Chapter Ten: Footsteps on the Hill

"England's sun was slowly setting o'er the hill-tops far away,
Filling all the land with beauty at the close of one sad day;
And its last rays kissed the forehead of a man and maiden fair,—
He with footsteps slow and weary; she with sunny, floating hair;
He with bowed head, sad and thoughtful; she with lips so cold and white,"

-Rose Hartwick Thorpe

"Through thick and thin, both over hill and plain."

- Guillaume de Salluste Du Bartas

July 30th:

No trace of Nénar was found within the day. It was with heavy hearts the travelers continued on their way, headed for Edoras. Some odd pacing was necessary for Eva to keep in stride with Boromir. Her bag swayed lightly with her steps, and was not really a burden. Her clothes and blanket were rolled up tightly within it, and saved enough room for her share of rations. Whenever she might stumble over her dress or the rocky soil, Boromir would shoulder his shield, and offer her help. She never accepted an extra hand though. Over hill and plain they continued west, seeming like the journey before Aldburg. Except it was only the two of them now.

August 1st:

They passed into a much wider plain as the sun began to rise. It had been only an hour's travel from their last rest stop to where they were presently. From a rocky hill it was possible to see a city perched on a tiered hill. It was set about with sturdy walls, and gold glimmered at the highest possible point.

"Edoras," Boromir said with relief.

"Shouldn't we have made it sooner? Or was the night travel necessary?" Eva asked.

"If truth be told, I am not very good with maps."

"Just don't lose out way and I won't care." Shouldering her bag, she continued to trudge on.

Though the city could be seen quite clearly, it took at least another half hour to reach the city walls.

"Aye yai yai," she moaned. "That was too long of a tenuous walk this early in the morning."

The city gates stood open, its high arching posts carved against the pink sky of the still rising sun. They were stopped by two guards posted at either side of the entrance.

"Hwæt eart þu?" one asked.

Both travelers made no sign of comprehension and stayed motionless.

"I demand to know who you are," one guard finally said in Westron.

"I am Boromir son of De- Dairuin. This is my betrothed, Evelyn daughter of-"

"-Arthur," she finished. "We are seeking the Dryhtsele Inn and Théodred son of Théoden on behalf of Éomer, Third Marshall of the Mark.

"Why do your guard the gates against us?" Boromir asked impatiently. "It is my belief that we have the right to enter this city."

"It is the wish of Théodred that the city by guarded against possible spies and the King's command that all comings and goings of strangers are watched."

"Very well, you have noted we are here. May we pass?"

The guard excused them with permission, and also gave them instructions for reaching their destination. Edoras opened before them as they entered, seeming very close in appearance to Aldburg. The streets were noticeably empty, and much wider and cobbled here. Some wandering was necessary before they finally came to what they'd been searching for.

At the berth of the highest hill point, their street swerved past a particularly large stone building. It lay close to the broadest stone fence, where beyond it a stately hall with a thatched roof of gold could be seen. They went into the building, passing beneath a sign marked, "Dryhtsele Inn, by Egric Greybeard." A spacious lobby-like room drew them toward the wall, where a man lay asleep.

"Excuse me," Boromir said, tapping the wood lightly with a knuckle.

The man jolted awake, and immediately fell out of his chair. A hand appeared over the desk's edge as he pulled himself up again, and examined them sheepishly.

"Are you alright?" Eva exclaimed.

"Yes," the wizened little man said eagerly. "How may I help you?"

"We would like a room," Boromir requested.

"Two or one?" he asked, an all knowing smile on his face.

"One with two beds preferably."

"I think we have room," the man said, turning around to an ajar nearby door. "Wulwina! Check for a room with two beds." A muffled reply was heard in the distance. "What?" yelled the man. Another inaudible answer was heard. "What?"

Light hurrying footsteps sounded from the room beyond as a woman scrambled into the entrance hall.

