The days were easy travelling. The days were warm and sunny with the evening's being cool. Over the 2 weeks it took us to reach Edoras I had finally caught up what was going on in Gondor while I was away. Everything from the court gossip to the military movements. Though the latter left the taste of bile in my mouth and Boromir tight lipped with grief for the rest of the day. The grief for the loss of every man under his command that had been lost in those battles was clear across his face. It was no wonder that his face was so lined with worry these days.
There were the lighter moments. Most of those spent naked in one of our bedrolls. But there was also the morning when Axis bucked me off because I hadn't been paying attention. I had landed on my feet in front of Axis still holding onto the reins. The entire day was spent both of us snorting with laughter whenever we thought about it. Or the evening Boromir found some wild strawberries growing after I had shot a rabbit for dinner. Most of our fresh supplies were gone so the sweet fruit was most welcome.
The day before we reached Edoras was unusually warm. Both the horses and us were lathered in sweat by midday. I thankfully knew this part of Rohan well so I steered Axis off the road, despite Boromir's protests.
"It's too hot Boromir, I know somewhere cool," I said as I wheeled Axis towards one of the smaller rivers that ran through the plains. Here the land was open and undulating. The occasion grove of trees scattered around, but there were more rock formations than trees. Only a quick 20 minute ride off the road led to a rather secluded grove surrounded by trees. In the middle of it was a deep cold pond. Even in the driest summer's in Rohan I had never seen this pond close to empty. What's more it was always cold, a very welcome sight in hot weather.
I jumped off Axis and quickly unsaddled him. Boromir was doing the same to Nightwind, although more reluctant than I was. Once Axis was unsaddled I set about getting undressed.
"Devera!" Boromir's eyes darted around the clearing to make sure we were alone. We were. No one would be around for miles and miles.
I ignored him as I dove into the pool, shrieking as the cold water hit my naked body. Grinning I swam out towards the middle of the pond where I couldn't touch the bottom.
"Come in Boromir," I giggled as I dunked my hair under the water and came up gasping for air. Boromir stood at the edge of the pond, barefooted but still wearing his trousers and shirt. I scowled at him playfully. As much as he hated to admit it his sense of propriety did win out sometimes. Swimming naked in a pool was one thing the Captain of Gondor did not do.
"You'll ruin your breeches," I casually pointed as Boromir dipped a toe in the water. I swam backwards lazily as I watched Boromir finally gave in and stripped the rest of his clothes off. He jumped into the water quickly with me and with a spluttering gasp swam towards me. Boromir was a lot taller than me and he could touch the bottom of where I was. I happily wrapped my legs around his naked waist and pulled my arms around his neck.
"Better?" I asked.
"Hmmm much," Boromir gave me an easy smirk before kissing me soundly. Our night time tumbles had barely began to scratch the surface of my desire that had been built up over the months. I let my fingers tangle in his hair as I pulled my body as close as I could get to him. Boromir broke the kiss and trailed kisses down my neck, playfully nipping me in the right spots to make me gasp. He bit slightly too hard near my collarbone and a wicked thought crossed my mind. I pushed down hard on Boromir's shoulders to dunk him under the water. I only managed to buckle his knees slightly before he caught onto what I was doing.
"That's not very nice to dunk your lover under the water," Boromir frowned at me. I stuck my tongue out at him childishly. The next moment I found myself under the water inhaling a mouthful of water. I surfaced coughing and spluttering to Boromir's wicked grin. I opened my mouth to let out a nasty Rohirric curse only to find myself under the water again. I shrieked when I broke the surface again and splashed Boromir in the face.
"No fair," and as soon as those words left my mouth he had dunked me again. I was laughing and still shrieking when I surfaced once more.
"Boromir enough" I spluttered. He went to dunk me again and this time I managed to wrap my arms around his neck and drag us both under. Boromir let out a curse as I dragged us under the water. I broke away from him, treading water at a safe distance when I surfaced again. I grinned like a fool watching Boromir try and regain some composure. His hair stuck on his face, the odd stray hair being stuck in his beard.
