Chapter 17
KAVILA awoke to a knock on the door. The sunlight lanced into her eyelids as painfully as steel, and her head pounded as though a blacksmith were working within. She moved as though to rise and answer the door, but even the slightest movement sent bile shooting into her mouth and her stomach into furious paroxysms of nausea. No, she was not going to get the door; whoever was there would just have to come back later. Like next week, she reflected. At the moment she wasn't even sure that would be long enough.
Her slight attempts at movement also brought another issue to her attention: she was still wearing her dress from last night. She must have been so tired that she had just collapsed into the bed…right? She remembered most of the dinner and dance, up until after Legolas had found her a second time…and had given her wine to drink. After that her mind was a blank. Oh dear God, she realized with horror, I must have been drunk. She lay still for several moments as the terrible idea sank in. I have to find someone who saw me, she decided. I have to know what I did. It'll be better to know than have someone like Legolas try and 'remind' me. The very thought of Legolas 'reminding' her made Kavila want to sink into the floor and die of embarrassment.
Suddenly the door shook on its hinges as someone banged hard on it. "Kavila, damnit, open the freakin' door!" came Adrienne's voice.
Kavila took a deep breath and called. "I'm coming…be patient. I'm sick!"
From the other side of the door came a sound suspiciously similar to laughter. "Yes, I would imagine," came Erin's voice. Oh great, Kavila thought, I've got a welcoming party.
She managed to get the door unlocked before the nausea overwhelmed her. "Open!" she called, then turned and headed for the bathroom. She vaguely heard the door open behind her, followed by exclamations of worry and sympathy from her friends as they realized where she had gone.
"Kavi, you okay?" Erin called from the bedroom.
"Yeah, I'll survive," Kavila managed to return, before she was occupied with other concerns.
When she finally emerged, she groaned and hid her eyes behind her hands. Erin was throwing wide the curtains to reveal a clear and painfully sunny day. Emphasis on the painfully, Kavila reflected as her eyes smarted and the blacksmith in her head resumed his work with a vengeance.
"What time is it?" she grumbled as she collapsed once more on the bed.
"Time for you to be up and awake!" Erin returned, much too cheerfully. "We've got breakfast with the King in half an hour!"
"Tell him I'm sick," Kavila groaned.
"Ah, but then I would have to explain why!" Erin replied with a chuckle.
"He already knows anyway," Kavila mumbled. "I'm sure he saw me…"
"Making a drunken fool of yourself?" Erin finished for her. "Cursing at Gandalf in Hindi when your English vocabulary failed you? Oh, and lest we forget, allowing Legolas to carry you to bed?"
Kavila forgot about the bright light and dropped her hands, staring at Erin in utter horror. "I didn't!" she managed finally.
Adrienne returned from the bathroom. Kavila hadn't noticed her go in. "Oh, but you did. You fell asleep on your feet—literally. We weren't far from your room, and Legolas offered to put you to bed. I let him—it was probably much easier for him than it would have been for me. You were a dead weight."
"You…you…" Kavila seethed.
Adrienne grinned mischievously. "At least he didn't try to undress you or anything."
Kavila gave up all attempts at speech, reduced to squeaking, glaring, and waving her finger (her forefinger) angrily.
"Now, go into the bathroom, here's some more clothes—the tailors delivered them while we were at dinner—and don't forget to dunk your head in the basin of water. The water's good and cold, so it'll help. A shower might not be a bad idea either—nice and cold," Adrienne said, pushing a still-spluttering Kavila insistently toward the bathroom.
Roughly half an hour later Kavila emerged, much improved. She still didn't feel up to anything strenuous, mentally or physically, but she could manage breakfast. At least, she could sit at the table. Whether she could eat was yet to be discovered.
In the hallway they collected Sarah and Megan. Soon they reached the dining room where the King and his guests took their meals only to find all the others present, including—of course—the hobbits.
They took their places at the table and received their meals, Kavila noticing with a start that Aragorn was not present. Before she could remark upon it (and thus turn the conversation down a different course), Pippin spoke up from where he sat across the table from her. "Lady Kavila, are you unwell?"
Kavila stared for a moment, startled. "Well…yes, I'm a little sick. I guess something didn't agree with me at dinner last night."
All four of her friends suddenly found something in their breakfast very funny, as did Gandalf and Legolas.
