Horses and Elves and other pretty things

[boromir_of_gondor]

I had my first real conversation with an actual Elf today. It went better than I thought it would. Father never trusted them, but perhaps he was wrong.

Boromir: *walks from his apartment to the stables, his pockets stuffed with
carrots and apple slices. He makes his way through the crowded streets, to
the edge of the city, into the musty stables. The mare on his right nickers
softly.* Hey, pretty lady. I have a treat for you. *holds out a carrot in
the palm of his and which she nibbles*



Arakano: *has been to the Healing House for his treatment, and
discovered that Alagoss is no longer in Gondolin. One of his
assistants saw him disappear with a friend into a portal of intense
blue light. Arakano will miss him, but hopefully he is back on Aman.
He doesn't want to go back to Turgon's tower just yet, so he starts
walking at random until he reaches the stables. He sees a man there,
speaking to a mare. Do Humans understand the horses' language?*
"Hello."

Boromir: *turns quickly, startled* Hello. I didn't hear you approach. *then
feels rather stupid because Elves are quiet* Is this your horse? I was just
giving her a little snack. *pets her nose*

Arakano: *trying not to stare at the man. He has seen few Humans, and
none yet with hair on his face* No, I apologize for startling you. And
no, I have no horse yet. She is beautiful, is she not? *comes closer*
My name is Arakano.

Boromir: *smiles and offers his hand, then wonders if that is how Elves
greet each other* I am Boromir of Gondor. Well, formerly of Gondor. I was a
captain there before I found myself here. *strokes the mare's neck* She is
lovely. I miss riding, and I have no horse either. I've never seen horses
like these before I arrived. The horses in Gondor are much smaller.

Arakano: *Offers his hand too, curious as this Human way of greeting*
Gondor? I should visit my cousin at the House of History and read
about it. I have been here for a short time, and I have yet to read
about future history. *smiles* You are still of Gondor, are you not?
We name ourselves differently, but I'd have to say I am Arakano of
Tirion... Why don't you ask for a mare? *thinks he might be able to
ask for a mare for Boromir, even if that means telling the Horse
Master who he is*

Boromir: *nods and smiles* Nice to meet you, Arakano. I was told by a guard,
Theo, that there were no horses available. They all have owners, and I have
no money to purchase one, regardless. *looks a bit sad and offers the mare
another carrot* At least I can come here and feed them on my off time. I
hope when I join the guards that I will be able to use a horse, even if I
cannot own one.

Arakano: I might have a way to find a horse for you. *hopes he is
correct* Surely they'll give you one when you join the guard. *might
join the guard too... he was good at fighting... rash, but very
good...* Wait here, please.

Boromir: Really? *hopes* That would be wonderful. I would owe you a huge
favor. *pets the mare as he waits* Curious fellow, isn't he? Are all Elves
as nice as he is? *the horse noses him, wanting another carrot*

Arakano: *smiles and leaves to speak with the Horse Master. Alagoss
told him he used to own a horse. It was a Gondolin horse, so maybe he
could give it to Boromir? Arakano was going to take the horse for
himself, but right now he is in no shape to mount. After speaking with
him, Arakano returns* That mare used to be owned by a friend who is no
longer in Gondolin. It might be that he is back to Aman. You can have
it, and if he returns, I am certain he will let you have it. He
actually had two horses, so I have one too. Her name is Aenil.

Boromir: *smiles wide, excited* Aenil is a lovely name. *horse nickers,
hearing her name and noses Boromir again* Are you quite certain I can have
her? I would be very much in your debt, Arakano. I don't know how I could
ever repay you.

Arakano: I am certain *thinks that Boromir will take good care of
Aenil* You owe me nothing, Boromir. I believe my friend would be glad
to know that Aenil is not alone. The other horse, it was supposed to
be for me. He is Aenil's, no longer a colt. I can't mount yet, but I
will be coming to see him every day.

Boromir: *studies Arakano, curious* Have you been ill? *unsure what an ill
elf looks like, since they all look beautiful to him* When can you ride
again?

Arakano: I was brought here on the verge of death so my friend Alagoss
saved me. I am ill because I should be dead, but I think I won't die
this time. *smiles* I suppose I can try riding, but only for a little
while. I tire easily these days, which is disconcerting. We could ride
now, if you wish, but I'm not sure if we will be able to escape the
city... *certainly the guards would tell Turgon if his brother tried
to leave it on a horse, unless...* I wonder if there is a place where
we can ride...

Boromir: *concerned* No, no, you should wait. I don't want you to get worse,
and I have no idea where to ride, either. Escaping the city does sound nice,
though Theo told me nobody was allowed outside without permission from Lord
Turgon. *smiles* It is odd not being in charge. Back in Gondor, I could do
as I pleased. Here, I am nothing more than an ordinary citizen...and a
human in a city of Elves. Strange.

Arakano: *sighs inwardly* All right. Elves don't really die unless
they are wounded. *likes being alive, but is still out of sorts* You
know, being in charge is overrated... I think. Now you can do with
your life whatever you wish, no obligations or dangers... *very
boring, actually* Sorry, I just don't feel comfortable here either.
There are more Humans here. In the guard, probably, but there might be
others... somewhere else... I am sorry. This is actually my second
time out in the city. We could explore it together. I've heard there
are parties of hunters, so if you'd like I could try to... I know one
of the Elves in charge of those parties. If you feel the need to ride
out, that might be a solution.

Boromir: But life without risk or challenge is boring. *eyes Arakano* Do
humans make you feel uncomfortable? Do I? I hope not. I'd like to get to
know you...I have never spoken to an Elf until today. You're my first, and I
would like to get to know you.

Arakano: No, no, of course not! I am very curious about Humans but
that doesn't mean I will bother you with endless questions. *smiles*
It's just that I have been inside walls for too long, people worrying
over me, and such. I don't want you to worry over me. I would like to
know you better too. *hesitates* I should tell you who I am here, if
we are going to start a friendship. Did you ever read about
Nolofinwë's first battle, where his youngest son died?

Boromir: *thinks back* I have not read much Elvish history, but I do
remember the High King Fingolfin. Are you related to him?

Arakano: He was my father *shrugs*. Nobody really remembers me because
I died as soon as I set foot on these lands.

Boromir: *eyes wide* Oh. I didn't realize. *stands up a little straighter,
trying to appear taller* Then you know a thing or two about being a leader.
*wonders how the dead part happened, but decides to ignore it for now* Let's
make plans for a ride sometime soon, once you are feeling better. By then, I
should know my guard schedule, and hopefully will have some time off.

Arakano: Well... I was the youngest one so no, I was not trained to be
a leader, nothing but the basics. I do know how to fight and cut an
Orc's head... I could also apply to the guard, if there are Elven
guards, that is. But I'm more interested in the ride. Maybe in a
couple of days? Elves heal fast. Really. *smiles*

Boromir: *smiles back* I would like that. *strokes Aenil's nose and gives
her one last carrot* Until next time, pretty lady. *turns to Arakano* Meet
me here at noon on Saturday and we'll ride.

Arakano: I will. I look forward to riding with you.