A Fight in Earnest

Rohirric Training Field

A large field set just outside the city of Edoras, this place is used in the training of the proud men of the Rohirric eoreds. The field is long and wide, enabling even the largest units of mounted men to hone their skills in relative safety. A single gate leads to the wood-fenced area, and there are worn stone benches around its perimeter, offering rest to the weary soldier. The usual martial occupation of this field will see the king\'s men train the art of riding and combat.

Obvious exits:

Leave Field

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[Theoden(#15851)]

Dawn has come and dawn has gone, but the morning is still young, and the air is still pleasantly cool, though there is a haze on the horizon that speaks of later heat and maybe storms. The sun shines down from a sky ringed with clouds like a vast overturned bowl it seems, with indistinct white and grey patterning at the edges. So it is that the training field is not empty, for wigends train now before the worst of the summer heat those. It has been a quiet season at the borders, and so many circle back time and again for supplies, travelling lighter this year, before heading out again. The lull, too, has brought a rash of young men to vie for places in the eoreds, as they are free for some of the first times from defending fields and camps to come to the city. The grass on the field has turned fallow gold oft-trampled, it waves but weakly in the morning breeze, and the cool air carries the sounds of mock combat, wood on wood and steel on steel, as the men train.

Today even many in the eored of the king\'s guard train, and with them even the knights of his household proud are their horses and they themselves seem a bit aloof, as if they have a pride in even training here in the field. Or perhaps it is the shining, mail-clad figure on the proud white horse that inspires them, for Theoden King himself is on the field, dressed to fight.

[Caldwine(#31345)]

Also on the training field this morn are the Riders of Boar Patrol and their Maegisterwigend, Caldwine. He seems to be putting his wigends through their paces, but quicker than what might be normal. He sits atop his own horse, giving orders only through his spear the only time his voice rings out is to correct a mistake or give praise for something rightly done.It seems his wigends are in mock battle with hopeful youths, quick clashes that last only a minute or two before they seperate he is the only of his patrol on horse, circling sometimes, remaining in one spot at others. Helm resting upon his saddle, the Maegisterwigend\'s hair and cloak flicker some in the morning breeze.

[Faelwine(#31903)]

Some of these new-come recruits fall under the eye of Feohelm Paethfindian, who sits astride his tall dark bay with shoulders squared and brows furrowed as he watches as, one by one, each of a line of young men upon horses of various shape and colour take a canter at a target. One, two of the young \'wigends seem to execute the exercise well: lowering their spears, they strike at the target, canter five or so more strides then roll their horses back to strike it again. Feohelm nods his approval as they return to the end of the line. Alas for the third rider, he is not so fortunate.

\"Oy! You have just been shot through the back!\" the Paethfindian\'s voice rings out above the general din, loud enough for the unfortunate lad to hear as his horse - a large, thick set, headstrong sort - keeps cantering seven, eight, nine strides away before his rider manages to pull him back around in a wide arc. Feohelm beckons, and the youth trots his horse over towards him, head hung and a bright flush upon the lad\'s cheeks.

[Theoden(#15851)]

Theoden\'s eyes glitter more brightly than even his mail, and he leans forwards a bit to watch more closely. Then he urges his horse forwards, and he comes closer to the groups of men fighting. He smiles, then draws his sword and lifts it. \"Hold,\" he calls, and though he does not shout, not exactly, his voice rings like a clarion call. \"Hold. I... I would like to see... I should like to see a fight more in earnest. For I am going to ride through the Mark this summer, and I need some good men to fill out the camp Riders. What say you to this? What say you to coming and guarding your King for a few weeks as we ride through the Mark?\"

[Caldwine(#31345)]

As the King speaks, Caldwine holds up his spear slightly, bringing his patrol and the hopefuls to a halt in their combat he turns his horse to face Theoden. Once the King has finished speaking, the Maegisterwigend raises his spear his men giving more of a voice to their own response. It is only then that Caldwine speaks.

