Hopeless desires (free please join!)

[Etaina]

Theodwyn knelt her head tighter to the mares neck willing it with what seemed like every fibre in her body to burst faster and faster, onwards and onwards against the whisps of the wind crushing against her revealed ankle and the horse's flank. Shrill whistles swelled to a cresendo and rattled with her ear drums stirring the Rohrirrim instinct within so that with a sharp tug at the reins she plunged deeper into the forest as twigs snapped at her cheeks drawing little if no blood. Guiding the mare through the foliage they emerged to crash through at breakneck spead and hurtle towards the waiting guards who ambled whimsically about the settlement until she, gesturing for them to follow (if they must) headed back towards Edoars whereby after a hard refreshing ride she skidded to a palpable halt before the tall demanding stare of her father. Slinging a leg over the saddle amidst low drawn sighs she cast a small brazen little grin up at the King of Rohan before striding confidently past him she jogged lithely up the stone engraved steps as the heavy wooden doors were thrown open for her. Queen Lorelai of Rohan her mother, lifted her head sharply when her daughter entered cast one stoney stare over her state, and snapped her fingers for the maids to bring a cloak to swave her frame in.

" Bad move Theodwyn. The messenger will take bad tidings now when he returns to your aunt" she observed levelly

" Nothing your sister-in-law and Faramir have not heard before. Wayward delights and an unfathomable taste for disaster" she replied with low humour thought the bitterness lacing her sweet tones did not escape her mother. Rising from her throne and gesturing the maids away she uplifted Theodwyn's head to stare at those piercing eyes of hers.

" These are not mine" she sighed softly
" And this eagerness for misight is not either - but the will to survive is for that blazed in my fathers eyes"

" What should I wish to survive from?" she asked hesitantly

" Your anguish that your father does not care for you"

" That is no anguish" she lied defensively pulling back so that her face became clouded with shadow

" Daughter" soothed her mother and yet before she could even answer Eomer himself had strode into the hall and began, as he always did, pacing the flagstones with his hand set upon his chin.

" Grima's sister has come to plague us. Setting plans I have heard for a rebellion ensnaring all whom were ever close to he and his conspiritors. Rohan will be his first port of call" he spoke quietly but with stinging malevolence so that it was the warrior who spoke and not the king. Theodwyn lifted her brows in mild interest casting her mind back to the innocent people on the borders whom would be directly affected should this be true, and yet before she could even comment the doors were swung open and the figure standing there became obscured by the murkly blaze of the sun....

[Nibinaraniel]

Nibinaraniel Yavanna waved farewell to her family as she set off towards the realms of men. It had been her duty to maintain peace between the two races. Her heart was heavy, for she would not see her brother for a long time.

[Shieldmaiden]

Meanwhile, a young rider spurred her horse on when she caught sight of Edoras in the distance, the Golden Hall of Meduseld glimmering at the very top. She sighed with relief. For three nights she had ridden, hardly stopping for rest, and now she had come to her destination. Three nights... She pushed back the sinking feeling in her heart as she realized what day this was. Today I should have been married, she thought. But she quickly brightened up, for she had surely escaped the cage that was waiting for her back home in the borders of the Westfold. Back home. No, that is not my home anymore. I'm starting a new life, here. The young rider held her head up proudly as she rode in through the gates of Edoras.

She dismounted, walked her steed to the stable of a nearby inn and bade the stable boy to care for him while she went to talk to the innkeeper.

The stable boy looked at the design of the blanket on her horse and blinked at the girl curiously. "You're from the Westfold, aren't you?"

The girl raised an eyebrow at him and nodded curtly. "Yes. I am." Not wanting any more questions, she walked to the inn's entrance and pushed open the heavy wooden door.

The innkeeper, a middle-aged woman, approached her. "Can I help you?"

The girl nodded. "Good day, mistress. My name is Cielewyn. I came to ask for work in exchange for room and meals."

The woman regarded Cielewyn critically. "Work, hm? You don't look fit to work right now. You look exhaust-"

Her words were cut short when the door flew open abruptly. A tall young man stood in the doorway. From his clothing, Cielewyn guessed that he was a soldier. He looked at the innkeeper and nodded. "I'll just have my usual, Mistress Roslen," he said tiredly.

Roslen yelled something into the kitchen and addressed the soldier. "What's the matter, Wulfhelm? You look worried."