Gandalf regained control of himself first. "Oh, Kavila," he began innocently, "I wanted to inquire, what does 'chuutya' mean?"
Kavila stared at him for several seconds in nothing less than utter horror. "You…I…You didn't tell me I said that!" she raged at her friends, who were laughing helplessly at the scene. "I…oh my God I didn't…"
"I take it that the term is not a compliment, then?" Gandalf chuckled.
"Um…not really…" Kavila muttered, fighting the urge to flee the table.
"You insulted Gandalf?" Pippin exclaimed.
"I wasn't exactly in full control of my wits," Kavila replied sarcastically. "I'm sorry, Gandalf."
"I took no offense," Gandalf said, smiling. "Though I would like to know what that word meant."
"No." Kavila declared firmly. "No, I am not telling you. It's bad enough that I said it in the first place."
Erin took mercy on her. "Oh Sarah, where did you go last night?" she asked in a teasing voice. "I saw you leave early in the dance."
"I…um, I went to bed." Sarah replied.
Erin raised an eyebrow. "You did not. Kalva didn't come back either. He would have come back if he had just escorted you to your room."
Sarah sighed and rolled her eyes. "Fine. No, I didn't go to bed. I went out with Kalva."
Erin waited. "Out where?" she finally prompted.
"Out to visit his mom and sister," Sarah said.
"Oh, come on, Sarah!" Adrienne exclaimed. "Just tell us what happened!"
Sarah sighed resignedly. "We snuck out, back to his house, where I changed into one of his sister's dresses. Then we went out and celebrated with the other people, and I met his mom and his sister."
"And?"
Erin prompted.
Sarah gave her a puzzled look. "And what?"
"Oh come on, something must have happened or you wouldn't be so determined to keep it quiet!" Adrienne said.
"No…not really…" Sarah said, remembering.
Sarah laughed as Kalva took her arm and pulled her into the crowd of dancers. "Come, it isn't hard!" he called over the din of the wailing fiddle and lively drummer. She soon became caught up in the dance, which was not difficult at all, as Kalva had said. Though simple, it was also ridiculously fun. Sarah found herself laughing aloud, her lips aching from constantly smiling.
When the dance was finished Kalva drew her aside to watch and rest. A new couple leaped in to take their place, stomping and whirling to the beat. It was somewhat similar to square-dancing, but not as complicated.
Suddenly Kalva's face lit up as he caught sight of someone behind Sarah. She turned to see another girl, similar in features to Kalva, clothed in a green and white dress. Her cheeks were flushed with joy and perhaps a bit of drink as she called, "Kalva! 'Tis good to see you, brother!"
Kalva came forward and embraced her, chuckling. "Sarah, meet my sister Tara. Tara, this is Sarah."
Tara glanced from Sarah to Kalva for several moments before breaking into a pleased grin. "I am happy for you, Kalva."
Kalva stared at her for several moments, puzzled. "What do you mean?"
"It's quite obvious," Tara giggled. "You are practically glowing with joy and love." She scrutinized Sarah for a few moments. "You're one of those girls from another world, aren't you?"
"I…yes, I am," Sarah replied, flustered by the sudden question.
"Well then, you shall have to come by and share a meal, so that we may listen to your tales. I'm sure you must have many." Tara replied. Sarah felt a wave of relief; Tara at least did not judge her for being 'different'. After the disdainful attitude many of the courtiers had showed her, it was a great relief to be treated that way. "Come on, this way, come meet Mother!"
Erin spoke suddenly. "Gandalf, where is Aragorn?" she asked, voicing the question that Kavila had been so close to asking before.
"Aragorn? Ah, he decided to take his breakfast in his study. He has much work to do, and his audiences will begin in an hour." Gandalf replied.
"Audiences?" Erin repeated, puzzled.
"Yes, there is much business to be done, many agreements of peace to negotiate, many to pardon or condemn," Gandalf said. "Ah, which reminds me, I have arranged for an audience for you girls."
"An audience for us?" Adrienne said. "Why?"
"You must decide what professions you wish to pursue," Gandalf said.
"But…we're not going to be here forever!" Kavila exclaimed, a hint of panic in her voice. She missed the brief look of pain on Legolas's face.
"No, perhaps not," Gandalf said. "And as soon as the King is settled, I shall turn my attention to the challenge of sending you home to Earth. But I do not know how long this may take me. You ought to occupy yourselves until such time as I come upon a solution to your problem."