\"What type of fight would you like to see, Theoden King? Foot or upon horse?\"

[Faelwine(#31903)]

\"Sir, he\'s too big to--\" Whatever excuse the lad would have made is cut short, for at the King\'s call, Feohelm raises his spear for silence (as a few of the young men in line had taken to muttering amongst themselves) and turns his horse about to face where the white Meara stands proudly. The line of recruits follows his example, turning their horses and coming to attention in an ordered row apparently they have been well drilled on this already. In answer to Theoden, the Paethfindian lifts his voice in clear response. \"To accompany Theoden Cyning in his progress would be high honour indeed, Sire. Name what you would like to see, my Lord, and it shall be done by whomsoever is able.\"

[Theoden(#15851)]

\"I should like to see mounted fighting first, for that is, in my mind, the most important. And then the likely hopefuls shall fight hand-to-hand. And then we shall speak about who shall go and who shall stay. Let it be so.\" Then Theoden wheels his horse about, the white stallion half-rearing and then racing back to his place. He seems more ready to fight himself than to stand and watch, and the King laughs, the sound at ease and merry, as he settles himself to watch.

[Caldwine(#31345)]

With a nod, Caldwine turns his own horse about to his men, giving the silent order with his spear. His patrol hurry to their horses, mounting swiftly and grabbing blunted practise spears the Maegisterwigend himself, moving to join his men, takes up a practice spear after handing his off to be put aside. As Caldwine brings his shield before him, leading the patrol to an open stretch of the training field for the room needed for a mounted fight, so to do his men place their shields before themselves in a smooth motion a practised move brought about by training.

[Faelwine(#31903)]

The rangy dark bay, who had been standing looking vaguely bored until now, arches his neck and chews at the bit eagerly at the change in energy upon the field. With few visible signals, yet in perfect control, Feohelm wheels his horse about with near battle urgency. He rides down the line of recruits, indicating to four of them to go stand by the side and watch. The greenest and youngest it seems: those not yet ready to safely vie with Boar patrol\'s men. He, too, exchanges his spear for a blunted one, his recruits all ready bearing training spears. Then, as Feohelm calls clearly, \"Form the line!\" the recruits move in a singular motion to align themselves facing Caldwine\'s men. The Paethfindian brings his horse to a halt across from the Maegisterwigend himself.

[Theoden(#15851)]

Theoden motions to one of his men, for his knights and their esquires have gaqthered about him. There is a flurry of movement, and then, unfurled upon the wind, with the sun shining upon it, is the King\'s own standard, the charge of the Mark, white horse on green. Light flashes upon its fittings, and upon the great sword Herugrim, which Theoden lifts high. He stands in the saddle, then gives a great shout, lowering it in a sweeping arc to begin the fight.

[Caldwine(#31345)]

Slipping on his helm, Caldwine waits, eyes upon Feohelm and his men. As Theoden gives the signal to start the fight, the Maegisterwigend\'s horse leaps forward as he lowers his spear the men of his patrol following shortly afterwards. Caldwine himself seems to be heading straight towards Feohelm, spear aimed in such a manner to hit either shield or chest, which ever is in the way.

[Faelwine(#31903)]

So, too, does the paethfindian secure his helm and bring his shield forward as the standard goes up. He lowers his spear, and steadies his gaze upon the Maegisterwigend. Then, with naught but a slight forward inclination of his body, Feohelm\'s long legged dark bay leaps forth eagerly, gaining speed alarmingly fast. As one, the entire line of young men charge to meet Boar patrol, their agile East-bred horses speeding them quickly to the clash.

Headlong does Cynerof, the proud dark bay, seem to be plunging, undaunted by the more solid chestnut he opposes. Then, at the very last moment, the horse ducks and dodges aside, and the Maegisterwigend\'s spear glancing lightly off of Feohelm\'s turned shield. The paethfindian\'s spear misses entirely. A feint, it seems, for not three strides after they meet and pass, Cynerof gathers his haunches beneath him and wheels a full hundred and eighty degrees back toward the Boar patrol\'s leader. This time, Feohelm seems to have his spear raised to strike in earnest towards the man\'s chest.