Wulfhelm nodded. "Aye. There's news I just learned concerning the borders of Rohan. It seems that the sister of Grima Wormtongue is stirring up malcontent in those distant villages. She is concentrating in the Westfold right now, or at least that's what the marshal over there has told us."

Cielewyn looked up, alarmed. Trouble in the Westfold? she thought. But it can't be that bad, can it? I hope that my family is well. If trouble was indeed stirring up near her home village, then she should have been there with her family...She tried not to think of it, but nevertheless a dark cloud began to form over her thoughts.

Roslen shook her head. "There's kindred of that toad Wormtongue still alive? Well, even if that's so, I'm sure that it will be taken care of soon enough..." She turned and saw Cielewyn still standing there, waiting. "Oh. You...Cielewyn, you said your name was? Well, I suppose I could use some help around here...but you should get some rest and food first. I don't want you collapsing from exhaustion while you're supposed to be doing chores." And with that, she sent her into a small room with some bread, cheese, and cheap wine for dinner. Cielewyn accepted the food gratefully and sat alone in the room. It was bare except for a straw mat on the floor and a basin for washing. She sat back with a sigh. Well, it's a start, she thought as she began eating.

[Enyd]

He hadn't been in Rohan for years. It was unfortunate, becuase he had enjoyed what little time he had spent there in the past. Still, he was there on business. He rubbed his chin, as was his habit when he was thinking. Why would Eomer have sent a request for somebody like him? Was there a problem? Was he in danger perhaps? Did he need help? He sighed. He hated being bothered from his simple life by things like this. Sometimes he wished his father hadn't been such a great war general. The fame wasn't what he wanted, in fact he hated it. He hated the fact that every soldier in Minas Tirith knew his face and his name. And he had thought living in Ithilien would have been a way to escape all that. But no, as soon as he set foot inside the city, he had been told to pack his bags and head for Rohan, without so much as a word as to why. He sighed.

"Well, it's a living. Let's go, Ramadal."

He kicked his horse and rode off towards Edoras.

[Etaina]

Theodwyn did not stop for the precarious meeting between her father and whatever knews the 'messenger' brought for she knew as well as he, that news of Wormtongue's kin was beginning to spread and that warriors from all over the plains would be offering thier allegiance. Brushing a strand of hair swift behind her ear and evading the curious stares dealt by the wardmaidens she turned instead to the great stone balcony where a full sweeping veiw was offered of the foremost plains and showed the shadows as they cantered up the causeway for whatever trouble brought them here. Despite the whispers surrounding Grima and his whereabuots everythign was ordered to remain as normal as it had ever been: of course Lothriel her mother naturally ordered a ball.
Setting her teeth to a grimace and squinting into the the distance she wished then for any guise to protect her from the incredulousy which followed her plea to fight alongside her brother: madness was what they called it and yet to her, it was simple yearning. Upon a horse she was a daughter of the wind with little or no restraints - but on ground she was a mere princess.

[Enyd]

Enyd brought Ramadal to a halt.

"There it is... Edoras. Been a while."

He took Ramadal around to the front gate and went inside. They slowly climbed up the hill. As he went, Enyd surveyed the people and goings-on around him. He noticed that there were several empty stalls in the stables. He wondered if some riders had been sent out on an errand. Ahead of him was Meduseld, and he stopped Ramadal at the stone steps that led up to the golden hall. He lightly jumped off of Ramadal and made his way up the great stone steps. His hand never strayed far from his sword. Life in the wilderness had made him that way-he was not trusting of the world around him. Still, he had enough sense not to whip his sword out and point it at the guards who came towards him.

"Who are you, and what is your errand here?"

He took his hand off his sword and bowed his head respectfully.

"My name is Enyd, I have come from Gondor. I was sent here. I don't know why I was sent here, but I plan to find out. I'd like to talk to King Eomer."

[Shieldmaiden]

Despite her fatigue, Cielewyn was unable to sleep. After laying awake for an hour she could take it no longer and sat up. This is pointless. I'm going to try and do something useful. After washing up she tidied the small room and hid her sword in its scabbard under the straw mattress.

Cielewyn found the innkeeper in the kitchen. The woman looked her up and down before speaking to her. "Rested up already? Well, before I send you off to work I need to know a few things about you." She gave Cielewyn a critical look. "The stable boy says you're from the Westfold. If that's true, then what brings you here?"

