[Folwren]

Thornden found his sister in the kitchen, with Kara, Fordides, and Saeryn. All four of them sat at the table, talking and laughing as though they had all known each other forever. The mirth stopped as he opened the door and entered and all of them looked up. Kara half rose, expecting to have to serve up another plate. But when they saw that it was Thornden, Medreth made it to her feet before Kara had.

“Thornden! Where’ve you been?”

“I’m sorry, Medreth,” Thornden replied. “A couple of us went exploring in some old ruins nearby. I did get your letter and I did remember, until Falco started talking about going on an adventure.” Medreth shook her head, giving him a look that he read quite easily – ‘Aren’t you ashamed of yourself? Running off after adventures at your age!’ “I am sorry,” he said again. “I hope you haven’t been waiting too long.”

“Oh, no, not too long,” Medreth said, brightening instantly. “We’ve been having a very fun time, just talking. But I am surprised you weren’t here. Kara, get him a plateful, please. You must be starved, Thornden. Will you join us?”

“I think I’d do better with the boy’s eating outside in the main hall,” Thornden told her, sending an uncomfortable glance at Saeryn. “Did you bring anyone else with you, other than Javan?”

“No, it’s only us two today, big brother. Father sent me on an errand and with a message. He knew I wanted to come see you. I am starting back in an hour, I think, to make it back with plenty of daylight. But you must sit with me, I’ve got something to ask you. Here, Kara, set that here.”

Kara obediently set the steaming bowl full of stew beside Medreth. Thornden sighed in defeat, an easily won battle for Medreth. “Let me wash my hands and then I’ll join you.” In a minute, he sat down by his sister. “So, what is your question?” he asked as he picked up his spoon. He paused with it half way to his mouth and leant towards her. “It had better not be if I’m planning on getting married,” he whispered savagely.

Medreth laughed gaily. “No, no, you silly boy, nothing of the kind – though are you?” Thornden looked away, rolling his eyes and frowning. Medreth laughed again. “No, it’s something entirely different. I came with Javan to ask a favor of you, or, maybe it’ll be more of a favor of the lord Eodwine. But he is not here today, so I thought I could just as well as you. You are his steward, aren’t you?”

“No,” Thornden said. “Just his almsbudsman. I am not fit for a stewardship yet. Saeryn here may be able to answer your question, though. Fire away, and quit taking such a long time with getting to the point.”

“Right. Well,” Medreth went on, shifting on her seat and glancing from Thornden to Saeryn and back again. “Father asked me to ask you if Javan could stay here and become part of the eorl’s court. He thought it would be a good idea if Javan got a foothold here in Edoras earlier in life, you know.”

“But I thought he wanted someone to take over the land!” Thornden said in surprise as he stopped eating to look at her. “He protested so much when I left!”

“Yes, Thornden, but you were the oldest. Javan’s the youngest, and he doesn’t have a mind for farming. He’s smart, Thornden, and dreadful impatient. He loves horses, but that’s all. And he only likes horses because they can be exciting. He hates crops and cows more than you! Idread had an excellent mind for all that sort of thing. He’s grown up a lot since you’ve left, Thorn. You’d hardly know him. He’s doing most of the work with father now. He’s constantly by his side. He’s going to take over after him.”

“What does Javan think of being left out of it? I mean, at least I left of my own will, but it sounds like Father’s sending Javan off here whether he likes it or not!”

“Javan’s up for the adventure.” Thornden made an impatient movement. “I know what you’ll say - it’s more than an adventure, it’s deciding what he’ll do with his life - but you’ll admit, won’t you, Thornden, that if he starts earlier in learning things here in Edoras the better off he’ll be when he becomes a man? What do you say? Can he stay?”

Thornden hesitated a moment. He looked up at Saeryn who gave him a small smile. “Lord Eodwine said he will not be returning until nightfall,” Thornden replied, looking again at Medreth. “You have to start back before then. I would say, leave Javan here for now and if Eodwine cannot have him, I’ll escort him back one day.”

“Thank you, Thornden!” Medreth said, her face lighting up. To his great surprise, she threw her arms about his neck in a girlish, impulsive hug. “They’ll be so happy at home!”