New friends (1)

In a lovely and still cool summer morning, on a small hill in Far Combe you could see a landscape that did not remind you in any way that the most terrible war of all times was gathering huge massed in order to decide the course of our world’s existence: a young girl in her early 20s, in some old short sleeved blouse and corsair leggings, her straight blonde hair loose on her back and bare feet in the fresh, green grass that’s shining its watery diamonds in the morning sun. She is mending her horse carefully, singing in low voice -and with no talent- a happy party tune. The horse, actually a mare, is a young beautiful animal sharing the color of chestnuts in the autumn. The mare has a pretty rare name for a horse –Sienna- but her young mistress found the word so new and amusing when the outfitter in Bree mentioned it trying to convince her -so full of his own importance and overwhelming knowledge of things- that this is “the only color the miss could choose this season, most fitted to flatter her.. uh.. very natural.. beauty, the most beautiful color for a nice dress and for any item for that matter”. Our young Rohrrim is still not very sure which of the several brown things the vendor presented was the one of sienna color, but as this sienna is most surely brown –this she can testify even with her limited knowledge and interest in this whole appearance stuff- and the most beautiful color –as that qualified person declared- then sure this Sienna is a suited name for her horse which is brown and of the most beautiful color – she just love it. And thinking again at her beautiful acquisition she can’t not think of this strange new-comer in Bree that helped her choose the horse. He claims to be only a simple Rohrrim militia member but all -from the experienced lord Bearwig to the more naive Ileen- accepted this explanation with all the discretion asked by courtesy and respect -as this Hestin came from Lord Ehris himself, certifying that through a letter- but also keeping for themselves all question on the differences they see in the newcomer: from his walking to his armor and weapons - he is just so different. Where is he coming from and what was his training? She might be young but she did spend all her childhood between her step-father’s soldiers. And she did not see such technique in battle or that model of a shield. Sienna emits a delicate and playful sound and Ileen laughs and brushes harder the silky shining fur. The effect is not the expected one and the mare seems bored with all that brushing and clumps her feet like she’s in the mood for some running. Ileen leaves the brush in the grass and mounts. The same restlessness and wish to run and discover the world seem to make them both cheerful running in the morning’s cool air. The birds singing, the flower blooming, the little spring murmuring under the wooden brige they pass, all seem so peaceful. Three minstrels play a song near the fountain and the sun shines in their hair. But long learned skills of horse riding make her ride without paying too much attention to the task and the beauties around so she can follow her own thoughts. She’s curious as a cat on where the man has that shield from, as she is sure is not from the regular armor vendors or even from those deeps and lone lands only most skilled warriors in Eriador sometimes raid and even more rarely bring from wonders of military equipment. Is it from friends or enemies? Do humans have some allies that must remain secret and which offered a gift to the human ambassador sent to them? Or one more enemy that lost this beautiful prey to a brave scout in some hidden battlegrounds? She can’t ask, she realizes she’s not yet that experienced a warrior to be a member of higher councils and told of dangerous secrets, but sure as hell she can observe and put the pieces together. She knows she is more than daddy’s girl and even if this connections made her captain at an age when others still try to prove they can lead is not only the connections that will make her name. With that resolution in mind she lowers her eyes to the beautiful animal she rides. Her first own horse.. one she picked, she tested, she bought, not a present to a child from generous parents or a hired horse for one road. This is one long-run friend she picked, one that seems to like her back as much as she does. And this Hestin was so helpful and good advisor. Any older rohrrim knows much about horses but him reminds her a bit of her step-father, same decision, same care for the others.. and same well-stuck-in-the-head bad thoughts on elves. Maybe not the ambassador type, those have to me more open-minded she thinks. And too good a warrior to have spent time in courts and councils.. And his look when she mentioned that girl Kelda.. she is sure he knows her even if he changed the subject. But Ileen does not know Kelda that well as this to be useful information. Whatever.. that shield is most interesting! She will keep an eye on the guy.. he is also such a good company in battle or for a good piece of advice that this task is rather a easy and pleasant one. Sienna clumps and neighs bringing her mind back to the moment. The sun is already up in the sky and the horse is a bit tired after the “morning walk” so Ileen slows her down and rides home, her soul lighter and happier now she has such a good ally by her side..