Chapter 2: The apprentices…

**Ithilann

Even if, as a child, I dreamed about the beautiful gowns of the young lady of Imladris; it couldn't prevent me from getting bruises and scrapes. Fascinated by the War of the Last Alliance, I loved to embody Lord Elrond in the turmoil of epic battles against my little neighbours. Therefore at a crossroads, without any logical destination in mind, I chose to travel to Minas Tirith. Nearby, on the Plains of Dagorlad, the dreadful Sauron was defeated for the last time. Just over a month later, I reached the legendary white city. At the dawn of peace, travels remain risky in Middle Earth; that was why I followed the road alongside merchants. I never left my humble Bree, so this journey enlightened my heart and what could I say about the splendid Minas Tirith? There, I convince a Master Blacksmith to accept me into an apprenticeship: dexterity and strength inherited from the elves should compensate my female gender.

Blowing on one of my black lock to clear my view, I think of my life in Bree. I am relieved to be able to put this past behind me. It was a good decision. Certainly my Master Urîdzir is an ill-mannered and grumpy man; but today I am the apprentice of the best blacksmith of the city.

-''Bloody elf! Have you not finished your work yet?! [Indistinct words even for my ears]'';

-''I have Orch uanui [horrible orc- sindarin]'';

-''What might it bloody mean?'';

-'' 'Master Blacksmith' in sindarin.'', I said with twinkle in my eyes. Adûn, the other apprentice of the ''Master'' rewards my mischief with a jovial smile. He doesn't understand this language but seems to guess the meaning. Adûn is a chubby young man with brown hair and almond-shaped brown eyes, so much that he looks always happy. Urîdzir's brow gets creased, seeming to cogitate, he growls and finally orders:

-''Bring these training swords to the Weapon Master! Hurry up!'';

-''I will be swift!…as if my life depends on it.'' Once more, my repartee earns a laugh from Adûn and a snarl from Urîdzir. Eru ! The man only knows how to grumble…In fact, I ask to myself if every intonation corresponds to a precise word or rather a scale in his displeasure. It is perhaps a complex language?... NO, my Master is just impossible! On this essential note, I wrap and fix the swords between my shoulder blades.

-''Good Work!'' Although I have already passed the threshold of the workshop, I recognise Urîdzir's voice. Ah ! I always knew that this man had a gentle heart under that entire gruff exterior!

-''Thanks you.'' was my answer even if am not sure he could hear it and continue on my way with much more spring in my step. I have manufactured fifteen training swords by myself from the first to the last stage! I am proud of me. Faster than I initially imagined, I have arrived to my destination. For Eru sake! Two words from the grumpy old thing and it gave me wings! I cannot help but laugh at my own behaviour. Near the height wooden fence which borders the training ground, I have stopped.

- ''I am Ithilann, apprentice of Urîzir, the Master Blacksmith, I have brought the Weapon Master's order!'' I wait...but nothing. I repeat my little speech this time lauder -unfortunately patience has never been my strong suit- : ''I am… '' Finally, an old man is opening the fence:

-''Hello Weapon Master, here is … '',

-The laugh of the old man interrupts me ''I am no Weapon Master impetuous young lady, there he is [my interlocutor points a man with light-brown hair about 100 yards away, his back turned to us]. Bring him your work.'';

-''Thank you.'';

-''The blacksmith's apprentice for your delivery Eothain!'' has yelled the old man to close for my sensitive ears. While I am progressing, the Weapon Master has not done a thing to receive his package or even acknowledge me in any manner whatsoever. The oaf! Minas Tirith's apprentices are about one hundred hands who support the activity of this royal city; even so, people who believe themselves important do not deign to pay attention to us. Not really. His back still turned, the Master in question speaks to his audience -about fifteen young people hanging on his every word-:

-''It happened because you were not focused. There are a lot of things in a fight related to that. For instance...for instance, when your opponent offers you his back; it's not a good enough reason … ''

**Master Eothain

A quick pivotal movement, a well-placed punch to literally take my 'opponent' breath away, one grip of his wrist and a last pivotal movement: there! my demonstration is done. '' …to lower your guard and don't pay attention anymore. [My pupils are giggling] It could have happened to any of you so keep quiet!'' Restoration of order allows me to examine my adversary. I am surprised to find full lips, round nose, delicate fair skin, and striking blue eyes staring right at me. It is indeed, a young woman. I have noticed that her hair -tied up in a low bun- is even darker than Queen Arwen's locks. The Queen...one would mistake the young lady for...a distant cousin for instance, if only her brow wasn't stain with soot, her hands burn more than once, not to mention her clothes! Our visitor wear a loose green shirt remind me of the Drùadan Forest and a dark grey pants hold in place by a thin leather belt. Although her outfit hides pretty well her body curves, she seems to be in good physical condition.

-''Let me help you young lady, be assured that your little fall despite being unpleasant was instructive for my pupils [I hold out my hand].'' The young lady in question totally ignores my help. Already on her feet, she has removed one sword from her back. My mistake! Too busy checking her agreeable features; I didn't notice the fury in her eyes or even her over clenched muscles. With a skilled move of her wrist, the sword rotates swiftly.

