Twenty years passed and the two children of King Jodol and Lady Tarawyn had flourished.
Neome had become a skilled fighter with a blade. Even by a young age Neome was a much loved champion and fighter for his was bold, tenacious, enjoyed responsibility and spoke his mind but he could be rash and too quick to make assumptions – much like his father. His future as a successful King of Rohan and fearless leader of men seemed certain.
The so-called Destined One, Raelyn, was regrettably less understood. She was curious and yearned to travel and learn. She was, however, a little indecisive and sometimes unpredictable. On the one hand she could eloquently speak her mind but, in a heartbeat, she could become painfully shy.
Raelyn had always been far closer to her mother and brother than her father. Her father, so convinced of her future, had taken away all decisions from her, opting to completely dictate her life from what she wore, to where she went, her pursuits and education. He was purely focused on fulfilling her upcoming union to Harrin, the now forty-three year old King of Gondor.
But with her mother and brother, Raelyn could be far more free. She could express her thoughts and feelings without fear of being corrected, influenced or driven down a different path.
When Raelyn was sixteen the three finally convinced Jodol to allow her a horse and it quickly became her most prized possession. Raelyn's horse enabled her to explore and learn about the people and places in Rohan - all under armed guard of course. After spending so much time riding, she had quickly become one of the most skilled horse riders of Rohan.
"Mother?" Raelyn whispered as she watched her brother practise parries and thrusts towards an instructor. "Why have I not learned to fight like Neome?"
"You do not need to." Jodol interjected loudly before Tarawyn could speak. "You will always be well protected here in Rohan… and in your future in Minas Tirith."
Tarawyn looked toward her husband through slit eyes and he was taken aback. "Her future husband, Harrin is sure to honour and protect her" said Jodol quickly but Tarawyn was unimpressed.
"Instructor, are you able to take upon another student?" Tarawyn questioned.
"That is unnecessary!" Jodol called out immediately afterward and turning to the Instructor commanded "You are dismissed. You may return tomorrow to continue Neome's training."
"Yes Mi'lord," the instructor replied uneasily shifting his weight from foot to foot. He quickly packed away his equipment and took his leave.
"Well done Neome, you fight bravely and with much skill. Why don't you go and do something else? Raelyn - meet me in the library," stated Jodol "But first, I need to speak with your mother privately."
Raelyn and Neome looked at each other anxiously but quickly exited the room. Neome proceeded to practise his swordsmanship outdoors while Raelyn shyly closed the door never breaking eye contact with her mother.
"How dare you talk to me like that!" Raelyn heard Tarawyn yell as she pressed her ear against the thick wooden door.
"Well, how dare you take it upon yourself to put our daughter in danger? Do you not think of her future? What if she was to be hurt! She meets with Harrin this week to organise the wedding!" Jodol replied exasperated.
"She is just as capable and as Neome!" Tarawyn retorted as she stood up. "Why can she not learn to defend herself just as any man would? She is a grown woman now! Why do you control her so? Why must everything be about her union with Harrin?!"
"You know the prophecy, just as well as I Tarawyn! Until she is married I will make all the decisions about our daughter. And after that it will be up to her husband to decide – and that is final!" Jodol yelled at the top of his lungs in fury.
Shocked at how her man had changed, Tarawyn's head began to spin. She took a step back, swallowed painfully and clutched at her heart. "Jod.." she said faintly before falling to the floor.
Terror instantly crossed Jodol's face as he rushed out for a medic. Tarawyn's eyes slowly glazed over and she struggled to take another breath.
Raelyn burst through the doors gasping as she saw her mother lying on the floor. She rushed to her side and exclaimed "Mother! E-Everything is going to be okay. Just… lie still. A medic is… coming."
"Raelyn…" Tarawyn said weakly reaching for her daughter's face, but her limbs failed her.
"Do not speak mother, save your strength" sobbed Raelyn holding her mother's limp hand.
"I must tell you, before all strength leaves me," Tarawyn managed, "Your father, he means well but I know you do not love Harrin. Make your father understand that the prophecy does not have to dictate all you are and all you will be."
"Oh mother, please don't go, please don't leave me" Raelyn pleaded.
"For I do not think it will…" Tarawyn whispered and closed her eyes for the last time.
"Neome! Father!" Raelyn yelled in fear.
The two arrived with a medic but nothing could be done to save Tarawyn.
"This would never have happened," Jodol spat pointing at his daughter "were it not for you!"
Hysterical, Raelyn burst from the Great Hall of Rohan and ran into the closest building she could find to hide herself. How can I escape this?Raelyn thought as her head spun. Peering around she noticed she was surrounded by Rohanian riding uniforms hung on every wall.
Still sobbing she meekly pulled a uniform down and slipped into it. Even though it was small, it was still quite loose on her, hiding her form. Raelyn stopped crying and sniffed. Maybe this could be a way I could get away from everything Raelyn thought. She could not stand the thought of staying in Rohan without her Mother.
After slipping on riding gloves to cover her long, slender fingers she reached up to a high shelf and took down a pale green hat with a long pointed front and rounded back. It did not match the uniforms present so must have belonged to the tailor. Feeling slightly guilty Raelyn swept all her hair to the very top of her head and fastened the hat down sturdily with pins.
No one would recognise her looking like this, Raelyn thought. After regaining her composure she exited the building and with one smooth motion, mounted her loyal steed to gallop north out of Edoras.