An Opportunity Not to Miss

King\'s Courtyard

You stand in a large courtyard framed on three sides by large buildings,

and on the fourth by the Kings Road. The three buildings are all made of

stone, and are each several stories tall. Each has a large main door, and

tiny slits for windows. There is quite a bit of movement of rohirric soldiers

and clan members between the various buildings and the training field beyond

where there are usually several units drilling. A giant flagpole in the center

of the clearing flies the rohirric flag a white horse upon a green field.

---

[Faelwine (#31903)]A month hence, might the flowers blossom fair upon the fields. So the saying goes of April showers... but what of April clouds? For the sky is a thick quilt of grey, yet no rain falls. All around, the sight and scent of growing things, borne on a steady breeze from the south which lifts the King\'s banner high, furling in the wind: white horse galloping \'cross field of green. Green even as the wide plains, stretching out north and east and west, lush with sweet grass and frolicking foals, their proud dams nickering softly as they wake and rise in the grey morning light.

For those who wake with the sun, breakfast has already been taken and the day\'s work begun. Men in green cloaks and mail shirts stride to and fro amid the square of the King\'s Barracks, many heading away towards the wide, level training field where resonant hollars and clash of weaponry would tell practice is already well under way. There is a tamer practice here, as well: a man with flaxen braids and vivid green eyes meets blades with what looks to be a new recruit, by his young age. Dressed in mail, and bearing a bronze bandolier \'cross his chest, but without helm, the green-eyed man swings his blade smoothly, flowing in wide arcs to meet the younger man\'s more tentative sword. \"Good, good,\" he nods approvingly as the recruit parries well. \"Broaden your stance, let the sword flow as an extension of your arm.\"

[Ceredir (#1394)]Uncharacteristically, Ceredir is early to rise today: perhaps the debacle of celebrating the festivities a few nights ago has convinced him to give up drink and greet the morning clear-eyed. At least temporarily, for now he makes his way into the King\'s barracks--wearing his sword if it is allowed. His grey eyes sweep the area, coming to rest on older and younger soldier in their training, and he leans against a wall, foot up, to watch.

[Deorlic (#31345)]Into the King\'s Courtyard there comes another of the Rohirrim, though he does not wear a green cloak, murmuring something quietly under his breath about something or another. His eyes flick about, narrowed slightly, as if looking for something or someone. But, not finding it, the Rohir nods his head slightly.

Yet the training attracts the eyes of Deorlic, for that is this particular Rohir\'s name, an eyebrow arching slightly afterwards before a frown comes upon his face.

[Faelwine (#31903)]The young recruit shuffles his feet a little wider, then again raises his sword to meet the fluid strokes of the older man. After several more parries, the older man nods and steps back, lowering his blade. \"Well done,\" he nods to the recruit, speaking in the tongue of the Mark. \"Now go find Beostan and practice with him \'till we take the field in an hour\'s time.\" The young recruit nods, and sheathing his sword, dashes off.

The green eyed man, too, slips his sword back into it\'s sheath, then looking about, catches sight of Ceredir. He lifts his right hand in greeting, calling out in Westron only slightly accented. \"Hail, friend and ally! I had heard we had visitors from the South... welcome.\" His glance strays, too, to the other who is not a Rider, and he dips his head in a nod.

[Ceredir (#1394)]\"And good day to you, too, sir,\" Ceredir grins as he pushes away from the wall and walks toward the swordsman. \"There are only two of us visiting at the moment, yet it seems that news travels quickly in your land. I had some free time--I hope I haven\'t caused trouble by wandering here freely?\"

[Deorlic (#31345)]\"Your man has much to learn.\" So says Deorlic, voice in heavily accented Westron, nodding to the bronze-bandoliered man. \"I do hope you have a competent intrusctor.\" It is only then that the Rohir turns his attention to Ceredir, eyes narrowed slightly for a moment. \"What is it that brings you here, I wonder?\"

