Only the rain can be heard in the night
Only the patter of wrong and right
Eowyn listened to the sounds of battle as it raged overhead, but they weren't enough to drown out the quiet sobs of the mothers, sisters and lovers, or the terrified screams of the children.
Only the darkness can shroud the light
It took several moments before the shield-maiden realized that she was muttering the words of the lullaby aloud. The little girl she held in her arms cautiously took up the tune.
Only the end will destroy the fight
Some of the younger mothers began to quietly sing to their children, desperate to calm them, as well as to ease their own troubled hearts.
Rest my child, 'til the break of day
All will be well when the night fades away
Outside, the battle raged, but inside was a deeper war; the war against the hopelessness and fear that threatened to consume them all.
Listen softly to the words I say
Rest my child, 'til the break of day
Eowyn felt the claustrophobia ease off a little. What she needed was to get outside. To breathe, and to fight. Yes, to fight. She could almost feel the sword in her hands, taste the adrenaline.
Only the rain can disturb our sleep
Only the memories can destroy the peace
Almost everybody in the caves was not singing. Eowyn could not decide weather to regret having started it, or not. However, the tears seemed to have eased.
Only a nightmare can spoil the dream
She, herself, seemed to be the only one not soothed by the familiar words, not quieted by the rhyme.
Only our thoughts can make us weep.
The shaking of the door momentarily interrupted the song. The enemy was trying to break in. However, it was then picked up again with twice as much spirit.
Rest my child, there's nothing to fear
Not as long as I am here
Another violent impact on the door sounded, but the voices only rose to drown it out.
I'll never let harm come to you, dear
Rest, my child, there's nothing to fear.
Suddenly, there was silence outside.
Only the ran can be heard in the night
Eowyn longed to go see what was happening, but she knew better. She was needed here, though she couldn't explain how, or why.
Only the rain can disturb our sleep
Horses could now be heard, clattering their way towards the outer keep.
Only the rain…
A distant yell sounded, and they heard the door burst open. Then, silence.
Only the rain.