"Well, you see..." Cielewyn searched her mind for an explanation. She didn't want to tell anyone the real reason why she had left, at least not yet. "I used to live with my old aunt. She died last week, and I came here for work because there was nothing for me over there," she lied smoothly.

Roslen stared in disbelief. "You mean a young woman like you hasn't found a husband yet?" Cielewyn felt a twinge of guilt, but she quickly suppressed it and opened her mouth to protest. The older woman continued talking, though. "Ah, well, no matter. What kind of things can you do?"

Cielewyn nearly sighed with relief. "I can ride, mistress."

"And wield a blade, no less," continued Roslen. "Don't think I didn't see your sword when you walked in, even though you covered it with your cloak. But I'm afraid I haven't much use for sword fighting skills here."

The girl sighed. Reluctantly, she added, "I can also cook, and clean."

Roslen nodded slowly. "Aye. That I could use. But right now, I need someone to go to the marketplace and buy some wheat flour. Can you do it for me?" She was holding a pouch of coins out.

Cielewyn needed no second bidding. "I will." Before the innkeeper could react, she had taken the coins and disappeared into the stables. A moment later she was riding out on her dark grey steed. Roslen stuck her head out of the door to yell some last-minute orders. "I need three bags! The marketplace is up the road! And don't forget to haggle!" She withdrew into the inn. That girl, she thought. She certainly is strange. I hope I made the right decision in letting her stay.

Meanwhile Cielewyn was goading Ecgscinan on, up the road. She was still curious about the news that she heard from the Westfold; secretly, she hoped that someone at the marketplace knew more about what was happening and was willing enough to tell her.

[Enyd]

The guard nodded.

"I'll need your weapons." The man held out his hand.

Enyd sighed and reluctantly handed over a dagger, his sword, and his bow and quiver. He kept a dagger tucked discreetly into his shirt, just in case. The soldier looked him up and down and then nodded. "Go ahead, Eomer is inside."

Enyd thought to himself, Well where else would he be? , but said nothing. He climbed up the last few steps and entered the hall.

Inside Meduseld it was dark, but enough light came through the top of the building that his eyes didn't need to adjust too much. He took a look at his surroundings. Great wooden pillars supported the roof of the huge hall. Intricate carvings of Rohirrim, tales of victory over evil were etched into the pillars. Flags of many colors, standards of the King and of Rohan, decorated the hall. Enyd was impressed. He did not remember Meduseld being so beautiful.

"Hail, Eomer, King!"

Enyd walked towards the throne. It was a majestic wooden chair in which the King sat. Three banners hung behind it. He admired the carvings on the arms of the chair for a moment. The King got out of the throne and walked over to Enyd.

"Gondor."

"Yes. I am Enyd, of Minas Tirith. I've been sent here on an errand, which my superiors have neglected to tell me. I assume I've been sent to help you. So, King Eomer, why am I here? What trouble has brought me to you today?"

Eomer sighed and then explained the problems in the Westfold. Enyd rubbed his chin and listened intently. Something was wrong with the way Eomer was talking to him. He was keeping something from him. Enyd searched Eomer's eyes. Something else had happened he wasn't being told. He thought of those missing horses. Perhaps some Rohirrim had been sent out and hadn't returned? He gave a mental shrug. He'd see what he would see.

"How can I help?"

"Go to the Westfold. I would appreciate more news, and less and less riders come."

"You want me to scout."

"Yes."

"Very well. I will leave tomorrow."

"Thank you, Enyd."

[Nibinaraniel]

As Nibinaraniel rode, she thought long and hard about the new king of Rohan. The last time she was there, Theoden was king. She stopped atop the hill overlooking Edoras. She slowed her horse to a walk and went through the gates. Some of the people stopped what they were doing and gawked at her. Nibinaraniel knew thhat some might have never seen an Elf before. She smiled at them all, and some turned quickly away. Stopping off at the stable, she left her horse, Devaberial, to the kindly old man in charge. She them proceeded to where the guards stood, handing over her weapons without a fuss. She then walked into the hall of Meduseld. She saw that a man was already talking to the king and waited patiently in the shadows.

[Enyd]

Enyd drew his sword and held it in front of him. He nodded his head behind the sword, saluting, and said, "I'll be back in three days." Eomer nodded and then paused. The King's eyes flicked over to a figure in the shadows. Enyd sheated his sword and turned. He decided to let the King and his visitor talk alone, but as he was leaving, something made him stop and turn. Then he got a good look at the newcomer.

"An Elf in Rohan?"

