A/N: Hot weather and life have bogged me down, so I haven't done much writing. That plus the progress I thought I was making on ch. 17 slowed down when Tracey said I had to fix what I had already written – grumble, grumble, grumble! Ah well, it's probably better for her observations, and hopefully I can get back to it soon, thus staying one step ahead.

The Adventures of Theodred, Son of Eomer

Chapter 15 (begins April, 45 IV)

Eothain was surprised. Theodred was home; Freahelm was in Gondor. Never one to beat around the bush, he turned up just after breakfast in the Golden Hall, and cast a baleful eye on his son's friend and, up until now, traveling companion.

With a grin, Theodred rose from the table, reading the meaning behind the look, and followed the man outside to the terrace. The two settled on the steps of Meduseld, and after several minutes, Eothain asked good-naturedly, but curiously, "Well, did you lose him in a game of chance, or what?"

Theodred laughed and shook his head. "No. I tried, but no one was willing to take my wager for fear they would win him!" He paused. "The explanation would be better coming from Freahelm, but he has met a young lady and I think it is serious. That is part of the reason he stayed. Also, he has been using Pyttewan for breeding, to have an income while we are there, and he was booked. Freahelm might have torn himself away from the lady to come home for a visit, but he could not walk away from his obligations."

Eothain nodded approval of that. "Very well, then. I will wait for him to tell me more." They sat in silence a little longer, and then he asked, "This girl – what is she like?"

Theodred grinned. "Actually, she has Rohirric blood and is flaxen-haired! She is very nice; a baker's daughter. She suits him well. I think you will approve of her."

"A baker's daughter? Well, hardly a surprise there, eh?" Eothain chuckled. "The boy was sure to find a woman who could cook!"

The two spent the next hour talking about the past few months Freahelm and Theodred had spent in Minas Tirith. By the time they parted company, Theodred had arranged to get together further with Eothain to do some interviews for his stories, both personal ones about Theodred's parents and ones about Eothain's own life experiences.

Theodred found he was seeing his home with new eyes. People he had observed his entire life – shopkeepers, farmers, soldiers, elderly, servants – all seemed different to him now that he looked at them and wondered what their 'story' was. Some seemed a bit wary when he began asking them questions about their lives, but gradually they began to understand that he was truly interested in hearing about them, and they warmed up to the telling. He filled page after page with the details.

And what amazed him even more was when he thought to talk directly with his parents about their lives. They told him things he had never imagined, and discovered that they felt many things that he felt, had experienced things he had, that their lives had not been so very different than his own as he had always assumed.

Shortly after they arrived at Edoras, Arawine and Kata's betrothal was formally announced. That had been greatly celebrated, and the two were thrilled to be back together again after some five months of separation during the winter, with poor communication. They spent nearly every waking moment together. In times past, it had been Theodred constantly at Arawine's side both night and day, but he found he did not resent being supplanted. In fact, he became so wrapped up in his work that he often did not take much notice of anything else unless his family purposely distracted him for a time. Only because it was evident that he was not consciously avoiding the happy couple did they not attempt to go out of their way to include him. He was always welcome whenever an occasion presented itself, but if he disappeared they did not chase him down, and they took him at his word that he had work to do.

To a certain extent, both Theodred and Arawine were sorry that their relationship was not quite so close as it had once been, but both realized that it would have had to change eventually. They would marry and go their separate paths; that was the way of life. It did not mean they no longer cared deeply for one another, only that they no longer could spend so much time together as they previously had. They had grown up and it was time to move on with their lives.

Unexpectedly, there were several new developments while Theodred was in Edoras. He had never fully discussed his plans with his parents, since most of them had come to him since his departure the previous autumn, but after relaying the commission that King Elessar had given him, his father had suggested that he also prepare a series of illustrated childrens' books on various subjects. Eomer recommended ones on the Ring War, on the various races of Middle Earth, on occupations, on historical sites and so forth, that teachers could use with their pupils. He even offered to fund such a venture, and that set the wheels turning in Theodred's mind all over again with the many possibilities.

He also discovered that Arawine had learned to puppeteer, and bought some marionettes while in Dale. Theodred wrote a few scripts, dusted off his own marionettes, and after he had regained the skill of using them, the three of them began doing some shows once more, with both the old and new scripts Theodred had prepared. Theodred found that yielded yet another outlet for his storytelling penchant, particularly when utilizing Kata's puppets of the Rohan royals.

During the winter, Theomund had secretly been working on a new set of full puppets, not just heads, and at the betrothal he gifted them to Kata so she was able to add marionettes of both her and Arawine to her collection, giving her a complete set of the living royal line.

xx

As much as he was enjoying being home, by mid-June, when the party from Dale was to head home, Theodred was ready to depart as well. He was surprised by how much he had missed Minas Tirith and his friends there, and was looking forward to seeing them again, though it was still difficult to part from his family.

Arawine was riding with them, and would be continuing on to Dale with Kata's family, to stay there until they returned for their wedding in the autumn. It was all the more reason that Theodred was glad he had made peace with the couple now.

