Thanks slayer. Its good to know that at least one person has chosen to embark on this journey with me. At least now I have an incentive to continue this story whenever the inclination is not there. Please continue to read and review. It adds motivation to write every week especially when I dont feel like it. ***smiles***

Following the departure of Aragorn and company, Faramir and Eowyn spent the rest of the day in leisurely pursuits. The ease with which they communicated grew with the passage of each day spent together. Eowyn could not remember the last time she had been this content. When she was with Faramir, he made it implicitly clear that she was the center of his world and she delighted in that revelation.

“There is a place I would like to show you,” Eowyn told him. She had her arm in the crook of his arm while they ascended the steps to the Golden Hall. They were just returning from the holding place where the finest horses of Rohan roamed freely. Prince Imrahil, Melian, and Arwen had been with them but insisted on remaining behind with Eomer to continue savoring the sight of the untamed rear breed of horses.
“More surprises?” Faramir had a mischievous expression on his face. “Does this place hold a memory of another broken limb?”

Eowyn feigned a look of disbelief. “I would have you know that I was a well disciplined child. My broken wrist was an isolated incident and was primarily due to Eomer’s provocation and my inexperienced horse.”

“Yes. Poor animal. To be subjected to the experiment of two young rascals with an immense thirst for adventure to break the monotony of a dreary afternoon. What ever became of the poor animal?”

“He suffered a broken leg in his attempt to jump over the hurdle. Beyond that, I am not really sure. Uncle Theoden was furious about the accident. Luckily for Eomer and myself, his anger was directed at the poor beast. In honesty I think he was more frightened about my broken wrist than the injury to one of his prized horses. From that day, Eomer and I made a pact to keep our adventures limited to fabricated battles.” Faramir chuckled. “But enough of that. There are few people who know of this place and it is very special to me.”

Faramir saw the sincerity in her expression and responded accordingly. “Then I would have you show it to me.”

Eowyn led him to the rear of the Golden Hall where they followed a hidden trail. To the unsuspecting eye it appeared only as densely grown shrubbery. Further along the trail, he observed that the land sloped downward until they issued into a grassy clearing. A quiet stream bordered the clearing and a tree sheltered it from the sun. An aged swing was suspended from the sturdy branches of the tree. It swayed gently in the wind.

Eowyn turned to look at Faramir. “Welcome to my own little paradise.” Faramir smiled at her. “This place is my refuge when I need to think. As a young girl I use to come here occasionally.” She walked over to the swing tracing her fingers along its width. “Theodred had this built for me. It was his way of securing my trust when I first came to live here in Edoras. It has proven very therapeutic over the recent year.” Faramir understood her perfectly. She had told him all about that dark period in the House of Eorl when Grima’s influence had been absolute.

“I can see why you love it. The tranquility is infectious.” He walked over to the swing and sat down. Eowyn came around and sat next to him. Theodred must have also had safety in mind when he had the swing constructed. It had a long backrest, which was comprised of horizontal pieces of polished wood with narrow spaces in between.

“If it pleases you, I will have something similar constructed for you in Ithilien though I cannot promise the quiet stream.” Eowyn looked at Faramir incredulously. She saw that he was genuine in his proposal.

“That would greatly please me,” she quietly affirmed. “I will not want for anything I leave behind in Edoras except maybe the companionship of my brother.”

“Consider it done,” Faramir replied. He reached over and gently touched her face with the back of his hand. “Anything to please you, my lady.” Eowyn caught his hand and gently held it against her cheek.

By late afternoon, Prince Imrahil, Arwen and Melian decided to return to Meduseld. Eomer had returned to Meduseld earlier after being summoned on matters of business. In the time they spent observing the rear breed of horses, Arwen and Melian learned all about Prince ImrahilÂ’s family. He was obviously proud of his lineage and most importantly his daughter, Lothiriel. From all that he said of her, Arwen immediately concluded she was supercilious though Prince Imrahil seemed insensible to it. And Arwen wondered at his total want of sagacity where his daughter was concerned. Not for a moment did she doubt her surmise. However, she decided it would not be fair to Lothiriel to form an opinion of her without first meeting her. Consequently, she made a deliberate effort to suspend any unfavorable opinion she might have subconsciously formed from listening to Prince ImrahilÂ’s stories of her. From his past conversations with them she knew he was a wise man but she could not help feeling that he tried to compensate for the absence of his wife in his daughterÂ’s life by over indulging her.

