Rider of the Mark

Rider of the Mark 36

Rub a dub dub, so-called men in the tub.

***

Aefre leaned back, the warmth of the tub, the scent of the herbs, soothing and relaxing. There had been much giggling when Sulis, Gamling's youngest sister, pinned up Aefre's hair and not only put cucumber slices over her eyes, but smeared her face with the nastiest, oily stuff she had ever encountered.

Well, at least they are ALL wearing it. I'm not alone.

It felt nice.

The conversation did not lag, for which Aefre was grateful. While not comfortably fluent, the sisters were able to converse in some Westron, their father insisting they understand somewhat in order to wrangle with traders. The jokes ranged from good-natured ribbing on what to expect on her wedding night, jokes that made Lothiriel blush and Eowyn smile.

"He will act the conquering stallion-"

"-when we all know he's been out to pasture too long!"

Lothiriel sank lower in the water.

"Best let him think he's a conquering stallion!"

"Aye! He'll be easier to rope and lead around!"

Aefre shook her head, chuckling, glad for the oily mess on her face. "Lead Gamling around? I don't think so. I love him too much to do that to him."

"Thank you." Beornia's voice was soft, whispered in Aefre's ear. "My brother is a proud man. I would hate to see him brought to heel."

Aefre lifted the cucumber slices from her eyes and turned to look at the elder of her future sister-in-laws. "Your brother is a good man, a strong and wise one. I would not change him for all the Mearas in Arda." She lowered the cooling vegetable back over her eyes and leaned back. "Besides, if he thinks he is being brought to heel, he'll become cantankerous."

Much giggling and ‘ayes' for that.

"So," Lothiriel's voice was tentative, questioning, "it is custom for the women to enjoy a community bath before the ceremony in Rohan?"

"No." Aefre answered sweetly. "It is custom for the bride and her female relations and friends to enjoy a community bath before the ceremony. It allows us to make jokes at the expense of our menfolk and wonder at the prowess of our future husbands."

"Not to mention, frighten future brides!" Sulis was laughing, flicking water at Aefre. She didn't seem to mind the joking at her expense.

"Oh, then I shouldn't be here." Lothiriel turned to look for her towel.

"Nonsense!" Eowyn put a restraining hand on the young Princess' shoulder. "Besides, my brother, the blow-hard, ordered you join us!"

"He ordered-"

"What Eowyn is neglecting to say," Aefre immediately sensed the confusion in the young woman's voice, "is that our King realized that you and Arwen were probably tired from being on horseback for days and would appreciate not only a warm bath, but a little light-hearted company." She flicked water on Faramir's beloved. "She loves digging at him. I suspect it's a sibling-rivalry thing."

Lothiriel immediately relaxed and slid back down into the water. "Will the men do this after we finish?"

"If he's smart," Beornia spoke up, "and if he does, he won't invite my boys!"

"I'm afraid to ask," Aefre mumbled.

"Be afraid! Be very afraid!" Beornia retorted, more humor in her voice than Aefre had seen or heard since her arrival. "They still think passing wind in the bath water is socially acceptable!"

Lothiriel turned white.

Eowyn cringed.

Aefre shook her head in mock disgust, while Gamling's sisters and mother laughed at the silliness of males. The laughter and suggestive jokes continued until a kitchen maid arrived by the large tub with goblets of honeyed mead and passed them around.

"Might I ask a question?" Arwen, for the most part, had been very quiet, watching the goings on with the patience of one who had been alive for many years. She lifted her goblet gracefully. "When is your baby due, Lady Aefre?"

Orva squealed in delight while Sulis and Maida coughed in shock, mead spewing, Eowyn's own goblet stopped in mid-lift, her eyes as wide as saucers. Beornia and Aelwydd exchanged looks no one saw.

"I beg your pardon?" Aefre was shocked, not by the audacity, but by the knowledge. She had entered the tub first, shielded by Aelwydd and Beornia, who had engaged the group in conversation.

"I am sorry," Arwen dipped her head. "I thought you knew. My grandmother said your babe is well planted."

"I knew."

The younger of Gamling's sisters started to rise from the water, Eowyn as well, congratulations spilling from their lips, before being restrained with hands and head-nods from Aelwydd and Beornia.

"You wished to keep this secret." Arwen's gaze was a fathomless pit of dark blue. "I am sorry."

"Secret?" Orva was the next to youngest of Gamling's sisters and her flaming red hair gave heed to her quick and hot temper. Her voice was high- pitched and it carried on the wind. She winced at the sound, as well as was smacked by her mother, and lowered her voice. "Secret? Why would you wish to keep it secret? Haven't you told Gamling?"

