Finduireth looked for a familiar face in the massive crowd of soldiers, eventually guiding her horse to a proper spot and addressing the soldier standing there with his back turned away from her.
"Sir?" she began quietly, getting his instant attention. Turning around, his clear blue eyes lit up as he reached up to take her around the waist, setting her firmly on the ground as she alighted from her horse. She handed the reins over to him, and took off her gloves, nodding in thanks.
"My lady," he said, bowing slightly, though his eyes lingered on her face in a way that made her blush slightly before she had time to check herself.
"Raeliar," she replied steadily, returning his bow with a slight curtsy, a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. Tall, if a bit on the lanky side, with longish dark hair and blue-eyed, Raeliar, while not classically handsome, had an open, if innocent face, predispositioned towards an easy smile and a wink. Such a face sometimes lulled those who did not know him into a false sense of disregard, not apt to take him seriously. But he was a skilled warrior, an expert at strategy, his ability to quickly adapt to various situations apparent. Such skills did not go unnoticed, for he'd quickly taken on the responsibilities as one of Gondor's highest-ranking lieutenants. One of Boromir's trusted and most talented lieutenants in his early years as Captain of the White Tower and now a captain of Faramir's Ithilien Rangers, Raeliar had grown up with both the Steward's children and their cousin, becoming one of their dearest friends.
Initially, he'd spent most of his time with Boromir and Faramir, being two years younger than Boromir, attending the same schools and moving in the same social circles. But as they grew older and times changed, he had also become one of Finduireth's truest allies and friends, the only one willing to reveal accurate information on the whereabouts and actions of her cousins whenever they left on one of their numerous campaigns. Always ready with a quick smile and a helping hand, she came to love him as more than a friend for his honesty, humor and wit, as well as his unadulterated kindness. And she could not complain in his treating her as an equal in the same fashion her cousins naturally did. She was glad to find him among the crowd, for she loved him with all of her heart, as he loved her.
"I am glad to have found you," she continued with a smile, rising and brushing back loose strands of her hair from her face. Looking at him and suddenly overcome with joy, she tossed all sense of protocol to the wind. Quickly taking his face into her hands, her lips sought his, kissing him hungrily, eager for the touch of him, desperately happy to see him alive. And he kissed her back with the same vigor, pulling her closer, arms wrapping around her waist, for they cared not who saw them, aware of only each other.
Finishing, she leaned back into him, head resting beneath his chin, savoring the feel of being in his arms.
"And what was that for, my love?" he whispered.
"Your being alive."
"Well, I cannot argue with that," he murmured, lips brushing her forehead.
"It heartens me to see you have survived the latest action," she said.
"It heartens me to see that you have come to witness it for yourself," the soldier replied, a genuine smile coming to his face as he took her hand, kissing it in further salutation.
"Thank you," she murmured in appreciation, reluctantly pulling back from him. "It truly is a pleasure to see that my dear cousins continue to put their trust in such exceptional talent."
"Talent which only such a lady of your stature could come to appreciate," he returned with a laugh, letting go of her hand and gently tugging on the reins of her horse to calm the excitable animal down. Catching one of his passing lieutenants, he handed her horse off the soldier, quickly telling him to ensure it was properly cared for and led to the makeshift stables. After doing this, he offered her his arm.
"You flatter me, Raeliar," she replied with a smile, taking his arm.
"And you do not?" he countered as he began to walk with her.
"I compliment, sir, for flattery relies on false pretense, which I do not contain."
"Well, you think quite highly of yourself! Say you that I contain such pretenses?" he said with mock distress. "For I mean every word of what I say, and hope that a lady such as yourself contains the ability to believe such things. For what would the world be if a lady cannot trust her servant?"
"The world, my world, would be empty if I did not believe your compliment, for I now see I am wrong in declaring such words false. Sir, I take your words to my heart, where I shall keep them evermore, for such a compliment comes from no servant, but a true friend and love."
