At another bend, Greta and I had managed to take over Erin who had remained in the lead up until that point, when we took the risk of going on the outside rather than sticking to the curve of the mountain in single file, waiting on the path to widen again.
We cut it so close to each other that Erin managed to reach out an arm and push me on my saddle, but luckily, Greta did not rely on my control completely and as if she were still in the wild, could make choices of her own, avoiding having her hoof slip over the precipice when I wavered to the left and started shouting abuse at Erin.
Since then my determination to beat, if just her, had gotten the better of me and I would swerve from either side, to keep her from coming up from behind me, but that didn't stop Erin from scrounging her pockets and throwing what she found at my head.
Thankfully, there wasn't much else she could do now and had to rely on skill alone, however, she could have turned her attention on Merith and I resisted looking over my shoulder to see what was happening between the two.
As the route straightened and lost its shape, Rivendell was just a stone throw away and a victorious smile lifted my face believing myself to have won, only up ahead I could see something in the distance.
At first it was just a darkened spot, but the closer I came so did it take the form of a man and my company was gaining on him fast.
Rather reluctantly, I let out a heavy sigh and reigned Greta in so that she would slow down and allow me to raise my hand to order my sisters to a stop. Except I gave them more credit than they deserved and they took advantage of my change in pace to fly past, to make the winner either one of them instead.
"Erin," I shouted, "Merith!"
The sound of my voice did nothing and just as they had with me, they stormed past the man who had being trotting along rather peacefully until they came along and their speed caused for his horse to throw him off its back in fright and leave him stranded on the ground, while the dust settled.
He remained sprawled there for a minute and I swung my body down from Greta, so as not to intimidate the poor beast which walked towards me and in the opposite direction of its rider.
I clicked my tongue from the roof of my mouth at the chestnut horse, inviting it to nuzzle my hand as I held it outward.
"Shhh, don't be afraid," I cooed, allowing the animal to judge my character for itself, rather than me pressuring trust and to entice it more, I took from a bag the last apple which was to be Greta's winnings and rolled it along at a mutual distance.
Hesitantly the horse approached and rocked the fruit as it smelled the bright red skin, making certain that I made no attempt to deceive it.
I remained silent, with a pleasant smile and it claimed the apple quickly with just a few bites. My gift must have pleased it, as the horse willingly came to me and brushed its nose along my cheek.
"wanting more aye?" I asked as it teased me, "well I am sorry, but you were given the last."
Its head jutted upwards and downwards as I laughed, "that doesn't please you does it?"
taking the reins, I towed it to the man who now stood on his feet, "come, let us return you to your master."
It was nice to be stretching my legs at long last, although I would not deny the slight ache in my limbs. so I savoured every step which would make the pain fade and I distracted myself with beholding the person who my sisters did not make so well an introduction to.
He was a battle-hardened soldier, because despite the rich material of his tunic and cloak, he was not afraid of wear and tear as I would expect a complaint due to the dirt marring him by now. He also kept on his chainmail, with little show of ostentation when he needed to be more practical for fighting.
he dragged a gloved hand over his light auburn hair, and the same hand trailed down to run over his beard, before resting back at his side.
Handsome I thought, but his face was weathered beyond his years with worry lingering in the depths of his green eyes.
This was a man who knew the burden of duty.
"you must forgive my company sir," I spoke, putting him at a greater height than I, which was unusual for me since I was used to being the tallest. But I was among men now and I had to remember that even nature wanted them to excel over women, so that we had a higher feat to conquer in order to best them.
"I won't make any excuses for them, only they lack in experience with dealing with the wider world and so their manner leaves something to be desired."
He stared at me for a moment, with his mouth hanging slightly ajar as he gripped his bracer and flexed his fingers.
I instantly took notice of the action and furrowed my brows with concern, "I do hope you are not harmed?"
He followed my gaze and released his hold.
"ah," he chuckled beneath his breath and hid the arm away, "do not fret about it my lady. A small ache which will soon fade, I can assure you."
He had a soothing voice which was pleasant to the ear and I pointed to his back, "I trust then that your shield broke your fall?"
He hauled the round craftsmanship up to rest more comfortably on his person, "so it would seem," and then whispered, "But I confess, I did briefly believe I had lost all power to stand."