"You have something on your neck," I said quite wickedly. I knew exactly what it was. A rather large bite mark I had left from a few nights ago. The bruised skin was just starting to shift from purple to an unfortunate green colour.
"You're about to have a rather large red mark on your behind once I catch you," Boromir threatened playfully as he made his way over to me. Laughing almost hysterically I swam away from him as quickly as I could. As I got to the other side of the pond I just happened to glance over to check on our horses. I gulped when I realised that it wasn't just our horse's there. An Eored was standing there, the leader sitting on his horse watching the scene before him with a knowing smirk.
Boromir had his back turned to them but he quickly turned around when he saw my expression. He chuckled quite heartily.
"Well met Eomer," Boromir said smugly. There was no trace in his voice to give away the embarrassment he should be feeling. I had no such qualms though. I sunk as low as I could in the water to hide my naked form blushing hotly. I had known Eomer for many years but it still didn't stop my cheeks burning bright red in embarrassment in being caught naked in a pond with an equally naked Boromir. At least the rest of Eomer's eored had the good manners to glance away at the sight of me naked in the pool. The majority of them had turned their horses around in weak attempt to ignore what was actually going on in the pond.
"Well met indeed Lord Boromir," Eomer smirk was even wider now. "We heard screams and thought it must have been a lady in distress, alas all we found here is Lady Devera crying about the pond being cold."
I'll give you pond being cold I thought sourly as I glared at Eomer. This only seemed to amuse him more as he grinned openly. A few of his riders politely covered up their amusement with a rough cough or a strangled snort. I knew most of these men, if not by name by sight. As a messenger I was often in Rohan. As Third Marshall of the Mark Eomer had received many messages on behalf of Theodred in his absence. We had become friend's over the years, both with our fast tempers and a shared love of good Rohirrim mead. I knew his play at the moment was to try and embarrass me. He loved nothing more than to tease me about being a 'proper Gondorian lady.' Though of Rohan by birth the years spent in Gondor did often leave some courtly manners stuck on me. Whether I liked them or not.
One of them was I had a problem with public nudity. A big problem. I wouldn't even use the bath houses in Edoras because they were all open and shared facilities.
Now sitting below the surface of the pond I could tell Eomer had every intention on playing on this fact. Boromir hadn't cared. A life of a soldier, nudity meant nothing to him as he climbed out of the pond and got dressed. While he pulled his tunic over his shirt he motioned for me to get out of the pond. I stubbornly shook my head.
"When you, Eomer and his entire Eored have gone away far enough that you cannot see anything but a pale speck in the distance I will get out," I said with gritted teeth.
Eomer chuckled and Boromir shot me a look that spoke more than words. I'm sure I would be hearing the words 'I told you so' later on.
"Devera, don't be ridiculous, no one will look," Boromir sounded mildly exasperated. Though Boromir couldn't see the look on Eomer's face behind his back. I did not trust the Rider as far as I could throw him. I swam towards my clothes still keeping under the water.
"Stand in front of me?" I asked Boromir. He sighed irritably but complied with my wish. Hastily I climbed out of the pond and pulled my clothes on as quickly as I could. I stole a glance over Boromir's shoulder and for once Eomer had done the gentlemanly thing and glanced away while I got dressed. While I pulled on my boots Eomer had nudged his horse forward and began conversing with Boromir in low tones. I could only make out snatches of the conversation as Boromir had moved out of my hearing range to greet him. Two riders had dismounted and already had our horses saddled ready to go. One let out a loud curse in Rohirrim as Axis managed to sink his teeth into his shoulder when he did the girth up. I raced to my horse apologising profusely to the rider who was rubbing his shoulder shooting a sour look at the stallion. Nightwind stood placidly as he always did, waiting for his rider.
