Their steeds tread the worn path into yet another village of Rohan. The air immediately inside the confines still and heavy. Every village they had encountered the same time and time again, the inhabitants tired and worn with no will to prepare for what was coming.
Eowyn, by order of Theodan King had requested that all townships and villages within the realm prepare themselves for a mass evacuation. The protection of their people had fallen into her hands, and though she took this charge with conviction, her heart instead yearned to ride beside her uncle and charge into battle alongside him. Others had come to aid Eowyn in her time of need, Adharra and Thuiralas among them.
Aldburg was no different. Adharra had passed through here long before but only fleetingly. She remembered the village as lively, filled with happiness and with many buildings of intricate carvings and detailed depictions portraying extremely skilled craftsmanship to rival that of the Elves.
Today though, as they passed through the main gate, Adharra reined in her horse. From under her raised hood, she noticed the hinges completely seized upon the gates, it was immediately apparent, that should this village come under attack, they could not even barricade themselves in but instead only welcome their enemy with open arms.
Sighing deeply with sadness, Adharra spurred her horse onwards once more while keeping her eyes lowered, not yet ready to encounter the questioning by locals seeking news from afar. Thuiralas as always, head raised high rode his horse straight past the stables aiming towards the very heart of this community, he wasted no time in his accomplishments. He had a task to perform and would not rest until his charge had been completed.
Dismounting as they neared the steps which led to the mead hall, Adharra paused upon hearing laughter. Turning to face the direction of the sounds, she climbed the first few steps to see a small signal of hope. A smile formed upon her lips as she witnessed a young man fishing in the nearby stream, thrilled with himself as he reeled in his catch. Even with such heaviness laden upon the shoulders of so many, such a sight easily lessened burdens.
As they neared the top of the stair leading inside, Adharra’s gaze was taken upwards and west. “The beacons!” her eyes darted from peak to peak in wonderment. Adharra knew that somewhere above them held a beacon that would one day come alight to warn Aldburg of the approaching enemy, and she also knew that it was their task now to ensure that Aldbury was ready. Or at least ensure her people were safe.
With a loud creak and groan, the heavy wooden doors to the mead hall were flung open and instantly the smell of burning wood and cooked foods began to fill the air around them. Glancing to Thuiralas, she noticed his face grim and knew the menial tasks they were being asked to perform irritated him. But no matter how cumbersome or boring each task, Thuiralas completed each as if every life in every village depended upon him. Following his lead, Adharra walked with him down through the large smoke filled hall where many had gathered into smaller groups. They talked amongst themselves and carried on with their normal everyday tasks which confused Adharra. Listening in to some of the conversations as she walked by caused a frown to form upon her brow and leaned in closer to Thuiralas, she quietly remarked “Evil is but a footstep away from their door and they discuss trivialities!”
He understood her concerns and approached Thane Arcil giving formal greeting. As they spoke, Adharra could not help but notice the tapestry upon the wall above where he sat. It was magnificent. It depicted a fair haired man with a white steed beside him, both seemingly being paid honour by Lords of these lands. She wondered who the blonde man was, he reminded her of Eomer, whom she knew was a son of Aldburg and also a Lord of these lands.
It was then the sad voice of Thane Arcil broke through to her thoughts “They heed me no more, they care nothing for their home only their drinking and feasting, perhaps you might have luck where I have not.”
Adharra saw the defeat in his eyes and recognised a tired man when she saw one It saddened her deeply as she studied the worn features upon his face. “My Lord” she broke her silence as she stepped forward to stand beside Thuiralas “We have come to aid in the preparations. We come to have Aldburg and her people ready. Let us waste no more time with trivialities” she lowered her hood and turned to face the people of the hall “Your King has commanded you!”
