Nuroreiel's Drabbles
Fellowship
Set
Other Characters
On the Mountain Set
Men on the Mountain Set
Other Drabbles
A Drabble for Merry
Shadowfax sprang from the stable, a swift white arrow flying towards
Gondor.
Merry rushed up the tower stairs to watch them disappear into the
mountains. He
barely felt Aragorn’s hand on his shoulder.
“The closer we are to danger, the safer we’ll be,” he murmured.
“What?” Aragorn asked.
“It’s something Pippin said to Treebeard,” Merry answered. “And now
he’s going
closer to danger. I hope that means he’ll be safer there.” He leaned
his head
against the wall. “I should be with him. How can I watch after him from
here?”
“You’ll be together again.” Aragorn made it a promise.
For Frodo
I always dreamed of adventures, but it’s easier to dream than to do.
Hurried
packing -- I’m sure I forgot things -- and leaving at dawn. Poor Sam!
He didn’t
bargain for this when he snuck up to listen at my window to see if I
was
alright. Still, I’m glad of his company. It’s pleasant walking through
the
Shire, although this Thing I carry frightens me. It will be a relief to
give it
to Gandalf at Bree and then head back home. What’s that I hear? “Sam!
Wood
Elves!” Maybe a little adventuring isn’t so bad after all.
For Pippin
Pippin sighed and leaned against his chosen pillar. He wondered how
long the
Council was going to take. He was getting hungry. Merry had bet that
Gandalf
would take the Ring, but Pippin bet on Strider - there was something
about the
mysterious Ranger …
Now they were all shouting and suddenly one voice raised above the
others. “I
will take the Ring!” Frodo??? And Sam was going with him? With one look
at each
other Pippin and Merry jumped out of their hiding places to join them.
Pippin,
wishing he’d paid closer attention, smiled, “Great! Where are we going?”
For Boromir:
Slash! Parry! Duck! Stab! Close quarters fighting hard work, but I
prefer
this to sneaking around in the darkness. Oh no, the cave troll is in!
Grab the
chain - don’t let it step on the halfling! Now Sam’s safe, but my hand
is
tangled in the chain and the troll is turning. Dodge, but just a second
late,
and I’m suddenly half way across the room, seeing stars. Where’s my
sword?
Suddenly the orc behind me is fixed through - with my sword! Great
throw
Aragorn! A brief nod and we’re back to our fighting. I’ll thank him
later.
For Aragorn:
Gandalf forgot his concern about Bilbo during the party. It was such
fun
celebrating with the Hobbits. They truly enjoyed the simple things in
life, not
worried about the doings of the Big Folk. Watching the children chase
his
firework butterflies made his quiet work protecting them worthwhile.
Suddenly
there was a loud whoosh and a rocket shot up into the air. Gandalf
recognized
it immediately and stood alone as the frightened halfings dove for
cover from
the fiery dragon. Someone was going to get into trouble for that stunt
and he
had a pretty good idea who that was!
top
Drabble for Legolas:
Legolas gazed about him in awe. Following Aragorn into Fangorn Forest,
he’d
been distracted at first, just thinking of Merry and Pippin’s fate. But
now he
felt the joy of being back among trees and the little creatures of the
woods.
It seemed so long since Lothlorien, the last time he’d been able to
stop and
appreciate his surroundings. His keen ears caught the murmur of the
trees and
he strained to hear what they might tell him. Suddenly he realized they
were
not alone in the forest. He stiffened and called softly to his
companions, “The
White Wizard comes…”
Strider's Drabble
I wonder what Strider thought about the Hobbits when they first met.
What
was going on behind his mysterious façade? Maybe something like
this:
Strider regarded the sleeping Hobbits from his seat by the window. He
wondered
what Gandalf was thinking, entrusting the Ring to these little people.
He’d
kept unobtrusive watch on their borders over the years and knew them as
simple
folk who lived close to the land. They were totally unprepared to face
this
sort of danger - the fiasco downstairs tonight showed that. Tomorrow he
would
take them into the wild and head for Rivendell. Would they hold up to
the
journey? Suddenly horses skidded into the courtyard and he watched the
sinister
figures dismount. Now it really begins, he thought.
Gimli's Drabble
Gimli peered around the corner at the huge group of vicious enemies
before him.