Before the group departed, Elfwine led a small mare forward and handed her lead rope to his brother. "Aenlic should be just what you are looking for, Theodred. I trained her myself, and made certain she would be particularly responsive as you wanted, though I am still not certain how you expect to do this. Gondor is very sticky about protocol, you know."

"I know," Theodred sighed. "I have not quite worked that out yet, but at least I will have her there when I do. Thank you for your trouble in this. I do appreciate it."

And then they were ready to leave. Arawine's escort took the lead and started them underway, and last farewells were given. The trip proved uneventful and they arrived in Minas Tirith on Midyear's Day. The group headed for Dale was to rest a few days before continuing on, and King Elessar saw them settled as his guests for the duration.

Theodred returned to stay with the Steward and was greeted warmly by his family and Freahelm, both of whom were eager to hear news from Rohan. They were up late that night, sharing all the goings on in both places, and though Faramir and Eowyn had planned to depart for Emyn Arnen the next day, they decided to linger long enough to celebrate Arawine's betrothal before going.

The next morning, Eowyn cornered Theodred before he left after breakfast and inquired about the extra horse he had brought back with him. Looking mildly embarrassed, he explained Esgalmir's situation of never having left the city until she went to the docks with him, and how hampered she was by her bad leg. He had thought that if she learned to ride, on a well-trained Rohirric horse, that it would afford her some freedom to move about as she wished.

Eowyn pondered his words then stated the obvious. "You do understand that this is Gondor, not Rohan. If you gift her with a horse, Theodred, it will be taken as a proposal of marriage. Gondorians do not take such acts lightly."

He sighed. "I know. I am still considering that part. Perhaps I do not have to give her the horse – just let her ride 'my' horse?"

Eowyn shook her head. "It would not matter. It would still be taken as more than just friendship. Even if I were to go invite her to ride this horse, never having sought her company prior to this, it would still be thought that I did it to chaperone her spending time with you. I am not certain there is any way to do this that will not have tongues wagging, and once they are wagging, you may find yourself backed into a corner."

None of this was what Theodred wanted to hear, though in truth it was largely what he had suspected all along even at the outset of the idea. He was not even certain why he had persisted with it, despite his fears that there was no way around the problems attending it, but he did want to help Esgalmir.

Defeatedly, he shrugged. "I will give the matter more thought. Perhaps I will think of something."

As he turned away, Eowyn was tempted to point out there was nothing to think of, but she couldn't quite bring herself to do it, so she kept silent. Certainly, she of all people could appreciate his thoughtful desire to free Esgalmir from her cage. She just wasn't sure the limitations of Gondor society weren't too great to overcome.

Esgalmir had been much on Theodred's mind, for several reasons, not the least of which was that he had nearly exhausted his supply of paper during his trip to Rohan, despite the extra he had taken along in anticipation of working while there. Eager to see her, he saw no reason to delay and headed for the shop.

xx

The couple and their small child entered the stationery shop, with the man carrying a sleeping infant, and were greeted cordially by the woman at the counter. "May I help you?"

Morwen smiled in response. "I have heard of this shop from my brother, and thought I would come by while in the city, to see what you have to offer."

Moving slowly from behind the counter, the woman hobbled forward and asked, "What in particular are you looking for, my lady? Writing paper or utensils? Ink?"

"I am told you have exceptionally fine writing papers, and I am in need of more pens and ink, also. Linhir does not have a wide array of stationery supplies, so I find it wise to stock up while in Minas Tirith if I want much selection."

Suddenly the little girl piped up, "What is wrong with your leg?"

Morwen blushed red at the innocent, but impolite, question. "Hush, Mirlas! I am sorry! She does not mean to be rude. She is just curious."

Esgalmir was reddening also, but smiled with understanding. "It is all right." Leaning down slightly toward the chastened child, she answered, "My leg did not grow properly and so I cannot walk as other people do."

Mirlas considered this, then asked, "Does it hurt?" Morwen's blush deepened, but since the woman seemed willing to respond, she kept silent.

Esglamir nodded ruefully. "Yes, sometimes it does. But I am used to it."

Mirlas eyed her with concern, then said sincerely, "I am sorry!"

With a small laugh, Esgalmir replied, "Thank you! That is very kind of you."

Attempting to turn the conversation back to business, Morwen asked to see the writing paper, while Caranhir busied himself with taking Mirlas outside to keep her from asking any more inappropriate questions. As she was concluding her purchases, Morwen asked, "Would you allow me to invite you to supper this evening? I know we have just met, but I would like to make it up to you for my daughter's blunt questions."

"That truly is not necessary, my lady," Esgalmir assured her, though touched by the gesture.

"Please, it is no trouble, and since my brother will likely come –" Morwen was saying, just as the shop door opened.

"Morwen? When did you arrive in town?" Theodred asked.

"Just yesterday. It is good to see you, dearest!" Morwen exclaimed, moving to embrace him. "Caranhir and the children are outside somewhere. Did you not see them?"

"No. I must have missed them. What are you doing here?" He glanced at Esgalmir, who was watching the exchange in puzzlement, though she seemed pleased to see him.

