Entry 3 - 'And what did you expect, Alfiriel?'
I am tired, aching all over my body, at least now I can rest if only for some hours before the dawn breaks and the drill starts again. We were running and running, I cannot really tell how far but it seemed endless, carrying heavy packs on our shoulders, panting... then running again. The Caun seemed tireless and I thought he would never stop. I feared I would collapse to the ground then I heard at last: „Halt!“ I was drained of all my strength, I was exhausted but I did not show it or else Aearandir would have sent me back home. I even managed a smile when he passed by.
I will endure till the end!
Entry 4 - 'Shared joy is a double joy'
We gathered in the great hall expecting a regular kin muster waiting impatiently for the arrival of our officers. Hirgonui Curugirion and Caun Aearandir walked in the hall dressed in their blues wearing ceremonial hauberks adorned with a white eagle on their chests. Then Hirgonui addressed both Hîr Galvathalion and my friend Faelach for their time to don the blue uniforms came. And I was lucky I could participate in the ceremony along with a fellow recruit Istienriel, a scholar of the Calarind, as maidens of honour. The beautiful ceremony was held under the stars at the pavilion and both ellyn were welcome in the full unity with other members of the Herth. It was an honour to watch and true joy filled our hearts. I was wondering when my day would come... I feel my determination has been strengthened by the example of those two.
Entry 5 - 'A Lazy Day in Celondim'
Having a day off I headed to the market of Celondim after my morning running routine, it was a pleasant day full of sunshine. Many merchants came to Celondim selling various goods arranged neatly on the tables. Delicate fabrics caught my eyes and unable to resist I bought a roll of pure silk. I wished my friend Remeth from our sewing workshop had been here to see how smooth, soft and shiny the cloth was. I plan to make a dress of it when I have some time to spare. Just before I set out for Thamas Lorn I met Hiril Lhethril and we ended up in an enjoyable conversation talking deep into the night.
I think I am settling in.
Entry 6 - 'Daro, Ascahir!'
When I heard what our next training would cover I became uneasy at once... drill on horseback! Seemingly indifferent to the eyes of others I mounted my stallion hoping he would be in good spirits at least to carry me without throwing me off his back. And I must give him credit for that... but only for that!
Ascahir is not a kind of horse you can expect to obey. He has his will of his own, I have never had enough patience to train him properly. „Lord of Haste“ I named him when I got him for my begetting day, for he was agile and a bit restless like me I would say but of joyous spirit, ever the explorer and ... a trouble-maker. Since the first meeting I have loved him dearly. But horse formations? No way... with Ascahir.
Disobedient he is and I struggle to bend his will to my own. Encouraged by the caun’s counsel we will train more together and I am sure mutual agreement will be reached soon.
Entry 7 – 'A friendly sparring'
It has been some time since I last wrote a note. My training has been progressing well but I can hardly find a moment or more likely enough energy to do so. Various bruises cover my body and it is hard to tell which part of it does not ache. Who is to blame for this? The drillmaster of course! ...for another part of the training has begun, the essential one for a warden – martial drill.
Both of us were armed with practice blunt spears and wooden shields and I was told to attack the caun, practising offensive techniques first. Feeling the undeniable desire to show off some combat secrets my father had taught me I desperately tried to find any weakness in Aearandir's defence. But there was none and most of my fervent strikes were either evaded or skillfully parried. But a few hit the opponent which made him laugh in satisfaction challenging me even more to repeat my attacks. Encouraged by his enthusiasm and my successful blows I performed as best as I could pushing myself hard. Sensing my imminent exhaustion he called a break. Aearandir's kind advice was most appreciated and I was delighted he assessed my footwork and passion during our sparring.
Then the second part of the training began and we changed sides, my opponent testing my defences this time. Alas, I have always followed the rule „the best defence is offence“ and this proved crucial in this tiring match and my pride suffered greatly under his many strikes. But not only my pride! Although the caun held back much of his strength ever mindful of the fact he was sparring with a recruit I „knew“ when I was not fast enough to block or evade his attacks. Had this been a real battle I would have entered the Halls of Mandos already. Still... a lesson well learned! At any rate the caun did not use the obvious superiority over me showing again he was an excellent mentor pleased with progress that was made encouraging his charges to make the most of the training.
