So sorry for the long waiting! I was almost done with the two next chapters but after numerous reviews and commentaries (from a friend, wink!), I really was not happy with the end result. So, I had to spend time rewriting everything and luckily, it's much much better than I originally anticipated! Hope you enjoy it!

Chapter 10


March 14th

"What are you doing to him?" I shrieked desperately as a crying Elatan was being lifted from my arms. "Don't take him away from me!"
No sooner had I arrived in the House of Healings that numerous people were surrounding me. My entire body was shaking, my heart was pounding and my head was so dizzy that I felt my knees threatening to collapse as I climbed down the mare. Oblivious to anything or anyone around me, my only priority was to protect young Elatan. But someone had taken him away and I feared that he would be taken by the Nazgul, like Aeluin…

Struggling to go and find him, I felt a pair of strong arms holding me back. "I must protect him!" I protested, trying to pull free.
"He will be alright, Ariniel." A male voice replied.

Feeling an immense wave of fatigue and anguish, I gave up and began to weep. "She is in shock." I heard him say in a grave voice. "She will need time to recover. I will take her to my office." Without a care of whom he was or where I was going, I was guided through the badly lighted stairs that led to the House of Healings. All I could do was cry and rantabout the Nazgul taking Aeluin away. The man was urging me to calm down but I did not understand how I could calm down when… when a man had been killed in front of me! As we walked through the halls of the House, I began to see the atrocities that our people were being subjected to.

Blood had stained most of the grey stone floor. The injured were being left to fend for themselves in the hallways. Their screams of pain and despair muted the sound of the battle outside. As I looked into their blank eyes, I could see and feel their willingness to die knowing there was no point fighting and why should they? Survive to see a losing war? I smelled the blood in the air but to me the House reeked of fear and death. I was led through the sea of people and some called to us for aid but never once did we slow down.

Passing through numerous sickrooms, I saw through a door that stood ajar, healers desperately trying to calm down a guard, his body covered in arrows, trashing on his bed. "Leave me to die!" He roared loudly, enough for his voice to echo outside the room. "Do you not realize that we are doomed to fail? The Dark Lord will triumph and our City will fall! There is no hope for Gondor!"

We quickened our pace until his shouts were out of range. By the time we arrived at the end of a hallway, all had quietened down except for a pair of soldiers in front of us that were turning right, carrying a corpse into the kitchen, or what used to be the kitchen. So this is where they are bringing their dead… How long until they must find another room? Is Aryon amongst them? Or Mother? I shuddered and covered my mouth, unable to contain the sorrow.

"We are almost there." The man said softly, turning left.

Dazed, he led me to a thick wooden door. Opening the door, he urged me to step inside. It was a circled shaped room with a door on the opposite side that led to a balcony. There were shelves from top to bottom filled with books and jars of medicine of all sorts and sizes. A stone desk stood in the middle and there was a small daybed near the window. I automatically went for the daybed where I threw myself, utterly shattered.

Hearing him walking behind his desk, I lifted my head and realized that I had entered the Warden's office. It was the first time that I had the opportunity to see him up close and it startled me at how much he resembled the Steward, tall and noble-looking, only he had a far much fairer and approachable face than Lord Denethor. At first I was anxious that he would ban me right there and then because of my desertion but from his expression, I knew it was not even on his mind. He seemed genuinely worried.

Sobbing, I looked down and became engulfed with grief and guilt. I had been spared of so many evils while others that I held dear were either dead or fighting to live. To hear and witness all the misery within the House, to hear soldiers crying defeat, how was one able to hope? Our city is falling; our soldiers have given up…

"Are we doomed, my lord"?" I asked hoarsely in a stricken voice.

The Warden sighed and pressed his hands together on his desk, his grey eyes never leaving me. "I have grown up in Minas Tirith, under the shadows and flames from the Dark Lands. In my experience in the House of Healings, I have seen many deaths and even now, as we are fighting for the survival of our country, I still do not believe that doom is near." All the grief disappeared and turned into anger. Has he not looked outside?

"Our men are dying out there!" I said a bit too loudly. "Have you not seen the Pelennor? It is invaded with awful creatures. When one is killed, hundreds come at its stead. Who will replace our fallen soldiers?" My voice began to choke while the sobs increased. "I've seen what those winged creatures do!" I pointed to the window. "I've seen how they take men in their claws and then letting them loose into the air… without a care…I've seen what they've done to… Aeluin…" And then I sobbed loudly and muttered. "He should not have died so needlessly…Why has destiny made me survive whereas he…?"

"How can you say that this soldier, this Aeluin, died needlessly?" He said with a raised eyebrow. "How can you even say that it was fate that made you live while he died? You saved a child!"

"What is the point of saving him if the City falls? He will die at the hands of the enemy…like Aeluin…" I sobbed and buried my head on the pillow.