"And for such a place in my lady's heart, I am grateful, asking for nothing more. No man can ask for any higher privilege and honor," Raeliar said, pulling her closer to him.
"Then I can ask for nothing else, than to see my love happy," she replied, the blush returning to her cheeks.
"I am glad for such things, M'Lady. I...expect you will be present at the banquet later this week to honor your cousins' mighty victory this day?" he asked.
"Aye, If have naught to do for my Lord Denethor. And if I am not too busy with assisting here" she replied with a slight frown as she surveyed the chaotic scene.
"I see not why he should not allow Gondor's daughter to be present? It would disappoint many if she did not come," he said with a raised eyebrow, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
"I am glad hear that you would like me present. Others need me though, especially after such a great battle..."
"I would like you present, Finduireth. Your actions off the battlefield go to great lengths to ensure the health of the men and leave them to fight for Gondor's glory another day. Without the Mistress of the Houses of Healing, many would perish."
"I am nothing without the keen guidance of Ioreth and the Warden" she replied, thinking of the long hours she put in daily from the time she was a young girl to learn the seemingly thousands of types of herbs one had to remember to fulfill the job of a healer. True, she was the Mistress of the Houses, but that was a result of her birthrank rather than skill. With time though, she hoped to come at least within the edges of the spheres of knowledge Ioreth inhabited in the art of healing.
Thoughts snapping back to the present, she continued.
"With that said, I thank you for your kind words, Raeliar," she replied quietly, with genuine appreciation, leaning into him to emphasize her appreciation. "I only wish...others would see it as so..."
"They do, M'Lady. They do," he said, turning to look at her as they continued to walk. "Even if they do not say it, the fact cannot be ignored," he continued, lowering his voice.
"You are too good, Raeliar."
"How can I not be for you?"
She stood speechless at such an admission until Raelier gently squeezed her arm to get her attention again.
"Finduireth, I must apologize, but I must take my leave of you. Ithilen Ranger business, you know," he said, dropping her arm and taking her hand in his. She looked at him, a slight frown coming to her face at the prospect of their separation.
"Do not give me that long face, M'Lady. It does not become you," he said with a light laugh, squeezing her hand in reassurance. Letting go of her, he placed his hands on her shoulders, turning her around to face the proper direction. Leaning down, he spoke quietly into her ear.
"I suspect you will find your cousin Faramir over by the ale," he said, guessing her purpose for coming.
"Thank you...Raeliar," she replied, smile coming back to her face as she turned to face him. "You...I hope to see you at the banquet," she continued, attempting to sound casual.
"And I you, M'Lady," he replied with a smile. "It cannot come soon enough."
"Your help is much appreciated, as always," she replied with a sigh of relief.
"I enjoy giving such help whenever I may. I take my leave Finduireth." He bowed to her with an affectionate smile, taking her hand and kissing it in goodbye as she curtsied to him once more.
"Well, I shall see you then?" he asked.
"Of course. I shall look for you first thing." she replied with a smile.
"Then all is well!" he said returning her smile. Turning around and making his way through the swarm of soldiers, she watched as he disappeared into the crowd, only to be surprised as he came quickly walking back. Pulling her to him, he kissed her again.
"I knew I forgot something," he murmured.
"Well, I cannot argue with that," she replied.
It was true. All was well.
Standing high on the ramparts above his comrades in arms, his people, Boromir, Captain and High Warden of the White Tower firmly set down the standard of his beloved realm. Drawing his sword, he sung the praises of his newly victorious men.
"This city was once the jewel of our kingdom. A place of light and beauty and music. And so it shall be once more! Let the armies of Mordor know this: Never again will the land of my people fall into enemy hands! The city of Osgiliath has been reclaimed - for Gondor!"
"For Gondor!" they shouted in exaltation
"For Gondor!" he cried.
"For Gondor!" they shouted back in adulation.
"For Gondor!" he shouted with pride.