I couldn't help a chuckle imagining a stunned expression on his face, "yes I did fear the worse, but with your hand 'aching' it must have been hard to rise from such a fall."
He smirked, "we can't all be as strong as the shieldmaiden's of Rohan."
His horse I had recovered nudged my shoulder with impatience and I guided the beast back to its master, remarking on how my sisters and I's reputation proceeded us since I had still yet to introduce myself, though he had already called me a Lady, and knew that I was a shieldmaiden.
"women charging on horses," he explained, "armed more heavily than myself, wearing Rohirrim colours…"
He stroked the horse's neck as he brought it around and I could see the affection between them as the animal lipped his nose, like a kiss, amusing him and I admitted, "we don't really hide who we are, do we."
He signalled then for us to carry on to both our destination by walking and the change in company compared with my bickering sisters was appreciated, like a breath of fresh air.
"I take it you are their leader then?" he asked out of curiosity, since it was an unusual thing, I suppose to take authority without inheriting it first, such as the nobles do it.
"I have been for nine years now."
His eyes widened, "you must have been young when you took on the responsibility."
And for some reason, a lot of the truth came out of my mouth without any real intention to do so.
"The responsibility mattered little to me; I wanted to be the greatest Shieldmaiden and quite determined be so as children often are, and in order to achieve that, I had to defeat my predecessor, Gora, as the honour of that title is through being leader. Sixteen I was when I challenged and defeated her, so you can imagine my shock when being a good swordswoman was not enough. I had over two hundred women to look after, and the number has only grown, thus, those nine years have entailed a lot of growing up. The title leader, I don't think I truly earnt it until two or three years ago, and still; I have my doubts."
I could tell he was really taking in what I had said, relaying every word within his mind.
"Was she a good fight?"
I looked at him, "who, Gora?"
And he nodded.
"She was the best. It's easy to kill an orc, that's why they're always in packs, strength through numbers and all that, but with another person like she, there is need for skill and swift movement, almost like a dance. You have to predict what she is going to do before she even knows herself."
I kicked a stone in my path and watched it skip along the road.
"Gora was my hero, a legend among the Shieldmaidens and because of that, I almost wanted her to win; to keep the legend alive, a little bit longer."
With my eyes open, I could still see clearly the expression on her face when I managed to nock Gora onto her back and come in with my blade waiting to cut her throat.
There was pride for what she had created and regret for teaching me all she knew.
But more than anything, there was a weight of sadness, betrayal and hurt as the cloak signifying the leader, with its green, red and black material and leather patchwork, was thrown over my body instead of hers, with the women hailing my name.
She slipped away to her room in that instant and was not seen for the first month of my new position, as she tried to come to terms with her own.
I was not so selfish that I didn't feel guilty on her behalf, but at the same time as besting her in one aspect, I again had no mind for leadership and needed her teachings still; and so, she did have purpose, to prevent her from wallowing in defeat.
The man beside me was a good listener and had not interrupted my ramblings while I was lost to the memory of youth, and when he finally spoke, he said, "you have revealed much into who you are, but I'm afraid I still do not know your name."
I laughed, "I suppose I should have given it first. Forgive me, but I am Sonya of Rohan, Leader of the Shieldmaiden's of Clyro."
"And I am Boromir, son of Denethor."
He extended his arm and I gladly accepted it.
"It is pleasure to meet you, Boromir."
As we came in through the gates, I couldn't help but marvel at the fragility and softness to the structure of Rivendell and how open to the outdoors everything was with spaces in the walls and roof tops. I thought it more humbling than what I would have expected from elves and with the gentle hush of water falling, the leaves rustling and birds singing, I knew I would be kept in comfort here.
"Thing of beauty isn't it?" Boromir commented gazing at the surroundings same as me.
I did not dignify his statement with an answer, for I still could think of no place better than my Rohan with the Land being what ran through my veins, but Rivendell came in at a close second, I would give it that much.
"I still would like to know however..."
Boromir looked confused, "know what?"
"why it is I am here. Why all the secrecy. What this meeting is all about…"
There was a change in Boromir and his body was not so relaxed as it was and he tensed, making me believe that he was either suspicious as I was, or knew something I didn't.
