Thanks to those of you who gave reviews. They really do encourage me to continue. Eventually, this story will follow Gilraen into young adulthood. What you see here, at the young age of ten, is the beginning of her adventures. The characters that she encounters, including the ones she meets here in Chapter Two, will become important later in the story. In future chapters, time may pass more swiftly, focusing only on the significant events of her life as she grows into womanhood.
And now... the plot thickens:
Disclaimer: I do not own LOTR and make no money from the writing of this fiction.
Chapter Two: Echoes of the Past
Prince Legolas gave a prayer of thanks to Manwe and Varda for the lovely days provided for the journey north thus far. His black stallion whinnied softly as they trotted along at a steady pace. Legolas glanced over his shoulder to see how the princess faired. Her young chestnut mare was gentle but swift. Legolas knew the horse was a perfect mount for Gilraen. Gilraen proved to be an excellent rider, comporting herself like an elven maiden.
If Legolas did not know of her parentage, he would swear she was Eldalie. Her ears, skin, body structure, gracefulness, and abilities were very elven. She definitely took after her mother, he thought to himself as Gimli was keeping her entertained. For much of the journey, Gimli rode next to Gilraen telling her story after story.
It had been five days since they had set out from Gondor. They traveled at a steady pace, making sure not to over tire the horses. They would stop two hours every afternoon, during the hottest part of the day, to rest the horses and have the main meal. When evening came, they would make camp. Legolas had brought along a small tent for Gilraen and set it up for her each night. Being the only female amongst soldiers, she needed her privacy. Legolas and Gimli always rested nearby Gilraen's tent. If she needed anything, she would find a familiar face among this crowd.
Gilraen did not mind the long days of riding. She loved being outdoors and seeing the landscapes. Gimli and Legolas made her feel safe and tended to all her needs. She made sure she was not demanding. She wanted Legolas to see she was a good rider. Even when her backside ached, she never complained.
The princess thought back to the morning she left. She tearfully hugged her brother and younger sister. She kissed the baby. Last of all, she approached her parents, who were waiting by her horse. She spoke to them on a mental pathway, lest the soldiers nearby over hear. Do not look so sad or I will not be able to leave. They stood on either side of her, arms wrapped around her, and foreheads touching her head. They kissed the top of her head.
We will miss you daughter. You will always be in our hearts and minds. The king's words echoed in her mind.
You shall always be in mine. I shall send you messages whenever I can.
We know you will. May the Valar protect you and bring you back safely.
With last kisses she mounted her horse and waved goodbye to her siblings. When she turned toward the front companies of troops, she saw Prince Legolas on his regal stallion and her heart skipped a beat. He looked every inch a prince. His rich riding robes, his long, smooth golden hair and the authority in which he sat, made her forget her sorrow at leaving. He turned to look at her and smiled warmly. When he waved her to his side, she had to shift her gaze slightly away. It would not do to have the prince see her so smitten.
Prince Legolas and Gimli raised their arms in farewell to the royal family and the journey began.
Now, five days into the journey, they were expecting to reach Edoras. A swift rider was sent two days earlier to King Eomer to tell of their impending arrival. Towards mid-afternoon, a group of ten riders were approaching from the northwest. Legolas and the contingent of other elven riders spotted them from afar and signaled the captains of his troops to the rear. The troops slowed to a halt and waited. The signal was that of a friendly approach, so no one became alarmed. Gilraen trotted up along side Legolas.
"Are those the Rohirrim?"
"Some of them, an escort I presume." Legolas smiled down at her. She was so eager to learn about everything.
Legolas and Gimli both dismounted as the riders approached and so Gilraen thought to do so as well. It was a welcome relief to stand again.
The party of riders dismounted as well and walked toward Legolas and Gimli. The young captain was one they had never met before. He spoke first. "Greetings, my Lords, I am Herefara, captain of the East Horse Guard. My men and I are here to welcome you to Edoras and to show you the encampment. Cook fires are being made ready and supplies of ale for your men. We also have an area for your horses, which you will find free of wind. Feed and water you will find there."
Legolas nodded lightly. "We thank you for your hospitality. It is most welcome, Herefara. I believe I remember your father. Did he not fight at Pelennor?"
"He died bravely that day, as did many," replied the captain.
Just then, two boys ran up from behind the captain. Herefara quickly grabbed them both by the collars of their shirts and pulled them back. Legolas lifted his eyebrows in recognition of the two rascals. Prince Elfwine, son of King Eomer and Queen Lothiriel, thirteen years old and rumored to be quite a handful. The other was Barahir, son of Lord Faramir, Steward of Gondor, and Lady Eowyn. He was twelve years of age and had been fostering in Rohan for the past three years.
Herefara looked abashed. "Pardon, my Lords, these two have spent so much of their time on horses, they have had no time to work on manners. Perhaps that needs to change." The young captain directed an angry look at the two.
King Eomer had put Herefara in charge of the boys, as they were so anxious to ride out with them. They heard Gilraen was to be there and thought to surprise her. Their embarrassed gazes slid from Gilraen, who was standing behind Legolas and Gimli, to the ground before them.
