Chapter 3
Once again I have wandered away from the original point of my tale. As I need to complete it tonight I had better concentrate on MY story, not other people's no matter how much more interesting it may seem.
I will take a quick breath of night air, I decide. As I leave my quarters I see lights in my brother's council chambers, and realise that I am not likely to be the only one in Gondor who has a sleepless night.
The parapets are lonely at this time of night. I walk, letting the cool breeze blow my hair, thinking of my mission. Aragorn has asked me to do this, he can't leave Gondor at the moment, and though I ride with the King's authority I fear I will be unable to achieve much. In fact, I know and Aragorn knows that I will probably not return, but I pledged my life in his service 50 years ago. Anyway, who else is there to go?
Finally, I see the one person I can't face this night. I know he wishes to see me, and he has also begged me not to go, he says that he will go mad if I am killed. How little he understands my choices! He says my loyalty to Aragorn is over now, that I deserve a life of my own, a husband and children. Perhaps he is right, but I love my brother best of all, and will not let him down.
I am drawn to him, but I will not let him see me. A Ranger can avoid being seen when necessary, and I do not wish to answer his question until at least after my mission. And I have some pressing questions of my own. Perhaps when I return Father will be here and I can ask him. If not, the Lord and Lady of the Golden Woods are expected any day to see their great grandson. Maybe they can help me.
I go back inside and pick up my pen again. I think of the one I will not see, and wonder if he will be in Gondor when, if, I return. After all, he is only here for a short time, as part of force `loaned' by other rulers to help settle unrest on the borders of my brother's kingdom. Originally, he and his brothers were to see me to Gondor's borders, but I begged Aragorn to send others in their stead, as I knew he would not consent to leave me at the border, but would insist on following me, even though that could endanger my mission.
I've done it again, haven't I. Wandering all over the place instead of writing as I meant to. It is hard to write about yourself, and more so of your parents. Nevertheless I must try.
Next chapter soon folks. Anyway like to guess over the next couple of instalments who Elandra's daddy is? I promise that will soon be solved. But who is the mystery man she refuses to see? That will take longer to reveal; and what is his question?
Once again I have wandered away from the original point of my tale. As I need to complete it tonight I had better concentrate on MY story, not other people's no matter how much more interesting it may seem.
I will take a quick breath of night air, I decide. As I leave my quarters I see lights in my brother's council chambers, and realise that I am not likely to be the only one in Gondor who has a sleepless night.
The parapets are lonely at this time of night. I walk, letting the cool breeze blow my hair, thinking of my mission. Aragorn has asked me to do this, he can't leave Gondor at the moment, and though I ride with the King's authority I fear I will be unable to achieve much. In fact, I know and Aragorn knows that I will probably not return, but I pledged my life in his service 50 years ago. Anyway, who else is there to go?
Finally, I see the one person I can't face this night. I know he wishes to see me, and he has also begged me not to go, he says that he will go mad if I am killed. How little he understands my choices! He says my loyalty to Aragorn is over now, that I deserve a life of my own, a husband and children. Perhaps he is right, but I love my brother best of all, and will not let him down.
I am drawn to him, but I will not let him see me. A Ranger can avoid being seen when necessary, and I do not wish to answer his question until at least after my mission. And I have some pressing questions of my own. Perhaps when I return Father will be here and I can ask him. If not, the Lord and Lady of the Golden Woods are expected any day to see their great grandson. Maybe they can help me.
I go back inside and pick up my pen again. I think of the one I will not see, and wonder if he will be in Gondor when, if, I return. After all, he is only here for a short time, as part of force `loaned' by other rulers to help settle unrest on the borders of my brother's kingdom. Originally, he and his brothers were to see me to Gondor's borders, but I begged Aragorn to send others in their stead, as I knew he would not consent to leave me at the border, but would insist on following me, even though that could endanger my mission.
I've done it again, haven't I. Wandering all over the place instead of writing as I meant to. It is hard to write about yourself, and more so of your parents. Nevertheless I must try.
Next chapter soon folks. Anyway like to guess over the next couple of instalments who Elandra's daddy is? I promise that will soon be solved. But who is the mystery man she refuses to see? That will take longer to reveal; and what is his question?