Chapter 14
"We will rid you of your condition with haste." Éowyn says as she lifts the lid of a large barrel. It sits near a fire and a copper tube is connected to the barrel while the middle is coiled over the coals. It's filled with hot water then.
"My condition?" I ask. She looks up at me in the middle of filling a bucket with hot water. Her beautiful wavy blonde hair hangs over her shoulder and sways slightly as she looks me up and down.
"You look and smell that of a man." She pulls the bucket from the hot water barrel and empties it into the tub in the middle of the room.
"I… What…" I look down at myself. My outfit is torn and dirty and my hands are dry and stained with mud, and okay, maybe I smell a little bit. I sigh in resignation. "Is there anything I can do to help?"
"In the cupboard," she nods to a two door wooden counter against the wall, "sits a basket of soaps and oils you may use to wash."
I move to the cupboard and the thin wooden doors squeak as I pull them open. A woven wooden basket sits among other things on the bottom shelf. I pull it out and place it atop the counter. Thankfully the bottles are labelled so I'll be able to wash myself without needing a translator. There's a moveable wooden side table so I grab it and place it next to the tub, then I move the basket on top of it. Éowyn pours one last bucket into the tub and sets it aside.
"Go on, I'll take your clothing from you once you've disrobed."
"Umm." I hum in hesitation.
"There's no need for hesitation, we're both women." She says like this is normal.
"I… we barley know each other." I say shyly.
"Oh, apologies. I've naught introduced myself in the haste of tonight's preparations. My name is Éowyn, I'm the niece of King Théoden, a shieldmaiden of Rohan." She says proudly.
"I'm Brielle. I, uh, don't really have a home at the moment." I say awkwardly. She looks taken aback at my introduction but quickly compose herself.
"Come, get cleaned up, then you shall tell me of your travels." She beckons me to the tub. I step forward and hand her my clothes as I undress then step into the water as quickly as I can. I hear her intake of breath as she sees my back but I focus on how heavenly the water feels.
"I shall return shortly with a dress for you for tonight." She says and quickly leaves the room.
I wash my more intimate parts as quickly as I can with the soapy oily mixture from the basket. I'm just about to start on my hair when she returns. She sets a stack of clothes on the counter by the wall.
"Do you have all you require?" She asks.
"Actually, do you have a razor blade?" I request.
"Whatever for?"
"Removing unwanted hair." I lean my head back to rinse out the conditioner. She thinks for a moment then bends down to the squeaky doors. She rummages around for a moment then stands with a small leather case.
"This is usually for the men, but I do not see why you should not be able to use it." She says and opens the pouch on the table I brought over.
She pulls out the same style flat blade I used in Lothlórien. I do better this time, only nicking myself once. While I remove the unwanted hair from my legs she sits by my side and listens to my retelling of waking up in the Bree forest. I leave out my other world in favour of telling her I simply have no memory of anything before that.
When I'm finished bathing she instructs me to pull a stopper I didn't notice in the bottom of the tub. I do, and the water drains presumably to the ground underneath the building. She holds a towel up for me to step into then helps me spread a thin layer of moisturizing oil over my skin.
"Thank you." This bath has done wonders and I feel like a new woman.
She leads me to a bench by the fire and starts to brush out my hair. She works while my hair is drying, and I tell her more of how I came to travel with the fellowship and came to be in Rohan. I tell her as much as I can without mentioning the ring. She pauses her work and places her hands on my shoulders.
"Oh, how I wish I could travel and fight amongst the men. How unfair women must stay behind to mind the home. What renown is there in that?" She laments. I do my best to hold back my smirk and place a hand atop hers.
"We face great battles in the near future. The enemy grows bolder, I'm sure adventure and renown will find you soon."
She dreamily smiles down at me then resumes her work on my hair. As she works, she tells me of her and her brother's past. Her father was slain, and her mother succumbed to sickness, so Théoden took them in and raised them as his own.
"You look lovely." She says as she steps back to look at me.
