Erolamir and Gwenryn: Chapter 1

Gwenryn was most unhappy. She had been wedded to Thedobul for just half a year, a husband chosen for her by her father. In such short time, tragedy shadowed her life. She had begat a child almost instantly after the marriage, but the child was lost five months into the pregnancy. Gwenryn had gone into childbirth too early. She had just moments with her son, until he perished in her arms. That day would go down as the worst one in her life. Thedobul was devastated, he wished very much for a son and heir. He became resentful towards his wife, implying it was her fault the child died. She suffered much pain from her husband - some physically, most verbally. She hated being married to him, she hated that her family married her off to such an unpleasant man. Gwenryn's meloncholy lasted long. Family members noticed her deminished spirit. She confided in her older sister, who suggested Gwenryn should do something with her time, to take her mind off her depression. Gwenryn thought long and hard, then it came to her. She did not wish to remain home, moping. She wished to take up a vocation of sorts. She spoke to her father about the matter. He suggested she train in the arts of archery, for she had nimble fingers and a keen eye. Liking the idea, with a recommendation from a friend, she seeked out a known skilled hunter from her settlement. Erolamir an orphaned young man who lived on his own, was taking on willing students, teaching them all he knew about the ways of a hunter gatherer. Gwenryn's friend organised their first meeting - the next day at the crack of dawn. Gwenryn hoped Thedobul would permit her to have these lessons. Surprisingly, he did. This came as a shock to her, for he was rather possessive and was not keen on her being out of his sight. Gwenryn was awoke abruptly by a loud bang on the hut door. She looked down at her husband beside her, him still in a deep sleep, snoring away. She clambered out of bed, throwing a robe around herself still half-asleep. She opened the door to find a tall young man standing there. Erolamir had chestnut hair, was clean shaven and looked to be slightly muscular in build. He wore a green tunic, brown leggings and a green hooded cloak. His deep blue eyes were alert and studying. Across his back was a bow and quiver full of arrows. On his hip was a dagger. "Gwenryn, I presume?", the man said sternly, looking at the woman somewhat disapprovingly. "That is I. Who asks?", Gwenryn said sleepily. She attempted to rub the tiredness out of her eyes. "Why are you not dressed and ready? It is past dawn, we must press on.", Erolamir stated, blatantly disregarding Gwenryn's question. Gwenryn had totally forgotten that her first lesson was this very day. She was not a morning person at all, she did not like getting up so early. The man's eyes remained on her, ever watchful. She felt uncomfortable at the gaze, slightly embarassed about forgetting their meeting. "My apologies, sir. I fear I had forgotten about our meeting. I shall get ready at once." Erolamir simply let out a grunt, his gaze of sterness now becoming a frown. He thought to himself, "Another lazy student. We shall see how long this one lasts!". He leaned against the wall of the hut, his arms folded.