"You mentioned this shop in your letters, so I stopped in to make some purchases. And since Mirlas chose to make some ill-advised remarks to this lady, I was inviting her to supper. We are staying at the Dol Amroth townhouse. Will you join us also? Well, 'also' assuming she agrees." She turned questioningly back toward Esgalmir.

Esgalmir felt put on the spot, but saw no reason to refuse the invitation so she nodded. "Of course. I would be honored. And please call me Esgalmir." She hesitated, wondering how to mention her need of assistance in getting to their residence, and thinking it best that Theodred not be the one to escort her, but Morwen appeared to have anticipated her.

"Write down your address for me, and I will send a servant for you, shortly before six. It will not be very formal. What you are wearing is fine. I have enjoyed meeting you."

Esgalmir's card in hand, Morwen said her farewells to them both, kissed her brother's cheek and departed. Once she was gone, Theodred turned to smile at Esgalmir and she commented warmly, "Welcome back. How was your visit home?

"Wonderful! And I got much work done. So much so that I am completely out of paper and desperately in need of more! And Father has agreed to fund me doing a series of childrens' books on various topics that I can illustrate. I am looking forward to that challenge as well. When you have an opportunity, perhaps you will look over my ideas on the matter and give me your suggestions. You have been most helpful in the past with your guidance."

"I will do whatever I can to be of assistance," she assured him.

Just then, Elbragol joined them from the back of the shop, greeting Theodred pleasantly, and Esgalmir moved to retrieve the supply of paper he had requested. "Did you need anything else besides paper?" she asked, reverting to her business-like demeanor, and Theodred did likewise.

"Yes, pens, ink and pencils as well. I worked like mad while I was away, and drew down all my supplies."

By the time he left the shop, a quarter hour later, he was well laden. He was not entirely satisfied with the time he had spent with Esgalmir, but contented himself by remembering he would get to see her at supper this evening, thanks to Morwen. For just an instant, he wondered if his sister had an ulterior motive in inviting the woman, but Morwen was such a stickler for propriety that he was sure that if Mirlas had been rude, the invitation was indeed an effort at an apology.

xx

Though somewhat young at age five, Mirlas was allowed to join them for supper, as they were attempting to teach her table manners. The best way to do that was in limited situations where it was thought the danger was minimized. This was presumed to be such an occasion. To Morwen's horror, it proved not to be.

"Are you gonna marry Unca The'd'ed?" Mirlas asked innocently of Esgalmir, nearly causing said uncle to choke to death on the swallow of wine he had just taken.

Smirking broadly, Caranhir took a sip of his own wine, and murmured, "The question of the moment, I should think."

"Do not encourage her!" Theodred hissed under his breath, when he could breathe again. His sister sat rubbing her forehead, utterly mortified by the entire affair and unsure how to deal with the matter.

To her credit, Esgalmir gave little reaction to the rather impertinent and personal question but, having little experience with children, not enjoying nieces or nephews of her own, she made a rather fatal move in her reply. Thinking to sidetrack the conversation onto a safer path, she attempted to deflect it with good humor and a vague response. "We have never discussed that, dear, so I cannot answer your question."

Unaware that small children rarely settle for so unsatisfying an answer, Mirlas persisted, "I think you should. He needs someone to look after him, like Mama looks after Papa." She beamed around the table at the adults, pleased with her assessment of their needs, and Caranhir hurriedly excused himself, bolting into the other room where they soon heard muffled guffaws as he attempted to conceal his laughter with a pillow.

"My sincerest apologies," Morwen offered weakly. "My daughter is quite the little matchmaker and is too young to understand how improper her words are. I do hope you are not offended."

Esgalmir smiled hesitantly, uncertain about all the attention suddenly being focused on her, and very aware of Theodred's flaming face. The meal continued in an uncomfortable silence, and Caranhir rejoined them some time later when he finally recovered control of himself, though he occasionally gave various snorts and grunts that could only be understood as attempts not to let laughter break forth once again.

As soon as possible, Morwen hustled Mirlas off with her nurse to get ready for bed, and though they attempted relaxed conversation, after Mirlas' canny observation, the evening never quite ran smoothly. Pleading weariness after a long day, Esgalmir excused herself early, and Theodred insisted on accompanying her home.

They walked in silence virtually the entire way, but just as they were almost there, he caught her elbow and turned to apologize. "I am sorry if you were offended by my niece, Esgalmir. She did not mean to be rude." He could not quite meet her eyes.

Gently she touched his arm and told him, "Actually, I am flattered that she thinks me good enough for her beloved Unca The'd'ed!"

He could not restrain a laugh, and answered sincerely, "You are more than good enough for him." He glanced at her brother's house. "Do you wish me to take you to the door?"

"No," she said with a sigh, "it would be best if you did not. I can make it from here. Thank you." For just an instant, she paused, giving him a piercing look in the darkness, and then she turned and was moving away.

He watched from the shadows until she was safely inside.

TBC

6-23-06

Aenlic - "unique"

Mirlas is 5 in 45 IV