Until the Stars Are All Alight

Chapter 2: Daughter of Kings

I got one review last chapter and, even though it wasn't all I hoped for, I loved that I got a review again! Squee! So keep them coming, it makes me happier!

Sun filled the air all around the plains of Rohan. A faint breeze blew through, as it always did. Spring was seeping into the air as the cooler months dwindled to a close. A soft sigh escaped rose toned lips of Elowyn from where she sat upon Namari. The Princess of Rohan had decided to escape the confides of Edoras and the Golden all to spend time among the grasses of the plains. Yet, through the blue sky, there could be seen threats of rain clouds upon the horizon.

The 23 year old seemed to not mind this fact though as she let the wind tickle a few strands of gold into her eyes. She had the look that most Rohirrim- blonde hair and light toned skin. Her eyes were a light shade of blue green, a tone she had inherited from her mother.

Yet, from behind her, the young woman could hear the sounds of hoof beats. She swiveled around, ready to face the wrath from guards coming to summon her from her father and, was incredibly surprised to see her elder sister, Alewyn. A smile graced her lips as Elowyn watched her sister approach her.

"Father's been wondering where you went, little sister." She said, brushing a lock of fiery red away from her sea green eyes. Elowyn merely chuckled. Alewyn was older than she by three years- 26 to the 23 that Elowyn was. It was she who looked most like their mother- the red hair and sea green eyes. Elowyn was a mix between the two parents.

"Isn't he always wondering?" Elowyn laughed as she kept Namari at a still standing. "Or was it just my imagination?"

Alewyn frowned slightly. "You know Father only wants what's best for us." She said softly. "I'm sure he doesn't want to loose us too." This struck hard for each sister as they lapsed into silence. It had been almost a year since the death of their mother. It had been an accident...Or so they had come to in the end. The horse had trampled her to death after the barrier had broken from the stables. The stallion had been killed and burned. The queen couldn't be saved.

The time of sorrow had passed and Alewyn was looking forth to becoming Queen soon. It was going to be difficult and slightly trying for everyone if King Elfwine passed the crown down. But it had to happen sometime. It was a scary thought that Elowyn would be almost, in a sense, "loosing" her elder sister.

"I know..." Elowyn gave a soft sigh as the wind blew across once again.

"We'd best get moving if we want to beat this storm and the wrath that might await you in the Golden Hall if we don't hurry." Alewyn added, a grin cracking her features. Without another word, the sisters turned their steeds and sped off in a race of their own.

----

"You're sending me where!?"

Elowyn's father had his back turned to his daughters, hand upon the arm of his throne as the news sank into the veins of both. For his news had been of importance. He had been pondering over what to do with his fully grown daughters for many months and had finally asked that she spend time over at the White City.

"You are," he said, sounding a little more frailer and sorrowed ever while he spoke, "Going to spend time in Minas Tirith. It will be good to get you out of Rohan for a while, away from the Golden Hall."

"But I don't want to leave!" Elowyn protested, crossing her arm across her chest. She could feel anger growing inside of her. Why hadn't he spoken with her about this choice? She couldn't leave, not unless Alewyn was going with her! Rarely had they been separated throughout their lives.

"Elowyn," It was not their father who spoke, but Alewyn. "If father believes it best...Maybe you should try it out. I am sure that it would be good for you to get out of the city, just for a while."

"I can't believe you're taking his side!" Anger fueling her actions, Elowyn turned on her heel, storming out of the room. She knew she was acting childish and that she should have stayed. But she wasn't going to be sent away without anyone asking her first! She didn't know where she was walking, nor did she care. It was, in this rage that she found herself in the stables where Namari was kept. It didn't take long to find her golden toned mare.

Her fingers intertwined through her mane as fresh tears welled into her eyes. "Why can't they treat me like I'm 23, rather than some headstrong 16 year old?" she whispered into the neck of her mare, burying her face into the smell of her coat. It smelled of fresh air and hay, mingling together as one. "I wish I could be free of this cage."

"I thought I'd find you here." Seeming to have followed her, Alewyn entered into the stables, watching her younger sister for long moments before she spoke again. "Elowyn, if it brings you any consolation, I wish it was I who was being sent away. It would be a grand adventure, to go to see Minas Tirith."

"I'm not you though."

"Do not worry Elowyn." Alewyn placed a hand upon her sister's shoulder. "we are Daughter's of Kings. We will not be like the caged bird who never enjoys flight." Elowyn had moved her face away from Namari, allowing Alewyn to brush away some of her tears. "Go. Enjoy yourself. I promise to send letters as often as I can or I shall visit you."

"Promise?"

"I swear it."

----

The day for departure came sooner than Elowyn would have wanted. Her things were packed and a host of others who were to ride to the White City were going to accompany her. Yes, there was one whom Elowyn wished were staying. The Captain of Rohan was riding within their company.

Striker was his name, though he didn't tell of his real name. He was stocky and tall, very able to fight. His hair was a dark sandy tone, though his eyes were a chilling blue. They always sent a shiver down the Princess of Rohan's spine.

"Take care of yourself, sister." Alewyn had come to see her off, seeming shorter on foot than Elowyn, who had already mounted Namari. "I will write you as soon as I can."

"I swear to try to write too." Elowyn said softly. Reaching down, the sisters' clasped hands for a moment. The King watched from where he stood, wishing he hadn't had to send his little girl away. But one had to do what one had to do. She needed to get away from Rohan, just for a year or so. Maybe less.

"May your journey be swift and danger free."

With the sun's rays peaking above the horizon, the company set off. From the topmost step on the steps to the Golden Hall, Alewyn and the King watched as Elowyn departed. Prayers were sent for her safety and, for a brief moment, Alewyn almost ran after her. But, holding her ground, she turned away.

Stay safe, my dearest Elowyn. She thought, stealing one last glance before, patting her father on his arm, she entered into the Golden Hall. The day wasn't to be wasted- there were things to do. But, inside, she could feel the knowing feeling of loneliness.

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