Simora, a hungry, hot, and tired siren, trudged slowly along the path that led through the Rivendell forest. She pushed back her long, black hair with her forearm as beads of sweat continued to run down her mystic and pretty face. Her blue tunic and brown breeches stuck mercilessly to her damp skin, making them uncomfortable. Oh, how Simora's parched throat yearned for a drink of water, even just a drop. Her tongue stuck to the back of her throat. The bow and quiver of arrows she was carrying felt like weights. Her dirk, placed cleverly inside her left boot, pushed persistently against her ankle. 'If I don't stop soon I'm going to collapse from dehydration and fatigue.'she thought, licking her dry lips. Still, she walked on, her slender and petite body stooping under what felt like a thousand pounds. Then Simora's sharp ears picked up a new sound:running water. Envigorated, she now walked faster with a new energy. The clearing she came upon was lush and green. With great abandon, Simora flung aside her quiver and bow, dashing to the small and clear stream flowing at a sedate pace. Kneeling, Simora cupped her hands and scooped the refreshing liquid up into her mouth. After a few mouthfuls, Simora looked up and saw the grayish, cloudy sky above. ' Looks like rain.' she thought as she scooped more water into her cupped hands. Simora looked down and her heart nearly stopped at what she saw. The outline of a figure behind her could be seen through the reflection of the water she was holding. Cursing herself for being such a fool to just throw down her bow and quiver, her hand snaked towards her left boot and firmly grasped the handle of her dirk. In one fluid motion, Simora drew her dirk and spun around to face the figure, ready to fight.

"Desdemona nearly fell to the ground. "Careful there!" she said, standing up, and brushing grass out of her black hair and her grey tunic. She took a closer look at this girl, she was strange-looking, not quite Elf, not quite Human. But she noticed the dirk right away, and decided not to speak. She would wait until this strange girl spoke. But clutched in her hand was her sword.

" Sorry, but you scared me. You never know what to expect in the forest." apologized Simora to the black-haired girl, lowering her dirk and holding out her other hand to shake, then introduced herself. "My name's Simora Belaqua. What's yours?" she asked the girl, who looked to be about her age, with a small smile.

"That's all right," said Desdemona, shaking her hand and smiling back. "My name is Desdemona Euterpe. I'm not really used to being in forests, since I hail from Rohan. I"m sory for suprising you." She let go of her sword. "So what brings you to Rivendell?"

"I just thought I'd take shelter at a local inn and get some food. The novelty of hunting and camping has long since worn off for me." Simora answered, tucking her dirk back into her left boot. Of course, Simora couldn't tell Desdemona the real reason she was a wanderer. She would have to get to know this girl better before she was going to tell her anything about her history. Desdemona did look nice and friendly enough so, trying for conversation, Simora asked,"What about you? What brings you to Rivendell?"

Desdemona took a deep breath. This was going to be hard. "I came here," she said, "to see if I could find my mother, my only relative. I don't know where she is, or if she is even alive." Her eyes were watering, and a tear fell down her face.

Here Simora was not opening up the slightest while this girl had just opened up all the way. She felt sorry for Desdemona and a thought struck her. " I'm so sorry. My mother is my only living relative too, but...well... we're not exactly on speaking terms you could say. If you like I could help you search for your mother. I really don't have anything better to do and I'm sure you could use some help."

"Thank you," said Desdemona, wiping her eyes "You are very kind. Though I am not really sure how I am going to find her. I thought she might be here because she always said she wished to see Rivendell. I'm sorry about your mother. It must be hard for you."

"I wasn't to very close to her anyway." Simora said, knowing that wasn't true. She had been very close to her mother until they had that huge fight. Desdemona, on the other hand, was obviously still very attachted to her mother, or at least the memory of her. And Simora was going to do anything to help Desdemona get her mother back. If only someone could do the same for her. "Why don't we go to the local inns and see if the owners have seen a trace of your mother? If that doesn't work mayhap we could attempt to get an audience with Elrond. I've heard he's very wise." Simora suggested, even more determined to help Desdemona find her mother.

"Thank you kindly Simora," said Desdemona "I did see an inn nearby, perhaps we could go there?" Desdemona liked this stranger, she was determined and kind, not like most people she had met in her life.