Both ladies were glad when they were at last atop the platform of Meduseld. Prince Imrahil and Faramir had plans to join Eomer for a drink before dinner so they knew he would withdraw to the Golden Hall upon their arrival. When he left, Arwen and Melian looked at each other and smiled. They certainly thought it would be interesting to meet Lothiriel once they returned to Minas Tirith.

Arwen decided to linger outdoors for a bit. She took a seat on a bench located in a secluded area of the platform that commanded a breath taking view of the fields of Rohan. Melian was just about to re-join her when she observed the Lady Eowyn standing at a window looking out at Arwen. Eowyn heard her and turned to greet her.

“Will the Lady Arwen be joining us for dinner?” she asked.

“Yes, of course. She loves this time of day so you will often find her outdoors,” Melian replied.

“In the few days since I have known her, I have never seen her smile. Her sadness is so profound,” Eowyn said almost to herself. May I?” Melian comprehended her intentions and handed the silk shawl to her. “I have not had a chance to really make her acquaintance and this might be a good time to begin.”

Melian nodded. “Perhaps you are right.” She moved to the window. “I will give you both some privacy then.”

Eowyn nodded gratefully. She exited the Golden Hall stepping into the crisp night air. Arwen sat erect and oblivious to her surroundings. She was slightly startled when Eowyn boldly placed the silk shawl around her shoulders. She had been so deep in thought that she had not heard Eowyn’s approach from behind. Nor did she realize that the temperature had fallen until she felt the warmth that the shawl provided. She smiled at Eowyn. “Thank you.”

“It was my pleasure,” Eowyn told her. “I knew I would see your smile one day.”

Arwen chuckled. “I suppose I have been a most unworthy guest to my hosts.”

“Under the circumstances, I think my brother and I can forgive you,” Eowyn
teased.

“Good. First impressions are usually lasting and I would hate to have you
think that I am an unappreciative and disgruntled creature,” Arwen amusingly stated.

“No indeed, my lady,” Eowyn hesitated before saying, “It was not too long ago when I was not the happiest creature in the world. But today I am. I view the world through different eyes now.”

Arwen looked at Eowyn. Her face was beaming. “You speak the truth. I can see happiness on your cheek.”

“It is a good feeling.”

“Then I am happy for you,” Arwen cheerfully stated.

“Thank you,” Eowyn replied. She sat down next to Arwen. “Tomorrow Lord Faramir and I plan to ride abroad in the fields of Rohan. Would you and the Lady Melian care to join us?”

“Thank you. It would be my pleasure.” Arwen rose from the bench. “I believe I can speak for Melian as well. We would both be delighted.”

The next day, however, Faramir was detained behind closed doors with Eomer, Prince Imrahil and a few select others. Eowyn saw no reason to defer her plans with Arwen and Melian though she lingered a while in hopes that Faramir would still be able to accompany them. She soon realized that he would not be able to join them as planned so they departed Edoras around mid afternoon. With them went six soldiers of whom two were Gondorian soldiers who were on duty to guard Arwen and Melian. They had been reluctant to depart Rohan without first informing Amandil, but he was also behind closed doors with Eomer and the others. Eowyn saw their reluctance and informed them that she did not intend to travel too far abroad. That information appeased their fears to some extent and they mounted their horses in acceptance.

As they went, Eowyn educated them on the history of her people and the surrounding fields. She spoke with such animation that even the guards were enthralled by her discourse. “I have always loved these fields. I shall dearly miss them when I move to Ithilien.”

“I heard the sunset in Ithilien is very remarkable. It might not compensate for the beauty of these fields but one day you might grow to love it,” Arwen said.

Eowyn chuckled. “I think you might be right. I already look forward to the novelty of Ithilien.” They rode on observing the beauty of Rohan through Eowyn’s eyes. So captivating was her information to them that they rode much further than she had originally intended.