"We are to dine in Edoras tonight Devera," Boromir said. I looked up almost surprised to see him standing at Nightwind's side. I hadn't even heard him approach I had been too busy apologising for Axis snapping jaws. I wrinkled my nose in distaste. As much as I loved Edoras, the Halls of the King had been cold of late. Theoden had grown old and weary beyond his years and his advisor Grima Wormtongue had eyes everywhere. Over the last year I mostly took my meals in the kitchens when I stayed. Eowyn was always glad for the company whether I dined in the kitchens or in one of the private dining halls with her. But with Boromir visiting it would be a formal occasion. How silly of me not to think of it before. After all I was only a messenger. No finery would ever be laid out just for me. The son of the Steward of Gondor was an entirely different matter.
I mounted Axis and we were on our way towards Edoras. I was silent as Boromir and Eomer began to exchange news of their respective kingdoms. As Third Marshall Eomer knew a lot more about the moment of Orc packs yet two words of my eavesdropping had caught my attention. Especially when it put a frown so deep on Boromir's face it made him look years older than he was.
White Hand.
Mordor Orcs often wore a symbol of the Red Eye. Sauron was meant to have disappeared a long time ago. However being so close to Mordor any fool would know that evil was stirring there again. Whether it be Sauron himself or another commander there was work going on in Mordor. Even a child knew that, but these were different from the odd Orc skirmish. More bold, more daring. Taller and moving in sunlight. Well formed and under a structured command.
"What do you make of it Eomer?" Boromir asked so quietly I had to pull Axis back to a slower walk so I could continue with listening to the conversation. It went unnoticed by both men.
"Something stirs in the darkness," Eomer's handsome face pulled into a frown. "It will not show itself yet but I fear a war is at hand."
"I agree," that frown was on Boromir's face again. The one that made him look older than his years. "Just before I left Gondor, Osgiliath was attacked."
I could hear rather than see Eomer's sharp intake of breath. I pretended to be completely oblivious and starting braiding Axis mane while humming tunelessly. Axis seemed to understand the situation and behaved himself. The reins were loose and he was grabbing onto the bit playfully jangling it from side to side. Valar help me if he decided to bolt. I would have no hope of control. However this conversation was not one to miss.
"Not Orcs bearing the White Hand, but as a structured military attack with a plan," Boromir sighed heavily. "You can stop pretending you aren't listening Devera. You need to know the full situation as well."
I felt a blush creep onto my face as I glanced up. Boromir hadn't even looked in my direction yet he seemed to know. I sighed and reined Axis back so I was level with them. He was right of course. I knew bits and pieces of what was actually happening in the world. But my messages were more often than not sealed and bore no clues to them beyond what I heard sitting in my passage at council meetings.
In Denethor's main council room there was a hidden passage behind the main chair. When I had first taken up service to Denethor he had shown it to me himself. It was little more than a small room hidden behind a massive tapestry. It at least had a chair, table and a small cot that Boromir and I had made use of on more than one occasion. But it allowed me to be there to do his bidding without trying to find me. I had spent many cramped hours in there, sometimes falling asleep listening to the drone of the High Council meetings. Most involved little more than troop movements, preparation of crops for winter, minor disputes with other Lords and so forth. However of late there was more talk of troop movements, more news of skirmishes. The forest of Ithilien was crawling with Orcs and the occasional rouge band of Haradrim. So the ambassadors of Haradrim would have us believe anyway. They had been there more often of late trying to quell the growing tension between Gondor and Harad.
"Devera you are privy to more information than most, tell us what you know," Boromir asked firmly. He knew I would open my mouth to argue so his tone left no room for discussion.
I began to fill him and Eomer in on what I knew. At first it was small things like the situation in Ithilien. It was common knowledge. However with more prodding and questions from both men the extent of my knowledge truly came out. I could almost feel myself flush with embarrassment when I realised the depth of my knowledge of things such as troop movements, whom was station where and who Denethor had been conversing with the most. When I got to the part about the growing tension with the Haradrim even Boromir looked startled.
