The Dare

Elred was rubbing Beleg down as I approached. I stroked Beleg’s nose as I said, “You’ve done well today, Beleg.” I heard Halan whinny and push his nose in my hand searching for a treat. “You too!” as I laughed at my horse’s antics. Elred threw me a rag. “Your horse needs to be rubbed down too.”

As I rubbed, I began singing a song about Eorl and the first meara, Felarof. Elred joined in. He flashed me a grin as we finished the last note.

“That was lovely. What is it that you sing of?” said a voice. I turned around quickly startled. Faramir stood there smiling. Eorl and the first meara, sir.” replied Elred.”

“I know the Rohirrim sing in battle. That your history is kept in song. Perhaps you two would be willing to sing something for the camp. There seems to be a musician or two among my Rangers. Many songs will be sung this night.” he said looking at us both.

“I don’t think anyone would be interested in our songs.” I said plainly.

“And why is that?” he asked.

I glanced at Elred. He was gathering the rags up. I remembered the comments of our relatives. The battles Elred fought for respect. I took a deep breath and replied, “Well, I know the Gondorians think us uncultured, heathens. Why would they want to listen to us?”

“Because, songs of courage in any language are welcome in times like these, and I wish to hear some.” he said gently.

Eored touched my arm to reassure me. “Eolindë and I would be honored, sir.”

“Excellent. Come along when you are finished here.” He turned and walked back toward the main camp.

I turned on Elred as soon as Faramir was out of sight. “Have you lost your mind? We will look like the biggest fools!”

Elred shrugged his shoulders. “Captain Faramir wants to hear some. Why are you so concerned about what a bunch of soldiers think about us? They respect our people and our ways. They know we fight with honor. It’s only the people in the city that think that way. You’ve been around Aunt Iles and our cousins too much.”

“But…” I said.

“No more discussion. We go sing and show these men of Gondor the beauty found in Rohan.” he said sternly.

As Elred guided me back to camp, the sounds of music and singing drifted toward us. I sat and listened though I could not understand the words. They were in the language of Numenor and the elvish tongue of Sindarin. I felt the spirit of the songs. They were songs of triumph mingled with sadness. Regret for the things that had passed away. Faramir looked our way and nodded. We stood up. “My brothers, we have some Rohirrim among us. I have asked them to sing a few of their songs.” There were a few looks of disdain but mostly curiosity radiated from the men’s faces. I caught a glimpse of Dior and Alcarin. Both looked on with interest.

Elred nodded and I took a deep breath. I started a song about Helm Hammerhand and Elred joined in. We always sang well together, our voices blending into one and then separating. Applause followed. We followed with a song about riding through our land. It was a child’s song but Elred and I had always enjoyed it. It spoke of the wind blowing through our hair, fields and mountains. Again, applause followed. Then Elred whispered to me to sing alone. I sang what was in my heart. It was a love song. It was a woman singing to her lover as he rode away to war. I looked at Faramir as I sang. I knew I was taking a risk singling Faramir out. I assumed that because it was Rohirric, only Elred would know what I was saying. I knew he would give me grief for it later. But at that moment, I poured my heart out. Silence followed the last note and then applause. It startled me back to awareness. Faramir smiled but his eyes were troubled. Suddenly, I remembered I was a lone woman among these men. I had revealed my feelings for all to see. I blushed with humiliation. I excused myself and ran to the river.

The stars twinkled overhead as I looked out over the river. The water seemed calm compared to my tangled emotions. How could I have been so stupid! Where was the shieldmaiden who fought the Haradrim, pulled Dior to safety and treated the injured? I was acting like my silly cousins who sighed and swooned over their men. I kicked a stone and swore.

“I doubt that was a very ladylike expression.” I looked up and saw Faramir. His face was full of concern.

“My lord. I am sorry. I…”

“I told you to call me Faramir, didn’t I? And why are you sorry? The song was beautiful.” he said walking over to me.

“Everyone saw…” I said looking away. My heart was hammering in my chest at his nearness. He put his hand under my chin and tipped my face up.

