Erolamir and Gwenryn: Chapter 2

Erolamir felt he had been waiting forever for Gwenryn to get herself ready for her first hunting lesson. He kicked a sod of grass on the ground absent-mindedly, arms folded, still leaning against Gwenyn's hut. Finally, she emerged. He turned around quickly upon hearing the creak of the door, facing her. Gwenryn was clad in olive green from top to toe. She wore a tunic and leggings which certainly brought her figure to justice. Around her neck was a long cloak, a slightly darker shade than her clothing. Her long, fair hair was styled in two plaits, one either side of her head. Her eyes were as grey as slate, yet they seemed to sparkle. Her expression was soft, her cheeks flushed slightly. He had to admit to himself, he found her to be fetching. He gave her a swift look up and down. "I am now ready. Again I must say sorry.", Gwenryn said awkwardly. She pulled the cloak around her upon feeling the chill of the morning. "I do not tolerate laziness, m'lady. You must be awake, ready and out here at dawn. Understood?", Erolamir said sharply. The young woman shot him a frown. "Laziness? Sir, you assume too much!". "Do I?", is all Erolamir said. He grunted again, striding across the verge until he reached a horse which was tied to a wooden post. Gwenryn followed, not so swiftly. She watched the young man approach the brown steed. Erolamir patted the horse on the side of its head gently. He softly spoke, the horse nuzzling him in response. Gwenryn smiled upon this display. The young man reached into the pack holsted onto the steed and pulled out a carrot. He offered it to the animal, a slight smile on his lips. Gwenryn was happy to see that the horse brought out a lighter side of this stern man. "Her name is Avalohin. She has been my companion since I could barely walk.", Erolamir stated. His tone was more gentle, with a hint of affection. Gwenryn approached the two, she gazed at the creature. "She is beautiful, she looks powerful too." "That she is. She has never failed me and never will I suspect.", Erolamir turned his attention to Gwenryn, thinking to himself that he is in the presence of not only one beautiful creature, but two. The young woman tentatively reached out her arm to Avalohin. The horse jerked away first of all, but slowly came round to sniff Gwenryn's hand. Her hand came in contact with Avalohin's snout. She petted her gently. "You are a beautiful lady, Avalohin. It is a pleasure to meet you." It was now Erolamir's turn to watch the two. He suddenly realised that he had not introduced himself. "Excuse the rudeness, I ought to tell you my name. I am Erolamir Felethil." The man nodded curtly. Gwenryn turned to the man. "I am Gwenryn. It is a pleasure to meet you." She bowed her head in return. She looked up at him and smiled. He looked at her sternly, yet she could have sworn she saw a hint of a smile there. "I do not have my own horse, unfortunately." "We must press on. We have much to do.", Erolamir untied Avalohin and mounted her quickly. He reached out a hand to Gwenryn. "Come. Get on." She took his hand gently, he gripped hers firmly, he helped her onto Avalohin, him seated behind her. "Hold tight.", he said. Erolamir and Gwenryn rode fast across the plains. Gwenryn enjoyed the ride, admiring the beauty of her homeland. She felt a sense of freedom being on horseback, totally different her home life. She had a good feeling about being trained as a hunter. She even quite liked her teacher, even though he seemed to be cold towards her. She felt a sense of excitement, yet nervousness also. She wanted to be a good hunter, she did not want to seem foolish. She silently vowed to be the best pupil Erolamir has had and to put her full efforts into learning his craft.