines and lips froze with watered words trimming delicate tongues. With hastened steps they fluttered towards a cobbled path, dusted with crisp leaves and fallen ash.

"Master Túrien, what if they are not there?"

"Do not fret my lady, they will be unharmed," the lie stung his tongue like a poisoned drink. He swallowed the words; they felt like pointy rocks sliding down his throat, growing thicker every moment. He shook his head to clear the tears from his eyes and the small droplets fell soundlessly to the ground.

Lavender skies were painted across the frothy clouds; the scent of burnt homes resounded along the innocent skies. The cool touch of morning sank into Túrien's skin as they walked along the worn path; eyes always fixed ahead. With quick, jerky movements he scanned the land around him; his eyes rested on a group of shadows walking up the path.

They strode forward with a wide, relentless gait; apparently not heeding of those who shared the same path. Their voices were bound in rough, harsh tones as they laughed at others despair while carving fear into those close enough. Túrien gave a quick glance to Eärwen and he motioned her to step to the side--hoping that they would not trifle with them.

With a quick nod she teetered off the stones, her soft steps colliding with the wet grass. She cast her eyes forward, as if to defy the men, for something about them disturbed her. Their jeering mockery welled within her ears as they grew closer and she could see the hunger for confrontation in their eyes.

"Well what have we got here?" the size of his voice was amplified by his gangling movements.

Their eyes were drawn to the weapons and colors they donned--that of the Clan Gûron. With a shifting frown Lord Túrien gazed at their unshaven faces; brimming with the hint of drink. They walked in a drunken synchronicity and laughed loudly at each others clumsy movements; each one patting the other on the back as one of them tripped.

A leer rested on one man's features as the men approached them; the sound of their thick boots slapping against the cobblestone path sending warning into Eärwen's heart. With cobwebbed voices they surrounded Eärwen and Túrien while capturing them with their words and ensnaring them in a merciless stare.

"We mean no trouble," Túrien said, fervently glarring at the men; his eyes lined with a hidden anger.

"You are not from these parts," the man said licking his lips and looking over Eärwen with lustful eyes, "You wouldn't know there is a toll for this path."

A burst of snickers erupted from the group of men as they all held out their hands methodically. Raspy voices shouted to each other as they bustled about pushing one another. The apparent leader of the men held up his hand, his fingers waving about ever so slightly as he took a step forward to Túrien.