“Saw what?”

“That I am in love with you!” I jerked my chin out of his hand and walked away. He touched my arm and gently turned me back to face him.

“My dear lady, these are men and there was only firelight to see you by. I doubt very much that they could read your face that well.”

“Elred knows.”

“As do I. That is why I came to look for you.” he replied. “What brought you to Minas Tirith? It is not time for the sales.”

“I … I am to look for a husband!” I spat out. “If I did not favor anyone from here, I was to go back to the Southfold and probably marry a childhood friend who’s land runs next to ours. As if being some man’s broodmare was my only purpose in life!” Faramir chuckled.

“From what I know of your parents, they would not pressure you to marry.”

“It wasn’t them. My grandmother pressured my mother. Said I was too wild and that it was high time I settled down. Father’s family was of the same opinion. They don’t approve of the shieldmaidens. ‘Not ladylike’. And my parents went along to keep the peace.” I finished bitterly.

“But surely your parents would not force you to marry where you do not love?”

“No. They did say I should marry where my heart lies.” I looked at him with hope in my heart.

Faramir sighed. “And your heart lies with me?” I could not speak but merely nodded. I walked over and tried to put my arms around him. He captured my hands and a sad expression crossed his face.

“Eolindë, believe me when I tell you, you are not in love with me.”

“But…”

“Shh.” He put his finger to my lips. “You see me as a way out of your difficulties. What a fine catch I would be to parade in front of your relatives.”

“That’s not true. I swear. I really do love you. You captured my heart when I was 15. In the library, you were so kind to me. I know no men finer than my father, my brother and you.” He smiled.

“I am flattered but my heart is still my own. I do not think you are destined for life as a ‘broodmare’ as you so quaintly put it. Your gift in the healing arts is worthy of admiration alone. There is a man out there who will appreciate all of you and allow you to use your gifts for the good of others. The coming days will be dark. I can feel it in my bones.” An involuntary shiver went through me when he spoke of the dark times to come.

“Love will find you, my little healer. It may come from a most unexpected place, but it will find you. I pray that you will be able to see it when it does come.” He kissed my forehead. “Think about what I said.” He walked away.

I wiped a few stray tears and looked up at the stars. Weary and confused, I made my way back to camp. Alcarin met me on the way back. “I was just coming to look for you.”

“Is there anything wrong?” I asked with concern.

“Oh no. Everyone seems to be resting well.” he said with a smile. “You are a lady of many talents, Mistress Eolindë.” I stared at him, not believing the flattery I heard.

“I am merely a Rohiric healer.” I answered, attempting stop his fulsome compliments.

But he went on. “My dear lady, you are no mere Rohirric healer. Your beauty matches your skill in healing. You are a true gem from the plains of Rohan.”

I almost could not speak. ‘He must have had some monscinan to talk such nonsense.’ I thought. I regained my composure to excuse myself. “Ah. Thank you, Master Alcarin. I find I am quite weary. I believe it is time for me to seek my bedroll.”

“I shall escort you then.” He walked with me to my place by the fire. Elred looked up as we approached. “Here is your sister, the songbird.” Alcarin said to Eored. Elred’s eyes widened. “Thank you, sir. I had begun to wonder where she had run off too.”

“I just went for a walk by the river.” I said airily. Elred’s expression showed he did not believe me. “Thank you for escort, Master Alcarin. I shall see you in the morning.”

“Your servant, mistress, sir.” And he walked away.

“Who was that?” asked Elred.

“He is the healer stationed here with the garrison. He aided me in treating Dior.” I replied as I lay down on my blanket.

“It’s late and I will not press you now. But we will have a talk about your choice of songs tomorrow.” He said sternly.

“Yes, brother dear.” I replied with resignation in my voice. As I turned over, I caught Dior’s dark eyes looking at me from across the fire. He had such a look of pain and sadness that I almost got up to check on him. But then he closed his eyes and sleep claimed me soon after.