Me again. I brought along a new chapter.

You missed Sam and Frodo in the last chapters? So, have I. That´s why I decided to write a travel update of them.

As you will see, a new character is introduced in this chapter. The thought came to me spontaneously and I listened to my instinct. Well, it was already clear to write some Éowyn content. As you all know for sure, she will be Faramir´s maiden someday. That is why I added some Arwen content because she is the love of Aragorn. But wait, one is missing. Do you guess who I mean? If you do, you will understand why I added Calemireth. I am not sure how it will turn out in the end. However, I am ready for your suggestions and requests concerning that matter.

Fun Fact (to bring you in the right mood): When I wrote Sam´s content I accidentally wrote Master Sam instead of Master Frodo. I laughed when I spotted the mistake and immediately corrected it. Why telling you about it? Hoping to make you laugh. You did? Good.

Poll: It´s still a while though I decided to ask you. Now and not later, so enough time is avail. Sooner or later, Aragorn will depart for the Paths of the Dead. I was thinking about three opportunities

1.Boromir joins Aragorn and Faramir accompanies Gandalf

2.Faramir joins Aragorn and Boromir accompanies Gandalf

3.Both brothers join Gandalf for Minas Tirith

Should it be your wish to participate in the story, feel free to let me know. Till now I guess, my favourite opportunity is number one. Still, I waver.

Enough talking went on my count.

Enjoy.

Besides war

Gondor:

Calemireth has gone outside to her favour spot. The parapet of her home of their house in Dol Amroth. She inhales and closes her eyes. Her brown hair fell loose over shoulders and face. Water Lily as they used to call her, was a likewise beauty to the waters and hills that occupied Dol Amroth. Calemireth was the Green Jewel of her family, that is why her name was chosen. She opens her smaragd eyes and exhales. The young lady loved her country. Still, there were times where it was very silent. A silence she did not enjoy. With her twenty-eight years it was time to choose a husband but she does not wish to link to someone because she has to. Calemireth rises and climbs down into their garden. Then she went inside and made for her chamber. Water Lily wore a red tunic, over it a broad belt and a brown leather bags. It took years till her parents allowed her to wear these clothes. Her only weapon was a small catapult. Would she be allowed to own a sword, then it would be the sword who was carried along. Calemireth was more than first look told. Beneath her beauty slumbers a wild nature, unnatural for her folk. One day they even brought her to Prince Imrahil in this matter. The regent of Dol Amroth only smiled and said she has similarity to someone close to him but did not reveal who he meant. Calemireth braid her hair, then she collects her sketch book and heads out again. She followed the path that led to the coast of Tolfolas.

There the young lady took seat in the white sand. Here in the sea city of Gondor, the territory to which her country belonged, the air was clean. She never crossed path with any other land of the kingdom. Her father Camaenion did when Gondor called for support and while on patrol at the borders. However, as a child she had a friend in Gondor. Faramir, the second son of the Steward. Calemireth met him here at this very place. He was shy but very friendly to her. Thereafter, she never met him in person again but Prince Imrahil himself suggested her to write his nephew. She did but received not always an answer. Faramir explained that his father watches him closely and did not like to see a quill in the hand of his son. Soon they lost contact. Not before Faramir mentioned his brother and asked if she may could write him letters. He said that Boromir could use some practice in writing and while he was on patrol, she could hold him occupied. In fact, she complied with his request. Calemireth soon developed a sympathy for Boromir. It seemed to her that he was very like her. True, she hasn't met him yet but a hunch told her that they would get along quite well. Though, he as well could not answer very often and the contact with him broke. One day she will visit them both. A smile on her face, she reveals her sketch book and draws a picture of Minas Tirith based on what her father told Calemireth.

Rohan:

Éowyn found a site where she could practice with her sword, in secret. When Éomer left after their reunion, she again weighed the hilt of the sword in her hand. There the shieldmaiden were introduced to him.

Her brother embraces her and in his strong arms she found the courage she needed to go on. "Could you may inform me about our next steps?" Éomer asks her. Still, speechless because she felt pure relief, Éowyn was not able to answer.

"The King and Rohan's troops will make for Helm's Deep to await the enemy. Remaining inhabitants of Edoras will seek refuge in Dunharrow," one of the riders replies in her place. Her brother let go of the embrace and all Éowyn could hold onto was the sword, what she did.

"My thanks. Based on your information I better assist my men," Éomer counters. He knew the man, that the shieldmaiden could tell.

The stranger clothed in a ranger's garment bows his head and responds," My thanks as well. You let us pass beside the law of Rohan forbids it. We will join you in Helm's Deep." Her brother holds out his hand and the man took it, then Éomer left and Éowyn was in the only company of the stranger. He regards her with kind eyes and she could not look away.

"We were not introduced yet. I would like to apologize for that. I am known by the name Aragorn," he addressed towards her.

