THE MIDNIGHT FIELD
Eldarion sensed the precise moment her breath stopped. Mortal ear could not discern but his heart knew.
Arwen Undomiel, evenstar of her people, walked this Middle earth no more, nor would her step grace her ancestor's undying lands. Gondor's first queen in over two thousand years would have no alabaster effigy, for mere stone could never hope to capture a visage so fair. Lorien cradled her bones, golden leaves her shroud.
As clouds drifted in from the sea, across a midnight field, it seemed to her son that all the stars fell from the sky in honour of her passing.
END
THE PARING KNIFE
Frodo watched as Bell Gamgee opened the front door to Number Three. Dropping to one knee she slid the blade of her knife along the stone threshold, until its concave edge glittered in the sunlight.
How old was the knife? Its bone handle had softened from white to pale beige and small splits told of repeated immersion in water. Had it been passed down from her mother upon Bell's marriage to Hamfast? Or was it newer, purchased at market? Certainly much use preparing vegetables, and repeated sharpening, had worn it away.
So much life was reflected in a simple knife.
END
TOWER OF DESPAIR
"Have you seen the Steward?" Faramir accosted Rathan outside the throne room doors.
"I believe he is within, My Lord." He was unsurprised when the youngster hurried off. Denethor was a difficult man.
Pushing open the huge doors, Faramir stepped into echoing coolness. There was but one other presence, the ancient Lord Courmivan, only advisor Denethor tolerated of late. The lord nodded at a small door to one side ... the door to the tower.
A despairing cry drifted down from high above. There would be no talking with Denethor today. Both men departed, closing the doors quietly.
END
WE'RE STILL HERE
"Keep him warm and heat water," he says. Then he leaves, just like Gandalf did in Mr Bilbo's old tales. If those riders come back, there's only Strider can use a sword proper. And where is Gandalf?
"Too much wood, Mr Merry!"
If fire's not the best way to say, 'We're still here. Come, have another go,' I don't know what is. I've kept aside some long sticks. At least Longshanks showed fire's as good as sword on Black Riders.
Did he blink? "Mr Frodo? Are you awake again? Does it still hurt? We've tea to warm you."
END