Alibi by Dwimordene

[dwimordene-2011.livejournal.com]

i21:
B2MeM Challenge: B15: Rangers of the North: Annúminas
I21: First lines: Call me ___; Languages of Arda: Rohirric; Rangers of the North: Fornost
Format: drabble
Genre: gapfiller
Rating: K
Characters: OC, Aragorn
Summary: One does not simply walk into Edoras.



Alibi

“Brodda,” the Westfold clan chief introduces himself. Iron-grey plaits and seamed face bespeak hard years herding.

“Call me Ælric,” Aragorn says.

“’Ælric’? Not bad,” Brodda grunts. “Names ent enough, though – you’ve our words, but you ent from the Mark!”

Three months, Aragorn labors to drink down Rohirric’s native rhythm. And where Brodda is exacting, others are demanding – of stories, of outside. He obliges, slowly clothing familiar tales of Fornost and Annúminas in new words, a new lilt, ‘til Brodda declares:

“A leal Westfolder! But one thing’s missing.”

“That is?”

“Half your name! At Edoras, they should call you Ælric Broddasson.”