Although they’d been fighting for hours, the number of opponents didn’t
seem to
have decreased at all. But there was no choice in the matter - going
back was
not an option. He felt Aragorn’s determined presence at his back and
took
courage. The Ranger had been a good leader so far and Gimli wasn’t
about to let
him down. Still, he hesitated for a moment and his heart quailed at the
task
before him. Finally he said the fateful words to his companion. “Toss
me.”
Sam's Drabble
Sam stood alone on the shore, watching even after he could no longer
see the
ship. The tears had long since dried on his cheeks and there would be
no more
for Frodo. Instead, Sam smiled gently to himself, reflecting the smile
he had
last seen on his dear friend’s face. There had been a spark of genuine
happiness in those expressive blue eyes that Sam had not seen for years
and
that was as comforting as Frodo’s last words to him. Sam straightened
and
turned to where Merry and Pippin had waited patiently for him. “Let’s
go home
now.”
Arwen came in to find Elrond staring pensively out the window.
“What troubles you?” she asked.
“So few of them,” he replied. “What chance do they have? A lone elf,
Mithrandir, the dwarf, the Southren, Elessar…” his voice trailed off
and he
sighed. “I would that the little ones had stayed here. They are not
suited for
such a trial.”
“They would not remain behind while Frodo went,” she reminded him. “You
said
yourself, the Ring could not remain here. There was no other choice.”
As she left Elrond laid his head on his arms.
“I wonder,” he said wearily.
Drabble for Eomer
I can't help it - I just love looking for a special moment and writing
about
it.
Eomer strode angrily from the Golden Hall. His lieutenant, waiting for
him at
the stables, flinched at the look on his face.
“We are banished,” Eomer spat the words out.
“What?” the man gasped.
“I and all who ride with me are banished from Rohan.”
The other’s face hardened. “Wormtongue’s doing,” he said. “Now what?
Where will
we go? Gondor? They fight the same enemy.”
Eomer didn’t hesitate in his answer. “No, we are Rohirrim. The King may
be
bewitched by Wormtongue, but we still serve him and Rohan. We will
patrol out
of sight until the time is right.”
Drabble from ROTK
Thendred blew on his cold hands to warm them. It was warmer in the hut,
but his
job was to be out here. This watch was not exciting, but he understood
how
important it was, especially these days.
Suddenly, a light on the far mountaintop caught his eye. Could it be?
Yes!
Thendred jumped to respond, his hands shaking slightly as he lit the
torch.
“Marhame! The beacon is lit! Gondor calls for aid!” he yelled.
“Rohan will answer,” his partner called back. “Gather the provisions
while I
saddle the horses. The King will have need of all his men.”
Theoden
My vision is
blurred, my mind murky. I barely know anything but the one voice that
whispers
insistently in my mind. I tried at first to fight, but my soul is
tired, so
tired. Vaguely I recognize the one who approaches. But wait -- what is
he
doing? White light, blinding and painful, sears into me. I can feel
them
fighting within me and then, in one final blow, the occupier is
banished.
Slowly the world returns into long-lost focus. I draw a long breath,
straighten
in my throne, see my faithful men again. It is over. I am free.
(This one's dedicated to NorthStar, who shares my passion for the
Rohirrim.)
top
Boromir on the mountain
Boromir was thinking of Gondor and his people when he heard a shout
behind him.
He turned to see Frodo tumbling through the snow to land at Aragorn’s
feet. A
glint caught his eye and he bent to pick up the Ring. He straightened
slowly,
seemingly entranced by its glitter. He could feel it whispering
insistently in
the back of his mind. No actual words, but it promised the means to
save his
people if he would claim it for his own. “Such a small thing, to hold
the fate
of us all,” he murmured, without realizing that he spoke.
I've decided (or my muse decided for me) to write the scene in the
snow from
each of the Fellowship's point of view. Boromir was before - now here's
Frodo:
Frodo’s feet slipped suddenly and he tumbled wildly through the snow.
Fortunately, Strider caught him before he fell further. Sitting up, he
knew
immediately that the Ring was gone. He looked up to see Boromir bend
down and
straighten slowly, the chain in his gloved hand. The man seemed
transfixed by
it. Frodo was certain that the Ring was whispering to Boromir, just as
it did
to him. It was a constant, inarticulate yet insistent voice in the back
of his
mind and Frodo had already come to both fear and crave its presence.
Now, would
Boromir give it back?