"She's One of the Blessed!" Beornia spat. "Keep your voice down. And yes, he knows!"

The sisters knew what that was, and non-stop, low-voiced chattering began; speckled whispers, fierce Rohirric consonants passing back and forth over the large, deep vat.

"Aefre?" Eowyn spoke up over the murmuring, "what do they mean by Blessed?"

Aefre waited for the sisters to stop before answering. "Our baby was conceived at Dunharrow, on the eve of battle. Gamling returned to Edoras badly injured and the pregnancy was confirmed before I returned to his bed. We know the exact night I conceived as it was only the one night." She took a deep breath before continuing. "There are many women in Rohan who are considered One of the Blessed. Many of them however, will be raising these children alone. I feel guilty parading about with not only a baby in my arms, but a new husband as well." Her attention reverted downwards to the water, her fingers flicking the edge of the liquid nervously. "It seems unfair. Not to mention, I am a bit long in the tooth to be having my first child."

"You are frightened." Arwen's voice was deep, wisdom of the ancients.

Aefre raised her goblet, staring deeply at the contents swirling gently within. "I am terrified."

"My father is a healer of much renown. I would ask him to attend you, and he will ease your fears."

Aefre waved her off, shaking her head. "I have heard of the healing prowess of Elrond of Rivendell, however I am simply a first time mother with nothing more than first time jitters. I would appreciate it if he looked at Gamling's wound and make sure it's healing properly. His side pains him much." She took a pull and whispered into the goblet. "He has very dark dreams that worry me."

The Princess of Dol Amroth had been listening, taking in the quiet distress of the noblewoman. "Your Gamling witnessed the battle of Pelennor Fields?"

"Witnessed?" Aefre's eyebrows raised as high as they would go. "Was in the middle of it, as well as at the Black Gate. I fear he blames himself for Théoden King's death." She waved off the protests of Gamling's family. "Somehow, they became separated and Gamling was too far off to reach him when he saw Snowmane fly through the air. By the time he reached him, he was dead."

"Lady Aefre," Lothiriel's voice took on a serious, mature edge. "I watched that battle from the upper reaches of Minas Tirith. It was horrible. No one should blame themselves for anyone's death, least of all, your Gamling."

"My Gamling," Aefre responded gently, "is a Marshal of the Riddermark. He is not just the commander of the King's armies; he was Captain of the King's personal guard. Théoden was his responsibility and he feels he failed that duty." Her eyes dropped for a moment. "I can't begin to imagine the things he dreams about, talks of in his sleep. He talks of Snowmane flying as if he was winged through the air-"

"Someone put an awful epitaph on Snowmane's burial mound," Eowyn spat angrily. "Théoden's Bane, they have labeled him." Her words were followed by enraged hissing. "I saw the beast that felled both horse and rider. None could have withstood it."

"You did." Lothiriel's voice was soft, almost reverent. "I heard and saw."

"I had help."

"A Halfling, a Hobbit." Lothiriel's smile was humorous, indulgent. " ‘Tis said the Hobbit rode with you and you both felled the Witch King. I was in the Houses of Healing during the battles. I nursed many of your countrymen." She shrugged good-naturedly. "Couldn't understand most of them, any of them," she amended. "Very few speak Westron, but I watched, saw when they brought you in. Your brother sat by your bed for two days, refused food or water. It was noted how much the new King of Rohan must deeply love his sister."

"Bite your tongue!" Eowyn's tone was sharp, but the merriment in her eyes was obvious. "If I died, my brother would have no one to pester!"

"Do you have any brothers or sisters, Lady Aefre?" Arwen's voice was lilting, deceptively soft. Aefre's falling eyes were not lost on anyone.

"I had a brother."

"I am sorry." Arwen did indeed sound apologetic. "He fell during the War?"

Aefre was making senseless circles in the water with the tips of her fingers. "No. My father, husband, and brother were killed in a skirmish near my home in the Wold some years ago."

"Every man in your family was killed at once?" Sulis was filled with new respect. "You had no one to lean on. How did you survive?"

"I had," Aefre flicked the water aimlessly, "a garrison and several homesteads to oversee. They kept me occupied. This-" she waved Gamling's sister's unspoken words off, "is a happy time for me. I never thought I would be lucky enough to find love a second time, especially not in a time of war. Truly, I am blessed!"

Orva raised her glass. "To love and big, fat Rohirrim weddings!"

So busy were the women toasting the bride, they didn't see the struggle going on above them in the guard tower.