[Theoden(#15851)]

Keen is Theoden\'s gaze upon the contest, and two of his knights are at his side, speaking softly to him, pointing out a man here and there. The son of Thengel nods, speaking softly himself, as they debate the merits of many of the men. Yet, for all the seriousness of the discussion, there is an eagerness and a fierce pride in the King\'s eyes, as if the display pleases his humor greatly.

[Caldwine(#31345)]

Charges are what Boar has practise at thus it is that none of Caldwine\'s patrol are unhorsed in the initial clash. The Maegisterwigend turns his horse after several strides, his men following, presenting his shield towards Feohelm and his spear Caldwine\'s own spear is kept low for the moment, thrusting out under his shield to strike the Paethfindian\'s hip or leg once they are closer. Feohelm\'s spear impacts the Maegisterwigend\'s shield, drawing a brief grunt from the man upon impact as he leans into it.

[Faelwine(#31903)]

As Boar patrol rolls past, about a third of the recruits are upon the ground, scattered but not yet defeated. A few have gotten a hold of their horses and are scrambling back into the saddle, drawing their practice swords as soon as they\'ve a hand free. A couple make ready upon foot to defend themselves with sword and spear, their horses having bolted to the far end of the training field. One lad, having ducked low on the side of his horse to avoid being knocked off, is just pushing himself back up and coming around. These easterners seem to be a canny bunch, for instead of charging headlong at Boar once again, they split and wheel and send their horses around either side of Caldwine\'s men, giving them something to chase after and hoping, perhaps, to break Boar\'s line.

Feohelm braces hard into the outside stirrup as Caldwine\'s spear glances heavily off his thigh, the dark bay scooting out underneath of his rider\'s weight and preventing the Paethfindian from loosing his seat. Unbalanced for a moment, perhaps, but not out of his wits. As he passes the Maegisterwigend, he sweeps his spear out behind him, and again Cynerof collects his hanches to make a sharp, fast turn, this time around behind the chestnut charger. The horse\'s movement lends more momentum to Feohelm\'s spear as he swings it in a wide, horizontal arc at his opponent\'s off side at about waist level.

[Theoden(#15851)]

Theoden sits unmoving, though not unmoved. The king\'s eyes are fixed upon the combat that has begun, and he nods to himself at the results of the first charge. He motions to a pair of his own men, and they take up positions at the edges of the field to \'rescue\' any of the fallen should they need it.

[Caldwine(#31345)]

Feohelm\'s spear connects, bringing a sharp hiss from the Maegisterwigend and momentarily unbalancing Caldwine towards the side. As he brings himself back and begins to turn his horse, he too sweeps his spear out horizontal back towards the Paethfindian, leaning into the strike except the arc of the Maegisterwigend\'s spear is likely to hit shoulder or head.

His men have kept a good line, but those on either side are harder pressed with the easterners going to them. There seems to be, indeed, some breaking of Boar\'s line, as Riders move to help those on the end. One has been unhorsed, though he quickly gets back to his feet and moving to engage one of the recruits upon the ground another has near been unhorsed, dropping his spear to allow an extra hand to pull himself back upright in his saddle.

[Faelwine(#31903)]

The recruits are reacting quickly to the pressure brought by Boar patrol, striking fast and then darting away to circle around them, never maintaining engagement for long but taking every opening they can find. They divide, circle, strike, regroup, and then divide again, playing a game of cat and mouse with the far more experienced men. One of the unhorsed lads shimmies up behind another of the recruits, riding double upon the latter\'s horse. As the one makes a pass of one of Boar patrol\'s men, the second leaps from behind his friend and throws his arms about the older \'wigend\'s waist, trying to drag him off his horse.