"For Gondor!" they answered proudly to their captain.
It was a good day.
"Sir?" she began quietly, getting his instant attention. Turning around, his clear blue eyes lit up as he reached up to take her around the waist, setting her firmly on the ground as she alighted from her horse. She handed the reins over to him, and took off her gloves, nodding in thanks.
"My lady," he said, bowing slightly, though his eyes lingered on her face in a way that made her blush slightly before she had time to check herself.
"Raeliar," she replied steadily, returning his bow with a slight curtsy, a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. Tall, if a bit on the lanky side, with longish dark hair and blue-eyed, Raeliar, while not classically handsome, had an open, if innocent face, predispositioned towards an easy smile and a wink. Such a face sometimes lulled those who did not know him into a false sense of disregard, not apt to take him seriously. But he was a skilled warrior, an expert at strategy, his ability to quickly adapt to various situations apparent. Such skills did not go unnoticed, for he'd quickly taken on the responsibilities as one of Gondor's highest-ranking lieutenants. One of Boromir's trusted and most talented lieutenants in his early years as Captain of the White Tower and now a captain of Faramir's Ithilien Rangers, Raeliar had grown up with both the Steward's children and their cousin, becoming one of their dearest friends.
Initially, he'd spent most of his time with Boromir and Faramir, being two years younger than Boromir, attending the same schools and moving in the same social circles. But as they grew older and times changed, he had also become one of Finduireth's truest allies and friends, the only one willing to reveal accurate information on the whereabouts and actions of her cousins whenever they left on one of their numerous campaigns. Always ready with a quick smile and a helping hand, she came to love him as more than a friend for his honesty, humor and wit, as well as his unadulterated kindness. And she could not complain in his treating her as an equal in the same fashion her cousins naturally did. She was glad to find him among the crowd, for she loved him with all of her heart, as he loved her.
"I am glad to have found you," she continued with a smile, rising and brushing back loose strands of her hair from her face. Looking at him and suddenly overcome with joy, she tossed all sense of protocol to the wind. Quickly taking his face into her hands, her lips sought his, kissing him hungrily, eager for the touch of him, desperately happy to see him alive. And he kissed her back with the same vigor, pulling her closer, arms wrapping around her waist, for they cared not who saw them, aware of only each other.
Finishing, she leaned back into him, head resting beneath his chin, savoring the feel of being in his arms.
"And what was that for, my love?" he whispered.
"Your being alive."
"Well, I cannot argue with that," he murmured, lips brushing her forehead.
"It heartens me to see you have survived the latest action," she said.
"It heartens me to see that you have come to witness it for yourself," the soldier replied, a genuine smile coming to his face as he took her hand, kissing it in further salutation.
"Thank you," she murmured in appreciation, reluctantly pulling back from him. "It truly is a pleasure to see that my dear cousins continue to put their trust in such exceptional talent."
"Talent which only such a lady of your stature could come to appreciate," he returned with a laugh, letting go of her hand and gently tugging on the reins of her horse to calm the excitable animal down. Catching one of his passing lieutenants, he handed her horse off the soldier, quickly telling him to ensure it was properly cared for and led to the makeshift stables. After doing this, he offered her his arm.
"You flatter me, Raeliar," she replied with a smile, taking his arm.
"And you do not?" he countered as he began to walk with her.
"I compliment, sir, for flattery relies on false pretense, which I do not contain."
"Well, you think quite highly of yourself! Say you that I contain such pretenses?" he said with mock distress. "For I mean every word of what I say, and hope that a lady such as yourself contains the ability to believe such things. For what would the world be if a lady cannot trust her servant?"
"The world, my world, would be empty if I did not believe your compliment, for I now see I am wrong in declaring such words false. Sir, I take your words to my heart, where I shall keep them evermore, for such a compliment comes from no servant, but a true friend and love."