"So…what options have we got?" Erin asked, eager as ever.
Gandalf chuckled. "Many indeed. Aragorn shall help you decide. But I must bid you farewell for now; the audiences will begin soon, and I wish to observe them. Though my task is accomplished, I cannot yet rid myself of the sense of responsibility for this land which I have carried for so long." He sighed and rose.
"Should we come to the throne room now?" Erin asked quickly.
"No, your audience shall be later," Gandalf replied. "You should make your way to the throne room after the noon meal." Then he wished them farewell and left.
The five girls picked at their food for a few more minutes, but none of them was truly thinking about food. Even Kavila had relegated her embarrassment about the previous evening to the back of her mind, her illness forgotten. After almost ten minutes, they left the table and returned to their rooms separately, each lost in their own thoughts.
IN THE days that followed his crowning the King sat on his throne in the Hall of the Kings and pronounced his judgments. And embassies came from many lands and peoples, from the East and the South, and from the borders of Mirkwood, and from Dunland in the west. And the King pardoned the Easterlings that had given themselves up, and sent them away free, and he made peace with the peoples of Harad; and the slaves of Mordor he released and gave to them all the lands about Lake Nurnen to be their own. And there were brought before him many to receive his praise and reward for their valour; and last the captain of the Guard brought to him Beregond to be judged.
And the King said to Beregond: "Beregond, by your sword blood was spilled in the Hallows, where that is forbidden. Also you left your post without leave of Lord or of Captain. For these things, of old, death was the penalty. Now therefore I must pronounce your doom.
"All penalty is remitted for your valour in battle, and still more because all that you did was for the love of the Lord Faramir. Nonetheless you must leave the Guard of the Citadel, and you must go forth from the City of Minas Tirith."
Then the blood left Beregond's face, and he was stricken to the heart and bowed his head. But the King said:
"So it must be, for you are appointed to the White Company, the Guard of Faramir, Prince of Ithilien, and you shall be its captain and dwell in Emyn Arnen in honour and peace, and in the service of him for whom you risked all, to save him from death."
And then Beregond, perceiving the mercy and justice of the King, was glad, and kneeling kissed his hand, and departed in joy and content. And Aragorn gave to Faramir Ithilien to be his princedom, and bade him dwell in the hills of Emyn Arnen within sight of the City.
"For," said he, "Minas Ithil in Morgul-vale shall be utterly destroyed, and though it may in time to come be made clean, no man may dwell there for many long years."
And last of all Aragorn greeted Eomer of Rohan, and they embraced, and Aragorn said: "Between us there can be no word of giving or taking, nor of reward; for we are brethren. In happy hour did Eorl ride from the North, and never has any league of peoples been more blessed, so that neither has ever failed the other, nor shall fail. Now, as you know, we have laid Theoden the Renowned in a tomb in the Hallows, and there he shall lie forever among the Kings of Gondor, if you will. Or if you desire it, we will come to Rohan and bring him back to rest with his own people."
And Eomer answered: "Since the day when you rose before me out of the green grass of the downs I have loved you, and that love shall not fail. But now I must depart for a while to my own realm, where there is much to heal and set in order. But as for the Fallen, when all is made ready we will return for him; but here let him sleep a while."
And Eowyn said to Faramir: "Now I must go back to my own land and look on it once again, and help my brother in his labour; but when one whom I long loved as father is laid at last to rest, I will return."
-Return of the King, J.R.R. Tolkien
THE LUNCH meal was no different from breakfast. There was little conversation among the five girls, too consumed with their own considerations to engage in trivial discussions. The little talk they exchanged was hushed, subdued. They did not bring up the upcoming audience or the topics to be discussed there, nor did they talk of home.
Finally Adrienne stood up from the table, her expression set in an irritable frown as it had been since Gandalf had announced their audience to them. She had been forced to cancel her lesson with Dregor today, and though he had understood perfectly, she still didn't like it. But even more irritating was the fact that she felt she was losing control over her own life. Gandalf had arranged this audience, without consulting them, so that they could decide what their future would hold here. And they were supposed to decide this in one morning? A little warning would have been nice! And then Gandalf had mentioned that Aragorn would "help them decide." Adrienne had read that as "Aragorn will tell you if you are choosing something women shouldn't do," and that irked her very much. She felt like they were going to the Sorting Hat, but instead of being sorted into Houses they were being sorted into professions. Altogether she was not in a good mood.