[Faelwine (#31903)]\"Nay, no trouble,\" answers the green-eyed man. \"The city is free to our guests even as it is to our own folk.\" A sly smile then pulls at one corner of his lips. \"Word travels fast indeed within these walls, and beyond them as well, for patrols come and go often and men are ever thirsty for news. Not often do our Oath-bretheren pay us a visit, save only occasionally for the winter fair. Yet it is not by rumour that this has reached my ear... but through close kin. Faestred is my name, Faldweld\'s son. I believe you are acquainted with my sister Faelwine and her husband.\"

To Deorlic a cool, appraising gaze shifts, and he nods his head, replying still in Westron. \"He does well for one only joined for but a week. I should hope I qualify as competent, sir, having been deemed enough at least to have earned my rank. In the event that I am mistaken, is that an offer of service to remedy the lax training of our maegisterwigends?\"

[Ceredir (#1394)]\"I\'m sorry, sir?\" Ceredir turns toward Deorlic, only now seeing the man. \"That is, I am here on business, at the leave of my commander in Ithilien, and also I am the guest of....\" Here he stops, a wide grin coming to his face as Faestred speaks. \"Then this is good chance, indeed, for your sister and her husband have been most kind to me, but your sister neglected to mention that her brother was in the city.\"

[Deorlic (#31345)]\"I have indicated a willingness to do such to a Paethfindian whose name escapes me.\" Deorlic gives an easy shrug before he glances back to Ceredir. \"And, I wonder, what business would that be?\" The eyebrow is arched once more before he looks back to Faestred. \"I am sure you may be competent, there are different measures of competence, certainly.\"

[Faelwine (#31903)]Folding his arms across his chest, Faestred inclines his head to the other Eorling. \"Certainly, there are. I would imagine many years of training Riders to be well skilled in battle might be some measure of that competence. Such an offer would be well received, however, from one of worthy skill. You have not yet given your name, sir, so forgive my ignorance if you bear title that would mark you as such a one.\"

He turns then back to Ceredir, beaming a wide smile. \"Ah, Faelwine knows that I have been well busy of late, and so perhaps may not have wished to impose. But she did mention you to me, so like as not intended a meeting ere long. You are Ceredir, then?\" He ventures, arching a brow slightly.

[Ceredir (#1394)]His expression now tinged with annoyance, Ceredir turns to answer Deorlic. \"Your pardon, sir, but is it the custom of the Rohirrim to demand to know the business of guests that have been invited into their lands and greeted by their King? And even if it were, I\'m afraid I\'m not at liberty to state my business, as it is a private matter that does not concern me but one with whom I traveled to Rohan with. But I came here as a guest of the scop Hraefengar and his wife Faelwine, brother to your swordsman here.\"

It is with some effort that Ceredir checks his growing temper and turns to answer Faestred--though even in speaking to Deorlic, his tone was never outwardly angry. Now, though, his voice is more normal and pleasant. \"Yes! I have somehow neglected to introduce myself properly in the excitement of meeting you,\" he says, a smile starting to replace the anger. \"I am Ceredir of Minas Tirith, son of the Knight Elenur of Bragollach and lately scout of Ithilien.\"

[Deorlic (#31345)]A bland, if wintery, smile comes from Deorlic as he looks to Ceredir. \"It is my custom to find out what I can about those I do not know about. It is an important part of my duty to my lord, and I would hope that you do not suggest that I become derelict in that duty.\" His attention, then, turns to Faestred. \"Deorlic Scurheorteson. Bodigmund, Getaleboda and Waepenscoler for my lord, Dreogeth of Westenhold. I have the honour of giving instruction to my lord\'s guard.\"

[Faelwine (#31903)]\"Well met, and welcome again, Ceredir of Minas Tirith,\" Faestred inclines a little at the waist towards the scout, then offers a nod of his head to the bodigmund. \"Hail, then, Scurheorteson. A weapon-master of a Drihten Lord would be welcome indeed among many of the Riders. From far Westenhold you come? Is that not near the borders with Dunland?\" Green eyes flick back to the scout for a moment, his lips twitching. \"Forgive my countryman here. The duty of a getaleboda -- a messenger, that is -- if sometimes one of prying and gossip, gleaning worthy news of rumour.\"