Feohelm gives a grunt as the Maegisterwigend\'s spear connects solidly with his shoulders, the force of it knocking his upper body far back and nearly unseating him. His horse slides nearly to a halt, fortunately, for this resettles the Paethfindian back into his saddle. Lifting his shield up and letting the spear slide off of it as his horse leaps forward and wheels yet again, this time to face the chestnut once more. Cynerof half-rears and shifts his step one way, then the other, dodging left and right as he nears the chestnut, leaving it anyone\'s guess as to which side he will eventually make the pass on. At the last possible moment, he ducks left. Feohelm seems to have been ready for this, leaning forward with his spear lowered to strike Caldwine at the hip or stomach, as his horse puts on a sudden burst of speed as he goes by the chestnut.

[Theoden(#15851)]

The king remains still, leaning now and again to one or another of his men as they speak the name or description of likely recruits. Several of his men, though, have turned their attention to the contest between the paethfindian and the maegisterwigend, and bets are whispered back and forth as to who will win. Theoden laughs softly, but says naught.

[Caldwine(#31345)]

With Feohelm off balance and his horse near stopped, this allows Caldwine enough time to bring his shield forward once more as his horse runs toward the other as the Paethfindian lowers his spear to strike, the Maegisterwigend leans into the blow once more, absorbing it on his shield with a grunt and a brief moment of recovering balance he then swings out his spear horizontally once more, this time aiming for Feohelm\'s back as he passes.

Three more of Boar are brought down, the one with a recruit around his waist drawing his practise sword after he has rolled away. Of the other two, one still holds his spear, while the other draws his own practise sword. The Riders of Boar have abandonded their line at this point, fighting rather in pairs, aiming for quick strikes against the faster recruits.

[Faelwine(#31903)]

Cynerof\'s speed helps his Rider as he is knocked briefly forward by the maegisterwigend\'s return blow. As soon as Feohelm is righted, the dark bay sits and spins yet again, darting back up on the same side of Caldwine\'s horse and digging in for a sudden acceleration. Feohelm holds his spear lowered as though to strike again low against the other man, but as his horse draws near, faster and faster does the swift horse of the Eastemnet go, the paethfindian suddenly shifts his spear to be held perfectly horizontal, perpendicular to his horse\'s line, trying to litterally sweep the maegisterwigend off his horse using the speed and power of Cynerof.

The recruit who had dragged the Boar patrol man down by his waist suddenly realises that for all his daring, he is unarmed. He scurries to pick up a spear that had been dropped by another. Two more of the recruits are unhorsed, but they continue in what seems to be a fairly effective strategy against Boar patrol, now swarming together in larger groups to take on Caldwine\'s paired off men as a team.

[Theoden(#15851)]

Theoden nods his head slowly, motioning now at a recruit here and there, a patrolman or another. These gestures are met with commentary from the men beside him, and he nods slightly, listening, thoughtful. Soft words, though now and again he watches Caldwine and Feohelm, and shakes his head at comments from both of his companions.

[Caldwine(#31345)]

The one Rider, that was brought down by the recruit, is quickly after the aforementioned recruit, trying to get in quick sword strikes. Boar now attempts to regroup, trying to get their line back together.

After Feohelm has passed, Caldwine is already turning his horse to face him thus it is the paethfindian\'s spear strikes his own, which is almost hastily thrown out to prevent the strike. As it ends up, he does indeed lose his balance and is nearly knocked from his saddle his spear is knocked back, nearly striking the man in his head were it not for his loss of balance. His recover is not quite as fast as before, though he does right himself. This time, he does not seek to strike the paethfindian rather, his horse follows after, a thrust of the spear aimed for the back of Feohelm\'s hips once the distance is closed just enough.

[Faelwine(#31903)]

A hiss through his teeth as the jolt from the maegisterwigend\'s spear jostles Feohelm in the saddle, and Cynerof\'s great stride wavers sideways as his rider\'s balance is tipped, the paethfindian dropping the reins to catch himself on the saddle before tipping off too far. Settling himself back in the tack, he grips the spear in both hands, and suddenly leans his shoulders back and sits deep in the saddle. Cynerof instantly brakes from his gallop to a sliding stop, and Feohelm swings the spear back towards the maegisterwigend in a slight upward arc between waist and chest height, leaning into the strike and using both arms to brace the spear.