[Nibinaraniel]

I have a right to be here, just as you, good sir. My name is Nibinaraniel. And what brings a man of Gondor to this place?" She had noticed the man's clothing to be that of Gondor. She wondered how Lord Aragorn and his wife were doing. She smiled atthe strange man and stepped out of the shadows. Her face shone brightly from some unknown source of light.

[Enyd]

"I am sorry, I was surprised." He bowed slightly, greeting her. "To see an Elf here in Edoras, of all places." He scanned her with his thoughtful, blue-grey eyes. He supposed he could trust her.

"There is trouble in the Westfold. I am here to help the King and his people. And now that you know why I am here, I would like to ask the same of you." He relaxed, shifting his weight back. "What are you doing here?"

[Nibinaraniel]

"Trouble?" The expression on Nibinaraniel's face changed suddenly to that of concern. "What kind of trouble could come to this place?"

[Enyd]

Enyd hesitated. He looked over at Eomer. Should he tell this stranger about the Westfold's trouble's? Eomer nodded. Enyd shrugged and turned to the Elf.

"Well, it seems that a group of.... people.... is stirring up trouble in the Westfold. They are rumored to be relations of Grima Wormtongue, and I wouldn't doubt that they mean to..."

He looked at Eomer.

"Spread ill will towards the King, and possibly aim to overthrow him."

Eomer's expression did not change. He had thought of that before, it seemed.

"You have yet to answer my question though, what are you doing here?" He asked inquisitively.

[Etaina]

Theodwyn felt a sharp tug at her elbow and on swinging round it was Derenhelm her fathers oldest and most trusted friend whom stood eagerly by her side. Raking him with a quizzical almost challenging stare she relented as it became clear she and her brother Elfwine were to make an appearance as new guests were evidently arriving in the main hall - the gawping stares from the peasents ensured of that. Regal dictation ordered that the Pincess at least be there to welcome what could be important persons into thier country . Sighing she straightened her shoulders and settling the folds in her emerald green gown she proceeded towards the main double arch doors were her brother Elfwne had just entered having apparently been brought the same message. Narrowing her eyes slightly to a feirce bout of wind she settled the white gold batch of hair slung over one shoulder and lifted her head as befitted a Princess. The senteniels smiled warmly at this most beautiful specimen before giving a sharp tug as the doors were heaved open and she daughter to the King entered dignified and quiet to place herself at the left shoulder of her brother whom was by now standing ( amazingly) next to Eomer. Suryeying the newcomers she raised an arched brow at the elfmaiden for long was it since thier kind had graced the halls of Medusled - not since Legolas infact, had any come to their lands. Beautiful she was as the rest of her kind and glowing from the invisable source of immortality. Turning her regal stare upon the other scout it became clear from his attire that he were Gondorian and dropping him a low courtsey she smiled entrancingly before looking to the elf again and saying as a darkly handsome Elfwine gave a bow in turn

" Welcome to Edoras"

[Enyd]

Enyd bowed to the two that had entered the room. It took only a glance towards Eomer and then another long look at the two standing before him to realize they were the King's children.

"I take my leave, Eomer King. I will stay the night in the inn here, then I will leave for the Westfold in the morning."

He turned, not bothering to take a look at the Prince and Princess' reaction to what he had said. They would not be involved in the matter, most especially the Princess. Young girls were to stay safe in the city. Besides, he was used to working on his own. He walked through the great wooden doors. He picked up his weapons and went down the long sloping path of the hill to an inn. He looked at it for a moment, decided it was acceptable, and went inside.

[Shieldmaiden]

Cielewyn loaded the last bag of flour on the back of her horse and led him down the road to the inn. No one at the marketplace seemed to know anything about what was going on in the Westfold; they were more interested in the prices of produce than the possibility of an uprising. She thought of all the stories she had heard about Grima Wormtongue...she knew that he had the guile of a snake, and that he had poisoned the mind of Eomer King's uncle, Theoden, and even the Lady Eowyn. If such great leaders could have been swayed by his words, how much more will the simple, unassuming people of my home village? she thought worriedly. But then she stopped herself. She needed to give them more credit...they would notice scum when they saw it, right? Cielewyn was so absorbed in her thoughts that she hardly noticed when she arrived at the inn. The innkeeper's sharp voice brought her back to reality.

"You, girl! Bring the flour here. I hope you got it for a reasonable price," Roslen said critically.