[Ceredir (#1394)]There\'s a flicker of anger in the scout\'s eyes for a moment, but it clears at the explanation from Faestred, and he smiles toward Deorlic. \"Ah...well, that I can understand. Unfortunately, as I said, I am not at liberty to discuss business that is technically not my own. I -can- tell you that I managed to get permission to visit from my commander because, rather than allowing me to pay a social call to Hraefengar and Faelwine, he wished me to learn news of your borders and your troubles with the enemy, so that both of our lands might be better prepared against attacks. So perhaps we may be of use to each other that way? Thought I doubt that I may travel as far as Faestred seems to indicate that it is.\" He looks to them both. \"Have you been troubled much by the enemy of late?\"

[Deorlic (#31345)]A slight snort, though if it is amusement or anything else is difficult to tell, form Deorlic before he nods slightly. \"Well met, then, Ceredir of Minas Tirith. I can tell you little of the borders except of my town.\" He pauses briefly as he looks to Faestred, nodding his head slightly. \"Yes... it is. I must admit, I am surprised you have heard of it. It would seem not many have here in Edoras. Dreogeth has requested that I remain here, so I am more than willing to offer what experience I have with weapons instruction to those that need it.\"

[Faelwine (#31903)]\"I have not heard much of Westenhold at all, save but a little from time to time, when there is trouble with the folk of Dunland,\" answers Faestred to Deorlic. A hand calloused by sword and spear then is raised, knuckles rubbing at the close trimmed beard upon his chin. He releases a regretful sigh, nodding once to the Gondorian. \"A little trouble, aye. Word has just come of some skirmishing upon our eastern borders at the Undeep, a notorious crossing upon the Great River. It is not much, though, and the enemy did not get far: the orcs made noise enough in the crossing that a scout of our patrols heard them well away, and most were slain or routed back across the river. If they attempt again, they shall not get far, for patrols sweep the borders regularly in the warmer months, and few are the crossings of the river passable without watercraft.\"

[Ceredir (#1394)]\"Those borders -are- rather far from us, yet if the men of Dunland are pressing your town, that is news I would carry back to my commander.\" Ceredir glances at the sword that Deorlic wears, frowning. \"Though if you are able to offer such to an ally, I would also press you for some practice in swordplay--or there is a certain commander back home that may have my head if I return rustier than when I left,\" he grimaces. He rubs the bridge of his nose with his hand.

Turning to Faestred, he nods then. \"Orcs crossing the Anduin? Is this crossing far from here, sir? Perhaps before I leave we could ride to such troubled places? I would be happy to lend my sword to the fight, though ...well...my skills are new at it.\"

[Deorlic (#31345)]\"The men of Dunland have been quiet. I just do not trust them.\" The Bodigmund mumbles something under his breath in Rohirric afterwards, but when he speaks aloud again, it is in his accented Westron, an eyebrow arched slightly as he looks at Ceredir in an appraising manner. \"I am sure it can be arranged.\" His attention turns to Faestred. \"Ah. Then I should not be surprised much at all, then. Little happens in Westenhold that the rest of the Mark cares to hear, I am certain.\"

[Faelwine (#31903)]\"The offer of your sword is that of a true ally and friend,\" Straightening, Faestred inclines his head to the scout. \"And greatly welcome words to ears too long hearing calls for aid, rather than offers of it. If it would interest your commander to know the lay of the land upon our Eastern borders, gladly will I ride with you thence. It is a few days, going true across the plains, to the east and north. A week\'s time, perhaps, would it take all told to show you the lay of the land upon the eastern front, and then return hither. Know you when you might wish to depart?\"

With a shift of his weight back moreso onto one leg, Faestred\'s glance glides to Deorlic, one brow arching slightly. \"The men of Dunland are not beholden to the same oaths nor honour as we, yet are they not men all the same? For the rumours I hear of them often contradict some say they are wicked, evil men, and some that they are not wholly unlike us. Which would you say it were, Scurheorteson?\"

[Ceredir (#1394)]\"By all accounts, you are wise not to trust the men of Dunland,\" Ceredir says, grimacing as he answers Deorlic. \"I have heard they are dark men, with hearts full of deceit. Yet I have not encountered them, as you might imagine, and know not if they are like us or not. As for my sword practice...\" and here he turns to include Faestred as well, \"I am afraid I\'m not much better than that boy you were teaching. I was not born to it, you see, and have only taken it up lately. So that I fear I would not be much help in an attack. But, sir--\" this said to Faestred--\"I can leave as soon as is convenient for you. My traveling companion has business here in Edoras, but I am not constrained to stay here while he gets his affairs in order. As far as I am concerned, the sooner, the better, in fact. I can leave word for Daerien.\"