The recruit, scurrying backwards with the spear hastily raised, gets in one, two blocks, but cannot find the time to strike back and tries a desperate swing which results in his loosing his balance, leaving himself defenseless as he catches himself with the spear to keep from falling. For all their cunning and swift maneuvres, the recruits are beginning to grow weary, though they yet bunch together and fight on, though now mostly in retreat and defense.

[Theoden(#15851)]

Theoden turns his head for a moment, and he calls out a command to one of his men. It is relayed, and a handful of men come in, setting up trestle tables at the edge of the field. Pitchers of water are brought, and plates of dried fruit and slips of salted meats, things that are welcome on hot days. The king then turns to one of his household beside him, and shakes his head, making a sweeping gesture across the field. Then he leans back a little, watching, waiting.

[Caldwine(#31345)]

The Rider jumps back from the hasty swing then lunges forward, aiming for strike the spear and thus remove the recruit\'s balance. The other Riders start to take advantage of the tiring recruits, pressing forward with their attack.

The Maegisterwigend turns his horse, taking the strike of the spear on his shoulder though this does have the disadvantage of knocking him backwards, almost unhorsing him and causing him to drop his practise spear. None the less, he rights himself once more after a moment, though his movement with that shoulder is slow and careful.

\"Yield, Paethfindian. Your men are weary and will not last much longer.\" The words are spoken only after Caldwine gives the field a quick look, eyes upon Feohelm.

[Faelwine(#31903)]

The recruit is sent toppling backwards by the other man\'s swing, his spear rolling from his hand. He sits upon the ground, looking up at the other man, defeated yet looking pleased with himself. Another, then another are sent toppling from their horses, though if they find themselves still armed they do stand and seek those unhorsed of the Boar patrol to vie with. Though the number of those horsed is dwindling, they fight on fiercely, trying to single out what of their opponents they can and bear them to the ground.

Feohelm, too, glances about the field at his scattered and mostly defeated recruits, but he grins. \"Yet they have fought gallantly, and fight on still. Shall I insult them by ending this before they have yet had their fill?\" He shakes his head and lefts his spear, but eyes the maegesterwigend with glittering eyes. \"How is your shoulder, Maegisterwigend? Yet you are still horsed... a draw, perhaps then, between you and I.\"

[Theoden(#15851)]

Now some of Theoden\'s esquires or those of his men come to the aid of the fallen and defeated, not to fight for them but to take their arms or their helms, to give them a hand up, and to lead them over to where refreshments are being laid out, for the day is growing warm. Some are given tokens of green cloth with the king\'s own device \'broidered thereupon, both those of Caldwine\'s patrol and Feohelm\'s recruits.

[Caldwine(#31345)]

\"There is no insult in yielding a well fought match.\" Replies the Maegisterwigend, hand drifting to his sword hilt, a smile flickering over his face. \"We are both still horsed. A draw, then an honourable end to the match.\" A brief pause comes from Caldwine before he nods his head slightly. \"A little sore.\" He draws his sword then, using it as a signal for his men.

As their leader stops fighting, the Riders of Boar do not now actively seek to defeat the recruits, rather just keeping their ground. Those that are led away watch over their shoulders, waiting to see how it ends.

[Faelwine(#31903)]

A smile, too, flickers across Feohelm\'s face, hazel eyes bright. He dips his head respectfully to Caldwine and raises his spear aloft and cries, \"Hold!\" at which signal the recruits cease their skirmish with Boar patrol, the young men flashing proud grins at each other despite their fairly obvious defeat. They dismount and loosen the girths on their saddles, walking their horses about to cool them off. Those that are led away nod appreciatively to the guards which escort them, those which receive tokens beaming all the prouder. Most are only lightly to moderately hurt, and they take perhaps a sip of water before going to fetch their own horses and look after them.

