Gwin and crew get to spend some time in the market of Tur Morva. Got some light-hearted moments, as well as times of reflection. Enjoy!

Chapter 101

After resting comfortably overnight, Candaith and I found ourselves in the bustling market. It was situated in the center of town, and the stalls that lined the streets included a variety of wares and trinkets, furs, and a smaller selection of food items. Small crowds of people bustled about, haggling and purchasing items, and filling the air with a pleasant din.

The faces of the stall-keepers were bright with happiness, and we were told many times how grateful they were for our aid. They were certainly curious about us, but treated us with kindness and respect. It was explained to me that, with the barricade removed, people were able to resume trade with the nearby villages, as well as reestablish their outlying farmlands. Personally, I believed using lands removed from the relative protection of their village was risky, but it was not my decision to make. Penrod explained that some of their soldiers would be stationed around them, in order to provide some measure of protection.

I smiled at Candaith as he handed me a small bag of fire-roasted almonds, which were one of my favorite snacks. When he tried to take one, I yanked it back with a grin, "Ah, they are mine now, meleth nin."

Candaith pouted playfully, "But I purchased them for you! Do I not deserve a few?" The memory of a similar conversation involving candied apricots came to mind, and I couldn't help but smile.

I sighed exaggeratingly, but let him take a small handful, "You are lucky I am so generous." He winked at me and threw one into the air, catching it in his mouth. I turned to look at a little girl, who had giggled at Candaith's antics, and she blushed as she noticed my gaze. Spotting a small, hand-sewn doll clutched in her hand, I knelt down to her level and smiled, "What is her name?"

The girl's cheeks flushed, and she said shyly, "Malwen."

"Well, that is quite a pretty name for a pretty doll," I exclaimed. Looking around me for a moment, I spotted a tailor's stand, and noticed some lovely linen. "Will you wait here a moment?" The child nodded, and I noticed with some amusement as Candaith engaged her in a conversation about her favorite game to play.

A woman greeted me with a smile as I approached, "Can I help you, my lady?"

"How much is this beautiful fabric?" I asked. "I would like to have enough to make a small outfit for a doll."

The woman's eyes found the girl across the street, and making the connection, she named the price. After purchasing it, she put a hand on my arm, "You are very kind, my lady. I am certain Leona will be delighted." My cheeks reddened, and I gave my thanks as I walked away.

As I approached, Leona was animatedly explaining how to play hopscotch, and I held in a laugh at the interested expression on Candaith's face. However, he must have sensed my amusement, for he turned to face me and winked. "Gwin, what do you have there?"

I knelt down again to Leona's level, "I have a gift for you, tithen pen." I held out the fabric, and her eyes widened in delight. "For a dress for your doll."

She clapped excitedly and gushed, "Mama will be so pleased! Thank you, Lady Gwin!" She quickly hugged me around the neck, before skipping down the street, likely towards her home.

"Lady Gwin?" Candaith said, smirking at me.

I shoved him playfully, "Oh stop it, I am no 'lady'."

Candaith moved a little closer to me and tucked some hair behind my ear and whispered, "You are most certainly a lady. I am…well acquainted with every inch of you." He lightly tweaked the point, and I felt desire pool in my stomach. He grinned in amusement at my predictable reaction. "Perhaps I shall have to remind you of it tonight."

"Remind her of what?" a familiar voice asked, and I fought the blush creeping across my cheeks as I turned to face the cheeky grin of Radanir.

Candaith gave him a withering glance, but before he could say anything, I changed the subject, "What have you been up to this morning?" I assessed him a little closer, noticing his disheveled appearance.

Radanir's eyes were twinkling with mirth, but he let the previous topic slide, "I was in the stables, helping care for the horses." He wrinkled his nose, "There was a bit more manure than I expected, probably due to the addition of our mounts alongside theirs."

I laughed, "How did you get stuck with such a task?"

"Well, first I was mucking out the oxen pens, but the Brenin's daughter Mair took pity on me when she saw one of the beasts nearly bowl me over into a pile of the stinking stuff." He smiled, "Luckily the horses seem to like me much better." I eyed him closely as I noted a peculiar expression on his face.

I decided to subtly investigate. "I have not had much chance to speak with Mair. She seemed like a serious woman, but proud of her people."

Radanir nodded, "Proud yes, but not as serious as you may think at first glance. She is actually quite funny, although her jokes could use some work."

I raised an eyebrow, "And you consider yourself an expert?"

The young ranger laughed, "Oh come now Gwin, you know how hilarious I am! In fact, I think I am the funniest, as well as the wittiest, of all of us!"

I scoffed but couldn't help the amusement from showing on my face. "Oh yes, your humor is beyond compare," I said sarcastically.

