Chapter 1

Arriving

"Come on. It won't be that bad little sis." Colleen's older brother said as they rode their horses up the white stoned street of Gondor. Colleen looked at him and rolled her eyes.

"Why do I need to be here? This business is between you and the Steward." Colleen's brother stayed silent for a moment. As they past venders and commoners, they looked up at her. She smiled to them and waved, but noticed the little smile that made its way to her brother's lips.

"You always seem to brighten someone's day. Just with a simple smile..." He gave a slight laugh and turned back to the rode ahead.

"Ah. There it is." Colleen looked away from the little children that she was smiling to and stared at the great white castle that sat upon its perch. Colleen's brother and her stopped for a moment and admired its beauty.

"I guess it's too late to turn around then?" She asked shutting her eyes. Colleen's brother gave a hearty laugh and started off towards the castle once again. Colleen opened her eyes seconds later, took a deep breath, and rode to catch up with her brother. After climbing a very steep hill they make it to the top where they are greeted by the guards.

"We are here to escort you and your sister to the Steward, Lord Edan." Said one of the guards in uniform.

"Commander Faramir will escort Lady Colleen to her room to be settled, Colleen's Lord." He spoke again as they walked to the great doors.

"Colleen, I shall leave you in the care of Faramir and shall speak with you later." Colleen's brother said as he left with the guard. Colleen turned to the man next to her and smiled.

"My Lady." He said as he bowed. He had reddish hair that was the most curly that she had ever seen in her life. She couldn't help, but give a little giggle. He stood straight again and raised an eyebrow to her.

"Might I ask to what has caused you to laugh?" She put a hand to her mouth to muffle the laughter.

"I'm sorry it's just I have never seen such curly red hair in my life. I ask for your forgiveness." Colleen said bowing with a smile on her face.

"Please, My Lady. You need not bow to me." He said smiling. Colleen stood back up and smiled back at him.

"Only if you stop bowing to me and stop referring to me as My Lady." He nodded his head in approval and opened the doors to let her in. As she passed him she saw the magnificent beauty of the great hall. All she could utter was the word, "Beautiful..."