Back in Edoras, Amandil exited Meduseld. He had been detained in meetings with Eomer and the princes for the better portion of the afternoon. The preceding day, reports had come to Eomer that wild bands of Orcs were spotted in the western part of his land. He was trying to devise an effective plan to deal with the Orcs. Amandil offered his opinion on various strategies but was continuously distracted by what he felt was a negative premonition. He felt uneasy the entire time he was confined to EomerÂ’s chamber. As soon as the meeting was adjourned, he excused himself to relieve his fears.

“Ernil,” he called to a soldier dressed in black with the emblem of the White Tree on his attire. The soldier ascended the steps of Meduseld. “Where is Queen Evenstar?”

“I believe, Sir, she left with the Lady of Rohan and the Lady Melian.”

Amandil frowned. “How many guards accompanied them?”

Ernil thought for a moment before answering. “Bernil, Ramil and probably four riders of the Mark. But I cannot be certain, Sir. I did not see them when they exited Edoras.”

Amandil’s face grew grim. There were many pockets of renegade forces out there that should not be underestimated. He descended the steps intent on walking directly to the stables. “Ernil, go summon your other comrades and report to the stables,” he commanded. “I will try to find out what direction they took when they departed.” Amandil was deadly calm. He had already determined that he would have to employ his tracking skills but in the interest of saving time he wanted to be sure of the direction before exiting Edoras.

On the way back to Edoras, the three ladies conversed about the planned evening of activities scheduled for later when Melian, who rode in front, abruptly halted her horse. Arwen and Eowyn brought their horses to a halt alongside her.

“What is it, Melian?” Arwen cautiously asked. Her senses acutely alert. Melian made no answer. Arwen and Eowyn listened attentively. There was a faint sound drifting from the woods that bordered the fields on the southern side. The guards rode forward inquiring into their reason for halting.

“There is something out there,” Melian quietly stated. “I saw it from the corner of my eyes and it is not an animal.”

The captain from Rohan dismounted his horse and signaled for the three other riders of the Mark to do the same. Bernil and Ramil also dismounted their horses but remained near the ladies. The captain silently waved for two of the riders to accompany him into the woods. They drew their swords and cautiously entered the woods. The ladies watched them disappear into the darkness created by the density of the trees. EowynÂ’s hand was on the handle of her sword, which was discreetly strapped to the horse she rode. Melian and Arwen remained seated on their horses. They were very much alert. They both felt apprehensive about the current situation but they kept their silence.

Eowyn was restless and soon dismounted her horse. She was on the verge of pacing to and fro when the four riders of Rohan came into view. They walked in single file from the woods so it was not until the captain was almost near that the others saw that he carried a small boy in his arms. He sat the boy down on the grass so that he could fetch his water bottle from his horse. The ladies were aghast at the appearance of the child. He appeared emaciated and weak. The captain placed the water bottle to his mouth and he drank the water ravenously almost choking from his haste.

“Slowly,” cautioned the captain. The boy obeyed and tried to slow down his intake of water. When the bottle was empty he wiped his mouth with the back of his wasted hands. Only then did he realize that all eyes were upon him. He immediately cast his eyes downward.

“What is this child doing wandering in the woods?” Eowyn asked. “He is barely dressed. What is the meaning of this?” The boy was dressed in filthy trousers.

“I have no answers for you, my Lady. We found him attired as you see him now crouching beneath a cluster of bushes. It was a challenging task to convince him to come forth from his hiding place. He is obviously scared of something or someone,” reported the captain.

Ramil walked forward. “I think we have lingered too long in this place. This child cannot be alone out here. Look at his back. Those welts were freshly made. It is obvious that his guardian ill-treated him and he or she might not be far behind. Whatever it is you decide, Lady Eowyn, do it quickly,” he admonished.

Eowyn nodded. She replaced her sword in the sheath strapped to the horse. She slowly approached the boy hoping not to alarm him. As it was, the boy had reverted back to his agitated self after satisfying his thirst. She knelt before him on the grass smiling tentatively. “What is your name?” she asked softly.

The boy kept his eyes downcast. Eowyn determined that he was probably about ten years old. He appeared so fragile and broken. She continued to question him hoping to get a response when suddenly the woods became alive with thudded footsteps. Eowyn immediately rose to her feet with her eyes glued to the woods.