"Ariniel…" The Warden sighed and walked next to me before sitting down on the end of the bed. "This is a war, no matter how much you want to prevent it, there will be deaths, there will be tragedies, there will be sad stories that will break one's heart but you must remember: there is no such thing as a victory without loss…" Lifting my head up, I knew he spoke the truth. I had also grown up with the threat all my life and the doubt that all was not well. I was aware that this time would someday come but even now, I was still unprepared for all the hardships, the hopelessness…

"You must not grieve for Aeluin's fall, Ariniel, you must be proud that he did not lay down his sword, give up hope and wait for his doom to fall like many here." I sensed a hint of anger in his voice. "There are some who arrive here mortally wounded but insist on fighting while others with minor gashed have lost their will to live. What worthy death is that?" He let out a dry laugh and shook his head. "Have they not realized that this is what the enemy intended to do all this time? Bring fear, doubt and despair to Minas Tirith? Do you know how many deserted their posts when the enemy threw the severed heads of our soldiers?"

My eyes opened wide before I shut them tightly, not wanting to receive an image in my mind. "They are doing and trying anything they can to weaken us. Only few have gone on afterwards, now that is a proud soldier!" He said with pride. The Warden stared at me and I could see a faint glitter in his eyes. "Ariniel, I know our future does not look promising and it is so easy to give up and wait to die but what use is that the ones that are willing to survive? Yes, they may take our city, Minas Tirith might fall and disappear…but as long as there are still children laughing in this world, whether they are Men, Elf, Dwarf or Halfling-children, I will not believe that doom is near."

It felt as though I had received a blow in my stomach as he talked. For a moment I wondered whether the Warden had any wizard-qualities because in that instance, a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. Everything he had just said, every word he had spoken was the plain truth. The tears stopped, the lump in my throat vanished, and all the exhaustion departed my body.

Slowly, I sat up on the bed and looked up at the Warden with determination; there was so much to fight for to give up now. As I looked into his eyes, I knew the Warden was proud that there was still one person willing to fight.

We continued to discuss about my recent adventure and he assured me that he would do what he could to rescue Narei and Elawen as soon as possible. A group of soldiers were stationed around the House for protection and the Warden was sure he would be able to find a pair of courageous young men willing to prove their loyalty by retrieving the two ladies. "After all, that is where I found Aeluin." He said with pride.

"And what of Élatan?" I said worriedly. "Is he well? Is he safe?"

"Yes, yes, you need not worry. We've taken him to the nursery along with other orphaned children. I've set five guards to watch the entrance and I shall pity the orc that will dare to try and enter the room."

I sighed of relief. "That is good. I promised his mother that I would look after him and I intend to do so." The room quietened down and it faintly began to shake before the faint cry of a nazgul echoed in the air. My heart went out to all the souls who were fighting. "Have you heard any news from the front?" I asked fearfully.

He sighed sadly. "I've not received any tidings and it makes me believe that they are relentless in their attacks. The City is half ablaze and half buried in rubble...We need no news to know that it is not going very well…but…"

"We must not lose hope." I finished. He nodded his head.

We listened to the sounds of battle; I could hear the catapults being let loose on our city and as the rocks crashed into the walls, the sound echoed like a stroke of thunder rumbling in the skies. As I sat there, a memory returned. "My Lord Warden, how is Lord Faramir fairing?" I blurted.

The man sighed sadly and was visibly shaken. "I wish I knew."

"Has he not been brought here by his uncle?" I asked confusedly, perhaps he didn't even know Faramir had been injured. "Is he not in the House? I saw Prince Imrahil carrying him earlier…"

The Warden looked at me suspiciously. "What am I about to tell you will not leave this room, understood?" He waited for me to nod my head before continuing. "Prince Imrahil brought Faramir to the Steward himself, hoping his presence would either aid or cure the poor lad but alas." He sighed. "Alas, I've received word that the Steward has taken him to his private chambers and has banned anyone to enter the Tower…By punishment of death!"

My eyes widened. Has the man gone mad? "But he is hurt! He has received an arrow in his body!" I said enraged. "Have you not tried to talk some sense into these guards of his? Surely they would not take orders from a madman when they can clearly see that his son is ailing?"

The Warden glanced at me, as though I were a child. "You do not understand such matters, Ariniel." He said tactfully. "The Steward's own guards must obey him; that is their sole purpose, no matter how ludicrous it may seem. They will and can be sentenced to death by the Steward if they disobey." He paused and his face darkened. "I do notknow the reasons of our Steward's behaviour but I believe evil is prevailing within our very walls…"

A frisson shook my body. Frowning, I held my hands together and realized how pale and cold they were. Are Faramir's hands cold as well? Is he even awake to see his father's madness? I closed my eyes. Let him be safe, let him be alive.

"The Valar keep an eye on him." I whispered. "If only I could do something… He is one of the persons that I treasure the most, and he is so liked and I am sure it will cause such sorrow to know that yet anotherof our great warriors has fallen…" I sighed sadly. "If only his father had not sent him…" I looked up and saw the Warden looking at me intently. I knew I had said too much but I no longer cared for any punishment. "We surely would have needed his help at this time…"

The Warden did not reply. He stood from his chair and I understood that this was the end of our conversation. "I think you must rest now, Ariniel. I cannot have you falling from exhaustion while there are so many tasks to do."

"But what of my desertion?" I asked confused. "Does it not bother you?"