***
"Give me the seeing glass."

"No."

The King of Rohan held his hand out in a gesture not meant to be denied. "I command you to give me the seeing glass."

"I said no!" Gamling's voice was not raised, but it was one that sent stable boys scurrying and made men jump.

"You are denying me? Disobeying a direct order from your king?"

"My future wife is down there, might I remind you, as well as your sister!"

Éomer backed up a step, as if in shock. "You are spying on my sister?" A hand went over his heart. "You pervert!"

***yeahyeahsaveit!***

"As that might be, still I'll not give you this. Besides," Gamling leaned over as if to betray a secret, "the Princess of Dol Amroth is down there and-" he raised a finger to ward the younger man off, "it would be considered gauche if the King of Rohan was caught spying on the Princess of Dol Amroth in the bath! You might," he lowered his voice further, "be forced to woo and wed said Princess!"

Éomer glared, fierce, feigned anger clearly evident. "That's low, Marshal." He licked his lips in thought. "She is comely?"

Gamling rolled his eyes.

***Who would believe the esteemed Warrior and King of Rohan is such a flit!*

He moved around Éomer, seeing glass in the opposing hand, so Éomer couldn't snatch it. "I wasn't paying attention. I only had eyes for my bride to be!" The guard was returning from dinner and was slowly mounting the steps. When he reached the landing, Gamling handed it to him. "Keep a close eye on the mountains and towards the west." He purposely pointed him away from the area where the women were. "Orcs and mountain men will use the setting sun for cover." He turned back to Rohan's king. "Let's go to eat before it's gone and if you promise to behave, I will allow you to treat me to drinks at The Frisky Shield Maiden!"

Even the guard shuddered at the suggestion. "Gamling!" Éomer was definitely put - out. "The Frisky doesn't have pretty tavern wenches. In fact," he added snidely, "they don't have amenable wenches, at all!"

Gamling had begun his descent down the rickety wooden stairs. "That might be, however, they do have excellent ale, and I won't worry about you hiring entertainment I don't need tonight."

***not to mention, Aefre won't be as irate when she finds out...***

He went down another flight of stairs. "Are you coming or not? I won't make the offer twice."

"Yes, yes, I'm right behind you!"

***

***I don beliefe thish!***

It was late. The moon had reached its zenith and Gamling was swaying on his feet. He laid his head against the door. It was steady and unmoving.

***I wonner if she'll buy the Grun' the Mounnan Man schtory again... naaaaah.... pro'bly not. I sschhould just...***

If there hadn't been a faint light under the door, he would have turned away, but it was there, he thought he could hear movement...

***hopenooneswifher...***

He lifted his hand and rapped, not so confidently. There was tell-tale swishing behind the door.

"Who's there?"

"Lemme in, pleasch."

The door whipped open, Aefre in a white night shift. Her jaw dropped. "Gamling! What are you-"

He staggered in, making a beeline for the nearest stable thing in the room and sank into it. The chair didn't give way as it should and he fitted himself comfortably in it. "Canneye schtay here tonight?" He looked bleary - eyed up at her. "I'll schleep inna chair and leaf at schunrise..."

"You're drunk!"

***no sssssssschite!***

"Fergot how poe-tant duh ale ish at duh Fer-ischky."

Aefre knelt down beside him, a half-smile on her face. "You went to the Frisky Shield Maiden rather than the Blue Whale?"

Gamling fought hard to remember and repeat what Éomer had said earlier, so long ago. "No a-mean-i-a-ble wen-chaes."

Aefre was shaking her head and giggling. "I suppose not."

"Ughly too."

"Really." It wasn't a question, simply a statement.

"Yeah. Arse ughly. But-" He raised a shaky finger, waving it aimlessly, "duh ale... ish the bescht!"

"I'm glad to know that, but-"

"E'mer ish worsch!"

Aefre caught herself repeating each word Gamling was saying. "Éomer is worse off than you?" Gamling's eyes, normally such a clear blue, unwavering and quick, were dull, bloodshot and struggling to focus. "Why is Éomer worse off than you?"

Gamling was really struggling to focus on Aefre's face. "Tried tuh drink me unner t'table. Stew-pid arse."

Aefre stood up and grabbed her husband - to - be by the hand, pulling him upwards from the chair. "That as it may be, you have a place to sleep tonight and it's not in here with me."

Gamling snatched his hand away and plopped back down in the chair. "Thersh a drunkin' sot in muh bed!"

"I beg your pardon?"

The wavering finger presented itself again. "E'mer passed ow in muh bed. Fair'mir is inna chair!"