“Get this child upon a horse!” shouted the captain to one of his men. “Now!” One of the riders scooped the child off the grass setting him upon an empty horse but his body was unsteady from his weakened and agitated state.

“Give him to me!” Arwen shouted. “Quickly!” The soldier hurriedly placed the boy in front of Arwen and she instantly placed her arm around him to secure him in place. His body felt limp but he was still trembling violently. “Poor creature. What have they done to you?” Melian reached across to touch her hand. She looked at Melian and realized that she was gazing at the woods. Approximately a dozen men emerged from the woods. From a glance it was obvious that they were hardy men. The guards immediately recognized them to be men who pursued a nomadic lifestyle. Their occupation took them from place to place cheating and wagering with those foolish enough to mingle with them. They were governed only by greed and observed the laws of no land. They were treacherous to each other but always united against those who were not a part of their band. In short, they were cold, calculating men.

“What business do you have in Rohan?” shouted the captain.

A doughty man walked forward. He had a jagged scar across his left cheek. The cruel and soul less depth of his eyes magnified his threatening nature. He halted his approach when the guards held up their swords. He lifted his hands, his palms faced outward. “I ask only that you return my property,” he informed them, his eyes bent on the young boy. “As soon as he is returned to me we will be on our way.” His men had halted too but they kept their hands on their weapons.

“Property!” Eowyn disdainfully exclaimed. Her hand unconsciously tightened on her sword, which she had retrieved from her horse when the men had emerged from the woods. “Are you the one who has punished this child?” She turned to look at the boy who held his eyes downcast. His little fingers firmly gripped the hand that Arwen used to secure him to her.

The man fought hard to control his rage at Eowyn’s question. His complexion reddened and his face contorted. “I do not see how this is any of your concern, lady. The boy belongs with me,” he declared in a controlled voice.

Eowyn ignored him. She walked over to the boy and softly asked, “Do you know this man?” Tears were on his cheeks though not a sound issued from his mouth. He was still governed by his trepidation. Eowyn placed a finger under his chin and gently raised his face. “Listen to me. I promise you that I will not allow anyone to hurt you,” she told him. The man cleared his throat and the boy was going to look over at him but Eowyn stopped him before he could. “Look at me!” she said. “Do you believe me?”

His tears were flowing steadily. “I promise you that no one will hurt you,” she earnestly said. “I need to know that you believe me.” The boy nodded. Eowyn wiped his tear stained cheek then softly asked, “Do you know that man?”

“Answer her, boy!” the man gruffly shouted. The boy started at the man’s harsh command. Eowyn tried to lessen the boy’s fear by smiling at him.

“Yes,” he softly said. “I know him.”

“There!” shouted the man. “Now as soon as you return him to me we will depart your lands.”

“No!” Eowyn exclaimed. “I gave this boy my word and I intend to keep it. I cannot allow him to be returned to you when you have obviously ill-treated him.” The man was visibly enraged and the riders of the Mark quickly resumed their threatening stance. “Is this man your relation?” Eowyn asked the boy.

The boy was emboldened by Eowyn’s defiance of his master. “No! I am from the West Fold and my father’s master gave me to this man in settlement of his debt.”

“That’s right!” shouted the man. “He is rightfully my property though he has proved worthless to me.”

“Then you should have no argument in accepting this treasure in exchange for his release into our hands,” Arwen firmly stated. She held up a necklace wrought from tiny gemstones. It was a necklace that had been made by the skill of her Noldor kindred. The greed in the man’s eye was apparent. His mind had instantly determined that there was probably more where that came from. He began to reason that his men outnumbered the guards of the ladies and he began to actively conceive a plan of action.

Eowyn looked at Arwen in astonishment. “Are you sure about this, Lady Arwen?”

Arwen nodded. “It is a small price to pay for the life of a child. Think nothing of it. My primary concern is to speedily return to the safety of Edoras where this child may in time be reunited with his family.”
Eowyn nodded. Arwen gave into her hand the necklace and she in turn gave it to the captain. He walked over to the man, halting three feet from him. “I must have your word that this necklace will be accepted in good faith in remuneration for the boy,” he told the man even though he doubted his honor.

