Hello dear readers. I´ll keep it short this time.

An entry awaits you, as well as an argumentation between our favourite dwarf and elf. There will be content of Mablung, Denethor, Beregond, Legolas, Faramir, Éowyn and Gimli.

Hope you will like this chapter. Thanks for reading. Be aware, I do value every reader the same.

Enjoy.

War upon us all

Since Mablung and Aearon entered, the Steward has not spoken one word. "First you let the ring escape and now Osgiliath is besieged. All happened because two commanders were too foolish to come after their orders," Denethor declares. The man was right. They have failed him. "Second in command of Osgiliath, you are dismissed from service. Second in command of the Ithilien Rangers, you are dismissed as well. Now I do not wish to see you again," the Steward continues. Aearon steps in front of the throne, bows and lay his sword next to it. The Ithilien Ranger follows the example of the soldier and does the same with his bow. Unfortunately, there was nothing they could do to revert the decision of their Lord. They left the throne room and meet Beregond once more. "So, you are dismissed," concludes the guard. Mablung nods and answers," We are. However, we won't be out of reach." Beregond let them pass. It was time that Lord Boromir and the Captain are with them.

Denethor returns to his chamber. Both his sons were spent. His heritage will end with him. Still, the Steward does not have to fear. Saruman promised that Gondor will be spared. But he has to make sure. This evening he will use the palantír again. With this thought comes the memory of his younger son. Yes, the lessons. His beloved wife alive. Boromir inseparable with Faramir. Here his tears could not be seen. So, he does not hide them. What had he done that Valar punishes his family like this? Denethor clench his fist while the man sinks to the floor. By the time he awoke it was already evening. He rises and makes for the tower in which the palantír was to be found. With shaky steps he draws near. His condition was not ideal. However, the kingdom requires it. As soon as he touched the seeing stone, cold takes over. The eye remains speechless and Denethor could not speak. Too weak, he was too weak. Laughter, then Sauron broke the connection. The man falls on his knees. A voice in his head commands to stay there. On the ground. However, Denethor could master the strength to rise and once in his chamber, sinks on the bed.

Beregond returns to his post at the tower. He remained there till the evening and then was about to walk home when he saw a light. It was green and came from the Steward's chamber. Magic. Not the good one he supposed. If only their young Lords would be back already. He definitely needs to inform them about this. The guard continues with a shake of his head. During his watch he was able to see many units of the enemy. Soon, they would come and still nothing was done to guarantee their defence.

Legolas was assigned with the first sentry together with Gimli. "Be careful that you don't stumble again," he teases the dwarf. His friend grunts and sat down. "Tell me elf. Do you like the fellows we collected?" his companion questions. The prince looks at him. "Û," he replies. Indeed, to share the company of the death men was not pleasant. "Me neither," the dwarf counters. "So, you understand Sindarin," Legolas responds with a smile. "No," was the answer he received. He does understand the 'Yes'. Of course, he did. However, his friend had given him such a good template. "No?" he replies using the westron tongue. Gimli darts looks at him. "I am quite aware that you are teasing me again elf," the dwarf responds. "Iston," the prince states. "Iston," confirms his companion. "I suppose Faramir taught you a few words," Legolas makes out. "No. In your tongue which I do understand by now. Yes, in Westron," Gimli declares. The elf smiles again. "Goheno nin," he adds. "Accepted," answers his friend. Then they both scan the country. "It is very silent," speaks up the dwarf. "It is. We should value it," replies Legolas. His companion views him. He views his companion. "I agree. This time," counters Gimli. "Shall we continue with the count of enemies?" queries his friend. "Last time you cheated. Still, I won. Can't wait to defeat you again," the dwarf adds. "Do not be that confident, mellon," the prince responds. "You consider me as a mellon?" his friend questions. Legolas remains silent. Gimli doesn't disappoint him. "I see. We prefer to stay speechless," Gimli grunts and looks Faramir appears next to them. "How is it out there?" the man asks while a piece of bread was handed to him. "Nothing, young fellow. Nothing," responds the dwarf. The young ranger smiles in return. "You do not really enjoy the silence of nature, don't you?" Faramir adds. "I am not really a mellon of trees," admits Gimli. "Have you ever been in Minas Tirith?" their companion questions. "Not yet," counters the dwarf. "I assume it will win your favor. The city was built within stone," the man explains. "You do prefer trees?" asks Gimli. The young ranger regards the treetops for a while. Returning his gaze to them he replies," I do. However, I do admire the library as well." Then Faramir left in order to return to their camp. "Knew he was a scholar. Still, one who is able to fight quite well," states his dwarfish friend. "He is not alone," the elf answers. "Why am I not surprised that you are one," counters Gimli. "Having said this, your ability with the bow is unbeatable," the dwarf adds. "Thank you. I should remember this rare compliment of you for as long as I can," the prince responds. "You better do," agrees his companion. "The fighting skills of your kind are not that bad either," he declares with a smile. "During melee," Legolas continues. "It was close to be a compliment of yours. The last sentence ruined it," counters Gimli. "I will climb one tree. The ground is yours," he speaks up. "Go and cuddle the trees. I do not mind at all," replies his friend and vanishes in a shrub. He clambers a tree and leans on its trunk. The following day they will arrive at Pelargir. Then the Corsair's fleet will be captured. Minas Tirith being their destination. He could not allow Gimli to win a second time. Legolas needs to be quick. Below, the dwarf looks up to him and gestures that every movement of him would be seen. Nae! This dwarf. Still, he was proud to call him a friend.