Gimli on the mountain
Gimli trudged along, daydreaming about Moria. He was startled to
awareness by a
shout and saw the little Ringbearer tumble past him. Before he could
react,
Strider had stopped Frodo’s fall. Another movement caught Gimli’s eye
and he
looked to see Boromir straighten holding the chain with the cursed
Ring.
Boromir didn’t seem to hear Strider’s first shout - he was staring at
the
glittering, golden circle. The wind snatched his words and all Gimli
heard was
“fate of us all”. True words there, Gimli thought grimly, watching
Boromir lift
his head at the Ranger’s second shout across the snow.
Sam on the mountain
Bill did not like the snow, and at the sudden shout Sam had to calm him
down
before he could look around to see what had happened. He was dismayed
to see
that Frodo had fallen. Sam wanted to go to Frodo, even though Strider
was
there, but he didn’t dare leave Bill. He felt somehow responsible; if
he’d been
walking with Frodo perhaps he could have caught him as soon as he
slipped.
Frodo had taken to walking alone the last few days, but Sam resolved to
stay
near him in the future. Frodo must be his first concern.
Legolas on the mountain
Legolas had not seen snow for a long time and in spite of their serious
mission
enjoyed the sensation of walking on it again. His quick ears heard
Frodo’s feet
even as they slipped, but he was too far away to catch him. He watched
Aragorn
dust off the little Hobbit and frowned to see Boromir pick up the Ring.
He
didn’t really trust the proud Southerner, but in this he deferred to
Mithrandir. Legolas heard Boromir’s murmured words and noted Aragorn’s
tension
as he told Boromir to return the Ring to Frodo. Had it brought trouble
already?
he wondered.
top
Pippin on the mountain
It was hard work walking through snow, Pippin thought. They had winters
in the
Shire, of course, but no piles of snow like this. In the winter Hobbits
preferred to stay inside more. His fond memories of a full mug and
heaping
plate were interrupted by a shout and he turned in time to see Strider
catch
Frodo. Pippin shook his head - Frodo had already been hurt by that
wraith - he
didn’t need bruises as well. He watched curiously as Strider called
something
to Boromir. Then he was distracted by another thought. “I’m hungry” he
whispered to Merry.
Merry on the mountain
Merry shivered and drew his cloak closer about him. The cold here was
worse
than anything he’d experienced before. He couldn’t remember ever seeing
the
Brandywine frozen, but they’d passed a creek that seemed to be solid
ice. He
hoped Gandalf would let them light a fire tonight. At a shout behind
him he
turned but it took him a moment to realize that Frodo had fallen. He
seemed alright,
though - Strider was helping him up. Pippin whispered “I’m hungry” and
Merry
nodded, “I know, I’m freezing.” The two Hobbits huddled together
waiting until
the group moved on again.
Gandalf on the mountain
Had he made the right decision? Gandalf wondered. Of all his many
travels, this
was the most important mission he’d undertaken. Worrying about the
Hobbits
added to his burden - they were not meant for such journeys. As if on
cue, he
heard Aragorn yell “Frodo!” and turned to see the Ranger catch the
falling
Ringbearer. Gandalf watched in concern as Boromir picked up the Ring.
He knew
what pressures Denethor put on his son. He worried that the Ring would
seduce
Boromir through his desire to protect Gondor. Gandalf gripped his staff
tightly
and waited to see what would happen.
Aragorn on the mountain
“Frodo!” Aragorn cried, catching him as he rolled down the hill. The
Hobbit
shook off the snow, then clutched frantically at his chest. Aragorn
looked up
to see Boromir straighten slowly, the Ring in his hand. He didn’t seem
to hear
Aragorn’s call. The Ranger felt a sharp stab of alarm and his hand went
automatically to his hilt. He called again, “Give the Ring to Frodo.”
“As you
wish,” Boromir said unconvincingly, “I care not.” Boromir handed the
Ring to
Frodo and Aragorn gave an inward sigh of relief. They could continue
their
quest together, at least for now…
top
One more step. It seemed such a small thing and yet Sam could not bring
himself
to take it. He saw Frodo stop and look back at him in confusion. Sam
had been
traveling with him for two days without any hesitation. But now Sam
felt that
if he took that one more step he would be irrevocably committing
himself to
something - more. Not just leaving the Shire but leaving himself,
somehow
stepping into a bigger Sam. He wasn’t sure he was ready for it. But
Frodo
smiled softly and took his arm and Sam took that one step.