The man’s eyes were ferociously surveying the necklace, which sparkled in the light from the descending sun. He held out his hand accepting the jewelry. “Let all bear witness to his acceptance of our offer,” declared the captain.

The captain turned to retrace his footsteps back to his party when suddenly the man whistled. Ramil immediately felt an adrenaline rush from the obvious signal of betrayal. What followed transpired so quickly that afterward he was not really sure of the sequence in which the events unfolded but help unlooked for had come in the form of Amandil and his comrades.

Amandil had brought with him nine riders of which some were from the Mark. Though they hardly knew why Amandil insisted on riding in search of his charges, they had accompanied him to lend assistance since they were more familiar with the fields of Rohan. Now they were glad that they rode forth with him. They had come upon the horses of the nomads by accident. They had questioned the man who had been left to guard the horses and learned that they pursued a young charge of his leader. Amandil had urged them forward as if knowing haste was necessary. He had bid them secure their horses on the borders of the wood and chose to enter it on foot instead. They had come upon the others just in time to see the captain bring forth the necklace to the seedy man. They had heard the captainÂ’s statement regarding the manÂ’s acceptance of their offer. But Amandil had tensed when he read the body language of the man. He immediately swung into action when the man whistled. He quickly retrieved the elven knife he kept attached to his side and grabbing the man from behind, he held it threateningly to his throat.

“How do you treat a man who possesses no honor?” he ominously whispered to the man. “Should you slit his throat because you know him then to be a dangerous man and the world will probably be greatly improved by his departure?”

The man looked comparatively small in size beside Amandil. His men hesitated at the sight of their leader in Amandil’s firm hold. They soon became sensible of the other soldiers that encircled them. Amandil was holding the man’s throat so firm that he began gasping for breath. “I suppose you can see all your past malicious deeds fleeting before your very eyes,” Amandil told him. The man’s complexion deepened from his distress. Amandil relaxed his grip. “My honor forces me to spare your wretched life which is more than you intended to do just a while ago after accepting a more than fair settlement in supposed good faith. How do you want to handle this, captain?” he asked the rider of Rohan.

“We will see that they leave this land immediately. They had not the leave of the king to roam his land freely,” the captain stated. Amandil released the man and the riders of Rohan escorted them back to their horses after relieving them of their weapons. Amandil then greeted the three ladies.

“Amandil, I cannot tell you how happy I am to see you,” Melian stated. “Those men were horrid. My heart quails when I think of what they intended to do.”

“Then I hope you and Queen Evenstar shall always inform me of your plans whenever you intend to travel abroad.”
“We will, Amandil,” Arwen interjected. “My plans were formed since yesterday and I neglected to apprise you of them. Forgive me.”

“Say nothing of it, my lady,” Amandil returned. He walked over to Arwen to take the boy from the horse.

Arwen quietly said to him, “I know you have worked hard to earn Estel’s trust and I will not suffer it to be injured by my thoughtlessness.” Amandil was about to interrupt when she gestured for him to let her finish. “I saw Ramil and Bernil’s hesitation about departing Edoras and I was instantly cognizant of their fears. They did not want to depart without first informing you.” Amandil nodded. Arwen knew him well and felt it was necessary to also inform him that the guards had experienced reservations about leaving Edoras. Amandil was a stern man and she knew that though he was fair, he was also strict. Ramil and Bernil would have definitely been relieved of their duty until Aragorn returned had she not spoken in their favor.

“Leave the boy,” Arwen told him. “He is too frail to ride solely upon a horse.”

Eowyn had already remounted her horse. She heard Arwen’s comment to Amandil and she said, “We should get him to Edoras soon. He looks like he has barely eaten in days.”

“True,” Arwen absent-mindedly answered. The boy was quiet now. His head kept nodding from his exhaustion. She held her hand firmly to the boy’s wrist. “His pulse is erratic. We should leave for Edoras now.”

Amandil nodded. The captain had returned with the remnant of the riders of the Mark who had not accompanied the escort charged with the task of removing the nomads from the lands of Rohan. They mounted their horses and rode to meet Amandil who had left to return to the area where his horse had been secured. Shortly afterward they steered their horses toward Edoras hoping to arrive before the sun had completed its descent.

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