"The miller must have figured that I wasn't from around here and tried to charge extra. But I did what I could, Mistress," Cielewyn answered, handing over the change in the pouch.

Roslen counted the coins and nodded approvingly. "Not bad. You could have gotten him to charge lower, though." She then nodded over to one of the tables, where a young man was sitting, observing his surroundings. "See him? He looks important. Be polite when you bring him his supper, don't ask him any unnecessary questions, and if he wants anything special, let him tell me." Cielewyn raised an eyebrow at the older woman but nodded. She took a good look at the young man. If clothing was any indication of where he was from, she guessed that he was from Gondor - she recognized the White Tree on his tunic.

What could he be here for? she wondered as she slipped into her room to wash up. He might have been sent by the King of Gondor to answer to Rohan's call...he must know what the trouble in the Westfold really is! Maybe he could tell me what's going on... She shook her head. No, why would he talk to an inn girl about political turmoil? Besides, I don't even know if he's really here for that...if he is, why isn't he staying in Meduseld? Cielewyn sighed, frustrated, and made her way to the kitchen to start serving the food.

Roslen pushed a tray of the inn's best food and a cup of the inn's best wine into Cielewyn's hands as soon as she saw her. "Hurry, bring this to him," she ordered. "And remember what I told you." Cielewyn rolled her eyes inwardly. She's so eager to please. This man doesn't even look really picky, she thought to herself as she approached his table.

[Enyd]

"Sir?"

Enyd turned. "What?"

"I asked you if you'd like anything else."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I was... distracted." He looked down, surveyed the food and wine in front of him. It looked fine, he was too distracted to care much.
s
"It's all very nice, thank you." He flicked a silver coin into the girl's hand. "That's for you, make sure nobody else sits at this table, I appreciate it."

He picked at the food thoughtfully, visions of a village in flames running through his mind. Rohan had gone through enough troubles in its time, why were things constantly interfering with the peace? He covered and audible sigh by sipping some wine.

[Shieldmaiden]

"Thank you, sir," Cielewyn said, though by the preoccupied look on the man's face she doubted that he had heard her. She pocketed the coin and walked up to the innkeeper. "He wants to be alone at the table, Mistress," she informed her, then went off to finish the rest of her chores. She was free to think of the trouble at her old village. Her face took on a worried expression.

It was nearly midnight by the time that she was done with her chores. Cielewyn surveyed the room and noticed that the man from Gondor was still sitting at his table, deep in thought. The innkeeper approached him carefully. "Excuse me, sir, but if you'd like to retire there is a comfortable room for you at the end of the upstairs hallway," she said proudly as she eyed Cielewyn pointedly. Cielewyn took the hint and dashed upstairs to prepare the room. Roslen turned back to the man and pulled out a ledger and quill. "And I shall need to know your name...I keep records of all guests who stay overnight."

[Enyd]

He nodded. "Yes, thank you. I'll need some rest before I leave tomorrow."

He took the quill and hastily scribbled his name onto the parchment.

"Goodnight."

He headed to his room.

[Nibinaraniel]

Nibinaraniel smiled at the princess as she walked up to Eomer. She bowed as she was trained and gave him the customary greeting. He eyes did not hide the fear of the troubles of the Westfold, though she did not mention it.
"Hail, Eomer King. I have come withthe good will of King Thranduil of Mirkwood Forest. I am Nibinaraniel Yavanna, his daughter."
She awaited his reply.

[Shieldmaiden]

When she was done fixing up the room, Cielewyn gathered up the old linens and went out into the hallway. She passed by the man from Gondor on her way out and nodded good-night. He turned and nodded back at her absently before entering his room. Cielewyn dumped the linens into a basket and went into her room, exhausted, and lay back on her mattress.

She saw her mother and father standing before her, wearing their best clothes. Cielewyn looked around to see the rest of her family, all watching her intently. What's happening- she thought, but then she noticed that a pompous, overbearing man was right next to her, leering. It was the fiance that she had left behind. It's my wedding! But I thought I escaped it! she screamed inwardly, backing away from him in disgust.

Suddenly, the whole place became consumed in fire. Cielewyn's mother turned to her in horror. "Why did you leave us now?" Cielewyn tried to answer, but suddenly her vision darkened and all she could hear was someone's frightening, maniacal laughter ringing in her ears. She struggled against the darkness, but as she pushed herself away she felt that something was going horribly wrong-

"No!" Cielewyn sat up abruptly, breathing hard. She blinked a couple of times and realized that she was still in her room in the inn. It was a dream...but it was so real. She looked out the window and saw that dawn was far from breaking. I can't go back to sleep...I need someone to talk to.