"We're going to be late if we don't go," she said abruptly, and her friends followed her example silently. None of them spoke on the way to the throne room or once they had reached it, other than to greet those who recognized them and wished them well.
After perhaps a half-hour of silence Sarah spoke up. "Who's going to go first?" she asked, receiving four blank stares in answer. "I mean, is Erin going to go first like before, or what?"
"I think we should all go up there together, and come forward as Aragorn calls us," Erin said. Her friends nodded, returning to their introspection.
Finally, after nearly an hour of waiting, the secretary stepped forward to announce the next audience. "Will the ladies Adrienne, Erin, Kavila, Megan, and Sarah please come forth!"
They came forth, holding their heads high and betraying none of the anxiety that ate at each of them. Every eye in the room fixed on them as they walked slowly to kneel before the King's throne.
When they rose again, the King spoke, smiling kindly at them. "Though you are not of this world, you have proven yourselves to be valorous and of good character. And though you may one day return to your own land, for now I think you should establish yourselves in some profession, as an outlet for your energies and so that you might have the resources to provide for yourselves until the time of your departure. Do you agree?"
All five nodded. "Yes, my lord." they chorused.
"Very well," said Aragorn. "The occupation you wish to enter is your own choice. Do any of you know which skill you would learn?"
For several moments there was silence, and then Megan stepped forward. "My lord, I would like to learn the art of healing."
Aragorn smiled. "A wise choice. You have already proven you have some talent. It is settled; you shall become an apprentice in the Houses of Healing."
A few seconds later Kavila spoke up as well. "I, too, would like to become a healer, my lord."
"A fitting profession for you as well, gentle Kavila." Aragorn chuckled. "I shall arrange lessons for you alongside Lady Megan."
"Thank you, my lord." Kavila moved back to stand with her friends, her expression reflecting her relief that the decision was made.
The next period of silence was much longer, at last broken by Aragorn's chuckle. "There are three of you who have not yet spoken. Do none of you know what you would learn here?"
Sarah stepped forward suddenly, as if she had been pushed from behind. "I…I would like to learn a craft," she began.
"Tailoring and dress-making?" Aragorn asked. His almost teasing smile suggested he knew that she would decline.
"No." Sarah declared firmly. "I was thinking maybe making weapons…bows and arrows, maybe."
Aragorn grinned suddenly. "Ah! I believe I know exactly whom to apprentice you with. Kalva is not yet completely well, correct?"
"Yes, his arm is still in a sling, my lord," Sarah replied.
"I am sure he requires some aid in his shop," Aragorn continued. "He is a bowyer, is he not?"
"He is, my lord," Sarah answered, a smile brightening on her lips as she realized where Aragorn was going.
"I do not think he will mind instructing you in bow-making, if you repay him by assisting him in his shop," Aragorn concluded with a smile.
Sarah nodded. "No, he won't mind. Thank you, my lord."
Adrienne and Erin regarded her with a great deal of fear as she returned to them. "Why'd you have to finish so fast?" Erin hissed at her.
"I wasn't trying to draw it out!" Sarah whispered back.
Aragorn regarded Erin and Adrienne with an amused expression. "How might I have guessed that you would be the last to come forth with a decision?" he chuckled. "Is there no work here which interests you, Lady Erin?"
Erin drew in a sharp breath as she met his gaze. "I…no, my lord," she began, flustered by the sudden feeling of a hundred eyes on her. She stepped forward quickly, her face pale and her hands shaking. She never liked being called on to speak, in a classroom or in the throne room of the King of Gondor—it made no difference. She was struck with a terror that made her want to sit down and cry somewhere, her heart pounding and her hands clammy with sweat. "The problem is quite the opposite, my lord. I find that there are too many subjects which I would like to study."
Aragorn laughed. "And what might those subjects be?"
Erin took a deep breath. "I would like to continue my instruction in swordwork and archery, and learn horseback riding and tracking," she said. "But I am also very interested in the various languages, cultures, and histories of Middle Earth. I haven't had the privilege of visiting the library yet, but I have been looking forward to it for quite some time. I'd like to learn music, not singing, but perhaps harp-playing. I used to play the flute back in my world, but it was very different from the flutes played here." She took another breath. "I think that's about it."
