The White Horse

[Nurumaiel]

A quick nod from Eohsecg told Talômi that he had been right. "Well, that is to say, I'm a scout," said the man of Rohan. "Mostly I'm just sent to scout the land, but there is occasionally the need for a sword."

"Is it dangerous?" Rie asked. "I mean scouting."

Eohsecg turned his blue eyes to her and smiled. "It does depend, m'lady," he said. "Most days everything is quiet, but there are some days when bandits and thieves roam about, and then it may become dangerous, if they have skill with weapons." He laughed. "Most of them take one look at my sword and run."

"I suppose what you mean by that is that they fear a sword, not your sword specifically," said Rie with a mischievous grin.

The four of them laughed at this clever remark. Eohsecg raised his glass. "I propose a toast to the health of our dear Nurumaiel, Talômi of the Rangers, and the fairest of fair maidens, Rie." And then he looked straight into her eyes and smiled again.