Author's Note: Thanks to those of you who read and reviewed this work! I
really appreciate it. Don't hesitate to do so again, or a first time if you
haven't already. Once again, I claim no rights to these characters
whatsoever, I'm merely borrowing them from J.R.R. Tolkien. Chapter two is
written from Arwen's point of view; I plan on alternating chapters this way
from now on. Oh, and since my italicizing didn't come across in Chapter
One, I'll put thoughts in brackets when necessary. Thanks again! Hope you
enjoy! –LOTR_nutcase
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Arwen Undomiel tried to hide her shock. Eowyn of Rohan, asking her for advice? She was humbled. Ever since she'd met her, Eowyn had seemed perfectly confident and at ease in any situation, never betraying uncertainty or shyness. Arwen admired that deeply, as it was her own tendency to avoid confrontation.
Perhaps I shall make a friend in this city after all! She thought hopefully. Thought Arwen loved Aragorn with incredible depth, she longed for the kind of female companionship the ladies of Rivendell had enjoyed.
"Why, of course, Eowyn! I would be thrilled to instruct you in female etiquette! Although from what I've seen, you don't need as much help as you seem to think you do." Eowyn's face broke into a quiet smile that grew as Arwen continued.
"On one condition." The words burst from Arwen's mouth before she even thought them over. "In return, will you show me how to ride a horse astride? And how to build a campfire, and set up a tent, and sleep on the ground when it's necessary, and to consort with men that aren't as refined as Elves or my husband?" Embarrassed, Arwen stopped. "I'm sorry, I- it's just that. . . Aragorn misses his days as a Ranger, the freedom he had. . . I would like to be able to take him away from the city upon occasion, just for a bit. But he is so busy with matters of state, I fear he would have no time to help me master such things as these." Arwen clasped her hands in front of her.
Suddenly, Eowyn reached out to take them.
"I will be honored to help you, Arwen." Warm green eyes smiled at the Queen. "When shall we hold our first lessons?"
Arwen relaxed. "If it suits you. . . tomorrow after midday, we could meet in the West garden? Oh!" A thought occurred to her. "Have you a gown to wear to the banquet next week?"
Eowyn nodded. "Yes, but I'm afraid it's too short. I've only just arrived in the city, you see, and most of my old dresses... well, they're more work clothes than anything. I've been buying ready-made gowns, but I can't find anything that fits exactly right."
"Bring it with you tomorrow, and I'll help you alter it. Then we can work on your dancing."
Eowyn's eyes widened. "Dancing... oh, dear, I'd forgotten all about dancing! I only know a few of our victory dances. . . nothing Gondorian at all!"
Arwen had always enjoyed a challenge. "Well, then, we'll have our work cut out for us to have you banquet-ready in a week." She glanced around. The hallway was deserted, and the shadows were long. "I must go now. Remember: tomorrow after midday!" She turned and began climbing a grand staircase. Like everything in the palace, it was ornately decorated in silver and sable. As she reached the top, she heard voices, and thought she recognized Eowyn's laugh.
She should laugh more.Arwen thought. She's too serious for someone that young. I hope Faramir can crack her shell. No one deserves happiness more than those two. She gazed at portraits of past royalty and she walked towards their chambers. They were all beautifully appointed, stately people, but rarely did she come across a painting that smiled. Arwen sighed. She would consider it a personal duty to make sure the House of Telcontar was a joyful one.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Arwen Undomiel tried to hide her shock. Eowyn of Rohan, asking her for advice? She was humbled. Ever since she'd met her, Eowyn had seemed perfectly confident and at ease in any situation, never betraying uncertainty or shyness. Arwen admired that deeply, as it was her own tendency to avoid confrontation.
Perhaps I shall make a friend in this city after all! She thought hopefully. Thought Arwen loved Aragorn with incredible depth, she longed for the kind of female companionship the ladies of Rivendell had enjoyed.
"Why, of course, Eowyn! I would be thrilled to instruct you in female etiquette! Although from what I've seen, you don't need as much help as you seem to think you do." Eowyn's face broke into a quiet smile that grew as Arwen continued.
"On one condition." The words burst from Arwen's mouth before she even thought them over. "In return, will you show me how to ride a horse astride? And how to build a campfire, and set up a tent, and sleep on the ground when it's necessary, and to consort with men that aren't as refined as Elves or my husband?" Embarrassed, Arwen stopped. "I'm sorry, I- it's just that. . . Aragorn misses his days as a Ranger, the freedom he had. . . I would like to be able to take him away from the city upon occasion, just for a bit. But he is so busy with matters of state, I fear he would have no time to help me master such things as these." Arwen clasped her hands in front of her.
Suddenly, Eowyn reached out to take them.
"I will be honored to help you, Arwen." Warm green eyes smiled at the Queen. "When shall we hold our first lessons?"
Arwen relaxed. "If it suits you. . . tomorrow after midday, we could meet in the West garden? Oh!" A thought occurred to her. "Have you a gown to wear to the banquet next week?"
Eowyn nodded. "Yes, but I'm afraid it's too short. I've only just arrived in the city, you see, and most of my old dresses... well, they're more work clothes than anything. I've been buying ready-made gowns, but I can't find anything that fits exactly right."
"Bring it with you tomorrow, and I'll help you alter it. Then we can work on your dancing."
Eowyn's eyes widened. "Dancing... oh, dear, I'd forgotten all about dancing! I only know a few of our victory dances. . . nothing Gondorian at all!"
Arwen had always enjoyed a challenge. "Well, then, we'll have our work cut out for us to have you banquet-ready in a week." She glanced around. The hallway was deserted, and the shadows were long. "I must go now. Remember: tomorrow after midday!" She turned and began climbing a grand staircase. Like everything in the palace, it was ornately decorated in silver and sable. As she reached the top, she heard voices, and thought she recognized Eowyn's laugh.
She should laugh more.Arwen thought. She's too serious for someone that young. I hope Faramir can crack her shell. No one deserves happiness more than those two. She gazed at portraits of past royalty and she walked towards their chambers. They were all beautifully appointed, stately people, but rarely did she come across a painting that smiled. Arwen sighed. She would consider it a personal duty to make sure the House of Telcontar was a joyful one.