Aragorn shook his head. "I see your predicament," he chuckled. "Is there no subject which particularly fascinates you?"
Erin considered for many moments. "Well, I'd been leaning toward the book-learning—learning about the languages and cultures and history. I don't want to be a councilor, but maybe a tutor?" she looked to Aragorn for approval.
"I could certainly arrange for lessons, if you wish," he said.
Erin thought for a few more moments before nodding. "Yes…yes, I think that is what I would like to do. The other subjects I can pursue in my free time."
"Very well," Aragorn said. "I shall arrange lessons for you." Erin retreated, breathing much easier now that her ordeal was over, and feeling generally satisfied with herself. Yes, she reflected, she had made the right choice. This was what she wanted to do. Now she wanted to collapse into a chair somewhere and try to think about something else; as the tension drained from her, so did her strength.
"Lady Adrienne, if you will step forth," Aragorn said, and Adrienne did so. She wasn't nervous as much from the idea of being up here in front of everyone, but more because she had little idea what the result of this discussion would be. "I would guess that you are in the same predicament as Lady Erin?"
"Somewhat, my lord," Adrienne replied neutrally.
"Somewhat? That seems rather indecisive," Aragorn remarked. "Come, tell me what you would learn, as Lady Erin did."
"I…I am most interested in the study of military skills, I think," Adrienne began. "I am learning swordwork from Vilad and from Lord Dregor, but I would also like to learn horseback riding and tracking, as well as wilderness survival. I would like to study music and lore like Erin said, and also healing and herbs, but not as much as the other things."
Aragorn frowned a little. "And what profession would such skills lead you to?"
"I would like to join the army, my lord." Adrienne declared, deciding to get it all out in the open. She heard several gasps throughout the room, and even Aragorn looked a little surprised. It was answer enough for her.
Before Aragorn could reply, another voice spoke up from the crowd. "My lord, if I might speak…?" It was Dregor.
Aragorn nodded, and Dregor continued. "Lady Adrienne has expressed her desire to join the army, but I believe she would not be wholly…comfortable among them. I would extend to her instead an offer of training and eventually a place among the Dunedain, with your permission, my lord."
Aragorn smiled. "My permission is granted." He turned to Adrienne. "Do you wish to join the Rangers of the North, Lady Adrienne?"
Adrienne bowed her head for a moment, thinking furiously. She could see what Dregor was saying...she wouldn't fit in with the regular soldiers well at all. But with the Dunedain, perhaps she could find her place, a community that would look past her gender as long as she was competent. And she would be, she vowed. She would expect no less of herself. She would prove to them that women could and should take up weapons. A slow smile spread across her face as she raised her head again. "Yes," she said, suppressing an urge to laugh for joy. "Yes, I do."
Aragorn smiled as well. "Then I shall allow Lord Dregor to make the arrangements for you, Lady Adrienne. I will inform all of you when you shall begin your lessons."
That was clearly a dismissal. The five girls bowed and left, silently making their way through the crowd of observers, all of whom stared at them with a mixture of curiosity and disdain. When they had finally left the throne room, they halted and looked at each other.
"Well," Erin said after a moment. "That's over with."
"Yeah," Kavila said softly, almost amazedly. "Thank God it's done."
Sarah's stomach growled suddenly. Now that the tension was gone, the girls' sparse lunch was taking its toll.
"Let's get some food in somebody's room. We can just sit around and talk, enjoy the afternoon," Megan suggested.
"We could take it outside," Erin added. "It's such a beautiful day." The five friends made their way to the kitchens and then outside to the gardens, where they talked for long hours and enjoyed each others' company.
Erin looked up from her discussion with her friends when a shadow fell over the group. There stood Eomer, dressed no less handsomely than he had been the previous evening, though his garments were certainly less formal. He wore black leggings and a dark brown shirt with the image of a horse imprinted in gold. Behind him swirled a green cloak; he wore no sword or helm.
The girls rose hurriedly and bowed, chorusing, "Greetings, my lord Eomer."
Eomer laughed. "Please, sit. I come only to ask a question of Lady Erin." He turned to her. "Aragorn has entrusted your instruction in horseback-riding to me. If you wish, I would give you your first lesson."
Erin just gaped at him for several seconds. "You…you're going to teach me? I'm getting horseback-riding lessons from the King of Rohan!"