The dress she's lent me is dark green with gold detailing. There's thin gold lace lining the square neckline and the same thin lace bands around my biceps. The sleeves flare out and the fabric inside is a smooth gold royal looking liner. I also have a gold belt similar to hers that hangs down the front of my floor length skirts. She's pulled my wavy copper hair back into a twisted half updo.
"Thank you. I feel a million times better."
"Come, I'll take you to your friends. I'm sure the celebration will be starting soon."
She leads me back out to the Great Hall which is now packed with people. Men and women sit at all the tables and stand around the edges of the room talking quietly. King Théoden sits on his throne while Éomer stands beside him. Éowyn curses under her breath and I feel guilty for taking so long that we're late.
"I must go, but I shall find you later." She says then rushes off.
I stand awkwardly and scan the room. Aragorn sits at one of the front tables but there's no room to join him. I think I see Merry and Pippin a few tables back but it's too crowded as well. I don't see Legolas or Gimli, but Gandalf stands along the side wall Éowyn led me through. I sigh in relief and make my way to him.
He's holding two mugs and he hands one to me when I reach his side. I give him my thanks then sniff the liquid. It burns my nose slightly and I raise one questioning brow at Gandalf.
"Ale, you'll find the taste more agreeable." He explains.
Éowyn walks down the center aisle of the hall with a goblet in both hands. When she reaches the throne, she bows and presents the goblet to king Théoden. He receives it from her with both hands then she moves to mirror her brother on king Théoden's other side.
King Théoden extends the goblet to the room. Aragorn stands and those who are seated follow his lead. The room is silent as we wait for Théoden to give his speech.
"Tonight we remember those who gave their blood to defend this country." His strong voice fills the room. "Hail the victorious dead." He raises his cup in cheers and the room echoes the sentiment back to him. I notice a few of the fellowship hesitate before drinking, knowing or at least suspecting the true weight of what's to come. The cheers over, the room breaks out in chatter and laughter. There's food for those who want it but I turn to Gandalf.
"I knew you'd be back, but it's nice to see you with my own two eyes." I say. This is our first real reunion and chance to talk alone.
"I too am pleased, my dear, to see you've chosen to assist us." He smiles kindly at me. "Tell me, did the others give you much grief over my passing?" I quickly scan those around us but when I realise no one is paying us any mind I settle. I flinch slightly at the reminder of Boromir shouting at me after Moria and then guilt fills me as I remember he's not here to celebrate with us.
"No, no. I think everyone was too busy grieving you." I lie. I don't want Gandalf to think poorly of the dead. I shrink under his intense gaze; he can definitely tell I just lied but he doesn't push it.
"Tell me of your time since my departure. Why did you decide to stay?" He asks. We move to a bigger spot further down the hall and I fill him in on all my happenings of the last few months and my decisions.
Clapping and chanting fill the room and Gandalf and I look to a table in the middle of the floor. Merry and Pippin are on the table, arms linked, surrounded by men. They dance and sing while the others clap the beat for them.
…To heal my heart and drown my woe…
…But there still be many miles to go…
…Better than rain or rippling brook…
…Is a mug of beer inside this Took!...
I can't help but smile. They never fail to have a good time regardless of our situation. I laugh as Pippin, obliviously accidently, kicks a drink over and one of the men gets up to go clean himself up. The hobbit notices Gandalf and I and is broken from his merriment. I feel bad for the poor hobbit, Gandalf's so hard on him sometimes. Merry pulls Pippin back into the song and Gandalf let's his amusement show for a brief moment.
We clap with everyone else at the end of their performance. I see Aragorn come up behind us and I move closer to Gandalf to make room for him. He joins my other side, sandwiching me between the two taller men.
"Your elf is over there, engaged in a drinking contest." Aragorn teases me.
"Your elf?" Gandalf grins down at me with a questioning eyebrow raised. My face flames.
"He's not my elf." I rush out. "But, I should go check on Gimli, he doesn't fair too well in this contest." I excuse myself. If I remember correctly, they want to discuss Frodo.
