I Will Never Forget My Hero
I stared out into the cold, gray sky that seemed to be growing even darker as the days grew longer.
"You cannot go," I whispered blankly, but he wasn't looking at me.
"You know I must. It is my duty to ride proudly for my city. I will do it with honor, Natramir. You must understand."
I turned from the window to stare at him. He stood tall, brown hair blowing in the wind. The day was cold. His eyes were sad; almost emotionless, but I felt love in them.
"You will die," I whispered again, and fell to my knees.
He quickly strode over to my side and fell to the harsh gray marble with me.
Holding me in his arms, he rocked me back and forth, and I gripped my arms around his strong chest, crying into his strong body.
"Gondor should not send its warriors into a pointless battle. It is meaningless."
Kissing my head, he continued to hold me in his arms.
"Gondor's plans are not meaningless. We will win this fight in the end, Natramir. Be it not this battle, but others. We shall defeat the evil."
I laid my head against his neck and wept.
"But you will not be here with me to see such a victory."
He remained silent, and I took in his sweet smell of dirt and marble.
"I love you, Natramir."
I looked up at him. Tears streamed down his rough cheeks.
"I love you, too."
After an hour he left me, and I sat on the cold marble floor for a long time, basking in the feeling of our last shared kiss.
"I will lose him…" I whispered, and the tears did not cease.
I did not see him again until the villagers gathered to say farewell to the soldiers.
I wore a dark blue dress and watched for my hero, strong in all his magnificent armor.
Still weeping, I watched the sad faces of doomed men ride on their horses to battle, a few riding proud for the cause.
"We will win this battle… the world will see the light again. I promise, Natramir."
His voice still rung through my head, and my name on his lips was still visible in my mind.
"I love you…"Suddenly a rider taller than most others came into view, and he rode with more pride than any other soldier.
I gasped as I saw him ride toward me, and I gripped the flowers in my hands.
He slowly trotted closer and closer to where I stood, and, weeping, I handed him a flower.
He gave me one last, sad look, and I whispered the words one last time to him.
"I love you."
He tried to give me a reassuring smile, and said the words back.
"I want you to have this."
He handed me a silver ring. My mouth fell open for a minute, but I understood.
"I will treasure this forever."
He stared into my eyes. The need to kiss him was never stronger than at that moment. I wanted it to freeze forever.
But he had to ride on. I walked with his horse for a minute longer. I could not let him leave.
"Say my name. One last time."
He repeated it.
"I will always be in your heart, Natramir. Don't forget me."
He whispered his last words for only my ears to hear, for only my soul to treasure.
"I love you!"
I said, as loud as I could.
"I shall never forget you."
I gave him the rest of the flowers. Holding them as if they were small, breakable pieces of glass, he left me.
Still weeping, I watched his horse carry him away. Away from my grasp, away from my arms to hold. I would never see my warrior again. I would never feel his love envelope me. I could never tell him I loved him again. I could never hear my name on his lips.
I have lost my hero to battle. I shall never forget his face. I love him. I will always love my hero. My perfect, tall, handsome angel. I love him, and always will.