The man stood in front of me. "Have you not been listening to me, Child? Mistakes are best forgotten and only the present matters now. We must concentrate on surviving the day."

I smiled, relieved. "Am I to receive any tasks?"

"Yes, yes, all in due time but first you must rest. I shall return with some water and food and then we will talk." He said resolute before moving towards the door.

"My lord Warden!" I shouted. He turned to look at me. "If you do receive any information on Lord Faramir's health, would it be possible to share it with me? I would rest easier if I knew he has healed instead of finding out days later…"

"It can be arranged but please refrain from spreading this to anyone." He said seriously and bowed before leaving the room.

Alone in his office, I began to feel drowsy even though I wanted to do anything but sleep. Half-heartedly, I gave up the fight and laid down on the daybed. I looked up at the domed ceiling and breathed slowly. My heart was beating at a normal rate and I soon became hypnotized by the rhythmic sound. Sighing, I closed my eyes and became aware of that nice feeling throughout my limbs as I fell into a slumber…

…Everything was dark around me, I could not even see my hand in front of me but I could hear the dreadful noises: the crashing, the shrieking and the people screaming as they fled for their lives.

A child was crying in my arms and I knew it was Elatan. Holding him tightly against my chest with one hand, I walked dazedly in the darkness, trying to find my way with the other. I tried to open my eyes but they were firmly shut. The fighting went on, I felt people moving pass me, leaving me behind. I grew desperate and tried to run but stumbled on my dress, falling on the ground numerous times.

"Aeluin, where are you?" I shouted angrily. How could he have deserted me at this time, he promised he would take me to Lebennin! I called after him louder and louder until my throat began to hurt.

"Mistress, reach for my hand!" He finally shouted. He must not have been too far away and I stretched my hand as far as I could and waved around but I could not find him.

"Where are you? I cannot see!" I roared angrily.

"Just walk forward! And reach out your hand." He replied.

Gasping, I tried to walk and after falling twice, I almost gave up until I could feel the tip of his fingers but could not quite grasp his hand. "Stretch your hand!" He said urgently. "You are almost there! NO!"

There was a loud screech and then something cold and slimy jerked me violently into the air. I screamed at the top of my voice as the Nazgul pulled me up into the air, its claws compressing my body together to the point that I was suffocating. Desperately, I tried to fight and then terror filled me as I could hear Elatan crying but was unable to determine where he was…The Nazgul let out a shriek that deafened my ears and without warning, I was thrown into the air.

My eyes opened wide and I feel the nothingness around me, only air. I was high in the air, well above the city and immediately, the gravity pulling back towards the ground. Trashing uncontrollably, I was plummeting down head first. The wind was roaring in my ears and I screamed as the City grew bigger and bigger until I began to distinguish the rooftops and the tower. I could see the battle beneath me between orcs that had managed to enter the City through their Siege towers and our men; I could see Trolls throwing a battering ram against the Great Gates. Knowing that I would be hitting the ground very soon, I was preparing myself for the crash, I could see the road beneath me, and I yelled at the top of my lungs… I was going to crash…

Gasping for breath, I sat up on the bed, shivering and panting for breath. Covering my mouth, I let out a faint cry… It was only a dream; it was only a dream… I took deep breaths until I calmed down… I lied down on the bed again, in an effort to unwind but as soon as my eyes closed, the images returned, the wind roaring in my ear…

No! I could not do it. I jumped out of bed as though it was possessed and began pacing up and down the small office.

I concentrated on Elatan and I was resolute into visiting him as soon as possible. Everything would be alright as soon as I would see by my own eyes that he was still alive and well. It took me some time for the shivers to disappear and then I felt strong enough to eat the plate of bread and cheese that the Warden had brought over while I had slept.

Sighing, I shook away the nightmares, the sad memories and worst of all the guilt that I felt within me in spite of everything, unable to convince myself that everyone cannot survive a war. It was best to remember how brave Aeluin remained until his last moments. Another part of me felt that I should have mourned his death but as time was so precious, I knew it would have to wait.

When I was done eating, I stepped up to the looking glass to get a glance, wondering if I could still recognize myself. Sadly enough, my face had turned dead-like; the greenish pale colour had made my small freckles fade away. There were dark circles under my eyes and their colour had turned into a deeper shade of green. I grimaced at the sight of my hair. It was dishevelled and had lost whatever shine and life it had, the red colour fading into a dull brown muddy colour that I had not known before. I examined myself intently and in normal circumstances, I would have been very worried but now, I only shrugged and reminded myself that it could have been much worse…

As soon as I was done, I took a deep breath and opened the doors, my first task being visiting little Elatan before fighting evermore against the war, hoping that all my efforts would not be in vain…

Yeah, the ending was a bit tricky but I stuck with it! I decided to make the Warden a little Gandalf-esque just for the sake of having someone making sense! On the next chapter we will see the end of the Siege. We will see how Ariniel reacts during the last hours of intense fighting and of course, when she is made aware of Denethor's stupid pyre… What will happen then? Stay tuned! Oh yeah, 10000 thanks yous to my good friend Van, for helping out and giving me good advice, ideas,etc... Thanks for reading!

Isilmé