Swords & Seduction
Introduction
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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