"How long has this been going on?" Boromir asked suddenly looking angry.
I swallowed heavily and looked away from those burning grey eyes. Oh Boromir, you should know these things. Your father shields you from too many councils yet is too happy to throw you in the midst of battles that leave my stomach churning from nerves until you come home. You have aged so much in the last year you look nearly as old as half the High Council. Your strength is in your sword, not your wits of the court and the politics behind it. You prefer to do your battles with your sword and shield. Not your words.
"6 months, your father has had me going back and forth to Dol Amroth," I paused for a moment before deciding to let him in on something else. "A lot, nearly every fortnight. Prince Imrahil has an ever increasing problem with Cosairs."
I peeked up at Boromir through my lashes. He looked ready to explode with his famous temper. His knuckles were white on his reins and Nightwind tossed his head uneasily. He looked ready to reach for his sword and gallop all the way back to Dol Amroth to rid Prince Imrahil of the problem by himself. Looking at him in a state of fury I could barely swallow my mouth felt so dry. If only there had been a way to inform him of what was actually going on in his City. His interest lay only in the battlefield. Yet it mattered little of what his feelings were on the matter. His father would shield him from the worst of it no matter how grave it is.
"How is Lady Lothiriel?" Eomer's voice cut through the tension.
I tried not to shudder as I let out a breath. Boromir's quick temper died down as quickly as it had come. He seemed mollified for the moment. Though he did throw Eomer a quick look of surprise.
"She is well as can be in these troubled times," a gentle smile curved on my lips at the thought of my other friend. Eomer had a small smile on his lips of secret pleasure. Eomer had only met Lady Lothirel of Dol Amroth once. It had been a few years back when they had both met in Minas Tirith. Yet it seemed enough to ask about her every time he saw me. I nearly had the great pleasure of telling him that she also asked about him anytime she learnt I had been to Rohan. Though I didn't tell him that. It was not up to me to meddle in the blossoming flower that could one day be so much more. But then again there were times where I simply couldn't help myself.
"She also said to me 'Next time you see Lord Eomer please pass on a message of greeting to him and I hope to see him again in Minas Tirith soon'."
Eomer turned away from my gaze with a ridiculously pleased look on his face. Out of the corner of my eye I could see Boromir smiling lightly as he watched the exchange. He had been there that night of course. He was actually the one to escort Lady Lothiriel to the ball. Though his duty for the night was to her, he had spent most of his time dancing with me. Of course dancing for both of us meant trying not to trip over each other's feet. I had gotten so many dirty looks that night from the other lady's of court I half imagined to have my morning tea laced with poison. It was one of those defining moments where I had started to think more of Boromir as a man, and less of a brother. I had wondered back then what the night would have been like if I had done what my alcohol fuelled mind wanted to do. A gentlemanly kiss on the cheek goodnight is what Boromir had done. Before he walked away I wanted to grass his tunic and drag him into my room. I had told myself the next morning it had only been the alcohol fuelling my desire but the feeling never quite died.
There was no more time for talking as the Eored closed around us nearing Edoras. In such close proximity to the other horses Axis began to jog, tossing his head and prancing sideways. Once he bumped into Firefoot in which the war stallion did not take too lightly too. He snaked his head and went to bite Axis. However my horse was quicker and Axis danced out of the way, almost looking gleeful.
"Stop it," I muttered in Rohirric lowly giving a tug on the reins.
"You should geld that menace," Eomer shot me a dirty look. "I'm more than happy to do it myself while you are here."
"If you geld my horse I will geld you," I snapped at the Third Marshall.
"If you keep your dagger as sharp as you always do then I would like to see you try," Eomer quipped back. An ever infuriating smirk crossed his face. How I longed to smack if off his face. Or sling my little bow off my back and aim an arrow at his face.
"No, thank you that would mean I would have to touch you while you are naked," I sniffed with indigence.