"It's the dwarves that go swimming with little, hairy women." Gimli chuckles as I reach their table. 20 mugs or so litter the table. I try to hold back my amusement and shock and I'm sure my face ends up in an odd look of concern instead.
Gimli burps and mumbles something about Legolas not being able to hold his liquor. I quickly move behind him as he sags forward and then falls back. I brace myself to catch him but he's heavier than I thought and I stumble. Éomer wraps an arm around me to keep me from falling.
"I think that might be you Master Dwarf." I giggle quietly to him.
"I feel something, a slight tingling in my fingers. I think it's affecting me." Legolas says and Éomer and I look at each other in disbelief. He helps me push Gimli upright but Gimli has no control over himself and he slumps forward onto the table.
"Game over." Legolas declares smugly. He looks over at me and his smile falls. I follow his gaze to Éomer's arm around me. A chill replaces where his warm arm was and where he was pressed against me for support. I look over my shoulder to where Éomer has moved a few steps away. I look back and frown at Legolas, but he seems pleased I have my personal space back.
"Would you accompany me somewhere quieter?" Legolas requests. I nod and he leads me with a hand on the small of my back to the edge of the room. We stop against the wall and face each other. "You look beautiful." He compliments and moves a lock of my hair behind my shoulder.
"You can't just glare at every man who is close to me." I ignore his words and put a hand on my hip.
"He was holding you, not even the fellowship is given such allowances." He says sounding like a child who didn't get the same treat as their sibling. I raise an eyebrow at him.
"He saved me from toppling over when I tried to catch Gimli." I say. Legolas presses his mouth in a tight line. I sigh. "Besides, I can recall two nights where you've held me. And for longer than a minute I might add." The corner of his mouth twitches and I smile at him with a small shake of my head.
"I will refrain from glaring at men who so valiantly save you from further injury." I hold back a laugh and roll my eyes at his ridiculous promise.
"You look lovely as well." I compliment back. He's dressed in a silver tunic that makes his blue eyes pop. I run my hand over the embroidery on his chest and shoulder, and he seems surprised but pleased that I've initiated contact between us for the first time.
We talk for a while longer before Éowyn comes to pull me away. She brings me around the room and introduces me to all kinds of people; members of the Rohirrim, her mentors growing up, common families. The number of people is overwhelming, and I excuse myself to get some fresh air.
I stand on the stone porch for a long time. So long the Golden Hall grows quiet. Folks laugh and talk as they pass by me to leave. Except for the direction of Mordor, the sky is cloud free and full of stars. In the dark of the night the air grows cold. I hear two pairs of footsteps and turn to face Aragorn and Legolas. They come to a stop just in front of me.
"Hey." I whisper to them, then smile up at Legolas.
"Hello." He smiles down at me, and Aragorn side eyes him.
"Legolas admitted he failed to address your reckless actions. We still must discuss expectations going forward, alas it is late, we may do so in the morning. Go to bed." Aragorn says. I'm a little miffed but I try to play it off with sarcasm.
"Yes dad." I sing-song and roll my eyes. Aragorn's jaw clenches.
"Jest if you will, but if you make childish choices, I must treat you as such." He says in an almost angry tone. I can't believe he just called me a child. I tried to save Boromir! Yes, it put me in danger, but what else was I supposed to do?
I huff and push past them. Different time, he's worried. Different time, he's worried. I repeat to myself over and over. I all but stomp back into the Golden Halls. As soon as I reach our door nausea overwhelms me. I hesitate with my hand on the door handle. Then I remember Pippin and the Palantír and push my way in.
The glass orb is a bright sphere of yellow and orange flame. The sight alone sends dread through my heart. Pippin wrenches himself to his feet, Palantír in his hands. Adrenaline kicks in and I sprint to Pippin.
He thrashes about and I take an elbow to the side of my stomach. The force is strong enough to make me hunch over, but Pippin's gasps of struggle propel me upright again. I move around his side and force a hand downward onto the top of the Palantír. It gives me enough of a weak spot in Pippin's grip, and leverage to knock the thing free from him.