"Egric, don't yell, you'll wake up the guests. I was saying that we have one open and clean room, but it only has one bed."

He groaned. "How big? Double occupancy or single?"

"It's a double," the woman answered, and studied the new arrivals.

"That's fine," Boromir said, and elbowed Eva when she tried to comment.

The room was much nicer than their former one at the other inn. It had a queen sized bed set with white sheets and a patchwork quilt, the furniture was made of light worn wood, the rug depicted a white running horse, and everything was toned in the colors of autumn. Fortunately it was one of the nicer rooms available at the inn. Eva was grateful for being able to have a bed again. Exhausted from the lack of good sleep, she dressed down to her shift right there in front of Boromir, and rolled onto the bed's left side.

After that initial shock, he grinned. "Nap, good idea."

Carefully he took almost everything and laid it on a nearby chair, but Eva prevented him from removing his linen undershirt.

"No, if you're going to sleep with me, you're wearing a shirt."

"In that event, I would hope neither of us would be wearing anything."

"Yuck," Eva laughed, swinging a pillow at him.

Repeatedly she socked him with it, until he threw his hands up in defeat.

"I surrender," he gasped.

She dropped the pillow in mercy, but suddenly he pounced at her.

He flattened her on the bed, and said in a low voice, "I get this side."

Springing over her, he landed on the left side of the bed.

She shook her head, and turned over onto her side. "Have a good sleep Boromir."

.-.-.-.

The sound of several voices wafted up the stairs as Eva made her way to the first floor of the inn. It was around noon, and she had woken up to find Boromir still asleep. The nap had refreshed her, but also made her extremely hungry. It was her hope that the inn would have something decent to eat. Her mind wandering was interrupted near the bottom of the stairs, as two things abruptly collided with her.

The steps met her rear-side, and she sat up in wonder to see what had caused that. Sprawled on the floor was a pair of children, a boy and girl with curly blond locks, and big green eyes that were staring at her in a terrified ways. Both seemed to be about seven years old, and were so identical in appearance, that she assumed they must be twins.

"Lady, we're sorry," the boy squeaked, and got to his feet.

"It's okay," she said, smiling reassuringly.

"Really?" the girl said warily. "Cause mother and grandmother would be mad if we were bumping people again."

She had a slight inkling of who they were talking about, but said anyway, "Who are your mother and grandmother?"

"Wulfwyn and Wulwina. Grandfather Egric owns the inn."

"I am Aldhelm," the boy answered proudly, then pointed to his sister. "Mildrythe."

"Nice to meet you," she said, still smiling. "Do you know where the inn serves food?"

"Aye," Mildrythe peeped, and put her small hand in hers. "I'll show you."

The twins led her hand in hand to what was obviously the common room/ dining area. The few people at the tables smiled as them, amused to see the children and woman. A woman was standing behind the bar cleaning a cup, and looked up when she came in with them. She had light hair and so sternly gazed with similar green eyes that it was obvious she was their mother. Eva took a seat and the woman snatched the backs of the sibling's clothes before they could run from her.

"Aldhelm, Mildrythe, ne ge-lettan firas," Wulfwyn said with a tone that was easily discerned as anger.

"Wē gþ god," they answered wistfully.

She decided to intervene for the children. "I'm fine, they couldn't possible annoy me."

The woman regarded her doubtfully, but sighed. "No harm done that I can tell."

The children grinned at Eva gratefully, and she winked knowingly at them. Aldhelm dashed off, but Mildrythe plopped onto the stool beside her.

"What's your name?"

"Eva," she answered.

"Where are you going?"

"Out northwest."

"I wish I could go, mother never let's me go anywhere, even when the soldiers take us up on their horses. My Uncle gets to go everywhere, he is a soldier in the Rohirrim. He gets to go north where all the fun places are. North is where the elves are, maybe you'll see them, I would like to see them, they sound sparkly and pretty and have so many exciting adventures. Grandmother tells me many bedtime stories about elves, she is smart but has never seen an elf either. Mother doesn't like it when grandmother tells me that, she says it's foolish. How are you going there?"

