The next day went by with a festive air. Lothíriel calculated the days before concluding that the festival was a mere three days away. Although she was only a horse, she hoped that she would be able to see the festival in all its glory. A part of her felt like that would indeed happen because not only had Éowyn decided to make her a garland, but also the horses in Rohan were better treated than any other realm she had heard of. What's more, she'd witnessed their treatment. As a princess, it wasn't quite what she was accustomed to, but as a horse, she couldn't find a thing to complain of.

The stable doors opened, and with them, the noise of several people. "You don't have to accompany the king on his hunting party, my ladies. You just finished a long ride from Gondor."

"Nonesense!" Othil's too happy voice chimed. "Here in Rohan, isn't it a normality to ride each day, no matter how long the previous day's ride was."

"Hmm." The stable boy simply stated. He passed by Lothíriel's stall and she saw a multitude of people surrounding Éomer. Some of them were women of Gondor while others were men of Rohan. The final two to pass before her stall was Amrothos and Éowyn who were sharing a wry smile as though they had just shared some joke. Lothíriel stepped forward to greet her brother and Éowyn. As her head poked out, Éowyn smiled.

"Oh, it seems that she wants to depart with us." Amrothos chuckled.

"Perhaps she should." She stroked Lothíriel's chin gently, "and I would happily take her myself, if I was sure that Windfola wouldn't grow jealous of the attention. Though what of you? I know you only planned to see us off, but my brother's invitation to join in our hunt is still open."

"I am rather of a mind to see how this magnificent beast bears itself. And I did witness her race." He patted her forehead lightly. "Perhaps if the king approves?" Lothíriel looked up to see that Éomer had been watching the exchange.

"If you're prepared for her spirit, then I don't mind lending you the horse for our hunt. Only be careful not to be thrown." He turned his attention to Firefoot and prepared his stallion for the ride.

Amrothos let out a light laugh, "Trust me, unless she has as much spirit as my sister, I think I will be able to handle her quite well."

"We shall see." Éowyn walked over to her own horse.

'Perhaps I'll go easy on you, brother, since I wish to leave this stall and see the beautiful waves of grass again.' She nickered quietly, standing in the right position to be readied for saddle and bridle. It didn't take long before all sat comfortably in their saddles, ready for their hunt to begin. They walked out of the gates as casually as anything, but as they did, the rohirric people hailed their king. She could see that he would greet them in return. It was nice for Lothíriel to see a king who genuinely cared for his people. It was a quality she admired.

Once they were past the gates and on the open plains, the group started to go at a mild canter, though it quickly evolved into a joyful gallop. Amrothos was a good rider, to be sure, though he lacked some of the surety she had felt in Éowyn. It surprised her. Amrothos had always been the best on horseback among all the Amrothian children, though perhaps it spoke more to Éowyn's dedication to the ability. Lothíriel would just have to make up for what he lacked.

They galloped along for quite some time before coming to edge of a forest. Something inside her told her there was something wrong within, but she was urged forward by Amrothos as well as the rest of the party. Glancing from side to side, she felt like all the horses sensed what she had, a few were twitching anxiously, their tails swishing back and forth quickly. But, as she saw some of the other horses move forward as they had been instructed by their riders, she decided that the rohirrim would know what they were doing and followed along.

They passed between treed. The forest wasn't very dense, but Lothíriel did have to be careful not to run into anything. It wasn't long before a call was made by one of the rohirrim. The riders all sat straighter as their prey was spotted.

"Deer!" the man shouted and aimed him bow, just barely missing the target as it ducked behind a tree and bounded off. The rest of the company spurred their mounts forward, chasing the animal. Just as Lothíriel turned to join in the chase, she heard a loud, shrill scream.

A/N: Another day, another chapter. I'm really glad how quickly this story is coming together for me! I hope you guys are ready for the exciting next chapter I have planned!

See you guys soon!