"Yes, last I looked, I was indeed the King of Rohan," Eomer chuckled. "Much though I may have wished to forget it sometimes."
Erin took a few deep breaths. "Well…how could I decline such an offer?" she said finally. "But I'm afraid I have no horse or tack; I'm quite a beginner."
"You rode to war and cared for a horse for a week; I should think you know more than a beginner," Eomer said.
"I had a lot of help from Adrienne there, and besides, I didn't take care of Greda—the stableboys did that."
"Oh for heavens' sake, Erin, stop arguing and go!" Adrienne spoke up beside her. "It's already mid-afternoon. I don't want to see you before dinnertime!"
Erin flushed with embarrassment. "All right, I'm going!" Eomer walked beside her and, this time, he did not offer his arm. Of course, she wasn't exactly behaving like a lady right now, on her way to horseback-riding lessons where she certainly hoped she wasn't learning to ride sidesaddle. But Erin definitely felt a change in his attitude toward her, from equal and friend to student.
Even Eomer's voice was somewhat different when he spoke, a note of command in his voice that she had not heard there before. "I have selected a horse for you, as well as tack. We will begin today with a lesson in the health and care of your horse. If we have time, we may do some riding as well."
Erin was somewhat disappointed that she wasn't going to be riding right away, but she knew that she should have expected it. But something else Eomer had said intrigued her. "My horse?" she asked him.
Eomer glanced down at her. "Yes. Aragorn asked me to choose one for you and tell you to consider it a 'belated birthing-day present.'"
Erin laughed for several moments. "Oh, that's funny! Belated—it's two months late!" She calmed herself, although she felt her lips might be forever frozen in a beaming grin. "Thank you, my lord, for choosing me a horse."
Eomer smiled. "'Twas not difficult. Think naught of it."
By that time, they had reached the stables where steeds of nobles and residents of the Citadel were kept. Eomer led Erin to a stall about halfway down the hay-strewn corridor, and Erin beamed as she caught sight of the beautiful animal within.
The mare looked at her new owner with sorrowful hazel eyes, thrusting her nose over the door of the stall in the hope of a treat. Eomer surreptitiously slipped something into Erin's hand; she saw it was a carrot when she reached up to offer it to the hungry mare. But what was striking about this horse was not its eyes, but the shining chocolate coat. Its beauty was further enhanced by the sandy mane and tail that flowed over its coat. It whuffled at her as she reached up to stroke its nose, as if sharing her joy.
"Oh Eomer…she's beautiful…" Erin breathed as the mare eagerly took the proffered carrot.
"Ah, but wait until you sit upon her back," Eomer's eyes were twinkling. "Tinna can be somewhat lively, but she is quite good-tempered altogether. I think she will serve you well."
Erin just beamed and hugged him, unable to articulate her gratitude. When she drew back from a somewhat surprised Eomer, he opened the stall door and offered Erin a bridle, demonstrating how to put it on the mare. Then he gave the lead rope to Erin, and they brought the horse into the paddock.
Eomer then proceeded to give Erin the most thorough lesson she could have imagined in equine anatomy and health, as well as the maintenance of equestrian equipment. Two hours later Erin could name every important part of a horse, care for Tinna's tack, and saddle her in under two minutes. Eomer was a strict taskmaster, giving praise only where it was truly deserved. Nonetheless Erin flourished beneath the demanding instruction, loving every moment of the lesson.
When he had finished, Eomer glanced at the sun, which was much lower in the sky than Erin would have guessed. "I believe we have time for a short ride," he said, smiling as Erin nearly squealed in joy. "Saddle Tinna again, and then we shall work on your riding posture."
An hour later they sat upon the banks of the Anduin east of the city and watched their horses splashing in the water and generally behaving like colts instead of the mature animals they were. Erin reveled in the feeling of joy and general contentment that filled her soul as she sat there next to Eomer, letting the warmth of the afternoon sun coax her toward a dozing rest.
"You remind me greatly of my sister," Eomer said suddenly. "You have a spirit which, like hers, yearns for freedom and independence."
Erin pondered his comment for several moments, somewhat taken aback. "She always was my favorite female character in the books," Erin said finally. "I always loved the idea that she dressed up like a soldier and went to battle. I wanted to do that as well, but in my world…it wasn't possible."