Éowyn curtsies as it should be for a shieldmaiden and answers," I am Éowyn." Then her gaze found the scabbard and sword of him. Tales were told to her, as a child, about it. "The sword that was broken," she mumbles in a low voice.

Aragorn drew it and offered Narsil to her. "Since it was reforged it received the name Andruil," he adds.

Her face brightened at the thought of him. Éowyn once more aimed at the tree. Till the day she would be allowed to join the soldiers the shieldmaiden would train. Then someone tugged her sleeve from behind. Éowyn turned around and saw a young girl at the age of five. The shieldmaiden smiles at her and asks, "May tell me your name?"

Two blue eyes regard her, then she received an answer," Éadwyn." The sword was put back in its scabbard, then Éowyn kneeled down and lay a hand on Éadwyn's right shoulder.

"A nice name," she replies.

"Are you a soldier? My two brothers are soldiers too," the girl counters.

"Come on. Let us find your mother," Éowyn responds.

Rivendell:

Arwen was leaning against a pillar. One hand she used as support, the other hold the ring of Aragorn. "-iel, cin think -o hon," her father speaks while he approaches from behind.

"Im ceri-," she answers. Indeed, she thought of Estel, now and the past days. Since Arwen received his ring, she carried it with her all time. When they first met, they were both very young. At that time, Aragorn's interest in her was one sided. However, she was not able to forget him. Estel's character impressed her more and more. So, it comes that she returned his love. Arwen was with him with her whole heart. There will be no other man in her life. Her heart belonged to Aragorn. His heart belonged to her. She clutched the ring. The one of a king. Her king. Arwen believed in him. Estel will fulfil his destiny. She could send him a token. To remind him of her allegiance. Arwen returns to her chamber to start with the fabrication of a jewelled banner.

Cirith Ungol:

Frodo and his good Sam left the territories of Gondor behind and were now in the bare land of Mordor. How Sam missed the trees and plants already. All that remains of nature was cold and dreary stone. After the Ithilien Rangers let them leave they reunited with Gollum. Still, a very unpleasant companion if you ask him. Since the moment the one joined their company, Sam were not able to get some sleep. At least, his Frodo did. On their way to Cirith Ungol, Sam continued with his song of their Fellowship. He could now only add the perils of him and Frodo, as soon as they will be with the remaining Fellowship again, Sam will finish his song, with their tales. True, with the dark land of Mordor in sight, all loss of hope was natural but Sam will hold on to his optimism. Then Gollum came from behind and gave him a scare. "There, there. This stair we need to climb. The only way. Come on hobbits," informs Gollum. Sam observes the stairs, then with a last glance at Frodo, he began with the way up. He already successfully climbed the first of many steps but then he realized that Frodo was not behind him. Sam gains high by supporting himself on a stone and saw that his master were walking towards the dark castle. With all haste he could muster, Sam followed Frodo and pulled him behind a huge stone. Just in time, before Sauron's forces were able to see them. In Frodo's eyes despair were visible, Sam counters with a view of hope. He gave himself a promise in the caves of Moria. Sam won't lose his good spirit.

Once the dangerous creatures were gone, Sam gestures Frodo to climb ahead of him. They continued their way upward. Would it be another time or place, Sam would have welcomed the view he got from up there. On the contrary, here at the borders of Mordor, there was no single thing left to marvel about. The mood of both hobbits changed to a more desperate one, different from the start. Especially, Frodo became more introvert than before and Sam stayed silent as well to not startle his master. He would have sung however but Sam did not dare to do that with the enemy near. Still, he carried Faramir's letter. There were no further need to produce it. No single patrol crossed their way. Nevertheless, Sam wanted to keep it. The letter was the only connection to their companions they now have left. It was stored in an outer pocket of Sam's knapsack. He wondered how much longer their journey continued till they reached Mount Doom. Gollum vanishes over an edge, as did Frodo, then it was his turn to pull himself over it. Sam succeeded, rose and cast a glance at Frodo. In front of them now lay a worrying dark entrance. The way of their journey got darker and darker the further they went. He let his shoulders drop. Sam exhaled and inhaled. Frodo regards him.

"At least we are together Sam. I would not know what I would do without you," his master then declares.

"You would do great without me, Master Frodo. However, I am at your side and there I will remain," Sam responds. "Soon it is over. Then we can return to the Shire and to our daily life," he adds after a short pause.

"They should rest. The hobbits should sleep," states Gollum.

"Normally, I would not agree with him, Master Frodo but this time I do," Sam discerns. Both hobbits lay down. He took down his knapsack and checked the supplies that were still avail and scaled by him. They will be sufficient for the way back. Then Sam adjusts his knapsack to use it as pillow. Afterwards, he closes his eyes.

Conversation between Arwen and Elrond: E: Daughter, you think of him. A: I do.