Sword lessons.

We have crossed several low mountain spurs, and are now on a low hill. While the rest are finishing their noon meal, I am surveying the countryside. In front of us I can see more hills rolling along. Beyond that is Hollin Ridge and further, past that, my elven eyes can see the Mountains of Moria.

"What are you looking at, my lady?"

I jumped, startled by the voice. "Aldarion, I did not hear you!"

He smiled. "Well, I am a Ranger." Behind us, Elladan snorted, almost derisively. I glanced swiftly at him, then back at Aldarion. Other then a slightly sour look on Elladan's face, I could tell nothing from either one's expression. 'What is going on there?' I wonder.

"You had asked me a question?" I say.

"I only asked what you were looking at."

I waved my arm out at the landscape. "This". I said simply. "Are not the mountains in the distance beautiful?"

He laughed, amused. "My lady, you forget that I am not an elf."

"Oh," I blushed and giggled. "Sorry."

"She does that all the time." Elena said as she walked past, rolling her eyes. "I am forever searching the skies for something, or scanning the landscape, before I remember she can see much farther than I can."

Aldarion smiled. "I can, however, see that apple on that tree, down at the bottom of the hill, and to the left." He looked at the bow and arrows on my back. "I recall you aiming those at me when we met. Do you have great skill with those?"

In answer, I fixed an arrow to my bow, drew it back, and fired, knocking the apple from the tree. "If you would like, I shall hit that one as well, over there." I pointed to a tree several yards further then the first."

"The one nearly hidden behind that large tree? Very well."

I fired my bow again, and was satisfied to see an apple fall to the ground. I glanced at Aldarion. "Could your mortal eyes see that?" I teased.

"I could and it was a good shot." He replied. "Indeed you are quite skilled."

We talked of weaponry and archery as we walked down the hill to retrieve my arrows, discussing the differences between Elven arrows and Gondorian ones.

"Can my lady wield a sword as well?" Aldarion queried after we had retried the arrows, and the apples.

"Could my lord please call me by my name?" I asked, almost shocked at my boldness.

"If my lady - if you would like it, then yes, Rosriel."

For some reason, my heart skipped when I heard him say my name. I was being foolish, I told my self. Many other men have said my name and no differently. I returned to his question.
"I am afraid my skill with the sword is not nearly as good as that with a bow." I said regretfully. "In Greenwood, the bow is the more common weapon."

"I could give you some pointers, if you would like," he offered.

"Now?"

"If you wish."

"Do you have an extra sword?"

"I do."

"Very well then." We took our positions and started out with some basic moves. Once I demonstrated what little I knew, Aldarion began teaching me some harder tricks. I did very well, and was secretly pleased with myself for catching on so quickly. Then Aldarion surprised my with a quick twist that nicked my hand slightly and sent my sword flying.

"Ow!" I exclaimed.

Aldarion's face was all concern. "Are you hurt?"

"No, no," I reassured him. "It is only a little scratch." I glanced at the sword. "You did catch me by surprise! How did you do it?"

He glanced up the hill. "It looks like they are getting ready to move on. Shall we end the lesson, and I explain it to you as we walk back?"

I nodded in agreement, and we both reached for my fallen sword at the same time. We managed to bump our heads together twice before I finally was able to grab the sword. I reached out to hand it to him and as he took it... our hands touched. I flushed slightly and glanced up at Aldarion's face. He smiled gently, "Shall we walk back up?"

I smiled back, "Yes. Thank you for the sword lessons."

He bowed. "Thank you... Rosriel".