***********************************
Frodo suddenly realized that Sam wasn’t beside him. He turned to see
his friend
stopped at the edge of the field. “If I take one more step it’ll be the
farthest away from home I’ve ever been.” This had never worried Frodo,
who was
well-traveled for a Shireling. For a moment he was at a loss, then he
smiled
and took Sam’s arm. “Remember what Bilbo used to say? It's a dangerous
business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if
you don't
keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to...”
The Men on the
Mountain
(a tale in drabbles)
1 2 3 4
5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
1.
Today was the day. Thendred checked the supplies on the packhorse one
last
time, then turned to his wife.
“I wish you didn’t have to go now,” she said unhappily.
“I know,” he replied, resting one hand on her swollen belly. “But your
mother
is with you and you’ll be safe here in Edoras.” He tried to sound
reassuring.
“Marhame and I will be back in two months and you can show me my son.”
“Or daughter,” she smiled at him bravely.
He caught her to him and kissed her soundly. Then he mounted his horse
and
slowly rode away.
2.
The journey to their post was uneventful,
although they
did hear disturbing news of raids along the borders. Thendred felt
petty to be
worrying about Linell, safe in Edoras, when Marhame’s family was surely
at more
risk on their farm. He broached the topic hesitantly but Marhame
replied
calmly.
“Our three boys are there,” he said. “And the
oldest is
nearly your age. He’ll be serving the King next year. If the raiders
come, Clea
will move the family to Helm’s Deep. It’s some ways, but they’ll be
safe
there.”
Thendred nodded. Everyone knew that Helm’s Deep
couldn’t
be breached.
3.
Thendred and Marham arrived at their post on Mt. Alkash at midday. The
two men
they were relieving greeted them cheerfully.
“About time you got here,” Hakon teased.
“A Rider is never late,” replied Marhame, and they all laughed, for
promptness
was mandatory among the Company.
Marhame went with Hakon to perform the usual inspection of the hut,
stable and
beacon. Thendred helped the other man finish saddling their horses and
caught
him up on the news. Then they were gone.
Marhame set about unpacking and settling the horses while Thendred, as
junior
member, took first watch at the beacon.
NOTE: I know this isn’t a terribly exciting chapter and I promise not
to bore
you with a day-by-day account of their time, but we have to get the
guys
settled in for their watch. Also, I know that Mt. Alkash is not a
Tolkien name,
but it’s a family joke involving the unlikely combination of Stargate
and
Middle Earth and I couldn’t resist using the name here.
4.
Dawn was just approaching; the sky was awash in pearly blue tinged
with
rose. In a few minutes the sun would rise over the distant mountains,
setting
the heavens ablaze with light.
Thendred leaned against a weathered tree, his hands cupped around his
mug of
hot broth. The mountain heights were cold, but no-one could deny the
beauty of
the scenery. Although he wondered about Linell and fretted at the lack
of
communication, he was glad to have served watch here. Two more weeks
and then
he and Marhame would head for home. He’d see his brand new child then.
5.
Thendred blew on his cold hands to warm them. It was warmer in the hut,
but his
job was to be out here. This watch was not exciting, but he understood
how
important it was, especially these days.
Suddenly, a light on the far mountaintop caught his eye. Could it be?
Yes!
Thendred jumped to respond, his hands shaking slightly as he lit the
torch.
“Marhame! The beacon is lit! Gondor calls for aid!” he yelled.
“Rohan will answer,” his partner called back. “Gather the provisions
while I
saddle the horses! The King will have need of all his men.”
6.
Marhame and Thendred wasted no time getting down
the
mountain, but it was dusk as they reached the bottom and they dared not
ride
after dark. They made a cold camp, begrudging every moment of delay,
and were
back in their saddles in the predawn light. As they crossed a plain,
Marhame
noted tracks of a large group of riders. The two exchanged a look and
set off in
the new direction. Cresting a hill, they saw the Company not far ahead
and
urged their horses to greater speed. Soon they reached the group and
were
brought before the leader.
(Of course, they're not actually on the
mountain any
more, but I'm sticking with the title anyway.)
7.
Éomer looked at the two men who’d
been brought before
him. “Where are you from?” he asked.
“We rode from Mt. Alkash after lighting the
beacon,
m’lord,” answered Marhame, and a murmur ran through the Riders.
Éomer nodded sharply. “Ride with us,
then,” he commanded,
and swung his horse back around.