"Women are not allowed to join the army in your world?" Eomer asked.
"Well yes, they are, but…warfare is very different. We don't ride horses or use swords and bows. Our weapons are…ugly, dirty, and...frightening in their ability to cause destruction. We always see pictures of buildings caught in the middle of a battle, and they are…demolished. Holes in the walls, windows blown out, sometimes utterly reduced to rubble. We have weapons that can level an entire city—one weapon. It's not the same."
Eomer was silent for many moments. "War in this land also causes destruction. There are many women without husbands, or sons, or brothers…without a house to return to." He paused, and Erin turned to see an expression of utter pain on his face. She understood immediately; he had sent many of those husbands and sons and brothers into battle.
She moved closer to him, reaching up and enfolding him in an embrace. "You are their king, their commander. It was necessary."
"It does not make the burden any easier to bear," Eomer replied softly. He did not move from the embrace.
"Nevertheless you can help your people—you must, for you are their King," Erin said, releasing Eomer from the hug. "It is your duty to pull them through these times of rebuilding."
Eomer sighed heavily. "Aye, and that is why I must leave. In six days I shall depart for Edoras, and there I must work to set my lands in order."
Erin tried to smile, even though the mere thought of Eomer leaving made her want to cry. "How long will you be gone?"
"I do not know…it may be months," Eomer replied.
"Months?" Erin swallowed hard. "That's…that's a long time to go without lessons when we've just started."
Eomer smiled. "I shall arrange for another to teach you until I return."
A sudden idea occurred to Erin, and her face lit up with excitement. "But what if…could I come with you?" she exclaimed.
"Come with me? To Rohan?" Eomer asked, surprised.
"Yes! I mean, I'd love to see Edoras, and Meduseld, and help you with all the rebuilding, and that way we could keep the lessons going! You'll want some breaks from your work, I'm sure." Erin replied, winking.
"I'm sure," Eomer chuckled. "If there is no pressing reason for you to remain here, I see no reason why you could not accompany me."
Erin was beaming again, her good humor restored. She was going to see the golden house of Meduseld! "Let's get back—I want to tell my friends!"
Eomer laughed. "Very well. But first, one more lesson: whistling."
"Oh! I can do that," Erin said, forming her lips into an "o" and whistling a short tune.
Eomer shook his head. "No, that is not what I meant. I meant this whistling." He placed two fingers in his mouth and blew, producing a piercing whistle. "Can you do that?"
Erin's enthusiasm didn't wilt a bit. "Not yet. I guess you'll just have to teach me!"
MEGAN and her friends were enjoying a comfortable silence as they basked in the warm late-afternoon sun amid the beautiful, verdant palace gardens when their reverie was interrupted by the soft sound of footsteps. Megan saw the intruder first, and could not suppress a chuckle as she realized who it was. I have a feeling Kavila's afternoon just went downhill.
"Greetings all!" Legolas exclaimed as he seated himself next to Kavila. "Hello!" Sarah and Adrienne chorused, while Kavila managed a soft "Hi."
"I have been sent to inform you of the arrangements made by the King for your education," Legolas continued, oblivious to Kavila's less than friendly greeting. "Lady Kavila and Lady Megan, you shall meet with Lindir in the Houses of Healing for your lessons at 8 o'clock. Lady Sarah, you shall be needed at Kalva's shop when it begins business, an hour after dawn. Lady Adrienne, Dregor wishes you to meet him at the Gate at 8 o'clock. You shall all be occupied with lessons until lunch, at which time you may do as you please. Lady Sarah, the circumstances may be different for you—you will have to speak with Kalva. Lady Adrienne, I shall meet you at the armory an hour after noon for knife lessons." Adrienne beamed as Legolas paused for breath. "Where is Lady Erin?"
Adrienne snickered. "Eomer was here a couple of hours ago—he took her out for horseback riding lessons."
Legolas regarded Adrienne quizzically. "And that is amusing?"
By this time all the girls were laughing. "Let's just say they were both very—happy to have each other as teacher and student," Megan said.
Legolas's eyes widened slightly, before a smile crossed his face. "I see. I suppose Erin will not be disappointed to find that she will take lessons with Lord Eomer daily an hour after lunch?"
"I doubt it!" Adrienne laughed.
"Doubt what?" Erin called from the path. Everyone looked up hurriedly, surprised to see her.