"Forgive us, my Lords," mumbled both boys.
"It is good to see that you two are well." Legolas politely replied. "I have letters from Gondor for you, Barahir. I will give them to you when we arrive."
Barahir bowed. "Thank you, my Lord." He dared a glance at Gilraen and saw her small smile. He smiled back.
Gilraen stepped forward. "I am pleased to see you again Prince Elfwine and Lord Barahir." She bowed a formal bow of greeting and they bowed back. Herefara looked pleased at the improved manners.
Gilraen knew Barahir very well. He was a childhood friend and companion. She had missed him when he left for his fostering, even though he did visit twice a year. For the longest time it was just her, Barahir, and Eldarion playing games of imaginary heroes and villains. Then things changed when the boys turned nine. Barahir was sent to his uncle, King Eomer, to learn the ways of the horse lords. Eldarion was then expected to learn the ways of his father. Gilraen was left alone then. She filled her days tending to her garden and creating songs for the birds. The birds seemed to listen to her songs and more and more would come. It felt magical to her.
All horses were mounted and the procession continued toward Edoras. Barahir and Elfwine positioned themselves on both sides of the princess.
Elfwine was the first to break the silence; "Your mare looks to be of good stock. Would you like to see the horses in the royal stables? I think you will agree that they are the finest."
Horses were another of Gilraen's interests. She had heard of the horses of Rohan many times and had already thought she would like to see the stables. "Yes, I would like that very much."
Elfwine looked pleased at her comment. They had met last summer when he accompanied Barahir home on one of his visits to Minas Tirith.
When he saw her that summer, it was the first time he had been taken with the beauty of a girl. Never before had a girl made such an impression upon his young mind. Now she was even more beautiful, sitting proud upon her horse.
Barahir was next to fill the silence. "How go things in Gondor, with Eldarion?"
"I do not get to see Eldarion most times, except at breakfast and the evening meal. He spends most of his time with my father or yours. When he does have free time, he spends it at the harbor, watching the boat builders. He says that when he is King, he will be a Sea King like some of the Gondorian kings of old."
Barahir pondered these words and smiled. "I think I would like to sail. I would sail to far off lands that have not been discovered yet. I would be the first to put them on a map."
Gilraen smiled at his musings, "Perhaps you will."
Elfwine did not like Barahir to receive all the attention and smiles of Gilraen. He quickly interjected, "Tomorrow there will be archery contests. Will you come watch, Gilraen?"
"I shall. But I do not believe anyone can best Prince Legolas in archery."
Elfwine did not enjoy how she said those words. They were words of admiration. Elfwine knew of the legendary skill of Legolas with a bow. He knew she was probably right. It was just that he wanted to hear her say those words about him. He wanted her admiration. He decided he would just have to show her his skills.
Legolas, Gimli, and Gilraen were shown to the Golden Hall as the rest of the troops were led to their campsites. King Eomer and Queen Lothiriel greeted them warmly as old friends. The Queen led Gilraen to the women's quarters and showed her where she would be sleeping. "You can use this time to wash and rest before the banquet."
Gilraen looked surprised. "I am to attend a banquet?"
The Queen thought about how different some things could be in other places and smiled. "In Rohan, children may attend banquet when they are old enough to sit still."
Gilraen smiled and bowed as the Queen left her alone. It was nice to have a bed to sleep in again. She dropped down and immediately fell asleep.
Later that evening, the eating portion of the banquet was coming to an end. Gilraen was seated at the head table with the King and Queen, Legolas and Gimli. She sat quietly eating and listening to the adults talk of the plans for the rest of the journey. Elfwine and Barahir were seated at the table next to hers. Barahir would occasionally make faces at her, trying to get her to laugh, when he thought no one was watching him. Elfwine had a different look on his face. He watched her too, but he did not care if anyone was looking.
Gilraen did not like the feeling he was giving her. He seemed like a cat, watching a mouse, ready to spring.
Elfwine could not help himself. She was so breath taking. It seemed an aura of magic surrounded her. Why did she not look his way? He noticed that she seemed to watch Prince Legolas with that same admiration he heard in her voice earlier. A jealousy was building in him which made him more determined. "I will prove myself to you tomorrow, you will see." he declared in his mind.
As the evening wore on, Legolas thought of asking Gilraen if she would honor them with a song. He changed his mind when he noticed how uncomfortable she seemed. Gilraen? Is something wrong? he projected mentally.
Gilraen was startled by his voice in her head. I am only tired, she lied.
Legolas knew that was not the whole truth but he did not want to interfere if she did not wish to tell him. He gave her a concerned frown then spoke to the Queen. "I fear the trip has been tiring for Gilraen. Perhaps she can retire?"
"Yes, you must have your rest, my dear. Come, I will walk you to your quarters." Gilraen bowed and bid goodnight to the company.
She breathed a sigh of relief in her rooms. "I do not know if banquets are so wonderful after all," she decided.
Coming Up: Can Elfwine control his jealousy or will he make a huge mistake? Also, the journey continues past Fangorn Forest and into Lothlorien. What has become of a Lothlorien without Galadriel, Lady of Light?
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