The few men around him that could understand Common did well to smother their laughs with strangled coughing. I heard quiet mummers of my native tongue roll down the line of riders in a translation of what I said to Eomer. Boromir just sent me a pained expression, his temper obviously still there but too weary to act on it. I offered a small smile in hope to lift his spirits. It didn't work as he just glanced away sighing heavily. A heavy ache settled in my heart at the haunted look on his face. The lines of worry tugged at his mouth and the corners of his eyes were crinkled in deep thought. No doubt he was running over what I had told he and Eomer over the last few hours. A haunted look of guilt had settled upon his face.
As we rode through the gates of Edoras, the town was deathly silent except for the sound of horses moving over the road. The hoofbeats echoed loudly against the seemingly empty houses. There were few people lining the streets. Most of them looked at Boromir and I with grim expressions. It was a depressing sight but not unexpected for me. The golden city of Edoras seemed to be dimming along with their strong king.
Grooms stepped forward to take Firefoot and Nightwind from Eomer and Boromir. To my surprise a groom stepped forward to take Axis as well. Fortunately the groom had either been pre warned or he knew Axis for he grabbed his bridle quickly. He stepped to the side and held his head firmly never once taking his eyes off Axis. Boromir was at my side offering me an arm to dismount. I flicked him a look of curious question. He gave me a sight lifting of his shoulders as my only answer. It appears I was to play the lady instead of messenger. I swung my leg over the pommel over my saddle and slid gracefully into Boromir's waiting arms. I took his offered arm as he climbed the steps of Meduseld.
It was Theodred and Eowyn waiting for us on the top of the stairs. In the shadows stood Grima Wormtongue. I shuddered at the sight of the pasty man dressed in black. I hated the King's advisor. So often had I stood at the steps of the throne listening to orders from that silken tongue. Yet those threads of silk sounded like it had been dipped in tar and slime. Every syllable uttered from those pale lips made me shudder internally. Every fibre in my body pitied Eowyn and those long days and night she was alone with him and her uncle.
"My Lord," Boromir bowed to Theodred and I did the same. You never tried to crusty without a skirt. Not that I would be able to pull a curtsy off in my knee high riding boots.
"My Lord Boromir and Lady Devera, you are most welcome to the halls of Meduseld," Theodred's voice was tired and tight. Glancing over his shoulder Eowyn had her lips tightly pursed in a thin line through the polite smile she had on her face.
"We thank you for your hospitality Lord Theodred," Boromir said, his voice betraying none of the weariness from moments before. I kept my mouth shut like a well trained lady and tried to catch Eowyn's eye. When I finally caught her eyes she gave me a long weary look that spoke of a conversation to happen much later on in the night.
"My apologises for my father not being able to greet you he is unwell," Theodred said not before his eyes flicked over to where Wormtongue was standing. "Room's have been prepared for both of you. Lady Devera I'm sure we can find you something suitable to wear for this evening."
It was only then that I glanced down at my attire. When I was on the road I carried no attention to my clothes, or my smell for a matter of fact. At this very moment I was stained with mud, horse hair and leaves clinging to me. I could feel tendrils of my plait falling around my face and I was sure that if not for our quick swim in the pond my hair would have been the same colour as my boots.
"Thank you for your kindness," I sketched a quick bow. With that the formalities were ended we were both ushered inside. To my relief my room was right next to Eowyn. And it held a steaming bath right in the middle of the room. A green gown was already hanging on the wardrobe with a pair of slippers waiting with it. I needed no encouragement in stripping off and sinking into the tub. No sooner as I sunk beneath the water Eowyn breezed in without so much as a knock.
"Did you know in Minas Tirith people knock before they enter someone's room?" I asked.
"I imagine they would have to in yours and Boromir's room," Eowyn replied back sweetly. I snorted and dunked my hair under the water. Despite my swim the water still ran murky as soon as I surfaced.
