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Getting Acquainted
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The next morning Mírian broke her fast alone in a common hall used often by the various folk of the palace, then she walked a while to explore the grounds. Wandering through the marvelous gardens of fountains and sculptures now alight in the bright early sun streaming in through the high windows above, she came to a large yard, soon realizing it was the same spot she had stopped before the king when she first arrived, for overlooking it was the balcony to the throne room. She noticed along the sides of the yard beneath the balcony was a store of weapons and target boards. Approaching the open area of the yard closer she soon found Gwindor rehearsing swordsmanship with a bright flashing weapon in hand, and she stood for a while marveling at the skillful display he gave.
For his part Gwindor had learned since returning home that he was rather isolated, with few friends left besides the princess, and none close. Against his fellow knights he was no longer a match in either strength or battle eagerness, and they spoke little with him. He remained at the palace as one of the king's counselors, but had also got wind of rumors that not a few in the kingdom were wary he might still be under the enemy's sway by some hidden bewitchment. And so such moments of athletics were mostly spent alone in the king's courtyard.
Presently he noticed Mírian nearby watching. He paused in thought for a moment, remembering her stories the previous night of her life in the north, including her schooling and interest in such skills. "Would you care for a lesson?" he asked.
Mírian perked up in surprise, and gave a little nod.
"Come along, then!" he beckoned, putting away the steel sword and fetching two wooden ones.
And so began Mírian's training with the king's knight Gwindor son of Guilin. After an hour the princess called down from the balcony for him to join her and confer with the king, so he turned to the young mortal. "Shall we continue tomorrow?" he asked with a small bow.
Her face lit up. "I would like that very much, lord."
"Then I shall be waiting for you here in the morning," he said. "Farewell!"
After reviewing the morning's lesson alone for a while Mírian later returned to the common hall for the midday meal. Here Agarwaen found her and sat down, and Mírian learned that he had taken up with some of the king's eager young soldiers. She wondered that Gwindor had not joined them. After Agarwaen parted with her again she wandered beyond the palace down the city walkways to discover what else there was to see, and find if she might any windows from which she could catch a glimpse of the world outside.
The next day she continued her lessons with Gwindor in the king's courtyard. But afterward this time he joined her at the common hall, for he had a matter to discuss with her.
"Lady," he began, "I feel I should warn you, so you would not be taken off guard, that her ladyship, Princess Finduilas, has thought of inviting you to serve as her handmaid."
Mírian took in his news, then furrowed her brow, and the king's knight could not help but laugh. "You have half the heart of a man, dear maiden," he said. "You fear it would demean you to dote so on a lady's routines."
"But," he continued, "if you would stay here with us for a while, it would be good for you to learn of our ways and customs. Besides, not only do maidens render such service. The young boys among us must clean up after the horses and maintain gear for their elders before they can become the dashing warriors about whom minstrels write their songs. Giving youthful years to such tasks is a rite for us. It is considered an honor to be asked to fill such a role."
Her face softened as she calmed and considered his words. In that view it would be a kind and honorable gesture on the part of the princess, though for herself Mírian thought she would sooner tend to the horses.
"Think on it, at least," Gwindor added before he finally parted with her.
Soon afterwards Finduilas invited her to sit alone, when she posed her request. Mírian kept her face more restrained this time, and she did feel obliged to accept. But the princess could still perceive the same conflict of mind that Gwindor had seen. "Only until you come of age," she added, "that you might become better acquainted of our people and their customs."
Finally Mírian asked, "May I still learn with Gwindor?"
The princess smiled. "I would insist on it," she said. "I think it will be a comfort to him to have the task of a pupil to instruct."
And so the next day Mírian, daughter of Huor and Rían of the Edain, entered the service of the House of King Orodreth of Nargothrond.