DISCLAIMER: Anything you recognise belongs to Tolkein!
Chapter 2 – Royal Approval
"Freya!"
The sharp call jolted Freya out of her thoughts as she groomed Fram, who certainly lived up to his name meaning 'strong', a 17.2hh very well built chestnut stallion. Freya often thought that the only horses she had ever seen in Edoras that were more imposing than Fram were Shadowfax and Eomer King's own Firefoot. Unlike Firefoot however, whose temper was famed throughout the Rohirrim, Fram was a gentle giant, now aged eighteen and very much with the air of having been there and seen everything. Despite his side Wulfstan often said that you would be able to put a baby on his back and he would bring them back from a ride safe and sound.
Putting down her grooming kit in its rightful place, Freya went out to the hay store which was where Wulfstan's shout seemed to have come from. He very rarely raised his voice when on the yard, so she was instantly wondering what had occurred.
"There you are Freya. Eomer King and Lothiriel Queen wish to see this year's foals two hours after noon. I want you to prepare them and then you will be bringing them out with Leod for our King and Queen."
"Yes Wulfstan, which foals do you wish to be readied?" Freya asked, immediately starting to think about which foals showed the most potential. As Wulfstan rattled off a list of broodmares to be brought out her heart sank. It was already less than one hour until noon, and Wulfstan wanted ten mares with their foals brought out, meaning she had twenty horses to groom to perfection as well as look slightly presentable herself. There would be no break for the midday meal today.
The next few hours flew by as Freya groomed horse after horse. Fortunately all of the mares had already been groomed that morning, but the foals had not and as they were not yet halter trained she followed a few of them round the stable with her brushes. Finally finished, she had just enough time to brush her trousers and shirt down, wash the grease from her hands, and redo her bun before it was time to bring out the first mare.
Freya had only ever seen the King and Queen from a distance before, as their own horses were stabled in the Royal Stables closer to Meduseld. Leading out the first mare, a small grey called Snowfall, she had the unusual feeling of butterflies in her stomach and her hands shook very slightly. All who had met the royals of Rohan had said how approachable and pleasant they were, but Freya had this image in her head of an enormous man who would banish anybody who did not meet with his approval. As she led the mare, her colt foal followed along behind as they did at this young age. Freya knew that any foals chosen today would go up to the Royal Stables with their dams, freeing up space in the lower stables for some of the four year olds who would come in to be backed.
The inspection took place in a pen just outside of the walls of the city, often used for lungeing and schooling the younger horses. Wulfstan opened the gate for her and shut it when the foal had followed Snowfall in, before walking over to join the royal party who were already waiting at one side of the pen. Freya halted with the mare in the middle of the pen, taking this first opportunity to glance over at her King and Queen.
Eomer King certainly looked every inch the ruler of Rohan, despite being stood in more casual clothing. He looked smaller than she had expected, probably due to the lack of hauberk and armour, but was still exceptionally broad shouldered. Here was a man who you only had to glance at to think 'warrior'. By contrast, Lothiriel Queen was quite petite, stood next to her husband almost like a sapling next to an older tree. Her hair was dark and held back in a simple braid, while she wore a plain dress that Freya would not have expected the Queen to wear, especially as a Lady from Gondor. Freya had heard that their Queen was fair, as well as that she was suited to Rohan as Dol Amroth also took pride in their horses. She agreed that the Queen was fair, but was not able to judge the Queen's equestrian abilities just from a glance.
The King and Queen discussed Snowfall's foal with Wulfstan before having Freya trot Snowfall up in-hand so they could see how the foal moved as he followed his dam. This particular colt had been sired by none other than the King's own Firefoot so there was obvious interest. Freya was not able to watch the foal move as she was busy running, but she was able to hear positive comments from both the King and Queen as they talked to Wulfstan. The King was well known for his horsemanship, but the comments from Lothiriel Queen showed her also to be knowledgeable.
Leod's arrival with the next mare and foal meant that she was dismissed and she turned to lead Snowfall back up to the stables. As she turned with the mare she had one last glance at the royal party and that was when she saw him. He too was tall and broad shouldered, although not quite as imposing as the King, his easy stance hiding the fact that he was probably on guard and keeping an eye on everything around him. It was Eothain, head of the King's Guard and owner of Firewell. His typically blonde hair was shoulder length, his beard well kept, but his face gave nothing away as he looked around. Turning away before he noticed her looking, Freya led Snowfall back up to the stables, ready to get her next mare and foal to bring down, there would be lots more chances today to have quick glances at the King's Captain.
Author's Note: Thank you all for reading so far. The next chapter will be less descriptive and Freya will interact with people more, I am aware that at the moment it is very much all her own thoughts. I am not sure if I will get chapter three written today and I am showing one of the horses tomorrow so certainly won't have time then, but will get it done asap!