“Where are we going?” Thendred asked a man near
him as
they galloped along.
“The muster is at Dunharrow in two days,” the
soldier
replied. “After that we ride for Gondor.”
Thendred swallowed. He was proud to serve his
king, but
the thought of riding to battle was intimidating.
8.
Éomer looked at the two men who’d
been brought before
him. “Where are you from?” he asked.
“We rode from Mt. Alkash after lighting the
beacon, m’lord,”
answered Marhame, and a murmur ran through the Riders.
Éomer nodded sharply. “Ride with us,
then,” he commanded,
and swung his horse back around.
“Where are we going?” Thendred asked a man near
him as
they galloped along.
“The muster is at Dunharrow in two days,” the
soldier
replied. “After that we ride for Gondor.”
Thendred swallowed. He was proud to serve his
king, but
the thought of riding to battle was intimidating.
9.
“YAHOO!” The delighted yell rang across the
quiet
encampment. Startled, several of the Riders jumped to their feet, only
relaxing
when they heard the ensuing laughter.
“Twins?” exclaimed Thendred. “And Linell? She’s
okay?”
“They’re all fine,” reiterated Marshaw,
grinning, then he
sobered. “It was bad at Helm’s Deep. We lost many comrades. If Eomer
hadn’t
come…”
“But he did” Gammin interrupted, “and those
filthy orcs
never breached the inner halls. Your babes reminded us that life goes
on.”
“A boy and a girl,” Thendred marveled. “I can’t
wait to
finish this and get home to them!”
“To victory!” they toasted.
10.
It was dusk at Dunharrow. The sun had already
vanished
behind the mountains, leaving behind a slowly fading light. Thendred,
checking
the horses, paused to look up at the stars. Was Linell looking at them,
he
wondered. Then he smiled to himself. With twins babes, she’d be too
busy.
A movement caught his eye and he looked to see a
lone
white horse carefully traversing the zig-zag path to the King’s camp
above. A
messenger, perhaps? What news did he bring from Gondor?
Thendred’s smile faded. The time had come.
Tomorrow they
would ride for Gondor -- and to war.
11.
“Have you heard?” asked the man next to
Thendred, grunting a little as he tightened the girth on his saddle.
“Lord
Aragorn left the camp last night!”
“What?” exclaimed Thendred.
“Yep, the dwarf and elf too.” His voice dropped.
“They
rode into the mountain.”
Thendred gasped. All Rohirrim knew no-one
returned from
the cursed mountain.
The horn sounded and as he mounted, he wondered
if the
rider he’d seen last night had had some influence on Aragorn’s
departure.
“Ride now!” came the call, and soon a ferocious
thunder of
hooves shook the ground as the army of Rohan headed out.
They broke camp in the dark and rode quietly,
forming ranks as they came upon open ground. Orders for silence had not
been necessary; what needed to be said between camp-mates had already
been said. Now it was time for action.
As they rode up an incline Thendred suddenly realized that dawn was
rising behind them. The tension gathered as the lines of riders came to
a stop. Situated well back, Thendred wondered what the leaders saw
before them. Then, as the golden dawn touched the top of the hill, the
horns of Rohan sounded clearly in the morning air.
13.
“Death! Death!” Thendred could not hear
his King’s words, but he heard
the Riders’ reply. It swept through the ranks and all joined in the cry
as they urged their horses forward.
Only one thing was sure: neither side would give mercy this day.
It seemed but a moment and then they were in the middle of the
madness that is battle. Thendred quickly lost sight of Marhame but he
couldn’t worry about it. There was no time to think, only to slash and
cut, thrust and block. Right now, there was only the immediacy of kill
or be killed.
“Make safe the city!” The King’s command carried
through the air. Incredibly, it seemed that
they were turning the tide for Gondor.
Then it was suddenly almost silent and Thendred turned to see what
transfixed his comrades. Foreign horns split the air and through the
dust approached monsters of immense size, with oddly dressed and
painted men on their backs.
“Take them head on!” Theoden cried and his men responded.
Thendred urged his horse forward, grabbing a spear from the chest
of a dead orc. Already the newcomers were killing Rohirrim. Thendred
scowled fiercely. These mad creatures must be stopped!
15.
It was over. Thendred leaned
against Furling’s neck in weariness. “Well done,” he murmured.