My other hand comes up to the bottom of the glass to prevent it from shattering on the floor. The moment my second hand connects, it's like an electrical current flows through and locks my hands in place. At the same time, light and colours explode in my mind and take over my vision. An odd sensation of electricity shocks through my nerves likely making my body thrash as Pippin's did.
The bright lights fade and clear into a vision of Minas Tirith. At first, it's the White City as normal, but an explosion sets everything alight. Orcs attack everything, from every direction. The sight changes to a black tower. The base of Barad Dur? A second army is being prepared and held back in Mordor.
The flaming eye takes over my vision. It grows larger and brighter until the cat like pupil is all I can see. From the blackness emerges a dark figure, on its head sits a spiked full face helmet. Sauron.
'So the whisperings of a girl are true. And you know of me. What of you?' His voice echoes in my head. I blank my mind. 'Very well. Remain where you are. I shall retrieve you and the Palantír shortly. Together we shall share in great rewards.'
His voice, the vision, and the Palantír are ripped from me. Pain and shock shoot through me and I feel myself tremble uncontrollably. For a moment, I also think I've gone blind. Everything's so dark; like when you come in from a sunny day in the middle of winter.
Arms wrap around me and a hand brushes hair from my face. My head swims but Legolas' woodsy scent pushes through to my senses. The room comes back to me. I'm sitting on my knees; Legolas is kneeling beside me, holding me upright. In front of us Gandalf is questioning a frozen Pippin.
Trembles wrack my body again and the sensation of pain creeps in as my body comes back to more awareness. I focus on trying to take slow deep breaths while assessing if Pippin is alright. He comes out of his shock quicker than he did in the movie so hopefully I managed to spare him some of the stress.
When Gandalf is satisfied with Pippin's answers, he turns his gaze to me. He looks around at the group. Everyone is watching intently.
"Speak with me in the hall won't you, my dear." He says, it's not a request.
I try to stand but collapse immediately. All strength has been stolen from my body. Legolas slides his hands under my knees and behind my back and stands with me in his arms. He carried me after Gandalf into the hall. He sets me gently on the bench closest to our room and stays beside me protectively.
"She will be alright Thranduilion. I will ensure it." Gandalf assures. Legolas looks to me for answer. I nod and he reluctantly returns to our room.
"I'm not sure how much I should tell you." I say before he can question me. "I assume you are expecting an attack on Minas Tirith?"
"I do." He confirms. I nod.
"He's preparing a second army. It'll stay behind, in Mordor. There's a second battle at the Black Gates." I say. Gandalf looks troubled but not all together surprised.
"Did you see anything else?" He questions me.
"I saw Sauron. He asked of who I am, but I told him nothing." I think Gandalf suspects I'm leaving something else out, but he places his trust in my judgement. I need to be free to go where I'm needed, that won't happen if they know Sauron wants me.
"Very well. Remain here. I will gather the others." He says and I nod.
Pippin comes out and sits by me on the bench. Merry stands to the side of us. Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli, stand opposite us while Gandalf and king Théoden complete the circle between us.
Gandalf fills the group in on our combined visions. He explains the planned attack on Minas Tirith and that Sauron knows that Aragorn has retuned. He warns king Théoden that Rohan should prepare for war if Gondor calls for aid. Théoden does not like this.
"They must be warned. I will go." Aragorn says. Gandalf turns him down then speaks quietly to just him.
"I ride for Minas Tirith." He says to the group, then looks to Pippin and I. "I won't be going alone." Beside him, I can see pain cross Legolas' features.
With plans set, the group returns to their beds to try and get a few more hours of sleep. I watch as the hall empties; the stress of the last few weeks is setting in and I feel stuck. Aside from myself, Legolas is the last in the hall. He takes Pippin's spot next to me and we sit in silence. A residual tremble wracks my body and a few tears slip out.
"I'm sorry." I whisper. He wipes my cheeks.
"Do not apologize." He says. "What troubles you?"
"Stress and embarrassment. I've been pushing too much aside recently, and the Palantír was stressful on my body and mind. And it's easy to forget you guys have more years than I do, and you actually do see me as a child." I admit.
