Chapter 11 –Time to Remember

'You'll see me again.' Verya promised, as she adjusted the pack on Warrior's back. It had been two years since the war and Éomer had finally convinced her that maybe it was time she returned to Tumba to find her family, let them know that she was alive. He had also released her from her duty as Captain of the Rohirrim, gifting her with Warrior. 'And if Legolas comes looking for me, tell him where I am.'
'I will.' Éomer agreed. 'Take care.'
'Will do.' Verya checked all the buckles on Warrior's tack one last time and swung herself into the saddle. For the first time in a long time she was not dressed in Rohan clothes. Instead she was dressed down in forest green breeches, black boots, light blue top and a brown tunic with a green cloak. Her weapons were strapped to her body and her hair was tied back in the traditional elvish fashion.

Éomer walked alongside horse and rider as they left Edoras, his new captain would never be as good as Verya, but he knew he had to let her go. Once outside the gate Warrior sprang forward into a gallop. Verya let her horse run, his mane in her face and her hair blowing out behind her. They were heading North-west, towards the Gwathló River. From there they were going to follow the river north. Despite the many years that had passed Verya still remembered where the village lay.
Warrior's hooves thudded on the ground as he cantered on. The journey would take them several days, but Verya was confident that they would be safe. Orcs that still roamed were leaderless and rarely confident enough to attack.

After a week and a day's travel the pair topped the hill to the valley where Tumba lay. The village was on the edge of a lake. But it was no longer a village, over the years Tumba had grown into a city. People regarded Verya with curious, but suspicious, stares as she led Warrior through the streets.
In the main square stood the village hall along with the inn and stables. She was about to make for the stables, when something caught Verya's eye. In the middle of the square, not far from the elleth, was a group of elven boys about Verya's age. A smaller boy was cowering against a wall as the older boys seemed to be bullying him. Verya looped Warrior's reins over a post and approached them. 'What do you think you're doing?' she questioned.
The seemingly leader of the group looked her up and down. 'Get out the way.'
He tried to push past her, but Verya shoved his shoulder. 'I think you should answer the question.' She said dangerously.
The group laughed. 'And why would I do that?'
'Do you think it's funny to bully a child. Can't you see he's scared?' Verya challenged.
'And you should be too.' The boy cracked his knuckles.
'I don't think so.'

The boy threw a punch at Verya's head, but Verya ducked and the boy darted around. She quickly drew her sword, pointing it at his chest. 'What is going on here?' A voice broke the tension. An elf dressed in armour and a guard's uniform was nearby.
'Sir!' The boy started quickly. 'This girl just attacked me and threatened me.'
Verya opened her mouth to protest, but she was beaten to it. 'That's not true Ada!' The child that the boys had been bullying spoke up. 'They were bullying me and she stepped in to stop them.'
'Why you little.' the boy lunged for the child, but Verya tackled him to the ground.
'Enough!' The guard yelled. 'Beleg, you have been warned before, this is your last warning.' He spoke to the boy, before turning to Verya. 'As for you, you may want to watch yourself, don't get yourself into trouble, but thank you for standing up for my son.'
'No child should have to put up with something like that.' Verya replied.
'You're not from around here, are you?'
'In a sense, no sir.'
'What do you mean by that?'
'I mean I grew up in Rohan, but I was actually born here.'
'What is your name?' The guard asked.
'Verya.' She replied simply.

There was a strangled gasp from a woman who stood nearby. 'Miluiel? Is there something wrong?' The guard asked her. Verya also noticed that the young boy was clinging to her legs, indicating that he was her son.
'Look at her, Maeglad, who do you think she is?'
Maeglad looked Verya up and down. 'But Belletiel said she was killed.'
'No she didn't. She said they got separated and that it was likely she was killed. But obviously she wasn't.'
Verya looked between the two, confused. Maeglad looked back at Verya, shaking his head slowly. 'My daughter, my precious daughter.' He grabbed her shoulders and pulled her into a tight hug. Verya, finally understanding what was happening, hugged him back.
When Maeglad released her, Miluiel came up and hugged her daughter too. Releasing her she turned to her son. 'Rissien, come her and meet your big sister.' The boy ran forward, into Verya's arms, who hugged him, laughing. Patrick and Natalie joined in, and the reunited family rejoiced.

It turned out that Maeglad was actually the captain of the guard and Tumba was no longer on its own, it had become a kingdom. Villages lay within a two day ride and they were all ruled by a king. King Ainion was a kind man, as he had been when he was Lord when Verya was young. He welcomed Verya with open arms, and after discovering the she was the former captain of the Rohirrim, quickly asked that she join her father on the guard.
Rissien was 44, just ten years short of becoming of age. When he grew up he had already decided to join his father, and now older sister, on the guard.
Miluiel was the royal seamstress and also made the uniforms of the guard.
As time passed the family shared their pasts with each other. Verya discovered that Tumba had been saved by a group of elves travelling from Rivendell to Mirkwood and they had taught the men how to fight. As the village slowly grew into a city some residents chose to leave to become farmers, shepherds and others away from the city, but wanting to remain under the command of King Ainion the kingdom had been created. The flag that flew above the royal household was blue with a gold crescent moon and silver wave crashing down. The guard's uniform consisted of a light elven chest plate and vambraces, with a tunic of the same blue as the flag and with the moon and wave and a helmet that could be fastened to the belt when not in use.


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