Simora liked this girl. She hadn't had many friends in her lifetime but she was sure this was one of them. "You did? Well, perhaps we should go to it now and even if we don't find out much we could probably rest the night. That is, only if you remember where it was. I don't exactly know my way around Rivendell." Simora said, her hope growing. Now if they could find the inn then they were off to a good start. If not, well, then there would be a problem. Hoping Desdemona remembered where the inn was she waited for her reply, Suddenly great big drops of rain began falling from the sky. A roll of thunder crashed and a flash of lightning streaked across the now violent gray sky. Simora took the girl's arm and led her over to the overhang of the forest, and in the same dash picked up her bow and quiver of arrows. 'I suppose it decided to rain after all.' Simora thought as she turned to Desdemona, who was soaking wet just as she herself was.

Desdemona had been about to say that she did remember, when out of nowhere rain began to fall. She was so suprised that Simora had had to take her under the overhang where they were now. She looked at Simora. "Yes, I do remember where the inn was. And perhaps it would be wisest if we stayed there for the night." she said, glancing at the rainy sky.

Simora breathed a sigh of relief. Desdemona did remember where the inn was so they could now stay the night there, out of this awful, chilling rain. "The by all means please lead the way. I'm sure you're just as keen to get out of this rain as I am."Simora replied, shivering slightly at the cold rain.

"Alright," said Desdemona, "Follow me." the rain was cold and freezing, but she did not notice. She turned left and began walking down the narrow path, checking on Simora every once in a while to make sure she was still there.

After an hour they had reached the inn. it was small and cozy, with a few elves inside.

They paid board and were led by a chubby hobbit to thier room. The room had two beds, a table, one chair, a fireplace, and a window. Both Simora and Desdemona set their stuff down. Simora looked over at Desdemona and she was looking at Simora. "Do you want to get a good meal and some sleep before we ask the keeper about your mother? If you ask me I suggest we both get a good, warm bath before we do anything else." Simora asked and suggested. Desdemona looked exhasted and ready to fall asleep. The siren waited for the girl's answer.

Desdemona had forgotten how hungry she was. She hadn't had anything to eat since she had arrived in Rivendell. This, combined with the meager portions of food her kidnappers had given her gave her a sickly appearance. She turned to Simora. "If you don't mind, I think we should get some food first. I'm starving."

Simora nodded her head in agreement to the girl's answer. She herself was starving and felt like eating. "Good, because I'm hungry as well. We should probably dry up before getting any, though. " the siren said to Desdemona. She nodded in agreement to Simora's suggestion. After they had both dryed themselves off from the pouring rain they both walked into the bar room. There were people singing with graet cheer and hobbits feasting on hot meals heartily. The two girls walked over to one of the few empty tables lift in the pub and sat down. A waitress came over to the pair. "My name's Cherie and I'll be your waitress tonight. What would you like? We have a steak special, ribs, hot soup, and bread. " Simora thought for a moment."I'll take some hot soup. If you have any clam chowder soup that would be nice ." Simora replied. "We certainly do, missie. " Cherie said then turned to Desdemona and asked," What will it be for you, sweetie?" Simora looked at Desdemona and for the first time truly noticed how sickly-looking she looked. The girl looked as if she hadn't had a decent meal in days.

Desdemona looked up at the waitress. "Clam chowder sounds good." she mumured, embaressed by her sickly appearance. She had not had much to eat in the seven years since she was twelve years old. She remembered the day she had been kidnapped, her twelfth birthday. She had been held for four years. Then, two years ago, she had come home - to find her father and brother dead. A tear began to escape her eye, but she quickly brushed it away, hoping Simora would not notice.

The waitress went away to get the ordered meals. Simora looked back at Desdemona and noticed a tear escape one eye. For a moment she thought to say something then decided against it. Simora figured the girl didn't wish for the tear to have been noticed and didn't want it commented on. Meanwhile a group of hobbits began a rousing chorus of song heartily. She loved to sing and wished with all her heart she could join in but she didn't. Simora knew her 'Siren's Song' could trap the affections and emotions of males but she wasn't too sure about just ordinary singing. However, she wasn't going to risk it and have things turn ugly. She knew the power of her song and hated it. When she was a child and still living on the remote island, located in the sea that which the Anduin River led to, her mother often had her sing her song to passing ships so that her mother may reep the benefit and riches from the recks. It was only until she was older that she fully understood the meaning of her singing. When she refused to continue the practice her mother banished her from the island because she wouldn't conform to the deciet-filled life of a siren. Simora longingly looked at the singing hobbits, which looked so happy, for the moment forgetting Desdemona's presence.