"I do not view you as a child." He says. His eyes move from my eyes to my mouth and back again. My face flushes and another tremble moves through me, though I'm not sure at the cause of this one. Legolas however assumes stress and becomes concerned again.
"You must rest before the morn." He says standing. I catch his hand, stopping him.
"No attachments, no exceptions?" It takes him a moment, but he catches on to what I'm asking. He gives me a sad smile and a nod. I know this probably feels like a step backwards to him but things are more uncertain than ever now and I don't want to get his hopes up.
I let him help me up and support me as we walk back to our room. He leaves me by the corner of the room by the door and then retrieves my bedding that was beside the hobbits. He pushes his bed cushion against the wall and places mine tightly beside it. He adjusts the blankets so we have one big bed.
He lays on the inside by the wall on his back. I lower myself and curl up to him on my side. He wraps one arm around me and draws on my back with the other. When tears slip out, he silently wipes them away then returns to his soothing patterns. The stress melts away quickly this time and I manage to fall asleep in peace tonight.
A hushed Merry and Pippin chatting wakes me. I've barely opened my eyes but I feel so much better this morning. I snuggle into Legolas' warmth before I rub and open my eyes fully. I frown when I realize Legolas is glaring at someone behind me. I look over my shoulder to see Gimli grinning down at us. I hide my face back in Legolas' chest and groan.
"Shouldn't you be in bed still with a hangover or something?" I grumble. Gimli chuckles.
"Aye, alas, I could not pass up the savoury breakfast Lady Éowyn offered. Lassie also brough a change of clothes for you." Gimli says and I sit up excitedly.
He hands me a pile of fabric and I take it into my lap. Legolas sits up beside me and watches as I hold up the breeches. Thank god. I really didn't want to have to travel in a dress. There's also a pair of riding boots and a puffy white button up shirt.
I stand, mindful of my dress' skirt, and take my new outfit to the bathing room to change. Everything fits almost perfectly. I take my last hair elastic from my wrist and tie my hair in a messy bun at the base of my head. A change of clothes, good sleep, and food has done me wonders; I feel ready to finish this.
"Find Lady Éowyn and King Théoden and give them your thanks, it's time to go." Gandalf says as I come back in to the room. I nod and fold the dress in my arms.
It doesn't take long to find the rulers of Rohan. They stand by the doors of the Golden Hall in quiet conversation. I hesitantly interrupt them. I thank Théoden for his hospitality and Éowyn for taking such good care of me and for lending me clothes. I also return the green dress to her before saying goodbye to them.
Gandalf, Merry, Pippin, and Legolas find me at the doors and we head to the stables. Gandalf walks quickly ahead of us. Legolas and I mostly keep pace, but Merry and Pippin struggle behind; especially since they're trying to talk at the same time.
"Promise me you will be safe." Legolas pleads, pulling me to a stop just before we reach Shadowfax. "Promise you will remain here for us to meet again." I can't answer.
I meet his eyes. I'd imagine to anyone else we'd look like two people having a silent but painful conversation. Merry and Pippin pass us but I keep my focus on Legolas. He removes his cloak and places it around my shoulders. I let him fuss anxiously with it.
"Please Brielle." He begs and grips my upper arms. This is why I keep people at a distance. Hurting him like this is breaking my heart. Our gazes break for a moment as Gandalf helps Pippin up on Shadowfax, then he looks to me. I look back to Legolas.
"I'm going to Mordor." I whisper so quietly only he can hear me. His hold on me tightens. "I can't make you that promise." His face contorts in pain.
"Come dear, we must make haste." Gandalf calls.
I share one last look with Legolas then squeeze him in a tight hug. I pull back and he reluctantly let's me go. I turn to mount the horse but Legolas stops me. I turn back and he surprises me by placing a kiss to my forehead.
While I'm still in shock, he turns me and lifts me up behind Gandalf on Shadowfax. My brain is still working through the fact that Legolas is still, publicly, showing me his affection even though I just told him I plan to go into the heart of danger and can't guarantee my return, when Gandalf instructs Shadowfax to go.