[Deorlic (#31345)]\"The men of Dunland are not to be trusted.\" A scowl comes upon the Bodigmund\'s face as he speaks, his accent thickening in evident dislike. \"They are without even common honour. They claim our land as theirs and are nothing but trouble as a result. I would not trust a man of Dunland unles he was buried -- and even then I have my suspicions.\" After a few moments, the scowl vanishes from Deorlic\'s face and he sighs slightly. \"But, as I have said, they have not caused trouble lately. All the more reason to watch them, certainly, but for now they are quiet.\"

[Faelwine (#31903)]His brows furrowing, Faestred looks between the other two as they speak, tipping his head in assent at last to Deorlic. \"Wyrd willing, they shall remain quiet. The last thing the Mark needs is to be pressed by such foul men on one side, and orcs on the other. The guard of Dreogeth Lord must be kept busy indeed, if they lay such false claims upon our land.\"

He sighs heavily, though his expression eases once more as he looks to the scout. \"There are still a few things I must see to in the city. In some three days\' time all should be taken care of, though, and I can leave my patrol in the care of my second.\" A smile flickers upon his lips, and he adds, \"Perhaps in that time, you could find opportunity to learn from our good Westenholder here, though if all is as it should be, you shall not have need of your skills while we are abroad. It is the duty of the patrols to see to the enemy, after all.\"

[Ceredir (#1394)]\"Aye, I will see to that, if the ...Wstenholder?..\" Ceredir tries out the word, uncertain, \"if, sir,\" he continues to Deorlic, \"can spare the time, then yes. But three days is not a long wait. And your sister will know where to find me, Faestred.\" Shifting his stance, the scout frowns. \"Have the orcs and Dunland aligned their efforts, then? Does the enemy work within them?\"

[Deorlic (#31345)]\"I prefer Deorlic.\" Is the Bodigmund\'s mild response before he nods slightly. \"I have nothing but time upon my hands, so seek me out when you wish to be instructed.\" A brief pause before he speaks once more. \"I would not know. I have not heard of any attacks happening while the men of Dunland are being troublesome. I am sure such a thing would even have reached Westenhold.\"

[Faelwine (#31903)]Faestred frowns, rubbing again at his chin thoughfully. \"I do not think so, Ceredir,\" he says at length, giving his head a slight shake. \"Not, at least, from what I have heard of the West from their patrol leaders. The attacks that come do not seem to be coordinated, and the orcs and the Dunlendings have different aims. The orcs, for the most part, seem to seek to raid the herds in the East, stealing our horses, ever the black ones.\" His voice lowers, darkening bitterly. \"It pains me to think of what the poor horses must suffer at the hands of those fiends.\" Again he shakes his head, but slowly this time, drawing a deep breath, after a moment he continues. \"So, we do what it takes to stop them, that the herds may still graze freely in the rich lowland meadows. But no, I do not think the men of Dunland are aligned with the enemy.\" A questioning brow is raised towards Deorlic, his glance seeking affirmation.

[Ceredir (#1394)]\"Deorlic, then. That..title, is it? has my tongue twisted,\" Ceredir grins momentarily, pleasantries fading as his questions are answered. \"This, at least is good news, that they are not coordinated. Were the enemy ever to sway the men of Dunland to press you from that side while the orcs pressed from the other...I\'m not sure that even Gondor could truly aid you. But, let\'s not think on such things. Have you found that anything in particular is more effective at stopping their tactics?\"

[Deorlic (#31345)]\"Hardly a title... I am from Westenhold, so one way to refer to one such as myself would be \'Westenholder\'. But I prefer my name to be used.\" The Bodigmund\'s voice continues to be mild before he shrugs his shoulders. \"I have never seen nor heard of the men of Dunland working with any but themselves.\" He pauses briefly, glancing to Ceredir. \"Whose tactics? The men of Dunlend or the orcs?\"