Eowyn and I were good friend's. We were close in age and before my father had gone to Minas Tirith we had played as children. Over the years we grew distant beside a few letters every year. But once I had started travelling regularly as Denethor's messenger our friendship had renewed. She was the person I needed after the suffocation at court in Minas Tirith. I had no female friend's besides Ina I could confide in and she was in the same situation as I was. Our duty was to our respective Lord and King, but we were both free spirits straining at the confides of our duty. Eowyn more so than I. At least I had the freedom of riding around the country. Eowyn was left in Meduseld with his age weary Uncle and cold eyes of Wormtongue following her every least I had Ina back in Minas Tirith. Eowyn had no one but her brother and cousin whom where often away. I wished I could take my friend away with me. She didn't deserve to be locked in this fading hall.
The hour was late so Eowyn helped me bath and get dressed quickly chatting as we went. My blonde hair was a mess of knots and it took both of us to comb them out. I left my hair flowing as was the style of Rohan. Slipping into the dress Eowyn frowned as it hung off my thin body.
"I've lost weight," I pulled a face as I tried to gather the fabric around my waist. It didn't help the situation, it just made it hang terribly.
"You have lost a lot of weight since I last saw you," Eowyn frowned as she turned to dig around in the drawers. She finally produced a belt which we both clinched up as tight as we could. The dress still hung around my chest loosely but it was an improvement.
"I've been back to Minas Tirith for about a week in the last 2 months," I grimaced. Even though we set a cracking pace Boromir and I had no pushed ourselves. I finally felt like I had rested enough to get over my exhaustion. The carefree nights spent by the glowing camp fire with our own flaming passion had soothed my soul. It was a peace that neither of us had felt in a long time.
"You should stay for a while when you come back from Rivendell," Eowyn smiled, as if the thought brought her a lot of cheer. "I would welcome to company."
"I would enjoy that very much," I smiled back at my friend.
Dinner was a drab affair. Theoden was not at the table. Theodred took his place at the head of the table and apologised profusely for his father's absence. However Grima was there, along with several other Lords that I did not know by name nor face. Boromir was dressed in the spare clean clothes he carried with him. Although he looked like he would rather be elsewhere at the moment. I had taken my slippers off and was casually running my foot up and down his leg. The tables were large and you could see nothing of a persons lap so I knew my little game was safe for the moment. Boromir kept shooting me dark looks which spoke of promises what would happen later. The conversation was boring and tedious. I didn't say much except to sip on my soup and dunk my bread in it. I was ravenously hungry and I could have happily drained my bowl in moments and ask for seconds as I had so many times in the kitchen.
A simple main meal was served with more dull conversation flowing through the table. Boromir and I weren't the only ones wanting to be freed from the meal. Eomer was fidgeting as soon as his plate was cleared. Theodred kept glancing impatiently at the rest of the table to finish their meal. As soon as the last person put their fork down he shoved his seat back and forced a polite smile on his face.
"I thank you all for joining us for our evening meal, Lord Boromir perhaps you can join me on the balcony for a pipe?" Theodred almost looked relieved at the end of the meal.
Something was happening. But I would not be included in exactly what it was. Part of me was glad for not being involved as I yearned nothing more than to fall into a soft bed. There was still plenty of weeks left on the journey to Rivendell to wrestle whatever information I could out of Boromir. Though after the conversation with Eomer on the ride to Edoras it was plain to see I knew a lot more about the overall position of Gondor than Boromir did. Still my curiosity was piped on what the conversation was going to be about. However for the moment I was going to bed.
I bid my goodnight to everyone and made my way to the guest room. I pulled the dress off and carefully hung it up. It really was a beautiful dress, I just needed it a lot smaller. Or perhaps I just needed to stop riding around Midde Earth and gain some weight. I sighed in vain. That would not be happening anytime soon. Boromir and I still had to make it to Rivendell and back again. I climbed into bed feeling weary right down to my bones. It had been a long day. The light hearted dip in the pond felt like a distant memory already. I was asleep as soon as the covers settled over me.