Disclaimer: I do not own or claim to own any of the characters, settings, or events I have taken from Tolkien's works.


Erin slid into the routine that was life at Edoras. She shared a room with Eowyn, sleeping in a small bed near the door so as to be ready at any time to help her mistress.

Most of her duties were small errands, so she spent much of her time simply trailing behind Eowyn and observing the city. She suspected that Eowyn was trying to get her acquainted with Edoras and was being easy on her as she learned.

An area that Erin greatly enjoyed learning about was the art of horse riding. Eowyn had been shock to learn of Erin's deficiency in the subject and was going out of her way to privately teach Erin so she would not be embarrassed if she needed to ride again.

Fortunately, her original experience was not repeated. Eowyn procured for her use a young horse named Windfola who was both spirited and gentle as Erin rapidly advance toward becoming a comfortable rider.

As her aching muscles constantly reminded her, though, Erin still had a while to go.

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One morning, a few weeks after her arrival, Erin was flitting through the streets on an errand, pausing periodically to untangle her skirts (she was still adjusting the the simple ankle length dresses she had to wear), when an older woman standing in a doorway called out.

Good day, Fara. Erin looked around in confusion. No one else was in sight.

She cautiously responded, Good day, my lady.

The woman asked, And how is Theoden-King this day?

The king is well. The woman smiled.

Tell Lady Eowyn that the hearts of the people are with her always. Farewell Fara. The woman disappeared inside and Erin continued, puzzled, on her way.


She dutifully reported the conversation to Eowyn, who smiled without comment. Then she added, Eowyn? The woman called me Fara.' Did she believe me to be another woman? Eowyn shook her head.

No, Erin. you are seen often around the streets of Edoras, and the maidservant of Lady Eowyn is bound to be noticed and commented upon. The story of your arrival has spread. I am only surprised that it took so long for you to be addressed.

Sensing that Erin still did not understand, Eowyn paused. Then comprehension dawned on her face.

Oh. You do not know what Fara' means. It means farer,' or wanderer.' I believe that you are well liked, Erin. The people have accepted you.


Erin thought about the revelation for a moment, then grinned.

Then I'm truly a woman of Rohan now! I shall be known as Fara, the name chosen for me in my new home.

After all, I may very well live here for the rest of my life. Fara isn't a bad name at all, and I'll fit in better. I wonder how my parents are, though. They must be wondering where I am... Erin quickly cut off the line of thought. It would get her nowhere. Eowyn looked at her quizzically.

The name suits you well, for you have a roaming mind, eager to explore. And your mind has a tendency to wander away from your duties.

Erin looked sharply at Eowyn, detecting a note of reproof in her voice. What did I do to bring on that comment?

Eowyn gazed back sternly, then burst out laughing. I am only teasing, Fara. Do not look so stricken. You are fulfilling your duties far beyond my expectations. Now go. You need some time to yourself.

Erin's eyes lit up. And, I suppose, Windfola needs some exercise and attention? Eowyn's eyes twinkled at the undisguised enthusiasm in her young ward's voice.

Of course you may go ride. After all, to be a woman of Rohan, you must be a strong rider. Go outside the city and give Windfola the space he needs to run. Do not stray too far, though. Be back before the noonday meal.

Erin nodded and hurried out to saddle Windfola.