Gilraen could already tell that Rohan would not be her favorite expedition.

She had been assigned two weeks ago, and everything since she had departed for Edoras had gone wrong. First, the wheel of the carriage transporting her came away, and they had been delayed by an entire day, in the rain, under a soggy cloth in the cold. Not long after, she was robbed while staying at an inn, and although nothing of great value was stolen, she did find herself missing more than half the coin she was provided by the Scholars.

Once she arrived at the border of Edoras, she was informed, quite uncouthly, that the driver would merely be passing by. Gilraen was to get out and make her way up the hills, alone, dragging the sack of her belongings behind her – and given the amount of books she was required to bring with her, it was not light.

As she dragged her things up the hill and through the town, she tried to ignore the townspeople who stared at her. She was, after all, one of the Gondorian Scholars, and she supposed it was rare to see women travelling alone. She was also dragging a large sack up a hill, alone, and was, despite her best efforts, struggling with it. Greatly. She could see the Palace, which was up an even steeper climb, and felt her stomach sink. She was a day late, was to meet with the King of Rohan to discuss her assignment and would be tired, messy and sweaty.

"You seem to be struggling," a voice suddenly spoke from beside her, causing her to jump. "May I be of assistance?" The voice belonged to a man in armour, the tether of a horse in one hand as he led the beast beside him. A member of The Mark. She gave a polite smile, shaking head head.

"I thank you, but I can manage, I assure you-"

It was too late, however, as the Horse Lord had already taken her bag of things in his arms. With little to no effort, he hauled it over the back of his horse, who didn't even flinch. "That should be well for a short trip. Where do you travel?"

"The Palace," Gilraen replied, stuttering a little at the suddenness with which he chose to help her. "I.. thank you. This is very kind. ...And unexpected."

"It is of no trouble. I am heading that way myself, and I couldn't leave a Gondorian Lady to carry such heavy things by herself."

She blinked, raising an eyebrow. "How did you know I'm from Gondor?"

The man gave a smile. "Your coloring. You may not have noticed, but the Ladies of Rohan do not have your dark hair."

"I could be from the North," she suggested.

"From Dale? Perhaps," he mused, glancing to her once more. "But Dalish women are famous for their freckles, a trait which you seem to be lacking... not that you're at disadvantage for it. What kind of Nobleman sends such a daughter to Edoras alone?"

"Oh, you are mistaken, Sir," she laughed, blushing a little and sweeping some hair behind her ear. She'd heard stories about the Horse Lords, lots of stories. Charming, strong, passionate men with a thirst for danger and no fear – and no one in Gondor ever spoke to her like this. "I am no Lady. I am a Scholar."

"A Scholar?" He repeated, blinking. "I did not know the Gondorian Scholars had women in their ranks."

"They have many, but very seldom do they study in the field."

"Yet you are an exception?" He glanced to her, a playful, almost cheek smirk about him. Gilraen couldn't help but lose herself for a moment. She had been warned to be wary of the Horse Lords, of course, as all women were by their elders, but never had see been so drawn by a gaze. It was intense, almost fiery. She wondered what he was thinking to look at someone like that – and when she put two and two together, she quickly looked away. Of course. There were stories about Horse Lords for a reason.

"I have spent many years working very hard," she explained. "I speak three tongues, not including the common speech, and read four. I have acted as assistant on more than a dozen of my senior's field studies, and I have transcribed more of the Rohirric material in our archives than any of my male counterparts - and that is why I was assigned here." She glanced to him quickly.

"What kind of assignment?" He asked. "If I am permitted to ask."

"King Elessar desires the archives be updated and that all cultures within the Reunited Kingdom be re-recorded. Everything from their histories to their family trees to their culture. ...And I am not an exception," she added. "I am the first of what will be many."

The man laughed to himself as they approached the Palace in less than half the time it would have taken her alone. "You will fit in well here, then. The women of The Mark are the strongest in the Kingdoms."

"As I am told. I spoke with Lady Eowyn shortly before I left. Her valour is known to many."

"And what did Lady Eowyn tell you of her brother?" He asked.

"Of King Eomer?" Gilraen laughed to herself, giving a nod as she glanced to the him. "That he has a temper."

The man raised an eyebrow. "A temper, you say?"

"Well, yes. His temper is known throughout the Kingdoms already, but Lady Eowyn insisted that he is quite hotheaded, if not stubborn." She exhaled as they came to a stop by the front of the palace. "I certainly hope he is not as stubborn as she says he is. I have so much work to do, and so little time to spend arguing."

They arrived by the guards, who quickly approached the horse, taking the things from the back. The man gave a nod to them both, handing his horse's tether to one of them before speaking, his voice, lower, more official and stern. "See to it that the Scholar's things are seen to her chambers at once, and ready me some mead. Today's ride was long and I wish to rest."

"Of course, King Eomer." With a quick nod, the guard carried the sack of things inside, his companion leading the horse away.

Gilraen froze on the spot, staring at the Horse Lord, her mouth agape. "K-King... Eomer?" She repeated, unsure if she should curtsey or not, her face flushed red.

Eomer smirked at her once more, giving her a quick nod. "It was good to meet you, Scholar," he quickly spoke, before heading inside, shaking his head. Gilraen stayed where she was, fixed to the spot, eyes wide.

This did not bode well.

Really short chapter to open, I'm sorry! D: But I just wanted to get the ball rolling.