(Conversation between Legolas and Gimli: L: No G: Yes [...] L: I know G: I know [...] L: Forgive me.)

When Faramir returned, their leader was talking to Halbarad. So, he ate alone. Afterwards, the younger one reveals his diary to write another entry. It was highly time for it. As likely as not, he would not be able to do that in the days to come. Tomorrow they will capture the fleet and sail towards his hometown. Faramir closes his eyes. Then he will be with his men and brother again. The young ranger fetches his quill and began:

Gondor's Hope

I am proudly to announce that we passed the challenge. It included various encounters with spirit that passed. Estel and I talked with Ecthelion, my grandfather. Our other two companions faced Thorin Oakenshield. Then as soon as we found the stone of erech, we conjured the oathbreakers. Luckily, they were easily to convince. Once they were gone, a dark circle appeared on our all wrist. A sign, to ensure that we could not forget this place. On our way out I had a foresight that my brother was in trouble. Likewise, the vision of the Balrog came to me. Still, I have no doubt that whatever it may was, it weren´t able to hold Boromir for long. To hinder the Captain General from his duty, to fight alongside Gondor is nearly impossible. I do know for the stubbornness of my dear brother. It is hereditable because I suffer from this trait too. Like father, like son. Not long now, then none of us needs to fight any longer. The king will ensure it.

Faramir wrote the last sentence and stored diary and quill away. "So, you are the younger son of the Steward," concludes Elrohir. Only now does he notice that Elladan and his brother joined his side. "I am," he agrees. "I call myself lucky to know that Elrohir shares my age," states Elladan. Faramir smiles and replies," It is not too bad after all to have a big brother." Two elves smile faintly. "You and I have the second sentry," informs Elrohir. The younger one nods and adds," Then im will govannon- cin later." Elrohir seems to be impressed. "Im will n- ennas," the elf responds then he left together with his brother. Faramir closes his eyes to rest till it as time to start the sentry.

(Conversation between Faramir and the sons of Elrond: F: Then I will meet you later. Elrohir: I will be there.)

Éowyn equipped Merry with a helmet and an armour. Afterwards, she leads the hobbit to her secret place to show the hobbit all she knew about fighting. It was quite much because the shieldmaiden practiced with her cousin when they were young. "From where do you know how to fight that good?" questions Merry. "My cousin taught me," she answers with a smile, "You can handle a sword quite well yourself". The hobbit returns the smile and they continue their swordplay. "Éowyn!" she heard her brother shout. "Coming!" Éowyn counters and together with Merry she returned to her tent. "Wyn. What were you doing?" Éomer queries. "Some practice," she replies. The marshal's eyes found hers. "You fought?" concludes her brother. Éowyn took a deep breath. "Yes, I practiced with Merry. Scarce of Rohan. He should be allowed to join the battle," the shieldmaiden declares. "Wyn. The battlefield is not a place for hobbits nor women. It is a rough place. Only death and despair. He would not do it," Éomer responds with a stern face. She regards the hobbit, then her brother. Éowyn returns to her tent without a second word. It would not change her situation. The shieldmaiden would not succeed to wait for her brother's agreement. She had to take matters into her own hands.

Gimli has not come about any noises. Only the ones of the forest. Then he registers Faramir who walks towards him. Time to divorce the elf from his trees. The dwarf went to the one where he had last seen Legolas. His companion was not there. "The elf can't get enough forest," he mumbles. "Indeed, I searched for the dwarf," his friend suprised him from behind. "How were I supposed to know that you changed trees," Gimli counters. "I thought you were on sentry," Legolas teases him. Elves. Still, at least this one was at his side. Even if it didn't seem that way sometimes.