Chapter 6

Harry woke up very early that morning, just before first light, still clasped in Eowyn's arms. He looked at her beautiful, quiet face for a moment; study her every detail. She looked peaceful, away from all the troubles the world held for her. Her eyes were closed, her face relaxed.
Harry leaned forward carefully, and kissed her forehead gently. His hand stroked the hair beside her face. For one moment Harry knew that Eowyn was rested, and it made him happy to see her so.
Suddenly, the first light shone palely through the small circular window at the very top of the room. The light fell upon Harry and Eowyn, still in their embrace. He looked at Eowyn, seeing her come out of her sleep, opening her eyes to look at him. She smiled a true smile.
"Good morning, Harry," she said, taking her arms off him.
It was the first time she had used his first name, rather than his full name, which made Harry smile. He knew that a friendship had been struck between them, and it made him happier than he could say.
"Good morning, Eowyn."
"I must go and speak to the others," she said, standing up. "They will want to speak to you immediately. I advise that you change, while I search for them." Her eyes fell on Harry's bag.
Harry nodded.
Eowyn smiled at him. She made towards the door, drawing back the bolt, seeming about to open it and leave, when she spoke.
"Harry, I...I want to thank you. You were a great comfort and friend to me last night."
"It's me who should be thanking you, Eowyn. I'd be so lost in this world if you weren't here to help me. You've been a good friend to me too."
She strode quickly back to him, and they shared one last hug, before Eowyn stood up once more.
"Let us hope we will always be there for each other."
"We will, Eowyn...I am sure of it."
She seemed unable to speak for a moment, yet she did not have to. The expression on her face as she looked at him told Harry that she was touched.
"I will return soon, Harry."
She strode away, her long silvery dress billowing in her wake.

Harry got up off the bed unsteadily, and walked across the room to pick up his bag from the floor. He carried it back and emptied its contents onto the bed. Again he saw the package and the letter from his Aunt Petunia. He paused for a moment, looking at it, but somehow found himself able to continue.
He found his wizard robes, but found that he did not want to change into them yet. He kept his wand in his jeans pocket. He looked around the bare room, his eyes falling upon the rack with the many weapons and defences upon it.
He could not resist. He walked over to it, staring for a moment, and then pulled out the long sword that Eowyn had used last night. He held it with one hand, surprised at its weight. He held it out in front of him, the way he had seen Eowyn use it.
Yet the sword was not...he could not make it work for him. He waved the piece of metal uselessly in the air, but it would not move well through the air as he would have liked. He could not control it properly. He quickly lost heart and placed it back on the rack.
There was a sudden noise behind him, and Harry turned quickly to see the door open. Eowyn stepped quietly into the room.
"Well?" he said. "Does Gandalf want to speak to me?"
She nodded.
"That he does, Harry."
He walked over to her, and she placed a comforting hand on his back.
"Do not be afraid," she advised. "Gandalf is an intelligent, fair, wise being. He will advise you well on what your purpose here is."
He smiled, if a little apprehensively.
"Thank you, Eowyn."
They walked out of the room, shutting the door behind them.