She slipped into the stables and found Ecgscinan in his stall, munching on oats. He whickered gently when he noticed Cielewyn. "Ecgscinan, my friend...I had a bad dream..." And the horse listened as she began to tell him everything. He didn't even mind when she curled up on the straw and drifted off into a restless, dreamless sleep.

[Enyd]

Enyd woke up early. The sun was rising, it was time for him to go. He felt as if he hadn't gotten enough sleep. He probably hadn't. He packed up his things and went to the stables, where he had left Ramadal.

"Ramadal." He came over to his horse and patted his neck. "Time to go."

Then he heard an odd sound coming from the corner of the stables. It sounded like... He went over and found the girl asleep on a pile of straw, muttering to herself.

"What are you doing here?"

She stirred, gave a slight yell as she sat up. "What... oh... Hello..."

"Do you usually sleep in stables?" He said with a smile.

[Etaina]

Eomer smiled as Legolas's sister bowed to his own daughter and realised suddenly why she seemed so familar to him. Inclining his head and placing a hand to his heart in elven fashion he gestured to his children as they did the same.

" Long is it since we have had a royal elf in our halls - the last was your brother Legloas and yet you say your father has sent you to gage the best of the troubles. Why?" he asked curiously

[Nibinaraniel]

Nibinaraniel smiled as she discussed the diplomatic matters she had been entrusted with.
"There are many strange things being spoken of, Eomer. I have heard that the sister of Grima has come to the Westfold? This is news to the Elves. I offer the services of Mirkwood should you need any assistance."
She nodded towards Eomer's children.
"I see much has changed since I was here last."

[Shieldmaiden]

Cielewyn blushed as she got to her feet. "Oh...I, uh...I couldn't sleep well last night, so I came out here, to...think," she explained sheepishly as she pulled straw out of her hair. She was embarrassed at having been seen in such a condition, but when she caught his eye she saw that he wasn't laughing at her, and she felt more at ease. Noticing that he was packed to leave, she spoke up. "Sir, are you leaving so soon? At least stay for some breakfast," she implored. "I don't think that the cook is awake yet, but I daresay I could make something for you if you wish. It won't take long."

[Nibinaraniel]

"I hope your decision will be wise, Eomer. For the good of your people, whatever it may be." She bowed her head, waiting for his reply.

[Etaina]

" Much indeed has changed - two sprouting youngsters and another on the way I am led to beleive by my dear wife Lothriel" he beamed delightedly though his face visabely darkened as the threat of Grima Wormtongue pressed ever greatly on his agenda.

" The elves of Mirkwood offer thier services do they? Well my princess I am much oblighed but I have no intention of dragging the elves into a war that is not of their making. It would be wrong of me. Though as to your advice- that would be much appreciated. Alas though more pleasureable thoughts must occupy your time here or it shall be all bad memories! There is a ball tonight in honour of Elfwines birhtday - 21" he added proudly

" Would you like to stay for the festivities?"

[Enyd]

He smiled.

"That's very kind of you... What is your name?"

"Cielewyn"

"Cielewyn, that's very kind of you, but I have to get the Westfold. It's a bit of a ride, and Ramadal likes to ride in the morning, don't you boy?"

He looked at the horse, fastening the saddle around his stomach.

"Thank you for your hospitatlity, and thank your employer as well."

He turned away, slinging his pack over Ramadal.

[Shieldmaiden]

Cielewyn nodded understandingly, even as her expression clouded in worry. He's going to the Westfold...it must have already begun. Last night's nightmares had driven all sense of propriety from her, and she now felt bold enough to ask this young man every question that had plagued her since she first heard rumors of trouble in her home village. But he was in a hurry, and not wanting to keep him from his mission she asked only the first thing that came to mind - a favor.

"Sir," she began, "in the first village that you'll see coming from here, there is a family that lives in the cottage behind the blacksmith shop. If it's not too much trouble...and if you have time...if you pass by them at all...can you please just, um, check on them to see that they are well? And could you tell them that their daughter will return when...when I'm ready..." she trailed off, her eyes lowering, slightly ashamed.

[Enyd]

Enyd looked at her with renewed interest.