\"A well fought match indeed, Maegisterwigend.\" Feohelm comments earnestly, tossing his spear down and pulling off his helm and setting it to rest upon the pommel of his saddle, shaking out his red-gold braids darkened with sweat, his cheeks red and shining from the exertion. Idly, he rubs at the place on his thigh where Caldwine struck him earlier. \"Perhaps this should be a regular event, hrrm?\" He chuckles softly, then winces a little. \"Though not too often. \'tis good for them, aye,\" he tips his head towards where the recruits are milling. \"But would not do to have the lot of us bruised and battered all the time.\"

[Theoden(#15851)]

The esquires are helping with the horses, too, especially those of men who are most bruised or winded. Theoden speaks quietly to his riders, and they, too, go amongst the patrol and the recruits, aiding here and there, and handing out tokens to some. Theoden smiles, and draws up the reins a little, just a fraction tighter. Snowmane lifts his head, but the king holds him still for a moment longer. He speaks to the man on his left, then the one on his right, and both groan softly. Sheepishly one hands over a brooch, the other an arm-ring. Satisfied, Theoden smiles, then hands them to his personal esquire before riding out to the center of the field.

[Caldwine(#31345)]

With the match over, the Riders of Boar dismount, walking their own horses. Those that have recieved tokens straighten, others giving silent claps on shoulders for the recognition.

Caldwine chuckles softly, removing his own helm and shaking his head a moment. \"Indeed, something to be held more often... it does them good all of them. For those with experience, it keeps them sharp, while those without get the experience without risk of serious harm.\"

He lowers his sword, sliding it into the scabbard, careful to move his shoulder slow.

[Faelwine(#31903)]

The paethfindian nods to Caldwine, then lifts his gaze as the King approaches upon Snowmane. \"Hail, Theoden!\" he calls clearly as he turns his horse to attention, not shouting but in a carrying voice, such that the recruits still their congradulations of each other and turn, now, to watch the proceedings in centrefield. Though Cynerof\'s nostrils are flared and a sheen of sweat is upon his neck and flank, he stands still with head high and a satisfied look in his dark eyes.

[Theoden(#15851)]

Theoden rides towards the two leaders, his eyes gleaming. He himself holds out two strips of cloth on the green field is the charge of the white running horse, though into it some silver-white thread must be embroidered it gleams and glitters so. \"Well-fought, and well-ended,\" he says, and his voice carries richly throughout the field. \"To all of you, well-done. Take now these charges. In a couple weeks\' time I shall be riding out of the city, to journey through the Mark. With me shall go my own household riders and eored.\"

Then he lifts his voice a little. \"Some of you upon this field now bear my token. Guard it well, and keep it with all due honor. When I ride from Edoras, those of you who bear my favor shall come with me. You shall be charged with the duties of protecting those who travel with me from any danger that might arise. You shall also bear the charge with my own eored of my own guard, should the need arise. You have been chosen for reasons of skill, or potential, or honor, or creativity. For some of you, most of you, it shall be a learning opportunity. Use it well. Let not, though, those of you not chosen think you are any less. Some of you are not ready, and some of you are more needed to guard the rest of the Mark, or the city, during this time think not the less of yourselves for this. I have been made proud this day by what I have seen upon this field.\"

The standard-bearer holds to him a great horn, heavy, mead-filled. \"Drink with me now, my people, to the honor of the folk of Eorl. Eorlingas, hail!\" The last two words are a great shout, and he lifts the horn easily and drinks deeply, then holds it out to Caldwine first.

[Caldwine(#31345)]

As Theoden approaches, the Maegisterwigend turns his horse the face the King, bowing his head a moment Caldwine\'s men also turn to watch the centrefield. As the King holds out the two strips of cloth, Caldwine takes one, bowing his head once more. \"Thank you, my lord.\" He falls silent as Theoden continues to speak.

As the horn is held out, the Maegisterwigend takes it, pausing only long enough to say \'Hail!\' before taking his own drink from it. It is then held out towards Feohelm, a grin upon Caldwine\'s face.

[Faelwine(#31903)]

\"An honour, Sire,\" Feohelm murmurs as he, too, accepts a token from the King with a slow, gracious nod of his head. Once Theoden has finished speaking, he answers him with a hearty \'Hail!\" as well, flashing a grin back to the maegisterwigend as he accepts the horn, drinking deeply of it. Holding the horn out to return it to Theoden, he adds, \"Westu hal, Theoden Cyning,\" and nods again, his eyes gleaming with mirth and pride.

