Hello everyone! I'm new to writing FanFic but had a lot in my brain and wanted to get it down on the figurative paper! I'm trying to follow to timeline to of LOTR, but I may fudge it in a few places for the sake of my sanity. Let me know what you think, constructive comments always welcome!
Aldwen woke early as she always did, there was always much to do around the stables and not enough hours in the day it seemed. It was brisk that morning, the chill of cool spring mornings still hung in the air as she rose from her bed. She could still feel the coldness of the stone floor through the thick furs that lined the floor of her bedroom. Her uncle had already been up before her, as she found a pitcher of hot water with a basin on her night table. After washing she pulled on her wool leggings and a worn black tunic, tightening down a well-used leather belt around her waist. She frowned as the belt sagged too low over her hips. Removing the belt, she notched another two holes and cinched the belt back on; this time happy with the result. As she pulled on her leather boots she caught a glimpse of herself in the reflection of the used water basin. Her shoulder length, sun-streaked hair was wild from sleep despite the fact that she kept it shorter then any women she had known. She always thought it was easier to manage this way as she hastily pulled her fingers through her hair. Though naturally fair, her face and hands were deeply tanned and spattered with freckles from years of working in the sun. Her green eyes were young with delicate laugh lines in the corners when she smiled, though lately dark circles plagued them. Shrugging, she left her room to begin the days' work.
Her uncle Alleth's large property was located north of Edoras across the great Entwash in Broadacres. Here the land was fertile and the green grass grew tall enough to reach a mounted riders' knees in some places. Her uncle was the primary merchant and breeder of war horses in all of Rohan. His horses were sought out by many; buyers would often travel great distances to parlay with her uncle. It was not unusual for him to host noted royalty in his modest home. Alleth took Aldwen in when she was just 8-years old. Her father, Alhelm, worked closely with his brother and lived in a small dwelling on his property; the two were close. Her father had little to do with business, he always preferred working directly with their horses. His talent was undeniable, even the most spirited of horses would eventually yield under his guiding hand. One morning, Alhelm was working with an unbroken stallion when he was kicked in the head; he died three days later. Overcome with grief, Aldwen's mother awoke one morning shortly after her husband's death, rode across the Kingstead plains, and walked into the Entwash disappearing under the roiling current. Her riderless horse wandering back to their home some days later.
Twenty years later Aldwen was upholding her father's traditions, with perhaps even more skill than even he had. Her uncle would often watch her work in the small corrals with his great war steeds; her small frame almost completely overtaken by such large creatures. It seemed as if they would almost dance together, his stallions trying to lead at first but ever so slowly giving up the lead to his niece. When she sat upon their backs, her riding was so quiet he could hardly see her commands but would have her mounts' obey her every request. Aldwen dearly loved what she did, she felt that it would have made her father proud of her. She devoted herself to her craft and her horses so dearly Alhelm always had to remind his niece also enjoy the company of other people. He worried about her quietness and reclusiveness ever since her parent's death and how it would affect her future. Though men had approached Alleth to seek Aldwen's hand he never accepted; suspicious of their motivations. He never pressed his niece to seek a husband for he knew that if that time ever came it would be Aldwen herself who would tell him.
Grabbing her long black coat, Aldwen stepped outside just as the sun was rising over the eastern peaks of Emyn Muil. It was almost foaling season and she went out to find her uncle who would be in the stables tending to the mares. It was warmer in the stables and the sweet smell of fresh hay coated with morning dew hung in the air. She found him beside one of her favorite mares, Friseal, affectionately stroking her neck; she was heavy with her foal and restless.
"Good morning uncle," she greeted him with a small smile giving Friseal a pat on her velvet nose and the rest of her apple.
"Still morning? I thought it afternoon by the hour you rose this morning," he joked as he kissed the side of her cheek.
Aldwen laughed softly, she had never been an early riser. She would easily stay up all night and enjoy the stillness of the stars as they faded into dawn, but she could never convince her body to wake before the sun. She walked over to her own mare, Maon, who eyed Aldwen harshly after giving Friseal her apple.
"Don't worry my friend, I could never do that to you," she said producing another small apple which she shared with her horse. Maon was a beautiful Bay Overo Paint with a black and white mane, and an irregular blaze contoured around her right eye coloring it a vivid blue. At fifteen hands, she was average height for her breed but Aldwen prized her for her speed, loyalty, and bravery; Maon was solid as a rock under saddle. She was reluctant to accept any other rider other than Aldwen. Alleth gifted Maon as a foal to his niece when she was twenty-three years of age; he had never seen anyone bond with an animal so quickly. While he greatly desired to breed Maon with one of his stallions, he never would unless Aldwen approached him about it.
"I have a favor to ask of you Aldwen," Alleth started. "King Théoden wants to see Artair to purchase for one of his Guardsman who lost his horse in battle. With many of our mares so close to foaling, I am needed here, I would like you to bring Artair to him in my stead."
"Artair? He's not ready to be sold, I still have difficulties with him" Aldwen replied. Just the other day she was thrown from his tall back when he spooked while she shot an arrow at a target. "And why do you have to stay? I'm perfectly capable of tending to the mares while you are away," she continued defensively.
Alleth knew this and was not intending to insult his niece. He also knew that Théoden had just returned from Helm's Deep and was planning on having a great feast in honor of his victorious dead. Alleth wanted Aldwen to go sn enjoy herself, she wasn't a young maiden anymore and dreaded the thought of her ending up alone. Stifling an impish green Alleth straightened to his full height in an attempt to be stern.
"I have already written to the King and accepted his offer, his Guardsman is more than a capable ride and knows what he is getting into with Artair. Théoden will expect you three nights hence. " Alleth turned and strode quickly from the stables before Aldwen could say anything further on the matter.
Aldwen was left alone to steep in her own thoughts. Why was her uncle making her ride to Edoras? This Guardsman of his could just come to their home if they wanted one of their horses, she wasn't at their beck and call. Why couldn't her uncle simply go! It was a two days journey and the road was not as safe as it has once been. Aldwen was annoyed at how illogical this all sounded when Maon nudged her with her soft muzzle; she could always tell when Aldwen was bothered. Aldwen let out a long sigh, she was being difficult. She knew she should be thankful that her uncle trusted her enough to deliver one of his finest horses to the King. She also realized she was being selfish in wondering why their rider couldn't come to meet them; they had just fought in a difficult battle. Turning to leave the stables, she went to catch up with her uncle and apologize for being difficult. While she wasn't all together looking forward to it, it had been a while since she had left the property. Maybe this trip would shake the sadness that had been creeping into her features as of late.
Aldwen caught up to her uncle, throwing an arm up to his shoulders to express her thanks.