He closed his eyes, inhaling the familiar horse scent, blotting out at
least for a moment both the carnage around him and the unsettling sight
of Lord - no, King
Aragorn conferring with the army of the dead. Thendred would never
forget the horrifying feeling as the spectral soldiers brushed by him
in final fulfillment of their oath.
In a moment, he thought, he should help with the wounded and would look
for Marhame as well.
Then suddenly he heard Eomer’s voice raised in wild lament “Nooooo!”
16.
Thendred sat by Marhame on the rough cot. The
older man’s shoulder was bandaged but he would be ready for the next
battle. “How is she?” he asked anxiously.
Thendred shook his head. “When I helped carry her to the Houses of
Healing she seemed barely alive,” he replied heavily.
All the Riders in the medical tent were subdued, glancing frequently up
at the White City. The combination of grief for lost King and comrades
and concern for Eowyn hung like a pall in the air.
Suddenly a pair of Riders galloped towards the field. “She will live!”
they cried.
Top of this Drabble
Top of page
Gandalf's Dilemma
Aragorn found Gandalf outside the hall, looking pensive.
“What troubles you?” he asked.
Gandalf sighed. “All these poems about hair and nothing about mine! I
went from
grubby grey to dazzling white, from tangled to tamed, and yet no-one
has
written about it!”
“Be glad,” Aragorn said wryly. “Those poems and limericks can get very
annoying.”
“Do you think it’s an age thing?” Gandalf asked anxiously. “After all,
I am
considerably older even than the elves. Maybe I should have gotten a
face-lift
along with the new hair style…”
Aragorn shook his head and left the wizard muttering to himself
Their Strength
“I don’t think this is going to work,” Elrond said. “They are too
different.”
Gandalf disagreed. “That will be their strength. Each brings something
special
to the quest.
Aragorn was born to lead.
Boromir is a brave and mighty fighter.
Gimli is strong and faithful.
Legolas has keen senses and his skill with the bow.
Meriodoc and Peregrin have courage they have not yet discovered and
they will
lighten our load with humor.
You will not find anyone more dedicated to the Ringbearer than Sam.
And Frodo’s quiet courage will inspire them all to continue till the
quest is
done.”.
The Beacons
A dark night, a dark day. The tide of hope ebbs low. “We are
out-numbered!” “We
cannot prevail!” But then a spark is lit. The tinder catches fire and
light
blazes against the sky. As if by magic, an answering flame comes from
the
distant hill. Now the fire jumps from mountain to mountain, carrying
the
message, asking for hope and help. Now, “they will come,” people
whisper, and
word travels as swiftly as flames. Resolve grows. Backs straighten.
Weapons are
shouldered once again. “We are still out-numbered, but we will hold. We
will
not give in to the dark.”
Dernhelm
Sheer terror - that’s what she felt. She’d been frightened yet
exhilarated
charging down the hill behind her uncle, scattering the orcs and
turning the
tide for their besieged allies. Then the mumakil came, and when they
trampled
her fellow horsemen determination had taken over and she’d brought down
one of
the beasts. At Theoden’s body, grief had lent her strength to cut off
the fell
beast’s head. But now, facing the Nazgul, she shook with fear. Then she
thought, 'I am a Shieldmaiden of Rohan,' and pulling off her helmet she
proclaimed, 'I am no man,' -- and struck home.
Aragorn and Arwen
He had thought her gone. His sunshine and his moonlight, far away over
the sea,
never to be seen again. The weight of the crown was as heavy as his
heart, even
on this day of celebration. But then she stepped out from behind the
banner and
the sun shone again. Loneliness fell from his shoulders like a
forgotten cloak.
She smiled, suddenly shy, and he laughed with pure joy at the sight.
Heedless
of the crowd, he caught her to him and twirled her around. Then he set
her down
and kissed her as he had always wanted to.
Eowyn
Eowyn stood on the parapet gazing across the
windswept
plain, her blond hair and white dress billowing in the breeze.
“Surely,” she
murmured, “he will come back soon.”
At her side, the guard replied, “The messenger
said they’d
be here before dark, m’lady.”
“The next time,” she vowed fiercely, “I will not
be left
behind.” The guard wisely kept silent at this proclamation.
Suddenly she spied a small cloud of dust in the
distance.
“There they are!” she cried and hurried down the stairs.
As the men rode into the courtyard, she ran to
his side.
“Faramir,” she sighed happily.