[Faelwine (#31903)]\"I cannot answer for the West,\" Faestred glances sidelong to Deorlic, then returns his gaze to the scout. \"But as you will see, the East is nearly all open plains, the hills dry and windswept to the north in the Wold, and more lush and crossed by many streams where I was raised in the Eastemnet. Our scouts have little trouble tracking raiding bands from the river, where the orcs\' heavy steps churn the damp earth, and by the swiftness of our horses we usually catch them quickly. Even by night, a party of orcs is a black mass upon the plains, not terribly difficult for our scouts to mark. Should they ever reach the camps themselves, which has not happened for some while, horns are blown and the alarm is raised, calling the nearest patrol to their aid.\"

[Ceredir (#1394)]\"Orcs,\" Ceredir answers, nodding as Faestred replies to his questions again. \"It seems that the terrain and the horses are to your advantage, at the very least. But yet, they still manage to steal your horses? How do they manage that--just by suffering the losses because their numbers are greater and their leaders care not how many of their number are slain with each assault? But also, is it just orcs, or do the men of the East attack you, as well?\"

[Faelwine (#31903)]Rubbing at his brow with the back of his hand, Faestred breathes a soft sigh. \"Women, children, whole families live in the camps. If the orcs do manage to slip through our net, and get so far, the men defend their wives and daughters and sons first, and rightly so. Orc are cunning, moreso than many would believe, and they find ways to snare the horses, and some flee with them while others stay to threaten the people. We dare not split our forces, especially when ambush might lie in wait at the crossing, and it is to our folk first that we must look, though bitterly we rue the loss.\"

[Ceredir (#1394)]\"That is a problem, yes,\" Ceredir says, his brow knitting at Faestred\'s words. \"So you are unable to pursue the orcs when they steal horses from your camps, because you must defend your families--and rightly so. It seems they are quite clever, the enemy. And nothing can be done to stop them?\"

[Theoden (#15851)]Into the courtyard walk a half-dozen men, clad in bright mail. They bear tokens of green and white, the King\'s household, and indeed amongst them is Theoden himself. His hair is somewhat mussed, and it is damp, as if he has exerted himself. He is speaking softly with one of his men, laughing, and his helm, which he holds by its strap so that it dangles from his fingers, swings slightly. The oddity of the dark-haired Ceredir catches his gaze, though, and he stops, falling silent.

[Faelwine (#31903)]\"Nothing?\" Faestred arches a brow slightly, then shakes his head, sweeping a hand out to indicate the busy barracks, the pennant of the King lifted high on a steady breeze, shouts and the ringing of metal on metal away on the training field under the grey morning. \"It is not for nothing that these men are here, Ceredir. By sword and spear, by the swiftness of our steeds and the courage of our people are our lands defended. Rather I would trust to them, than walls of wood or stone alone, as you have in the Stoningland.\"

Turning back towards Ceredir, his glance misses the Gondorian and falls instead upon the company who enter. \"Hail, Theoden King!\" he calls, and no few heads are lifted within this square, and those who were seated stand, a hush falling momentarily. Faestred bows deeply then, as do all the Eorlings near to the six brightly clad men.

[Ceredir (#1394)]Ceredir\'s eyes sweep the area at Faestred\'s gesture, and then he bows his head once to the man. \"Truly, you are right, friend and ally. Far be it from me to call these valiant efforts nothing at all. But remember, too, that it is not by stone alone that Gondor fights. She, too, has her scouts and soldiers.\"

The scout of Gondor turns, then, looking to see what draws Faestred\'s attention behind him--and on seeing the king enter, the man of Gondor falls silent and bows.

[Theoden (#15851)]\"Rise,\" says Theoden, his voice rich and full. \"Rise and take your ease, for on the morrow I shall speak to the aethelwigends and maegisterwigends, and many of you shall depart. I have watched you prepare, and seen you tested. You are the strength of the Eorlingas, lines long in years, but full of valor and vigor. My heart rings with the pride of seeing you all. Now go, if you wish, and today no inn, no tavern, shall beg gold of you.\" The king turns his head towards the Gondorian once again, and he nods, switching to Westron. \"I trust you are finding your visit pleasant? Instructive, perhaps?\"

[Faelwine (#31903)]\"Westu hal, Theoden Cyning!\" comes a cry from one of the men, and many voices echo him, a chorus which travels around the square. Only thereafter then do the Riders move about again, resuming their previous work and conversation, save with a few more grins to be seen upon men\'s faces.

