Joycie and the Riders of Rohan

 In the fifth circle of Minas Tirith, there lived a very well to do family. This family consisted of a good lady, kind gentlemen and a set of twins: a boy and a girl. Their names were Lady Elennar, Lord Suleril, Master Kinful and Mistress Joycie.

  The family lived close to the stables and Elennar and Suleril thought it proper to teach their children to ride. So on their third birthday, the twins were each given a pony to learn to ride on. Joycie got a little bay mare called Serendi, while Kinful's black gelding was called Flamra. By the time the twins were five, they had become excellent riders.

The twins grew up quickly, and soon they outgrew their little ponies. They were sad to let the ponies go, but to ease the heartache Elennar and Suleril gave them each a 15.4 hand horse the same colour as the old ponies. Joycie and Kinful decided to give them the same names to remember the faithful ponies by.

  Three years later the twins shared their thirteenth birthday. They were asked if they wanted new horses, but both replied no - though for different reasons. Joycie still loved Serendi and there was no better joy for her then riding. But Kinful had turned his attention elsewhere. He wanted to be a Captain of the Guard just like his father had been. It turned out that Flamra had to be sold, as he wasn't getting used. But as could be expected Serendi stayed with Joycie.

  One day Joycie was up in the old stables grooming Serendi when she heard some of the stable hands talking nearby. 'Have you seen little Joycie riding?' one said. 'She looks as though she was born in the saddle.'

  'Aye,' said the other. 'She seems more of a Rohirrim then a maiden of Gondor, does she not?' At this point the stable hands moved out of earshot and Joycie heard no more.

  "A Rohirrim?" she thought. "But I can't be a Rohirrim, I was born in Gondor. At least, I think I was. But at any rate, my parents are Gondorian - aren't they? What if they're not, what if…" Joycie suddenly dropped her brush and sped off in the direction of home.

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  Her home may have only been streets away, but as she had to get through the gate between the fifth and sixth circles (the stable was in the sixth circle and her home lay on the other side of the gate) it took Joycie nearly a quarter of an hour to get through the crowded streets back home.

  The house was splendid, with smooth white walls that had vines sprawling up them; a fountain placed right in the middle of the front garden where birds were singing and bathing; herbs and flowers growing in neat beds along the pathway and the aroma of wild mint all around the place. For once Joycie didn't notice all this and the birds flew away, startled, as Joycie sped pass them. Kinful was nearly bowled over as Joycie shot through the door past him. She ran all the way to the kitchen where Elennar was kneading some dough.

  'Mama,' Joycie panted. 'Mama, you and Papa are Gondorians, aren't you?'

  Elennar looked startled at this. 'Well, of course we are, Joycie,' she said. 'But why do you ask, daughter of mine?'

  'No reason,' Joycie said. And as she walked back through the packed streets to the stable, she thought; "Well, there is no reason now, is there? I can't be a Rohirrim if both my parents are Gondorians. But then why did the stable hands think of me as a Rohirrim? My parents are quite popular with the stable folk, surely they must know that my parents are Gondorians."

  But still she thought about it for the rest of that day. She thought about it so hard that she didn't pay attention to anything else she was doing. She nearly dropped her saddle on the way to tack up Serendi, didn't notice Serendi had a rock in her shoe until another rider saw her limping, and she just played with her food on her plate. All this was so unusual for Joycie, since she was always careful with her equipment, attentive with Serendi and a good eater. And everyone thought: "What is wrong with her? She's not herself."

  Joycie spent a restless night, but in the following grey morning she woke refreshed and calm. She knew what she had to do.

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  She dressed quickly and silently, as was her habit, but before she left for the stables she wrote a quick note, which she left on the table in her room. It wasn't until she passed her brother's room and heard his snoring that she realised she was up earlier then usual. Still she kept on moving.

  The streets weren't nearly as full as they were during the day, as not many were up at this hour. The few who were recognised Joycie and greeted her; Joycie was well known in this part of the city for her gentleness to everyone and her admirable courage. Joycie bid them all a good morning and hurried on her way.