"I was riding a horse before, but he broke loose and was lost. So I have to go by foot," briefly she ordered food from the woman behind the counter, and watched her walk off before turning back to the girl.

"Poor horsie. I wish I had one, but mother says that I'm not old enough. She makes me ride Pepper my pony all the time. I love him but I am a big girl, I want to ride a horse like a real shield-maiden. When I'm old I will let my children do anything they want because I'll be a woman with a big sword and no one will tell me what to do. I'll have a big horse too, that is fast as the wind and white as Simbelmynë and the Mearas of the King. What was your horse's name?"

"Nénar."

"Oo that's a pretty name."

Eva nodded, and they were interrupted by Wulwina as she placed a plate in front of her.

Mildrythe didn't bother to notice her grandmother. "Do you have any children like me? Do they get to go with you?"

"No, I don't have any children."

"Wulwina's eyebrow went up. "No children yet? With a face like yours and a man like that?"

"Huh?"

"The one you signed in here with. He is a fine specimen. I'd expect the tow of you would have babies all over the place in a few years."

She colored slightly with understanding. "We're uh- not uh- married- yet."

Wulfwyn appeared behind Wulwina, having overheard the conversation. "Mother! Honestly!" She dragged the older woman away.

.-.-.-.

Boromir woke up a while after Eva, and became worried when he saw the spot next to him was empty. The sheets crumpled on that side were proof she's been there, but her clothes and boots on the chair were gone.

She must be down in the inn

That thought did nothing to alleviate his concern. Quickly he got out of bed and put on his clothes, tucking in the dagger from his father that he always wore beneath his vestment. His sword and shield were left behind uselessly as he made his way to the stairs. In the entrance hall he could hear voices coming from beyond the double doors.

Pushing them open, he found himself in what must be the common room/ dining area. There were a dozen or so people scattered amongst the tables. Up at the bar were Eva and an unknown little girl, sitting on stools while they ate and talked together. Boromir took the empty stool on his companion's left side. It took a minute for her to realize he was there, and both females turned in his direction.

"You're up now too," she said, sounding pleased.

"Why did you leave? I was worried," he said in a low voice.

"This is a friendly inn, nothing can happen to me here-"

"Remember what happened."

"I know," she said with a hint of spite. "But I can take care of myself."

"Can you?"

It occurred to her that Mildrythe was sitting very close and could tell the girl was listening intently. "We'll talk about this later." She resumed eating her lunch.

"Who is he?" Mildrythe whispered.

"He's my special friend," she explained carefully.

Wulwina suddenly appeared behind the bar. "Ha! He's more than just your friend!"

Wulfwyn appeared again too. "Mother!"

The woman ignored her, grabbed a cup, and then strolled away, Wulfwyn on her tail.

Mildrythe rolled her eyes and stared at Eva expectantly. "What is his name?"

.-.-.-.

"That child asked too many questions," Boromir grumbled.

"She's just a little girl, she was curious."

"You can not let your guard down like that."

Her foot kicked a pebble along the road they were walking on. "I can take care of myself. I don't see why you're so cranky.":

"I w as concerned, I'm sorry-"

"Forget it. What are we trying to find again?

"Faran Hedærn. Lady Wulwina said it was somewhere along this way."

"We're so sure she's right?" Eva mumbled.

"No, but likely her memory is in tact, though her mind may not be in the best condition."

Instantly she pointed out a sign she caught sight of that read, "Faran Hedærn."

Rohirric Translations:

Hwæt eart þu? (The guard's question): Who are you?

Ne ge-lettan firas (Wulfwyn's reprimand): Do not hinder people.

Wē gþ god. (Twin's protest): We are good.

Faran Hedærn: HEH NOT TELLING YOU! Wait until the next chapter…