Rising to stand tall once more, Faestred clasps his hands behind his back, dipping his chin once as the King\'s attention comes towards he and the Gondorian. \"Proud indeed are we to serve our King and the Mark, Sire. Men shall hold their heads the higher, their hearts the gladder on the morrow for the grace of their King goes with them.\" So saying, he falls silent again, looking towards Ceredir after Theoden addresses him.

[Ceredir (#1394)]With a quick glance sideways, Ceredir follows the movements of Faestred, rising when the man does, too. \"Sire, I am honored,\" is his answer to the King. \"Your people have been nothing but kind and caring and open to me, and I am humbled and warmed by their hospitality. I can only hope to extend the same to them should they visit me in my homeland someday.\"

[Theoden (#15851)]\"But they just have, have they not?\" asks the son of Thengel. \"Still, your words please me.\" He glances at Faestred, and his lips twitch. You I shall send east along the river, but not as far as the Undeeps, not yet. Perhaps it would enlighten this man of the Stoningland to ride with you for a few days, to see how we guard the river against foes from the east, from the north?\" He looks towards the east, then nods. \"Such pleases me.”

[Faelwine (#31903)]\"As it happens, Sire, we were just now speaking of such.\" says Faestred, his gaze flicking from the Gondorian back to Theoden. \"Ceredir is most welcome to ride in my company, though given the recent news of skirmishes not far from the Undeeps, he was keen to see the situation there. Still, he may ride with me so far as it pleases you and he, and glad would I be to show him the Eastern border.\"

[Ceredir (#1394)]\"Of course, whatever your Majesty thinks is best,\" Ceredir answers, with a quick look to Faestred. \"The Undeeps are perhaps too far and someplace closer may serve just as well. Seeing the Eastern border also sounds a worthy journey. Is there much trouble there?\"

[Theoden (#15851)]\"There are reports of trouble along the Undeeps,\" answers Theoden, \"But we have eoreds there already, and I will send another on the morrow. But I have news of restless herds south of there, and the scop saw river-birds flying westward. Not all warnings come from the mouths of men, so I am fair reminded, and so I would like riders to go along the river as well. As there are rivers and hills and brush here and there, perhaps he will find it a fair enough substitute for his Ithilien to be well-instructed.\" His eyes glitter as he glances at both men. \"But you shall have to ride can you keep up for a few days? For they shall not coddle you...\"

[Faelwine (#31903)]There is a flicker in Faestred\'s green eyes at the mention of the scop, and his brows tense a hair. He nods then, answering with a prompt, \"So it shall be, Sire. We would be rightly counted as fools, to pay no heed to fair warning brought, wheresoever it may come from. Indeed, long have my men been instructed to pay heed to bird and beast, for oft they sense peril to their homes before our eyes see it.\"

Glancing to Ceredir, the maegisterwigend\'s lips twitch for a moment. \"Nay, we shall not coddle you, but of stern stuff are those who walk against the enemy in Ithilien, or so I heard, many long years ago. A horse could be lent you, as well, for this ride, if your own is not yet recovered from your journey.\"

[Ceredir (#1394)]\"Keep up? Ah...well, I will do my best, Sire, but I am no rider of the Mark,\" Ceredir says, sounding apologetic. \"Still, as you note, I can hold my own in the hills and brush, and it will also be a valuable lesson for me to learn--perhaps there are some strategies that your folk use in such lands that could be adapted to Ithilien...\"

\"In any case,\" he continues--with a slight pause at Faestred\'s reaction to mention of Hraefengar--\"I don\'t expect or even want to be coddled. What would be the value of my report to my commander if I had to report that your men were going to show me some problem or strategy of interest, only they had to change their plans because I wasn\'t strong enough? No, I will withstand saddle soreness or whatever else may befall me, and not complain. I wouldn\'t miss an opportunity such as this.\"