  She reached the stables and rushed to the tack room, where she grabbed her grooming equipment and tack. She carefully put them outside Serendi's stall, where the mare was dozing. The noise brought her out of her slumber and she whinnied softly at Joycie. Joycie stroked her nose until Serendi whinnied more forcefully, demanding her breakfast. Joycie quickly fetched a biscuit of hay and a scoop of oats, and while Serendi was eating she went over her, grooming her until her mane and body shone, and her hoofs were all clean. Then Joycie went to the stable kitchens to get some food while Serendi digested her breakfast. Joycie ate some breakfast and stuffed some food in a pack.

  She went back to the stall and tacked Serendi up. Then, swinging her dark grey cloak and pack up onto her back, she led Serendi outside and mounted. Then, turning towards the city gates she set off at a trot.

  Down through all the gates, trotting through the quiet streets, she soon reached the outer gate. This journey she often made, as the fields outside the city were the best places to ride. Thus she needed little excuse to get past the wallgaurds. As soon as she was on the other side of the gate, she nudged Serendi and they set off at a gallop, heading towards the green pastures of Rohan.

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  Onward they galloped, Serendi never seeming to tire, Joycie feeling the wind in her face, and she knew: this was bliss. They went on this way for hours, until Joycie decided to stop for a while.

  She slowed Serendi down to a canter, then back down to a trot. Soon they slowed to a walk and Joycie steered Serendi over to a cluster of rocks, where there was plenty of grass and a small pool of water. She took the saddle and bridle off Serendi, as she knew she wouldn't run away. Serendi headed straight over to the pool, which was hidden in the rocks. They had discovered it a while ago; they had come out this far before, but had never been further.

  As Joycie pulled the food out of the pack she wondered what was going on at home, whether her parents were worrying about her. She thought about the note she had written. It was only a short one, which contained simple words:

Dear Mama, Papa and sweet Kinful,

Do not worry about me, I have gone away. Thoughts and questions have been troubling me, and I have gone to seek the answers. I do not know when or if I will be back. I have taken Serendi; she will look after me.

With all my love, my wishes, my heart;

Joycie.

Joycie sighed. All of a sudden a quiet voice said: 'Is this your horse?'

  Joycie jumped, startled. She spun around to see a tall figure clad in green and brown, holding onto the mane of Serendi.

  'Yes, she is mine,' said Joycie.

  'But then why do you not keep her with you?'

  'Because I know she will not stray,' Joycie replied firmly.

  The elf, for elf it was, smiled. 'I see you know your beast. I am Lenormen son of Legorstaf, and I go where I will.'

  Joycie bowed her head and replied; 'I am Joycie, daughter of Suleril and Elennar, sister of Kinful, and I seek to find.'

  Lenormen bowed in the fashion of his people. 'It would seem that not only you are a true horsewoman, but also a quaint speaker. May I ask what it is you seek, and where you are headed?'

  'I seek answers, and I head to the Golden Hall of Meduseld where King Eomer reigns. Would you not point me in the right direction?'

  At this the elf laughed. ' You would set out on an adventure, know your purpose and where it is that you are going, but does not know which way to go and only brings food sufficient for one day! First I shall supply you with some of this lembas, second I shall accompany you and show you your way. Your horse is rested, as is mine, now we shall go!'

  Joycie grabbed her tack and quickly saddled Serendi. 'This is good fortune indeed. But why would you accompany me, master Lenormen?'

  Lenormen whistled sharply and a large palomino stallion charged up. 'Because although I have my Hurusa, I get lonely. I need a human companion, and you are perfect.' With that Lenormen swung up onto Hurusa's back. Joycie noticed that as all elves do, he rode without aid of saddle or bridle.

  Joycie herself swung up onto Serendi's back, perfectly imitating the grace of the elf. 'Then let us go,' she said, 'and never look back!' With that they rode off, Lenormen whispering a simple word into Hurusa's ear ('cel!'), Joycie nudging Serendi with her heels.

  But Joycie did look back, at the city that was once her home.

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  Onwards they galloped, Lenormen leading the way. All the rest of the day they went on like this, until the sun began to set in the western sky. Finally Lenormen signalled Joycie to slow down, and at a trot they came to a small band of trees.