"Well, push Éomer over. The bed will fit two-"

"I'm not schleeping inna bed wit' him!" Gamling tried to bellow and almost fell out of his chair. "Thas weird!" His shoulders slumped and the man stared bleary eyed up at her. "Pleas. Onwy udder place is d'staple."

With Dréogan.

Far be it for her to force him to sleep in the stable with his horse the night before his wedding.

"You've not bathed." He smelled of ale and sweat. Gamling's head was nodding and his eyes were getting heavy.

"Ne-fhews an' tha' scho-cawled king was havin' a fartin' contes' inna wadder when I got dere." The Rider was struggling to stay awake. "Schorry, Aah-vre."

Aefre took his hand and pulled him upwards. "I don't think you will be bedeviling me tonight, but you have to promise when I get you up in the morning, you'll slip out quietly. Can't have everyone talking!"

"No, no." Gamling lumbered to his feet, swaying once standing fully. "Can haf no one... where m'my goin'?"

Aefre backed him slowly towards the bed, pushing him on it when they reached it. "You are going to bed, m'lord. Give me your foot."

As his foot raised, Gamling fell backwards on the bed, eyes staring up at the bed hangings. "Ish green."

One boot was off, the woolen stocking following. Aefre reached for the other foot. "Yes, Gamling, the bed drapes are green."

One finger was up, drunkenly following the embroidery on the elaborate curtain. "Ish new."

The second boot was off, Aefre's thumbs pressing into the arch, massaging a small knot. "No. These are the hangings I put up when you moved into the room."

A thoughtful scowl. "Really?"

"Really."

Large toes wriggled in her hand, followed by a rumbling growl. "Time fer bed, Aah-vre." Gamling tried to waggle his eyebrows, but due to his rather inebriated state, the leer was comical. Aefre swung his feet over on the bed.

"I'll be along shortly, m'lord. You go on to sleep."

The Marshal rolled to his side - truth be told, it took several tries - and patted her side of the bed, suggestively. "Bedbed!"

Aefre ignored the obvious invitation. "I have to finish packing for our trip, Gamling. I'll be along in a few."

"Pack termorrow. Yer gonna need yer sleep-"

"As I recall, we will be getting married tomorrow." Aefre was pulling clothing from the clothing chest. "Believe me, you and I will be much too busy-"

"Gonna keep y'up awl niiiiiiiight..." Gamling's voice was fading, his jaw cracking in an Gamling-sized yawn. "Come t'bed."

Aefre smiled, an evil smile on her face. Béma, she loved the man and she readily admitted he made sure she enjoyed their sex life, as he never left her wanting, but once he came to completion, he was typically asleep in five minutes! "Count to one hundred and I'll join you."

There was a snort. "Awright. One. Tew. Free. Four. Sheven. Ate. Nine-"

"-teen."

"Twenny. Twennyone. Tweenytew."

"Three."

"Four. Five. Schix... scheben... ate... ...nine..."

"One."

"...tew... ... ... free... ... ... ... ffffff... zzzzzzz..."

Aefre looked over her shoulder to see her snoring Horse Lord cuddled up to her pillow. She made a mental note to send herbal tea to the bathhouse in the morning for his hangover. Come to think of it, better send enough for Éomer and Faramir, as well. It took her fifteen more minutes to finish packing the trunks for the two of them. For not the second time, she wished she had a few more nice things, but there was nothing to be done for it. What little she had would have to suffice for this Royal wedding. At least her soon to be husband would be properly outfitted, as befitting his station. With the last garment and small clothes packed carefully, she straightened, putting her hand to an aching back. She imagined it would only get worse as her pregnancy advanced. By now, her waistline was completely gone and her stomach was beginning to slightly protrude. With a caress, her hand slid over the hardening bump. "Not going to hide much longer, are you, little one?" She opened the window, fresh air invading the room, and blew out the rest of the lamps. Gamling had now rolled over on his back and was snoring enough to shake the bed. Aefre lowered herself gently, so not to wake him and snuggled into his side. Her hand slid over his waist and was comforted by the responding squeeze. "You big baby," she whispered.

"Zats rite...zzzzzzzzzzzz"


tbc


A/N - Bruce Hopkins will be attending The Gathering of the Fellowship the first weekend of July in Toronto Canada. All proceeds from the convention will be donated to Proliteracy - an organization designed to promote literacy in adults, something Mr. Tolkien would approve of and Mr. Hopkins considers dear. Please visit www.operationgathering.com to discover news of the Gathering as well as ways to promote or donate to this wonderful charity.