-''Sir, you have ordered fifteen training blades. Here they are.'' Urîzir's apprentice gazes at her hard work. Her irises are as hard and cold as two stones under the moonlight. ''Good swords, with right balance and effective … ''. Once again she pays me attention: ''even though destined to practice. '' Noticing her irregular breathing and stormy eyes, I can tell she is trying to contain herself. As for me, I feel unpleasant sensations emerging in my head.

-''You have fine moves, I could teach you more therefore sweep along your inconvenience...'' Ithil – I seem to recall Urîzir called her that way – Ithil arches her eyebrow before turning her back on me. Still, Urîzir's apprentice has untied my order from her shoulder blades and let it slide to the ground. I have the feeling that Ithil remains a few unnecessary seconds that way to insult or even tempt me? She does have a pretty backside after all...Then Ithil had quickly walked away and my own favourite apprentice couldn't hold her tongue anymore:

-''Men!''

-''What is it Inkama ?'';

-''Really! Every apprentice worthy of the name would have reacted this way!'' Inkama lets me no chance to reply and storms off behind Ithil.

**Ithilann

''Apprentice ! Apprentice !''. Halting, I finally look at an athletic young woman as tall as I am (which means not so much). Her dark eyes are so full of lives; her deep brown hair with flaming highlights contrasts absolutely with my cool one and what about her tanned skin? She had to come from Harad, a desert realm established beyond the kingdom of Gondor further to the south. So, Weapon Master teaches his art to a woman! I didn't notice her in the audience of this... Lýgion [son of snake – sindarin insult]. It is quite uncommon, however my situation also is. She gives me a look full of compassion:

-''…I am Inkama, one of the Weapon Master pupils… '' I grumble and roll my eyes ''I admit you did well, he behaved like an orc. You put him adroitly in his place. '' She smiles brightly. ''However he is a good man, he has taught me his art while nothing obliges him to do so: I'm a woman and a foreigner from Harad at that…even though he has come out better off! You should know how it is!?'' I have known intuitively that her heart was pure and, most important: I could absolutely get along with this apprentice.

-''Mmm…'' I cogitate and ask ''Do you think that he was being sincere about his offer?'';

-''His off…ahh his lessons! Well, he as a mind on its own and a fondness for hot-blooded persons.'' She must see doubts all over my face. ''I know he didn't apologies but it would be idiocy to miss this opportunity out of pride. '';

-''Indeed, however pride is my biggest flaw. '';

-''Likewise.'' Inkama replies winking and conclude with a ''Good-bye for now.'', an infectious smile on her lips. She did not have any doubt.

-''Goodbye.'';

Tomorrow evening at the forge:

-''If you had already started instead of grumble about it!'';

-''Explain to me what the point of polishing thoroughly a forge is?! All will be dirtied tomorrow!'' I am very much aware that I behave like a six years old at the moment but you don't know Adûn! Surely he must take some unhealthy pleasure in all sort of tidying and cleaning activities. ''As if Urîzir could tell the difference!'';

-''Still less work for tomorrow.'' he says and I look doubtfully at him ''Well, maybe not but I can tell the difference!'';

-''Urg!'' Adûn is so frustrating! ;

-''Hello Ithilann.'';

-''Oh Hello!'' I answer surprised: Inkama is standing in front of my workshop, a mischievous smile on her lips;

-''Ithilann! You didn't tell me you would introduce me to a beautiful young lady today!'' intervenes Adûn happily;

-''I will make sure she writes to you, besides don't you have something to polish?'';

-''Oh! If only people knew how much maliciousness hides behind this angelic face!'' he jokes before walking away. As for Inkama, she answered a question I did not get the chance to ask ''I came to bring you to your first lesson. You would explain that you yield at my strong insistence. That way, your pride is safe. Do not worry it would be credible.'';

-''I do not doubt it, I feel like people can't say no to you.'' Inkama seems to be a suborned young woman. ''How did you know at which time I finish my day?'';

-''I have my methods.'';

-''Hum but Adûn…''

-''Go, your life seems to be more enthralling than mine!'' Adûn did not go very far.

-''Eavesdropping is a nasty little habit!'' I scold him playfully;

-''Hey! I hope you can return the favour someday!'' he negotiates with seriousness;

-''I'm sure. I will see you tomorrow!'' I say, appreciative;

-''Tomorrow Ithil. Until next time beautiful stranger!''. Amused at Adûn's antics, Inkama simply nod.

Soundtrack in order of appearance:

-Ithilann arrives to Minas Tirith = Lord of the Rings Soundrack, The Realm of Gondor

-Ithilann works at the forge = Claymore Soundtrack, 4/Sabaku Kaze;

-Eothain attacks Ithilann = Claymore Soundtrack, 16/Kouya no Rakujitsu;

-Eothain meets Ithilann = Claymore Soundtrack, 21/ Utsushiki Kariudotachi;

-Meet Inkama, character's theme = Game of Thrones Season 1 Soundtrack, Love in the Eyes;

-Final scene (Inkama convinces Ithilann) = Game of Thrones Season 2 Soundtrack, 5/Valar Morgulis.

Author's notes:

-I was not happy with my first chapter so I was more carefull with this one. I hope you like it!

-Please review! but be gentle this is my first fic and english is not my mother tongue !

-You will find Tolkien's characters in the chapter 3 and the next to come, I promise!

Next chapter: The Tournament

Disclaimer: I do not own anything, only my brain!

5