"I think Elladan and Elrohir have you beat in the joking department," Candaith countered.

Radanir pretended to be offended by this, "Oh really? Well, I think this calls for a competition!"

"What do you mean, competition?" I asked curiously.

"Well, the twins and I, and whoever else would like to participate, will have a contest to see who's jokes garner the most laughs," Radanir proclaimed dramatically. "I am certain Mair would be willing to assist me in organizing such a thing."

"Oh would she?" I replied with a smile. "You certainly seem familiar with her after only a few days."

Unfortunately, Radanir did not take the bait. "What can I say, I make friends easily," he quipped back with a grin. "I will go find her and-" He paused, and I noticed his eyes light up as he caught sight of the Brenin's daughter. "There she is now! Farewell my friends!" Candaith and I shared a look of amusement as Radanir attempted to casually make his ways towards Mair, but we both could see the spring in his step. The pretty brunette gave him a shy smile as he approached, and I could see the chemistry there.

"You should not encourage him," a gruff voice said, and I turned slightly to see Halbarad standing beside me. His face was grim, and I wondered at it. "We will be moving on soon, and he will have to leave her behind."

"Halbarad, it is only a light-hearted dalliance," I argued. "They are simply flirting; I see nothing serious."

The ranger frowned, "He should do well to remember his duty to Aragorn. Frivolous relationships only lead to distractions."

I looked at him with some concern and pulled him aside. "What has garnered these thoughts, mellon nin? You certainly did not oppose my relationship with Candaith. Could that not have been considered a distraction?"

"You both are part of this group," he countered. "It was not something which would result in the separation of you. Radanir would be leaving her behind, with a good chance of not returning."

I sighed, annoyed at Halbarad's attitude, "You are making assumptions. Let him have some fun, as the rest of our journey may have little of it." I inclined my head briefly, and walked purposefully away from him. I did not wish to say something I would regret, out of frustration.

I made my way over to a stand which was selling fresh apple cider, and sipped on it distractedly. Candaith had stayed behind to speak with Halbarad further about something, and I did some people-watching as I let my mind wander.

The villagers were mostly a happy lot, but I could see hints of worry and stress in the eyes of some of the older citizens. Although their immediate troubles had been dealt with, the overall threat of Saruman was ever-present. Until the wizard was brought low somehow, he would be a danger to any who opposed him. I could not figure out how we would accomplish this, as he was powerful, as well as cunning. I had never met the man (well, Istari), but from what I'd seen of his evil forces, and heard from Gandalf, he was not one to mess with unless you were willing to face the consequences.

I had faced enough trouble from his Uruks already, and I knew more would be coming, especially as we got closer to the Gap of Rohan, and therefore Isengard itself. It would be very difficult to pass through it unseen, but the Dunedain were known for their stealth, so it gave me some measure of hope.

Two arms went around my shoulders, and I sighed as the twins gave me a squeeze. "I could sense your troubled thoughts from afar, muinthel," Elrohir murmured. "I am surprised Candaith has not accosted you with his concerned looks."

"He is busy speaking with Halbarad," I replied. "It must be quite important, for him not to have noticed." I straightened up a bit, giving Elrohir a determined look. "I can manage on my own, as I have most of my life." At his and Elladan's somewhat hurt looks, I sighed, "However, I do appreciate your love and support. It means a lot to me, you know that."

"Gwin," Elladan began cautiously, "I understand the burdens you have carried all these years, and how difficult it must be to let others help carry it…but you do not need to bear the load alone anymore." It was such a difficult thing to accept. I knew I should be grateful for the support and love of Candaith, the twins, and everyone else I held dear, but it was easier said than done to accept it without some hesitation.

I smiled at them both ruefully, "I know. It will just take time, that's all." I forced my smile to be brighter before saying, "Now, will you buy me something nice, or do I need to get it for myself?"

Elrohir's eyes twinkled with humor, "Oh dearest sister, there is nothing here more valuable and wonderful than you yourself! What could we possibly purchase that would satisfy such high standards?"

At this I laughed, and I could tell the twins were relieved at the lightened mood. "Hmm…well, I could perhaps use some new hair ties." I assessed the end of my braid, noting the frayed fabric of the strap holding it in place. "Functional…but pretty?"

"Pretty?" Elladan said, exaggeratingly flabbergasted. "The last time you wanted something beyond simply functional was ages ago! What is Arda coming to?" I shoved him lightly with a laugh, and he winked before dragging his brother down the street, in search of the perfect hair bands.

A little on the shorter side, and a little later updated than I had planned, but I hope you still liked it! Leave a review if you have a moment, I love hearing from you!