A forfeit by Raiyana

A fair day

Hooves thundering against the hard ground, wind flying through long hair left to tangle in its playful fingers; he looked the part of a Rohirric prince now, golden hair against a green cloak. 

Théoden heard distant cheers, drowned out by the sound of hooves as he sped past, taking a sharp turn around the post. Herugrim gleamed with brilliant sunfire, describing a perfect arc ending in a satisfying twack as the straw dummy's head fell to the ground behind him. A grin stretched his lips as they flowed down the long side of the track, his eyes finding a familiar dark head among the spectators. Rising in the stirrups, he tossed Herugrim to his other hand, trusting the horse beneath him to keep going as he leaned to the side. 

Several titters among the crowd, wrists held out less than subtly as he flew past, ribbons moving with the speed of their passing. 

And one forfeit caught between his fingers, green linen embroidered with excellent skill in the shape of a rune. 

An E.

For Elfhild, and a dance after the feasting was done.

And perhaps for the future, too.