"I thought I said I didn't want to see you until dinnertime!" Adrienne retorted.
"Yes, but I have something to tell all of you!" Erin plopped down onto the grass, beaming.
"Where's Eomer?" Sarah asked, grinning suggestively.
Erin missed the hint completely, her smile faltering a little. "He's got some preparations to make. He's only got six days before he leaves for Rohan."
"Rohan?" Adrienne exclaimed teasingly. "Oh, Erin, that's so far away. You must be devastated!"
Erin just grinned back at her. "Nope. I'm going with him!"
There were several moments of stunned silence. "You…you're going with him? To Rohan?" Kavila said.
"Yep!" Erin said. "So he can continue my horseback riding lessons."
Legolas sighed. "I shall have to tell Aragorn. He will need to change the arrangements he made for your lessons."
"What arrangements?" Erin asked.
"At 8 o'clock you will meet Councilor Rammath in the library for lessons in lore and script. On Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday of each week you will meet with Vilad an hour after lunch for lessons in swordfighting, which will last until 4 o'clock. On Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday you will join Lord Eomer for horseback riding lessons, again lasting until 4 o'clock," Legolas recited. "Now, of course, we shall have to postpone your swordfighting and lore lessons until your return. I shall inform Aragorn before dinner."
"Inform me of what?" came a deep voice, its owner obscured by a grove of trees. Erin and Kavila jumped at the sudden intrusion.
"Stop doing that!" Kavila exclaimed. "That's three people now who've snuck up on us!"
Aragorn came into view. "I apologize. I did not mean to startle you."
Kavila looked as though she had swallowed a frog. "I…I'm sorry, my lord…I didn't realize it was you…" she rose to curtsey, and Aragorn motioned for her to sit again.
"Please do not trouble yourselves. I have had far too much formality for one day," Aragorn said, chuckling.
"Guess what!" Erin piped up as soon as Aragorn had seated himself on the soft grass. "I'm going to Rohan with Eomer!"
"Lord Eomer," Adrienne corrected her. "You've got to remember titles, Erin!"
Erin waved a hand at her dismissively. "I do when we're in a place where it's necessary, like last night. We're all friends here, though!"
"Indeed." Aragorn said, smiling. "I suppose this journey is what Legolas was planning to inform me about?"
"Yes," Erin looked somewhat contrite. "I'm sorry you're going to have to change all those arrangements. It would have worked out really well. But I'm going to see Edoras, and Meduseld, and it's going to be so neat!"
Adrienne snickered. "Yeah, and I bet the fact that you'll be seeing a lot of Eomer had nothing to do with it."
Erin blushed and looked at the ground. "Well, maybe a little…"
Aragorn laughed long. "Fear not. It shall be no trouble to rearrange your lessons upon your return. But I must leave you now, I am afraid—I have much work yet to do before dinner. Legolas, would you accompany me? There is something I would speak to you about."
"Of course." Legolas rose, his hand barely brushing the top of Kavila's head as he did so. She jumped, then glared at the ground and tried to ignore the snickers from her friends. Legolas disappeared with Aragorn behind the trees.
When they were a fair distance away, Aragorn spoke. "I have two things to speak with you about. A messenger came yesterday from Mirkwood—"
"What did he carry?" Legolas broke in, obviously very excited.
Aragorn smiled. "A package for you. I have not opened it."
Legolas sighed, smiling with relief. "I feared it would not arrive in time."
"The other matter is one of greater seriousness," Aragorn continued, and Legolas immediately sobered. "The envoy from Khand spoke with me today. The Variags wish to make peace with us, and they wish our aid in rebuilding their country and government. I want you to return to Khand with them and inform me of the condition of their land and people."
Legolas nodded. "Shall I negotiate the alliance?"
"Aye," Aragorn replied. "I shall provide you with the information you need. I trust your judgment in this; we must offer aid, but not pity."
"I understand," Legolas said as they reached Aragorn's study. "When shall I leave?"
"Not for awhile yet; there is an…event of some importance for which I would dearly wish your presence," Aragorn replied vaguely.
Legolas smiled knowingly. "Then I shall be there, mellonamin. Who shall accompany me on this journey?"
Aragorn opened the door. "I shall make the arrangements. But now, let me show you the reports from the treasurer…" Legolas followed Aragorn into the study, where they remained long into the night.
mellonamin my friend (Sindarin)