  'We shall rest ourselves here,' said Lenormen. 'I have camped here before, and I know this place well. There is a pool of water over there.'

  Joycie untacked Serendi and immediately she trotted behind Hurusa towards the pool. 'How far do you think we have to go?' Joycie asked.

  'Before I have made this journey, and from here it will take about three more sunrises. But who knows what will happen in that time?'

  'Who knows, indeed?' replied Joycie. Then, 'who knows?' quietly, to herself more then to Lenormen or the horses, which had returned. They seemed to get along quite well.

  Lenormen skilfully lit a fire, and no one spoke as they sat and ate their lembas. Joycie eventually curled up in her cloak and was soon in an easy, dreamless sleep.

  Joycie was woken up by Lenormen the next morning. 'Come, it is time we left this place.'

  'Why? Has there been trouble?' Joycie was suddenly wide-awake.

  'No, nothing to concern you, and I'm sure the Riders will take care of things.'

  'Riders? There are Riders here?'

  'They are nearby, and heading this way. If you would hurry up, you might see them.'

  Joycie got up and started saddling a half-asleep Serendi while munching on some lembas. Lenormen whistled for Hurusa, and as soon as they were ready they rode out.

  They came out of the band of trees and saw in the distance a small host moving steadily in their direction. 'There they be,' said Lenormen. 'Behold the Riders of Rohan!'

  Joycie stared spellbound at what she thought to be a wondrous people. She beheld the beauty and the grace of their steeds, the flowing balance the Riders held, and the marvel of horse and rider working together. Lenormen and Joycie rode out to meet them, and hailed them.

  'Hail, Rider of Rohan! Hail, Captain Remlaw!' Lenormen cried. The leader of the host sighted them and raised his hand in greeting.

  'Hail, Prince Lenormen of the North! Many greetings, friend. What brings you to these parts?'

  'Did he say Prince?' Joycie asked. 'And you know the Riders?'

  'All in due course, Joycie. You will learn of such things at a later time,' then, to Captain Remlaw, he shouted; 'I come bearing a maiden, who would wish to see your King!'

  Remlaw looked at Joycie, and his mouth fell open in amazement. He quickly shut his mouth, but opened it once more to speak, 'So be it. You shall ride with us to the Golden Hall of Meduseld!'

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  Remlaw invited Joycie to ride beside him when they moved off. He smiled at her and asked: 'what name do you go by, lass?'

  Joycie replied: 'I am Joycie, daughter of Lord Suleril and Lady Elennar, sister of master Kinful. And likewise, who are you?'

  Remlaw's smile grew wider when he heard Joycie speak her name. 'I,' he said; 'am Captain in Chief Remlaw of the Mark. For now you may just call me Remlaw, but in Meduseld you may be scorned for not using my proper title. You know,' he said, 'we have been waiting for one like you for a long time. We had almost run out of hope.'

  Joycie was about to ask what he meant, but at that moment Remlaw called for the Riders to make camp. Joycie never got another chance to talk to him until the next morning.

* * *

That night Lenormen came to sit with Joycie. 'We can rest tonight, the Riders will be posting a watch,' he said.

  'Lenormen,' said Joycie tentatively, 'Lenormen, why did Remlaw call you Prince this morning? You said I would learn later. Is now not as good a time as any?'

  Lenormen sighed. 'I should have known one as curious as you would ask, or find out sooner or later anyway. And since my heart will not let me deny you an answer, I will tell you.

  'I have only been known as "Prince" for the last two thousand years. I am now reaching the five thousand-year mark.

  'I used to live in my father's house, up north, near the Havens. We lived there because my father had a great yearning for the sea, but the only reason we stayed put was because of my mother, whom he dearly loved. Unlike most elves, she had no desire for the sea, and would rather stay amidst the forests and woods, for they were her home.

  'Until I was about three thousand years old, I was thought to be adopted. My mother gave birth to a stillborn, and I was adopted later that day, as a newborn, to ease her breaking heart. This was done by my mother's faithful maid, whose name I shall not mention. Therefore I could never claim the title as Prince, because my brother who was born later was thought to be the eldest blood son of Legorstaf.