Desdemona was greatful that Simora didn't mention the tear. She looked at Simora watching the hobbits. Then the waitress came and set their food down before them. "Here it is!" said Cherie, "Hope you like it!"

"Thank you," said Desdemona, and the waitress left. "It does look good, doesn't it?" she asked Simora.

"Huh, what?" Simora asked, snapping out of her reverie and looking over at Desdemona. It took a moment for the siren to realize what the question was that she had been asked. After the realization Simora answered,"Yeah, it does. It reminds me of home." The two raven-haired girls ate and finished soon, for they were both very hungry. When they were done Simora, concerned for Desdemona and her sickly, emaciated appearence asked the girl,"Do you want more, Desdemona?"

"No thanks," replied Desdemona, cheerfully. "I am quite full." She was glad to have company, and the hunger inside of her was gone. "What should we do now?"

"Probably get some rest then in the morning ask the keeper of this inn about your mother." Simora answered the added almost as an afterthought," But if you want we can hang out in this room for a while yet before retiring for the night."

"That sounds good," replied Desdemona. "I'm tired, so I think I'll go up to bed now. But if you want to you can stay down here."

"That's quite alright. I am so tired it will be a blessing to be able to sleep on a real bed tonight." Simora replied, getting up and following Desdemona to their room. On the way there a few men whistled at Simora as she passed by. She just rolled her eyes in response;she knew she was very attractive because she was a siren. However, that did not mean she enjoyed the whistles and comments that were often aimed in her direction. The two walked into their room and took some time to get ready for bed then after the both of them were ready for sleep. They lay down to a peaceful and well-appreciated night of sleep.

The next morning a loud shout/scream, depending on your point of view, awoke Simora, who sat up in alarm. Starled and still slightly sleepy, the siren looked over at Desdemona, who was also sitting up. The girl, Simora also noticed, had a strange look of fear and bewilderment upon her face. Simora jumped out of bed, flinging the covers of the bed aside, and hastily put on her boots (she had slept in her clothes) Meanwhile Desdemona sat frozen, seemingly unable to move. Simora hadn't gone two steps when the door was flung open and three figures walked in. Simora, on reflex, crouched down, hand on the hilt of her dirk lest these figures be a threat.

P.S.This is Lapis Rain, I just happened to be on this account.

(ooc: 'sok, I figured it was you!)

Desdemona could not move. It was her kidnappers! The tall man, obviously the leader came to the foot of her bed. "I see we've found you again. You're a lot of trouble, just like your father was," he sneered. Then he sat down by her and grabbed her arm, she looked at his other hand and saw that he held a dagger. "But we can fix that, can't we?" he said with a cruel laugh.

Obviously these men, who were indeed a threat, had not noticed Simora. Stealthily creeping towards the men, Simora drew her dirk quietly. Apparently theses men wanted Desdemona but they weren't going to have her. At least not if Simora could help it. The girl had a look of terror on her face and appeared to be immobolized by fear. The siren reached the men, miraculously without them noticing, and held the dirk steady. By now they had already dragged the girl halfway to the door. Simora took a deep breath then sprung up from the floor. her dirk flashing at the hand that held Desdemona. The tall man yelled in pain at hte sudden and unexpected attack, a small stream of blood flowing from his wrist. The three men had frozen in surprise and, taking advantage of that extra moment Simora retrieved her bow and quiver of arrows, putting them on. No sooner had she done that then the men had begun to move again. "Looks like you have a little friend. Lets see what fun we can have with this elf!" the tall man cried, grinning manically. In one fluid motion Simora retrieved an arrow from her quiver, strung it on here bow, and pulled the string taut."I'm hardly what you would call little, there is no fun to be had with me, and I am no elf!"Simora exclaimed, aiming her bow at the throat of the man who held Desdemona."Oh look! The little friend has a sharp tongue!"one of the other men mocked. "Aye, and I have a sharp arrow aimed at your leader's throat as well!" the siren replied, pulling the string back further.

Desdemona was very frightened by now. Simora obviously had now idea what she was dealing with. Conall, and the other two were some of the more powerfull men in Rohan, as far as merchants were concerned. Suddenly she felt the cool blade of the dagger against her throat. Conall, the leader spoke. "Put your arrow down, or she'll die. And I don't think you want that to happen."