"I don't know if I can do that. I am going on a scouting mission, I will only be spending time in towns if I hear word that any of the conspirators are there. If I have time, I will do what you ask, but don't count on it. There is much trouble in the Westfold. If I were you, I would go back to my family. But... it is not my place to tell you your business."

She nodded, he turned and mounted Ramadal.

"Good luck." He said to her.

She didn't respond, only stared at the ground.

"Cielewyn, are you alright?"

[Nibinaraniel]

"I would be delighted to stay for the festivities. But,I am afraid I am without lodging. Is there any place nearby? As for the offer of my father, it stands. We would be drawn into war if it were to protect our allies."

[Shieldmaiden]

She had been thinking about her last dream, the one that she had right before he inadvertently woke her up. It was like the first one, only it seemed more real, like she was watching the destruction happen before her very eyes. His voice called her back to reality, however, and she snapped out of her reverie. "Is something wrong?" he asked her.

Her shame at running away from home was nothing now; the fact that her family was at risk meant so much more. Her will hardened, and she knew what she had to do, whether she was ready for it or not.

"Let me ride with you," she said firmly.

[Enyd]

Enyd's hand went to his chin.

"You want to come with me?"

He looked into her eyes. He saw no doubt, no anxiety, only a strong will that would not be turned away. He nodded.

"Yes... Yes I think so. Yes you are welcome to come with me."

She smiled, but he held up a warning hand.

"But... You must hold your own. It is not safe out there anymore. Can you weild a sword?"

She shurgged.

"Well enough. I can take care of myself."

"Don't expect me to protect you if you get into trouble, I have my own job to do."

"I understand."

"Good. I'm leaving soon, load up your horse, we need to get moving."

[Shieldmaiden]

Cielewyn rushed back into the inn. Soon the innkeeper and the others would be waking. Not wanting to risk running into someone and having to answer time-consuming questions, she went into her room as quickly and quietly as she could and retrieved her sword. Then she took a charred stick from the fireplace and a handkerchief from her pocket and wrote a quick explanatory note to the innkeeper, which she left on her mattress along with a silver coin to pay for the board and meals that she hadn't worked for yet. She was back in the stables in less than five minutes.

As she readied Ecgscinan for the journey, something suddenly occurred to her. "Sir, we're going to be traveling companions and I'm afraid I still don't know your name," she remarked.

[OOC: Hey, what do you want my character to call your character? Do you still want her to say 'sir'?]

[Enyd]

"You're quite right, I seemed to have forgotten my manners."

He extended an arm, shaking her hand. Outside of the King's great hall, he didn't feel the need to be as formal as he had been before. Besides, he thought, bowing is so time consuming.

"There is no need to call me sir, now. I am Enyd. I'd rather be called by my name. Formalities are so.... formal."

He laughed at himself.

"Anyway, you're not that much younger than me. I suppose you're only, what two years younger than me?"

"Well, how old are you, Enyd?"

"Twenty I believe... Yes it is twenty. Forgive me, living a solitary life causes one to forget birthdays."

"I can see how it would. Your guess was not a bad one, Enyd. I am seventeen, three years younger than you."

"Well two, three. Still I am not old enough to merit a 'sir'."

He looked up and out the window of the stable. The sun was beginning to climb into the sky.

"Ah, now I've talked too long. Come, let's go."

He mounted Ramadal and grabbed the reins in his right hand.

"We have time to make up."

He started out, going slow at first to give her time to get on her horse. Once she'd climbed up, he kicked Ramadal harder and sped up to a gallop. She quickly caught up to him, her steed being of Rohan and therefore the swifter of the two, and soon they were riding off across the plains with the wind in their hair. This was what Enyd loved. being away from people, being in the wilderness away from the rules of society. Being free.

[Etaina]

" Then Rohan is lucky indeed to have allies such as yourselves" he replied honestly turning to his children and ushering them out when catching his son by the elbow he asked " Care for a turn on the plains? They say the conditions are quite excellent today - Breilith stay here and make the elf comfertable" he smiled evidently evading the brazen glare she shot back at him until marching with his son from the doors, Breilith turned to the elf.

" Forgive his magesty's rudeness for leaving a Princess of Mirkwood behind - indeed he had left two princess's behind. Quite a record" she shrugged bitterly until sighing she continued,

" Would you like maids appointed to you and perhaps your own rooms your highness?"

[Nibinaraniel]

"No. That will not be neccessary. I think I could manage on my own. And please to not call me highness. I am not deserving of such a title."