"Watch Out!"
Twisting my head at an awkward angle, I barely avoid a spear that had
suddenly planted itself into the wall directly beside my head. My blonde
sister, Leohild, is laughing with her usual gaiety at my shock, shield
maiden that she is.
Our mother shakes her head in perplexity as she watches us, her dark one and her golden flower. For although Aestrith loves us both equally, birth and foster daughter alike, she has never been able to grasp how we could be so different. Like any Rohirric mother, she hopes that her girl-children will be like the fabled Steelsheen, equal to any man or horse in skill, courage, and strength.
I watch my dear sister as she slides the spear away in a single fluid gesture. Save Eowyn, Theoden's kin, Leohild is one of the best shieldmaidens in all of Rohan; I was never truly in any danger. On the other hand, if I had been the one throwing, all present would have ran for cover. Beyond my dark hair, I have been recognizable since childhood for my complete lack of skill in all weaponry, which once caused my mother despair. Whenever the training duels began, I would duck, reel, and head for the library or to my harp, only returning to heal the wounded. I am no coward, so I do not flee; I merely.remove myself. At least I have some skill in healing.
As Cynewald loves to proclaim, the most Rohirric part of me is that "accursed" harp and my horse.
Sadly enough, my abilities as a healer are needed in these troubled times, with the frequent orcish invasions and other such trouble. This is the first time in a week I've seen my sister smile, and I would wager my best flask of wine that we'll all be called to duty again by dusk today. my sister to the battle. and I to the healing hall.
Our mother shakes her head in perplexity as she watches us, her dark one and her golden flower. For although Aestrith loves us both equally, birth and foster daughter alike, she has never been able to grasp how we could be so different. Like any Rohirric mother, she hopes that her girl-children will be like the fabled Steelsheen, equal to any man or horse in skill, courage, and strength.
I watch my dear sister as she slides the spear away in a single fluid gesture. Save Eowyn, Theoden's kin, Leohild is one of the best shieldmaidens in all of Rohan; I was never truly in any danger. On the other hand, if I had been the one throwing, all present would have ran for cover. Beyond my dark hair, I have been recognizable since childhood for my complete lack of skill in all weaponry, which once caused my mother despair. Whenever the training duels began, I would duck, reel, and head for the library or to my harp, only returning to heal the wounded. I am no coward, so I do not flee; I merely.remove myself. At least I have some skill in healing.
As Cynewald loves to proclaim, the most Rohirric part of me is that "accursed" harp and my horse.
Sadly enough, my abilities as a healer are needed in these troubled times, with the frequent orcish invasions and other such trouble. This is the first time in a week I've seen my sister smile, and I would wager my best flask of wine that we'll all be called to duty again by dusk today. my sister to the battle. and I to the healing hall.
