Not a quiet night in Dale
[Trigger warning: rape attempt]
Third Age, 2600s
Dale and Mirkwood
Olriandis went out of the loud staggering tavern to breathe some fresh air and give rest to her ears. She stepped into the quiet side street and inhaled the night summer air, full of flower scent and lake breeze. She liked being a part of trading expeditions to Dale-lands and Erebor - being curious by nature, she was attracted by different lands and races.
“Hey, beauty!” - suddenly she heard a rude drunk male voice. She sharply turned around.
“What such a lovely girl is doing all alone here?” - continued the Man.
“Trying to be alone” - answered Olriandis coldly.
The man was coming closer, too close for her liking. She turned to go back to the tavern, but the Man grabbed her by the elbow: “Where are you going?”
Her eyes glimpsed in the dark with a cold flame of anger, but she answered with the same tone of voice as before “To rejoin my companions of the elven expedition in the tavern, we are vassals of King Thranduil and have his protection”
“Not so fast, sharp ears!” - the Man pushed her to the wall with quite clear intentions. Olriandis tried to push him back that only seemed to anger him and made him more determined. Not thinking long, she took out her hunting knife and the fight for her innocence and life continued. It got messy, really messy, the Man was moving unpredictably, drunkenly, but still with a lot of force. And he ended up with the knife in his stomach. Not exactly what Olriandis planned. He made a lot of noise dying, so half of Dale came there. People were shouting something about burning a witch, though she didn’t remember well. The mob was angry. Luckily her companions arrived in haste and made it through the crowd surrounding her. Elf wrapped her in his cloak, covering her torn clothes from pruning eyes, getting her in a circle, elves made it to the stables and were off galloping home, to Felegoth.
Only when the gates of Felegoth shut behind them, the elven group felt safe. Olriandis broke into tears: “I…I…I didn't want! Didn’t want to kill him..but…but…he…he…” - her words drown in crying. Elf wrapped his arms around her and started stroking her hair, trying to calm her down. Then she has been seen by healers, by King’s advisors and, of course, by her parents.
***
The majestic Throne Room of Felegoth was almost empty. Only King Thranduil was seated on his throne, his main advisor standing next to him and Olrinadis - in front of them.
“Olriandis, daughter of Captain Byron, scoutess and huntress.” - said Thranduil slowly looking at her. Olriandis held her lips tight. Difficult to say if it was from discontent, anger, feeling offended or guilty…
“I’ve been angered by the Lord of Dale, by his inability to provide safety for my vassals. But to my surprise, he was equally angered by me and my vassals' actions. I…I’ve been advised against my initial speech and course of action. After all, the trade goes well and is important for us. Not only with Dale, but with Erebor as well and it lies just on the way to the mountain. My Chief Advisor offered a peaceful solution - since Lord of Dale blames you for the death of that wretched man (which is of course a deershit), you will stay for some time out of expeditions to that area. You won’t notice how fast that he will die and his orders wull be forgotten - he is mortal after all - and you will be able to go to Dale and Erebor again, if you would desire so, of course. For now, you are free to choose any other unit to serve in. I also grant you a barrel of wine from my private collection, new armour and the best fabric to make new dresses. I hope it will help to overcome that terrible night. You may as well take leave and not serve for as long as you consider needed.” He signed and added “I would so much love to duel that lord of Dale! Lord…” - the kings smirked. “Or to ride my best warriors to that stinky town for offending and endangering the life of my people!” - he shook his elegant fist angrily. “But he..” Thranduil gestured in the direction of his advisor and sighed again. “He says I shouldn't” The King for a moment looked like a boy whose favourite toy was taken away. “Anyway, you should know that your people and your King will always support and protect you.”
Olriandis bowed. “Thank you, my King. Region’s peace is a wise choice in such situation.”
***
Olriandis returned to the Dale and Erebor many times after that “Lord” died. But since that night she was always having knives and daggers on her, even while wearing lovely dresses in what is thought to be safe Halls.