Simora's mind raced, trying to decide what to do. It kept coming to the same conclusion over and over. Finally Simora decided that this was what had to be done, whether she liked it or not. The siren took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and then began to sing her Siren's Song. Slowly, she released the tension in her bow, all the while contiueing to sing. Her voice got stronger with each note, her confidence in her song filling her. The dagger against Desdemona's throat slackened, the arm dropping loosely. All three men were staring at Simora with dreamy looks on their faces. This disgusted her greatly, but she kept singing. Desdemona threw her a confused look, seeming to not know what to do. Simora pointed to the Desdemona's sword then the doorway, hoping the girl would understand the message. Simora edged towards the door, keeping up her melodic and ethereal song.

Desdemona nodded, hoping she understood corectly. She grabbed her sword, and ran out of the doorway. She was very confused, but grateful. She wasn't sure what to do next, so she walked into a hallway so she could stay hidden, but see Simora.

Simora was greatly relieved that Desdemona had understood her message. The siren reached the doorway then, still softly singing, walked out of the doorway. Simora looked around for the girl, walking down the hallway. Suddenly Desdemona appeared seemingly out of nowhere. Simora shouldered her bow, replacing the arrow back into the quiver, then, after brief hesitation, stopped singing her Siren's Song. The instant after she ended her song she grabbed Desdemona's arm and sprinted out of the inn with the girl, knowing it didn't take long for her song to wear off. Sure enough Simora heard shouts of rage and quickly dove into to nearest folige whick was a thick bush, dragging the girl with her. Desdemona opened her mouth to say something but Simora silenced her with a gesture. Loud footsteps approached then faded away. Only when Simora was sure they were gone the siren turned to the girl and asked," What is going on, Desdemona?!"

Desdemona should have seen this coming. She was going to have to tell her story sooner or later. She looked at Simora and sighed.

"When I was eleven years old, my father, a merchant in Edoras, began to notice the steadily rising rates of the poor in the city. He created a plan that would give the poor more money and jobs. This did not hold well with the other merchants and nobles because the money would have to come from them. They tried to convince him to stop but he would not. So on my twelfth birthday, Conall, the richest of them all had me kidnapped by those two men that were with him in order to convince him to stop his plan."

She paused for a moment, then continued. "For five years, they kept me in the cellar of another merchant's home, far from the city. I was rarely fed, and they would threaten me so that I would not try to escape. On the fifth year, I managed to escape, and found my father and brother dead in their bedrooms in my home. My mother was not there. For two years, I have hidden from them, and now I hope to find my mother."

She looked away fromk Simora.

Now Simora understood. Desdemona's sickly and emaciated appearence. Her caution. The men. Her quiet manner. Simora was quiet for a moment then said," I'm so sorry for you. It must have been terrifying for you. Don't worry though. I'm going to help you find your mother and I will help you stay away from these horrid men." Desdemona looked up at the siren with shining eyes.

"Thank you," she whispered, her violet eyes shining with tears. "I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything." Simora replied then added,"I'm just surprised you haven't inquired about the display I put on back there. she pointed to the inn.

"Well, I was going to ask before, but you asked me what was going on." Desdemona said. "Would you mind telling me?"

"Well you see, i'm a siren." Simora answered, worried about Desdemona's reaction to this news."But I only did it because I didn't see any other way to get us out of there. I usually don't use my song unless it's an emergency. I'm not like other sirens. I don't believe in that kind of deciet and trickery. That's why I was banished from the island I lived on. My mother exiled me. My beliefs were the cause for our huge fight which resulted in my banishment."Simora answered, her eyes starting to tear up.

"It must have been hard then," said Desdemona, "To be banished for something you believed in. Now I understand what happened in that room." She noticed the tears in Simora's eyes. "Are you alright?"

Simora sniffed lightly and answered,"Yeah, I'm okay." There was silence for a few moments then Simora asked Desdemona,"So what are we going to do now?"

Desdemona didn't want to run into Conall and his helpers again, so she was about to suggest moving to another inn. But she still wanted to find her mother. "Maybe we should go back to the inn and ask the innkeeper about my mother. I know it's dangerous, but I want to know what happened to her, and maybe he might know."