Before I could interrogate him, an elf came prancing down some marble steps wearing purple silk robes embroidered with silver thread and a circlet to keep at bay his long wispy brown hair. He greeted us as the elves do, placing a hand over his chest and inclining his head some, while Boromir and I, didn't know quite how to respond and chose just to stare back.
The elf didn't seem bothered much and smiled kindly.
"Sonya of Rohan and Boromir of Gondor. On behalf of my Lord Elrond, I welcome you both to Rivendell."
For all I knew of this place, I thought at first that this elf was Lord Elrond and was glad he put me right before I made the mistake of calling him thus.
"my name is Lindir and if I may, I shall escort you to your rooms, while your horses are taken to the stables."
At that two more elves appeared and I surrendered Greta to them for some well-earned rest, as Boromir did the same with his and then I realised.
"My company would have arrived before myself-"
I couldn't finish for I could have sworn that Lindir flinched and Boromir must have seen the same, as he tried to disguise his chuckle for a cough.
"They have already been shown to their rooms my Lady, with orders of wine to be brought to them."
'Orders' I mouthed, wondering when they had attained the right to order anyone, especially those we are humbled to be a guest of.
"then by your lead Lindir," Boromir permitted, and we followed the elf through hidden archways and open gardens, as well as up spiralling staircases and giant steps framed by ethereal statues.
Those attending the meeting were sectioned off to be at one part of Rivendell, although the Dwarves would be rather isolated still to save from conflict.
"Here is your room Lady Sonya, with your maiden's on either side."
I touched the pale door, which had a chalky texture to it, "thank you Lindir."
"Lord Boromir, if I may."
Lindir indicated to further down the hall and around a corner.
"Uh, yes of course," and as the elf walked off, we two alone parted and I was taken a little aback when Boromir took my hand in order to do it.
"It was a pleasure to meet you Sonya."
If he had done anything more I don't think I could have controlled my shock, since I didn't say anything now when he only held my hand, and as he let go I watched him until he disappeared.
"…Men," I grunted and allowed myself to rest on the feathered mattress I found inside my room.
…..
When I awoke, night was upon Rivendell and I was uncomfortable with my journey clinging to my skin and gladly lifted off the grime with a dampened cloth I had dipped in scented water, discarding my clothes and armour and seeking something more lightweight.
Slipping the green cotton dress over my head, I retired my leather uniform until the meeting, lacing up the bust before I dragged a brush, which I found in a vanity's draw, through my earthy hair, allowing it to ripple down to the small of my back in thick lustres.
As I came out of my room, the desire to wander took my fancy and I explored Rivendell for all its wonder, climbing high to gaze from balconies, to low where I would perch on a bench peacefully.
Those I passed did not disturb me and I watched them in their natural surroundings, those fair elves whose number became few, until my feet carried me to my sisters, and I took up a seat next to them.
Like me, they had freshened up, choosing to lounge in comfort rather than severity and scattered around were tankards, goblets and glass bottles, containing a crimson sweet liquid, in light of the moon.
"You keep to yourselves," I commented, for I had seen that the invitation to this meeting had reached far and wide, to even those halflings hidden in the west. I found them after the smell of food was particularly strong and folk songs could be heard sung, I came upon a cluster of Hobbits, and would never have guessed they would leave their precious, green shire, for anything.I did not encounter Boromir again, but I did see a Ranger too and who I could not help but be suspicious of, as they seldom keep with anyone but themselves.
"I see no reason to mingle with these people," Erin sighed, leaning against a pillar and with one leg prompted up by the other. Evidently, elven wine made her arrogant and she dropped her finished cup allowing it to roll along the floor and clink my boot.
I picked up the glass and admired the filigree patterning engraved on the surface and somewhere a harps strings were being plucked, soft like a lullaby, only when you are raised with battle songs commending the warrior in Rohirric, your ear does not attune to gentle notes the same.
"the music could be improved."
Merith reached for a full jug and started to pour it in the cup I held.
"Drink and it can be."
I was unusually hesitant to devour the tempting liquid, wanting to be sound of mind, but for Merith and Erin who were too far gone, they could not except my being with them unless I share the intoxicated glow.
"Come now Sonya," Erin urged, "impending change stirs the air, and if that be so, you might one day regret not sharing a drink with your sisters."