"And for such a place in my lady's heart, I am grateful, asking for nothing more. No man can ask for any higher privilege and honor," Raeliar said, pulling her closer to him.
"Then I can ask for nothing else, than to see my love happy," she replied, the blush returning to her cheeks.
"I am glad for such things, M'Lady. I...expect you will be present at the banquet later this week to honor your cousins' mighty victory this day?" he asked.
"Aye, If have naught to do for my Lord Denethor. And if I am not too busy with assisting here" she replied with a slight frown as she surveyed the chaotic scene.
"I see not why he should not allow Gondor's daughter to be present? It would disappoint many if she did not come," he said with a raised eyebrow, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
"I am glad hear that you would like me present. Others need me though, especially after such a great battle..."
"I would like you present, Finduireth. Your actions off the battlefield go to great lengths to ensure the health of the men and leave them to fight for Gondor's glory another day. Without the Mistress of the Houses of Healing, many would perish."
"I am nothing without the keen guidance of Ioreth and the Warden" she replied, thinking of the long hours she put in daily from the time she was a young girl to learn the seemingly thousands of types of herbs one had to remember to fulfill the job of a healer. True, she was the Mistress of the Houses, but that was a result of her birthrank rather than skill. With time though, she hoped to come at least within the edges of the spheres of knowledge Ioreth inhabited in the art of healing.
Thoughts snapping back to the present, she continued.
"With that said, I thank you for your kind words, Raeliar," she replied quietly, with genuine appreciation, leaning into him to emphasize her appreciation. "I only wish...others would see it as so..."
"They do, M'Lady. They do," he said, turning to look at her as they continued to walk. "Even if they do not say it, the fact cannot be ignored," he continued, lowering his voice.
"You are too good, Raeliar."
"How can I not be for you?"
She stood speechless at such an admission until Raelier gently squeezed her arm to get her attention again.
"Finduireth, I must apologize, but I must take my leave of you. Ithilen Ranger business, you know," he said, dropping her arm and taking her hand in his. She looked at him, a slight frown coming to her face at the prospect of their separation.
"Do not give me that long face, M'Lady. It does not become you," he said with a light laugh, squeezing her hand in reassurance. Letting go of her, he placed his hands on her shoulders, turning her around to face the proper direction. Leaning down, he spoke quietly into her ear.
"I suspect you will find your cousin Faramir over by the ale," he said, guessing her purpose for coming.
"Thank you...Raeliar," she replied, smile coming back to her face as she turned to face him. "You...I hope to see you at the banquet," she continued, attempting to sound casual.
"And I you, M'Lady," he replied with a smile. "It cannot come soon enough."
"Your help is much appreciated, as always," she replied with a sigh of relief.
"I enjoy giving such help whenever I may. I take my leave Finduireth." He bowed to her with an affectionate smile, taking her hand and kissing it in goodbye as she curtsied to him once more.
"Well, I shall see you then?" he asked.
"Of course. I shall look for you first thing." she replied with a smile.
"Then all is well!" he said returning her smile. Turning around and making his way through the swarm of soldiers, she watched as he disappeared into the crowd, only to be surprised as he came quickly walking back. Pulling her to him, he kissed her again.
"I knew I forgot something," he murmured.
"Well, I cannot argue with that," she replied.
It was true. All was well.
Standing high on the ramparts above his comrades in arms, his people, Boromir, Captain and High Warden of the White Tower firmly set down the standard of his beloved realm. Drawing his sword, he sung the praises of his newly victorious men.
"This city was once the jewel of our kingdom. A place of light and beauty and music. And so it shall be once more! Let the armies of Mordor know this: Never again will the land of my people fall into enemy hands! The city of Osgiliath has been reclaimed - for Gondor!"
"For Gondor!" they shouted in exaltation
"For Gondor!" he cried.
"For Gondor!" they shouted back in adulation.
"For Gondor!" he shouted with pride.
"For Gondor!" they answered proudly to their captain.
It was a good day.