I do not own Lord of the Rings, or any of Tolkien's characters. Any characters and plot lines I create are mine.
A/N: This chapter may be a bit boring. Sorry, but it is one of those necessary chapters that is required to move the plot along. I already wrote the next chapter. I will post it as soon as I am done reviewing and editing.
Chapter 13: Edoras
Across the plain, the hill and the city that stood upon it were clearly visible for miles. Azruphel did not need Strider to point it out. She did not know what to think of the city. Khamûl always complained about it being simplistic and rural. Uvatha agreed that it was simple, but it was also reflective of the lifestyle of the people. According to him, the people there raised the best horses in the area. Azruphel knew this would cloud Uvatha's judgment of the people. As they approached, Azruphel hoped she would be able to forget everything she was told and, for once, form her own opinion of Rohan. Strider did not plan to stay at Edoras for very long, but he had hinted that he would be willing to stay a few days longer if she wished.
Azruphel's first impression, as they reached the gate of Edoras, was not the same as when she had arrived in Minas Tirith. Edoras was smaller and less of a spectacle. Minas Tirith was meant to impress and intimidate. However, with more people, Minas Tirith had seemed lively and active. Edoras was calm and quiet.
It seemed that the city had a least one inn, though smaller than the one at Minas Tirith, and a stable for the horses. Nightfall and Brehan seemed happy, Nightfall especially. Azruphel knew that the horses in Mordor did not come from Mordor. It seemed that Nightfall found where he came from. Azruphel still was not sure. She did not feel as though she fit in, despite the attractions of the simple life of the Rohirrim. Uvatha would have considered the place a paradise. In a way, Azruphel did, too. It wasn't busy, noisy, or demanding. Just peaceful.
Azruphel introduced herself as Faran, Strider, whatever his real name was, remained Strider. After getting a room and supper, Strider remained in the sitting area in the downstairs while Azruphel went upstairs and went to bed. She did not want to talk about anything that night.
***Azruphel***
Strider was sleeping when Azruphel woke up. Not knowing what else to do, she decided to explore Edoras. For the most part, there were houses. A very small market was starting to open up. A few people were bringing in horses from a field just outside the gates. Seeing the horses reminded Azruphel of her own. She wondered if there was a place she could turn Nightfall loose for a few hours. As she neared the stables, there was a slight commotion. Hoping it wasn't Nightfall that was causing the problem, Azruphel picked up the pace.
It was not her horse that was the problem, but it was a horse. A chestnut charged out of the stable, the saddle hanging off the side and a woman chasing the horse a few meters behind. People darted out of the way of the scared horse, which was a difficult task considering the horse wasn't running in one direction. Azruphel could tell it wasn't looking to escape, more trying to get rid of the saddle if the bucking was anything to go by. As the horse changed direction yet again, this time coming in the direction of Azruphel, she decided what to do. With a quick reminder to herself to speak in Common, Azruphel raised both her arms towards to charging horse and said, in her most commanding voice, "Stop!"
Her voice got the attention of the crowd, or perhaps the sight of the frightened horse sliding to halt did it. Either way, the area was silent as Azruphel moved forward until she was close enough to remove the saddle. She was right about the cause of the disturbance, as the horse seemed to relax as soon as it was taken away, the heavy breathing being the only indication that something was ever wrong. She started to stoke the horse and speak to it in a calming voice when the woman caught up.
"Are you alright? I am so sorry! I do not know what got into him!"
"I am fine. Check the saddle, I think that was the cause of his behavior," Azruphel said.
"Thank you so much! How can I repay you?"
"It is not necessary-"
"Yes, it is. What is your name?"
Azruphel gave the slightest hesitation before saying, "Faran."
"Faran. My name is Éowyn. Are you from around here? I have not seen you before."
"I am just travelling through Rohan with a friend." Azruphel thought about her words right after saying them. She supposed that, by now, she and Strider were friends.
Éowyn smiled. "You and your friend are invited for dinner. As thanks for what you have done," she added when Azruphel started to protest.
Suddenly, both women heard someone shout the name 'Faran' in the crowd. They turned at the same time to see Strider walking towards them.
***Azruphel***
Strider woke to the sound of yelling and a missing Azruphel. The shouts from outside quickly died down, but Strider stood and made his way outside. He did not expect to see Azruphel in the center of the now dispersing crowd, along with a woman and a chestnut horse.
"Faran!" he called, remembering to use Azruphel's travelling name. Both women turned towards him, and he was taken aback by the two of them together.
Azruphel and this other woman looked the same. Had he seen them separately, he probably would have missed it due to their different hair and dressing styles. Azruphel dressed like a man, while this woman had on a long dress. The woman's hair came down in long waves of golden blonde, while Azruphel's hair was cut to a shorter length and of a very dark blonde color. Those differences almost distracted Strider from seeing the many similarities. Their faces were same, their heights were exact. If Azruphel's hair was longer, she would look just like the other.
"Strider!" Azruphel called, shaking him out of his thoughts. "This is Éowyn."
After the two of them exchanged greetings, Éowyn said, "I have invited Faran for dinner as thanks for helping me today. You are welcome to join us." When Strider began to refuse and make excuses, she continued. "It is no trouble! It is just my brother and myself tonight. My uncle and cousin are away."
Strider snuck a glance at Azruphel to make sure she was comfortable with the sudden change of plans. She caught his eye and nodded, so Strider made his decision. "I would be happy to join you."
"Wonderful! I will meet you at the inn later this afternoon."
After Éowyn was out of earshot, Azruphel turned to Strider and asked, "Is it normal to invite a person to dinner after that person catches a runaway horse?"
"It is normal to do something nice for a person when a person does something nice for you," Strider said, chuckling at Azruphel's attempt to understand other people.
Azruphel and Strider then walked around Edoras, despite the fact that Azruphel had already explored the majority of the city. They decided to stay at least two nights to give their horses, and themselves, a rest. Later, they returned to the inn to wait for Éowyn. When she arrived, she led them up the hill, going past many of the houses towards the Golden Hall. Curious about their destination, Azruphel decided to ask.
"Where do you live?"
"I live in the Golden Hall. I suppose I should have mentioned earlier that my uncle is King Théoden. He is with his son tonight, away from Edoras. There is my brother, Éomer!"
Strider saw a man standing a little way up the hill. As they got closer, he could see traits of the girl travelling with him in the other man.
A/N: Before anyone asks, I did not know how I was going to introduce Théoden, Éomer, and Éowyn in the same chapter. So, I didn't and sent one of them away. I don't know where he is, but he isn't home. Please review.