[Manardariel]

Eorlyn walked outside on the porch. She clenged her fists, trying hard not to scream. How could he??? How could he do this to her? She was stunned. She was shoked.

"Eorlyn, please come here." A voice rang out of the house. Deep, inpatient. Patronizing.

"Yes, father?" she called back, totally the dutiful daughter he wanted her to be. But behind her forehead, her brain was working up an excuse to get out of here.

"Father, Nightmane may be foaling tonight. I´d like to check on her," she said. She had him, and she knew it. Her father was a true Rohirimm, and his horses were his prized property- his horses and his daughter. His daughter who, at the moment, was dissappearing into the dusk of Minas Tirith, walking to the stables.

Five minutes later, Eorlyn entered the stabels of the "Steward Cavalery Training Acadamy". It took her one look at the pregnant mare to see she wouldn´t be foaling untill next week. But, of course, she had been sure of that. Nightmane was merely an excuse, a beutiful and proud one, yet nevertheless an excuse to get off her father´s hands. Her father who had finally gone to far. Who had dared to choose a husband for her. And one she didn´t even know, let alone approve of! Eorlyn felt fury risng up with her again. What did he think she was, a prized horse he could sell to some rich bloke of his choosing?? Eorlyn knew she couldn´t go home and play dutiful daughter now. Instead, she walked over to her best friend´s house. She and Estel had known each other since childhood, and were like sisters to each other. Eorlyn was all set to tell her friend about her father, but it was Estel who had the bigger news.

"Guess what?" she exclaimed. "Naryion´s home!"

"Really??" Eorlyn was so delighted she forgot about her father this instant. Estel´s oldest brother, Naryion, was a ranger of Ithilien, and -to the girls- a welcome divertion from their usual lives.

After a wonderful night of tales and laughter, Eorlyn left. She grabbed her cloak, and only then saw a role of parchment with the seal of the steward. Couriously, she grabbed it. It was an order to Naryion. The girl´s eyes flew wide opn as she read it, and when she had finished, her mind was made up. Carefully making sure no one was looking, she grabbed the order and ran home.

Her room was dark, but for the small candle burning. She had survived her father´s tirade. Next to her foot she had a bundle of clothes, food, and her own sword. Now for the hardest part. Word by word, Eorlyn copied the order, careful to use a male, cold sort of handwriting. When she was done, she looked at it in a pleased sort of way. The order now read:

Eorlyn,

Report to the great gate of Minas Tirith an hour before dawn tomorrow. An officer of the Citadel Guard named Sir Mindalel will be inside the gate. Speak to him for further instructions. Prepare for a week of riding in the snow as well as combat. Your normal wages will be tripled for the duration of your service. Further rewards will be forthcoming should you perform well. Horses
will be provided.

She decided not to add an empolyer. Her lips formed a half-smile at the words "further reward should be forthcoming". She would have her reward: an adventure out of the city. She would be rewarded.

In the middle of the night Eorlyn stole herself out of the house. She silently bade farewell to house and father. "I´ll be back soon," she wispered. Then she walked to the Great Gate.