Prequel to my version of The Lord of The Rings trilogy

A Daughter of Kings

As the people of Edoras carry away chests from the Golden Hall, Eowyn opens one and lifts out a sword, unsheathing it with a practiced hand. She holds it aloft, the blade catching the light, and runs her fingers along its edge. With a swift motion, she practices a few swipes, her movements fluid and precise.

As she turns around, her sword meets Aragorn's knife with a sharp clash. "You have some skill with a blade," Aragorn remarks, raising an eyebrow in admiration.

Eowyn swings her sword with grace, disengaging from Aragorn's knife and sheathing it once more. "Women of this country learned long ago that those without swords can still die upon them. I fear neither death nor pain," she declares firmly.

Aragorn studies her with a serious expression. "What do you fear, my lady?"

Eowyn's gaze turns introspective. "A cage. To stay behind bars until use and old age accept them, and all chance of valor had gone beyond recall or desire."

Aragorn's eyes soften with understanding. "You're a daughter of kings, a shieldmaiden of Rohan. I do not think that would be your fate."

Liv, who had been packing her gear nearby, approaches with a curious look. "Aragorn, are you trying to scare the poor girl?" she asks with a touch of amusement.

"Of course not," Aragorn replies with a smile.

"Good, because if you try anything, you'll have me to deal with," Liv warns playfully.

"I'll remember that," Aragorn says, turning and walking away.

"Thank you," Eowyn says gratefully.

"Of course, don't mind him," Liv replies. "I know what it's like to want to fight but be held back. It makes me so mad sometimes."

Eowyn nods, a spark of understanding in her eyes. "You seem to know Aragorn fairly well."

"Yes, we traveled together a few years ago with Legolas and Gimli," Liv explains.

"And you and Legolas also seem to have a connection," Eowyn observes.

"He's my older brother. My parents adopted him when the two of us left the Fellowship," Liv reveals.

Just then, Lily runs over, her face a mix of excitement and impatience. "Mommy, are you ready?" she asks.

"Yes, are you?" Liv responds.

"Yeah, but Daddy needs some help," Lily says.

"Tell him I'll be over there in a minute," Liv instructs.

"Okay, Mommy," Lily says before running off.

"You have a child?" Eowyn asks, surprised.

"Yes, I do. I know I may only be fifteen, but Lily is my everything. I wouldn't change it for anything," Liv says with a warm smile.

"And David is her father?" Eowyn asks.

"Yes, he is. We've always talked about having kids, but it just happened sooner rather than later," Liv replies.

At that moment, David calls out, "Babe, a little help here!" as he drops his bag with a thud.

"Coming!" Liv calls back.

"Did David just drop his bag?" Legolas asks, walking over.

"Yes, he's hopeless when it comes to packing," Liv says with a chuckle.

Lily, looking distressed, runs back over. "Mommy, I can't find Tepig!"

Liv's face softens with concern. "Sweetie, I've told you before to stay where we can see you if you're playing with Tepig or any of our Pokémon."

"Liv, what happened?" Legolas asks, noticing the commotion.

"Lily can't find my Tepig," Liv explains.

"Charizard, can you go back to the stables and try to find Tepig?" Liv asks, turning to her Pokémon. Charizard nods and flies out of the Golden Hall.

"Please find him, Charizard," Liv murmurs.

A few tense moments pass before Charizard returns, shaking his head. Liv's anxiety grows.

Suddenly, Tepig emerges from under a table, looking a bit disoriented. "Tepig, there you are! I was so worried," Liv exclaims, scooping up the Pokémon and hugging him tightly.

"I'm sorry, Mommy. I forgot me and Tepig were playing hide and seek," Lily says, looking sheepish.

"Tepig probably thought you were still playing," Liv says soothingly. "It's okay. Tepig, Charizard, return," she commands, returning her Pokémon to their Pokéballs.

Aragorn, seeing the group ready to move, calls out, "We need to keep moving."

As the group prepares to depart, Eowyn looks at Liv with newfound respect. "You seem to balance many roles with grace. I admire that."

Liv smiles warmly. "Thank you, Eowyn. We all have our battles, whether on the field or off."

With that, the group resumes their preparations, each with their own thoughts and hopes for the journey ahead.