~*~*A/N: Okay. This story is...screwed up. I'm aware. But...I'm a unique individual, as we all know. I think you guys will all like it. This takes place just before The Two Towers.*~*~




CHAPTER ONE: Two Sisters, Alike and Different




Not too far away, thunder was rumbling. The sound started low, almost as a whisper, and then grew, a warning. It rained almost every evening in Rohan...a sign of what was to come. When the sun went down, the rains began.

Despite the inclimate weather, Náwien Carnesir gathered her sword and headed for the door. Once a week, she rode her horse to the royal house to visit Éomer, nephew of the King. He was teaching her the ways of the blade, for there was nothing she desired more than to become a talented Shield Maiden like her elder sister, Enelya, and her sister's friend, Éowyn. Unfortunately, she did not come close to the level of skill that Enelya possessed. Swordsmanship came easily to Enelya, but Náwien struggled with it, for it was a difficult task for her. The handle of her sword was heavy, and the blade awkward in her grasp. However, despite her lack of skill, Éomer never grew impatient with her; he always tried to help as best he could. For that, Náwien was grateful.

Náwien paused outside her door, seeing her reflection in the glass window. She smoothed down her messy blonde hair, which was knotted in many places, and especially snared towards the bottom. Her hair was the same shade as Enelya's, and almost the same length, causing them to bear resemblance to one another, but Náwien's eyes were a pale honey-brown, and her sister's a deep blue. Finally looking away from her own image, she reached for the handle of the door, but stopped upon hearing Enelya's voice behind her.

"Náwien, are you leaving?" called her sister.

"Aye, I am going to see Éomer for a lesson," she replied, her hand frozen on the doorknob.

"The rains will begin shortly," Enelya said, appearing in the hall.

"I know," Náwien answered, turning to face her. "But I cannot miss a lesson. I must improve my skill."

Enelya to bite her lip to keep from laughing, knowing that Náwien had no skill to improve, but said nothing. She did not wish to dampen her sister's spirits for no reason other than for her own amusement.

"Well, have a good time then," she said, smiling. "Try not to get caught in the storm."

"I shall try. Fare thee well."

Náwien waved to her sister, thinking to herself for the hundredth time how much she looked like her. Of course, Enelya's face was more mature; she bore the expression of wisdom, for she was twenty four years of age, and Náwien was only sixteen. People always said that, when the girls both grew up, they would be able to pass for twins. Náwien looked forward to that day - when she was almost equal to Enelya. It was hard for her to believe that it would happen.

~*~

Éomer sat with his sister, Éowyn, in a room inside the Golden Hall. Outside, thunder was threatening the peace of the city, and he knew that it would not be long before another storm started. He could smell the rain on the air.

"Enelya's sister," Éowyn said, "is she coming tonight?"

"Aye," Éomer replied, looking out the window at the darkening sky. "She should be here shortly."

"It is odd," she said thoughtfully. "Enelya and Náwien are so very different from one another."

"One would not think it so from looking at the two side by side."

"Aye, they do bear a striking resemblance," Éowyn agreed, nodding. "But the similarities do end upon the surface of their skin. Their personalities are nothing alike."

"I cannot say that I know Enelya as well as you do," her brother admitted. "I just know of her exceptional skill with the blade."

"Something that cannot be taught so easily."

"Náwien is very eager to learn," Éomer stated. "There is nothing that can burn away her motiviation...true passion is rare these days, my sister. While she may not be able to weild a sword the way Enelya can, she has the determination to be just as talented. She just needs some practice."

"You are very kind to teach her then," Éowyn said, pushing her chair back and striding to the window. She peered out, seeing the newly falling rain, and hearing it as it pattered on the road and stone buildings. "She is coming down the path now, as we speak."

Éomer joined his sister at the window and looked out, seeing Náwien securing her horse to a nearby tree before walking swiftly towards the palace, her dark blonde locks matted against her head from the water. Her dress, which was of a deep blue shade, was soaked. By her side was her trusty sword, which she grasped firmly, her fingers locked around the handle as if dropping it would bear the cost of her life.

"You are right, Éomer. She does have motivation."

Éomer smiled at his sister, and then walked to the doors, ready to greet his student.



~*~*A/N: What do you think? More to come soon.*~*~