Swords & Seduction

Where ocean met snowcapped mountains and lush countryside, Riverside embraced the lion's share of Middle Earth's most picturesque landscape. The forests, lakes and meadows weren't just home to a wide variety of life, but also provided life's resources for the men and women of Riverside. Crystal clear water flowed from the mountains and poured into the rivers and streams that spilled into the ocean. The verdant meadows and wholesome fields owed their deep lushness to the nightly rainfalls as well as the knowledge and dedication of the local farmers.

The end of a thriving, hot summer was now turning into the beginning of an autumn full of beauty and continuing prosperity. The warm breeze blew gently through the turning leaves and the brilliance of the sunshine warmed the earth just enough to make for a comfortable outdoor excursion.

Around Riverside it was common knowledge that Anna Rhodes was not one to excuse a perfect opportunity to discover a new corner of the woodlands. She was still young and her wild heart sought more than what the confines of Riverside had to offer.

Almost every afternoon when the sun was shining brightly over the crest of the mountain peeks, Anna would climb atop her most faithful companion, Whitewings, and together they would ride to the edge of the countryside. Each day the stallion knew, almost instinctively, the destination Anna wished to discover.

Today he brought her to a small cape near the well-traveled passage to Rivendell, which was only a day's journey farther. Anna had been to Rivendell many times before, but she preferred the solitude and tranquility of Riverside over the populace and activity of the neighboring community.

Whitewings found himself a small clearing where the sun shone through the trees and began eating the long grass that grew near the pedestal of the cliffs. Anna picked an array of wildflowers and assembled them into a flourishing bouquet before settling down near the lagoon to watch the schools of fish leisurely swim. She'd pick up a couple of pebbles beside her and toss them into the lagoon simply to stir up some excitement beneath the surface. She chuckled to herself as she watched the swirl of orange, blue and yellow scurry away from the disturbance of the tiny pebbles.

Once the pace beneath the surface returned to normal, Anna closed her eyes and let the sounds of nature carry her away. The feel of the mist blowing in the gentle breeze felt cool against her face. The symphony of the rustling leaves, the orchestra of birds and the spill of the waterfall crashing against the rocks began to lull her to sleep.

It was then that he arrived, en route to Rivendell.

Here you have the introduction… any reviews, suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a million!

Ricky Roo