[Theoden(#15851)]

\"It is I who have been honored today. Westu hal, Caldwine. Westu hal, Feohelm.\" Theoden\'s voice is warm, though it still holds to it the note of command. He takes back the cup, then hands it down to his esquire to pass about the field, sharing the horn with the warriors assembled, even with the most raw recruit. Theoden sits back, relaxed in his saddle, immense pride shining in his eyes.

[Caldwine(#31345)]

\"Westu hal, Theoden King.\" Is the Maegisterwigend\'s repsonse before he chuckles quietly, relaxing in his saddle somewhat as his eyes flick towards his patrol, taking stock of how each fared. With a slight nod of the head to himself, his eyes return after a minute to Theoden before he speaks again. \"Which part of the Mark shall be visited first, my lord?\"

[Faelwine(#31903)]

Feohelm, the token held preciously in one hand, reaches out with the other to gently pat his horse\'s neck as Cynerof tugs at the bit as though wondering the reason for all this standing about. Their horses tended to, the recruits are clustered about in small groups, grinning and clapping each other on the shoulders as the horn goes around. Letting his gaze stray over them for a moment, the paethfindian smiles to himself and nods approvingly, then returns his attention to Theoden, seeming to also be curious of the answer to Caldwine\'s question.

[Theoden(#15851)]

\"That depends on a number of things,\" answers Theoden. \"I await now reports from East and West regarding the state of the borders, the movements of the herds, and the state of the harvest. Mainly I want to hear abouht the borders, for, though I have no concern about enjoining battle, there will be those who come with, or those who follow in my wake, who cannot fight. I must take heed for their safety. As soon as I have heard, I will send a getaleboda, and heralds, too. It is not quite as simple an answer as it might seem.\"

[Caldwine(#31345)]

The Maegisterwigend nods, a thoughtful expression upon his face for a few moments before he speaks. \"I have not heard anything from the West, myself, but not all news comes to me and news can be slow in coming itself at times. The East I do not know.\" Here, Caldwine looks to Feohelm, an eyebrow arched slightly in question.

[Faelwine(#31903)]

\"Some news of the East has come to me lately through my brother, Faestred Maegisterwigend,\" Feohelm answers with a nod each to Caldwine and Theoden. \"The borders along the Eastemnet and Eastfold have been quiet, of late, though he reports some word of skirmishes to the north, sire. That is not his region to patrol, so he did not have details to provide, but your heralds will no doubt learn in full what has been transpiring, my lord.\"

[Theoden(#15851)]

Theoden nods his head. \"News should come swiftly, and bad news swiftest of all, so it is said. At any rate, you shall know ere we leave. Prepare well your men who are unfamiliar with life in the camps for the journey my guard will see to them as well.\" He pauses, watching the men drink, then smiles slightly. He removes his helm, shakes back his mane of snowy hair. \"I shall send for you. But now I go. Again, well-fought.\" He calls out to his esquire to bring the horn when the men are done, and for those at the tables to see to their removal. Then he wheels his horse about and is gone, his banner flowing behind him like the dream of a song.

[Caldwine(#31345)]

\"Ferthu hal, Theoden King.\" The Maegisterwigend nods to the departing King, remaining silent a few moments before he looks to Feohelm. \"Well, I think I shall speak with my men and go over the match with them. You and your men are invited to attend, if you wish.\" Caldwine nods his head to the Paethfindian before nudging his horse, heading for the men of Boar Patrol.

[Faelwine(#31903)]

Feohelm bows his head to Theoden as he takes his leave. \"Until then, Sire. Ferthu hal!\" To Caldwine, he nods, \"Yes, I had thought to do the same with the recruits. We shall join you then, now at your invitation, and... perhaps you and your men would care to join us this evening... at the Old Horse?\" He flashes a grin to the other man, and then trots his own horse away to gather the recruits.