  'Soon after I turned three thousand years old, my mother was struck in the heart by and enemy arrow. She did not die straight away as she had an extremely strong will to live. But day by day we could see her end was near. The life was draining out of her; and while her spirit was still strong, her soul just wanted to depart.

  'My father and I were with her as she lay on her deathbed, about to die. That eventful day she spoke to us, the first time she had uttered a word since the arrow shot. This she said to my father and I, in turn:

  ' "Legorstaf, I love you more then words can say, and I will miss you dearly. Farewell, my King," At this my father cried and kissed her hand. And then, to me, she spoke these words, which I will never forget: "Lenormen, my son, for my son you are, and your father's son too, that is apparent to see. I love you and always will, even when my soul departs this earth forever. Remember that, and remember me, in your heart, as I will you. Namarie, my Prince"

  'And with that she passed on. My father and I sat there for three days and four nights mourning. On the fourth morn, we rose, and my father pronounced me Prince in front of all he commanded. He then made orders to travel to the Havens, carrying as much as could be taken, leaving that which could be spared. He then asked, no, ordered, to have me stay here with my sister Levorian, who did not want to leave, for she was very much like our mother, and to protect her.

  'With that he sailed away, never to be seen on this earth again, taking my brother and all that would go with him. I stayed with my sister as Legorstaf ordered, but some years later a servant came back bearing grave news. My father had died in a sea battle, and that as soon as he returned to my brother he too, would sail away. My sister died of a broken heart, for she loved her mother and father very much, and to learn that both of them were gone was too much for her.

  'I was now all alone, so I took Hurusa and fled. I now travel here and there, never settling, for my home is up north, but I can never go back there. Never.'

  With that Lenormen sat silently and would speak no more. Joycie also sat in thought, and none of them spoke until it was time to bid each other good night. The next morning they rode out once again to Meduseld.

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  Once again Joycie was asked to ride beside the Captain. They did not speak until the ride was well under way. Then Joycie could contain herself no more.

  'Remlaw, you said yesterday that you were waiting for one such as me. That you had nearly run out of hope. And you smiled when I stated my name, looked surprised when you first noticed me. Please, tell me what all that was about?'

  'Well Joycie,' began Remlaw. 'First let me say you are very observant, a skill that any good Rider should have. And I can only tell you this: I smiled to hear your name because your name brings joy to me, thus I thought you were rightly named. But as to what I said yesterday, that cannot be told here or now, and not by me. You will learn many things, in time- '

  'That's what Lenormen said,' interrupted Joycie.

  'And he's right. You must be patient. But for now, I would like to know more about you. What brings you to Meduseld?'

   Joycie looked at him in wonder, then started to explain herself. 'It is but a small and slightly foolish reason,' she said. 'But I came here looking for answers. I overheard two stable hands talking back in Minas Tirith, and they mentioned that I seemed more a Rohirrim then a Gondorian. I believe that to be true, I couldn't stop thinking about it - and how else could a ride so well? And so I came to see if the Rohirrim life was better suited to me, and if I had any relation here that might explain everything.'

  'Well,' said Remlaw. 'A strange quest indeed, though for all the right reasons. I do not think it unwise to seek the answers, for they are always there. But at the end of the road it matters not what the answer is, but how you found it and what you learnt on the way. What I speak is true, and a saying that has been passed down through my family is:

Seek and you will find, for the answers always there.

  Do you see what I mean?'

  'I do,' said Joycie. 'I understand it well, for the same saying was passed down through my family, and almost it alone inspired me to come forth - and so you see me here today. Do you not find that odd?'

  Remlaw looked pensive. 'Indeed, it is strange. Generally different families have different sayings. Why a family of Gondor and a family of Rohan would have the same is beyond me.' But to Joycie Remlaw looked as though he knew more then his words said.

  'But now,' he said, 'it is once again time to stop. The sun has begun to set and the horses need rest, we have come a long way in a short time. But tomorrow you will catch your first glimpse of Meduseld, and let's hope you find some of the answers to your questions!'

  And with that they stopped and rested, and set out again on the morrow.

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