"Show us the meaning of haste." Gandalf says. The horse whinnies and takes off in a gallop. I startle and hold on to white robes so I don't fall off. I turn and watch as Legolas fades while we ride away. I keep looking for him long after he disappears from view, long after the Meduseld disappears from view.
We ride straight. Gandalf guides us over small grassy hills and straight through the ponds and rivers. Despite the clear blue sky and warm sun, anxiety creeps in. We're riding closer and closer to Mordor and I have nothing to do but think about it.
For three days we ride well into the night. We stop for a few hours rest, then leave again before first light. We cross forests and grasslands and hilly areas. Luckily the sun shines all three days.
"We've just passed into the realm of Gondor." Gandalf announces to us.
We ride over a big hill and the White City comes into view. It's truly a sight to behold. The enormity of it is indescribable. The sun shines, almost blindingly, on one half while the other is shadowed by the large protruding rock wall that serves as a courtyard for the top ring of Minas Tirith.
"The City of Kings." Gandalf says and stops Shadowfax to let us take it in.
After a moment of silence, we continue. We ride up the winding and climbing stone pathways while people stumble out of our way. It's like one giant maze and I'm worried it's going to hinder my fast approaching escape.
We stop and dismount before the leafless White Tree of Gondor. Around it are four patches of grass that seem unnaturally too green. The sky is also odd; there's a distinct line where the clear blue meets the almost black clouds of Mordor. It makes my stomach turn.
"In fact, it is better if you two do not speak." Gandalf decides after just finishing telling us not to speak of Boromir's death, Frodo and the ring, or Aragorn. Pippin and I nod, agreeing to let Gandalf do the talking.
We ascend the stairs and a set of guards open and close the doors for us. The white hall is large and open and quiet. Lord Denethor sits alone at the back wall in a chair on the floor by the throne.
Gandalf leads us, walking tall and confident, across the polished floor. Pippin and I, on the other hand, take in the statues lining the halls as we pass. We stop 10ft or so in front of Denethor where he sits with his head bowed, clutching Boromir's horn.
Gandalf explains our arrival but doesn't introduce us. Denethor ignores that and cuts to the chase. He holds out the broken horn and forlornly requests explanation. It breaks Pippin and he breaks his agreement to remain silent.
Pippin moves forward and kneels before Denethor. He pledges to Denethor his service and I see Gandalf curse under his breath from the corner of my eye. I remain where I am, not only because he doesn't deserve it for his future actions regarding Faramir, but also because I know I'll likely be gone in mere hours. I'm only staying until I'm sure the beacons are lit.
Gandalf steps forward and nudges Pippin to return to me as the hobbit begins recounting Boromir's death. Pippin stops in front of me with his head hung. I place my hands on his shoulders, offering what comfort I can while we're in the presence of the steward.
Gandalf requests the beacons be lit. Denethor gives no direct answer except to say he knows of Aragorn and that he will not call for Rohan only to give up his rule over Gondor. Gandalf does not back down though, he reminds Denethor of his temporary power over Gondor.
"The rule of Gondor is mine, and no others!" The steward shouts. Gandalf considers him for a moment before he turns.
"Come." He says to us and we basically jog to keep pace with him.
We walk to the edge of the stone runway while Gandalf tells us the history of Gondor, the Tree of Kings, and the line of kings. At the point of the runway we're treated to a view of Mordor. Something akin to thunder rolls consistently in the distance and a fiery beam connects with the sky.
I get the urge to vomit and evidently so does Pippin as he tries to hasten our exit. Gandalf crushes his dreams with a reminder of his pledge of service to the Steward. I'm leaving but I'm going where Pippin wouldn't want to follow anyway. His chance of survival is much better here.
"Come, we have work to do. If the Steward will not acquiesce to our council, we must take matters into our own hands." Gandalf says and turns back to the city. Good, he still plans on lighting the beacons.
Thankfully Gandalf leads us about halfway down the city. I notice while we descend that while there are winding streets within the circles, there are also direct routes along the edges that lead straight down to the next level. Probably built as a quick way for the soldiers to move between levels.
We dismount on a busy street and I follow behind Gandalf and Pippin through a dark, narrow, back ally. Gandalf explains the emergency ladder here that Pippin will have to use to climb the beacon. We watch as Pippin starts his ascent. Satisfied that Pippin will follow through, I watch Gandalf. He is laser focused on Pippin's movements. I back up, keeping my eyes on Gandalf in case he turns around, until I'm almost around a corner and out of eyesight.
I turn and sprint for the outer edge of the circle. People grumble as I rush past and push through crowds, and the first few turns are confusing but once I reach the edge of the city my path is straight forward and, really, people free. I stick to a jog so I don't run out of steam before reaching the bottom, but also so Gandalf doesn't have a chance of catching me if he notices my absence.
I send a silent apology to them for not saying goodbye then turn my focus to a plan. I'm going to need a horse. I'll also need food and water. I think I remember seeing stables near the entrance I can try commandeering a horse from, but the food and water will be trickier.
It's easy to tell that the lower levels are the poorer levels. The clothing and buildings aren't as nice here; save for the entrance, presumably to make a good first impression to visitors. It gives me my first idea of securing rations.
"Hey." I call to a rough looking, but hard working, young boy sweeping outside a shop. He pauses his task to look at me. "Would you be able to get me a bag of dried foods and water in exchange for these?" I say taking out my first set of studs. "They're made of gold and diamond." I show him the earrings and his face lights up. They're probably worth a lot more to him than they'd be back home.
"You've got a deal lady!" He says reaching for the earrings. I pull my hand back.
"One now, one after you bring me the pack." I hand him one of the earrings and he takes it before rushing into the shop.
I try to stand casually outside while I wait. It doesn't seem to matter though as everyone is caught up in their own business. Probably 10 minutes later the boy comes back out with a canvas backpack. He hands it over to me and I crouch down to make sure it has both food and water in it.
"Perfect." I say standing and slinging the bag over my shoulder. "Pleasure doing business with you." I hand over the second earring.
"Mhmm." He shakes my hand quickly then runs back in the shop. I'm glad he at least feels he got the better end of the deal.
I fix the second strap over my shoulder and turn for the gate. When the stables come into view, I survey what I'm working with. The main gate is open but guarded, and the stables are open and unguarded. However, there are a few civilians tending their horses.
One brown horse on the end that's less crowded has a saddle on so he becomes my target. I walk as casually as I can toward the horse. The whole time I look around, watching people's faces for any indication I'm approaching their horse. Just like the shops though, everyone is minding their own business.
"Hey handsome, I need help getting somewhere, then you can come right back here okay?" I say quietly and scratch the horse's nose. He sighs at me and nudges me. I look around again but no one takes notice.
I untie him from his post, and he waits patiently for me to mount. He's tall and the first time I try to pull myself up is an epic fail. I slide down his side and land back on the ground with both feet. I take a deep breath and put one of my feet in the stir-up. I grab hold of the saddle and jump and pull myself at the same time. I use my momentum and swing my other leg over his rear.
I'm on my stomach hugging his back but at least I'm up with a leg on each side. I push myself up carefully and scoot forward so I'm sitting in the contours of the saddle. Okay, time to make him go. I pick up the reins and hold them tightly.
"Come on boy, let's go." I encourage but he doesn't move. "Go on." I give myself a thrust forward to show him the direction I want to go but he stays still. I huff in frustration. I wish I had taken up the offer in Rivendell to learn how to ride horseback. I half kick half squeeze my legs against his sides like they do in movies and he takes off.
It's so sudden I'd have fallen off if it weren't for my death grip on the reins. A few people shoot me strange looks but no one tries to stop me. Thank god. The guards' heads turn and follow me as I ride through the gate, they don't leave their posts though. My heart beats rapidly in my chest as we fly down the dirt path, away from Minas Tirith and toward Osgiliath.